Tag Archives: Teresa Giudice

Feb22

February 21, 2023 – Ava Confronts Ryan, Teresa Doesn’t Invite More People To the Wedding & Gifted

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Spencer and Trina kiss. She tells him, don’t stop.

Curtis strides through an empty Savoy, and goes behind the bar. N’neka says, it’s his wedding night. Why isn’t he…? He says he’ll explain another time, and tells her to head home; he’ll close up. He sits down at a table with a fifth of whiskey, and starts drinking shots. N’neka slips out, and makes a call in the back hallway. She says she doesn’t know what’s happening, but they need to get down here, like, now.

Laura tells Alexis that Jordan’s on her way to Windymere, and Alexis asks, what’s at Windymere? (Johnny in Airplane: Well, there’s an island with a big house, and…) Laura says, off the record, a hostage situation, and Alexis asks if it has anything to do with the escapees from Spring Ridge. Doc wonders why she’s asking, and Alexis says, all the victims are linked to Trina Robinson and Esme Prince. That list was compiled to avenge Esme Prince. Laura says, they suspected something like that, but didn’t have any concrete proof, and Doc asks if Alexis knows why The Hook would avenge Esme. Alexis says she doesn’t know why, but she knows who. She knows who The Hook is. It’s Heather Webber.

Ava tells Felicia, it’s best if they leave the island, and send help back for Austin, and Heather says, now that she thinks about it, Ava might want to hang back. Ava asks why she’d want to do that, and Heather says, to finally end this unholy obsession between her and Ryan once and for all. Ava says, that obsession is one-sided, thank you very much. She’ll let the authorities deal with Ryan – again. Heather asks if Ava isn’t the least bit curious to hear what Ryan did to try and get her back, but Ava says, not particularly. Heather says, how he’s responsible for destroying Ava’s life in the process? When she does, she’s going to want to take care of Ryan herself. Felicia says, let’s go, but Ava says she’s listening. How exactly did a man in prison destroy her life? Heather says, isn’t it obvious? Ryan had help.

Ryan runs through the forest looking for Esme, and finds her on the ground, leaning up against a large rock. He tells her, daddy’s here. She can’t be on the ground. It can’t be good for her or the baby. She says, and he is? and he says, right now he’s the best chance for both of them, so let him help. She says her water broke; the baby’s coming. He says, they have to get her back to the house, but he can’t carry her; she’ll have to lean on him. She cries, and tells him to get away from her. The baby’s coming.

Curtis continues to drink, and flashes back to Trina saying, they’re making progress. Marshall says, put that glass down, son.

Spencer asks if Trina knows how long he’s wanted this, and she says she wanted it too, even though everyone told her to stay away. He says, when everything exploded, and she said they couldn’t be friends anymore, he tried to stay away. He stops kissing her, and says he won’t. She means too much to him. She asks, why not?

Laura asks how Heather can be The Hook killer when she was locked up, and Alexis says, she just broke out. What makes Laura think she hasn’t broken out on a regular basis? Laura admits Heather has broken out of other facilities before, and Alexis reminds them about the letter the killer wrote. Doc says he remembers it saying she was avenging someone she cares about, and Alexis says, it was written on an old school typewriter with a very specific keystroke. She called D’Archam, and guess who had access to the exact same machine? Laura says, that explains why they all broke out together, and Doc says, it was a family affair. Alexis says, they clearly know something she doesn’t, so what is she missing?

Ryan puts his coat over Esme, and says, they broke out of prison. It’s the stress that sent her into labor. The good news is, the contractions are just beginning. There’s plenty of time before the baby comes. She asks why she should believe him, and he says, because he’s a doctor, and he’s also her dad. Which is why he couldn’t let her stay in jail. They’re a team, and a damn good one. Just ask Nikolas. She groans in pain, and he tells her, no need to panic. Everything is proceeding normally. She shakes his hand off, and says, this isn’t normal. She tries to get up, but he tells her, right now, he’s the only person who can help her and that precious cargo she’s carrying. Trust him. Daddy knows best.

Felicia thinks they don’t want to stand around while Heather plays mind games with Ava, and Austin struggles to get up. Ava helps him, and Heather says she’s glad he’s awake. Sorry about the hook, but he shouldn’t have used his phone. Ava asks her what she means that Ryan had help, and Heather says, she and Ryan were in Spring Ridge together, and he confided in her. Felicia says, Heather knew he was faking, and didn’t say anything, and Heather says, if only Ava knew how badly he played her. How he insinuated himself into her family, her marriage. She has to admit it was brilliant, but it was sick. Ava gets up, and says, what did Ryan do, and who did he do it with?

Curtis says, Marshall just happened to be in the neighborhood, and Marshall says, don’t blame N’neka. She’s just looking out for her boss, especially when that boss is supposed to be on his honeymoon. Curtis says, Marshall may as well sit down and have a drink with him, and Marshall says he’s not having a drink, but he’d like Curtis to put the cap back on that bottle, so they can deal with whatever happened at the reception. Curtis says he’s sorry Marshall came all the way down here, but the very last thing he wants to do is talk about it. Marshall says, he told Drew that he was done being a no-show when his family needs him. So tough luck – he pulls up a chair – he’s not leaving until they talk this out.

Alexis says, so Ryan is Esme’s father, and Doc says, according to Dante and Sam, who spoke to Esme’s old nanny. Alexis says, so if Ryan is Esme’s father… Doc says, her mother could see herself as an avenging angel, believing she’s protecting her daughter, even if she has to kill for her. Alexis says, Heather Webber is Esme’s mother and Ryan is her father? What a coincidence they all escaped Spring Ridge together. Laura says, now they’re all on the island together. They all look out over the water.

Ryan says, they have to get Esme back to the house, where it’s warm and dry, and she can give birth to his grandchild safely. Esme says she’s not going anywhere with him, but he says, that’s just the pain talking. He wishes she could remember how close they were before she lost her memory. She practically worshipped the ground he walked on. She went to great lengths to get an internship at Spring Ridge. They used to spend hours, planning and dreaming for when he’d be free, and all of them would be together; her, him, and Ava. She says, he’s crazy and delusional. She saw for herself that Ava despises him. He asks when she’s going to learn hate is just the other side of love.

Heather says, it’s not her story to tell; Ryan started it, but Ava has a chance to end it. She hands Ava the gun, and Felicia says, shoot her, but Heather says, shooting her won’t solve Ava’s problem. But Ryan? That’s a totally different story. Felicia says, no one understands being tormented by Ryan better than she does, but don’t make a bad situation worse. Forget Ryan; forget Heather. Let’s just get the hell out of here, and call 9-1-1 for Austin. Ava says, Heather may be psychotic, but she’s right about one thing. Ryan Chamberlain started this, and she’s going to finish it. She stalks out.

Curtis asks how much Marshall knows, and he says, not much, but he’s guessing whatever kept Stella from the wedding wasn’t contagious. Curtis says, that is correct. Portia has been lying to Trina, she’s been lying to Taggert, and she’s been lying to him. She’s been lying since Trina was born, and when he asked her, she lied to his face. She’s been lying since they said I do. Marshall says, the lie being? and Curtis says, Trina may be his daughter.

Spencer asks if Trina is sure this is what she wants, and she says, it is; doesn’t he? He says, of course (🍷) he does, but not like this, and she says, if it’s because it would be her first time… but he says, she just means too much to him to make this anything other than perfect. Just not in an empty art gallery. And she’s hurting right now, and might think if they sleep together the pain will subside, and maybe it would, but it would come back. Then he’d just be the guy who took advantage of her, and for once, he needs her to see him; he needs her to see the good in him, not the bad. She laughs, and says, she’s just not sure she likes him when he’s trying to be noble. He says he’s not sure he does either, but that’s the path he’s choosing. So let him take her home. She says she can’t go back there, and he says, that’s fine, but where should he take her?

Alexis asks if Doc thinks Esme was faking her memory loss this whole time, but he says he doesn’t think so. She may have no idea Heather and Ryan are her parents. Laura says, they got to know Esme when she and Spencer moved in with them. She didn’t like Esme’s sense of entitlement, and she had the elitism of a young woman who studied at a boarding school in France, but she thinks underneath that, was a very wounded little girl. Doc says, it would be just like his brother to use her for his own purposes. Now that Esme’s lost her memory, there’s no telling what he might have told her. She could be an innocent accessory in all this. She is nine months pregnant, after all. Alexis says, unwilling she can buy, but Esme Prince innocent? That’s hard to swallow.

Mac walks into Windymere, and Heather says, it’s good to see him again. She’s glad he’s okay. He hugs Felicia, saying, he’s glad she’s okay, and she says, the same to him. Jordan and Detective Bennett come in, and Felicia says, Ryan is somewhere on the island. Esme ran out, and he went after Esme, and Ava went after him. Mac says, Ava’s asking to be taken hostage, but Felicia says, Ava is armed; Heather gave her a gun. Mac says, what the hell? and an officer calls him over, showing him the hook. Mac tells him, take photos and bag it. Bennett tells Heather that she’s being arrested, and reads her rights. She says she’s heard all this before, but he delivers the Miranda with great panache. He asks if she understands her rights. They wouldn’t want anything she said to be thrown out on a technicality.

Jordan asks Austin what happened to him, and he says she got stabbed… with a hook, so hooked would be more accurate. She asks, who did this? and he says, the nice lady in the handcuffs over there. Heather smiles.

Mac calls for paramedics, and says, there’s been another Hook attack. The victim appears stable, but will need immediate transport. Heather says, if it’s any help, there’s no rush. The hook she used on the good doctor didn’t have any venom in it. Jordan tells Bennett to have the men search the island. Ryan is to be considered very dangerous, and Esme Prince, while technically a fugitive, is nine months pregnant. He says, there’s also a civilian in the mix. Miss Jerome is armed, and she’s been severely traumatized. They don’t want her firing on one of their own. He hands Heather to an officer, and leaves. Mac asks, what happened? and Felicia says, after Heather stabbed Austin, Esme freaked out and ran off, and Ryan ran after her. She wonders what Ryan would want with Esme, and Heather says, didn’t she mention? He’s her daddy.

Ryan tells Esme, be practical. It’s night; it’s February. She can’t give birth out here. She screams for someone to help her, but he says he’s the only help she needs. He’s right here. Ava shows up, and says, get away from her. Now. Or she’ll blow his head off.

Curtis tells Marshall that Stella found out, and that’s why she stayed away from the wedding. She knew. Jordan knew. In fact, the only people who didn’t know this little secret were the people most affected by it. Trina, Taggert… Marshall says, and you, and Curtis says, and me. And if Trina wouldn’t have went and found Stella, he never would have known. That young lady knew something was off. Aunt Stella was just being Aunt Stella. Marshall says he doesn’t believe for a minute that Aunt Stella would deliberately break Curtis’s heart or betray a confidence. Curtis says, nope, but she did hint that there was a problem and it wasn’t her story to tell. And Trina should hear that story from her mama. Marshall asks if that’s why Trina and Portia disappeared from the reception, and Curtis says, damn! How do you keep a secret that’s that important for twenty years? Marshall says he did it too. He did it for forty years. You put the secret in a box, you shove it to the back of the closet, and you forget about it; or at least you try to. Curtis asks if that’s what Marshall did with them. Out of sight out of mind? Marshall says, no, of course (🍷) not. It’s always there. Always. Then sooner or later, that closet door opens, and it all spills out.

Trina says, what about where Spencer’s staying? but he says, no; don’t tempt him. What about her dorm room? but she says, that’s the first place her mom will come looking for her. Besides, Joss is going through her own stuff. He says, what if he gets her a room at the MetroCourt? but she says, her mom and Curtis could still be in their room. He says, they’re kind of running out of options, and she says she just needs a place where she can slam doors, and scream at the top of her lungs without neighbors calling the cops, and then be alone with her thoughts. He says, of course (🍷). He can’t believe he didn’t think of it before. He takes her hand, says he knows just the place where she’ll be safe, and pulls her out the door.

Laura tells Alexis, Jordan and Mac have secured the house, and they have Heather in custody. Alexis says, anyone hurt? and Laura says, there was one final Hook stabbing; Austin Gatlin-Holt. Doc asks, how bad? and Laura says, according to Mac, there was no poison on the hook, so the injuries are not life-threatening. He says, what about Ryan? and she says, still a fugitive. Alexis asks, what about Esme? and Laura promises to get back to her with an update, but right now, she has to get to Spoon Island. Doc says, you mean, we are, and they go to the launch. Alexis makes a call, and says, they have breaking news, and there’s a lot of it. Put on the recorder. The Hook killer has been apprehended. The killer, who after months and months of terrorizing Port Charles, is in police custody. And that’s just the beginning of the story.

Heather says, Ryan Chamberlain is Esme Prince’s biological father, and Felicia asks how she knows. Heather says she must have one of those faces. People trust her with their deepest secrets. Mac asks the paramedics if they can take Felicia to the mainland, but Felicia says she’s going to stay with him. He says he needs to know she’s safe. Ryan is still on the loose. She’s been his obsession for so many years. She says, what if he comes after you? and Mac says, it will save him hunting Ryan down. Tonight, he either goes to Pentenville or maybe hell for that matter. Austin asks if Felicia could come with him. He could use the company. Felicia nods, and hugs Mac, saying, she doesn’t want to make him worry more than he has to. On their way out the door, Austin tells Jordan, please find Ava, and she says, they’ll find her before Ryan does. Heather says, it’s Ryan who should be worried.

Ryan asks how Ava got the gun away from Heather, and she says she has her ways. He says, the first thing she did was look for him. She missed him that much. She says, he’s irresistible, and Esme says, please help her. Her water broke. Ava says, she’s in labor, and Ryan says, they have to get her back to the house where she can have his grandchild safely. Ava says, Esme is his daughter? and he says, yes. This has all worked out even better than he planned. She says, it was him all along, and he says, of course (🍷) it was. How does she think Esme met Spencer? He got her into that snooty French school, where Spencer was walking around with a nice big target on his back. How does she think Esme learned to manipulate Spencer… and his father? He taught her everything she knows. He created her. And this is his crowning moment. Doesn’t she see? Esme has brought them all together. He walks over to Ava, and she says, one more step, and she’ll kill him.

Curtis says, forty years ago, Marshall made a decision, however misguided, to protect the people he loves. That same love inspired him to reunite with his family. What Portia did was only to protect herself. Marshall says he’s not going to let Curtis make him out to be a hero, and Portia to be a villain. He was scared of what he might become without the medication, and truly believes Portia was scared too. What if the truth cost her Trina’s love and respect? What if Curtis refuses to understand? Isn’t the way Curtis walked out on his wedding night proof that Portia had a right to be afraid? Curtis says he can’t excuse this. Some things are really unforgiveable. Curtis drinks another shot.

On the pier, Felicia says she knows Alexis is just trying to get the whole story, but Austin has to get to General Hospital. If she wants to meet them there, do it, but not until after the doctors treat him. Alexis says she understands, and asks if anything is happening at Windymere. Felicia tells her, all she can say is Mac and Jordan have everything under control, and Alexis says, in other words, Ryan Chamberlain is still on the loose. The paramedics start moving the stretcher, and Felicia says she’s sorry, she’s riding with Austin, and they leave.

Alexis sees Spencer and Trina, and tells the officer that they’re with her. Spencer tells her that he was taking Trina over to Windymere, so she could spend the night with Ava. What the hell is happening? Trina asks, what’s with all the police? and Alexis says she assumes they heard about the breakout at Spring Ridge. Spencer says, three prisoners escaped, including Esme. Is Alexis saying Esme is on Spoon Island right now? Alexis says, sadly, she is, and she’s not alone.

On the radio, Mac says, keep him updated. And remember, Ryan Chamberlain is considered very dangerous. He is searching for Esme Prince, who is nine months pregnant. A civilian, Ava Jerome, is unaccounted for. She’s armed. So identify yourself as police, and proceed with extreme caution. Laura says, if Jordan needs any resources, she’ll get them, and Doc says if they need any intel into his brother’s mind or whatever, just ask. Jordan thanks them, and says, this is a very messy situation. She hopes they can end it quickly with as little bloodshed as possible. Doc says he’d think Heather would be keen to help, and Laura asks how he figures that. He says he doesn’t think Heather would want to see any harm come to her daughter or grandchild, and Laura says, Esme is Heather’s daughter, isn’t she? Hers and Ryan’s. Heather says, how could you miss it? She’s got my smile.

Ryan says, once Ava calms down and gets a little perspective, she’ll see that every step he took was worth it. She says, worth it for who? How? He says, so they could be together. Be the family they were always meant to be. Behind him, Esme struggles to get up, and Ava says, he sent his own daughter to seduce Spencer; to convince him to stalk and torture her, and drive her away from Nikolas. Esme limps away into the woods, and Ava says, all the while, making him feel like it was his idea. He says, she convinced herself that she was in love with Nikolas. It required strong measures. She says, so after he got Spencer to destroy her marriage, he sent Esme to seduce her husband, and he says, husbands come and go. The two of them are forever. She says, of course (🍷) he took Kiki. He took her daughter, and then he took Nikolas, and he’ll keep taking until somebody stops him. He says he knows things are complicated, but they have plenty of time to work that out. Right now, Esme’s water broke, and they need to get… He sees Esme is gone, and calls out to her. He runs to the rock, and picks up his coat. Ava asks if he lost something. He says, yes, his daughter, and she asks him to tell her how it feels. How does it feel to lose the one thing you truly love?

