Tag Archives: television

August 23, 2018 – Cassandra Wakes Up, Shams Passes On, Stephanie Plans a Party & Friday’s Cure

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Jason and Carly play pool. They toast to Jonah. Jason adds, and to Carly; she did good. She says she had support.

Elizabeth tells Franco that she has faith in him. He says he loves her. She tells him that his task comes with challenges. He says he has a bullet proof plan. It’s so flawless, the WSB will make him an honorary agent. He thinks his spy name should be Double Franco.

At the station, Robert is on the phone saying he needs a progress report or lack thereof immediately. Jordan tells him, since he’s set up shop there, she’d like an update on Anna. Where is she?

Not Klein – who IMDb lists as Carson, so we’ll go with that, since it’s easier to type – tells Finn, live and in person, here’s his patient. Anna says, Cassandra Pierce. Carson tells her that he was just going to say that. Finn says, no way can he save this patient.

Lucy sees Doc at the bar. He looks at her strangely, and she asks, what’s the matter?

At Ferncliff, a straitjacketed Ryan yells for help. Orderly Gordon comes into his room. Ryan – who I’m thinking isn’t really Ryan – says Gordon has to help him. He’s not supposed to be there.

Doc says he’s fine, but Lucy says, no he’s not. He’s drinking by himself, alone on his birthday. Doc says his birthday wasn’t in the forefront of his mind. Lucy says that’s unacceptable. He should be with someone who appreciates the importance of the day. He does have someone – Laura – and Lucy says that explains why he’s so downtrodden. His current wife forgot his birthday. Doc downs the rest of his drink, and asks for another.

Carly tells Jason that Josslyn talked Michael into taking her out on the speedboat, and everyone else is occupied, so it’s okay for her to be hanging out. That used to be her main focus. It’s funny how someone so selfish with time is worried about everyone else. She asks if someone told him the night that met, she’d be a wife and mother, and taking care of so many people, would he have believed it? He says, not a chance.

Elizabeth tells Franco to stick to the budget. He says he has to get going, and walks away. Kiki asks if everything is okay. Franco comes back, and asks Kiki to tell the love of his life she worries too much. Kiki doesn’t know what they’re talking about, and decides to stay out of it. Franco tells Elizabeth that if he doesn’t make it back alive, he’d like a simple funeral. Kiki asks where he’s going, and Elizabeth says he’s going shopping for school supplies and clothes – with all three boys.

Robert tells Jordan that he knows their last location. She says, but not the current one? He says he found medication at the scene that Anna uses; they must be treating her. Jordan says, so they need her alive, even though Finn is the main target. Robert still thinks the tracker was the best way to go, but now he doesn’t know where the hell they are.

Finn says Cassandra tried to kill them. Carson says that’s not his problem. Finn asks, if it was him, would he try to go out of his way to help someone who would kill him. Carson says, probably not, unless he was being held at gunpoint. Anna says, just do it. Finn says he doesn’t want to. She says, he’s a doctor; he’s supposed to heal, so just do that. He looks at Cassandra’s bloodwork, and says the virus is spreading. He suddenly says, no, no, no, and grabs a box of surgical masks out of the cabinet. He tells Anna to put one on. He tells them if the numbers are accurate, the virus is contagious. He says they’ve had prolonged exposure, and Carson says no one told them about this. Finn asks who they’ve had treating her. Obviously not an expert in mutating viruses. Nice work, fellas. Now they’re all at risk. Carson shows him the medication she’s been given, and he says whatever they’re using isn’t working. It’s getting rid of the non-contagious cells, and the others are surviving. He suggest they have minimal exposure, and gives Carson a list of what he needs. He says if any of them have what she does, he’s not sure there’s anything he can do to stop it.

Franco and the boys sit in the park. Cameron suggests they go to the carnival, but Franco says they’ve gotten zero things done that are on the list; he doesn’t think so, and besides, isn’t it a little early 90s? After they do the stuff on the list, they can check it out. Cameron says the carnival has everything they need; rides, food, games. Aiden wants pencils with Princess Calenda of Everwood on them, and Cameron says, those are for girls.

Kiki tells Elizabeth that she donated the money from the lawsuit to an equal treatment program. It was never about the money. She only wanted to expose him and make GH safer. David is in the vicinity, and wonders why they’re standing around talking. He asks Kiki what she’s waiting for; hop to it.

Carson balks, and Finn tells him the more time they waste, the greater the chances of the infection spreading. Anna says this is the fault of their expert. If Finn says she’s contagious, she’s contagious. Finn says, or they could rely on their own medical expertise. Carson and his thug leave with the list. Finn tells Anna, she’s not contagious. And if she was, the masks would be useless. Anna says, there she is. He says it’s his job keep her alive, and look like he’s making progress. Anna says it will give them time to figure out how to escape. \Carly tells Jason that Julian has been working Mike. Jason says they’re taking steps, and she suggests they take bigger ones. Julian knows something is up, and the longer it takes, the messier it will get.

Doc tells Lucy that he and Laura will celebrate when get home. He’s just preoccupied about work. His birthday hasn’t crossed his mind once. Lucy knows they’re not close anymore, and she get that it’s her fault. She’s loved him in one fashion or another for the best part of her life. She tells him not to pretend she doesn’t know when he’s feeling something.

Ryan tells Gordon that he’s not okay, and neither are a lot of other people. There’s a very dangerous man on the loose in Port Charles.

Cameron tells Aiden, good luck making it through third grade with a princess on his pencils. Aiden gets up and runs off. Franco follows him. Jake tells Cameron he’s in trouble.

David says he’s a respected physician, and Kiki says he was. He tells her that he’s filed an appeal, and expects the verdict to be overturned. He hopes she didn’t spend the money. He’s going to need it back. He gets a text, and says the chief of staff just summoned him. She must have heard from his new lawyer, and wants to apologize for the inconvenience he’s been subjected to. Let his patients know he’ll be there shortly.

Chase joins Robert and Jordan. He says no one told him that his brother was missing. He’d appreciate any information. Robert says he was with Anna in her previous location, but he lost them. Chase asks what he can do, and Jordan says, nothing. He’s too close. He asks if Anna isn’t Robert’s ex and the mother of his child, and isn’t she one of Jordan’s closest friends? He barely knows his brother. They’re closer to Anna than he is to Finn. Robert says if he dies now, Chase won’t have a chance to know him.

Finn prepares a syringe. He despises Cassandra, but she’s important to someone. They spent time and money to recover her. Anna thinks the source must be inside the WSB, which is of concern. She would like her to survive, and if possible, wake up, even though she knows Cassandra is demented. Finn puts something into the tube connected to Cassandra. Anna asks what the odds are, but Finn suggests they not talk about the odds. They’ll know soon enough.

Carly needs Jason to hear her. She says Julian would love to ruin Sonny, especially if he’s an innocent bystander. What could be more innocent than uncovering a crime? If he finds out the truth, he’ll exploit it. Jason says all he knows is that Mike and Charlie are connected. Carly says, so they wait and watch? Jason says, for now. She tells him not to wait too long. He knows a bad situation will only get worse.

Ryan tells Gordon that he knows the doctors say he’s insane, and he’s here for his own protection, but he’s not a patient; he’s a prisoner. While he’s free to destroy everything Ryan loves. Gordon doesn’t know what to tell him; he’s sorry. Ryan says every day he’s in there, he takes more from him. Gordon asks if there’s anything he can do to help him.

Kiki wonders how it’s possible that David is still working there. Elizabeth asks if she’s talked to Monica. Kiki tells her about Griff getting suspended, and says whatever he did can’t be worse than what David did. Elizabeth says there’s not a nurse on staff who’s willing to lift a finger for him. Kiki had their back; now they have hers.

Cameron says he was just protecting Aiden. Jake says he hurt Aiden’s feelings. Franco tells Aiden that it was a crummy thing to do. He doesn’t need to listen; Cameron doesn’t know what he’s talking about with Beverly Evergreen. Aiden says it’s Calenda of Everwood. Franco tells Aiden about an artist who took a pile of elephant poo and put it on a canvas. He sold them for millions. People like what they like, and no one should tell anyone what they should like. He says Cameron made a mistake. He needs to apologize, and then they can go to the store, and Franco will get him the pencils. Aiden says he doesn’t want them anymore.

Doc appreciates Lucy’s concern. Lucy says, but he wants her to butt out. He says, if she doesn’t mind. She says she knows when he’s going to a dark, broody place. He tells her to stop it. If there are things he’s not sharing, it means he has other people in his life to share them with. Carly apologizes for interrupting, but Lucy says they’re wrapped up, so it’s perfect timing glad. Doc says he owes Jason his thanks. His methods are unorthodox, but he did what Doc couldn’t to keep Carly safe. Jason is glad he got there in time, and Doc shudders to think what would have happened if he hadn’t. Carly says she wasn’t very nice when they last met, but looking back, Doc was kind and fair. She was less than appreciative. She thanks him, and asks what happened to the patient next to her. Doc says thanks to her, all of the staff and administration were replaced. Her neighbor is getting the best of care. He’s seeing to it personally.

Finn tells Anna what Cassandra has is pretty rare, unless you’re going to out of the way places. Cassandra stirs, and Finn says, wow; it worked. He asks if she can hear him. Anna tells her to wake up. Cassandra asks what happened, and Anna says they’ve been waiting for her.

Franco comes back with Aiden, and Cameron asks if they’re ready to go. Franco asks if he has something to say to his little brother first. Cameran says sorry about what he said. Jake says he like Princess Calenda, and Aiden says he doesn’t like her anymore. He wants to go home. Franco supposes he can order school supplies online. He tells Jake to take Aiden to get some ice cream; whatever they want. He tells Cameron to stay there. Cameron asks if this is how Franco is punishing him, by not letting him get ice cream. Franco says he wanted to talk in private. What he did was wrong. Cameron says, better him than Aiden’s class. Franco says that’s a crap apology, and Cameron says at least it’s not an apology for killing people. Did the people Franco hurt buy his apology?

Kiki says Griff gets suspended, and David still gets to roam the halls. David comes back, carrying an empty box. Kiki asks if something is wrong. He says he just got fired. Elizabeth says, what a terrible loss. How will they ever recover?

Doc talks to Laura on the phone. He thanks her, and says it’s been a peaceful birthday… That’s what he told Lucy. They’ll do it up right when she gets home. He’s sorry he hasn’t been better about being in touch; he’s had a lot on his mind… He misses her too. He tells her to come home soon, and that he loves her. Lucy has brought a peace offering – a cupcake with a candle in it. She knows she overstepped. She apologizes, saying, old habits die hard. He knows she meant well. She says she did, so please accept this birthday cupcake from an old friend who’s learning to maintain the proper distance, He thanks her, and she asks if he wants to make a wish. He says he’ll do that later, but it’s very thoughtful. He tells her goodnight, and when he’s gone, she says, okay, Doc. I’ll make a wish for you.

Jordan congratulates Chase. He’s officially the liaison to the WSB. Robert says, he’s green, and too invasive, like an untrained puppy. Jordan says he’s a good detective with fresh eyes and good ideas. Chase is all his. Robert says, no way, and Jordan tells him, her turf, her rules. Robert says he has the firing squad ready. Jordan tells Chase that he’s kidding. She says, no surprises from either of them, and she wants to be apprised of every step. Robert tells Chase that he might work for Jordan, but do exactly as he says. Chase says, got it.

Cassandra asks why Finn and Anna aren’t dead, and Finn says, always a charmer. Anna says all she needs to know is that she’s alive, and they’re there in order for her to stay that way. Cassandra wonders why they’d do that, and Anna says it’s a lot to take in. They woke her to find out who helped her escape. If she helps them, they won’t turn her over to the WSB. She tells them, go to hell.

Carly tells Jason that Doc thinks she should go back to therapy. He’s kind, intuitive, and discreet. Jason says, if she says so. She asks if he doesn’t agree, and he says he understands why Doc turned him in, but he was wrong. It was also wrong of him to take off for Europe. He doesn’t trust Doc’s judgement. If Carly thinks she needs it, go back, but he doesn’t think she does. Carly says she doesn’t either; she just wanted to hear him say it. He says she’s definitely sane. Not always practical or logical, but sane. She loves that he knows it, and that she’s free. Ferncliff is just a bad memory, but she feels guilty about the patients that are still stuck.

Ryan thanks Gordon. He says Gordon is kind. Better than the staff who used to be there. He genuinely wants to help. He asks Gordon not to tell anyone they spoke, especially his doctor. If finds out told who really is he’ll kill him

Franco says Cameron can file a request and get the transcript of his trial – it’s public record – but they’re not having a conversation about what he’s done. They’re talking about what Cameron just did to Aiden. Cameron says he’s known Aiden a long time, and knows what he needs. Franco says he doesn’t need a bully to make him feel smaller than he feels already. Cameron says he’s not bully, but he’s seen them, and the fastest way to get picked on is bringing girl pencils, dolls or stuffed animals to school. It doesn’t matter how many lectures the teachers give. If Franco cares about Aiden, don’t get him the pencils. Elizabeth calls, and asks Franco how it’s going. He says the boys are keeping him busy.

David asks Kiki if she thinks this is over. She says, judging by the box, yeah.  David says he’s suing the hospital for wrongful termination, and her for defamation. She says, in that case, she looks forward to testifying against him again. He tells her that he’s going to bring this place to its knees, but she doesn’t see that as happening.

Robert explains to Chase about how Cassandra was abducted while being transferred to another medical facility. They expect Finn to treat her. Chase says, so if they find Finn, they find Cassandra? Robert says Finn and Cassandra have a colorful history. He adds that he needs fresh coffee, and Chase says, thanks; he takes his black.

Anna tells Cassandra to let her clarify. She doesn’t have a choice. She’s been in a coma for eight months. Finn adds, courtesy of her own designer cocktail. He loves the irony. She contracted a rare blood disorder, and finally got the rare, incurable disease she wanted. If he cures her, he’ll name it after her; it’s her version of Christmas. Anna tells her to pretend she’s unconscious, and they’ll sneak her past their captors. She’ll tell them who the captors are, and only then will Finn treat her. Cassandra asks what if she refuses? Anna says the only reason she’s conscious is because Finn is an excellent chemist. Right now, that’s the only thing keeping her conscious. Finn tells her it’s going to wear off. Anna says, it’s her choice. Pretend she’s in a coma and help them, or she goes back to being in a real one, and theirs will be the last faces she sees. What will it be?

Jason tells Carly that it was wrong for her to be at Ferncliff, but he saw some dangerous and bad people in there. She says that’s why she’s grateful to Doc. She trusts him.

Doc visits Ryan, telling Gordon that he can be alone with the patient. Gordon leaves. Doc and Ryan look at each other. Doc brings out the birthday cupcake, and lights the candle. He says, happy birthday brother; make a wish.

Carly tells Jason that she knows Doc has her best interest at heart.

Tomorrow, Chase asks Robert to let him help, Ava wants to hurt Griff like she hurts, and Mike asks if someone is there.

Shahs of Sunset

Reza goes to Mike’s place. He can’t believe how good it looks. He asks what they’re doing for MJ. She never said the things she was saying last night at the hospital. In his interview, Mike says seeing Shams broke his heart in way he can’t explain. Reza says she’s never said, that’s it, before. Mike says there was no response when she was speaking to him. Reza calls MJ, and asks if Shams is still with them, but he passed away. He asks what she needs. She just wants quiet time. She tried to comfort him as much as possible. Reza says they know with certainty there was nothing more she could have done. She should be proud of herself. She has someone who loves her, and Shams went knowing those things. In his interview, Reza says Shams was the first adult he came out to, and it was as if he was telling Shams his favorite color. A Persian adult accepting him was revolutionary, and it made him think he could tell his parents and live an authentic life. He tells her than he and Mike would be honored to have a dinner for her, and do a Persian feast in honor of Shams. Mike is worried for her. Reza says, it’s too much.

GG plays with her cats. The phone rings. It’s Reza. He tells her MJ’s dad passed away that morning. He just spoke with her, and he and Mike are throwing together a dinner party to get her out of the house. He asks if she can make it to Mike’s around five. She says let her know if they need any help.

Reza checks to see what mike has in the way of food, and says he’ll place a flower order. Mike looks for a cutting board. Reza says he’s holding a sausage and a knife, and looks like a gay serial killer.

Shervin and GG go to the florist. GG thinks MJ is in denial. She talked as though he was walking out of the hospital. She’s afraid MJ’s strength is being confused with her being in shock. If she hasn’t properly mourned, it will come out in other ways. Shervin says they’re all hurt and sad, but also scared for their turn. Shams is the first parent of their group to pass away. GG says the Persian holidays are around the corner, and Shervin says they have to make sure to keep her included.

Mike straightens up his place, and gets ready for the dinner.

Reza never shared MJ’s optimistic view that her dad would walk her down the aisle, but for her, the hope has kept her going. He says, whatever she needs, he’s there. This is rough. I knew it was coming, but I’ve had a bad day, and they’re all crying, so I’m crying. I know what it’s like to lose a father you’re very close to.

Shervin brings a huge vase of flowers. Reza brings a ton of food. They toast to Shams. Mike’s glad to have them over, but wishes it was under other circumstances. Reza says regardless of where they’re at, they come together when they need to. As members of the Persian community, they gather around the person who’s lost a loved one. Everyone is supposed to make sure you’re fed and prop you up, so you can just breathe. Mike says it’s not a somber occasion. They need to enjoy life while they have it. Mike says he’s dying young. Reza wants to ask an inappropriate question before MJ gets there – what happens with the wedding? Shervin says she has to move forward. They can’t let her stop. Nema arrives.

Nema has a place in Venice, and is letting Erica have the other place. In his interview, he says he’s more confused than ever. He’s enamored of GG, screwed up, and Erica asked for a break. It’s the first time he’s on his own, and wonders if it’s worth it. Vida comes in, followed by Sammy, who we haven’t seen in ages. More flowers arrive.

Tommy pulls up with MJ. He tells her that she looks pretty. She says Mike doesn’t have any curtains yet, and everyone is staring. She doesn’t want the whole attention thing, and Tommy says he’s got her. In his interview, Tommy says the first thing she has to admit to everyone, is that Shams is gone and not coming back. He doesn’t know if she’s ready. They go inside.

MJ thanks everyone for coming. GG tells MJ that if she has an eighth of what Shams had, she’s set. They hug a bunch of times. Reza says the rice is conflict free, kosher, and vegan. Pedram from New Orleans is there. He’s also MJ’s dress designer. Nema says Mona couldn’t be there, and feels badly about it. MJ wants to know who her florist is – hashtag, wedding coming up. Reza is glad she still has a sense of humor. Tommy wishes he knew what to do and could take the pain. A friend tells him, it’s these moments that prove who you are and what the two of you have.

Vida says they did everything for him. In her interview, Vida says Shams loved her since she was a teenager. They weren’t like other divorced couples; they were friends. We see clips of them. She says Shams was her family. MJ says she’s seeing her mother maternal in a way she’s never felt. Underneath her complains and sharp delivery, is a resilient, strong woman who’s there to be a protector, and it’s beautiful.

Reza takes MJ aside. They’re supposed to go for a fitting on Friday. He wants to honor and respect her wishes, and whatever she wants to do. She doesn’t want to cancel anything. She wants her dad to feel her love, but doesn’t want to turn into a basket case. Reza says what stands out most was that he lived. He was a cool-ass cat, regardless of what’s going on. In his interview, Reza says he’s glad she’s not falling into a sinkhole. It would be a mistake to stop the momentum.

Nema always thought the Persian guy was the one in the Speedo, wearing tons of gold and repelling women, but then he started hanging with these guys. Destiney brings halvah, and explains it’s something you make when someone has passed away. It’s a sweet dish, and looks really good. She felt she had to do it. Reza thanks everyone for coming on short notice. Obviously, they all love MJ like he does. MJ feels the love and support. She says her mom is amazing, having sat next to him for so long. Vida is glad she did. Shams had thirteen siblings that he brought to the US, and he helped hundreds of people. MJ says she obviously never wanted this to happen. She misses him so much, and is scared of the future. When the shock passes, she’ll think of their times together and push through. She hopes he comes back as a ghost. She wants him at the wedding and in the labor room. I think she means delivery room. She wants to celebrate his life.

GG goes to see a Persian lawyer. She needs a divorce, and Persians keep it real. The lawyer asks questions like when they got married, and when it ended. In her interview, GG is starting to feel anger slipping through cracks, and doesn’t want to be that person. She needs for it to end. It’s tricky, and you have to make sure you trust someone to do the right job. She says, shalom, Shalom. She’s putting herself first. She doesn’t need someone to be whole. She’s whole on her own.

In the car, Reza says the OC is suffocating. MJ asks if they need passports. Reza says literally every woman is the whitest and the blondest, and even old women have fake boobs up to here. MJ says it’s the first dress conversation. They had a wake, and she saw her father this morning. Reza doesn’t know how she did it. She says there was a big change; one at the housewarming. We flash back to Mike telling her not to put things on pause for her dad. She says she wasn’t ready to hear it, but the second time was in Israel. We see a clip of Mike telling her to move forward. In his interview, Mike says when his grandfather died, it was unexpected, and it ate at him that he never had the chance to tell him things he wanted to say. MJ had her chance. He says, big goals, big dreams, no time to waste; get moving. They have drinks and eat Cheetos in the car. MJ says she brought glasses that are actually glass. Mike says she’s saying that because he has Solo cups at home.

Nema has everyone gather at a restaurant for Mona’ s birthday. He tells his friend Annette that she’ the buffer for him with GG and Erica. Annette asks who he’s trying to impress, but he doesn’t know. Adam arrives, followed by Shervin and GG. In his interview, GG says Nema is like her boy toy, and she wants to look better when she might see him. He’s sweet without expectations, although she’s sure she knows what he wants. She finds out Erica is coming, and asks Nema if Erica is going to kill her. He says they had issues before, and it has nothing to do with her. Erica and Mona walk in. In her interview, GG says it’s awkward, and takes massive cojones. She tells Erica that hard liquor makes her violent. In his interview, Nema says Erica is aware that GG is the girl he tried to kiss. GG is like a fire breathing dragon. She can choose to spare your life or burn you to a crisp. Erica isn’t a pushover, so it’s like playing Russian roulette. Nema can’t hear what they’re talking about, and says the best-case scenario is Erica saying she can’t blame GG, and has a crazy idea – let’s share Nema, and the three of them can make out. Yeah. In his dreams. Nema toasts to Mona, his little big sister. He loves her, and she’s his best friend. Everyone starts dancing and drinks some more.

Nema tells Destiney sometimes you love the right person, but have to figure it out. Destiney says he wasted years to end up telling Erica that he needed to figure himself out. In her interview, she says Nema wants both cakes. Nema feels horrible, but has to accept he can’t give Erica what she deserves. The only way was to pull off the Band-Aid.

Mike and Reza hum the wedding march as they walk into the bridal shop. Pedram greets them. MJ says her wedding dress has to be sexy and show off her assets. Reza says it should be like a gaggle of gay minions is holding everything where it needs to be, without an actual crowd of gays around her. MJ brings out a bodysuit to wear underneath, and Mike asks if she needs help. Reza tries on a veil. Mike checks on MJ, who’s now crying in her dress. He dries her tears, and says, it’s all good. They’ll go at her pace.

Reza asks MJ if it’s too early. In her interview, MJ says her dad isn’t walking her down the aisle. Reza tells her that she looks beautiful, even when she’s crying. He has something he wanted to share with her. He leaves for a moment, and Mike says her father will never leave her. He’s here, just not in physical form. He’s not suffering, and he’s looking down on her. Reza gives her a box. It’s his man-of-honor thank you gift. MJ takes out a Cartier bracelet, and Reza puts it on her. In his interview, Mike knows she’s going to bounce back with him and Reza around to protect and love her. He’s a softie when it comes to MJ, and promised Shams on his deathbed that he’d make sure she was okay.

MJ comes out in her dress. Reza says, talk about hourglass. It’s fabulous. Sleeveless, form-fitting with a fishtail hem, and lots of bling. In her interview, MJ says her dad had the most infinite amount of faith a parent could have in a child. When she would pout, he’d make her laugh and say, no sissies. She has to be able to push through.

The episode was dedicated to memory of Shams Javid – 1934-2018.

Next time – September 6th – GG goes to a sex shop, Reza gets a smoky eye, MJ asks Tommy if he even wants to get married, and a shower that’s drowning in drama.

The Real Housewives of Dallas

At D’Andra’s party, Bill takes the mic, and asks if everyone is ready for a surprise. LeeAnne and Rick are getting married tonight. In her interview D’Andra says, if you’re dragging your feet, there are deeper issues. Rich says he sharted. It’s a joke, and everyone keeps drinking. Bill thanks everyone for coming, and introduces D’Andra and Jeremy. D’Andra confesses that within five minutes of meeting Jeremy, she knew he was the man she was going to marry. Jeremy says within three minutes, he was having sex with her. They’re here because they love all of them. Jeremy met the woman of his dreams, and he’s still horny. In her interview, LeeAnne says she’s looking forward to celebrating a fourth anniversary with Rich, but she needs a wedding first.

Stephanie tells LeeAnne that she gets depressed if she drinks. LeeAnne thinks when you get older, the balance gets worse. Two years ago, she needed to get help; she tried to kill herself twice. Stephanie says she did when she was twenty-two. She just wanted the pain to stop. In her interview, Stephanie says she lost all her friends during a bad break-up. She wanted a way out. LeeAnne thinks the best thing to help yourself, is to help someone else. LeeAnne says you don’t think about it or feel it as much. Stephanie is afraid it will happen again. She opened up to LeeAnne, because she uses the negative things in her life to help other people. She thought if she shared herself, LeeAnne would understand. They just have different viewpoints.

There’s a group photo shoot. Brandi had said she wasn’t coming, but shows up anyway. Stephanie screams and claps. Cary finds D’Andra. Brandi asks to talk to her a minute. In her interview, Brandi says D’Andra has been talking sh*t about her around town, saying she’s a drug addict. She’s been taking the high road. She knows tonight is important to D’Andra, so she’s there to support her, even if she’s being a bitch. D’Andra is confused that she’s there. Brandi says if they have an issue, they need to put it aside. D’Andra says she wanted to be friends, but thought Brandi didn’t like her. Brandi says she’s never not liked her. LeeAnne and the others gravitate over. D’Andra wants to get to know Brandi. In her interview, Brandi says Stephanie is wasted (she is!), but she doesn’t blame her. She has to drink to be around LeeAnne. In her interview, Cary says Stephanie has had about twenty-seven drinks. She’s A-OK. Cary and Brandi help Stephanie to the car. She tries to climb on a stone lion and falls, but Brandi catches her.

The next day, vent planner Rachel visits Stephanie, who is totally hungover. She thinks the house done enough for a party. Rachel thinks it’s perfect for a party. The pool in the living room is officially gone. Stephanie gives us a tour, and tells us the renovations came to $1.7 million. She says Brandi is going to introduce the new baby. The only people who know are immediate family and Cary. She’s calling it Bubbles and Bru. Everyone will probably think she can’t spell, but it stands for Bruin. Rachel envisions a wall of champagne glasses. Stephanie calls Brandi and asks if there’s anything in particular she wants. Brandi says, sleep. She’s excited, even if she doesn’t sound that way. Stephanie is glad she showed up at D’Andra’s party. Brandi says she wants to address the Adderall issue. Stephanie admits to having fun with LeeAnne. She seems to be in a good place. Brandi says she should make the effort. In her interview, Brandi says she’s going to have to invite LeeAnne and D’Andra, or it will be about how they got left out instead of Bruin.

In her interview, D’Andra says that she and her mother got through the party, but in the office, they act like the other doesn’t exist. Communication has to happen. D’Andra talks to her assistant about their flagship product, Green Miracle. She says, when a product has been around for twenty-five years, you have to change it up now and then. She wanted to confront her mother about it, but she’s afraid Dee will blow up and walk away from their mother/daughter relationship if she doesn’t get her way. D’Andra and Dee have a sit down.

D’Andra says they need to discuss the travel sizes, and soft pouch packaging. Dee says the product’s customers are really her customers; she doesn’t want to lose them. D’Andra doesn’t see how they would lose them, and Dee says they’re not doing it. D’Andra is confused (for the second time tonight). She says Dee gave her the key to the company, and she’s supposed to make decisions. She knows what the cost will be, and will take it from her salary; she doesn’t need money. Dee thinks it would be a mistake, and D’Andra says she’s not stupid. Dee says sometimes being an only child can be difficult. Mothers and daughters can be jealous of each other, especially if they’re good looking. Wow. I don’t think that’s D’Andra’s problem, but she just gave herself away. D’Andra says she’s never been jealous. They’re both popular. In her interview, D’Andra asks who’s jealous of who? She’s young, her skin is flawless, she’s happily married, and her face moves when has an expression. D’Andra says Dee was raving, and Dee accuses D’Andra of verbal abuse. D’Andra says that’s totally bullsh*t; she started it. She was trying to explain something to her. Dee says she’s not talking to her anymore today. D’Andra says she can separate her company. She just needs to get an investor. Dee says she doesn’t give a rip what D’Andra does. In her interview, D’Andra says her mother manipulation tactic is controlling the money; her inheritance and her salary. Until she relinquishes control of the finances, they’ll never have a mother/daughter relationship.

Stephanie’s parents visit. Mother Susan feels like it’s not Stephanie’s house yet. Grandfather Papa and Grandmother Nanny want to have a blessing. Susan says, when you invite the Lord in, He’ll come. They say a prayer. In her interview, Stephanie says she grew up Pentecostal, and they spoke in tongues. She was afraid it would freak Travis out, since he grew up Catholic. The dog bugs Papa while they’re praying. Papa says, the dog was getting on that prayer. In her interview, Stephanie says, a lot of people use sage to bless a house, but the Lord has more power. Amen to that. She feels better; it’s the power of prayer.

Stephanie tells Susan about D’Andra’s party, and how she sat by LeeAnne. She thought she’d make a bridge, and be open. She shared about how she tried to commit suicide, which her mom was there for. In her interview, Stephanie explains that she was with a guy who didn’t make her feel like a worthy person. She wasn’t good enough, and felt judged. They broke up, and she lost all her friends. She couldn’t handle it. She starts to get weepy, and says she doesn’t talk about this. She tells Susan, people like pretty packages. Continuing with her interview, she says she took a load of pills, but her mom was home. She stumbled into her room, and her mom called the ambulance. Susan thanks Stephanie for coming to her. Stephanie tells us it affected her relationship with her family. They have a fear that wasn’t there before. She feels badly, because they’re amazing, and shouldn’t have to live in fear. Susan asks if her conversation with LeeAnne ended on good note. Stephanie says she doesn’t want to fight anymore. Susan says she had the opportunity to see how they’re the same. She thinks people are quick to judge. They don’t give hurting people the opportunity to be real, and just pile on more pain. Susan is a smart lady.

Cary doesn’t know where anything is in her kitchen. They’re remodeling, and living in her parents’ second home. Mark says the construction is moving along. Cary says it started with her closet, and now it’s the entire house. They have to get back before her parents come home from Palm Springs; she doesn’t want to be living with them. Zuri calls Cary and Mark by their first names, and Cary calls her precocious. In her interview, Cary feels like she missed out on the moments with her dad that Zuri and Mark have. She’s afraid she’s going to break something, and her parents are particular. They like everything just-so, but her brain doesn’t work that way. Mark says she’s particular, and is also the one to break something.

LeeAnne meets Jeanette, her stylist. She’s getting a private fashion show. In her interview, LeeAnne says she wanted to create a dress, but wasn’t sure how. A model comes out in a prototype. It’s an LBD, but with pieces that snap on. We see a shoulder ruffle and fishtail hem. LeeAnne wanted to make something a woman could wear all kinds of ways – the infinity dress. She’s the dress, and the additions are lessons learned. This is so cool! Long sleeves are snapped on, and we see various ways the dress can be worn. LeeAnne’s ultimate dream is to be on a shopping network. She says, if she can transform herself, she can transform the world. I would totally buy this. It’s it’s like that Norma Kamali dress you can wear different ways, but better, and much more practical.

Brandi has three kids, a dog, and a rabbit, and a husband. It’s a lot to take care of. It’s her life now. She has twenty minutes to get ready for the party at Stephanie’s house.

Stephanie wants the party to be everything for Brandi. The three Fs – food, floral, and fun. And alcohol. Three Fs and an A. In her interview, Brandi says when Bryan is home, he’s all in, but sometimes it’s too much for her by herself. She comes in, and starts to cry, saying, it’s so beautiful! It is. There’s even a cotton candy machine. She’s overwhelmed with gratitude. In her interview, she says she wouldn’t have the baby if not for Stephanie. Stephanie tells Brandi to hide in the bedroom until the guests come.

Kameron gets there first. Court looks really tiny next to her. No wonder he’s so controlling. Napoleon Complex. Kameron thinks it’s rude for the hostess not to be there to greet the guests. Brandi and Stephanie talk about LeeAnne at last year’s Halloween party. Stephanie says LeeAnne seems good right now. In her interview, Brandi says, Stephanie is in a better place with LeeAnne. She’s not there yet, but she’s making an effort. Stephanie goes downstairs.

Kameron tells Stephanie that she figured it out. There’s too much blue. What if Bru is a little boy’s name. She doesn’t think it’s Stephanie, so it has to be Brandi. In her interview, Stephanie thinks Kameron should give up dog food and start a detective agency. She tells Kameron that she has a surrogate. On the side, she tells Travis to keep it going for thirty minutes. Kameron is all excited, saying. no one else knows.

Stephanie tells Brandi what happened with Kameron. In her interview, Stephanie says if she has to pop a child out of her who-ha, she’ll do it. Nothing is ruining the surprise. Cary arrives, bearing a gift. In her interview, Carly says coming from where they were last year, this speaks volumes. Brandi has a big heart, and this proves it. Stephanie lets Cary know what she told Kameron, and pretends Brandi isn’t there yet. D’Andra and LeeAnne arrive (not together). Stephanie tells LeeAnne how much she enjoyed her company. In her interview, Stephanie says LeeAnne was scary as hell before. Keep meditating.

Stephanie asks everyone into the main room. She says, God had a special plan, and tells everyone to welcome her favorite ginger family, with new baby boy Bruin Charles. Brandi, Bryan, and the kids come downstairs. In her interview, Kameron says, are you kidding me? This isn’t a baby announcement; it’s a baby delivery.

Next time, Kameron thinks they should go on a trip, Cary gets naked, and the trip doesn’t go as planned.

🍦 I’m Not, But It Is…

August 22, 2018 – Julian Sneaks Around, NYC Reunion Begins, Black Forest Dreams, Chef Links, Dallas Later, Background for Medicine & Dress-Up

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Curtis asks if Drew isn’t attracted to a smart, funny, successful woman. Drew says it’s not that; he thinks Margaux has an agenda. Curtis says he didn’t find anything. She might as well be called No Drama Dawson. Drew thinks there’s more to Margaux than they’re seeing. Curtis says he guesses Drew would know, and shows him the picture from The Invader.

Margaux looks at the same picture at the bar, and asks Peter how he feels about lawsuits. He says he’s not a fan. She can’t believe he’s still walking free. She wants to find the publisher of this rag, and he says she’s looking at him.

At the MetroCourt, Nina and Maxie are having a meeting. Lulu stops by, and asks Nina if they’re still meeting about Charlotte’s schedule, and Nina says they’re still on. Lulu says she might not be in Valentin’s life anymore, she’ll always be in Charlotte’s. Nina thanks Lulu for including her.

Brad and Lucas come to the hospital with the baby. Kim asks how the two fathers are, and Lucas says Wiley might not be theirs much longer.

Alexis tells Diane that she knew this could happen, but hoped it wouldn’t. Diane thought the path was clear, but shame on her. The window exists for a reason. Alexis asks if Diane knows why the birth mother would reconsider after all this time. Julian opens the door a crack so he can hear better.

Michael goes to Sonny’s place and looks at family photos. Sonny walks in, and asks how it was. Michael says, quiet and peaceful. He stayed longer than he meant to. He didn’t know how to leave. Sonny says there’s a terrible moment when you bury someone you love. The grave is covered, the prayers have been said, you said everything you can say. You want to walk away, but can’t. It’s over. He tells Michael that he’s going to get on with his life. The life waiting for him, but not with them. You miss them, remember them, and imagine what it would be like with them, but it’s just a game in your head. You’re trying to hide from the grief, but the longer you keep playing that game, the worse it’s going to get.

