Tag Archives: Tales of the Walking Dead

September 26, 2022 – Dex Saves the Day – Again, Beach Club All Day Off Deck, That’s It, Most Recent House, It’s Back & Bye-Bye

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna and Valentin go to her place, and she suggests he start a fire, and she’ll get them a couple of brandies. He says, good idea, and she says, consider it a down-payment; she owes him a pair of shoes. They were very nice shoes. He says, not to mention comfortable. But no mission is without sacrifice. She says, yeah, they failed, but he says he doesn’t know. She says, Lucy is still in Victor’s clutches, and he says, her own choice, but they got off and on the Haunted Star undetected. They returned the stolen zodiac… She says, borrowed, and he says, borrowed zodiac, and here they are; slightly damp and missing a shoe, but otherwise none the worse for wear. And they’re together. He’d call that a win.

Nikolas tells Ava to take the envelope; it’s hers. She says she doesn’t care if it contains a cashier’s check for a million bucks. It can’t buy back her love and trust, both of which he threw away when he had sex with Esme Prince. He says, it’s not money. He’s not trying to buy back her love. Like he said, this is proof of just how much he loves her. She opens it, and takes out a paper. She asks, what is this? and he tells her, you might say, it’s his life, and as she can see, it’s now in her hands.

At the MetroCourt, the hostess asks if she can get Robert a drink, and he asks for white wine. Mac and Felicia come in, and Mac says, they’re two minutes late, and Robert already has his nose buried in his emails. He told Felicia Robert needed a break. Robert tells him to speak for himself. He’s been looking for Brando’s killer since he got out of bed. He’s thinking, this guy probably sharpened the hook on Ava first. Felicia asks if they can agree both Scorpio brothers need a break. She needs a break. She’s not squeamish, but can they talk about something else besides hooks? Mac says, of course (🍷). He can’t deny her anything, and she flips Robert’s phone over, saying, that’s better. Robert says, now that she’s got her way, what are they going to talk about? She says she can think of one topic for sure, and they look at Cody who’s sitting at the bar.

Cody orders a bottle of beer, and the bartender says, foreign or domestic? He says, always domestic. And also, could he make sure to have a bottle of champagne chilling for when his date arrives? She’s a bit more upscale than him. He looks over at Mac’s table, and says, oh great, him? Is Mac stalking him now? He tells the bartender, on second thought, hold the beer and the bubbly.

At the hospital, Britt tells Terry that she’s officially off the clock. Wish her luck. Terry says, from the looks of things, Britt’s luck is already improving, and Britt says, she’s going on another date with Cody. The last time they saw each other was at the Quartermaine picnic, and they all know how that ended. Terry says, tonight is a new night. Have a good time. Britt thanks her, and they see a vase of roses on the desk. Terry asks when those were delivered, and Britt says, more important, who are they for? She reads the card, and says, lovely Terry, til we meet again. When did Terry get a secret admirer? Terry snatches the card, and says, it’s not a secret. His name’s Yuri, and she met him at the Quartermaine barbecue, which just goes to show the night wasn’t a complete disaster. Finn runs up, and says he needs her. Britt says, it’s too late; she’s off the clock. Finn says, not her. He needs to talk to Terry. It’s important.

Alexis tells Gregory, if Brando was specifically targeted, they need to figure out why. Was it someone he worked with? Was he in a dispute with someone? Anything to give them a clue as to who Brando’s killer is. He asks if they’re following clues now, and she says, if it’s any kind of inconvenience for him, she’s perfectly capable of following up on her own. He says, and cut him out of what might be an important article? Not a chance. When do they start? She says, now, and gets up.

At the garage, there’s a bloody handprint on the desk. On the floor, Diane lies unconscious in a pool of blood.  

Anna tells Valentin, it’s good get out of those damp clothes. Sorry she didn’t have a robe for him. Does he want a blanket? She hands him a drink, and he says, it’s not necessary. She says she ran out of brandy, so scotch. Is that okay? He takes a sip, and says, always, especially when it’s this good. They clink glasses, and she asks, how is he? He says he thinks he’s dreaming because she’s even more beautiful by the firelight, and she thanks him, but says, that’s not what she was asking. In the space of nearly two years, he was raised to believe a lie, that Helena was his mother and Victor was his father, and now Charlotte, the one person he loves without reservation has been taken from him as leverage. He wants to maintain everything is fine and he’s handling it. She’s been where he is, or close enough. Keeping a cool façade when her life was literally blowing up in flames. She wanted to scream and cry, but she was to afraid, because if she started, she didn’t think she would know how to stop. And then if she was broken, truly broken, what would happen to her child? Or she could just be projecting all that. He says, sometimes he thinks his fear for his daughter and his rage for Victor Cassadine is the only thing that’s keeping him sane.

Mac asks if Cody is following them now, and Felicia says, he’s probably wondering the same thing about them. Robert says he doesn’t have the slightest idea what they’re talking about. Who’s the dude at the bar? Mac says, he’s new in town. As a kid, he went to camp with Dante. He works at the Quartermaine stables now. Felicia says, come on. Robert’s going to find out sooner or later. Robert asks what he’s going to find out, and she says, his name is Cody Bell. Robert says, his name was on the list of 50 people still at the Quartermaines’ at the time Ava was attacked, and Mac says, that’s not all he is. Cody takes out his phone.

Britt says, Finn seems more serious than usual. Did he identify the venom that killed Brando Corbin? Terry says, Britt is off the clock, and has a date waiting for her, and Finn tells her not to let them keep her. Britt’s phone rings, and she tells Cody that she was just on her way to meet him. He says, good thing he caught her. He thought maybe they could try something different. Maybe they could meet up at the PC Lanes and go bowling. She says, excuse me? and he says, drink a couple beers, roll a few frames. What’s her size? He’ll rent her a pair of bowling shoes. She says she’s in a dress and heels; she’s not going bowling. They either stick to the plan and meet at the MetroCourt, or she’s going home – alone. He says, the MetroCourt it is. He’ll see her soon. Terry says, change in plans? but Britt says, no. Bye. She leaves, and Terry asks if Britt is right. Did Finn want to talk to her about the toxicology report? He says he pinpointed the venom, and he’s waiting on a supply to treat the venom, so they have it on hand, just in case. She says, if it’s all settled, then why did he want to… It’s about Elizabeth, isn’t it?

Outside the garage, Gregory asks why the door is open, and Alexis says, Brando’s assistant is probably still working. He says, with all the crime that’s been going on around here, he doesn’t have a good feeling about this, but she says, it’s just a garage. Let’s go inside it. They walk in, and Alexis says, oh my God. Gregory says, what the hell? and we see Dex kneeling next to Diane.

Valentin tells Anna, Charlotte is in this world because of him. He knows every parent can say that, but this was different. Helena made an embryo, but it was his call to go with a gestation host. He chose the surrogate. He’s solely responsible for her being alive. It might have been the most selfish thing he’s ever done. He knew the laws he’d broken, the crimes he committed, the people he’d wronged. He made so many enemies. He can hide her all he wants, but she’s always going to have a target on her. She asks if he had to do it over, does he think he’d make a different choice? and he says, of course (🍷) not, and she says she feels the same about Robin. Apart from the fact she’s spectacular, Anna can’t imagine a world without her. Until she became a mother, she lived her life for herself, and as he knows, that led to a series of terrible decisions. She basically sold her soul to the highest bidder. Robin changed all that; Robin changed her entire perspective. She wanted to be a better person, for Robin, the way he wants to be a better person for Charlotte. He says, the only difference is, she succeeded. His case is still very much in doubt.

Nikolas tells Ava, go on. Read it. She reads, I, Nikolas Cassadine, being of sound mind and body – that’s debatable – do hereby acknowledge and confess that I, and I alone, am responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince. I know this because I killed her.

Robert says, the way Mac is looking at Cody, you’d think he had something on him, but Mac tells him, forget about it. He questioned Cody about the Quartermaine picnic. He has an alibi. Robert asks, then why so interested? when Britt comes in. Felicia asks if Britt wasn’t with Cody on the night of the attack, and Robert asks, since when does Britt Westbourne qualify as a legitimate alibi? Mac has already had a crack at him. Maybe Robert should go over and rattle his tree.

Britt says she’s definitely ready for that champagne cocktail, and Cody asks if she’s sure. Maybe they should relocate to that cool, new burger joint off the highway. She says, first it was bowling, now it’s a burger joint. If he doesn’t want to go on a date with her just say so. He says, it’s not her; it’s them. He nods toward Mac’s table, and she says, the Scorpio brothers? He says, the Chief of Detectives has a brother? and she says, law enforcement runs in the family. Robert’s the DA.

Mac’s cell phone dings, and he tell Robert to wait. There’s been another attack; the details are minimal. Robert says, anything to do with a hook? but Mac says, no. Robert says, then they don’t know if it’s tied to Brando or Ava. It could be totally unrelated. Mac says, it happened in Brando Corbin’s garage, and Robert says, Sonny’s cousin was the second victim. Mac says, they could be looking at victim number three. He needs to take Felicia home, then get to the scene. Felicia tells him to go; she’ll take a Ride Share. Robert tells Mac, then he’s going to the hospital. He wants to be there when the victim gets there.

Finn tells Terry that he’s been worried about Elizabeth, but she’s finally wanting to understand the root cause of all the things she’s been experiencing; the memory loss, the blackouts, all of it. Terry thanks him for telling her, and says, it’s a relief to hear. Ever since Biz found them talking about her, it’s like a wall went up between her and her best friend. He says he knows, but with Doc’s help, she’s finally remembering things from her past she’s been repressing for years. Terry says, about her family? and he says he thinks so. She says she knows better than to push for more. She doesn’t want him to betray Elizabeth’s confidence. She’s just really glad if Biz goes looking into her past, she won’t be going alone.

Gregory tells Dex, whoever he is, step back, but Dex says he needs to do this. He swears he came in and found her like this. He needs to stop the bleeding. Gregory tells him to step back, and put his hands where Gregory can see them, and tells Alexis to call 9-1-1. Dex continues to work on Diane, and says, he’s already called 9-1-1; the paramedics are on the way. Alexis asks who he is, and he says he works for Sonny Corinthos. She’s his lawyer. Are they going to help him or not? Please. Gregory goes over to Diane, and says he can barely feel a pulse. Dex says, they need to stop the bleeding, and Alexis makes another call.

Valentin asks if Anna believes the ends justify the means, and she says she’s not supposed to. He says, but she does, doesn’t she? and she says, yeah, on occasion. He says he thinks it’s his guiding principle. The desired outcome is worth whatever he has to do to get it. He wants to be a better man for Charlotte, but what he wants more than anything is to keep her safe. And if that means he has to murder his own father, so be it. She asks if this is a disclaimer, because she knows who she’s dealing with; she has no illusions about him. He says he enjoyed their evening on the Haunted Star, but he could make the argument that it was a missed opportunity. He had Victor off-guard; he could have cut Victor’s throat. She asks why he didn’t, and he says, for one, there would be a fail-safe in place. Victor lives; Charlotte lives. If Victor dies… She says, yeah. He couldn’t take that chance, and he says, there was another reason he couldn’t kill his father tonight – her.

Ava says, so Nikolas wrote a letter claiming he killed Esme, something they both know isn’t true. He says, the truth is, Esme accidently fell off the parapet and drowned in the water. That accident happened after Ava found out he slept with Esme, and no jury will believe that was an accident. He made that confession to protect her. She asks if he really thinks this is going to work. Does he really think this melodramatic gesture made at the 11th hour is going to change how she feels about him? This so-called confession is just a reminder that he did indeed have sex with his son’s girlfriend. And should it ever be made public, the whole world would know about that. If he expects her to see it as something heroic, he’s just delusional. He says he can do a lot of things, but he doesn’t have a time machine. He can’t undo his errors in judgement. She asks if that’s a polite euphemism for adultery, and he says, the only thing he can do is make sure she doesn’t suffer the consequences. She says, look at her. She’s suffering every day; she suffers all the time. She’s not talking about the wound from the hook. She’s talking about the pain she feels over how he hurt her; the betrayal, the loss of self-esteem. The sheer humiliation that she ever bought into his promises of love and fidelity. Those wounds are never going to heal. He says, if nothing else, he can protect her from what Esme can do to her, even from beyond the grave. His confession might not mean anything to her today, but keep it. Put it in a safe deposit box, and consider his life on deposit as well. And if the day ever comes she needs to withdraw it… She says she’ll keep it under lock and key, but she’s going to need more than a piece of paper. She’s going to need much more.

Britt says, Cody saw Mac and Robert rush out of here. Does he feel better now that their gone? He says, not really, and she asks, why not? Why does he break out in hives at the mere mention of the Scorpio name? He tells her, let’s just say, he and law enforcement don’t make a good match. She says, let her guess; he’s against it. He says, no. They just tend to be against him and people like him who don’t always play by the rules. It’s something he and Britt have in common. She says she’s reformed, and he says, is she? She says, she made a deal, got a clean slate, and she’s sticking to it. Felicia approaches the bar, and asks the bartender for a glass of water. While he’s getting it, she says, another date night. She’s glad the Quartermaine picnic didn’t them off. Cody says, her husband isn’t going to scare him off either. He’s tired of Mac looking at him like he’s hiding some hook up his sleeve. Now he has to deal with Mac’s brother, who’s the DA? Is this is the locals idea of an investigation; there’s a killer running around, so let’s just blame the newest guy in town? Felicia says, Mac is just doing his job. If Cody has nothing to hide, he has absolutely nothing to worry about. Britt suggests she and Cody take a table, and Cody asks Felicia why it feels like her husband is investigating him for personal reasons. She asks what makes him say that? and he says, you tell me. Is it just because he knew Cody’s mom?

Diane is carried out of the garage on a stretcher, and Mac runs in. He asks Alexis to catch him up, and she says, Diane. He says, Diane Miller? and Gregory says, she’s hanging on, but just barely. Mac sees Dex, and says, him? Again? Gregory says, he was the first one on the scene. He found Diane and called 9-1-1. If it wasn’t for him, she’d be dead now. Mac asks what Dex was doing here in the first place, and Alexis says she needs to go to the hospital and be with her friend. Gregory asks Mac if it’s all right for them to leave. They’ll answer any questions he might have. But just for the record, what he saw Dex doing saved Diane’s life. Mac says, of course (🍷). Go ahead, but they’re going to want to question them. Alexis thanks Dex. She says she knows he works for Sonny. Mac is a good man. Listen to him and tell him the truth. She and Gregory leave, and Mac says, Alexis just gave Dex some good advice. The question is, is he going to take it?

Anna asks if Valentin thinks she’d have a problem with him killing Victor, but he says he doesn’t know. Maybe; maybe not. But she’d have a problem with him killing her good friend Lucy, which he’d have to do; he couldn’t leave a witness. Anna says she’d be a witness, and he says, there is that. He’d be asking her to stay quiet about the death of her friend, and he knows she wouldn’t do that, so he’d have to kill her too. She says, could he?

Nikolas asks, what more can he do to prove himself to Ava? If Esme’s disappearance is ever investigated by the police, his confession proves her innocence and his guilt. She says, he has a history of making grand declarations that come to nothing. She needs proof that can’t be faked or forged. He says, fine. What else does she want him to do? If he’s able, he’ll do it. She takes out her phone, and says, here’s what’s going to happen. He’s going to take his confession, look into the camera, and read every single incriminating word. She holds up her phone, he gets ready, and she says, action.

Felicia says, like they told Cody the night they met him at the Quartermaine party, back in the day, they ran in the same circles with Dominique. The person Cody really needs to talk to his Mac; he knew Cody’s mother much better than she did. Cody says he already talked to Scotty, and Scotty was married to his mother. So arguably, he knew her better than anyone, and he claims she never said anything about him. Britt says her champagne is getting flat, and Felicia says she’s so sorry; she’s ruining their date. Britt says, she kind of is, and Felicia almost leaves, but stops and says, Cody really should talk to Mac. Cody asks why he should make it easy for Mac. Her husband’s been asking a lot of questions about him, even though he’s relatively new in Port Charles, and he never even met Ava Jerome or the other victim. Is Mac laying the groundwork to frame him? Felicia says, that’s not fair; he doesn’t know Mac. Cody says, but it’s fair for Mac to assume he knows him? and Felicia tells him, like she said, Mac and Dominique were close once. He says, oh yeah? How close?

Mac says, if Dex knew the garage was closed because the owner was murdered, and his body is in the funeral home, why did Dex just happen by? Dex tells him, he didn’t say that; Mac did. Mac says he’s just trying to help Dex. His fingerprints are all over the place. Diane’s blood is on his hands, literally. Dex also showed up just after Ava Jerome was attacked, and to top it all off, he was seen at Charlie’s shortly before Brando was attacked in the alley outside the pub. Either he has the worst timing in the world, or he knows a helluva lot more than he’s saying. Dex says, his boss always told him not to talk to the cops without a lawyer present. Is he under arrest? Mac says he’s questioning Dex. Dex either answers him here and now, or at the PCPD. What’s it going to be?

Finn says, got it, and hangs up the phone. Robert says, there’s been a report of another stabbing? and Finn says, Mac’s bringing them in now. The paramedics wheel Diane in, and the doctor says a bunch of medical stuff as she’s wheeled past the desk. Gregory and Alexis come in, and Finn asks how they got here about Diane so quickly. Gregory says, they were going to Brando’s garage to speak with his assistant. They were trying to get information as to why Brando was targeted by the attacker, and they found Diane on the ground. Robert joins them, and says, Brando Corbin, Diane Miller, and Ava Jerome. They’ve all got one thing in common – Sonny Corinthos.

Valentin says, yeah, he’d kill Anna, if he had to, to save Charlotte. Just like she’d kill him to save Robin. She says, yeah, she would. She’d miss him though. He moves closer, and says, anything short of that, he wouldn’t harm a hair on her head. He’s loved her since he first saw her. An insane, crushing love that never stood a chance. Now look at them. On the floor of her townhouse. He’s baring his soul in front of the fire, and the look in her eyes doesn’t look like pity. She says, it’s not, and kisses him.

Nikolas reads as Ava films: I, Nikolas Cassadine, being of sound mind and body do hereby acknowledge and confess that I, and I alone, am responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince. I know this because I killed her. The means? My own two hands, by pushing her off the parapet at Windymere, my family’s estate on Spoon Island. The motive? Revenge… justice, guilt; take your pick. Esme Prince was my son Spencer’s girlfriend, and I had sex with her. To be very clear, it was consensual, and if anything, Esme initiated things, but I shouldn’t have given in to my worst instincts. My behavior was indefensible. However, Esme used that lack of judgement to destroy my marriage. Not only that, she used it to destroy the relationship with my son, and any chance of reconciling with Spencer was ruined. In effect, Esme destroyed my life, and when she taunted me on the turret, in a fit of rage, I grabbed her and pushed her to her death. Honestly, my only regret is not dong it sooner, to spare the ones I love the pain that I caused. This I solemnly swear. Ava says, cut, and he asks if she got all that.

Felicia says she has to go, and asks the bartender for her check. She tells him that she interrupted Britt and Cody’s date. Put the drinks on her tab. Britt says, that’s very sweet, and Felicia says, of course (🍷), but Cody says, no. He doesn’t want her charity. If she wants to give him something, tell him what she and her husband are hiding from him, especially if it’s about his birth mother. She says she understands his frustration, and understands the questions he wants answered, but it isn’t her story to tell. If he wants answers, he has to talk to Mac. It’s not like it’s some state secret. He says, if it’s no big deal, why not tell him now? Why does he have to hear it from her husband? She writes something down on a napkin, and gives it to him, saying, it’s Mac’s personal cell phone number. However, before he makes that call, he needs to ask himself if he really wants to know the truth. Felicia leaves, and Britt says, this date got way more intense than she expected.

Terry tells Finn and Robert that Diane’s wounds are similar to those found on Brando and Ava. Dr. Dempsey has to operate immediately. Diane is wheeled past, and Alexis says, she looks so helpless. Gregory takes her hand, and she thanks him. Finn tells Terry, if the hook was soaked in the same venom that killed Brando, they don’t have much time, and they head for the OR.

Anna and Valentin finally get busy, and Valentin says he’s wanted this for years. He doesn’t want to rush. She says, they can go slow next time.

Ava says she appreciates Nikolas putting his words into action, but if he thinks she’s just going to fall back into his arms, think again. She asks what he’s smiling at, and he says, she rejected him – tonight. But he can see he made progress. So no, she won’t be back in his arms this time, but she will be in the future, and that’s enough for him. He’s leaving her with the recording and the and letter. He’s literally leaving her with his life in his hands. He starts to leave, but comes back, and says, one more thing. He puts a Ferrero Rocher chocolate on her blanket and says, a chocolate truffle for her. He leaves, and she eats it, smiling.

Britt says, whether Cody is willing to admit it or not, this date is pretty much over for her. He says he’s sorry. He really didn’t want tonight to go like this. She says she believes him. Dominique is his biological mother. Of course (🍷) he’s going to have a million questions about her. She understands that, and she’s guessing if Felicia is that eager for him to talk to Mac, it’s for good reason. So why don’t they quit while they’re ahead? She gets up, kisses him on the cheek, and says, bye. He’s about to leave, when the bartender asks if he wants the phone number. He says, yeah. and takes it.

Mac says, back to Dex. Is he going to talk now or talk later? Dex asks if Mac sees an attorney here. No attorney, no talk. Mac says, Dex leaves him no choice, and tells an officer that they’ll be taking Dex down to the station. He doesn’t think they need handcuffs. Right, Dex? Dex says he’s not going to talk, but no, he’s not going to resist arrest by not going to the station. Mac says, smartest thing Dex has said all night, and the officer escorts Dex out. Mac follows, pausing to look at the blood on the floor.

Robert says, any change in Diane’s condition, he wants to know right away, and Finn says, got it. Gregory asks how Alexis is doing, and if she wants him to call one of the girls, but she says, no. Then she’ll have to tell them what happened to Diane, and she’s not ready to do that. He says he understands that, but… She says she was just thinking about how long she’s known Diane; it feels like forever. Diane is the one person who’s been there for her for everything. He says, and if Diane lives, her, him, and Dex made a difference, but she says, that’s not good enough. He says, she’s not a doctor. There’s nothing more she can do here. She says she’s not talking about here. She’s talking about the paper. It’s time to have a conversation with the killer. She starts to leave, and asks if he’s going to just stand there, or is he going to double-check her spelling. He follows her out. Terry gives Finn the results on the lab tests he asked for, and he says, Diane’s system is tainted with the same substance that killed Brando. His phone dings, and Terry asks, what is it? He says, confirmation that the anti-venom just arrived. He has to prep an injection. If there’s a chance of saving Diane, he’s taking it.

There’s a song part, and Anna and Valentin get busy… then busier… then busiest.

Tomorrow, Jordan needs Portia’s help; Josslyn suggests a friendly competition; Drew goes to Jacksonville, and finds Carly; Curtis thanks Sonny for what Sonny did for his family; and Dante bets Dex has plenty to tell him.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy calls Tasha to the bridge, and says she doesn’t want to crush Tasha’s spirit. She’s awesome at service, but when she comes downstairs, it’s filthy. She asks if they really need two people on service when the guests are winding down, and Tasha says, last night, she also had to make food for the guests. The captain asks if one person can’t clean the floor of the pantry while the other is tending to the guests. It should be cleaned before they go to bed, so when she wakes up, it’s not a sh*tshow. Tasha says, physically, there aren’t enough hours inf the day, but Captain Sandy says, they don’t have to be with the guests 24/7. Before they go down, she wants the floors cleaned. She doesn’t want Tasha to think she’s not doing a good job; it’s just dirty. Tasha promises to get it done, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, it’s a kick in the stomach, but it’s her job to take criticisms like this. She’s going to try her best because she cares about her job. She tells Dave about what happened, and he says, she works hard, the guests are happy, and they adore her. She does an amazing job. Tasha says, they’re not just cleaners, and Dave says he couldn’t do it without her. The captain radios the crew that they’re going back to the dock. As soon as the anchor is home, they get underway.

Natalya says, it serves Tash right, and I’m really starting not to like her. As they dock, Captain Sandy curses the wind, and Mzi saves the boat from hitting a dolphin by using a fender. In Mzi’s interview, he says he thinks they’ve made progress. He’s getting in the rhythm, and thinks Storm is becoming a good bosun. He trusts Storm more than Storm does. The captain tells Mzi, good job. The wind was blowing the bow all over. Tasha’s boyfriend continues to pummel her with texts, and Captain Sandy calls for the tip meeting. She says, charter five is down, and they did an awesome job. They haven’t had one service complaint all season, which is unusual, but at the same time, they have to maintain the vessel. The tip is $20K, or $1800 each, and the captain says she has another surprise. They’ve been doing such an amazing job, the owners gave them the day off tomorrow. Dinner tonight on the owners, and the beach club tomorrow all day. Champagne is poured, and Captain Sandy wishes Mzi a happy birthday. As she leaves, she tells everyone, don’t forget to turn the boat around.

Kyle and Tasha start organizing the pantry, but take a break in their cabin. Tasha tells Kyle, they’re human beings; they need a half hour. In the laundry, Natalya makes up a song about Kyle and Tasha not getting things done, and annoys me further. Storm works on the waterline, and in his interview, he says, it’s Mzi’s birthday, and he wants to have fun, but they need to get things done. He made mistakes during the last charters. We flash back to those, and he says he wants Captain Sandy to see he’s committed to the job. Kyle and Tasha go back to pantry organizing, and Kyle says, it grinds his t*ts. Tasha says, she never wants to be on anyone’s sh*t list, but she is. In Tasha’s interview, she says, the only way for them to catch up is to not go out. We see a clip from earlier in the day, and Kyle volunteers to stay and help. Everyone starts to get ready for dinner, and Kyle tells Natalya about staying behind to do the pantry. She tells him, it’s bullsh*t; it’s ridiculous. In Natalya’s interview, she says, it’s Mzi’s birthday, and they’re being selfish. They could have sorted it out in the five hours they just had. She bitches to Courtney, and Kyle says, winge, winge, winge. Natalya goes on and on about the pantry because she’s an idiot.

Jason asks if Tasha and Kyle need help, and Natalya says, this is rubbish. It’s the crew night out and Mzi’s birthday. They can do it tomorrow. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Natalya should be thankful. They’re doing her a favor using their fun time to organize. But if Natalya wants to moan about it, Tasha can’t win. Agreed. Still working, Storm says he’ll see them at the bar. They get to a museum that’s been opened for them, and go up a million steps to a large balcony overlooking the water. The waiter asks if they’d like wine, and Storm says, yes, and tequila. Courtney tells the waiter, what he says, goes. It’s his birthday. Mzi says, it feels quiet, and they toast to his birthday. Back on the boat, Kyle says, he’s spent more time on his knees scrubbing floors than… Well, you know. They finish up, and Tasha, Kyle, Jason, and Storm leave to join the others at the restaurant. Natalya asks, who’s single? and Dave says, Tasha is back with her boyfriend. Natalya takes this opportunity to smack talk Tasha, and says, you shouldn’t mess with how someone feels. Courtney says she’s been in that situation, but Dave says, he and Tasha are good. In Natalya’s interview, she says she’s not going to be all caring. She’s done with it. The others get there, and Natalya tells Storm that he should have come with them, since it’s Mzi’s birthday. Msi says he’s not upset, and I have serious doubts that Natalya is all caring about Mzi’s birthday like she’s pretending. Storm says he and Courtney are homies, and flirts with Natalya. Kyle predicts them having wild sex. Courtney says, let’s bounce, and in Jason’s interview, he says, the rest of the crew are just co-workers to him. When he was in business, he avoided corporate events, and still had better friendships.

The crew moves on to a club, and Natalya tries to get Dave to trash talk Tasha, but he’s not having it, and says, they worked it out. Mzi works at making eye contact with a woman he sees across the room, and in his interview, he says, it shows intent. She gave him a vibe. He dances with her, and she brings him back to her table. In Storm’s interview, he says, happy birthday. Everyone dances, and then it’s time to go. Mzi says, it’s his birthday, and he’ll do what he wants. Courtney and Dave stay behind with him, while the rest of the crew goes back to the boat. Tasha is very proud of the pantry, and shows it off. At the club, Mzi’s new friend Mariana says, she’s married, but not dead, and Mzi says he has a big day tomorrow. In Mzi’s interview, he wonders where she got a husband all of a sudden, and Courtney tells her, goodbye forever. On the boat, everyone is either eating or sleeping, and Storm says he got Natalya a watch, and shows it to Kyle, Jason, and Tasha. In Kyle’s interview, he says, personally, he wouldn’t purchase material items for someone until he knew them better, but he wants to be a witness when Storm gives it to her. Storm hunts Natalya down in her cabin, and when he tells her that he has a present for her, she gets all weird. She asks why he’s buying presents, and tells him to take it back. She opens the watch, and asks, why? Kyle calls her an ungrateful hoe, and says she needs to start facing her feelings and realize what she needs. In the taxi, Mzi says, he’s in love with a married woman, and Courtney says she’s not married. Natalya tells Kyle that the gift stressed her, and he says, she’s insane. When she gets older, she’s going to hate herself for wasting time. After years of holding back, even though he felt like Quasimodo, he talked to Frank. In Natalya’s interview, she says, it’s too intense too soon. She’s never been around a relationship that lasted. Her mom just moved out one day, and after a while, she wondered where her mom went. Her brother explained their parents were getting divorced, and she felt like an idiot. Well… She might love someone then and there, but it’s always a short and sweet thing. Tasha and Kyle giggle over texts back and forth with Frank, talking about making babies. Tasha says she can’t wait to see and have their babies. Mzi has trouble hoisting himself to the upper bunk.

The crew gets up around 8:30 for their day off. Storm admits to Mzi that he actually bought the watch for his sister, and decided to give it to Natalya. In Storm’s interview, he says, Natalya is beautiful, but so full of attitude. She’s crazy, but he likes it. She grounded him. He knows it’s early for gifts, but that’s how he is. They all have mimosas, everyone gets ready, and they leave.

They get to the Surfside Beach Club in Sliema, and Courtney says, it’s like heaven. She can’t wait to be hungover tomorrow. Kyle says he’s just going to sleep, and Natasha’s boyfriend sends more texts. Dave goes into the water, and Kyle says he’s moving her. Tasha tells him that she’s still upset. What Captain Sandy said hurt her heart. In her interview, she says, she can’t get out of her head. Between that and the horrible messages from her boyfriend, she’s in a bad head space. She tells Kyle that it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. Jason separates himself, and is eating lunch, when Mzi asks him to join them. Jason says he’s good, and in his interview, he says, it’s best to break it into math terms. There are 8 yachties; 2 have a toxic relationship, and 4 hate his guts. That equals 1 day that f***ing sucks.

Natalya tells Mzi that she’s freaking out; it’s too soon. She loves the watch, but in the car, Storm told her to cancel her trip to Mexico, and go to South Africa for two weeks with him. OMG – NOT A WHOLE TWO WEEK COMMITMENT! Mzi says, Storm is emotional, and she says, that’s what’s freaking her out. One moment, she thinks this could go somewhere, but then she wonders how he can get so emotional when he’s only known her for a few days. Kyle tells Tasha that he thinks the dynamic has changed, and Natalya feels guilty. I think, highly unlikely. Dave says, the pantry is very neat, and Tasha says she’s proud of it. Natalya twerks, and Courtney joins her. Jason sleeps. Kyle says, Natalya is always on fuse because she doesn’t face her emotions, and Tasha tells Dave that she’s upset about Captain Sandy’s comment. She has a lot of respect for the captain, and loves working for her. She feels like she’s let her down. Dave says he doesn’t agree, and thinks Tasha is incredible. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Dave seems himself now; like the person she first met. She didn’t like when he was putting her through all the drama, but he does make her feel better. Natalya tells Storm that the watch is too much. She loves it, but is concerned about the meaning behind it. Storm asks, what meaning? and says, there’s no hidden agenda; don’t read into it. She says she’s worried, since she doesn’t want to settle down, and he says he’s not asking her to, but if she’s getting that vibe, he’ll back off. Kyle says he’ll have to go for a piercing after all this drama, and Storm tells them that he doesn’t get it. He’s been respectful, and hasn’t said anything about commitment. Kyle says he would die for a man like Storm.

They change for dinner, and Storm walks down to the beach. Natalya says, drama, drama, but goes over to him, and asks if he’s okay. He says he’s not jumping into the sea; he’s just having a moment. Natalya hugs him, and Kyle says, they’re making him sick. He doesn’t know where he is, Malta or Love Island. Storm tells Natalya that he didn’t ask her to check on him. He’s not doing what he’s doing for that reason. Natalya says, he wants her to care, then he doesn’t want sympathy. Storm says he didn’t throw a tiff, and Natalya says, they’re supposed to go out to dinner. He can throw his tantrum by himself. I’m wondering if she’s in the same show I’m watching, or is she trying to gaslight him? He’s not throwing a tantrum by any stretch of the imagination. He was just walking on the beach by himself, and she acts like he’s doing something loud and wrong. He says, it’s the first chance he’s had to release any emotions. Don’t feel like she needs to come after him. He’s not asking her for anything. Natalya says, that’s confusing. Again, is it me? She seems like the confusing one. He’s been consistent and she’s been all over the place. She tells him that she’s been trying day by day, but they need to take it slower, and he says he doesn’t understand what he did to make it fast. She says she’s never had a relationship, and he says, they’re not in a relationship. She says, so it’s chill then, and in Storm’s interview, he says, if she’s thinking it’s too fast, they’re of different mindsets. He doesn’t want to ruin what they do have, so he’ll slow down. Like her, he doesn’t want to get hurt. Natalya says, they’ll rip the Band-Aid off and have a fresh start. Clearly she doesn’t understand what ripping the Band-Aid off means, and they join the others. The crew finally leaves for dinner, and Courtney says, the beach stuff was so fun. Natalya thinks Jason should make an effort to be part of the group.  

