Tag Archives: Susan Lucci

October 10, 2024 – Anna Receives a Surprise Package, His Feels, Side Gig, Heavenly Birthday, The OC Invades London, The Real Thing, Watch These, All Dressed Up & Highway

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Diane goes to the coffee warehouse, and says she needs to talk to Jason. Is his staff still here? He says, it’s just them, and she says she needs him to do something. He says, it sounds serious, and she says she hates to ask, but circumstances demand it. She’s requesting that he betray someone, and he asks, who? She says, Sonny.

Carly shows up at the penthouse, and Sonny asks, what’s going on? She says, Holly is looking for him, and asks if any strangers have been hanging out nearby or if he’s seen a parked car. He says, his people would notice. Why? She says she had dinner with Jack, and someone was watching them.

Alexis says, Martin visiting her at night can’t be good, but he says, on the contrary. He has the key to her salvation. He shows her a picture of Jack and asks if he looks familiar. She says, not in the slightest, and he says, Jack Brennan is the WSB station chief in Port Charles. He’s a player and has a different girl in every town. His P.I. took this picture of Jack with Carly. Why would a known playboy host a late-night dinner in his hotel suite with Carly when she’s supposed to be reunited with Sonny? Shameful.

Kristina says she has information about the night John Cates was killed, and Anna asks if anyone knows she’s here. Kristina says, no, and Anna asks if she wants to call someone, like a lawyer. She needs to think carefully. Kristina says she feels like Anna is trying to get her not to talk, but Anna says, on the contrary. She just wants Kristina to understand the potential ramifications, not just for her mother, but for her.

Elizabeth finds Dante in Lulu’s room, and says she was just checking on him. She saw Sam leave with Rocco and thought this would be a good time. Is he staying long? He says he can leave if anyone comes to spend time with Lulu. He wants to make sure someone is always with her. She says she’s here if he needs anything, and he says, she can help him learn to keep his mouth shut. She says she’s sure whatever he said isn’t as bad as he thinks, but he says, his son will feel differently if he can’t keep his promise that Lulu will make it.

In the chapel, Lucky says, if God is listening, he could sure use some guidance. He’s pretty desperate and will take whatever He’s got. Laura comes in and says, Lucky? They hug, and she says, he’s home. He says, sorry it took so long, but she says, he’s right on time. Thank God. She’s so grateful. Now he’s able to help his sister.

Dante says he told Rocco that Lucky can’t be the donor, and he took it to heart. She says, so did Lucky, and he says he promised there would be another donor, but it’s a long shot, right? She says, it’s not impossible, and he says, she can’t get a donor from the National Registry. All of her relatives have been tested and they’re not a match. They’ve got to convince a stranger who doesn’t know Lulu to give her their liver when she’s in a coma and may not wake up.

Laura says she missed Lucky so much, and he says he missed her too. She says she heard what happened in Somalia. Does it hurt? He says, you should see the other guy, and she says, his hair is so long. He says he was thinking about cutting it, but she says, don’t. He reminds her of his father. She likes it. He says, it’s strange. He knows Luke is gone, but when he was halfway across the world, he expected to see him. She says she still has moments like that, and they sit down. She says she’s so sorry she wasn’t here to welcome him, and he says, that’s his fault. If he hadn’t gotten himself in trouble, if he’d been here with Lulu, she would be safe and healthy. She asks if he’s seen Aiden, and he says, he’s quite a kid. She says, he takes after his father, and Lucky says he hopes not too much. She says, he has so many wonderful qualities, but he says he credits Elizabeth for raising Aiden. She says she hopes their reunion was okay, and Lucky asks if Elizabeth mentioned anything. She says, no. Did something happen? He says he doesn’t know how to tell her, and she tells him, just say it. He tells her that Elizabeth said he can’t be a donor, and Laura starts to cry. She asks, why? and he says, the first round of tests checked out and he was a viable donor. Then they did a test to see if his liver was in good enough shape to donate, and it’s not. He’s so sorry. He’d do anything to save Lulu, but he can’t help.

Kristina says she appreciates Anna’s concern, but she’s thought about this a lot, and Anna asks where she was the night John Cates was murdered. She says she was at her mother’s house, and Anna says, not all night. Kristina says she went to visit her daughter’s grave, but Anna says, that’s not the only place she went. According to Chase, she drove that night or got a Ride Share or possibly Sam’s car. She had trouble remembering. Kristina says she remembers now, and Anna asks if she drove Sam’s car, but Kristina says, no. Anna says, hers? and Kristina says, no. Anna says, whose car? They know Alexis had hers. It was caught on camera entering the Quartermain estate. Kristina says, that’s not true. Alexis didn’t drive her car. Anna says, did she? when Michael barges in and says, stop talking. They’re leaving now.

Diane says she’s already committed several ethical violations by talking to Jason. Alexis is probably going to be convicted if she doesn’t do something. A trial date has been set and they need to put an end to this travesty. She wants him to convince her client to confess to a murder they both know he committed. She knows it’s a bad idea, but doesn’t see any other way to help. Alexis is her best friend, and she can’t let Alexis go down for a murder they know she didn’t commit. He needs to convince Sonny to do the right thing. He’s the only one Sonny will listen to. He says, Sonny already decided to turn himself in, and she asks if he’s at the PCPD. He says, he’s with Carly, filling her in, and she says, that makes sense. There are big implications for Carly. He says, that’s why they need to stop him.  

Sonny asks why Carly thinks a P.I. is tailing her, and she says, at the very least, they know she was in Jack’s hotel room. He says, she’s the owner of the hotel and can explain it away, but she says, having dinner alone with him will raise eyebrows. He says, that depends on who’s tailing her and why, and she says, maybe it’s the false alibi. She bets it’s Martin. He wants to prove Alexis is innocent by proving Sonny is guilty. Sonny says, smart play. Alexis’s trial is coming up fast and Kristina’s not doing well. She’s going to do something to get the Fed’s attention. The whole thing is getting out of control. There’s only one thing to do. He’s going to confess to killing Jagger. She says she’s his alibi, and that means she’s going down with him.

Alexis asks how Martin got the photo, and he says, the P.I. he had tailing Carly. She asks what else he found, and he says, nothing yet. Brennan is no fool. He thinks Brennan already made his investigation. Alexis says, he’s kidding. Shocking. He says, it doesn’t matter, but she says, it does. Carly knows they’re onto her and she’s not going to get caught again. It’s not enough.

Anna says, they’re in the middle of an interview, but Michael says, the interview is over. Kristina knows better not to talk to the police without a lawyer and so does Commissioner Devane. Let’s go now. Kristina looks at Anna, who nods, and she and Michael leave. Michael looks at Anna and shakes his head as he closes the door.

Jason says, this can’t be the only way to save Alexis, but Diane says, it’s the only option. A trial won’t end well. Jason says, they could still find the gun. They just need time. Diane says, the Feds aren’t going to agree to a continuance, but Jason says, this can’t be how it ends for Sonny. She says, it’s not what she wants either. She loves Sonny too. She hasn’t worked all these years agreeing to be his lawyer because he pays her well. Underneath that gruff exterior lies a heart of gold. Jason says he had a deal with Cates. He finds out about Pikeman and Cates leaves Carly alone. Diane says, Cates was using him to bring Sonny down, and he says he created the situation. He should have done his job and killed Cates when he had the chance.

Sonny says he’s not going to let Carly go down. If he’d known what was going to happen, he wouldn’t have asked her to get involved. She’s got to see it a different way. She says she knows he’d never let the mother of his child go to prison for something he did, but Kristina’s not going to let that happen. If Alexis goes to trial, she’s going to start talking and get all of them convicted of something. He says he can’t promise there will be no consequences for her, but Carly’s not going to prison. He’s got to get things under control. He’s got a plane on standby. All she has to do is get Donna. She says, he wants her to leave the country? and he says, there are places with no extradition where she can’t be touched. She says, that means he’ll never see Donna again, and he says, Donna will be better off losing him than losing both parents, but Carly says she can’t do that.

Laura asks why Lucky can’t be a donor, and he says, there’s an anomaly in his liver from a parasite. It’s not dangerous to him, but it could kill Lulu. Laura asks if he’s sure he’s okay, and he promises he’s good. He’s healthy, but not good enough to save Lulu. The whole reason he came back was to help Lulu. He thought he could make up for not saving her when she was a baby. He already failed her once. Now he’s failing her again. She says, he’s not. He can give her his love and strength and use his incredibly strong will to convince her to pull herself through. He says, whatever happens is on him, but she says, he didn’t create Lulu’s illness. He’s not responsible for her recovery. He says, the reason he can’t donate is that he spent the last 13 years in combat zones. Everything he was exposed to, affected his body. It’s not a freak accident. It was the reckless life he chose to lead.

Dante says he was convinced Lucky was their miracle, and Elizabeth says, they’ll use every available resource to find a donor. If he needs anything, let her know. He thanks her, and she opens the door to find Olivia. Elizabeth says she’s glad Olivia is here. Her boy needs her. Elizabeth leaves, and Dante tells Olivia that Lucky can’t be the donor. She says she’s so sorry, and he says, that was their last shot. Now what do they do? She says, they’re going to do more than hope.

Laura says she’s not going to let Lucky beat himself up. It’s not going to do his sister any good. He had no way of knowing what was coming when he left, and he deserved to live his own life wherever it took him. He says his responsibility was here, but she says he also had dreams that had a profound effect on other people. Where would those doctors and patients be if he hadn’t provided security? He saved lives. Lucky says, but he can’t save the life that matters most, and she says, if his sister knew, she’d say she was proud of him for the work he’s done in this world.

At the café, Michael says he knows Kristina is worried about her mom, but that was a bad idea. She asks how he knew where she was, and he says he had Spinelli put tracking software on her phone. She’d asked for help. She says she didn’t ask him to invade her privacy, and he says, she refused to listen. Telling the police what she did could put her future in jeopardy, and likely make it worse for Alexis. She could be convicted for a murder that their father did.

Sonny says, it’s not easy, but they’ll fight this out, and Carly says she’ll support the family while it collapses. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says, Elizabeth called. Lucky’s not a viable donor. He says he’s sorry, and she says, Lulu is too sick to use the registry, and finding a private donor is a long shot. She’s going to die and there’s nothing they can do. That’s why she can’t leave the family. And Rocco and Dante need Sonny. She knows beating the charges is a long shot, but she has a chance while he doesn’t have one.

Diane asks when Jason could have changed the outcome, and he says, the minute Cates said Carly’s name. She says, he would have been thrown in solitary and his family would have believed he’d died in Greece. He says he had plenty of opportunity, and she says, Cates was a federal agent. The government is going to great lengths to find his killer. He can’t presume he could have walked away. He says, what happens to him isn’t as important as what happens to Sonny and Carly, and she says she doubts his sons agree.

On the phone, Anna says, it seemed like Kristina was about to admit to killing Cates, or admit to knowing who did… Of course (🍷) she knows what that means. Alexis is going to be convicted for a crime she didn’t commit. What are they going to do about that? Suddenly, an alarm goes off, and Chase comes in. He says, they have to evacuate, and she asks if it’s a fire. He says, no. A bomb.

Laura says, they all have flaws. Ask her husband about hers. Lucky says, she’s one of the strongest people he’s ever known. If he winds up half the person she is, he’d be good. She says, he is good. He’s a good man and strives to be better all the time. He helps others. He says he could have done that here, but she says she’s not so sure. She’d always known the day would come when he’d leave Port Charles and her. He’s so much like his father. Lucky was on the run with them when he was a just a little baby. By the time he was crawling, he was going off on his own adventures. Does he remember when they had the Triple L? Eventually, trouble caught up with them there too. We flash back to the diner explosion, and she says, Lucky was separated from him for weeks. Any other parents would have been beside themselves with worry. Of course (🍷) they knew, even at his tender age, he could take care of himself. Lucky says, they taught him how to survive, and she says she hopes they taught him how to thrive. The day came when he couldn’t thrive in Port Charles, but she’s always known he’d come back one day when he was ready. And here he is. Just when she and his sister need him the most.

Chase tells Anna that they’re checking the cameras in the garage now. Everyone has been moved back 200 feet and the hazard team is working on it. She asks how they knew, and he says, the dogs reacted to a suspicious package. They pulled the surveillance footage, and it looks like the package was placed in a blind spot so they wouldn’t get caught. Anna says, whoever did this knew what they were doing.

Michael says, Kristina going to the police was an impulsive decision. She didn’t count all the possible consequences. She says, just like she didn’t count all the possible consequences when she went to see Ava.  

Jason says he hates how the fallout affected his sons, but they’re used to living without him, and Diane says, they’ll lose more than they’ll gain. There are people who love and need him, and it’s no longer a luxury for him to decide his life isn’t worth more than someone else’s. Imagine how hurt his sons will be. Think about that the next time he decides to sacrifice himself for someone else.

Carly says, Sonny will have to get his affairs in order and warn Dante. He doesn’t want Dante to be blindsided by this. She’ll talk to Josslyn. Sonny asks her to tell Josslyn that he’s sorry, and Carly says she agreed to help him. Now she has to deal with the consequences, but Cates is gone, and their kids are safe. He says, all it cost them was their parents.

Alexis says, one picture doesn’t prove anything, but Martin says, all he has to do is call into question the US Attorney’s narrative of the crime. They’ll never go for a conviction with a hole this big in the case. They’ll have to let her go and reopen it. Alexis says she’ll still be seen as a suspect, but he says, she won’t be their number one suspect. They’ll have to redirect their attention back to the real killer. It’s their only card to play. Alexis tells him, do it, and he says he’s already on it. She says, when he turns the photo over, if he feels tempted to suggest Sonny is covering for Carly, go ahead.

Lucky wishes there was something he could do, and Laura says, so does his brother. He was crushed to find out he wasn’t a viable donor. She thinks he felt like if he could do that, it would help make up for the bad choices that put him in prison. Lucky says he knows it’s hard for Laura to see Nikolas behind bars. He can understand Nikolas wanting to make almonds amends. She says, no one can bear every burden, and he says he’d settle for just one. Lulu went through so much when he was away. He wishes he’d been here for her to lean on at least once. They hug, and Laura says she thinks she’ll be leaning on him plenty before this is over.

Olivia tells Dante, done. She left a message for Nina to have her media contacts get the word out about Lulu’s condition. She texted an SOS to everyone on her contact list – friends and family, people in the old neighborhood, vendors, contractors, dishwashers… Just wait. People will roll up their sleeves in droves to get tested. He says he hopes it’s soon. Lulu is looking weak. She says she knows Lulu is in trouble, but so were the Mets in Game Six, and look how they turned out. Dante says, but they like the Yankees, and she says, today, they’re Mets fans. The same rules apply. Miracles happen. Like the Mets say, you gotta believe.

Kristina tells Michael that she wishes she could change what happened, but she can’t. He’s right to say she’s impulsive and there could be consequences she’s not prepared for. She’s living them now, so she’s going to listen to him and keep quiet – for now. But if it comes down to it, she’s not letting her mom stay in prison when she’s innocent.

On the phone, Anna says, if there are any changes, she’ll let them know. She tells Chase that Brennan is the last person they need help from. A guy from the hazard team tells them they can go back inside, and Anna asks if the bomb was disarmed. He says, it was a false alarm. There was no trace of explosive material. An officer brings the box and Anna wonders, what the hell is it? Chase suggests they open it and find out. (This is why he’s a detective.)

Jason says he doesn’t want to fail his boys again, but he doesn’t want to fail Sonny either. Diane says she gets that sacrifices come with the job description, but he can only make sacrifices if he’s here to do it. He says, they’re in danger of losing Sonny, and she says, Sonny chose this life. So did Carly. Jason says, still, she shouldn’t have to pay the price, and Diane says she promises if the day comes, she’ll stand up for Carly to the best of her ability. He asks, what are the odds of success? And she says, not great, but that doesn’t mean they don’t try. Her phone rings, and she says, speak of the devil. Sonny tells her that he’s with Carly and they need to talk now.

At the penthouse, Jason asks, what’s going on? and Carly says she’ll let Sonny tell him. On the phone, Sonny says he’ll let Diane know when it’s time. He asks if Carly filled Jason in, but she says she thought he should. He says he’s putting an end to this. He’s turning himself in. Diane is making a deal right now. Jason asks, what kind of deal? and Sonny says he’s confessing to Jagger’s killing and everything else. Everything the Feds want, and the statute of limitations allows. Jason says he knows it’s Sonny’s choice, and Sonny says, he’s going to give them everything, cop to it all, everything they’ve always wanted. In exchange for one thing. No one pays for Jagger’s death but him.

Alexis lies in her bunk when the guard yells, lights out!

Outside Anna’s office, Chase tells Martin that Anna is unavailable, but Martin says he’s got to see her now. It’s vital in getting Alexis out of prison. Chase tells him to take it up with the US Attorney, and goes into the office. Anna says, it’s not what she expected, and shows him a gun. She says, it’s a nine-millimeter, and he says, like the one Elizabeth and Ric saw Alexis dump from the bridge. Anna says, the gun Alexis said would exonerate her if it was found.

Laura tells Lucky that his sister’s body has been though an awful lot. Time is not on her side. He said he wanted to do something. If the worst should come to pass and they have to let their girl go – she cries – please stay with her and hold her hand when she says goodbye. He says, of course (🍷), and they hug. She thanks him and cries.

Tomorrow, Martin tells Alexis that she’ll be out by the end of the day; Ava asks someone if there’s a reason for this visit; Anna asks if Carly wants to change her statement; and Sonny says, someone has to be stopped.

🩺 Nothing More Than Feelings…

I’m still preferring the old Lucas, but I like his attitude.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/van-hansis-opens-up-about-taking-over-as-lucas-on-gh

🚑 After His Schedule Was Cut…

Another underused character. I’d love to see him have an actual storyline. I’d love to just see him show up again.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-marc-anthony-samuel-stars-in-a-new-netflix-movie

💖 Sweet Remembrance…

It was so sad when he passed away. They really seemed to be in love, even after all those years.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/all-my-children/susan-lucci-remembers-her-late-husband-on-his-birthday

🍊 Down In the OC So Low…

After receiving her un-invitation, Alexis suggested if Shannon could host a trip, she could afford to pay the money she owes Johnny J. The women got mammograms and Fancy Pants Heather found out she had a 39% chance of getting breast cancer because of familial history. She was surprised that no one asked her how hers went when they were all swapping results. In Jenn’s interview, she said, an apology from Tamra was just words, but in Tamra’s interview, she said she was just being honest. She wondered if she should give Ryan a tampon since he was a little bitch, and Eddie told her, just stop. Good luck with that.

When I saw the amount of luggage, I wondered how long the trip was going to be. Six months? On the plane, Fancy Pants announced that it was Shannon’s 60th birthday and she was single. I could feel Shannon cringe. They stayed at an amazing, humongous penthouse where a tea was already set up, and drew keys for rooms. If Ramona had been there, she would have checked all the rooms, removed the key to her first choice, and had her suitcases unpacked before anyone else even got to the bowl.

Shannon gave all the women a bag of English-themed gifts, including a Burberry scarf that retails for $595. I knew this before the text showed us, since I thought, maybe I can afford a scarf, but nope. In her interview, Tamra wondered why Shannon was dishing out scarves like candy when she claimed she had no money to pay the lawsuit. Tamra and Fancy Pants discussed Shannon’s appearance on Jeff Lewis’s podcast, and the inconsistencies with what she was saying now. Not only did she come close to admitting the money was a loan, she said that she’d never thought about whether or not Johnny J. heard the accident. In Heather’s interview, she wondered why Shannon was telling her one thing, then saying something vastly different on Jeff Lewis. In Tamra’s interview, she said, Shannon was playing the victim.

After having some cotton candy, the women went on a Captain Rocket boat ride. The life jackets were actual long-sleeved jackets, which I’d never seen before. There was a bit of a tour, where they saw Big Ben and the new London Bridge. Tamra informed us that the original London bridge was in Havasu – so weird – and we saw a clip of that. They sped up, which some of the women enjoyed, and some not so much. Gina thought the cotton candy beforehand was a bad idea.

The women dressed for dinner, and Tamra wore a low backed jumpsuit that she compared to a mullet – business in the front and party in the back. They went to The Londoner for a five-course meal, and Fancy Pants finally spilled her feelings – as one does at a group dinner – about no one asking how her mammogram went. For maybe the first time ever, I felt badly for her when she told them her risk percentage for breast cancer. Everyone seemed genuinely surprised and sorry. They’d thought when they heard her say, yay, she was in the clear, but Fancy Pants said she’d been cheering for Gina who’d had a harmless lump.

Moving on, Katie said she and her family were going to Korea for her 40th birthday, and she would be meeting her birth mother who’d had her when she was 15. Yikes! Somehow, we circled back to the loan/gift thing, and in Tamra’s interview, she said Shannon told her it was a loan. Once more, this became a dinner table discussion. I always wonder what the servers think as they put plates in front of crying and/or screaming women. Shannon screeched that she was not a victim and was working on herself, and bolted. She went directly to the bar, not passing go or collecting $75,000. Gina followed, and Shannon showed Gina a text she’d found from 2018, where Alexis was clear that both she and her ex-husband Jim were suing Shannon and Tamra for defamation. We flashed back to Alexis insisting she’d had nothing to do with that, and Shannon said it was the smoking gun. Gina said, holy sh*t!

That’s right. She’s got receipts! Proof! Timelines! Screenshots! A text from 2018!

Next time, jazzercise; Gina says she’s trying to figure out how to be a friend to Fancy Pants; and Fancy Pants says, that was a lot.

If you’re craving more Orange.

🧟‍♂️ Beauty Or the Beast…

My next watch on Netflix. Because I don’t have enough going on.

https://extratv.com/2024/10/07/lyle-and-erik-menendez-s-bombshells-about-their-parents-murders-in-netflix-doc/

So how much time does she spend helping innocent nobodies on death row? Apparently, the DA is on board as well.

https://extratv.com/2024/10/04/kim-kardashian-calls-for-release-of-menendez-brothers-they-are-not-monsters/

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Among the many series I’m in the middle of, I watched V/H/S Beyond on Shudder. While I love a lost footage theme, this one was hit and miss. I’d been intrigued by Justin Long’s Furbabies, but it wasn’t my favorite. There were some great moments overall, but two hours was too long. Some mild spoilers here.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/vhs-beyond-review

When it was first on, I got lost watching Lost and gave up on it. I decided to give it another go though, and I’m not hating it. In addition to my From favorite, Harold Perrineau, I’d forgotten Naveen Andrews (Abby, Planet Terror) was in it. I love a good binge, and this has enough episodes to go on for a while.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/lost-on-netflix-a-experts-guide-to-bingeing-the-121-episodes

Speaking of From, here’s what happened this week. All spoilers all the time.

👻 Not So Roguish Gallery…

Never enough pets in Halloween costumes.

https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/29/celebrity-pets-all-dressed-up-for-halloween/

🌄 The Year’s Sunset Sky…

Come on by tomorrow for soap and what’s watch worthy (or not). Until then, stay safe, stay planning to keep your pets indoors on Halloween, and stay never letting your apology be just words.

May 30, 2024 – Sonny Hunts Down Dex, Summer Endings, Not For Her, Update In the Hills, Juneteenth, Pups (!) In Sports & Ready

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jogging through the park, Sonny comes face to face with Josslyn, who’s jogging the other way. She stops a moment, then continues on, but he calls to her. He says, if she has something to say, just say it, and she stops.

Willow says, it’s a fantastic opportunity for Drew, and what a compliment McConkey wants him. Drew says, definitely intriguing, and she says, intriguing was the total eclipse a month ago. He’s being recruited to run for a powerful congressman’s seat by that very congressman. Isn’t he excited? He says, obviously not as excited as she is. He is. It’s a rush. It’s kind of crazy and obviously an honor, but what makes her think he can do this? And he’s not fishing for compliments here. He really wants to know. She says, is he kidding? He singlehandedly changed the course of her life and her family’s life. He risked his life for her. He genuinely cares about people. Think about what he could do with more resources on a bigger scale with a wider stage. Michael comes in and asks if this is about the New Tomorrow Institute. He’s not interrupting a work session, is he? Willow says, actually, Drew has something important to tell him.

At Bobbie’s, Molly tells Dante that she heard this wedding was really something. Very eventful. He asks if she talked to Kristina, but she says, Sam. She hasn’t actually talked to Kristina since the wedding. She’s got a lot going on at work and had to tie up a bunch of things so she can take time off when the baby comes. He says, oh yeah, the baby. Congrats. Did she have TJ painting the nursery or something like that? She says, no, but she should, and he says, she should. Get TJ working. She gets some to-go coffee, when Dex walks in. She says she’d better get going. She’ll see him later. She leaves, and Dante thanks Dex for meeting him.

Outside, Molly runs into Blaze, who says, it’s been a minute. Molly says she knows. Her family calls her a workaholic and she’d love to deny it, but… Has Blaze seen Kristina lately? Blaze says she just left Kristina at her mom’s house. Molly’s mom’s house actually. She wanted to see how Alexis is doing. Molly says she’s headed there too, after she drops some things off at the courthouse. The Davis girls will be in full support. Blaze says, they should hang out soon – her and Kristina, and Molly and TJ. Molly says, yes. She would love that. Maybe they could all talk about what went down at this eventful wedding.

On the phone at Alexis’s place, Sam tells Alexis, no problem. Just get here as soon as she can… No, Molly’s not here yet… Okay. She’ll see her soon. She loves her. Kristina asks if she said anything about Gregory. How does she sound? Sam says, okay-ish, and Kristina says she hopes Alexis is all right. She’s just been so upset since Gregory passed. Sam says, yeah. She knows Gregory’s death hit her pretty hard. They were supposed to the wedding together until the hearing came up. Kristina says she hopes it was worth it. She’s just worried that if their mom loses her law license, she… Sam says, don’t say that, please. Because she worries too, but they have to remember that sometimes mom is a lot stronger than they give her credit for. And so is Kristina. Kristina says, that’s a lovely sentiment. Why is Sam looping her in with that? Sam says, because sometimes things can get conflicted, and Kristina is fiercely loyal and protective to the people she loves. And she has to be just as fiercely loyal and protective to herself, and Sam believes she will. Kristina says, Sam believes she will what? and Sam says, when push comes to shove, she believes Kristina will do the right thing, even if it comes at a cost to Sonny.

Maxie comes home and says, sorry everyone. There was a fragrance emergency. Felicia, James, Spinelli, and Georgie are sitting on the sofa, and Spinelli tells James, the reason his Minecraft login has been so glitchy is because of cookies. Georgie tells James that she told him not to be using the laptop while eating. There’s dried frosting caked around the clutch pad. Spinelli says, the cookies he’s talking about are of the cyber variety. He suspects James has accumulated a great number of those pesky website cookies, which slows down the process. He’ll run a quick clean-up app… and voila! He’s back in business. Georgie says, Spinelli is the best, and thanks him. Maxie clears her throat, and Spinelli says, she’s home. Felicia says, they were so engrossed in Spinelli’s wizardry, they didn’t hear her come in. Georgie says she tried for two hours to find out what was wrong with the computer. Dad fixed it in like, ten minutes. The same way he did when she was writing that paper and the computer crashed. She thought she’d lost it, but he saved it. Maxie says, Georgie’s dad is a tech genius. There’s no question about that. Georgie says, and he’s super handy to have around, and James says, it was great when he lived here. He asks Spinelli if he can’t move back in. Please?

Blaze tells Molly, don’t worry about Kristina. She’s still a bit fragile, but she’s doing better. Molly says, she’s fragile? Why? Blaze says, Molly was just talking about the wedding. She thought Molly knew. Molly says, seems they just got their wires crossed. What? Blaze says she thinks Molly should talk to Kristina about it, and Molly says, but Blaze is right here. Blaze says, it’s none of her business. If Kristina wants to tell Molly everything, that’s up to her. Molly says, but Blaze just said she’s fragile. Kris might interpret any well-meaning questions she might ask as an interrogation, and that might really blow things up between them. Blaze says, okay. Kristina’s father went after Dex and Kristina saw the whole thing. She called Blaze from the ladies’ room, hysterical, sobbing, hyperventilating. At first, Blaze was afraid it was the baby, but it wasn’t. In fact, she suggested they go to the ER, but Kristina didn’t want to. She just needed to calm down. Molly says she just caught a glimpse of Dex’s face inside. He looks really banged up. If Kristina saw that, no wonder she’s so upset. Blaze says, she was, but she’s doing fine now. Really. Molly says, okay, thanks Blaze for letting her know, and leaves.

Kristina says, obviously, Sam knows what happened at the wedding, so who told her? Sam says, Sonny. He stopped by looking for Dante and gave her his version of the story. Kristina says, that explains why Dante has been blowing up her phone, and Sam says, she hasn’t spoken to Dante? Kristina says, she’s been busy, and Sam says, busy avoiding his phone calls? Dante is worried about her and so is she. Kristina says, Sam just got finished telling her how strong she is, and Sam says, wow. Kristina was actually listening to her. Strong people hurt too. She’s just worried Kristina is carrying this weight about what to do about Sonny, and it’s wearing on her. Kristina says, it’s already been decided. Dex isn’t filing charges. Sam asks how she feels about that, and Kristina says, how does she feel about her dad not potentially facing prison? Sam says, that, and the fact that he hurt Dex and isn’t going to have to face any consequences, and Kristina says, at the end of the day, he has to face himself. And he knows what he did. And he knows that she knows what he did. Sam says, that’s wrong, when Alexis walks in. Kristina tells Sam, they’ll talk tomorrow, and Sam makes a zipping motion across her mouth. Kristina says she’s so sorry about Gregory, and hugs Alexis. Sam hugs her and asks how she’s doing, and Alexis says she’s okay. They didn’t have to upend their day and come over here, but she’s glad they did. Kristina says, they brought lunch, and Alexis says, that’s sweet. Kristina asks, how was Albany? and Alexis suggests they talk about that when Molly gets here. She tells Kristina that she looks pale, and Sam says, that’s because she stays out of the sun. Alexis should try it sometime. She’s fine.

Dante and Dex sit at a table, and Dante asks if Dex is doing okay. Dex says, the stitches brought down his deductible, and Dante says he guesses it could have been worse. Dex says, thanks to Jason, it wasn’t, and Dante says he guesses Dex has a decision to make. Dex says, it’s already made. He’s not going to be filing charges. Dante asks, why not? and Dex says, partly for Kristina. She was a witness and he’s not going to put her through that with the baby coming. He can’t do that to her, even though she told him not to back off for her sake. Kristina’s always been a friend to him. What kind of a friend would he be if he made her testify against her father? Dante says, Dex told him that Kristina was part of the reason. What’s the other part? Dex says, best case scenario, Sonny gets a year and some change behind bars. That’s after a bitter court battle where he ends up getting dragged through the mud. So is it worth it? Why bother for such little benefit? Sonny would still have reach and would still probably run his organization. And on his release, Sonny would have him killed, assuming he even waited that long.

Josslyn says she’s not wasting her breath sharing her thoughts with Sonny, and he’s not going to listen anyway. Sonny says, maybe not, but she can get it off her chest, and she says, they used to be honest with each other. He was her stepfather. He was there for her when Oscar died. He was there for everyone with Mike. But he’s not that person anymore. He thinks that he can do whatever he wants to anyone at any time and he never has to pay for it. Sonny says, she’s very young. She doesn’t know what he’s been through. She says she knows that he should be in jail for what he did to Dex. He should be locked up, praying that all of his prior crimes don’t get Diane laughed out of court. How about him not even being grateful to Dex? He says, grateful for what? For Dex trying to rat him out to the PCPD? She says, he attacked Dex, unprovoked. He threatened to kill Dex, but he walked out again because Dex isn’t pressing charges. He asks why Dex backed off, and she says, out of concern for the people Sonny so willingly shoved aside. Dex did it for Sonny’s kids.

Michael says, Drew would be taking McConkey’s seat and McConkey is backing him? and Drew says, McConkey is retiring and thought he’d make a good candidate. Willow says, he came to Drew and proposed it to him. Isn’t that amazing? Michael says, it is. He had no idea Drew was interested in politics. Drew says he’s not disinterested. Obviously, he’s never thought about running for office until McConkey pitched it to him. Willow says, McConkey made the right call. She’d vote for him. Drew says, what about Michael? He values Michael’s opinion and wants to hear it. Obviously there would be implications for Aurora. Michael says, off the top of his head, he thinks it’s a dicey time to split focus with the launch of the new wellness division. Curtis at the helm is the right choice, but he lacks C-suite experience, so they were counting on Drew’s supervision there. Drew says, he’d catch on. He’s not worried about it. Plus, Michael is up on that. Michael says, if Drew is elected, he’s going to have to put his stock into a blind trust, and he knows the SEC is going to be watching. Drew says, no doubt about it, and Michael says, he’ll have to take time away from the company, robbing Aurora of his vision and guidance. Drew says, all valid points, and Michael says he’s sorry, but Drew asked. If Drew was hoping for a blanket endorsement, he’s sorry. He can’t give it to him.

Molly hugs Alexis and says she’s so sorry. Gregory was such an amazing guy. Alexis says, it’s a little hard to believe he’s gone. She knew he had ALS, and she knew what that meant. She knew he was declining, but she just didn’t expect it this way or this soon. They just jumped out of a plane together. Sam says, they all know the parachute opened. The jump worked. How about the appeal? Alexis says, how about the appeal? and Molly says, that bad? Alexis says, it wasn’t good. It turns out Neil’s brother, Fergus Byrne, sat on the disciplinary committee when her case first came up. Molly says, Neil’s brother? That’s a massive conflict of interest. Alexis tells her, that’s what she and Diane said. They gave a strong argument. They fought hard and he fought dirty. He put a tainted take on everything she said. Kristina says, hopefully, the judges will see right through that, but Alexis says she doesn’t think the odds are very good, so she’s going to prepare herself for a ruling against her. Sam asks how long that will take, and Alexis says, thirty days, a month. Kristina says, that long? They’re really going to make her wait that whole time? Molly says, she was right to fight. However this goes, she’s proud of Alexis standing up for herself and making the appeal. Alexis says, at least they know who turned her in for perjury – Ava Jerome.