Diane tells Alexis it won’t make things less difficult. The odds of Brad and Lucas keeping the baby are slim to none. There are no red flags with the birth mother, and no reason to question her fitness. Alexis tells her to say Brad and Lucas love their son is an understatement. Diane asks if she’s prepared them, and Alexis says they understand it’s likely they’ll lose. Diane says her paralegal was supposed to bring her a file. She looks out in the hallway, and Julian ducks around a corner. Alexis really wishes they weren’t going through this proceeding, and Diane says, you and me both.

Drew tells Curtis that Margaux asked him to help her bring down Sonny. Curtis asks what he said, and Drew says he accused her of flirting with him to get him to flip on Sonny, but it’s not happening. Curtis asks if that’s when she laid one on him. Drew says she insisted she was genuinely interested in him. There’s something going on with that woman, and he’s going to find out what.

Margaux says Peter is the publisher of The Invader? He says, the one and only. She says he certainly rose from the ashes. He thanks her, but she says it’s not a compliment. He asks why she’s so angry, and she says he turned something he knows nothing about into a news story. Congratulations on his breathtaking lack of scruples. His father would be proud.

Lulu tells Maxie and Nina that Peter is there, and he offered her a job. Maxie asks if he’s making the rounds. Lulu says, her too? Nina asks if she took it, but Lulu says, no way. She works for s legitimate publication that has staff meetings. She goes over to Peter, and tells him to cancel dinner on Friday. She won’t be joining him. She doesn’t deal in fake news. Maxie asks Nina what’s wrong with Peter that he’s poaching employees from his old company? It’s tacky. She sees Nina isn’t paying attention, and says, earth to Nina; what’s going on? Nina says she was remembering what day it was. Valentin comes in, and asks to speak to Nina. Maxie says they’re in the middle of a working lunch, but Nina says, it’s okay. They have unfinished business to attend to.

Drew says Margaux showed interest too quickly. Curtis says he doesn’t see it, but maybe she finds him irresistible. Drew tells him that she said since he has Jason’s memories, he knows where the bodies are buried. Curtis says she kissed him anyway. Does he like her, or did he before? What if he’s wrong? What if she’s digging him, and he missed out because he’s too damn stubborn?

Margaux says apparently she’s not the only one who questions Peter’s journalistic integrity. He says there’s nothing wrong with printing a picture of a public servant. She’s not off limits; neither is Drew. If she wants less coverage, she should control her impulses. She asks if he’s trying to piss her off. He says, no, and actually thinks they like each other.

Valentin asks to speak to Nina privately, but Nina says whatever he’s got to say, he can say in front of Maxie. He asks if she knows what day it is, and Maxie wonders what’s up with the day? Nina says Valentin had thirty days to change her mind, and they’re up. Maxie says she’s still going through with the divorce, right?

Kim tells Brad and Lucas that she’s sorry. Lucas says the birth mother changed her mind once; they’re hoping she changes it again. It’s possible. Brad says they already love him so much.

Diane feels for Brad and Lucas, but tells Alexis it could be worse. She just came from the funeral for Michael’s baby. Alexis says at least they have the comfort of knowing the baby is alive and well. Diane says either her paralegal was held up or took a long lunch. She’ll collect the file herself. Alexis says she’s very hands-on. Diane tells her, never let it be said that Diane Miller is spoiled. Alexis says, except when Max is feeding her grapes during her mani/pedi.

When they’re gone, Julian pops out, and goes into the office.

Curtis doesn’t want Drew to miss out on something special because he was burned in the past. He suggests he bring her to the reception. He gave Drew a plus one; he might as well use it. He can show Margaux his fancy Macarena dance moves. Drew says he’s just trying to be realistic, but Curtis says sometimes you have to let go and enjoy yourself. Maybe he should stop looking for what’s wrong, and see something right. He doesn’t care what they say, there’s hope for him. Drew says he knows what he’s doing. Curtis says, if you say so. Drew asks if they’re really going to play the Macarena, and Curtis tells him it was hypothetical. Curtis leaves, and Lulu approaches Drew. She says sorry for stalking him, but she needs his help facing the job market.

Peter thinks Margaux could help him; she knows about the juicy stories. If she accommodates him, he’ll do the same. She says, in his dreams. He tells her, there’s no expiration date on the offer. If she changes her mind, she knows where to find him.

Valentin tells Nina it’s torture living without her, and Charlotte misses her. Maxie tells him not to use his daughter as emotional blackmail. He says they can make it work, better than it was before. Maxie asks if she’s falling for this, and Nina says, sorry. There’s nothing he can do to make up for what he did to Peter. He used an innocent child as a pawn; she can’t get over it. She’s filing for divorce, and he said her wouldn’t fight her. Valentin says he won’t, and she thanks him. She has to go. Maxie asks where she’s going, but Nina doesn’t answer and jets to the elevator like she’s on fire. Maxie says poor Valentin; he didn’t get what he wanted. Valentin says Maxie did. She can’t bring herself blame Peter for Nathan’s death, so she’s punishing him. He admits he played his part. Nina understands his situational ethics; he practices doing what’s necessary to get what he wants. He doesn’t regret a moment spent with her. She knows that he loves her, complete with her complexities, contradictions, and eccentricities. He doesn’t want her money or to control her. He loves her, even flawed. He tells Maxie to punish him, but stop using Nina to do it.

Brad asks Alexis is she’s gotten any ne information. She tells them that Diane is the biological mother’s attorney. Brad says he thought she was sympathetic to them, and Alexis says, she is, but she was there to represent her client. Lucas says, even though the birth mother vetted and selected them, now she wants the child back. It doesn’t matter.

Julian take pics of the adoption file in Diane’s office.

Sonny tells Michael that he’s dealt with grief alone many times, inside himself. Sometimes physically locking the doors and covering the windows; sometime shutting down and focusing on work, so he didn’t have to think about what’s missing or the empty space left behind. Michael says, Jonah didn’t leave anything behind. He sees a picture of Morgan, and thinks of his room, and the memories he has. He can close his eyes and see him; hear his voice. He never even heard Jonah cry. Jonah never touched anything he got for him. That’s why it was easier than he thought to give his stuff away. There’s no way to compare the two. Sonny tells him not to. He loved them both, and lost them both. That’s the hell of it.

Peter is looking at other publications on his tablet, and Maxie asks him if he’s nostalgic for real news. He says he’s checking the competition. He asks how James is, and Maxie tells him not to pretend they’re friends. He says he finds no shame in giving the public what it wants. She asks if that includes poaching employees. He says it clearly bothers her that he offered Lulu a job. He didn’t think they were friends anymore. Like the two of them.

Lulu tells Drew that she’s been demoted. She’s been bumped to puff pieces in favor of a Pulitzer prize winner who came along. Drew admits it’s a good move. Lulu says it’s great, but in the meantime, all the huge stories she wrote don’t exist. Stacy appreciate her work, and said she was grateful for the stories she’s covered about people she knew personally, but she has to come up with something new. Drew says that’s the reason he hired them. If Stacy thinks it’s best for the paper, his advice is to keep it up. Keep doing what she’s doing in the event an opportunity presents itself. She asks if he realizes patience is not a Spencer thing. He wishes he could help. She thanks him for hearing her, and leaves.

Margaux asks if Drew has seen any good headlines, and he says nothing that caught his eye. She says if she’d realized the kiss would be in the news, she would have thought twice about it. He hopes it didn’t damage her reputation. She thinks it’s intact, and asks about his. He thinks he can use it, and she says it’s a win-win. She offers to make it up to him for being a jerk, and asks if he’s hungry.

At the hospital, Julian tells Kim there’s a lot going on. She says she saw Lucas and Brad, and they told her about the birth mother. It breaks her heart. Julian doesn’t understand how she can just take him back. What kind of person does that? Kim says, a mother.

Nina goes to Diane’s office. Diane has the papers drawn up, and asks if Nina has decided what she wants to do. If she’s changed her mind, Diane can make it go away. Nina says she has to divorce her husband

Valentin thanks Curtis for coming. He has a job for him. Curtis says Nina is one of his favorite people, and he feels the opposite about Valentin. Why would he do Valentin a favor? Valentin says it’s not a favor for him. The only person who stands to benefit is Nina.

Michael says he read something that said all grief is unique, yet all grief is the same. Sonny says, the difference is how you deal with it. He’ll realize eventually the only way out is through. He tells Michael not to make the same mistake he did. He has a lot of people who love him and want to help him; let them help. Michael says he just did that, and they hug. Sonny says he’ll be all right.

Brad says Wiley left his binkie in the car, and goes to get it. Alexis asks Lucas if Brad is all right. She needs them both to be focused, and stay strong. They need to present a more stable home.

Kim tells Julian the bond between mother and child is indescribable. He wonders why the birth mother didn’t balk after she gave birth. Kim says she probably doesn’t know what’s happening; she just knows she’s not with him. Maybe she decided she couldn’t go through with it. She’s sorry it’s hurting them so much. He appreciates her perspective, and her listening to him. She tells him to stick around. She leaves, and he gets a call from Brad, who’s freaking out. He asks if Julian has made any headway. How can they make sure no one finds out Wiley is another woman’s son? Julian says he’s on it. He has a plan, and will fill Brad in later. He tells Brad to sit tight. He looks at the photos he took.

Margaux tells Drew that she ran into Peter, and told him what she thought of his brand of journalism. His photographer isn’t bad though. He managed to get her good side. Drew’s, not so much. She asks if she’s boring him already, and he says he’s just trying to figure her out. She didn’t realize she was complicated. He says she came on a bit strong, and she asks if she was obnoxious. He says, direct. He’s wondering what else is going on in there. She says she hates to disappoint him, but what you see is what you get. He doubts that.

Maxie tells Peter that she and Lulu are in a decent place. He’s happy to hear that. Lulu is a lucky woman. Lulu appears, and asks if Peter has a minute. She says it’s kind of awkward, but Maxie will hear it soon enough. She asks if the chief investigative reporter position is still on the table.

Diane asks if Nina is sure. Nina says Valentin changed her office into a Moroccan holiday, bought ads to profess his love in the magazine, and bought Charlotte a horse so they could ride together. They were gestures. Diane says they had an effect. Nina says he lied so much, and condemned a small child to a lifetime of hell. No amount of love can overcome that. Diane says she still loves him, and Nina says, not enough. Diane asks if she can make an observation. Nina has told her some wonderful things he’s done, she’s shaking a little, and still hasn’t picked up the pen. She’s allowed to have reservations. She doesn’t have to go through with it. Diane can bill her for the meeting, and put it in a file; she can decide later. There’s no penalty for not signing. As someone who’s had a ringside seat for these things, there’s a special pain when you divorce someone you love. The breaking apart of two lives causes wear and tear on the heart. She tells Nina to be super certain it’s what she wants to do before she dives in. Nina signs, disappointing both Diane and I.

Curtis says he’s all about making Nina happy, but he doesn’t think they hold the same ticket. Valentin says he can find the one thing that will make her happier than anything. Curtis says, unless he found a new procedure to let her get pregnant… Valentin says he found her child. He doesn’t have a location or ID, but he knows she exists. Nina has a daughter. Curtis says she miscarried. Valentin says that’s what her mother wants her to believe, but she delivered. Curtis asks who told him, and he says, her mother. He had to drag it out of her, but she admitted it, and he believes it. The child doesn’t know she has a mother, and vice versa. Curtis can make that happen.

Margaux tells Drew about prosecuting someone she went out with in middle school. She thought it would be a conflict of interest, even though they only went together for all of seven hours. Her boss told her the discussion was a waste of time, and the case was a waste of court time. In the end, he caved, and took a plea deal of five years. Drew asks if she had no qualms about putting her first love in prison. She says it was her first conviction. He’ll always have a special place in her heart. She’s a DA first; everything else she does is second, although she’s passionate about baseball. He asks, what else? and she says, him first. What inspires his passion?

Peter tells Lulu the job is hers if she wants it. Lulu says, no hard feelings? and he says, none. Maxie says she can’t be serious. Lulu says circumstances changed. She realized a great opportunity. Chief investigative reporter would take her years anywhere else. Maxie says she’ll have to be with him all the time. She says she won’t; she’ll be gone on assignment. Peter says they’ll hardly see each other. Lulu says she’s doing this. She’s in.

Lucas asks Brad where the binkie is, and he says he just needed air. Alexis asks if he feels any better, and he says, for the first time since this went down, he feels hopeful that Wiley is going to stay with them. Lucas says, from his lips. They hug, and Alexis looks worried.

Julian is looking at his phone when Kim comes back. She says she needs to take a raincheck for lunch; a patient is in labor. She’s sorry about what Brad and Lucas are going through – and him. They can’t control the fate of their children. Sometimes all they can do is hope. She leaves, and he looks at the form on his phone again. He sees a phone number and calls it. He says, you don’t know me, but I think we should meet.

Tomorrow, Finn says now they’re all at risk, David asks what Kiki is waiting for, and Ryan says there’s a dangerous man loose in Port Charles.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part One

Carole says reunions are group therapy and torture. Ramona says she’s calm, but things can change quickly. Bethenny says she’s like the mother of dragons, fighting multiple blondes. I gasp when I see Bethenny’s dress. She looks like a princess. All of the dresses are beautiful, although I’m not quite as crazy about Carole’s. I’m just not into her style.

Andy welcomes us to the season ten reunion, where they’re putting a bow on a gift of a season. Sonja is wearing one of her own dresses, and I have to mention, she has very pretty things for sale at very reasonable prices. No surprise, Dorinda is wearing Jovani. Just so she can say it again. LuAnn couldn’t be there, since she’s back in rehab – which sux – but Andy says they still have an incredible season to talk about.

Bethenny says her apartment exceeded expectations, and it’s like a home in the city. Avery moved out, so Ramona has listed her apartment for sale. Andy asks Carole the latest about her and Adam. He says at the end it was confusing; Adam was sending her tulips. Carole says they’re friends, but don’t get coffee. Tinsley got a haircut. She was worried it would make her feel older and fatter, but she feels younger and thinner. Yes, Tinsley, when you hit a certain age, long hair just makes you look like you’re trying to look younger. Unless you’re Crystal Gayle. Dorinda has been working out. She thought if Carole could do a marathon, she could get her lazy ass up, and she got a trainer. Sonja tells us that she’s a pescatarian, someone who doesn’t eat meat, but eats fish.

We look back over the fashion during the season. Ugh! Dorinda’s Lady Gaga bubble dress. That so did not work for me. And LuAnn’s Diana Ross wig. Ha-ha-ha! Andy asks about it. Bethenny says her dog had died that day, and she didn’t even notice. Carole says LuAnn is tone deaf when it comes to racial stereotypes. They agree she looked darker on TV. Andy asks about best and worst Halloween costume. Dorinda says hers was both – she lost all her bubbles by the end of the night. We find out Lady Gaga’s mother goes to Dorinda’s church.

We discuss Bethenny’s disaster relief. We see a clip of her getting an award, and clips from Puerto Rico. We flash back to Bobby’s funeral, and the Halloween party. The nutcracker incident is relived. Dorinda gets annoyed all over again. We see Ramona giving Bethenny the business, and her calling Bethenny out about not supporting women in the finale. Andy asks Bethenny about reconnecting with Jill. It was a surprise to Bethenny too. She says she knew she wouldn’t regret going, but would regret not going. It brought back memories, and Jill approached her afterward. Since then, they’ve been texting. Ramona thought it was bizarre that Bethenny asked them to film it. Andy says they were invited by Jill. Dorinda finds it morbid. Andy squashes that. He brings up Bobby not being able to fix things between them, and Bethenny tells him that everyone at the funeral said Bobby would never say no to Jill, but Jill told her he refused to fix their relationship. That was something she had to do for herself, but in the end, he did fix it, since it was at his funeral that they reconciled. We flash back to when their relationship deteriorated. Ramona says she thought it was opportunistic, and not genuine. Sonja says that’s not how Jill feels. Bethenny says it’s not about Ramona, and the important thing is Jill was happy. Dorinda asks if they’ve had lunch. Bethenny says, no, and Dorinda says, no cameras. Bethenny says Jill is making an effort, and she’s dipping her toe in the water. Ramona makes it about her. Andy says Jill has been dating a guy who used to date Ramona. There probably aren’t many guys Ramona hasn’t dated.

Andy asks what was it about Puerto Rico that spoke to Bethenny? She seemed immersed in it. She says seeing it moved her. She thanks all of them for donating. Love her or hate her, she’s grateful. This prompts Dorinda and Carole to start a big thing, saying they don’t hate her. Ramona says Bethenny doesn’t like to say anything positive, but if they say one negative thing, she gets mad. Bethenny says Ramona has only been nasty to her. We flash back to the Singer Stinger. Omg, I always forget what a nut she is. Ramona says Bethenny ends up alone because she’s a mean girl and a bully. Bethenny says she doesn’t want to talk to her. Andy wants to talk about the nutcracker.

Dorinda says Bethenny freaked out when it arrived, but she didn’t feel appreciated. She says she wished Bethenny had been more gracious. She and Carole insist Bethenny knew it was coming. Bethenny says Dorinda called when they were still in the Berkshires, and the guy said he had it. Everyone talks over Bethenny, and Andy wants to hear her effing answer. Bethenny says they were all in the text, and she has several texts and sent video of her daughter. Why is it about Dorinda and not her daughter? Dorinda says it’s called being gracious.

A viewer asks why Bethenny was condescending about Ramona’s skincare line. Bethenny says since the show began, Ramona has had at least ten business ventures that went nowhere. Currently, she’s still feverishly working on it. The products don’t exist. Bethenny claims Ramona criticizes Sonja for fake businesses, and Ramona says Bethenny was the one who did. I do remember that. We flash back to Bethenny saying Sonja’s businesses aren’t real, and they all start talking at once again, going you, you, you. Ramona can’t take Bethenny’s lies. Sonja accuses Ramona of stirring the pot from the beginning. Bethenny doesn’t think it’s ethical to make women think it’s that easy. She keeps saying she’s a maven of everything, and she’s not. Ramona says she put herself through college; not like Bethenny, who had a rich father. Andy asks the status of Ramona’s products, and she says, they’re in formulation. Uh-huh. She wants to know why Bethenny can’t support her? She’s a bitch to her, and should take a mirror. Whatever that means. Ramona says she supported Bethenny. Sonja tries to interject, and Ramona puts her hand over Sonja’s mouth. That’s so disrespectful, and I can’t believe no one said anything.

Ramona continues to babble, and tells Bethenny, don’t say she’s fake with her fake t*ts. We’re all like, huh? since Ramona clearly has been enhanced. Ramona says she did it at fifty-five, while Bethenny was thirty – like this matters. Andy asks why Ramona freaked on the phone call to Bethenny. She says Bethenny said she was enjoying Bethenny and Carole not being friends, and she felt terrible that they weren’t friends. Dorinda says Ramona wasn’t happy about it. Ramona says she doesn’t know what happened in Bethenny’s life, but doesn’t see things for what they are. Bethenny tells Ramona that she’s critical. If line is really happening, Bethenny is sorry she didn’t congratulate her.

Andy says refused to take Ramona on; why not acknowledge her? Bethenny says, it was LuAnn’s night. She didn’t want an altercation with Ramona. Carole asks, why not just say congratulations? Bethenny tells Carole to butt out, and she’ll call her when she needs her. Bethenny agrees her delivery isn’t the best. Andy says everyone weirdly winds up going to Bethenny when they’re going through big things. Ramona broke down about Mario in Turks and Caicos. Dorinda was crying to her about LuAnn on the island. We flash back to those times. Dorinda says when Bethenny is on, she’s on. She really shows an interest. Carole says she zeros in, and Dorinda says everyone has been supportive to her.

Dorinda is up next, and we flash back to her finest, and not so fine, moments. Dude, just refrain from drinking on camera and you’ll be okay, but when more than one person calls you a donkey, it’s time to check for the ears. Dorinda wants to be clear. She thinks LuAnn should apologize to her. Andy asks if Bethenny thinks Dorinda is a drunk or has a drinking problem. Dorinda says Bethenny doesn’t know her life, and suggests she be careful. Bethenny says she’s been through one intervention this week. Dorinda doesn’t believe Bethenny thinks she’s a drunk, but she was angry because Dorinda got drunk. She says what Bethenny said was hurtful, and she was blindsided. She was excited and super proud to be going to Puerto Rico. Andy rephrases, and asks if Bethenny thinks Dorinda has a drinking problem. Bethenny says she’s not qualified to make that call. Dorinda says Bethenny has no business labeling people. If she thought Dorinda was in trouble, she should have told Dorinda to stay home. Bethenny says she didn’t know how drunk Dorinda was. She had seen her manage to get through dinners before, and wasn’t focusing on her. Bethenny says she was the one who called attention to it in a constructive way. Carole says it’s not constructive to call someone a drunk on TV. Bethenny says it’s not constructive to call someone narcissistic, but it hasn’t stopped Carole from saying that about her multiple times. Carole says she calls it like she sees it. Bethenny says, so does she.

Andy says they’ve watched over a period of years, Dorinda getting to the point where she gets wound up. Sometimes it’s funny, like her toast to LuAnn on the boat – we watch it again – but thee are times like when she cut her hand. We see a clip of Dorinda telling Bethenny that she sliced her hand open with her cutlery – or when she says things she regrets the next day. We see a few of those. He asks if she thinks she has a relationship with alcohol that’s sometimes unhealthy. Dorinda says she even said at the time, she wasn’t in a good place. She was very unhappy last fall, and thinks she was depressed. She didn’t know her place, and felt heavy in all ways. She had to look at that, and what happened with Bethenny. Something had to give. Bethenny says, it didn’t. She saw Dorinda drinking in the morning. Dorinda says Bethenny does the same thing. Bethenny asks if she wants to compare histories. Ramona announces none of them are drunks. Dorinda thanks them for their inspiration and support. She’s in a good place now. Bethenny has bashed her in every interview that she could. Dorinda hasn’t said one mean thing. Bethenny disagrees. Andy asks if Dorinda doesn’t think she has a problem with alcohol, totally ignoring her having moved on from that topic.

Next time – Part Two – more on Dorinda’s drinking, some on LuAnn’s drinking, Tinsley’s relationship with Scott is discussed, Dorinda yells Jovani! Dorinda’s heckling is on the table, as well as Carole’s blog, and poop.

🍰 MasterChef traveled to one of oldest airbases, March Air Reserve Base, to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The contestants had to make one hundred plates to feed the troops, after dividing into two teams. Cesar was captain of the red team, and Emily, the blue. Gordon switched things up by having the team members pick their captain. Gordon yelled at Samantha about how she was cutting the asparagus, which ticked her off, since she’d already argued with Cesar about it. Emily got a lecture about incinerating pork chops. The air force parachuted in, invading the kitchen. Cesar’s team made steak, while Emily’s was pork chops. A raw pork chop was discovered, as well as a hair in the steak. A skydiver declared the winner by landing on a red or blue square. At first, we thought blue was the winner, until a second skydiver landed on red. Gordon said it was extraordinary. For the first time in the history of MasterChef, there was a tie. The judges made the final decision, and it was the red team by a narrow margin. Their presentation put them over the top. Gordon described the pressure test as an extremely technical multilayered culinary classic – black forest cake. It was foodgasm time, and the cake was to die for. Emily said baking was her wheelhouse. She had to decide between picking one person to go up against, and saving three others, or saving only herself. She said being safe was the best feeling in the world, but her thought her skills would keep her safe, and chose going head to head with Shanika. Emily put her cake in the glass chiller before its time, and it fell over. Since they were both Joe’s people, she was concerned about disappointing him. I loved how the judges looked at the cakes, like they were examining slides under a microscope. Emily’s ratio of cake to cream between the layers was off, but her addition of extra cocoa powder paid off in flavor. Shanika got the layers right, but Joe thought it tasted like chocolate pound cake. Gordon said it was probably the most difficult and stressful 75 minutes of their lives. The judges had little room to decide, and had to dissect each element. Emily was sent home, and Shanika said David beat Goliath. I’ll bet Emily was sorry about deciding to go for the challenge. Joe quoted Churchill, saying, success is not final, and failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts. Emily said she comes from a small town, and to be in the MasterChef top ten was a dream experience. It added to passion for food, which will continue to grow.

The mystery box contained something different for each cook – peaches, lobster, clams, corn, butternut squash, potatoes, cranberries, venison, and duck – nine American ingredients that the country was built on. They had forty-five minutes, and could make any dish, as long as their ingredient was the star. They were also allowed to use THE PANTRY. The mentors spent time with the cooks, which we really haven’t seen much of before. Joe told Gerron that his peach whatever tasted like home, and his grandmother’s kitchen. I couldn’t think of a better compliment. I grew up eating what I called “Depression food.” My father made all kinds of soups and stews with ingredients kids today would never eat. My favorite was neck bone soup. It is so tasty, and I tried to make it myself once. It was good, but just not the same, and they hit the nail on the head – it needed to taste like home. Aaron pleaded with Farhan to lay off the coconut milk. Gerron’s peach dish was the winner, and I think my money is on him now. He was safe, and got to pick the teams for the tag team challenge, which was to make the perfect platter of Mediterranean food. I’m not crazy about feta cheese, but Trader Joe’s makes the best tomato/feta cheese soup. It’s like tasting a grilled cheese sandwich inside the soup. Just sayin’. Farhan said tag teams bring out the worst in people, and he was right. They had sixty minutes, and did not get to use THE PANTRY, but got a set amount of ingredients. Gerron was pleased with strategy, and thought his devious plan would work. Cesar and Bowen were safe right away, followed by Farhan and Ashley. Gordon said Shanika and Emily’s effort was unbalanced and fragmented, but they squeaked by. Taylor and Julia lacked direction and ownership, and the fundamental flaws in their dishes were unacceptable for being in the top nine. Only Taylor got the boot though, with Gordon saying Julia had done 85% of the work. He told Taylor to continue her food dream. Then it was the part where everyone cries while they wave goodbye, but you know they’re all glad it’s not them. Taylor was thankful for the opportunity, and grateful for Gordon’s mentoring. She was sad to go, but proud of who was walking out. She was a stronger person and home cook than when she walked in, and closer to her culinary dream of opening a restaurant. She was excited about what lies ahead. Joe’s advice to the remaining contestants was if they couldn’t stand the heat of the top eight, they’ll soon be out of the kitchen. That’s more like a fortune cookie than advice, but okay. Next time, another two-hour episode. The cooks serve firefighters, and transform trash into treasure.

🍴 Two Links That are Cooking…

If you have a dream, apply for MasterChef here:

Fox.com/masterchef

If you want to dream at home, cook with previous chefs here:

cookingwithmasterchef.com

🐮 Tune in tomorrow for The Real Housewives of Dallas.

🏥 Paging Doctor In-Your-Face…

Married to Medicine: How They Got Here airs Sunday, August 26th, at 10 pm. I might check it out, but I rarely watch the show anymore. I watched the first couple of seasons, but it fell by the wayside when I started feeling embarrassed for them. I just kept thinking, these are professionals; why? I was hoping for something more like Blood, Sweat and Heels, but got something closer to Jerry Springer. I like a good hair pulling as much as the next Housewife viewer, but I have my limits. I do like Dr. Jackie, the voice of reason, but I’m actually surprised she even knows these people.

👠 I’d Love to Play Dress-Up In This…

BethennyReunion

🌍 Preferably in Naples…

Naples

August 21, 2018 – Michael Buries His Son, Candace Sends In Malik, More Motivation Than Tip, Ryan Wins After All, Jeff is Coming, GH News & a Mix

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Sam finds Jason at the graveyard. She says it will be fourteen years this fall that baby Lila is gone, and this brought it all back. She says, Kristina might not be here if not for Lila. (Stem cells were used from Lila’s umbilical cord for Kristina’s bone marrow transplant.) Jason says her life might have been too short, but she made the world a better place.

Alexis looks at the Cooper-Jones adoption file. Kristina drops by; she left her sweater. Alexis tells her to keep forgetting. The more she forgets, the more visits Alexis gets. She missed Kristina. Kristina missed her too. She’s been thinking about Michael and the day ahead, and how Brad and Lucas might lose Wiley. He’s fortunate to have his family, and needs all of them. She and Alexis hug.

Brad helps set up the reception at Charlie’s. He tells Julian he’s not going to the service. He couldn’t; not with everything going on. Julian asks what he wanted to talk about, and Brad thanks him for calling Lucas. Julian says he’s trying to make sense of what Brad told him. He said the birth mother isn’t Wiley’s mother. Whose child is he?

At the church, Michael tells Carly that the guestbook thing is weird. She says it makes guests feel like they’re contributing, but she can get rid of it. He says, no, it’s fine, and she asks what can she do. He doesn’t know how it will go, and she says the whole family is there to support him. Funerals are never easy. He says usually everyone talks about the person who passed, and take comfort in the memories, but Jonah didn’t live long enough for any of that. Carly tells him to say Jonah was loved and wanted. That’s how we bless him and say goodbye. She hugs him.

Jason remembers Lila’s funeral, and how Sam was so brave. She says he was too. He says he was going through the motions. Inside, he was choking. It was just so wrong. This child they loved and made plans for wouldn’t never have a life at all now. Michael is feeling the same thing. Sam says he’ll be okay. He has people to get him through it; he has family. Jason says the only good thing he can say about Jonah’s mother is that she’s locked up, but they can’t get through it together. Sam says, the way they did? We flash back to a time when we were all babies, and Jason telling Sam that Lila died. Sam says she wouldn’t have survived without him. She would have given up without him to hold on to.

Alexis tells Kristina that she can’t get out of meetings today, but she sent flowers. She says, when difficult things happen, you realize how precious time is, and how you shouldn’t waste it. She spent time fretting about Kristina and Parker. She was worried Parker was taking advantage of Kristina, and it appears she was worried for nothing. They’re making the relationship work; that’s a feat in itself. The bottom line is, if she’s happy, then Alexis is happy.

Drew meets Curtis in the park. Curtis says he’s in luck. Whatever this is, he’s loving it. Drew is putting his divorce in the rearview, and engaging in a new extracurricular act with Margaux. Drew says before he goes any further, he wants to make sure of what he’s dealing with.

Brad tells Julian it’s such a nightmare; how it spiraled out of control so quickly. Julian asks if the baby Alexis gave him is the mother’s biological child, and Brad says, yes. Julian asks if the baby they’re calling Wiley is the same baby, and Brad says, no, it’s not. The baby died after Brad brought him home. Julian asks if Lucas knows, and Brad says, he has no idea.

Michael receives people at the church. He appreciates Lucas being there, considering what’s going on. Lucas tells him family is there to celebrate the good times, and there for the challenges. Bobbie asks Carly how she is. Carly wishes she could take the pain Michael is feeling onto herself. Bobbie says that’s how everyone feels for their child. Sonny explains that his dad was confused about why he had to dress up. He’s with Felix now, and he didn’t want to bring him, since Michael is going through enough already. Carly says it’s a tough day. Josslyn tells Michael it’s not fair. He’ll never know what kind of man Jonah would, but he’d like to think he would have been strong, and not give in to the bitterness and anger. Josslyn says Jonah would have, with him as a father. Michael says that’s how he’ll be thinking about him from now on, and how he’ll honor Jonah’s memory.

Julian asks Brad how the baby died, but Brad doesn’t know. He put the baby down in the crib and checked a half hour later, and he wasn’t breathing. Brad did everything he could, and nothing worked. He knew the baby was gone. He didn’t know what to do, so he was going to bring him back to the hospital. On the drive to GH, he saw a homeless woman on the side of the road, holding a baby. He slowed to see if she needed help, and she begged him to take her boy. There was no way for her to keep him. He was a newborn, like Wiley, and he saw a way out. He wouldn’t have to go home to an empty crib or tell Lucas. The woman kept begging, and he took the baby and put him in Lucas’s arms.

Monica tells Michael that she’s sorry for his loss, and for refusing to see Nelle for who she is. Michael blames himself, but Bobbie says the only one to blame is Nelle. She’s relieved Nelle is far away from the family. Oscar offers his condolences for Kim, who’s tied up at the hospital. He’s not sure what to say, except he’s sorry. Michael says it means a lot, but Oscar says it feels inadequate. Michael says there is something Oscar can do. Josslyn is in the church. She’s being brave and supportive, but could use some support herself. Josslyn is surprised to see Oscar, but he says you should always show up for family. He asks if the seat next to her is taken.

Brad tells Julian that he knows it was crazy and illegal, but if the truth comes out, he’ll be arrested, and he’s pretty sure Lucas will be too. Julian says Lucas wasn’t involved, but Brad doesn’t think anyone will buy it. If he says nothing, and they lose custody, Wiley will be returned to a woman who’s not his birth mother. The only way this will work is if they keep Wiley. Then no one ever has to know.

Lulu gives Michael condolences for Dante. Michael says his undercover work is important, and Lulu tells him to let her know if he needs anything. Diane and Max hug Michael silently, and the looks on their faces make me want to cry. He thanks them for coming. Chase says he came to pay his respects, but doesn’t want to intrude. Michael appreciates him coming. They worked together to get the truth out of Nelle. It makes sense for them to pay the consequences together too.

Julian tells Brad it doesn’t seem likely they’ll win custody. Brad asks if he can intervene, and Julian wonders what he’s talking about. Brad says he can’t think, he can’t sleep, and it’s torture keeping this from Lucas. Julian says it’s not a done deal yet. They can go to court and fight. He’ll ask around, and see if he can get any information before the hearing. Brad thanks him, but he tells Brad not to get ahead of himself. He’s not sure there’s anything he can do, but he’ll try his best. Brad thanks Julian for hearing him, and not running to the cops – or Lucas. Julian knows how it feels to be deprived of your own child. He doesn’t wish that feeling on anyone, especially his own son.

Curtis tells Drew it was just preliminary check, but there were no red flags. Unless you’re not a Woodchucks fan. She’s active on Twitter. Her father was of the picture early. She grew up in Princeton, and went to NYU. She either wanted to take advantage of the full ride she was offered, or wanted something different in the big city. She graduated cum laude, and got married. Drew takes it that it didn’t last. Curtis says, no. A year and a half later, they divorced. Then she enrolled in law school at Stanford, and graduated with honors. Drew says she spent time around the privileged class and affluent circles, but never was one of them. Maybe she’s always felt like she’s on the outside looking in.

Julian visits Alexis. He asks if it’s a good time, but she says, not much longer. He wonders if she has any information about the custody hearing. She thinks he should take that up directly with Brad and Lucas. He says they’re barely holding it together. She says it’s not a done deal, but the birth mother has thirty days to change her mind. She’s going to show that they already bonded, but the mother’s attorney is going to says she’s within her rights. Julian asks if there’s any way to give them an advantage, but Alexis says, only if radical new information is introduced.

Aw, it’s the tiniest coffin. The minister speaks, and tells them to take comfort with the hope that Jonah is with God forever.

Josslyn gets up. She talks about Michael being there for her throughout her whole life, starting with the day she was born when he rescued her. She was happy about the baby, but happier that he was going to be a father. She talks about the things they did together while she was growing up. She wanted to go out with him on the speedboat every day, and he took her. Looking back, she knows there were things he’d rather have been doing, but he never complained. He never put her off until tomorrow. She knows he would have been the same with Jonah, and made time for him. He would have made Jonah feel important, and know he was loved.

Drew tells Curtis influences outside your control can make you want to achieve. The DA position lets you live comfortably, but why choose here? Curtis says she graduated in the top ten of her class at law school. She could have chosen any number of high-figure opportunities, or gone with a big business firm and worked up to partner. Instead, she became the assistant DA in Oakland, California. It’s right across from San Francisco, but Oakland has high crime and fewer resources. Drew says, so she’s not after financial success. She must be after experience. Curtis says, high profile cases, and a signature role in securing convictions. She’s a tough lady and a fighter. Is he sure he’s up for the challenge?

Julian tells Alexis it’s absurd. The birth mother wouldn’t even recognize Wiley. Alexis says it’s still within her legal rights to claim him. Julian says, it’s crazy. Lucas loves Wiley with all his heart. Alexis knows he’s worried, but it’s out of his hands. She’s going to talk with the birth mother’s attorney, discuss the case, and prepare for the hearing, where it will be in the judge’s hands. Julian says the judge will probably favor the birth mother, and Alexis says, sorry, but he probably will. Julian apologizes, saying he’s the last person she wanted to deal with, but she says when he’s being sweet, loving, concerned, and showing his heart, she doesn’t mind being with him. He thanks her.