They get to a restaurant, and Courtney says, no shots. She points out that Jason is so quiet and so serious, and Kyle says, despite the hate, exclusion, and inclusion, it’s been an absolutely fantastic time. In Kyle’s interview, he says, Natalya is like the Tasmanian Devil; cute to look at, but hella annoying. The crew toasts to a great day off, and Kyle and Courtney go for a smoke. Courtney says, her dad’s struggling. He’s gone to a home, but she’s been so busy, she hasn’t had time to think about it. She gets teary, and in her interview, she says, last season, her dad was supportive and amazing. We flash back to her video chatting with him, and she says, it’s been a bad year for her. Last year, her dad went in a home. She cries, and says, now he can’t talk, and can’t walk. He’s just lying in bed. She was working, scrubbing toilets, and wondered what she was doing with her life. She loves working on deck. It makes it easier to be here. Kyle tells her that she’s a strong woman, and hugs her. They go back to the table, and the crew goes back to the boat.

Storm tells Mzi that he’s going to be causing drama tomorrow, and in Storm’s interview, he says, the last couple of charters, Jason was insubordinate. We flash back to that, and he says, now he’s doing the same thing to Courtney. It’s the first time he’s had to deal with something like this, having a conversation with someone about their work ethic and personality. He doesn’t know what to expect, but Jason’s attitude stops tomorrow.

In the morning, Captain Sandy says, the pantry looks great, and Storm says, time to talk to Jason. Everyone gets up, and the captain tells Tasha, nice work on the pantry. Kyle and Tasha do the cabins, and the boat is turned over. Provisions come, and Dave asks Tasha if he’s being helpful, or overstepping his boundaries. She says he’s helped a lot, and Storm tells Natalya that he needs to have a conversation with Jason. She tells him, good luck, and in Storm’s interview, he says, managing and understanding people is new to him. He’s learning the position, and understanding his responsibilities. He wants to try and make Jason feel like he’s part team of the team. Hopefully he takes it well. He asks Jason if they can chat.

Storm tells Jason that he wants to see if they’re on the same page. He feels tension between them, and Jason and the crew. He wonders where Jason’s head is at, and has some things to say, but wants to hear from Jason first. Jason says he’s trying not to step on toes, and Storm says, Jason gets in a mood, and they all feel it. He becomes snappy, and it becomes difficult to work in an environment when Jason is like that. He wants to challenge Jason to be proactive, and show he wants to be here. Jason says, it’s baffling when Storm says he should be proactive. He’s been carrying more than his load. Storm says he feels it’s the other way around, and being the quitter he is, Jason says he doesn’t want to leave them high and dry, but replace him. Storm says, Jason sounds like he doesn’t want to be here, and Jason says, that’s literally what he’s saying. Storm says he’s not here to make Jason the victim, and wants him to stay.

To be continued…

⚰️ Last week was the finale of Tales of the Walking Dead. Gee, that was quick.

🐉 Jumping Dragons…

This week’s latest on House Targaryen.

https://people.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-recap-the-princess-and-the-queen/

😱 Not Again…

Oh God. Winter House is coming back Octomber 13th. The house that turns middle aged people with decent jobs into 14-year-olds with serious behavioral problems.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/winter-house-season-2-cast-premiere-date-trailer

🌊 Riding the Wave…

Stop in tomorrow, when there will be soap and a roll of the dice. Until then, stay safe, stay practicing forbearance, and stay always having a fail-safe in place.

September 21, 2022 – Portia Gets Brando’s Lab Results Back, Crystal Brings the Roaring 20s To Beverly Hills, Latest House, Newest Tale & Bon Twice

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

In a dressing room, someone puts makeup on Chase. Brook says, enough. He’s perfect as he is. Curtis’s voice says, ladies and gentlemen, and others… Coming to the Savoy stage is a hot new star who’s on the rise, so kick back and enjoy what you see with your eyes, and what you hear from his captivating production. Without further ado, or more introduction, put your hands together, and let the music do the talking. The audience applauds, and Brook says, they’re ready for him. Chase gets up, wearing a David Bowie type suit and sunglasses. He takes the sunglasses off, and he has makeup to match. He tells Brook, they can wait. Whereas he can’t wait another minute to be with her. He kisses her, and Lucy says, earth to Brook Lynn. Brook says, she’s sorry. Can Lucy repeat that? Maxie asks, where were you just now? and Lucy says, right. Because she certainly wasn’t here.

Finn is walking while looking at a tablet, when Chase reaches out and pulls him around the corner. Finn asks, what’s wrong with him? and Chase says, you tell me. What happened to Brando?

Curtis calls Portia from the closed club, and says, any word on Brando’s cause of death? She looks at the hospital computer, but cause of death is blank. She says, nothing yet.

Alexis meets Sonny outside Charlie’s, and says, sorry she’s late; work. He says he assumes she was up all night. Hard to stop the press when you have late-breaking news. He holds up The Invader, and the headline says: 2 VICTIMS, 1 HOOK, with a picture of the same type of spear-hook the attacker used.

On the phone at Pier 54, Anna says she has feelers out. They knew this wasn’t going to be easy. It appears to be more dangerous than she anticipated. We see someone in dark clothing, with a hook, not far behind her. She says, of course (🍷) she’s being careful. A black-gloved hand holds out the hook. Anna says, Robert, stop worrying. Take that energy and channel it into finding the person who attacked Ava and killed Brando. The gloved hand turns the hook back and forth, and Anna says she’ll be in touch. She turns, and sees the hook, then realizes it’s Jordan. Jordan says, sorry for startling her. She didn’t want to interrupt Anna’s phone call. Anna says, maybe in order to avoid any future misunderstandings, she might want to leave the sharp objects at home. Jordan says she just picked this up from the marina shop. It’s the same brand and type that was missing from the Quartermaine property. Anna takes it from her, and says, the same type used on Ava and Brando? Jordan says, that’s the theory. She’s on her way to GH to speak to the medical examiner. Anna says, if she needs any assistance, Jordan knows how to reach her. Jordan says, thanks, but the matter she needs off her plate is something she needs to handle herself.

Curtis tells Portia, as soon as he gets this mess sorted out with Jordan and the divorce papers, they will get married. She asks if there’s anything she can do to help, and he says he spoke with Jordan last night. She asks how it went, and he tells her, let’s just say, the divorce papers won’t be an issue. She says, he still didn’t answer her question. Does Jordan feel as he does? She doesn’t mean to be intrusive. He says, she isn’t. His relationship with Jordan isn’t just theirs; she’s a part of it too. He’ll tell her all about it when he sees her. She tells him, just be careful out there, and he says, always. He turns around, and Selina is there with her bodyguard. She says, it seems that things are getting dangerous in Port Charles.

Chase says, Michael called him last night and said Brando was attacked, but they thought he was going to be fine. By the time he got through to Sasha, Brando was dead, and she was in pieces. Finn says, everyone here is in shock as well. One minute, Brando was conscious and in good spirits, and the next thing you know, he was coding. Chase asks how it happened, and Finn says, they’re trying to find out. Portia sent his bloodwork to the lab to try to find the cause. Chase says, and until Finn does, if he does, Brando’s family is suffering, and that mystery is only going to add to their grief. The Invader quoted an anonymous General Hospital source, which means somebody here knows enough to talk to the press about the fact that Ava and Brando were attacked with a hook. He wants to find that person and talk to them himself, so he can find out who killed Sasha’s husband. Finn says, that’s a job for the cops, and Chase is no longer a cop.

Brook says she got the last sparkling water. They’ll have to tell the runner to get another case. She takes a sip, and wonders why the fridge in the breakroom can’t adequately chill a simple sparkling water. How can they be their best and most creative when they’re not sufficiently hydrated? Lucy says, speaking of their best… and Maxie says, they were just discussing Brando. Brook says, poor Sasha… Poor Gladys. Lucy says, it’s horrible, and poor social media response from Deception, or lack thereof, and Brook says she did draw up something. She can send it right over before they publish it. Maxie says, Brook doesn’t have to send it to her or Lucy; just send it out now. Brook asks if they don’t want to weigh in on something this sensitive regarding a partner, and Lucy says, no, that’s the point. With something this sensitive, timeliness is crucial. Brook says she just found out about Brando this morning, and Lucy says, and why is that? They called her last night. They texted her, emailed her, then called her again. Brook says she turns her phone off at night; work/life balance, right? Maxie says, that’s true, but isn’t it possible Brook is focusing more on her life, and not work? and Lucy says, like maybe 101% for life and minus 1% for work? Maxie says, they feel like maybe Brook’s heart isn’t totally with Deception, and Lucy says, like maybe it’s totally with Chase.

Alexis says she’s sorry about Brando, and Sonny says, him too. She asks, how’s Sasha? and he asks if this is on the record. He just doesn’t want to be blindsided. She says she meant to give him a heads up, but time got away from her. What can she do to make amends? He says, Sasha’s having a hard time, so maybe she can keep that in mind, and she says she’ll do her best. He says, they always agree on what’s best for their daughter, and she says, absolutely. Speaking of which, let’s go. They go into Charlie’s, where Victor is telling Kristina, in England if you mispronounce that word, you’re sent to the Tower of London, and your head’s cut off. Kristina laughs, and Victor says, it’s true. Alexis tells Sonny that she thinks they should agree on a plan of action first, and Sonny walks over to Victor and Kristina. Alexis is about to follow, when Valentin grabs her arm, and says, the two of them are going to stay out of this. She says, that’s her daughter, and he says, and Victor is her uncle; that makes him Kristina’s great uncle. He spends more time than he wants to as his father’s lieutenant. It’s better to stay on Victor’s good side, trust him. Let Sonny take care of the bad. Kristina says, Victor is so totally wrong, and Sonny asks what Victor is wrong about. Sonny and Kristina hug, and she says she was just teaching Uncle Victor the correct pronunciation of the word scone. Victor says, and he was just telling Kristina, in Europe, they call it sconn, and Sonny says, in America, his daughter’s correct. Kristina says, back work for her. She’s glad Victor enjoyed his scone. Kristina leaves, and Victor says, always a pleasure, but he must be off. Sonny says, Victor, Victor, Victor. How many times does he have to tell Victor to stay away from his family? Victor says, like it or not, Kristina is his family as well. He greets Alexis, says, ready? to Valentin, and leaves. Outside, he looks at his phone and frowns.  

Chase says, way to kick a guy when he’s down, and Finn says, sorry. He didn’t like saying it any more than Chase liked hearing it, but Chase isn’t part of this investigation. Chase says, he and Sasha bonded when they were trying to help Michael and Willow, and now she’s going through hell. There’s got to be some way he can help her. Finn says, in a way the police can’t. Does he have a lead? Is there somewhere he can go that they can’t? Chase knows the drill. Say he does some digging around and finds something. Without a badge, without a warrant, without jurisdiction, that piece of evidence gets invalidated, and it can throw the whole case out. Then Chase can really kiss his law enforcement career goodbye. Chase says, if Finn thinks he wants to solve this to make himself look good to the higher ups, he couldn’t be more wrong. He’s not angling to use Brando’s death to get his job back. Finn says he knows that. All he’s trying to say is, the PCPD needs a good cop like Chase back on the force, not out in the cold for good. Chase says, who knows when or if he’ll be reinstated. What is he supposed to do in the meantime? Finn says, be there for Sasha, but Chase says, she has plenty of people to be there and comfort her; all he has is time, and frustration. Finn says, if he was Chase, he would spend time with someone he cares about, and channel that energy into a cause that makes a difference. He knows Chase has both.

Brook says, they’re accusing her of shirking her work duties for a guy? and Lucy says, yesterday, Brook spent all morning looking at Chase wallpaper to select it for her computer screen, and somehow their call waiting music is Chase’s demo. Brook says, everyone who’s had to wait on hold has thanked her for it. Since when is it a crime to enjoy a relationship? Maxie says, she and Lucy are happy for her and Chase, and Lucy says, so, so, so happy. It’s okay to focus on her boyfriend sometimes, but Brook is spending more work time promoting Chase’s career and music. So if she doesn’t start promoting and taking care of Deception, and stop mooning over Chase and doing everything for his work and his career, then they’re going to just part ways and fire her. Maxie looks shocked, and Brook says, they want to fire her? Maxie says, no, they’re not going to fire her, and Lucy says, okay, but Brook better get her head back in the game now. Brook’s phone chimes, and she reads: Chase’s Audition 15 Minutes. Brook says, duly noted. She has to run now. Maxie says, no, where is she going? and Brook says, to get her head back in the game.

Anna says she’s guessing the matter on Jordan’s plate is the life changing information Jordan gathered on Curtis. Anna thought she wanted to disclose it to Curtis. Jordan says, her self-examination derailed after a tough question from Curtis. He asked if she was trying to hold on to their marriage. Anna asks, what gave him the idea she might be? and Jordan says, a volunteer postal worker. Anna says, okay. What did Jordan tell him? Did she lie? Jordan says, she told the truth. It just wasn’t the answer to the question he asked.

Curtis asks if there’s a poker game going on in the back he’s not aware of, and Selina says, it’s a bit early in the day for a high stakes poker game. He says, then he can’t imagine another reason she might be in his nightclub, and she says, she does have a reason. Just not a good one.  

Valentin says he hopes Victor knows what he’s doing, and Victor says, apart from a lesson in pronunciation, he was offering Kristina his professional assistance in the wake of her close brush with a murderer. Valentin says, it would be a mistake to provoke Sonny Corinthos, and Victor says he can’t believe Valentin is intimidated by a local mob kingpin. Valentin says, Sonny pursues his own ends quietly, but he’s dangerous when provoked, and Victor says, that’s why he’s keeping Valentin around, amongst other reasons. Nice seeing him. Let’s reconnect soon. Valentin says, Victor was going to give him a date when he can visit Charlotte, and Victor says he will, but right now he a more pressing issue to attend to. Adieu.

Curtis asks what Selina wants from him now, and she flashes back to Sonny saying, Chase is a good singer, a good guy, and he thinks Chase would make a good fit for The Savoy; and Selina saying she appreciates Sonny making the connection, and thinks Curtis will too. She tells Curtis, an apology. She’s seen him twice since his engagement, and he never said a word. She had to hear about it from her nephew. Apparently, that’s all anyone is talking about. He says she exaggerates, and she says, Dr. Robinson is a very lucky woman, but she wishes Curtis had shared his intentions with her. She could have connected him to a fine jeweler she knows. He asks how much that favor would have cost him, but she says, no favor; a courtesy from one partner to another. He says, partners are equal; they’re anything but. She says she’s open to expanding his role in her organization, but he says he prefers his independence. She says, independence is an illusion. She’d still like to honor his engagement. He says, she’s done enough, but she says, he doesn’t know what it is yet. Brook and Chase walk in, and Brook says she hopes they’re not late.

Jordan tells Anna, of course (🍷) she still loves Curtis. The divorce wasn’t her choice. He couldn’t forgive her from keeping too many things from him. Anna asks why Jordan is still keeping secrets, and Jordan says, if she told Curtis what she knows, it could destroy his relationship with Portia. And what does that get her? Gratitude? A second chance with him? She’s unlikely to get either. Anna says, what about her own self-respect? and Jordan says she wouldn’t be proud of herself for hurting two people in love. So she’s decided Curtis and Portia’s relationship is no longer her business. Anna says, perhaps not, but is Curtis’s happiness her business? They had a great marriage when they were together. Doesn’t Jordan still love and respect him? By withholding this information, she’s basically decided what Curtis can and can’t handle; what he should and shouldn’t know. is that fair? Valentin shows up, and Jordan tells Anna, thanks for listening. Anna says she’ll always listen, and Valentin says, forgive him for intruding, but is there something Jordan wants to tell them? Jordan says, as a matter-of-fact, she does. Be careful. They know the how of Ava and Brando’s attacks, but they don’t know the why. Which makes it harder to predict who might be the next target. She leaves.

Finn sees Portia, and asks if she isn’t off today. She says, she doesn’t know. Is it today, yesterday, tomorrow; she has no idea. He says, she never left the hospital, and she says, Britt and Terry had their hands full with the police, so she volunteered to take over. He says, she should have told him, but she says she knew he had a prior commitment with his daughter. Besides, Trina’s back in the dorm, Curtis is working late, and with everything that’s going on around here… He says, she needed the hustle and bustle of the hospital, and she says, focusing on work keeps her mind off things. Like what really happened with Brando. She went over everything; his vitals, the post op reports. He should have made a full recovery. Finn says he’s hoping the tests from the lab provide the answers, and she says, if not, maybe they can get some answers from The Invader. She read the article linking the attacks, and disclosing that a hook was used in both. She also happened to notice they cited an anonymous GH source. She wonders who spoke up.

Alexis asks what went on with Sonny and Victor, and he tells her, hold on. He goes over to the bar, and asks if Kristina is okay. She says she’s fine. Save his concern for Sasha and Gladys. Alexis says, their concern is for her right now. She witnessed the attack. They have every right to be concerned. Kristina says, Great Uncle Victor thought so too. He had some pretty good advice. Alexis says, Victor was checking up on her too? and Kristina says, he offered to hire someone to protect her after the attack on Brando. Great guy, but overreact much? Alexis says, in this situation, her Uncle Victor has it sized up correctly.

Lucy scarfs gummi bears, and Maxie tells her not to choke on her gummies. Take nice, even breaths, and breathe away her frustration over Brook. Lucy says, BLQ just might be BFE – bye forever. Maxie says, Brook is in love, and it’s not worth firing her over. They just spoke to her. Let’s give her a chance to do better. She wrests the bag of gummies from Lucy’s hand, and Lucy says, okay. Maybe they should check with the headhunters to just see if there’s some social media talent out there. Maxie asks if they can put a pin in that, and give Brook a second chance. Think of all the mistakes they’ve made for love. Victor walks in, and says, and he hazards a guess that Lucy is long overdue another chance.

Brook asks if Curtis has time for Chase’s audition. It seems like they’re interrupting. Curtis says, apparently there was a mix up. He didn’t realize there was an audition on the books today. Brook says she knew she should have come in person to confirm, and not rely on her assistant, and Chase says, Curtis seems busy. They should come back another time. Brook says she’s sure a successful entrepreneur such as Curtis can eke out two minutes to hear Chase cut loose. Curtis says, he knows from the Nurses Ball that Chase has a set of pipes on him. He could do with a refresher. He always has time for a star on the rise.

Portia tells Finn that she even saw an item on the news this morning, which means the national outfits are sniffing around. That’s all thanks to the Invader story. Whoever decided to speak to Alexis’s reporter, may have been responsible for bringing additional attention to the case, which is such a good thing. Finn says he really doubts the party in question was looking for any kind of attention, when Jordan comes around the corner. Portia says, otherwise, it would have gone on record. She’s sure this civic-minded individual’s only goal was to alert the public to a killer in their midst. Jordan says, the best of intentions. If only they didn’t threaten to disrupt an investigation that barely started. If either of them have any idea as to the identity of this civic-minded individual, please let her know.

Sonny says, he and Kristina’s mother are going to keep her safe, not Victor. Kristina says, she appreciates the concern, but focus on Molly. She had a thing with Brando. She must be feeling awful. Alexis says, Molly didn’t witness the attack, but Kristina says, she’s hardly a witness. It was dark and raining, and she’s not even sure if the attacker was a male or female.  Sonny says, Brando’s killer doesn’t know that, and Kristina says, if she’d gotten a good look, Jordan would have made her sit down with a sketch artist, and the likeness would have been posted on social media and the news outlets, and every lamppost and telephone pole in Port Charles. But there’s no posted likeness, so the attacker knows she’s not a threat. Alexis says, Kristina can’t read the lunatic’s mind. Neither can she or Kristina’s father. That’s why they talked about it, and think it’s best if she came and stayed with one of them, just for a little bit. Kristina says, hard pass, and Alexis says, it won’t matter if she takes a little break. Kristina says she’s not quitting her job, and Sonny says, no one’s suggesting that. Kristina says, PCU is back in session, and Phyllis is slammed with students at night. She’s not going to leave Phyllis hanging. Sonny says, Phyllis will understand, and Alexis says, of course (🍷) she will. Just tell Phyllis she’s scared. Kristina says she’s not scared, and Alexis says she has so much respect for Kristina’s courage; it’s so admirable. Kristina says, this has nothing to do with courage. It’s an objective evaluation of the situation. Alexis asks if Kristina really wants to risk her life for minimum wage slinging beer in a dead end job. Isn’t Kristina a manager? I would hope she’s getting more than minimum wage.

Lucy says, Victor is such a flirt, and he says, guilty as charged. He was merely referring to her wayward companion. Marvin, isn’t it? Lucy and Maxie both say, Martin, and he says, any word on a return date? Lucy says, not just yet, and he says, it’s criminal to allow such a beautiful woman to go unchaperoned. Maxie cough/laughs, and Victor asks if she’s all right. Maxie says, she’s just trying to wrap her head around Lucy and a chaperone, and Lucy says, hey! Victor tells her, don’t engage; it’s not worth it. He asks if there’s somewhere they could talk more privately, and she says she would absolutely love that, but they’re in a huge, very important business meeting. Maxie says, they are? and Lucy says, yes, they are. They were discussing the marketing of the Cunning Concealer. Maxie says, they had that meeting yesterday, and Lucy says, she’s right. They were talking about testing the Bluffing Blush. Maxie says, it passed with flying colors, and Lucy tells Victor, lunch? He says, on him, and on her way out the door, Maxie says, enjoy. Should be fun. Victor says he thought she’d never leave. Now at last he has Lucy all to himself.

Valentin says he’s sorry; he kept Anna waiting. She says, she figured he was with his father. Anything relevant to Charlotte? He says, no. Victor keeps putting him off. Victor’s more concerned about Kristina; she witnessed Brando Corbin’s attack. Anna says, she knows; horrible. So Victor’s playing family man. He says, he’s very devoted to family, as the Cassadines define the term. They eat their young. She says, not him, and puts her hand on his chest. She says, they’re going to bring Charlotte home, and he tells her, when she says it, he almost wants to  believe it’s true. They sit, and he says, the moment he decided to have a child, from the moment Charlotte was born, her life was in danger just because she was his daughter. There were forces, people, enemies who would be tempted to use her as leverage against him. He had to be careful. He just wasn’t careful enough. His own father it turns out was more lethal than anyone. She doesn’t even know to be scared of him. He’s so frightened. Anna says, good. To be brave, sometimes you need to be frightened. Now they need to be brave. He says, why? What happened? She says, she engaged one of Robert’s contacts to surveil the so-called school where Victor is holding Charlotte. Less than 24 hours after taking the assignment, the operative wanted out. Apparently Victor’s name produces a chilling effect. So if Robert’s people are going to back out, they may be on their own. He says, they have Lucy, but she asks if now isn’t the time to reconsider Lucy’s involvement. It was one thing when Anna thought Lucy could get them in the door, but if Robert’s people aren’t going to take the job because they’re afraid of Victor, she can’t in good conscience put a civilian’s life at risk. He says, then they may have to cut her loose before she gets in deeper.

Victor says he’s worn himself out trying to reach Lucy for the last couple of days. He left messages, he sent telegrams, both the written and the singing variety. She says she didn’t get any of that. She’s going to have to fire her assistant. He suggests they do it together; it will be a bonding experience. She says she has the feeling that might be a bit of a violation of HR rules, and he says, then they’ll just have to rewrite the rules over their long-awaited lunch. She says, about that… and he says he’s sensing bad news. She says, Sasha Gilmore’s husband died; he was murdered. So she would feel uncomfortable having lunch with him. It would be tempting, but under the circumstances, not a great idea. Does he understand? He says he understands nothing of the sort.

Kristina says, that escalated quicky, and Alexis says, technically moving the conversation from Kristina’s life being threatened to her career would qualify as a de-escalation. Sonny says, they’re not here to discuss Kristina’s career; they’re here to discuss her safety. Kristina says, a subject that seems to provide her mom a segue into her life choices, and Alexis says, if Kristina had made different life choices, and take a different path, they wouldn’t be… Kristina says, a path more reputable and less dead endy? and Alexis says, she meant limited. This is a great job in the short term. Kristina says, but it’s not law school, and Sonny tells her, no one said anything about law school. Kristina says, here’s their chance, and tells Alexis, go ahead. Does Kristina embarrass her? Alexis says, of course (🍷) not, and Kristina says, Alexis just thinks she should quit her job and do something more productive. Go ahead. Say it. She’ll feel better. Sonny says, that’s enough, and Alexis says, what she meant was, she just wants Kristina to live up to her full potential. Kristina says, and working at Charlie’s is doing anything but.

Portia suggests, if Jordan wants to know who the anonymous source is, give Alexis a call, and Jordan says, so she can get a freedom of the press and we protect our sources speech from Alexis? Why waste her time? Finn says, she thinks one of the doctors here leaked the story? and Jordan says, prior to that article, it wasn’t public knowledge that Brando and Ava had been stabbed with a hook. She’s here to lay down the law with their Co-Chiefs of Staff about disclosing important details. Finn says, Jordan must have bigger priorities than tracking down the source who leaked the information for the article, and Jordan says, believe it or not, she can juggle several priorities at once. Portia asks, how much damage could acknowledging Port Charles might have a serial killer actually do to the investigation? but Jordan says, they won’t know until the damage is done. Remember when The Invader leaked Franco’s brain tumor, and Alexis tried to kill him, and almost killed Dante instead? She wanted to keep the perp guessing. Now this person has an edge, which they can exploit. A nurse tells Portia, this is for her, and hands her some papers. Portia says, it’s the test results from last night. This is Brando’s cause of death.

Selina says she hopes Brook and Chase don’t mind if she stays. She’s considering renting the club for a private party. She’d love to get a sense of the acoustics and how the music plays. Brook says, it’s up to Chase, and he says, whatever. He’s got to get used to an audience at some point. Selina thanks him, and sits down. Brook says, Chase hates her, and he asks where she got that. She says, he’s distracted, thinking about Sasha, and she’s dragging him to an audition that she doesn’t know if he wants. He says, is now the perfect time to sing? No, but does he hate her? Absolutely not. She asks if he’s sure. She know he wishes he could do something for Sasha right now. He says he can’t deny that, and she says, so they’ll go. Forget the audition, and go see Sasha. They’ll both feel better. She starts to leave, but he grabs her arm, and says, Sasha’s got Brando’s mom and Nina hovering over her. Him foisting himself on her might be more about him feeling useful than being of real use to her. Brook says, he won’t know until he tries, and he says, later. Right now, he wants to do something useful for her, for them. They kiss, and Chase sings a song I’d guess is called I’m Falling Into Place.  

Victor tells Lucy, it’s absolutely the right time for their lunch, but she says she doesn’t know if she’d be very good company. She’s so distracted worrying about Sasha. He says, fortunately he’s the master of distraction. He’ll keep her mind off these gruesome events, and focused on their shared interests; hers and his, and ways of increasing her profit potential. She says she’s always looking for a good corporate partner, and he says he thinks he can do a little better than that. Give him her undivided attention, and he may surprise her with a more than satisfactory Cassadine infusion… of capital of course (🍷). He holds out his hand.

Chase finishes his song, and everyone applauds. Brook asks what Curtis thinks, and Curtis says he thinks there’s a Savoy debut in Chase’s future. Chase says, really? and Brook says, of course (🍷) there is. He has the voice, and so much more. She kisses him, and Chase tells Selina, the kid’s got talent. She says, and he has taste, and he says, this private party of hers. The place is hers for 50… thousand. She asks if he accepts checks, but he says, sorry. Cash is king.

Valentin and Anna go to the Deception office, and Anna tells Maxie that they’re looking for Lucy, but she’s not in her office. Maxie says, they just missed her, and Valentin asks if Maxie knows where she went. Maxie tells him, they didn’t say, and Anna says, they? Maxie says, Lucy and Victor; they left together. Anna and Valentin look at each other.

Sonny says, he and Kristina’s mother only want what’s good for her, and she asks if what’s good for her includes her happiness. He says, of course (🍷) it does, and she asks if that includes Alexis too. Alexis asks, what kind of thing is that to say? and Kristina tells them, then the subject is closed. She doesn’t intend on working at Charlie’s until she dies, but right now, working here makes her happy. And she doesn’t intend on dying anytime soon – by crook or by hook. She stomps off, and Sonny tells Alexis, she’s all you. Alexis nods in agreement.

Jordan asks what the tests results say, and Finn wonders if they made the call on Brando’s cause of death. Portia says, the stab wound didn’t kill Brando. The weapon was laced with a toxin; a poison. She hands Jordan the papers.

Tomorrow, Jordan says she’s glad to hear she and Portia are both on the side of truth; Maxie asks what’s going on and how worried she should be; Nina tells Sonny, Drew’s investment is more than he’s letting on; and Carly says, if Peyton wants to do this the hard way, that’s fine with her.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

When we left last week, the women were headed to another bar at Kyle’s insistence. In the car, Kathy said, if she didn’t get in (referring to the dress code), she wouldn’t be mad. LisaR said, she’s Kathy-F***ing-Hilton. She can get in anywhere. I think that’s the crux of a lot of the problems with the world. Nobody should be able to get in anywhere on their name alone, unless they’ve come up with a cure for cancer or something equally important.

We see Aspen at peace, and the snow covered hills. It must know the women are packing to head home. Kyle asks if LisaR is almost ready, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, her head is in a fog after what happened last night. It’s worse than a hangover. They were at the club, and Kathy was having a meltdown. She’s never seen anything like this. She tells Kyle that her face is puffy; Aspen does a number on your filler. Kyle says, her face is puffy from crying, and we see a clip of her getting tissues from the bartender at Kemo Sabe. She tells LisaR that she cried at Kemo Sabe, then she cried talking to Erika. She can’t. In her interview, LisaR tells us, she’s not saying a lot. She’s still in shock. It was nothing she would have imagined coming from anyone in the group, let alone Kathy. Here’s where, were there a camera in my house, I would stare at it like Jim from The Office. In Kyle’s interview, she says, her sister doesn’t want to come out of her room. She can’t believe she’s leaving her sister behind in Aspen because she doesn’t want to go on the plane. If Kathy is this upset, somehow it will be her fault.

Everyone meets at the airport, and they get on the plane. Mauricio says he went skiing, and can’t believe he had to wait for them. LisaR says, after what she’s been through, she’s having a Bloody Mary. Erika says she doesn’t want to fight with Sutton, and Sutton says she doesn’t want to fight with Erika. Erika says, she can’t give Sutton the answers she wants, and when she screams out, it’s pure anger. She’s sorry to everybody on the receiving end. She’s f***ing mad because she doesn’t feel heard. In Sutton’s interview, she wonders why Erika is saying she’s sorry. Is the plane going down? They had good a conversation when they went snowmobiling, but can she trust it? She’s going to try, but she looked out the plane window for the smoke. Kyle says, Kathy was sleeping when they left. She’d texted, saying she wasn’t going on the plane. In Erika’s interview, she says, Kathy’s not on the plane because she had a breakdown in the nightclub, and they all saw. In Kyle’s interview, she says, everybody knows, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, Kathy asked everyone to do a conga line, but no one wanted to. The next thing she knew was Kathy was in her face, said she wanted to go home, and if Sutton didn’t go with her, she was not Kathy’s friend. In Crystal’s interview, she says, she didn’t see it, but there was a commotion. She’s known Kathy a long time, longer than most of the women, and knows how bad her behavior has been. In Diana’s interview, she says, she saw Kathy raging, screaming, mostly at Kyle. Kathy wanted to leave now, and Kyle said she wasn’t doing that; they just got here. In Dorit’s interview, she says, LisaR said she’d take Kathy home, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, it got worse in the sprinter (car). Kathy was screaming that she was going to take down NBC, Bravo, and take down the show. She was going to single-handedly ruin all of them. When they got back to Kyle’s house, it got even worse. Kathy threw her glasses on the floor, and was jumping on them, and pounding the walls. She said, she made Kyle, and she’d destroy Kyle and her family if it was the last thing she did. Why isn’t Bravo showing us this? I’d actually pay money to see this tirade. On the plane, Kyle says, she and her sisters grew up fighting. She and Kim would draw blood. In her interview, she says, LisaR was texting Erika a play-by-play, and she saw Erika’s phone. She didn’t want to go home. LisaR tells Kyle, they’ll have to talk about it at some point, and in her interview, she says, Kyle is more famous and successful than Kathy ever was. Clearly, Kathy is holding on to the anger. We see flashbacks of Mauricio talking about opening his own agency, but being concerned about the family; and Kathy telling Kyle that American Woman will show their mom in a bad light. LisaR says, it’s hard for Kathy to have it all, and then have her sister have more. LisaR tells Kyle not to worry about her sister. It’s not her problem.