Josslyn says she was with Dex when Michael asked him to reconsider turning Sonny in, and Sonny says, Michael? She says, yes, Michael. His son. The one he had renounced. Kristina was such a wreck over what might happen to Sonny, that she went to Michael and asked him to fix it. Which meant going to Dex, and that’s what Michael did. Sonny asks if he’s supposed to be grateful to Michael, but she says, no. That would mean he’d have to see the good in other people instead of focusing on himself. So no, she doesn’t expect him to be grateful. Just know that if he lifts his hand against Dex again, the only reason he can is because the man he wanted dead had the grace to let him go. She runs off.

Dante tells Dex that Sonny came to him and told him what happened. His version of the story at least. That’s how he found out. Dex says he sees, and Dante says he told Sonny that he wasn’t going to step in, so he’s not here on Sonny’s behalf. Dex says he didn’t think Dante was, and Dante says, but also, he didn’t arrest Sonny either. The least he could do was warn Sonny, make him understand the gravity of the situation. That if something had happened to Dex, or if something does happen to Dex, Sonny is the one they’re going to come looking for. Dex asks if he thinks it made a difference, but Dante says he doesn’t know. In the past, when he’s had these conversations with his father, they had deterrent. But now he doesn’t know what’s going on. He has his temper, sure, but he never openly flouted the law, and right now, he’s acting like he’s untouchable. So Dante guesses he misjudged his father. Like he misjudged Dex.

Kristina says, unbelievable. Ava, of all people? She murdered Connie, she sabotaged Morgan, and she goes to the bar and tries to get Alexis’s license taken away for what potentially amounts to a white lie? Molly says, Ava is vicious and ruthless, but she’s smart. She knew where to hit Alexis where it would hurt her the most. As far as she’s concerned, Ava took away Alexis’s law license. Alexis says, she had help – Fergus Byrne, and Molly says, that guy should have been disbarred, not Alexis. Alexis says, no kidding. They pointed out the conflict of interest and she doesn’t know if it swayed the judges or not. She hopes so, but at least it’s on the record. Sam says she’s proud Alexis stood up for herself, and Molly says, yeah. Even when the outcome they want isn’t guaranteed. Kristina’s phone dings and she says, it’s Dante. She’s got to handle this. Sam suggests she drive Kristina there, and Alexis thanks them for coming by. Kristina hugs her, and Alexis says, they always make her feel better. Sam hugs Alexis, and Alexis tells them, be careful. Sam says, she knows they will, and leaves with Kristina. Alexis asks Molly, what’s up? She didn’t even touch her food. She doesn’t want Molly to worry that she’s going to start drinking. She’s sober. Resolutely so. Molly says she’s glad to hear Alexis say that. She’s really proud of Alexis. She’s sorry. She’s just really got a lot on her mind. Alexis asks, what’s on her mind? but Molly says, today’s not about her. Alexis says, today is about them. So again, what’s on her mind? Molly asks how Kristina seemed to Alexis just now, and Alexis says, pale… subdued… Why? Molly says, because apparently, Sonny lost it and assaulted somebody at the wedding right in front of her.

Dante says he’s been avoiding Dex at the station because he didn’t want people thinking he was indirectly pressuring Dex to protect Sonny. Dex says he’s been avoiding Dante too. To be clear, he never felt any kind of pressure from Dante. He will admit, he was a little worried when Dante asked to meet with him today. Dante says, at worst, they probably think he doubts Dex as a cop, but he doesn’t. He thinks it’s pretty cool that Dex is trying to turn his life around. Dex says, that’s all he’s out to do. He should have never gotten tangled up with Sonny. Working for Sonny was turning him into someone he never meant to be. He just wants to put that behind him. He wants to do better and be better. Earn a badge and be worthy of it. Dante says, that’s good to hear. He appreciates Dex. Dex helped save his life and he’s grateful Dex isn’t pressing charges, mainly for Kristina. Dex says he’s witnessed how much Sonny loves his kids. He’s probably shaken up about letting Kristina down. Dante says he used to think that, but right now he just doesn’t know.

Maxie asks James, whose idea was it to ask Spinelli to move back in? Was it Georgie’s or grandma’s? James says, it was his idea, and Georgie says, but it’s a good one. And she’s here for it. She begs Spinelli, please, dad, move back in. They love having him around and he’s really a help around the house. Felicia says, good point, and Maxie looks at her. Felicia says, who wants ice cream? Come on. Let’s go find a treat. Follow her. Georgie tells James, that’s grandma’s way of giving them time to talk, and they leave with Felicia. Maxie says she thought Spinelli was coming over for dinner. It’s a little early. He says he was, and he hopes to still stay. He doesn’t think Georgie and James engineered his early arrival. He thinks the computer was truly buggy. She says she’s glad it was because it gives them a moment to talk. She didn’t want to say this in front of the kids and didn’t want to put him on the spot, but she misses having him here too. She would love it if he’d move back in.

Willow says she thought Michael would understand why it’s so important for Drew to run, but Drew says, it’s okay. He asked for Michael’s opinion. He wanted to hear what Michael had to say, and that’s what he has to say. He’s pragmatic. He’s looking out for Aurora and looking out for him. This is what he needs to hear. Michael says, McConkey was already facing a challenge from an opponent who’s been running for months. Drew is late coming in. Willow says, Drew has a name and has his own money, but Michael says, his opponent will try to accuse Drew of buying a congressional seat. Willow says, politics gets dirty. Opponents say anything. Michael says, speaking of, expect mudslinging. That’s going to be very hard to shake off. Drew says he can handle that, and Willow says, and let’s not forget about McConkey’s endorsement. Michael says, it will only get Drew so far up. Worst case, Drew loses, and the wellness division’s rollout is compromised, and Aurora is destabilized, right after they’re recovering from the stock inflation scandal. Drew says, all sound arguments for why he shouldn’t run, and Michael says, Drew asked for his opinion. He thinks Drew has more to lose than he does to win. Willow says she couldn’t disagree more.

Josslyn sees Blaze stretching in the park, and Blaze asks, how was her run? Josslyn says, it was good. She had to let off some steam. Blaze says she hears that. Nice seeing her. Josslyn asks how Kristina is doing, and Blaze says, Kristina was doing better, until she let slip to Molly what happened between Dex and Sonny, and how Kristina reacted. Molly is the last person Kristina would want to worry about her. Josslyn says, welcome to the madness. She’s sorry Blaze was pulled into it. Blaze says, Kristina’s worth it. She just wishes she had a better perspective about things weeks ago. In fact, she owes Josslyn an apology. Josslyn says, for what? and Blaze says, she was right about Sonny.

Molly tells Alexis, Blaze said Kristina witnessed Sonny going after Dex and just got all hysterical. She did some quiet checking with Anna, and yeah, Sonny assaulted Dex. Apparently, it would have been much worse if Jason hasn’t pulled Sonny off, and Kristina witnessed the whole thing. Alexis says, it must have been terrifying for her, and Molly says she imagines it must have been terrifying for Dex too. He’s elected to not file charges, which is his right, but she can’t worry about him right now. She’s just worried about Kristina and the baby. Kristina didn’t even call her. She hasn’t said a thing about it. If she hadn’t run into Blaze, she wouldn’t know Kristina had some meltdown in the ladies’ room. Alexis says, Kristina didn’t mention it to her either, but she’s sure it’s because Kristina was worried that she had too much going on. Molly says she doesn’t know if Kristina is keeping quiet because she’s the ADA or because Kristina doesn’t want her hovering, which of course (🍷) is her natural instinct because Kristina is her sister. And she’s carrying their baby. So now, she’s tiptoeing around Kristina’s boundaries, but what about hers? Doesn’t she have a right to know about Kristina’s emotional and physical state? Alexis says she understands. Kristina should have told her. Molly says she can’t even bring it up to Kristina because she risks setting Kristina off. So now she’s in this horrible position of having to choose whether to tell TJ or hide it from TJ, knowing full well he’ll go straight to Kristina if he knows, which will absolutely set her off. So what is she supposed to do?

Kristina meets Dante at Bobbie’s and says, Sam told her that dad came looking for him yesterday, so she assumes that’s why he wanted to talk to her. Dante says, yeah, he did, but that’s not why he’s here. He’s here for her, because she’s his sister and he loves her. She says, sorry. She’s been kind of a mess since the wedding. He says, nobody should be subjected to that. She shouldn’t have witnessed something like that. She says, dad tracked her down after and tried to justify it. But anything he said, or ever said, is ever going to make her forget that image. He was hitting Dex and the blood was dripping down his face, and he was yelling at Dex that he was going to kill him, and Jason. It was awful. Dante says, Dex is okay. He just talked to Dex. She says, well she’s not okay. She’s all over the place. All she kept thinking about at first was, this can’t be happening. Then she was looking at him and thinking, that can’t be my dad. But it was. She knows her dad has flaws and she knows he’s hurt people, but not like that. Not directly, physically, or maybe he has. She doesn’t know. The man that she saw was so ugly and full of rage. It was like he was wearing a mask or something. Or maybe he’s been wearing a mask this whole time when he’s with her. Dante says, it’s a complicated situation, and Kristina says, Dante’s seen him like that before, hasn’t he, when Sonny shot him. Dante says he doesn’t know actually. It was quite the opposite. He was like a stone, unemotional. It was like shooting him was nothing. She says, it wasn’t on purpose. It was an accident, right? That’s why he didn’t go to jail. He says, no. He lied about that.

Dex is reading on a park bench, when Sonny comes up to him.

Maxie says she never should have kicked Spinelli out. She overreacted. He was really wonderful. The kids really miss him being here and so does she. Will he move back in? He tells her that he can’t believe he’s saying this, but he must respectfully and regretfully decline. He loves her. He doesn’t want to be roommates. He wants them to be partners. He wants to be a couple. She says she does too, and he asks how this would work. Would they share a bedroom? Is she ready for that? She says, no, not yet, but she’s open to that in the future. It’s just… the kids. He says, right. Georgie’s of the age where it could be awkward. She says she does want to be a couple, but she thinks they need to take things slowly. Can’t they just be roommates for now? He can move back in and sleep in the guestroom. Or would that be too difficult if they’re not together together?

Dex gets up, and Sonny says, relax. He just wants to talk. Dex asks how Sonny found him, and Sonny says, Dex probably knows by now, he can find anybody he wants. Is Dex going to invite him to sit down? He’s unarmed. He’s alone. Does Dex want to frisk him? Dex says, if this is an ambush, and Sonny came to finish the job, he won’t take it lying down. Sonny says, noted, and Dex sits down. Sonny sits next to him and says he heard Dex opted to keep what happened in the house, but Dex says he’s not in Sonny’s house. Not anymore. No, he’s not filing charges, but he didn’t do it to help Sonny. He did it to help Kristina. It would have been bad for her. Sonny says he appreciates that. That’s why he’s here. He just wants to let Dex know, as far as his part, this is over.

Alexis tells Molly, let’s just sit here and put our emotions aside, and put our lawyer caps on. What’s the primary goal? Molly says, a healthy baby, and Alexis says, and how do we accomplish that? Molly says, with a calm and centered Kristina, and Alexis says, and how is Molly going to assist in that? Molly hesitates, and Alexis says, by not confronting her. Don’t rile her. Molly says, so just tread lightly? Treat Kristina like a minefield keeping her from her baby?

Dante says, as Kristina knows, he didn’t know Sonny was his father when he was working undercover. He got to meet the family and he fell in love with all of them. Michael the fixer, Morgan the wiseass, and her, the princess. He felt like they were all family even before he knew they were. He wasn’t going to take Sonny away from them and he didn’t want to take Sonny away from himself either. It’s really hard growing up without a father. He had a lot of family. They were great. They made a lot of noise at his Little League games, but he didn’t hear that one voice he always wanted to hear. And in the playground and on the street, when kids were saying all sorts of things about his mom because they didn’t know who his father was… He gave as many bloody noses as he got, but he’d always say something stupid like, you guys are gonna get it when my dad shows up. But he never did. And after a while, he stopped kidding himself that he ever would. So when he woke up at GH with a bullet hole in his stomach and Lu told him that he had a father, he justified not turning Sonny in for his kids, for her. But he’s one of Sonny’s kids too, so he did it for himself too. Finding out he had a father was a gift and he wasn’t going to give it back no matter who his father was. So he did what he had to do to keep his dad out of prison. Kristina takes his hand and says she knows Dex is keeping quiet because of her. And honestly, a part of her feels relief that she doesn’t have to testify, but the other part of her is scared that she’s making everything worse.

Spinelli supposes he’s always been waiting for Maxie, so yeah. He can wait as long as needed. She says, so he’ll move in, and they will date, and he says, nothing would delight him more than being here with his family. They kiss, and the others come back. James says, they got Spinelli rocky road and birthday cake. Those are his favorites, right? Spinelli says, yes, and Georgie says, they’re bribing him. Please say he’ll move back in. He looks at Maxie and says he’s moving in. They all hug.

Willow says, everyone is so tired of politics. The reason being, why bother? Why believe in someone? Most of the time, it’s ugly, and people aren’t listening to each other, no more than the politicians are listening to the people. Congressman McConkey was one of the rare ones, who actually tried to govern fairly. He didn’t suffer fools gladly, and he’s hand selected Drew, because he recognizes Drew’s potential, his desire to make a difference, to serve the people. He’s a decorated war hero who’s already served our country. A man of determination and strong character, who can more than withstand any bad press the opposition might throw at him. And as for his wealth, no need to shy away from it, because it’s actually proof that Drew won’t have special interest groups behind the scenes pulling the strings. And as for Aurora, Michael knows that he can handle it without Drew. He’s done it before. Whatever expansions are on the horizon, he’ll manage them, because right now, Drew has something more important to do. Contributing to a functioning government is worth a few sacrifices. Drew says, wow. Maybe he should get her to be his campaign manager. She tells him that she’d say yes, but she wants him to have someone who knows what they’re doing. Michael says, she’s convinced him, and Drew says, him too. He was on the fence, but she made him realize he has an opportunity to make things better. And if he turns it down, it’s like he’s skipping out on his duty, and he can’t do that. So if he does this, he’s going to need some help from them. Michael says, he’s got it, and Willow says, we’re all in – she takes Michael’s hand – Congressman Cain. Drew laughs.

Alexis says, aside from likening her sister to an explosive device, Molly is on the right track. Just tread lightly. Molly supposes that’s all she can do now, and Alexis says she’ll serve as a buffer between Kristina and Sonny. Molly says she doesn’t want Alexis to get involved with Sonny, but Alexis says, trust her. She can handle him. She’s concerned about her girls. One needs to calm down and one needs to get some rest, because Molly is going to need all her energy when she becomes a mom. Molly says she can handle anything if it means keeping this baby healthy, and in a couple of months, she won’t need to be relying on Kristina anymore. When this baby comes, she’s going to keep Kristina and her drama far away. (Rut-roh.)

Dante says, this is not on Kristina. This is on Sonny. She says, what about tomorrow? Or the next day, or the next year, or the next time he does something like this? It is on her, because she didn’t stand up and stop him when she had the chance. He says, okay. If that’s the way she wants to be about it, it’s going to be on her and it’s going to be on him too.

Blaze says she thought Josslyn was way out of line. Now she sees Josslyn was just trying to warn Kristina, make her see her father for who he is. Josslyn says she can see how Kristina can have illusions about Sonny, but now the blinders are off, and she’s seen what he’s capable of with her own eyes. And a part of her really wishes Kristina hadn’t and she was still safe in those illusions. It’s ironic, isn’t it? She says she’ll see Blaze around, and continues on.

Sonny says, this thing between him and Dex, this bad blood, it’s over. Dex says, just like that, and Sonny says, it’s a distraction he doesn’t need. He has more important things to do. He rubs his forehead, and Dex says, Sonny isn’t one to back off a grudge, but Sonny says, Dex doesn’t know him as well as he thinks he does. As a matter of fact, he doesn’t want Dex to think about him at all. Please. Dex wants to be a cop, be a cop. Dex isn’t worth his time and energy. He gets up and so does Dex, and Sonny says, Dex is nothing to him now. For your sake, keep it that way. He glares at Dex and walks away.

Tomorrow, Laura wonders who got this information and leaked it to the press; Curtis tells Portia, there’s got to be something more to this story; Jason tells Sonny that he’s in real trouble; and Carly tells Kristina, this stays between us.

🤽 A Finale, a Reunion, and a Pause Walk Into a Bar…

The only thing I have to say about this embarrassing mess is that Lindsay has always been a controlling shrew who gaslights her way through life, and Carl knew her long enough to know that wasn’t going to change.

I blinked and missed this.

These people don’t know what a favor Bravo did them.

💝 More Than Golden…

This is her nice way of saying she wouldn’t be caught dead getting involved with such an embarrassing form of entertainment. She will, however, watch it.

https://people.com/susan-lucci-was-called-about-leading-the-golden-bachelorette-exclusive-8653911

💎 The Latest In Diamonds…

Crystal got a raw deal, especially since she was just coming into her own, but this might be interesting.

https://people.com/rhobh-season-14-cast-bozoma-saint-john-jennifer-tilly-kathy-hilton-8652679

She is too funny and smart. And probably too funny and smart for this nonsense.

🔓 Learn All About It…

Get the lowdown on the teenth of June.

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

🐶 First Came the Bowl…

The Stanley Pup will be broadcast in the U.S. on NHL Network and ESPN+ on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET and on Sportsnet in Canada on Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Air dates and times are subject to change based on the schedule for the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

https://people.com/nhl-starts-stanley-pup-canine-hockey-game-filled-with-rescue-dogs-8656129

🧥 Ne’er Cast a Clout…

Join me tomorrow for the last soap in May, along with tea and tidbits to entertain. Until then, stay safe, stay never texting while driving, and stay not just being fiercely loyal and protective to those you love, but also to yourself.

April 12, 2024 – Jason Has a Generous Impulse, Outside the Soap, Cancelled Talk, Knots Again, Just Awful, VanderSituation, Details, BravoCon Man, Three Tails, Nonet Quotes & Wild

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Alexis says she’s missed Gregory, and The Invader isn’t the same without him. He says he misses it too. He truly enjoyed the work, but in the words of a famous American poet, you’ve got to know when to fold ‘em. His best days aren’t ahead of him. She says she hopes he doesn’t mind if she still calls him every day with her problems, especially if they’re ethically sticky. He says he’d be hurt if she didn’t. Anything in particular? She says, let’s just eat before I lose my appetite. The Invader gives me heartburn. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and they look at their menus. She says, there was something else she wanted to say to him. She’s so sorry, but she can’t be his extra one for the wedding. He says, why not? and she says, because there’s a slight chance she may be getting her law license back.

At the coffee warehouse, Diane says she takes it Jason got her message about some of his bank accounts being unfrozen. He says he did. Fast work. She says she’s Diane Miller, and he asks if he has enough money to buy back Carly’s half of the MetroCourt. (I swear, I thought that’s what he was going to say before he said it.)

Michael says he doesn’t know what his mom was doing with Agent Cates… and because she never learns, Nina says, it’s all too clear what they were doing. Carly was bringing up room service for two and Agent Cates was wearing nothing but a towel. Curtis says, Nina knows things aren’t always as they appear. He’s sure Carly wouldn’t cheat on Drew. Drew says, it wouldn’t be cheating. He and Carly broke up. Curtis says he’s sorry; he didn’t know. Michael says, his mother’s personal life is her business, not Nina’s, and Nina says she just thinks it’s a shame Carly would hook up with a guy who’s a federal agent after she and Drew broke up.

As she brushes him, Sasha asks not-Comet not to tell his buddies, but she thinks his coat is the shiniest. He must get a lot of vitamin A, D, and E. Cody comes in and says, you again. Any luck with the job search? She says, not really. She’s applied for everything; receptionist positions, corporate communications, positions in insurance and public affairs, most of them in New York and Connecticut. He says he’d hate to see her move, but at least she’s getting nibbles, right? and she says, but nothing that interests her. She’s tired of being considered because these jobs are public facing, and she fits the company’s image. He says, receptionist jobs are out. She’s way too qualified for that. But any company would be lucky to have her. She says, not if they only care about her looks. Been there, done that.

At the Home & Heart studio, Lucy tells Maxie that they need gels because the light is just not flattering… to the product. She asks a woman on the stage if they could please get some lighting gels, and Maxie says, they’d really appreciate it. The woman says she’d have to get the producer’s permission, and Haven says, that’s okay. Just do it. She asks if Maxie and Lucy are ready for another blockbuster segment, and Lucy says, absolutely. Maxie says, all set, and Haven says, no Sasha she hears. Maxie says, unfortunately not, and Haven says she doesn’t know this Blaze, but her granddaughters are very excited. She’s been ordered to get an autograph. So is she here yet? Maxie says, they’ve decided to streamline the duties of the Face, so Blaze will not be the spokesmodel today. Haven asks, then who is doing the selling today? and Lucy says, who else? Moi. (I’ll have what Morgan Fairchild is having. She’s 74 and looks amazing.)

On the phone, Brook says, it’s fully electric, not a hybrid?… Tracy walks in and Brook says, that is so awesome. Send her all the specs and financials. Send her everything. She’s so excited that they have the pickup in stock. She’ll be waiting. Tracy says, don’t tell her that she and Chase has eschewed the traditional limo ride to church for a 4×4.

Michael says, before they believe what Nina’s telling them, just consider the source, and Nina says she imagines Michael is used to this. Carly is not known for her discretion. Drew says, Carly has a right to privacy just like everybody else. He doubts any of them would like everybody to know what they do behind closed doors. Nina says, that’s the thing. Cates’s door wasn’t closed. They were perfectly visible from the hall. Maybe Carly just needed a good… night out. Curtis says, they don’t know what did or didn’t happen. What they do know is, Carly and Agent Cates are consenting adults, so whatever happened is none of their damn business. Drew says, Curtis is right. He’s done discussing it. Nina says, yeah. It must be painful knowing Carly got over their relationship so quickly.

Haven says, so Lucy is the spokesperson, and Lucy says, yes siree bob. Because who better than the founder? Maxie says, and nobody knows the product better than Lucy, and Lucy says, yes, indeed. She’s been in on every single step of developing their new face cream. Haven says she’s going to have to check with her producer about this, and leaves. Lucy says, that certainly could have gone a lot better, and sees Maxie looking at her tablet. She asks, what is with Maxie’s tepid attitude? She just stood there like she swallowed a fish. Why didn’t Maxie have her back more? Maxie says, maybe because she doesn’t agree with Lucy’s decision to do this. Why is she insisting on taking this all on herself? Lucy says, why is Maxie so against… Wait a minute. Maxie wants to get up there herself. She wants the spotlight. Is that correct? Maxie says, Lucy has to be kidding her. She wants Sasha in the spotlight. The public knows her, and they love her. Lucy says, okay, fine, but Maxie has to get over that because Sasha – she lowers her voice – quit. Maxie says, thanks to Lucy, and walks off.

Carly goes the MetroCourt bar and says she got Michael’s text. How did he know she was in the hotel? He says, Nina told him. He guesses she spent the night in Agent Cates’s room. She says, that woman. Nina called to tell him that? Is she going to put it on the cover of The Invader? He says he was in Drew’s office downstairs, and she showed up and filled them in, and Carly says, she told Drew? He says, and him and Curtis Ashford. They were in the middle of a meeting. She says, Nina once told Sonny that she was having an affair with Brick and she was wrong. Does that woman ever learn? Just to be clear, she stayed over with Agent Cates. She did not sleep with him. Michael says he knows, and she asks, how is Drew?

Diane says she doubts Jason has developed a sudden interest in the hospitality industry, so she can only assume… He says he’s going to give the MetroCourt back to Carly, and Diane says, that’s a very generous impulse, but it’s going to take some finessing. First of all, Nina has no incentive to sell. He says, give her one. She can name her price. Diane says, no she can’t. Absolutely not. She has far too much pride in her skills as a negotiator to hand anyone a blank check, much less that real estate heiress. She can make a little profit, but Diane isn’t going to let him overpay. He tells her, handle it however she thinks is best. Just make it happen. She says, his real obstacle is going to be Carly, and he asks, why? She says, because he’s not the first person to offer to help her reclaim the MetroCourt. Initially, Olivia offered to loan her the money. Then Nina, in a craven attempt to suck up to Sonny, offered to sell it back to her. Then Sonny and Michael. And Carly has said no to all of them. She wants to do it herself. He says, don’t worry about Carly. He’ll work it out with her.

Sasha says, Cody’s not trying to get rid of her, is he? and he says, never. But as great as it’s been, she can’t stay with him and the horses forever. She says she knows. She’s going to run out of savings at some point. Sooner than she’d hoped actually. But she loves being here with the horses. They don’t care how she looks. He says, the horses appreciate her for her, and she says, exactly. He says he gets what she’s saying about being underestimated, and she says, people underestimate him too, don’t they? He says, occasionally, but she’s on a whole other level. She has brains, business savvy, personality, not to mention a strong work ethic. She says she’s proud to say she helped develop Deception’s initial business plan, and he says he bets Lucy and Maxie are kicking themselves right now for letting her walk away. Sasha wonders if she should be kicking herself. Was she crazy to leave Deception? He asks, why? Is she thinking about going back?

Maxie says, if Lucy hadn’t undermined Sasha by telling her that she needed to be edgier, they wouldn’t be in this mess, and Lucy says, what mess? They’re not in a mess. There’s no mess. Deception is not in a mess and she’s perfectly capable of being a pitchwoman. Maxie says, not as capable as Sasha. Their customers admire her. Not just for her beauty, but for her courage and the challenges she faced. She justified their faith. She’s not just beautiful, she’s inspirational, and you can’t buy that kind of narrative. Lucy asks, what is Maxie all of a sudden, the voice of reason? It seems like right now Maxie is a little bit power hungry. Maxie says she has just as much of a right to an opinion as Lucy does. They’re equal partners. Lucy says, they are. Maxie is absolutely right. And as such, they should work together against their common enemy, Tracy Quartermaine. But it feels like Maxie’s friendship with Brook has clouded her judgement lately, and maybe Tracy could then bring down Deception. Maxie says, Tracy didn’t want to get rid of Sasha. She actually lobbied to keep her. Lucy says, until she didn’t. Because Sasha quit and she was not fired. Maxie says, all right. Fine. Maybe if Sasha had felt heard and included, she would have stuck around, but Lucy is only interested in her own opinion. Face it. Her love affair with herself is the real problem.

Brook says she and Chase are going to Florence on their honeymoon, and Tracy says, congratulations. Florence is beautiful. It’s one of her most favorite spots on earth. Brook says she can’t wait to stroll through the Tivoli Gardens hand in hand with Chase. It’s going to be so romantic. Tracy asks what this has to do with a truck, and Brook says, since Tracy is so generously paying for the wedding, Chase insisted on paying for the honeymoon. And Florence is a dream come true, but it is more expensive than a stateside destination, so he sold his truck so he could pay for the trip. Tracy says, wow. She has to hand it to him, that is a sweet gesture. Brook says, he loved that truck. That’s why she’s going to be surprising him with a truck as a wedding gift. And guess what? It is fully electric, top of the line. Tracy says, don’t do it, and Brook says, come again? Tracy says, disrespecting your husband is no way to start a marriage, but Brook says, she’s not disrespecting him. She loves him. But there’s no reason he has to choose between their honeymoon and a truck. They can afford both. Tracy says, Brook can afford both.

Curtis says, Nina is way out of line, and she says she’s sorry. She takes his hands and says, but maybe he doesn’t know Drew as well as he thinks. She tells Curtis that she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She leaves, and Curtis tells Drew, that was uncalled for, and Drew says, it’s been worse. Now where were they? Curtis says, in a minute. He wasn’t aware Drew and Carly had broken up. Drew didn’t tell him. Drew says, because Curtis had a few things to focus on, and Curtis says he remembers when Drew came to the gym and told him that things were rocky between him and Carly. He thought they’d work it out, but he guesses they didn’t. They seemed so happy. Drew says, that was before Jason came back.

Carly tells Michael that Agent Cates didn’t want to go to the hospital, so she brought him back here. She stayed with him so she could wake him up every couple of hours. Basically, she was on concussion watch. Michael asks where she found him, and she says, a couple blocks from the coffee warehouse. At first, she thought he was trailing Jason, but then she realized he must have been following Diane. He asks, why? and she says, because Jason’s too hard to follow. He says, it didn’t bother her that the guy she sat up with all night taking care of wants to bust Jason? but she says, it doesn’t bother her because he’s not going to find any evidence against Jason. There’s nothing in that warehouse but coffee. And Sonny is so furious with Jason right now, there’s no way he’s going to bring Jason back to the business. So basically, Sonny is doing Jason a favor.

Alexis says, so basically, instead of sitting and enjoying a wedding with Gregory and the happy couple, she’ll be pacing up and down a hotel room, preparing for her appearance in front of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court. Gregory says, this is momentous. Although he has to admit he’s a little irked that she kept it from him until now. She says she really doesn’t think it could actually happen. It’s the longest of long shots. He says he doesn’t know. Her and Diane teaming up to argue her case. He’d take that bet. He raises his glass and says, to her then, but she says she doesn’t want to jinx anything. Sorry. She’s alternating between pretending this isn’t happening and having paralyzing anxiety because she really, really wants this so much.

Brook tells Tracy that she and Chase share everything. What’s hers is his and vice versa. Tracy says, sounds great. Very unrealistic. Brook says, don’t go there. They already had the prenup conversation, and that’s not happening. Tracy says she totally respects Brook’s misguided decision to forego the prenup. However, she’s learned from previous experience that having more personal wealth than your husband puts undue stress on the marriage. Brook says, no offense, but Chase is nothing like Tracy’s ex-husbands, and Tracy says, Brook means her ex-fortune hunters? She’s absolutely right. But – she pats the spot next to her on the sofa, and Brook sits down – she knows Chase’s father. And she’s assuming in addition to being a stand-up guy, Chase was taught to be the breadwinner in the family. Brook says, please. That is so old school. Tracy asks if Brook hasn’t noticed her husband-to-be is very traditional. It’s part of his charm. Brook says she almost blew it, didn’t she? but Tracy says, she did it out of love. Like he sold his truck out of love. But her going off and buying another one totally negates the sacrifice he made. She’d be devaluing his loving gesture. Brook says, wow. Tracy saw that. She didn’t. Tracy says she’s had many years to make mistakes and learn from them. But buck up, girlie. She’s got herself a thoughtful, generous, devoted husband-to-be. Brook says, the best. She’s just sad he has to give anything up for her.

Gregory asks if Alexis knows what happens when well-meaning people find out you have a terminal illness. You start getting suggestions; mindfulness, positive visualization, prayer, alternative medicines, healthy diets, yoga, acupuncture, you name it. She says, that’s got to be really overwhelming, and he says, yes, but you get used to it. He knows it comes from a good place. She asks if she’s done that, but he says, no, not at all. She asks, what’s his point? and he says, despite what other people may suggest, he thinks what it all comes down to is what you choose to believe. Alexis believes that she could still be a good lawyer. She says she does. She still has as much passion for it than she’s ever had and there’s nothing more satisfying than helping someone get the justice they deserve in court, no matter what the obstacle. He says he bets she was a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. He hopes he gets a chance to see her back in action. She says she hopes he does too. He should know that most of these appeals are denied, which is why she’s so quiet about it. He says he has faith for both of them, and puts his hand on hers. She says she wishes everyone felt that way.

Madison hands Nina a stack of messages and tells her that the proofs from the shoot are on her desk. No one can locate Pedro; he still hasn’t delivered the dress for the cover. Nina asks her to call the agent and tell them if Pedro doesn’t deliver in 24 hours, he’s off the cover and her roster. She’s not doing this with him again. She looks through the messages and says, these can wait… Really? Olivia? Madison says, she keeps calling, and Nina says she can’t believe Olivia is still harping on the color refresh she gave the fourth-floor bathrooms. And forget about calling the agent. She wants that pleasure herself. Oh, and if Drew Cain calls, she’s not available.

Drew says, Curtis knows he loves Carly. He still loves Carly, but he’s moving on. He’s getting over it. He’s accepted the fact that she’ll always put Jason first and that is exactly why he had to end it. Curtis says, he ended things? Is he sure Carly is okay with that, after everything they’ve been through? Drew put his life on the line for her. Drew says, believe him. They both know it’s for the best. He did them both a favor. Curtis says, that sucks, and Drew says, it does, but he also knows it’s the right decision. The next time he’s in a relationship, he’s going for the brass ring. He wants what Curtis and Portia have. He wants it to be tested, survivable, solid… Curtis says, it’s true. That’s what they have. They’ve definitely been through the fire, and they’re still standing. Drew says he couldn’t be happier for Curtis.

Lucy tells Maxie that she’s just so passionate about her company. Right now, Deception is the most important thing in her life. Maxie says she knows Lucy loves Deception, but so does she, and Lucy says she knows. She has nothing but love and respect for Maxie. That’s why she lured Maxie away from Crimson to join Deception, but this friendship she has with Tracy’s granddaughter sets her teeth on edge. Because she can’t let that harpy ruin everything that she… they worked so hard to build. Maxie says, they built Deception together, and unless they get on the same page and start trusting each other again, Tracy’s not going to have to lift a finger to destroy Deception. They’re going to do it for her. Haven comes back and says, her producer agrees with her. Lucy is not a suitable replacement for Sasha, so their segment is cancelled.

Diane asks if Jason wants her to put him in touch with a real estate agent, and he asks, why? She says, to find him a place to live? but he says he has a place to live. She says, a rented room above Bobbie’s? and he says, yeah. He likes it there. She says, if he changes his mind, and if she can convince Nina to sell, he’ll have a whole hotel of rooms to choose from. He says he likes where he is, and she asks if he signed the papers her assistant dropped off last night. He says he didn’t get any papers, and she asks what he’s talking about. Her assistant was supposed to bring them to him last night. Carly walks in holding the envelope, and Diane says, this looks familiar, taking it from her. Carly says, Diane’s assistant came by Bobbie’s, and she said she would bring them over, but she got sidetracked. Diane puts them on Jason’s desk and tells him, start signing. He doesn’t need a notary. She’ll pick them up from him the next time she sees him… which she thinks will be soon. She’s off. She leaves and Carly asks if Jason is okay. Jason says he’s good and thanks her for bringing the papers by. She says, that was just an excuse. She wanted to see him. He asks if something happened, and she says she did something he’s not going to like.