Lucas goes to Charlie’s. Brad asks how the service was. Lucas says, poor Michael. What do you say to someone who just lost a child?

Michael wants go to the gravesite alone. Sonny tells him to do what he thinks best, but he doesn’t have to face it alone. Michael says he wants to be alone.

Alexis is on the phone as she’s leaving the house, saying she’ll go through her old adoption cases. Julian pops out, from around the corner of the house, and follows her.

At the reception, Jason tells Monica that he’s sorry. He knows how much she wanted a great-grandchild. She’s glad Michael has so many people to console and love him dearly, like Jason. Oscar tells Josslyn what she said was beautiful. She thanks him for that, and everything. She owes him an apology for pushing him away, doing dumb stuff like shoplifting, and lashing out at him for caring. Her mom found the stuff she stole. He asks how that went, and Josslyn says they sat down and really talked. She was mortified, but at the same time, relieved. She doesn’t have to hide anything anymore. Oscar asks if she’s grounded, and she says she wouldn’t put it that way. She has to work to pay her mother back for the stuff, and if camp isn’t enough, she’ll have to bus tables. She thinks it’s good to have time to refocus. She’s done being angry Josslyn. Oscar says he likes all Josslyns, but prefers the non-angry one. She hopes they’re still okay. He takes her hand and says, they’re way better than okay.

Jason tells Sam that Michael went by himself to the gravesite. He wanted to be alone with Jonah when it’s time to say goodbye. Who can argue with that? Kristina approaches Jason, and tells him that she’s happy he’s home safe. With all the loss the family has suffered, it’s a nice miracle to balance the scales – especially for Sam. Sam says this isn’t the right time, but Kristina says you should never pass up a chance to say what’s true and happy. Her sister has Jason again.

Curtis tells Drew that Margaux has excellent credit. There’s nothing suspicious about her. Drew says he could have found all that out online. Curtis says he did, but when he dug deeper, there was nothing; she’s squeaky clean. He tells Drew to get as close as he needs to. Unless he doesn’t like the idea of dating a smart, successful, ambitious woman. Drew says she has an angle. Curtis asks how he can be sure, and Drew says, instinct, but he needs to get closer to figure it out. He’s not vetting Margaux so he can date her; he’s dating her so he can vet her.

Alexis arrives at her meeting, apologizing for being late. Julian listens in the hallway. Alexis says she’s been dreading this, and Diane says, you and me both. It’s the last thing she wants to be doing, but suggests they get down to business.

Bobbie asks how Lucas is holding up. Lucas says the possibility of losing Wiley breaks his heart, but it’s nothing compared to what Michael is going through. Even if Wiley goes back to his birth mother, they know he’s alive and well, and take solace in that. He’s not gone like Jonah.

Sonny tells Carly that he never wanted to be here again, in church, grieving for someone he loves. Having her with him is the only thing that makes it bearable. She says she’s been thinking about Morgan all day; the senseless loss, the ache that never goes away. She’s so glad they’re together, and don’t have to face the loss alone.

At Morgan’s grave, Michael tells him that he’s sorry he hasn’t come to visit. He’s been thinking about him a lot. He misses his laugh, his smile, and the way Morgan called him out on his BS. He could have used that in the last few months. The truth is, he messed up; messed up really bad. He thought he loved Nelle, but was too blind to see that she was too broken. In his blindness, he fathered a child – Jonah. He’s gone now. He died before he had a chance to live. Michael sits on the ground in front of Morgan’s headstone. Michael says he wasn’t able to protect Jonah, and will be sorry for the rest of his life. People used to give him props for taking care of Morgan, but Morgan took care of him too. That’s what brothers are for. He needs to ask a favor, brother to brother. He looks at the small mound of earth nearby, and asks Morgan to look out for his son.

Tomorrow, Brad asks if Julian has made any headway, Alexis wonders why the birth mother reconsidered, and Drew says he’s going to find out what’s going on with Margaux.

The Haves and the Have Nots

Veronica plays the piano in a crazy, off-key way, as David is wheeled into the hospital. He relives the explosion in his mind, and says, she was in the car. They ask his name, and he tells them. He says Veronica did this. Veronica laughs as she pounds the piano keys.

Veronica finds out it’s done. She takes the SIM card out of her phone, and stomps on it. She looks for a fashionable black outfit, and practices grieving over David. I always wear an off-the-shoulder cocktail dress to a funeral too. She flushes what remains of the card down the toilet.

Gia tells Benny that she’s enjoying his company. He asks for her number, but she says to give her his. He puts it in her phone. She says it’s been a long time since she’s had good company. Her room has a really great view. He says he has too much going on right now, and she asks if it’s too much to get a massage. She’s good at it, and says he knows he wants to. He says he is a little stressed. He has about thirty minutes. She says that’s all she needs. They go upstairs.

Candace gets a text from Gia saying she can’t hold him; she’s taking him to her room. Candace texts back, don’t sleep with him; she means it. Gia says she won’t, and will keep Candace posted. Candace calls Veronica. Veronica says she did what she had to. Candace asks what she’s talking about, and Veronica asks why she’s calling. Candace says the account Veronica set up. She transferred the money to another account, and needs to know if it can be reversed. Veronica says, highly unlikely without the other person sending it back. Candace says she needs to give it one more shot before she goes nuclear and there’s no taking it back. There’s enough money for her to start fresh; can Veronica at least try? Veronica says her dumb ass sent the money somewhere, and she’s trying to get her to get it back. She’s stupid and thinks she’s clever. Candace says, please. Veronica says, did she just say please? She must be desperate. Veronica says she’s done with it. Candace knows Veronica hates her, but what happened to getting back at David? Veronica says, she got impatient. Bang, bang, boom. Candace asks what she did, but Veronica has to go. She needs to make herself look sad, and it’s hard for a woman as beautiful as she is. Candace wonders what he hell she did. Candace calls Erica, but gets voicemail.

Benny goes to Gia’s room. He likes the hotel. I’ll bet. He doesn’t have the best memories there, but doesn’t want to talk about it. He asks how she wants to do this, and she says on the bed. He lies down. She tells him at least take his shirt off. He says he’ll have a problem. He’s a man, and doesn’t want it to go all the way. She tells him, just do it. He says he won’t be responsible for what happens. Gia says she will. He tells her to remember that, and takes off his shirt. She approves. He takes his pants off too, saying it’s his compromise. She hikes up her skirt, and straddles his back. She begins to massage him. He turns around. She asks what he’s doing, and he says what does she think? She kisses him. She takes her dress off, and they get busy. So much for her promise to Candace.

Mitch goes to the Iron Horse. Victor says that kid said he knew Mitch; the Black kid. Mitch says he’s got it wrong. The bartender asks what Mitch is talking about, and Mitch says, he didn’t do it. Victor says Mama Rose wants his head, but Mitch says he talked to Uncle Vinnie. He said it wasn’t him. The bartender is surprised Vinnie is talking. Victor says Mitch better not be lying. Mitch says Vinnie told him who it was. He’s supposed to check the information from the ATM machine, and the photos from the camera. Mitch digs through the receipts, and says, here it is – Wyatt Cryer. Victor says that’s the judge’s kid, and he’s a spoiled bastard. When he finds him, he’s dead. The bartender tells them to hold on; they went to get Benny. Mitch makes a call.

Benny is pretty busy, and doesn’t answer. Mitch leaves a message for him to lay low. The family is looking for him. He calls again, and says they need to talk right now. Call him back.

At the station, Justin asks, who’s making all that noise? A cop walks past, and he says, thanks, a-hole. The cop says he saw the video, and Justin is the a-hole. Justin tells him to go to hell, and the cop says, like his marriage? Everyone laughs. A female cop tells Justin not to worry. They have to stick together. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says LGBTQ. He says he’s none of those letters. She tells him the Q is for questioning. He asks if there’s a P for piss off? He tells her, thanks for her concern, LGBT. She says, and Q.

Justin goes back to the cells, and sees Wyatt. He asks what Wyatt is doing there. Wyatt says his back hurts. Justin knows what he needs, and Wyatt asks if he has it. Justin says right here, digs in his pocket, then says, oh no, he doesn’t have it anymore. Wyatt asks if he can he get it, and Justin tells him to beg for it. Wyatt says he’s not doing that, and Justin says, then he’s not getting it. Wyatt says, please. Justin loves that he’s in there, locked up, and asks what he’s in there for. Wyatt won’t say, and Justin says he’ll look it up. Wyatt says he hurt a guy in a bar. Justin says, he’s that guy? and Wyatt asks if he can help or not. Justin says he will, but he’s being nice, so is Wyatt going to leave Jeffrey alone? Wyatt says, he’s just a friend. He offers to talk to Jeffrey, but Justin says Wyatt is going to owe him. Just give him a minute. Wyatt tells him to hurry.

Jeffrey sits at the bar in the Artisian. RJ asks if he changed his mind. He asks if Justin is his lover, and Jeffrey asks what Justin did to him. He was in jail, and Justin took him out. What did he do? RJ says Justin just talked to him. Jeffrey says Justin pulled him over, took him to a dark road, and followed him. He thinks RJ can help him. RJ asks if he liked it, and Jeffrey says, did he? RJ says it didn’t happen to him. Jeffry thinks he’s lying. He asks if RJ was working to rob him, and RJ says he was going to be convincing; he liked Jeffrey’s watch. Jeffrey says his watch was a gift; it would take a lot of convincing. He asks if RJ was going to offer him sex, and RJ says, maybe. Jeffrey says he’s lying; he’s not gay. RJ admits he’s not, and Jeffrey says, so he was going to rob him. He’d better be careful if that’s his game. RJ says his game is being a bartender.

Veronica sits down and orders a martini. RJ asks if he can get Jeffrey anything, and she asks if RJ knows him. Jeffrey asks if RJ has a gun back there, and Veronica says, girl graduated from knives to guns. Jeffrey wonders how always find him, and she says she is his mother. They’re still connected by the cord. He says he needs to cut it, and she says that’s not a bad idea. Then maybe he can cut some of the feminine hormones he has. He asks what the hell she wants. RJ asks if she’d like anything else, and she tells him, keep walking. She’s trying to talk to her son. Jeffrey asks why she’s wearing black, and she says she’s grieving. He says, grieving what? and she says, a few things. The loss of her marriage, the loss of her son. Although he’s not dead, he will be if he keeps going with his homosexual tendencies. He says he needs to leave, and she says she’s not finished telling him all the things she’s grieving. There’s Melissa. She’s dead. Jeffrey asks what Veronica did, and Veronica says she didn’t do anything. Melissa jumped off Hanna’s roof. She told him that Melissa was unstable. He starts to leave, but she’s still not finished. She says, his father. Jeffrey asks where he is, and why is she saying she’s grieving him? She doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He gets up and jets, and she asks for champagne. She tells RJ it’s a special occasion. He asks what she’s celebrating. Is it their anniversary? She tells him, just get the damn champagne. She asks if he knows her son, and RJ says they just met. She says RJ was flirting with him, and RJ asks if he’s gay. Veronica says, you tell me, and RJ says he doesn’t know. Personally, he doesn’t get down like that – as she knows. She tells him to get the champagne.

Jeffrey calls David, and gets voicemail. He leaves a message for David to call him, and leaves the hotel.

Jim goes to the station. He wants to see his son, but it says no visitors. He tells the desk sergeant that he’s Wyatt’s lawyer, and also a judge. George comes out, and asks what Jim is doing there. He says he’s there to see his son, and George knows damn well he didn’t do it. George asks if he knew the guy was a Malone; he’s buddies with them, right? Jim is sick and tired of the witch hunts, but George says this is more than a witch hunt; this is real. He tells Jim to have a good evening, and by the way, the case he has against Jim and his wife is looking solid. Jim says George knows she’s innocent. None of them had anything to do with it. They’re a good, upstanding, Christian family. George tells him to save it; he’s breaking George’s heart. It must be hard on him with his son in there, and David in the hospital. Jim asks what he’s talking about, and George says there was a car explosion at his house. Jim asks if David is okay, and George suggests he go to the hospital. The FBI is all over it. Jim calls David, and gets voicemail. George says Jim should see about his son, and Jim says he would if they would let him.

Veronica sees Benny on his way out of the hotel, and calls him over. He asks what she wants, and she tells him to sit his ass down. She wants to know what Melissa was doing at his mammy’s. He says, first of all, she’s his mom, not his mammy; and second, who the hell does she think she is asking him that? Melissa was there because Veronica put her out. He asks how much she’s had to drink, and she says, not enough apparently. She asks if he was sleeping with Melissa, but Benny says he’s not answering these questions. She says he’d better; the police are going to talk to him. He says, for what? and Veronica says she’ll think of something. He tells her that he’s done with her and her little game. She laughs, and says don’t tell her that he’s done with her; she will take out the trash. He calls her a crazy bitch, and she says he loves it. He tells her not to call him anymore. If she does, he’ll send someone to her house to show her that he means what he says.

Candace sits in a van with Malik. Gia calls and says, he just left. Candace asks how long ago, and she says, twenty minutes. Candace says she’s just calling now? and Gia says she’s been texting. Candace ends the call. Malik asks if they’re still good. Candace tells him to hold on. Benny pulls up in front of the house, and Candace calls him. She says she really needs him right now. He needs to come back to the hotel. He says he just left, but she says she needs to talk to him. He says he’s not talking about the money, and she says, it’s something else. He tells her that he’s on his way, and leaves. Candace tells Malik to go.

Hanna is getting ready for bed, when the phone rings. It’s Derrick. He’s sorry it’s so late, but he’s still working on the AC. He had to call a friend to open his store and bring a part. Hanna asks if he can’t do it in the morning, but he says they have kids, including newborn twins. She says she’s glad he wants to see her, but she has to go to work in the morning, and he tells her that he misses her. They should go out again. She says it sounds like something she needs, and they decide to talk in the morning. Derrick says he’ll still call her when he’s done. She tells him if she doesn’t answer, it means she’s asleep. She gets another call. It’s Kathryn.

Kathryn heard what happened. Hanna says, it was really sad. Kathryn asks if she’s all right, and Hanna says she’s fine. Kathryn didn’t know she knew Melissa, and asks what Melissa was doing there. Hanna tells her that Benny brought her after Veronica put her out. She was scared to death of Veronica. Hanna can’t stand her. Kathryn knows the feeling. Hanna feels awful for that poor child, and she was pregnant. She asks how Kathryn is; she knows turning Wyatt in was hard. Kathryn says, Jim hit the roof, but she had to do the right thing, even though she feels conflicted and tormented. She asks if she’ll see Hanna tomorrow, and Hanna says, as long as she keeps her husband away. She hears the door, and tells Kathryn that Benny is home. She has to talk to him, so they end the call.

Hanna heads downstairs, calling for Benny. She goes into the kitchen and sees Malik. She screams and runs.

Next time, Wyatt accuses Jim of trying to kill him, Jim promises David they’ll get even, and Hanna struggles with Malik.

Below Deck Mediterranean

The guests go to bed. Brooke tells Hannah to tread carefully. She has a lot to say. Hannah says she has the late shift, and Brooke says, she has the everything shift. Hannah says she does eighteen hours, and is with the guests all the time. Brooke feels like she’s being taken advantage of. In her interview, Hannah says she works her ass off to make sure the interior runs smoothly. Brooke doesn’t understand what it takes in the background to keep the guests happy. She thinks as soon as Brooke and João got together, it was them against her. In his interview, Adam says Brooke isn’t the first person to question Hannah’s work ethic. She does well with keeping the guests happy, but isn’t so good at being manager of the restaurant. He thinks maybe she checked out.

Brooke cries, and Conrad hugs her. HUGE mistake. Brooke says she feels terrible, and like she’s banging her head against a brick wall. He says, Hannah is Hannah, and nothing is going to change it. Hannah sees all this going on. In her interview, she says Conrad is suddenly consoling the second stew who just called her lazy. He needs to have her back. Brooke cleans up.

The next morning, João asks Brooke what happened, and she says she called Hannah out for not working, and it went down like a bag of nails. He laughs, and we flash back to when Hannah used the same phrase about him. The yacht shoves off at 10 am, but the gusts are still sleeping. Hannah tells Kasey about Brooke questioning her. Kasey admits to feeling like they do a lot more, and Hannah gets more breaks. Hannah says at the end of the day, she knows what she’s done, and doesn’t have to answer to them. In her interview, Hannah says Kasey questioning her is hilarious. She didn’t even know how to be a strew until Hannah taught her. She doesn’t want her job questioned.

Capri is unbelievably beautiful. They drop anchor, and the guests are still sleeping. Captain Sandy asks for the toys to be put in the water. Daniel finally gets up. Kasey asks what he’s reading, and it’s a book by Wayne Dyer. I’ve read some of his stuff, and it’s not exactly a beach read. Hannah works in silence with Brooke. Daniel asks Hannah about taking a boat to a cave on shore. Hannah calls Brooke and Kasey to the main salon. Daniel reads about being free by stopping the habit of judging. Hannah tells Brooke and Kasey that she’s not running through her day to day responsibilities, but if they have questions, get it out. Brooke says Hannah doesn’t need to justify anything. Hannah says there’s never been a time that the guests didn’t have what they wanted. That shows she’s good at her job. We flash back to her forgetting the vodka. In her interview, Brooke says Hannah’s head is so far up her ass, she can’t even see it. Hannah tells them, let’s finish strong. Brooke thinks she’s ridiculously deluded.

Most of the guests wake up in time to take the tender with Daniel and his wife. In his interview, Conrad doesn’t know if he and Hannah’s arguments are the stress of the boat, or because they have massively different perspectives. Kasey tells Brooke that Hannah is one of the most manipulative people she’s ever met. Hannah tells Kasey she’ll finish the laundry. Kasey thinks it’s weird, but will take it. Brooke tells Hannah that the last couple of guests got up, and have been waiting for the others. Hannah radios for the tender to return, since they want to join Daniel. Daniel says, you snooze, you lose. He wants to see the archway first.

The archway is fabulous. The ride under it, and Daniel takes pictures. When they get back, he tells the others that they can sleep when they get home. Hannah tells Adam that the guests would like brunch. Captain Sandy says Conrad really stepped up. The deck crew are getting along and working well together. Mmmm… brunch food. Like breakfast, but supersized. Jamie says when she gets back home, the first thing she wants is a spa day. Conrad wants a pint in a pub, and Colin can’t wait to see his parents. He’s an only child, and working a charter opened his eyes. He’s excited for the industry.

João flirts with Kasey. In her interview, Kasey says part of her feels bad for Brooke, but she flirts with João anyway, because she can’t help thinking about the guy he could be. Her first mistake. Some of the guests use the jet skis, while others drink. Adam snaps green beans. Daniel declares Hannah amazing. Adam shucks oysters. Brooke decorates the table with a flower and pearls motif for dinner. Daniel is happy they’re living in the moment. Hannah says if she hears one more positive affirmation, she’s shooting herself. Adam uses a blowtorch on the swordfish entrée (one of my favorites). In his interview, he says last season, he was not terribly inspired, and needed to reinvent himself. This season, he had a chance to do that. Dinner is served. Hannah and Brooke forget which plate is non-dairy. Adam comes to the table, and explains some way he used cedar in cooking, and tells them to smell the food. Hannah asks the guest who requested no dairy if she’s allergic to cream. She says if there’s cream in the food, it’s not the end of the world. Hannah is 98% sure she got the right plate. In his interview, Adam knows Hannah’s got a lot going on, but he has more, so don’t eff up. João says they have bigger issues, like the crew is going to starve to death.

Daniel is grateful and thankful. I would be too, with the sorbet and blueberries, and blueberry cheesecake desserts. Adam makes grilled cheese and soup for the crew. The crew that’s taking part, gathers for the trust exercise. Daniel talks about breaking a steel-tipped arrow with his neck, and explains that the arrow represents what’s hold him back. He breaks it by walking into it, and I notice that although he claimed it would be with the softest part of his neck, it really bent against the harder part where your breastbone is. I hate exercises like this. Hannah talks to Adam in the galley, which is where I’d be. In his interview, Adam says this is better than last season, but he still needs to throw the crew some scraps. Daniel asks for volunteers, and Colin steps up first. João says he’s been shot and attacked by a hippo, but this arrow might take him down. Both he and Conrad break arrows.

Adam says the easy way to mutiny is a hangry crew, and makes a set feeding time. Conrad and Hannah go for a smoke. He asks if she’s okay, and she asks if he had a good chat with Brooke. He says he’s with her 100%, and she disagrees. He wishes she’d stop attacking everything he does; it feels like a personal attack. She asks if he doesn’t want to know how she feels. He says he’s there to listen and give his opinion if she wants it. In his interview, Conrad says he thought she’d gone to bed, but he stands by what he said. He wasn’t saying anything he wouldn’t have said in front of her. Hannah tells him the other night, João insulted her, and then he and João had a laugh. He says he’s trying to keep them both happy. He has to suck it up and get on with it. She says João has been rude, and then she has to watch them joke and laugh. Conrad says he walks on eggshells with her, and he shouldn’t be feeling like that. He says they’ll talk later, and walks away. Hannah calls after him, but he doesn’t come back.

Colin’s mom calls Captain Sandy. She says she and Colin’s father are in Naples, and asks if they can do a surprise hello. The captain says, absolutely. She’s never gotten a call from parents before. She thinks they’re adorable, and they set up the meeting. The captain and Hannah look at the scenery from the deck. Captain Sandy says just when she thinks she’s seen beauty, they turn a corner, and she sees more. The vista is really incredible there. In her interview, Captain Sandy says Hannah is trying. She cares, and that’s all the captain wanted to see.

Another amazing breakfast. Colin gets to help sandy in the bridge, and the anchor is pulled up. Brooke reads about choosing to be happy, and hopes the book isn’t the tip. Colin is psyched. He’s driven a ferry, but says it’s nothing in comparison. He hopes he doesn’t break anything. He knows it’s never going to happen, but would love to dock the boat. In her interview, Captain Sandy thinks they’re now a lean machine. The guests pack. The crew gets into their whites. Goodbyes are said. Daniel says it was motivational and inspirational. He thanks them for who they are. He says he can reward them financially, but he likes to give things from the heart. Nobody hears what he says after that, including me, although I catch the word grateful. We all think he’s giving them not tip except a spiritual one. After he’s done, he gives Sandy an envelope. We breathe a sigh of relief, but I’m wondering, what if there are just pamphlets in there or something?

Hannah tells Captain Sandy about her fight with Conrad. She says they’re supposed to be going to Prague, but the relationship shifted, and it hasn’t shifted back. The captain hopes what Hannah wants, she gets. She says we all deserve love, and they’ll be fine.

It’s tip meeting time. Champagne is poured, which I see is one of Captain Sandy’s special touches. She says the started at the dock, which meant pressure on Hannah, but she did well. In her interview, Adam says he’s seen Hannah take credit for other’s work on occasion. We flash back to Bugsy having it out with Hannah. The tip is $14K, $1,166 a person. Adam says Daniel has read about the power of the dream, but clearly not the power of the tip. Clean-up is done. Captain Sandy tells Colin there’s a package on deck for him. He can’t believe his parents are on the dock. The crew is smiling, and Colin and his parents are crying. In his interview, Colin says, who visits their son in Italy? They’re out of their minds. The captain tells him to show them the boat, and hugs them. In his interview, Colin says his parents met in a wedding band. His mother was the lead singer, and the drummer hurt his leg, and his dad came filled in. He introduces the crew to them. In her interview, Kasey says she’s jealous. Hannah asks if he knew they were coming, and his mom says he had no clue. In his interview, Colin says if he can find half the love they have for each other, he’ll be the luckiest guy in the world. They are very cute. He says he couldn’t ask for better parents. They gave him the world. He says it’s hard to explain how much they love him.

The crew gets ready to go out. Conrad isn’t abandoning Hannah, but needs time to think apart from her. He makes a seating arrangement with Colin and Adam. On the boat to shore, Hannah talks about her black book, and says, to think she’d be giving it up for a twenty-three-year-old English boy. In his interview, Conrad says she makes him feel small, and he wants respect.

At the restaurant, they get champagne, and clink glasses, toasting to nothing in particular. Adam says, one left. João clinks glasses with Brooke, then flirts with Kasey. Hannah asks to switch seats with Colin, saying she can get out for a smoke easier, and it happens to be in front of Conrad. She asks him to go with her. In her interview, Brooke says the smiling and suggestive looks between João and Kasey are pissing her off. Conrad tells Hannah he’s by her side, but she says he doesn’t show it. Conrad asks why she has such a massively hard exterior, and she says she’s been looking out for herself for the past twenty years. She says she learned to be tough, If he wants a nice, kind, sweet girl, find one. This is her. He says he’s starting to realize that.

Colin talks about his parents. Kasey asks João why he keeps looking at her, but he insists he isn’t. He feeds Brooke something from his plate, and then does the same thing with Kasey. I am totally creeped out, and in her interview, Brooke says, WTF? She doesn’t know if João is trying to make her jealous, or he’s a serial flirt. Actions speak louder than words. She tells him the minute loyalty isn’t reciprocated, it’s over. He asks how he did that, and she says Kasey was just asking why he was staring at her. He says he was looking at everyone, and Brooke says she noticed it. In his interview, João says Brooke takes too much to heart. Conrad wants a relationship where he can show the world how good it is.  She calls him sweetheart, and he says he hates that; it’s degrading. She says he wants his relationship to look perfect when it’s not. He says that is what he wants, and that’s why it’s never going to work. They’re two different people, with different lives and outlooks.

Next time, Colin wants Brooke to know how he feels, Kasey confronts João, Conrad wants to be friends, and there’s tension in the crew mess.

🗽 On Million Dollar Listing New York, Ryan finally met the guy he was supposed to meet in Shanghai until he had a Visa problem. Mr. Hoo was in NYC, and Ryan was having what he called a smorgasbord open house – where he had venders from the area come in with whatever they vend. That way, potential buyers could get a taste of what it was like to live in the neighborhood. Pretty clever. While Ryan didn’t get that billion dollar Chinese deal, the firm working with Mr. Hoo was moving in more USA direction, and Ryan got the consolation prize of potential billions from the same company’s NYC buildings. Good for him.

😵 Flipping Out will be returning on Tuesday, September 11th at 10:15 pm.

🏃 GH Reruns Coming…

When did preemption become like snow days? I missed that memo.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital-reruns-164999?utm_medium=email&utm_source=SailthruHorizonDaily&utm_content=14229252&utm_campaign=ABCsid_ed_Newsletter_engaged_weekly%202018-08-21&utm_term=Master_ABCsid_sitesignups

🏥 My Guess Is Margaux…

Because they’re suddenly talking about her background so much.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/who-is-ninas-daughter-on-general-hospital-165007

🍲 Close Enough…

MidweekMartha

WednesdayPup

GoodMorningPup

MidweekKitty

 

August 20, 2018 – Valentin Offers Madeline a Deal, Shannon Meets a Matchmaker, a Dash of Ashley & Bangle This

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Madeline thought Valentin would be taller. He asks if she’s been following his press, and she says she hears things. She can’t think of a reason why he’d be there. He tells her as Nina’s mother, she has information he can use.

Nina asks how Peter can but The Invader. He tells her that he’s buying it to elevate the content, but she says that’s not what she means. She asks how he can afford it, and he says he’s not without resources. Nina says apparently, he has enough to spread gossip. She doesn’t read it, but she sees it at the salon. Maxie says she sees it at a kiosk she passes. He says they’ll be readers soon. The town needs another voice in journalism

Drew sees Margaux in the park. He says she grabbed him, kissed him, and ran off. Why?

On the phone with Alexis. He wonders if Lucas and Brad need anything. She tells him to stay where he is; what they need is a lawyer. She tells Sam that he’s pretty upset, but she knows two people who feel worse.

Carly tells Michael to let know if her if he needs anything. Michael thinks he has things under control. Sonny asks how he’s holding up. He wants a happy ending for Brad and Lucas.

Brad paces, and Lucas tell him to sit down. Brad says he’s terrified. Lucas is too, but says they have to face it. They can be terrified together. Alexis is sorry she had to deliver the news during their ill-timed celebration. Brad says of course she had to tell them. Lucas wonders if they’re about to lose their son.

Lulu sees Chase at the bar, and asks if it’s been a long day. He says, not long enough. He wanted another shift, but Jordan lectured him on how he needed to rest. Lulu asks why he’s there all alone when he scored the night off. He says it was either here or stare at the walls. Either way, the ghosts stay with him.

Michael wonders what’s worse than having a baby and losing it or not having it at all. Carly says maybe it will work out. She invites Michael to stay the night. He says he knows what she’s trying to do. He loves them, but needs to clear his head. He promises he’s fine, and leaves.

Alexis tells Lucas and Brad that nothing has been determined about custody; it’s yet to be decided. There are provisions in the contract that call for a hearing, and a determination in the best interest of the child. The judge will hear a petition from the birth mother, and their response, and render a decision. Lucas says it sounds fair, but what are the chances they’ll get custody over the birth mother?

Margaux tells Drew it was a kiss. There’s no need to complicate matters. Drew says it’s too late; her pitch muddied the waters. She asks if he thinks she’s trying to seduce him into helping her. He asks if she is.

Nina says Peter proved his chops at Aurora. Doesn’t he think running a gossip rag is a step down? Apparently, she hasn’t been listening, and he says he’s going to change that. He is keeping Page Five intact (which I guess is like The NY Post’s Page Six). It will be a combo platter. The regular readers will love it, but also appreciate hard driving news. Maxie says at least he has some standards. He asks her to come with him, and Nina asks if he’s pinching her fashion director right in front of her. He says he’s offering Maxie something outside of fashion, but Maxie says fashion is what she knows, and reminds Nina that she’s the fashion editor. Nina says she’s been promoted to fashion director. Peter is glad he facilitated something good from their meeting.

Valentin asks Madeline if she’s familiar with Nora Buchannan. She’s a renowned defense attorney, has an excellent record of arguing at parole board hearings, and takes his calls. He can introduce them. Madeline says that’s very gallant of him, but she lacks the wherewithal to hire her. Valentin says he doesn’t. She asks what his price is, and he asks what really happened during Nina’s coma, courtesy of her loving mother? She says Nina would frown on this meeting, but he says she’ll never know. That’s a crucial condition. Madeline thinks they understand each other, and she’ll consider it a deal. She asks what he wants to know about Nina’s convalescence. He says, everything. He read the medical records, and they’re lacking, like someone wanted them that way. Avoiding the narrative, Nina was given drugs, a coma was induced, and she lost her child. He doesn’t think she miscarried. He thinks she had the baby and it survived.

Maxie and Nina discuss Crimson. Maxie thinks each issue should have an everyday woman makeover, who’s given a successful mentor in her field. Nina loves it, and wants champagne to celebrate. She asks if Julian is okay. Maxie says they heard that Brad and Lucas might lose their son.

Alexis says there are no statistics, and the judgments are rendered on a case by case basis. Sam says every case must be different, and Brad asks if there have been any cases like theirs. Lucas says, where the birth mother changed her mind within the thirty-day window, and Alexis says this will be the first. Brad says he can’t be there, and walks out.

Carly tells Sonny that Avery and Mike are napping. Carly doesn’t know how she’s going to get through tonight; she’s distracting herself from thinking about the funeral. Sonny says they’ll face it together. She doesn’t think Michael can handle it. She can’t stand the thought of him being alone, and he won’t open up to anyone. It scares her. He shows his grief for a split second, then the walls go up, as an armor against the pain. Sonny says, he’ll get through it, and they’ll be there if he needs them.

Lulu asks Chase to join her. He says he’s fine, except for the ghosts, but that comes with the job. He knew some cases go unsolved, and people die, no matter how hard you try to stop it. He tries to make the good outweigh the bad, and save as many as he can, but sometimes doubts and regrets catch up. Michael comes in. Lulu tells him that she’s sorry for his loss, and hugs him.

Margaux can’t remember the last time someone was so insulted to be kissed out of nowhere. Drew says if he did that, he’d be considered a harasser, and women would be picketing Aurora. She says, noted, but for his information, she’s not working an agenda. She kissed him because likes – correction, liked him. It was obviously a mistake. He’s actually a paranoid egomaniac or so messed up he don’t notice she was attracted to him. He asks if she said he’s sexy.

Sonny tells Carly tomorrow is a long day, but she doesn’t know if she sleep. He says they’ll stay up until she can, and they kiss. She says she heard Julian showed up at Alexis’s place, making accusations. He says it should be the least of her worries, but she says, too late. She’s worried.

Julian calls Kim, and leaves a message. He could use a friend right now. Brad comes in, and says he needs Julian’s help.

Lucas says Brad still isn’t answering, and Alexis says to give him time. They need to prepare for the hearing. Lucas wants to give Brad space. He says it’s surreal. Brad was always the one who was positive. He knows Brad is in pain, and wishes he could tell him it will be all right, but there’s no way to know. Alexis says she’s sorry, but she has no answers.

Michael asks Lulu to tell Dante not to worry, and stay safe. Lulu tells Chase not to overdo it, and goes back to the table.

Peter is at the table, and thanks Lulu for meeting him. She says his pitch had the right amount of intrigue and promise, and she is hunting for her next big story. He tells her that he bought The Invader. It’s an excellent story, and hers to write.

Nina and Maxie have champagne, which I can’t imagine being too high-end at Charlies. Nina says her heart is breaking for Brad and Lucas. They were hoping and waiting, planning their life. Maxie says, then just like that, it’s taken away. Nina says they’ll never stop missing the baby, just like she’ll never stop missing hers.

Madeline says Valentin has picked up Nina’s habit of wishful thinking. He says he’s seen a woman reunited with her son after a lifetime, so he knows it’s possible. Madeline says the baby would be grown by now, and believes she had a daughter. She wonders what aroused his suspicion. He says she was in coma for twenty years in a facility in Westchester, but according to the medical records, she wasn’t there the whole time. At the beginning, there’s a hole of eight months not accounted for. She should understand why that number would arouse suspicion. She has a parole hearing coming up, and can benefit from Valentin’s connections. His help is contingent on her honesty. Did Nina have a daughter, and did the baby survive. Madeline admits she did.

Peter tells Lulu that she can pick her own subjects. No more softball or human-interest stories, unless she wants them. She’ll be his chief investigative reporter, and seek out the truth. She thinks even if he revamps the current format, she can’t see The Invader turning into a credible news source or being taken seriously. He says he’s not going to disrupt loyal readers, as long as the stories are rooted in truth. They can be a serious news outlet, and have fun at the same time. He asks if she’d like a preview of tomorrow’s front page. He shows her his tablet, and there’s a picture of Margaux kissing Drew.

Drew says he heard her say she found him sexy; she can’t take back. She says, found, past tense. He says it’s understandable, and admits to being a bit of an ass. He apologizes, saying he doesn’t even remember his history with the mother of his son, and just got divorced from the mother of his daughter. He’s not great at relationships. She says she could possibly like him if he works on his technique. He suggests they give it another shot. He thinks he can do better. Nope. Not liking these two together, and I don’t trust her.

Nina tells Maxie that she thought her mother wanted to reconnect, but she was just trying to use them. She wonders why she’d want to connect with the woman who put her in a coma. She’s a businesswoman and a professional now. Maxie adds, and super hot. Nina says she has everything – except a child of her own. Even though it was forever ago, and she should be over it, she finds herself looking for advances in fertility. She still thinks about what having a child with Valentin would be like; what would it look like? Maxie says she had no idea Nina was in pain about it. Nina feels badly about Michael, and Lucas and Brad. She can sympathize. Everyone’s pain is unique, but she can say with certainty that there’s nothing worse than losing a child, no matter how it happens.

Valentin says to tell him everything, and Madeline says she regrets everything. He tells her to save it for the parole; he wants the facts. She says Nina went under, but the baby held on. She knew if she made another attempt, the suspicion might have shifted from Nina’s ex-husband to her direction. She hired a nurse, then transferred Nina. Valentin asks what happened to the baby. Madeline says she’s not exactly the grandmotherly type. So she got rid of her.

Sonny tells Carly about his first job for Skully, and how he got rid of the evidence in Croton. What he didn’t know was that his dad followed. Mike figured if he got wind of it, the cops could. Mike dug up the body, and brought it to Port Charles. Charlie was pouring foundation to expand his bar. Carly says, so it’s possibly in the foundation of Julian’s place of business. Sonny says, it gets better. Julian is planning to renovate.