LisaR and Sutton go shopping for Crystal’s birthday present, and we see a clip of Crystal inviting everyone to her 39th birthday party. She tells them, it’s going to be a Great Gatsby/Roaring 20s theme. Sutton and LisaR choose an orchid plant, and decide to have it delivered. Crystal tells Rob, the party is tomorrow, and says she’s going crazy. Rob says, it’s going to be fun, but Crystal says she has no idea. In Crystal’s interview, she says, the 20s was a beautiful era, and she wants to dress up with everybody and have a good time. She tells Rob that she’s scared. She wants to have fun, but in Aspen, there was fighting every night. In her interview, she says, they’re not going to ruin her birthday, and crosses her fingers. She suggests they get a shed to lock them in, just in case, and Rob says, they can be given time out. Kyle tells Portia that she’s unpacking then packing again. She asks Portia to find some good crystals for her. She’s going to need good energy after Aspen. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’s filming Halloween Ends. She’s going to miss Crystal’s birthday, but the last thing she wants to talk about is Aspen. Thank God she’ll be being chased by Michael Myers. She hasn’t seen or spoken to Kathy since Aspen. She thinks Kathy went from her house to a hotel, then back to L.A. She’d believed she and Kathy would never go to a bad place again. We flash back to the Reunion where Kathy was crying, and then they hugged and made up. She says she doesn’t know how she can fix this. Um… Pay for Kathy’s therapy? New pup Smokey chews on Kyle’s suitcase, then grabs a sweater, and runs out on the deck, where Kyle has to chase him around until she gets it back – with a hole in it. Once again. Pets, the great leveler. Even Kathy-F***ing-Hilton can’t do a damn thing about an unruly pet.

Erika and Dorit go to a chocolate place, and Dorit says, it would be her five-year-old’s dream come true. Erika says, it smells like heaven, and the manager (or whoever he is; I missed it) says, the thing with chocolate is, no matter what you’re going through, chocolate will make you happy. Erika says, unfortunately, she knows that, and in Dorit’s interview, she says she wanted Erika to have some fun, and what better way to lift her spirits than chocolate? In Erika’s interview, she says, chocolate is like therapy. Real therapy is expensive. She just got her bill. They put hats on to cover their hair for making chocolate, and the manager says, they’re Lucy and Ethel. They dip Oreos in pink chocolate, and make chocolate hearts. Afterward, Dorit tells the manager, their girlfriend is going to be 39, and asks if he can whip up something super special. He says, anything for them. Dorit says she knows Erika must have seen Garcelle on The Real, and Erika says, it was devastating. We see a clip of the show where Garcelle says, giving up the earrings would be a way of saying she has compassion. Dorit says she was talking to Kyle, and it seemed like if she chose to support Erika, in some way she was supporting the alleged crimes. We see a clip of Kyle telling Dorit, what Erika said was disturbing and wrong, and wondering if Dorit agrees with Erika. In her interview, Erika says she can’t deal with these chicks who wonder, what will the neighbors think? Sometimes the ones that are doing the best are hiding the most. She tells Dorit that she’s tired of being the whipping boy while others display not their best behavior. Dorit asks who she’s talking about, and in Erika’s interview, she says, this town has different rules for the hyper-elite. Kathy’s family has a lot of strength, wealth, and connections. People think twice if they want to challenge them.Erika tells Dorit, they’ve seen each other at their worst, and she’s heard things that aren’t the best. If they thinks she’s their whipping boy for the entire group, they have another thing coming.

Everyone gets ready for Crystal’s party, and Erika tells makeup artist Preston and hairstylist Clyde that she misses the old days. They toast, cheers to old school. In Sutton’s interview, she says she doesn’t really like costume parties, but she has an authentic 1920s dress, so she’s kind of excited. Garcelle tells her team that there might be dancing or there might be hair pulling. Sheree comes over while Garcelle is still upstairs, and signs her name on the gift card, saying, this is from us. Garcelle comes down the stairs, dressed in pants with suspenders that say Chanel, dark shirt, and a fedora. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, her inspiration was Josephine Baker. She feels strong, glamorous, and don’t mess with me. Sheree tells Garcelle that she kind of signed her name on the card, and Garcelle says she will f*** Sheree up. She says, they have a lot to talk about. They discussed the $750K earrings on The Real, and she taped it before Aspen. We flash back to Garcelle and Crystal talking about it prior to the taping. She tells Sheree that she hasn’t seen Erika since then, but she thought Erika was wearing the earrings in Aspen. Sheree says, it would be a hard thing to give up, but Garcelle says, stop it right now. You have other stuff. Sheree tells Garcelle, she’s just saying it would be hard, and asks what the consensus was. Garcelle says, hers was, give up the earrings. She can’t imagine Erika hasn’t seen it. In her interview, Garcelle says, everybody is talking about it, but she won’t say anything unless Erika brings it up. She says, it’s Crystal’s birthday, they’re going to celebrate, and they look the part.

Needless to type, the party looks fabulous; food and drink everywhere, a magician, a crescent moon to take a photo with, or on. In Crystal’s interview, she says, she and Rob have an affinity for the 20s. Rob had the same thing for his birthday, but it was a huge party. Because of covid, they minimized the group. She wants to leave the tension behind and give good party. Crystal is dressed in a traditional embroidered Chinese dress with a mandarin collar, but most of the women are flappers. Erika looks like a Ziegfeld Follies girl, and LisaR shows up in a tux. In LisaR’s interview, she says she wanted to be here for Crystal, but it’s hard to get past what she went through with Kathy. She’s in shock. She’s putting on a brave face, but she has PTSD. Please. Like she hasn’t given anyone PTSD. It’s not like Kathy hit her, and a fit is pitched at least every other episode. She should get a load of RHONJ. Kathy arrives, surprising everyone, and makes the rounds, acting like everything is fine. In her interview, LisaR says she’s surprised to see Kathy. She didn’t think Kathy would show, but she’s here and decked out to the nines, acting like nothing happened. It’s so f***ing weird. They all sit down for a moment, but before it gets too awkward, Crystal tells everyone to go down to the parlor, which is what she’s now calling the finished basement. We see before photos, and not a big shock, it’s amazing. In Crystal’s interview, she says, it wasn’t a small project. She doesn’t know the exact amount – she chose not to look – but they were in budget, and she’s proud of that. In her interview, LisaR says, it’s excruciatingly difficult to watch Kathy act like nothing happened. It’s building in her, and she’s super uncomfortable. If everyone knew what Kathy had said about them, they wouldn’t be happy. It’s so f***ed up on every level. We see Rob’s Wurlitzer jukebox, and he says, it’s from 1942, and rare, since they were only made for a year. He paid $30K for it, and considering how pristine it looks, I’m thinking that’s not bad. I also think Quentin Tarantino has that same jukebox.

Erika has a mint julip, and asks if Sutton wants to try it, but Sutton says she doesn’t drink bourbon even though she’s Southern. She takes a sip, and is like, yeah, no. In her interview, she says, it’s going well with Erika. Maybe the Aspen air is still with them. Maybe there’s not enough oxygen and Erika’s not thinking straight. Erika talks to Rob about reconstruction on the house, and tells him that the house she lived in with Tom was built in 1928, so she knows how it is. We flash back to her and Tom discussing redoing the grounds. She tells Sutton that she went by it the other day. It was empty, and the windows and drapes were open. She sat in her car and looked at it. She thought, all right, and drove on. There’s no returning, but she knew that when she left. She’d catalogued it as a chapter in her life, and she’s closed the book. We flash back to Erika giving the women a tour of her house, and she tells Sutton that she can’t be attached to things like that. In Erika’s interview, she says she can’t stay in a place of loss and grief. She has to transcend the negativity, the pain and suffering, and criticism. Let it go and go on to the next chapter.

Rob gets everyone’s attention, and Crystal says, it’s another year of celebrating with them, and it’s special. This is the last year of her thirties. LisaR says, what a brag, and in Diana’s interview, she says, Crystal hasn’t even had her first Botox yet. See you in ten years. I love how it’s a given she will get Botox. Crystal thanks them from her heart, and blows out the candle on the cake, which is decorated like part of a crime scene; a knife sticking out of the top, and blood cascading down it. Everyone gets a beautiful cookie decorated with their name, and Dorit asks Garcelle about The Real. Garcelle says, it’s her job, and in Dorit’s interview, she wonders if Garcelle feels guilty about throwing a grenade masquerading as a place of concern. LisaR tells Crystal that she loves her, but needs to go home. She’s still upset after what happened in Aspen, and can’t sit there. In LisaR’s interview, she says she’s trying, but she feels like she’s seen the devil, and its name is Kathy Hilton. Crystal asks if it’s that bad, and LisaR nods.

In LisaR’s interview, she says, Kathy is polished, a loving mother, a socialite, and a pillar of society. To hear these things coming out of her mouth… She can’t believe anyone would think, feel, or say that about their own family. She leaves, and Erika asks Garcelle if they can talk. Garcelle says, absolutely, and Erika says, she would have loved a heads up about The Real. She knows it was shot before Aspen, and had thought they had a nice time. Garcelle says, they did, and Erika says she thought they’d connected at dinner. Garcelle says, they did, and Erika says, they had a nice moment snowmobiling, and Garcelle could have said, hey girl, I want you to know what’s going to happen. When she saw it, she thought, here we go again. She’d rather find out from the source. Garcelle says she obviously hurt Erika’s feelings and she gets it. She’s sorry. Crystal comes back, and tells them LisaR left. Everyone is like, what? and Garcelle says, without saying goodbye? Crystal tells them, she said she had to go. She was still shaken up about what happened in Aspen. She doesn’t know what that means, but LisaR looked like she saw a ghost. In Kathy’s interview, she says, LisaR has gone through a lot, losing her mom, but she doesn’t believe what she shared with LisaR in Aspen would upset her. LisaR listened, and by no means was there any indication she was upset. If she was the toe [sic] that broke the camel’s back, she apologizes. Kathy says, LisaR is tough; they shouldn’t worry. Garcelle asks Erika to call LisaR, and Erika goes into another room, saying, in the 20s, this would be a soup can and a rope. Not quite. Apparently, she’s never seen Downton Abbey. Diana follows her, and Erika calls, but LisaR doesn’t pick up. Diana says, that’s not like her, and Erika says she thinks LisaR is mad that some behavior might get swept under the rug. They all drank and had a good time, but then Kathy got upset and wanted to leave. She saw Kathy yelling, and LisaR took her home. She thinks LisaR should tell the group what went on. In Erika’s interview, she says, LisaR was texting her as she took Kathy home. She reads some of the texts, and LisaR says she went into the sprinter, and Kathy had an absolute meltdown. Then, after they got back, LisaR texted that she’s never seen or heard anything like it. Anger, screaming, throwing things, crying. Diana tells Erika, they’ve all said ugly things, and Erika says, everybody is quick to condemn her behavior, but if they talk about her behavior, they’re going to talk about everybody in the group.  

Diana says, the Kathy she knows is put together, but not in Aspen. She was raging. She didn’t know who this person was. Erika says she doesn’t know what’s going on, and in her interview, she says, Kathy did what she did in the nightclub. They all saw it. All Kathy has to do is, admit it, apologize, and move on. Diana says, they all saw the wrath, but LisaR saw more wrath. Erika says, the sprinter wrath, then the home wrath. She thinks she feels torn. Diana says, she doesn’t want to get between two sisters. You never want to get between family. Erika says, it’s not about being sisters; it has to do with being Kathy. Erika says, LisaR has her own story, and Diana wonders why she’s not here. She makes clucking noises, and tells Erika, just saying. In Diana’s interview, she says she’s not used to a chicken LisaR. She doesn’t want to be judge and jury, but they don’t know what went down. Everyone should be held to the same standard, and bad behavior should be called out. Everyone else decides to call it a night, except for Dorit, who sits with Erika and Diana. Erika says she was having a conversation with Diana; they were talking about Aspen and Kathy’s behavior. She was running in and out, being angry. Dorit asks if they think that’s why LisaR, and Erika says, LisaR took Kathy home. It got worse in the sprinter and in Kyle’s house. Dorit says she’s never seen Kathy like that, and in her interview, Erika says, be careful of those who have a lot to protect. She has nothing to protect. She says she doesn’t know why LisaR is afraid; they’re not here to protect anybody, and she certainly hasn’t been protected. The game turns on everybody, and it’s Kathy’s turn now. Dorit says she’s afraid if Kathy is outed, Kyle will suffer the most, and Erika shrugs.

Next time, a Pretty Mess hair event; Elton John; LisaR says she’ll never forget it; Kyle feels like Kathy hates her; and LisaR tells Kathy that she’s not getting away with it.

🗯 I dunno. Maybe Kathy’s anger isn’t that far-fetched. She sent Paris to that pseudo school where they beat her. There must have been a reason Paris never told anyone until she was well into her adulthood. It doesn’t sound like Kathy was the best at parenting, but we really don’t know why. I can’t imagine she’d keep her temper under wraps at home where she can actually be herself.

🐉 This Week’s Throne Goes To…

What happened in Dragonstone this week.

⚰️ Deadly Tale…

This one was pretty creepy. The moral: Maybe you’d better listen when an old lady tells you to get out of her house.

https://www.tvinsider.com/1060992/tales-of-the-walking-dead-finale-recap-la-dona/

💃🏽 Cha-cha-cha-ing Off…

Let’s meet tomorrow for soap, Charm, and audio. Until then, stay safe, stay standing your ground, and stay not mispronouncing scone in England. If you do, you’re sent to the Tower of London, and your head’s cut off.

September 13, 2022 – Curtis Finds Out He’s Still Married, Back In Port Charles, Reunion Chatter, New On the Potomac, Salty Transcript, Latest House, Another Tale, Emmy Talk & Parade

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis tells Jordan, because the papers weren’t filed in the state of New York, they’re still married. That’s impossible. Stella says, nothing is impossible, and he asks what she means.

Drew gets out of the pool, and sees Marshall. He asks Marshall to wait, but Marshall says he can’t; he’s on his way to meet someone. Drew asks him to just wait one second. He owes Marshall an apology.

Carly thanks Josslyn for meeting her at Charlie’s. She didn’t want to bother her. Josslyn says, stop. Her dorm’s almost unpacked already, and Carly isn’t bothering her. They sit, and Josslyn asks if this is about Carly going to Aruba for the leadership executive seminar. She has Josslyn’s full support. Carly says she knows, but she doesn’t want Josslyn to worry about Donna and Avery. Pilar is going to be with them around clock while she’s gone. Josslyn says she plans on spending time with them too, and Carly says she appreciates that, but she knows Josslyn has had a few distractions. Dex walks in, and he and Josslyn exchange glances.

Finn says, Elizabeth changed her mind? She’s thinking of telling the police she wasn’t with Nikolas at the time of the attack? She says she doesn’t know if she was or wasn’t, and he says, she was pretty determined not to tell the police she’s been losing time. He’s curious. What changed?

Ava lies in bed sleeping. She dreams about lying there bleeding and calling for help. She wakes, and looks at Frank through the window. She closes her eyes, when Portia asks if she’s up for a visitor. Ava says, it depends.

Nikolas comes out of the elevator and sees Sonny, who says he doesn’t think Nikolas has any business there. Nikolas says, his wife is his business, and he’s damn well going to see her if he wants to. Sonny says, if he gets within five feet of Ava’s room, he’s not going to like what’s going to happen.

Mr. Taylor tells Sasha and Brando that the judge reviewed Dr. Rubin’s recommendation and the legal documents. Brando will be in charge of his wife’s finances and medical care, and have her power of attorney. The judge agrees there will be no prison time, as long as Sasha agrees to the guardianship, and commits to attend rehab and out-patient therapy. That’s very important. Once she’s entered into this guardianship, only Brando has the power to terminate it. Does she understand? Brando says, it’s completely up to her; it’s her choice. If it doesn’t feel right, they won’t do it. Gladys says, if she doesn’t take the deal, she could go to prison, but Brando says, she can not take the plea, and go to trial. She still has options. She understands that, right? So what does she want to do? Sasha picks up the papers and looks at them.

Carly asks if Josslyn wants to go over and say hi to Dex, but Josslyn says, it’s fine. Carly says, Dex seems to like her, and they saved Ava’s life; that’s kind of a big deal. Josslyn flashes back to Dex helping with Ava after she was stabbed, and Carly says, hello? Josslyn says, it’s not a big deal. They’ve talked since it happened, and it’s all good. So back to Carly. Is there anything she wants Josslyn to do to facilitate her trip?

Sasha says, according to her attorney Martin Grey, this is the best way to keep her out of prison, correct? and Brando says, yes, but if she wants to call this off, he’ll back her completely. They’ll find another way to fight the charges. She says she knows she needs help, and of course (🍷) she trusts him. It’s not easy signing her life away. Brando says he knows, and Gladys says, Brando only wants to keep her out of prison and help her heal. It’s what they all want. And this is not a permanent solution. Brando says, if Sasha decides to go ahead with the guardianship, they’ll schedule a formal check-in with Dr. Rubin and the hospital administrator every month to see how she’s feeling, and they’ll decide together to terminate the guardianship. He won’t let it go on longer than it has to; not one day. Gladys says, not soon enough for her, and Sasha asks her to bring back Mr. Taylor. She leaves, and Brando kisses Sasha’s forehead.

Nikolas says, Sonny has no jurisdiction over this hospital, or his wife, and Sonny says, for whatever reason, Ava thinks Nikolas tried to kill her, and that concerns him. He’s trying to figure out how to deal with that. Nikolas says he’ll speak with Ava. He has to make her understand, Sonny keeping him away from her isn’t helping. Sonny says, if he gets any proof Nikolas had anything to do with this, not even his Uncle Victor is going to be able to help him. The elevator opens, and Sonny asks if Nikolas is coming. Nikolas says, go to hell, and Sonny gets in the elevator. He says, one look at Ava, that’s where Nikolas is going to go.

Portia says, Ava’s BP is a little elevated; she’s a little anxious. Ava says she’s just a little distracted by that bauble on Portia’s finger, and Portia says, Curtis proposed. Ava says, congratulations, but why does Portia sound like she’s going to recite the changes in the tax code? Is she excited? Portia says she’s over the moon about it. It’s just that Trina told her that Ava blocked Nikolas from seeing her, and it didn’t seem to be the appropriate time to share the news because of everything Ava is going through. Ava says, things have gotten pretty bad. She’s even wondered if Nikolas was the one who stabbed her. Portia says, no. That’s horrible to even entertain the notion that her husband would harm her. Ava says, Nikolas has an alibi, but she still has unanswered questions, and Portia says, like what? Ava says, for one, would Elizabeth Baldwin lie to the cops to cover for Nikolas?

Elizabeth tells Finn that she was talking to Dante, and he said, most likely, Ava wasn’t targeted at random. He thinks the attacker knew her. Finn says, that’s interesting, and she tells him, just say it. He thinks it’s suspicious that Nikolas provided her with an alibi so quickly. He says, no. He’s just wondering if that changes anything for her. She says she does wonder why he leapt to her defense so quickly. Nikolas says he doesn’t think she did it, so why would she need an alibi? Unless the alibi was meant to protect Nikolas.

Stella tells Curtis, it’s just not impossible. This happens all the time. You never know what to expect. He says he supposes it was just filed improperly. What else could it be? If either one of them have a theory, he’d love to hear it. Stella says, they’re human; none of them is perfect. And she knows he’s experienced forgiveness with his father. He asks what this has to do with Marshall. Somebody at the clerk’s office made a mistake, and there should be consequences. Lives were affected, and he’s sorry, but he just can’t let this go. Jordan says she knows what happened.

Drew says, he’s been waiting to say this to Marshall for some time. He’s really sorry for setting Marshall up on that fake job interview. He should have apologized long before now. Marshall says, nobody likes to be made a fool of. He’s had a lot of time to think about it, and realizes Drew was just trying to be a good friend to his son. Drew says, Curtis has been a good friend to him, and Marshall says he can see that. He guesses if he’d been honest with Curtis all along, Drew wouldn’t have gotten dragged into Curtis’s mission to find out what he was hiding. So there it is. He guesses it’s on him. Drew says, so no hard feelings? and Marshall says, they’re all good. They shake hands, and Marshall says he doesn’t like what Drew did, but appreciates why he did it. He did it for Marshall’s family. Drew was there for Curtis when he couldn’t be.

Carly says, she emailed Josslyn the emergency numbers for the girls’ pediatrician. Sonny already has all the emergency numbers, but in case he needs help from Josslyn, he should have it. Josslyn says, Carly knows she knows most of this, right? and Carly says, this is a bad  time for her to go away. School is just starting, Ava’s still in the hospital; what was she thinking? Josslyn says, Donna and Avery are going to be fine. They have her, they have Pilar, they have Sonny. Fingers crossed, she won’t need to visit them at Sonny’s penthouse, but if she does, she’ll live. Stop stalling. This is Carly’s time. Focus on her and her career. Carly says she really wants to go to the seminar. She’s just been so untethered, since she lost her half of the hotel. She’s not used to feeling aimless, so she really wants to go and get her life back on track, in every way. She flashes back to Drew saying she doesn’t have to be afraid of him, and kissing her. Josslyn asks where she went, and Carly says she was just thinking about her next step. Josslyn says, good; keep the focus on herself. Everything is covered here, she promises. Carly says, lunch is on her, and hands Josslyn some cash, saying, here’s a little extra in case something comes up. She has to get out of here, because the day is getting away from her. They hug, and exchange I love yous. Josslyn tells her to have a wonderful trip, and Carly leaves, but runs into Sonny on her way out the door. He asks if she isn’t supposed to get going, and she says, she was just giving Josslyn some last minute information. He tells her, don’t worry about it. Pilar is at the penthouse with Donna and Avery. They’ve got this. She says she knows, but she’s probably going to call every night just to check in. He tells her, good luck, she thanks him, and leaves.

Elizabeth tells Finn, Nikolas really seems to love Ava. She can’t see Nikolas trying to kill her. Finn says, Elizabeth knows Nikolas better than he does. Why does she think he insisted on making her his alibi? She says she told Nikolas that she lost time, but maybe Nikolas couldn’t vouch for his whereabouts either. Finn says, there were a lot of people on the property that night. She doesn’t know what they saw or said to the police. His concern is, the longer she holds out, the more it will cast suspicion on Nikolas and her.

On the phone, Nikolas tells someone, a situation has come up. He needs them to get to GH right away.

Ava says, Nikolas told her that he was with Elizabeth when she was attacked, and Portia says, sounds like he has an alibi. Ava says, they’ve known each other since they were teenagers. If anybody would lie to protect Nikolas, it’s Elizabeth. Portia says she just doesn’t think Elizabeth would lie to the police about something like that, but Ava says, maybe she doesn’t know she’s lying. Maybe she’s being manipulated. Ava’s husband is capable of very bad behavior; surprisingly bad behavior. It’s true what they say; the ones you love the most, can hurt you the most. Portia should keep that in mind before she marches down the aisle.

Mr. Taylor says he understands they’ve made a decision, and Sasha says, yes, they have. She signs the papers.  

Curtis says, Jordan was there when he and Portia got engaged. It never occurred to her to say something then? Jordan says she only just found out about it. It’s her fault. She’s very sorry. He asks her to help him understand. She said she filed those papers. Jordan says she thought she had. She signed them, and put them in her outbox. After their conversation at Trina’s party, she looked through all the mail she received while she was at the clinic, and it wasn’t there. That’s when it hit her. She was going to take the envelope to the courthouse personally, but there was so much going on at the time, and she got called on another matter and didn’t go. She guesses lost track of it, and it probably ended up covered in stacks of mail, and documents on her desk. He says, okay. She still has the divorce papers; they can still file them. Can they look for them?  

On the plane, about to head for Aruba, Carly calls Drew, but she gets voicemail.

Sonny tells Dex to keep an eye on the docks, and make sure the Wu’s are sticking to their agreement. Dex says he’s got it, when Sasha comes in with Brando and Gladys. Sonny gets up, and tells Dex, that’s it for now. Sonny goes over to Brando, and Brando asks if he’d like to join them for dinner, but Sonny says he’s got some business to take care of. He asks, what’s going on here? and Gladys tells them to catch up while she orders dinner for the table. She knows what everyone likes, so do they mind if she makes selections? Sasha says, might as well get used to it, and Gladys leaves. Brando says, they actually just reached a decision with the court. Sasha doesn’t have to serve prison time. Sonny says, that’s great, and Sasha says she’ll be right back. She leaves, and Sonny asks, what’s the agreement? Brando says, to avoid a prison sentence, Sasha had to agree to a guardianship. She just signed over her entire life to him.

Josslyn picks up a to-go bag, and asks Dex if he’s got a minute. He says, sure, and she says, there’s something they need get straight.

Finn says, if the police are going to catch who did this to Ava, they probably need accurate information, and Elizabeth says, he has a good point. He says, if Nikolas is innocent, he’s got nothing to worry about, and she says, except fabricating an alibi to begin with. What’s going to happen when she tells the police that she and Nikolas weren’t together the whole time? They’re both going to become suspects. He says, it’s her call. Whatever she decides, he’s in her corner. She says, it’s a lose-lose no matter what she does. She just needs to think about it for a minute. He says he understands, but he wants her to consider, as long Ava’s attacker is on the loose, Ava’s still in danger. She says he’s right. Ava deserves to know the truth. He asks if Elizabeth is actually going to tell her.

Jordan says she doesn’t have the divorce papers, and Curtis says, she just told him that she had them in a stack of documents on her desk. She says, that was a year ago, just before she spent several months recuperating at a clinic in Albany. That envelope’s probably long gone. He tells her, this is really irresponsible, and she says, her case load was immense during that time… but that’s no excuse. Those papers were important; she should have dealt with them immediately. She complicated things for him and Portia, and she’s sorry. Stella says, life happens. Curtis should understand that, doesn’t he? Jordan says she feels terrible about it, and promises to do whatever she can to make sure their nuptials go as planned. He says he’ll have his attorney issue new copies, and they can refile, and Jordan says, that’s probably the fastest way. She’ll sign them as soon as she has them; he has her word. He says he’ll talk to her later, and leaves. Stella asks, why on earth did Jordan do that?

Portia says, Curtis is certainly nothing like Nikolas, and Ava says, of course (🍷) he’s not. She’s so sorry. She’s not too warm and fuzzy about marriage, but that doesn’t mean they can’t work out. Outside Ava’s room, Nikolas says he’s going in to see his wife, and there’s nothing Frank can do to stop him. Portia comes out, and asks Nikolas, please leave, but he says he won’t be barred from seeing his wife. She says, Ava doesn’t want to see him, and if he doesn’t leave, she’ll have GH security escort him out. He tells her, call them. She has no idea what he’s capable of. Curtis comes around the corner, and asks if there’s a problem here. He knows he didn’t just hear Nikolas threaten his fiancé. Nikolas says, his wife has been badly injured, and they’re keeping him away. What would Curtis do? Curtis says, the way he understands it, Ava doesn’t wish to see him, and Portia says, Ava’s blood pressure was spiking; that’s why she came out here. Curtis asks if Nikolas heard that. Does he wish to pick a fight in the ICU just to convince Ava that he cares? The police are already on their way, so if Nikolas doesn’t want them involved, Curtis suggests he leave. Nikolas says, this isn’t over, but leaves, and Portia says she’s going to check on Ava. She goes back in, and asks if Ava wants something to help her settle down, but Ava says she doubts it would help. She doesn’t think she’s going to get any sleep now.

Stella says, Jordan was furious with her, and has every right to be. Why on earth would Jordan take the blame for her? Jordan says she’s not excusing what Stella did, and Stella says she knows taking those papers was out of line. Jordan says she’s surprised Stella would do something like that; it’s so unlike her. But Curtis has moved on. Jordan sees no reason to undo that progress now. Stella says she can’t let Jordan take the blame for her, and Jordan says, Stella’s not; she volunteered. Curtis will be mildly annoyed with her, but he’ll accept it was an accident. She’ll sign the papers, Curtis and Portia will be married, Stella will officiate, and everything will be all right. She just doesn’t see any reason to cause problems between Stella and Curtis, or Stella and Portia. Stella says, she meant what she said when she told Curtis that Jordan is still family, and she always will be.

Josslyn thanks Dex again for helping her find Avery’s bracelet, and he says, it was an adventure. She says, it wasn’t quite as heroic as saving Ava’s life, but he stepped up. He says, literally. She’s welcome. She says she judged him hard, and that’s really embarrassing because she hates judgy people. So basically, it makes her a hypocrite. He says he didn’t make the best first impression, and she says she still thinks he’s an idiot for working for Sonny. He says, duly noted, and she tells him, she thought he’d say something like that, but she’s not telling him because she despises Sonny. She’s telling him this because Sonny wrecks people, and she doesn’t want him to be one of those people. He says, just because he doesn’t take her advice, doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate her giving it, and she says she didn’t tell anybody about him helping her out the other night; not even Cam. He says, her boyfriend, and she says, yeah. It’s just really complicated to explain, so she’d appreciate it if he could keep it just between them. Can he do that for her?

Sonny says he’s sure being Sasha’s guardian isn’t easy for her or Brando, but Brando is going to do right by Sasha. They hug, and Brando thanks him.

Portia asks how Curtis is since his little dust up with Nikolas, and he says he’s okay. How is she? She says she’s highly annoyed, but she doesn’t know why she’s surprised at another one of Nikolas’s little stunts. At least her strong, handsome fiancé showed up when he did. Everything’s fine. Did he talk to his attorney about the divorce papers? He says, that’s actually why he came here to talk to her. Apparently, there’s no record of the filing. She asks how that’s even possible, and he says he wondered the same thing, so he went to talk to Jordan. She said she thought she filed it, but as it turns out, she’d forgotten, and the paperwork must have gotten thrown away when she was at the clinic in Albany. Portia says, so he’s telling her that he’s been married to Jordan this entire time? and he says, looks that way, but don’t worry. The attorney is expediting papers as they speak. She guesses that’s a relief… isn’t it? He says, definitely, and she says, something else is going on. Something’s still bothering him. Tell her what it is. He says, Jordan’s story isn’t adding up, and it reminds him of when she was dragging her feet in signing those papers in the first place.

Jordan says, it means the world to her that Stella feels this way. She considers Stella family too. Stella says, who’d-a thunk it? She knows what it’s taken them to get this far. They had to work hard for their relationship, but she’s grown to admire, respect, and care for Jordan. And not just because she’s TJ’s mother, but because of the wonderful person she is. While she’s happy for Curtis and Portia, she hopes she and Jordan can continue to be in each other’s lives. Jordan says she’d really like that. Besides, she doesn’t have a lot of family. They’re not all lucky enough to find cousins in England. Stella says, if Jordan wants to know about her family, she should try a DNA test too, and Jordan says, maybe she will. What was the site Stella used? Stella says she’ll forward Jordan the email they sent her with her results. Aside from them saying she had another relative in Port Charles, they’re fantastic. You never know what you’ll find.

Gladys brings some cups to the table, and tells Brando that she figured they’d start with dessert first. Something sweet to lighten the mood. Where is everybody? He says, Sonny stepped away, and Sasha had to take a moment for herself, so she went to the ladies room. Gladys says she hates that it’s come to this, and he says, him too, but he’s going to do everything in his power to show Sasha that she has the strength and he has the faith for her to get through this. She smiles at him, and he says, what? She says, can’t a mother admire her son? He’s become such a good man. She knows they’ve had their differences… He says, that’s one way of putting it, and she says, she knows she handled a lot of things badly, but despite her mistakes, he overcame his struggles and grew into this big-hearted man, who not only looks out for his wayward mother, but all the people he cares about. She’s sorry she wasn’t there for him when he needed the support he’s giving Sasha, and she’s so grateful to him for letting her come back into his life and be part of the family he’s growing. She’s just so damn proud of him. He says he’s proud of her too. The past is the past. He really appreciates her stepping up for Sasha. She helped get them through their darkest times, and he’s so glad she’s in their lives. She tears up, and kisses his hand. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too.

Sonny finds Sasha, and says, Brando told him about the guardianship. How is she feeling about that? She says she can’t even describe it. She loves and trusts Brando, but feels like an intruder in her own life. He says, her circumstances are different than his, but he gets it. You’ve got to be strong, and you’ve got to believe in yourself. Brando came into his life late, but he’s family, and if he’s family, that means she’s family. He wanted to let her know that if she needs anything ever in her life, he’s here for her. She thanks him, and he says, it looks like Gladys got some desserts to start. Does she want some? She says, let’s do it.

Marshall and Drew have lunch at the pool, and Marshall says he understands what Drew is saying. He’s talking about giving people time, and not pushing them too fast. Drew says, it’s hard to know. Are you giving people time to figure things out, or are you waiting too long? What if you miss out on something fantastic? Marshall says, if something’s meant to be, there’s always a sign. He’s glad he was able to see his sign before it was too late. He looks at this watch, and says, late. He’s got to bounce. He’ll see Drew around. They shake hands, and Drew says, Marshall can count on that. Marshall leaves, and Drew sees a message from Carly on his phone.

Finn brings Elizabeth to Ava’s room, and Elizabeth says she’ll make this quick before she loses her nerve. There’s something Ava needs to know. She can’t guarantee Nikolas was with her when Ava was attacked. Ava asks why Elizabeth wouldn’t know that, and Finn says, it’s complicated. Ava says, is it? Did Elizabeth lie to the cops or not? Elizabeth says, no. They were together, just not the entire time. Nikolas’s whereabouts can’t be fully accounted for. Ava asks if she was just going to sit on this, and Finn says, Elizabeth was hoping to gather more information before amending her statement, but she thought Ava should know now. Although it does seem like Ava has more than adequate protection. Elizabeth says she just wants Ava to be safe, but she’d appreciate it if Ava would give her some time, so she can find out all the facts. Ava says, it sounds like there’s a lot more to the story. She hopes Elizabeth finds it. Elizabeth thanks her, and she and Finn are about to leave, when Ava asks them to send Frank in. Frank says she wanted to see him, and she says, yeah. She needs him to do something for her.