Ryan says he’s going to find Esme, and starts walking, but Ava shoots him in his handless arm, and he drops to the ground. He gets to his knees, and says, she shot him. She asks if it hurts. Is he in pain? She can tell him something about real pain, the kind of pain that comes from losing a child, her daughter, her first born. Now his daughter’s gone; she ran from him. Ave starts to cry, and says, she needed Kiki. She needed Nikolas. And they’re both gone because of him. He gets to his feet, clutching his arm, and says, maybe killing Kiki was a mistake, but he didn’t hurt a hair on Nikolas’s stupid thick head. She says she did that. Because of him and Esme. They destroyed her marriage; they poisoned it. There was nothing else she could do. He says, then it was all worth it. She killed him. Now they can be together. There’s nothing that stands between them.

Curtis pushes the bottle away, and Marshall says he knows Curtis is hurting. He has every right, but Marshall hurt him too, and Curtis found it in his heart to forgive him. And because Curtis did, he found the family he’d thought he’d lost forever. In the eyes of God and the State of New York, Curtis has a wife, and he also might have a daughter. Don’t shut himself off from the woman he loves because she committed the unpardonable sin of being human. He puts his hand on Curtis’s shoulder, and tells him, go on and let it hurt, but then he has to let it heal. He’s going to figure this out, and Marshall will be right here for him. He loves Curtis, and he’ll always support him. Tears in his eyes, Curtis thanks Marshall, and they hug.

Trina asks if Spencer is okay. She knows he’s thinking about Esme’s baby. He says he’ll feel a lot better once he knows his little brother or sister isn’t in danger. When Alexis said Esme wasn’t alone, she meant Esme is on the island with crazy Heather Webber and psychopath Ryan Chamberlain, right? Is she a hostage? Alexis says, actually, she’s there with her biological parents.

Laura says, still nothing? but Jordan assures her that they’re doing everything they can, and Mac says, they have the island surrounded. Ryan won’t get away. Doc says, if Esme is Ryan’s daughter, he sees her as a possession; something that belongs to him. It’s like an extension of himself, and they know he’s obsessed with Ava. He’ll do anything to hold her. Laura says she can’t just sit here while Ryan does his worst. They’ve got to do something. Esme stumbles through the door, and collapses in Laura’s arms, sobbing.

Ryan says, with Nikolas out of the way, he and Ava are bound together forever. His life is in her hands, and hers in his. She tells him that he’s crazy, and he says he knows the wounds have to heal – the physical and emotional – but he promises they’ll find Esme, and they’ll take her and  the baby, and vanish to someplace no one will ever find them. And he promises her, she’ll thank him. She says, he’s right about one thing. His life is in her hands. He says, til death do us part, and she repeats, til death do us part, taking steady aim. He reaches out, and she slowly… pulls… the trigger.

Tomorrow, Scotty tells Elizabeth that they have unfinished business; Taggert tells Portia that he is Trina’s dad; Esme has her baby; and Ryan says, Ava isn’t done with him yet.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Carrying over the somewhat civilized argument Teresa and Melissa were having at the mozzarella party last week, Teresa asked Melissa if she wanted to be a bridesmaid, but Melissa said, not at this point. It would be like going back to an ex-boyfriend.

There was more rehash about the Dolores dynamic having changed for Frank, since Paulie’s got her now. Melissa met with Marge and Jackie for lunch, and said Danielle had complained about Jackie looking her up and down at the mozzarella party. Jackie admitted she had, and said, Danielle looked like a trainwreck, and she couldn’t look away. Her shorts looked like she’d just taken them out of the hamper. She added that Danielle could have been an adult about it, and come to her if she had a gripe, rather than telling Melissa. Pot apparently doesn’t recognize kettle, as it’s not too adult to 1) look someone up and down, and 2) comment to someone else about said trainwreck’s appearance – at their own party, no less. Melissa asked if she wanted to talk to Danielle, but she said, Danielle’s wardrobe was punishment enough. Marge said Jennifer was in a downward spiral, and she was like a festering wound that doesn’t heal. Geez. This bunch is slowly encroaching on Most Awful People territory. However, no one will ever top Jax Taylor for top spot.

It was Rachel’s daughter’s 2nd birthday, and there was a photo session. In Rachel’s interview, she said, everyone thinks they have the cutest kid, but she actually does have the cutest kid. She asked husband John if he wanted another baby, but he wanted to wait a year. In her interview, she said, after they got married, she’d gotten pregnant right away, and had a miscarriage, and never got pregnant again. I guess she did eventually, since they have several kids. She said, it was emotionally and physically draining, and wouldn’t wish it on anybody. It was the most challenging thing in her life. They have five embryos in the freezer, and the time is now. She’s the one who will have to do all the work.

For Teresa, it was all wedding, wedding, wedding, but it wasn’t long before she talked smack about Melissa, bringing Gia and Gabriella (who claims to want nothing to do with the drama, but that’s doubtful) into the conversation. On her podcast, Melissa had claimed she’d been there for the girls when Teresa was in prison, but Gia said, the only time they saw Melissa and Joe #2 was when the cameras were rolling. Louie said Melissa didn’t put one left foot in front of the other, and I wondered if Teresa’s mangling of the English language was catching. Or was Louie born with it and the stars aligned? Louie got all involved in the discussion because he wants more camera time.

In Danielle’s interview, she talked about her kids clothing line, Bougie Kidz, and said, Melissa was living the dream. She met Melissa for I’m not sure what, but it seemed like Melissa was teaching her how to be a stylist. Then, since no one can keep anything to themselves for more than five seconds, Melissa told Danielle about what Jackie had said. In her interview, Danielle said Jackie was a judgy bitch. Danielle said she was concerned about the Teresa/Joe #2 situation because she and her brother had been close, and hadn’t spoken in two years When covid hit, Danielle began filming herself for Instagram, and reviewing products. Her brother constantly made fun of her, so she blocked him, saying, he didn’t have to look. He then cut her out of his wedding, and in her interview, she said she’d thought it was a joke. Obviously not. Melissa felt like she was missing part of the story, and Danielle said some things had happened prior to the wedding. She’d tried not to put in her two cents about the wedding preparations, but she didn’t have a sister, and it was so exciting. She wanted to do things for her future SIL, and was told it wasn’t all about her. She sent a text to her brother, saying, see who she’s dealing with? and he kicked all of them out of the wedding. She thinks it’s the wife behind it, but Melissa said, Danielle’s brother was the one making fun of her. Playing devil’s advocate, she’s tried getting Joe #2 and Teresa together, but unless Joe wants to, she can’t force him. In Melissa’s interview, she said, it’s not always the sister-in-law’s fault. Joe is a grown man, and she can only try so many times.

At Jennifer’s house, there was discussion about teaching the kids more chores, and paying them to do them. In Jennifer’s interview, she said, she and Bill had different approaches to parenting. She told Bill that Marge had said she was sometimes disingenuous, and not self-reflective. She insisted she was the most self-reflective person ever, and Bill rolled his eyes. She asked if he didn’t think so, and he started giving a flowery speech about how people have different personalities. In her interview, Jennifer said she didn’t want to hear it. STFU. Bill said she had to acknowledge her part in things, and in her interview, she said she didn’t need him to validate the other person’s point-of-view. We flashed back to the times Bill was less than supportive.

Danielle said daughter Valentina had been robbed of her school art show because of covid, so she invited her parents over, and there was a private showing. In Danielle’s interview, she said her parents had separated when she was eight, and couldn’t tolerate being in the same room, but they came together when her son Dominic was born. Dominic introduced Valentina, who came out in a rainbow tutu. I’m not sure how old she is, maybe five? As her pieces were brought out, she told her audience what artist inspired them. I took college art courses in high school, and this kid knows more than I do. In her interview, Danielle said, it would kill her if her kids were separated like she and her brother. If her son marries a megabitch, she’ll poison her. Her mother also didn’t talk to her brother, and Danielle mentioned that it was the first time her brother wasn’t there for something with the kids. Her dad started crying, and in her interview, she said, all her dad wants it for the family to be together. This destroyed her whole family. We saw a clip from a home movie when they were kids, and Danielle’s father said, this too shall pass.

Melissa and Joe #2 went to what they call their shore house, but I beg to differ since it’s in Tom’s River. Melissa’s mother and sister came over, and Joe asked if they’d been invited to Teresa’s wedding. They said, no, and in Joe’s interview, he said Juicy Joe’s family had been at his wedding. Melissa’s family had been in their lives for 20 years. Teresa was making a statement that they mean nothing to her. Melissa’s family sat with their parents for 18 years – we see clips of that – and his dad’s last words were, love each other. After New York, he’d called Louie, and said he wanted things to be better. Teresa just had to admit she was wrong. Louie said, she was never going to do that. Louie has done nothing to help the situation, and only made it worse. Joe said, they were going to be having guys night soon, and Melissa’s sister said she could see his Gorga-ness coming out.

The guys met at a bar, and Frank started busting Joe #2’s balls immediately, saying the tables were too high for him. New (Danielle’s) husband Nate was joining the fold, and Frank said, Paulie had to work, then whined about the Dolores dynamic changing. He missed his relationship with Dolores. Joe said, they’d taken Louie in with open arms, and Melissa had treated him like royalty, yet Melissa’s family wasn’t invited to the wedding. Louie walked in just as Joe was saying, he’s garbage.

There was a toast to Louie – for what reason, I don’t know – and Joe #2 asked Louie, how many wedding guests? Louie said, 200, and Joe said he’d met Melissa’s family. Were they were good people? Louie said, they were great people, and Joe asked why they weren’t invited to the wedding. Everyone on his side was f***ed up. Frank asked if there was a reason, and Louie said, past bullsh*t. Joe said, Melissa’s family should be respected because they were close to his and Teresa’s parents. It was like a f*** you. There was some discussion about the hierarchy in Italian families, and Louie said, Joe’s wife was on social media saying Teresa’s kids wouldn’t have eaten if it wasn’t for them. Joe claimed that’s not what she said, and Louie said he was there. Joe said, Louie didn’t know sh*t, and should be embarrassed. Louie said, Joe was on the podcast talking about his sister, and Joe told him, f*** you, saying he wasn’t a man; he was a p*ssy. Louie said, Joe’s talk didn’t affect him, and to stop the theatrics. Joe said he was tired of the bullsh*t, and Louie always backpedals. Louie said, Teresa was his fiancé, and she was 50 years old. What did Joe think he could do? Joe suggested he tell Teresa that she’s out of line, and Louie said he did, but she stood her ground. Joe said he was hurt, and didn’t want to be hurt anymore, and Louie said, Teresa didn’t deserve to be hurt either. She and Joe should talk, and Joe should be vulnerable. What he’s feeling is justified, but they should hear what each other feels. In Joe’s interview, he says, Teresa will just bring up that he didn’t defend Louie. She doesn’t move forward. Louie said that Teresa loved Joe so much, but in his interview, Joe said in his heart, he knows how she feels, and he doesn’t want to waste his time. He told Louie that he’d think about it.

Next time, Bill’s feelings are hurt; Frank Jr. asks Dolores, what’s up with Paulie and his dad; Teresa calls Joe wanting to make peace, but he says he doesn’t know; and Jennifer says she can do what she f***ing wants.

🌊 Slouching Towards the Jersey Shore…

Have your late-night snack here tomorrow, along with some soap and VanderDoings. Until then, stay safe, stay going the extra mile in all you do, and stay not cutting yourself off from loved ones because they committed the unpardonable sin of being human.

Feb15

February 14, 2023 – A Valentine’s Wedding, Mozzarella Memories in New Jersey, That Awful House Full of Awful People Is Back & Endless

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura asks that question that’s only asked in movie and TV weddings; if anyone can show just cause why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace. Everyone laughs, and Portia flashes back to Jordan telling her to let Curtis know Trina might be his daughter before the wedding.

Stella reads from the Bible, speak every man truth with his neighbor for we are members one with another. She flashes back to telling Jordan that Curtis and Portia’s affair would line up with how old Trina is. There’s a knock on the door, and she opens it to Jordan.

Heather slips into Ryan’s room, and says, evening, grandpa. She tells him, it’s only the most romantic day of the year, and gives him a heart she made out of construction paper that says Happy Valentine’s Day on it. She says, from mee-maw. It’s not his only gift. He asks if it’s chocolate covered strawberries, but she says, something much sweeter; a way out for all four of us.

Outside the pub, Dante teases Sam about driving on the wrong side of the road. They peek inside the pub, and Sam says, what if Maggie isn’t a drinker? Dante says, hopefully, someone who knows her is, and they go inside. A woman asks if she can help them, and Dante says, they’re counting on it.

Laura says, as per tradition, she’ll pose the same question of Curtis and Portia. Do either of them know any reason why they should not be joined in holy matrimony? Portia looks at Trina, but doesn’t say anything, and Laura says, let’s get these two hitched. She reads the wedding vows, and they both say, I will. She asks the guests if they’ll do their best to support Portia and Curtis in their new union, and they say they will. Another part of a wedding I’ve never seen or heard of. Laura says, surrounded by love and support. They’re truly blessed.

Stella warns Jordan that what she has might be contagious, and Jordan says, diagnosis? Stella says, second guessing herself, and Jordan says she’ll take the risk. She sees someone’s been drawing comfort from the Good Book, and Stella says, trying to anyway. Not much success. She wonders if she’s doing the right thing, staying away from the wedding, or is hiding out just plain cowardly? Jordan says, Stella Henry is no coward. She loves her nephew and wants him to be happy.

Heather tells Ryan that she made the heart in arts and crafts. They wouldn’t let her use scissors, so she had to improvise. She pulls out a homemade knife, and he says, she’s all heart. I love these two. She says he’s going to owe her huge when they blow this joint, and he asks, who’s the fourth? She says, Esme’s baby – duh. He has to work on his grandfathering skills when they hit the road. He says, it sounds like she has it all figured out, and she says, down to the last detail. He asks if their daughter is on board, but Heather avoids the question, and he grabs her arm, saying, Esme doesn’t know, does she?

Dante says, two of your finest ales, and the woman says, that’s a matter of opinion, isn’t it? He says, hers, and she says, two of her favorite ales coming right up. She asks what brings them to her village. It’s not one of those fancy tourist sites. Sam says, they’re drawn to faraway places, and she says, then they’ve come to the right spot. She serves them, and they take a sip, declaring it delicious. She asks if there’s anything else she can help them with, and Dante says, they’re looking for a friend of a friend. She asks if the friend has a name, and Sam says, Maggie Fitzgerald.

Laura says, Portia and Curtis want to say a few words to each other, and suggests Curtis start. He takes Portia’s hands, and says, my love, it’s been a long and winding road with us. First, we were together, then they were apart. Thankfully, now we’re back together, and I don’t doubt that journey took a toll on us, and others, but some of those others have blessed us, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. What I’ve learned about love ain’t always pretty, and certainly not easy, but nothing worth having ever is. But this – he looks around – this is everything. He vows to love her with all his heart, to give her all he has, and all he is, to make their lives and the lives of the people they treasure better. This is his vow to her. Laura says, Portia’s up.

Portia says, you mentioned a long and winding road. I know it well. I thought I’d be traveling that road with my daughter, and she and my work was all that I would ever need, and I was fine with that, but then you came back into my life and literally saved my life, and Trina’s, and all of a sudden, I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. Your courage, your kindness, your conviction – all of it – literally leaves me breathless. No one can make me laugh like you do, or cry like you do – in a good way, in the best possible way. You make me want to do and be better, and you have no idea how thankful I am for that. You’re part of me, and I can’t imagine a world without you in it. That’s… that’s why I… She looks around, and stammers. Curtis asks, what is it?

Stella tells Jordan, they’re damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. She’s terrified that, no matter how this plays out, Curtis’s heart is going to be broken. Jordan says, maybe temporarily, but she’s forgetting Curtis loves Trina. He might be shocked if it turns out she’s his daughter, but once that settles, he’ll be thrilled. Stella says, that blessing comes with a price. He’ll realize Portia’s been lying to him for decades. Jordan says, Portia was looking out for Taggert. The man adores Trina, and has been an amazing father to her. Stella says she understands that. Telling the truth has the potential to upend a lot of lives. Jordan says, once Portia and Curtis got back together, Trina was going through so much, and Stella says, maybe it wasn’t the time then, but once they decided to join their lives together and be a family? She keeps praying about this, but she doesn’t know if prayer is enough.