Sasha says, if she was thinking about going back to Deception, and just hearing him say that made her stomach drop… He says he guesses that’s a clear answer, and she says she doesn’t want to do something she dreads. Besides, Deception has already moved on. They have a new Face, and booked a new segment on Home & Heart. Today, actually. He says, no regrets? and she says, not one. She may not know what she wants to do, but she knows what she doesn’t want to. He says, that’s progress. When she does figure out what she wants, let him know.

Alexis says, Molly is worried if her appeal is denied, she’ll start drinking again, and Gregory asks if she thinks that could happen. She says she’s an alcoholic. A lapse is always possible. Maybe that’s why she downplayed it so much, because she’s worried the disappointment might… He says, might destroy her? and she says, it’s destroyed her before, and Molly had a front row seat. The life she’s rebuilt doesn’t get her pulse racing, but it’s steady. And she worried if she gets her hopes up, it might be too big of a gamble, and she’s worked too hard for her sobriety. So is this a risk she can afford?

Tracy says, it may be old school, but no spouse or partner worth their salt is going to want to live on their other half’s money, and Brook says, Tracy has dealt with this her entire life, hasn’t she? Tracy says, the family money has given her a lot of advantages, but it’s also caused her a lot of pain. Brook says, those men are idiots. How could anyone look at Tracy and only see dollar signs? She’s an amazing woman, filled with wit and depth and beauty and surprising sensitivity. If those guys couldn’t see that, it’s their loss. Tracy says, yep, she’s a catch. So is Brook. Brook says, not that the Quartermaines are poster children for happy marriages. Look at Edward and Lila. Yeah, they were in love, but how many times did he cheat on her? Tracy says, too many, and Brook says, and Alan and Monica. Tracy says, both serial cheaters and they argued about it the whole time. Brook says, her father was a bigamist. He was married to her mother and Katherine Bell at the same time. Tracy asks, what’s her point? and Brook says, what if she and Chase follow the same pattern? What if their marriage is doomed already?

On the phone, Nina says, they are in charge of the kitchen. Is that correct?… She may have authorized the slightly cutting back of the service staff, but she did not intend for the room service orders to arrive cold. Outside her office, Madison tells Diane that Nina can’t be disturbed. If she likes, Madison can make her an appointment. Diane says she wouldn’t, and barges into Nina’s office, Madison following her. Nina says she expects the room service to maintain the same high standards as the rest of the hotel. She thanks them and Madison says she’s sorry. She told Diane… Nina says, that’s all right. She understands Miss Miller does not like to take no for an answer. Madison leaves, and Nina says, if Diane is here for the divorce papers, she’s wasted her time. Diane says she’s actually here to make an offer on the hotel. She has a client who is interested in purchasing Nina’s half of the MetroCourt, and willing to do it at 3% over market value. Nina asks, who’s the client? and Diane says, Jason Morgan.

Carly says, he was just lying there, and Jason says, and she got out of the car. That’s too big of a risk to take. She says she couldn’t just leave him there. Besides, the muggers took off after she blasted her horn. Anyway, she grabbed John and took him back to his room at the MetroCourt. She spent the night there, waking him up every two hours to make sure he was okay. Jason says, he was jumped a block away from here, and she says, yes, but they didn’t steal anything. They just beat him up. He asks what she’s thinking, and she says she’s thinking it wasn’t a mugging. Maybe it was Sonny.

Lucy says, Haven can’t just cancel their segment, but Haven says, this is live TV. She can’t go on air with an amateur. Lucy laughs and says she hosted the General Hospital Nurses Ball for years and years. And it was on a stage and on camera and she raised millions of dollars for GH. Haven says, congratulations, but she won’t be selling face cream on Home & Heart today. Maxie says, if Haven cancels their segment, what is she going to put in its place? And why would she turn her back on a sure thing? Haven says, they have lots of pre-taped segments. This isn’t the first time this has ever happened. And with Sasha, it was a sure thing. With Lucy, a whole other story. Maxie says, Deception is her highest earner. Haven said so herself. All of their segments have sold out. So will this one.

Gregory tells Alexis, risk is a funny thing. You don’t want to do it unnecessarily, but then again, you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t do it at all. Trust him when he tells her, the things you regret at the end of your life are not the things you tried to do and failed at. It’s the chances you didn’t take. Say she gets reinstated and she’s back doing the thing she loves. Let’s say she doesn’t. She’ll still know she gave it her best effort. And that’s its own reward. Her taking this chance is like skydiving was for him. She says, terrifying? but he says, life affirming.

Carly tells Jason that Cates stopped by Bobbie’s a couple of times, and she just assumed he was working her for information about Sonny, but he never asked her anything significant. But when she told Sonny, he was furious. The way he was toward Jason the other night after his arraignment. Jason says, she thinks Sonny had Cates beat up, and she says she definitely thinks it’s possible. Sonny hates him. And not because he’s an FBI agent, but because of the history they have. She knows the basics about what happened with Karen Wexler, but Sonny regrets it. And Jason knows, when Sonny regrets something, he’s volatile. And on top of that, John was Stone’s older brother and Sonny feels like John abandoned Stone. So she thinks it’s possible Sonny would be targeting Cates. Jason says, John Cates is an FBI agent (in case we didn’t know), and assaulting an FBI agent is a federal crime and Sonny knows that. She says, Sonny knows it. He doesn’t care.

Nina asks, since when has Jason Morgan been interested in the hotel business? and Diane says she’s just here to make the offer. Nina says she would imagine this is for Carly. Does he know whose bed Carly was in last night? He might change his mind. Diane says, interested or not interested? when there’s a knock at the door. Nina says, come in, and Madison says she’s so sorry to interrupt, but accounting needs Nina to sign off on the ad rates. Nina finds the folder and Madison leaves. Diane says she imagines it must be so difficult to run both Crimson and the MetroCourt, and Nina says she loves them both. Diane says she hadn’t realized Nina was interested in the mundane. Cranky guests, plumbing issues, all that tableware and linen to keep track of… Well, she’ll leave Nina to it. She starts to leave, and Nina says, 15% over market. Diane says, four.

Tracy says she doesn’t believe Brook’s marriage is doomed. Just be aware of it. What she thinks is reasonable, Chase may think is extravagant. Like public school versus private school. Brook says she hears Tracy, and Tracy says, as long as she understands that they have very different frames of reference about money, they’ll be okay… on that front. Chase really loves her. Brook says she loves him too. She’s sorry Tracy wasn’t treated with more respect. Tracy says, it’s true. She kissed a lot of frogs. She even exchanged vows with some of them. But in the end, she got her prince. Her marriage to Luke started with blackmail, but it ended with a true partnership. They were equals. Luke accepted her for her. He loved her and she did the same for him. Brook says, it sounds like she was very lucky. Tracy says, she was, and so is Brook. They hug.

Brook says she thinks she and Chase will make it, and Tracy says she certainly hopes so. And whatever happens, she’s always on Brook’s side. Brook says, back atcha, and Tracy says, now she has to get down to the stables because she’s riding again. Brook says, have fun, and Tracy thanks her. Brook says, good talk, and Tracy says, anytime.

Sasha says, very funny, and seeing all the pieces of hay in her hair, Cody asks, what happened to her? She says, Ranger, and he laughs and says, she got a whole bag of tricks. Not a mean bone in his body though. She says, he’s a sweetheart, except messy, and he asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to reconsider Deception, as he picks the hay out of her hair. She says, can he imagine if Haven de Havilland saw her now?

Haven says she’s here today with Lucy Coe, founder of Deception. Welcome, Lucy. So tell us what fabulous product you have for us today. Lucy thanks Haven and says, in fact, she’s so happy to bring them their brand-new face cream for the woman on the go. It is super moisturizing and goes on like a dream. It’s lightweight and you put this on just one time, and you’re good for the whole day. Haven says, sounds like her kind of moisturizer. She’s so busy and definitely on the go. Lucy says, tell her about it. No one is busier than she is. Besides running Deception of course (🍷), she has a thriving real estate business, and she was also, for many years, on the advisory board of ELQ. On the side, Maxie starts looking miffed, and Lucy says, and her vote kind of contributed to major decisions… Just recently though, that’s changed, but that’s a long story. She can tell them all about it later, but she thinks the viewers probably recognize her the most for being the mistress of ceremonies at the General Hospital Nurses Ball for many years… well, actually until last year. She wasn’t, because… Maxie looks like she has a headache and a half.

Alexis tells Gregory, that parachute jump was euphoric. And she almost backed out. When she forced herself to do it, she realized, until then, she’d been living in fear, and she doesn’t want to do that anymore, so she has to try. He says he thinks they call that resilience, which is also life affirming. And as far as he’s concerned, whether she ever practices law again or not, she already won.

Drew thanks Curtis for coming by. He really wants to discuss this fitness/wellness idea further. Curtis says, definitely. He still can’t believe Nina came at Drew like that. Drew says, it’s all good. She knew what she was doing. Curtis says, maybe. He thinks she’s still hurting over Sonny. Go easy on her. Drew says he and Nina have reached an understanding. They’ve made accommodations with each other. (Is that what the kids are calling it now?)

Nina says, nine. Take it or leave it. Diane says she will take it back to Jason, and Nina says, this might be a little premature. She knows they’re talking about price, but she hasn’t made up her mind to sell, so she needs to think about it. Diane says, the offer won’t be on the table indefinitely, and Nina says, if Jason wants the hotel so badly, he can wait.

Jason asks if that’s why Carly took care of Cates, to make up for what she thinks Sonny did? She says, no. She was just trying to help. It wasn’t until after when she thought about it, and she realized it could have been Sonny. He says, there’s nothing she can do about it. So here’s the thing. Cates is either going to figure it out or he’s not. The best thing she can do is just stay out of this. She says, yeah… That could be a problem. He says, why? and she says she told him, Last night she spent the night in John’s room, in a chair. But this morning, she ordered room service, and when she opened the door to get the tray, John came out of the shower wearing nothing but a towel, and Nina was standing right there, and she saw him. She left a vapor trail straight to Michael and Drew. It’s only going to be a matter of time before Nina tells the entire world that she spent the night with John Cates, including Sonny.

On Monday (unless there’s another eclipse), Brook tells Maxie not to give up yet, she’s got one more Hail Mary; Tracy says, if there’s a problem with it, Cody is out on his hind end; Ava tells Nina that she’s sure it’s progress; and Jason tells Carly that he doesn’t think Sonny would see it that way.

🎭 Old Gig, New Gig…

I’ve never seen this show, but I remember seeing the title in the guide listings.

This looks promising.

💫 What Goes Around…

It would only be fitting, since the replaced a soap. Now can we say goodbye to The View?

👄 Knotty Girls…

And Donna Mills is another one. She’s 83. Is it her vitamins? Something in the water? What? She has no right to look that good. I’m just kidding though. Good on her and Morgan Fairchild.

💃🏿 Back With the Wind…

It might be a season worth watching with Phaedra and Kenya returning.

🏊‍♀️ Another Awful Summer…

Warning: sarcasm ahead. I just can’t understand how things fell apart when Lindsay was in love enough with Carl to make him a sandwich. If you follow this awful nonsense, you might remember many seasons ago when Lindsay’s boyfriend, whose name has been blessedly wiped from my mind, wanted her to make him a sandwich and she went out of her mind. I’m embarrassed to even know that. Then we have Kyle and Amanda who are married, but living on different planets. Run, Amanda, run! Paige and Craig seem to be the only sane ones right now, but we’ll see what happens the next time he brings up marriage.

If you must have more.

🪀 Rebounding From the Rebound…

Ugh. I hate guys like Schwartz. He thinks it’s friends with benefits, while she thinks it’s something more, but he doesn’t dare say anything because he doesn’t want to lose her. Usually, those types don’t say I love you, for which I give them credit, but not good old Schwartzy. He’ll say anything to keep things status quo, which makes him even worse. No surprise he bounced quickly to an actual girlfriend. No doubt he doesn’t like being alone with himself. The good news? He ditched the blond look.

🍸 Giving Them Reunion…

I’m not sure how Lala didn’t fare well. She had zip to be embarrassed about this season. I don’t think I could forgive Sandoval, but I understand why she is. I also understand why she’s getting annoyed with Ariana. Not that I blame Ariana for still being pissed off. I would be too. But to act all middle school and say, if you hang out with him, you’re dead to me, is ridiculous since they’re all in the unique situation of having to deal with each other for the show. What she really wants is for Sandoval to be off the show, but that doesn’t look likely. Instead, she should just rub his nose in the best revenge of living well, instead of snarking at him every chance she gets and acting like she’s a queen banishing a subject. It’s not a good look and could backfire on her eventually.

🎰 Speaking Of Reunions…

Viva Las Vegas. What’s the matter? NYC not good enough for him anymore? And 2024?

🍻 Two Dogs and a Cat Walk Into a Bar…

As Reggie said in Strays, poop for your freedom!

https://people.com/united-airlines-flight-forced-to-divert-after-dog-pooped-in-first-class-aisle-8629565

Get rid of the dude. Keep the dog.

https://people.com/woman-refuses-to-give-away-dog-even-though-boyfriend-allergic-8630181

Do you know this kitteh?

https://people.com/authorities-search-for-owner-of-lost-cat-in-strawberry-dress-8629238

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. – Dalai Lama

You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.Marie Curie

A little progress each day adds up to big results. – Satya Nani

Clichés are tropes because they’re true. – Wesley Fists (Austin Crute), Daybreak

Make the choice to embrace this day. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow! It’s inspiring to see all the wonderfully amazing things that can happen in a day in which you participate. – Steve Maraboli

People find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right. – Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you. – Lao Tzu

The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.Gilbert K. Chesterton

I don’t care to eat a chicken foot. – Karen Everett, The Family Chantel

✈️ Absence Makes Someone Not Here…

Take a cuppla days off, then visit again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and not Jill on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not fixing it if it ain’t broke, and stay remembering that the things you regret at the end of your life are not the things you tried to do and failed at. It’s the chances you didn’t take.

February 9, 2024 – Sonny Welcomes Jagger Back, Golden Girl, His Two Cents, Miami Looks, Returning Wives, Super Info, Puppy (!) Bowlers, Nine Concise Quotes & Heart

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow straightens up the living room, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens the door to Michael and says, he didn’t have to knock. This is his home too.

At the Hatchet Range, Spinelli throws his hatchet, and it bounces off the target. He says he must have miscalculated his variables. Which one? Angle or centrifugal force… Maxie says they’re not here to reprogram a satellite or recode the internet, and he says, you can’t recode the internet. She says, to be honest, she didn’t know if recode was a real word. Look around. Does he see any children they’re related to? Does he hear any sounds of emotional children yelling? He shakes his head, and she asks if he sees a sign for Deception, or the sounds of highly emotional grown-ups healing? He says he does not, and she says, that means they’re not at home and she’s not at work. So let’s lighten up and not take this too seriously. He says he knows, but precision and accuracy are kind of a needed… She says, no. They’re here to have a good time and throw pieces of sharpened steel at a wall. He says, she’s right. So let the unwinding begin. She thanks him. Cody and Sasha join them, and Cody says, okey-dokey. This is fun, and he loves turning walls into kindling as much as the next guy, but what do they say to raising the stakes a little? Sasha asks what he has in mind.

Josslyn and Drew look at her phone, and he says he loves that one of Spencer. She says she couldn’t tell at the time, but looking at all of these, he was so cute. It’s no wonder everybody let him get away with all sorts of stuff. Drew suggests they take a break, but Josslyn says, it’s fine. She’s fine. He asks if she’s sure, because it’s not a race. They could come back to it after they get a snack or something. She says she doesn’t even know if she should be doing this, and Carly asks, why? Josslyn says, because her posting all of these photos of her and Spencer, it’s like she’s making it about herself. Her loss, her grief. He was her friend, and he was Laura’s family, and he was the love of Trina’s life.

At The Savoy, Dex sits at the bar, when Brick and Jordan come in. Brick says, one drink and then he’ll let her get on with her regularly scheduled life, and Jordan says, when he called in a favor from the mayor’s office, she didn’t expect it to begin and end with her and a drink. He asks, why is that? Did she see him as someone who needed zoning remediations? She says she imagines he could solve those all on his own, and he says he thinks she should consider the bigger picture. This drink is all part of the plan. She says she didn’t take him for someone who plays the long game, and while watching Dex, he says, people aren’t always what they seem.

Sonny says, Jagger Cates. It’s been a long time. John says, yet still not long enough. And it’s John now. Sonny asks if that’s on his identification, and John shows Sonny his ID. Sonny asks what he calls John, Agent Cates or my old pal, and John says, they were never pals, but maybe they can change that.

Cody says he was thinking they split into two teams. Whoever gets the most points, wins. Sasha asks what they win, and Maxie says, please not a gift certificate. She has enough junk on her fridge already. How about bragging rights until the people she brags to get bored with her bragging about her triumph? Cody says he was thinking that the losing team pays for the winning team to have a night out on the town, and Spinelli asks why everything has to boil down to a competition relying on brute strength. Cody says, ax throwing isn’t about strength. It’s about finesse and teamwork, togetherness. Sasha says, yeah, come on, Spinelli. It will be fun. Maxie asks how they separate into teams, and Cody says, obviously, the two Faces of Deception have to stick together. Sasha says, absolutely. The more they’re in sync, the better for Deception’s marketing. Maxie says, fine by her. She’s happy to do her victory dance in both their gorgeous faces. Spinelli says he sees her competitive streak hasn’t diminished, and she tells him that he wouldn’t say that if he knew how many games of Go Fish she’s purposely lost to their kid. What does he say?

Michael tells Willow that he debated with himself the whole way here. Should he knock or just let himself in? She says, that’s okay. She’s been picking up for the last half hour, then she loses track of what she’s doing, and she has to start over. He says, if she’s rethinking the invitation, that’s okay. He can just pick up the papers Drew left him and go. No harm, no foul. She says she’s not rethinking it. She’s happy he’s here. He says, so she still wants him to stay the night. She said the kids wanted him here in the morning, but is it just for tomorrow or is she asking him to come home for good?

Josslyn says she was doing the dishes and one minute, she’s totally fine and the next minute, she has tears streaming down her face. Carly says, there’s nothing wrong with that. She has to feel how she feels. Josslyn says she knows, and she knows she has her own loss to grieve, but she doesn’t know how to do that and be a support system for Trina. If she posts these photos, won’t that be shocking to Trina when she’s scrolling through social media, and bam, there’s Spencer? She doesn’t want to make things worse for her. Drew says he thinks it says a lot about her friendship with Trina that she’s being so considerate about this. When Oscar died, a lot of people reached out and told him how much they missed Oscar, and there were times when that was the only thing that got him through the day. Carly says, Trina knows that she suffered a loss too. Trina wouldn’t want her to hide it. Josslyn agrees, and Drew says, what she wrote about Spencer is straight from the heart and it’s so beautiful. It’s a message to be shared.

Brick asks Jordan to excuse him for a second. He’s going to the bar. She says, the server should be here any second, and he says, a woman such as herself should never be kept waiting. He’ll be right back. He walks up next to Dex and says, good to see him. Dex says, him too, and Brick asks if he can buy Dex a drink. Dex says, not tonight. He’s on call with Sonny, so he’s sticking to soda, but how about if he buys Brick one instead? Brick looks at the champagne behind the bar and says, what he’s planning on sipping tonight might be above Dex’s paygrade. Dex says, maybe, and puts a credit card on the bar. Let’s find out. We see it’s a platinum card.

Sonny tells Frank, this won’t take long, and Frank leaves. Sonny closes the door, and Sonny says, he and John had their problems back in the day. John says, if that’s what he wants to call them, and Sonny says, whatever you want to call it, that was a long time ago. Things change. John says, it may have been a long time ago for Sonny, but for him, it was yesterday. Sonny says he did some things back then that he regrets. Losing John’s brother… John says, after everything, Sonny can’t say his name, and Sonny says he named his son Stone as a middle name because he considered Stone family. John says, wow. Well, God help Sonny’s family. Sonny says, be careful, and John says he’s not here to talk about Stone or Karen or any part of their past. Sonny says, so what is he here to talk about? Is John here to tell him that the Feds are looking into his business, or is John coming after him? John says, nothing would make him happier than to see Sonny behind bars. They both know that’s where Sonny belongs, and they both know the reasons why. Past and present. (I wish they’d tell me. In all the years I’ve watched this show, Sonny hasn’t really done anything all that bad.) Sonny says, then stop talking about it and take his best shot. John says he’s not in Port Charles to take Sonny down. He’s here to save Sonny’s life.

Josslyn closes her tablet and says, okay then. It’s out there. Carly says, it’s a beautiful post. It really is. It captures who Spencer was and her relationship with him. Josslyn says she was really lucky to know him for so many years, although sometimes he annoyed her so much she didn’t even like him. Carly says, that means they were really friends. She really saw him; the good, bad, and everything in between. Josslyn says, yeah, but the good was really good. Carly’s phone dings and she says, oh no. Not you too. Drew asks if it’s another advertiser pulling out, and she says, Triton Luxury Hotel and Cruises. She’s not dealing with it. He says he’ll handle this one. He knows the CFO. Let him handle this. It’s going to be okay. She thanks him and he leaves. Josslyn says, Trina saw all her posts and she loved it, and Carly says, she told Josslyn. Josslyn says, now everyone is sharing their memories of Spencer and it’s great. Drew was right. Carly says, he frequently is, and it drives her crazy because sometimes she wants to be right, but since it’s Drew, it’s okay. Josslyn says, when she thinks of everything he’s done for their family and the fact he can even make Carly smile through times like this, it’s amazing. Carly says, he’s an impressive guy, and Josslyn says she’s very grateful he’s in their lives.

Maxie asks if this night out includes free babysitting, and Cody says, sure. She says, and what is she potentially paying for, an entire evening or just a dinner? Cody says he was thinking four hours, enough for dinner and a movie, and Maxie says, or one night at a spa, but Cody says, the event has to be something both parties will enjoy. Spinelli says he doesn’t enjoy greasy hands poking him in the name of healing, and Maxie says, then think of something else. What about tips and parking? Someone should be writing this down. Cody says he thought a bet would be fun, not involve lawyers, and Maxie says, fine. He’s on. Spinelli asks if he might have a word with Cody, and Cody says, sure. As they step away, Cody says, no lawyers.

In the hallway, Spinelli asks what Cody is doing, and Cody says he’s helping Spinelli get a date with Maxie. Spinelli says, stop helping, and Cody asks, why? The two of them have been talking back and forth between parent mode and roommate mode for way too long. Tonight, Maxie needs to see another side of him. His sexy side. Spinelli says, his sexy side has at best been described as subtle, and Cody says he bets Spinelli’s got some moves. He’s seen how Spinelli works a keyboard. Spinelli says he doesn’t know where Cody is going with this, but please stop immediately, and Cody says, he’s an information guy, right? Does he have some incredible playlists? He bets Spinelli’s got stuff no one’s ever heard of, right? Is he an aromatherapy wiz? He’s got to have something. Spinelli says, before Cody derails his train of thoughts by detailing his failed dating profile, he was trying to relate he’s not interested in Maximista. Cody says he doesn’t believe Spinelli, and Spinelli says, so that’s it then? He says it and it must be so? Cody says, he’s a good guy, he’s a good dad, he’s a genius with tech. He’s a total catch. Why doesn’t he just go for it? Spinelli says his relationship with Maxie is purely platonic. There was a time when they tried to make it more than that, and it became very clear that they’re better off as friends. So despite Cody’s cupid-ed-ness, it’s going to stay that way. Sasha tells Maxie, in the interest of full disclosure, this isn’t the first time she’s been to a hatchet range. Spinelli watches them.

Sonny says he’s not sure he’s hearing John right. John comes into his office tossing around things that happened more than thirty years ago. John says, they were more than accusations, and Sonny says he doesn’t remember them having angel wings back then. John says, Karen did, and Sonny says, yeah, Karen did. John married her, he cheated on her, and she divorced him. He guesses none of them did right by her. John says, Sonny did a hell of a lot worse than cheating, and Sonny says, there were things he did back then that he would have done differently, but here is when John’s going to shut his mouth, because he let John come in here, get in his face, and take a couple shots because he thought John was entitled to a couple shots. But he’s done. His freebies are used up. If this were thirty years ago – and John knows this – he wouldn’t have given John this latitude. John says, he’s mellowed with age? and Sonny says he’s gotten smarter, and he doesn’t have to prove it to John. John says, that much is true, and Sonny says, then what is John doing standing here, talking about saving his life? John says, trust him. It’s nothing he wants to be doing. He’d rather see Sonny rot. That’s what he deserves, but as an FBI agent, it’s his duty to notify Sonny that he’s in danger. Sonny says, you know what? He doesn’t care. He’s doing just fine. He doesn’t need any help from the Feds. John says he guesses he’s got it wrong then, and Sonny says, he’s got what wrong? John says, imagine his concern when he and his colleagues discovered he was the target of a very public attack in an action area filled with civilians. Sonny asks if he’s talking about… John says, the MetroCourt shooting. Trust him when he says they know more than Sonny thinks. They know Curtis Ashford was a bystander, collateral damage. They know Sonny or Anna Devane may have been the intended target, but their assessment is, that bullet was meant for Sonny.

Dex says he’s been saving for a rainy day, and Brick wonders how much rain they’re going to get. It looks like Dex is fixing to build an ark. Dex says, you never know, and Brick says, that’s true, you never know. He thanks Dex for the drinks, and Dex tells him to enjoy his evening. Brick goes back to the table and says, sorry to keep Jordan waiting. It won’t happen again. The server brings them glasses of champagne, and Jordan asks what they should toast to. His secret plan? He says, they can toast to whatever she’d like – they clink glasses – and he won’t be keeping any secrets from her. She says, so much for the secret part of the plan, and he says he knows she’s only here with him because she thought she owed him a favor, but she says, that’s not true… Not entirely true. He says, that’s okay. He doesn’t mind a bit. How many chances does a guy like him get to be seen with a woman like her? Beautiful, intelligent, accomplished. He considers himself quite a lucky man, but not that lucky. But it’s all part of the plan. He smiles.

Maxie asks Sasha to tell her everything before they get back. Did she and Cody finally admit they’re crazy about each other and should be dating? Sasha says, Maxie’s romance-colored glasses are distorting her vision, and Maxie asks if she’s sure. Maybe Sasha should get herself a pair. Sasha says she and Cody did actually talk about it and they both decided it’s better they stay friends. For the time being. Maxie says, congratulations. That sounds very adult and mature of them, but she doesn’t get it. If a great guy were into her, she’d be with him in a heartbeat.

Cody says, quick question. How good is Spinelli with a hatchet? Spinelli says, how good is anyone? and Cody says he just meant Spinelli wants to have fun and not stress out about it. Okay? Spinelli says he won’t because he won’t be participating in this charade, and Cody says, what he wants to do is have kind of a firm, but loose grip on the handle. Spinelli says, that’s contradictory, and Cody says, bring it up past his ear. He doesn’t want to tilt left or right. Aim with your elbow, lead with your chest. (I do this a few times, sans hatchet, to see what he means.) Spinelli makes a feeble attempt, and Cody says, maybe he’ll find his inner Viking once they get going. He’s going to be siting this one out. Spinelli asks what that means, and Cody says, nothing. He feels an off night coming. Spinelli says, Cody’s going to cheat. That’s dishonorable. Cody says, dude, do you want a date with Maxie or not? They go back into the main room, and Cody says, ladies, pick up your hatchets and may the best team win.

Carly says, Drew was so wonderful when Josslyn’s grandmother passed away. She’s sure she could have handled it all on her own, but she didn’t have to. He was with her every step of the way. One more reason to be grateful for him. Josslyn asks if she’s okay, when Drew comes back. He says, crisis averted, and Josslyn says she’s sorry, but she has to go. She’s meeting Dex at The Savoy. Carly says she’s surprised Josslyn is up for that, and Josslyn says, so was Dex, but one of his favorite bands is playing and honestly, just being with him and listening to music is exactly what she needs right now. Drew says he hears that, and Carly and Josslyn hug. Josslyn hugs Drew and thanks him. He says, of course (🍷), and she leaves. Carly says she wishes she could spare Josslyn this kind of grief, and he suggests they add it to the list of things they want to spare their kids from. She says, it’s a long list, and he says, it’s getting longer every day. She says she appreciates what he said to Josslyn earlier. Josslyn thinks the world of him. He says he thinks the world of her too. He hopes he can always live up to her expectations. She says, if he managed to talk Triton off the ledge, he can be her hero too. He says, about that, and she asks if they’re going to extend their contract. Tell her. He says, actually, that’s up to her.

Willow says she wishes she could tell Michael, but she doesn’t know yet, and he says, that’s okay. He’ll wait as long as it takes. When… if he moves back in again, he wants her to be fully confident in her decision. She says, part of her is worried that if they rush back in and pretend nothing happened, one day they’ll end up back here in the very same position, and he says he gets it. He has the exact same fear. He doesn’t like to think about it because he dreads the thought, especially now. She says, why now? and he says, because he’s trying to put the things he wrecked back together now and do it right. Before he came here, he went to see his dad and came clean about everything. She says, that must have been difficult, and he says he owed it to Sonny to be honest, even about how he blackmailed Nina. She says, that couldn’t have been easy for Sonny to hear or for him to say, and he says, it wasn’t. It’s going to take a while for him and his dad to get back to where they were again, but at least they’re being honest with each other. She says she’s glad to hear there’s hope. Hope is where it all starts. He says, there wouldn’t have been any without her. If she hadn’t encouraged him, he wouldn’t have talked to Sonny. He thought it was a lost cause. She says, maybe she doesn’t believe in lost causes, and he says, lucky him. She says, what he did was misguided, but she knows him and nothing is more important to him than protecting her and the kids. She knows his intentions were good. He says, it’s just his methods she has a problem with, and she says, at the end of the day, it’s not what you’ve done, it’s about what you’re doing to make things right.

Sonny says, John is telling him that he’s got this string of mob hits across the country, and he thinks they’re all connected. John says, they know they’re all connected, and Sonny asks why John is talking to him. He’s a coffee importer. (Ha-ha! But I’m starting to think so.) John says, he was the target of a shooting, and Sonny says, well, the coffee business has been pretty rough the last few years; the climate changed. (A bigger ha-ha!) John says, the FBI knows the pool shooting was connected to the others. The same M.O. from the shooter, the same type of firearm, the same target profile. Sonny says, sounds like they know everything. Why don’t they go catch the guy? John says, give him a break. He knows Sonny’s not sitting around doing nothing. He’s looking for the shooter too. But John has the resources to catch this guy. Sonny says, then do it, and John says, if Sonny cooperates and tells him what he knows, they can end this quick and neat. Sonny says, Jagger, you want my help? All you’ve got to do is ask.

Drew and Carly sit across from each other with the moss bowl🎍in between them in case a referee is needed. Drew says, whenever there’s a change at the top, advertisers get a little bit nervous. He was expecting some phone calls, but there haven’t been that many. He sang her praises to the guy at Triton and explained that the hit piece Gemma wrote for the Gazette was just that, a hit piece. Carly says she hates that he has to do this for her, and he says, what? Tell the truth? She’s the right person for the job. The fact that she got Salvadore back to Deception for the cover shoot proves just that. Even Triton knew who Salvadore was. Carly says she’s not surprised, and he says he may have been a little too convincing to be honest. Drew says, Triton is going to stay at Crimson only if she’s going to be Editor-in-Chief for the long haul. She says, that was not the plan, but he says, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good plan. They show a united front, show stability. They get a little bit of growth and they’re on their way. She says she doesn’t know, and he says, she’s the right person for the job. He knows it’s early days, but he can tell she likes the work. Admit it. She says, the more she settles into the role, the more she enjoys it, but Nina’s not going to make it easy. She’s got connections in the fashion industry. Nina’s already seizing every opportunity to sabotage her. (How are they blaming Nina for this when Drew just said advertisers get nervous about a big change?) Drew says, Nina sends him to prison and nearly gets him killed, and she’s still not satisfied. Carly says, that’s because she’s Nina. She’s petty and vindictive and she’s not going to stop. He says, until they stop her. He’s going to get Michael on the phone. He bets Michael reconsiders once he hears all this. She says, reconsiders what?

Willow tells Michael that she and Drew had a chance to talk when he brought the papers. If you spend five minutes with him, you can see the kind of pain he’s in, and that pain is changing him. Michael says, he just needs some time, but she says, it’s more than that. There’s this cruel streak that wasn’t there before. He wants Nina to suffer like he suffered. Michael says, can you blame him? and she says, no, of course (🍷) not, but she also knows that payback isn’t going to help Drew heal. He says, that’s for Drew to decide. All he knows is, he can’t have any part of it. She and the kids mean more to him than anyone, and she can decide what kind of relationship she wants with Nina. He’ll accept whatever she decides. Willow says she hates what Nina did. Petty, vindictive. His mother makes Nina feel insecure and she wanted Carly out of the way. She didn’t care how much damage she did. Because at the end of the day, Nina only cares about herself. But they can’t let Nina destroy their relationship the way she’s destroyed hers with Sonny. He says he has no idea what his dad is going to do. He doesn’t even know if his dad does. She says she doesn’t want that uncertainty for them, but trust is rebuilt slowly, and they have to respect each other enough to be honest. Michael says he agrees, and she says she promises to try if he will.

Brick says he believes in positive energy. Some might call it luck. It all starts with one drink with a beautiful, gorgeous woman, but who knows what happens next? She says she’s not sure she gets it. Is he planning on winning the lottery on his way home? He says, no. It’s the little things. You get home from a long, hard day at work, and the leftovers are still good, and your favorite movie is playing. She says, so a latte from her favorite coffee shop on the house because they mixed up the order or daffodils on her birthday, and he says, see? There you go. The unexpected pleasures, like being here with her tonight.

Josslyn hugs Dex and says she’s so happy to see him. He says he saw her post about Spencer. It had to be hard to write. Is she sure she’s up for this? She says she’s fine. Fine-ish. She just wants to be with him. He says, him too, but if she changes her mind, they can go whenever. She says, okay, and he says, cranberry soda? She says, yes, and he orders.