Drew listens to the message, and Carly says she’s been doing some thinking. Call her when he gets this. He calls, and gets her voicemail. He says he’s sorry he missed her call. He’s here whenever she can talk.

On the plane, Carly looks at her phone, when the plane experiences turbulence. The attendant tells the passengers to secure their loose items, and make sure their seatbelts are securely fastened. Suddenly, the plane lurches.

On the phone, Jordan says she’s calling about some test results. Initially, there was a match that was a close relation, but it disappeared. She’d like to find this person. The woman on the other end says she’s sorry. They’re not allowed to disclose their customer’s personal information, and Jordan says, this is a procedural question. How is it possible there was a match, and now it’s gone? Is that a glitch in their system? The woman assures her, a glitch like that would never happen (which is a pretty bold statement, considering, computers), and Jordan asks, then how did the match disappear? The woman says, the only way the match would disappear is if the person withdrew their information from the database.

Portia tells Curtis, her patient is now fine and resting comfortably. He’s still thinking about those divorce papers, right? He says, something doesn’t feel right, and she asks what he means. He says, Jordan wouldn’t forget something like that, and he finds the idea highly unlikely that the Police Commissioner’s paperwork would be removed and thrown away. She says she sees his point, but why would Jordan tell him that if it’s not true? He says, maybe Jordan made sure those papers weren’t filed.

Finn tells Elizabeth, he thinks that went better than expected, but he’s not sure how much time they bought. She says, the memory she’s been having is at the root of everything. She needs more information on it and her blackouts before she goes to the police. He asks how she plans on getting to the bottom of things, and she says she thinks she knows what she has to do.

Sonny sits down at Brando’s table, and says, tiramisu; he loves it. He thanks them for including him.

Dex says he has no intention of telling Josslyn’s boyfriend or anyone else about their dumpster diving adventure, and she thanks him for understanding. He gets up, and she says, so they’re good. He says, they are, and heads for the back.

Frank lets Nikolas in to see Ava, and she thanks him. She says, he can step outside and close the door. She needs to have a chat with her husband.

Josslyn sees Dex left his sunglasses, and goes to find him. Brando says he needs to step out for a second, and Sasha tells him, hurry back soon.

Josslyn goes outside, and we see someone with a hook is in the darkness. Brando comes out, and we see the hook raised up.

Tomorrow, Portia says, Jordan doesn’t really know how she feels about Curtis; Nikolas asks if Ava believes him; Dante tells Jordan that he has an update on the Ava Jerome case; and Sonny says, Sasha can rely on Brando.

🍺 Now Managing Charlie’s…

I actually forget she’s on the show until I see her again. Or read one of these articles.

💎 Not Quiet…

The skinny on the RHOBH Reunion. I think LisaR is getting paranoid in her old age.

🥂 Grand Dame Drama…

I don’t watch this often, but it’s about time Ashley ditched that weird husband of hers.

https://ew.com/tv/rhop-season-7-trailer-charrisse-returns-karen-huger-drama/

🧂 That’s What Shah Said…

Not much we didn’t know before, but it doesn’t look like she was ignorant of what she was doing. Doubtful she was led into temptation by her partner like she claims.

🐉 Dragonstone’s Latest…

What happened on House of the Dragon.

https://www.avclub.com/house-of-the-dragon-review-season-1-episode-4-king-o-1849523225

⚰️ This Week’s Tale…

The good thing about this show also seems to be its flaw. I love that we’re not in Georgia anymore, and there’s some variety, but having a different story each week makes it hard to invest in the characters. We’re not going to see them again anyway. Throwing in the Alpha episode might not have done any favors either, because of such a direct tie to TWD. Although a great idea would be a separate show with the stories of what familiar characters from the Walking Dead universe were doing when everything went to literal hell.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/tales-of-the-walking-dead-s01e05-davon-review-intense-horror-noir/

🏆 Emmy This…

The winners.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/12/entertainment/emmy-awards-winners

The best, worst, weirdest, and WTF moments.

https://mashable.com/article/emmys-2022-best-worst-moments

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/emmys-2022-12-best-worst-and-most-wtf-moments-1234591496/

https://www.avclub.com/emmys-2022-best-worst-weirdest-moments-1849527708

https://ew.com/awards/emmys/emmys-2022-best-worst-moments/

And most important, the fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35026/emmys-2022-red-carpet-fashion

🎍 No Moss On Me…

Return tomorrow for soap and to see what more damage Beverly Hills can do in Aspen before they leave. Until then, stay safe, stay being the calm during the storm, and stay strong, believing in yourself.

September 6, 2022 – An Anniversary Brings a Surprise, Backstage, Primetime Gig, Could Happen, a Message, Evil Woman, Filming, a Goodbye, Tales Talk, New Dragon & Gurls

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Marshall tells Sonny, this here is a celebration. They don’t want no trouble. Sonny says he doesn’t want any trouble either. He’s there to celebrate Trina, just like everyone else. He just wants to have a minute with Curtis. Curtis says, now is not a good time, and Marshall says, Sonny heard his son. He thinks it’s best Sonny leave now. Taggert tells Portia, nothing’s going to happen, and she asks if he’s sure about that. He says, 95% sure, and she says, he likes those odds? He says, whatever happens, Sonny and Curtis can work it out, and she says she hopes he’s right. She just wanted Trina to have a lovely party to celebrate, and… it looks like she’s got some drama of her own.

Trina says, the envelope has her name on it. Did Spencer find it somewhere? He says, no. Can she give it back please? She says, why should she? It’s hers. He says, no. Actually, it’s his. He was going to give it to her… She says, now she has it, so why does he want it back?

Willow wakes, and reaches for Michael, but he’s not there. She hears Wiley giggle, and Nelle’s voice says, say bye-bye, grandma; bye-bye, daddy. She goes downstairs and sees Carly and Michael lying dead in the living room. Nelle is there, holding Wiley’s hand, and she tells Willow, it’s no use. She’s too late. Willow says, give her her son, but Nelle says, she doesn’t have Willow’s son. Oh, Willow means her son. Willow says, Nelle is nothing to Wiley, and Nelle says, guess again. Now that the obstacles have been removed, she and her son can be together. Willow asks what she did to Michael and Carly, and Nelle says, she didn’t do anything; Willow did. Willow looks down to see her hands covered in blood, and says, no. Nelle says she’s so glad karma is finally paying Willow back for taking her son from her. Now there’s no more Michael, no more Carly… Thanks for that by the way. Willow says, no, no, no, and Nelle says, and when she disappears with her son, Willow won’t have anybody anymore. Say bye-bye. Wiley says, bye-bye, mommy, and Willow moves toward them, but they disappear. Willow looks at Michael and Carly, and screams. She wakes up, and sees Michael isn’t there. She says, oh my God, and jumps out of bed.

Downstairs, Carly thanks Temp Michael for letting her help put Wiley to bed. She’s going to miss that little guy when she’s on her trip. He says, Wiley loves spending time with her, and he appreciates the reinforcement, because Willow has been going to bed really early lately. Carly says, of course (🍷). She’s working and pregnant. He says he knows. He’s starting to realize how big a deal that is. Willow comes in, and says, thank God, throwing her arms around Michael. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, Nelle.

Spencer says, it doesn’t matter why he didn’t give Trina the letter. They’re his words, and he no longer wishes Trina to read them. Give it back. She says, no, and he says, please. That letter is his property. She says, possession is nine tenths of the law, so if he wants it back he’s going to have to do more than say please. Follow her. She leads him outside.

Sonny says, he means no disrespect, but this doesn’t involve Marshall. Curtis says, regardless, he decides who he wants to have a conversation with in his own club, and Nina comes by. She asks if Sonny minds if she steals him away for a second, and Sonny goes with her. Marshall says, he’s gone. Now tell him what the hell is going on. Curtis says, thanks. He knows what Marshall is doing, but he and Sonny go back aways. Whatever issues they have, they can resolve them on their own. Marshall says, he’s been in the music business a long time, and he’s seen Sonny’s type and how they behave in establishments like Curtis’s. Once they get their hooks in, there’s no getting them out. Curtis says, Marshall has warned him about this before. Trust him. He gets it. Marshall says, he’s not meddling, but Curtis has great back-up with Police Commissioner Ashford. All Curtis has to do is call it in, but hey, he’s not meddling.

Jordan tells TJ that she’s working on a case involving one of those genealogy companies, and it reminded her of when Stella took her test. She’d almost forgotten that’s how Stella found her cousin in London. TJ says, it was, and it’s been a whirlwind adventure ever since. She says, at the time, they all thought her long-lost relative was here in Port Charles, and he says, and they said it was a closer match than a cousin. She guesses they were wrong, but he says he doesn’t know. When she found her cousin, they let it go, but honestly, the whole thing never set right with him. They chalked it up to a technical glitch, but it seems unlikely a reputable company would make that mistake. Stella arrives, and tells TJ to give her a hug.

Josslyn asks if Cameron has some place else to be, but he says he has another surprise. She says, another secret, and he says, a surprise, not a secret. She says, close enough, and he says, she’s the one keeping all the secrets. HE didn’t know his girlfriend was a pro dumpster diver. Is she still mad at him? She asks, what for? and he says, not telling her about Spencer’s plan to save Trina. She says, no. Of course (🍷) she wasn’t thrilled, but she gets it. Spencer put him in an impossible situation.

Spencer says, until he gives it to Trina, the letter is his property, and he’s not giving it to her. This is totally unfair. She says, he’s really going to complain to her about what is and isn’t fair? She’ll give him the letter back – he says, thank you – but first she has to tell him why he’s being so weird about it… Fine. She’ll open it. He says, it’s not for her, but she says, it has her name on it. He says, that’s because it’s addressed to Trina his friend, and according to her, they’re not friends anymore.

Cameron tells Josslyn, in the interest of not keeping secrets, Spencer wrote Trina a letter. In it, he explains everything; how he always believed Trina, and was only pretending to back Esme. She says, wow. She’s almost proud of him. Does Cameron think that’s what they’re talking about? He says he hopes so. All these secrets haven’t been doing anyone any good. It’s time for everything to be out in the open.

Trina says she set a boundary, and Spencer says, he’s just trying to respect it. She says she didn’t mean to hurt him when she said they couldn’t be friends anymore, but he says, we Cassadines have ice in our veins. She didn’t hurt him, but thank you. He appreciates it, and knows she wasn’t trying to hurt him. She says, he has to admit, their relationship got pretty toxic, and he says, toxic or not, their relationship meant a lot to him, and it always will. She says, it’s meant a lot to her too, but their friendship wasn’t good for her. She felt like she kept compromising herself over and over again. She hopes he understands, and he says he does. And since they’re sharing, there’s something he’d like to tell her too.

Jordan and Stella hug, and Stella asks, where’s that nephew of hers? Jordan gestures to Marshall and Curtis talking, and Stella says, those two look like they could use a minute. Now what’s going on with TJ? Starting with how thin he’s getting. Is Molly feeding him enough?… She says she’s sorry. They’re a modern couple and they feed themselves. TJ says, between Molly’s schedule and his, they manage to grab the occasional meal, and he promises he’s taking care of himself. She says, okay. What’s going on with Jordan? She’s kind of quiet. Is everything all right? Portia runs up, and says she’s sorry to interrupt, but it’s so good to see Stella. They hug, and Stella sees Portia’s ring. She says, wait a minute. What is this?

Curtis says he knows Marshall doesn’t like Sonny, but he’s got it covered. Marshall says, don’t get it twisted; this isn’t personal. He barely knows Sonny, but he knows Sonny’s type; the type that can cause trouble. Curtis sees Selina, and Marshall says, if Sonny is trying to rope Curtis or The Savoy into something shady, they got to deal with that. Curtis says he hears Marshall, but he and Sonny don’t have that kind of relationship.  

Willow says, Nelle had Wiley by the hand. She tried to take him from Nelle, and they disappeared. She was standing there with Michael and Carly, and they were both dead. Then she woke up. Michael says, it was just a dream, and Carly says, she got intense dreams when she was pregnant; she gets it. Willow says she hopes she doesn’t have them until she delivers. She’s tired enough as it is. She’s cutting back her hours at GH. Carly says, that’s smart, and she’s sure GH is understanding. Michael says, and she has him to take care of her, and Carly says, and her entire family. Willow says she appreciates that, and Michael promises there will be no stress during this pregnancy.

Nina goes to Nelle’s grave with a bouquet of flowers, and says she’s sorry she wasn’t here earlier. It’s been a long, exhausting day, but Nelle is never far from her thoughts. She can’t believe it’s been two years since she lost Nelle. It’s been an interesting two years. She never even visited last year. Nelle says, no big deal, and Nina looks up to see her. Nelle says, she’s literally living rent free in Nina’s head. Hi mom.

Selina says, always a pleasure, and Sonny says he didn’t expect to see her here tonight. She says, Curtis is a valued partner of hers. She came to express her congratulations for Trina’s good fortune. He says, that’s very generous, and she says, sit with her and have a drink. Unless he’s waiting on Miss Reeves. He says, Miss Reeves isn’t with him tonight. She says, then they’re both unescorted, since Curtis is occupied with family matters. They should have a chat. Sonny says, about what? and she says, there’s always business to discuss.

Spencer tells Trina that he’s sorry he made their friendship confusing. That’s all on him. He should have been upfront about Esme, and he should have told Esme about his feelings for her. Maybe if he’d done that, he could have saved them from the path of destruction they were on. She says, that would have been preferable, and he says, maybe they could have… The point is, everyone deserved better, and that’s essentially what he wrote in the letter. He just wanted an opportunity to come clean, and let her know he would have done everything differently. She says she appreciates that, and he says he understands why they can’t be friends anymore. He messed up her life, and he’ll always regret that.

Stella says, that looks like an engagement ring, and Portia says, Curtis proposed. They’re engaged.

Willow says, Wiley is safe and sound, sleeping like the angel he is, and Carly says, it doesn’t hurt to make sure. Michael says, she got dressed. Is she going out? Willow says she’s just getting some air, and he says he’ll go with her, but she says, one of them needs to stay with Wiley. He says, his mom can do that, or that can take Wiley to the main house. Willow says, Michael wants to wake Wiley so he can babysit her? and Carly says she actually needs to go over some things with Michael before her trip. Willow says she’ll be fine, and leaves. Michael asks what Carly wants to talk about, and she says, nothing. She gets that his heart is in the right place, but she thinks Willow needs time alone. He says he doesn’t want to hover, but Willow’s been acting so off lately, he can’t shake the feeling there’s something she’s not telling him.

Nelle says, normally, she’s not a fan of being forgotten, and Nina says, she didn’t forget Nelle. Nelle says she knows. Nina was doing the Lord’s work in Nixon Falls. Thanks for that, by the way. She knows Nina didn’t do it for her, but Nina did it because of her, so that’s good enough. Nina says she was upset with Carly. She let Nelle slip, and even after she knew what she did, she didn’t tell Nina that Nelle was her daughter. She just left Nelle out there alone. Nina cries, and says she didn’t mean to let things go as far as they did, but Nelle says, didn’t she? It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that it paid off beautifully. Nina broke up Sonny and Carly, and kept Sonny for herself. Nina says she’s not going to apologize for her relationship with Sonny, but she did hurt a lot of people, including Wiley. Nelle says, Wiley’s a baby. He’s not going to remember any of it anyway. Nina says, Wiley’s not a baby anymore. He’s old enough to have things affect him. Nelle says, if Michael and Carly, and that baby-stealing insufferable Willow, want to tell him things about her or Nina that might be hurtful, that’s on them. They’re in the clear. Nina says she doesn’t want anyone to hurt Wiley, but Nelle says, he’ll get over it. It’s not like anyone’s stealing his kidney for cash, like Frank Benson. Nina says, her greatest regret is that she couldn’t protect Nelle growing up from that horrible, neglectful person. Nelle says, Nina’s mom did put her in a coma, and shrugs. Nina says, she would have been a good mother. Nelle’s life would have been so different. Nelle says, it would. Nina would have given her so much love, everything she ever wanted or needed. They hug, and Nelle says, she could have followed in Nina’s footsteps. Maybe become Editor-in-Chief of Crimson magazine. Nina says she wishes she could have given Nelle that life, and Nelle says, it’s a shame they didn’t know who they were to each other. She could have learned from the best. Together, they really could have made Michael and Carly suffer. They could have made sure Carly stayed in the nuthouse for the rest of her life. They could have hidden her son away from Michael. Working together, they really could have done a lot of damage.

Carly tells Michel, being pregnant is like being on a roller coaster. One minute, you’re glowing and happy, and the next minute, you’re just miserable. He says he knows he’s being over-protective, but how random is it that Willow dreamed about Nelle? She says, Nelle died two years ago today, and he says he didn’t realize. She says she tries not to think about it, but sometimes it just hits her. Reaching out, trying to grab Nelle and help her, and she just falls. It was awful. Then she felt relief. Nelle’s gone. Her friends and family are safe. Then she was terrified she was going to be blamed for Nelle’s death – and she was, once Nina found out the truth. Michael says he’s going to just call and check on Willow, and Carly says, it’s been five minutes; come on. He calls, but gets voicemail, and says, Carly doesn’t think she’d go to Nelle’s grave, does she? Carly says, he knows Willow best. What does he think? He says he thinks it’s a possibility, and since it’s the anniversary of Nelle’s death, he thinks there’s a chance she’ll run into Nina. Carly flashes back to finding out Nina is Willow’s mother, and he says, what happens if Willow runs into Nina? She says she thinks it will be unpleasant, but she doesn’t think Nina would hurt Willow. He says he’s going to check on her, and asks if Carly would mind watching Wiley. She says, yes, of course (🍷), when Wiley runs in, and asks where Michael is going. Michael says he’s going to pick up mommy, but Wiley hugs him, and says, no. Michael asks, what’s wrong? He loves Grandma Carly. Wiley says he had a bad dream, and doesn’t want Michael to go. Carly says, she’ll check on Willow, and Michael can stay with his son. She won’t let anything happen to Willow. He thanks her, and she leaves.

Nelle says, if Nina’s mother hadn’t pawned her off on Frank Benson, and Carly hadn’t let her plummet to her death, and if she and Nina had known who they were to each other, she could have had the most beautiful life. They could have punished them all. Nina says, that’s not what she wanted for Nelle. Everything she did, all the mistakes she made, were because she was in pain. Nelle is her baby, and Nina misses her, but she’s going to have to spend the rest of her life making up for her mistakes. Nelle says, what’s the point in whining about that? If Madeline hadn’t done what she did to Nina, and if Frank hadn’t done what he did to her, it’s the best get-out-of-jail-free card ever. Nina says, just because they got hurt doesn’t absolve them, and Nelle says, they got hurt, and hurt the world around them. Face it. They’re exactly the same. They had a connection, but Nina couldn’t let herself recognize that Nelle was her own flesh and blood. Not while Nelle was working for her, not while Nelle was standing in front of her, not when Nina testified against her, when they were trying to take her baby away from her. Nina had every opportunity to be the mother she always wanted to be, and she pushed Nelle away. Nina says she didn’t know, and cries, her face in her hands. When she looks up, Willow is there instead of Nelle.

Trina tells Spencer, she doesn’t know what to say, and he tells her, she doesn’t have to say anything. He just wanted her to know he’s sorry. She says she wishes things were different, and he says, him too. Rory comes out, and says he’s sorry to interrupt, but she’s been gone a while. He just wanted to make sure she was okay. Spencer says, he’s kept her from her party long enough. They’re done here anyway, aren’t they? She hands him the letter, and he leaves. Rory asks if she’s okay, and she says, yeah… She doesn’t know what just happened. He asks if she wants to get out of here, but she says, no. This is her party, and she wants to enjoy it with her date.

Sonny says, it’s a little late for business, and Selina says, friendship then. Let her buy him a drink. He says he doesn’t want to intrude any longer, and she says, it’s hardly intrusion. He’s welcome here. Or has he been made to feel otherwise?

Taggert asks if that thing Trina had to take care of had anything to do with Spencer, and she says, they just cleared the air. She told him they couldn’t be friends anymore. He says, smart decision. He knows it wasn’t easy, but that kid, he’s no good.

Portia says, they were going to tell Stella tonight. This is not how they wanted her to find out. She’s so sorry. Curtis comes over, and says, sorry for what? Stella says, it seems that he’s been keeping some things from her, and Portia says, she saw the ring, so… He says, they were going to tell her together in person tonight, and Stella says, oh, independent corroboration. Jordan says, she and TJ will give them some privacy, and they move on. Portia says she’s so sorry, but Stella says, Portia doesn’t owe her an apology; Curtis does. But first, allow her to welcome Portia to the family. They hug, and Portia thanks her. Stella says, Curtis finally takes her suggestion, and proposes, and she’s the last to know. He says, it wasn’t on purpose, and she asks if they’ve started making plans yet. Curtis says, slow down just a bit; they just got engaged. Stella says, like that’s an excuse, and Portia says, there is one thing they did, that they definitely agree on. Curtis says, that’s part of the reason they were waiting for tonight to tell her, and Stella says she’s dying to know. Curtis says, they’d like to know if she would marry them, and she says she’s never officiated at a wedding before. He says, it’s easy. You just go online, fill out some paperwork, and register with the clerk. Portia says, and you can just drop it in the mail, and Stella flashes back to never mailing the divorce papers. Portia asks if she would do them the honor, and Curtis takes Stella’s hand, saying, because there’s really no one better to marry them. She says, marrying the two of them would be the honor of her life, and Marshall says, and he’ll handle the music. Portia thanks them, and says, that’s one thing down. Now all they have to do is pick a date, a venue, the guest list, and apply for a marriage license. Stella says, for that, they have to supply proof of their divorces, and Curtis says, come to think of it, he doesn’t remember getting that. Stella says, he’d better look into it.

Willow asks who Nina was talking to, and Nina says she was talking to herself. Willow says, sorry for intruding. She knows how hard this day must be for her. Nina says, it is hard. She didn’t know Nelle was her daughter when she was alive, but she carried her. Nelle was her baby. Willow is probably wondering why she’s grieving when Nelle did such horrible things. Willow says, Nelle was still Nina’s child, and a mother’s love is unconditional. Feeling sadness over what could have been, that’s just human. Nina thanks her, and says she’s guessing Willow is here for Jonah, but Willow says she’s here for Nelle.

Selina asks if Curtis is giving Sonny any trouble, but Sonny says, it’s just a misunderstanding. He ran into a singer, Harrison Chase. Does she know of him? She says, the detective on suspension, and he says, he’s a good singer, and a good guy. He thought Chase would be a good fit for The Savoy. She says she appreciates Sonny making the connection. She’s sure Curtis will too.

Curtis asks if Jordan’s got a minute, and she says, what’s up? He says, this is going to sound strange, but did she ever receive notification that their divorce was finalized? She says, now that he mentions it, she’s not sure. She remembers filing the papers, but… He says, maybe it’s because he moved, his got lost in the mail, but she’s sure she got hers? She says she doesn’t remember seeing it, but she did get a lot of mail while she was away at the clinic. She could double-check; maybe she misplaced it. He says he hates to ask, but he needs it to apply for a marriage license. She says, of course (🍷). In order to get married again, you need to be divorced.

Stella congratulates Trina, and hugs her, saying, she had faith that Trina would be exonerated. Trina thanks her and thanks her for coming. Stella says, absolutely, and Curtis asks if he can steal Stella away for a minute. They leave, and Taggert tells Trina that he’s going to bounce. Have fun, stay late with her friends, and enjoy being young while she can. She says she supposes she can, as long as he promises to get lattes with her at the Haven Bistro soon. He says, twist his arm, and hugs Trina, saying, he has such a good daughter. He tells Jordan, see ya, and leaves. Jordan asks where Rory is, and Trina says, he went to get drinks. Jordan says she wanted to tell him about a break in a case, but shop talk can wait. Trina says, he’d love to hear about it. He loves his work. Jordan says, it’s pretty interesting. One of those DNA genealogy sites gave them some important evidence. Trina says, that’s so cool, and Jordan says, it make her glad those tests have become mainstream. Has Trina ever done one?

Willow tells Nina, Nelle was Wiley’s birth mother. She felt she should pay her respects, for Wiley’s sake. Nina says, Willow came out of respect for Nelle; that’s nice. She must be conflicted, since she and Michael are trying to erase Nelle from Wiley’s life. Willow says, they’re not trying to erase Nelle; they’re protecting Wiley. Even Nina admitted Nelle did terrible things. Nina says, and that’s what they want to do, lie to Wiley. Tell him people don’t have flaws. Willow says, Nelle was beyond flawed. If she’d had her way, Michael would have never known Wiley was his son, and Nina would have never known Wiley was her grandson. Every time she thinks she’s making headway with Nina, there’s no reasoning with her. She only sees what she wants to see. Nina tells Willow to get off her damn high horse. She’s sorry Nelle did horrible things, but it’s made Willow so self-righteous, she can’t acknowledge anyone’s pain but her own. Carly walks into the cemetery, and says, enough. If anyone needs perspective, it’s Nina. No matter how hard she tries to rewrite history, no matter how much she wishes Nelle had been redeemed, it doesn’t change the facts. Nelle was a kidnapper and a murderer, and the only reason they’re safe is because she’s dead.

Sonny says he can handle his business with Curtis, and Selina says, she and Sonny go back many years and many favors. Sonny agrees they do, and she says, anything she can do to strengthen their ties, don’t hesitate to ask. He says he’ll keep that in mind. She and Curtis have been doing business; how’s that working out? She says, splendidly. She found Curtis to be quite accommodating. Sonny says he’s going to let Curtis get back to his family, and thinks Selina should do the same. You know what they say about a good man. He whispers, they have their limits, and she whispers back, thank you for the advice. But she knows exactly where she and Curtis stand.

Trina tells Jordan that she took a DNA genealogy test for a project in high school. Why does she ask? Curtis gets on stage, and says, good evening. He thanks everyone for coming to The Savoy for Trina. Everyone yells, and he says, when he first met Trina, it’s safe to say she was profoundly unimpressed. But he on the other hand, immediately noticed what a strong, smart, resilient young lady she is. It’s impossible not to. So in honor of Trina, please help him welcome tonight’s entertainment, Cameron Webber. Cameron comes out with an electric guitar, and apparently has a band we never knew about. He asks how everyone is feeling tonight, and they whoop and holler. He says, his first song is dedicated to Trina. In fact, they’re all dedicated to Trina, since this is her party. This song is about a person they both know. She’ll get what it means. There’s a lot of da-da-da stuff, and something about someone being messed up in the head, but they don’t give a damn. I’m actually not positive, but I assume it’s about Esme? Cameron finishes the song to cheers and applause.  

Spencer sets the letter on fire, and watches it burn.  

Carly suggests Willow go home, and take care of herself and the baby. Michael and Wiley are waiting. Willow says, Carly’s right. It was a mistake to come here. She leaves, and Nina says, this is precious. She comes here to have a private moment with her daughter, the two of them show up, uninvited, and she’s the villain. Carly says, Nina and Nelle are alike. Nothing was ever Nelle’s fault, and nothing is ever Nina’s fault. Nina says, she’s taken responsibility for her actions, and she’s paid the consequences, and Carly says, but she doesn’t believe she deserves them. She and Nelle sing the same tune; that they’re a product of their circumstances, and that excuses their actions. Nina says, Carly of all people should sympathize. Not with her, but with Nelle. Because it was Carly’s adoptive father who neglected Nelle, abused her, and sold her for parts. Carly says she had compassion for Nelle, and in return, she was sent to Ferncliff for months, Michael was left to burn in a car, and Nelle switched Wiley for Willow’s dead baby. Does Nina get that? Nelle used someone’s dead infant as a prop. How proud Nina must be. Carly walks out, and Nina says, it didn’t have to be like this.

Tomorrow, Felicia tells Maxie, that would be a bad idea; Anna tells Robert, she doesn’t know whether to find that funny or disturbing; Victor tells Lucy, it will be their little secret; and Sonny wants to get something straight with Cody.

🍺 Behind the Bar…

That was a fun scene.

👮🏽‍♂️ Not So Invisible…

A lot of side gigs going on at GH.

🎼 Like Mother, Like Daughter…

This would be the perfect time for Lois to make an appearance.

📜 For the Fans…

This was just one of the saddest things ever.

😈 I’m With Her…

I’ll say it again. I think Sutton is clueless and can be inappropriate AF, but Diana is vindictive and creepy.

💗 Making Heart Sign…

A match made in Housewives heaven.

🥀 We Barely Knew Ye…

Even though I don’t think we ever saw him, Marge sure seemed to have a lot of respect for her ex. I know she must be devastated.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-new-jersey-margaret-josephs-ex-husband-jan-josephs-dead-at-75/

⚰️ Tales To Be Told…

Is it science or sentiment? What I like about this show is the different story each week.  

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/tales-of-the-walking-dead-season-1-episode-4-recap-amy-dr-everett-poppy-liu-anthony-edwards/

🐉 This Week’s Dragon…

What’s happening with the Targaryens.

https://ew.com/tv/recaps/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-episode-3/

👠 Walking My Own Red Carpet…

Speaking of evil, come by tomorrow for some soap and the Housewives who have the market on the devil’s work these days. Until then, stay safe, stay not shooting the messenger, and stay not crashing anyone’s private moments at the cemetery. No good can come of it.

August 29, 2022 – Dex Comes To Ava’s Rescue, Kyle Flirts On Deck, Everything VMA, Tale Talk & Best Bunny

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Josslyn tells Michael that he’s got great timing. She just got done reading Wiley a bedtime story, and he’s loving his sleepover at the main house. His nanny’s upstairs with him now. She tells him to enjoy kicking back with Willow. They’re all good on their end. She sees Nina, and says, this may not be her house, but she knows for a fact Nina isn’t welcome here. Nina says she’s not here for a social visit. This is uncomfortable for her, and she’s only here because she has a carload of desserts for Olivia that were mistakenly delivered to the MetroCourt. She’s just trying to correct a mistake. Josslyn says she was just on the phone with Michael, and she could have told him that Nina was there trespassing, but he and Willow rarely get a night to themselves, and Josslyn’s completely capable of throwing Nina out herself. But apparently she’s not capable of listening. She says, Nina will not go anywhere near Wiley, and Nina tells her, like she said, she just brought desserts for Olivia. She wasn’t planning on seeing her grandson. Josslyn says, let’s make sure – get out – when Sonny comes in, and asks, what’s the problem here? Josslyn says, the problem? She’s looking at it. Sonny says, Olivia knows that Nina’s here and why, and Josslyn asks how long it takes to drop off desserts, because she highly doubts Olivia invited her to stay. Sonny says, Josslyn doesn’t have to like it, but he thinks her mom taught her how to be civil to people, and Josslyn says, her mom also taught her how to deal with a back-stabbing bitch. Sonny tried to help Trina, and that’s the only reason she’s not slapping his girlfriend into next week. Since apparently she also has no concept of the law. She leaves, and Nina says, that was fun. She thinks she’ll go. Sonny says, hell no.

Felicia says she’s not going to tell Mac what to do. It’s his call whether or not he tells Cody that he was once romantically involved with Cody’s mother. But Mac and Dominique as a couple was pretty common knowledge back in the day. Somebody’s bound to point that out to Cody eventually. He says, one thing at a time, okay? He’s still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Dominique had a son she gave up. That’s not at all like the woman they both knew.

Britt slaps Cody, and he asks, what the hell is wrong with her? That was a damn good kiss.

Finn finds Valentin in the living room, and says he’s looking for Elizabeth. He asks if she came by, and Valentin says he hasn’t seen her, but he’s looking for Anna. Has Finn seen her? They hear groaning outside, and find Spencer walking up to the patio. Finn says, take it easy, and Spencer says, leave him the hell alone. Finn says, Spencer doesn’t look so good. He’ll get a glass of water, and Spencer can come inside. They’ll get someone to find his dad. Clearly drunk, Spencer says, forget it. He never wants to see his dad again.

Nikolas finds Elizabeth sitting on the ground, and she asks, what happened?

Ava lies outside the boathouse, bleeding. She touches her wound and looks at the blood on her hand. She feebly tries to call for help.

Mac tells Felicia, Dominique was a bright light. She was a loving generous person, who would have cherished having a son. It’s obvious she gave him away to protect him from Taub, but once Leopold died, why not reclaim him and raise him herself? Felicia says, what if she didn’t realize she had a son?

Britt says she didn’t slap Cody based on the quality of the kiss. She slapped him because of why he kissed her. He says, she’s telling him it was a good kiss though, and she says, he only kissed her to distract her. He says, distract her from what? and she says, his interrogation about Peter and Faison. Come on. Just be honest. Why is he so fascinated by her father and brother?

Nina says, besides Sonny, nobody wants her here, and he says, nobody can make mistakes and move on with their lives. The way Josslyn and Michael treat her is unfair, it’s rude, and… it’s actually sad. A lot of people here will be happy to see her, and he’s at the top of the list. she says she knows he’ll always be on her side, and he’ll face down all the haters, but she doesn’t want another confrontation. She’d rather go home. He asks if she can’t stay a little while, and she asks, why? He says he’s got Dex bringing him some paperwork. Once he signs off on it, they’ll go to his place and have a nightcap. She says, that’s an offer she can’t refuse, when Anna walks in. She says she didn’t mean to interrupt… Actually, she is interrupting. She wonders if she can have a moment with Sonny.