Maxie tells Nina it sounds like she didn’t get a chance to fully grieve for her baby. Nina asks how you grieve something that never existed or had at least held? Her child was taken away before she had the chance. Maxie says it’s hard, especially because of how it came about. It’s necessary to grieve. On that note, she tells Nina that she’s forgotten to mention one of the highlights of her life is that Nina is her mentor. She’s lucky to have her.

Valentin asks if Madeline killed the baby, and she tells him to stop the melodrama. Any child of Nina’s could lay claim on her inheritance, so she couldn’t be part of the family. She saw to it that someone else’s family were the adoptive parents. If his end game is to reunite them, she used a broker. He asks for the name, and Madeline says, John Smith. It wasn’t a traditional adoption. It was better they remain anonymous, so they couldn’t identify each other in court. He asks if there’s no way of tracking them down, but she didn’t say that. She’ll give him what he wants, but not until his high-powered attorney secures her release.

Sonny tells Carly that he stalled Julian’s renovation. He can’t even get a decent bid, but it’s only temporary. Sooner or later, Julian is going to start construction, unless he sells Charlie’s to Sonny. Carly asks if that’s a possibility, and he says, not likely. She says in the worst case, the dead body is found. Can it be tied to him? Sonny says, that’s the problem. It might be.

Chase tells Michael about waking up on Lulu’s couch, being asked by Rocco if he wanted pancakes. Michael says Rocco is a great kid. Chase says he’s not easily shocked. The bartender gives them drinks, courtesy of the ladies at one of the tables. Chase asks if they should invite them over, but Michael doesn’t know how much fun he’d be. He’s burying his son tomorrow.

Alexis says family courts move quickly with the placement of a child. They need to investigate why the child is better served with each party. Sam points out how last minute it is, but Alexis says the birth mother is within her rights, and won’t be penalized for that. It’s whoever has the most nurturing and safe home. Julian calls and tells them that Brad is at Charlie’s. Lucas heads for the pub.

Julian asks if Brad is sick. He says they were almost in the clear, now it’s up to a judge to decide. Julian says maybe it wasn’t in the cards; they’re going to lose Wiley to the birth mother. Brad says not this birth mother. Wiley isn’t her son to take.

Lulu tells Peter she has a good thing going. He says she’s a Press cub reporter. She was just in the right place at the right time with her big articles. There are other talented writers in senior positions. It will take her years to get her chance on the front line. She can make a difference. Change the world, or at least report on it. She says he makes a good pitch, and when someone says something that’s too good to be true, it is. He tells her to seize an opportunity when she has the chance. He’ll be at the MetroCourt on Friday. If she’s there, he’ll be prepared to negotiate a hard bargain. If she doesn’t show, he’ll know she’s not interested.

Maxie shows Nina a picture of James getting a bath. She suggests Nina come spend the night. They can watch a movie, and play with James. Nina doesn’t want to smother James – or Maxie – but Maxie says they’ll smother back.

Madeline tells Valentin to have Nora contact her as soon as possible, and maybe facilitate an early release. Valentin says it will upset his. Madeline says think how upset she’ll be when she finds out he was there and she told him about her daughter. He says, and the DA’s will sentence her basically for selling a baby. Don’t think he won’t tell anyone. Madeline says he won’t find Nina’s daughter without her, and he says he’s done more with less. Maybe he can’t tell Nina, but he’ll have the satisfaction that Madeline will rot in there. It’s what she deserves. He walks out.

Sonny tells Carly if the cops if know Skully, the know he worked for Skully. Carly says, so did a lot of guys, and Sonny says, but they don’t live in Port Charles where the bar is. He buried the gun with the body, but it wasn’t in the grave. If his dad buried the gun, the cops cold get his prints. She thinks it’s unlikely, but Sonny says with forensics these days, all they need is a trace. The new DA will be all over it. She’d love to put him away for murder.

Drew tells Margaux that he wants to make it clear, if they try again, there will be no talk of Jason or Sonny. They’re just two people trying to get know each other. She says, deal, but if leads to another kiss, try act like a normal person. He says, deal. She leaves, and he calls Curtis. Drew has a job for him, a background check on Margaux.

Chase asks why Michael doesn’t hate his guts. Michael says he’s doing a good job himself. Chase says he’s so sorry. Michael says he’s sorry too. Sorry he ever met Nelle. Sorry he has no plan to make. He planned everything around tomorrow, now his only plan is burying his child. He has nothing to think about, and no plans except what would be if his child had lived.

Brad tells Julian that he can’t figure out how it got to this point. They were happy. They finally had a family, and it was turned on its head. He’s going to lose a son, and go to prison. Julian says he’s not making sense. None of it does. Lucas walks in.

Alexis thanks Sam for being supportive to Brad and Lucas. Sam asks what chance they have. Is there any hope. Alexis says, there’s always hope. Just not that much.

Lucas comes into Charlie’s. He tell Brad that he was getting worried; is he okay? Brad apologizes, saying he couldn’t breathe or think straight. Lucas thanks Julian for looking after Brad. Julian thinks Lucas might need some looking after too. It sounds like they have a tough road ahead. Lucas says they’ll deal with it together. He tells Brad that their son is waiting for them. Brad looks back at Julian on their way out.

Curtis asks Drew if he’s up for the challenge, Michael wants to be alone, and Sam tells Jason that she would have given up without him.

The Real Housewives of Ocean County

Photographers set up at Shannon’s house. She says some friends are coming at the tail end of the shoot, and then they’re having lunch. She explains the photo is going to be included in every meal she sells, so she wants it to look good. The photos are beautiful, but no surprise, she thinks she looks fat. It’s her first shoot ever, and she feels bad about herself. She never wants to get back to where she was. We flash to her going back to the trainer. She says she’s on the weight journey with a lot of people, and never wants someone to say wow when she takes her top off again. I’m guessing that would depend on how the wow is said.

Kelly is proud of Shannon. They’re in the same position; divorced, downsizing, an figuring out how to make money. Shannon is making it work. Tamra and Emily arrive. The photographer takes a few more photos, and they’re done. Shannon says it’s scary to start a business, but if it takes off, she’s doing it herself. The girls sit down to lunch.

Vicki meets with the COTO executives to do a radio spot. She’s owned the company for almost twenty years. We flash back to that journey, and she says it’s time to step it up to the next level. Her partner Ali suggested making it a franchise. They sit down to do the ad. Steve is there, and Vicki says she loves him, but he’s reserved, and it’s zero PDA. Vicki starts to read the ad, and makes a mistake. Ali pulls out some nips of fireball. Vicki makes an off-color remark, and Ali points out that her son is there. She says she has a long history embarrassing Michael. Now that he’s an adult, it’s full throttle. We flash back to some of those moments.

Kelly suggests a happy hour. Shannon says she was supposed to have a court date, but the judge had a full docket, so they’re having a closed, private hearing on Friday for temporary support. In her interview, Shannon says it’s expensive raising kids. David refuses to get a lawyer, so they have to do this. Emily says not having a lawyer holds everything up. Shannon wants to be fair, and just wants it done. In her interview, Emily says it’s the worst part of family law, and can get contentious. Shannon says David claims she drinks excessively. Emily says you can write anything in declarations, and don’t have to back it up. Shannon never wants to talk to him again after the texts he’s sent her. She repeats some of them, where he asks if she’s getting off her lazy fat ass. In her interview, Shannon says he sends them all the time. She had him over for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but he claims it was seventeen years of hell with her. Sorry you feel that way. Thank God you’re out. Emily talks about her husband throwing Gina out after the party. She says the kids were sleeping, and Gina was being Gina, using the f-bomb and being loud. He yelled down, get this chick out of my house! Emily says Gina was responsible and texted an apology. In her interview, Tamra says it’s not cool that he was yelling at a woman. It was a party. Did he expect them to be quiet?

Kelly tells Vicki about going to Shannon’s new place. She says it’s nice, but not worth the money. She tells Vicki about Emily’s husband kicking Gina out after the poker party. She says if Michael yelled at one of her guests, she would have gone psycho. Me too. She tells Vicki that Emily supports him, and that’s probably why they stay married.

Gina picks up Emily. In her interview, Gina says she has three kids. She’s not spending her night out in a fight with Emily. She thinks it should be squashed right away. You don’t want to bring your sh*t into a group of women with strong opinions. Emily gets in the car, and they talk about their kids. Emily says as soon as they met, and she found out Gina had three toddlers, it was an instant connection. Gina tells her Tamra’s interpretation of Shane yelling at her, was that she got the impression that Gina must have done something on her way out, and created a scene. Emily says there was no scene, but she was loud and he’d had enough. Gina thinks he could have handled it more gracefully. She wasn’t doing anything the others weren’t doing. If anything, he owes an apology to her. In her interview, Emily says Shane would never apologize; he doesn’t think he did anything wrong. Emily tells Gina it’s not a big deal, and Gina says she didn’t think so.

Vicki tells Kelly that Shane has never even met Gina. Kelly says he’s Mormon, and Vicki asks if Emily is. Kelly says, no, and they wonder how that works. Kelly says it’s hard enough being married, but Mormons don’t drink. She says they don’t gamble either, and don’t swear. In her interview, Vicki says it would never work for her. She’d be told, put your clothes on and stop drinking.

Vicki and Kelly get there first, and Tamra scooters in next. They order hot toddies. Emily and Gina arrive. In her interview, Tamra says she knows how hard it is to co-parent when you’re not on the same page. Shannon rounds out the table. Vicki asks about court, and Shannon explains they’re having a closed hearing. When she was standing in front of the judge, she looked at David and thought, this is crazy. She feels nothing for him, not even anger. She wonders how in six months, she could feel nothing after twenty years together. Tamra says it was a long time coming. Shannon says Emily told her that when she becomes indifferent, it means she’s ready to date. In her interview, Tamra says, Shannon needs a kick in the ass to start dating. She needs to get laid. Tamra asks how Shannon would feel about meeting matchmaker – today. Vicki says it’s like a menu; you can order what you want. Shannon thinks she should be able to find someone on her own. In her interview, she says she hasn’t done this for twenty years, and everything is new to her.

Matchmaker April come in with her assistant Erica. April likes to get to know her clients first, and she steps aside with Shannon, while Tamra horns in. Shannon thinks it’s awkward. April asks for her background, and she says she’s a one guy girl. She was never a dater. When she moved to the OC, she met her husband, and they were together for twenty years. Tamra tells April that Shannon’s husband put her through the ringer. He left her, threw his wedding ring at their daughter to get to Shannon, and moved in with another woman. And she still took him back. At the table, Kelly talks about dating. She says she’s going out again with The Milkman, and Vicki says none of them have names.

Shannon tells April that she’s looking for a partnership. She needs to know someone before she gets serious. Tamra says she wants sex. Shannon says, awkward, and that she doesn’t need it all the time. Tamra says David checked out a long time ago. April says she’ll find come potential men, run them past Shannon, and set up a date. In her interview, Shannon doesn’t know if she’s ready. The thought panics her. April and Erica leave, and Shannon goes back to the table.

Vicki isn’t feeling 100%, and leaves. Emily has to relieve her husband from children duty, since he came home early to take care of them. In her interview, Tamra says he sounds controlling, like her ex. We flash back to Simon telling Tamra how to dress. Kelly can’t imagine having babies right now. Tamra and Gina talk about Shane. In her interview, Gina says Emily was embarrassed that night. She apologized, and said Shane was acting like a d*ck. Gina says she didn’t think it needed to be discussed, and that they’d squashed it, but that’s not what happened. Even if it was, she did nothing inappropriate or that no one else was doing. She’d respect him more if he’d have come downstairs and talked to her. Instead he started yelling; he was like a sniper. Tamra tells her that he’d said she was the worst of them all. Gina gets that he’s Emily’s husband, but she apologized and called him d*ck. Shannon says it’s not conjecture, but if her husband had come home early to take care of the kids, she wouldn’t want to piss him off. In her interview, Shannon says it brings up memories. You want everyone to be happy, and don’t want anyone to be angry. It’s triggering things. When Gina is talking about him yelling, she can see it. She knows if David had to come home early from work because she was out at a bar, she’d hear about it. Gina says it wasn’t his best moment, but it not the crux of their relationship, so she’s giving him the benefit of the doubt. In her interview, Tamra says that Shannon must know saying David has similarities to Emily’s husband is going to be taken seriously and offend Emily. So to make sure that happens, Tamra asks if Shannon is saying Emily is in a bad marriage. Shannon says she’s doesn’t know that.

Tamra and Vicki go to a permanent makeup artist to get their eyebrows done. Tamra tells Vicki that after she left, there was a conversation about Emily’s husband. He’s not nice. He yelled at Gina. She digresses, and tells Vicki that she went to Gina’s house, and her kids were going crazy. We see a clip of that, and they’re certainly animated. She says Gina has her hands full. She can’t imagine being a single mom all week long. Vicki asks, what’s that story? Tamra says he works in LA all week, and has an apartment Gina has never seen. Vicki is like, what? Tamra says it’s definitely a different situation, and Vicki says people make their marriages work. It wouldn’t work for her. In her interview, she says it doesn’t feel right. If her husband had his own apartment, she’d cement pictures to the wall. Tamra says Emily didn’t stick around to whoop it up, but she went out. Vicki says after Emily’s divorce, she and Shane got married right away. They talk about Emily and Shane not sleeping together before the wedding, and Tamra says what if it was only a quarter inch? Vicki says it wouldn’t matter if he’s a great guy, but Tamra says he wouldn’t fill up her love tank.

Frank the Milkman and Kelly go out for drinks. Kelly says they met at a Mayweather fight. He’s trying to bring back nostalgia, and actually delivers milk. She says he lives in New York, so realistically, he’s not so great for a boyfriend. They order drinks and appetizers. Kelly says she tells everyone that she’s dating The Milkman. He asks her how her dating life is going, and she says she went out with an eighty-year-old. He was livelier than Michael had been though. Frank admits to being difficult to get along with, not unlike herself. She appreciates his honesty; no one sets her straight. Frank says he does, and she says she needs someone like him in her life. He thinks she should take it down a notch. We flash back to Kelly’s craziest moments. He says she needs to be chill about certain things, or she’ll be alone. In her interview, she says she’s not going to be alone, because, hello? For sure she and The Milkman have their own thing going on, but it’s about the thrills, not the bills. It’s fun for now. They talk about Mexican food

Shannon isn’t looking forward to today. She’s never been in a divorce proceeding. In the recent past, David has shown anger, and she feels like she’s walking on eggshells. She doesn’t know what will happen in court. She calls her mom on the way. Pat says it’s just a bump in the road. Shannon wants it over with. In her declaration, there are some things that might set him off. She’s walking into the unknown. Pat asks if anyone is going with her. Shannon says she just ran a red light, and her lawyer is going with her. Pat suggests he walk her to her car afterward, so there’s no hassle.

Shannon and her lawyer, Ben, stop at a restaurant before the hearing. Shannon just wants it over. In her interview, Shannon says Ben attempted to settle, but David said no, and that he was representing himself. Ben tells her a lawyer’s concept is that the lower earning spouse needs support. David’s position is that he’d rather pay a lot of expenses than support. Shannon thinks it’s a control issue. David isn’t fond of Ben, and he says, hopefully, a judicial officer will have more sway. In her interview, Shannon says David handled all the finances. Now that it’s not in his control, it causes anger. She hopes it will feel like a weight has lifted, but reality says it will just make things worse. He won’t be happy with any decision. She doesn’t have a lot of hope.

Three hours later. On the way to the car, Shannon tells Ben it was emotional and scary. He says she has a few more months before she has to worry about stuff. She thanks him. It didn’t happen the way she thought it would. She’s shaken up, emotional, and uneasy.

Shannon calls Tamra from the car. She has no words. Her nerves are shot. The judge ordered David to pay her $30K every month. Holy! How much does he make? Tamra is like, oh-ho-ho, and Shannon says he’s pissed. Out in the hallway, she was talking to Ben, and David went off on Ben. She screamed for the bailiff. He was so livid, and said he hoped Ben was effing happy. Tamra asks if he got arrested, and Shannon says, no, because then he walked away. She felt bad, and thought they should lower it to be nice, so they went back in. Why? Why is she not taking him for everything? She says David was shaking in anger. They settled at $22,500, which is what she needs. She just wants him out of her life. Tamra says, unfortunately, that won’t happen for a long time.

Next time, Vicki’s birthday is coming up, the ladies go golfing, Gina talks to Emily about the situation, and Shannon and Tamra go at it.

🍹 Ashley showed up on Southern Charm Savannah to stir the pot. If she sticks around, I might get marginally more interested in this show.

🍭 It’s Behind You Now…

August 19, 2018 – The Dead & Nothing But the Dead, Plus Kveðja Helgi

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Fear the Walking Dead

The storm continues to rage. Alicia enters a house, walking cautiously forward. She calls out, asking if anybody is home. A zombie toddles out, and she dispatches it, dragging it out of the way, only to deal with another one. A third zombie comes out, and she does a double stab with a weapon in each hand. She kills one more, and puts the bodies outside in the same formation that’s in a family photo on the mantel. She cleans her pokey-thing-with-the-holes weapon.

Alicia washes herself up. She takes down the family photos, puts them in a basket, and tosses it next to the bodies. She can’t get the front door to stay closed, and looks around in the basement. Water is pouring in. She gets some nails, and boards the door shut. She goes to the kitchen, and finds some cans. While she’s looking around for a can opener, she hears something upstairs. She goes up and looks around. It’s hard to tell whether noises are zombie noises or wind. Both. There’s a zombie hanging around outside. She says whoever’s in there, get the hell out or I’ll kill you. They have one chance. She says she just wanted to be left alone.

She opens a closet. Charlie pops out and takes off. Alicia asks why she’s there. Did she follow her? She says Charlie can’t be there. Alicia throws a bunch of stuff in a bag, pries the boards off the door, and goes for the family’s car. She can’t get the car door open, and pulls so hard she falls back and gets knocked out.

She wakes up indoors, in candlelight. She grabs her weapon, and asks why Charlie brought her back. She sees a bedroom with the door closed. She knows Charlie is in there; why doesn’t she say something? She says, if Charlie isn’t going to talk, then she needs to listen. Alicia’s mom died saving her – saving Nick, saving everyone – because Charlie led Mel to the place they built; because she lied to them. Then she shot Alicia’s brother. Alicia watched him bleed to death. She couldn’t do anything except watch him die, and realize he was going to die. It didn’t happen fast. He was aware and in pain, and knew Charlie did it. He tried to save her, and she killed him. She made him feel like his life didn’t mean anything. She can’t send Charlie out there, but will probably kill her. She doesn’t know if she wants to, but she probably will. On the other side of the door, Charlie takes out a gun. Alicia says she’s trying to believe like her mom; it’s the only thing keeps her mom alive. If she kills Charlie, she won’t let her take it away again. She may be a kid, but she knows what she did, and that makes her garbage; a waste of a person, and worse than the zombies. She hopes Charlie lives to a ripe old age, and has to remember what she did; what she is, and how she can never ever make up for it. Charlie cries.

Alicia tries to nail a shutter from the outside, but the wind is too strong. She uncovers one of the bodies. Question mark over my head.

Charlie has brought the basket of family photos inside. I guess Alicia must have noticed it was missing. She takes them out of the frames, and dries them. I would think it was her family, but she’s not in any pictures. Alicia comes in, and asks why she wouldn’t say anything. Did she know these people? She put the photos out there for a reason. She tells Charlie to come downstairs, and put on her coat. Charlie follows her.

Alicia makes Charlie hold the shutter closed while she nails it. They do the next one. Alicia sees zombies starting to gather, and she says they’re making too much noise. She shoves Charlie inside, and boards the door. She says they’ll try again later.

Zombies clamor at the window. Alicia asks for Charlie’s coat, telling her that she’s trying to do the right thing. Charlie heads upstairs, and Alicia ask for her coat again, startling Charlie when she gets in her face. Alicia takes out the gun, and asks if it’s the same gun. She holds it to Charlie’s head. She told Charlie that she couldn’t be here, and asks if Charlie came to kill her; to get her before she got Charlie. Charlie shakes her head, and Alicia tells her to go. She runs upstairs.

Alicia builds a fire. She tells Charlie that she’s sorry; she’s trying. Upstairs, Charlie goes through the photos. She hears zombies, and pulls the curtain on the deck door aside. She opens the door. Alicia gets the fire going, but hears noises from upstairs. A zombie is hanging from a tree right off the deck. Charlie goes to edge of the deck, and it grabs her, but Alicia pulls her back.

Alicia realizes the gun wasn’t for her; it was for Charlie. Alicia thinks they both know there are no good reasons to keep going. She might have had the right idea, but that doesn’t mean Alicia is letting her do it. Charlie asks why Alicia saved her. Was it because Alicia wanted her to live with what she did? Alicia doesn’t know, but Charlie doesn’t get off the hook. She thinks Alicia saved her because she sees something in her, and forgives her. That’s not true. Alicia can’t help her. Whatever she’s looking for, Charlie isn’t getting it from her. She has to live with what she’s done, just like Alicia has. All that’s waiting for her is to be out on the porch like them. Charlie asks how long Alicia thinks the storm will last? Alicia says, how would she know? She’s from California. So it really doesn’t rain there?

Alicia heats up a can of something; not pudding. It looks like beans. Why is it always beans? They eat in silence. Charlie asks if Alicia lived near a beach, but Alicia says, no. Charlie says, Alicia told her that she’s from California, and Alicia says, it’s a big state. Charlie asks what it was like, and Alicia says, what does it matter? Charlie says, It doesn’t. Alicia says, Charlie has never been to the beach, has she? Charlie says he was supposed to go to Galveston with her parents. They were going to spend the day on the beach, go to the boardwalk at night, and maybe ride the roller coaster. Then everything changed, and… Alicia says they all missed. Charlie says sometimes when she’s reading, she likes to close her eyes, and see hat she read about. She can’t find any books about Galveston. Alicia says the last time she was at a beach, it was like everywhere else, overrun with the dead. Just another place to run from. She tells Charlie to get some sleep, and Charlie lies on the couch.

Alicia wakes to the sounds of the storm, and looks for Charlie. Zombie dude is still hanging from the tree. Charlie is in the room, messing with the photographs. Alicia tells Charlie that she can’t be in there, and Charlie says she has to arrange the photos because someone might come back. Alicia says everyone who gave a sh*t is dead. Charlie says she doesn’t know that. Charlie knows she’s garbage, and she can’t make up what she’s done, but she’s doing this. Alicia tells her to do what she wants, but she won’t feel better about any of it.

Alicia tries making a fire again. Lightning strikes outside, and the wind is getting stronger. Alicia says she knows what Charlie is trying to do, and trying to believe it, but she can’t. Sometimes when you’re gone, you’re just gone. These people are definitely gone and nothing is going to change that. Charlie asks why she cares. A window blows in, and zombies are blowing all over the place.

They go downstairs, but the basement is flooding fast. The ceiling partially caves in, and they both end up in the water. Alicia tries the cellar door that leads outside, but it’s padlocked. She tries a window, but the panes of glass are too thick. She says they’ll have to wait it out, but they’ll get out. They stand on trunks, as the water rises. Charlie doesn’t want to die. Alicia knows. Charlie says she doesn’t want to be one of them. She saw her parents after they turned. She didn’t think it was real, and they came back – like that. Alicia says she’s sorry. Charlie says she tried to remember what they looked like before, but she can’t. She wishes she had a picture. She asks if Alicia still has the gun. Alicia says she can’t. Charlie cries, saying she can’t end up like them. Alicia’s mom and brother; they’re all gone. Alicia says she’s not doing it. Charlie says she won’t make it, but Alicia says they will. Charlie asks her, please, just do it. Charlie knows she wants to. Alicia holds the gun to Charlie’s forehead. She she thinks of her mother and brother, and the stadium at the end. She starts to cry, and says she can’t, She takes Charlie’s hand.

They hear a sound. The cellar door has miraculously opened enough for them to get out. They scramble outside. Somehow hanging-by-a-limb zombie has fallen and broke the door open. Alicia shoots him in the head.

Alicia buries the family. The storm is over. She tells Charlie that she did it for herself, for Charlie, and for the people who could come back. Charlie gives Alicia her weapon, saying she found it in the house. Alicia tells Charlie to keep it. She asks if Charlie is good at finding things, and Charlie says, yeah. Alicia puts the pictures in a jar, and puts it next to the graves. Charlie says she can see Madison in her, even if Alicia can’t; she’s there. Alicia says she left Morgan alone in the storm. She walked away from him; all of them. Charlie says she’s good at finding things, and smiles. Alicia almost smiles back.

Alicia drives. She tells Charlie to close her eyes. She’s going to take her to the beach. It’s one of her favorite places to go. She’s in a car, and the windows are down. She can feel the air. It’s soft, and smells like salt. That’s how you know you’re close. You can hear the waves. Then you see the beach. You take off your shoes, and feel the sand in between your toes, walking to the water. When you go in, it’s cold at first, but the longer stay in, the more you don’t want to get out. And you float. Charlie imagines looking back at all the people on the beach. Alicia asks if she’s there. Charlie says she’s in the water. It’s really blue. She’s walking back… She can see them. Her mom and dad. She can see them again. Alicia smiles, a little more this time.

They go back to Victor’s house. Alicia calls for Victor and Luci. It’s a mess; I guess from the storm. They look around outside. Charlie calls to Alicia. There’s a bus overturned on the bridge leading away from the house. Charlie says they have to find them and help them. Alicia says they don’t know if they’re alive. She thinks they’re gone. She tells Charlie, things don’t get better. They’re not going to; they’ll only get worse. Hopefully, they’re not around to see how bad they can get. A zombie toddles out from behind the bus. We’re all grateful that it’s no one we know. Alicia takes her pokey weapon from Charlie and kills it.

She tells Charlie to come, and they walk away from the bridge.

Next time, Morgan finds a new place and new people.

🌠 Another One Bites the Dust…

WeekendMinions3

WeekendOver4

WeekendOver5

BunnyFall

 

August 17, 2018 – Terrible News at a Party, To Bun or Not To Bun, Someone Worse Than Jax, Quote Senary & the Queen’s Weekend

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Sonny and Mike arrive at Alexis’s house. Mike gives her flowers, and Sonny thanks her for the invite. Carly has to deal with something involving Josslyn, and can’t be there. Alexis says he didn’t have to come; she’s sorry for his loss. Bobbie arrives, and says it’s a lovely gesture, but Alexis needs to call it off. A banner says welcome to the family

On the phone, Julian says he’s expanding the building, not tearing down a city block. He’s going to report them to the Better Business Bureau. Like that means anything. A man approaches him, saying he’s from the City of Port Charles Safety Bureau. He has bad news.

At Charlie’s, Drew accuses Margaux of following him. He asks if she called his assistant to see where he’d be. She asks if she has to tell him again to get over himself. He says, no, but she can tell him why she talked to Jason about him.

Valentin comes home to find Peter there. It’s like a surprise revolving door at Windemere. He asks if Peter is there to finish what Obrecht started. Peter says Windemere is safe – from him at least. Valentin says it’s good to see him. Peter asks if he’s sure about that. Valentin owes him and he’s there to collect.

In a prison visiting room, Maxie tells Nina that she doesn’t have to be there. Nina says she has to do this. Nathan would have wanted her to. He’d be the bigger person, but Nina says she’s not that big. Donna Mills… I mean, Madeline comes out in her orange that’s the new black.

Bobbie tells Alexis that she wants to celebrate her new grandson, but the adoption isn’t final until thirty days is up. Sonny says it’s just a formality, but Bobbie says Brad and Lucas will think it’s a jinx. Sam asks if the birth mother wouldn’t have said something by now if she wanted the baby back. Alexis says it’s typically just after the birth, but she doesn’t think a party will make or break the adoption. Bobbie agrees, but says Brad and Lucas won’t, and they’re the parents. Brad and Lucas come in with the baby. Brad asks, what are they doing?

Valentin tells Peter, when Peter wasn’t on the jet he’d chartered, he thought Peter lost faith in him and made other arrangements. He had no idea Obrecht was holding him captive. Peter says it worked out for the best. Valentin knows Peter isn’t a martyr. Peter says it’s true he was tortured for a week, but if he’d escaped, he’d be a fugitive, and could never come back. The WSB and local authorities decided not to prosecute. He can live openly in Port Charles. Valentin thinks that’s a bad idea. Peter says, for Valentin, but not for him.

Madeline is glad Nina is staying. Maxie asks how long she can be in the same room, and Nina isn’t sure. Madeline asks if she doesn’t want to see how far her mother has fallen. Nina says she’d rather not think of her at all. She’s here supporting Maxie. Maxie says she’s here for Nathan, not for Madeline. Madeline says she petitioned for a furlough, but she never got to say goodbye. She read about the funeral online. Obrecht might have been playing mother, but she raised him, and was responsible for the great man he became. Nina says she did inspire him. She gave him a purpose. He lived his life in danger to serve justice. When he found out Nina had been in a coma, little did he know it was Madeline who put her in one. It’s fitting and fair that she wasn’t able to go, and be allowed to see her son. She hopes Madeline feels half the pain she did, when she woke up and found out her child was dead because of her mother. And she’ll never be able to have another.

Safety Guy tells Julian expansion would be dangerous.

Margaux tells Drew that she was under the impression he and his brother aren’t close. Drew says they’re not. She says, yet Jason ran to him after they spoke. It was nothing nefarious. She just pointed out that Drew chose to be a law-abiding citizen, when he’d just been detained for breaking a patient out of Ferncliff at gunpoint. Drew asks if she was encouraging Jason to be more like him? She says she wants to use his brother to get closer to his boss. She wants to take out Sonny Corinthos.

Brad thought they were here so Sam could spend more time with Wiley. Sonny says he wanted to meet his nephew. Brad says he’s not officially theirs. He doesn’t like tempting fate. Sam says, hold on. They asked her to be Wiley’s godmother, so they must think she has something important to offer. She says they’re being ridiculous. They says they’re waiting for the thirty days to be up, but they’re not fooling anyone. They fell in love the first second they laid eyes on the baby. She tells them not to postpone their feelings. Sonny says they can be happy, or let the rest of them be happy. Mike says he and Sonny made lasagna, and for the first time ever, didn’t argue. A new baby can erase years of bickering. How can it be anything but good luck? Lucas says Mike always knows the right thing to say. He tells Brad, all the love in the room is for Wiley. Some of them set aside their grief. Sonny says he’ll always be there for them, for Wiley. Brad says, okay. Let the festivities begin.

Maxie wants to get the visit over with and get out asap. Maxie tells Madeline she got her messages asking her to come, and asked herself, what would Nathan do? He always saw the good in everyone, no matter what. Madeline is his family, so she made a video montage of James. Madeline says it’s more than she’d hoped for; Maxie is too kind. Nina says, damn straight. Nina says it was staggering that Madeline wasn’t prosecuted for taking twenty years of her life, and destroying any chance she had of motherhood. Madeline says she has regrets. Maxie says she’s here where she belongs. She’ll never have what they do. She’ll never see or hold James. He’s theirs. She’ll only see videos. Madeline says she just wants a glimpse. Maxie shows her the video on her laptop. Madeline tells Nina that she sees her brother in him. Nina says he looks exactly like Nathan did. When she holds him, she thinks back to their Manhattan apartment, in the nursery. She would hold him and think about the life he’d have, but he’s gone. James is still here.

Peter says he’s sorry to inconvenience Valentin. Valentin says if he’s staying to rekindle things with Maxie, it’s a lost cause. Peter says the only lost cause is his. He and Nina talked in the cabin. Nina’s baby was stolen, and she can’t think of anything worse. He has a better chance at being in Maxie’s life than Valentin has being in Nina’s.

Sonny holds the baby. Mike says he sees Carly in him. Sonny doesn’t think so; Wiley isn’t related to them. Bobbie asks Sam if Michael is coming. Sam says she invited him, but told him she’d understand if he didn’t come. She hopes he doesn’t push himself. Lucas tells Brad it seems unfair for them to be happy, when Michael isn’t. He wonders how the universe decides. Brad hopes Michael doesn’t come – for his sake. No surprise, Michael walks in.

Julian tells Safety Guy that his was one of the few properties in the neighborhood that sustained no damage in the earthquake. Safety Guy says where he planned to add on, is dangerous. Julian says, after he’s been turned down or overbid by every contractor? If there’s a fissure, he wants to see it. Show him. Safety Guy says, it’s underground. The only way to see it is with ultrasound. Julian says, right.

Drew tells Margaux that every new DA that’s come to town sets their sights on Sonny. She says she’ll succeed where others have failed, and put him away for good. He tells her, good luck. She says she doesn’t have much use for luck, but she believes in asking for help. She wants Drew to help her.

Madeline says James is precious. Maxie says, she’s right. Madeline tells Nina, it’s her brother all over again. She tells Maxie that she sees the both of them too. She wonders if he’s as well-behaved as Nathan was; he hardly ever fussed. Nina says she worked it out so her visits were just after his nap; he could be a terror. Maxie doesn’t believe it, and Nina says he would scream when put down for a nap. Not a sad cry; a mad cry. She was the only one who could quiet him. Madeline says she was so good with him. She would have made a wonderful mother. Nina says, is she kidding? Madeline says it took too long for her to realize how horribly she wronged Nina. She doesn’t expect Nina to believe her – she doesn’t deserve it – but she wants Nina to know with every breath, she’s so sorry for the pain she caused. She starts to cry.

Valentin tells Peter that Nina will forgive him. He has something in works. Peter says, even if she does, she’ll never get past Valentin giving him to his father out of revenge. Valentin used him; a helpless infant. How would he feel if it was Charlotte? Valentin says he’s thought about what Peter’s father did to him. He’s thought of little else since Nina left. He’s sorry. Peter says those are weak words. Valentin doesn’t know how else to say it. Peter says, show him that he’s willing to make up for what he did. Valentin says, on one condition.

Drew asks why Margaux thinks he’s going to help her take Sonny down. She says when he mistakenly thought he was Jason, he distanced himself from Sonny. He understands the danger, and didn’t want his kids never knowing if their father would be in prison or dead. She wants that too. She wants to rid the city of organized crime. Together, they can do that, and make Port Charles a better place. What does he say?

Mike repeats that the baby looks like Carly, and Sonny says he told him that it’s not their baby. Brad and Lucas are his parents. Mike says, except he looks just like Carly. A nervous Brad takes the baby. Sam goes with Mike to check on the lasagna. Bobbie asks Michael if he’s sure he wants to be there, and he says, there’s no better medicine than being with family. Sonny is proud of him. Michael says Sonny got him through the hardest time. He thanks Sonny, and tells Lucas he’s sorry if he was weird at the station.  Lucas says he had a lot going on. Michael says it’s more festive there. He’s so happy for the both of them. Lucas says he didn’t think it was possible to be more excited than the day they brought Wiley home, but his heart keeps expanding. He’s never felt this much purpose. Julian barges in, and tells Sonny that they need to talk,

Alexis suggests they go outside with their problem. They do, and Julian asks Sonny what his problem with the expansion is. Sonny says he doesn’t think enough about Julian to have a problem. Julian says every contractor is too busy or is giving him an astronomical price. Now he got hit with some trumped up safety issue. Sonny says, it sounds like it wasn’t meant to be. He’s the wrong person to be crying to. Julian says he’s not letting it go. Something is going on. It’s no coincidence that Sonny’s father and the original owner are connected.

Sam asks Alexis if she’s okay. Julian had no right to show up at her house. Julian apologizes, and Sam suggests he leave. He asks to take a peek at his grandson, and thanks Brad for letting him hold Wiley. He says looks Wiley different from the picture he took at the hospital. Brad says they change so much in the first months, and Lucas says he looks the same to him. Brad say that’s because they see him all the time. Julian gets out his phone to show them the picture, but Brad bumps into him, blaming his clumsiness on lack of sleep. I’m not getting this, since it’s not like they switched babies after they got him.

Drew tells Margaux, great speech, and wonders how they went from baseball to this. She says, like it or not, he literally knows where the bodies are buried. She’s not saying he’s guilty of every crime he was accused of, but it’s a lot of felonies. Drew tells her that no other DA has been able to prosecute him. Margaux says he has Jason’s memories. He asks why he would bring a bad feeling to his family. What he’s trying isn’t going to work. If she thinks Jason will turn on Sonny, it will never happen. He’ll rot in prison before gives her anything. She says she won’t know until she tries. He tells her, try away, but don’t count on his help.