John says, if Sonny wants to play games, fine with him. He’ll tell his boss that Sonny turned down the ask, which is what he expected. Sonny says he’s sorry John wasted his time, and John says, when they take Sonny out – which they will – he’ll have a clear conscience. Sonny says he wishes he could help John, but he can’t because he doesn’t know anything. Even if he did, why would he tell somebody who’s hated him for two decades? John says, because he’s putting all that behind him (could have fooled me). Why can’t Sonny? Sonny says he appreciates it, but this is the end of their conversation. John says, if Sonny won’t save his own skin, what about the people around him, including his esteemed colleagues who are in the line of fire? Curtis Ashford can’t walk. How does Sonny think he’s going to react when he finds out Sonny won’t do everything he can to find out who shot him?

Carly tells Drew, Willow was blindsided when she found out Michael blackmailed Nina. He’s not staying at the gatehouse. Drew says he knows, and she says, then she’s surprised. Why would he ask Michael to go after Nina? He says, because Willow was upset because Michael went behind her back instead of telling her everything Nina had done. Willow isn’t in any hurry to defend Nina. Carly says she knows that. Willow loves Drew and she’s appalled by what Nina did. He says, so why not make Nina pay? and she says she doesn’t want to make Nina pay. Focusing on Nina only gives her more power than she deserves. She doesn’t want to that. The best revenge is to make Nina irrelevant, to move on with their lives. He says, and let her get away with everything she’s done? and she says she’s not letting Nina get away with anything. She just wants to focus on what’s right for the magazine and what’s right for them. Looking a bit like a madman, Drew says he’s not sure he agrees that’s what’s best, and Carly says, is he kidding? Nina is living proof that revenge can backfire. She got everything she said she wanted. She was engaged to Sonny and found out Willow was her daughter. She could have focused on that, but instead Nina came after her. And yes, Drew was damaged in the process, but Nina was damaged. She’s all but lost Sonny and Willow too. He says, she’s got more to lose, and believe him, she will, and Carly says she understands more than he knows how he feels about Nina, but if he wants her to stay on at Crimson, he’s going to have to leave Nina alone.

Michael says he’s in 100%, and Willow says, good. He says he knows moving back in doesn’t mean they still don’t have work to do, and he’ll do all of it. She asks if it has to be all work though, and he asks what she has in mind. She says she doesn’t know. Maybe they could talk, catch up, have a glass of wine. He says he would love all that, when Wiley comes stomping down the stairs, saying, daddy. Michael asks what he’s doing awake, and Wiley says he has to show Michale his new magic trick before he goes. It’s incredible. Willow says, guess what? Daddy’s staying tonight. Wiley says, in that case, his three new magic tricks, and Michael asks if they’re all incredible. Wiley nods, and Michael says, now? Wiley says, now, and Michael says, ask his mommy. Willow says, it’s more than okay, and Wiley says, it’s really four magic tricks. Michael says he had a feeling. Lead the way. They head upstairs, and Willow says she’ll wait up until after the show.

Cody tells Sasha that they have a lot riding on this bet. He can give her some pointers if she wants. She says, sure. What’s he got? He says, the thing people don’t know about hatchet throwing is, it’s all about mind/body connection, and it’s spiritual. She laughs.

Spinelli tells Maxie, in order to come through for her, he’ll do everything in his power, including – but not limited to – prayer and soul selling. She says she really doesn’t care if they lose. She’s just happy to get out of the house. He says he’s trying to stay out of her way at home, but he can do more if she tells him. He’s so beholden to her as a tenant. She says she was worried about how their living together would work, but it’s been kind of great, right? She’s almost hoping the pipes in his apartment never get fixed. That’s crazy, right? He says, no.

Sasha says Cody should build a hatchet range on that estate he wants to buy, and he says, at Serenity? Sure. If he’s ever in a position to buy that place, first thing to go in will be a hatchet range. She asks why he’s doubting it. She knows he can make it happen. He says he sure hopes so. These good looks aren’t going to last forever. She says, there’s a lot more to him than his good looks, and he says, like what? Maxie asks if they’re going to throw the hatchet or what, and Cody tells her to chill out and wait her turn. Sasha gets a bullseye, and Maxie says, what? They’ve been hustled.

Sonny tells John, what happened to Curtis is a tragedy and whoever did that is going to pay. But he’s been around long enough to know when a Fed is trying to provoke him. John says, then let him give Sonny a warning. Whoever this shooter is, he knows Sonny’s world. He knows how Sonny moves. If he’s come for Sonny, that only means one thing. It means he’s already in Sonny’s house. So watch your back.

Dex asks Josslyn to tell him the truth. Does she really want to be here?

Brick says, so, Jordan mentioned daffodils, and she says she did, didn’t she? He asks if it’s her favorite flower and she says, it’s definitely on the list. His phone dings, and he asks her to excuse him. He looks at the phone, then looks at Dex.

Josslyn says she wants to be with Dex, and he says, here, with all these people? She says, no, and he says, then let’s get out of here. They leave as Brick watches. He gets up and tells Jordan that he hates to do this more than she knows. He has to go. He can’t tell her what a wonderful evening it was. She says, maybe their paths will cross in the future, and he says, that’s the plan. He hands her a card and says he has her number. Now she has his private line. Maybe his luck will hold. He leaves.

Sonny says, this is the last time he and John are going to be alone together like this. If John wants to talk to him, he has to call Sonny’s lawyer Diane Miller. He’ll like her. John says, so that’s it? That’s the way it’s going to be? Sonny says, that’s the way it’s going to be, and John heads for the door. Sonny says, hey, Jagger, and John says, for the last time, it’s John. Sonny says, hey, John, welcome back, and Jagger John leaves.

Michael comes downstairs, apologizing that it took so long. He doesn’t think Wiley’s magic act is quite ready for Vegas yet. He sees Willow asleep on the couch and covers her with a blanket.

Cody says, Sasha did pretty good on that last one and she says, it must have been his tutelage. Also, she comes here a lot. He says, really? He wouldn’t have pegged her as a frequent thrower. She says, it’s been a tough couple of years. Some days she would come in here and she wouldn’t even care about throwing. She could have just chopped up the furniture or anything else she could get her hands on, but she’d settle for throwing the hatchet as far as she could. He says, she means at the target, and she says, does she? They laugh and she says, a few visits later, voila. He says, thankfully, one of them had a good night. He’s sorry. He feels like his game let them down. She says she noticed that his game was off. It was almost like he didn’t want them to win.

Maxie throws, and she and Spinelli get all excited. Maxie says she doesn’t want to brag. Who is she kidding? Of course (🍷) she wants to brag. She’s on fire tonight. She tells Spinelli that it’s his turn, and Spinelli gets a bullseye. Maxie squeals and they hug. Cody gives Spinelli a thumbs up.

Drew says, if it’s that important to the moss bowl🎍and Carly, he’ll put a pause on anything to do with Nina, but he doesn’t want Carly staying at Crimson if she’s unhappy there. She says she’s not unhappy. In fact, she’s warming up to the idea of staying on as Editor-in-Chief long term. She loves the people she gets to work with, and the fashion industry is thrilling. He says, she’s going to be blown away by the artists she gets to meet, and she says she can’t wait. She just wants to stay for the right reasons. Not to get back at Nina, but to build something great with him. He says he loves the sound of that, and they hug.

Dex and Josslyn spoon in bed, and she turns to him and says she’s sorry about him missing the show. He kisses her and says he’s right where he wants to be. She goes back to being the little spoon.

Brick walks into Sonny’s office and says he found something. Someone in his organization has an offshore bank account. He counted too many zeros. Three guesses as to who it belongs to. Sonny says he just needs one. Dex?

Smelled that one coming as soon as Michael paid Dex.

On Monday, Carly needs to talk to Diane and says, it’s an emergency; Trina tells Ava that she can’t live with this family; Michael tells Josslyn, someone Sonny trusts sold him out; and Drew tells Nina, keep playing with fire and see where it gets her.

🌹 She Could Be Handing Out Roses…

At best it was just hinted at by somebody who told somebody, but it’s a great idea. I never watch these shows as I always feel embarrassed for the contestants, but I’d watch it if she was on it.

🩺 She Botched It…

And he’s a real doctor.

🌴 What They’re Wearing…

Apparently, they’ve learned something since that top photo was taken. It looks like they’re going on a picnic in outer space.

💰 Longest Hiatus Ever…

Good to hear they’re getting a second chance, since they weren’t that awful… yet. Caroline Stanbury has always been one of my favorites.

🏈 Bowlin’ It…

First, the boring stuff.

https://people.com/how-to-watch-the-2024-super-bowl-8572420

Cliff Notes version of the boring stuff.

https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/when-does-super-bowl-start-end-2024-timeline

The fun stuff.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2024-performers-usher-halftime-reba-mcentire-national-anthem-8546391

🐕 A Bowl Full Of Cuteness…

Not so boring when it’s puppies.

https://people.com/how-to-watch-puppy-bowl-2024-where-to-stream-8559167

I just thought it was funny that this was in the Sporting News.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/puppy-bowl-2024-schedule-time-channel-stream/2d2d79415a95fc57f37625aa

The Bowl turns 20!

https://apnews.com/article/puppy-bowl-2024-20th-anniversary-fe5ab3507eb72f24e170d1cb23c28b52

You, too, can have your own Bowler.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/adopt

A spin-off success story.

https://people.com/puppy-bowl-referee-dan-scahaner-adopts-his-first-dog-8558579

🧧 Quotes of the Week

If I don’t go into that office every day, who am I? – Freddy Rumsen (Joel Murray), Mad Men

There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.Amanda Gorman

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. – Søren Kierkegaard

What’s the matter? You guys can’t do regular crack?Judge Mathis to guys doing combo drugs, Judge Mathis

Take the attitude of a student. Never be too big to ask questions. Never know too much to learn something new. – Augustine “Og” Mandino

We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing and inclusion. – Max de Pree

Life is about making an impact, not making an income. – Kevin Kruse

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.Potter Stewart

When she says jump, you say, I wish I could. – Peggy Biggs (Rondi Reed), Mike & Molly

🐲 Dragon In the New Year…

Enjoy a Bowl this weekend even if it’s a cereal bowl, then join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not taking any game too seriously (unless you’re a professional player), and stay knowing the best revenge is to make someone irrelevant by moving on with your life.

June 27, 2023 – Laura Says Her Goodbyes, Clarification, Six Years, First Day, Fan’s Choice, Daytime Lifetime, BET Awards, Reunion & Pink

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase and Brook come back from a run, and Brook says she was almost able to forget that her father doesn’t know who she is. He hugs her and says he’s sorry.

At the pool, Dex asks where Trina is, and Josslyn says, she’s getting them drinks. He asks if she’s worried about Drew, and she says, he can hold his own, but three years in Pentenville? It’s just wrong. Her mom told her to have fun today, but she can’t help feeling guilty about it. Trina comes back, and says, that’s how you feel when someone you love is going through something and you can’t help them.

Spencer asks if Laura would like him to take her to the airport, and she says, that’s sweet of him, but she has a driver and she’s going to be doing mayoral business up until she leaves. Esme asks if she’s only taking one suitcase, and Laura says she used to travel quite a bit, and got good at packing light. (Me too. It only takes one time of packing too heavy to learn.) Spencer asks if Laura doesn’t think the trip is too risky, and Esme says, he’s right. Besides, they need her here. Laura says she understands their concern, and she’s arranged for some back-up for them. They’ll see, but she feels quite confident the two of them will come together and work out their relationship… for Ace’s sake.

In the nook, Olivia tells Tracy that she made a mess of things last night. She realized coming home that she pushed Ned further away. Tracy says, none of them would have fared any better. She knows she wouldn’t have. Olivia asks if she really thinks so, and Tracy says, he thinks he’s Eddie Maine. None of them know how to deal with that. They have to just hope he comes to his senses soon.

Sonny asks how long Nina’s been up, and she says, an hour or so. He asks if she’s seen Ned, but she says, not yet. Should she check on him? He has a brain injury. Isn’t it a bad sign if someone with a concussion wants to sleep a lot? He says, doctors say rest is the best thing. He called Olivia to check in, and she gave him the run down. Maybe he’s going to wake up and remember his life. She says, here’s hoping, when Ned comes out, and asks if someone can tell him what he’s doing here. I kind of like the scruffy looking Ned.

Valentin runs into Anna’s house and asks if she’s all right. She says, of course (🍷) she’s all right. Why wouldn’t she be? He tells her, look for herself, and brings her outside. MURDERER is painted in red on her front door, and she says, what it lacks in subtlety, it certainly makes up for in style. It must have happened when she was asleep. He says, she didn’t hear anything? and she says, no, checking the door jam. She tells him, no sign of forced entry. They didn’t set the alarm off. Must be kids. He says, she thinks it’s kids? and she says, they probably read the article in the newspaper and knew where she lived. It’s just a prank. She goes back in, saying, she’s going to get something to clean it up. Just my two cents, but her story seems too sophisticated for kids to be pulling a prank over.

Ava tells Austin that she’s given it a lot of thought, and she’s changed her mind. She can’t get Pilar fired. He says, nannies come and go, right? Mason is a very impatient man. If he thinks they’re dragging their feet, he’s going to come up with some very creative ways to motivate them. Broken bones come to mind. She says, Mason’s not going to get any information at all if he incapacitates her, and Austin says, who says it’s her bones he’s going to break?

Spencer tells Laura that he’s sorry. He was up half the night. Esme says, Ace would settle down, or would seem to, then he’d be up crying again. Laura says, and they were both up with him? Why didn’t they trade off?… She sees. Because neither one of them trusts the other to take care of Ace. Spencer says he needs more coffee and goes to the kitchen. Esme yawns, and Laura says, they’ve talked about this. She doesn’t have to do absolutely everything for Ace. Esme says, she just understands what Ace needs better than Spencer does, and Laura says, good for her. Now she just has to let Spencer figure it out, so she can get some sleep. Spencer is very good with Ace. Esme says, she’s not wrong, and Laura says she thinks if Esme could bend just a little, Spencer could meet her halfway. There’s a knock at the door, and Laura opens it to Martin, who hugs her and asks how she is. She says, very good, and she’s about to close the door, but sees Lucy there. Laura invites her in, and Lucy says she hopes it’s not an imposition, but Marty told her that Laura was heading to Russia today. Martin says, so they’re here to see her off.

Brook says she’s so glad Chase is here to help her through this, and he says, if there’s anything she needs him to do, just ask. She asks him to come inside with her and get some water. She desperately needs to hydrate. They see Tracy in the nook, and Brook tells her that they went for a run. Tracy asks if someone is chasing them, and Chase says, funny. Tracy says, what is? and Brook asks if there’s any news about her dad, handing Chase a bottle of water.

Sonny says, Ned doesn’t remember Sonny bringing him here last night? and Ned says, of course (🍷) he does, but he didn’t get a good look around. When he woke up and saw that view… It’s amazing, man. Nice digs. Maybe one day when he’s on tour, he’ll be able to stay in a place like this. Sonny says he’s glad he was able to make Ned comfortable, and Ned says, it was luxurious. He thanks Sonny for letting him crash here, and Sonny says, anytime. Olivia is his friend. Ned says, about her. Don’t get him wrong, she seems like a nice lady – Sonny says, she is – but he had to get out of that club last night before he said something he regretted. He doesn’t know how to convince her that he can’t be who she wants him to be.

Ava says, if Mason lays one finger on Avery, she’ll kill him, and Austin says, she refuses to accept how ruthless Mason is; there’s no one who’s off limits. She says, fine. Does he have an idea of how they should get rid of Pilar? He says, they tell Sonny that she stole something, but Ava says, she wouldn’t, and Sonny wouldn’t believe it. Something else. Mason walks in, and says, good. They’re both here. Austin says, Mason called this meeting, so let’s get started, and Mason says, great idea. So what do they have for him?

Martin asks Laura how long the flight to Russia is, when Spencer comes back, and asks, what brings Port Charles most vivacious couple by? Laura says, Uncle Marty is the back-up she was talking about, and Martin says, he’s just here to help out while Doc and Laura are away in Russia… where Americans are advised to leave. Spencer says, that’s fantastic. They can certainly use all the help they can get. How is he with changing diapers? Martin says, he’ll be acting in a strictly advisory capacity in that regard. Someone to call in the middle of the night should trouble arise. Lucy says, and they can count on her. Although she’s not officially a member of the family, she’s a phone call away. Spencer tells Martin that he’s curious. Has Martin held a baby before? Laura tells Spencer, don’t be rude, and Lucy says, Martin happens to have many, many, many hidden talents. In fact, you’d think he’d know nothing about skincare, but he was instrumental… Martin says, hold on, and they start to bicker while Laura laughs. Martin says he doesn’t see Doc. Where is his newly minted brother-in-law? Laura says, he’s at the hospital wrapping a few things up. He’ll meet her at the airport. Lucy says, that means Spencer and Esme will really be by their lonesome. Doesn’t caring for a baby bring them together? Esme says, they both love Ace, and that’s the most important thing. Right, Spencer? Spencer says, that’s right.

Trina asks Dex how long he’s been in Port Charles, and he says, a little over a year. She asks where he was before, and he says, all over the place. He joined the army when he finished high school. He did a tour, and when he got discharged, he bounced around. He did a bunch of different jobs, then ended up being the substitute manager at Volonino’s. Trina says, Joss never said that. Is that where they met? Josslyn and Dex look at each other, and Trina says, obviously not. Dex says he met Joss while he was working, and Josslyn says, for Sonny. Dex says, there was a misunderstanding, but Josslyn says, no, there was no misunderstanding. Dex says, Joss threatened to call the cops on him, and Josslyn says she threatened to call the cops on Sonny. Dex was collateral damage, so she changed her mind. Trina says, lucky him, but Dex says, it wasn’t luck; it was Joss. He asked her to cut him a break and she did.

Tracy tells Brook, as far as anyone knows, Ned is still at Sonny’s. Olivia went over there under the pretext of taking him some clothes. Brook wonders if that was a good idea, and Tracy says, she also took him some dessert pasta. She’s just concerned Olivia is going to overdo it, and push him too hard and drive him further away. What are the odds? Brook asks why Tracy didn’t stop her, and Tracy says, because she’s Ned’s wife. She’s fighting for her husband, and if there’s a 1% chanced it’s going to work, who is she to stop her? She asks if Brook doesn’t think she should get changed. Even a business as slipshod as Deception can’t think that’s appropriate office attire. Brook says she took the day off, and Tracy asks why she’d do that. Chase says, because her father almost died and doesn’t recognize her anymore. Give her a break. She needs it. He tells Brook that he’s sorry, but he has to go. He has to work this afternoon. Tracy says, oh yeah, because he got his police badge – Brook says, detective shield – back. He must be so grateful he got to go back to a job he loves so much. He says he sure is, and Tracy says she doesn’t doubt it. Sometimes work is the best thing for us. She looks at Brook.

Nina opens the door to Olivia, and invites her in. Sonny hugs her and says, it’s good to see her. She says, it’s good to be seen, and Ned says he’ll be in his room. Olivia says, please stay. She’s so sorry about what happened at The Savoy last night. He says he’s sorry too, and she says she made him some ricotta ravioli… He likes it. Nina says, it looks delicious. Maybe they could have it for dinner. Olivia says, actually, it’s a dessert or a snack… but just eat it whenever. Nina says she’ll put it in the fridge for now, and Sonny follows her to the kitchen. Olivia asks if Ned slept okay, and he says he did. What about her? She says, not so much. She brought him some clothes. She hands him a bag, and he says, that’s very thoughtful of her. He’ll go change. He tries to take the bag, but she hangs onto it, and asks, just give her five minutes. Please.

Dex leaves for work, and Trina says, he and Josslyn look happy. Josslyn says, they are, and Trina asks if Josslyn is going to be okay with Dex working for Sonny. Josslyn says, no, but she knows the type of guy Dex really is, and Trina says, the type who works for Sonny. Josslyn says, there’s more to him, and Trina says she gets it. Josslyn sees a side of Dex no one else sees. Trina sees a side of Spencer that he usually keeps hidden. Josslyn says, anything specific? and Trina says, before Victor died, he falsified evidence that could put Esme in prison, and left it to Spencer in his will. Josslyn asks why Spencer hasn’t used it, and Trina says, because the evidence isn’t real? Josslyn says, so? Esme did commit those crimes. So what’s wrong with setting her up to make her pay for them?

Ava says, it’s only been five minutes since Mason last threatened them. He can’t possibly expect results already. Mason says, she’s Sonny’s baby mama. She can’t get him to talk? Ava says, come on. She and Sonny are not friends. She and Sonny have never been friends. Austin says, they have a great plan. They just need a little bit of time to execute it. Mason asks if he hasn’t made it clear that the information he needs is time sensitive, and Ava says, what information? Maybe if he told them what he was looking for, things would move a little faster. Mason says, anything on Pikeman. Shipping dates, manifests, anything. So quit stalling. Ava says, they’re working as quickly as they can, but Mason says he doesn’t think they are. He thinks two intelligent, capable people such as themselves could do anything they put their minds to. Maybe they just need a little more motivation. He reaches into his jacket pocket.

Tracy’s phone rings, and she steps outside to take it. Chase asks, what is up with her? and Brook thanks him again for coming at Tracy with that. She’s so glad there’s surveillance footage of her dad’s fall. Otherwise, it would be her word against Drew’s. He says, actually, that’s not true. Someone else witnessed Ned’s fall.

Olivia shows Ned a photo album, and says, here’s where they were saying their wedding vows… and here’s where he was singing at Leo’s birthday party… and this was Thanksgiving. He says, if it was Thanksgiving, why is there pizza? She says, he really doesn’t remember, huh? There’s always pizza at a Quartermaine Thanksgiving. He says he can see how happy everyone is in all these photos. They don’t mean anything to him; he’s sorry. She plops the album in his lap, and says, just look through. Pick a page, any page. You never know. Maybe something will ring a bell. He looks through the album, and says, hey. That’s him? We see a picture of young Ned as Eddie Maine.

Alone with Laura, Martin says, Russia? Chechnya? Laura says she knows the situation is volatile there. But Doc’s going to be there. Valentin will be there. Martin says, what could possibly go wrong? If Doc can’t make the Russians feel better about themselves, he’s sure Valentin can arrange for a group of mercenaries to exfiltrate her. She says, he’s an optimist after all, and he says, she brings out the hope in… Do him a favor. Take care of herself. He means it. He calls her baby sister, and kisses her cheek, telling her to come home to them.

Valentin takes photos of Anna’s door with his phone, and asks if she doesn’t think the police should see this. She says she’s not calling the police. It’s a prank. A juvenile act of vandalism. He says, this is not a prank. This is an attack, and for all they know, this is a warning shot. She says she thinks he’s overreacting, but he says he thinks she’s underreacting. So until she can face what is, he’s staying. He walks back inside, but she says, no. He’s going to Russia with Laura. He says, no, he’s not, but she says, he’s going. He says, they have a situation literally on her doorstep, and she says she can handle it on her own. Because if it’s kids, it’s nothing. He says, it’s not nothing, and it’s not kids, and she says, if it isn’t, she’ll handle that too. But Doc and Laura can’t handle Chechnya on their own. They need him there. He says he loves her, and he wants to protect her, and she says she loves him, and she loves that he wants to protect her. He says, and he likes worrying about her, even if she doesn’t need him, but she says she thinks she needs him more than she wants to need him. He says he’s listening, and she says she needs his voice. She really likes how he makes even the most mundane things sound very sexy. He sits on the steps, and says, go on. She sits next to him, and says she likes the way he says, breakfast is ready. He says, breakfast is ready, and she says, then along comes an English breakfast with everything ten times larger than it needs to be. He says, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and she laughs, saying, she loves his bad jokes. He says he’s never told a bad joke in his life, and she leans her head on his shoulder. She says she just needs him. She just wants to be where she can breathe, and she doesn’t have to watch her back because he’s watching it for her. He puts his arm around her, and she says, he understands the pain of past mistakes. He says he does. Is that what this is? She wants him to leave so she can atone for them? It seems like some sort of righteous punishment for her sins.

Mason holds up a plastic bag with a few hairs in it, and Ava squints at it, asking if those are supposed to be hers. He says, they are hers. She can keep that. There are plenty more on Nikolas’s body. Ava says, a few of her hairs on his jacket, that doesn’t mean anything, but he says, hairs and DNA. The cops know she was the last person to see Nikolas before he – air quotes – disappeared – end air quotes. It won’t take them long to come to the right conclusion; she murdered Nikolas. Austin says they understand the stakes, and they’ll get him something soon. He promises. Mason says he really hopes so, and leaves.

Trina says, Josslyn would really be okay giving the police false evidence to put Esme away? and Josslyn says, after everything that girl did to them? She’d want it in a heartbeat. Trina says, so she’s saying the ends justify the means? but Josslyn says, she’s saying, in this situation, sometimes the system needs a little help to get justice. And she thinks Spencer would feel the same way. Trina says, he did.

Spencer asks what Laura said to Esme, and she says, the same thing she wants to say to him. Ace needs both of them. He says he still thinks his brother would be far better off without Esme in the picture, and she says, he can think that all he wants, but it’s not going to happen. Esme and Ace are a package deal. He glances at the safe deposit box key on his keyring, and flashes back to telling Trina, no good will come of opening that box; and her asking if he really doesn’t want to know what that box is protecting his family from. He fingers the key, and Laura says, Esme is not going to disappear, no matter how much he may want her to.

Anna tells Valentin, when she came back last night, she was looking for some righteous retribution. Then Laura, and Robert, and Felicia came round and did their best to bolster her up. She did her best to be appropriately grateful and appropriately receptive. He says, otherwise, she couldn’t get rid of him fast enough, and she says then when they’d gone, she was left with that newspaper and that brutal headline. She started to think about her entire career; everything she’d ever done, the good and the bad. And all the people she’s loved, the people she’s saved, the people she betrayed. She realized that even with all of her past spread out across the newspapers, the world didn’t stop. He says he thinks she worked hard to make up for the time she spent working for the DVX, and she says she really tried to balance the scales. He says, she has, and she thanks him. She says she needs people like him around to remind her of that. She thinks she’s going to be fine, and if those vandals come back with their spray cans, she’s going to be here to show them exactly what she’s made of.

Ned looks at another old photo of him and… Lois? and he says he looks good. Sonny says, what about the girl next to him? Does he remember her? Ned says, it’s on the tip of his tongue, and Sonny says, her name was Lois. She’s their old friend from the neighborhood. She was actually his manager. Ned says, wow. He can’t place her. He guesses the bump on his head is to blame. He sees a third photo of himself as Eddie, and says he remembers this guitar. Olivia says, he remembers a guitar. He doesn’t remember his wife or his family, but he remembers a guitar? From the 90s? She laugh/cries, and Ned says he doesn’t mean to upset her any more than he has already. He puts down the album, says he’s sorry, and gets up. Sonny asks where he’s going, and Ned says he has to get out of here; get some air. He’s not a prisoner, is he? Sonny says, no, of course (🍷) not, and he leaves. Nina follows him, calling, Eddie! and Sonny hugs Olivia.

In the hallway, Ned says, Nina is the only one who calls him that, and she says, it’s his name, isn’t it? He says, yeah, but no one here wants to believe that, except her.

Brook asks if another witness came forward, but Chase says, she didn’t. Brook says, she who? and he says, Nina Reeves was there when Ned fell. You can see her plain as day on the security footage. She wonders, if Nina was there, why wouldn’t she say anything? and he says he doesn’t know, but it’s weird, right?

On the patio with the phone, Tracy asks, when has she been anything but focused? Of course (🍷) she knows how important this is… Do they want to criticize? Why don’t they come here and do it themselves, okay?… That’s what she thought. Let her remind them, that they’re partners. They are not her boss… Good. Now leave it to her. She’ll get the information on The Deceptor that they need. She promises.

Austin tells Ava, drugs. Family connection or not, Sonny wouldn’t like it if he thought Pilar was using drugs. Ava says she’s not planting drugs on Avery, and he says, they have to come up with something that’s going to work. Because if they don’t give Mason something, they’re going to… What is it? There’s a word. She says, die, and he says, yes, that’s what’s going to happen. His phone chirps, and he says, then what’s going to happen to her daughter? He takes his phone out of his pocket, and she says, fine. She’ll do it, after she spends time with her daughter.

Olivia tells Sonny, this was clearly a bust, but he’s given her a lot to think about. She’s going to go. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, yeah. Ned – she’s not calling him Eddie – says he wants space; she’ll give him space. She just wishes she wasn’t so terrified he was going to skip town.

Ned says, if anyone had to come after him, he’s glad it was Nina. She doesn’t pressure him like the other two. She says she’s really sorry this is happening to him, but no one should force him to be someone he’s not. He says, she’s right. That’s why he’s thinking it might be best for everyone if he left town.

Martin and Lucy sit at a table poolside, and Martin asks if they’re okay. Lucy wonders why he’d ask her that, and he says he’s getting the distinct impression that she’s upset about that discussion they had about marriage. She says, no, and he says he wants to believe her, but she’s not exactly acting like herself. She says she could say the exact same thing about him. Why would he shut her down when she was extoling his virtues? He says, they talked about this. Deception is her company. She can’t be out there saying he designed The Deceptor. She says, why not? She didn’t even bring up the pillow talk; there was no bedroom mentioned. He says, promise him that she won’t tell another soul that they even talked about The Deceptor. She says, okay, if that’s what he wants, and he thanks her.

Josslyn asks Trina if Victor left a note that said, this is the fake evidence that could get Esme convicted, and Trina says, no. Josslyn says, then Trina doesn’t know for a fact that the evidenced is fake, and Trina says, not for a fact. Josslyn says, then they have to tell Dante, but Trina says, they can’t do that. Spencer already destroyed the evidence. Josslyn says, really, and Trina asks what that’s supposed to mean.

Spencer asks if Laura really thinks she’s going to find his father, and she says, all she knows is, when Nikolas was hiding out… He says, when he was pretending he was dead for three years. He let the whole family believe it, and she says, yes, that time. It was Victor who gave Nikolas refuge in his house. Spencer says he was left the property in Chechnya in Victor’s will, and she says she may or may not find his father there, but even if she doesn’t, she may find a clue as to where he is or what he’s up to. He asks if she thinks it’s really worth all that effort, and she says, yes; he’s Spencer’s father. Spencer says he knows Esme manipulated him into trying to separate his father and Ava, and he takes full responsibility for the part he played in that. That being said, his father has done some unforgiveable things, and he doesn’t want to risk losing Laura on the off-chance Nikolas is in Chechnya. Esme stands in the doorway as Laura hugs Spencer and says, he’s not going to lose her. She thinks as he gets old, he’ll see that there are few things that are truly unforgivable. People can change, if you let them.

Brook and Chase kiss, when Tracy comes in and says, don’t they ever stop? Chase says, only when absolutely necessary, and leaves. Tracy says, now that he’s gone, doesn’t Brook think she should… Brook asks why she’s pushing so hard. What does she want from Deception, and why is it more important to her than her own son?

Olivia thanks Sonny, and says she can’t tell him how much it means. He tells her not to give up, and she asks who he’s talking to. This is family, and she’s going to fight like hell. His phone dings, and she says she’ll see herself out. She leaves, and finds Nina and Ned still in the hallway. She says, it’s okay. Don’t be scared. She’s leaving. Enjoy the ravioli. She tells Ned that if he ever wants to call her, Sonny has her number. Ned nods, and she jets. He says, that was brutal, and Nina says she’s sure the more he sees the Quartermaines, the easier it’s going to get, but until then, every time he runs into them it’s going to be tough, because there’s a lot of them. Ned says, this is why he loves life on the road. It’s all about the music. Being on stage. Making people happy. That’s where he’s alive. She says, it sounds amazing. She sometimes dreams about running away, being free. He says, as far as he’s concerned, there’s nothing keeping him here.

Lucy needs to powder her nose, and Martin says, a moment without her will be an eternity. Lucy leaves, and Josslyn tells Trina that she’s surprised Spencer decided to destroy the evidence. Trina tells her to fasten her seatbelt. Not only did Spencer destroy the evidence, he agreed with her when she said it would be wrong to use it. Josslyn says, Trina must be a really good influence on him.

On the phone in the hallway, Lucy says, meet her by the pool. She needs their help. Something is wrong with Martin. She peeks around the corner at him.

Laura says her driver is here, and Esme says she really wishes Laura wasn’t leaving. Laura hugs her, and says she knows Esme is scared, but she’s going to be just fine. Don’t be afraid to let people in. Esme says, all right, and Spencer says, if Laura must be going, he’ll walk her out, but Laura says she thinks she can manage that suitcase on her own. He says, be safe, or else he’s coming to Chechnya to find her. She says she loves him; he says he loves her too, and they hug. She tells him, be civil to Esme, and he says, she can count on him. He fingers the key again.

Anna says she hopes she convinced Valentin to go and help Laura. Forgive her if she’s projecting, but she thinks it’s important for him to do this. She thinks he needs to help her. He says he does, and she says, then go. Find Nikolas. Then come back here and find her. They kiss.

Tracy says, of course (🍷) nothing is more important than Brook’s father. As much as she hates to say it, there’s nothing they can do for him right now. Brook says, yes there is. They have to show him how much they love him; convince him that he’s better off with his family. Olivia comes in and tells Brook that she’s sorry. It’s not going to work. Her dad doesn’t think of them as family anymore. He thinks of them as really pushy strangers. Tracy says, she didn’t have any luck with him? and Olivia says she really thought looking at some pictures, going through the album might trigger something, but no. Nothing. Not even a glimmer. She just made him feel worse. Brook says, so now what? They’re not giving up on her dad. Olivia says, of course (🍷) they’re not giving up on her dad. She’s going to get her husband back. But they have to figure out a new tactic… just as soon as she figures out what that is. She leaves, and Tracy says, Brook heard her. He doesn’t want to see them. So? Brook says she guesses she’s going back to work, and Tracy smiles.

Nina runs in, and Sonny asks, where’s Ned? She says she’s so sorry. She couldn’t stop him. Ned’s gone.

Spencer sees Esme looking at him, and says, what? She tells him that she just wanted to say that she’s given it some thought, and she’s willing to work together if he is. For Ace. He says, for Ace.