Heather says Ryan is a handy one-handed man, and puts the knife to his throat. He laughs, and she says, they’ll be told when the time is right. Can they please leave the family’s paths for the road trip? He says, every law enforcement agency from here to Alaska will be looking for them, and she says, but they’ll be looking for three escaped fugitives. Not a happy family cruising in their RV, listening to the radio. Can he picture this? He says, no, and she asks why he’s being so negative. He says, Esme has kind of outgrown a baby seat, but Heather says, they’ll be needing one of those for the RV. He says, she’s an adult, pregnant woman who’s lost her memory. Does she really think Esme will let herself be thrown into the back of an RV? Heather says, he’s the one who said she’s got it all figured out, and he says, then tell him the plan. They can’t be too careful, especially with that detective and his girlfriend trying to track down Esme’s nanny. She says she doubts Ryan is going to be doing the driving, so why doesn’t he sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride?

Sam says, they’re not there to make trouble for Maggie, and Dante says, just the opposite. Maggie was this person’s nanny. Sam says, there was this family she used to work for, and they said she moved to this village. The woman says she recalls a woman who used to work as a nanny, but her name was Marjorie. She only came for trivia nights on Thursdays. She was fantastic at that, but she stopped showing up, so they figured she’d moved on. Sam says, maybe she left a clue as to where she was going. It’s really important they find her. A woman she once cared for, Esme, is in trouble. Dante says, Esme Prince. Did Marjorie ever mention her?

Portia looks at Trina, who says, it’s okay, then she looks around. She tells Curtis that she’s sorry. It’s just hitting her all over again that she’s not just marrying him; she’s marrying him and his beautiful family. He says, they’ll be her family too, and she says, and hers will be his. That road doesn’t stop here. All of them travel together. He says, together, and puts the ring on her finger, pledging to love her today, tomorrow, and always. Finn looks at Elizabeth, and smiles, and Portia says, with this ring, she pledges all her love. And like this ring has no end, neither does her love for him. She puts the ring on him, and Trina smiles at Spencer. Laura says, with vows and rings, they’ve pledged their love to each other. Therefore, by the power vested in her by the State of New York, and the blessing of all their family and friends, she pronounces them husband and wife. They know what to do. Everyone laughs, and Curtis says he certainly does. They kiss, and everyone applauds.

Heather says she almost forgot. His Valentine’s present. She hands him the knife, and he asks, what’s the catch? She says, is he always this suspicious? and he says, yes. She says, it’s her Valentine’s gift to him, but he has to keep it hidden before the big escape. He says, she does recall he’s supposed to be in a fugue state, unable to speak or move, let alone wield a weapon, but she says, once they’re outside these walls, he can be his old self again. He says, but if something goes wrong, and he’s caught holding a knife, and she’s caught holding Esme’s hand and claiming he hijacked them… Everyone needs a back-up plan, right?

The woman says, Marjorie never talked about her charges. Why are they so invested in this Esme person? Dante says, she’s in quite a bit of trouble back in the states, the kind that Maggie could be the key to get her out of. Sam says, she gets that the woman has no reason to trust them, but if Maggie knew what Esme was going through, she’d want to help. Dante asks if she’s sure there’s nothing she can tell them.

At the reception, Drew asks everyone to join him in welcoming the newlyweds, Portia and Curtis. Everyone applauds as they walk in, and the band begins to play. Portia and Curtis dance, and there’s a song part as they gaze into each other’s eyes. Curtis asks if he’s told her that he loves her, and she says, he has. He asks if he’s told her how excited he is to start their lives together, and Portia says, he has. He asks if he should stop, but she says, never. Trina says she’s never seen her mom so happy, and Josslyn says, maybe true love does exist. Spencer says, maybe it does, and looks at Trina.

Sonny tells Nina that everything looks gorgeous, especially the co-owner of the venue. How is she holding up? She says she’s okay. She’s thinking about Willow, and imagining dancing at her wedding. He says, there still may be a chance of that, so they can’t lose hope.

Marshall says he’s lived long enough to see his son get married, and TJ says, Curtis looks like he’s on Cloud 9. I wonder if there’s a Cloud 10, and Zeke says, his sister looks stunned. Molly says, it’s like she can’t believe the wedding actually happened, and Marshall says, those two are destined for a lifetime of bliss. Elizabeth tells Finn, watching them, it seems so simple, and he says, maybe it is. Maybe people tend to overcomplicate things. To life getting simpler one day. She says she can cheers to that, and they clink glasses. The dance finishes, and everyone applauds. Curtis brings Portia over to Sterling, and says he believes there’s another tradition to uphold. Sterling says he believes there is. He’d love to dance with his little girl. Portia says she’d love that too, and they go out to the dance floor to more applause.

Taggert tells Trina, it looks like they’re doing the daddy/daughter thing. Should they show them what they’ve got? She says, lead the way, and they go out too. Drew says, it looks like they’ve got a father/daughter duo, and asks for another round of applause. Portia looks over at Trina.

Stella takes a pill, and Jordan says, Stella is actually making herself sick over this. Stella says, it’s just something she takes for her blood pressure. Don’t worry. Her cardiologist assured her that she’ll outlive them all. Jordan says, she’d better; she’s indispensable. Stella says, the cemetery is full of indispensable people, and suggests they talk about something else. Has Jordan forgotten what day it is? Enough about Curtis’s love life. What about hers?

Heather tells Ryan, just stay in that chair, look as vacant as the Bates Motel, and she’ll have him and their daughter out of here and on their way to their new life before the guards have a chance to realize they’re gone. She gets misty-eyed just thinking about it. After all this time, together again; a real all-American family. He says, it sounds promising, but she says, it’s more than promising. It’s a sure thing. He says she’s not accounting for one potential glitch, but she says, this plan is glitch-free. He says, what if Esme refuses to come with them?

The woman says, as Dante and Sam pointed out, she’s never laid eyes on them before tonight. How does she know they’re not the reason that poor girl’s in trouble? Dante says, she just has to trust them. Sam says, Maggie Fitzgerald was the closest thing Esme had to a friend. Maybe she can tell them something about Esme’s family; a mother or a father… Dante says, basically someone who would do anything for her, and Sam says, and they mean anything. The woman says she wishes she could help them. Marjorie could name all of the Spice Girls faster than lightning – Mel B, Mel C, Victoria, Emma, and Geri – but she never heard her mention an Esme Prince.

Curtis asks Taggert if he can cut in, and Taggert says, now that he’s official the stepfather, it’s only fair. He thanks Trina for the dance, kisses her cheek, and tells Curtis, precious cargo. Curtis says, doesn’t he know it, and tells Trina that she looks lovely. They dance, and Trina asks how he feels. He says, mostly elated, and grateful. Of course (🍷) for her beautiful mother, and everyone here, but a large piece of that is reserved for her. Sterling asks Portia, what’s wrong? and she says, nothing. She’s just getting emotional. He says, the happiest day of your life can do that.

Sonny says he and Nina used to be good at that. Remember when he used to spin her around at the Tan-O? Let’s give it a shot. He knows it’s hard to have fun with what’s going on with Willow and Michael and everything, but they’ve got to live life, or what’s the point? He takes her hand, and they go onto the dance floor.

Elizabeth tells Terry to go dance and have fun, and Terry says, Elizabeth might consider taking her own advice. The dance floor is calling. Finn says he’s only an innocent bystander, not a dancer, and Elizabeth tells Terry, what he said. Terry says, suit yourself, and she and Yuri go to dance. Josslyn asks Spencer what he’s waiting for. She still doesn’t think he’s good enough for Trina, but that’s not for her to decide. Just like it’s not for Spencer to decide who she spends her time with. Got it? He says, got it.

Spencer asks if Trina has one more dance in her, and she says, with him? They start to dance, and she says she thought they weren’t pretending to be friends in public anymore. He says he wasn’t pretending.

Jordan asks Stella, please tell her that she’s not playing matchmaker, and Stella says, not after the mess she made of Curtis’s love life. Jordan says, Stella’s not to blame for the break-up of their marriage, but Stella says she didn’t help. Then there was Curtis’s relationship with Portia. Jordan says, Portia’s good people. If only she’d been upfront from the start, they’d know if Curtis was Trina’s father or not. Stella says, it’s too late for it to come out with minimal damage. She sees what Jordan is doing. They were talking about Jordan’s love life. Jordan says, Stella was talking about it, and Stella says, message received. She won’t be meddling in Curtis’s love life or Jordan’s. Jordan picks up the Bible, and tells Stella, like the Good Book says, take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Stella says, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew, 6:34. Jordan says, that Matthew, he really knew what was up. She kisses Stella on the cheek, and leaves. Stella says, he most certainly did.

Trina tells Spencer that Curtis is hiding it well, but it’s killing him that Stella isn’t here. He asks what she’s thinking, and she says she’s thinking it’s wrong that Stella’s sitting in her hotel room. She thinks Stella needs to be at this wedding.

Heather sticks her Valentine to the wall, and tells Ryan that she’s been earning Esme’s trust since Esme was brought here. She has no one else she can count on, especially that supposed baby daddy of hers. All he ever did was dump a bunch of papers in her lap, and tell her to sign away her rights. Ryan looks at the knife, and says, give him five minutes with that prince, and he swears he’ll eviscerate him. Heather says, spoken like a true and loving father. (She’s not wrong.) She tells him, for now, just be patient. Let mama take care of everything, and once they’re outside these walls, no one will ever hurt their baby girl again.

Dante puts some money on the bar, and tells the woman that they’ll get out of her hair, thanking her for the beer. She thanks him for the generous tip, and Sam says, they’ll be staying at the B&B, so if she thinks of anything that could help them, that would be fantastic. The woman says she’ll be sure to reach out. In the meantime, they’re welcome here anytime. They leave, and outside, Dante asks what Sam thought. She says, same as him; she’s lying through her teeth. I wonder where else you would lie from, and Sam tells him, that woman knows more than she’s saying. He tells Sam, say she’s lying… Sam says, she was, and he says, what’s the next obvious question? Why? Inside, the woman takes out a box of letters, and says, Esme, I warned you not to go look for your father. What have you gotten yourself into now? I think we all already guessed she’s Maggie.

Heather asks if Ryan is on board, and he says, he has a choice? She says, not so much. Once the stars are aligned, and Esme’s with them, they’ll make their escape. It’ll happen so fast, Esme won’t have time to object. He says, still, no plan is foolproof. What if they encounter an unforeseen complication? She touches the knife, and says, then he’ll be the solution. Happy Valentine’s Day. He says, let him throw one little wrinkle into the itinerary. He just needs to make one stop before they take off. I’m guessing to see Ava.

Making his toast, Drew says, the quality that stands out the most when he thinks of Curtis is loyalty. This man would lay down his life for those he cares about, and he considers himself lucky to be among them. He’s so happy for them, and can’t wait to see the life they build together. They’re beautiful inside and out. All of them love Curtis and Portia. Everyone is in agreement with that, and Drew says, to the best of the best. Congratulations, Curtis and Portia. Everyone raises their glasses and says, to the best. Portia and Curtis thank and hug Drew, and he says he meant every word. He tells the guests, it’s the maid-of-honor’s turn now, and asks Trina to show herself. She’s nowhere to be seen, and Marshall suggests she’s fixing her makeup. Portia wonders, where’s Trina? She was excited to give the toast. Where could she be?

Stella looks through the Bible, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it, and Trina and Spencer are there.

Tomorrow, Trina asks, what would keep Stella from the wedding; Heather tells Esme, everything’s going to be taken care of; Nina tells Ava that she’s sure the reasons are less than legitimate; and Ryan says, you what?

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

When we last left, Bill was dragging Jennifer out of the party as she called Dolores the c-word. Dolores was pissed, since she’d been backing Jennifer for ages. In the car, Jennifer whined that Dolores didn’t care about her, but Bill said Jennifer’s expectations were too high for her friends. I think he really wanted to tell her that she was being an a-hole, but he has to sleep with her. Dolores said she was quitting Jennifer.

Wedding planning was in full force, and Teresa conferred about invitations with Louie’s assistant Jess. In her interview, Teresa said she wanted an epic wedding with Circe de Soleil dancers and fireworks. Melissa and Joe #2 thought the wedding was going to be awkward, and Melissa hated that Louie had called her insecure. Joe was shocked that Teresa put them out in the cold at the engagement party, and said she didn’t want him to walk her down the aisle.

Danielle visited Jennifer along with her kids, and was afraid once her kids saw Jennifer’s house, they’d want one. Danielle asked if it was going to be awkward with Jennifer and Dolores at her house, and Jennifer rehashed all that. They called Teresa to ask how her meeting with Marge went, and Teresa said it was a fresh of breath air [sic] because they’d communicated. Jennifer and Teresa had also met with Laura, an ex-friend of Marge’s, who said she had stuff they’d want to hear. In Jennifer’s interview she said, since Marge would do it, she decided to do it. Teresa indicated there was something serious Laura knew about, but Jennifer said she didn’t want to know… unless she needed ammunition.

Rachel has two under two, and a fifteen year old stepson, and actually seems like a decent person. My advice, stay far away from most of these people. Marge was having Dolores, Melissa, new friend Jen (who Marge knows through Siggy), Lexi, and Jackie over. Melissa brought sprinkle cookies, and we had a flashback of that Christmas long ago when Teresa threw them in the trash. Lexi said one of her worst faux pas was eating from the wrong bowl of edamame; she ate the pods people had sucked the beans out of. I can’t even imagine how TF you could make this mistake. She must be a real dimbulb. They played a sex question game, the first question being, what sex act did they feel guilty about? Jackie said, since she was Jewish, it was all of them. They never got past the first question because Melissa started talking about how sad it was for Joe #2, as he’d decided to call it quits with his sister. Jackie thought Jennifer was more dangerous than Teresa, and Dolores said, after being accused of not being a good friend, she and Jennifer were done. Marge said she’d genuinely made up with Jennifer, then found out she and Teresa were digging for info about her from a childhood friend. She felt played. In Marge’s interview, she said she found out because there was a mole in Jennifer’s camp.

Regarding her relationship with Paul, Dolores said, for the first time, she was dropping her guard 100%. Paul told her that he’d thought the other night was fun, and we flashed back to Jennifer going berserk. He’s clearly not paying attention. In Dolores’s interview, she said, beforehand, Paul had told her to be the bigger person. Had he not, it could have gone differently. Frank wasn’t used to her having a guy in her life that did everything for her, and Paul said he had her now. I’m liking Paul, so maybe there’s hope for Dolores. Teresa’s invites went out, imprinted on an acrylic pane that rested on top of fresh flowers. Fancy! Joe #2 said it was going to be awkward like in L.A. They’d been at this amazing event, and Teresa woudn’t even take a red carpet picture with him. In his interview, he said, their parents were looking down, and thinking it was a disgrace. Instead of being zen, Louie added fuel to the fire, and Teresa went apesh*t again.

Danielle got ready to have the women over for a mozzarella making party, and said Jennifer’s house could eat hers for breakfast. If anyone said her house was cute, they’d have a problem. Dolores arrived first, and when Danielle asked if there was going to be a problem with Jennifer, she said she always started off with a clean slate. Apparently, she’s never watched herself on this show. Melissa and Marge rode over together, and Marge said she didn’t care if Laura had said she was f***ing goats in her backyard, but Jennifer had undermined their friendship. Teresa said she had to send out new invites, thanks to Ramona. (Yes. RHONY Ramona of the googly eye fame.) Ramona had put Teresa’s invitation up on social media, and we saw the clip of her filming the invite. Teresa wasn’t able to get new acrylics in less than a few weeks’ time, so now the guests were going to be emailed new passwords. In Teresa’s interview, she said she’d wanted to keep the wedding private, and Ramona ruined it. I have to admit, I’m on her side with this one. WTF, Ramona? Dolores said she hadn’t spoken to Jennifer since Jennifer’s (latest) meltdown, and Teresa said she wasn’t taking sides. She wanted them to talk it out, but Dolores didn’t want hear what Jennifer had to say anymore.

Before Melissa got there, Teresa told everyone what a great time they’d had in L.A., but said, Joe was still hurt even though she’d apologized. She said she was seeing a therapist, and they talked about how Italians felt there was a stigma with therapy. When everyone got there, Danielle introduced the two chef instructors, and they all put on Making Mozz Memories aprons. It actually didn’t look too hard to make. Marge asked to chat with Jennifer, which was a mistake, since Jennifer only justified what she’d done. Marge asked if her apology hadn’t seemed genuine, but Jennifer said it had. Laura had approached her, and she was just curious. Marge suggested Jennifer be more self-reflective, which wasn’t a popular idea. She asked if Jennifer didn’t want to be friends, and Jennifer said, friends were on a spectrum. While I agree with that, I don’t go around digging up dirt about the ones on the low end of mine. Later, Marge told Teresa that Jennifer could benefit from therapy, and when Jennifer got annoyed about that, Marge pointed out that she also had issues with Dolores. Jennifer said she and Dolores were good, and Dolores got up and took off her earrings.