Valentin hangs up the phone, and tells Peter, it’s arranged. Peter has everything they agreed on, under the condition that he stay away from Nina. Peter says Nina protected him; they reached an understanding. He’ll always be grateful. He’s not going to help her forget. Valentin needs to make it up. Valentin says he’ll worry about that, just keep his distance. Peter agrees, and thanks Valentin for his accommodation.

Nina says Madeline puts on a good show, Madeline says she thought she’d never see Nina again. She’s had years to ponder what she did in pursuit of money. When Reed took over, he owned her, and it was her driving force. She wanted money more than her daughter; more than air. It was a sickness. Nina asks if she’s saying she’s sick. Madeline says it’s not an excuse. There’s no excuse. She couldn’t feel more remorse or regret for being responsible for Nina losing her child. Nina says, and twenty years of her life. When she woke up, all she could think of was the past. It almost destroyed her. She’s changed. She takes responsibility for her actions, and the consequences. She’s defining her own life. Madeline says she’s kept up with what Nina has done. She has a successful career and a handsome husband. She saw a video of him singing to her at the Nurses’ Ball. He has a daughter, so now she can be a mother. She hopes Nina has finally found the happiness and love she deserves. Nina asks if she means that? Maxie thinks Madeline might on her. Madeline asks Nina, on her brother’s name, please believe her. Nina thanks her.

Madeline says she finally sees how much she hurt Nina. She truly does. Nina is an inspiration to her, as she’s counting the days until she sees the parole board. Maxie asks if there’s a chance of her getting out. Madeline says she’s been a model prisoner. She started a therapy group, and got an award for teaching the inmates how be civil to one another. She knows… er, thinks she has a chance, if her daughter and daughter-in-law will attest to her remorse. Wow. That didn’t take long. Nina says she’ll tell the board exactly what she thinks. She thanks Madeline for reminding her what a master manipulator she is. Maxie says thanks for giving her a reason not to visit. Madeline doesn’t understand. Nina says she’s slipping. It was a ploy to get her to help. Maxie says it’s the last she’ll ever see of James. Don’t contact her again, or she’ll tell the parole board how much Madeline hasn’t changed. Nina says she’d tell her to go to hell, but she’s already in it.

Margaux says Port Charles will be a better place for children. It’s a shortcut to a bright future. He suggests she do it the old-fashioned way, with interviews, investigation, and research. If she’s as good as she says… Margaux says she needs evidence. He has it. He asks if that’s why she’s been following him. She asks if he really thinks her mustard aim is that good. He thinks her game needs work. She made some big assumptions. The first one being that this sci/fi is true, and that he knows everything. She says there’s still evidence out there. Drew says she’ll get laughed out of court. She’s wasting both their time. She tells him to wait. Peter has walked in while they were talking.

Mike says a baby changes your whole world. Michael holds Wiley. Mike says he sees Michael can’t stand to be separated from his boy. He was like that with Michael’s dad too, but he let things get in the way. He tells Michael not to make that mistake with his son. Michael says, not a chance. Bobbie asks Mike if he doesn’t have something in the oven. When he dashes off, she tells Michael that she’s sorry; he’s confused. Michael says, it’s okay; he’s a good man. Now Mike is breaking my heart when he’s not even in the room.

Alexis’s answers the phone, and says, what is it? She asks if it’s definite, and says she’ll speak to her clients. She looks at Brad and Lucas. Geez, maybe that party was a jinx. Julian asks what’s going on, like it’s his business. Brad says, what’s with the long face? Alexis says something happened.

Margaux tells Drew that their first meeting was chance. She does like baseball. She also enjoyed spending time with him. She got to know him, and thought he could help. He says she was wrong. She kisses him, and says, not quite. She jets, and he doesn’t seem that thrilled about the kiss.

Nina and max come in to Charlie’s. Maxie says sorry for dragging Nina there. Nina says her mom is a master manipulator. Speaking of which… They approach Peter’s table. Nina wonders what he’s doing there. He has no friends, no job, and every door has been slammed in his face. He says, a door opened. He’s now the new publisher and owner of The Invader. Maxie says it’s a gossip rag, but he says not anymore. He’s going to make it a source of information to be trusted. Maxie should join him there.

Madeline hears the visitor door open, and thinks Nina has come back. It’s Valentin. She says, Nina’s husband.

Alexis tells Brad and Lucas that she needs to speak with them in private. Lucas says she can talk in front of the family. She says the birth mother’s attorney said she’s decided not to terminate her parental rights. She wants the baby back.

If I was Brad, I’d act all innocent and point in Nelle’s direction when it comes out that this is Michael’s baby. They’d probably be blaming her right away anyway, and she was wearing scrubs to sneak out of the hospital. Maybe she made a stop first. And If Nelle said I was in on it, I’d just call her a liar. This would totally work.

On Monday, Valentin asks Madeline if Nina had a daughter, Peter wants to poach Lulu, and Margaux calls Drew an egomaniac.

🎩 Does Josh Know About This?

There is only one man bun I will accept.

https://www.bestproducts.com/lifestyle/a22690556/clip-on-man-buns-blue-crate/?src=nl&mag=bsp&list=nl_bsp_news&date=081018

👺 Ugh!

Suckerfish Jason Hoppy just doesn’t quit. He must be part marlin.

https://www.eonline.com/news/960755/bethenny-frankel-and-ex-jason-hoppy-continue-custody-battle-after-dennis-shields-death?cmpid=emn-081618-enewsletter-button-latest-2

🔔 Quotes of the Week

It is an ugly and cruel action which serves only appearance… It does nothing to change the sexist culture in Hollywood today and simply proves that they will eat their own to survive. I say to Roman, good riddance to bad rubbish, the Academy has no true honor, it’s all just P.R.Samantha Gelmer on Roman Polanski’s expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Can vegetarians still eat animal crackers? – Pacifica TV commercial

I’ve never done battle. I’ve just pushed people and run away. – The Flash (Ezra Miller), Justice League

You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.Richard Branson

I ordered a steak. This is a dirty washcloth. 🔽 Do you want me to heat it up for you? – A diner customer and Sophie (Jennifer Coolidge), respectively, 2 Broke Girls

When you’re happy, the whole world is New York. – Lola (Lindsay Lohan), Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

🌟 Because I Miss Star…

And because it’s the weekend.

 

 

August 16, 2018 – Josslyn Confesses, Nema Comes Clean, the Dallas Wives Return, Possible Bachelorette & One More

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Jason meets Sonny at Pizzulo’s. He tells Sonny, no way can Julian afford any of the bids he’s been given. Sonny says the expansion project won’t be happening, and the dead body will stay where it is. Jason says, for now.

At Charlie’s, Jordan tells Curtis they’ve barely started planning for the wedding. He asks if she’s stressed, but she says, no. Him? He says, just the opposite. They do have something to talk about though. Chondra.

Julian tells Kim that he’s trying to honor their agreement, and keep his hands and business clean. Sonny has every contractor in his back pocket. Margaux overhears, and asks him to tell her more about Sonny’s pockets. Doesn’t she have anything else to do? The only time we see her is when she’s getting food, eating food, or spilling food on other people.

Sam asks Kristina how Parker is. She wants the juicy stuff she can’t say in front of mom. Kristina says, you first.

Stella visits Michael at the Quartermaine’s. She says she came to look in on him. Monica sent her. She’s sorry about his son.

Terry and Elizabeth are excited to finally be working together. I’m excited about Elizabeth’s messy bun that has hair sticking straight up from the top. Elizabeth says Terry doesn’t know how glad she is to see her. Cameron is totally busted. He got caught shoplifting. Terry starts laughing, and Elizabeth asks her why. Terry says she knows why.

Josslyn comes home, and Carly asks to talk to her. She knows Josslyn has been shoplifting. She found the clothes with the sensors and tags. Josslyn says she can explain. Carly says she’d better think about it first. She’s going to believe what Josslyn tells her, but if she finds out later Josslyn was lying, she’s going to put herself in a hole that will be tough to dig out of. She asks Josslyn to answer truthfully. Did she steal the clothes? Josslyn admits she did, and says she didn’t really want them. Carly says she stashed them in her grandfather’s closet, and Josslyn says she didn’t know what to do with them. Carly asks why, and Josslyn says she was in the store, saw them, and did it. Carly says she probably felt good getting away with it. Josslyn says she hasn’t felt good in a long time. Carly can’t imagine what it’s been like for her, confused and lonely, but that’s not the way to deal with it. She asks what’s driving her to do such a thing, and Josslyn doesn’t want to say; it’s too awful. Carly asks if it has to with Nelle. Josslyn says she believed the awful things Nelle said about Carly, and she knows Carly would have stuck by her if the roles were reversed. She wonders what’s wrong with her.

Sam wonders where to start, and Kristina tells her start when Jason got back. Sam says she was in the hospital, and Jason came to visit. As soon as she opened her eyes, she knew it was him, and the man she was married to, wasn’t him. Her first gigantic mistake was that she didn’t tell Drew. She was in love with him, and didn’t know what to do. She was confused, and did the only thing she knew to do; reassure Drew that she loved him. It was true, but so much of her wanted to be around Jason. She knew it was Jason, and lied to her husband. Kristina is like, wow, and Sam says, welcome to my life.

Elizabeth admits to Terry that she was a terrible teenager, but she wonders where this is coming from. Cameron had a good year academically, socially, and athletically. Terry asks, who is this kid? Elizabeth says he keeps it together all the time. She’s the one Elizabeth never has to worry about. Terry says, maybe that’s the problem.

Curtis tells Jordan that Chondra took a job in Port Charles. Jordan asks if that was before or after she knew he was living there. He doesn’t know and doesn’t care. He’s here for Jordan, and didn’t reach out to her. Jordan says they both know who did and why.

Kim introduces Margaux to Julian. She says he must be Charlie. He says his name is on the pub, but that’s not his name. He tells her that he’s Julian Jerome; she must have heard that name before. She says, almost as much as Corinthos.

Sonny tells Jason about Al, an older guy who was in the business even longer than Skully. The night Joe gave the order, Al thought he was nervous. He told Sonny, the decision’s been made. Accept it, honor it, and don’t look back. He asked if Sonny could do that. Jason wonders what would have happened if he’d said he couldn’t. Sonny doesn’t know. He told Al and himself that he was capable of doing anything that night. Jason asks if he regrets it, and Sonny says, not for a second.

Kim thinks Margaux looks familiar. Margaux says they met the other day, but Kim says, before that. She asks if Margaux is sure they haven’t met before. Margaux says she must have one of those faces, and Kim says that must be it.

Jordan says she’s done everything to involve Stella in the wedding. She’s looked past Stella’s eyerolls and snide remarks, and the whole time she was planning to sabotage them. Curtis agrees it’s messed up, and Jordan says that doesn’t begin to describe it. She’s been kind, but that might not be an option any more when comes to his aunt.

Stella tells Michael that she knows it’s hard to ask for help, but there are special groups for parents who have lost infants. People think you didn’t have the baby long enough to love it, but he knows that’s not true. So will the other group members. He appreciates it, but says he has a handle on it, and knows how to move forward. Stella says he doesn’t look like his father, but he acts like him. She says there are variations of grief, and it doesn’t exist on a timetable. If you don’t deal with it, it can ambush you when you least expect it. He’s still dealing with his losses, and won’t be aware; he won’t see the traps right in front of him until he steps in them. She gives him some pamphlets, and tells him not to throw them in the trash as soon as she leaves. He says he’ll wait five minutes, and I’m shocked Michael has a sense of humor. Stella laughs, and says to call her any time.

Sam tells Kristina the night of the earthquake, she and Jason almost died. She couldn’t hide it anymore, and told him that she loved him; she always has and always will. She told him she knew the truth, and she had to tell Drew. She put it out there, and Drew couldn’t live with it, so he left her. Kristina says, it was Drew’s choice? Sam says it was the right decision. Kristina says it must have been; she seems free. Sam says probably because she can breathe again. it feels good.

Carly tells Josslyn nothing is wrong with her; Nelle is to blame. She acted like her kidney was a gift, but it wasn’t. Josslyn’s father saved her life. They can debate if he was morally correct, but that’s not the point. Josslyn asks what about Nelle’s dad? Carly says what he did was terrible, but it’s not her problem. It’s between Nelle and Frank. She’s sorry Nelle made her feel like she owed her. None of them do. Josslyn says Carly did at first. Carly says she thought Nelle was an innocent kind person. She snowed her and Michael. Josslyn says they figured it out, and Carly tells her she’s barely fifteen. Nelle showed her nothing but kindness. Why believe anything else? Josslyn says they told her, but Carly says Nelle is a master manipulator. She’s ill; a sociopath who tried to kill her brother. Josslyn says she chose Nelle over Carly. Why doesn’t Carly hate her?

Sam misses having partner, but working on who she is and what she wants is worth it. Kristina asks if that’s what Sam thinks she should do, and Sam asks what’s going on with Parker? Kristina says Parker is great. She got a position at the college and will be there at least another year, with a chance at tenure. Sam says she was talking about their relationship. Kristina says there’s nothing wrong. Parker is supportive, and they have fun together, but she’s a professor and has a life. Kristina feels like she’s drifting.

Terry tells Elizabeth she wouldn’t know, but she hears being the perfect one comes with stress. Elizabeth says she spends time with Jake and his issues, and Aiden is high maintenance. They’ve gotten the bulk of her attention because they needed it. She never had to much with Cameron because he’s on top of things. He and knows what needs to be done, and does it. Terry says he’s just a kid, and deserves as much attention from his wonderful mom.

Carly says nothing could make her stop loving Josslyn. Josslyn can make her upset, but Carly can promise she’d never stop loving her. She says people say they’re alike. Josslyn has her fire and determination, and her killer good looks, but has always had unconditional love. Carly didn’t have that until her twenties. Jason was the first to give it to her. It’s an incredible feeling of security. You can mess up big time, but know people won’t leave. Josslyn has had it her whole life; unwavering support. That doesn’t mean looking the other way when she’s being destructive, but she knows they’re there. She doesn’t love Josslyn because Josslyn is her biggest champion, but because she’s Josslyn. Like she loves Carly because she’s Carly. They hug.

Sonny tells Jason that he’s never had a problem eliminating a legitimate threat. Jason says it’s a necessary part of the business. Sonny says the funny part is he thought what would come back to bite him would be a decision he made or his ambition. He never thought it would be a decision Joe made. Jason says they’ll make sure it doesn’t happen. One way or another, they’ll make sure the body never resurfaces. Sonny says they have a lot of options. Jason has to meet Sam, and tells Sonny to let him know if he needs anything. They’re going to handle this.

Margaux wonders why Sonny would want to buy the pub, and Kim says his father has Alzheimer’s and has a history there. Margaux says, he wanted to buy it as a gift? Julian says, a gift he won’t remember. Kim says not everything is sinister. Margaux says, maybe, but when it comes to Sonny, she’s not so sure.

Jordan tells Curtis that they can’t have someone at their wedding who doesn’t wish them well. She’s done tiptoeing around Stella. She wants it to be the best day of their lives. Curtis does too, and she says then he has to tell his aunt that she can’t come. Stella walks in.

Elizabeth thinks she needs to spend time with Cameron. They could talk, just the two of them, no distractions. Terry says, a teenage son’s worst nightmare. Elizabeth doesn’t want him to feel left out. Terry says, he won’t. She knows because of the conversation they just had. Elizabeth is a damn good parent.

Josslyn missed talking to Carly. Carly says, her too. She asks if Josslyn missed her making sure her skirts aren’t too short, and Josslyn says with Carly, she knows where she stands. The night Carly left, she felt lost. She wanted it to stop. Carly gets it; the rush of realizing she didn’t get caught, but there’s emptiness afterwards. Josslyn says, totally. Josslyn wonders why she did it, and Carly says, everything else was spinning out of control. Maybe she thought she could gain more control over her life. Josslyn says she thought it would make things better, but Carly says it wasn’t he answer. Josslyn knows, and if it helps, she hasn’t done it since Carly got back. Carly tells Josslyn that she’ll be taking the clothes back, and admit what happened to the shop owner. Carly will compensate them (which doesn’t make sense if they’re bringing them back), and Josslyn is going to pay her back. If her camp job isn’t enough, she’ll bus tables at the MetroCourt. Josslyn asks if forgetting it happened isn’t an option, and Carly says they’re doing it first thing in morning. Josslyn wanted her back; she’s back. They hug.

Kristina finds Michael. She hugs him, and says she’s so sorry.

Kim tells Julian not to let the DA talk him into picking a fight with Sonny. If he goes back to the mob, she’ll be gone. She’s been honest from the beginning. They’re in a good place, and she hopes going toward to a better place. She’d hate to miss the opportunity. Julian says, him too. She says, then she’d have to go somewhere else for cortados. Julian says they’re not nearly as good. Kim asks if they’re on the same page. He says they are, and kisses her.

Stella asks if Curtis would prefer she not attend the wedding. He says she’s not giving him much choice. She owned up to calling Chondra, but how can he trust what comes out of her mouth? Stella asks how she’s supposed to trust that Jordan won’t cheat on him? Jordan says she’s done, and Curtis says, no one is going anywhere until they figure this out. I’m wondering if Stella thinks she’s marrying Jordan?

Carly wants to hang Josslyn’s athletic award in a place of honor. She’s bummed she wasn’t there, but Josslyn says Oscar’s mom took ten thousand pictures. Carly wants those too. Josslyn asks if she’s going to hang them up also, and Carly says only nine thousand, nine hundred, and ninety-nine of them. Sonny comes in and says it’s the greatest thing, seeing them smile. Josslyn tells him there’s something he should know. The clothes Mike found, she stole them. She’d been shoplifting; not anymore, but she did it a few times. She was overwhelmed, and it was her way of taking back control. She’s sorry. Sonny is too. She should have been able to come to him. Josslyn says he can’t blame himself for her bad decisions. He says she knows enough about what he does, that he must seem hypocritical. Now he’s her stepdad. Fair or unfair, their family is held to a different standard. The Feds are gunning for him, and come after those close to him who have the Corinthos name. Josslyn says, good thing she stuck with Jax. He says next time she’s thinking of breaking the law, don’t do it; come to him. And that applies to everything. Josslyn asks if she’s supposed to become nun, and Sonny says, that’s not the worst idea. Both Carly and Josslyn say, yes, it is.

Jason comes into Charlie’s, and tells Julian he’s meeting with Sam. Margaux suggests he sit and chat; take a load off.

Michael tells Kristina that he’s mad at himself; he knew better. Nelle drugged his father, and he ended up creating a child with her. Kristina says he didn’t get Nelle pregnant on purpose. He says he created a situation that got his mother sent to a mental institution. Kristina says she stayed out thanks to him. He says he got his child killed. Kristina says she checked with everyone, and the baby didn’t die because of the accident. It’s good for him to own up to his choices, but he can’t blame himself for his son’s death.

Sam arrives at Charlies. She gives Jason a permission slip to sign for Danny. Julian waves and Margaux asks if Sam is a friend of his. He says Sam is his daughter, and Margaux says she used to be married to Jason. He’s six degrees of Corinthos all over the place. He says, not by choice. Sam and Jason joke about Danny bringing home a pig for a pet. Sam asks if it’s her, or is something off with Margaux?

Elizabeth asks Terry how work is going, and she says, great. She does have one especially challenging case, but they’re in the business of hope. Kim apologizes for being late, and asks if Terry has time to go over bloodwork. They leave together.

Sonny says Josslyn is so well put together, he had no idea. He thought she was handling her mom’s absence better than he was. She says, except for shoplifting. Sonny says it could have been worse. She could have made a life mistake she can’t take back. Sonny says she handled it with poise and grace. Carly adds, and incredible courage. Sonny is proud of her. Carly says, not the stealing though. Sonny says she’s a rock star, and Carly says, like her mom.

Kristina tells Michael even if he’d lost control of the car out of negligence, it’s not reason his son is gone. Michael says he thought his son would be the one good thing to come out of this. He thought Nelle would be caught, and would have a child to raise and keep safe. Then, when Nelle put Jonah in his arms and told him he was gone, it didn’t compute. He looked down at this perfect, beautiful boy, and thought he’ll open his eyes and move; he’s going to breathe. But he didn’t. The first time he met his child, he was already dead. She hugs him.

Cutis tells Jordan and Stella that he loves them both. There has to be way to work it out and make things right. They both ask how, but he has no idea.

Sam tells Jason that it seems more personal with Margaux than business as usual. Jason agrees. He says she did seem bothered when she realized she’d made a mistake with Carly. Sam thinks it wasn’t after Carly. Jason says she does have a lock on Sonny, and it seems deeper than a take-down of a local crime boss.

Margaux asks Julian if he’s going after Sonny, or does his girlfriend call the shots. He suggests they get something straight. She doesn’t give a damn about him or his business. She wants him to provoke Sonny so she can be the one to take him down.

Jason tells Sam that Margaux wants to cause trouble for Sonny. Sam says, that means trouble for him.

Tomorrow, a surprise party. Margaux asks Drew for help, and Peter says Valentin owes him and he’s there to collect.

The Shahs of Sunset

Reza checks out the new construction. MJ comes by with a picnic basket. Seeing her stiletto boots, he tells her it’s not construction attire. The house was built in the 40s, and everything needed to go. In his interview, Reza says he and Adam can’t wait to move out of the condo. He’s getting older, and they want kids. He needs a lifestyle that’s more suburban and serene. He asks if he doesn’t he look all-American, picket fence? This is the new face of the American family – take it in. Reza wonders how drunk they were at the party. He got a list of their messiest moments of the evening, and we see clips. He says apparently, they got on stage and made a bad call. Reza says GG’s feelings were hurt. He wouldn’t trip over it, but he doesn’t know about her. MJ says GG is erratic. She has mad love for GG, but doesn’t feel like she owes her anything. In her interview, MJ says when GG was with Shalom, she was nicer. Now that she has personal problems, she’s having a hard time seeing others be happy. MJ wants one last toast, but Reza already finished his champagne. He spits his last sip back into the glass for the toast.

GG goes to a dermatologist for a tattoo removal. She has over twenty tattoos from all over the world, and when she was in Israel, she got one that says Shalom. She tells the nurse that it’s her husband’s name. She still likes the meaning, but doesn’t love him anymore. Destiney joins her. She ask if GG is having doubts, and says that word is not doing any good in her life. In her interview, Destiney says GG loved him, but needs to understand that keeping his name won’t heal her. It will just make it worse. Destiney films as thy do the laser treatment. GG screams. She says the pain is like a lot of heated nails stabbing her all over her body. She likes it. She yells, it’s burning! Destiney says it’s like her marriage. GG finds out she’ll need seven to nine treatments. Destiney says ,nine times of pain, and then she’s done.

Nema and Mona go out to dinner. Mona likes the setting, and says she goes for half food, half ambience In their interview, Nema (who I constantly want to call Rema, Neva, or anything but his name) says he and Mona are best friends. and involved more than they should be in each other’s lives. The producer asks if they’re ever mistaken as a couple. Nema says sometimes when they’re out. Mona says it makes her cringe. Nema says he wants to gag. No offense, dude. They toast, and Mona says toasting with water is bad luck, but she does it anyway. Mona asks what going on with GG. Nema says they have natural chemistry. It’s ridiculously inappropriate, and he wanted to tell Erica, but couldn’t get to that point. We see a clip of him telling Erica that he had a great time, and there was an instant connection with everyone. He says he instinctually knew something was wrong. Mona says she’s in an odd position. Nema is her brother, and she wants to have his back, but as a woman, she knows it’s not right, and she’s friends with Erica. He says nothing happened, but he wanted it to. He’s not ready to be fully entrenched with another woman. His marriage ended in divorce, and he’s not ready go down that road again. He says his biggest problem is that he acts before he thinks. Then he overthinks.

Reza says his dog Marty is aggressive when he meets new dogs, so they’re going on a walk with Mike and two of his dogs. They start walking, and Reza is glad the dogs are getting along. Mike kisses his French bulldog, and I love him for a millisecond. Reza says Marty might have made him a bunch of money. He attacked a giant dog at the dog park, and after Reza apologized to the owner, they started a conversation. The woman and her husband manufacture shampoo and conditioner, and she told him he has great hair. Then he asked her about investing. In his interview, Reza says he’s a hustler. As a Persian man, he was raised to be a money generating machine. One way is to befriend rich people. He wants to achieve financial success. If they open the door, he’s running in. He tells Mike it’s set-for-life money, but the voice in his head, Adam says the next big purchase is a baby. We flash back to the million times Adam has said he wants a baby. Reza’s own voice might not want to say what he wants. Mike says relationship advice 101 – keeping things from someone might cause a problem.

MJ and her cousin Sienna make lunch at MJ’s new house. In her interview, MJ says she was juggling too much, and hired Sienna. Her spirit animal is a twenty-year-old college graduate who’s half-Persian. Wedding planner Leanna arrives. MJ shows her pup Julio’s tuxedo collar. He’s going to be the ring bearer. Leanna tells them to fill her in on what’s been done, and Sienna says everything is pending. MJ wants the perfect wedding, and is going to pull it off in a hot month. They found a florist and cake artist on a streaming service. MJ says her dream wedding is where she looks like a forest nymph in an enchanted forest. She says she wants a room full of love, with no one bitching and moaning. The cake guy asks her to name a fashion designer she would like to see design a wedding, and she says, 1992 Versace. In her interview, she says the time crunch makes it easier. She can’t change her mind a thousand times.

Nema hikes with Erica and her dog. He tells her even when he complains, he’s happy to spend time with her. They stop and he says he has anxiety about a situation in Big Bear. He has to tell her something. He can’t escape how bad he feels; it’s been eating him alive. For Pete’s sake, you know by now she must be thinking he slept with somebody. It’s kind of noble and all, but just spit it out. He really seems like an idiot right now. Erica finally asks him what happened, and he says, there was almost a kiss. She asks how you almost kiss. He says they both started to move in, and then they both said no. She asks who stopped it, and he says – get this – it stopped on its own. We flash back to the almost kiss. She doesn’t believe him. I can understand why, after the fuss he made. He says he’s telling the whole truth. He wants to respect her. He knows she’s upset, and Erica says she’s boiling. Not about whats almost happened – everyone makes mistakes – but the deeper-rooted issue. Why, after they’ve been together this long, is he making that mistake? Maybe he doesn’t want to be in a serious relationship. He says he didn’t think he’d be going from wife to serious girlfriend, but she changed his perspective. He still has conflicts that are unresolved. In his interview, he says that his wife was dating before the marriage was done, and he felt like he was acting like a hypocrite. Erica says the next step is marriage, then a family. He’s throwing a wrench into it during the 7th inning. He says he told her that he didn’t want kids, and she’s ignoring that. Oh. That changes things. Not that I still don’t think he’s an idiot, but that’s a pretty big thing. If they’re not on the same page with that, they need to move on. In his interview, Nema says that Erica stood by as a friend during his divorce, and when he started dating again, it was natural. She’s been very patient, and deserves a guy with no baggage. He says he doesn’t want to waste her time, and she thinks they should take a break. He says he’s sorry, but wants to be honest, and not just give her lip-service. She says she’s getting angrier, and thinks they should go. She says she’s done.

MJ says her father had been stable for a year. Then he started suffering from shortness of breath, and it led to pneumonia. She’s hanging in there. We see a video of her with Shams in his hospital bed, and pictures of Shams over the years. She says he’s the most reliable, generous human, who has not given one person attitude ever. She wants to emulate him. She wants her relationships to be about lifting each other up not petty bullsh*t.

Destiney calls her mom from car, telling her that she’s going on a date. In her interview, Destiney says she met Alex at MJ’s event, and we see a clip of that. She says she’s not good at dating. She doesn’t allow anyone to get close. She doesn’t want to get hurt. Her mother says she’s happy as long as Destiney is happy. Destiney asks if her mom remembers her first date with Destiney’s father. Her mom says her man is the best man. He loves her so much. If she thinks about anything, he knows what she’s thinking. In her interview, Destiney explains that her father had to go back to Iran, and never came back. Her mother had three jobs and raised three girls. They were told, buck up, and be like a boy. They could be with anyone, and that person could just leave. Her biggest fear is having her children go through that pain.

Destiney is forty-five minutes late. Alex says she knows how to keep a man waiting. She pleads traffic, and he’s cool. She orders drink for him, and he says, already? but he loves. In her interview, Destiney says she needs a man who’s more Alpha than she is, and whose pepito (figure it out) is bigger than hers, so they won’t be intimidated. Destiney talks about working on her muscle car, and she has him hooked. She finds out his story is similar to hers. His father went back to Iran during the first Iraqi war, and didn’t come back. In her interview, Destiney says they connected on a different level. She says she’s heard a woman will fall for a man when he says something sad. Alex’s story got to her a little.

GG and Shervin go out to dinner. Did he just order Cheetos? Oh, Tito’s. I really did think he said Cheetos, and that they put them out like bar nuts or something. GG says MJ has been texting her, saying she hopes they can work things out. Why would she want to hear MJ’s lame ass reason why she’s an effing bitch? She has no more compassion for MJ. Shervin tells her to rise above it. In her interview, GG says she’s not there to be a punching bag. She wants MJ to say she effed up for once. Nema, Mona, and Mike show up. More friends join them. In his interview, Mike says there must be a secret hotline where Iranians tell each other where they’ll be. It’s like every Iranian is there. It’s an infestation. Uncle Fred tells GG if she gets tired of young guys, call him. Mike asks about Nema’s girlfriend. Nema says if he can’t be the guy she wants, she’s out. They’re going to live separately now. In his interview, Mike sees himself. Getting divorced screws you up. Nema didn’t wait long enough to heal first. Uncle Fred would do anything in the world for GG. Nema says this guy has him beat.

Reza says, don’t let gay thing fool you. He can chop trees, and demo property; a bitch is handy. Adam comes by the site, and Reza tells him come look. He hasn’t been there in a while; the walls are gone and the support framing was built. Reza tells him what each room is, and Adam says he wants a bigger closet. Reza says when Adam builds a house, he can have an extra closet. In his interview, Reza says that Adam is going full court press about the baby stuff. He sold his dream-house in Palm Springs so he could build a house he can raise a family in. Reza shows Adam how much has been spent on what. Adam asks if Reza thinks they’ll finish within their budget, and Reza says he does. In his interview, Reza says his dirty, little secret is that he wants to invest almost all of his retirement into a business. He’s a gambling man, and thinks it will pay off big.

Nema packs. In his interview, he says not growing up with his mom and sister, is a direct correlation to his relationships with women. It’s not working, and he has to figure out how to repair it, so his relationships aren’t constantly falling apart. He calls Mike while he’s in the car. He says he’s figuring out his next move. Mike says, as long as he’s moving forward, even 1%, he’s doing well. Don’t be in rush to figure it all out.

Mike calls Morgan. In his interview, he jokes that one of his jobs growing up big rig driver, and we see him driving a huge truck, and denting his own car trying to park. He says Morgan is his best friend. It’s awesome, but he wants to take it slow. He loads blankets into the truck. He tells us that the houses in his neighborhood are in the tens of millions, yet there are tents with homeless people nearby. He’s able-bodied, and is going to give them blankets and socks. The others meet him at the Sox warehouse. He’s giving out six hundred blankets and twelve thousand socks. Everyone in the group has donated. In his interview, Mike says GG and MJ contributed financially, but they’re not getting along. He can’t have them fighting in the background, and being distracting. The rest of the gang passes out the blankets and socks. In his interview, Nema says Persians are very philanthropic. They lived in an affluent culture that got turned upside down. When there’s a profound sense of loss, they feel a connection to the people affected. Mike wants to be the best version of himself, and help people at the same time.

MJ meets GG at a meditation garden. In her interview, GG says there was friendship and love before the hurt. We flash back to that. She says maybe the energy of the flowers and plants will come into them. Maybe not. MJ says she feels love for GG, and asks if she feels the same. GG says, oh yeah, but I’m not sure if it’s sarcasm. MJ says Reza was happy, and GG threw shade to hurt him. We flash back to GG saying MJ has a man of honor whose d*ck was inside of her. MJ says the look on her face says she doesn’t give a flying. She says GG can be ugly, and ugly isn’t her thing. GG say she can be ugly, but MJ’s thing is being nasty. MJ invited GG’s husband’s ex-wife to the party and announced it. MJ says, who cares if he’s been married before? totally missing the point. GG asks why she felt the need to go that low to hurt her? In her interview, GG says she tried to move past Shalom, but MJ woke up Lochnessa. GG says MJ brings him up in every conversation, and GG wants her to stop it. She says she wants to sh*t on everything MJ does. That’s what she deserves. She starts throwing things at MJ, and is ready to take off her hoops. MJ says she’s never hurt GG, and GG says she has. The first night at Big Bear, MJ tried to put her in line. We flash back to MJ telling GG she has effed up values. MJ says it was a joke, which is what a lot of people say when they get caught being a jerk. GG says it hurt her, and she wanted to hurt MJ back. She asks if they’re sisters. MJ asks for her hand, and sits with her on the steps. MJ says she loves GG so much. She wants to be her sister. They were sisters, but when GG hurts her, she thinks it’s a joke, and she’s been thinking the same. She suggests next time there’s a conflict, she’ll pull GG to the side, and tell her what’s bothering her. GG says if that’s what has to happen, a pull-to-the-side conversation. In her interview, MJ says she needs to be more patient, and maybe she can help save GG in some way. She loves that crazy bitch. They joke about GG’s sideburns. I’m not even sure what just happened.

Next time, Shams passes away, GG needs to get a legal divorce, and Nema brings Erica to meet the group. Not too awkward.

The Real Housewives of Dallas

A dog walking down the street, wearing a little hat!

Sugar barks incessantly at Brandi’s newly adopted baby, Bruin. Brandi and Bryan had been trying to have a baby, and Stephanie texted her about adopting a baby boy. In her interview, Stephanie says she has a friend who runs an adoption agency. The baby has red hair and green eyes. We see a clip of Bryan saying it was meant to be. In her interview, Brandi talks about holding the baby for the first time, and how he took her finger and wouldn’t let go. He knew she was his mom. She had been talking to the girls about having a baby, but they’ve no time to process it; no nine-month pregnancy. it literally happened overnight. Brandi calls Stephanie on her way to baby shopping, and asks Stephanie to meet her.

LeeAnne has a private meditation session. In her interview, she says after she was challenged to change her behavior, she realized she didn’t want to go down the same rabbit hole, hoping for new destination. She’s trying a new approach. D’Andra joins her for support. In her interview, she says LeeAnne finds peace, she might not want to cut a bitch. The instructor’s name is David Sunshine, and yes, it’s his real name. They go into the lotus room, and David asks why LeeAnne is interested in mindfulness. LeeAnne says she has anger issues. She was abused as a child, and anything perceived as a threat isn’t tolerated.

He has them observe their thoughts passing through their minds without judgement. We flash back to LeeAnne being a complete a-hole. In her interview, LeeAnne says as long as she’s in control of herself, she can allow others to see a different side of her. He tells them to observe their thoughts, and let them pass. Geez, that’s it? LeeAnne sees why it balances whatever. Some weird word I didn’t catch.

Brandi looks at strollers. Stephanie comes in and starts crying when she sees Brandi with the baby. She holds him, and says it’s crazy how he looks like Brandi. In her interview, Stephanie says Brandi has found a purpose in life greater than herself. She noticed it when Brandi had the other kids, and she’s seeing it again. The baby was always hers.

D’Andra and Jeremy meet with a caterer about their 4th anniversary party. They do something special every year. In her interview, D’Andra tells us that four years in Dallas is like a lifetime. Apparently, marriages don’t last long there. It’s probably the heat. They’re having the party at a friend’s home; a beautiful mansion. She says when people attend her events, they know they’re getting a first-class experience. She and Jeremy do a tasting, and the caterers leave them to discuss. They go over the guest list. D’Andra says her mother coming, and it feels like a roller coaster, ripping her soul apart. In her interview, she explains how her mother turned over the reins of the company to her, felt threatened, and took them back. Since then, she hasn’t wanted to give the business up, and they’re not speaking. She tells Jeremy if she tells the truth, she feels punished. She thinks she’s at a crossroads, where she needs to stand up for herself. Jeremy tells her to quit trying to be peacemaker.