There’s a knock at Sonny’s door, and Dex says, it’s him. Sonny tells him, come in, and Dex enters the apartment. Ned walks in after him.

Outside, Pilar calls to Ava, and runs toward her. Ava asks, what’s wrong? Where’s Avery? Pilar says, Avery is gone. She’s disappeared.  

Tomorrow, Drew asks Sam how they’re going to break this to their daughter; Tracy says, it’s a miscarriage of justice; Carly says, Josslyn thinks she made a mistake by not turning in Sonny; and Sonny says he’s going to make someone an offer they can’t refuse.

🩺 Paging Dr. Obrecht…

Fans read too much into things. https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kathleen-gati-clarifies-her-status-at-gh

🎉 Achieving Success…

Definitely cause for celebration. Congrats to him!

🏥 From Pine To Port…

It will be interesting to see how they work him in.

🧼 The Pseudo Awards…

Not quite the Emmys, but no surprise, GH did a near sweep.

🥇 The Real Deal…

But when they’ll get them, who knows?

https://tvline.com/awards/daytime-emmy-winners-2023-susan-lucci-maury-povich-honoree-list-1235001454/

🏆 Best In Entertainment…

BET Award winners.

https://people.com/bet-awards-2023-complete-winners-list-7551422

And more important, the fashion. It certainly went the gamut, from glam to goth.

https://www.essence.com/gallery/all-the-looks-from-the-2023-bet-awards-red-carpet/

🐶 And It Feels So Good…

Of course, I would have just gotten another dog instead of a kid, but to each his own. It’s a good pet parent who recognizes when their pet needs to be rehomed.

https://people.com/andy-cohen-and-former-rescue-dog-wacha-together-once-again-7546884

🍦 Flavor Of the Month…

Come on by tomorrow for soap and OC smack talk. Until then, stay safe, stay checking your behavior before throwing the first stone, and stay not being afraid to let people in.

March 31, 2022 – DA Scorpio Offers Trina a Plea Deal, a Name, a Recast, Catching Up, New Role, Two Different Losses, One Loud Slap & Keep On

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly thanks Sam for dragging her to yoga class, and Sam says, at least it wasn’t kicking and screaming. Carly says she needed to come to clear her mind, and Sam says, hopefully she’ll be able to find some serenity in here. Nina walks in with Maxie, and Carly says, so much for that.

At Charlie’s with Nikolas and Spencer, Esme says she keeps playing it over and over in her head. If Nikolas and Victor hadn’t shown up when they did, who knows what Sonny would have done to her? Spencer still can’t believe his Uncle Sonny had her kidnapped, and she says, really? Here she was betting he thought she deserved it. We see a man at one of the tables looking at the Invader article, and then at them.

Scotty says, here’s what happens today. Trina makes a plea, the ADA will recommend bail. Of course (🍷) he’ll argue against it as to why she should be free, and the judge will decide if there is bail and how much. Trina says, her plea is not guilty, and Scotty says, bingo. Portia says, sounds easy enough, and Curtis says, Trina will be out of here before she knows it,

Alicia says, well? and Alexis says, they’re trending. She knew this would do well, but the AP wire’s picked it up and it’s gone national. It’s huge. They high-five.

In the moss bowl🎍less kitchen, Josslyn asks if Cameron has seen the article, and he says, it’s hard not to. It feels like it’s everywhere. She says, that’s probably because it is. How does he feel about that?

At the MetroCourt, Willow tells Diane, they don’t want this to escalate, and Michael says, for a lot of reasons. His family has enough to deal with right now. Their focus should be on Josslyn. He’s also worried the charges could hurt them, particularly him if Nina petitions for visitation. Diane says, they can and they will.

Maxie asks if Nina wants to take a different class, but Nina says she won’t be scared off, not by Carly or anyone else. They sit, and so do Sam and Carly on the other side of the room. Carly says she hates that she sees Nina everywhere she goes. It’s like that thing at the carnival when you whack a mole and it pops up in another hole. Sam says they can leave if she wants, but Carly says, hell no. She’s staying right here. She’s not going to let that bitch run her out of here.

Spencer says, of course (🍷) he doesn’t think Esme deserved to be kidnapped, but she says, his track record of siding with other people against her lately is pretty strong. He says he likes his Uncle Sonny, but does he always condone Sonny’s actions? No. She says, he was so angry and threatening, and Nikolas says, considering Sonny believes she took that video of Josslyn and Cameron, he’s not surprised. She asks, what else has to happen for people to believe it wasn’t her? The police made an arrest. Nikolas asks if Spencer heard the latest, and Spencer says he went to see Trina. Esme says, of course (🍷) he did. So when she was being hauled off by some goon to face the wrath of his beloved uncle, Spencer was professing his undying devotion to Trina? Spencer says, that’s not what… and she says, that’s just great. She gets up, and says she hopes they’ll be very happy, but Spencer says, if Esme would let him get a word in, she’d know he told Trina that he believes her.

Molly says hi to Curtis, and he gives her a hug. He says he was wondering if she was going to be the ADA for the case, and she says she’s working under ADA Arden, but yes. She hopes this isn’t too awkward; her prosecuting Portia’s daughter. He says she’s doing her job, he gets it, and she says, she has to admit she was surprised to see Trina was the defendant. She seems like such a good person. He says, she is, so he has faith justice will prevail. He says he has to go back in, gives her a quick kiss on the cheek, and leaves.

Scotty says, there’s a possible plea deal coming. He spoke to his man in the DA’s office, but nothing’s been decided yet. Arden comes in, and Scotty says, oh damn. He asks, what’s going on? He thought Miss Lansing-Davis was prosecuting the case. Arden says she’s sure he was counting on that. Molly is second chair in this trial, but she’s prosecuting. She suggests his client take the deal she’s about to offer.

Nina asks why Molly keeps staring at Carly and Sam, and Maxie asks if she can’t feel it. You can cut the tension with a knife. She’s thankful they don’t have any of those, because the last thing they need right now are weapons. Nina asks her, please try and relax, and Maxie says, that’s the idea, but this is beyond cringy. Nina says, for who? and Maxie says, her. Nina says she’s sorry. She hadn’t thought about how difficult this was for Maxie. Maxie says, point taken. Change of topic. How’s visitation going with Wiley? She’s been so busy with the Deception IPO, she’s lost track of what’s going on. Nina says, her goal is to avoid involving the courts, and Maxie says, so Michael and Willow are letting her visit with Wiley? Nina says, not quite, but she may have found someone who can change that.

Harmony goes to Alexis’s office, and says she hopes Alexis doesn’t mind that she just dropped by. Things felt a little unsettled… Alexis says, yeah, when Harmony forgot to tell her that she’d already been in her house, indoctrinating her daughter. Harmony says she’s so sorry, for what she did to Kristina, and for not telling Alexis, especially after she’s been so kind to let Harmony into her home. So if Alexis wants her to leave… Alexis says she understands that Harmony’s past has been problematic, but in the present, she needs to be forthright from now on. Harmony says, okay, and Alexis says, Harmony can stay at the house until she finds something that’s right for her. Harmony says she hopes it won’t take that long, and as soon as she saves up for a deposit, she’ll be out of Alexis’s hair; she promises. She thanks Alexis, and Alexis says, it’s a good thing she’s feeling generous today. Harmony takes it the article was a success, and Alexis says, actually, it was. She thinks she might be getting her groove back in her second act. She hasn’t felt this good since before she fell off the wagon. Harmony flashes back to injecting Neil, and says she’s just happy that Alexis’s troubles are a thing of the past. Finally. Alexis asks why she has the feeling Harmony’s troubles aren’t.

Michael says he was defending his sister. Does Diane think a judge will hold that against him? She says, depends on the judge, but worrying about it at this juncture is premature. Nina has yet to even file a petition for visitation. He says he wants to be prepared in case she does, and Diane says, Nina’s legal counsel could use the assault charge to argue that Nina will provide a more stabilizing influence for Wiley, and Michael says, what? She says, considering he’s prone to punching reporters, and defense attorneys. Willow says, Scott never pressed charges for that, and Michael says, there are piles of evidence that prove Nina is anything but stable. Diane says, they could also use it to impugn his character, casting Nina in an even more sympathetic light. He says, Nina let everyone believe his father was dead. What rational person would have sympathy for her after that? Diane says, this is all moot, because she has a plan to make it all go away.

Carly takes a deep breath, and says, it’s not working. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees Josslyn’s face. Sam says she reread the article, and she’s super impressed with Joss and Cam’s bravery, and Carly says, her too. All the credit goes to Sam’s mom. That article really struck a chord with people; it’s trending everywhere. Sam asks if that’s a good thing, and Carly says, yes and no. Yes, because it’s telling Josslyn and Cam’s side of the story, but it’s also shining a bigger light on them, so when are they getting back to their normal lives? Sam asks if Carly has talked to Joss, but Carly says, Josslyn was asleep when she left for work this morning. Josslyn texted her though, and she sounds strong. Sam says, like mother, like daughter. She’s going to be okay.

Cameron asks if it’s just him, or does it feel like they’re living under a microscope? She says, it’s not just him; her phone’s been blowing up. He says, reporters asking for follow-up statement? and she says, oh yeah, and she thinks she’s decided never to leave the house again. Not until this whole thing dies down. He tells her that he could say, I told you so, and she says, but he won’t? He says, this is exactly why he didn’t want to do the interview, and she says she still thinks the good outweighs the bad. How’d that thing at school go? Did he get the issue resolved with the registrar? He says, yeah. He hates that they have to be back in public. All those people whispering and staring. She says she made herself stop reading all comments on social media. It’s insane. After all of their transparency, people still think they know their experience better than they do. It’s messed up. He says, there are a few good moments though. This girl came up to him on campus, and said she admired them. Josslyn says she did see a handful of comments saying they were respected for calling attention to the issue. Some women even said they might want to share their stories. He says, that’s really cool. He guesses he’s not huge on the extra attention they’ve been getting, but in the end, he thinks they made the right decision. She says, it’s her turn to say, I told you so, and he says, it’s still hard. She says she knows, but she thinks she should focus on the positive, and ignore most of the negative. Things will get easier. He says, he’s game, and she says, now that the article’s out, they have something to praise themselves for. They took a lot of control back. He takes her hand, and says, this will not define us for the rest of our lives. She says, they won’t let it.

Diane says, the could try offering something to Smoltz (correct spelling – my bad) in exchange for dropping the charges, and Michael says, like? She says, like him, or someone close to him, providing information for one of Smoltz’s stories. Michael says he’d be down for that, as long as the piece isn’t damaging to his family, and Diane says, of course (🍷) not. Let her brainstorm with Alexis, and they’ll see what bait they can dangle before Smoltz. She’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Michael tells Willow that he’s sorry. She says, why? and he says, for jeopardizing their ability to block Nina from Wiley. She says, he doesn’t know that, and he says, it’s a pretty good assumption. She says, even if he has, there’s zero reason to apologize. She loves that he stood up for Josslyn. That he’s protective of his family is one of the things that made her fall for him. He says, one of the things? Is she saying there’s more? She says, many, and he says he’d love to hear them. She asks if he wants a list, and he says, whatever form she chooses. She asks how much time he has, and he says, for her – he kisses her hand – forever.

Harmony tells Alexis that she’s going to see Willow and Michael, and she’s been thinking about Nina’s request. Alexis says, to convince Michael and Willow to allow visitation? and Harmony says, yeah. She decided to help Nina. Alexis says, she advised Harmony not to do that, so why is she entertaining that? Harmony says she feels bad for Nina. She’s had so much loss. If she can help Nina by being kind, shouldn’t she? Alexis says, that’s very generous; not smart, but generous. Harmony says she doesn’t want Willow to hate her, but Alexis says, she’s not going to hate Harmony. She’s not going to like it, but Willow’s not going to hate her. It’s not going to tank Harmony’s relationship with her. Harmony hopes Alexis is right, and Alexis says, Harmony needs to have some faith in her daughter. Harmony thanks her for listening, and Alexis says, anytime. Harmony says she’s happy Alexis got her life back on track. It must feel good. Alexis says, it does; it feels really good.

The man continues to look between the article, and Esme, and Esme says she’s glad Spencer stood up for her, but she can’t forget the horrible things he said. Nikolas says, it’s been a rough day. Maybe they should save this conversation for later, after everyone regroups. Esme says, it’s no use. No matter how much time Spence takes, he’s made it clear he’ll always believe the worst about her. She says she feels sick, and runs to the bathroom. Nikolas says, Spencer should try being a little gentler with her, given she might be pregnant. Spencer asks how Nikolas knows that, and Nikolas says, Victor told him. He’s worried about Spencer and Esme. Spencer says, Nikolas seems worried about Esme too, and Nikolas says he’s worried about Spencer too. Whatever’s between them, Spencer is still his son, and he wants to help him. Spencer says, Esme insisted she was innocent, swore that Trina wasn’t who she seemed. For so long he trusted Esme over everyone else. He doesn’t know why he didn’t this time. Nikolas says, that’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? He’s developed feelings for Trina.

Scotty says, let’s hear it. What’s the deal Arden has for his client? Arden says, if his client pleads guilty to the misdemeanor charge of cyber sexual harassment, they’ll drop the felony charge of unlawful surveillance, and recommend three years of probation, and a fine of $1000. This way, Trina avoids jail time. Curtis says, there’s no guarantee that the judge won’t decide to give Trina jail time anyway, and Arden says, that’s the risk you take. Trina asks what Scotty thinks, and he says he thinks the DA’s office can take this deal and shove it. Molly tells Trina, it’s a good deal. If she’s convicted of a felony, she’ll spend time in a higher security prison, not to mention she’ll lose certain civil rights. Scotty says he has to confer with his client, and Arden says, do it fast. DA Scorpio is being overly generous with his offer; it won’t be on the table for long. She and Molly walk away, and Portia says she doesn’t know about this. If Trina pleads guilty, it’s going to be on her record for the rest of her life. Let’s not forget, she’s innocent. She did not do what she’s accused of doing. That has to count for something. Curtis says, of course (🍷) it does, and Scotty asks Trina what she wants to do.   

Trina says, if she takes the plea deal, she may not have to go to jail, and Portia says, may is the operative word. She doesn’t like it at all. Curtis says he doesn’t either. On the other hand, if the judge does sentence Trina to jail time, it will be a minimum security prison. Portia says, where she’ll be serving time for a crime she didn’t do, and Scotty says, unfortunately, that’s not the way it works. She could be spending a year in Pentenville. Portia says, no way, and Trina says, if she pleads not guilty, and she’s found guilty for a felony, that’s more jail time. Scotty says, it could be two to five years and/or probation, but time likely served in Pentenville. Trina asks why he said to shove the deal, and he says, that’s the way prosecutors work. They want to get a conviction. They don’t want to go to trial. It costs too much money and time, and they don’t know what the outcome is going to be. So they start tacking on all these other charges, and present a shiny deal and it looks good in comparison. He’s seen all the evidence, and it’s not airtight. He can almost guarantee the jury will come back with not guilty. Trina says, almost, and he says, that’s the rub, kid. Curtis tells Trina, let’s not think about this in terms of guarantees. Think about what she feels comfortable with, and the outcome she can live with.

Cameron says, they found the phone in Trina’s backpack, but Josslyn says she doesn’t care what they found. Trina would never do that to them, but she knows somebody who would. He says, Esme, and Josslyn says, she’s good; she’ll give her that. She framed Trina perfectly. She could literally kill Esme. He says, please don’t. He can’t bear her serving jail time. She says, can he imagine how scared Trina must be? She’s all by herself; she’s accused of something she didn’t do. The look on her face when they arrested Trina, she can’t get it out of her head. Cameron asks if Trina’s arraignment isn’t today. They should go. Josslyn asks if he’s sure. There’ll be reporters everywhere. He says, they can deal with that. Their friend is more important. She says she’ll drive.

Willow tries to hide a yawn, and Michael says, he saw that. She says, sorry. She was up late studying. He asks if she’s okay. Does she need to get checked out? They can always reschedule with her mom. She says, the only medicine she needs is what she sees, and he says, and food. She says, don’t worry; she learned her lesson. No more skipping meals for this girl. She’s taking much better care of herself. He says, good, because he doesn’t know what he’d do if anything happened to her. Don’t make him find out. She says she won’t, and they kiss. Harmony arrives, and Willow goes to hug her. She sits down, and Michael says he wanted to thank her for helping Willow out the other night. She says, of course (🍷). She’d do anything for her daughter.

Sam says she’s in fear of Scout growing up, and Carly says, it’s hard. You want to teach them to be mindful of all the dangers in the world, but at the same time, you want to encourage them to be open and fearless. Sam says, talk about walking a tightrope, and Carly says, totally. Sam says she wants Scout to be smart with her choices, but doesn’t want to scare her. Carly says, you’d think with all the progress they’ve made, they wouldn’t have to worry about that, but just ask Josslyn. It’s like society has found new ways to be cruel. Sam hopes Scout is half as tough as Joss, and she’ll be a happy mom. Carly says Sam has nothing to worry about, and she’s a great mom.

Maxie says, Nina asked Harmony to help her with Wiley? and Nina says, she’s Willow’s mother. Maxie says, and from what she understands, they’re not on the best of terms, but Nina says, that’s changing. Harmony and Willow are working on repairing their relationship. Maxie asks if Nina thinks Harmony lobbying for her seeing Wiley is the best idea. It seems risky to ask her to go against her own kid. Nina says she’s thought about all of that, but she’s running out of options. If Harmony doesn’t come through for her, her only choice will be to go the legal route. She and Carly exchange looks.

Nikolas says, this is going to complicate stuff. Has Spencer even had a chance to process what pregnancy would mean? Spencer says, it means he would be a father. They don’t know if Esme is pregnant yet. Nikolas says, what he does know is Esme is afraid. When he drove her back from Sonny’s office, she was shaking the whole time. That can’t be good for a baby. Spencer says, if there is a baby. There’s been so much hurt and distrust between them. Nikolas says, he understands that. He’s not even saying they should get back together, but he does think Spencer has to find a way to navigate this, and Spencer says he’s open to suggestions. The man looks at Alexis’s profile as editor-in-chief,

Alexis says she’s proud of Josslyn and Cameron, and Diane says, and Alexis too. Nicely done, Miss Editor-in-Chief. Alexis says, it was a labor of love, and Diane says she could tell. Alexis asks if Diane came all the way over here to tell her how great she is; she’s not complaining. Diane says, actually, she needs Alexis’s help. Does she have a minute for her bestie?

Trina wonders if she can go to the hallway, and clear her head for a minute, and Curtis asks the officer if Trina can go stretch her legs. The officer says, he’ll take her, and Portia says she’ll come, but Trina says, she loves Portia, and appreciates her being here, but… Portia says she wants to be alone, and Trina says, as alone as she can be. The officer says, it’ll be like he’s invisible, and I have thoughts of them being a couple. Trina asks if that’s okay with Portia, and Portia says, of course (🍷); whatever Trina needs. Trina goes out with the officer, and Portia asks Curtis, what is going on right now? Plea deals, prison time. The only thing Trina should be worrying about as a freshman is where she’s going for spring break, not dealing with all this. He says he knows, but everything will be fine because Trina has her, and he’s here for Portia any way she needs him. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She’s got this. They hug

In the hallway, Josslyn says, Trina, and Cameron asks if she needs some extra company. Trina asks what they’re doing here, and Josslyn says, where else would they be? Trina says she thought they wanted to keep a low a profile, but Cameron says, not today, and they have a three-way hug.

Willow says, she keeps telling herself there’s no reason to worry. It’s not like Nina has filed a petition yet, but it’s hard not to. Harmony asks if she thinks Nina’s changed her mind about taking them to court; that she’s realized being at odds with them isn’t the best strategy. Michael says, if Nina feels that’s the only way to see Wiley, it’s just a matter of time, and Harmony says, it’s so awful, thinking about Wiley in the middle of all this; this family fighting over him. Willow says, they hate it too. Of course (🍷) they’ll shield him as much as possible. Harmony says, but he’s growing up. He’s picking up on everything now. Willow says, basically a human sponge, and Harmony says, who, if Nina is ordered visitation, is going to feel the resentment between the people he loves. Michael says, that’s something they’ll deal with as it comes, and Harmony says, or not maybe. What if they granted Nina informal visitation, and they could control the terms, and Wiley would be protected from all that fighting… What? Michael says, it sounds like Harmony wants Nina to see Wiley, and Willow says, does she?

The yoga instructor says, class is going to start in a few minutes. Make sure they’ve got enough water; it gets hot in here. Carly and Sam get up, and Nina says, Carly. She heard what Josslyn’s going through, and she’s sorry. It’s horrible, but the good news is, Josslyn is tough. If anyone can handle it, she can. Carly and Sam walk out, and Maxie says, it was not terrible. Nina says, maybe there’s another way. She hasn’t tried talking to Carly about Wiley again, and Maxie says, there’s a reason for that. Nina says she knows the odds aren’t great, but for Wiley’s sake, she wants to try and keep it out of the courts. What kind of grandmother would she be if she didn’t try everything? Maxie says, just be careful. Everything is still so raw for Carly. Nina doesn’t want to make things worse. Nina asks if things can get worse, and Maxie says, yeah. Sam and Carly come back, and Nina says, here she goes. Maxie says, this is a bad idea, but Nina calls to Carly, and starts to walk over. Maxie says, abort, abort, and Nina tells Carly that she’d like to talk to her about Wiley.

Trina says, if she takes the deal, it’s her best chance of not doing jail time, but Josslyn says, Trina’s not guilty. Trina says she knows. The thought of saying she did this awful thing when she didn’t is just… Not to mention, a guilty verdict will be on her record forever. Cameron says, but if it prevents her from doing jail time, the people who matter know she’s innocent. Josslyn says she gets that line of thinking, playing it safe… Cameron says, but she disagrees, and Josslyn says, yeah. She thinks Trina should fight it. She didn’t do it, and Josslyn will testify to that. Cameron says, him as well, and Trina thanks them, but she doesn’t know how that counters the evidence. Josslyn says, planted evidence, and Trina says, it’s still enough to convince some people, and if those people are on the jury... Josslyn says, they’re here for her, no matter what she decides. The officer says, time to go back in, and Cameron says, she’s got this.

The bailiff says, all rise. The Honorable Oliver Young presiding. The judge comes in and sits down.

Spencer asks how Esme is feeling, and she says he doesn’t have to act like he cares. He says he does care. He wants to make sure she’s okay. She says, her stomach is not that great. She thinks she’ll head back to her room at Kelly’s. Hopefully, this time no one will grab her and shove her in a car. Nikolas says, Sonny won’t bother her anymore, but she says he doesn’t know that. It’s not like he doesn’t have access to the rooms. His ex-mother-in-law owns the building. If Sonny wants her, he can get to her any time. Spencer asks Nikolas if it would be all right if Esme stayed at Windymere; he’ll move back in too. She says, he would do that? and Spencer says, that way, she won’t be alone, and they can figure out next steps. He asks Nikolas, would that be okay?

Diane says, it’s about Alexis’s reporter Smoltz, and Alexis says, Smoltz is not her reporter. Diane says, Smoltz does freelance for The Invader, and Alexis says, from time to time. Diane says she’s trying to entice him into dropping the charges against Michael, and Alexis says, he came running over here to report on that incident. Diane says, personally, she thinks Michael was justified, and Alexis says she’s sure he was. Diane says, except he did punch the man, and he did it right in front of the Police Commissioner. Alexis says, so Michael’s best chance is if the charges are dropped, and Diane says, exactly. So she’s thinking is there some bait they can dangle in front of Smoltz? Perhaps a juicy story where either Michael or the Quartermaines are the source. Alexis says, what she can tell Diane about their little friend is, he’s got a big, huge ego and he’s very greedy, and he hates her because she rejected his version of Josslyn and Cameron’s story, and gave it to a responsible reporter to handle properly. Diane says, for which Josslyn and Cameron, and their respective families, she’s sure will be eternally grateful. Alexis says, it’s also unlikely that she can convince Smoltz to do anything. She’s sorry. Diane says, don’t be. Alexis’s instinct to deny that bottom feeder the story was spot on. She’ll simply have to think of a different strategy. Alexis says, she always does, and they laugh.

Harmony says she was just thinking what was best for the whole family. No long drawn out court battle for them, and Wiley would get another grandmother who loves him. Willow says she’s confused. Harmony knows the pain Nina inflicted on Wiley, on Wiley’s entire extended family. Harmony says she understands, but Michael says he doesn’t think she does. Otherwise, how could she ever trust Nina again after the things she pulled with his father, the things she said to Wiley? Willow asks if Nina asked Harmony to lobby for Wiley on her behalf, and Harmony admits she did. Nina approached her and asked her. Willow says, and she agreed, and Michael says he doesn’t believe this. Willow says Nina tried to coopt her own mother, and he says, nothing’s too low for Nina; she’s proven that. Willow says, did she actually think it would work? Did Harmony? Harmony says, her loyalty is to Willow, not Nina, and Michael says, that’s kind of questionable at this point. Harmony says she’s sorry if they thinks she acted otherwise, but Nina got her thinking that what would be in the best interest for Wiley is if they could settle it amongst themselves. That’s all. Willow says she knows what this is really about.

Carly says she’s not chatting with Nina about her grandson – Nina says, their grandson – as if Nina didn’t throw a huge grenade at her life. Nina says she was hoping they could work together when necessary, like they did with Gladys when she was upset about Sasha and Brando. Carly says, that was a very special circumstance, but Nina says, it wasn’t that different than this. They found a way to co-exist due to their shared concern for Sasha. Can’t they do the same for Wiley? Carly says, no, and Nina says, they can’t put their personal problems aside for that little boy? Why not? Carly says, because Sasha’s life wasn’t turned upside down because Nina kept her grandfather from her family. So save her concern, because she didn’t have any when she lied to Sonny, or she caused a scene at his funeral, or when she told Wiley that Nelle was his real mommy. So stop. Leave her and her family alone. Nina says Carly can’t deny they share a grandson, and Carly says, like Nina denied Sonny that Sonny had a wife and children. Nina says, Wiley is the only part of her daughter left out there in the world. Carly won’t keep him from her. She’ll be in his life, and she’s sorry if Carly and Michael have a problem with that. Carly says, look at her. She’s such the victim, acting like Carly and Michael are the issue; that they did this. She did this to herself.

Judge Young says, the defendant will rise. One count of cyber sexual harassment, one count of unlawful surveillance in the second degree. How does the defendant plead?  

Nikolas says, there’s certainly more security at Windymere than at his mother’s, let alone Kelly’s. Will Esme feel safe there? It will give her and Spencer a chance to figure things out, with both proximity and space should they need it. Spencer asks if that’s a yes, but Esme says she needs to make sure this is what Spencer wants. Spencer says, it was his idea. He wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t want to. Nikolas says, all eyes on him, and Spencer says, it is Nikolas’s home. Nikolas says, and he’s happy to share it. He thinks it’s best for the both of them right now. Esme says, then it’s settled. She and Spence will move in.

Carly says, Nina could have had a role in Wiley’s life, but at every turn she made choices that put her at odds with Wiley’s family. So if she wants to look for someone to blame, find a mirror. Nina says, it’s not about blame. It’s about this little boy, and nothing or no one will stop her from fighting for him. Carly asks if Nina hears herself. She’s not talking about Wiley like he’s a person with emotions and needs. She’s not even thinking about what’s best for Wiley. It’s about Nina, and her need to stay connected to her dead daughter, and she wants to use Wiley to make herself happy. She doesn’t give a damn about how it affects him; Carly does. Nina walks back to her mat, picks up her stuff, and says she’s leaving. Maxie says, okay. She knew this was going to happen. She follows Nina out, and Carly tells Sam, she hates Nina. She’s trying not to engage… Sam says, Nina is the one who engaged. Carly stood up for herself, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Carly thanks her, and Sam says, as an added bonus, she got Nina to leave. Now they can breathe and relax and enjoy themselves.

Willow tells Harmony that she gets it. She’s sure it hits close to home, and makes her think of all the time they lost. Harmony says, yes, it does. Being separated from your child, she wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Michael says, she does understand this situation is different, and Willow says she’s thought of Nina’s perspective, from pretty much every possible angle. But their first concern is what’s best for Wiley. Michael says, and Nina isn’t it. They can’t reach an agreement with her. Harmony says, understood, truly. She won’t bring it up again. She’s sorry. Willow says, don’t be. She had compassion for Nina too, once upon a time at least. Michael says, it must be genetic.

The man from Charlie’s goes to Alexis’s office. He says, it’s been a long time, and she says, it’s you.

Tomorrow, Spencer asks why Esme hasn’t taken the pregnancy test; Ava tells Josslyn and Cameron that they’ll have to trust her; Alexis says she never forgets a face, and Trina makes her plea.

👮🏽‍♂️ He’s Got a Name…

Apparently, Trina’s shadow officer’s name is Rory.

🎡 Another One…

The revolving door continues to spin at GH.

But she’s feeling better.

👑 Beyond Windymere…

What the old Nikolas has been up to.

🕶 Back In Detective Mode…

I don’t watch this, but he might be worth watching it for. I was shocked at what a great actor he was on GH.

🥀 Her One and Only…

I was so sad to hear this. They seemed not only happy, but like genuinely nice couple.

https://people.com/tv/susan-lucci-husband-helmut-huber-dead-at-84/

🎬 A Loss For the Big Screen…

I was even more sad to hear this. He’s one of my favorite actors, and both Pulp Fiction and Grindhouse are two of my favorite films. Wishing him so much well.

https://people.com/health/bruce-willis-has-aphasia-stepping-away-from-acting/

🥊 Let’s Get It Over With…

The hows, wheres, and whys. Maybe they’ll make a mini-series – The Slap 2.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60935900

https://www.vogue.com/article/jada-pinkett-smith-has-spoken-out-oscars-slap

🎣 Catch You Later…

Drop in tomorrow for some soap, a cuppa tea, words of value, and a musical interlude. Until then, stay safe, stay thinking twice before hitting send, and stay not letting a single negative event define your entire life.

February 18, 2022 – Lots Of Arrivals In Switzerland, Star Scare, Vet Return, Terry’s Date, Pick Up, Last One, Again, Wife Check, Full-Blown, Engaged, New Deck, Meme This, Half Presidential Quotes & Good

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Visiting at Spring Ridge, Laura hugs Spencer, and says he doesn’t look too much worse for the wear. He asks her to please not say prison is agreeing with him, and she says, no, never, but it doesn’t seem to be hurting him too much either. He says, there’s a heatwave going on and no AC in his cell. Maybe as mayor, she could pull some strings. She says, it’s a state level issue, but she’ll do what she can. How is he doing? He says, as much as he’d like to spin some awful tale of woe, other than being bored and restless, he’s doing fine. His Uncle Victor is looking out for him. She says, that’s what she’s afraid of.

At the MetroCourt, Ava asks if it’s hot in here or it’s her, and Nikolas says, it’s definitely her. She tells him, focus. They have a lot to do before their vow renewal. Even a small ceremony needs planning. He says, the vows aren’t going to write themselves, but she says she’s not writing any. He asks if she’s going to wing it, and she says she’s just going to be spontaneous. She’s going to say what’s in her heart at the moment. Why? Is he planning a big speech about love, obsession, and eternity? He tells her, he wouldn’t say that, and she says she can’t wait. Even at his most Cassadine-esque, it won’t be too much over-the-top. He says he wants it to be poetic, and she says, like, there once was a girl named Jerome, who made Spoon Island her home. He laughs, and says, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. I love thee with breath and smiles, tears and with all my life, and if… Victor walks up, and says, and if God chooses, I shall love thee better after death.

Austin tells Obrecht, what Spinelli says, is the bug they planted on Victor didn’t malfunction. She says she knew it, and he asks if she thinks Victor just found the bug and destroyed it. She says, at least it worked long enough for them to overhear his plans for Drew Cain, and he says, but they’re still no closer to finding out where Peter took Maxie. Sam says, maybe they’re not, but Drew is, and he brought back-up.

WSB Field Office – Swiss/Austrian Border. Agent Malone lets Anna, Dante, and Drew into the office, and says, their resources are at Anna’s disposal. Malone wants to assure them that apprehending Peter August, aka Henrik Faison, is their highest priority. Anna thanks her and Agent Kreger, and reminds her that Drew and Dante have full clearance. Malone says, it’s good to see Dante is recovering from his ordeal in Ankara, and he says, she knows about that too, huh? She says, of course (), and tells Drew, and knowledge he has from his captivity with Peter would be of great use to them. Drew says, anything he can do to help, of course (🍷). Anna says, Malone interviewed the woman who found Maxie’s SOS on the mirror in the bathroom? and Malone says, yes. She was able to identify the photo of the hostage. Surveillance video captured an image of the car with two passengers, and they also have a license plate. Anna says, that’s great, and thanks her. She tells Dante and Drew, with any luck, they’re one step closer to finding Maxie.

On a plane, Felicia flashes back to Anna explaining why she doesn’t want Felicia coming along. She looks at car rentals on her tablet.

Maxie and Peter walk into a house, and Maxie says she gets why he felt safe here when he was a boy. This house is like one big architectural hug. He says, aptly put. He does love it here, out in the middle of nowhere, and since no one cared about him or his childhood, no one will ever associate him with this place, which makes it the perfect refuge. No one will ever find them here.

Spencer gives Laura some coffee, and she tells him that she gave Trina his gift. He asks if she liked it, and Laura says, she loved it. He has very good taste in friends. Trina is a lovely young lady. He agrees, and says, Trina is awesome, but if Laura can trust his judgement about his friends, can she trust his judgement about Uncle Victor? She says, Trina’s a very good person. His Uncle Victor, on the other hand… He says, she has a low opinion of him? and she says, his Uncle Victor is responsible for countless abductions and deaths, and let them not forget that he, and his brothers, and his father had a plan to take over the world by using that giant diamond, the Ice Princess, to mess with the weather patterns to freeze the world. He says, all he knows is, if it hadn’t been for Uncle Victor, he would be in Pentenville. She says, if he can find the good in Victor, why can’t he find the good in his own father?