Dolores said if Jennifer had a problem with her, Jennifer should come to her, and then there was a bunch of no, you stuff. Teresa wondered what happened to the clean slate. Jen tried to intervene, and told them that this wasn’t going to get anywhere. When they ignored her suggestion, Jen stuffed her face from the buffet. Dolores suddenly decided they were good, and in Jennifer’s interview, she said she was done with people who didn’t care. I have to add, this was all shouted about in front of the chefs, who must have wondered WTF they’d gotten themselves into. Teresa said, all these people were going to be at her wedding, and no seating chart was probably a good idea. Marge said, Teresa had issues with it last time at the engagement party, and in Dolores’s interview, she said, in Italian families, it’s big deal where you sit. Teresa insisted that Melissa and Joe #2 were supposed to be at her table, and Jennifer backed her up, saying, Teresa was unaware of the issue. Melissa said Teresa was horrible to them in New York, which brought us back to Teresa feeling that Melissa hadn’t stuck up for Louie with Marge. Melissa said she’d told Marge to knock it off a million times, and Marge agreed. Melissa told Teresa to stop saying how family was everything.

Next time, Paul confronts Frank; Marge thinks Jennifer is on a downward spiral; Danielle admits she’s also estranged from her brother; and Joe #2 has a fight with Louie.

🏖  The Summer House premiere was just the warm up to what will surely be a summer of awful people drinking liquor and fighting.

Carl and Lindsay have moved in together, and Lindsay said she was living a rom-com movie in real life. I give this five minutes. On July 1st, the housemates headed for the Hamptons, and Kyle said he intended to have a massive summer, since he’s about to turn 40 and he’s married now. I’m not sure what he means by massive, but I’m sure it involves a lot of drinking and acting like an a-hole. When they got to the house, they found out the number of bedrooms had been cut back, due to zoning laws. In other words, the landlord advertised that he was renting out too many rooms on national TV, and got caught.

Paige picked her up new girl Gabby, who is all about astrology, and on the way, explained the logistics of the house. She said, Mya, who was dating Oliver, would also be joining them, and Gabby realized she was the only one not part of a couple. Kyle said he took the vibe of the house very seriously, and I decided the word vibe is overused. Mya said she was friends with Carl, but Lindsay thought she wanted Carl in a sexual way. Lindsay didn’t want Mya near him, even though she and Carl were in a permanent friendzone. Mya said after they’d played Family Feud (like really, on TV, not in the living room), she told Lindsay that she’d texted Carl to see if he wanted to smoke a jay. She’d smoked with Carl before, but Lindsay said it wasn’t respectful, and got all bent out of shape. I see Lindsay overreacting in the future. Another new girl, Sam, showed up, as well as a new guy named Chris. Carl was now working with Kyle at Loverboy, but described it as rocky, and said he didn’t know if Loverboy was for him. The first night they decided to have pool party, and Lindsay told the girls that she’d been sober for nine months, but then she wanted a glass of wine with her Aunt Rhonda at Easter, so she was drinking again. But now she didn’t black out. Oh okay. There’s that. Add drunken to overreacting.

Gabby whined to Carl about Lindsay, but kudos to Carl – who’s been the one actual adult in the bunch for a few seasons – for saying, nope. Lindsay was his priority. There will still be overreacting though. Lindsay explained to the others that she got pissed because she’d been supporting Carl’s sobriety, and felt Gabby was sabotaging it by suggesting he smoke weed with her. New guy Jaerez joined the group, and one of the girls (I think Sam) mixed up Leonardo da Vinci with Leonardo DiCaprio, which is pretty amusing, and shows how stupid these people are. How did I miss out on making millions and being on TV?

This season, stupidity; alcohol; alcohol and stupidity; Kory comes to the house; Craig puts pressure on Paige; fights; and a possible engagement.

🐰 Don’t Change a Hare For Me…

Stop in tomorrow, where there will be soap, a glimpse into everything Vanderpumpish, and perhaps some Bowl talk. Until then, stay safe, stay knowing friends are God’s apology for relatives, and stay living life. Or what’s the point?

Feb10

February 9, 2023 – Willow Gets Bad News, Doing Time, Baby Amelia, Joining GH, Loss Trend, Text Leak, Missing Nothing, Party Time, Celebrate Pets (!) & Happy

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow tries to get Austin to tell her what’s going on, but he says, Dr. Randolph will be her shortly to update her. Michael asks if Austin knows what Terry is going to tell them about the harvested stem cells, and Austin says he does. Willow says, whatever it is, she can take it; they all can.

In the waiting area, Sonny brings Nina an empty cup of coffee, and she says she’s going to have to learn about Willow’s transplant from someone else in the family. He says he’s sorry Willow is keeping her at arm’s length. He knows she’s worried. She says, hopefully, that worry will soon be in the past. The transplant will work, Willow will go into remission, and Nina can focus on what the future holds; with her, her daughter, and their new granddaughter.

Gregory asks if Alexis can just create a job for him, and she says she can do anything she wants; she’s the boss. Someone from the editorial board is retiring, and she thought of him. He’s been very helpful to her, whether she likes it or not. He says, mostly not, but she asks if she’d be offering him a job if that were true. He’d be an asset and could start immediately. She tells him this is the part where he says he’d love the job.

Finn asks how he would know why Elizabeth is meeting with Scotty, and Obrecht says, he must have a guess. He flashes back to Elizabeth telling him that she’d never been pregnant, and how she helped Nikolas hold Esme captive. Obrecht says, he does know something. Tell her. He asks why he would do that, and she says, so she can help.

Scotty asks what Elizabeth did; run over her neighbor’s mailbox and not tell them? She says, it’s worse. She wants to come forward, but before she does, she wants to know the potential consequences. If she needs a lawyer… He says he’ll represent her, and she asks if everything she says will be protected by… He says, yes, of course (🍷). He’s been a lawyer his entire life, and he’ll get her out of whatever mess she’s in. Now what did she do? She says, a few months ago, she entered into a crime in progress, and she’s been a part of it ever since. He asks if it’s still ongoing, but she says, no. He asks how bad it is, and she says, bad. He asks if there’s a chance this could come to light, and does anybody know about it? She says, a few people, and he says, who knows about it, and who’s involved? The doorbell rings, but he tells her to ignore it. She goes to the door anyway, and finds Ava on the porch. Ava says, they need to talk, and asks if Scotty is here to spend time with the boys, but Elizabeth says he’s here for her. Scotty says, they have some family legal matters to discuss, and Ava says, normally, she woudn’t dream of interrupting, but this is important. She asks if Scotty will give them some privacy. She wants to talk about Nikolas. Scotty asks what he’s done now, and Ava says, this is a conversation for those who know him best, and Elizabeth has experience with Nikolas and his secrets. Elizabeth suggests she and Scotty finish their conversation later, and Scotty says, see ya, Ava. She says, not if she sees him first, and Scotty tells Elizabeth not to discuss this with anyone else. He leaves, and Elizabeth asks what Nikolas told Ava. Ava says, everything.

Finn wonders what Elizabeth is to Obrecht, and Obrecht says she cares for Elizabeth. He asks, since when? and she says, since she fell in love with Scotty. Elizabeth is his son’s widow, and her sons are the closest thing he has to grandchildren. His daughter is obsessed with the preservation of the sea, an admirable pursuit, but he rarely sees her, so Elizabeth and her sons are his family. When she took him into her life, she also took in those he cares about. She and Finn both know she can be a valuable ally. If Elizabeth is over her head, Obrecht has the skills to get her out of it, with no harm coming to her and her boys. But she can only do that if Finn tells her what’s going on.

Gregory says, it means a lot that Alexis thought of him. He knows how important The Invader is to her. She says, he’s stalling, and he says, sadly, he’s going to have to turn down her offer. She says, why?

Nina says, it feels like she and Sonny have been on a roller coaster these past few weeks. Finding out Willow is sick, and then that Willow is her daughter, fighting for her life, the birth of her child… He says, Nina’s had a lot to process, and she says, the stem cell transplant is going to work. Willow will go into remission, and she and Michael will return to raising their two beautiful children. Maybe Willow will return to nursing. He says, then the two of them can repair what’s broken, and she says she hopes that’s possible. He says, Willow has a big heart. As soon as this is over, she’ll come around and accept Nina as her mother. Nina says she’ll pray for that, but in the meantime, she’ll keep trying to show that Willow can depend on her, and how much Willow means to her. She’ll do it or die trying. He says he knows the feeling, and she says, maybe the same thing can happen with him and Michael. When all of this is over, they’ll find their way back to each other. He says he’s not holding his breath, and she says, in the meantime, they have a lot to be grateful for. He has a bunch of kids who adore him, and now they have a beautiful new granddaughter. She suggests they go; they have to get ready for Curtis and Portia’s wedding. He wonders how much time they have, and she asks what he’s thinking. He says, she’ll see.

Austin thinks they should wait for Terry, and Michael says he knows there are protocols, but it’s more important they find out what they’re facing. Willow agrees, and Austin says, every procedure is going to have its complications. Terry walks in, and asks how Willow’s feeling. Willow says, weak and sore. Dr. Navarro says that’s normal after a C-section. (Well, duh.) But they’re anxious to know what the next steps are. Dr. Gatlin-Holt said there might be complications. Terry  looks at Austin, and he says, the good news is, Willow is healing nicely. They want to keep her in the OR for observation, but so far, everything is encouraging. Michael says, but Austin told them there were complications, and Terry says, they were unable to harvest enough functional stem cells for Willow to undergo the procedure. She’s sorry. This stem cell transplant is no longer an option for Willow.

Ava tells Elizabeth that Nikolas came to see her last night. He told her all about the tower bedroom, and what really went on there; that it wasn’t some tawdry affair. They made that up to conceal what was really going on, and she has to say she’s impressed. She almost admires Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, Esme should have been turned over to the police. It would have saved them all a lot of heartache. She’s sorry she got in the way of Ava and Nikolas reconciling, but Ava says, Nikolas broke us long before you entered his scheme. Elizabeth says she still regrets her involvement, and has to fix things. That’s why she called Scotty. She’s decided to turn herself in. Ava asks why she’d sacrifice herself. What good would that do? Elizabeth says she knows the police will investigate Spoon Island, and she apologizes for the headache it’s going to cause Ava. Ava flashes back to talking to Austin about covering up Nikolas’s death, and how she doesn’t want the cops investigating Spoon Island. Ava says, it will be so much worse for Elizabeth. Has she thought about the consequences? Elizabeth says, it’s all she’s thought about, but she can’t live with herself like this. Ava asks if Elizabeth’s children can live without her.

Sonny brings Donna to the waiting area where Nina is, and says he’s going to make her pancakes for breakfast tomorrow, but first, he has someone for her to meet. He lifts her up to the window, and tells her, that is Baby Amelia, her brother’s new baby. Donna says hi to Amelia, and Sonny says, Willow’s her mother, he’s her granddad, and Nina is her grandma. Donna says, we’re a family.

Carly asks, what went wrong? and Terry says, in order to give the patient the best chance for survival, there needs to be a certain amount of stem cells in the placenta and the umbilical cord; ideally, 21 million per kilograms of body weight. Willow says, TNC, total nuclear cell count; she studied it in nursing school. Terry says, if there are too few stem cells, the patient doesn’t have time to grow healthy blood cells, and they’re at risk for infections without the immune system to fight them. When they analyzed the stem cells from Willow, they found that the TNC was too low. It contained too few stem cells for a successful procedure. Willow asks if her hemorrhaging had anything to do with it, and Austin says, they don’t know for sure, but there’s no reason for her to think like that. Sometimes there are too few stem cells, even if there are no complications with the delivery. Terry says some other medical stuff about there not being a match, and how it’s influenced by a number of factors, including Willow’s disease status. Willow says, leukemia Stage IV. She studied this in oncology class, and knew it would be a possibility. She just didn’t want to believe it. Michael says, moving forward, what’s next?

Ava says, when Nikolas told her about Esme, he was already concerned that Elizabeth was having a crisis of conscience. He told her that he tried to reason with Elizabeth, and then he did what Nikolas always does; he tried to save his own skin. She hasn’t told Laura because Laura’s upset already, but she thinks Nikolas left town. If Elizabeth insists on turning herself in to the police, she alone will pay for his crimes.

Finn tells Obrecht that he doesn’t know why Elizabeth called Scotty, when Scotty walks into the hospital. Finn suggests she ask him, and she asks if Scotty is already finished with Elizabeth. Scotty says, Ava interrupted them, and she says, another one of his favorite clients. What did Elizabeth want? He suggests they talk somewhere else, and Finn says, Obrecht was just telling him how concerned she was about Elizabeth. Scotty says, Finn dumped her, but Finn says, it’s more complicated than that, and he still cares about her. Is it something with the boys? Scotty says, the boys are fine, and Finn asks if it’s something with Elizabeth. He’d like to help if he can. Scotty says, Elizabeth has enough problems right now, and Finn asks if she’s in trouble. Scotty says, that’s between a lawyer and his client, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He tells them, it’s been a pleasure, and jets.

Alexis says, Gregory has told her that he wanted to be where the action is. He said he wanted to make a change. He tells her, actually, she suggested he explore having a second act, and he said he’d think about it. She says, obviously, he’s decided against it, and he says he considered trying something new, but he made a commitment to the university. He can’t just leave in the middle of a semester. She says, he’s been volunteering here, teaching, and giving advice for weeks. The only difference is, he’d be being paid. He says, working on the editorial board will demand a greater commitment, and she says, they’ll be flexible until his semester is over, and then he can work full time. He says, it’s not that simple, but she says, from where she’s standing it is… unless he’s scared.

Nina looks through the window at Amelia, and says, it’s Grandma Nina again. She just wanted to remind Amelia that she loves her, and will do everything in her power to make sure Amelia is safe. Amelia’s mommy and daddy don’t want her anywhere near Amelia right now, but she’ll always be here for her, and Amelia will always be in her heart. Always.

Terry says, now that the stem cell transplant isn’t an option, Willow’s best chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant. She’s still on the registry. Michael says, she’s been on the registry for months, and hasn’t found a viable match. Willow says, what about more chemo? She’s willing to do whatever’s necessary. Terry says, she’s afraid at this advanced stage, chemo could do more harm than good. The best thing they can do right now is manage her illness until a donor is found. Carly says, a match will turn up; there’s still time. Isn’t there? Willow asks Terry, exactly how much time does she have? Terry says, sometimes, patients live far longer than what’s expected, and Willow asks, what’s expected of her? Terry says, it’s likely a matter of weeks, and Austin says, they don’t know any of this for sure. This is just their best guess based on the advanced state of Willow’s leukemia, but every patient is different. Willow says she gets it. She could live longer than that… or not. She thinks she needs some time alone. Austin says, there are some things they should discuss, but Terry says, there’s time for that later, and they leave.

In the hallway, Austin says, they need to talk to them about palliative care, or at least start thinking about it, but Terrys says, it’s too much for them right now. They’re processing the most horrible news anyone can be given. They need to give them space for that before they talk about what’s next.

Carly tells Willow, this is not the end. She will find a donor. She tells them that she loves them both, and leaves.

Sonny puts a chair up to the window for Donna to kneel on so she can see Amelia. He asks what she thinks of her niece, and Donna asks, what’s a niece? He says, it means Baby Amelia is her brother’s daughter. Donna says, she’s really little, and he says, she was little once. Now she’s a big girl, and Amelia is going to be a big girl. She’s going to look up to Donna, the way Donna looks up to Josslyn and Avery. She’s going to want Donna to look out for her and be there for her. Does Donna think she can do that? Because that’s what families do. Donna says, okay, daddy.

Elizabeth says, Nikolas left Port Charles? and Ava says, the way he stormed out of Windymere last night, she doubts they’ll ever see him again. Between his and his Uncle Victor’s resources, Nikolas has the means to disappear forever. In the meantime, Elizabeth will be held responsible for his crimes while he gets off scot-free. Is that fair? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) not, but it doesn’t absolve her or erase what she did. Ava says, don’t ruin her life because of Nikolas’s bad decisions, and Elizabeth asks why Ava cares what she does. What’s it to Ava if she turns herself in?

Carly leaves a message for Drew, saying, he’s probably getting ready for Curtis’s wedding, and he’s going to make the perfect best man. She’s still at the hospital. They got some information, and she’d really like to hear his voice right now. When he gets some time, can he call her? Sonny brings Donna over, and she hugs Carly. Sonny says he took her to see Baby Amelia, and Carly says she was on her way there. Donna says, they’re all a family, and Carly says, they are. Donna asks, what’s wrong? and Carly says, she just got some news. She tells Sonny, it didn’t work. She doesn’t have much time. Nina joins them.