Finn sits Spencer down on the couch, and Valentin gives him some water, saying, Spencer’s clearly dehydrated. Spencer says he doesn’t need damn thing from Valentin. All of the trouble between Spencer and his father started when Valentin came sniffing for an inheritance that never belonged to him. Spencer puts his arm around Finn, and says, that’s when his father made the horrible decision to play dead to get his revenge. That’s something his father has to live with, but all the drama started with Valentin. Valentin says, anything he’s done to hurt Spencer, he’s sorry, and leaves. Spencer says he hates that guy, and Finn says he’s not a big fan himself. Spencer says he wishes he could blame Valentin for everything, but Valentin didn’t force his father to lie, play dead, or marry Ava… Finn says, but what? Did Spencer’s dad do something to upset him? Spencer says, it doesn’t matter, because the man he grew up with, the man he hero worshipped, either changed or was never real in the first place.

Nikolas helps Elizabeth up, and says, it looks like she hit her head. How did that happen? She says she doesn’t know, and he asks, what’s the last thing she remembers? She says she was at the stables with Finn. They had an argument, and now she’s here. He says, she’s not that close to the stables. She doesn’t remember walking here or how she got that scrape on her forehead? She says, no. She remembers being really angry and feeling betrayed, and he asks what they argued about. She says, Finn went behind her back again. He called Sarah. Nikolas says, her sister who hasn’t been in town for ten years? Why would Finn call her? She says, because Finn thinks she’s losing her mind.

Josslyn sees Ava, who’s still weakly calling for help, and says, oh my God. She’s going to get help. Does Ava have her phone on her? Was she carrying it and dropped it? She’s going to get help. The picnic is for GH, so there are nurses and doctors here. Ava grabs Josslyn’s leg, and says, don’t leave her.

Sonny asks if Anna wants to talk WSB business. They’ll have to get Diane… Anna says, he doesn’t need Diane. This is more official-adjacent. Nina says she’ll go get some fresh air; it’s a lovely night. Anna thanks her, and she leaves. Sonny says, Anna’s got his attention, so what’s up? She says she’s aware that in addition to his business enterprises, he keeps a close watch on all the illegal activities in Port Charles. He says he can neither confirm nor deny that statement, and she says, let her cut to the chase. Does he have any information about what Victor Cassadine is doing here?

Nina stands outside, and hears Valentin say, she walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; and all that’s best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes… Nina says, Thus mellowed to that tender light, which Heaven to gaudy day denies. Most people think it’s Shakespeare, but it’s really… He says, Lord Byron; mad, bad, and dangerous to know.

Mac asks how Dominique could have a son and not be aware, and Felicia says, think back. Dominique stayed at Shadybrook for a time. He says, Leopold had her committed. He wanted control of Dominique and her fortune. She says, that’s what everyone assumed, but what if there were other reasons? What if Dominique was pregnant, and Leopold took the baby?

Cody says he asked about Britt’s family. That’s what you do when you’re trying to get to know new people in your life. She says she keeps telling him; she doesn’t want to talk about Peter or her father. Why can’t he accept it and move on? He says, the better questions is, why is she being so defensive? It’s not like he asked if she had a criminal past too. Why is it easier to accuse him of being manipulative, rather than just admit she’s attracted to him? What is so God-so awful about them being into each other? She asks, who said she was into him?

Finn tells Spencer, to be bitterly disappointed in his father’s life choices? Welcome to the club. He’s not in a good place to be giving any sort of advice, but he’s going to throw it out there anyway. Maybe somewhere down the line, it will mean something to Spencer. Spencer says, it couldn’t be worse than the garbage his father’s been throwing out there, and Finn says, that’s the thing, kid. If we’re lucky, we grow up thinking our parents are superhuman; they have all the right answers, and can fix all the problems. Spencer says, but in his case, his father is the problem, and Finn says, and at some point we realize, they’re not superhuman. They’re just people, doing the best they can, who occasionally screw up. Human beings come with flaws, even parents, but that doesn’t mean they love us any less. Spencer says, if that’s how things shook out for Finn and his dad, good for him. But it doesn’t seem like that’s how things are working out for him and his father. Victor walks in, and tells Finn, it seems his great-nephew is a little worse for wear. Don’t worry; he’ll take care of Spencer. Finn says, they were just making headway on their talk, but Victor says he won’t hear of it. Go ahead. Let family deal with family. Finn says, it’s Spencer’s call, and Spencer says, he’ll be fine with his Great-Uncle Victor. Finn says, fair enough; feel better. He leaves, and Spencer tells Victor not to ask why he’s so upset, but Victor says he doesn’t have to. He already knows.

Nikolas says, Finn thinks Elizabeth is losing her mind? and Elizabeth says, she wouldn’t have checked herself out of Shadybrook if she hadn’t felt ready to face the world. He says, Finn doesn’t agree? and she says, he keeps going back and forth. He’s trying to be supportive, but she knows he’s watching her and doubting her. She knows it sounds paranoid, but he says, it doesn’t. If Finn is reaching out to Sarah, why would he do that if he wasn’t checking in on her? Elizabeth says, exactly. He’s fixated on her non-existent relationship with her parents. He keeps fishing around, like she’s hiding some dire secret. He says, about who? Someone in her family? Elizabeth flashes back to being on the stair landing with another young woman, who asks what she’s doing. Elizabeth says, stay away from her father. In the present, she says, Nikolas? Where are we?… No. It happened again. She’s losing time.

Josslyn tells Ava that she just needs to stop the bleeding. She needs a towel. She’s not leaving Ava, but she has to stop the bleeding. She runs inside, and Ava passes out. Josslyn runs back out with a towel, and says she needs Ava to wake back up. Josslyn needs her to hold this while she gets help. If Ava doesn’t wake up, she’s going to die. Josslyn yells for help, and says she can’t leave or Ava will bleed out, but she has to get help. Dex runs onto the scene, asking Josslyn if that’s her, and sees what’s happening. Josslyn tells him to call 9-1-1, but he tells her to call; he’ll hold it. She makes the call, while Dex presses on Ava’s wound.

Mac tells Felicia, when Dominique was in Shadybrook, no one was allowed to visit her. She finally signed herself out after Taub was killed. Felicia asks if he remembers what kind of mood she was in when she got out, and he says, she was eager to get on with her life. It was a long time ago, but he remembers she was happy and upbeat; there wasn’t a hint of sadness. There’s no way anyone would have suspected she was hiding her child. Felicia says, what if there were no hints because she didn’t know she had a baby? and Mac says, Leopold Taub was a bastard. He would have had no problem taking Dominique’s child away from her, except… She says, except what? and he says, why would Leopold Taub want to hide his own child?

Cody asks if Britt expects him to believe she didn’t like the kiss and doesn’t find him attractive. That’s her story? All the verbal sparring they do; the moments they connect? Did he just misinterpret all the signs? He’s sorry; his bad. He won’t bother her anymore. She knows her way back to the main house. She says, fine. He didn’t make it up. He says, sorry, what? and she says, he was right. She is attracted to him. Sometimes she even likes him. He says, then what’s the problem? and she says, there’s nothing more terrifying than liking someone.

Elizabeth says, she was just lost in her train of thought, and Nikolas says, it happens to everyone, but she says, he doesn’t understand. It’s more than that. She keeps having a memory that doesn’t make sense to her. She had an attack of vertigo in the stairwell… He asks if she needs to see a neurologist, and she tells him, Finn said the same thing, and he wants her to see a psychiatrist. Nikolas says, they don’t sound like bad ideas, but she says she thinks if Finn would stop pressuring her this would all go away. He keeps going behind her back; first with Terry, now with her sister. How is she supposed to react to that? How is she supposed to have a meaningful relationship with someone she can’t trust? Nikolas says, you can’t.

Spencer walks over to the bar, and says, now that is more like it. He’s going to need something stronger than water. Victor says, it’s more than obvious Spencer’s had more than he needs already. Getting sloppy drunk is not only undignified, it can lead to errors in judgment, which can be costly. Spencer says, if Victor wants to lecture on errors in judgement, he’s afraid Victor is talking to the wrong Cassadine, and Victor says, he thought so. Spencer says, he thought what? when Olivia walks in. She says, just a friendly reminder that the festivities are taking place out on the grounds, and Victor says he’s so sorry. He and his nephew were just taking a short break from the all the merrymaking. He hopes she doesn’t mind. She says she’ll take care of a couple of things. It turns out hosting this party is a bigger ordeal than she could have imagined. She leaves, and Victor says, Mrs. Quartermaine seemed out of sorts. He wonders why.

Nina says, hello, friend, and Valentin says, this is the last place he expected to find her. She says she could say the same about him. Last she heard, he was the Quartermaines’ public enemy number one. He says, not all of them. Ned is an ally. Michael’s mad at him, but Drew is yet to be determined. He supposes that’s a long-winded way of saying he’s tolerated. She says, lucky him. Josslyn just tried to throw her out. He says he’s so sorry to hear that. It’s no fun being the target for the ire of youth, especially when they think they’re on the side of righteousness. She says, as she recalls, he was in a similar situation with Spencer. He thought Valentin stole his home and inheritance, and Josslyn thinks she stole Carly’s husband and half of the hotel. He says he assumes she has no regrets about Sonny. How about obtaining half the MetroCourt?

Anna tells Sonny, Victor has intimated on more than one occasion that he has a larger agenda. So if he is, for example, transporting something illegal, he’d have to use the waterfront, in which case, Sonny would most likely hear about it, right? Sonny says, If he had any information on Victor, he’d give it to her. As far as he knows, Victor’s only recent crime has been to bust Spencer out of Spring Ridge to visit his mother’s grave. She asks if Spencer told Sonny that Victor got him out of prison.

On the phone, Josslyn explains they’re at the boathouse by the lake. It’s a woman; she’s been stabbed in the abdomen very badly. Dex says, her pulse is weak, and her breathing is shallow. They have to move her now. Josslyn says, is he kidding? They’ll kill her. But he says, if they don’t get her to a hospital in the next 20 minutes, she’ll be dead already. He tells Josslyn to keep pressure on the wound, and goes inside. She asks what he’s getting, and he says, they have to create a pressure. He starts ripping a shirt, and she asks how he knows all this. Did he go to medical school or something? He says he was a soldier. He did a tour in Afghanistan, and that’s how he knows they don’t have time to wait for an ambulance. If the body loses too much blood, it’s like an engine running without oil, and the body shuts down. He gives Josslyn a piece of material he’s fashioned into a sort-of belt, and tells her to tie it around Ava. He says, if it goes past a certain point, her organs will never recover. It might take a couple of days, but she’ll get through it. He tells Josslyn, good job, and she says, now what? He tells her to keep the pressure on. His SUV is nearby. They’ll carry Ava to the car, and Josslyn will stay in the back, keeping pressure on the wound. He’ll drive. She asks if all this movement won’t hurt Ava more, but he says, they do this, or she dies.

Elizabeth asks if they’re talking about him and Ava now, and Nikolas says, yeah. The whole time he was with her, he kept trying to overcome her trust issues, and get to a place where they could believe in each other. That process proved impossible. He had his part in it, and takes full responsibility for his failures, but in the end, the most hurtful betrayal was all Ava. Elizabeth asks what she did, but he says, the particulars don’t matter. She lashed out and didn’t care what she destroyed in the process. She was vindictive to the very end. Elizabeth asks if he’s saying he and Ava are over, and he says, they’re definitely over. Finn comes along, and says he was looking for her. What happened to her head? She says, it’s not a big deal; it’s just a scrape. Nikolas says, Elizabeth is fine, and Finn asks if he can speak to her alone for a moment, but Nikolas says, now’s not a good time.

Spencer says, sorry, Victor thought what? and Victor says, it’s obvious from the hints Spencer’s been dropping that he already knows his father had sex with Esme. Spencer laughs, and says he can’t believe Nikolas told Victor. Victor says, he and Nikolas have their differences, but first and foremost, they’re Cassadines. They stick together. Spencer says, count him out. He wants nothing to do with his father. When he heard Ava say he slept with Esme… Victor says, Ava told him? That is indiscreet of her.

Valentin asks Nina how she feels about owning that particular hotel. Is she having buyer’s remorse? She says, a little bit. Sonny warned her there would be pushback, and there is. People just assume she bought it out of spite. He asks if Sonny assumes that.

Anna asks Sonny to please tell that he has proof, and he says he did his best to get Spencer to give up Victor, but he refused. He has mixed feelings about that, because on one hand, he wants to break Victor’s hold on Spencer. If he gets arrested, that’s a bonus. On the other hand, he admires Spencer letting him take the easy way out. He’s always emphasized to this boy that loyalty is so important, and always taking responsibilities for his actions. It’s nice to see he’s finally doing it. She says, loyalty, that’s cool. In this instance, given the family he comes from, when it comes to loyalty, Spencer is lucky to have Sonny as a role model.

Mac tells Felicia, Taub was obsessed with money and power. He wanted Dominique so he could control the Stanton fortune. But if Dominique got pregnant with his child, he’d have an even stronger hold on that fortune. So why keep the kid a secret? Olivia runs up, and says, she just got a call from the PCPD. Someone’s been attacked on the property. Mac asks if they were attacked at the main house, but she says, no, on the property. It was a stabbing, and whoever found them decided to take them right to GH. The police are on the way here right now. Mac asks if the police told her the victim’s name, and she says, only that it took place on the property, but the property is enormous. And God knows how many people were at this party. Mac gets on the phone, and says he’s at the Quartermaine estate. He needs information about the attack that was just reported.

Cody says he doesn’t understand what’s scary about liking someone, and Britt says, last year, she finally met someone she could be completely honest with, who she could share her deepest darkest secrets, and he didn’t judge her. Cody says, sounds like a cool dude. Where is he? She says, that’s the thing. The universe finally gave her someone she felt safe to be honest with. Then the universe decided to kill him. He says he’s so sorry, and she says, her too. That’s why she slapped him. It isn’t because the kiss was bad or inappropriate; it made her feel something. And if she’s learned anything about this life, it’s when she feels something good, it only leads to pain, and that’s terrifying. He says, maybe it was just a one-time thing; like the heat of the moment. Maybe if they kissed again, nothing would happen. She woudn’t feel anything, and she’d have nothing to be afraid of. She says, there’s zero logic in that statement, and he says, it’s still just a theory, but there’s only one way to test it out. They kiss.

Spencer says he’s taking off, but Victor says, if Spencer thinks he’s going in search of another beer keg or bar set-up, he’s sadly mistaken. Spencer says, Victor doesn’t have to worry he’ll get so drunk he’ll tell someone about the little day pass from Spring Ridge that Victor arranged. Victor says he’s not worried about that. He’s worried that Spencer will tell someone about his father’s affair with Esme. Unless he already has. Spencer says, if he told anyone his father slept with his girlfriend, that’s a really bad look for him. He’s not that drunk. Victor asks if he’s sure about that. How much can he remember about the last few hours? Spencer says, next to nothing, and honestly that’s how he likes it.

Nina tells Valentin, Sonny just gave her his honest opinion. He warned her about the optics of buying Carly’s half of the hotel. Initially, she thought he was taking Carly’s side, but he was just being a realist. He thought Olivia was going to stay loyal to Carly, and the hotel staff was going to stay loyal to Carly. Right now she’s working on them, but Sonny wanted her to see what she’d be up against, but he also said they’d do it together; that he’d be by her side.

Sonny tells Anna that he appreciates her saying he’s a good role model. There’s a few people in his family who don’t agree with that. She guesses things have been difficult for him since he got back. She’s sorry to hear about his divorce. She knows from her own life that sometimes people truly do have irreconcilable differences, even if at one point they were very much in love. Look at her and Robert. He says, isn’t Robert her best friend now? and laughs. He says he doesn’t think he and Carly can do that, because she has so much resentment toward Nina. She says, he’s not willing to give her up, right? and he asks if she thinks he’s wrong. She says she thinks he’s following his heart. How could that ever be wrong? Her phone rings, and she says she has to take it. Anna says, Jordan… attacked?… She’s here at the Quartermaines’.

Finn says, Nikolas wants to talk about timing? He just left Nikolas’s kid at the main house, and he’s in a bad way. Nikolas might want to check on him. Nikolas says he’s not the right person to help his son, and he doesn’t feel comfortable leaving Elizabeth alone if she doesn’t want to be with him. Finn tells Elizabeth that he’s sorry. He shouldn’t have gone behind Elizabeth’s back. He thought he was helping, but he was so wrong. He just wants to talk. Please don’t shut him out.

As they walk toward the boathouse, Olivia asks if they shouldn’t go to the house and let everyone know what’s happening, but Mac says, the whole estate will have to be searched. The boathouse is the perfect staging area. He tells them, wait here, and looks at the pool of blood where Ava was. He calls dispatch, and tells them he’s at the Quartermaine estate. Send forensics to the boathouse. He found the attack site.

Ava is wheeled into the hospital, and the doctor says medical stuff, and gives the nurses instructions. He wants to do a massive transfusion, and asks for O negative blood. He wants two lines in her, and a lot of stuff with initials. Tell the OR they’re coming up. Josslyn and Dex come in, as Ava is being wheeled away. Josslyn gives Dex his phone, and says, sorry about the blood. He says, it’s okay; it’ll wash off. I have a mental picture of him holding his phone under a faucet. She says, if Ava lives, it’s because of him, but he says, it was both of them.

Cody says, still scared? and Britt says, quaking in her boots. He asks if that means another date is out of the question, but she says she’ll risk it, and leaves.

Anna tells Valentin, Jordan is on her way with forensics. Mac already determined the attack took place at the boathouse. He asks if they know the name of the victim yet, and she says, no, but she figures Jordan will know by the time she gets here. So she’s going to wait and see if they need any assistance. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, if this is a criminal matter or intelligence. He says, she doesn’t think Victor was involved, but she says, you can’t deny the possibility. He says he guesses it depends on who the victim is, when Anna’s phone dings. She says, it’s Jordan, and looks at her phone. She shows it to Valentin and us, and it says, Ava Jerome.

On the phone, Sonny asks Frank to tell Dex that he knows why Dex did what he did, and he’ll see Dex when he gets there. He tells Nina, he knows why Dex didn’t show up with the paperwork. He found someone stabbed on the property, and took her to the hospital. Nina says, here? That’s awful. Sonny said, her. Was it a woman? He says, it was Ava, and she says, oh my God. He says, she’s in pretty bad shape, and Nina says she needs to be there for her. He says he’ll go with her, and they run out.

Forensics has gotten to the boathouse, and Elizabeth asks Mac, what’s going on? Why are the police here? Mac says, Ava Jerome was attacked tonight. She’s at the hospital. Nikolas says, oh my God, and Finn asks, how bad is it? Mac says, she’s in critical condition; her survival is uncertain. Olivia crosses herself, and by now, Victor and Spencer are there too. Nikolas says he has to get to his wife, but Mac says, hang on. The police are going to need statements from all of them. They’re still determining the time of the attack. They know it happened within the last two hours, and they’re going to need the whereabouts of everyone she was in contact with. We look down the line of possible suspects, although Mason and Austin aren’t among them.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Drew that they’ll think he has something to hide; Jordan asks why Nikolas is so resistant to providing answers; Josslyn tells Trina, something happened to Ava; and Sonny tells someone that neither of them is going to get what they want.

Below Deck Mediterranean

First thing in the morning, Tasha is texting her ex-boyfriend now boyfriend (I think), and Natalya tells Storm, last night was fun, but he got a little emo. She can’t be serious when she goes out. In Natalya’s interview, she says, Storm was a bit tragic last night, but she gets over things quickly. She thinks he’s caring and considerate, and wants to see where it goes. Captain Sandy calls for a preference sheet meeting. Primary Adam is a tech executive in NYC. Joining him is sister Jennifer, and they’re celebrating Adam’s 30th. They want to play with all the water toys, especially the slide, which the captain expects today with the provisions. Storm looks thrilled. Adam wants a water obstacle course for a friendly competition. Dave reads that they want a tasting menu of courses from around the world, and Captain Sandy says, it’s gonna be a fun charter. Storm tells the deck crew they have to move quickly, and Kyle and Natalya do their usual banter.

In the crew mess, Dave whines to Tasha that she couldn’t even look at him last night and it was awkward. She says she’s not ignoring him; she’s just struggling with the situation in her head. He tells her to do her job, and he’ll do his. She says, their jobs require them to work together, and he says he’s tired of pussyfooting around. No more. He’s not dwelling on this, and he deserves better than her. What they had is done. Captain Sandy comes in, and asks if she interrupted something. Should she leave? Tasha says, they were just talking work, but the captain says, clearly there’s tension. Just be patient with each other, focus on the job, and stay professional. In the captain’s interview, she says it’s not the first time she’s had a boatmance that went wrong. She wants her crew to feel supported, but to give them the space to work it out. She also wants them to understand she still has an expectation. When they step up those stairs, she needs to know they can remain professional.

Courtney is hoisted down in the tender, and in her interview, she says she hopes to get the hang of it, but for now, she’s not friends with this tender. You have to press buttons to go forward and reverse. Just f***ing put a throttle in there or something. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your stomach. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the deck crew has found their groove, and having Courtney is a part of it. They have a rhythm; they’re crushing it. Kyle goes through the preference sheets looking at the photos, and in his interview, he says, this charter is going to test him. Provisions come in, and the slide is on its way. In Tasha’s interview, she’s excited about doing a wine pairing. It takes the service level up a few notches. Tasha texts her boyfriend, while Kyle and Natalya bicker about the laundry. The slide arrives, all 500 pounds of it, and the captain says, guest arrival is in 30 minutes. In Storm’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. This is a disaster. Jason gives some suggestions about getting the slide on board, and in his interview, he says he’s not entirely green. His problem is in knowing when his input is welcome, and when he’s barking up the wrong tree. Storm radios Courtney and Dave for help. The get the slide into the tender, and Courtney drives it to the boat, then hooks the slide to the crane. In Mzi’s interview, he says, it’s good to see Courtney in her groove, but to be honest, he’s always impressed with her. Everyone gets ready for the guests.

Kyle says, for the first time he’s clammy, and they welcome the guests. In Kyle’s interview, he says, all men with beautiful smiles. Holy hell, Lord save me. There are fancy welcome drinks in pineapples, Tasha gives the tour, and the luggage is brought on board. Kyle toasts, here’s to the queers with the guests. Captain Sandy checks her weather screen, and sees no bumps on the horizon. In Storm’s interview, he says, all docking operations make him nervous at this point, and we flash back to the last one, which was not so good, but this time, all is well. Guest Frank chats up Kyle in the galley; then they move to flirting on deck. In his interview, Kyle says, there is a God. In Tasha’s interview, she says she’s going to let Kyle continue to flirt with Frank, but that’s as far as it can go. He needs to be careful. If the captain finds out, he could lose his job over this.

Anchor is dropped into the blue, blue water I long for, and Kyle flirts some more with Frank as he shakes martinis. In Kyle’s interview, he says, they are a professional team and have their limitations. One of those is, don’t get intimate with guests. He could possibly lose his job. A producer suggests he’s being unprofessional now, and he agrees. Fabulous food is made, and in Dave’s interview, he says, this is the hardest job he’s ever done because of the situation with Tasha. They weren’t dating, but it does feel like a break-up. It’s torture on a stick seeing her. He guesses he’s just going to hang in there. A guest says, the food is like art, and the deck crew gets ready to set up the slide. In Mzi’s interview, he says he just remembers the slide is horrible to deal with, and we flash back to that. He says, now it’s four new people who have never done this before, setting it up on a boat that’s never had a slide before. Tasha and her boyfriend text some more, and in her interview, she says, long distance relationships in yachting almost seem impossible. It’s very distracting. In Storm’s interview, he says, he wants people to understand he knows what he’s doing, but he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s never set up a slide before. He’s worked on expedition vessels, small sailing vessels, and charters. Fake it til you make it, baby.

At the table, guest Jennifer says, Frank and Kyle are going to be boyfriends, and she’s going to marry them. Frank says he needs a boyfriend, and I wonder where Kyle is. Captain Sandy tells the deck crew they’re doing a good job, and helps out with the slide. They need more slack, and Storm can’t undo Jason’s bowline, but Jason insists he did it right. Storm says he can’t stand this arguing, and in Jason’s interview, he says, Storm looks like an idiot. Jason goes over to undo the knot, and Storm suggests he tie it properly next time. Jason tells him, f*** off. In Storm’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what Jason tied, but it wasn’t a bowline. Then Jason swore at him. Don’t ever do that. Ever.

The guests discuss Iceland, and the verdict is, it’s all gay and vegan. They get wind of the slide being set up, and get ready for the water. Mzi tells Courtney, Jason told Storm to f*** off, and she says, Jason’s annoying. Kyle finds out Frank is 37, and asks what creams he’s using. In the galley, he tells Natalya, that’s maturity you want, and she says, you never know. He could be the love of Kyle’s life. The guests use the slide, and Tasha tells Dave that the wine-pairing is tonight. Dave is making pasta, and asks for her help. In Dave’s interview, he says he doesn’t know how Tasha thinks she’s doing wine pairing with a buffet. He’s doing street food. Give him a can of beer. Natalya asks if Storm’s up for a cuddle later, and he’s in. It’s been a sh*tty day. He tells her about Jason, and says, he’s out of control. In his interview, Storm says he’s changed his mind about Jason. Since he’s been put in this position, it’s been his biggest challenge as far as team management goes.

Kyle is on break, and the guests ask him to sit with him. He obliges, and asks for the gossip. In Natalya’s interview, she hints at once having had a quickie with a guest. In Jason’s interview, he says he can’t knowingly do something wrong if he knows a better, more efficient way to do it. He’s dealing with an imbecile. In Courtney’s interview, she says, it seems like Jason doesn’t really want to be here. You have to be a team player. Sometimes you don’t want to do sh*t, but you do it because it’s your f***ing job. They pull up the trampoline, and the wind picks up. Storm says they need a secondary line, and calls to Jason, who ignores him. Storm asks if Jason is f***ing kidding him. In his interview, Storm says, Jason’s been insubordinate to him. He guesses it’s up to him to find out what Jason’s good at and what motivates him. He’s still got a lot to learn with Jason.

Tasha goes over the menu with Kyle, and how she’s doing a wine pairing with the buffet. Captain Sandy calls Storm to the bridge, and asks if he knows what an anchor dragging looks like, showing him on the screen. She tells him, that’s what you’re watching for on anchor watch. In her interview, she says she sees bosun material in Storm. He’s great on deck and great with the clients. It’s important she teach him; she wants him to succeed. In Dave’s interview, he says, it’s an around the world dinner tonight, and he wants a street food vibe. Nice one bite wonder food. Dave does that smoke cloche thing for one of the courses, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, the guests’ reaction to the first wine pairing makes her want to keep it going throughout the dinner. She asks if Dave can send things out one at a time since the guests are enjoying the elegance, and he acts like he’s okay with that, but he’s not. In his interview, he says, it’s a huge change. They were doing a buffet, but now it’s a la carte, and going to effect the quality of his food. Tasha’s promised the guests, so it’s not ideal, but he’s sucking it up. The American sliders end up cold, and when Dave reheats them, they literally slide. He says, this is ridiculous. The wine pairing has slowed down service. He’s reheating most of the dishes and his burgers are f***ed. He complains to Tasha that it’s taking too long. A wine gets paired wrong, but the guests don’t notice, so who cares? Dave starts complaining and Tasha radios for help, but everyone else is sleeping. In Kyle’s interview, he says, the last thing you want is service that doesn’t seem seamless. This is poor planning. Tasha insists, it’s not her.

Next time, Kyle in spandex; a mini Olympics; Jason doesn’t respond to his radio; and Tasha’s boyfriend has issues about her working with Dave.

🎶 Over the Moon…

All of it.

https://www.popsugar.com/MTV-VMAs

The winners.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/28/entertainment/mtv-vmas-winners-2022/index.html

Best and worst moments.

https://people.com/music/2022-vmas-best-moments/

https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/the-best-and-worst-of-the-2022-mtv-vmas/

The performances.

https://pitchfork.com/news/vmas-2022-performers-list-see-the-full-lineup-here/

The fashion. You know you want it. Here are four ways to get it.

https://people.com/style/vmas-2022-best-dressed-stars-red-carpet-photos/

⚰️ The Alpha Of Alpha…

I did wonder why she found it crazy that Lydia believed in fairies. Why not? The dead are walking, for God’s sake. But my main question is, will Beta be in the mix? They owe me that one.

🐄 More Cowbell…

While I can’t promise blue skies tomorrow, I can promise soap, tea, and a little music. Until then, stay safe, stay rooting for the underdog, and stay knowing, human beings come with flaws, even parents, but that doesn’t mean they love us any less.

August 23, 2022 – The Quartermaine Picnic Commences, a Thought, Long Awaited Return, Wish Come True, She Hates It, New Wife, Tales Talk, Who’s Worthy & Virtual

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow suggests she and Michael sit on the couch. She takes his hand, and he says, she knows she can tell him anything. Whatever it is, they’ll figure it out together. She says she doesn’t know if they can this time, and he says, sounds serious. He sees Sonny on the terrace, and jumps up. He whips open the door, and tells Sonny that he’s not welcome here.

Carly asks how Drew got roped into grilling, and he says, all the Q’s are doing their part. He’s trying to help out GH, and it just so happens he’s a grill master. Carly says, show her what he’s got, and he says, prepare to be amazed, clicking his tongs.

Jordan tells Marshall that he bears no responsibility for Tommy’s death. He wasn’t there. Tommy barely had any memories of Marshall; he thought Marshall died when he was a child. Marshall says, maybe if he’d stayed, he could have prepared Tommy for what was to come. If he had more courage, Tommy might still be alive.

Walking into the picnic, Nikolas says, they could sell this better if Ava would just smile a little bit. She says, never tell a woman to smile (thank you), and he says, even if it keeps that woman out of prison? She doesn’t want any suspicion coming her way if Esme’s body turns up. She says, he’s the one causing suspicion, and he says, he’s trying to save her, so play nice and let him. She says she didn’t ask for his help, when Olivia comes by, and tells them, this is a party. Kindly take their fighting somewhere else.

Leo stirs his concoction, and says, amore… amore. Dante comes in, and asks what he’s doing, and Leo says he’s helping. Sam comes in the other door, and she and Dante smile at each other.

Brook thanks Chase for coming, and he thanks her for inviting him. She tells him, what can she say? He’s her favorite client. He says he’s her only client, and also co-conspirator, and she says, nothing solidifies relationships like a mutually beneficial scheme. He says he’s glad she sees it that way. He could really use her help.

Curtis tells Portia, God knows he loves her. He loves her kindness, her selflessness… He loves the way she loves family. TJ sees what’s going on, and takes out his phone to film it. Curtis says he loves Portia’s dimple, especially when she’s laughing at his bad jokes. He loves the way she supports, encourages, and brings out the best in him. And when he thinks about his future, he sees her right there by his side, and he wants them to spend forever together. Will she marry him?

Sonny tells Michael, he’s supposed to be here. He’s one of the largest donors to the children’s wing. Michael says, of course (🍷) he’d be invited. He just thought Sonny would have the sense to stay home. Sonny says, Michael doesn’t have to worry about Nina. She didn’t want to come; she didn’t want to cause any trouble. Michael says, that’s a first, and Sonny says, it’s obvious Michael doesn’t like Nina, but he won’t tolerate Michael disrespecting her. Michael says, but he’ll tolerate Nina disrespecting their entire family. He doesn’t have time for this. He slams the door, and starts to go back to Willow, but Sonny busts back in. Sonny says, let him tell Michael something. If he ever does that again, it will be the last time he closes a door.

Sam says hi to Leo, and tells Dante that she came to see if Olivia needed any help. He says, she just missed Olivia, but he’s heading out to the grill to give Drew a break. Does she want to come with him? She says she’s going to check on Scout, but she’s glad he has everything under control. She jets, and Dante says, never mind. Leo asks if Sam is mad at him, and he says, seems like it, right? Leo says, don’t worry. She won’t be soon. Dante thanks him, and tells him not to hang out in here too long. Go outside and play a little bit. Leo says he will, and Dante leaves. Leo goes back to mixing, and says, amore. He stirs the mixture with a carnation, and repeats, amore.

Ava apologizes to Olivia, and says, it’s a party, right? And an important fundraiser too. Nikolas says, it’s very generous of the Quartermaines to throw this benefit for the GH Children’s Wing. His mom sends her regards. She wishes she could be here. Olivia says, that’s sweet of her, and asks how Grandma Lesley is doing. He says, she and Marcello are still recovering from the fire, but they are honing in on a place in town. They’ll probably be moving in soon, but his mother will probably stay there until they’re completely settled. Olivia says, as any good daughter should. Tell her that they’ll miss her today, and about before, forget it. She understands couples need to squabble, even at the most inopportune moments. She moves on, and Ava says, he almost got them caught, but he says, she was the one raising her voice. She says he’s the one who brought up the topic in public. She doesn’t need his help. He says he didn’t ask to be dragged into this, but it’s too late now, and she says, poor darling. It’s never too late.

Brook says, Chase needs her help? 100%. Anything. She’s his girl. He says, anything? and she laughs. He says he needs a partner for the three-legged race. It’s kind of his jam… Not to brag. She says she didn’t take it that way, and he says he knows it’s silly, but it’s something he always used to crush when he was a cop at the department picnics. She says, she’ll do it, and he says, that’s really great, and thanks her. Yuri comes by with a covered dish, and says, Mr. Chase and Miss Brook Lynn; you’re still together. Brook says, they’re not together together. It’s so good to see him. Chase asks what he has there, and Yuri says, it’s a native dish from Belarus, and Brook says, yum. She suggests the find a platter and put it out. As they leave, Chase says, don’t be late. He’s counting on her.