Victor says, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the way she could turn passion into poetry is unparalleled. Ava says he surprises her. She thought he’d be more of a Sophocles fan. Victor says, he is – he brings a chair over to the table – but Sophocles couldn’t write a love story to save his life. Whereas he’s an incurable romantic. One of his hobbies is collecting romantic poetry; first editions, original letters. Actually, did they know – he sits down – that even today, if you were to acquire a genuine firsthand epistle, you could find a lock of the owners’ hair within? Ava says, the better to clone them with, and he says, sharp as a briar this one. Nikolas married well, but Ava’s assumptions of him are a little outdated. The most valuable lesson he learned as head of the WSB, was authoritarianism leads to admin. Not as much fun. Nikolas says, what a relief, and Victor says, even though he no longer wishes to control the world, he’s determined to save it. Preferably, one life at a time. Nikolas says, starting with his former co-conspirator, Peter August? and Victor says, Peter betrayed him in Greece. Why on earth would Victor want to help him? Nikolas says, so he could escape the law, and Ava says, good riddance. Everybody wants him dead, gone forever will suffice. Nikolas says, too bad he had to take Maxie with him, but Victor wouldn’t know anything about that, would he?

At the hospital, Sam tells Austin, Dante and Drew are with Anna in Zurich. They have a lead on Peter. Austin says, if they find Peter, they find Maxie, and Sam says, hopefully. Obrecht says, don’t assume it will be that easy. Despite Anna’s effort to apprehend him, Peter has slipped through her grasp at every turn. Not to mention the possibility that Drew might still be under Peter’s influence. Nein. If there’s any hope of catching and killing Peter, she needs to go to Zurich herself. Coming down the stairs, Britt says, no, she doesn’t. Obrecht says, as if Britt could stop her, and Britt says, by going after a homicidal fugitive, Obrecht is endangering herself and others. Involuntary commitment to the psyche ward for 72 hours. Boom. Obrecht says, Britt would abuse her power that way? and Britt says, to protect her from Peter and herself? Yes, she would. Obrecht says she’s impressed by Britt’s willingness to pretzel the rules, and touched by her concern, and yet, she’s still going. Britt says, try it, and she’ll harpoon Obrecht with a spear gun – again.

Malone says, the suspect was last tracked going into the Zurich mountains. Unfortunately, there are so many winding roads there, it’s difficult to search. Drew wonders if he could have headed back to the Audubon and to the border, but Anna says, the guard there would catch them. Dante says, they could ditch the car and find another one, or probably hike, and Malone says, unfortunately, it’s very possible for them to cross the border to France on foot since Switzerland is such a small country. Drew says, in other words, they’re running out of bread crumbs.

Peter says, Maxie will find it’s quiet here. It’s peaceful, and this place is equipped with everything they’d ever want. They can live here together peacefully and comfortably, without ever having to see anyone, except the caretaker. She asks if he really believes it’s possible to disappear, and he says, this property’s private; it’s isolated. None of their friends, family, or colleagues have any idea about it. And if he’s wrong, he has an escape plan all set.

Victor says he washed his hands of Peter back in Crete, but let’s not waste time on him. Not when they’re planning a family celebration. Ava says, actually, she and Nikolas decided to keep their vow renewal a very private affair. They won’t need anybody but the two of them. Victor hopes they change their mind, especially as he’s already picked out the perfect gift. Nikolas says, thanks, but no thanks, and Ava says she’s not one to turn down a Fabergé egg. Nikolas says, even if it’s stolen? and she says, depends where from. Victor says, actually, he was thinking of something a lot more valuable, and Nikolas says, such as? Victor says, a reunion between Nikolas and his son.

Spencer tells Laura, when he thinks about how close he and Nikolas were when he was a kid… What happened to that guy? She says she knows he feels like his father abandoned him, and he says, he pretended he was dead. It didn’t only feel like his father abandoned him, he did abandon him. She says, okay, but Spencer’s punished him for that, many times. Both he and Ava. He says he hates Ava. He knows she probably finds that a strong word, but it’s not. And as angry as he is at Ava for breaking her promise to him, and letting Valentin off the hook, his father did far worse. She says, his father never did anything as bad as Victor; never. He says, his dad was the reason Britt was a fugitive for years. He married Hayden, then turned against her. One by one, his dad has systematically removed the people Spencer cares about from his life, and who does he keep? Ava. And sure, Uncle Victor may be far from perfect… She asks if he heard the part about world domination, and Spencer says, at least he puts his family first. She says, a lot of evil has been done in the name of the family, and he says, he feels safe in here, knowing Victor Cassadine has his back. She looks at Samuel, and says she should go. Spencer says he understands; she has a city to run. She says, just remember, his father told him that he’s not alone, and Spencer said when he came out, he’d be willing to… He tells her, he said maybe, and she says, that’s a start. She tells him she loves him, and leaves.

Obrecht tells Britt, this is no time to stand on the sidelines; Maxie’s life is at stake. Sam says, even if Obrecht was able to gain access to a private jet, Zurich is at least eight and a half hours away. Who knows where Peter and Maxie will be by then? Austin says, Sam is in touch with Dante, right? but she says, it’s not like he keeps her posted on his every move. Austin asks, isn’t somebody keeping tabs on Victor? and Obrecht says he’s just grasping at straws, but Britt says, if Victor’s involved, Obrecht needs to tell them what she knows. Austin says, it seemed like a good idea at the time, and Britt asks what he did. He says, planted a bug on Victor Cassadine.

Anna says, Maxie left one earring with Louise when she and Peter dropped her at the firehouse, and the other one she left where she wrote her plea for help on the mirror in the restroom. So obviously, she’s actively trying to leave a trail for them, but unfortunately, point A and point B are two different continents and an ocean apart. Dante says, it really is amazing Peter didn’t find that message in the restroom, and Drew says, Maxie’s trail has led them as far as it can. They have to start thinking like Peter. Anna says, he’s right. For Peter, the mountains are any number of choices where he can hide.

Maxie says, so this place is difficult to find, but easy to leave? and Peter tells her, let’s just say he always finds his way out, and if they ever need it, it’s a short trip to the Audubon and over the borders. She asks, which border? Please say Italy or France. He says, this place was once a sanctuary to him; now it’s their refuge. In time, he hopes she’ll begin to see it as their home. He can see it now; her and him, and their little… She says, what? Why is he looking at her like that? He asks, what happened to her earrings? I say, maybe he is a keeper. What guy notices whether you’re wearing earrings or not?

Nikolas says, if Victor really wants to heal the rift between him and his son, he’ll respect their boundaries, and leave them to heal on their own. Victor says he’s been doing that for some time, and hasn’t noticed a lot of progress. Ever since that poor boy got back to Port Charles, he’s been bounced from place to place. Nikolas says, Spencer’s made his own choices, and Victor says, yes, he has, there’s no denying that. But one choice he didn’t make is his current surroundings in prison. Ava says, he did though. It’s called consequences. Victor asks if she really wants to cast herself as the wicked stepmother, locking the mischievous little prince up in the tower, and she says she gave that little prince every opportunity to make amends, and he has been unrepentant. Victor says, so this is how she intends to retaliate; denying him a place in their renewal celebration, a place in their lives? That’s what she wants for her stepson, to keep him looking in on his own family from afar? Come on. If Nikolas won’t listen to him, maybe he’ll listen to her. Laura approaches the table, and says, her son doesn’t need Victor’s help. Neither does Spencer. Nikolas asks how she can be so sure, and she says she’s just come from Spring Ridge. Victor gets up and asks her to sit, but she says she’s fine. Nikolas asks how Spencer is doing, and she says, better than anyone could have imagined because someone is looking out for him on the inside. Nikolas asks why he’s not surprised, and Ava says, an inmate, a guard, what? Laura says, at least one guard, and asks if Victor has anything to add. He says, if he’s taken steps to insure his great-nephew’s safety, then he can’t see any harm in that. He’s going to leave them to their lunch. Perhaps the ladies can talk some reason into Nikolas where he can’t, for Spencer’s sake. He leaves, and Laura says, yuk. She thought he’d never leave. She sits down, and Ava tells them, she hates to be the one to say it, but she thinks Uncle Victor has a point.

Austin tells Britt, on paper, the plan made a lot of sense. He threatened Victor, and her mom swooped in to his rescue, and planted a bug on his lapel. Britt asks if it worked, and Obrecht says, it did. They were able to overhear an entire conversation he had with a Yohan, certainly a henchman of some sort. Sam asks what they said, and Austin tells her,  Victor wants to find Peter as much as they do. Britt asks if he gave them a clue or lead, or something that could tell them where Peter’s taken Maxie, but he says, no; the bug was destroyed. Sam says, great. Victor knows they’re onto him. Britt asks if it occurred to either of them, that instead of Victor leading them to Peter and Maxie, they may have just tipped him off? Obrecht says, of course (🍷), and Britt says, of course (🍷) what? Obrecht says, isn’t it obvious?

Dante asks, what if Peter is just hiding in plain sight, playing tourist? and Malone says, there are plenty of places the suspect and hostage could hole up. Drew says, how about places where people still expect privacy? Where no one will notice if they stay in. Malone says, they have plenty of tourist towns with attractions, and Dante says, offbeat attractions? She says, there are plenty; museums and nature trails. There’s even an old salt mine that’s now a museum and boutique. Anna says, salt mine? Maybe Peter is telling them where he’s going in his own words.

Felicia looks at Zurich on her tablet, and says, think. What was that place called? She remembers talking to Peter, and saying, she hopes Maxie can forgive her for not making the wedding. He says, they both understand that her great-aunt is very ill, and if she didn’t mean the world to Felicia, she wouldn’t be traveling all the way to…  She says, it’s so small, it’s not even a town; it’s just a census designated place. He says, it sounds charming, and she says, it is. Maxie should bring him to visit sometime. It’ll give him a sense of scale. He’s such a city boy. He says, not always. In fact, his favorite place on earth is in the Swiss Alps, miles away from anywhere. On the plane, Felicia says, the Swiss Alps… where?

Maxie asks if Peter is really worried about her earrings, and he says, she’s never without them, yet here she is. She says she noticed on the plane that she’d lost one, probably in the mad rush out of Port Charles, when they had to leave their daughter. Since it was random costume jewelry, she threw out the other one. He says, it doesn’t matter. It’s only diamonds and rubies for her from here on out. She says she really doesn’t care about jewelry. She just wants her children to be safe. He says he misses their daughter too. They just have to give it some time; let the trail go cold. So all those agencies and his enemies find themselves discouraged. Then, one day when it’s safe, they can bring Louise to them. In the meantime, should the worst happen and they’re discovered, he’s prepared. He takes a gun out of the back of his waistband.

Nikolas says, Ava has to realize, his uncle’s offer to broker peace between him and Spencer is intended to achieve the exact opposite. Ava says, but if he succeeds where they’ve failed… Laura says, he will have ingratiated himself to the whole family, and indoctrinated Spencer to his cause. Nikolas says, Victor’s cause is going to be far worse than Spencer’s ever done to them, and Laura says, absolutely. Victor is devious in a very deadly way, and far more dangerous than Spencer could ever be. Ava says, the fact that they’re discussing him means they’re onto him. They’ll see him coming a mile way. If they play along, he might reveal his agenda. Nikolas says, it’s still a risk. It would be a mistake to underestimate his uncle. Laura says, she doesn’t think they’re doing that though. There is an alternative, one that could reunite Nikolas with his son, and undercut Victor at the same time. Nikolas says, what’s that? and Laura says, swallow his pride. Go visit his son at Spring Ridge.

Victor hugs Spencer, and says, he seems well, all things considered. Spencer says, whoever calls this place a country club has never actually been to one. Victor assumes Samuel is keeping an eye on Spencer, and Spencer says he’s well-protected. He knows he has Victor to thank for that, and he’s grateful. Victor says, even though Spencer’s grandmother considers him a bad influence? and Spencer says, is he? Victor says, to be completely honest, he’s given her little reason to think otherwise. If his concern for Spencer’s well-being is making it harder for him here… Spencer says, it’s not. Other than his grandmother, Victor is the one person he can count on. Victor says he finds that a little hard to believe. What about the lovely Esme? Spencer says, he thinks him being stuck here is a strain on Esme’s devotion, but Victor says he’s sure it’s just a lover’s spat. The ups and downs of life, as they say. She blew up a car for him. If that isn’t devotion, he doesn’t know what is. As for Spencer’s grandmother, the last thing Victor wants to do is get between him and his family. Spencer says, Victor is his family. They may want him to forget that, but he won’t.

Britt says, whatever Obrecht thinks is obvious, does it have something to do with where Peter’s taken Maxie? Obrecht says, that’s the obvious part; she knows where to find Maxie. Austin asks if she’s going to share, but she says she can’t waste her time explaining. She needs to contact Anna.

Anna says, Peter wrote this novel. It’s called The Severed Branch. Malone says, there’s a copy with the other materials, and gets it. Anna says, basically the whole book is an allegory for his childhood. She seems to remember he refers to working in the salt mines. Drew says, that’s a common expression, and she says, she knows, but in the book, the character refers to the salt mines with affection. Drew asks if she’s saying that’s where he took Maxie, and she says she doesn’t know. Her phone rings, and she says, it’s Liesl. She asks Obrecht, what’s going on? and Obrecht says, salt mine. Find the salt mines, and you’ll find Peter and Maxie. Anna says, that’s what they were just figuring out. Malone says, there are three salt mines in the country. Two up here – she points to the laptop screen – and the one she mentioned. Anna says, that’s a pretty large area, and asks if Obrecht can narrow it down. Obrecht asks if Peter ever mentioned the farm, and Anna says, what farm? Obrecht says, where he became the man he is today.  

Felicia says, what was the name? Peter said it; it was V something. She remembers Peter saying it was a quaint picturesque farm, tucked away from the world. The closest place is a tiny, remote village, miles away from anywhere. If it were any tinier, it would be a census designated place. She asks what it’s called, and he says, versteckte Wiese. It’s German. It means hidden meadow. On the plane, she looks up hidden meadow in the German translator.  

Maxie asks if Peter can put the gun away; he doesn’t need it right now. He says, of course (🍷), but he’s sure she doesn’t mind if he keeps it handy, and tucks it back into his waistband. She says, whatever he thinks is necessary, and he says he appreciates her faith in him. She says she can’t tell if he’s being sarcastic… not that she could blame him. There’s something she’s been struggling with for a while. She’s spent so much time being angry with him, and the whole time, he just said he  loved her, and he’s been doing everything for her and Louise. She didn’t believe him, and she was wrong. He was willing to leave Louise behind at that firehouse, the child he’s been longing to hold and care for. That’s not selfish; that’s the opposite. That’s when she realized love is what’s driving him. She takes his hands, and says, his love is the kind of love they can build their lives around. It’s not going to be easy, but one day Louise, Georgie, and James will be with them, and she just has to live in hope for that day, no matter what.

Nikolas says he’s not sure Spencer is going to be open to a visit from him, and Ava says, he’s Spencer’s father. He has to try. As angry as she has been with Spencer, she urges Nikolas to repair his relationship with him. He knows what she would give for another chance with Kiki. He says she’s right; he’ll reach out. Ava tells him, go, hurry. She thinks they all know where Victor was going when he left here, and Laura says, straight back to Spring Ridge to make sure she didn’t turn Spencer against him. Nikolas says, and if Victor has already put his plan in motion to reunite him and Spencer? Laura says, if Victor’s scheming and plotting ends up bringing them together, she’s all for it. Isn’t he? He says he’ll give it a shot, and she hugs him, saying, he won’t regret this. She’s proud of him. He leaves, and Ava says, giving Uncle Victor a pass, are we? Laura says, for now, and Ava wonders what she’s up to.

On the phone, Victor says, thanks for the update, and Spencer asks if everything is all right. Victor says, everything is splendid, except for one thing; he has to run. Spencer says he appreciates the time. Victor is a busy man. Victor says, nonsense. Spencer is family, Spencer says, likewise, and Victor thanks him. That’s why he wants Spencer to know he’s doing everything he can to change. At least change people’s perspective of him. Despite what people think, all he wants is what’s best for his family. Spencer says, he just wishes his grandmother would give Victor a chance, and Victor says, leave Laura to him, and keep his eyes on the prize; his freedom and his future. Spencer says, he’ll try, and Victor says, when Spencer leaves, he wants Spencer to walk out with his held high. Big things are in the wind. They’re going to need to stick together as a family, that includes Spencer and his father. Spencer says, his father… and Victor says, is a Cassadine. The future belongs to them, and Spencer. He’s the heir to all that and more.

Obrecht tells Anna, there was a youth camp where Peter used to spend his school holidays as a child. Find that farm and she’ll find Peter, and do what she has to do to bring Maxie home. Anna thanks her, and tells the others, this book could be a roadmap. Drew says, if it’s an allegory, how clear are the directions? Anna says, she doesn’t know, but there was a farm, and if she remembers it was close to the oldest salt mine. In the book, Peter refers to it as a place with all kinds of animals… and children.

Peter says, Maxie is right. They’ll make this place a real home for their whole family. She says, somehow she doesn’t see Mac and Felicia understanding, but if there’s anything he’s proven to her, it’s that there’s nothing he can’t make happen. He says he tries. This place is really well-equipped, but they should still make a list of personal items and requests, things they might want, for Gustav the caretaker to get for them in the village. She asks if this village has a name, and he says, versteckte Wiese. She tries to pronounce it, and he says, close enough. It’s so small, it only appears on local maps. It might be considered census designated place. She says she can’t wait to see it… when he trusts her enough. He says he knows she’ll love it. If she wants to familiarize herself with the area, there are some paper maps in the cabinet. The GPS signal is pretty spotty up here. She says she doesn’t want to get a signal. She just wants to get used to her new surroundings. She tells him, it’s cold in here, and he says he could turn the heat up. Or how about if he builds them a fire? She says she’d like that, and as soon as he turns around, she looks in the cabinet.

Spencer asks Samuel if there’s nothing anyone can do about the AC, but Samuel says, this is a government facility. Even Spencer’s uncle can only swing so much. Spencer says, anything’s possible, right? Who knows? Maybe one day he and his family will learn to get along. Nikolas walks in.

Laura tells Ava, Victor is bending over backwards to try and impress and win over Spencer. And that can only mean one thing; he’s going to use him. Ava asks if Laura has any idea what he’s planning, and Laura says, no, but she will find out.

Victor waits in an alleyway, and says, good God. It feels like Santorini in the middle of an eruption. (Is it February or August in Port Charles?) Osiris himself would be at home. He takes off his jacket, and sits on a crate, when Yohan arrives. Victor says he’s impressed. He didn’t think Yohan would be amenable to this kind of climate. Yohan says he can handle the heat, and Victor says, the question is, can Peter August? Yohan says, their man reports that Anna Devane has arrived overseas with Detective Falconari, and Drew Cain. Victor says, then their man needs to solve this problem right now. He wants Peter August dead. Is that understood? Yohan says, completely, and Victor says, good, and tell their man, Anna and Dante are expendable. If they get in the way, he shouldn’t hesitate to eliminate them, but Drew Cain is much too valuable to him to lose.

Britt says she believes Austin has rounds, and suggests he get back to them. He says, helping find Maxie isn’t interfering with his patient care, and she says, it might interfering with finding Maxie. Let the professionals do their job; they’ll keep him posted. He starts to leave, and Sam tells him that he doesn’t have to worry. Dante, Drew, and Anna will bring Maxie home. He says he hopes she’s right, and leaves. Obrecht says she shares Sam’s faith, but must remind her that, at one point or another, that schwein Henrik has outmaneuvered them all, herself included. Britt says, which is not easy to do, and Obrecht says, if Peter really is the severed branch from Cesar’s poisoned tree, believe me, he will not go down without a fight.

Malone says, if the book is any indication at all, the farm should be located somewhere here in the mountains. She points to the screen again. Agent Kreger’s phone rings, and it’s Yohan, who says, their mutual friend would like to know if he’s located the gentleman. Kreger goes out in the hall, and says, let’s just say he knows where to find him. Yohan tells him, just do what you have to do, and Kreger asks if there’s any additional instructions. Yohan says, Devane and Falconari are expendable; Drew Cain must not be harmed. Kreger says, that complicates things, and Yohan says Kreger is paid to handle complications. Get it done. Anna says, Peter is so arrogant, he won’t be able to resist proving he’s one step ahead of them, and he’s left them a clue, one that he thinks only he knows. It will link him to the farm, and that’s what they have to find.

The flight attendant says they’re about to land, and Felicia smiles. We see a map showing versteckte Wiese on her tablet.

Peter comes in as Maxie is looking at a map. He asks if she’s planning a hike, and she says she was thinking they might take a walk, and talk some more. He says, what a lovely idea, but he’s afraid it will have to wait until tomorrow. It’s getting dark soon. That’s when the wolves come out.

On Monday, Trina says she’s been keeping something from Josslyn; Spencer asks Nikolas to join him; Maxie says, all Peter will get is the truth from now on; and Dante says, they’re back to square one, and that can’t happen.

🩺 Yikes…

Glad to hear one of our National Treasures will be okay.

🏥 Coming Back…

Weird how he has the same name as a head writer. How common could it be? It’s not like Joe Smith or something.

💘 Terry’s Valentine…

I’m hoping it works out with Chet.

💎 Recovery Time…

I needed to get myself together after just watching it.

🧂 Not So ShahMazing…

It’s not a good sign to be the last one standing. Unless you’re playing Squid Game.

🐹 Hamster Wheel…

Out of one suit and into another. And I don’t mean the kind they sell at Brook’s Brothers.

📠 Progressive Vetting…

Oh please. Like it’s that hard to look up stuff about people.

🍸 No Way To Live…

I’m surprised being on the show didn’t give her an eating disorder.

https://people.com/health/vanderpump-rules-ariana-madix-had-a-full-blown-eating-disorder-when-she-joined-the-show/

🛥 I Really, Really Liked Him…

He’s one of my favorite Below Deck yachties of all time. I’m glad he’s met his match.

https://extratv.com/2022/02/09/below-deck-star-josiah-carter-engaged-to-longtime-bf/

🦘 Deck Down Under…

The latest in the franchise. There will still be no one like Captain Lee. Ever.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1319902/heres-your-first-look-at-the-below-deck-down-under-trailer-and-the-sexy-new-captain

🏈 Bowling For Memes…

Best memes of the Super Bowl.

https://www.stadiumtalk.com/s/super-bowl-memes-cfc7e6b3e6064775

💡 Quotes of the Week

I’m not concerned with facts. Not if they interfere with my beliefs. – Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski), The Gilded Age

A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t. – Jack Dempsey (Apparently, I’m a champion every morning.)

Sodies are bad. – Amy Slaton, 1000-Lb. Sisters

What I did or said should never be more important than why I did it or said it.Andrea Kelly

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. – Confucius

If exhausted from severe and long-continued thought, he had to touch the earth again to renew his strength. When this weariness set in he would stop thought, and get down with a little dog or kitten to recover. – William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln‘s business partner

Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error. – Andrew Jackson

It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. – Harry S. Truman

99% of failures come from people who make excuses. – George Washington

Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching. – Thomas Jefferson (And today, they might be.)

By leadership we mean the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it, not because your position of power can compel him to do it. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

🧱 Another Brick In the Wall…

The Walking Dead is back with the next part of its final season, so join me in what will no doubt be the wee hours of Monday. Or that day when you used to report to work after the weekend, for those no longer punching the clock. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping it real, and stay wary of great-uncles bearing protection.

February 4, 2022 – Carly Meets Drew On the Footbridge, Suds Sweep, AMC News, a Pledge, a Goodbye, Dating Again, Threatening, Carol Tattles, Whining, Salty Talk, Puppies (!), Practically 10 Quotes & People

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Mac asks Dante if there’s any sign of what caused Kendall (apparently the driver’s name) to lose control of the vehicle. He and Dante look around the van with flashlights. Inside, the guard tells Peter that Kendall must have hit an icy patch and gone off the road. Dante says, all four tires have been punctured. They didn’t hit ice; they’ve been sabotaged. They see headlights coming toward them, and draw their guns.

Brook tells Bailey to sleep well. Mommy loves her.

Maxie says she’s glad Austin finally knows the truth about Louise. It’s been awful lying to him. He says he can imagine she’s had to juggle a lot of lies to really well-meaning people. She says she had to do what she had to do, and he says, he can’t help but wonder if her kissing him now is just another diversion.

Nina comes in to Charlie’s and, walking past Obrecht, she asks the bartender if Phyllis is around. Obrecht asks how long Nina is going to avoid her, and Nina says, Obrecht is responsible for her relationship with Mike coming out in court, so she doesn’t know. Obrecht says she did Nina a favor, and they both know it.

Chase asks if Bailey went down, and Brook says, like a champ. She had a big day. He says, all those people cooing over her. It must be exhausting being that cute. She says he should know, and he thanks her. She says she means when he was a baby. She bets he had really chubby cheeks. She puts her feet up, and he says he’ll never understand wearing shoes that hurt you. She asks, what is there to understand? These boots make her legs look amazing. He says, they do. Believe it or not, he really enjoyed today. She says, her too. She’s just glad they got out of there before the WSB came to arrest granny. He says, it woudn’t be a Quartermaine party if the police weren’t involved, and she says, that’s so true. He says he hopes it didn’t mar Ned and Olivia’s big day, but she says, no way. Nothing could diminish their happiness after how hard they worked for their marriage. He says, she’s right. Sometimes two people just belong together.

Sonny stands on the deck of the Haunted Star, wearing a white tux and holding a red rose, when Kristina comes out. She says, look at him. Carly won’t know what hit her. She asks what he’s doing out here; it’s freezing. He says he didn’t want to wait inside. He’s getting anxious, and wants to see Carly arrive so he can greet her with his rose. She says, very romantic, and he thanks her for what she did inside. She says her pleasure, and what he did to the state room looks amazing. It definitely has an island vibe. He says, not too much? but she says, no. Carly will see all the effort he put in, and see how much this night means to him. He says he just wants everything to be perfect, and Kristina says, it won’t be if she’s still here, so she’s out. She hugs him, and says, good luck, and he says he hopes this makes it right for him and Carly.

Carly walks on the footbridge, and flashes back to Sonny saying, if she’s not ready now, maybe she never will be. Drew comes onto the bridge, and says, they meet again.

Mac says, it could be an ambush, and Kendall comes up behind Dante and slugs him.

Brook tells Chase, she and Olivia have had their issues. She’s had them with her dad too, but she’s come to appreciate how good Ned and Olivia are together. He says, he’d hoped his mom and dad would find their way back to each other, but he’s had to accept that’s probably never going to happen. Maybe they don’t have what Ned and Olivia have; that connection, that something that makes you want to fight against all odds. She says, no one’s ever fought that hard for her, and he says she deserves a love that strong. She tells him that he doesn’t have to say that, but he says he said it because he believes it. She says, it’s a mighty generous thing to say to a person like her, and he says, a person like her? What is that supposed to mean? She says, it means he can cut the act. She knows what he really thinks of her. She stomps off, and out to the patio.

Felicia tells Anna, she still wishes she could have gone with Mac and Dante. She wanted to watch Peter get locked behind bars. That way, she could have taken a picture and sent it to Maxie, and Maxie would know for sure, and get on with her life. Anna says, now that Peter has been dealt with, they can get on with finding Louise. Felicia says, Maxie’s been through so much already. A dangerous psychopath is the father of her child, and all those fruitless searches for Louise. And the whole time, she’s had to handle it alone. Anna says, maybe Austin will change that, and Felicia says she likes him. He seems like a really good man. Lord knows Maxie deserves that. She doesn’t know what she’d do without Mac. How long has it been again? Anna says, not long. She’s waiting for a message from Valentin. Felicia says, Anna told her that Valentin had a lead on Louise. Wouldn’t it be wonderful? Peter behind bars, and a chance to bring Louise home? Anna says, everything would finally come together.

Maxie says she thought Austin understood, and he says he understands she was under a lot of stress, and it was really hard for her that the people she loves were really worried about Louise. She says, and she hated every minute of it; she told him that. But that has nothing to do with their kiss. She wanted to kiss him. He says he can’t help but wonder if there aren’t other factors in play, given her state emotionally. She says, that is a very clinical assessment, doctor. She knows how she feels. He says, she’s been lying to him. She’s been keeping a secret from him since the moment they met. Did she befriend him out of some kind of necessity? Everybody in this town knows her very well, and would know something was up, so she turned to him to keep them at bay because he’s new and safe. She says, he’s anything but safe. She and Brook lived in constant fear that he was going to remember what went on in the woods that night. She should have stayed away from him like she intended to, but she was drawn to him because she feels something for him. Is she alone in that? His phone rings, and he asks if they can talk later. She says, sure, and he jets.

Nina says she would have risked prison before betraying Sonny’s trust like that, and Obrecht says, that’s easy to say now, knowing it won’t happen. Nina starts to leave, but Obrecht says she doesn’t want to fight. Nina is her niece, and knows she’s always on her side. Who did Nina call to help her with Peter in Nixon Falls? Her. Nina says she did, and Obrecht almost died because of it. Obrecht says, that’s all over. She understands what it’s like to make bad choices for love’s sake; to be condemned for following your heart. If Nina needs a friendly face, here it is. Let’s sit. Nina says she was looking for Phyllis, and Obrecht says, Phyllis isn’t here, but she is. Please? They sit down, and Obrecht asks if Nina has eaten. She was supposed to have dinner with Britt, but she was a tiny bit late, and Britt ditched her. Nina says she’s not hungry, and Obrecht says, then they’ll drink. What happened to ruin her appetite? Nina says she had another run-in with Carly. It doesn’t seem to matter where she goes, Carly is there, and no matter what she says or does, Carly takes it in the worst way possible. With good reason, but Nina gets the feeling Carly is more interested in hating her than she is in helping her own husband. Obrecht asks, why does Sonny need help?

Drew asks if Carly is missing Jason, and she says, always. He was her sounding board, her voice of reason. Even when she didn’t agree with him, he never held it against her. He says he’d be willing to listen, or he can just go and let her think in peace, but she says she doesn’t want him to go. What about him? Is he thinking about Jason tonight too? He says, actually, Oscar’s been on his mind, and she says, she and Josslyn miss him a lot. Oscar and Josslyn used to come to this bridge all the time. He says he’s grateful for the few years he had with his son; he just wishes they’d had more time. She says, life is precious, and he says, they shouldn’t waste a second. She wonders why she’s stuck on this bridge trying to make a decision, and he asks what she’s trying to decide. She says, about her and Sonny.

Sonny sets the rose down on the steps, and leans on the deck railing. He says, she’ll be here.

Felicia tells Anna, still no word from Mac. She knows it’s silly of her to try. He’s got a lot going on, but she can’t help it. He said he’d call her as soon as he got to the prison. Shouldn’t he have gotten there already? Anna says, the roads are frozen. It might have slowed them down. Felicia says, maybe. Does Anna really believe that? Anna wonders if Felicia thinks something’s wrong, and Felicia says, when has dealing with Peter ever gone right? Anna says she’ll meet Felicia in the car, and takes off, Felicia not far behind her.

Carly’s phone rings, and it’s Kristina. Kristina says, it’s probably none of her business, but she wants her dad to be happy. He’s waiting for Carly on the Haunted Star. Does she want to show up? Carly says she knows Kristina loves her father, but she’s right, this is none of her business. Kristina says, he’s standing on a freezing deck with his heart on his sleeve. Can’t Carly at least meet him halfway? She helped him put everything together, and trust her, he’s pulled out all the stops to show Carly how much their marriage means to him. She can’t turn her back; it will crush him. Carly says, that’s not what she’s doing. All she asked for was a little bit of space. Kristina says, well, just show up. Please tell her that she’ll at least hear him out. Carly says she can’t do this right now. Goodbye. Drew asks if Carly is okay, but she says, no.

Nina says she wanted to talk to Obrecht, but how could she after what happened in court? Obrecht says, she only told Scotty what she suspected to keep Nina out of prison, and it worked. Thanks to Scotty’s brilliant strategy, she’s a free woman. These are different circumstances. Whatever’s going on now, she promises not to say a word to anyone; she swears. Nina says, Sonny is having some health issues, and it got so bad, she was afraid to leave him alone. She even spent a harrowing night at his place. She’s just thankful she got him to realize that he needed some help. Right after that, she ran into Carly, and tried desperately to tell her that her husband was in trouble, but Carly refused to listen to her. Obrecht says, Nina told her Sonny was sick, and she didn’t care? but Nina says she never got that far. Carly wasn’t hearing anything Nina had to say. Obrecht says, it sounds like she wasn’t trying very hard, and Nina says she’s a little conflicted because Sonny doesn’t want Carly to know what he’s going through. Obrecht says she doesn’t care what Sonny or Carly want; she cares what Nina wants. And she doesn’t think Nina wants Sonny and Carly to get back together.

Chase comes onto the patio and says, Brook can’t just tell him something like that and storm out. He puts a blanket around her shoulders, and says, besides, he doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She says, please. He acts all nice, but she knows the truth. He asks, what truth? and she says, when they first moved in, she overheard his conversation with Dante, telling him what a horrible person she is. How he wants to protect Bailey from her influence. He says he’s been trying to figure out why she’s been so hot and cold with him lately. That was just talk; he didn’t mean it. She asks why he said it, and he says, because he slipped. He said it would be a mistake if he developed feelings for her. She says, much better. Thanks for clearing that up. He says he was referring to Bailey. That’s what they’re doing here, right? If he developed feelings for her, it would complicate things, so he had to downplay it to Dante. Dante is a sharp guy, so he said all that crap about her not being his type. She asks if he really had to take it that far. He said awful things about her character. He tells her, she said herself that he’s a terrible liar, so he went too far to make sure Dante bought it. She says, so he doesn’t think she’s a horrible person? and he moves closer to her, saying, just the opposite. He says, he’s come to realize what a truly good person she is.

Spinelli tells Sam, crisis averted. James just wanted a glass of water. Where were they? Her and destiny; choosing a path. New life with Dante; second chance with Drew… She says, things with Dante are great. She loves seeing him with Scout and Danny; he’s a great father. He’s really stepped up, and taken care of all the kids’ needs. He says, what about her needs? and she says she’s not discussing her sex life with him. Okay, no complaints; none. He says, but by her own admission, she has unfinished business with Drew, and she says, if Jason hadn’t come back, they were starting a whole new life together, so it’s hard not to say what if? He says he sees no harm in asking, when Maxie walks in. She says she didn’t know Sam was here. Are Georgie and James sleeping? Spinelli says they’re both asleep, and Sam asks if something’s wrong. Maxie says, she kissed Austin, okay? Sam says, and? and Maxie says, it was horrible.