Ava says, Elizabeth is right. It’s her life. Blow it up if she wants to. But she knows what it’s like to be betrayed by Nikolas. She really loved him, and doesn’t want to see anyone else suffer because of Nikolas Cassadine. Elizabeth says she’s not doing this for Nikolas; she’s doing it for herself. She needs to own what she did wrong. Ava says, why? Nikolas is gone, Demetrius is gone, Esme has no memory. There isn’t anybody left who knows anything about Elizabeth’s involvement. Elizabeth says, except Ava, and Ava says she’s not going to say anything. If Elizabeth gets sent to jail, it won’t just be her life that’s destroyed. It will affect her children, and all the people who care about her and need her. Just let Nikolas go, and let his crimes go with him. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Finn. He says he wanted to see if Elizabeth was all right, and Ava says she was just talking to Elizabeth about all the people who care about her.

Gregory admits he finds the prospect of trying something new daunting, but he’s not holding back because he’s scared, and Alexis asks, then what is it? He says he likes teaching. He doesn’t want to give it up, and doesn’t want to walk away from his retirement. She says, so do both, and he asks if she won’t need more from him. She says she might, but he’ll be on the frontline of breaking news. Think how interesting that would be for his students. She’s sure PCU would lighten his load a little, and she’d work it out so he could do both. He’s not sure the university would be so accommodating, and she says, then they’d be stupid. He says, with hundreds of adjuncts breathing down his neck for his position, willing to work for less than he makes, he’s lucky he has a job. She says, now he’s being modest? It doesn’t become him, and if he really didn’t want this job, that would be one thing, but she knows this interests him, and she’ll work it out so he can teach and do this. She’s offering him this job. Why doesn’t he take it?

Nina says, it looks like they all had the same idea, and Sonny says, they were going to take Donna for some hot chocolate. Donna asks if mommy can come, and Carly suggests they get hot chocolate on their own and have some mommy/daughter time. Sonny asks for a big hug first, and Donna hugs him, then Nina. Carly leaves with Donna, and Nina asks if Carly told Sonny anything new about Willow’s procedure. Come on, tell her. He says, there’s not going to be a stem cell transplant. The doctors can’t harvest the stem cells. She asks what that means for Willow, and he says he’s sorry. Willow doesn’t have much time. Nina says, she just found Willow… that’s not right, and Sonny holds her.

Michael asks what Willow is thinking, and she says, that she loves him so much, but she really needs to be alone right now. He kisses her forehead, says he loves her too, and leaves. She flashes back to being with Michael and Wiley in the park, and Wiley saying he loves her, and remembers holding Baby Amelia for the first time. She flashes back to her and Michael exchanging I love yous for the first time, and saying she’ll marry him. She fingers the ring he gave her, and cries.

Alexis says, all Gregory has to do is have a quick chat with his department head, and figure out what he can take on and still be able to teach. Just give it a try. That’s all she asks. He tells her, how can he say no?

Sonny tells Nina that Carly couldn’t say a lot because Donna was there. They don’t have the complete picture, but he’s sure the doctors are figuring out what they can do for Willow. She says, it’s hard for her to have hope. Anything between her and her daughters is always the worst case scenario. She was in a coma for most of their lives, and Nelle was dead when she found out Nelle was hers. Now Willow, everything she’s been through. She just had a baby, she has a child at home. Willow doesn’t deserve this; she’s a good person. You know who deserves it? She does. She’s done horrible things in her life. Maybe she brought this on her girls. Maybe it’s some cosmic payback. He says he doesn’t believe that. Everybody messes up. Everybody makes mistakes. He’s done plenty he’s not proud of, but look where his life is at. He has a good life, a good family, and a woman who loves him. Willow and everybody who loves her is being dealt a bad hand, but they’re not going to give up. She takes his hand, and says, they’re not, but she just wants to be with Willow. She just wants to be able to comfort her. He says he’s sure Willow and Michael have a lot to talk about, when Scotty and Obrecht come out of the elevator. Obrecht asks Nina, what’s happened? Is it Willow?

Elizabeth thanks Ava for stopping by, and Ava thanks Elizabeth for hearing her out. Ava leaves, and Finn asks, what was that all about?

Outside, Ava calls Austin, and says she needs to meet with him right away. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, they have a huge problem.

Elizabeth tells Finn, Ava stopped by to tell her that Nikolas left town.

Donna asks if Carly is still sad, and Carly says she is, but being with Donna makes her feel better. Donna asks if this will help too, and hugs her. Carly says, it helps a lot.

Obrecht says she can’t bear to see her Nina suffer like this, and Scotty asks what she’s going to do. Obrecht sees Terry at the reception desk, and says she was powerless to help her Britta, but there is something she can do for Willow. She says she needs to speak with Terry, but Terry says, this isn’t a good time. Can Obrecht call her assistant and make an appointment? Obrecht says, this is a matter of life or death. She understands her niece’s daughter needs a bone marrow donor. Take her to get tested.

Michael goes back to Willow’s room, and takes her hand. She says, all she wants is for them to have a long overdue conversation, and he says, about? She says, his life without her.

Tomorrow, Willow needs Michael to face the truth; Finn tells Elizabeth, that changes everything; TJ tells Jordan, they both know there’s more going on; and Curtis says he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.

⛓ Workin’ On the Chain Gang…

Musings on Spencer’s taste of thug life.

Nicholas Chavez Reveals How Prison Changed Spencer on GH

👶 Extra Large…

At least they admit she looks way past eight months in the oven. And I admit she’s a cutie; round and rosy, with squishable cheeks. Very animated, too, like the original Wiley.

Baby Amelia on GENERAL HOSPITAL — Everything You Need To Know

🩺 New Doctor In the House…

I see a moving van headed to Port Charles…

Ricco Ross Cast on GENERAL HOSPITAL as Dr. Sterling Robinson

💉 One More Magic Solution Down the Drain…

Her anti-aging doctor? Does she mean plastic surgeon or anesthetist? Why does everyone think there’s some quick fix to weight loss? Stop eating crap and exercise. Calories in/calories out. There you go.

https://people.com/health/vanderpump-rules-lala-kent-ozempic-weight-loss-trend-hollywood/

👠 She’s All About the Love…

Nona and Noni must be shaking their heads.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/09/melissa-gorga-slams-fake-teresa-giudice-after-text-messages-leak/

💎 Don’t Go Away Mad…

They got along without you before they met you; they’ll get along without you now.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/08/lisa-rinna-says-rhobh-will-be-missing-everything-after-her-exit/

🗽 Fashion Fêtes…

A peek into New York Fashion Week.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/08/new-york-fashion-weeks-hottest-parties/

🐈 February Is For Pets…

For the feline lovers.

https://people.com/pets/fancy-feast-creates-cuddle-collection-for-spending-valentines-day-with-cats/

And of course the 🐕 Bowl.

https://people.com/pets/how-to-watch-the-2023-puppy-bowl-on-super-bowl-sunday/

🏈 Running Interference…

Join me tomorrow for free-for-all Friday, with the usual soap, a mix of tea, wise words (or not), and music to soothe the savage breast. And yes, that’s correct; it’s not beast. Until then, stay safe, stay remembering to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and stay never holding back because you’re scared.

Feb8

February 7, 2023 – Felicia Plans a Vigorous Haunting, Same Old Jersey, Calendar Boys, Leaving Port Charles, Everything Grammy & Handsome

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura thanks Eileen for meeting her at Kelly’s. She needed the comfort and coziness of the diner tonight. She asks Eileen to step in for her tomorrow at the sanitation worker’s negotiation meeting. When she attended Britt Westbourne’s memorial, she found out a dear friend of hers died.

Anna says, Valentin and Charlotte had a nice visit, but he says it was too brief. Holding her in his arms made him realize what he was missing. His girl is growing up. Anna says, they have a tendency to do that, and he says, she and Charlotte seem to be getting along. She says, Charlotte is on to them, and she thinks Charlotte approves. Felicia comes in, and Anna asks how it went. Felicia says, as planned. Charlotte is home with Doc at Laura’s. She asks if there’s a problem, and Anna says, other than Victor, no.

Spencer finds Victor in the chapel, and Victor says he was hoping to give Obrecht his condolences, but he’s too late. Spencer says, Britt would have approved of the memorial, and Victor thinks Obrecht will be struck by the irony of the situation. They’re living in the same hell; the hell of losing one’s only child.

At The Savoy, Portia hugs Curtis, thanking him for making everything look so beautiful. Molly asks if TJ is ready for the big day tomorrow, and he says, absolutely. Portia and Curtis should be celebrated. She says, but she can’t help wondering how his mom feels.

Taggert and Jordan have dinner at Kelly’s, and she tells him that he was probably her most successful relationship. He says, he gets her, and tomorrow their exes are going to become partners for life.

Curtis says he knows Portia was disappointed that her mom’s condition prevents her from traveling, and she says, of course (🍷) she’d like to have her family here, but as long as she has him, she’ll be all right. He says he can’t have his beautiful bride disappointed, and turns her around. She sees her father and brother, and hugs them both, squealing with happiness. Marshall asks Trina if that’s her grandfather, and she says, and her Uncle Ezekiel. He asks if her uncle is a doctor too, but she says, Uncle Zeke went his own way.

Elizabeth stands at the doorway of The Savoy, and almost leaves, but Drew says, not so fast. Didn’t she just get here? He’s sorry for blocking her escape, but he’s also sorry for everything she’s going through. She looks at him blankly, and he says, her break-up with Finn. She says, it’s been a rough couple of weeks; for the boys as well. Cameron had a first love break-up, and it’s a unique type of pain. Drew says, he’ll get through it, and he’s sure Cameron knows she’s there for him. She says, but what if she can’t be?

Ava says she can’t let Nikolas take Avery, and he says, don’t worry. He’ll tell Avery that she said goodbye. He turns to leave, and she grabs a statue of a griffon, and whacks him in the back of the head. He drops to the floor, and she goes to him, asking him if he’s all right, and telling him to please answer her. She couldn’t let him take Avery. She just wanted to stop him, so she could reason with him. Please wake up.

Eileen says, Anna Devane is dead? and Laura says, along with her granddaughter’s father, Valentin Cassadine. Valentin tracked Anna to a Paris catacomb, and it collapsed. There were multiple fatalities. Whoever was behind this is responsible for a tremendous loss of life.

Jordan asks if Taggert invited her out to have a pity party, but he says, pity is not their style. Everyone is at The Savoy, celebrating the happy couple and toasting them, so he thought they could share a meal. She says, because she might feel lonely? Jealous? He says, left out, like him, and she says, they were invited. He says, but they declined because it wouldn’t be right, and she says, because he’s not over Portia. He says he’s been over Portia. Jordan isn’t over Curtis. She says she’s not over wanting to protect him, and Taggert asks what that means.

Curtis introduces him self to Portia’s father Sterling, and says he’s glad Sterling and Ezekiel could make it. Ezekiel tells him, it’s Zeke. No one calls him Ezekiel except his mom when she’s mad at him. Portia asks Zeke to tell her everything, and Zeke says, not only did Curtis arrange for their flights at the last minute, he hired a caretaker to look after their mom. Portia says, he’s a keeper.

TJ tells Molly that his mom thought it best to sit this one out, although he’s sure she wishes them well. Molly says, it must be hard to watch Curtis move on, and he says, if they ever split up and Molly committed to someone else he doesn’t know how he’d take it. She says, if they ever split up, she’s joining a nunnery, but he says, that, he can’t imagine. No relationship is infallible. She wonders why they’re talking about this at the rehearsal dinner, and says she’s sorry she mentioned it, but he says, they’re good. He just wants them to stay that way. She asks why they wouldn’t, and he says, because they have something in common with his mom and Taggert.

Trina asks Marshall where Epiphany is, and he says, she’s out of town. Now that she passed her MCATs, she’s checking out a few med schools. She asks if Epiphany is moving, and he says, hopefully not. Why is Trina hanging around him? Doesn’t she have a date tonight, or is he late? She says, Marshall is fun to hang around, and she knew better than to invite Spencer to a family event. He says, good call.

Spencer asks if something happened to Valentin, and Victor says, he died. He drowned in Paris. Spencer asks if Valentin was there on business, and Victor says, his son died putting others ahead of his family. Let that be a lesson to Spencer. Friends may have their appeal, women may have their uses, but in the final analysis, cleave only to his true family. Only a Cassadine can truly understand a Cassadine. Heed these words, lest Spencer suffer the same fate as his son.

Ava tells Nikolas, please wake up. She didn’t mean it. She just wanted to stop him from taking Avery. She wonders if he’s breathing, and listens for a heartbeat, when there’s a knock at the door. Ava hears, open up. It’s Austin.

Laura says, now Eileen knows why she asked her to step in. It’s so upsetting, the loss of innocent life. She believes Anna was innocent and thinks she was framed. Of course (🍷) now she’ll never have the chance to prove that. And Laura’s little granddaughter is just bereft over the loss of her father. She suggests they go over the sanitation workers’ contracts, but Eileen says she’s not feeling very well. Could they tackle this in the morning? She gets up, gathering her things, and Laura says, of course (🍷). Does Eileen think she’ll be up to it? Eileen says she’ll be fine. She’s sorry about Laura’s friends. She leaves, and Laura takes out her phone. She sends a text, and says, mission accomplished.

Taggert asks why Jordan still feels the need to protect Curtis, and she says, just because they divorced their exes doesn’t mean they don’t still care. He says he still cares about Portia, but protecting her is Curtis’s responsibility now. Trina’s a different story. He’s always going to care about his baby girl, no matter what. She says, protecting the people she cares about is second nature; that includes him. He says he doesn’t need protecting any more than Curtis does. Unless there’s something she’s not saying. She says, she and Taggert have always trusted each other, with their lives and with their secrets… Laura comes by, and says she was on her way to the rehearsal dinner,  and she guesses they’re not going. Jordan says she’s not really feeling the moment. Laura’s meeting with Eileen looked intense. Anything she should know about? Laura says, they were just going over contracts for tomorrow’s meeting, then Eileen felt sick, and left kind of suddenly. Jordan hopes she feels better soon, but Laura says she thinks things are likely to get worse for Eileen before they get better. She hopes Stella feels better soon. She heard Stella was too sick to officiate at the wedding.

Zeke says, their mom wanted to be here more than anything, and Portia says, she knows, and asks how she’s doing. Is she having any side affects from the new medication? He says, she’s doing okay. She made him promise not to talk about her health with Portia. Portia says, of course (🍷) she did, and Zeke says, she wants Portia to focus on her wedding. He takes out a jewelry box, and says, she wanted Portia to have this. She opens it to a beautiful rhinestone flower brooch, and says, it’s their great grandmother’s brooch. She can’t accept it; it’s far too valuable. He says, their mom knew Portia would say that, and also said nothing is more priceless than the happiness of her only daughter. And he’s not wearing it, so she’d better. He leaves, and Curtis comes along. Portia hugs him, and says, how can she thank him? It’s going to be perfect tomorrow… What’s wrong? He says, there’s been a slight hedge, but they have guests and can talk about it later. She says, if there’s going to be a problem, she wants to know.

Drew says, Elizabeth can tell him, and she says she’s just hyper-aware that time’s fleeting and tomorrow’s not promised.

Trina tells Marshall that she sees Spencer. He’s sensitive and kind. People just need to keep an open mind and give him a chance. Marshall says, it sounds like her friendship has been good for Spencer. Just make sure the reverse is true.

TJ tells Molly that Curtis and his mom started leading separate lives when they let their careers take their focus. He doesn’t want them to make the same mistake. She says she misses him, but still feels close to him, and he says he feels the same. He asks her to promise they’ll always be vigilant about this, and she promises. In fact, she can’t wait to get closer tonight. They kiss, and Trina says, sorry, but she needs to know, how close is the DA to nailing Esme Prince?

Victor asks Spencer to promise he’s committed to this family, and the future Victor is trying to build for the generations of Cassadines to come. Spencer says he is. He believes there is a better future for the Cassadine line. Victor says he knew he could count on Spencer to do what’s necessary, and Spencer says, he can. Starting with taking full custody of his little brother or sister.

Ava closes the sitting room doors, and opens the front door. She tells Austin that it isn’t a good time, but he says, it will only take a minute. She says, maybe tomorrow? She really wasn’t expecting company this evening. He says, it’s really important. Will she let him in? It’s really cold out here. She tells him to go to the sitting room, upstairs to the right. The staff has the night off, so he’ll have to find it on his own. He heads upstairs, and she goes back to Nikolas. She says, think, Ava. Think.

Jordan says she hadn’t heard about Stella being sick, but she was worried this might happen. Stella has a history of health issues, and was a little off when Jordan saw her earlier. Laura says, at least it’s nothing serious. She should get going. She hopes they have a wonderful evening. She leaves, and Curtis says, whatever it is, it must have really laid Stella out. He can’t imagine her missing her nephew’s big day. Jordan says, maybe she’ll check in on Stella, and he says, it’s good she’s kept up a relationship with Curtis’s family. She says, when there’s a divorce, it doesn’t just affect the two people in the marriage, and he says, he and Portia need to have a relationship for Trina’s sake. Now that Curtis is part of the equation… He’s a good guy. She says, he is, and so is Taggert. Portia is a good woman, but sometimes good people get caught up… He says, hold up. He knows why she feels she has to protect Curtis. It’s because of Portia’s lie.