Jordan assures Marshall that his being gone had nothing to do with Tommy’s death, but he says, she doesn’t know the whole story. Has TJ told her about his medical condition? She says, no. TJ respects Marshall’s privacy, and so does she. Don’t feel he owes her an explanation. He says, that’s all right; he wants to. They sit, and he says he’s been ashamed of his medical condition for way too long, and he’s not giving it power over him anymore. The reason he left his family is because he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She says, he was afraid he’d bring harm to them? and he says, harm, shame, the whole stigma. Folks understand a lot more about mental illness now than they did back in the day. He was so afraid of the diagnosis, he left his family. He got treatment; it’s under control now. She says, that was very brave. She’s sorry he lost so much time with his family, and she’s glad he’s back in their lives. She knows TJ is glad. He says, all that is a dream come true, but he feels he still may have brought harm to his sons. She asks, how so? and he says, schizophrenia can be passed down genetically, and TJ and Shawn told him that Tommy wasn’t in his right mind when he was killed. She says, so he thinks Tommy may have been having an episode of some sort? and he says, yeah. He tears up, and says he wishes he was with his boy when he was going through those struggles. He’s not trying to overstep here, but can she tell him what her marriage to Tommy was like? Thinking back, did she see any signs?

Portia tells Curtis, she doesn’t know what to say. This is the last thing she expected. He says, you know it’s right when you’re staring at your forever love every morning, and can’t wait for another day. TJ continues to film, and she says she loves Curtis so much. They fit so well together. She could only focus on Trina, and loading herself up with work. She forgot to even think about what she wanted out of life. Then he came back into it, and the clouds opened up, and all these possibilities are available to her now; love and happiness and security. He’s given all of those things to her, and that’s what she wants for them; she wants it forever. All this time, he’s been holding this ring up, and probably treading water, and he asks, is that a yes? She says, yes. She’s going to marry him. He puts the ring on her, and there’s applause from the people who have shown up out of nowhere. They kiss, and there’s more applause.

TJ congratulates Curtis and Portia, and says he wishes the best for both of them. Portia thanks him, and Curtis says he appreciates it. He’s glad TJ could be a part of this. TJ says, actually, he’s meeting mom for lunch, so he’d better get back to his table. He congratulates them again, and leaves. Portia asks how long Curtis has been planning this, and he says, for months, but he wanted to wait until the situation with Trina was settled. She says, they have had their plate full, but all things are better now; better than she could have hoped. She looks at her ring and squeals. She says she can’t believe he proposed in front of all these people, and he says he had his eyes on her and her alone, but now he can’t wait to tell the world that she agreed to be his pretty wife. She says, they have to tell Trina. She has plans right now, but she’s going to be so excited. He says, they’ll tell her tonight, and if she comes home late, they’ll tell her tomorrow. Or they’ll tell her whenever because they’re going to be together… She says, for the rest of their lives, and they kiss.

Jordan tells Marshall, she’s dealt with people who have schizophrenia in the field. She knows enough about the symptoms to have a rudimentary understanding of the illness. Looking back on their marriage, she can’t say she observed any signs of schizophrenia in Tommy. He asks if she’s certain, and she says, Tommy was suffering from PTSD at the time of his death. What pushed him over the edge was her infidelity, and discovering TJ was not his biological son. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her. She’s truly sorry for the part she played in Tommy’s death, but it’s her cross to bear, not Marshall’s. She gets up, and he says, you can’t go to heaven dragging hell along with you. He guesses that’s the title of the composition he’s been writing his whole life, watching himself and other people play all the notes, trying to distract from the pain and sorrow… insecurities. Except they’re just dragging along the same torment they’re running from, compounding it. Look at him. He dragged around fear, pain, and guilt for nearly a lifetime. It wasn’t until he set them down that he got free, and he was able to come here to Port Charles, and find and discover everything he lost. Blaming herself won’t bring Tommy back, and Lord knows he’s in no position to judge her. He’s still struggling. And that’s why he forgives her. She tears up, and asks, how can he? He says he’s not going to pretend he wasn’t angry when he heard what happened between her, Tommy, and Shawn, but in life you got all these unexpected blue notes. To tell her the truth, on one level, he was kind of relieved that he couldn’t have passed down his disease to TJ; he was spared. Ain’t nothing about this going to change his feelings for TJ; not one bit. He couldn’t love TJ more if TJ were his own flesh and blood. She says, TJ loves his grandpa too. She’s glad they finally met, and he says he is too, shaking her hand. He puts his other hand on top of hers, and says, maybe now she’s going to lay that burden down.

Drew tells Carly, with grilling, timing is everything, when Dante appears, and says he’s here to relieve Drew of his grilling duties. At least temporarily; don’t go too far. Carly says, Drew is going to have to relinquish his mighty tongs, and Drew says, with an apron like that, he thinks the grill is in good hands. Dante takes over, and Drew asks if Carly wants to go for a walk. Maybe they could play some games. They can still sign up for the three-legged race. She says she hasn’t played that in so long, and he says, all the more reason to do it. They make a great team. I have never once participated in a three-legged race. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen one IRL.

Willow says, Michael has every right to his feelings about his father and Nina, but this picnic is to benefit the Children’s Wing at GH. Sonny’s here to support that cause, so today is about charity and gratitude. Just for today, why don’t they put their personal issues aside? Michael says, okay, and Sonny says, have fun at the picnic. He leaves, and Willow asks if Michael is okay. He says, she’s really incredible. With everything going on, she’s the only one who can keep him grounded. She tells him, never underestimate himself. He can pull himself back from the brink without her. He says, he’s so much stronger with her by his side. She means everything to him, and he doesn’t know what he’d do without her. They hug, and he says he’s sorry. She wanted to tell him something. She says, it can wait; he just had a run-in with his father. He says he’s over it. He wants to know what’s on her mind. Olivia comes in with Wiley, and says, somebody is asking for mommy and daddy. Wiley asks if they can play a game, and Willow says, absolutely. Olivia tells them to get out there and have fun, and leaves. Willow says, Michael heard Olivia. She wants to get out there and spend the day with her two favorite people. Wiley says, him too, and they leave. Ava walks in, and I’m guessing she was listening.

Jordan meets TJ, and says she just had a wonderful conversation with his grandfather. He says he’d love to hear all about it, but first he has to tell her something. Portia and Curtis are here. She says, okay. It’s fine if he wants to ask them to join them. He says, it’s not that. Curtis proposed to Portia, and she said yes. Jordan says she guesses she should have expected it. They did just buy that house together. He says he knows, but it’s still a bit of a shock. Is she okay?

Sitting at one of the tables, Portia tells Curtis, life sure does change on a dime, doesn’t it? and I wonder, what does that even mean? She says, just the other day, things were as bleak as they ever could have been. Trina’s future was up in the air; the only man who could exonerate her was in a coma. He says, but they got through it together, and she says, yes they did. And now Trina’s future is clear. She can do whatever she wants with her life. And their future is as bright as this diamond. Soon, he’s going to be her husband. He says, how soon? and she says, not soon enough. They kiss, and Jordan approaches the table.

Ned says, they’re down to the final two teams. Number one: Carly Corinthos and Drew Cain. Carly and Drew flex their muscles, and Ned says, and team number two: Brook Lynn Quartermaine and Harrison Chase. Brook and Chase fist bump, and Ned says, on your marks. The teams wrap their legs for the three-legged race, and Chase puts his arm around Brook’s waist.

Sonny comes in to find Ava on the couch eating something. She asks if Nina is with him, but he says, no. She says, Nina didn’t want stir pot; that’s wise. She asks if Avery is having a good time, and he says, she’s having a blast. She’s getting her face all painted. Ava says, that’s so cute; she loves that. He says he’ll see her, but she says, don’t go. Keep her company for a minute. She wanted to thank him again for helping Trina. He says he did it for Trina, and she says, still, she appreciates it. He says, there’s been no justice for Josslyn and Cameron. It’s too bad Esme left town. She says, rats. They know when to jump ship, don’t they? He says he heard she posted something on social media from the south of France, which is surprising since Ava said she’d never be found. Ava says, she was wrong. It happens from time to time. He says, it seems like an amateur move for Esme. Maybe Ava could shed some light… Nikolas comes in, and says, that’s enough, and Sonny asks what he means. He was just talking to Ava. Nikolas says, Ava doesn’t know anything about Esme. Leave her alone. Sonny says, or what?

Chase and Brook take a tumble, Chase falling on top of her. Carly and Drew win the race.

Jordan says she’s sorry to interrupt their celebration, but TJ just told her the good news. Congratulations to them both. They thank her, and she asks to see the ring. Portia shows her, and Jordan says, it’s beautiful. She’s very happy for them. Portia says, that means so much to her, and they hug. Portia says she’s going to give them a second, and excuses herself. Curtis asks if Jordan is really that happy for them (which is kind of insulting), and she says, all she’s ever wanted is for him to be happy. He says he wants the same for her, and she says she’s trying to learn to lay down her burdens, so she can move on, just like he has. His dad is back in his life, and he has a new beginning with Portia. She truly wishes them the best of everything. He says, she’s a class act, and he really appreciates everything she’s done for Portia, Trina, and him. She says, her job is to stop injustice. She’s just trying to keep her promise to the people of this city. He says, sometimes the job entails testing the boundaries, and she flashes back to stopping the elevator. He says, he appreciates her discretion, and she says, if he’s referring to Oz Haggerty’s recovery, and the circumstances that allowed it to happen… He says he is, and she says, then there’s something she has to say about that.

Chase helps Brook up, and she says she’s so sorry. She’s such a klutz. He says, that’s okay. He’s in the mood for something cold. He wanders off.

Drew tells Carly, first cornhole, now the three-legged race. Look out tug-of-war; we’re unstoppable. They high-five, and he asks if she’s thirsty. She says she is, and he goes to get her something to drink. Brook tells Carly, congratulations. She and Drew make a great team. Carly says, they do.

Nikolas says, stay away from his wife, and Sonny says, don’t take another step. He doesn’t need Nikolas’s permission to talk to Ava or anybody else. It’s none of his business; stay out of it. Nikolas says he’s not one of Sonny’s minions that he can order around. If Sonny doesn’t stay away from his wife, there will be consequences. Ava says, Nikolas is overreacting, and Sonny says he’ll tell Nikolas what he told Nikolas’s uncle – take your best shot, and we’ll see what happens. Ava takes Nikolas’s hand, and asks Sonny to excuse them. She pulls Nikolas outside, and he asks, what the hell was that? She says, her sentiments exactly. Why is he provoking Sonny? He says, Sonny was the one who was way out of line, not him, and she says, she can handle Sonny. She’s been dealing with him for years. He says he’s her husband. It’s his job to defend her. She says, it was his job to be faithful, and he couldn’t manage that. So let’s drop the pretense. This was more about Nikolas and his issues with Sonny than Nikolas coming to her rescue. He says he’ll always come to her rescue, no matter how hard she pushes him away. He knows he messed up, but he loves her, and will always be there for her.

Terry and Willow watch Michael with Wiley, and Willow says she doesn’t think Wiley quite gets the concept of the egg and spoon race.  Terry says, Michael seems like a very patient teacher, and Willow says, he’s the best dad. Terry says she spoke to Britt, and Britt told her that Willow had an appointment. Willow says she’s going to postpone treatment until she’s in her second trimester. It’s just a few more weeks. She just… She can’t lose another baby. She knows Terry probably doesn’t approve, but Terry says, if it’s the right choice for Willow, she supports it. Willow says, it is; thanks. They watch Wiley and laugh, and Terry says she takes it Willow hasn’t told her family yet. Willow says, she decided to wait until she starts treatment, and Terry says she’s still going to suggest Willow tell her family, especially since she decided postpone treatment. Willow says, if she tells Michael, he’ll try to convince her to get treatment immediately. She doesn’t want to fight with him for the next few weeks. They just finished one big battle; she wants to enjoy this time. Terry says, there is a lot of research showing patients benefit from a strong support system, but Willow says she’s made her choice. She’s not ruining the next few weeks they have left with fighting and tears. What they have right now is what it’s all about. Her decision is the best choice for her family.

Olivia goes to the nook, where Leo is with a tray of Solo cups, and she says, he poured lemonade for the guests? That is so thoughtful. She thanks him for helping her today, and he says she’s welcome. She always helps him; now it’s his turn to help somebody else. She says, that’s so sweet, and hugs him. She tells him, keep up the good work; she loves him. She leaves, and he pours his concoction into two of the cups.

Brook brings Carly into the stables, and says, it’s just the two of them. Be honest. Are her and Drew a thing? Carly says, is she kidding? Olivia asked her the same thing, and she’s going to tell Brook what she told Olivia; she and Drew are just friends. Brook says she’s got that, especially how they were just all over each other. Carly asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says she gets it. It’s complicated. Carly and her family have a long not-so peachy history. And he’s Jason’s twin and Sam’s ex, but the two of them have some serious chemistry. Carly should go for it. Carly says, like Brook is going for it with Chase? Anyone with eyes could see how they look at each other. Brook says, Chase is her client. There can’t be anything between them. Carly says, but Brook wants there to be, right? Brook says, it doesn’t matter. Carly is changing the subject; they were talking about her and Drew. Carly says she’s going to talk to Drew before people get the wrong idea, and starts to leave, but Brook grabs her arm, and says, are they though? Speaking to Drew is a good idea, because from what she’s observed, there are some real feelings growing. Deal with it now before the situation gets all muddled and hopelessly mired with mixed signals and regrets because you were just too afraid, or it took too long to have that conversation. Carly says, that’s some really great advice. Maybe Brook should take it. She leaves.

Leo sets the tray of cups on a table, and asks if Chase has seen Sam and Dante. Chase says, no, but he needs a person for tug-of-war. Is Leo in? Leo can be on his team. Leo says, sure, and runs off. Chase says, save him a spot on the rope, and looks at the cups.

Jordan tells Curtis, as far as she’s concerned, Mr. Haggerty woke up just in time to exonerate Trina. She’s glad he did. Trina’s free, which is all that matters. He says, and the elevator? She says she’d heard it had been on the fritz again. They don’t make elevators like they used to. He tells her, like he said, class act, and raises his glass. She goes back to TJ, who says he swears he didn’t know Curtis was proposing when he suggested they meet here. She says she’s okay, and he says he knows she and Uncle Curtis are on good terms, but it still has to be hard hearing he’s engaged. She says she’s happy for Curtis; he and Portia are a good match. He asks how it went with Marshall. She said they had a good talk. She says, the best. Marshall forgave her for everything that happened with Tommy, and he told her about his diagnosis. TJ says, that was some conversation, and she says, it was. Marshall was worried TJ’s dad might have inherited the predisposition for schizophrenia, and that’s what led to Tommy’s death, but she told him that she never saw signs of it when they were married. She thinks it brought him some comfort, and TJ bets it did. He says, Curtis should tell Marshall that he’s considering genetic counseling for himself, in case he decides to have children. She says, of course (🍷) Curtis would want children of his own. He and Portia would make good parents.

Olivia is chopping vegetables, and Sonny asks if she needs a hand. She says she’s got it, and asks if he’s here by himself. He says, he is; it seems to be the question of the day. She says she just figured Nina wouldn’t be able to resist rubbing Carly’s nose their new relationship, and he says, well, she’s wrong. Can’t you just be divorced and live your life? Because that’s what they’re trying to do, but everybody seems to have a judgement. She says, she would have thought he’d be immune to that at this point in his life, and he says, he is, but that doesn’t mean he likes it. Take them. They’ve known each other since before Carly; they have a son together. Can’t she wish him well? Dante’s happy for him. Can’t she be?

One by one, people take the cups. Leo comes back, and sees they’re all gone.  

Picking up a cornhole sack, Wiley says, it’s perfect, and Michael agrees; everything is perfect. He thanks Willow for reminding him of what’s most important, and Wiley hugs Willow, saying, I love you, mommy.

Curtis tells Portia, the best part for him is, now she and Trina are officially his family. She says she already thinks of him, TJ, and Marshall as part of her family. And even Aunt Stella. They laugh, and her phone rings. She says, it’s the hospital; she needs to take this. He says he thought she was off, but she says, it will only take a second. Then they can talk about Trina’s upcoming party. She steps away, and says, this is Dr. Portia Robinson. Has an appointment opened up yet?…  No, that’s three weeks away. She’s already been waiting for an appointment for genetic counseling… Jordan stops short of coming in, and Portia says, yes, please. The soonest available spot… No, it’s not concerning her. It’s concerning her daughter.

Olivia says she does want Sonny to be happy. She just wishes he’d found his happiness with literally anyone else in the world. He says, sorry to disappoint her, but sometimes life chooses who you’re with. Leo runs in, and says he’s got to talk to Olivia. Sonny says he’ll let them get to it, and leaves. Olivia asks, what’s up? and Leo says he made Nonna’s Sicilian Thunderbolt for Sam and Dante. She says, why didn’t she think of that? Did it work? He says he doesn’t know. He put the cups down for just a minute. When he came back, all the cups were gone. She says, so he only put the Sicilian Thunderbolt in some of the cups? but he says, only two, and he doesn’t know what happened to them. What if he messed up everything?

Sitting in the stables, Sam takes a sip of her drink. Chase comes in, and asks if she’s seen Brook. She says, what? and he says, never mind. He doesn’t want to intrude, but she looks like she could use a friend. He’s available. He takes a sip of his drink.

Dante takes a sip of his drink, and literally runs into Brook, who’s holding her cup. She says she’s sorry, but he says, his bad, and they smile at each other.

Nikolas tells Ava, cornhole’s free. How about it? He takes a sip of his drink, and she says, is he kidding? He says, why not? Or is she afraid he’ll beat her? She says, in your dreams.

Carly sees Drew grilling, and says, back at it, huh?  He says, hot dog?

Tomorrow, Carly asks if Drew is flirting with her; Jordan hopes Portia doesn’t make the same mistakes she did; Selena tells Curtis that he’d rather have her as an ally than an adversary; and Sam tells Dante that she doesn’t know if she’s ever going to be ready.

🧚🏼‍♂️ Of course those who don’t know the plot of A Midsummer Night’s Dream might not understand Leo’s fears. Part of the plot involves a love potion, and the result is the wrong people falling in love. Kudos though to GH for assuming we’re all well-read.

🚑 Long Road Back…

Glad to hear Emma Samms is moving past covid and on to GH.

🥁 Sammy Was the Man…

Now here’s an interesting story I never heard before.

🍑 Me Too…

The only Housewives who like Reunions are the ignorant and the devil’s spawn.

🗽 Joining the Apples…

One of the new Real Housewives of NYC.

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I want to like this show more than I do. It’s not bad, but I want something more. I do like how it’s a different story every week, and that it takes place at the point the world was starting to be zombiefied. It also has a sense of humor, which is much appreciated after years of the humorless TWD. In last week’s episode, the main characters had to Groundhog Day until they got it right.

🎸 Vote the Rock…

Get your votes in for this Sunday.

https://www.mtv.com/vma/vote/

🍒 With a Cherry On Top…

Join me tomorrow for soap and to see if Beverly Hills can top themselves in awfulness. Until then, stay safe, stay never judging a book by its cover, and stay knowing that you can’t go to heaven dragging hell along with you. It’s not until you set your burdens down that you’ll get free.

August 19, 2022 – Austin’s Cousin Is In Town, Mason, Leaving, Wedding Aftershock, Shahnanigans, Cheshire Wives, Wedding Album, Dead Tales, Reviewing Dragons, Lucky Amount of Quotes & Time

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Cody says, Britt has questions about him? Good, because he has questions about her too. Which is why it’s good to have date number two. They can learn more about each other. Britt says, much more, and he says, for starters, how does she feel about anchovies on pizza? She says, he’s assuming she likes pizza, and he says, everybody likes pizza. She says, that’s the problem with assumptions. Everybody doesn’t parachute into a pool, then punch a mother’s boyfriend, and announce they’re the son of said boyfriend’s dead wife. He says, now she knows something about him, and she says, he asked about her father before. Why does Cody keep asking about him?

Outside Kelly’s, Alexis says, even though she provides headlines for The Invader, the only headlines she wants to know about right now are from her girls. She, Molly, Kristina, and Sam sit at an outside table, and she asks, who’s first? Molly says, Kristina; she’s got the best news. Alexis says, goodie. What’s up? Kristina says she was promoted to manager at Charlie’s, and Alexis says, congratulations. Well done. Kristina thanks her, and says she’s pretty happy about it. Alexis asks if she sees much of her dad, and Kristina says, he doesn’t own the pub anymore, but he comes in fairly often, so it’s good to spend time with him. Alexis says, even though he’s with Nina? and Kristina says, is she happy dad’s in a relationship with Nina? No, and she was clear about that. She also told him that she’s in no position to throw stones, and he appreciated that, so it doesn’t really effect their relationship. Alexis says, look at her adulting, and hugs Kristina, saying, her baby’s all grown up. Molly’s turn. How’s it going in the DA’s office? Molly says, as Alexis knows, ADA Arden maneuvered her off Trina Robinson’s case because she felt Molly was biased. Kristina says, which is untrue and unfair, but isn’t it a silver lining that Molly doesn’t have to try someone in TJ’s extended family? Molly says, definitely a silver lining, but she hates that no one gives the system a chance to work the way it actually should. As a prosecutor, it’s her job, or should have been her job, to make the strongest case against Trina, using the facts for support. Then Trina’s defense attorney – Diane in this case – makes the strongest defense, and the jury gets to decide. But Jennifer Arden wanted to prove a point. She followed the letter, but not the spirit with her case. At least it ended with the right verdict… this time. Kristina says, tell mom what she’s thinking, and Molly says, about following in Alexis’s footsteps and going over to criminal defense. Alexis says, whatever Molly does, Molly has her full support, and Molly thanks her. Alexis says, Sam’s turn. She’s awfully quiet, so is no news good news?

Dante walks in as Olivia is on the phone, asking if they remembered to order the special picnic dessert… Okay. Also, make absolutely sure that Leo’s donkey head is just what they discussed… Perfect. Thank you. She’ll be in touch. Dante asks what that was all about, and she says, the first annual Quartermaine picnic to support the GH Children’s wing is tomorrow, and her frozen desserts, the pièce de résistance. He says, with a donkey’s head thrown in? and she says, naturally. Leo’s summer theater camp is doing a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He’s playing Bottom. He says, the character that turns into a donkey. He must be so excited. He gets to play the donkey. He’s going to kill that. Does he need help with running lines? She says, he already has somebody helping him get into the role, and Dante says, let him guess; Chase? She says, Dante’s friend Cody.

Spinelli frets about management checking the chlorine level in the pool, and Maxie tells him, live dangerously. Take the plunge. He can start by forgetting about Britt, and finding someone who’s a better fit. He asks who she has in mind, and she says, no one specifically, but generally, she should be a match for his heart and his intelligence, have an appreciation for his unique perspective. A sense of humor couldn’t hurt, and it’s not absolutely necessary she be into sci/fi, but a basic knowledge of the Star Wars universe would help. So no, he’s not going to meet her at a business conference or whatever, but that’s what computer programs are for, right? She still doesn’t understand why he won’t try his own algorithm, and he says, there’s no need. His brief infatuation with Dr. Westbourne is already fading. He’s put her in the rearview mirror, so to speak. She asks if he’s been holding out on her. Who’s the lucky lady?

Finn tells Violet, she has her sunblock on, but it’s still not good to get too much sun, and she puts on her sunhat. Gregory says, translation: I know what I’m doing, dad, and Finn says, of course (🍷) she does. He situates Violet in her chaise, and gives her a book. She thanks him, and he tells Gregory that he can’t help it. He loves Violet. He told Elizabeth that he loves her. Gregory says, big step, and Finn says, that’s why he can’t look the other way, even if she hates him for it.

Elizabeth looks at the crushed tube in her bloody palm, when TJ walks in. He asks, what happened? She says she was examining Scotty’s nose… He asks how she cut her hand, but she says she doesn’t know. She clutched the tube, and it just seemed to shatter. TJ asks her to let him take a look, but she says, it’s nothing. He says, it’s a nasty cut, and there are glass shards embedded… She says she can take care of it. She’s sure he has patients to deal with. He says he does, and she’s the first one. Has this ever happened before? She asks what he means, and he says he knows she took some personal time for stress. Did Scotty say something to upset her?

Gregory asks if Elizabeth said she loved Finn back, and Finn says, she did. That’s before he blew it all to hell. Gregory asks how Finn managed that, and Finn says, there’s something going on with Elizabeth beyond the sleeping pills she was taking. Something that involves her parents, maybe her father. Gregory says, let him guess; she wasn’t forthcoming. Finn says, not in the slightest, and Gregory asks if that doesn’t tell him maybe he should drop the subject. Finn asks who he’s talking to. Isn’t Gregory the one who told him to analyze a problem from all sides, and come to a rational conclusion? Gregory says, not when it comes to the heart. There’s nothing rational about emotions. Finn says, now you tell me. There’s a million possibilities, but everything tells him that Elizabeth’s issue involves her family, especially since she keeps acting like they don’t exist. Violet asks if Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts again.

Maxie says, if Spinelli doesn’t fess up, she’s going to throw him in the pool, but he asks what he has to confess. She says, if he’s over Britt, who is he pining for? and he says, a luminous creature; a beacon of warmth and intelligence… with a working knowledge of Star Wars. She asks if they know how he feels, but he says he’s only been worshipping her from afar. If things were different… Austen comes in, and Maxie says, oh my God, throwing her arms around him and kissing him.

Kristina says, they’re all concerned for Spencer, but why would Sam want to talk about him and not Dante? Molly says she kind of has the same feeling. Is everything okay with them? She just wants Sam and Dante to be as happy as she and TJ are. Sam says, she and Dante are very happy… They were happy, until… until he suggested they move in together.

Dante tells Olivia, last he checked, Cody wasn’t a drama coach. How’s he going to help Leo? She says she doesn’t know. He knows about horses and donkeys and stuff. Anyway, Dante should see Leo up on the stage, prancing around and braying. She’s never seen that kid more confident. He says he’s happy Leo and Cody have made fast friends, and he asks if she needs any help with this picnic. She says, he could find that embarrassing apron, and help her with the grill. Before she forgets, she saved seats in the front row for him and Sam for Leo’s play. He says, cool, sounds good, and she says, really? Because his face is telling a different story. He says, it’s fine, ma, and she says, now she’s really worried. He tells her, he said, everything is fine, but she says, Dante Angelo Falconari. From the time he was four years old, she knows when she hears him say, it’s fine, ma, in that tone of voice, she knows two things. A, it’s not fine, and B, he’s trying to hide something from her. Sometimes it’s something completely innocuous, like the time he broke Aunt Cia’s lamp. He says, that damn lamp again. It was hideous, and he was seven. She says, did the family offer up a silent prayer of gratitude for the lamp? Yes, but that’s not the point. The point is, she heard a crash, she asked, what happened? and he said, it’s fine, ma. Just like the time he got drunk for the first time, or the first time he got shot. He should just stop ducking and dodging the question, and tell her what’s really going on. He says he thinks he messed up with Sam.

Cody says, whoa there. He mentioned Britt’s father once, she shut him down, and he never mentioned him again. She says, he failed to mention their fathers knew one another, and he asks how she found out. She says, her mother, and he asks what Obrecht said exactly. Britt says, that Cesar Faison and Leopold Taub had – air quotes – dealings – end air quotes – with one another, and he says, isn’t it weird that their fathers knew each other? She says, weird doesn’t even begin to cover it. He could have told her that from the start. He says he barely knew her. Hell, he didn’t even know Leopold Taub was his father until a few months ago. At the same time he got poleaxed with the news that Dominique was his mother, and her mother’s schnitzel got a fortune that should have been his. She says, as he knows, that fortune belongs to a bunch of beluga whales thanks to Scotty’s daughter Serena. So he can kiss it goodbye. He says, that’s harsh, and she says, he wants harsh? Let’s talk about her family tree. Does he remember when she treated his cracked ribs after he received that beatdown outside of The Savoy? He says he’s probably not going to forget that, and she says, then does he also remember asking her about her parents? He was particularly interested in her father, and – what did he call it? – his legacy. He says, her point? and she says, her point is, why didn’t he tell her then that his father and her father not only knew each other, they did business together. What else is he keeping from her? He asks if she’s proud being Cesar Faison’s daughter, because he looked up Leopold Taub, and he’s not proud either. That whole cartel thing he had going on, and yeah, Cesar Faison was listed as one of his members. So when Dante told him that she was Faison’s daughter… She says, he smelled an opportunity, but he says, no; he smelled trouble. His first instinct was to run as far away from her as possible, and never look back. She asks, what stopped him? and he says, gratitude, for her scraping him up in that alley, giving him his 50 back, driving him all the way to Dante’s… Plus, he liked the smell of her perfume. Gardenias, right? She says, camellias, and he says, close. He liked her crooked smile, and the way she always sees the glass as half full – of strychnine. She asks if that’s a compliment or a cheap shot, and he says he just liked her. But if that’s not good enough, he’ll stick to horses. She can go back to Society Set-Ups and see if Zelda can do better next time. He brings a box into the stables, and when he comes back out, she’s still there. He asks if something is keeping her, and she says, her mother said the matchmaker may be more accurate than she thought.

Olivia says, she thought Dante and Sam were in a good place, and he says, they are. He should have left it there. She says, as opposed to… and he says, as opposed to asking Sam to move in with him. She says, it makes sense, all the time they spend together, and he says, that’s what he was thinking. They spend all this time together, they like each other, they have fun, and when the kids are together, it’s like the most perfect thing in the world. Sam thinks he’s rushing it; that he has to work through some stuff. She asks, what kind of stuff? and he says, like feelings. She says, like his feelings for Sam, or…? He says, for Lulu, and she says, he knows she loves Lulu. She prays everyday that Lulu will come out of that coma, but he’s moved on with his life. Lulu moved on with her life before the explosion. She was going to marry that teacher, wasn’t she? He says, she was. Dustin handed him the ring to give to her before he passed away. She says, Sam’s got to be aware of that, that Lulu was moving on with someone else. He says, it’s not Lulu’s feelings Sam’s talking about. She thinks he’s papered over his feelings. She says, has he? and he says, there’s a big part of him that thinks he should have been able to save her. Olivia hugs him, and says, her wonderful sweet boy. He didn’t put Lulu in that coma. That was Cyrus Renault’s fault. Even if he could go back in time, it’s still Cyrus Renault’s fault, with Julian Jerome doing his dirty work. He says, if he had just gotten there earlier, but she says, don’t do that. If he’d gotten to The Floating Rib earlier, she would have lost him too. No. They’re living in the here and now; that’s what matters. What matters are his feelings for Sam.  

Molly says, so Sam and Dante are moving in together, but Sam says, she and Dante are not moving in together. Kristina says, why not? and Sam says, like she told Spinelli, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Kristina says, moving in together doesn’t fix a bad relationship, it makes a good one better. Molly says, she and TJ had their doubts about sharing everything, even the rent… but Alexis says, let her alone. Kristina says, they’re not pressuring Sam. She’s in a committed relationship with a loving, supportive partner; not everyone gets that lucky. Sam says she knows she hit the jackpot, and Molly asks, what’s the problem? Sam asks if they can not talk about this, and Alexis says, absolutely. Now tell her what’s going on.

Maxie says she thought Austin was going to be gone for days, but he says he got through his business quickly. He tells Spinelli, in fact, he got through his business at warp speed. He came back to be with Maxie, and she says, he did? He says she sounds surprised, and she says, she thought all that talk about family… He says, what talk about family? and she glances at Spinelli, and says, never mind. The important thing is, he’s back. He says, he is. Back for good. Spinelli rolls his eyes.

Finn asks what makes Violet think Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts, and she tells him, he just said,  they don’t exist. Gregory says, her daddy was just talking about her grandpa and step-grandma and how she never sees them. Violet says, okay, and goes back to her book. Finn thanks Gregory, and says, he has to get back to GH. Does Gregory mind? Gregory says, no, and Finn says, everything he needs is right there. Gregory says he’s getting kind of hungry; is Violet? She says she’s so hungry, and Finn tell her to be good for grandpa. He’ll see her back home. They exchange I love yous, and he says, eskimo? They rub noses and he leaves.  

TJ says, he’s let Epiphany know he’s sending Elizabeth home after the x-ray. She should not hold a steering wheel. He’ll call Finn. She says, don’t bother him; she’ll call a Ride Share. They leave the exam room, and in the hallway, he says he’s calling radiation to make sure they get the x-ray right away. She says, he’s very thorough, and he says he thinks the word she’s avoiding is annoying, maybe even obnoxious. She says she’s the one who should apologize for being less than cooperative, and he says he gets it. For a lot of people, it’s an automatic reflex; you’re fine, keep going. He thinks on some level, it’s a survival mechanism, because we’re afraid if we slow down and admit we’re hurt, we won’t get started again. She says she appreciates the we, and he says he’s definitely been through it, and will again, but if he goes too far, hopefully there will be someone to pull him back. He picks up the phone, and says he needs to order an x-ray for a GH staff person… As he talks, Elizabeth looks at the door to the stairs. She goes to it, opens, it, and stands on the landing. She looks down the stairs, and falls forward. It’s all in her head, and TJ asks if she’s okay. She says, absolutely, and he says, radiology can take her now. They leave, and she gives the door one last look.