The police radio asks what the status is; please advise. Lying on the ground, Dante reaches for the radio, and says, 10-99. He repeats, 10-99. Officers down. Multiple injuries. The radio falls from his hand, and we see another man down by the van.

Carly tells Drew that Sonny planned this elaborate surprise at the Haunted Star. He’s recreated Martinique. Drew says, which is where they got married, right? She says, second wedding. Sonny really knows how to make a romantic gesture. He asks, so what is she doing here, and not there? and she says, she doesn’t need romance right now. She needs some space to figure out her feelings. Sonny wants her to commit right here, right now to fighting for her marriage. Is she wrong for not wanting to meet him halfway? He says, back up a moment. She just said she didn’t need romance; she needs time. And she said this to Sonny? She says, yes, and he says, and Sonny went ahead and planned this elaborate surprise, and wants her to come despite how she’s feeling right now? She says, yeah, and he says, that’s not about meeting Sonny halfway. That’s just Sonny being Sonny, trying to fix things on his timetable. The fact that she’s here right now is proof she has doubts. She’s 100% justified in feeling the way she does. She thanks him, and says she’s so glad he understands. He says he thinks he does, which is why he’s going to ask this. Is she positive she doesn’t want to go?

Brook asks if Chase really thinks she’s a good person, and he says, he doesn’t think; he knows. Look what she did for Maxie. Not to mention she put herself at risk to protect Bailey from her lunatic father. She says, and she lied to her family… So much lying. He says, good thing she can lie with the best of them, and she laughs. She says she never thought she’d hear Detective Harrison Chase condone duplicity, and he says, what she did was incredible. It might not have started out for the noblest of reasons, but she came through with flying colors. She stuck to her promise, and protected Bailey. Brook treated Bailey like her own daughter, all while she was taking serious hits to her reputation and character. She says she’d do anything to protect that little girl, and he says, him too, because they’re partners, which is exactly why they can’t be any more than friends. She says, but has he considered it?

Anna walks around the van, gun drawn. She looks in the van, and sees only the guard, lying across the seat. She checks for a pulse. She says, all clear, and Felicia comes out and checks Dante. She says, he’s just unconscious, but where’s Mac? Anna says she doesn’t know; be careful. Anna turns Dante over, and asks if he can talk. Felicia sees Mac, on the ground, shot, and says, oh my God, Mac. Dante asks, where’s Peter? and Anna says, he escaped.

Sonny sits on the steps, and takes a new wedding ring set out of his pocket and looks at them. He hears footsteps, and goes to the railing. He says, Carly?

Nina says, Obrecht told her that she doesn’t want to fight, but then accuses her of not wanting Sonny and Carly’s marriage to work. She gets up and grabs her coat, but Obrecht says, slow down and calm down. She’s not accusing Nina of anything, except perhaps not going after what she wants. She’s on Nina’s side, and wants her to be happy. Tell her, does she love Sonny? Nina says, Sonny is committed to his marriage, and Obrecht says, that wasn’t her question. Nina sits back down, and says, Sonny fell in love with her when he was Mike, a man without a past. Obrecht says, he was Sonny then, and he’s still Sonny now. Scotty told her that Sonny even admitted under oath that he loved Nina; that doesn’t just disappear. Nina says, it does when you have a wife and children. She can’t forget about that little detail. Sonny loves Carly. Obrecht says, perhaps he loves Nina too, but Nina says, she cannot be the woman who breaks apart Sonny and Carly’s marriage. Obrecht tells her, don’t be ridiculous. Marriages break up all the time. Is Nina going to live her life based on what others think? Does she think Sonny and Carly do? If Nina loves Sonny, and he loves her, why shouldn’t they be together?

Kristina tells Sonny, sorry; it’s only her. He says he saw her leaving, and she says, she did, but she came back. She thought he’d see her coming up the dock, but he says he was busy. He shows her the rings, saying, when he came back from Nixon Falls, he lost his wedding band, so he bought two more, since it’s the beginning. She says she’s sorry, and he says, she doesn’t have to be sorry; Carly is always late. She knows how important this night is to him. He asks what she’s doing here, and she says she wanted to be there for him… because Carly’s not coming. She called Carly. He says she didn’t have to do that, and she says she couldn’t help herself. She knows how important this night is for him, but Carly said she couldn’t do it. He says, do what? and she says, meet him halfway. He says, Carly told her that? She didn’t even want to try?… So Carly’s not coming? Kristina shakes her head.

Carly tells Drew that she can’t decide what to do. Does she show up at the Haunted Star, or call Sonny and tell him that she can’t come? He says he gets it; let’s work it through. She says, okay. She knows this much. Champagne and candles are not going to fix what’s wrong between her and Sonny, and he should respect her request for space. Drew says, agreed but is that something Sonny would really do? She says, who knows anymore? Sonny has been all over place since he came back from Nixon Falls, but he should at least try for her her sake. He says, absolutely, and she says, this is typical Sonny though. He has to be in control of everything, and he made tonight feel like an ultimatum; show up or else. Drew says, what if it is?

Mac is on a stretcher, and the paramedics tend to him. Felicia says, they have to get him to General Hospital, but a paramedic says, if they move him before he’s stabilized, they could lose him. Felicia tells Mac, please hang in there; she loves him so much. Dante asks Anna, what’s going on? and she says, Mac was shot. They’re trying to stabilize him right now, then move him to GH. He says he can’t believe he let Peter escape, and she asks if he can tell her what happened. He says he was in the van with Peter and the guard. The van lost control and was swerving everywhere. Then it just stopped. She says, spike strips; she managed to avoid them. He says he’s glad somebody did. He got out, and left Peter and the guard in the van. Mac joined him in searching for what caused the accident. He noticed the tires had been punctured. Then a light came from over here. He points, and she says, a car? Description? He says, no. It was an SUV because the lights were too high. He sensed someone walking behind him, and it was Kendall. He hit Dante over the head. Anna asks if he knows who shot the Pentenville guard or this man, pointing the guy near the van, but he says, no. He came to, and called the dispatcher. He asks, how’s Mac? He doesn’t hear any sirens. She says, they’re still working on him, and he asks if there’s any sign of Peter, but she says, no. Her guess is, he and Kendall took someone’s car. Dante says, he could be anywhere, and she says, they’ll find him. They have to.

Spinelli says, for clarification’s sake, Austin’s kiss was not satisfying? Maxie says, what? and Sam reminds her that she said it was horrible. Maxie says, that’s not what she meant. The kiss was great. It just got really messed up afterwards. Sam says she needs to hear this, when Maxie’s phone rings. She steps away, and says, Austin, hi. Austin says, they have patients coming into the ER. There was a shooting on Route 31. Maxie says, that’s the road to Pentenville. Sam asks, what’s going on? and Maxie says, there was a shooting on Route 31. Spinelli says, he’s on it, and goes to his laptop. Maxie tells Austin that she’s putting him on speaker, and asks, who was shot? He says he doesn’t have any details, but he knows one cop was injured. Sam says, that must be the prison van, and Maxie says, oh my God, Mac and Dante. Sam asks if there’s any other information, and Austin says, this is what he can tell them; multiple injured and two fatalities.

Drew tells Carly, Sonny has to know he’s in the wrong. He’s got to know that he shouldn’t be pushing like this, but it’s almost like he can’t help it. Because he can’t stand the idea of losing her and the kids and the family. All of it is way too much for him to lose. What if it’s not an ultimatum, and it’s more of a cry for help? He’s got to believe they have a future together, so what if instead thinking of it as caving, she thinks of it as throwing him a lifeline?

Sonny closes the ring box and looks like he might pitch it into the water, but he doesn’t. He opens the box, takes one of the rings out, and looks at it.  

Brook tells Chase, what is she saying? Of course (🍷) he’s considered it. He’s hot; she’s hot. He says, that’s not what he meant, and she says, he doesn’t think she’s hot? He says, no… yes… definitely. He was talking about her as a person. He likes her – Brook Lyn. That’s why they’re friends. He moves closer, and she says, friends, right. Because anything more would be too complicated. He says, exactly. So it’s out of the question. She says she never even considered it, and he says, neither did he. They look as though they might kiss.

Nina tells Obrecht that she’s going to the ladies room. Feel free to order without her. She’s leaving her stuff; don’t steal anything. Nina leaves, and Obrecht says, a drink it is. Kristina comes in on the phone, saying, she was already late for work as it was. She gets the point; he’d rather not let her see him in pain, but she should have seen the look on his face when he realized Carly wasn’t coming. It broke her heart. He told her to leave, now her dad is all alone on the Haunted Star… Right… She knows. She’ll give him some time, but she’s calling him when she gets off work. Speaking of work, she’d better get going. Thanks for listening, mom… Love you too. She sees Obrecht standing at the bar.

A detective asks what Anna thinks, and she says she thinks Kendall saw the strip in the middle of the road and did nothing to avoid it. That he intentionally disabled the van to allow the gunman, or gunmen, to move in. She needs tire track prints from the other car on the shoulder. An officer walks up, and asks if there’s any news on the chief, and she says, he’s on his way to the hospital; thanks for asking. What about Kendell? Did they find him? The officer says, five miles up the road, and Anna says, great. She’ll follow him in her car. She wants answers. He says, she won’t get them from Kendall. Kendall’s dead.

Maxie and Sam come into the hospital, and Maxie asks Austin if there’s an update. He says he doesn’t know; he just got here. Felicia comes out, and hugs Maxie. She asks where James and Georgie are, and Maxie says, they’re with Spinelli. What happened? Is Mac…? Felicia says, Mac was shot. He’s lost a lot of blood, and it took forever to stabilize him, but he’s here now. It doesn’t look good. Maxie says, he’s going to be okay. Sam asks Austin about Dante, and he says, table two. She thanks him, and goes in. Dante is hooked up to a couple of monitors, but she hugs him anyway. He says, he’s okay; he’ll be fine. He’s sorry to put her through this though. He guesses it’s the downside of dating a cop. She says, there is no downside to having him in her life, and he says he’ll make sure she remembers that. She says she’s lucky to have him in her life. He says, he’s lucky to have her, and they kiss

Obrecht orders a vodka tonic, and goes back to the table. Nina has come back, along with a glass of wine that magically appeared. Obrecht says, now’s Nina’s chance, and Nina says, for what? Obrecht says, she just heard Sonny’s daughter on the phone. Kristina was saying Sonny is in a bad way. Perhaps he’s still sick. Nina says, she thought he got his medication, but maybe he didn’t. He could be in trouble. Obrecht says, there’s only one way to find out. Sonny’s on the Haunted Star… all alone.

The detective tells Anna, they’re checking for signs Kendall was injured here. He probably succumbed to his injuries, and was dumped where the police found him. Anna says, don’t waste your time, and the officer says, Kendall was shot point blank. He died instantly. His guess is that Kendall and Peter had a disagreement, but Anna says, no; it was planned. Peter hates loose ends. She tells them to send an update that the prisoner is traveling alone, and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Maxie asks Austin, what about Mac? Can they see him? He says, one of them can go in there, and only for a minute. Maxie says, that would be Felicia, and Felicia goes. Maxie asks Austin to please tell her one of those dead bodies was Peter, but he says, no; he checked first thing. Peter’s still out there.

Carly tells Drew that she’s not ready to give up on her marriage. So this isn’t about what’s fair. It’s about what they both need emotionally. He says, okay, and what does she need right now? and she says she needs Sonny to know she’s still in this. She’s not giving up, but they can figure things out without closing the door on their marriage. Right? She thanks him and gives him a hug. She says, thanks for talking to her and clarifying things. He says, always. He’s glad they bumped into each other. She says, her too, and his phone rings. He says, Anna… Wait… What happened to Dante.

At the van, Anna asks if he can hear her. Mac and Dante were transporting Peter to Pentenville, and they were ambushed. They’ve both been hurt. He says, what about August? and she says, there’s no sign of him. He says, dammit, and Carly says, what? He tells her, Peter August escaped.

Sonny closes the ring box, and says, that’s that. He turns to leave, and sees Nina walking out onto the deck.  

Chase says, they should get back, and Brook says, of course (🍷). Chase’s phone rings, and he says, Dante, what’s up? At the hospital, Dante says, there’s something he should know. Mac was shot tonight. Chase asks, how bad? but Dante says, they don’t know. He’s on his way to surgery now. Chase asks, what happened? and Dante says, the transport van was ambushed. Peter escaped. Brook says, what? and Chase says, the transport van was ambushed. Mac was shot and Peter escaped. She says, oh no, and runs inside. Chase runs after her, and Dante asks if he’s still there. Brook and Chase run into the nursery, and Bailey’s crib is empty. Brook starts to cry, and says, no, no, no!   

In a moving car, Peter tells Bailey/Louise, hello, sweetheart. Safe and snug. They’re together, and he’s never letting her go.

On Monday, Austin says, it’s a helluva story; Chase says, all signs point to Peter; Anna asks if Robert wants to go down that path; and Sonny says, his and Nina’s time together never happened.

🧹 Sweeping Up…

What’s to come on the soaps this month.

👄 La Lucci Speaks…

The diva of Pine Valley tells all.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Front Line Help…

She might not be a nurse off-camera, but she’s just as caring.

☄️ Farewell To a Star…

Another loss to the soap world.

👠 She’s Available…

Randall is an idiot.

https://people.com/tv/lala-kent-dating-again-after-randall-emmett-split/

🍊 OC Delusion…

I wanted to like her, but I’ve come to the conclusion she’s batsh*t crazy.

🗽 Accessing Production…

Like this matters anymore.

🛥 Ultimate Complaint…

What a shock. Brandi is mean.

🧂 Rubbing Salt In the Wound…

This week’s recap.

Exit stage Mary.

Everybody is getting into the act.

🐶 They’re Coming…

All you need to know about the upcoming Puppy Bowl XVIII.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/puppy-bowl-announcement

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Fashion is a movie. Every morning when you get dressed, you direct yourself. – Thierry Mugler

For a New Yorker anything is possible. – Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), The Gilded Age

Don’t let anyone who hasn’t been in your shoes tie your laces. – Judge Faith Jenkins

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. – Maya Angelou

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. – Ida B. Wells

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. – Alice Walker

Above all else, go with a sense of humor. It is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lip is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. – Hugh Sidey

Don’t lose your sense of humor. – the only advice my father gave me when I left home. I’ve come close.

Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied. – George Washington Carver

🚶🏽‍♀️ Time To Skedaddle…

It’s here – the weekend for those still doing the 9 to 5, and the next two days for those off the work grid. Come join me on the third day for soap and a Deck Reunion. Until then, stay safe, stay pragmatic, and stay off any yacht you’re not invited aboard.

October 29, 2021 – Gladys Comes Bearing Intel, New Gig, Reboot, Invaded, Not True, More Erika, Denial, Nobody, Ultimate News, Deck Farewell, Sequel, Haunting Quotes & Thrill This

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna sees Finn at the hospital and tells her, welcome back. She thanks him, and he says, still no sign of Peter? She says, no. She was just talking to the agents on the ground in Crete, and nothing. Not yet anyway. He says, as much as he wishes she had Peter in custody, or another freezer, he’s glad she’s okay. She says she wishes they all were.

Elizabeth tells Valentin, he’s doing remarkably well for a man with a gunshot wound who’s been shipped halfway around the world. How is he feeling? He says, like he could wrestle a bear, and Austin comes in, saying, he thinks Valentin would need a note from a doctor. Elizabeth asks if there’s something she can do for Austin, and he says, sure, but right now her tact and discretion are gift enough. She doesn’t need to worry. He’s not there in a medical capacity. He has business with the patient.

Brook tells Charlotte to eat her cereal so they can get going, but Charlotte says she can’t. Papa doesn’t let her eat sugary cereals. Brook says, just this once won’t kill her. Now, hurry up, so they can go to the hospital and see her dad. Brook’s phone rings, and she tells Lucy, this isn’t such a great time… She had Gladys working on that. She told Gladys she’d finish it, but she forgot… No, Brook has no idea where she keeps that calendar… Has Lucy tried calling her phone?… Oh, of course (🍷) she’s not answering. Fortunately, Brook knows exactly where to find her.

At the MetroCourt, Sasha tells Brando that his coffee smells good. It has real caffeine in it, doesn’t it? He says, mm-hm. She misses it, doesn’t she? She says, so much. She doesn’t dream of fitting back in her clothes or riding a roller coaster. She dreams of morning coffee, a double-shot latte with extra foam. Maxie comes in, saying, she’s sorry she’s late. Sasha says, no worries, and Brando says he enjoyed the extra time with Sasha. Maxie says, enjoy it while he can. He won’t have a free minute once the baby is born.

Gladys goes to the bar, wearing a bathrobe and slippers, and asks the bartender, what kind of a spa doesn’t have alcohol? She needs a bottle of Dom, and are strawberries in season? Never mind. If they’re covered in chocolate, it doesn’t matter. (Yes, it does.) She’ll take half a dozen. Brando asks what she’s doing there, and she says, the works. Eyebrow threading, mani-pedi, and some kind of treatment with gold leaf that’s going to take ten years off of her. He asks if she isn’t supposed to be at work, and Maxie says, that’s what she’d like to know.

Ava asks if Spencer would top off her coffee one more time, and Spencer says she’s already had four cups; the fifth one might kill her. Coming right up. Ava asks if that’s any way to talk to a customer, and Spencer says, perhaps Nikolas can spare his wife by taking her somewhere more suitable. Ava says, such as? and Spencer says, somewhere else. Nikolas says Spencer seems to have forgotten, he has no moral high ground here. He stalked Ava for months. He terrorized Ava, him, and Avery. He won’t allow Spencer to be rude to Ava on top of it. Spencer says, that’s rich. The man who let him think he was dead for three years is lecturing him on his tone. Nikolas says he’s Spencer’s father, and Spencer says, that can’t be helped. Next time Nikolas climbs on his high horse, just remember he’s no innocent himself. Shawn comes in, and looks at Nikolas.

Brook sends a text to Maxie that says, 911! AGAIN! Charlotte comes in, and says she gave Bailey a kiss goodbye from both of them, and said she’d tell daddy that Bailey loves him, and she gave the nanny Bailey’s top three favorite toys in case she won’t stop fussing. So they can go now? Brook thanks her, and says she’s so good to Bailey. Charlotte says, of course () she is; Bailey’s her sister. Brook says, off they go, and Charlotte asks if she’s sure they shouldn’t bring Bailey to see Papa. The nanny can get her ready in ten minutes; five if she helps. Brook says she wishes they could, but she thinks it would be too much commotion for Valentin. Charlotte supposes Brook is right. Besides, she might be scared by all the machines. Brook asks if Charlotte is nervous, and says, her Papa is going to be fine. He’s looking forward to seeing her. She’s very brave, and Brook wants her to know that she doesn’t just have Valentin; she has Brook too. Charlotte says she knows, and hugs Brook. Brook says, so Bailey is with the nanny, check; spoonful of sugar, check. Are they forgetting anything? Charlotte says, Yuri, and Brook says, that is one giant oversight. Let’s get Yuri, and let’s go see your dad.

Gladys says she has the day off, and Maxie asks if Brook is aware she’s not at her desk. Gladys puts a credit card in the folder to pay her bar tab, and says, it was Brook who gave her the day off. Maxie snatches the card, and says she supposes Brook also told Gladys that she could use her corporate card? Gladys holds out her hand, and says, it’s hers to use, but Maxie says, this is a corporate credit card. She’s part owner of the corporation, and it’s not for frivolous spa treatments or strawberries and champagne. Gladys says, Brook told her it was okay, and Sasha says she’s sure this is a misunderstanding. What did Brook say exactly? Gladys says, Brook was clear. Brook told her to enjoy her well-deserved reward day for all the hard work she’s done. Maxie laughs, and asks if she’s talking about the bare minimum they practically have to beg her to. Brando says he thinks it’s best if they postpone Gladys’s spa day, and she can reward herself this weekend. Gladys says she’s going to do what she was promised, she’s going to do it today, and she’s going to pay for it with that card, like she was promised.   

Ava says Nikolas has been preoccupied all morning. Is there anything he wants to discuss? He says, what’s to discuss? Despite his job, his kid is nowhere close to doing what’s right. She says, and Alexis? and he says, what about Alexis? She says he told her before that Alexis’s pardon might not work out. That’s got to be weighing on him. He says he does have a lot of family business on his mind, and she if he wants to elaborate. He says, there’s been some trouble with some real estate the Cassadines used to own in Greece. He needs to make some inquiries. She asks how it affects him, if the Cassadines no longer own the property, and he says, maybe it doesn’t, but he’d like to head to GH to make sure.  Valentin was shot on the property.

Finn says he heard Peter shot Valentin, and Anna says, he did. He says when he heard, all he could think about were those two little girls, Valentin’s kids. Because of Peter, they could have lost their father. It never should have come to this. He wishes he’d killed Peter. Anna says, no he doesn’t, and pulls him aside. He says, he does. If Peter would have died, none of them would have to worry about him going on this rampage. She says, at what cost to him though? and he asks if she’s talking about his conscience. He thinks he would have slept just fine knowing Peter was in the ground. She says he would have spent the rest of his life looking over his shoulder, wondering when it was going to catch up with him. And if it had, what would have happened to Violet? He says, at least he would have known that Violet and everyone else was safe from Peter. She says, that day will come because Peter’s starting to get desperate, and along with desperation comes mistakes, so he will get caught. Finn says, if he does, he’s interested to see if Peter will tell the authorities about the whole stairwell/freezer incident. She says, if he does, they’ll probably throw Finn a parade. She knows how much he love crowds and attention. He says he does love a good parade, but seriously, when she’s out there looking out for the world, who’s looking out for her?

Valentin says he hasn’t forgotten his agreement with Austin. If Austin wins his suit against the Quartermaines, he’ll support Valentin’s bid to stay CEO of ELQ, and Valentin will pay him off in any way Austin sees fit. Austin says he’s only there to tell Valentin that he’s going to have to hold on to his job on his own. He’s agreed to stop pursuing his claim against ELQ. Valentin asks, why he would do that? and Austin says, the mother of Valentin’s daughter. Valentin asks what Brook’s done now, and Austin says she manipulated him into making a HIPPA violation. Then she made him an offer. He gives up his rights as Jimmy Lee’s son, or he could give up his medical license. Valentin says he’s sorry to hear that. Brook can be a tenacious little minx when it comes to her family. Austin says, she sure is. He recognizes, as Bailey’s father, Valentin doesn’t have a choice, but he does. He doesn’t want anything to do with the Quartermaines. He’s out. Brook says, works for her, and stands in the doorway with Charlotte and Yuri.

Valentin says, mon petite, and Charlotte runs to him, saying, mon papa. Austin says, it’s suddenly really crowded in here. He thinks he’ll split. Brook tells him not to let the door hit him when he’s leaving. Charlotte asks if Valentin is okay, and he says he’s tougher than he looks. She says, he looks terrible, and Brook says, she should see the other guy. What is this, life number six or seven? He says, at least eight, and Brook says she has some Deception business to tend to, and they have some father/daughter time to make up for, so get on that. Outside the door, she tells Yuri that she has some calls to make, and to stay there with Charlotte. She’s his number one job. As she walks down the hall, Austin says he still hasn’t gotten the official word from the Board about going back to work. Could she prod that along? She says, not now, and he tells her to take her time. It’s just his future, his career, the lives of his patients. No worries.

Maxie says Gladys is an assistant. Nobody owes her a spa day or anything else aside from her weekly salary, provided she actually earns it. And she’s confiscating the card until further notice. Gladys says she doesn’t think Maxie wants to do that, and Brando tells her, stop. She can’t talk to her boss that way. Maxie’s phone dings, and she says, that’s Brook. Gladys says Maxie can ask her herself, but Maxie says she has to meet Brook at GH; Valentin is in the ICU. Gladys says, that poor wonderful man, and Sasha tells Maxie to go; they’ll reschedule. Maxie says, as for Gladys, she expected her back at her desk ten minutes ago. She leaves, and Gladys tells Sasha, before she says anything, she was telling the truth. Sasha says they’ll get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, Gladys has to remember that she reports to Brook. Gladys says, how can she forget? and Sasha says, and Brook reports to Maxie. Gladys says, Maxie was just lording that over her; Sasha doesn’t need to repeat it. Brando says, if they’re constantly reminding her of who her boss is, maybe she needs to hear it. Gladys says she’s sick of it. Nobody talks down to her, least of all some fraud who’s barking out orders at her when she should be getting a paternity test. Brando says, hey! Apologize to Sasha right now, and Sasha says, Brando is this baby’s father, without question, and she doesn’t need a test to prove it. Gladys says, of course (🍷). She didn’t mean that. She’s sorry; she’s overwhelmed. Which is why she needs a spa day. She runs out.

Anna tells Finn, this manhunt for Peter has been exhausting; mentally and physically. And the sheer carnage he’s left in his wake. Now there’s two little girls whose father is in ICU. He says, he took the liberty of looking at Valentin’s chart. Exploratory surgery isn’t without risk, but given Valentin’s age and condition, he hates to say it, but he thinks Valentin is going to make it. She laughs, and thanks him for that. She’s happy they still want what’s best for each other. As far as Peter is concerned, Finn’s peace of mind is more important than having him in custody. His death on Finn’s conscience, she would never want that for him, ever. Or Elizabeth. Finn looks at Elizabeth, standing at the reception desk.

Ava says, Valentin was shot? and tells Nikolas, great. She hopes he was sent out a window and belly-flopped into the Aegean. He says, but she’s not one to hold a grudge, and she tells him to let her enjoy it. She asks, who shot him, and why the hell would Nikolas care? and Nikolas says he’ll explain on the way to the launch, but she says he’ll explain on the way to GH. She’s going with him.    

Shawn walks into Kelly’s, and Spencer wonders why they call it serving when you spend most of the time cleaning up. Shawn says he’ll get the hang of it, and maybe even come to enjoy the work. Spencer says he’ll take Shawn’s word for that, and asks what brings him back so soon? Did he forget something? Shawn says he came back to see Spencer.   

Elizabeth asks if Finn is sure Anna isn’t going to say anything about what they did to Peter, and he says he thinks Anna has their back. She says, okay. She should thank Anna. She guesses she should cut Anna a little slack. She’s doing everything she can to catch Peter, but Elizabeth can’t help thinking how many lives Peter will destroy before he gets stopped. He says, Peter will never harm Elizabeth or her family again; he’ll make sure of it. She asks, how? and he says he just will. She says, sounds like a plan, and thanks him. He says, speaking of families, he feels kind of terrible for prying into hers.

Valentin asks Charlotte how things are at the Quartermaines without him. Is she helping Brook with her baby sister? She says she changed Bailey’s diaper, twice, and he says, he’s proud of her. He knows it’s been an adjustment, and wants her to know how much he appreciates her effort. She says she enjoys taking care of her sister. It happens a lot when Brook’s friend comes to visit. He says, Maxie? but she says, Detective Chase. They’re constantly playing games and watching movies. Valentin says, they’re friends, and she tells him, if he says so. He says he cares very much about Brook because she’s Bailey’s mother, but he’s glad she has friends. She asks if he has friends, and he flashes back to kissing Anna in the tavern. He says he has her and Bailey, and that makes him the luckiest man in the world.

Gladys is carrying a humongous teddy bear, and tells Austin that she’s looking for a room. Valentin Cassadine. He says he’s terribly sorry, but only family is allowed to visit, but she says she is family. Gladys Corbin, and she comes bearing gifts… She whispers, and intel. He says, oh, intel. Intel wouldn’t have anything to do with the Quartermaines, would it? She says, would it ever, and he says, you don’t say. It’s a crying shame hospital policy prevents him from telling her that Valentin is in ICU-1. She says, thanks for nothin’, winking at him. He says, pawsitively my pleasure, slapping the bear’s paw. She leaves, and he says, damn, that was gold. Maxie asks, what’s gold?

Shawn says, when he was there earlier, Spencer made a crack about how he used to be able to get his father to do anything for him. Spencer says, first of all, Nikolas is his father, not his dad. Second of all, those days are long gone; his father has washed his hands of him. Shawn says, Spencer might feel that way, but he’s sure that’s not true. Spencer says, care to put money on that? He could use it. Shawn says he would, and he’d win. Spencer says Shawn thinks this is one of those tough love kind of things, but it’s not. Shawn says he thinks the connection between Spencer and his father runs deeper than both of them realize. He also thinks they’re both incredibly stubborn. Spencer says he can’t disagree on the second part, and Shawn says, behind the stubbornness, they’re both longing to reconnect. He thinks if there’s anyone in the world Nikolas would come clean to, it’s his son, and Spencer says, come clean about what?

Anna sees Nikolas and Ava, and says she wanted to talk to Nikolas. He asks what he can do for her, and she says he saved her a trip to Spoon Island. She wanted to ask him about a Cassadine property in Crete. He says, any properties there were sold off years ago. He might be able to provide her with some more information later, but right now he’s here to see Valentin. Anna says, that’s odd. It wasn’t that long ago that they nearly came to blows at the MetroCourt. Not to mention Valentin shot Nikolas out a window and into the sea, and Nikolas was in hiding for three years. He says, recent events have taught him to  rely on his better angels. Can she tell him where he can find Valentin? She says, ICU, but visitation is limited. Ava suggests they come back another time, and Nikolas asks Anna to let Valentin know they were there. She says she’ll be happy to, but while she’s playing messenger, is there anything he’d like to say to his Uncle Victor? Nikolas says, what about him? and Anna says she thought Nikolas would have heard. Victor’s alive.

Valentin asks if Charlotte has seen Scout, and Charlotte says, Scout and Danny were over. He asks if Scout is still interested in ballet, and Charlotte says she is. He says he’s glad. Yuri stops Gladys from coming in, but she says she’s a friend. Valentin says, Miss Corbin? and she says, Gladys. She told Yuri she was a friend; now let her inside. Yuri says, Charlotte is visiting with her father, and Charlotte asks Valentin, who is this person? Gladys says, isn’t she a delight? And pretty. She bets Charlotte knows it. Valentin introduces them, and Gladys says, now will Yuri let her in? Valentin suggests Charlotte take Yuri to the cafeteria for cocoa or something, and they leave. Gladys comes in, and says, my God, it’s worse than she thought. Don’t worry. His Gladys is here now.  

Brando tells Sasha, he can’t believe his mother. He thought she dropped the whole paternity thing months ago. He’s so sorry. She says, first of all, it’s not his fault. She’s not excusing Gladys, but she’s dealing with a lot. In the past few months, her living situation and employment status changed. He says, both for the better, and Sasha says, and she got shot. He says, which is bad, but she’s wearing it like a badge of honor, and she says, on top of everything, the first man she showed interest in, who showed interest in her, literally got blown up on their first date. He says he gets it, and she says, his mother may be… all of the things she is, but she has been through it. He says, even so, she still has to respect Sasha, not only as the mother of her grandchild, but as her boss. He wouldn’t blame her if she fired Gladys.

Austin tells Maxie, you had to be there. He cracked an unappreciated pun. She says she’s glad sense of humor’s back. Does that mean he’s okay with everything? He says he’ll never be okay with giving up his birthright, but in a weird way, he’s kind of grateful that Brook tried to ruin his career. It reminded him how much he enjoys being a doctor. She says she knows what Brook did was wrong, but she doubts Brook would have gone through with it. He says he’s pretty sure she would have. There’s this thing he’s trying to figure out that he doesn’t understand. Maxie was engaged to an extremely bad dude, and she’s besties with a morally bankrupt woman. Is he the only one who thinks she deserves better?

Brook sees Charlotte with Yuri, and says she thought Charlotte would still be visiting with her father, but Charlotte says he sent her to get hot cocoa. Brook says she’d love to join them, but she has to find Maxie. They move on, and Brook gets in the elevator, and says, and ruin her day.

Finn says, Violet found the picture of Elizabeth and her father… and Elizabeth says, she’s bound to have questions. He says, Violet is a very curious little girl, especially where her family is concerned, and she says, that’s understandable, given all things concerned, and he says, even so, he shouldn’t have pushed her, comparing her relationship with her father to his with Gregory. He shouldn’t have done that. Every family is different. She says, she simply doesn’t have a close relationship with her dad, and Hayden never knew him. She’s sorry he’s not an active grandparent to her boys or Violet, but that’s just who he is.

Nikolas says, his uncle is alive? and Anna says, alive, well, and in custody. He was colluding with Peter. They were holed up in a compound in Crete that Nikolas claims is no longer part of his family’s ownership. Nikolas says, to the best of his knowledge, it isn’t, but he can contact his lawyers. She says she would appreciate that, and he asks if Victor has said anything he should know about, and she says, he hasn’t told them much so far. He’s intimated there are secrets to be shared, but he’s angling for a deal obviously. He says, sounds like his unscrupulous uncle. So what’s going to happen to him? She tells him, it’s difficult to say. Victor didn’t survive, and lay low for six years without someone’s help. Maybe it was Peter; maybe it was someone else. Anyway, she’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Ava asks Nikolas, tell her, what is it he’s hiding?

Shawn says Spencer must know he went to prison for shooting Spencer’s former stepmother Hayden Barnes, but he was falsely accused. Spencer says, he’s out now, so they must have found who shot Hayden. Shawn says, the authorities didn’t, but he did. He needs Spencer’s help to bring them to justice. Spencer asks, what can he…? He puts down the tub of dishes he’s holding, and asks what any of this has to do with his father. Shawn says, everything. Nikolas is responsible for Hayden’s shooting.  