Kameron discusses her Sparkle Dog options with Court. She doesn’t have the man power look to expand, and needs a distributor. We flash back down the Sparkle Dog road. Court says if it’s taking this much time, he needs to see more profit. She says the only way to do that is getting a distributor. Court says it needs to happen or not. It will fly by its own or not. In her interview, Kameron says people think she’s a dumb Barbie who loves pink. When she decided to have a family, she realized she’d to give up some things, one of them being getting a master’s degree in textiles. She shows Court her idea for a promotional tote bag, but he’s not keen on the idea. He says she’s already taking enough time away from them. In her interview, Kameron says she could stay home and live the simple life, but she doesn’t want her daughter to think she should just get married and live off her husband’s money.

LeeAnne and Rich go shopping. Rich wears an eyepatch because of the deteriorating sight in one eye. LeeAnne says he also thinks pirates get more booty. They talk about he upcoming party, and LeeAnne says she’s owned her part in her feud with Cary, but what was said, can’t be taken back. We flash back to the whole I-have-my-hands debacle. She tells Rich that she’d like to sit with Cary before the anniversary party. He suggests calling her, and LeeAnne calls from the car. She tells Cary she’d like to sit down before D’Andra’s party. Cary is like, um, uh, oh, okay. LeeAnne thinks they should talk it out, one on one. He says, she sounded reluctant, but they’re just hands. She tells him, shut up.

Brandi and Stephanie go for mani/pedis. Must be nice. Stephanie loves that Brandi brought the baby. She wants to be like an aunt to him. They talk about the party. Stephanie says they’re supposed to wear black or gold. She’s sad Brandi won’t be there. Brandi says she’s happy. D’Andra has said things behind her back, and she didn’t want to accept an invitation when D’Andra clearly doesn’t like her. In her interview, she explains, among other things, D’Andra said she abuses Adderall, when it’s a medication that she’s prescribed. She thinks D’Andra should apologize, but that’s not happening. She says LeeAnne will be there too, and they didn’t end on a good note. We flash back to the reunion. Stephanie says Cary is meeting with LeeAnne. LeeAnne tried to blame her for everything. She’s a nasty, negative person. It’s a lot of crap to get thrown at you, and you don’t mess with family. In her interview, Stephanie says LeeAnne acts in a way that can be scary. She hopes therapy helps. She’d love nothing more than to have LeeAnne in a good place. Right now, it’s a sh*t show.

Cary hasn’t seen LeeAnne in a month. She doesn’t feel the need to go to every charity event, but wants to be able to be in the same room with her. LeeAnne is afraid Cary will say she wants to move forward, then talk sh*t about her the second she’s gone. She hopes Cary sees she’s trying and wants to move to a positive place. They meet for coffee. LeeAnne tells Cary that D’Andra’s party is coming up, and she wanted to see where they are. Cary isn’t at a point where she wants to be friends. She’s still hurt. LeeAnne says she wants to be happy, and wants Cary to be happy. They need to figure out how to respect one another. LeeAnne is afraid she’ll says something that will be misconstrued after it goes through the grapevine, and it’s not who she wants to be. Cary tells her, actions speak louder than words. LeeAnne says she also wants to keep owning her actions. Cary doesn’t want to talk about LeeAnne’s actions; it makes her sick, and there’s no reason to rehash. LeeAnne doesn’t know what to say, since this isn’t going the way she rehearsed it. She says she’s genuinely sorry, and doesn’t want to do that anymore. She wants to move on. They have many mutual friends, and need to have some sort of decency, so they can be in the same room. She wonders about the occasional lunch, but Cary’s not ready for that; she’s not there yet. LeeAnne says last year, her pet peeve was knowing that Cary was pissed when she was being nice. Cary says she also had to look in the mirror and tell herself not to sugarcoat things. In her interview, Cary says she would tell someone, sure, I’ll be your friend, when in the back of her mind, she was thinking, ugh. She doesn’t want to be intimidated into being a doormat, but she wants to be civil. LeeAnne puts her knife in the middle of the table, and says she’s laying down her sword. Cary does the same. In her interview, LeeAnn says they talked about real things and real feelings. She’s never spoken to this Cary. She asks Cary how the part-time thing is going, and Cary says she opened a laser center in the office. We flash back to her wanting to spend more time at home. She says it’s the best of both worlds. She’s taking it one day at a time. They clink coffee cups.

D’Andra shows the family her dress. Lots of sparkly appliques, and it drapes low in the back. She says they have a full house, with Jeremy’s family staying with them. Since she and her mom are not in a great place, his family means a lot. She’s meeting her mom later, and doesn’t know what to expect. She has anxiety.

LeeAnne tells Rich that she just wants to be peaceful and happy with him, their beagle, their terrier, and their friends. In her interview, she’s says they’ve been engaged a while, and still don’t have a wedding date. She was okay with it, but people are starting to ask. She tells him, let’s get married, and he does a spit-take. In her interview, she says he’s been married three times. She doesn’t want to push or he might back out. She tells Rich if she gets any animosity at the party, she’ll just say, sorry they feel that way, and move on. Rich says, it’s all good in the hood, which he should never say.

The place looks gorgeous. D’Andra moves the place cards around. She puts herself next to her mother, saying, keep your enemies closer. She’s not sure why Brandi isn’t coming. Jeremy tells her to relax. Martinis are shaken (not stirred), and the guests begin to arrive. It gets crowded pretty quickly. D’Andra sees her mom, downs a drink, and disappears. Maybe it’s a magic drink. In her interview, she says they’re true Texas women. They give a big Texas smile, and put their issues aside. They’re here to celebrate love. LeeAnne’s hair jewelry is exquisite; a jeweled crescent in the back. In her interview, Kameron says celebrating a 4th anniversary is odd. Maybe they’re doing it in dog years. Happy 28th anniversary! In her interview, Stephanie says she and Cary are in a good spot now. Referring to everyone’s outfits, Cary says, it’s a sparkling match, and tells D’Andra that she’s winning the marriage game. Dee intrudes on the conversation, and tries to take over. In her interview, D’Andra says everyone wants her mother to be their mother, until they’re in her place.

Leeanne and Cary hug. In her interview, Kameron is glad they’re not fighting; it’s exhausting. Dinner is served. In her interview, Stephanie says in her dreams, she’s had to sit next to LeeAnne at a dinner party, and it’s now a real-life nightmare. She’s pissed at D’Andra. LeeAnne’s name is misspelled; the last “e” being left off the place card. She toasts to the fun table. Dee tells D’Andra to thank her guests for coming. LeeAnne says people invite her to things because they know she’ll make an ass of herself. Stephanie says, her too. In her interview, D’Andra thought they might get along if Brandi wasn’t there, and it worked. In her interview, Stephanie thinks it’s weird that LeeAnne is being nice and wants to move forward. She wants to give her another chance.

Cary is happy Stephanie is having fun with LeeAnne, but truth be told, after a few glasses of wine, Stephanie has fun with anyone. Kameron feels a weight lifting, and is cautiously optimistic. In her interview, she says she’s excited about them coming this far. LeeAnne’s girlfriend Jenn freaks Rick out by announcing they’re getting married tonight. LeeAnne wonders if Rich is dragging his feet because of a bigger issue. She doesn’t understand the stall.

Next time, Brandi shows up at the party, Stephanie has a surrogate, and Dee accuses D’Andra of verbal abuse.

🌹 It Almost Makes Me Want to Watch…

Almost.

https://pagesix.com/2018/08/03/is-kathryn-dennis-the-next-bachelorette/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20180804&mpweb=755-7164180-711673032

💪 You Can Do This…

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August 15, 2018 – Dallas on the Morrow, Griff Gets Called to the Office, #Countessandfriends, Defined by Halibut, Not That Sandra Dee, Finally & LuAnn

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

Today was a tough TV road to hoe. For some reason, Bravo decided to put the finale of The Real Housewives of NYC on at 8 pm, and premiere the Dallas Wives at 9. Since I’ve been mini-capping MasterChef (also on at 8), I didn’t want to miss it, and it was the finale of 24 Hours to Hell and Back, and I didn’t want to miss that either. Luckily, NYC Wives repeated at 10, and Dallas at 11:30. Speaking of which, is Andy Cohen on vacation again? Watch What Happens Live was not live, but a repeat. The result is postponing Dallas Wives until tomorrow. It needs editing, and this girl needs her beauty sleep. I know, this should be my worst problem.

General Hospital

Carly sees Sonny looking at Alzheimer facility brochures. She give him a cup of coffee, and asks if he’s had a change of heart. He says, the two things that are most important to him in the world; her and coffee. She hopes in that order. He says it’s not even close, takes a sip, and says, on second thought… He’d been thinking about showing Mike the brochures, but he made it clear yesterday that he’s not ready.

Franco and Elizabeth have breakfast at Charlie’s. Franco asks if she’s fine with Cameron giving her the silent treatment. It’s only natural that he’d be sulking. Elizabeth is concerned about his mood shifts, and Franco says he’s a fine young man. He doesn’t think Cameron will let a kid drown because he’s moping.  Elizabeth doesn’t want to be one of those moms who puts a tracking device on their kid. Kim comes in, and tells Elizabeth that she’s sorry she couldn’t make it to Kiki’s trial, but she heard the great news. Franco says to think he almost screwed it up. One wrong text to one wrong person, and Rome almost falls.

At the hospital, Monica asks to talk to Griff.

Julian calls Alexis to congratulate her. She asks if he’s talked to his sister. He’s left messages but all is silent. Alexis says Ava was the one who prodded Scotty to ask about Griff. She almost cost Kiki the case. He might tell her while she’s being so concerned over what Kiki and Griff did, she should think about what she almost did to her own daughter. Sam and Molly come by bringing breakfast. Sam says Alexis doesn’t seem happy. Molly says she struck a blow for women in general, and and Kiki in particular. Alexis says Kiki got justice, but it came at a price.

Griff understand that the hospital took a hit regarding David. He assures Monica that what happened between him and Kiki was nothing like that.

Kiki knock’s on Ava’s door. Ava says, go away, but Kiki tells her to open the door.

Sonny tells Carly that his dad thinks of it as home; not just the house, but Port Charles. He has history there, and there’s no history in places like that. How can they help him? Carly says they’ve come up with ways she and Sonny haven’t thought of. Mike listens in. Sonny says Mike is doing okay. He does better in the daytime, so Sonny does business at night, spending the afternoon time with him that he didn’t get as a little boy. How can he give that up when he doesn’t have to? Mike joins them, saying he’s feeling great. He was thinking it’s too nice to be cooped up. Let’s take off. Sonny says he’ll have Max bring the car around. Carly says she doesn’t have to be anywhere, and asks Mike, how about spending the morning together? They can make up for lost time. Sonny asks where they’re going, and Carly says, wherever Mike wants to go. Mike knows where, and Carly says they won’t be gone long. Mike says, unless they are. He might decide to steal her.

Julian tells Franco that Ava is radio silent. Franco says that can’t be good. Julian doesn’t know how Scotty found out, and Elizabeth says the important thing is that Kiki won. Kim says it’s wonderful that she’s donating the money to women’s causes. Too bad David won’t face real consequences.

Sonny looks at a brochure. The phone rings, and he says, send her up.

Sam tells Alexis she’s very proud, and Molly says they both are. Sam says, if karma is real, David will get what’s coming to him. Alexis appreciates it. She says it’s affected the big picture – ideals, the system, society – but the woman who fought and won will have to go back to work and be judged for the choices she made.

Monica tells Griff that he’s not there to discuss his personal life. What David did was reprehensible, but Griff has violated the hospital’s core values, not to mention the law. She asks if this is his signature, and hands him the DNA test request.

Ava says Kiki must be on top of the world this morning. The press is calling her vindicated. She says the press is calling her a lot of things. She thinks Ava deserves an explanation; so does she. Ava says Griff already took the blame. She doesn’t need Kiki’s mea culpa. Kiki wants to own her part, and Ava says there’s nothing to own. She understands perfectly well. Griff can’t resist a damsel in distress. He’s always a shoulder to cry on, and they have a picture to prove it. Kiki says he was being a good person and a good friend. Ava says she was wounded, lost. He took her into his arms, said there there, then took her into bed. Kiki says it wasn’t like that. Ava says what was it like? Kiki says in Ava’s number at the Nurses’ Ball, she was telling Griff that he doesn’t own her, and she’ll do what she wants. She wanted to break up. She ended things and walked out. Ava says it was only five minutes later. Kiki says, an hour, but he didn’t cheat on her or betray her. Ava says, maybe not, but Kiki sure as hell did.

Kristina shows up at Sonny’s. She’s sorry she didn’t call, and he says it’s good to see her. She says it’s good to be home. He asks how long she’s staying, and she says it’s just a quick trip. Sam kept her posted on what’s been going on, and she wanted to be here for her family. He says, funny how that works. Her family needs her right now.

Mike and Carly go to Charlie’s. Carly can’t believe this is where he wanted to go, and he says, it feels like home. He tells her to look at the pictures; every one tells a story. Julian tells Carly that he knows they’ve had their differences. Carly says they still do. Mike says he’s shaky on names, and Julian reintroduces himself. Carly asks how they met, and Julian says Sonny brought mike in. He knew Charlie; back in the day, he and Charlie were friends. Mike tells Julian, if he says so, and Julian tells her about the photo of Mike and Charlie. He says, no surprise, he had ulterior motives in giving it to Sonny. He did want him to have it, but was also extending an olive branch, since he turned down Sonny’s offer to buy the place. Kim tells Carly sorry she hasn’t called. Carly introduces Mike, and Kim says she’s been dying to meet him since he sang at the Nurses’ Ball. He says, it’s always good to meet a fan. He says she’s not a nurse; he knows all of them. Carly tells Kim that Mike is an incorrigible flirt. Kim says she’s a doctor; an OB/GYN. He says his grandson’s wife is having a baby, and Carly distracts him by saying Lucas is Julian’s son, so he’s a grandfather too. Mike says it’s the greatest job ever; you can do no wrong. Julian asks if Mike has any pointers, and Mike says it’s his main job to spoil the grandkids rotten.

Carly thanks Franco for helping Jason break her out. Although she knows he didn’t have much choice.

Monica asks if Griff ordered the test without patient permission. He says he did, and she asks if he’d care to explain why. He says Peter concerned he inherited a gene, but Monica says you don’t rule that out with a paternity test. He says he was led to believe Peter could be Henrik Faison. She says he’s a doctor, not a detective. He says Henrik was considered a dangerous criminal. She says he could have consulted with the legal team, and they would have figured something out. He says it didn’t occur to him, and he didn’t think he could approach anyone. He overheard Jason tell Anna that he’d kill Henrik. He didn’t tell anyone, although he eventually told Peter. He agreed not to reveal Peter’s identity, and Peter agreed he wouldn’t reveal how Griff found out. He asks if Peter told her about it, or was it someone else?

Ava says Kiki might have the grace to apologize, but Kiki’s not sorry anymore. She was drowning in guilt until yesterday when Ava told Scotty to keep pressing Griff until he admitted they slept together. She could have tanked the case. Ava says Griff admitted the truth after she gave him chance to tell her to her face in hallway after Franco pulled the fire alarm. Kiki asks if she thinks that was the right time. A better time might have been after Griff’s testimony. She just had to put it on public display, having Scotty bully him into telling the truth. She was David’s best friend. They could have lost the case because she had to slut shame her own daughter in court.

Sonny asks Kristina how Oregon is, and she tells him, beautiful, friendly, the perfect place to live. He asks about Parker, and Kristina says she’s fine; school is starting soon. He asks if Kristina is going, and she says she’s not cut out for a classroom. He says he wasn’t either. Has she figured out what she wants to do? She says she’s in the process, but she isn’t just sitting around. She has a job as a bartender to keep her occupied until she figures it out. He says he’s not pressing her; he’s just curious. She says, right now, she wants to focus on spending time with her family.

Franco tells Carly he didn’t expect roses, but a small gesture might be appropriate. She asks if he was brought in for questioning. He says, no, and she says Jason made sure he had no involvement. It’s like it didn’t happen. Elizabeth says he took a serious risk, and Carly says he bought truce with Jason; she wouldn’t push it. Franco says, on that note, he’s going back to the hospital. Elizabeth says she’ll catch up with him later. He leaves, and Elizabeth says she’s glad Carly made it through the nightmare and is back home; Josslyn needs her. Carly agrees; she’s her mom. Elizabeth says Josslyn needs her more than usual. They don’t want a repeat of what happened in the store. Carly asks, what store? Elizabeth says Josslyn must not have told her. Cameron got caught shoplifting earbuds. He’d never done anything like that before, and the security camera showed Josslyn with him. Carly asks if Elizabeth is implying that her daughter had something to do with her son shoplifting?

Julian asks if Mike and Charlie were close. Mike says Charlie did a big favor for him one time. It happened right under this roof.

Monica tells Griff hospital policy forbids her telling him who told her. It’s clearly an invasion of privacy, puts the integrity of the hospital in question, and opens them up for lawsuits. He doesn’t think Peter is going to sue, but she says, he could; that’s the problem. Effective immediately, Griff is suspended from any and all duties at GH. She has no choice.

Ava says she wasn’t thinking about David. Kiki says she was only thinking of herself. She didn’t think about jeopardizing everything Alexis and Francesca were fighting for, and sent a message to David and all predators, that they can do and say whatever they want to women. All Griff did was tell the truth. Ava says Kiki won; she had no effect one that. Unlike Kiki, who slept with Griff at the first opportunity. Kiki says it was a mistake. Ava says maybe for Griff, but not for Kiki. It’s payback. She slept with Griff because Ava slept with Morgan.

Elizabeth says Carly has been gone a long time, due to circumstances beyond her control. It’s natural that Josslyn feels lost without her mom, and is acting out for attention. Carly asks if Josslyn was caught, or just Elizabeth’s son. Elizabeth says Josslyn was there. Those are the facts. Deal with them how she sees fit. Carly resents the implication that Josslyn is a bad influence. Elizabeth says those are her words. Carly says, it must suck to be Cameron. His mom can’t see him except as a reflection of herself.

Julian asks Mike, what favor? Kim interrupts, asking Mike about the song he sang. He tells her it was Summer Wind. Carly says they have to go, and Mike tells her that he was just starting to have a good time. She says they promised Sonny, and they leave. Julian asks why Kim did that. She says, what? Interrupt his attempt to coax a man with Alzheimer’s into giving him information? Julian says he was trying to keep Mike from breaking a promise.

Alexis’s doorbell rings. Molly says, OMG, and Alexis asks who it is. Molly tells her to see for herself, and Kristina comes in. She heard about Alexis’s big win; it’s all over the media. She asks if it’s too late for congratulations, and Alexis says, never, and hugs her.

Monica tells Griff the board will review her report, and decide on an appropriate course of action. She has a meeting, but he can stay however long he wants. He sits sites there looking worried. Franco says, look who got called to the principal’s office. Whatever Monica does, he’s getting off easy.

Kiki says she didn’t sleep with Griff to get back at Ava. That would make it too easy for Ava to call them even, when they’re clearly not close. She made a mistake, but Ava is a vicious, vengeful bitch. She seduced Morgan twice, and when that didn’t work, she sabotaged his sanity to break them up. He’s dead because he wanted her daughter more than her. It’s the same with Griff. Ava can’t stand that he wanted her because she’s insecure and spiteful. Now she’s shown the whole world. Ava says if that’s what Kiki thinks, get out. She can forget a relationship with her sister. It’s Avery’s home, not Kiki’s Kiki feels sorry for Avery. She suggests Ava drink some more. When she wakes up, she’ll be another day older, and just as pathetic. Kiki leaves, and Ava takes that suggestion.

Alexis asks if this is Kristina’s first stop or did she see her dad? Kristina says she just came from there. He makes it sound like he has everything under control. Alexis says, he usually does. Molly tells Kristina that Jason his back. Kristina says she heard, and maybe she can stay with Sam and see him there. Sam makes a hmm… face, but says she’s always welcome to crash at her place. Molly and Sam go in the kitchen. Alexis tells Kristina that she didn’t like the way they left things. Kristina doesn’t either. Alexis say the last time they talked, she seemed unhappy. She told Sam, and Sam said not everything is about her. Kristina thinks maybe she should listen to Sam more often, and Alexis thinks maybe they should talk more often. She asks if Kristina is happy. Kristina says, yes, and Alexis tells her, that’s all that matters. They hug.

Back home, Carly tells Sonny that they went to Charlie’s. He asks who’s idea that was. She says Mike’s, and Mike says the guy who runs the place is a sweetheart of guy. Sonny says, that’s one word for him. Mike goes upstairs. Sonny asks Carly if there’s anything he should know about, and she says Julian was chatting with his dad. He told her about the picture of Charlie and Mike. Sonny says Julian gave it to him, and she says he also said Sonny offered to buy place. What’s that about?

Kim wants to trust Julian, but it’s hard when she sees him pumping poor Mike for information. Julian says it has nothing to do with them; it has to do with Charlie’s and the new life he’s built. It’s important. Mike knows a few things, and he wants to find out while Mike still remembers. Kim asks him to please not make her regret believing him. He plans to make sure she never regrets anything. They kiss.

Sonny says he thought the simple solution would be to buy Julian out, but he refused to sell. Carly says, it’s not about the restaurant, is it? Mike asks Carly for help. He found a pile of clothing in the back of his closet. She says it looks like Josslyn’s, and he hopes he didn’t go in the wrong room. Sonny and Carly act like they do that all the time. Carly says she likes to snoop. She thinks the housekeeper must have made a mistake. Sonny has an idea.

Franco says if he punched Griff, he doesn’t know if he could stop. He cares about Kiki, and being naïve and romantic, thought Griff did too. Griff says he does, and Franco says, then what the hell? It’s one thing for him to fall from grace, but to drag Kiki into it… Kiki appears, and says he didn’t drag her anywhere she didn’t want to go. Franco says he’s sorry for contributing to a large degree in the conflict. Kiki says they all make mistakes. Except her mom, who’s deliberately vindictive, but she has to live with that. She needs to talk to Griff. Franco leaves, and she closes the door. Griff thinks he feels better now that it’s out in open. Kiki says she wouldn’t.

Alexis has a client emergency – the only thing that can take her away from the family reunion. Molly says she has to preregister for classes. Sam says she and Kristina will stay and do the dishes. Alexis asks Kristina to save some private time for her before she goes home. Kristina says it’s still her home there, and Alexis says, don’t forget that. After Molly and Alexis leave, Sam tells Kristina it’s just them now. What’s really going on?

Monica finds Griff and Kiki in her office. She asks Kiki if she’s all right, and says she’s sorry about everything David put her through. Kiki wonders why he isn’t being fired, and Monica says he still has his medical license; it wasn’t malpractice. Kiki says, just harassment. Monica would love to talk to her, but she needs a moment with Griff. Kiki steps away, and Griff asks what she found out. She says the people she saw who are on the board were tight-lipped. He’s going to have to turn in his ID when he leaves. Monica gets a page, and says she’s wanted in cardiology. She tells him good luck. Kiki asks Griff if he’s been suspended. He says it looks that way. She asks if it’s because of her.

Ava looks in the mirror and talks to herself. She sees who she is, who she’s always been, and will always be. She’s cold, unfeeling, and she is filled with a need for vengeance – and she will have it. She breaks down and sobs.

Griff swears it had nothing to do with Kiki or the trial. He made a mistake. She asks what kind, but he says it doesn’t matter. She says it does. He’ll be gone, and she needs a friend, an ally. He says she just proved she can stand up for herself. He will always be her ally and friend, no matter what. She tells him to take care, and he says, her too. He takes off his ID.

Carly looks through the pile Mike found; clothing with tags and security sensors still on the. Carly wonders what the hell Josslyn has been up to.

Sonny gives Mike a handmade sign that says, Mike’s Room. Mike says he had no idea Sonny was such a great artist. He thanks Sonny, and says now he’ll never get lost. They hug. Now, even on his good days, Mike is ripping my heart out.

Tomorrow, Terry starts working at the hospital, Josslyn wonders what’s wrong with her, and Jason tells Sonny that they’re going to end this.

The Real Housewives of New York City

LuAnn rehearses for her cabaret. In her interview, she says it’s for real and it’s scary. She can’t wait for the women to see the show; she’s beyond excited. She tells director that she told Sonja to wear underwear. She doesn’t want to be Sonja’s snatchguard. But then again, life is a cabaret.

Sonja isn’t nervous – she’s been entertaining people her whole life – but she doesn’t want to let LuAnn down. LuAnn’s mother and son are coming, and LuAnn told her no T&A. She tells Ramona it’s her schtick, and Ramona thinks she should be herself. Sonja says if her own kids were coming she’s do it.

Bethenny thought it was a joke, but it’s for real. The pressure is on. She expects over-the-top glamour, performance, theater, and a little bit of drag. She tells her glam squad that Carole has changed and they’re in different places.

Daughter Victoria visits LuAnn. LuAnn is freaking out. This is scaring the hell out of her, and she’s wondering if she made a mistake. To keep from panicking, she keeps telling herself, it’s cabaret; even if you make a mistake, it’s not a big deal.

Tinsley tells pup Bambi that mommy needs a glass of wine. Dorinda arrives; she and Tinsley are going to the show together. In her interview, Tinsley says living in the penthouse is bittersweet. She’s happy to have a big place where she can invite friends over, but at the same time, she wishes Scott was there more. He’s in Las Vegas, and won’t be going to the show. Dorinda teaches her how to open a bottle of champagne. In her interview, Dorinda says she waitressed from ages fourteen to twenty-two. Tinsley says it’s a big deal that she’s wearing pants. She wanted to look more cabaret-like. She asks if John is coming, and Dorinda says he wasn’t invited. Tinsley thought he would still come to the after-party, but Dorinda says that’s not how she rolls. She assumed he’d be invited; she’s been with him six years. It would have been a nice gesture. Tinsley says it’s never been an issue with Scott, since he’s away so much. In her interview, Tinsley says LuAnn invited Scott today, but she’s not sharing it with Dorinda. Carole arrives in sequins, but I’m not sure if I like her in that type of outfit. It doesn’t seem like her style.  She says what else would she wear to a cabaret starring The Countess?

Carole tells Dorinda to call LuAnn and make sure, but Dorinda says she did. LuAnn said she should have asked months ago, or should have bought a ticket to make sure he could get in. Dorinda thinks it’s rude. Carole thought Dorinda got LuAnn’s outfits for the show, and Dorinda says she did. In her interview, Dorinda wonders if it’s LuAnn’s way of punishing her for their discord in Mexico. John has been nice to her, and she’s surprised LuAnn decided not to invite him. It’s rude, especially to a friend. She says maybe they weren’t as good of friends as she thought.

LuAnn chants. In her interview, LuAnn says Dorinda wanted to know why John wasn’t invited. She said he was welcome, but she needed to ask, since there’s limited seating. Dorinda told her that she was not kind. LuAnn shoves off for the show.

The venue is 54 Below. In her interview, Tinsley says LuAnn quickly turned things around. We flash back to LuAnn and Sonja trying to rehearse in Mexico. Tinsley says she’s not sure how going to go, but LuAnn has worked hard, and been through so much. She’s scared LuAnn’s not ready. Tinsley mentions John not being invited to Carole, and says Scott was invited. She shows Carole the text. In her interview, Carole says, not nice. Bethenny says it’s a real theater, with a real crowd; it’s exciting. She doesn’t know what to expect. Tinsley asks Carole if she should tell Dorinda. Carole says she’d usually say don’t hurt someone’s feelings, but her new motto is everyone should know everything. In her interview, she says you need to know who your friends are. As usual, the problem isn’t what gets said, but the timing of it. Why now? Sonja arrives, rounding out the group.

Carole tells Dorinda to switch seats. She wants to talk to Ramona. In her interview, Tinsley isn’t sure how Dorinda will respond, but she should know what’s going on. Carole asks Bethenny about her new place, and Bethenny says it was amazing how everything got done. Tinsley tells Dorinda not to be mad. She didn’t want to pile it on, but LuAnn invited Scott today, and she felt badly. LuAnn had texted that if Scott was in town, of course he’d be welcome. She asked Carole, who thought she should know. Now the whole table knows. Bethenny says maybe it slipped LuAnn’s mind, but Dorinda says she talked to her this morning. Ramona tells Sonja what’s going on. In her interview, Sonja thinks Dorinda needs to let it go. It’s LuAnn’s night; don’t bring up John. Exactly. In her interview, Bethenny says, who cares? It’s not a demonic plot to excommunicate John. Dorinda pulls up the text from LuAnn that says she should have asked sooner. She says she doesn’t even want to go to the after-party.

LuAnn comes out, and Dorinda’s pissed off face is priceless. Dorinda says LuAnn is wearing a dress she got her. LuAnn starts off by saying she made it – after being briefly detained. She says, not drinking exhausting. She gets up early, goes to yoga and classes, and by ten she’s exhausted, about the time when she used to get her first drink at the Regency. Rachel Dratch yells something from the audience. She comes up, and they do some banter. We also see clips of other guests, including Bridget Everett.  IN her interview, Sonja says she was pleasantly surprised to be part of the act and motorboat Bridget. LuAnn is in heaven. She shares her “diary,” to give insight into why she’s made questionable decisions. In her interview, Bethenny says she loves the ridiculousness, and how LuAnn isn’t taking herself seriously.  LuAnn tells the audience to memorize three phone numbers in case you go to jail. Tinsley yells, tell her about it. In her interview, Tinsley says, see what a mug shot can do for you? LuAnn talks about her dress. Dorinda says she got LuAnn’s dresses for her, and yells, thank you Jovani! In her interview, Bethenny says Dorinda is wasting her energy working herself up. She thinks Dorinda likes to fight.

In her interview, LuAnn says she hears Dorinda yelling. She sent LuAnn to a showroom and the dresses fit her like a glove. Don’t throw her jealous energy up there. LuAnn says Sonja is a man eater. Sonja says, really, she only loves LuAnn. LuAnn invites her up to do Money Can’t Buy You Class. In what looks like a real wardrobe malfunction, Sonja’s wraparound dress opens up. At least she’s wearing underwear. In her interview, Sonja says all of her dresses trained to come off after eleven. It’s how she stays young. Ramona says LuAnn is owning the stage; she’s amazing. Carole is loving it. Even when LuAnn is off key, it doesn’t matter. Post rehab sober LuAnn is in on the joke, but fab. In her interview, LuAnn says she landed safely. She did it. It feels like she climbed Mount Everest. It feels good to be at top, and not at the bottom in shackles.

At the after-party, Bethenny tells Sonja it was great, but not a minute went by that Dorinda wasn’t bashing LuAnn. It was like Nutcracker 10.0. LuAnn doesn’t owe Dorinda her life; she wore a dress. Sonja says she needs to go away. In her interview, Sonja says if you’re drinking and getting angry, and it’s affecting your relationships, you should go to rehab. Rehab is great. She’s not judging, but Dorinda might like it. LuAnn did.

Dorinda makes an appearance, and walks back out. Bethenny tells Sonja rehab isn’t a bad idea. Bridget sees Dorinda, and asks her if she sings. Dorinda says she does it all. Bethenny asks Carole about Adam, and she says they’re friends. In her interview, Bethenny says it feels nice to have a normal conversation at a social event. Something feels lighter. Carole asks if Bethenny is spending the summer in the Hamptons, and Bethenny says she’s not going away. Carole says she’s going to dive into projects. She’s her most creative when she’s single. In her interview, Carole says, in an alternate universe, they would be friends again, but this conversation should have happened months ago. Ramona interrupts, and Bethenny tells her that she wants to finish her conversation with Carole. Ramona had said she wanted them to be friends, so let them have a private conversation. Ramona wants to talk to Bethenny about something, and Bethenny says to call her secretary and make an appointment. <snort>

Ramona tells Bethenny to get over it. She supported Bethenny’s charity, financially and by coming to her event, but she never acknowledged Ramona’s invitation to her skincare line launch. She’s disappointed. Bethenny says she understands and it’s duly noted. Ramona asks why, but Bethenny doesn’t feel the need to explain it to her. In her interview, Ramona wants Bethenny to have common decency and courtesy. She’s impossible to deal with. Carole makes her escape. Ramona says she came to clear the air. In her interview, Bethenny says she’s never seen any business that Ramona is a “maven” at, pan out. She didn’t take it seriously. Ramona says Bethenny claims to support women, and says wow half a dozen times. In her interview, Bethenny feels like Ramona is looking to find an argument. Go away. There’s a giant ocean of men, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres out there. Ramona tells Carole that Bethenny only wants to empower herself, and no one else. Carole suggests she lower her expectations. In her interview, Ramona says, it’s brilliant. Carole tells her to focus on LuAnn.

Dorinda is still there. Carole wonders where LuAnn is, and here she comes. In her interview, LuAnn says you should always leave people in anticipation, waiting for the star to arrive. Everyone congratulates her. Dorinda says no matter what happens, she always does the right thing, and tells LuAnn, congratulations; it was off the charts. Now she’s free to go. Bethenny asks why she’s so pumped on Jovani, and Dorinda says she wants to be appreciated. Bethenny says she should be happy LuAnn is wearing it. She doesn’t get why Dorinda is connecting the dress to John. Dorinda says she did LuAnn a favor. If her boyfriend was there, she’d have more fun and would stay longer. It would have been nothing for LuAnn to invite him. Sonja says as long as her dress falls off, it’s all good. In her interview, LuAnn explains that Dorinda never said anything, and the seating was limited. By the time she asked, it was too late, but she figured Dorinda would bring him anyway. Dorinda decided to bug her on the morning of the cabaret, and by then, she didn’t give a sh*t, and said she should have told her earlier. She knew no one else had boyfriends, but remembered Scott and texted Tinsley. Bethenny tries to tell Dorinda that LuAnn assumed she’d bring John, and Dorinda says she wasn’t bringing anyone who wasn’t invited.

Carole asks LuAnn why she invited Scott, and not John. Dorinda wants another drink. LuAnn says, no one is ruining her night. Carole said she told Dorinda there were no seats, but invited Scott. LuAnn says that’s not the way it went, and it was all cone by text. Dorinda called her up this morning, screaming. Dorinda tells LuAnn that she did an amazing job; she’s proud. LuAnn tries to say something about John, and Dorinda says she doesn’t want to talk about it. Thanks for inviting her – and Scott. She says she can show LuAnn the text where she’d said it was last minute. LuAnn says she sent the text; she knows. She asks what the problem is, and Dorinda says they’ve been friends a long time, and she doesn’t want a lecture. LuAnn says she wasn’t going to give her one, and Dorinda tells her, thanks for inviting her and Scott; she did a great job. She walks out. Bethenny tells LuAnn to enjoy her night. In her interview, LuAnn is disappointed. She thought Dorinda would be happy for her after what she’s been through. She feels bad. Bethenny tells LuAnn it’s about Dorinda, not her. LuAnn knows that, but it’s sad. Outside, Dorinda tells Carole she won’t be humiliated. In her interview, Dorinda says she doesn’t care about the friendship now. She made the effort and did the right thing. If LuAnn is fine with that, have at it.

In the text we see at the end of the finale, it says that Dorinda and LuAnn are still estranged. Ramona has lowered her expectations about Bethenny, and is looking for a hot, young swim instructor. In her interview, Bethenny says, friendships shifted, and it’s sad, but you know women; you can’t live with ‘em and can’t kill ‘em. Funny, I say that about men. She’s continuing her relief efforts, but not with Carole. Carole tells Bethenny she believes they’ll find their sweet spot again. She’s working on new projects, less toxic relationships, and writing a new chapter in her life. Sonja found a renter, and can now add landlord on her dating profile. Tinsley has a present for LuAnn. In her interview, she says, looking back to a year ago, she’s happy. She hopes Scott can be present more, but it’s a great starting point. She’s gotten a smaller hotel apartment, and is still on and off again with Scott. LuAnn opens her present, and it’s a pillow. On one side is embroidered, what happens in Palm Beach, and on the other side, stays in Palm Beach. In her interview, LuAnn says, not three months ago, she was at rock bottom. With guts, hard work, and introspection, she’s gotten to this point. It’s just the beginning of her cabaret career. She’s excited for the future. She did it. The text says that after her successful show #Countesandfriends, LuAnn took a stumble, and went back to rehab.

LuAnn tells Sonja that she’s not going back to Palm Beach for a while.

Next time, the Reunion. LuAnn doesn’t make it, but it looks lively.