Cody says, he had quite the interaction with Britt’s mother, and Britt says, when she twisted Cody’s arm behind his back for punching Scotty? He says he can see her mother’s no pushover. He bets Cesar Faison met his match with Liesl Obrecht. She says, no. Don’t let her black belt in karate fool him. Deep down, her mother is a born romantic. She’s actually the one who signed Britt up with Society Set-Ups. He says, remind him to thank her, and Britt says, he punched her boyfriend in the nose. She doubts her mother is interested in a thanks from him. She did suggest they have something in common. He says, really? Tell him something. Did her dad ever mention his?

Austin thanks Spinelli for keeping an eye on Maxie while he was gone. He hates thinking of her alone. Spinelli says, that makes them even. He hates thinking of her with the wrong people. Maxie says, Austin’s timing is perfect. Tomorrow is the first annual Quartermaine picnic for the Children’s wing at GH. Spinelli says, given Austin’s resentment of the Quartermaines, he may choose to skip the picnic, in which case he offers himself as escort to Maxinista. Austin says, that’s very kind of him, but he can handle the Quartermaines if Maxinista can. She says, how about if both of them escort her to the picnic? Mason suddenly bounds in, and asks where Austin’s manners are. Isn’t Austin going to introduce him to his friends?

Sam asks how she can move in with Dante when Lulu is still so much a presence in that house. She doesn’t go there often, but when she does, all she sees are her kitchen, her books, her furniture, or at least the furniture they picked out together. Alexis says, maybe he’s leaving those things around for Rocco’s sake; for Rocco’s comfort. Sam says, fair enough, and it all makes sense, but it’s still really awkward for her. Alexis says, she gets it. For what it’s worth (🍷), she hasn’t seen Sam this happy in a long time. Whatever Dante’s doing, he’s bringing out a peacefulness in Sam that no one else has managed to. And Sam brings joy to Dante’s life, because no one’s seen him this joyful since he came back to Port Charles. She’s pretty certain he’s not seeing Lulu when he sees Sam. Sam’s phone dings, and she says she’s got to go. She tells Alexis that she loves her, and Alexis says she loves Sam more. Sam leaves, passing Gregory and Violet on their way in. Violet says, that’s the lady in the park who grandpa hit with the frisbee, and Alexis says, that’s her.  

Finn asks, what happened to Elizabeth’s hand? and she says, it’s just a cut. TJ says, according to the x-ray, they got all the shards, and she tells Finn, she was just holding an empty collection tube, and it shattered. TJ says he has to check on a patient, and asks if Finn minds waiting until Elizabeth’s Ride Share comes. Finn says, sure, and TJ tells Elizabeth, go home and rest. She says she will, and he leaves. Finn says, forget about the Ride Share; he’ll drive her home himself. She says, what about his patients? and he says he’ll get someone to cover. It just shattered in her hand? She says, it wasn’t an accident. He deserves to know the truth. They go into an exam room, and she says she wasn’t watching what she was doing. He asks, what was distracting her? and she says, for one thing, walking in on him and Terry talking behind her back. He says, that’s his fault, not Terry’s, and they didn’t mean to upset her. She says, he upset her. He doesn’t think she’s capable of  taking care of herself. Why doesn’t he trust her? He says, he’d trust her with his life, but he’s not exactly clear on how just mentioning her family is a violation of that trust. He means no disrespect by that, but he wants to know how to fix things between them. She says, there’s nothing to fix, and he says, if that was true, she’d tell him what really caused her to cut her hand.

Kristina asks Gregory and Violet to join them. She and Molly would love to her all about the frisbee. Violet says, it was an accident, and Gregory thanks them, but says, he and Violet will find another table. Alexis says, don’t be silly. She always enjoys Violet’s company. He tells her, Finn told him that she said he was pestering her, and she asks if she actually used the word pester. He says, according to Finn. He vigorously denied it of course (🍷), but if that’s how she feels, he’ll pester her no longer. Alexis says, don’t go, and tells him to pull up chairs for him and Violet. After all, it’s not every day you get to have lunch with the Davis girls.

Dante tells Olivia, when he asked Sam to move in with him, in retrospect, it probably did catch her off-guard. They were at the Hatchet Ranch… She says, that’s romantic, and he says, it was just one of those things. He’d been thinking about it so much, and he thought Sam had to be on the same page, or at least thinking about it too. When she didn’t say yes immediately, he was thrown off. He backed off. He didn’t want to pressure her. Olivia says she thinks she knows where this is going, and Dante says, they talked it out; at least he thinks they did. He told her that he loved her, and he’d wait as long as she wanted to wait to move in together. He thought they were good. She says, but then the question of whether to move in with each other or not grows from this small manageable thing to this giant elephant that’s taken up permanent residence, not just in the room, but in his psyche. Probably Sam’s psyche too. He says, he doesn’t want to mess this up. He feels like he did, and doesn’t know what to do next. She asks if he’s open to a suggestion, and he says, please. She tells him, stick to basics. What does he want to happen with Sam? He says he wants them to have a life to together with their kids. They don’t need to live in the same place; it doesn’t matter to him. Olivia pats his chest, and says, stick with the feelings; it’s all about the feelings. The living arrangements, all that can wait. It’s all about the feelings. He says he loves her. He wants to trust her and support her, and try to make her as happy as she’s made him. Sam comes in.

Austin says, this is his cousin Mason, and Mason says, country cousin from Pautuck. Maxie says, Austin didn’t tell her that he had a cousin coming into town, but Mason says, don’t blame Austin. He’s a hot-shot doctor. Sometimes he forgets where he’s from, even though the family’s so proud of him. Spinelli asks, what brings him to their fair city? and Mason says, family, while Austin says, business. Mason says, family business. They were hoping Cousin Austin would have stayed longer. Austin says, he did what he had to do when he was there. Now he’s here in his home, Port Charles.

Britt says, whatever unholy alliance her father made with Cody’s ended before they were born. Unless there’s something else he’s not telling her. He says, their fathers knowing each other is just a random coincidence; something they have in common. But isn’t she the least bit curious about what Leopold Taub and Cesar Faison were up to? She says, he never knew his father. Unfortunately, she knew hers, and she’s been trying to live him down ever since. So if he wants to go digging for skeletons in that closet, he can do it alone. She starts to leave, but he grabs her hand, and says, she’s right. Whatever their fathers did, died with them. He’s card player… She says, not a very good one, and he says, it depends on the players, and the game. He lets her hand go, and says, his point is, he always factors the odds and figures them out. What are the odds that on that day, he would parachute into that pool… She says, and almost drown her, but he says, she got a little wet. And if he didn’t say it then, he’s saying it now – she looked gorgeous. She says, now he’s trying to flatter her, and he says, he thinks she looks good soaking wet; so sue him. She says she considered it, and he tells her, just keep in mind, he can’t afford a lawyer, so there’s no way he could pay for the damages. She says, don’t worry. She’s not going to drag him to court, and he says he knew she couldn’t be that hard-hearted. They laugh, and she says, that GIF of her climbing out of the pool is just now coming down everyone’s feed. She doesn’t need to draw more attention to it. He says, so he’s being saved by her self-interest, and she says, bingo, but he says he doesn’t buy it.

Olivia says she has Quartermaine picnic stuff to see to, and tells Dante that she’ll see him later. She tells Sam that it’s nice to see her, and leaves. Sam says, so the Quartermaine picnic fundraiser is tomorrow? and Dante says, his mom’s been going crazy with that. Plus she has Leo’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; he’s playing Bottom. He’s pretty excited about that. She says, and him? He says, that depends on whether or not she’s going with him. I have to mention that A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a pretty ambitious play for a summer theater camp in Leo’s age group.

Alexis says, that was delicious. Anyone for desserts? Violet says, ice cream sundaes for all of us, and Alexis says she likes Violet’s style. She liked it the minute they met. Violet says, as much as Alexis likes her grandpa? and Gregory apologizes for his granddaughter; she apparently has no filter. Alexis says, don’t apologize at all. And to answer Violet’s question, Alexis likes her grandpa… ‘s writing. She doesn’t always agree with it, but it’s never boring. Violet says, never. Alexis should hear one of his bedtime stories.

Spinelli asks how long Mason is in town, and Mason say, it depends on his cousin. Austin tells him, he thinks they said all they needed to say back in Pautuck, but Mason says, not quite. He can’t leave until Austin understands how much he means to his family back home. Austin knows how much they expect from him. Besides, he was hoping Austin would show him the sights in Port Charles. Although he doesn’t have to look much further than this lovely lady. Spinelli says, this lovely lady’s not on the tour, and not reading the room at all, Maxie says she has an idea. Why doesn’t Mason come to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow? Austin says he’s sure Mason has better things to do, but Mason says he can’t think of one. He hears the Quartermaines are practically royalty. Too bad cuz here missed out on the family jewels.

Elizabeth says, Finn is right; it wasn’t just an accident. He asks, what happened? and she says she was thinking about all the time he’s wasted worrying about her; time they’ll never get back. She just got so angry, she crushed the tube without realizing it. He says he knows what it’s like to keep that kind of anger inside. Is there any chance that’s only part of it? Could the anger be about something else, something in her past, something she barely remembers? She tells him, stick to infectious diseases, and leave the psychiatry to Doc.

Austin says he’s made peace with his father’s family, and Mason says, that’s their Austin. Some folks say money buys happiness, but Austin was raised right. Austin says, thanks, and suggests he and Maxie get out of here. Spinelli tells Maxie, Georgie, James, and Bailey Lou are with her parents, but Mac and Felicia aren’t going to want to babysit all night. Can they talk childcare before she leaves? Maxie tells Austin, one second, and they’ll go, and steps away with Spinelli. Austin tells Mason, there’s no way he’s going to that picnic, but Mason says, watch me.

Alexis says, who knew the eminent Professor Chase was capable of blushing? but he says he doesn’t blush. Violet says, yes he does. He blushed when daddy saw his name in The Invader, and said he was famous. Alexis says, he was famous already academically; he now has a wider audience. Gregory says he wasn’t looking for fame, just for fairness in journalism, and Alexis says, it’s okay to enjoy some attention. Everyone likes attention. He says, he’s not everyone, and she says, that’s for sure.  

Elizabeth asks how many times she has to tell Finn; she’s fine. Now she has to meet her Ride Share. She tells him, let’s not fight anymore. She really hates it. She kisses him, and he says he hates it too. She leaves, and Finn flashes back to Gregory saying, if he disregards Elizabeth’s wishes, it could cost him the relationship; and him saying, he could stand losing her if he knew she would be okay in the end. He makes a call, and says, this is Dr. Finn for Dr. Webber. Is she available?… Yes. Tell her Hamilton Finn called. He needs a consult with Dr. Webber about someone they have in common.

Sam says, of course (🍷) she’ll go to Leo’s play, and Dante says, cool. His mom said she’d get them good seats. She says, Olivia is going to worry about seats after everything she’s got to do tomorrow? and he says, speaking of tomorrow… and she says, she told him, of course (🍷) she’ll go to the picnic. They both start talking, and she says, him first. He says, they don’t have to rush through this. They can just take it slow. They’ll know when the time is right, and just take it slow like she wanted to. She says, yeah, and hugs him.

Cody says, Britt wants to come off as selfish and uncaring, but it’s just not true. She says, yes it is, and he asks, then why did she help him out in that alley behind The Savoy? Why didn’t she just pick up his last 50 and walk off? She says she wishes she did, and he says, really? She says, no, but he was pathetic, crawling on his hands and knees, all bruised and broken. He says he never got to thank her properly for that rescue, so let him do it now. She says, how? and he says he’d like to invite her to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow. There will be so many people there, it’s not like a date. She says, when he words it like that… She accepts. He says, shall they shake on it? They do, and he says, see her tomorrow. She says, tomorrow, and leaves. Outside, she smiles.  

On Monday, Brook says she would never use Chase; Jordan asks why she gets the sense TJ is trying to get rid of her; Ava says she has truths that will lay Spencer to waste; and Willow won’t accept that.

🍃 Leaf From the Family Tree…

A little bit about the cousin we never knew Austin had.

https://soapdirt.com/general-hospital-comings-goings-austin-holt-shady-cousin-says-fan-fave-returns/

🩺 Nooo…

Kudos to her for prime time and all, but I hope she comes back. I like Britt.

More in depth than In Depth.

https://www.thelist.com/969983/the-real-reason-kelly-thiebaud-is-leaving-britt-and-general-hospital-behind/

🛀 Love Bubble Suds…

Teresa being her usual horrible self.

I wonder if her hair has its own IG.

🧂 Shah’s Got Guts…

No doubt it will be the highlight of the season.

https://people.com/tv/jen-shah-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-costar-meredith-marks-calls-her-gutsy-amid-legal-situation/

✈️ Wives From Where…?

What the hell is this? How is it on Season 15 and I had no clue? And what the hell are those streaming services that carry it? Not that I need another bunch of horrible people to watch.

https://tvdeets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-housewives-of-cheshire-season-15/

👰🏽 All the Weddings…

Better than attending them.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-wedding-album/

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I watched the first episode, and thought it was promising. Maybe a spoiler, but the dog got it a few minutes in, and I was not pleased with them leading with it. Or including it at all. That being said, I thought it improved as the episode went on. I’m just glad to be out of Georgia.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/tales-of-the-walking-dead-terry-crews-olivia-munn-parker-posey-jillian-bell-1235198520/

🐉 About That Dragon…

I actually haven’t seen this yet.

https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/house-of-the-dragon-review-game-of-thrones/

🐓 Quotes of the Week

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Theodore Roosevelt

After a while you learn that privacy is something you can sell, but you can’t buy it back. – Bob Dylan

If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas. – Steve Maraboli

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. – Buddha

Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith. – Gordon B. Hinckley

We got a whole lot of money, but we still pay rent, cuz you can’t buy a house in heaven. – Lady Gaga, You & I

💋 Come On, Barbie, Let’s Go Party…

Before you know it, it will be hoodie weather, so take a break, whether you call it the weekend or not. Soak up some sun, walk in the park, or if you’re allergic to nature, take in a movie at the theater. I hear they’re back. See you on Monday for soap and yachting on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay sassy, and stay not letting any giant elephants take up permanent residence in your psyche. Or the room.

August 12, 2022 – Jordan Shows Compassion, Dominique, New Gig, Reprise, Confused, a Break-Up, NYC Revealed, Dead Talk, Exactly 12 Quotes & Runnin’

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia says she’s going to inject Oz Haggerty with the reversal agents, and Curtis says, what if something goes wrong? and She says she knows there’s a risk of him waking up too fast too soon, but it’s her only option. She has to go through with this. He says he’s not talking about the risk to Haggerty; he’s talking about the risk to the woman he loves.

Dante leads Cody into the station, and says, next time, maybe he’ll think before he sucker punches somebody. And don’t pick a lawyer like Scotty; he sues people. Cody says, the only thing he regrets is only landing one punch. They go into the interrogation room, and Cody asks if they can ditch these cuffs. How about doing his old buddy a favor and letting him go free? Dante says he is doing Cody a favor by talking to him like this, because next time, it could be through the bars of a cell.

At Charlie’s, Britt examines Scotty’s nose, and tells him, it’s not broken, and he’s lucky it’s not. He says he didn’t deserve to get sucker punched by her boyfriend, and she says, Cody is not her boyfriend, and from what she heard, he had a score to settle with Scotty. Scotty says, he’s never seen that guy before in his life, until Cody punched him. And this whole Dominique, this cockamamie story. If Dominique had another kid out there before Serena, she would have told him. Obrecht asks if he’s sure, and he says he is, because they shared everything. Obrecht says, perhaps he didn’t know her as well as he thought.

Rory tells Jordan, no need to stick around. He’s got it from here. She says she wants to believe that, but he hasn’t answered her question. Can he put his badge above his feelings for Trina Robinson? He says, it’s because he cares about Trina that she can trust him.

Trina asks TJ to please tell her that bartender is coming out of his coma. Her attorney thinks the jury is close to reaching a verdict. Oz Haggerty is the only one who can prove her innocence. He says, Oz Haggerty’s medical team is bringing him out of his medically induced coma, but unfortunately, it’s a painstakingly slow medical process. He still has a long way to go before he regains consciousness. She says, which means the jury is going to reach their verdict without knowing Esme is the one who bought the black market cellphone. He says he’s sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and she says, the closer they get to the verdict, the harder it is to stay optimistic.

Portia tells Curtis, the only thing that matters is that Haggerty wakes up in time to tell the truth before that jury comes back with a verdict. Curtis says, is it vitally important that Oz wakes up? Hell yeah, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Even if she talks her way into that  room, she won’t make it out if her attempts to wake him up go sideways. She says she already told him, she’s willing to take that risk, but he says, give herself a cover. Be smart about it. Don’t go charging in there asking to incriminate herself. She says, if anyone goes to prison, it’s better her than her daughter, but he says he won’t trade Trina’s freedom for hers.

Dante says, he and Cody have always been honest with each other, right? and Cody says, more or less. Dante says, so why doesn’t Cody be honest with him right now? How long has he been hunting down Scott Baldwin? Is that why he stuck around town? Cody swears he didn’t come to Port Charles for anything other than a paycheck. The surprise bonus was running into Dante. Dante says, Cody had to know he’d run into Scotty sooner or later, right? and Cody says, if he came to town to find Scotty, doesn’t Dante think he would have made it happen sooner? He didn’t even know who Scotty was until a couple of months ago, and believe him, when he found out who Scotty was, and what Scotty did to him, he didn’t want anything to do with that piece of trash. Today, when Scotty was standing right in front of him with that smug grin on his face, he just kept thinking about everything he’d heard, and how Scotty had taken everything that was rightfully his, and he just got so mad… He’s sorry. He couldn’t stop himself. Dante asks how Cody got to this point in his life and not know Scotty stole something from him, and Cody says he didn’t know about Scotty, because he didn’t even know Dominique was his mom. Dante asks how he found that out, and Cody says, he heard it from a dead woman.

Scotty says, he and Dominique had no secrets. If she had a son out there, Scotty would have found him, and had him live with them. Scotty would never turn his back on him. Obrecht says she knows he wants to believe in Dominique, but if they shared everything, why would she go to her grave without telling him about Cody? What would have motivated her to stay silent? Britt says, people stay silent for lots of reasons. Sometimes it’s because they don’t trust people, sometimes it’s because they’re so afraid of what they’ve kept inside, they can’t face it. Obrecht says, and sometimes we’re brave and don’t even know it. Maybe it wasn’t so much that Dominique was keeping a secret from Scotty. What if she was trying to protect him? Scotty says, maybe she was trying to protect herself.

Jordan tells Rory that she cares about Trina too, but as they were taught at the Academy, the badge comes first. He says he knows he’s just a rookie, but does it have to be either or? Can’t a police officer be true to the badge and still have compassion? Yeah, he wants Trina to be found not guilty, and the best way for that to happen is for the man inside this room to wake up, and testify that Esme Prince bought that black market cellphone, and that Trina wasn’t involved. She says, the problem is, Miss Prince is no longer living at Windymere, and they’re having trouble finding her. He says he wants to help with that too, but first, she can trust him that no one, not Esme Prince or anyone else not on the list, will enter this room and interfere with the recovery of Oz Haggerty.

Trina tells TJ, she’s usually a glass half-full kind of person, but she’s not that sure the truth is going to come out in time to vindicate her. And if Diane’s right, time’s almost up. She sits, and TJ sits next to her. He says he wants her to keep reminding herself how many people are on her side. Her mom and Curtis are doing everything they can. Joss and Cam, the victims, both testified on her behalf. That’s got to mean something to the jury. She says, but Joss and Cam don’t have any hard proof that she’s innocent. The only one who can exonerate her is that bartender Oz. She knows he’s not in a natural coma; he’s medically induced. Can’t they get him out of it faster? TJ flashes back to telling Portia that he plans on administering drugs to wake Oz up, and Portia saying, Oz was put into a coma for a reason. To forcibly wake him up would be completely denying his medical needs, and that’s the very definition of unethical. He tells Trina, even if there were such a way… She says, wait. If it was impossible, he’d have said so, but he didn’t. He just talked around it, and made it a hypothetical. Does that mean he can force Oz to wake up?

Portia asks Curtis, where was all this concern when TJ was the one who was going to revive Oz? He was willing to risk his entire career, his freedom, to inject the reversal agents. Curtis says, they were desperate. Besides, TJ stood a better chance of getting in and out of Oz’s room without suspicion. He can’t say the same about her, considering she’s Trina’s mother. She asks if he’s telling her she should give up. She should trust twelve total strangers in that jury room? He says, hell no; he’s not saying that. He’s saying they’re a team, and should share the same risks and the same consequences, which means they should stick to the original plan. While he distracts Rory, she slips into Oz’s room, and gives him that injection. She says, and if it fails? All three of them end up in Pentenville? He says, at least they’ll be together. He takes her hand, and asks what she says. She says, let’s do it.

Cody tells Dante, life could have been different. He grew up in the shadows of Serenity. It was originally owned by the Stanton family. The Bells, who he thought were his real parents, lived in the caretaker’s cottage. That’s where he learned to ride horses. It’s also where he learned he’d never amount to more in life than being a cook’s son. The love of horses came naturally to him; no other lesson ever stuck. He grew up hearing these stories about the house on the hill, where the beautiful Dominique and her shady husband Leopold Taub used to live. Dante says, it’s an interesting story, but how does Scotty fit in?

Scotty says, Dominique’s marriage to Leopold Taub wasn’t a love match. He was a social climber. The Stantons represented everything he wasn’t. Britt says, Leopold Taub. Why does that name sound familiar? Obrecht says, Leopold Taub and Cesar had certain… dealings, and Britt says, her father and Cody’s father.

Cody says, he knew Leopold was a bad man because he was cruel to the horses. Apparently, he was also cruel to his wife. It was just a story, until… Dante says, until what? and Cody says, a few months ago, he got that call you never want to get. His mom – or the woman he thought was his mom – was dying. So he dropped everything and went home to say goodbye. Dante says he’s sorry, and Cody says, thanks. He was out of a job, so it was easy to drop everything. He came home to that sad little caretaker cottage, and he was right beside her when she took her last breath. Dante says, again, he’s sorry, but at least Cody got to say goodbye. Cody says, before he did, she took his hand and told him that she couldn’t die before she told him the truth. She didn’t give birth to him. His birth mother was the beautiful, very wealthy Dominique Stanton.

Jordan looks through the window at Oz, and says, there’s no sign of him waking, is there? Rory says, not since he’s been there, and she says, part of her wants to walk in there and grab him by the shoulders, and tell him to snap out of it. He says, Trina matters to her too, right? and she says, Trina matters to a whole lot of people in this town. They know who she is, and who she isn’t, but the evidence… Rory says, Esme Prince manufactured the evidence to point to Trina, and she says, unfortunately, they can’t prove that. He says, no, but Oz can. If anything happens, Jordan will be the first to know. She thanks him, and leaves. He looks at Oz.

Trina asks TJ, if they can speed up the process and bring Oz out of his coma, why haven’t they tried? He says, because it can backfire. It can make the coma permanent or worse. She says, he means it might kill Oz, and he says, there’s always a chance. Even if the reversal agents were to work, there’s no way to guarantee Oz would wake up with his faculties and memories intact. She says, okay, so no injection. The doctors stick to whatever protocol they’re using now. How long will it take for Oz to wake up? He says, it could be days, or weeks, and she says she doesn’t have that long. He says he knows. They’re just doctors. They took an oath to do no harm. He was so determined to help her that, for a moment, he almost forgot that. Curtis and Portia come down the hall, looking guilty, and Portia asks what Trina is doing here. Curtis says, let him guess. Diane got ahold of her. Trina says, Diane messaged her that jury is close to reaching a verdict. She guesses that means she might not be coming home for dinner tonight. Portia hugs her, and TJ says he’ll let them have some family time alone. He leaves, and Portia says, Trina shouldn’t be here. She should go home and spend some time with her friends. Trina say, it’s not their fault. They’re trying to cheer her up, but she doesn’t feel like pretending it’s all going to be okay. Portia says, Trina has to have faith. Believe it or not, miracles still do happen. Trina says, Portia doesn’t have to pretend with her either. TJ told her that she stopped him from taking extreme measures to wake up Oz. Portia looks at Curtis, and it’s not lost on Trina. Trina says, don’t get her wrong, she understands. Portia didn’t want TJ risking a patient’s life or his career doing something unethical. She’s glad Portia stepped up and told him to do the right thing. Portia says, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for Trina, absolutely nothing, and Curtis says, he hates to break up this moment, but didn’t Portia have a patient she’s worried about? Why doesn’t he stay with Trina, and she can go do what she’s got to do. She asks if he’s sure, and he says, go; they’ll be right here. She tells Trina to take care of herself, and leaves.

Cody tells Dante, that deathbed confession turned his world upside down. Even his last name wasn’t right; he wasn’t a Bell. He was a wealthy Stanton who was supposed to grow up in that house on that hill. Dante says he can kind of relate. What he got to Port Charles, he didn’t know Sonny was his father. He was undercover in Sonny’s operation, trying to take him down from the inside, and he found out Sonny was his dad after Sonny shot him. Cody says, Dante’s story beats his, and Dante says he’s not trying to one-up Cody. He’s just saying he can relate. To find out as an adult you’re not who you thought you were messes with your head. Cody says he never knew if Dominique thought about him or wanted to provide for him. After she died, Serenity was sold off, and the proceeds went to the love of her life, the father of her daughter Serena. Dante says, enter Scott Baldwin, and Cody says, does Dante want to ask him again why he punched that smug son of a gun? He stole everything Cody didn’t even know he had. Dante says, and Scotty swears he didn’t know about Cody? Cody says, yeah, but he also claims Dominique was the love of his life. If they were so close, why didn’t she ever tell him about her first born child? Dante asks if Cody is mad at Scotty, or mad at his mother for what she did to him?

Scotty ices his nose, and says, if Dominique was trying to keep her son away from Leopold, it makes sense she would give him to the Bells to raise. Obrecht says, kind of like Maxie trusting Brook with Bailey to keep her safe from Peter. Britt says, but the one big difference is, Maxie’s situation was temporary, where it sounds like Dominique’s situation was never-ending. Obrecht says, that would explain why Cody never knew who he was; Dominique kept silent to the end. Britt says, it all fits together, doesn’t it? Unless the pieces fit a little too well. Scotty asks what she’s driving at, and Britt says she hasn’t known Cody long, but from the first time she met him, he was always working some angle. So what if that’s what this is, and none of the story is true?

Curtis hands a bag from the vending machine to Trina, but she says she’s not hungry. He says, humor him. She’s got to keep up her strength because she doesn’t want to lose hope. Remember what her mom said about miracles. She takes the bag from him, and says she wants to have faith, but she doesn’t want to fool herself. Things aren’t going her way, and TJ said, even if Oz comes out of his coma, they don’t know if his memories will still be intact. He could have totally forgotten he was selling that black market phone to Esme, and even if he does, it could take weeks or months, and by then, the jury will already have decided, and she could be in Pentenville. He says he can’t promise how this is going to turn out, but he can promise that everyone who cares about her is doing everything they can to prove her innocence. She puts her head on his shoulder, and he puts his arm around her.

TJ looks at his tablet, and Jordan asks what he’s studying so intently. He says, Oz Haggerty’s chart. He’s looking for any glimmer of hope that his awakening is speeding up. She says she knows how badly he wants to help Trina; so does she, but they can’t force things. He says, that’s the thing. Just like he told Portia and Curtis, there’s a way to force Oz into consciousness.

Rory asks if Portia has heard from Trina; how is she? Portia says, she’s waiting, like the rest of us, for the patient in that room to wake up. Actually, that’s why she stopped by. She was just going to check on Oz, and see how he’s progressing herself. He says he’s sorry, but he can’t let her in, and she tells him that she’s a doctor. He says he knows it’s unusual to stop a doctor from seeing a patient, but unfortunately, her name isn’t on the approved list, and he can’t let her inside. She says, good for him, going by the book. She’s not on the list because she’s not the attending on the case and not a consultant on the case. Did he think she wanted to go in there to treat the patient? She just wanted to take a look at him with her own two eyes. Obviously, she has a vested interest in seeing everything is done to restore Mr. Haggerty to full consciousness. And he wants the same thing, doesn’t he? He says, of course (🍷). That’s why he’s grateful Commissioner Ashford assigned him this post. He promises her, nobody will interfere with the recovery of Haggerty. And when he comes out of this coma, he can ID Esme as being the one who bought the black market phone. Rory thinks that will be enough to convince the jury that Trina’s not guilty. She says, of course (🍷), but by then Trina could be in Pentenville for weeks, if not months. Can’t he… She goes to the window, and he says he doesn’t understand. Can’t he what? Is she sure he can’t help her? She says, yes, she’s sure, and walks away.

Cody tells Dante, maybe it’s easier to blame Scotty than his mother, but put himself in Cody’s shoes. Dante says, that’s what he’s trying to do. Telling Cody about Sonny, and discovering Sonny was his father. It’s not the same thing, but it still threw him for a loop. His whole career is crime fighting, and Sonny’s is the exact opposite. He’s sympathetic to Cody’s situation. Cody says, his whole life, no matter how far he’s traveled, no matter how hard he’s tried to fit in, he never felt like he belonged. And now, he finds out the home and life he was supposed to have has been sold off, and the proceeds go to Scotty and his daughter, who Cody’s mother obviously loved more than him.

Obrecht says, what if Cody made up the whole story just to get money out of Scotty? and Scotty says, there’s no money to get. Everything Dominique had, she left to Serena, and Serena spent all that money saving the whales. Britt says, if he wants her to arrange a DNA test to see if Cody is Dominique’s son, she can make that happen, but Scotty says, that’s not necessary, because he saw it in Cody’s eyes; the same thing he sees in Serena’s eyes, Dominque’s eyes. Obrecht says, that’s all the proof Scotty has? He says, it’s not just the eyes; it’s the hunger Cody has. Obrecht says, a hunger for his lost money, and Scotty says he’s not just talking about that. The hunger Cody has for the meaning in his life. He thinks Britt knows what he’s talking about, and Britt says she doesn’t think she would have described it quite like that, but now that Scotty has, she’s seen that too. Scotty says, then she knows he’s right, and Obrecht says, very well. If Cody is who he claims to be, what is Scotty supposed to do about it? He says, if she’s the Liesl he thinks she is, he thinks she already knows the answer. The question he has to ask himself is, what would Dominique want him to do? He gets up, kisses the top of Obrecht’s head, and says he’ll see them.

Jordan asks what exactly TJ told Portia and Curtis, and TJ says, that he was so laser focused on helping Trina, he considered using extreme measures to shock Oz’s system, basically to try and force him out of his coma. But don’t worry. Portia wasn’t having any of it, and reminded him that he needed to put the patient first. It’s just too risky of a procedure. She says she’s relieved to hear that, no matter how much it would help Trina. He says he knows the law is the law. He just wishes he was as confident as Jordan that justice will be done.

Trina says she knows what Curtis is thinking. He’s worried that his phone is going to ring, and it’s going to be Diane telling them the jury’s reached a verdict. She’s having the same feeling. Portia comes by, and Trina asks, what happened to her patient? She says, unfortunately, her patient’s condition remains unchanged. Trina is so lucky to have a friend like Rory. He won’t let anyone or anything compromise the witness who can clear her. He’s not letting anybody in that room who’s not on the approved list.

Rory calls Jordan, and she asks if everything is okay. He says he thought she’d like to know, something out of the ordinary happened. She says, what’s that? and he says, Oz Haggerty had a visit from a doctor not on the approved list. She says, which doctor? and he says, Trina’s mom, Dr. Robinson. She asks if Portia said why she was there, and he says, she just wanted to see if Haggerty was any closer to waking up. Being Trina’s mom, he can totally understand that, but she wasn’t on the approved list, so he didn’t let her in. When he arrested Spencer and Cameron, Jordan said he was a bit over-eager, and needed to use better discretion, so he just wanted to check in, and make sure he did the right thing. Jordan assures him, it was the right thing to do

Cody asks, what’s next? and Dante says, he’ll be taken to his cell. If he needs a lawyer, Dante can give him a couple of recommendations. If money’s an issue, he’ll be assigned a public defender. Cody says, really? He pours his heart out about how his world’s been turned upside down, and Dante can’t show his buddy a little bit of compassion? Dante asks what Cody expects him to do. He punched a guy in the face in a public setting in front of a bunch of witnesses, and now the guy’s pressing charges. There’s literally nothing he can do. Cody says, it pays to know people in high places, huh? and Dante says, it usually does. He starts to bring Cody to his cell, when Scotty comes in. Cody asks, how’s the nose? Did he break it? Dante says, it’s not a great idea to antagonize the guy who’s pressing charges against him, and Scotty says, his nose is fine. He can smell a phony baloney a mile away. Cody says, Scotty spends his inheritance, and has the nerve to call him a phony baloney? Take him away. Prison’s a step up from this guy. Scotty says he can also smell the real McCoy, and he thinks Cody is, so he’s dropping the charges.