Portia asks why Curtis didn’t tell her about Stella earlier, and he says, auntie didn’t want to ruin tonight. She feels awful about tomorrow. She says she knows how badly he wanted Stella to officiate, but he says, as long as he gets to marry her tomorrow, nothing else matters.

Marshall asks if Drew has his speech locked down, but Drew says he’s on the fence between funny and sentimental. Marshall says, as long as it’s from the heart, and Drew says he’ll do his best. The gift Curtis is most grateful for is Marshall being at the wedding. Marshall says he just wishes he could give Curtis the one thing he asked for.

Trina guesses she came in kind of hot, but Molly says, it’s totally understandable, given what Esme has put Trina through. But she’s afraid the defense might try to plead it out, argue for lesser penalties or even a dismissal of charges. Trina says, which means Esme will be free to live her life and raise her baby.

Spencer tells Victor that Diane agreed to be his counsel, and even Ava offered to help. He also has the support of his friends. Victor says, Spencer is making this move now, after what he just said about putting others ahead of family? Spencer says, his sibling is a Cassadine too, arguably the only one worth saving. This baby represents the future Victor is so passionate about. Shouldn’t they give the newest Cassadine heir the best chance in life? Can Victor honestly say that would be with his father or Esme? Victor says, Nikolas is desperate to raise this child, but Spencer says he doesn’t care what his father wants. Victor says, neither does he. He knew he was right to put his trust in Spencer. Well played. This custody move is a stroke of genius.

N’neka says, Curtis has an uninvited guest. She told him it was a private event, but he says he needs to have a word. Curtis says he’ll handle it, and goes outside to find Brad. Brad apologizes for intruding, but he told his aunt that he’d stop by. He holds out an envelope, and says, on the occasion of Curtis’s wedding, his aunt sends her warmest compliments.

Ava drags Nikolas to a closet in the stables, and says she’s so sorry. She really did love him. She padlocks the closet door on her way out, and sees Austin watching her.

Valentin says, the authorities confirmed their deaths, but how do they know Victor buys it? and Felicia says, after Victor was contacted by Laura, he verified it with his people. Valentin says, it’s neat, it’s clean; what’s next? Felicia says, as far as Victor knows, he and Anna are deceased. They’re ghosts. And what do ghosts do best? He says, they get three sheets to the wind. It’s not a dad joke; he got it from Charlotte. Felicia says, ghosts do love their boos. They also like to exorcise. Anna says, stop it please, and Felicia asks how ghosts exorcise. With a vigorous haunting.

Curtis asks Brad to tell his auntie that he appreciates the well wishes. He’s welcome to stay for a drink. Brad says, thanks, but he’s not in a celebrating mood, and Curtis says, sorry about his friend. Brad says, congratulations, and leaves. Laura arrives, and hugs Curtis. She asks if he can believe his big day is here already, and asks how he feels. He says, overwhelmed, but happy, when Portia joins them. She and Laura hug, and Curtis says, they have a big favor to ask Laura. Laura says she’d love to officiate their wedding, and he asks if she’s psychic, but she says, no. Stella called her. He says, that’s his auntie; always taking care of business. Portia thanks Laura for taking the weight off their shoulders, and Laura says, her pleasure. Stella wanted them to know how sorry she is. She didn’t sound that bad, but Jordan seemed to think it was coming on all day. Portia says, Jordan said Stella was sick? and Laura asks if something is wrong. Portia says, Stella seemed fine when she saw her last, but Laura says, those bugs can come on suddenly. Curtis suggests they get a drink, but Portia says she wants to take a second with her mother’s gift, and Curtis and Laura go inside.

Spencer says he’s surprised Victor approves of him seeking custody, but he’s glad Victor does. Victor says, he doesn’t just approve; he’s impressed. This is a masterful move, and could be the key to getting Spencer’s father to fall in line. Spencer says, this isn’t about getting his father to fall in line. It’s about getting him out of their lives. Isn’t Victor finished with Nikolas? Victor says, no one’s ever finished with family. This move is seamless. It builds on everything already in motion. It’ll take Nikolas losing everything, including his baby, to force him back into the fold.

Austin asks if Ava is going to explain what’s going on, and she asks if he’s going to the cops. He asks if there’s any reason he wouldn’t, and she says she and Nikolas were arguing, and he threatened to take her daughter. He would use his Uncle Victor’s resources, and she’d never see Avery again. She panicked, grabbing the first thing she could, and she hit him. She just wanted to stop him, but he fell and he wasn’t breathing. Austin says, so she put him in a closet? Can they talk about that? (Ha-ha! Roger Howarth’s delivery.) She says, people will think she killed her husband out of revenge, and he says, did she? She says, no. She just wanted to stop him and talk to him. He threatened to take her daughter. Austin says, she thinks that sounds like a defense, but it sounds like motive, and she says, despite everything, she loved him. Austin says, so Nikolas shows up here late at night, unannounced, uninvited, and threatened to take her daughter. He doesn’t know her track record with the truth, but it rings true. She says, he doesn’t understand. She loved Nikolas and she killed him. It doesn’t matter that she didn’t mean to or what any court may rule. She’ll be condemned and sentenced by Victor Cassadine.

Taggert says, Portia really hurt him, but he’s forgiven her, and Jordan says, but Trina… and he says, of course (🍷) it’s never easy learning your parents aren’t perfect. She was hurt, but understands his behavior was part of it. Jordan asks how any of this was his fault, and he says he was never home. When they were off doing undercover work, his wife was lonely; she felt neglected. He gets why Jordan feels she has to protect Curtis. She feels if Portia was unfaithful before, she could do it again. Jordan says, actually, she’s sure Portia loves Curtis, and would do absolutely anything not to lose him.

Portia leaves a voicemail for Stella, saying, she wanted to check in and see if Stella was okay. If she needs anything, let her know. They miss her. Zeke asks, what’s wrong? and she says, nothing, hopefully. Curtis’s aunt suddenly fell ill. He says, and she’s worried, but she says, not for the reason he might think.

Marshall tells Drew that Curtis asked him to perform at the ceremony, but he doesn’t want to screw up on Curtis’s big day. Drew says, that’s highly unlikely. As a wise man once told him, all that matters is that it comes from the heart.

Trina introduces her grandfather to TJ and Molly, and Sterling says, thank goodness for Molly. They’re a little doctor heavy in this family. Curtis tells Trina, they’re playing our jam, and takes her to the dance floor. TJ tells Molly that he’d like to continue their conversation about getting closer.

At the bar, Laura asks if Elizabeth is okay, and Elizabeth says she just has a lot on her mind. Laura asks if one of those things would be Nikolas. What was going on at the hospital earlier? What were they arguing about?

Felicia says, years ago, her, Sean, and Mac devised a plan to outwit outlast outplay Ryan Chamberlain. She was already dead, so Ryan thought, and she haunted him to get his confession on tape, and it worked. Valentin says, so she thinks since it worked on Ryan, it will be worth trying on Victor? and she says, they have way better technology now, but in a nutshell, the strategy is torment, guilt, compel. Anna asks if it isn’t worth a try. She already recorded a message from the Great Beyond earlier. He says, she knew of this plan? and she says she did. Just hear them out. He says, there’s one minor flaw. Felicia’s plan will never work on his father.

Spencer tells Victor, there’s enough manipulation in this family. This is a baby; this is not leverage. Victor says, everything’s leverage, if used in the right way, but Spencer says, him gaining custody serves a higher purpose; to save his little brother or sister from his father. Victor says, keep telling himself that, but from where he’s standing, he’s seeing a man tapping into his natural born instincts. Before he saw Spencer, he was really quite bereft. Now he has hope again.

Ava asks if there’s anything she can do to get Austin to walk away right now. He can have money. He can have this house. He can have the gallery. She knows they don’t know each other very well, but she thinks they understand some things, and hopes, despite her history, he knows this is not who she is. Not anymore. Just give her some time to leave with her daughter. He says he’s going to stop her right now. There’s nothing she can do to change his mind.

Sterling says, Portia looks way too serious for a blushing bride. It’s not too late to back out. She says, if there’s one thing she’s sure about, it’s Curtis, and Sterling says he likes Curtis. He’s not sure if Curtis deserves her, but he’ll do. She’s done nothing but make him proud. She’s every father’s dream; her and that little granddaughter of his. Everyone goes back to dancing, and Spencer watches Trina from the top of the steps.

Eileen meets Victor in the chapel, and says, since he wouldn’t take her call. Anna and Valentin are dead. He says, news travels fast. Yes, his son was killed. She says, Anna and his son were looking for Lucy Coe. Is she dead as well? He assured her nobody would die. She didn’t sign up for this. Obviously, she did no research before that sign-up. He says, she acts like she has some choice in the matter; she doesn’t. She works for him. She knew there were risks. She says she’s out. She’s no longer at his disposal. He says, that’s not her decision to make. If she crosses him, getting caught will be the least of her worries.

Valentin says, if they hope to get a confession from his father by playing on Victor’s guilt, they’re going to be disappointed. Anna supposes you can’t shame the shameless, and Felicia says, which is why she had to adjust the plan this time. He says, which part? The torment part, the guilt part, or the compel part? She says, that all stays the same. She’s talking target. It’s not Victor.

Eileen gets her really, really nice car, and the radio comes on. There’s nothing but static, and she tries to adjust the dial. She hears Anna’s voice saying, you’re next. You’re next, Eileen. You’re next. You’re next. YOU’RE NEXT!

Austin says he doesn’t believe Ava wanted Nikolas dead, and she asks if he’s saying he’ll wait to report this. He says he has no intention of reporting this at all, and she asks, why not? He says he’s not really clear on that, but it feels right, and she helped him out when she didn’t have to. They’ve talked about this; families are complicated. If Victor is going to kill her if he finds out, then the only solution is for him not to find out. She wonders how to keep it from Laura and Spencer, and he says he’ll help her.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth says she’s not as perfect as Laura thinks she is; Alexis supposes Gregory is over it; and Carly thinks the nightmare will finally be over

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Getting down to business, there are a couple of new wives, Rachel and Danielle (no, not that Danielle), as well as another Jennifer who’s a friend. We’ll call her Jen to avoid confusion. These Jennifers are getting like the Joes. Throw a rock, hit a Joe or Jennifer. Dolores has new man Paulie in her life, and it looks like Frank isn’t hanging around so much anymore. Although you’d think he wouldn’t want to, since he’s dating Brittany, and Dolores said she had dogs who were older than Brittany. I think she’s exaggerating, but if not, I want to know what she’s feeding them.

Teresa had a destination 50th birthday celebration, where Jennifer #1 broke her toe. In Jennifer’s interview, she said she had the evil eye on her, and her mother did something called a kurşun, which was supposed to remove it. Jennifer didn’t feel it worked, and thought the evil was coming from Dolores. Joe #2 was pissed about Melissa being frozen out of Teresa’s wedding, but Melissa texted Teresa that it was all good. She didn’t hear back, and two months later, Teresa invited Melissa to her birthday. As you can imagine, Melissa RSVP’d a big fat no. Teresa also celebrated her birthday at home with Louie’s family, and said, it was a dream, since apparently, she’d traded her own family for them. Louie’s mom is a therapist, so she must be having a field day. Teresa said it hurt that Joe and Melissa hadn’t come to her party, and thought it was coming from Melissa, and Joe was just following blindly. Louie said Joe was weak and immature, and Melissa was insecure. Teresa’s birthday wish was that the family not fight and love each other. I don’t see how that could fail, considering her fine example. And talk about a follower. Louie is like her bobblehead. Whatever she says, he just agrees.

To kick off Memorial Day weekend, Melissa had an 80s roller skating party, because the 80s was her jam. Everyone except Louie dressed up, and those who’d gone through the 80s (Rachel was born in 1991) had 80s flashbacks. Marge ended up breaking her wrist when she landed on her ass. Not that I’m judging. I’m terrible on skates. In Teresa’s interview, she said she’d been going to therapy, and was learning that she didn’t have to be so reactive, yelling and throwing things. I wonder how much that therapist is charging. I’ll tell her that for half of it. We also found out that her father had been volatile when angry, which makes complete sense. In Danielle’s interview, she said she was a combination of Staten Island and New Jersey. She got her cojones from Staten Island, but her sass from Jersey. Jennifer avoided Dolores like the plague, and Dolores wondered if they were in the schoolyard.

Dolores said, since the charity softball game for breast cancer research was such a success, they were doing a calendar of the husbands. Teresa invited Marge and Joe #3 to have lunch with her and Louie at their house. Marge said she was a little anxious, since last time they met, Teresa had dumped a whole table on her, and we flashed back to that. Teresa wanted to talk it out, and once they got going, Louie told her to stop interrupting Marge. That’s another thing he does, the gentle correction when they’re in public. I think it’s all for show. Teresa blamed Marge for her issues with Melissa, because Melissa didn’t stand up for Louie. Yeah. She’s a real logic queen, a regular Mr. Spock. Teresa said she’d also texted Melissa to tell them not to talk about Louie, and Melissa read the text to the group. Teresa said she was being raw as a cucumber, apologized to Marge, and invited her to the wedding. While I’d like to see Teresa shown the door, I would miss her little bon mots.

The guys gathered with the Wives at Dolores’s house for the calendar shoot. One new husband – I’m not sure which was which – was photographed watering plants (shirtless of course), and the other was a lumberjack. Joe #2 was a chef at the grill, and Joe #3 was on a motorcycle. Evan was a basketball player, and Bill, a sexy doctor. Louie did yoga poses, and Marge said, Teresa could be the fluffer. In Teresa’s interview, a producer asked if she knew what that was, and she thought it was a long stick with a feather at the end. If you don’t know, google it. In Melissa’s interview, she said, Joe #2 was going all Zoolander. Marge told Joe #2 and Melissa about Teresa’s apology, and that she’d said Melissa didn’t back Louie up. Paulie, who’d just gotten over covid, showed up last, and his character was a bartender. He’s not jacked like Frank is, but he seems sweet.

Jennifer babbled about Marge, but Rachel wasn’t having it. She talked to Dolores, who said she didn’t know what she’d done to Jennifer. She said Jennifer was telling everyone else how she felt, but not her. In Dolores’s interview, she said, now she was f***ing mad, and she hunted Jennifer down for a talk. She said Jennifer had been talking about her during the whole party. She’d tried talking to Jennifer at the roller rink, and she’d walked away. Jennifer whined that Dolores had told her, f*** you, the last time they’d talk, and said she didn’t have the decency to say what Marge did wrong. She said she and Jennifer didn’t agree on what a friend is, and Jennifer said she was nice, but Dolores wasn’t. She started yelling that Dolores was never her friend, and was two-faced. Bill steered her out, and she yelled that Dolores looks like an old f***ing handbag.

I don’t think there was a preview, but I imagine it will be more of the same yelling, screaming, and acting ignorant in general.

📅 About That Calendar…

Well, it is for charity, and face it, the husbands are the best part of the show.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhonj-see-the-pics-from-the-husbands-charity-calendar-photoshoot

🚢 Aντιο σας, Nikolas…

They probably just wanted someone new to own Windymere. Faison owned it when he first came to Port Charles. It’s about time it changed hands again.

Marcus Coloma Reveals “How Much it Hurt” Leaving GH
Adam Huss Opens up About Taking Over as Nikolas on GH

🏆 For the Gram…my…

The basics. Who won, who didn’t.

https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list

The performances.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/02/05/grammys-2023-brutally-honest-reviews-every-performance-ranked/11193018002/

https://people.com/music/grammys-2023-best-performances/

The fashion.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/05/grammys-2023-live-red-carpet-all-the-celebrity-outfits/

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35657/grammys-2023-red-carpet-fashion

https://www.essence.com/gallery/red-carpet-roundup-the-2023-grammy-awards/

https://people.com/style/2023-grammys-standout-style-moments/

https://www.grammy.com/news/lizzo-fashion-2023-grammys-red-carpet-pre-grammy-gala-performance-outfits

And a bunch of odd stuff. Like the untouched food.

https://www.popsugar.com/food/charcuterie-boards-grammys-2023-49079835

Madonna’s new face. I’m more concerned about what she’s wearing, the Pilgrim Wednesday Addams look.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/05/fans-so-confused-by-madonnas-new-face-at-grammys-2023/

I don’t think they were saying she looked old. Just weird.

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/madonna-responds-ageism-after-comments-appearance-grammys/story?id=96963896

Controversy! Although I’m sure he was referring to his social status or upbringing or something.

https://apnews.com/article/grammys-2023-harry-styles-album-of-the-year-harry-beyonce-68bfa38b02e797e3300b7c32f00d8b2c

I’m not even sure what to make of this.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/06/sam-smith-grammys-2023-performance-slammed-as-satantic/

🤓 Hello, I Must Be Going…

Drop by tomorrow for soap and what’s pumping in VanderLand. Until then, stay safe, stay celebrating your progress, no matter how small, and stay hyper-aware that time’s fleeting and tomorrow’s not promised.