🍴 On MasterChef, the contestants had to break down a halibut. Gordon demonstrated, and he was like Gene Kelly dancing, making it look easy, and getting sixteen perfect filets. Cesar totally nailed it, Gordon said Samantha’s looked like it had been mauled by a cat, Shanika just made a mess, Gordon told Gerron what he made was more like fishsticks, and I was totally grossed out by the tails on the fish carcasses when Gordon flailed them around. Chelsea said she was disappointed in herself, but Aaron thought she’d done pretty well. He told her to harness her anxiety and turn it into motivation. Emily was worried unnecessarily as well, but Gordon came down hard on Ashley, asking if she’d listened, and telling her she just destroyed a very expensive piece of fish. She didn’t even get one portion out of it. In the elimination test, the cooks were to make an original dish – anything they wanted, as long as halibut was the star. Plus, they could use anything in THE PANTRY! Seriously, can I just have five minutes in there? Joe said it was the most difficult elimination test ever, and now they’d have to deal with their own fileting skills. Emily messed up her risotto (why is it always the risotto?), Joe told Farhan his dish was provocative to the palate, and he’d managed to combine every taste sensation, Shanika redeemed herself, SJ totally bombed, and sadly, my girl Chelsea made big seasoning errors, with Joe telling her it was almost inedible. Gordon added that it was not her night. Aaron asked Ashley how she thought her fish looked. When she said she thought it looked good, he said it didn’t look good… it looked perfect. I hate when they do that. Farhan was the big winner. It was like a knife to my heart when Chelsea was told she made fundamental errors and didn’t listen to instruction. She was out. She was disappointed, but did what she came to do – cook, learn, and get in the MasterChef kitchen. And THE PANTRY! She forgot to mention THE PANTRY! She said she gained confidence, and was going to keep pursuing her dream and cooking. It boggles my mind that someone so stylish lacks confidence, and I don’t know who to bond with now. One more cook was getting the boot, and it was down to Samantha and SJ (no surprise), whose dishes were unfinished and all over the place, respectively. SJ’s halibut was also overcooked, and he had to hang up his apron. Samantha swore not to take her second chance for granted, and SJ said his dream wasn’t over. Gordon asked to see him when he graduated. SJ said he’d been mentored by the best, and was grateful for the opportunity. He knew that food wasn’t just a hobby for him, and expected to lead a Korean food empire in the future. Next time, a 2-hour MasterChef, where the contestants cook for servicemen, and a tag team challenge has the home cooks on the run.

🐟 On 24 Hours to Hell and Back, Gordon took on Sandra Dee’s Bar-B-Que & Seafood, a laid-back bar and grill in Sacramento, California. A disguised Gordon feasted on greasy calamari, mystery meat, canned cheese (I didn’t know there was such a thing), and canned beans (ack! ptooey!). The staff was inattentive, and the owner had an attitude the size of Texas. When she got overly defensive, Gordon had to explain that he was there to help, not attack her. I think she would have been more put out had the gas canisters and bleach next to the furnace exploded. Gordon asked if they were trying to create a bomb. Everything was so filthy, I almost felt sick, and I’ve watched a lot of these shows. Sandra’s daughter was called out for being the most obnoxious hostess ever, and Sandra told her, when we know better, we do better. She had a hard time taking her own advice though. The décor revamp made everything lighter and brighter, but Sandra complained that she didn’t like red, pink, or orange, acting like they were neon shades when they were muted tones and perfect. Sandra had all the feels, but struggled to release control and accept change. Gordon put in a smoker area that was no longer a bomb threat. The new menu was a hit, with a mac and cheese connoisseur, saying it was the best in Sacramento. The chef said he was the proudest he’s been in fifteen years, and hoped it didn’t go back to the way it was. Gordon reached out a few months later, but there was no response. Looking at online reviews, apparently the chef did not get his wish. Gordon told us that Sandra went back to the old menu, and the comments were not favorable. Even Gordon can’t win them all.

This was the finale. Think Gordon has time to come into my life and fix everything in between shows?

🔥 Hell’s Kitchen premieres Friday, September 28th.

🚫 Speaking of Not Making It…

I guess Thomas is not so charming anymore.

https://people.com/tv/southern-charm-thomas-ravenel-ashley-jacobs-split/?xid=email-email-peopledaily-2018081516PM-tout1&utm_source=peopledotcom.wordpress.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=people-daily&utm_content=2018081516PM&eminfo=%7b%22EMAIL%22%3a%226La3OLHdehcLEz%

👠 Despite It All, She’s Come a Long Way, Baby…

Countess

 

August 14, 2018 – David’s Very Bad Really Awful Day, What’s Left in Veronica’s Wake, a Motivational Guest, a Castle, Charming News & Herbie

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Valentin hears something, and turns around to find Robert sipping a drink in his living room. Robert says he let himself in. He knew Valentin wouldn’t mind. Valentin says he doesn’t have a lot of choice when it comes to break-ins. Robert likes to think of it as business. Valentin asks what he wants, and Robert asks what he did with Anna.

Not Klein says Anna and Finn both know the patient very well. It’s Cassandra Pierce. Finn says she’s in a coma, but Not Klein says, not for long. He’s responsible for reviving her.

Carly heard Michael went back to work. He says it felt like the right time. She asks how it went, and he says it was good to get out. Keeping busy helps. She knows how he feels, but never wanted to say those words to him. Like she never wanted to say, they need to plan for his baby’s funeral.

Franco knocks on Ava’s door, saying he’ll huff and puff. He knows she’ll totally get mad, but he’s not going anywhere. She asks what he wants, and he says he wanted to see how she is. She asks if he means how she is since she found out her boyfriend was screwing her daughter.

At the hospital, Elizabeth asks Griff if the trial is over. Griff says, not yet, but he couldn’t stay. She asks if something happened.

Kiki sees David in the hallway. He says she seems upset. She says, yeah, she had sex with Griff, but it doesn’t change the fact that he harassed her. He doesn’t think the jury will see it the same way. He hopes she saved her pennies. He intends to make her pay for his legal fees. Alexis comes out and asks if there’s a problem. David says, none at all, and leaves. Kiki apologizes for not giving Alexis full disclosure.

Carly offers to help handle the arrangements, and Michael says they’ll talk about it. She tells him, no pressure. They’ll do it how and when he want to. She just wants him to know he’s not alone; she’s there to help him. he says he doesn’t know why, but it seems impossible. She says, no one should have to deal with this kind of pain. He says, it helps to work. When he leaves, he can just check out, and act like he has it all together. Then he starts thinking about the funeral arrangements and becomes paralyzed. He doesn’t know how he’s supposed to move on. Carly says, it doesn’t really go away; you just get accustomed to it. Over time, the loss recedes. Monica comes in, and Michael says they were talking about making arrangements for Jonah’s funeral. Monica is happy to do anything, and would be honored if he wanted to inter Jonah in the Quartermaine mausoleum. He could be laid to rest with his family.

Griff doesn’t know how say it, and Elizabeth asks if he means about him and Kiki. Franco told her. He says Franco tried to warn him before his testimony, but he didn’t know Franco was spreading the word. She says Franco only told her. He can be discrete when needs to be, especially where Kiki is involved. She didn’t want to act like she didn’t know. He supposes he’ll have to get used to hospital gossip. Elizabeth says it’s their business, and he says Scotty already asked if they slept together.

Ava asks if Franco is there to drop anther bombshell. He says he’s just checking in, and asks how she’s doing. She says, peachy. It’s every mother’s dream for her boyfriend and daughter to get along so well. He says she’s kept her sense of humor, but she says there’s nothing funny about it. She was the last to know, and he picked the most insensitive way possible. He says he was trying to give Alexis a heads up, but sent the wrong thing to the wrong person. She says on a one to ten scale, this was a fifty. He says he didn’t want her to find out this way, and she says he didn’t want her to find out at all. He kept it from her. He didn’t want to hurt her relationship with Kiki. Ava says Kiki hurt the relationship when she chose to lie down with Griff. Franco is sorry, and she says he’s sorry it’s Kiki. He asks if they went back in after he pulled the fire alarm. She says it was quite a show. Scotty earned his retainer for once. She insisted he question Griff. He asks why she’s trying to blow up her own daughter’s case?

The judge asks for the closing arguments. Alexis thanks the jury, who I wasn’t even sure existed. She says she could go over each incident, but it’s not necessary. What’s important is the intent behind them, and who they choose to believe. The most egregious thing was the defense trying to impugn the reputation of her client by bringing in her consensual relationship with Griff. She’s a healthy, mature adult with a healthy sex life. She has the freedom to choose and enjoy and keep company with whoever she wants, as long as their of legal age. They’re consenting adults, and one night of consensual sex between them doesn’t negate David’s systemic abuse of power. He used his position to seduce her client, and when that didn’t work, he tried to coerce her into sex by using his position as her superior. It’s the definition of sexual harassment. He not only did it with Kiki, but also Francesca. He hounded her at work, and coerced her sexually. The only difference is that she felt she had no choice in order to keep her job. He harassed two women, establishing a pattern of behavior. He’ll continue to repeat that pattern if he’s not stepped. They have the power as a society. She asks them to act on this power to spare other women. They have the power to make it right by sending a message and holding David accountable by finding him guilty. Because he is.

Valentin asks Robert what about Anna? Robert says she’s gone missing for the past few weeks, and Finn was lured into a trap. Valentin asks, by whom, and Robert says, tell him. Valentin can assure Robert that he’s looking in the wrong place. He’s wasting his time. Normally this wouldn’t bother him, but if Robert is right and Anna is in danger, he’s looking in the wrong place. Robert says Valentin is good, but he’s not convinced. Valentin has a history with Cassandra.

Anna says Cassandra was in a WSB facility. If she’d woken up, she would have been taken into custody immediately. Not Klein says she was being transferred, and they liberated her. Finn suggest they might want to leave her in the coma. Not Klein says his employer wants her awake. Anna asks what he would want with Cassandra.

Franco tells Ava that she can’t let a predator get away. They’re all accountable for their actions. She says that’s what everyone tells her. He says she’s undermined the case. She says Kiki humiliated her, and lied to her face over and over. So did Griff. She knew something going on. Franco says all Griff did was tell the truth. Ava says if this is what it took, so be it. Franco asks if David winning is some kind of justice. Ava says she twisted herself into a pretzel to be what Kiki and Griff wanted – so they could do this. She’s done playing the fool because she might hurt someone’s feelings. Franco says she’s done worse to others, including him. He thought Kiki was his child for twenty years. He’s sorry if it’s getting dished out, but after what she’s done all these years, it’s only a fraction of what she deserves.

David tells Scotty it had better be a masterpiece of a closing argument. Scotty tells the jury that he was surprised to find himself agreeing with counsel. But there were no eyewitness and no evidence. It was basically a he said/she said. David has a spotless record, and is respected in the medical community. However, this is a civil case. The burden of proof is not as high as a criminal case, but proof is still required. The question the need to ask themselves is, did the plaintiff meet that burden?

Monica tells Michael that Jonah has a place in the Quartermaine mausoleum with the rest of his relatives. Michael appreciates it, but thinks he wants Jonah next to Morgan, so neither one of them is alone. Monica says it’s beautiful and wise of him, and she hugs him. Carly says they’ll work on the arrangements tomorrow. He has two families who love him, and will get him through this. Monica asks Carly to wait; she’s not finished.

Kiki tells Lulu that Scotty is right about one thing; they have no actual proof. Lulu says they had strong witnesses. Epiphany was effective, and Francesca corroborated Kiki’s testimony. Kiki says they’re just words; there’s still no proof. David asks Scotty if that’s what he calls a compelling closing. He only reinforced the he said/she said argument. Scotty says he argued a point of law. They didn’t prove him guilty. David wants Scotty to prove he’s innocent, but Scotty says, no can do. He’s not obligated to believe him, and frankly, he doesn’t.

Griff tells Elizabeth that he could have protected everyone by lying. She says committing perjury won’t do anyone any good. He’s afraid Scotty’s tactic of painting Kiki as promiscuous might work. If he’d lied, he could have saved the case.

Franco tells Ava to let him know when David sends a thank you. She says just because he’s not furious with Kiki doesn’t mean she should go unpunished. He asks if she couldn’t think of a less public way. She wonders if he can imagine Elizabeth doing this to him. They took away everything she cared about. It’s time to return the favor. She brings up the genetic test result on her phone.

Not Klein says Finn’s objective is to treat Cassandra. If they both do their part, they’ll be released unharmed. Finn assumes they’ll be flying home business class. Not Klein says he’ll give Finn time study the medical records. He leaves, and Finn doesn’t know why he didn’t think of Cassandra. Anna says she was supposed to be in custody. He asks what kind of operation they’re running, and Anna says it’s not her fault. She says not Klein didn’t object when she called his boss he, and Finn says they’re captor is a dude. He ask if she’s sure they’re not DBX. She says it’s DVX, and they’re mercenaries. Cassandra was running a lot of lucrative criminal enterprises; maybe she has a lot of assets. He asks if she thinks someone is after Cassandra’s money, and she says people have done worse for less. He asks, what about Valentin, but she thinks there’s no use playing a guessing game. Finn says he’ll have to treat Cassandra, and Anna says he can’t do that.

Robert says he and Anna talk on a regular basis, and he knows about Valentin’s smash and grab operation. Valentin says, then he knows there were no charges. Cassandra has been in a coma since January. Robert says he got a call from the Bureau, and she’s not in custody any longer. Valentin says, she’s awake? but Robert says he didn’t say that, but it bothers Valentin. Why?

Monica says she admits it when she’s wrong, and owes Carly an apology. She knew Nelle had an agenda. Nelle played into her dislike for Carly, and she let her. She didn’t know Nelle posed a threat. If she’d wised up sooner, they might not be here. Michael says there’s no one to blame except him, but Carly says the only one to blame is Nelle. She didn’t see it coming either, and she should have. She says if Monica is big enough to offer apology, she’s big enough to accept.

The jury reaches a unanimous verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding Kiki $250K in damages. David yells, this is an outrage. He did nothing wrong. Alexis says they did it.

Griff asks Elizabeth, what kind of man would cheat on his girlfriend with her own daughter? Elizabeth says she’s not in a position to judge, and neither is anyone else. Good people make mistakes. Griff says they still have to face consequences, and Elizabeth agrees. He tells her that Ava said they were done, and the relationship was a complete waste of time. He went there to tell her that he was sorry, but she wasn’t in a position to hear it. Elizabeth says, people say things in the heat of anger they don’t mean, but Griff says, some of it rang true. Ava steps out of the elevator.

Monica has to go to work, and leaves. Michael says it was nice of Carly to accept her apology. Was it real or just for him? Carly asks if it can it be a little of both. She and Monica have spent years in a grudge match, but if she’s learned anything, it’s that holding a grudge or vendetta poisons you from the inside. She needed to break the cycle. She can’t promise the peace will last. Michael says he’ll enjoy it while he can. Carly says what Michael said about Jonah and Morgan, how they wouldn’t be alone, was beautiful. He says it made sense to him. She asks if he wants to choose a date. He says he has a board meeting in the morning, and they’ll talk later. Carly says she would never tell him how to handle his grief, but diving into work isn’t the answer.

Griff tells Ava that he didn’t think she’d want to see him. She says she doesn’t. She’s not there to see him.

The judge thanks the jury. David says he’s going to appeal the verdict – with another lawyer. The judge says he’s certainly allowed to, but that won’t be happening in this court. Kiki tells Alexis it’s not over yet. Alexis says it’s highly unlikely he’ll do it, but he may decide to negotiate the damages. Kiki says it was never about the money, but showing him that he can’t get away with it. Lulu asks if he’s going to be staying at GH, and Alexis says that’s for Monica and HR to decide. Kiki is hoping he’s gone for good. Alexis says any way they look at it, it’s a huge win. She’s proud, and Kiki should be proud of herself. She gave a voice to women who don’t have one, and that leads to change.

Griff says he knows how Ava feels. She says he has no idea how she feels – but he will.

Robert tells Valentin that Cassandra was being moved to new facility, and the transport was intercepted. They took the medical equipment as well. Valentin asks why Robert thinks this involves Anna. Robert says Anna is the leverage; Finn is the target. He’s a doctor, and they need him to treat her. Valentin says he has nothing to do with any of it. He and Cassandra have a history, but it’s nothing he wants to revisit. No one wants her in custody more than he does. Robert asks, why?

Anna tells Finn they don’t know why Cassandra is being revived, but it can’t be good; she ran criminal enterprises. Finn says she’s also in need of medical treatment. He’s somewhat obligated to help. She asks if he can put his ethics on hold for a moment, but he says, no. She tells him if they give their captors what they want, they’ll be killed. They know too much. He’s open to alternative plans if she has any. Not Klein comes back. He tells them Cassandra will be there tomorrow, and asks if they’ve decided to cooperate.

Finn tells Not Klein that he’s a doctor, and as such, he’s obligated to treat her to the best of his ability. He’s glad to hear that, and says if all goes well, they’ll be on their way home in no time. Anna is there to guarantee his good behavior. If he tries anything, she pays. He says they should probably get some rest. Tomorrow is a busy day. He leaves, and I think a bed to rest on might be nice. Finn says if they stay out of trouble, they might make it out alive. Anna says Not Klein is lying. Finn knows, and tells her not to worry; he’s thought it through. Cassandra has been in a coma for months. Assuming she comes back to consciousness, she’s going to require constant medical treatment to keep her that way. They’ll need proper protocol, and he won’t give them that until they’re back safe. She says, that’s his plan? He says it’s a plan, not the plan. Unless she has a better plan.

Valentin tells Robert that he and Cassandra did business a decade ago. They’re interests diverged, and they lost touch until she came to Port Charles. She wanted information on Anna and Finn, but later wanted help with her drug operation. He pretended to go along to get information for Anna. Cassandra was enraged, and blamed him for her downfall. He prefers her in a coma. Robert thinks he believes Valentin, but he’s keeping an eye on him. Valentin says Robert showed himself in; how about showing himself out? When Robert is gone, Valentin says, damn you, Cassandra. I should have killed you when I had the chance.

Franco tells Elizabeth that he despises Griff for taking advantage of Kiki. She says he sounds sexist, and he says he’s absolutely a feminist; look at the woman he’s with. She says for whatever reason Kiki and Griff wanted to be together, they have no right to judge. He says intellectually, he agrees, but it’s an emotional issue. If Griff is half the saint he claims to be, he should have stayed away from Kiki when she was vulnerable. Lulu calls Elizabeth, and tells them about the verdict. Elizabeth and Franco kiss and hug.

Ava tells Griff the pain and embarrassment his secret revealed was humiliating. He’s going to experience it again. He asks what she what means, and she says he’ll find out. He hopes she doesn’t plan on lashing out with something she can’t take back. She’ll ruin all the progress she’s made. She tells him not to worry. She knows exactly what she’s doing.

Kiki thanks Alexis, who says it was her pleasure. Kiki confronted injustice, and Alexis is proud of her. Kiki says she had resources. Not everyone is so lucky. David listens as they talk. Kiki says she knows how she’s using the settlement. There are programs to educate men and women to treat each other with respect, and she can do some good for Port Charles. David slithers away like the snake he is.

Ava asks for moment of Monica’s time. She has information the hospital must be made aware of. Monica tells Ava to come to her office. Ava looks at her phone, and follows Monica.

Carly is concerned that if Michael keeps distracting himself from the grief, it will build up and he’ll blow. He says he’s lost so much; a father, a brother, his girlfriend, a son. If he slows down, he’s afraid he won’t get back up. Carly says, he will. He’s strong, and can handle this. He says he is. He’s handling it in his own way. He has an early meeting. Carly hugs him, and tells him that she loves him. She leaves, and Michael turns out most of the lights. He sits alone.

Tomorrow, Alexis says Kiki’s justice came at a price, Monica suspends Griff, and Sonny tells Kristina that her family needs her.

The Haves and The Have Nots

When we last left, Erica blew up in her new car, and Melissa had just jumped off the roof.

Hanna calls for an ambulance. Veronica calls Melissa a dumb bitch. Hanna tells her to get her ass out of there. Veronica gets in Hanna’s face while she’s on the phone. She blames Hanna, but Hanna says Melissa told her what Veronica did to her. Veronica tells Hanna to go to hell, and Hanna says that’s reserved for her. They argue as Hanna tries to get someone out there. Hanna curses at Veronica, but basically makes up sound-alike curse words. Melissa lies near them, on the sidewalk, blood seeping out all over the place. Veronica laughs, and says, they say she’s crazy; the bitch is dead.

Veronica wonders if they can save the baby, and says, damn. What a waste. Veronica blames Hanna for her plan not working, and Hanna tells Veronica to get her ass away. Veronica says that was her grandbaby, calling Hanna Miss Cussin’ Christian. She’s going to get Hanna for this. She messed with the wrong person. She asks what Melissa was doing at her house anyway; sleeping with Benny? The ambulance arrives. It’s read and yellow and looks like a moving truck. Did the ambulance company run out of money. The EMTs tell them to step back. Hanna asks if Melissa is going to make it, but we already know the answer. Veronica asks if she’s dead, and one EMT says he’s sorry. She says, for what? He says she didn’t make it. Veronica says she was pregnant, and asks if there’s any chance for the baby. He asks how many months, and she says, three. He’s sorry about that too. He asks if she’s the next of kin, and Veronica says she doesn’t know that bitch. Veronica tells Hanna that she successfully ruined her life. She wants to know where Hanna got the money for a place like this, and thinks it must be one of Candace’s schemes. How can she afford this, Miss Christian, Miss Know-It-All? She should call her Miss Killer. Why doesn’t Hanna climb her ass on the roof? Hanna goes inside.

Veronica calls Jeffrey, and gets voicemail. She tells him to call back asap, and don’t make her find him. He knows she will. She sees Derrick, and asks what he’s doing there. He says Kathryn owns the building, and he’s doing work there. He asks what happened, and she says, some idiot jumped off the roof. He asks if she knows who it was, and she says, yeah, it doesn’t matter. Nobody will remember her. She says he needs to be thinking about how he pissed her off the other night. He says, sorry. Hanna watches from inside. He tells Veronica if she needs anything fixed, he can fix it. She says, have a good night.

Veronica drives off, and Hanna comes out. She asks if Derrick knows Veronica, and he says he works for her sometimes. He asks what happened, and Hanna says somebody jumped off the roof. He asks if she’s okay, and if it’s somebody she knows. She says it was a girl named Melissa. He says he’s sorry, and she says, it’s all just too much. He says he got called there to fix a leak, but it shouldn’t take long. Hanna says she has to see Kathryn. She’ll call when she gets back.

As usual, Jeffrey wants Justin to leave, but Justin doesn’t want to. Jeffrey says he will, and Justin puts a chair in front of the door, sitting in it. Justin says he wants to be with Jeffrey, and Jeffrey is like, really? He says Justin is nagging him, and Justin tells him to get used to it; that’s what couples do. Jeffrey says, not long ago, Justin couldn’t say anything; now, they’re a couple. Justin asks why RJ was there; to get even? Jeffrey doesn’t know what Justin is talking about, and Justin says he was the guy in the cell with him. Jeffrey doesn’t remember him, and Justin asks if it’s just a random fling. Jeffrey asks Justin to leave him alone, but Justin says that’s never going to happen. Jeffrey tells him that he’s really pushing it. Justin says he didn’t come in blasting like he has in the past, and Jeffrey asks what he wants? A cookie? Justin thinks that would be nice, and Jeffrey begs him to just go somewhere.

Justin tells Jeffrey, sit down; this is good. Jeffrey remains standing. Justin realized something. Jeffrey is in love with him too. He knows it. Otherwise, Jeffrey wouldn’t let him come around anymore. He’s enjoying this. Jeffrey sits on the bed, and says, this is sick behavior. Justin says he likes the drama. When was the last time someone was this crazy about him? Jeffrey says, his mother. He says Justin is controlling, and Justin says, maybe he likes to be controlled. Jeffrey thinks that’s more Justin, and Justin says, we attract what we want. He’s a psychologist; he should know. Jeffrey says, once people recognize their problem, it’s the first step to changing it. Justin doesn’t want to change it. Justin has to get to work, and advises Jeffrey not to invite RJ back. He could drug him and take his money. He’ll be watching. Jeffrey is sure he will. Justin leaves, and Jeffrey looks like he has a headache.

There’s a knock at Candace’s door. RJ brings in Malik. Malik says if Candace needed him, it must be bad. Talk to him. She says somebody is holding her money, and she needs it back, but it’s complicated. It’s her mother. Candace doesn’t want her hurt, just persuaded. Malik says he can’t beat on old lady, and Candace tells him not to act like he never beat and robbed an old lady before. He says it’s her moms [sic], and the neighborhood loves her. Candace just wants him to talk her into giving back the money. He asks how much, and she tells him not to worry about it. He says she knows how much costs, and Candace says she’ll make it worth his while. He says, okay, and she repeats, don’t hurt her. Malik asks what about her brother. She says she’ll make sure he’s out of the house, and gives Malik the address.

Candace’s phone rings. Benny is coming up, and Candace tells Malik and RJ to go. After they leave, Benny arrives. He says she took the money from Jim; don’t lie. She says she did, and he asks if she blackmailed him again. She says he took it from her, and Benny says, the original money she blackmailed him for? How does she figure it’s her money? She says Jim owed it to her. Benny wonders how this works, and she says Jim got a guy to swindle it out of her, and she found a way to get it back. He says she’s playing a deadly game playing, but Candace says she’s got this. He says she don’t got nothing. he loves her; she’s his only sister, but this is wrong on all levels. Why can’t she see it? She says he needs to give her the money, but he says Hanna is not going to do that. She tells him to find a way. She’ll give him a million dollars. He can start over. He says, so it can crumble down again? She says, it won’t, and he says he’s not doing this. She asks if he’s crazy, letting all that walk out of his hands. He’ll never get this opportunity again. She tells him to convince Hanna; talk to her. He says, she won’t. Candace says, then she’ll have to do it herself. Benny wants to know what the hell that means, and she says she’s going to talk to Hanna. He asks, what good will that do? Candace says she has to do all she can to get it; it’s her ticket out of there. Hanna said she was going to give it to the FBI, and Candace can’t take that chance. Benny says she has no choice. She says, he’s right about that. She doesn’t have a choice. He walks away, and keeps walking out the door.

Candace calls Gia. She says a guy is coming down, and describes Benny. She tells Gia that he’s her brother, and to do whatever she can to get his attention. Keep him there. Gia says, how? and Candace says, bitch, just do what I say.

Benny comes out, and Gia she walks right into him, dropping her purse and some other stuff she’s carrying. Benny says, excuse me, and Gia tells him to watch where the hell he’s going. He says his mind was all over the place, and she starts to cry. She says she’s sorry. She’s having a long day. She makes up some details, and introduces herself. Benny says he’s sorry; let him take her out for a drink. She says she’d like to buy him one; it’s expensive there. He asks if she thinks he can’t afford it, but she says she just wants to treat him. He goes with her to the hotel bar.

Mitch visits Vinnie in the hospital. Vinnie wants the SOB dead; the kid who did this. Mitch says Vinnie claimed it was a black guy, but Vinnie says, no. Mitch says, so it wasn’t Benny. Vinnie says he was clean cut. He came to the bar; find him. Mitch says he’ll tell the family, but Vinnie says, no. He wants Mitch to find him. Don’t make him ask again. Mitch asks where he starts. Vinnie tells him the guy was using the ATM. There’s a record of who he is. The machine is linked to a computer behind the bar. He tells Mitch to get him the information. He needs Mitch to go now.

In the hallway, Mitch calls Benny. Benny steps away from the bar to take the call. Mitch says he’s in the clear. Benny says he told Mitch, but he still doubted him. Mitch says his back was against the wall; sorry. He shouldn’t have doubted Benny. Benny says, it’s all good. He needs to talk to Mitch; he’s at the Artisian bar. Mitch has to take care of an errand, and will meet him there afterward.

Gia tells Benny she’s from Pittsburgh. She’s there for a convention. She’s a nurse, and looking to move there. Benny wonders, why this town? Gia says it’s small, and he says she’s got that right. It’s also a long way from Pittsburgh. She loves the town, but it’s not good for her. She wants to meet people and make contacts at the convention. They make small talk, and Benny is surprised she doesn’t have a boyfriend. She asks why he doesn’t have a girlfriend. He says he likes being single, and she says that’s another way of saying he’s afraid of commitment. He admits he might be. Gia asks RJ for another round. Benny says he has to go, and Gia apologizes for being mean. She’s been stressed out, and she’s being pulled in different directions. He says, tell him about it. She wonders why he’s not asking for her number. He says he hasn’t decided. She seems nice, but he has a lot of drama going on. She might not want to be bothered. She says, let her be the judge of that, and toasts to getting past drama and meeting new people. Candace calls the bar, and asks RJ who Gia is with. He describes Benny, and asks if he should give him a special drink? She says, no, but if he leaves, call her. RJ asks if Benny wants another, and Gia says, yes.

Candace calls Malik, and says now is the time. There won’t have another opportunity. She tells him, don’t hurt her. Make sure she knows she needs to let the money go. Malik says he has this. He’s got her.

Kathryn comes home, and Jim asks where the hell she’s been. Did she turn Wyatt in. She says she did. Jim can’t believe she had them take her son to jail, knowing what happened last time. She says he has to pay for what he did. Jim says, he killed a gangster. She says, it doesn’t matter; he did it. Jim says he had the whole thing worked out. Kathryn says he was going to let Hanna’s son go down for it. He says he’s not letting his son spend one day in that hellhole, but Kathryn says he doesn’t have that kind of power anymore. His name is sh*t since he ran for governor. Jim says she has no idea about the atrocities that wait for him in jail. He was raped last time, and she’s sending him back. She says she’s not doing anything. Wyatt is doing it to himself. He made his own choices. Jim says their son is sick; he has problems. Prison is not the answer; he needs help. Kathryn says, since he refuses to get it, maybe a second time in jail will scare him into getting it. Jim was going to let Benny go down for it. Jim says he does what he needs to protect his son. Not like his mother. Hanna walks in, and says she’s glad he said that, even though she already knew it.

Jim tells Hanna to just let herself in. She says she did. She wants to talk to both of them. She doesn’t know what Jim said to her son. Kathryn can’t believe Jim went to the jail to see Benny. Hanna asks if this is about the money. Jim doesn’t feel the need to explain himself to the maid. Hanna says he will if he wants the money. She has it. He says it’s in her son’s account, and she tells him it’s a joint account. The lightbulb over Jim’s head comes on, and Kathryn says, finally. He tells her to shut the hell up.

He says Candace had him wire it to her account, and then she wired it to Benny’s account. Hanna asks how much? and he says. $8,765,690 and 37 cents. Hanna says, to the penny. He was going to let her son go to jail. Jim says he told Benny that he needed the money, and if he didn’t give it back, he would be sent to jail. She says he threatened Benny, and again Jim says he doesn’t need to explain himself. Hanna repeats, if he wants it, he will. He tells her she sounds like her daughter; her drugged-out child, daughter, whore. She gets it from Hanna. Hanna is sure Jim’s momma is proud of who she raised. Hanna tells Kathryn that she doesn’t know if she can work there if he has to look at him. Kathryn says Hannah is working for her, not Jim, but agrees he’s an awful pig. Jim says he’s still in the room. Hanna says he’ll get the money tomorrow, and Kathryn thanks her. Hanna says she doesn’t need any thanks, but don’t threaten her son again. Jim says, done. Jim tells Kathryn that he’s not through talking, but she follows Hanna out.

George sees Wyatt in the jail. He asks what the hell is going on? Wyatt wants out. He didn’t do anything. George says they have a man who says he did. Wyatt suggests George go arrest his parents. George says he’s working on it. Wyatt says they took his money; his inheritance. George says Jennifer was handling the case, but he has it now. Does Wyatt want his statement taken? Wyatt asks if George can get him out. George says he has to build a solid case against Wyatt’s parents. It has to be airtight, or they’ll walk. Wyatt just wants them out of his life. George does too, and off the streets. Wyatt asks what he has to do to get out of there. George says the charges are fairly serious. He’s sorry. Wyatt grabs him by the tie, and says even if he testifies, George can’t get him out? George says, not on these charges. Wyatt says he’s not doing it then. George says he’ll be prosecuted, and Wyatt says, not unless George gets him out. George tells him to suit himself, and walks out.

At David’s house, the firemen hose down the car. One says, casualty, and we see a burned to a crisp Erica. I say, ew! Another fireman is checking David, lying in the driveway behind the car. He says they have a pulse here. David is put on a stretcher, and into the ambulance.

Next time, Gia gets busy with Benny, Malik comes after Hanna, and Wyatt asks Justin to help him.

Below Deck Mediterranean

The crew gets ready to go out in Naples. Hannah tells Brooke to be careful of João. He took a d*ck pic with Kasey’s phone. Hannah doesn’t think it’s cool, and she wouldn’t be impressed with it. In her interview, Brooke thinks Hannah has an ulterior motive when it comes to João. She doesn’t know what to take seriously. Kasey says she’s fine with the flirting, but it’s Brooke who she’s worried about. Hannah lends Brooke some earrings she thinks match Brooke’s coat. Everyone heads to the taxi.

The restaurant has the most incredible view. Brooke almost loses one of the earrings off the deck, and Hannah gets a little panicked. João calls Hannah materialistic. In his interview, he says they grew up poor, and at one point, he was held for ransom. Maybe João should write a book, but what this has to do with a woman not wanting her good earring to be lost forever, I don’t know. In her interview, Hannah says João puts her in a box. She’s worked since she was thirteen, and has worked hard for what she has.  Conrad talks about wanting to see Vietnam, and discusses travel with João. The food comes. Adam says, dinner is insanely quiet. Brooke says she’s waiting for something to happen.

Brooke asks what Conrad and Hannah are going to do in Prague, and Conrad says hang out and have fun. In his interview, Adam says the girlfriend’s boyfriends hate each other, and it’s like a competition. Hannah doesn’t like to lose. João stays behind with Brooke, and they drink some more after the others leave. He says if she thinks he’s in the wrong, to tell him. She tells him what Hannah said, and he insists he didn’t do anything he wouldn’t have done in front of her. Hannah doesn’t like him. João tells her he’s never been this close to anyone. He feels he’s given so much, it should be obvious. Brooke says she doesn’t know him well, and he says something ridiculous, like, don’t think just be.

Back at the boat, Jamie tells Kasey everything is super-heightened on a yacht. Kasey says a day is like a week. Hannah and Conrad share some wine. She says he was having a date with someone who called her materialistic. Conrad says he works with João. There’s no need to make a scene out of everything every time. Deal with who he is or don’t.

Brooke and João finally return. Brooke sits with Colin, who’s lounging in the crew mess with his phone. Kasey, Jamie, and João watch Conrad having a smoke on the monitor, and notice Hannah is somewhere else on her phone. João wonders what their thinking. In his interview, Conrad says he’s losing faith, and it’s saddening. Adam tells Conrad that he’s a bud nipper. If an an ugly flower is about to grow, he nips it before it does. In his interview, Adam says Hannah knows she’s materialistic, but doesn’t need to be told. The same way he knows he’s a d*ck, but doesn’t need anyone to tell him. Ha-ha! I’m liking Adam more this season.

Hannah says Brooke’s man was talking sh*t about her. Brooke says he wasn’t. Hannah says she wouldn’t let someone talk sh*t about Brooke. Then she says, whatever, and gets into her bunk.

Captain Sandy tells Hannah that she was up at 2:30; the wind woke her up. Hannah agrees it’s loud. In her interview, the captain says Hannah is trying, and she wants to embrace that. She got off track, but sometimes people need to reset. Everyone toddles down for breakfast, and it’s time for the preference sheet meeting.

The new primaries are Daniel, a motivational speaker, and his wife, Linda. He’s bringing his cousin Josh and a bunch of other people. Adam notes that one has dietary restrictions. He reads them off, and says, there goes fun food groups. Hannah reads that they want to have a sharing circle with the crew joining them. Adam says that’s when they all hold hands, and sing Kumbaya. Captain Sandy says it doesn’t look like they’re leaving the dock for at least a few hours. In her interview, the captain says that the guests can still use the tender. The beautiful thing about the area is that it’s protected. João picks up some lobsters from the dock.