TJ asks if Jordan is planning on being in the courtroom when the jury reads the verdict, and she says, her presence in the courtroom goes with the job, but this is one time she’d give anything not to be there. She walks away, and sees Trina talking with Portia and Curtis, and listens from around the corner. Trina says she guesses there’s no point in waiting around here. Even if Oz wakes up now, it’s probably too late to change anything. Portia says, it’s never too late, and Curtis tells Portia that he knows what they both want. What if it’s just not possible? She says, nothing’s impossible. Isn’t that what he always tells her? He’s so sweet. She hugs him, and whispers, she’s got to find a way in that room. Please just get Trina out of here. She says she keeps getting all these texts, but Trina says she didn’t hear Portia’s phone. Portia says she keeps her phone on silent at the hospital. Her patient still needs her, and she’ll catch up with the two of them later. She hugs Trina, saying she loves her, and jets. Trina asks if that seemed weird to Curtis. He says, her mom has a lot on her mind right now. She wants to help Trina, but she’s got to focus on her patients. He’s sure that’s all it is. She says, wait. She still thinks that goodbye was strange. Maybe she should talk to her mom before they go. He tells her, she heard what her mom said. She needs to focus on her patients, and tonight she can come home and worry about Trina. Trina says, if the worst happens and she goes to prison, Curtis has to promise he’ll take care of her mother, and he says, first of all, he doesn’t want her thinking that way. Whatever happens, of course (🍷) they’re going to take care of her mother. She just wants a happy and fair ending to Trina’s trial, just like all of them. Come on; let’s go. Trina says, what if Diane calls and she has to go to the courthouse, and she won’t be able to see her mom until she’s behind bars? Curtis says he promises as soon as he gets a phone call from Diane saying the verdict is in, he’ll get her mother to the courthouse, so she can be there to support Trina.

TJ sees Jordan, and says he wishes there was something more they could do for Trina and her family. If only Haggerty would wake up and tell them what he knows.

Britt asks how Obrecht let Scotty leave without her. Isn’t she afraid he’ll do something foolish? Obrecht says she was tempted to stop Scotty, but the truth is, she’s proud of him. Britt says, even if it means doing right by the former love of his life, Dominique? and Obrecht says, maybe if Dominique was still alive, she’d be concerned, but she died years ago. She’s not afraid of Scotty’s past. On the contrary. The fact that he was able to love someone so strongly, so deeply, means he’s capable of loving her even more. Britt says, either that’s a terrific spin on the situation, or Obrecht really does believe in true love. If that’s the case, she envies Obrecht. Obrecht says she never had that faith in the past, but she found it for the first time with Scotty. It may take some time, but it’s out there waiting for Britt; she’s sure of it. Britt says, true love’s not for everyone. She had a shot with Jason, briefly, but he’s gone. And let’s face it, she’s damaged goods. Obrecht laughs and takes Britt’s hands, saying, they’re all damaged in one way or another. She is, and so is Scotty. When you find the right person, you help each other heal.

Scotty asks Dante what the DA’s office said, and Dante tells him, if Scotty’s not pressing charges, there is no case, and they can let Cody go. Cody says, so he’s a free man? and Dante says, as soon as he gets the cuffs off. Scotty says he doesn’t expect Cody to thank him, and Cody says, good, because he’s not getting a thanks. Dante unlocks the cuffs, and Scotty says, Cody can choose to believe him or not, but he didn’t know that Dominique had a son. When they found out she had an inoperable brain tumor, they spent a lot of time together, and she would have told him about Cody, but she didn’t, so she must have had her reasons. Cody says, Scotty can tell himself that at night if it helps him sleep. For him, it’s a whole load of BS. Scotty leaves, and Cody says, does Dante believe that guy? Dante tells him, he hates to say it, but he thinks Scotty is telling the truth.

TJ tells Jordan that he has to get back to his rounds, but he’ll see her later. They hug, and Jordan waits for the elevator. She sees Curtis with Trina, and gets in. She flashes back to what TJ told her about using extreme measures to wake Oz up, and Portia telling him it was too risky. She remembers asking Rory about why Portia wanted to see Oz, and Rory asking if a police officer can’t be true to the badge, but still have compassion. She pulls the emergency alarm in the elevator. Aw. I want to cry. That’s so good of her.

An officer tells Rory, someone must be trapped inside the elevator, and Rory says he’s coming too. No one is around Oz’s room, and Portia – I’m sure not believing her luck – goes inside and closes the door. She closes the blinds and goes over to Oz. She says she knows he can save her daughter. He’s the only one who can. She takes a syringe out of her pocket.

On Monday, Victor says, Nikolas is hiding something, and they both know it; Josslyn tells Cameron, there’s another reason Dex is interested in Trina’s trial; Trina says, the jury has reached a verdict; and Portia asks if Oz can hear her.

☝🏽 BTW, for the past two days, the ABC affiliate here has forgotten their news is on at 4, and broken into GH to tell us nothing that couldn’t wait. Yesterday, I bounced around, piecing it together, since no one source had it in its entirety. Today, I was quick enough to catch it before ABC had a chance to pull for unlicensed content or whatever. My point is, WTF, ABC? If we’re at war, let me know, but it’s unnecessary to have everyone chiming in, including the subject’s kindergarten teacher, about a document. It can wait a half hour.

🤔 Who’s That Woman…?

All about Dominique. I have a vague recollection of the actress, but not much about the storyline.

👾 Trina Transformed…

Is there anything this girl can’t do? Now she’s balancing school and work. Although she can come to work in fuzzy slippers.

💪🏼 Kicking It Again…

Another GH alum, but with a new/old gig.

https://www.etonline.com/cobra-kai-sean-kanan-reprises-karate-kid-iii-role-for-season-5-188786

💎 It’s Her Nickname…

I think Kathy is a ditz, but harmless. She also confused Garcelle with Kyle, so there’s that.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/morganmurrell/kathy-hilton-lizzo-precious-comment-backlash

🍹 A Real Shocker…

Finally, Taylor got a clue and moved on. This dude is going to be perpetually 14, but he never made a secret of being a Peter Pan. Kudos to him for that.

🗽 New New York…

The latest ladies from the Big Apple.

⚰️ Dead Happenings…

Fear’s final season.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-showrunners-finale-season-8/

Tales of the Walking Dead premieres this Sunday night. It sounds like it’s up my alley, so I’ll definitely be taking a look.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/tales-of-the-walking-dead-schedule-when-where-to-watch-early-amc-plus/

https://ew.com/tv/tales-of-the-walking-dead-musical-episode/

📻 Quotes of the Week

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty. – Thomas S. Monson

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

Courage – a perfect sensibility of the measure of danger, and a mental willingness to endure it.William Tecumseh Sherman

The man who insists on seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides. – Henri-Frédéric Amiel

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world. – Helen Keller

Being good is easy, what is difficult is being just. – Victor Hugo

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

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. – Steve Jobs

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

The only real limitation on your abilities is the level of your desires. If you want it badly enough, there are no limits on what you can achieve.Brian Tracy

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. – John Burroughs

If you just go with the flow, no matter what weird things happen along the way, you always end up exactly where you belong. – Tom Upton

🔌 Unplugging…

It’s time to call it a week, and it’s certainly been one. Fighting technical dragons is exhausting. Plug back in with me on Monday for soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not being wishy-washy, and stay knowing, sometimes we’re brave and don’t even know it.

February 11, 2022 – Valentine’s Day Part 1, New Gig, Through Laura’s Eyes, News Jersey, a Book, an Update, Wouldn’t Listen, Dead Tales, Puppies (!), OctoQuoteapus & Basement 

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

VALENTINE’S DAY PART 1

Terry says she has something to tell Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says she’s listening. Terry says she has her first date with the guy she’s been messaging from the dating app, and Elizabeth says, on Valentine’s Day? Terry says, she knows; aggressive. Elizabeth says, or extremely romantic. She wants to know everything about him, and Terry says, later. Elizabeth says, Terry is going to leave her hanging, and Terry says she has a patient. Elizabeth says she’s excited for Terry, and Terry says she is too. Terry leaves, and Elizabeth puts her head in her hands. Finn comes in, and tells her that she has no business being tired. He’s the one who slept on the bench… he means, couch. That is a couch, isn’t it? Elizabeth says, not up to his standards? and he tells her, he’s just saying she might want to think about an upgrade. Just a suggestion. She says, lucky for him, there’s no need for another sleepover. They checked all the ships leaving Port Charles last night, and no sign of Peter. Looks like he found his way out of town. He says, with that guy, anything is possible, and she says, careful. It almost sounds like he wants to crash on her couch again. He asks if that would be so bad.

Taggert meets Portia at the MetroCourt, and she thanks him for coming. He says, anything for Trina, and they hug. She says, maybe it’s nothing, and she’s overreacting. She’s been acting fine… He says, but Portia’s mom radar is going off? and she says, it is, big time. Trina went on this trip with all of her friends, and ever since she’s been back, Trina hasn’t said a word to her. That’s not normal for her, right? He says, dinner tonight was a good idea. They’ll figure out what’s going on with Trina, and get their girl back on track.

Sonny walks into Charlie’s with a bouquet of flowers, and sets them on the bar. Phyllis says, for her? and he says he just wanted to see how she was her first Valentine’s without Lenny, but – he looks around, seeing the decorations and crowd for the Anti-Valentine’s Day party – it looks like she’s doing pretty good. She says, Lenny hated Valentine’s Day. Every year, she got chocolate, flowers, and a rant about how he didn’t need some greeting card company telling him how and when to express his love. He says, sounds like Lenny, and she says, doesn’t it? She thought this could be her way of honoring him; not to mention, it makes good business sense. So many people feel left out on this holiday. Lonely hearts need a place to go too.

Nina visits Ava at Windymere, and says, Ava looks incredible. Hot date? Ava says, with her hot husband, and Nina asks why Ava didn’t say she had plans. Ava says she sounded kind of upset when she called. Besides, she figured Nina would know she had plans for tonight. Nina asks, what’s tonight? and Ava makes a heart with her hands, and says, it’s February 14th. Nina says, it’s Valentine’s Day, and Ava says, oh boy. Nina doesn’t even know what day it is. Something big must have gone down, huh?

Carly tells her assistant JoAnn, sorry for keeping her so late, and JoAnn says, Valentine’s Day is always busy here. Carly flashes back to telling Sonny that they’re over and it’s on him. JoAnn says, if Carly needs her, she’ll be in the office, but Carly asks her to wait. One more thing.

Nina tells Ava, she’s so sorry. She forgot there are some people who still celebrate Valentine’s Day. She’ll just go. Ava says, she’ll do no such thing, and invites her in. She says she did hear about Maxie. Nina must be so worried. Unless there’s something else going on. Nina says, no. Maxie and Peter’s trail has gone cold, and she’s losing her mind wondering where they could be. The only consolation, thank God, is that Maxie’s daughter was found safe. Ava asks if Peter had her this entire time, and Nina says, Ava remembers. Peter showed up in Nixon Falls, and tried to blackmail her into helping him find Louise. Ava says, right, and he threatened to tell the truth about Sonny, and Nina says, there’s more to that story – a lot more.

Finn says he’ll get Elizabeth a cup of coffee, and she says she doesn’t know what’s wrong with her; she can’t snap out of it today. He says, that’s understandable. She’s worried about Maxie; they all are. It’s Valentine’s Day, and also her anniversary with Franco. She thanks him for remembering; it means a lot. He tells her to go easy on herself, and she says she’ll try. Amy and brother Chet walk in (wow. we haven’t seen Chet in years), and Finn says, it’s been a while. How’s everything going? Amy says, things are terrible.

Trina joins Portia and Taggert, and Portia thanks her for making time for her parents. Trina asks if Portia shouldn’t be on a date right now, and Portia says, she will, a little bit later. She had to spend some time with her original Valentine. Taggert asks why Trina isn’t asking if he has any plans, and she says, does he? He says, no, and she says, that’s why she wasn’t asking. Portia says, sit, and Trina says, they’re acting weird, but she’s hungry, so… They sit down, and Taggert says he’d like to propose a toast. To Trina. She’s strong, intelligent, and kind. Portia says, beautiful, not that it matters, and Taggert says, it’s true. She’s kicking ass at PCU, and she just organized her very first gallery exhibition. Portia says, which was a huge success, and Taggert says, if this Spencer Cassadine can’t see her for the star that she is, it’s his loss. Portia tells him, that’s real smooth, and he says, what? Trina asks if that’s what tonight is about, Spencer, and Portia says, it’s really not. Not completely. It just seems like Trina is having kind of a rough time dealing with this young man. Trina says she can’t believe this. Her own parents think she’s pathetic.

Carly picks up a paper heart from the bar, and rips it in pieces. Sam comes in, and says she sees Carly’s not a fan of Valentine’s Day. She sits at the bar, and Carly asks if she’s meeting Dante here. Sam says she wishes. He’s searching for Maxie and Peter. Carly says she heard he took Maxie hostage; that’s awful. Sam says, that sums Peter up in a nutshell. Carly hopes they find that guy, and Sam says, her too, then says, so? and Carly says, what? Sam says she didn’t think she’d have to ask, but how did things go with Sonny? Carly says she walked in on him in bed with Nina.

Phyllis says, the flowers are beautiful, and thanks Sonny. He says, if he’d known about the chocolates, he would have brought them too, and she says, don’t think she didn’t buy some for herself. She swears she could feel Lenny’s spirit when she paid for them. Sonny says he misses Lenny, and she says, she misses him too. So how’s he doing? Still on his meds? He says, yes, ma’am, and she laughs. She asks how things are going with Carly. Last night seemed so hopeful. He drains his glass and puts it on the bar, saying, yep. She says she’s guessing things didn’t go as planned, and he says, he and Carly are as far apart as they’ve ever been.

Ava tells Nina, good for Maxie. That plan took smarts and guts. And good for Nina, playing along with Peter to keep him away from Port Charles. To be able to tell people she had motivation, other than hiding the truth about Sonny, is a vindication of sorts. Nina says, she’d hardly call herself vindicated, and they sit down with martinis. Ava says, any updates on that front? Her and Sonny? Nina asks what she’s heard, and Ava says, nothing, but obviously there’s something. Nina’s acting like she doesn’t want to talk about it, but Ava thinks she does want to talk about it, or she wouldn’t have come all the way out here. Nina says, they’re friends and she wanted company. Is that so hard to believe? Ava says it is, and Nina says, she and Sonny slept together, and Carly walked in on them. Ava asks, how was it? and Nina says, which part? Ava says she’s sorry; never mind. Carly walked in on Nina and her husband in bed together. That is… Nina says, horrible; 100% fully and completely horrible. Ava says she’s sure it was excruciating at the time, and Nina says, it’s still pretty excruciating, but Ava suggests Nina look to the future. Doesn’t this mean she and Sonny can be together? 

Chet says, as Finn and Elizabeth can imagine, they’re pretty worried about Maxie, and Amy says, it’s all she can think about; where she is, how she is, when is she coming home? Elizabeth says she knows. It makes her grateful for work; she needs the distraction. Amy says, her too, and Chet says, he came in with Amy so she could help with the clothing drive. They just loaded up the donations. He can’t believe how many there are. Elizabeth asks if Finn’s seen the bins all over the hospital, to benefit veterans in need, and he says, of course (🍷). He didn’t know it was Chet’s doing. Chet says, after the explosion at The Floating Rib, he was down to one job, and Amy says, the best manager Beradino’s ever had. Chet says, with all that free time, he thought he’d volunteer for a non-profit that helps veterans with physical and mental injuries; make sure they have clothing, food, shelter, and medicine. Finn says, sounds like an amazing charity, and Chet says he credits Amy for getting the hospital involved. Amy says, the clothing drive has been a big hit, and Elizabeth says, that reminds her. She has a box of stuff she left home this morning, but her son is bringing it by any minute. Chet says, getting the whole family involved; he likes it. Elizabeth says she has a patient she needs to see, and leaves, and Amy asks Finn how it’s going with him and Elizabeth.

Carly tells Sam, Sonny gave excuse after excuse as to why they fell in bed together, and Sam says, as if there’s any plausible way that would be okay. Carly says, Sonny’s still in love with Nina, and is clearly compelled to act on those feelings, and Sam says she’s so sorry. Carly says, she’s not. Seeing them together gave her the clarity she needed. She’s been wrestling for months about moving forward, and if it was even possible. Now she has her answer. It’s no. Sam says she figured, and Carly says she’s not going to sit around while Sonny prioritizes the woman who destroyed their family. She’s moving forward. Her assistant is calling a divorce attorney as they speak. Sam says, divorce? That’s… Carly says, necessary, and Sam tells her, she was going to say, more like fast. Is Carly sure she’s making the right move?

Sonny says he doesn’t want to burden Phyllis with this, so he’s going to sit down. She follows him to the table, and says, it’s no burden unless he doesn’t want to talk about it. He says he wants his wife, and that’s not going to happen. She says, why not? and he says, because Carly made it clear they’re done. She says, maybe it seems that way now… and he says, that’s the way it is. Nothing’s going to change it. He sits, and she says, something must have happened; what was it? He says, he’ll tell her what happened. He made his grand gesture because he need a signal that Carly was willing to fight for their marriage. Phyllis says, she didn’t show up? and he says, she did, but it was very late, and he’d done some thinking. Carly would say he’s defending Nina because he had feelings for her, and he guesses it’s true, but he can’t shut it down. She says, and as long as they’re there, Carly refuses to be with him, and he says, no matter what. He told her he loved her, that he didn’t want to lose her, but it doesn’t matter. He guesses he should just accept that his marriage is over. She says, bull. He hasn’t done everything he can for his marriage and he knows it. She loves him and she loves Nina, but she’s afraid she hasn’t been a very good friend to either one of them. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says she hasn’t been very forthright. He says, she’s not responsible for his actions any more than she is for Nina’s, and she says she knows that, but part of being a friend, is saying the hard truths. He tells her, say it, and she says, he claims he’s tried everything to fix his marriage. Does that include telling Carly that he went off his meds, and Nina was there to get him help? He says, no, and she says, so he’s still not being honest with his wife. He rationalizes, just like he rationalized not telling Carly that he and Nina fell in love in Nixon Falls. Relationships need trust. If he keeps repeating the same mistakes, how is he going to rebuild the trust he lost? He says, how can he rebuild anything if Carly refuses to hear him?

Carly tells Sam, the sooner she puts this mess behind her, the better. She really needs to get on with her life. Sam says, that is a natural reaction, healthy even. When something hurts, you want to get as far away from it as possible. Carly says, hurts? The image of Sonny and Nina in bed is torture. Sam says, either way, the place Carly is in is not the place she should be making decisions from. Take a second, a minute, days even, to process what this means for her and her family before she puts something in motion she can’t take back. JoAnn returns, and Sam says she’ll give Carly some privacy. She leaves, and JoAnn says, the attorney does have one appointment open tomorrow, but it’s in the morning, right after Carly’s visit with Donna and Avery. Carly says, that doesn’t give her much time, and JoAnn asks what she wants to do.

Finn asks how they knew about him and Elizabeth, and Amy says, they work in a hospital. Everyone knows. He says, everyone? and she says, everyone. So is he going to give her the scoop or not? He says he’s thinking not actually, and Chet says, excuse his sister. She’s got a Valentine’s bug. Amy says, if she can’t have her own romance, she might as well help other people with theirs. Finn says, he’s good, and she says, he sounds just like Chet, refusing to let her set him up. Chet says he doesn’t need to be set up, and she says, tells that to his gaming console. Ever since he and his last girlfriend broke up, he’s been in a total rut. Chet says, thanks for that. By the way, he gets out plenty. She says, casual dates, sure, but she could find his soulmate. Finn tells Chet, good luck with all that. He’ll see Chet around. He leaves, and Amy says, Chet knows she only meddles because she loves him, right?

Portia tells Trina, after everything she and Trina’s father just said, how does she come away with them thinking she’s pathetic? Trina says, they thought she’d be spending tonight pining over some guy, and Portia says, no. It’s just that she’s been so quiet lately, ever since she came back from the trip. Taggert says, her mom is worried something happened on that trip, and Trina says, so they didn’t just ask? Portia says, they don’t want to pry, and Trina says, this is better. Portia says, she’s right. A manufactured sneak attack was not the way to go. They just want her to know they’re here for her and love her. Taggert says, if Trina has anything to get off her chest, they’re listening, and Trina says, it all started with Spencer’s girlfriend. Taggert says, that punk has a girlfriend? and Portia pokes him. He says, please go on, and Trina says, Esme pulled a mean girl stunt at the cabin, and she got upset, but she’s fine now. Portia says, of course (🍷) she’s fine now, but it’s no fun to deal with Esme’s nonsense all the time, and Taggert says, what’s this girl’s name now? Portia says, Esme, and he says, again? She says, Esme, and Trina says, it’s French. Portia says, that girl is jealous of Trina and threatened by her, and Trina says, Portia thinks so? Portia says she knows so.

Nina tells Ava, she doesn’t know where she and Sonny stand. She doesn’t know where Sonny and Carly stand for that matter. Ava says,  surely they’re over now, but Nina says she doesn’t know. She doesn’t even know if she’s rooting for that. The only reason she and Sonny slept together is, they both believed his marriage was over. He was, and is, in so much pain, she doesn’t want to see him hurt like that again. Ava asks why Sonny thought his marriage was over, and Nina says, Carly was supposed to meet him as some sort of sign she was willing to work things out, and Sonny got the impression she wasn’t coming, then Nina showed up, and things just… progressed. Ava says, they sure did, and asks if Nina thinks it was revenge sex. Nina says, no. Say what you want, but she and Sonny have real feelings for each other. It was more like they were repressing these feelings and couldn’t deny it anymore. Ava says, Nina’s wanted this; she got it. Now what is she going to do with it?

Elizabeth brings a box into the locker room, and sees Terry fixing her makeup at the sink. She asks if Terry is heading out, and Terry says she sure is. Elizabeth says, wow. She looks gorgeous. (She does.) Terry asks if Elizabeth is sure it’s not too much, but Elizabeth says, definitely not. Her date is going to be blown away. Terry says, whoever he is, and Elizabeth says, about that. If the dating app doesn’t allow them to exchange photos, how is she going to know who he is? Terry tells her, he said he’d be waiting at the bar, wearing a teal shirt, and Elizabeth says, mysterious. Terry says she’s trying not to get her hopes up. Blind dates are statistically disastrous. I’ve contributed to that statistic. The one I went on was definitely disastrous. That’s why I never did it again. Elizabeth says, but it’s no pressure, right? Just drinks? Terry says, at Charlie’s Anti-Valentine’s party. They’ve been messaging for weeks. She knows everything about him, and he knows everything about her. They just don’t know what each other looks like. Elizabeth says she has the feeling it’s going to go really well, and Terry says, from her lips. Terry says, for the clothing drive? and starts looking through the box, and Elizabeth asks if she’s a veteran. Terry says she’s making sure there’s nothing in there that she gave Elizabeth, and pulls out a garment bag. She says, nice job, donating the fancy stuff, and takes out a dress that has rips in it. She says, or not. Yikes. What happened to this? Elizabeth says, that’s the dress she wore when she got married to Franco.

Nina says, she wants to go to Sonny, but she can’t, and Ava says, why not? Nina says, his marriage just exploded, and Ava says, so? Nina says she doesn’t want to be one of those women who says, what about me? That’s kind of tacky, isn’t it? Ava says, she slept with a married man, and Nina says, she told Ava; she slept with him because she thought his marriage was over… Okay, point taken. Ava says, forget morality and go for it, but Nina says, she’s not doing that. She’s going to stop and think about what’s best for Sonny. Ava says, if it were anybody else, she’d tell Nina to give him space, but Sonny and Carly have survived a lot, and with enough time, they could survive this. So do not give them time.

Carly asks JoAnn to set the meeting, and thanks her. Sam comes back, and Carly says, meeting set. Sam says, okay, and Carly says, that’s it; okay? Sam says Carly might as well hear all her options. That doesn’t mean she has to act right away. She is known for her impulsiveness. Carly says, that’s always worked out like a charm for her, hasn’t it? and Sam says she hopes Carly doesn’t think she’s trying to tell her what to do. Carly says she doesn’t. She thinks Sam’s trying to be a friend. Sam says, good. And as a friend, she thinks she should warn Carly that if Sonny finds out she’s taking the divorce route so quickly, he’s going to be hurt. So hurt, it might be the end for the two of them. Is she prepared for that?

Sonny tells Phyllis, he wanted Carly to meet him halfway, so he’d know she was willing to fight for the marriage. Phyllis says she doesn’t know Carly well, but it’s clear she loves him. Is he sure there’s no way to salvage things? He says, he’s pretty sure, and she says, if he’s waiting for her permission to give up on his marriage, he’s wasting his time. He says, not everyone is as perfect as her and Lenny, and she says, she and Lenny didn’t have some magical romance. Some days were easy, some days were hard, but they worked on it. When you’re committed to someone, that’s what you do. You don’t just throw in the towel when things get difficult. He says he’s glad she decided to stay in Port Charles. He doesn’t know what he could have done without this tough love. His phone dings, he looks at it, and tosses it on the table. Phyllis asks, what’s wrong? and he says, Carly is meeting with a divorce lawyer tomorrow.

Nina tells Ava, she never meant for any of this to happen. If she would have just stopped for a second and considered the ramifications. Ava says, it’s a little late for that now, and Nina says, ya think? She’s in love with a man she’s caused nothing but trouble for, but she doesn’t want to do that anymore. Ava says, she doesn’t have to. If she knows Sonny, he’s off somewhere, nursing his wounds, and spiraling out. Nina could be the one to steady him. Nina says, she’s not going to take advantage of his pain, and Ava says she’s not suggesting Nina seduce the man; just be there for him. Nina loves Sonny, she wants a future with him. Be somebody he can count on. Nina says, she’s caused too much damage by being impulsive. If she cares about Sonny, and she really does, she’s got to stop that destructive behavior. Ava takes it that’s a no; Nina’s not going to go to him then. Nina says, it’s no. For once, she’s going to do the right thing. She’s not going to seek out Sonny. However things land, she’s going to accept it. Ava says, suit herself, but she thinks Nina is making a big mistake.

Terry hands Elizabeth the dress, and asks if it looked like this when she put it in the box. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know. It’s been in the garment bag for months. She hasn’t looked at it. Terry says, donating this is a big step, and Elizabeth says, in the moment, it felt important in helping her move on. Terry says, when she last saw it, months ago, it was still intact? and Elizabeth says she doesn’t know how this could have happened. Terry wonders if razer toothed moths are a thing, but Elizabeth says, there are no holes in the garment bag. Somebody shredded this, but who would have done something like that? Terry says, maybe it fell apart when she had it dry-cleaned, and Elizabeth says she thinks she’s looked at it since then. She guesses it’s a possibility… Terry tells her, say it, and Elizabeth says, today is Franco and her anniversary, and having the dress torn up like this seems like some kind of an omen. She doesn’t even know what she’s saying. Terry takes the dress, and says, let’s get a drink. She’ll reschedule her date. Elizabeth says, absolutely not, but Terry says, it’s no big deal. Elizabeth says, my God, and Terry says, what? Elizabeth says she remembers. She did look at the dress when it came back from the cleaners. There was a tear, but she just didn’t realize the extent. She’s sorry. She’s really tired and her brain is like mush. Mystery solved. Go on her date; have fun. She can’t wait to hear the details. Terry says she loves Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says she loves her too. Terry leaves, and Elizabeth looks at the dress again.

Trina says, she’ll be right back, and leaves the table. Portia sees Taggert staring at her, and asks, what is that look? He says he’s taking it all in, and she says, taking what in? He says she used to be on this singular track, focused on balancing motherhood and her career. She says, and now? and he says, now she’s just different. She hopes in a good way, and he says, in a great way. He’s not saying she wasn’t happy before, but she seems lighter. She says she thinks it has to do with her seeing Curtis. Is that terribly awkward? He says, no. She deserves joy after everything he put her through. She says she did her share of hurting him too, and he says, look at them now. Coming together when it counts for their little girl. She says, not so little anymore. Taggert needs to get out there. He says, he is out, and she says, with his ex-wife and daughter. Come on. He should start dating. He says, here we go. She’s all happy and coupled up, so she wants to see everybody else couple up. She says, maybe. Life does seem full of possibilities right now; brighter and more vibrant… She sounds like a complete idiot. He says, no. She sounds like a woman in love. Her phone dings, and she says, there go her Valentine’s plans. He says, patient emergency? and she says, yeah. Tell Trina that she had to go to the hospital, and give her this. She hands Taggert a card, and says, along with a big hug. He says, of course (🍷). Good luck with her patient. By the elevator, she calls Curtis, and says, she’s so sorry… Yeah. It’s a patient emergency, and she’s going to be at the hospital all night. She promises to make it up to him.

Sam tells Carly, she’s not defending Sonny, nor does she care if the two of them stay together, but as Carly’s friend, she’s just asking if Carly is sure. Carly says, Sonny isn’t going to know she met with a lawyer. Sam says, if Carly decides to pull the trigger, and he finds out, Carly needs to know there’s no going back. Carly says, this needs to be over. She’s done with this situation, and feels this is the only way to do it. She needs to reclaim her life. Sam says, okay, but promise her one thing. Carly says, maybe, and Sam says, go in with an open mind. Listen to what the lawyer has to say, and decide if now is the time to talk divorce. Carly says, what if it is?

Sonny tells Phyllis, it hasn’t even been 24 hours, and she’s already calling a divorce attorney. And not just any attorney. He knows this woman; she’s ruthless. Phyllis says, slow down. He doesn’t know what’s going on in Carly’s head. Don’t jump to conclusions. He says, what other conclusion can there be? Carly didn’t tell him anything. He just got a notification. He looks at his phone, and says, it’s on the calendar with Donna and Avery. Carly probably made a mistake. Talk about honesty. She says she’s not excusing Carly, however, she was deeply hurt be the revelation that he and Nina lied. And whatever happened last night must have compounded that. So don’t write them off yet. He says, Carly is writing them off, and Phyllis says, she may reconsider once she’s had a chance to cool off. He says, listen to him. Carly is calling the shots, and he ain’t having it.

Taggert tells Trina, her mom feels badly about the change in plans, and Trina says, the good news is, it brought the parental pep talk to an early close. He says, Trina does know they mean well, right? and she says she does, and she loves them for it, but they don’t have to go overboard. The waitress puts a dessert in front of Trina, and she says, like bringing her chocolate to cheer her up. He says, it’s the Valentine’s Day special.  Can he help it if he wants to celebrate how proud he is of her? She takes everything life throws at her with courage and grace, and he wants her to know, if she ever needs it, he has her back, always. He has a lot of friends in the police department. She says, got it, and takes a bite. He says, good? and she says, so good. She thanks him, and he says, anytime, and they share the dessert.

Elizabeth is looking at the dress, when Finn comes in. He says, Amy’s not in here, is she? She says, no; why? He says, no reason. What’s she got there? She says, it’s just for the clothing drive, and he says he just wanted to say goodbye. He’ll call her tomorrow. Happy Valentine’s Day. He starts to leave, and she says, wait. She knows they didn’t make plans for tonight; this day isn’t easy for her. He says, he knows it’s not, and she says, she thinks a nice mellow family dinner with him, Violet, and the boys is exactly what she needs. They can just order a pizza, and watch a movie. He says, that sounds perfect. He’ll see her later. He leaves, and she looks at the dress again, and we see how very slashed it is.

Terry is sitting at Charlie’s bar, when Chet comes in. He asks if she minds if he sits here, and she says, not at all. He takes off his coat, and she says, teal shirt. He sits, and they smile at each other.

Carly tells Sam, it’s on her, and thanks Sam for her advice. Sam says, sound advice or crappy advice? Carly says, Sam’s right. It’s best to hear what the lawyer has to say before taking action. Sam says, options are a good thing, and Carly says she’s keeping hers open.

Phyllis says, Sonny knows as well as she does, marriage is complicated. He’ll see there’s more than one way to resolve things. Or as Lenny would put it, it ain’t over until it’s over. (I think Yogi Berra said that, but okay.) She goes back to the bar, and Sonny looks at the entry on the family calendar that says Carly added an appointment with a divorce lawyer. Nina walks in, and they lock eyes.

To Be Continued….

On Monday, TJ tells Molly that someone may be coming home sooner than planned, Terry says she’s not disappointed at all, Brad tells Britt that it will be worth it, and Nina tells Sonny that they both know she has a vested interest.

☎️ A Wanted Woman…

She may no longer be running the PCPD, but Vinessa Antoine isn’t lacking for work.

🏥 Laura Colored Memories…

Great interview with Genie Francis.

👠 What Happens In Jersey…

Bill’s affair.

What Jackie says the guys think about Bill’s affair.

Teresa and Marge’s brewing feud.

https://www.cinemablend.com/television/real-housewives-of-new-jerseys-teresa-giudice-on-whether-she-and-co-star-margaret-josephs-could-ever-be-friends-again

📖 Not Telling All…

Jackie’s writing a book, but it’s not about what you think.

💎 Thanks For Sharing…

Seriously. Who could stay away from Mr. Puppers for very long?

🤦🏽‍♀️ No Reason Is Good Enough…

She doesn’t seem like an idiot. Maybe he knows where the bodies are buried.

⚰️ Spinning Dead…

I guess they’re not counting Origins as a spinoff. Or as I call it, a cheap way to extend the franchise.

🐶 Kicking Off…

Your guide to the best Bowl of all.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/puppy-bowl-xviii-ulti-mutt-fan-guide

🎧 Quotes of the Week

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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

If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: who cares?Tina Fey

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. – T. A. Barron (So don’t step on any butterflies.)

Love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you. – Dolly Parton

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible. – Maya Angelou

I guess Walmart had other plans. – a woman, who ordered ice cream on Instacart, but got sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast rolls as a substitute

Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary. – Oscar Wilde

🏈 Out Of Bounds…

Whether you watch a Bowl, go bowling, or just consider a bowl something to eat ice cream out of, enjoy the weekend; or the next two sunrises for those off the work grid. See you on the Valentine’s flipside. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your heart and mind open, and stay knowing, it ain’t over until it’s over. No matter who said it.