Dec31

December 30, 2022 – The Clock Strikes Midnight In Port Charles, Preempt, Jersey Devil, Husband Talk, NYE Happenings, Drink It Up, About Those Pets (!), 2 X 3 = 5 Quotes For the New Year & Another

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Britt’s cake is brought out by a shirtless waiter, and Brad says, they all know how much Britt hates the birthday song. Maxie says, but there’s one tradition they must insist on, and they both say, make a wish. Britt looks at everyone around her, and Finn looks at Elizabeth, who jets out of sight.

On deck, Trina says, she and Spencer should get back inside. People will wonder where they are. He says, that’s the idea; to get people wondering about them, so word gets back to Esme. Someone watches from the shadows.

Willow picks up a pair of 2023 eyeglasses, and Michael comes downstairs. He tells Willow that Wiley is completely zonked out, and she says, poor little guy. He was determined to make it until midnight. Michael says, he did see midnight, in London, and she says, it was genius on his part, but Wiley really wanted to stay up and ring in the New Year in Port Charles. She puts the glasses on him, and he says, there’s always next year.

Dante asks why Sam wanted to come to Kelly’s instead of staying at the restaurant, and she says, because nothing on their menu looked as good to her as an ice cream sundae. She hopes he’s not disappointed, but he says, nothing with her could disappoint him. He’s glad it’s just the two of them.

Outside, Josslyn apologizes for making bodyguard Steve wait outside. She just needs some privacy to talk to Cam. He tells her to take as long as she needs, and she goes inside. She sees Sam and Dante, and they all say, happy New Year. Dante asks, what brings her to Kelly’s on New Year’s Eve?

Laura says she’s not just worried about Nikolas; she’s worried about Spencer. If he knows something, he should tell her. He says he can’t, and she says, why? Has Victor threatened him? He says, no one is at risk if they play Victor’s game, but if she insists on taking Victor down, he’ll go down with him. Leave him alone, or she’ll lose her son. She says she’s not going to let Victor do this to him. Victor can’t take Nikolas away from her. He says, don’t be so sure, and she asks if he’s fallen so far that Victor is his only way back.

Esme says, one day Ace will go to school, and she’ll teach them about the fire triangle, the three things you need to start a fire; oxygen, fuel, and heat. She takes the matchstick out of her cardigan pocket, and smiles.

Britt says, she wishes… but Maxie says, don’t. Brad says, her wish won’t come true, and Britt says, forgive her; it’s her first birthday party. In a low voice, Austin tells her, there’s still time. She can change her mind and stay. She blows out the candles, but only on one part of the cake. Maxie says she knows Britt’s new to this, but tradition is that she blow out all the candles. Nina blows out the rest because she can’t help herself, and everyone applauds. Brad picks up a knife, and asks if Britt will do the honor of performing surgery on her cake. Britt’s hand trembles slightly, and Terry says, she needs the practice for all those surgeries she’ll be picking up while Britt is on vacation. She takes the knife from Brad, and cuts the cake. Britt squeals, and everyone applauds. Terry puts a piece of cake on a plate, and Brad says, the birthday girl gets the first slice, giving it to Britt. Drag queen Alyssa says, besides cake, they have another special treat for the birthday girl. Mommy dearest, you’re on. Obrecht takes the stage, and says, this is a song she sang at the Nurses Ball, which brought the house down if she does say so herself. Everyone cheers.

Finn finds Elizabeth on deck, and says he knows it’s none of his business, but he’s still a doctor and still cares about her. Drinking this early in her pregnancy isn’t good for the baby. She tells him, there is no baby.

Spencer tells Trina, just a little longer. They want everyone to miss them, remember? She says, this is a very dangerous game, and he takes her hand, saying, it’s not all a game. The lurker starts to walk out to the deck.

The woman behind the counter tells Josslyn that Cameron isn’t there; he’s filling in for one of the catering crew. Josslyn asks when he’ll be back, but she says, not until after midnight. Josslyn guesses she’ll have to talk to him another time, and tells Sam and Dante, happy New Year. She starts to leave, and Sam makes a face at Dante. He gets up, and tells Josslyn, wait. What’s the rush? Does she want to join them?

Nikolas says he’s the only one to blame for the errors in his judgement, and won’t let Laura get involved. She says she is involved, and he says, it’s like he made it his life’s work to disappoint her. She tells him not to say that. There is nothing he could ever do to make her stop loving him. The Cassadines have been trying to take him away from her since the day he was born, and she’s not going to let them win. He says he loves her fighting for him, but it’s not just about him.

Esme looks at the fire alarm, and says, it’s a long shot. She may get trapped, instead of finding a way to escape, but it’s the only chance she’s got. No. The only chance they’ve got. Brace yourself. It won’t be long now.

Scotty says, Obrecht was wunderbar, and Nina says, a real star. Too bad we didn’t get to see it. Britt hugs Obrecht, and says she wishes there could be an encore. Obrecht tells her, there will be if she has anything to say about it.

Finn says, what does Elizabeth mean, there’s no baby? and she says she had a miscarriage.

Nina tells Sonny, it may be Britt’s first birthday party, but she did it right. Everyone’s enjoying it. He says he’s happy as long as Nina enjoys it.

Trina says, the other guests must be asking about them by now, and Spencer says, if they are, then good. It’ll get back to Esme. She says, they should get back, and he says, yeah. They hear something, and she says, what was that? He says he doesn’t know, but we see it’s The Hook who’s lurking. She says, it’s probably the people at the party.

Willow says, it’s fine if Michael opens a bottle of champagne. She won’t feel deprived. He tells her, don’t be so noble; he knows she loves champagne. She says she does, especially the kind he buys. Since they have a rack full of it, open one. He says, so he can have champagne while she goes without? No. She says she’s happy with her sparkling cider, and he says, so is he. They’ll have champagne next year. She says she thought they were celebrating with Wiley next year, but he says, they can do both. Champagne for them, and cider for Wiley. They can wake up the baby, and they can ring in the new year together. She says, nothing says happy New Year like a screaming baby, but he says, maybe their daughter will be a night owl, and she’ll like staying up until midnight. She says, then he can be the one to get her back to sleep, and he says, she has his solemn promise. She says, what if she’s not here next year?

Finn says he’s sorry for Elizabeth’s loss, and she thanks him. She says she wouldn’t blame him if he said it was some kind of poetic justice, but he tells her that he’d never say that. She and Nikolas could try again. She says, she and Nikolas were never going to last. Ava knows, but she never told the boys. Not that he owes her anything… He says, they won’t hear it from him; no one will. She thanks him, and he tells her, happy New Year. He goes back inside, passing Terry, who’s on her way out to the deck. Elizabeth says, Terry probably wants to know what that was all about, and Terry says, when Elizabeth is ready, she’ll tell her, or not. They hug.

Scotty takes the mic, and asks for everyone’s attention. Sonny says, Scotty’s not going to sing, is he? and Scotty says, he couldn’t carry a tune if it had handles. So if there’s no more hecklers, let’s get on with this. They had great music, and had a great cake, but there’s one thing missing. Britt says, presents? and everyone goes, wooo!

Josslyn gets a sundae, and says, Dante and Sam are super dressed up. Are they going somewhere fancy to watch the ball drop? Sam says, they did fancy. Now they’re just enjoying sundaes. Josslyn says, it’s a fun way to start the new year. She bets they’re excited. Dante says he’s excited for all the cool projects they have planned, and Sam says, their New Year’s resolution is a do-it-yourself remodel of the den. What about Josslyn? Any resolutions? Josslyn says, to become a doctor, and Dante asks, since when? She says, a lot of it has to do with when she found Ava after she’d been stabbed. She felt so helpless; she didn’t know what to do for her. Then she realized she can learn what to do, so she submitted her application to switch her major to pre-med. Dante says, she’s going to be an incredible doctor, and Sam says, good for Josslyn, to go through something terrible, and find a positive way to take action. Josslyn thanks her, and says she hopes the police find Esme, lock her up, and throw away the key. Dante says he wants to catch The Hook too, but they don’t know that it’s Esme for sure. She knows what happens when they jump to conclusions, right? Sam asks what she’s missing, and Dante says, for a while, Sonny thought Dex was behind the killings.  

Nikolas tells Laura that he should have never come back to Port Charles. He would have done everyone a favor if he’d stayed dead. She tells him, don’t ever say that. She was heartbroken when she thought she’d lost him, and that’s when Spencer began to spiral. Actually, she doesn’t think he ever recovered from it. They need Nikolas to fight for himself and fight for them. If he gives in to Victor now, Victor will never let go. He says, what if it’s too late? but she says, it is not too late. She’ll back him up with every possible resource she can muster. Everything, she promises. If he could have a clean slate – wipe it clean, and start over – would he do it? He asks if it’s possible, and she says, yes. It is. It’s never too late. It can start tonight. All he has to do is decide. Does he belong to Victor or does he belong to himself?

As The Hook raises her hook, Trina says she hopes Joss and Cam will join them before midnight, and Spencer says, they will, if Cam gets off in time. Maxie calls to them, and asks what they’re doing out here. They’re missing all the fun. The Hook shrinks back in the shadows, and Maxie says, there’s cake and birthday presents, and Spencer says, they were just getting a breath of fresh air. Maxie says, in the cold? and Trina says, they didn’t realize how long they were out there, handing Spencer back his coat. Spencer says, it didn’t feel that cold to him, and they all go inside, while The Hook goes back to lurking.

Esme takes an ornament off the tree, and says, something to remember their first Christmas by. She puts it in her cardigan pocket.

Taking the mic, Maxie says, after a slight delay to round up some stragglers, it’s time to get back to the business at hand. She tells Britt, some of her nearest and dearest worked together to give her a very special birthday present. Obrecht gives Britt a box, and Britt thanks everyone. She opens it, and says, a remote control. Brad says, bring it in, boys, and the waiters roll in a giant TV. Sonny asks if Nina has any idea what’s going on, but she says, just watch. Brad says, lights, camera, action, and tells Britt, press play. Obrecht says, Britta Westbourne, this is your life. A song presumably called I Am Here to Win plays, and pictures and videos of Britt’s life come on the screen – baby pictures, pictures of her growing up, her graduations, with Nathan, Nina, Obrecht, Finn, Terry, Epiphany <sniff>, Brad, Brad, Brad, Cody, Carly, Austin, and Spencer.

Josslyn says, if Dante is asking about what Sonny did to Dex, he already knows the answer. Dante says, Michael made some serious allegations, and Dex denied them, and Josslyn says, lucky him. Sam asks why Dante is lucky, and Josslyn says, because he doesn’t have to arrest his own father. Michael was worried, because he didn’t want Dante stuck in the middle, even though he is. Sonny put him there, and keeps putting him there. Dante says, Sonny has been who Sonny has been long before he came to town, and Josslyn says, there he goes, making excuses. Dante asks if that’s what he’s doing, and Josslyn says she can’t tell Dante how to feel. All she can tell him is how she feels, and she feels Sonny’s a fraud. All of that talk about honor and loyalty is just words; he doesn’t live it. Dante does. He’s a good cop. He puts his life on the line to protect and serve, while Sonny sits back and lets other people put their lives on the line. To what? Make him richer? Then when he almost kills someone, he expects them to lie and cover for him. Now Sonny is protecting her. Is she supposed to feel grateful? That’s not happening.

Britt’s Memory Lane ends with a video of her waving goodbye. Everyone applauds, and Brad says, speech. Britt thanks everyone, and says, that was… Brad says, fantastic? and Maxie says, terrific? Britt says, that was one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done for her. She did prepare a speech, but being here now, and seeing their faces, faces she loves, she wants them to know how very, very much… She gets choked up, and Maxie says, blame Austin; it was his idea. Austin says, and in case she doesn’t want to haul a huge monitor around with her, they got her this cute digital frame. Maxie says, she, Brad, and Liesl have the password, so they can upload photos. That way, they can be with her, on vacation or where she goes. Britt hugs Austin, and thanks him.

Nikolas tells Laura, happy New Year, but she says she doesn’t think it’s midnight yet. He still has time to make a New Year’s resolution. He promises to think about what she said, and if there’s a way to disentangle himself from Victor… She says, they can manage on their own. Throw him out, change the locks, then stand back and dare him to do his worst. Because Nikolas isn’t just a Cassadine, he’s her son, and he’s Spencer’s father, and as long as they stick together, they’ll be just fine. She tells him that she loves him, and they hug

Esme tells Ace, no matter what happens, no matter how scary it gets, remember mommy is with you. Womb to tomb. She looks at the smoke alarm, and lights the match.

Nina and Sonny come out on deck, and she asks why he’s taking her away from the party. He says, don’t worry. He’ll have her back before the ball drops. She asks if he’ll have her back before she freezes to death, and he puts his arm around her, asking if she’s warm now. She says she’s getting there, and he asks if she remembers last New Year’s Eve. She says, when he was at Charlie’s, and he says he was at a tough point in his life. Dante grabbed his keys and wouldn’t let him go home, then Nina came along. She says she took him home, and thought that would be the end of them. That he’d sober up the next day, and go back to Carly. He says, here they are a year later. Is she sorry about how it ended? She puts her arms around him, and tells him, who said it was ending? They’ve only just begun. He tells her to kiss him, and she does.

Nikolas pours a drink, when the fire alarm goes off. He runs upstairs. In her now smoke filled room, the tree ablaze, Esme says, maybe this wasn’t such a brilliant plan after all. She watches the door.

Britt thanks Spencer for coming, and he says he woudn’t miss it for the world. She asks where his plus one is, and he calls Trina over. He says, there’s someone he’d like her to meet, and Trina wishes Britt a happy birthday. Spencer says he was telling Trina how much Britt means to him and how alike they are. Britt says she hopes not, and tells Trina, if she’s truly Spencer’s friend, make sure he doesn’t end up like her. He says he’d be proud to be like her, they hug, and Britt mouths he’s the best to Trina. Brad tells them, break it up. It’s the last dance before the year ends. He pulls Britt away, and Spencer asks what Britt said over his shoulder. Trina says she’ll never tell, and leads him onto the dance floor.

Josslyn tells Dante that she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to go off like that. It’s not the best way to ring in the new year. Sam says, Dante started it, and Dante says, he kinda did. Josslyn tells him, all she’s trying to say is that she thinks he’s awesome, and she’s sorry he’s stuck in this position. He thanks her, but says, don’t feel sorry for him. He’s a lucky guy for many reasons. Sam says, and don’t you forget it. She asks if she can make an observation, and Josslyn says, please; she has it coming. Sam says she thinks Josslyn is smart and strong, especially since she realizes she wants to become a doctor. Focus on that. Being hung up on Sonny is a waste. She has better things to do with her time. Josslyn thanks her, and says she’ll try to remember that. Dante says, it’s almost midnight. Times Square might have the crowds, but Port Charles has the fireworks. It’s a pretty good view. He asks if Josslyn wants to join them, and she thanks him for the invitation, but she wants to try and make Britt’s birthday party. They all wish each other a happy New Year, and Josslyn leaves. Outside, Josslyn tells Steve that she’s going to head home and change, then go to the party at the Haunted Star. Sonny will be there; he doesn’t have to worry. He follows her out of the gate.

Willow tells Michael, sorry. They were having such a nice time, and she… She was going to say killed the mood, but that sounds morbid. He says, she can be morbid, scared, or angry. She doesn’t have to put up a front for him. Wiley is a child and has to feel secure, so she has to pretend with him, but she doesn’t have to pretend with him. She says she’s not pretending. That’s the crazy part. As scared as she is that she’s going to die, this is the happiest time of her life. She loves him, she loves Wiley, she loves their daughter, she loves where they live, with his squabbling relative right up the driveway. There was a long time when she was alone, and now her life is so rich, and so full, beyond anything she could have imagined. Most of it came from him. He thinks her, but says he thinks he got the better half of the bargain. She changed his life. It wasn’t a bad life before. He’s been blessed with a lot, and knows he’s lucky, but with her, he has a connection he’s never felt with anyone. He loves the trust and compatibility. He know he sounds unromantic… She says, not to her. She feels compatible with him too. He says, hold that thought.

Nikolas unlocks Esme’s room, and goes in with a fire extinguisher. As he sprays it and calls her name, she runs out.  

Michael shows Willow a ring, and says, remember this? She says, it’s his great-grandmother’s ring, and he says, to him, it’s Willow’s ring. It has been since she accepted it the first time. She says she gave it back when they had their marriage annulled, and he says he hated signing those papers. She says, so did she, and he says, it’s a family heirloom. He could have put it back with his great grandmother’s jewelry, but he held on to it, hoping she’d accept it again – but this time forever. He gets down on one knee, and asks her to marry him.

Esme runs out on the parapet, coughing. She says, let mommy catch her breath. Then they’re out of here. She hears a door close, and Nikolas is on the parapet with her.