Hannah hugs Conrad. In her interview, she says she needs to let it go super quickly and move on, or it will affect the crew. She also wants to see Prague. The deck crew cleans the boat, and Colin calls it his morning workout. Jamie uses a harness to clean the outside windows. She says the wind is insane, and she can’t imagine guys using the harness. It’s clinging to her coochie.

The guests arrive. Captain Sandy says she’s monitoring the weather, and as soon as they can leave, they will. It’s a priority. Brooke serves the champagne, and Daniel toasts, may they live as long as they want, and never want as long as they live. Hannah does the tour. Daniel says it’s living in the moment; it’s everything and more. Jamie thinks the guests are quite lovely. Conrad doesn’t think a motivational speaker would be a bad guest. João yaks up a storm with Daniel and his friends.

Conrad tells João that he knows they’re talking, but they still have a job. Captain Sandy hopes to move out by eight. Adam prepares lunch. Colin talks to his mom, explaining that his bunk is half the size of his bed back home. Hannah suggests a day trip to see the local castle, Castel Dell’ovo. João talks some more about Zimbabwe. Conrad tells Colin that every sentence starts with Zimbabwe. Adam makes Thai food, saying it’s the easiest thing to make for someone who doesn’t want dairy. Coconut milk is godsend for gluten free, dairy free, free everything. Hannah packs up drinks for the road… I mean, water.

The guests get in the tender. Hannah complains about not being able to go with them, because she almost got fired last time. Now she has to trust Colin. She radios instructions on how to make a Bloody Mary. Colin can’t find the vodka. He says all the condiments for the drinks are there, but no vodka, just beer. Hannah is having a heart attack. We see two bottles of Grey Goose on the shelf next to the first aid kit. That’s where I’d keep them. Hannah thinks she can’t win. She has so much going on, on the yacht and in her head, she’s making stupid mistakes.

Captain Sandy helps Adam with the crew’s lunch. She enjoys helping. In his interview, Adam says the captain reminds him that everything is okay. I do think she’s playing favorites with João, but for the most part, I love the way she interacts with the crew. You know she’d never ask you to do something she wouldn’t do herself, and that’s a good quality in a boss. Colin jokes with the guests. When they get back, Colin confirms that there was no vodka, and Hannah makes some Bloody Marys like she was The Flash.

On of the guests wanders into the galley, and asks Adam some questions about cooking fish. Adam explains that in the finest sushi restaurants, the fish has been frozen to kill off bacteria. In his interview, Adam notes that the guest is attractive, and in a bikini top. He asks if he was fish, would she bait him, filet him, or slow braise him? Colin tells the other deckhands about there not being vodka for the trip. The wind picks up again. Brooke asks Hannah if she wants to do lunch, since the chief stew usually does the first service. In her interview, Hannah wonders why Brooke needs her, but she’ll give her the support she feels she needs. Um… I think Brooke would just like a break.

Hannah rounds up the gusts for lunch. Daniel says, you’re never given power to dream without the natural ability to manifest the dream, and make it a physical reality. (Or in Rocky Horror Show speak – don’t dream it, be it.) Sheesh. I can’t imagine living with this guy. Lunch is served. Daniel says when you bless the food, it changes the molecules, and turns it into something good for your body. I’m definitely praying over the chocolate parfait I have in the fridge. Adam explains the food. The centerpiece is ocean pebbles and sea glass; my favorite. The guests agree the food is fabulous. And Adam isn’t even Asian.

Brooke says she’s over it with Hannah, and Kasey says she’s confused as to what Hannah’s role as chief stew is. She thinks Hannah takes her frustration with João out on Brooke, and her frustration with Conrad out on the both of them.

The guests sun and use hot tub. João blabs with them some more. Jamie tells Adam it’s good they’re enjoying the conversation, but he shouldn’t be sitting with them. Hannah says the deck crew is supposed to be seen, but not heard. Wow. I am not shaming in any way, but this fat guy just came out in American flag board shorts. Conrad reminds João not to be chit-chatting with the guests, and João is like, cool, but in his interview, he says don’t tell him how to do his job when Conrad can’t do his own. Like a big baby, João runs to Captain Sandy. He says Conrad thinks he’s being too close, but the captain says it’s good engagement. He knows the line, so don’t worry. Yep. Favorites. I don’t think he’s supposed to be sitting with them either, and if it was one of the others, she’d be pissed.

Brooke asks Conrad about last night, and he says it wasn’t the time and place. Hannah needs to be subtler. Brooke says she’s as subtle as a brick to the face. Funny they’re in the middle. Hannah comes in, and Conrad jets. Brooke goes on break, and Hannah is called to the bridge. The captain asks how the guests are, and Hannah says, good. Captain Sandy thinks they may be able to move out in the morning.

In his interview, Adam says when they’re docked, all eyes are on him. They don’t even jet ski. All they have is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And drinking. Don’t forget drinking. Daniel says his dad performed exorcisms when he was a kid; taking demons out of people. Adam asks Hannah to hurry up with the entrée, and Hannah asks Brooke to start clearing. Adam uses a blowtorch on something. The guests compliment his beautiful plating. It’s lobster and prime rib surf and turf. The guests call Adam a super chef.

In her interview, Brooke feels like Hannah is putting more of a workload on her, and not treating her as a friend. She’s not an idiot (debatable). She’s doing everything, and Hannah just wants to be the frontwoman who gets the glory. It’s wrong. João helps Brooke in the pantry. Hannah visits Adam, digging into some bananas foster. She says João is in her pantry. She’s not stressed, just grossed out. João tells Brooke what Hannah is doing is wrong. In his interview, he says Hannah is manipulating her friendship with Brooke so she doesn’t have to work. It’s time Brooke backed herself up. Colin says it’s time for bed, but his boss is still sleeping. That’s not good leadership. João is an idiot off the boat, but a good worker. The guests turn in.

João wakes Conrad. In his interview, João says you have to ask the question – who is running the boat? Brooke says it’s beyond a joke. Hannah leaving her with everything is a bit of a slap in the face. She’s sick of it. She tells Hannah that she’s taking advantage of her. When the guests came, she’d said she’d do the pantry, but she and Kasey ended up doing it. Hannah says she was busy doing provisions. Brooke says it’s a twenty-minute job. Hannah says she also did the laundry. Brooke says she did it yesterday. In her interview, Hannah says she doesn’t clean toilets or make beds after eight years. She’s earned her rank. Brooke doesn’t think Hannah has a leg to stand on. She tells Hannah to tread carefully. She has a lot to say here. DUN-DUN-DUNNN!

Next time, the sharing circle happens, Conrad and Hannah struggle with their relationship, João flirts heavily with Kasey in front of Brooke, and Brooke asks Conrad if he regrets going there with Hannah.

🌍 Castel Dell’ovo

castel-dell-ovo-napoli

🍹 So This Is What Ashley Tweeted…

I am who I am today because of my failures. I am compassionate because I’ve failed. I am understanding because I’ve failed. I am more emotionally aware because I’ve failed. I’m smarter because I’ve failed. And I understand the values and beliefs of the things that matter in life because of those failures. So I would never take them back. I would never go back in time and change a single thing.

https://www.eonline.com/news/960169/thomas-ravenel-leaves-southern-charm-they-took-advantage-of-me?cmpid=emn-081418-enewsletter-button-latest-11

🔀 In Other Words…

IQuit

August 13, 2018 – Griff Answers the Question, Emily Has a Poker Party, Wives, Tyler, Saul Featuring Gus, Bethenny Tweets & Pup Wisdom

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Robert and Jason look through the room Anna had been held in. Robert says it’s the last spot he tracked Finn to before the signal blacked out. They’re not finding any traces of Anna, and Robert says they don’t know if they were there together. They could have been shifted. He’d like Jason as back-up, and Jason says, anything he can do to help Anna.

Anna and Finn brought into a medical office. The dude who kidnapped Finn tells them to settle in, and leaves. Finn says, but they were just getting to know each other.

Cameron tells Elizabeth not to freak out. Franco tells them the shop owner isn’t pressing charges. Cameron says, see? No big deal. Elizabeth says. it’s a giant deal. She raised him better than this. What was going through his head when he decided it was okay to shoplift?

Oscar can’t believe Cameron got arrested; he looked surprised. Josslyn says he was probably scared. Oscar says he thought he got away with it. How entitled to thin you can just steal something if you can’t afford it.  Josslyn says people make mistakes. Oscar says he could lose his job, but she wonders why his workplace has to know. Oscar asks what kind of message this will send the kids. She says Cameron isn’t the bad influence; she is.

Scotty says Griff told the court that he and Kiki are just friends. He asks, what kind of friends? Good friends? Best friends? Special friends? Griff looks like a fish gasping for air, and says he doesn’t know. Alexis says the question has already been asked answered. Scotty is making insinuations. Scotty says he’ll be more clear. Did Griff have sex with Kiki? He reminds Griff that he’s under oath. A simple yes or no. We all wait. Griff finally says, yes, he has. I say, oh ho ho.

Robert knows he and Jason have their differences. He didn’t know how Jason might react if he reached out. Jason says it’s not often law enforcement asks for his help. Robert knows Finn was definitely there. He picks up Finn’s tracker from the floor, and wonders how the hell they found it.

Anna cuts Finn’s restraints off, which are basically plastic ties. He says it’s nicer than the last prison they were in; it smelled like blue cheese. He says, if only they knew where they were. Anna says they’re about five miles outside of Toronto. She explains how she figured it out, which I couldn’t even follow. She says when they stopped for a while, she thinks that’s when they crossed the border. Finn says she’s kind of magic. She says, he is. He knows what all this is. It’s her job to get them out.

Oscar says Cameron stole something, not Josslyn. She says he probably didn’t think of it until he saw her. It might be shocking, but she’s not a nun. She’s shoplifted a couple of times. Oscar says she’s super wealthy, and can buy anything she wants. She says she stole anyway. Before he gets judgmental about Cameron, he’ll have to come at her first.

Franco tells Elizabeth that he paid for the earbuds, so that part is taken care of. The shop owner wants a personal apology; then they’re square. Cameron is like, see? and Elizabeth says he missed the point. He has earbuds all over the place. He says they’re old and the wires get tangled; it’s like living in the Stone Age. She didn’t think he cared, but maybe he should have saved up for a new pair. This isn’t how things work in their family. Cameron says, because they’re poor? Franco tells him not to talk to his mother like that. Cameron says he doesn’t have to listen to Franco. Franco isn’t his father.

Alexis objects to Scotty’s intrusive question. Scotty says it shows their behavior in the workplace, and the character of the witness. The judge overrules it, but warns Scotty. David tells Scotty that he turned the case around: don’t stop now. Scott asks if Griff and Kiki were on staff when this happened. Griff says, yes, they were.

Scotty says Griff is Kiki’s superior. Did she see it as harassment? Alexis says that’s hearsay, and objects. Scotty asks if Kiki ever formally accused him as sexually harassing her. He says, no, and Scotty asks if he’s had any other harassment claims at GH. Griff says no, and Scotty has no further questions. David tells Scotty to show that Kiki is that girl, but Scotty says slut shaming her will do them no good – even though David is enjoying it. Alexis redirects. She ask if Griff is Kiki’s supervisor, and he says, technically. She asks if he’s her direct supervisor, and Griff says, no. She asks if Kiki worked with him in the Shadow program, and he says, no. She asks if they ever had any encounters at the hospital, and he says, no. She says, and most important, was his relationship with her client a consensual encounter? He says, it was consensual, but they never had a relationship. It was a single encounter. A mistake they both regret.

Elizabeth tells Cameron not to speak to Franco that way. Franco says emotions are high, and Elizabeth says, if Cameron had an arrest record, he’d have to tell every college he’s applying to. When he wants something, he needs to work for it, and he’s going to work the rest of the summer pay Franco back. Franco says, it’s not necessary. He sees Elizabeth’s face, and adds, apparently it is. They were $165. Cameron says he’s not the only kid who shoplifts. Elizabeth asks if he has a partner in crime.

Oscar tells Josslyn that he sounds like a judgmental jerk. She agrees, and he says he doesn’t like the idea of her doing something that could get her into serious trouble. He understands. Her mom has been away, and there’s melodrama in her life. Josslyn asks if this is another round of psychoanalysis. He says under normal circumstances, she’s not the type of person who ends up in situations like that. She tells him to stop blaming what he doesn’t like about her on her family drama. He’s making excuses for her, and doesn’t even see her anymore. He asks if Cameron does.

Jason offers Spinelli’s services to Robert, and Robert says, if he needs him. Jason suggests maybe the security cameras picked something up, but Robert says they don’t know if Anna was even there. They only know for certain that Finn was. Jason asks how he’s sure Anna is the target? What if she was bait to lure Finn? Ha-ha! Bait. Lure. Finn.

Anna asks if Finn has any idea who the patient is. He tells her that he was trying to think of who he’s treated over the years, but it’s no one who would resort to this. Anna says, so it’s not a former patient, but someone who would benefit from his expertise. She wonders if it’s someone with Blackwood, but he says the cure is in most hospitals now. Anna says it’s no one from the DVX. He asks how she can be sure, and she says they kept her alive.

Alexis asks Griff to clarify what he’s said. He’s categorized it as one encounter which was a mutual mistake. She asks if Griff has pursued Kiki since then, or reprimanded her professionally. He says they rarely cross paths. She says, so there was a definite delineation between their professional and personal lives. He says yes, and Alexis says, so unlike David, he didn’t pressure, manipulate, or harass her client, and kept their status professional. Scotty objects, and she has no further questions. Griff steps down, and jets into a sh*t storm.

Lulu asks Julian if he knew, but he says he had no idea, but looking back, maybe there were signs. Kiki looks sick. In the hallway, Griff tells Ava that he can explain. She cracks him one across the face.

Robert asks if Jason thinks Anna was bait. She went missing when she left to visit Robin. She’d sent Finn a text message, and he figured she needed space to be with Robin, until she asked him to join her. Robert hadn’t heard from her in over a month, but it wasn’t unusual, and they’d been at odds about Peter. He figured she was icing him out. He called Robin, who told him Anna wasn’t there. Finn showed him the text. Does Jason think they want Finn as leverage? Anna has access to sensitive intel, and wouldn’t talk to save herself; but if they put a gun to Finn’s head, it would be a different story. He wonders why they waited so long. Jason suggests they waited to make sure no one suspected, then used her to bring in Finn when they were ready. Robert says, ready for him to do what?

Anna says if it was anyone after her, she wouldn’t be alive. She was bait, and now that they have him, they don’t need her. He says maybe they do. As long as she’s alive, the can dangle her safety in front of him. She doesn’t think they would risk leaving them together, and he asks if he learned this in abduction class. She says they would have isolated the, and the intelligence agency would break them down. She thinks their captors are mercenaries hired to obtain the objective. Finn says, the mystery patient, and they wonder who it is.

Kiki apologizes to Alexis for not telling her. Alexis says they’ll talk later. In the meantime, this has no bearing on the case. It doesn’t change anything. Kiki says it shouldn’t have, but that doesn’t mean it won’t. She asks if Alexis still thinks they’ll win.

David tells Scotty the ball is back in their court. Scotty says, yippee. David says he’s obligated to provide the best possible defense – get on it. Scotty calls David to the stand.

Griff knocks on Ava’s door, saying he knows she’s in there. She opens the door, martini in hand, and tells him to get out. He says it’s not what she thinks. He’s not going anywhere until they talk. When he explains, it will make sense. It was after the Nurses’ Ball; he’d thought they’d broken up. Ava says she understands perfectly well. He took the first chance he got to sleep with Kiki.

David is sworn in. Kiki tells Alexis that she’d said Scotty wasn’t calling him. Alexis says Scotty is full of surprises today. Scotty asks if David believed his attention was unwanted, and David says, no. Alexis asks what difference this makes; what if he read the signals wrong. David says he didn’t, and the judge tells him not to speak unless he’s addressed directly. Scotty asks him to elaborate. David says early in their professional relationship, he and Kiki bonded. Scotty asks for an example, and David says he found her crying at the coffee kiosk. It was the anniversary of the death of her old boyfriend, Morgan. She’d just come from the memorial service. She shared her feelings; the feelings she couldn’t share with her then boyfriend, Dillon. She told him that when she began seeing Dillon, she was cheating on Morgan. Alexis says that’s irrelevant, and the judge says to disregard it. Scotty asks why he would think that was an invitation? David says Kiki laid her head on his shoulder, and it was obvious to any passerby that she had feelings for him. When Dillon saw them, he threw a fit. It was reasonable to think she was attracted to him. That’s what she wanted him to think.

Josslyn tells Oscar that Cameron understands family drama; he has his own. It’s nice venting, but they’re just friends. Oscar thinks he must sound like a jealous jerk. She says he has nothing to be jealous about. He should consider himself lucky that he can’t relate to her family’s dysfunction. He says he cares about her, and she says she cares about him too. He asks what they were fighting about, and she says, literally nothing. She thanks him for being patient, and he says he wants to be there for her. She brings up the riddle he texted to her, and says it was cool. It’s just what she needed to distract her.

Elizabeth asks if someone pressured Cameron into doing this. He says it’s not like someone he hangs out with, and she says he won’t have to worry about that; he’s grounded. Franco says he didn’t see that coming. Cameron is to go to work and home only until Elizabeth feels she can trust him. She has to fill out release forms on his behalf, and tell him to sit and wait. He says she’s ruining his life.

Anna wonders what Robert was thinking. Finn says he did install a nifty tracking device. She says taking it out bought them some time. Robert should never have sent him into the field. Finn says, at least it was his choice; Anna blackmailed him. She says there’s no comparison. She gave him time to prepare. Robert threw him to the wolves. Finn says he’s doing fine, but Anna doesn’t like him risking his life. He asks if she would expect him say no to finding her. If the roles were reversed, she’d be the first to come after him.

Jason wonders about Anna’s enemies. Robert says she had an issue with Obrecht, but Obrecht has been too busy holding Peter captive. Jason says, anyone still in Port Charles? Robert asks what they’d want from Finn? That’s where his theory breaks down. If Finn is the target, why go to so much trouble to capture Anna? It’s a dead. He doesn’t think there’s anything to find. Jason picks a pill up off the floor,and Robert asks, what do we have here?

Alexis thanks David for his testimony, but counsel left out an important question. Did Kiki ever express interest verbally. He says not in so many words. Alexis says, yes or no, and he says, no. She asks if he reprimanded Kiki because she rebuffed his advances, but he says any negative criticism was warranted. Alexis says Kiki got an amazing, glowing review, but he’d revised it from the original, which could have tanked her career. He’d offered to alter it if she showed up in his hotel room. David says that’s not true. She asks if he had any reason to think his behavior might lead to a lawsuit, and he says, why would it? She’d like to revisit the photograph. He took the picture after he’d berated her when she was shadowing him. Had he thought he went too far, and took the photo as insurance to cover his ass? Scotty objects, saying it’s a tad bit argumentative. Alexis has no further questions, and the judge calls for a recess before the closing arguments.

Ava says during their twelve-hour breakup, Griff had to jump into bed with her daughter. He says it just happened, and she says she knew there was something between them. Month after month, she saw them with their heads together, and he tried to convince her that she was paranoid. He says they’re just friends; it was an accident. She says, you don’t just fall into bed with your girlfriend’s daughter. That’s why he told her he loved her. He knew the secret was going to come out. Griff says he does love her. He made a mistake he’d give anything to take back. She should know the feeling. She tells him not to compare the two of them. She’s done plenty that she regrets to get what she wanted. He has a fetish for women in trouble. Nothing turns him on like a helpless woman clinging to him in need. Kiki was too weak for him to resist.

Robert tells Jason it’s a medication that Anna takes. He assumes her captors want to keep her healthy. Now Jason’s theory makes sense. Anna is the bait; Finn is the target. Why all this trouble to get a doctor? Jason says Finn is a specialist; someone is sick. Robert wonders why wait so long, but Jason doesn’t know. Maybe there’s a medical angle they can’t see.

Anna says she can do fine on her own. Finn says, note to self: don’t rescue. She says she’s had training. She knows the risks. He says she thinks he can’t handle it, but she says he shouldn’t have to. Finn says from what he’s been exposed to in the past year, he knew what he was signing up for when he said he wanted to be with her. It doesn’t scare him. They kiss, because now is totally the time. Kidnap dude and dude who isn’t Klein come in. Anna asks who they’re working for, and what do they want from them?

Scotty tells Alexis that he’s sorry. He never meant for it to go that far. She says, but it did. Kiki asks Julian how bad her mother looked. Julian asks if she knows that expression, hell hath no fury. That doesn’t begin to cover it. Lulu asks how Kiki is holding up; this was a lot just now. Kiki leaves to get some air. David appears, and says she looks upset. She says just because she slept with Griff doesn’t change the fact that he harassed her. He’s not sure the judge will agree.

Griff tells Ava that he and Kiki were both in a bad place, and they wound up together. She can ask Kiki herself. Ava says she’ll add it to the ever-growing list of things she has to discuss with Kiki. She’s talking to him right now. He’d said she deserved love that wasn’t toxic, but decent and pure. He made her believe she could find joy, hope, and stability in her life, but she was just his escape; his vacation from morality. He says he’s not losing her like this. He loves her. She says for months he couldn’t say it; now, he can’t shut up. He’s a hypocrite. He can’t admit it was just sex, after he dressed it up, and she was desperate enough to buy into his words. His words mean nothing. He means nothing. She tells him to get out. He makes the most worried face ever made, and says he’s sorry. She says he doesn’t know what it means to be sorry, but he will. She promises. She closes the door.

Elizabeth says she’s mortified that Cameron spoke that way to Franco. When he cools off, she’ll tell him to apologize. Franco says he has a point; he’s not Cameron’s father. Is it really his place? Elizabeth says they’re about to be married. He’s going to be part of the family. She’s sorry this is happening; it came out of nowhere. When she was growing up, Elizabeth got many you’re-ruining-your-life speeches from her parents. She caused hell wherever she was. But she didn’t see Cameron going down that path. Franco says, in his experience, kids shoplift when they don’t get enough attention at home. She asks if he’s saying it’s her fault, but he says it’s just a phase. It will pass, and he’ll be fine. He has a great mom. She hopes he’s right. He knows he is. Cameron text Josslyn that the good news is, he’s not arrested; the bad news is, he’s grounded. He probably won’t see people IRL for a while, except for work.

Josslyn texts back that IRL is lame anyway. She’s glad he’s in no real trouble though. Oscar says he hates fighting, but Josslyn says she’s heard it’s healthy now and then. He still hates it. He promises to try to listen and not rush to judgement. Josslyn thanks him, and they agree they’re good.

Not Klein tells Finn and Anna that the patient will be transferred once she’s brought out of her coma. Finn asks who she is. Come on. They don’t know?

Robert says reinforcements have arrived. He needs to sync with the Bureau. He tells Jason to look for anything from Finn’s past that might apply. Jason says he knows he’s the last person Robert wanted to call, but he’d like to know when Anna is safe. Robert promises he’ll know. Robert gets a call, and finds out a transport was intercepted. He asks, who was taken?

Not Klein says they both know the patient fairly well. It’s Cassandra Pierce. Finn and Anna look at each other.

Tomorrow, Robert asks Valentin what he did with Anna, Franco tells Ava it’s just a fraction of what she deserves, Carly tells Michael they have to plan the baby’s funeral, and a verdict is reached.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Kelly makes reservations for herself and Shannon for dinner.

Emily tells Tamra she’s having a dinner party, and maybe some poker.

Gia’s son counts one, two, five. She says maybe math won’t be his thing.

Vicki tells office manager Linda there’s been a bird tapping on her window. Linda says maybe he just wants food, and complains about finding dead birds after they flew into the windows of the building. Vicki says when her mother was alive, she always thought it was Vicki’s father. Son Michael says it’s mating season, but she’d rather believe it’s a ghost. Vicki says she gives him food, and he won’t go away. Well, he probably won’t go away because she’s giving him food. Vicki and Michael have gotten close. He’s vice president of the company now, and her legacy plan. He and girlfriend Dani moved in together a while ago, and Vicki suggests she go with them on their European vacation. He’s not keen on that idea, and suggests meet up for dinner. Vicki is feeling the empty nest, even though her kids are all in their thirties.  She suggest meting for dinner empty nest and they’re in their thirties. Brianna and Ryan moved to North Carolina, and she feels abandoned. Her family is all gone, poof! She did what she could to keep them there, but Michael helps fill the void, but can’t do it 100%. She asks if he and Dani are getting married. She wants to plan a wedding.

Kelly and Shannon arrive at the restaurant and order drinks. Shannon asks Kelly, what if she goes on a date and kisses him, and another guy asks her out? Doesn’t she feel guilty? In her interview, Shannon says, there are enough skeletons in the closet when someone is in their twenties; a sixty-year-old has a whole graveyard. Kelly thinks she’s going through a funk.  Shannon can’t imagine dating. She’s still not comfortable in her own body. She doesn’t want to see it, never mind showing it to someone else. Kelly says she needs confidence in herself. Shannon was told for many years she was selfish and worthless. Kelly says she’s none of those things, and Shannon says she knows, but when you hear it for so long… Kelly has heard them too. There are days she cries, and feels depressed and lonely. They agree in wanting partners. Kelly wants someone who’s there for her. In her interview, Kelly says it looks like she’s having a good time, but she just came out of a thirteen-year marriage; she’s not used to being alone. Shannon says the best and right thing is happening to both of them. In her interview, Shannon says she and Kelly have been through hell and back. Who knew? It shows how you can evolve. She’s glad she and Kelly have reached a point in their relationship where they understand each other. She says Kelly has a big heart, and Kelly says, who knew? They start doing the who? you! thing from a million seasons ago. By that I mean two or three. It just feels like that long ago.

Gina and friend Tatiana go to an antique store. Gina says she’s never been there, and it’s freaking her out. Gina wants to find a housewarming gift for her nanny Lupe. She picks out a hutch. She tells Tatiana that she’s been palling around with Tamra’s friends. In her interview, Gina says Tatiana knows Tamra. Tatiana is one of her closest friends in the OC. She’s from New York, and Gina thinks that gives them a stronger connection. Gina understands that being super-opinionated wasn’t the best way to start a friendship. We flash back to last week’s dinner. Where she comes from it’s okay to lay your opinion on the table and not be judged. They try on fur coats and hats, and Gina feels what’s been missing in the OC is being silly. In her interview, Gina says she and Tatiana had an instant bond. Back home, everyone made fun of each other all the time. She can imagine how it would go over here. She tells Tatiana she needs to focus on Lupe.

Shannon goes to a fitness equipment store. She tells the clerk that she just started exercising. When he asks what she likes to do, she says she hates all of it. She’s looking for a machine. In her interview, she says there are lots of people at the gym, and she wants to just walk into the room next door to her bedroom. Tamra joins her. In her interview, Tamra says she asked what Shannon’s fitness goals are, and Shannon just looked at her. Tamra says at least she showed up. In her interview, Shannon says David had gotten a bike for her, and took it when he left. We see clips of her trying to deal with it. She didn’t like it because it hurt to ride. She’s right about that, but you can change the seat. Tamra does a demonstration on one of the machines. She says she’s there to support Shannon in her fitness goals. She’s buying equipment she’s not going to use, that she can use for free at the gum. Tamra mentions Shannon going out with Kelly, and Shannon thinks they connected. They talked about what they’re going through, and bonded. In her interview, Tamra says maybe she’s feeling jealous. She feels left out. She has a broken foot, and Eddie is not getting better. She was there through it all with Shannon, and now she’s partying with Kelly. Tamra says she never hears from Shannon, and Shannon says, sorry; she felt they bonded. She has so many amazing things going on, she wants to pinch herself. In her interview, Tamra says Shannon has a habit of focusing on herself. She’s picked up the phone at midnight when Shannon is crying, and she can’t even call to see how Eddie is doing because he and David are friends. She thinks Shannon going out with Kelly and getting drunk, then posting about it on social media is a bad choice. In her interview, Shannon says Tamra jumped into a hot tub naked and broke her foot. Don’t talk to her about a cray night with Kelly. She’s not doing it every night.

Emily gets ready for her party. She’s also a party planner, but isn’t the one who cooks. Her oven is broken, and she didn’t even know. That’s how often she makes dinner. It’s an opportunity to showcase her home, party skills, and family. She thinks putting women with poker, alcohol, and food should be fun. Husband Shane escapes with the kids.

Kelly picks up Shannon, who is wearing a green suit with playing card graphics all over it. She calls it her poker suit, and says she got it online. I can’t decide how I feel about it. In her interview, Shannon says poker is about going big or going home, and she’s going big. I don’t think I ever played poker with my friends, but there was a long stretch of Friday night Yahtzee when I was in my twenties. Pary arrives, and Emily tells us that at seventy-three she can still rock leather pants and stilettos like nobody’s business. She certainly can, and she is so tiny! Tamra comes on her scooter. Everyone sits down for dinner, sans Vicki. Tamra looks at the empty chair, and says they’re on Vicki time. Emily talks blackjack with Shannon. Vicki rolls in. Kelly talks about a date with rocket guy from Houston. They met through one of her friends who lives there. Pary asks if she has a boyfriend, and Kelly says, a bunch. Pary says, a bunch means nobody. Kelly says Pary got it right. Kelly talks about what’s out there, and how she bought a dude a seven-hundred-dollar dinner, and he couldn’t pick up the tab for her sunglasses when he bought himself a pair afterwards. In her interview, she says she doesn’t do cheap. Emily thinks everyone wants a dirty story. Tamra asks Kelly if there’s zero chance of her getting back together with Michael. Maybe he isn’t so bad. In her interview, Kelly says she’ll always love and care about him, but she’s not in love with him. Pary asks why they got divorced, and even though it doesn’t answer the question, Kelly says Vicki hooked him up with one of her friends. Vicki asks if they’re going there again. Kelly needs to drop it. Kelly asks if Vicki is threatening her.

Vicki says to keep her out of it. Emily wants popcorn. In her interview, Gina wonders if this is how friendships and relationships play out in the OC. Vicki wonders why Kelly is acting crazy, and says it’s ridiculous. Shannon says it makes her blood boil. If she found out a friend had set her husband up, she’d be livid. In her interview, Shannon says Vicki doesn’t get it. Kelly feels betrayed. She hasn’t had enough time to process it. Kelly asks why Vicki would want to hurt her. Gina thinks she has a hard time getting out of her own way. She made a choice that hurt her friend’s feelings. Kelly starts to cry, and Gina says sometimes friends eff up. Vicki says she’s always had Kelly’s back, but Kelly says she’s been a constant let own for her. Vicki insists she’s been there for Kelly. We flash back to Vicki befriending Kelly when she first joined the cast. Kelly says she’s been there for Vicki, but Vicki has never been there for her. In her interview, Kelly says she poured her trust, love, and feelings into the relationship, and Vicki betrayed her. It hurts. Vicki asks how to fix it, and Kelly says just don’t talk about it. I have to say, I’m on Team Kelly with this one. I can’t imagine fixing up a friend’s ex-husband, unless I knew they were fine with it. And a double date is a hard no.

Dinner is served. Shannon tells everyone that she got a call from QVC, and they’re going to start promoting her product. Gina thinks it’s good business, and Kelly is proud of her. In her interview, Tamra says she’s never seen Career Shannon. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Gina thinks it’s time for poker. Emily’s motto is, if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying. She has visors for all of the girls, with their names bedazzled on them. The dealer explains the game. In her interview, Emily says Gina is loud and opinionated in. Add alcohol and she’s really loud and opinionated. Everyone has a shot. Gina asks who wants another, and calls them pusses [sic].

Vicki thinks they should talk in library voices. At a poker game? A happy medium maybe. Tamra asks Vicki to step outside with her. Kelly isn’t winning, and says this is not her jam. Shannon goes outside too. Tamra has to explain that Vicki is saying the wrong things to Kelly. Can’t she just say she’s sorry? In her interview, Shannon says an apology Vicki’s way is not an apology. Say something to stop the talking about it, then move on. They call Kelly outside. Pretty soon, the whole party will be out there. Vicki says she’s sorry. She loves Kelly, and wants her friend back. She doesn’t know how to fix it. Kelly says she’s a simple girl. She’s hurt, and she wants to have her friend back too. Vicki promises to call more. Kelly says Vicki invited Michael to her house on Thanksgiving, but not her. Vicki says Michael had called Steve, saying he was alone. If she’d known, she would have wanted Kelly there. In her interview, Tamra says it was the hardest when the kids went to her ex’s. It felt lonely. Pary – who has magically appeared because she’s really a tiny fairy – offers Kelly her phone number.

Ryan is driving Tamra and Eddie to the hospital. Tamra talks about a black cat looking at her and Eddie as it crossed in front of them. In her interview, Tamra says when she first found out Eddie had AFib, she thought they’d just get it fixed, but he’s one of the cases that isn’t reacting to treatment the way he’s supposed to. Tamra talks about how Eddie has gone from one thing to the next, and Eddie says that’s why they call it practicing. Tamra feels helpless that she can’t make it better. It’s very serious, and so frustrating. She says Eddie is quiet, and he says he can’t take his mind off it if she keeps talking. In her interview, Tamra says she never had to pray much for Eddie. Now, every night, it’s, please, God, make Eddie better. She tells Eddie that she thinks it will work this time. In her interview, she says her faith is being tested. She doesn’t understand why all this is happening.

Shane spaces out, while the kids get rowdy. In her interview, Emily says her parenting style is, whatever she needs to do to survive. She has three toddlers, who are rambunctious with a lot of energy. She makes sure they’re happy and safe, and no one is bleeding. She says Gina was loud last night, and Shane says annoyingly loud. In her interview, Emily says Gina was the last person left after the party. We see a clip of her saying she’s never leaving. Emily says Annabelle was still awake, and Shane yelled down to get her out. She tells Shane that Gina is from New York. Shane says he doesn’t care. He wonders if he goes to New York, he’ll see a lot of loud, annoying women. Probably. Emily suggests he stay on the West Coast. Emily says Gina did apologize. She got a text. Gina says she has small kids too. Shane asks what that has to do with it, and Emily says one of his complaints was that the kids were there. Shane says Gina used foul language and was loud. Emily says Gina agreed with what he said, and wants to apologize to him. He’s down with her apologizing, and says groups of loud women aren’t his cup of tea, especially loud, cackling, older women. Emily tells him to be careful. Geez. Shane needs to lighten up. He’s cranky from staying at home with the kids. And not that it matters, but how old does he think is old?

Eddie and Tamra come back to the car. Ryan asks what happened, and Eddie says, it didn’t work. He’s back in AFib. Ryan asks if the doctor shocked him again, and Eddie says, no; it’s not going back in rhythm. Tamra says the doctor wants to put him on a drug. He’ll feel normal, but he has to be in the hospital for four days. A percentage of the cases go into cardiac arrest, then need a shock to the heart. The doctor thinks it’s the best choice, and Tamra asks if Eddie wants a second opinion. He guesses so. He has a doctor in San Francisco he wants to call. In her interview, Tamra think Eddie is breaking a little. It’s easier when you have faith, and give it to God. He’s dealing with it at his own pace, with no one but her to lean on.

Back at home, Eddie tells Tamra that he’s setting up an appointment with the doctor in San Francisco. Tamra says the one they have is a top cardiologist. He says a divorce lawyer can’t help with a criminal case, and this doctor is a specialist. Unless he’s a specialist with the specialty, I’m not sure what Eddie’s point is. Does he know what a cardiologist is? Tamra knows he’s frustrated. She tells him that she would be too, but don’t take it out on her.

Next time, Vicki does a radio show, Gina thinks Shane owes her an apology, and Shannon says David went off on her.

🗽 🐮 The season finale of The Real Housewives of New York City will be on at a different time – 8 pm – Wednesday, August 15th. It will rerun at 10 pm, but the new season of The Real Housewives of Dallas will premiere at 9 pm.

🌃 Temptation Tuesday will also be back on August 14th at 9 pm with The Haves and the Have Nots.

🚑 I’d Definitely Call Saul…

I’m hoping to catch this season, especially if there’s some Gus going on.

https://tv.avclub.com/better-call-saul-turns-its-attention-back-to-gus-1828260731?utm_source=TV%20Club_Daily_RSS&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=&utm_term=

🙇 The Saddest Thing…

The picture Bethenny posted of Dennis and Cookie.

http://extratv.com/2018/08/13/pic-bethenny-frankel-mourns-dennis-shields-at-his-funeral/?adid=extra_eme_26683_2018-08-13_rightnow2

🐶 Out of the Mouths of Pups…

PupStress