Nikolas asks what Ava means, and she says, it’s clear he knows more about Victor than he’s letting on. If she could see that, so could Anna. So she must ask, is whatever it is going to come back to bite them? He says, if Victor had given him up, he’d be in custody and being formally questioned right now, and she says, given him up for what? He says, Valentin shot him and almost killed him, and she says she remembers very well; she was there. He says Victor found him and nursed him back to health, and she asks what Victor wanted in return. He says, they struck a deal. He kept Victor’s anonymity, and Victor kept his. He promised when he reclaimed the Cassadine estate, he would give Victor a home base, and keep his secret. She asks what this has to do with Peter. How deep is Nikolas in with him? He says he had no clue Victor was up to anything with Peter, and she asks if he can trust his uncle to keep him out of it. He says he thinks so. His uncle is an opportunist, and needs Nikolas where he is. She says, unless he’s found a way to leverage Nikolas for his own freedom. He knows as well as she does, betrayal comes most often from those closest to us.

Spencer asks what Shawn means when he says, Nikolas was involved with Hayden’s shooting? Is Shawn saying he shot her? Shawn says, no. We believe Nikolas hired someone to do the job for him. Spencer goes outside, and Shawn follows. Spencer says, who’s we? and Shawn says, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that Nikolas is the one who hurt Hayden, not him. Spencer says, if what Shawn is saying is true, then his father let Shawn serve six years for something he… What proof does Shawn have? Shawn says, none right now. That’s where Spencer comes in. Spencer says he wants no part of this, and Shawn says, just ask Nikolas about Hayden. That’s all. Spencer asks why he should, and Shawn says, for Violet, Hayden’s daughter. That little girl is without her mother just like Spencer. Doesn’t he want to know if Hayden is staying away because of something his father did to her? Spencer seriously doubts his father is going to confess to him, and Shawn says, then he doesn’t. Spencer says, what if he does? What does he do then, turn Nikolas over to the police? Shawn says, Spencer tells him, and he’ll tell the police. Spencer says he doesn’t want his father to go to prison, and Shawn asks if Spencer isn’t facing prison right now. Nikolas is holding Spencer’s feet to the fire for stalking Ava, while Nikolas arranged for someone to kill Hayden. Who committed the greater crime? Spencer says he’s sorry, but he needs to get back to work, and Shawn says, follow his instincts. Do the right thing. Shawn leaves, and Spencer takes his apron off and jets. Shawn watches from around the corner.

Sasha tells Brando, Gladys is never going to be a perfect fit for Deception, and he says, he appreciates her hiring Gladys. It gave her a sense of purpose. She says, she also wanted Gladys to earn an income so she could move out. He says, that too, and look how Glady’s repaid her; insulting everybody, and helping herself to the corporate card. She says, Gladys honestly thought she had Brook’s blessing somehow, and he says, how? He doesn’t know Brook that well, but she doesn’t seem like the type who would treat his mother to a spa day. Sasha says, she isn’t, which is why she needs to get to the bottom of this. He says, or she could just fire Gladys. It’s obviously not working out. She says, let her talk to Maxie and Brook, and figure out what’s going on. As for Gladys, she still has a job… for now.

Gladys says, that Charmain of his is a real beauty, and Valentin says, Charlotte. She says, like the web? and he says, like the web. Both of his daughters are rare beauties. She asks, where is that precious bundle of Brook’s? and he says, at home. Why is Gladys here? She says he was so good to her and she wants to return the favor. She took a bullet recently too. He says he heard. She seems to have made a remarkable recovery. She says, it’s not all bad; she’s a weathervane now, meaning, she can tell when a storm is coming. He says, that must be useful, and she says, it is. He thanks her for the visit and the gift, and she tells him to remember the bear is for him, not the rug rats, no matter how beautiful they are. He says he will. He doesn’t want to be rude, but he really should rest now. She says, of course (🍷). You poor, poor thing. He must be exhausted. She sits next to the bed, and asks if he knows she works for Brook.

Maxie says she knows Brook isn’t Austin’s favorite person right now, and she can sympathize. There was a time she and Brook hated each other. He asks, what changed? Brook is still superficial, caustic, entitled, and opportunistic. She says, they’ve been though a lot, and she can’t forget the good things, and he says he can’t forget the promise he made to his father. She asks if he’s at least been reinstated, and he says, he got an informal notice that Brook retracted her statement, but he’s still waiting for them to make it official so he can see his patients. She says, that’s good. It means this whole thing is effectively over. He says, it’s not over, when Brook walks up, and he adds, not by a long shot.

Finn says he knows it’s a difficult subject, but he’s only asking for Violet, and Elizabeth says, she wants to see the picture again. He says, she’s asked a couple of times where the picture of her grandpa Jeff is. He looked, but he couldn’t find it. Does she know what happened to it? She flashes back to tearing it up, but says she has no idea.

Sasha tells Brando, she has an idea or two about how to reach Gladys, and he asks if she’s sure. She knows how his mother is. The more someone tries to manage her, the more she doubles down to cause trouble. Sasha says she’s got this. He can leave Gladys to her.

Brook says she’s been calling and texting Maxie since last night. Why hasn’t Maxie gotten back to her? Maxie says, something was wrong with her phone. She wasn’t receiving any texts or calls, and they suddenly came in a few minutes ago. What is going on? Brook grabs her, and says, they need to talk, pulling Maxie away from Austin. Austin says, before they have this little tete-a-tete, he’s done everything Brook asked him to do, yet somehow, miraculously, he hasn’t been officially cleared to see his patients. Brook says, that sounds like a you problem, and he says, the problem is for his patients because he doesn’t get to see them. She says she did her part. She’s sorry if the administrative wheels of this hospital grind slowly. She’s sorry, but she has bigger fish to fry, and Maxie says, like Valentin? Brook says, like her assistant. Something has to be done about Gladys. Maxie says she caught Gladys using Brook’s corporate card, and had to order her to go back to work. Austin asks if they’re talking about Gladys Corbin, and Brook asks how he knows Gladys. He says he doesn’t know her well, they just met, but she was looking for Valentin.

Gladys tells Valentin, she’s Brook’s assistant, but she’s treated more like an indentured servant. She doesn’t understand how a classy guy like Valentin got mixed up with a bossy bridge and tunnel princess like that. He closes his eyes, and asks why Gladys is there, and she says, he was so understanding the few times they kept each other company. He listened, and accepted her for who she is. Does he know what that is? He says, a force of nature? and she tells him, that’s not what she was going to say, but she likes that better. She asks if she can call him Val, and says, if knowledge is power, than anyone who crosses her had better take cover.

Ava calls to Anna, who says she thought Ava left. Ava says she’s on her way out, but she just wanted to reiterate that if Anna needs anything from her or Nikolas, just let them know. Peter’s reign of terror has to end. Anna says she couldn’t agree more. It was nice to see Ava together with Nikolas. She’s so glad that whole stalker nightmare is over. Ava says, Spencer is facing the music, and she and Nikolas are ready for their happily ever after. Anna says she certainly hopes that’s the case, and Ava says it sounds like Anna has doubts. Anna says she’s not sure that’s even possible, happily ever after with a Cassadine.   

On the phone outside Kelly’s, Shawn says, they picked up his tail?… Great. He’s on his way.

Nikolas is at the docks when Spencer joins him. He asks if Spencer isn’t supposed to be finishing his shift at Kelly’s, and Spencer says, something more important came up. It couldn’t wait. Nikolas asks what Spencer’s done now, and Spencer says, it’s not about him. It’s about Nikolas. Tell him about Hayden.

On Monday, Sonny says there’s something Carly should know, Valentin asks if Gladys’s knowledge concerns him, Spencer asks if Nikolas arranged for his stepmother’s murder, and Britt tells Jason, they’re so close, they have to find her.

🕳 What Comes Next…

Glad to see she’s recovered from that fall.

🌲 Pine Valley Legend…

And just think. She can start a new streak of not winning awards.

😧 Yikes…

Not that it’s in any way her fault – she’s totally the victim here – she just got done talking about how pricey her wardrobe was on the RHOBH Reunion.

🚬 Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em…

Josh Flagg? Really?

💎 If You Didn’t Get Enough…

More on the ongoing saga.

📸 Not Me…

She was framed framing Tom.

🥗 Everybody Is Somebody…

I dunno about this. Didn’t she write for fitness and nutrition magazines?

👠 To Be Expected…

What did they think was going to happen?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1307070/why-cynthia-baileys-friendship-with-kenya-moore-changed-after-housewives-girls-trip-fight

https://screenrant.com/real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip-ramona-room-selection/

You, too, can get in on the fun.

https://www.etonline.com/how-to-watch-the-real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip-174336

🛥 Final Salute…

He wasn’t on for long, but he seemed like a stand-up guy.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-mediterranean-captain-mark-howard-dead-at-65/

🐯 Tiger, Tiger…

Because we just can’t stop watching.

https://www.insider.com/tiger-king-2-first-trailer-released-netflix-2021-10

🎃 Quotes of the Week

Darkness falls across the land, The Midnight Hour is close at hand. – Rodney Lynn Temperton

Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.Edgar Allan Poe

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for out wits to grow sharper. – Eden Phillpots

Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue. – Ichabod Crane, Sleepy Hollow

I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly. – Elizabeth, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones. – Stephen King

A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality. – Lucy Van Pelt, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it’s about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves. – Elvis Duran

If human beings had genuine courage, they’d wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. – Douglas Coupland

Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. – Steve Almond

I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color. – Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family

Where there is no imagination there is no horror.Arthur Conan Doyle

The moon has awoken with the sleep of the sun, the light has been broken; the spell has begun. – Midgard Morningstar

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. – Unknown

When the witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ’tis near Halloween. – Unknown

Werewolves howl. Phantoms prowl. Halloween’s upon us now. – Richelle E. Goodrich

Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us. – Tim Burton

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.L. M. Montgomery

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. – Mason Cooley

There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. – Robert Brault

On Halloween you get to become anything that you want to be. – Ava Dellaria

🧹 Flying Off On My Broom…

See you post Halloween when the Dead are Feared. No matter what you do, have fun, but trust your instincts. And until the wolf howls, stay extra safe, stay doing what makes you feel comfortable, and stay not doing things that make you desperate. You’ll inevitably make mistakes and get caught.

February 5, 2021 – Martin Gets a Surprise, Teary Audition, a Reunion, Some Prayers, No Surprise, One Year, Shep Confesses, That Mask, a Birthday, More Nominees, Virtual Culture, Today’s Fact, 3×5+2 Quotes & People

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina puts the necklaces together, and looks at Nathan’s picture. She asks him, what is it about their family? All the time she spent looking for her daughter, and she was right in front of her, begging to be seen. She was Nelle’s last chance. She won’t let down another child in their family. Jax knocks at her office door, and comes in. He says she hasn’t been returning his calls or texts, and asks her not to shut him out.

Jason tells Carly, it’s all set, and she asks if he thinks it’s going to work. He says, it might not be exactly what Martin wanted, but it’s what he’s getting.

The hostess at the MetroCourt slides a box over to Martin at the bar. He asks what it is, and she says, he’s Martin Grey, right? He says, maybe, and she says she’s seen him there often enough to know his name. The package was delivered for him. He opens it, and takes out a phone with a post-it note on it that says Florence.

Chase goes to Sonny’s place, and Michael answers the door with Willow. He asks if it’s official business, and Chase says it’s about his father’s funeral.

Sonny wipes down the bar at the Tan-O, and Phyllis asks how he’s doing. He says he’s kind of down, but the meds are making him feel calm; not amped up like he was. She asks if he feels more like his old self, and he says, he wouldn’t know that, because he still doesn’t know who he is.

Finn goes into an empty examining room at the hospital, and closes the blinds. He opens a briefcase and takes out a swab. He swabs his mouth, puts it in an envelope, and seals it, putting it back in the case. He takes it to the reception desk, and a tech tells him, the lab called. He wanted some tests run? He gives her the envelope with the swab, and another with Chase’s water bottle in it. He says he needs the DNA results as soon as possible, and she says, he’s got it. He turns around and sees Jackie, and walks away. She follows him, asking him to wait.

At Nathan’s grave, Britt asks if he enjoyed their little visit earlier. Her, Nina, and Maxie, all there to pay their respects. They easily could have gone down a dark path, like the three witches in Macbeth. Not that he ever struck her as a Shakespeare buff, but she thinks he knows what she means. Instead of going dark, the three of them formed kind of a sisterhood, united by their love for him. They made pact have each other’s backs, and she’ll need that, now that the dark prince seems to be on the rise. Peter shows up, and says, sorry. He didn’t know anyone was there. She mumbles, speak of the devil.

Anna says, the memories Franco received were from Drew’s life before he came to Port Charles. Valentin says, if Kirk was right, and Franco is hearing voices from the memory transfer, that means Peter knew Drew years ago, when Drew was still in the military. Anna says, if that’s true, why didn’t Peter ever say anything? and Valentin says, he doesn’t want them to know. Obviously, he’s been lying to them.

Phyllis says, Sonny still can’t remember anything? and he says, not since he woke up in the woods. She says, the fall into the river was bad enough, combine that with lack of sleep and a racing mind, no wonder his body and brain were exhausted. Maybe after a few days on the medication, when he’s rested, his memory will return. He hopes so. He doesn’t like feeling like a blank slate. Lenny comes in, and she says maybe Sonny and Lenny can look for any missing persons notices they missed at the trooper’s station, but Sonny says he doesn’t want anything to do with cops. Sonny walks off, and Lenny asks, what the hell was that?

Chase tells Michael, there will be extra cops on the streets and on the docks the day of Sonny’s funeral. Jordan wants them to know, if anyone causes trouble, the PCPD will be there to handle it. Michael says he’ll pass the message along, and excuses himself, saying he has to talk to his mom. Chase tells Willow, Michael isn’t the only reason he stopped by, and she says she didn’t think so. He says, it’s the worst timing. Michael losing his dad while they’re trying to figure things out. He says, that sounded horrible, but he misses her.

Michael tells Carly, Chase had a message from the PCPD. Jordan is going to have more police presence on the street for his dad’s funeral. It felt like a warning. Jason doesn’t think it’s a bad idea to have more police presence, but he doesn’t think there will be any trouble. Michael says, it feels surreal talking about it. He went to the site, and saw where the bridge collapsed. He knows his father is gone, but a funeral seems too final. Jason says, it feels too soon, especially since they didn’t recover Sonny’s body. Michael says, it’s not his place to say, and Carly says, it feels too soon to her too.

Britt tells Peter that she should talk to Nina about putting in a pop-up gift shop, for those making the pilgrimage there to find a piece of Nathan’s goodness to take with them. She asks if he thinks it’s too commercial, and he says he thinks it’s too tacky, but that’s not why he’s there. She asks why is he at their brother’s grave.

Anna asks why Valentin always jumps to the worst possible conclusions, and he says, Peter lying isn’t the worst possible conclusion. She says, the picture of Peter that’s coming into focus isn’t flattering, and he says they need to plot this out, and see where it leads. She says, she almost doesn’t want to, and he tells her, he says, for the purpose of this hypothetical, Franco is hearing Drew’s voice because he and Peter crossed paths while Drew was still in the military. Anna says, Drew disappeared from his post while he was stationed in Afghanistan, and Valentin says, how long between the abduction and the memory transfer? Maybe Drew and Peter interacted then. Anna says, which means Peter played more than a minor role in the crimes that were committed, and Valentin flashes back to Peter saying dead Helena was trying to expose his part in Drew’s abduction in Afghanistan. Anna wonders what Valentin isn’t telling her.

Jax tells Nina that he apologizes. He was wrong. For what it’s worth (🍷), he was protecting her. He didn’t know how to tell her that the daughter she was searching for was Nelle. What would be worse, knowing the pain Nelle inflicted or that she was already dead? Either way, Nina would be devastated. She says he should have respected her, and trusted she wasn’t a frail butterfly, who needed to be protected from the harsh truths of life. He should have told her everything. Instead, he let Carly convince him that not telling the truth would be better for her, when it was actually better for Carly. He got caught up in Carly’s hatred for Nelle, and the non-stop narrative of how evil she is, and how she doesn’t have a chance of redemption. She knows who Nelle was, and the atrocities she committed, but he knew the connection she felt for Nelle, to the point where she made sure Nelle got a decent burial, and she had no idea she was burying her own daughter. Jax swears, at the time, he had no idea, but she says, then he did. He had a choice, to help her deal with the news that her daughter was this troubled woman, who died before she had the chance to give her love, or to help Carly keep a secret. And he chose Carly. A tear rolls down Nina’s cheek.

Peter tells Britt, he came there to tell Nathan that he’s going to do right by Maxie and James, and he’s going to be a good husband and father. She says, as good as Nathan? and he says, Maxie loves him. She says, that didn’t answer the question. Will he be as good as Nathan? If you ask her, that’s asking the impossible.

Carly tells Michael, she agreed to the funeral for the same reason Jordan is putting on extra cops; as a safety precaution. Michael asks how that works, and Jason says, Sonny’s disappearance created a vacuum in the business, which is creating instability. Michael says he gets it. A change in management leaves the company vulnerable to a takeover. Carly says, it will show any potential rivals that the territory is secure, and Jason says, the service is to honor Michael’s father, but the timing is to send a message that Sonny is gone, and he’s in charge.

Martin pushes a button on the phone, and says, hello, mother?… He can’t tell her how good it is to hear the sound of her voice. How is she?… He knows the move to the new place must have been a surprise. Is she comfortable, and are they taking good care of her?

Jackie follows Finn in to an examining room, and says she can keep following him all day. He asks, what’s the alternative? and she says, take a minute to talk to her. He says, usually when someone tells him to go to hell, he assumes that’s the end of the conversation. She says, she lost her temper; she’s sorry. He asks what she thinks they have left to talk about, and she asks him to dial back the animosity; she’s not his enemy. At least she doesn’t want to be. He says, all he wants is some answers. He needs to know if Chase is his son or his brother. She asks if he’s thought it through. Does he really need to know? Has he considered that if he goes through with this, it could destroy Chase’s entire life?

Valentin tells Anna, what did or did not happen when Drew was abducted, it was a full five years before Peter came to Port Charles. Peter may be downplaying his involvement, but which one of them hasn’t glossed over a detail or two? Besides, it all hinges on Kirk’s theory, and they can’t interview a dead man. Anna says, that brings her to her other concern. How or why did Kirk transfer Obrecht from Steinmaur to one of his less secure facilities in Geneva? And why are her whereabouts classified? He says, it’s above Anna’s paygrade; that must be humbling. She tells him, if Obrecht is out, she’s going to be coming for Peter. Valentin has to talk to him, and try to prove what she’s beginning to suspect is wrong.

Britt says, Peter is nothing like Nathan. He’s more like their daddy dearest. What’s the saying? Something about an apple and a tree… He says he’s nothing like their father. There’s good in him that comes from his mother. She says, maybe Anna didn’t save him as much as he thinks, because he’s a helluva lot closer to their father than Anna or Nathan. As Britt leaves, she mutters that she hates telling her mother she was right. Peter watches her go.

Jax tells Nina, misguided or not, it wasn’t about protecting Carly, but protecting her. Nina says, but who protected Nelle? Her mother sent her beautiful baby to a man capable of ripping out her kidney and selling it. Good God, Nelle lacked what she needed in life because Nina’s mother deprived her of it. Then Nina testified against her. She betrayed her daughter, the only child she’ll ever have in her life. She walks away from him.

Michael tells Carly, Nothing meant more to his dad than family. If having the funeral now makes it safer, especially for Josslyn and the girls, Sonny would be all for it, and so is he. Carly asks, what about the other kids? They must have questions. Michael says, Dante has been distracted since he got stabbed with a loaded syringe, but he talked to Kristina. Carly asks if she objects, but he says she knows Carly and Sonny were married, and supports her decision. Carly says she knows it’s the right choice, but she hates it.

Lenny tells Phyllis, Mike (Sonny) doesn’t know who he is, but he sure as hell doesn’t like cops. He wonders if Sonny is a criminal. What are they getting themselves into? She says, the trooper wasn’t exactly friendly when he brought Mike home. It makes sense he’d prefer to avoid them. Lenny says, it’s not his home; he’s just staying with them. They still don’t know anything about him. She says, that’s enough, and asks if Mike hasn’t proven already that he’s a good guy. He defended them when a guy tried to rob them, and he’s helping without them asking. Lenny says, because he’s bipolar and off his meds, but Phyllis says, even on medication, he almost single-handedly restored their kitchen. Lenny wouldn’t know a blessing if it smacked him in the nose. Sonny joins them, and he says he hears what they’re saying, and he’s sorry he’s frustrated, but there’s something about the trooper that doesn’t feel right in his gut. They’ve been nothing but kind to him, and he doesn’t want to be a burden. He’ll pack up and move on. Lenny says, no. He’s not going to let Sonny do that.

Sonny says, Lenny won’t let him leave? Lenny says, what Sonny does is his business, but he’s not the kind of man who would let Sonny run off without properly compensating him for his hard work. Sonny says they don’t owe him anything. They  provided for him, gave him food, and a place to stay. If anything, he owes them. He doesn’t want to be a burden. Lenny asks, who said he was a burden? There’s not much money, but there’s plenty that needs doing. As long as he’s willing to work hard, he’s doing them a favor. Phyllis says he needs to time to get back on his feet, and if he stays, she can monitor his medication, and make sure he’s getting the proper dosage. Sonny says, okay. He’ll stay, but he has conditions. He’s tasted their sauce, now they have to let him make his own.   

Carly tells Michael and Jason, she went over the arrangements with Father Reyes, and he’s been wonderful. Sonny’s headstone will be placed with Mike and Morgan. She knows the importance of ritual and saying goodbye. They’re probably not going to recover Sonny’s body, and this is probably the only closure they’re going have, but it’s hard. She keeps thinking of all the places Sonny isn’t going to be, and all the experiences he’s not going to have. There’s this gaping hole inside. Michael says he keeps expecting Sonny to walk through the front door, and Jason says, him too. Michael says, it’s not like this wasn’t a possibility, given Sonny’s line of work. He’s not so naïve to think it might not catch up with Sonny, but now he wonders what he’s going to do without him. Carly says, they’ll do what his father would want. They’re going to keep going.

Martin says, his mother really thinks the food is that much of an improvement over Mountain Landing Long Term Care?… Noted. He must say, it does his heart good to know the nurses there are spending so much time with her… Agreed. A phone call is wonderful, but doesn’t take the place of an in-person visit… Wonderful. He’ll be seeing her as soon as he can. She knows how much he loves her. I love Martin right at this moment.

Jackie says, there has to be a way to make peace that doesn’t destroy Chase’s happiness. Clearly, Chase loves Finn. He loves having an older brother, and being an uncle to Violet. Why risk throwing that away? Finn says, in his heart, he believes Chase is his brother, but if he turns out to be Chase’s dad, he doesn’t know if he’ll tell Chase, for all the reasons she mentioned. He nearly died recently, and it hit him. If this is all the time he has left, he wants to know if Chase is part of the legacy he’ll leave behind. Jackie asks if Chase isn’t still part of Finn’s legacy as his brother, and Finn says being father to Violet changed him; it changed everything. If Chase turns out to be Violet’s brother, if something happens to him, it would be comfort to know his children had each other.

Peter talks to Nathan’s headstone, saying, he’s sick and tired of the non-stop comparisons to Nathan. He’s tired of Maxie’s love being questioned all the time. Trust him, his dearest brother, once he’s Maxie’s husband, he’ll make sure Nathan’s ghost is relegated so deep into the past, he can assume his rightful place as a distant memory. James already looks at Peter like his father, and soon Maxie herself will think of him as James’s dad. Valentin appears, and says, that’s very touching.

Jax tells Nina, she didn’t betray Nelle. She told the truth under oath. An innocent child’s life was in play, and they all did their best to protect Wiley; Willow, Michael, Carly and her. Nina says she never questioned Carly’s love for her family. She’s been supportive of the way Carly and Jax co-parent, but what hurts is, Jax couldn’t look past what Carly needed to what she might need. When Nelle died, there was no more threat to Wiley, but Carly still pressured him to keep the secret, and does he see what that would have cost her? He says he’s not following. By the time they put the clues together, Nelle was dead for months. She says, her daughter is dead and there’s nothing she can do to change that, but Wiley is still alive. Doesn’t he see that keeping her in the dark about her connection to Nelle could have kept her from a lifetime with her grandson?

Jax says this is going be hard to believe, but it never occurred to him that she was Wiley’s grandmother too. He’s sorry. If he’d known that, he would have told her the truth right away, no matter how hard it was. He swears. Nina says, it sickens her to say this, but she doesn’t trust him. If she can’t trust him, she can’t share the decisions she’ll be making about her grandson with him. Jax says he’s scared about where she’s going with this. She’s pushing him away, and she doesn’t have to, he promises. She tells him not to make it harder for her. Just go. He says, please, but she turns her back to him. As he walks out the door, he keeps trying to say something, but has no words.

Valentin says he didn’t expect to find Peter there. Quite a show of devotion considering… Peter says, what? and Valentin says, Peter and Nathan were brothers, but Peter barely knew the man. Peter says, Nathan was important to Maxie, and Maxie is important to him, and Valentin says he’s impressed. Peter has worked hard to be an honorable man. Still, a few stray strands of truth are unraveling. Peter asks what he means, and Valentin tells him, Obrecht’s whereabouts are unknown. Peter says, she’s supposed to be locked away in Steinmaur, but Valentin says, she was transferred, and now she’s off the grid. Peter asks if Valentin thinks she’s coming for him, and Valentin asks if she has reason to.

Anna goes to the hospital, and says Britt is just the person she’s looking for. She could use Britt’s professional opinion about a person missing under a doctor’s care. She’s prone to self-aggrandizing, fantasy and delusion, and she’s suddenly gone missing. Britt says, she’s a doctor, not a P.I., and Anna says, but what does she think about this individual? Is she safe out there, or should the authorities be notified?

Jackie tells Finn, Chase raves about Violet. If he was her brother instead of her uncle, those feelings wouldn’t change, but he’d be devastated to lose his brother. She sees how much Finn loves Chase too. Finn says he convinced himself that he didn’t need family; he didn’t need anyone. Violet and Chase proved him wrong. She says, let that be enough. Please. Chase wanted a functional, loving family his entire life, and now he has three family members; his mother, his father, and his brother. Finn says he told her, it’s long shot, but if it turns out he’s Chase’s dad, he doesn’t know if he’ll tell Chase. She says she doesn’t think he could keep it a secret for long. Then what? Everyone Chase knows, loves, and trusts won’t be the people he thought they were. It will completely tear his life apart. Chase comes in, and says, look at this. They’re both in the same room, no one is bleeding, and nothing is on fire. Isn’t that great?

Jason asks if Carly is sure she wants to do this; he can handle it. She says, no. She wants to be there. She opens the door to Martin, and says, Mr. Grey. How good of you to come. She invites him in.

Phyllis gives Sonny a bag, and says, fresh tomatoes, just like he requested. He drives a hard bargain. Sonny asks if Phyllis is sure Lenny is okay with him staying, and she says, trust her. He would be out of there in a heartbeat if Lenny wasn’t. And his work isn’t charity. They need help. If she’s being honest, it’s a relief knowing he’ll be there if another customer problem. He says she has his word. No one is going to rob her and Lenny again as long as he’s around. She says, he may now know much about who he is, but she has the gut feeling that he’s certainly a man of his word. Sonny wonders if he can ask her about something that’s been bothering him. She says, sure, and he says, obviously he doesn’t know who he is, but there are people out there who do know. How come they’re not looking for him? Phyllis takes Sonny’s hand, and asks, how does he know they’re not?

Britt tells Anna that she doesn’t speculate on hypotheticals, but Anna says, this is very real, and potentially dangerous. Unless Britt helps. Britt asks, how? and Anna says, tell her where Obrecht is, and she promises she won’t shoot Obrecht on sight.

Valentin dusts off Nathan’s tombstone, and says, it’s come to his attention that Franco Baldwin can place Peter at the scene of a crime. Peter says he doesn’t know what Valentin is talking about, and Valentin says, let him clarify. Franco is channeling Drew’s memories, and they’re resurfacing. Peter says, all he knows about Franco, is his tumor is resurfacing, which makes him a potential threat. Valentin says, Peter didn’t seem to feel that way when he burst into the operating room to stop the man sent to kill Franco. Peter asks where Valentin is going with this, and Valentin says he’s just playing with puzzle pieces to see what fits. If Franco Baldwin, Drew Cane, Jason Morgan… Peter says, what about Jason? and Valentin says, it wasn’t that long ago, Peter came to him, frantic that he’d crossed Jason. What did he mean by that exactly?

Jackie says, look at Chase, with his smart mouth. She and his brother are grown-ups. They can still manage to have a polite conversation. Chase says, anything he should know? and she says she’s just following a lead. She thanks Finn for the talk, says goodbye to Chase, and leaves. Chase tells Finn, he’s sorry, but did some minor miracle just happen? They sounded almost friendly. Finn tells him, focus on the almost part, and asks him why he’s there. Chase says he just thought he’d thank his big brother for his moral support. Finn takes it they’re talking about Willow, and it went well. Chase says, it did. He just left her, and she said they had more than a chance of a future together, and it’s all because of him. He pulls Finn into a reluctant hug, and says, thanks, man.

Michael says there’s something he and Willow need to talk about. She says, sounds important, and he says, it is. They talked about her moving out… She says, and he has safety concerns because of Franco’s medical condition. He says, now they have one more reason to worry, and she says, he means Chase’s message. Telling them there will be more police in the streets wasn’t exactly subtle. He says, so she caught that too, and they sit. He tells her, he and his dad lived very different lives workwise, and their business lives never crossed paths. She says she knows that, and he says, but he’s Sonny’s son, and has his name. Since his father was a don (there, he said it), there will be people out there expecting Michael will take over for Sonny, and they might not want that to happen. She asks if he’s in danger, and he says, he doubts it, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be careful. He wonders if she’d consider moving into the Quartermaine gatehouse. Wiley will have easy access to both of them, and she’ll be safer there. Will she at least consider it?

Martin tells Carly and Jason, he had a very nice conversation with his mother earlier. He was gratified to find out that, not only the food, but the nursing staff is a marked improvement from her last location. Carly is glad Florence feels well taken care of, and he says, as is he. He’s aware that tomorrow is her husband’s funeral. Out of respect for her loss, he’s backing away from seeking his mother’s freedom, for now. In the meantime, he hopes she and Jason understand, one fragile old woman can’t hold the peace of Port Charles for long. Jason and Carly look grim.

Jackie goes to the reception desk at the hospital, and says she’s looking for an old friend of hers – Bobbie Spencer. The reception nurse says, she’s sorry; Bobbie no longer works there. Jackie says, too bad. She was hoping to catch up with Bobbie. Does the nurse know where she’s working now? The nurse says, last she heard, Bobbie was working for a private patient in Vermont. Jackie says, Vermont is so beautiful. She loves Vermont.

Nina looks at the necklaces, and puts one on. She makes a call. Sonny answers, the Tan-O. Mike speaking. Nina is like, whaaat?

On Monday, Nina asks Sonny what his name is again, Elizabeth asks if that’s an apology, Valentin says he has his theories and wants to hear Peter’s, and Josslyn tells Carly that she feels like their family can never escape her.

💦 I Understand…

It got to the point where I would just see Max Gail and want to cry.

🎂 The Two Wileys…

Happy Birthday to them!

👯‍♀️ It’s Been a While…

Erica and Kendall, together again.

👼 Sending Up Prayers…

Spencer’s sister could use some heavenly support.

🙈 I Expected No Less…

Ramona, tone-deaf again.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/03/ramona-singer-parties-at-maskless-yacht-party-amid-rhony-shutdown/

🏵 The Chip Goes To…

Braunwyn marks one year sober. Now if they only had 12-step meetings for narcissists.

https://pagesix.com/2021/01/31/rhocs-braunwyn-windham-burke-celebrates-one-year-of-sobriety/

🎲 Not Bad, For Him…

While I don’t condone it, it could have been worse.

https://pagesix.com/2021/01/28/shep-rose-admits-to-cheating-during-southern-charm-reunion/

🕶 Veiled Explanation…

You try saying Meredith Marks’s mask three times real fast.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/03/meredith-marks-discusses-her-rhoslc-finale-face-mask/

🎉 Happy Half-Century…

I don’t know why I like Kenya, but I do.

https://www.essence.com/celebrity/kenya-moore-50th-birthday-trip/

🏆 Happy Just To Be Nominated…

Joining the endless literal stream of awards shows.

https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/2021-nominations-78th-golden-globe-awards-have-been-announced

🖼 A Trip To the Museum…

Virtual events on tap at The Penn.

📌 That’s a Fact…

The History Channel is honoring Black History Month with a slew of great programming like, Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage, premiering Wednesday, February 10th at 8 pm. Founded in 1940, when the U.S. military was still racially segregated, the Tuskegee Airmen fought for their country overseas and against racism back home. Now, exclusive interviews with Brig. Gen. Charles McGee and other surviving airmen detail the struggles they faced as America’s first all-Black flying squadron. Join executive producer and narrator Robin Roberts and see how the Tuskegee legacy has lived on to inspire a whole new generation of activists and civil rights leaders.

🔖 Quotes of the Week

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. – Spencer Johnson

If you’re trying to achieve, there will be road blocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. – Michael Jordan

Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity… successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results. – DuPree Jordan, Jr. (Getting out my tiara…)

Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness. – Earl of Derby (I don’t have time for illness either.)

Sometimes you have to do what you don’t want to do to maintain the life you’ve created. – Judge Lynn Toler in explaining to a man why he has to work to feed his children (sigh).

Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. – Wayne W. Dyer

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. – Corrie ten Boom

Dream as if you will live forever; Live as if you will die today. – James Dean

Think before you speak. Read before you think. – Fran Lebowitz

No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. – Will Rogers

The past has no power over the present moment. – Eckhart Tolle

It is confusing. – Jessica Simpson to Subway, amid claims it doesn’t use real tuna in its sandwiches. (Do I want to know what it is?)

When people don’t express themselves, they die one piece at a time. – Laurie Halse Anderson

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius

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

I think covid’s biggest lesson is that a lot of people need to get a hobby secondary to going out drinking. –on Twitter @MILFWEEED

⚙️ Switching Gears…

The weekend is here, otherwise known as that thing we looked forward to before we couldn’t go out anywhere. Restrictions are lifting, but we’re not quite there, so feel free to go somewhere in your mind. Hey, at least it’s free. And while you’re there, stay safe, stay quick-witted, and stay not putting yourself in a position to wonder if someone is your brother or son.