Sonny and Nina come back inside, and Spencer says, nice up there, huh? Nina says, it’s beautiful, and Spencer says, they thought so too, putting his arm around Trina. Alyssa says, okay, party people. It’s that time. Out with the old year, and in with the new. So chill the champagne, grab someone you love, or at least you don’t hate, and get ready for the countdown. Finn looks at Elizabeth.

Nikolas tells Esme, she took her best shot. The fire is out, and there’s only one way out, which is down. Or did she forget last time? She says she hasn’t forgotten, and he says he knows she cares about the baby. Once they get to Cassadine Island, she’ll have everything she needs or wants until the baby is born. He promises her. Just take his hand. She hoists herself up, and stands on the wall. She looks down.

Everyone gets coupled up, and Finn starts to leave. Austin asks where he’s going, and Finn says, the emcee said you should be with someone you love, so he’s going home to bring in the new year with his daughter. He leaves, and Britt hugs Austin, thanking him for the gift. Being quiet about where she’s going has given everyone she loves something to remember her by. Alyssa begins the countdown, 10…9… 8…

Willow says, yes, with all her heart she’ll marry Michael. He puts the ring on her, and says, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. She says, as long as they both shall live, and they kiss.

7…6…

Dante wonders if he should have driven Josslyn, but Sam says, she has Sonny’s bodyguard. She’s probably having fun at the party right now. Truth? He says, of course (🍷), and she says she didn’t really want to share him tonight, and they kiss.

5… 4… 3… 2… 1! Happy New Year! Horns blow and noisemakers make noise, and Austin watches Britt slip out. Scotty kisses Obrecht, and Sonny kisses Nina. Spencer and Trina get close enough to kiss, but he blows a noisemaker instead. Elizabeth hugs Terry, and Terry says, it’s going to be a better year for Elizabeth; she promises. Elizabeth says, it has to be. For Terry as well. Terry says she’ll drink to that, and they clink glasses. Maxie asks if Austin has seen Britt, and Brad says, she’s missing the best part of the party. Austin tells them, say what you will about Britt, that woman knows how to make an exit. Happy New Year. The three of them clink glasses

Nikolas asks what Esme is doing, and tells her, get down. She says she’s survived the drop once before, and she’ll do it again. He watches as she falls backward.

All dressed up, Josslyn waits at the docks. So does The Hook, who comes out of the shadows.  

Next week, Dante asks Sam what justice looks like when it’s applied to his father; Britt says, ten minutes before she says goodbye to Port Charles; Nikolas tells Elizabeth, no one is going to know; and The Hook comes for Josslyn.

Just a thought, but what the hell was Steve thinking, letting Josslyn wait on the docks all by herself? I knew she said Sonny was going to be at the party, but the party was not on the docks. He should have made sure she got on the boat safely. He’s fired.

🏈 No Soap Monday…

But if you like college football, you’re the lucky one.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Is Preempted on Monday

👠 Real Nightmare of New Jersey…

Did she bother watching her own contribution to the mess?

Teresa Giudice Says Watching Real Housewives Of New Jersey For The First Time Felt Like A “Knife Right Through My Heart”

It wouldn’t surprise me.

https://pagesix.com/2022/12/29/luis-ruelas-accused-of-giving-teresa-giudices-daughters-fake-cartier/

It never occurs to them that they might be asked to leave.

Teresa Giudice Slams Rumors That She’s Leaving Real Housewives Of New Jersey; Says “I’m The One That Started The Show”

🥾 Having Their Say…

How come there hasn’t been a Real Househusbands series yet?

Top Memorable Quotes From A Real Housewives Husband

🎊 Here It Comes…

All about kicking 2022 to the curb, and ringing in 2023. Mostly if you don’t have something better to do, like actually going out. We’ve decided we’ve done it all, and did it when it was safer and less expensive.

https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20221229340929/5-new-year-eve-tv-specials/

How To Watch Tonight’s New Year’s Eve Specials On TV & The Ball Drop In Times Square Live Online
https://nypost.com/2022/12/30/what-to-watch-and-stream-on-new-years-2022/

This actually sounds really cool.

https://blockster.com/where-to-celebrate-new-years-eve-in-the-metaverse

🥂 Agreed…

The Mayor de Blasio comment was the best.

https://www.gawker.com/celebrity/cnn-andy-cohen-drunk-new-years-eve

🐕 Because I Have To…

Ending 2022 with something interesting about what I like to call God’s best invention.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/6-fascinating-things-we-learned-about-pet-dogs-and-cats-in-2022/

🦜 Quotes of the Week

If your goal is to enjoy some genuine joie de vivre this holiday season, keep in mind that the simplest acts of generosity, connection, and self-care can offer the biggest rewards. – 11 Ways to Experience Holiday Joy

Sometimes a person has to go a very long distance out of his way to come back a short distance correctly. – Jerry, The Zoo Story by Edward Albee

If you hear a voice within you say, you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. – Robert Brault

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent. – Barbara Bush (Or your pets!)

🍾 Auld Lang Syning Off…

There’s no GH on Monday, and although there’s a new Deck, I’m postponing it a day, since I have a deadline on Tuesday. New Year’s Day isn’t exactly an ideal workday, so… Enjoy your journey into the new year, whether you celebrate or not. And don’t feel pressured to, or let anyone tell you how to feel about it. So until next year, stay safe, stay being true to yourself, and stay finding a positive way to take action when you go through something terrible.

🎉Happy New Year!🎉

Dec29

December 28, 2022 – Cyrus Offers His Help To Laura, Why He Left, NeNe Wants Grace, Avoidance, Captain Eddie, Continuing To Celebrate & Party

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands. Anna and Valentin walk into a café. Valentin asks if she’s sure they’re not being set up, but she says she told him. It’s not just a former colleague; it’s an old friend. And here he is. Andre says, Anna Devane, it’s been far, far too long, and they hug.

Britt clinks a martini glass against a framed photo of her and Brad, then puts them both in a suitcase. She looks at a bracelet that says Britt on it, and puts that in too. She says she guesses this means she has plenty of room for clothes.

At Kelly’s, Ava says, it was a lovely memorial for Rory yesterday, and Trina agrees. She thanks Ava for being there, and Ava says, of course (🍷). She’d do anything to support Trina. Trina says she knows she can count on Ava, and Ava says, her question is, can Trina count on Spencer? She shows Trina her phone, and the article in The Invader with the picture of her, Spencer, and Laura, is on the screen.

As Spencer tries to get out the door, Victor says he’s glad he caught Spencer. Spencer tells Victor that he was just on his way… but Victor asks if Spencer will join him. He promises not to keep Spencer long, and then he can join his friends for the New Year celebrations. Although it’s a little early, isn’t it? He pours them drinks, and Spencer says he has some things to get done before Britt’s birthday party. Victor says he’s surprised Spencer is attending, and Spencer says, she was a good friend to him when he was a kid, and luckily, they’ve remained friends. Victor says, good. He was hoping Spencer would be available tomorrow afternoon. He was hoping to get the family together for a nice brunch to usher in the New Year. Spencer says, forgive him, but under no circumstances will he be having brunch with his father. He has every intention of turning 2023 into a fresh start for himself. Which means, once he moves out of Windymere, he hopes never to speak to or lay eyes on his father again.

Esme looks at her Christmas tree, and says, a definite fire hazard. Now all she needs is the spark. She hears keys, and jumps on the bed. Nikolas comes in, and she asks what she did to warrant a visit from her jailer. He says, her plan is not going to work.

Martin meets Laura in the Pentenville visitor’s room, and they hug. She says she’s glad to see he’s all right, and he says, none the worse for wear. She says, when he called her from a jail cell in Ireland… He says he can’t tell her how much he appreciates her riding to his rescue, and interceding on his behalf. She says, of course (🍷). That was very brave of him. He says, bravery had nothing to do with it. The last thing he expected when he went over there was to fall on his sword so that Anna Devane could get away. She laughs, and says she thinks he’s pretty lucky the WSB let him get away with just a fine. He says, something fishy about that. For all the good it did him. He went from one prison to another. She says, at least he’s not behind bars in this one. He didn’t have to come. He says, after all she’s done for him, did she think he’d let her face their wayward brother alone? What does she think he wants? The guard lets Cyrus in, and he says, sister. And is this his brother he sees before him? What a lovely surprise. The Lord has truly blessed him this day.

There’s a knock at Britt’s door, and Obrecht says, it’s her mutter; open up. Britt says, just a second, and tries to put the suitcase under the bed, but it doesn’t fit. Obrecht knocks again, and says something in German. Britt says, just hang on, shoving the suitcase in the other room, and opens the door. She asks what Obrecht is doing here. She thought they were meeting at the party. Obrecht says she thought Britt might need help getting ready. Is that how she’s wearing her hair? Britt says, yes. She’s decided brushing her hair is giving in to the patriarchy. Of course (🍷) she’s not wearing her hair like this. Obrecht says, thank Gott. What will she be wearing? Britt says, this, indicating the robe she’s in. It goes with the coiffure. Obrecht sees a garment bag, and says she found Britt’s regalia. Britt says she can’t wait to hear what’s wrong with it, but Obrecht gasps and says, it’s wunderbar. It’s just the tiniest bit wrinkled. She’ll hang it in the shower, turn it on, and see what happens. She nearly trips over Britt’s suitcase, and asks what Britt is doing with it.

Victor says he thought Spencer moved past this childish resentment of his father, but Spencer says, his father continues to top his previous transgressions. It’s one thing to let your family think you’re dead. It’s quite another to take advantage of a vulnerable woman. Victor says, come on. What Nikolas did might be inexcusable, but to characterize Esme as vulnerable… Spencer says he was talking about Elizabeth Baldwin, and Victor says, oh. Spencer says, Victor knew, and Victor says he did. Spencer asks how he can be okay with this, and Victor asks what there is to disapprove of. Nikolas and Elizabeth are consenting adults. Spencer says, everyone knows she’s been struggling. She checked herself in to Shadybrook. He’s sure she turned to Nikolas for comfort and support, and he used her trust to get her into bed. It’s disgusting. He hopes Cameron’s mother comes to her senses, and kicks him out of her life for good. Victor says, Spencer has to be realistic. There’s no way Elizabeth can cut ties with Nikolas now. Spencer asks, why not?

Esme asks, what’s his plan? and Nikolas says, Demetrius informed him that she barely touched her lunch, and she still hasn’t. She asks if he’s worried about her, and he says, the baby needs nourishment. She says she wasn’t hungry. Heartburn is a thing; look it up. He says, it will make her life a lot easier if she just accepts her situation, and she asks, what about her situation is acceptable? He says, if she wants something in particular, tell Demetrius, but he won’t tolerate a hunger strike. Eat her dinner, or he’ll get her a feeding tube. Don’t push him. He leaves, and she says, she’ll push Nikolas… right off a cliff.

Valentin says, Anna didn’t tell him that her contact was the esteemed Dr. Maddox. Andre says, If he’d known Valentin was going to be here, he might not have shown. Anna says, here’s the thing. She has to clear her name, and they also want to bring down Victor. So all of that is more important than past conflicts. She needs both their help. Call her selfish, but that’s what they’re going to focus on. Andre says, absolutely; anything he can do to help. Valentin says he’s sure Andre’s intentions are sterling, but he doesn’t see how a doctor – Andre says, a psychiatrist – can help them. Andre says he was thinking the same thing. What does Anna think he can do? She says, it’s not because of who he is now, but who he used to be.

Cyrus says, praise God that He has softened his brother’s heart enough to grant him this visit, but Martin says, God hasn’t softened anything. Cyrus says he understands Martin’s anger… Laura says, that’s great. The warden told her that Cyrus wanted to see her, so what does he want? Cyrus says, to warn her there’s a serpent in her garden, and she asks if they can skip the Biblical metaphors. Just tell her the name of the snake. He says, strings were pulled in order to arrange her grandson Spencer’s early release, and Martin says, early release usually requires some kind of string pulling. Cyrus says, unfortunately, all these strings lead directly back to Laura.

Britt says she decided to go on a little vacation, and Obrecht asks where she’s going. When is she leaving? Why doesn’t she have Britt’s itinerary? Britt says, a whole bunch of places, and she’ll send Obrecht postcards from when she gets there. To answer her remaining question, she’s flying out tonight after the party. Obrecht asks why this is the first time she’s hearing about this vacation, and Britt says, it was a spur of the moment idea, and she got a good deal. She also doesn’t need Obrecht’s permission; she’s a grown woman, even though tonight will be her first birthday party ever. Thank you for that. Obrecht says she didn’t have parties growing up, so she never threw any for Britt. She thought Britt was better off; that doing without such trivialities would make her stronger. She didn’t realize what Britt was missing. Britt says she was just kidding, and Obrecht says she knows she wasn’t the warmest mother when Britt was growing up, but she knew the world was tough, and needed Britt to be tougher, so she pushed Britt. It’s a miracle she grew into the magnificent woman she is. Britt is her miracle. Britt asks if Obrecht thinks for a second that she wouldn’t have the drive, the strength, and vastly superior skills she has, if Obrecht hadn’t drilled it into her? Obrecht says, a mother should be someone who inspires you, not someone you have to survive. Britt says, we are who we are. They’ve both changed for the better, and that’s good enough. Obrecht says she hasn’t changed enough, and Britt asks what she’s done. Who did she kidnap this time? Obrecht says, what she’s done is worse than a simple abduction. She betrayed Britt’s trust.

Ava says that she knows before Rory died, Trina was struggling with her feelings for Spencer, and Trina says, the last thing Rory said to her was that he meant it when he told her that he loved her. She was planning to break up with him. Ava says, she can’t control how she feels. Choosing to tell him was brave of her. Trina says, it feels kind of the opposite, and Ava asks if she’s told Spencer about her feelings, but Trina says, God no, and she can’t now. Ava says, that’s probably for the best. Just for now. Trina is grieving, and needs to give herself time to heal. Trina says she can’t heal until Rory’s killer is caught. This has to end. Esme needs to be stopped.

Cyrus says he worries about Laura’s political future if her constituents think she interfered with Spencer’s sentence, but Laura says, he doesn’t give a damn about her political future, and he knows she had nothing to do with Spencer’s early release. Spencer told her that Cyrus was here with him when Victor picked him up. Obviously, Victor is the one who arranged for the early release. Cyrus says, the three of them know the truth, but they also know, in politics, appearances can be more damning than the facts. Martin says, so Cyrus thinks Victor is trying to frame Laura for this, and Cyrus says, Victor has a lot of sway in Pentenville. It’s obvious from the way he was able to meet with Spencer in the prison library. They also know Victor never gets his own hands dirty. One of his agents did the actual work to get Spencer’s release. This agent also works for Laura. He’s sorry to tell her, but there’s a mole in the mayor’s office. Martin says, along with the snake, and Cyrus says, as her brother, he feels it’s his duty to warn her that her Deputy Mayor is working for Victor.

Andre says, the research he was doing was for the WSB. It was only later he discovered it was corrupted by the Cassadines. Anna says, Victor and Helena, and Andre says, yes, as well as her old nemesis, Liesl Obrecht. Anna says she more interested in his interactions with the Cassadines, in particular Victor. He says he had to give the occasional progress report on his various dealings. Does she need him to be more specific? She says, not with the dealings, but the communication. Did they come to him, or did he go to them? Andre says, he went to them, always the same place, and Valentin asks Anna if he thinks Victor is using the same location. She says, the WSB never found that particular base of operations, and Victor has no reason to risk moving that location because no one really remembers it… except Andre. So where is it?

Spencer asks Victor why Elizabeth should run, and Victor says, regardless of what happened, Nikolas and Elizabeth are bound together, and Spencer should support them. Spencer says he hopes Elizabeth snaps out of whatever led her to this lamentable lapse in judgement, but regardless, his father is no longer his concern. Victor says, Nikolas is Spencer’s family. He can’t just walk away. Spencer says, why not? Nikolas doesn’t want anything to do with him. Victor says, that’s not true, and Spencer says, then tell him why, when he told Nikolas of his plans to leave, Nikolas didn’t say he was proud of Spencer for being his own man. Victor says he must have misunderstood, but Nikolas walks in, and says, Spencer is right. He thinks it’s best if Spencer leaves Windymere. Victor says, that’s a ludicrous thing to say, and Spencer suggests the two of them talk it out. It’s no longer his concern. He leaves, and Victor asks why Nikolas isn’t fighting for his son, and Nikolas says, Victor doesn’t understand. Victor says he understands more than Nikolas thinks. Does Nikolas imagine a new baby will really give him a second chance?

Esme hears someone coming and gets back in bed. Demetrius comes in, and says, she needs to eat, but she says she guesses she’s sad. He asks if she has any requests for dinner; anything. How about a steak? She asks if he trusts her with a knife, but he says he’ll bring it pre-cut. She says, whatever, and he says, he’ll have the chef prepare something special. She smiles, and says, he’s been so nice to her, but what she wants doesn’t matter. Nikolas has made that perfectly clear. He starts to leave, and she says, actually, there is something she’d like.

Anna says, where in Paris? and Andre says, the 11th. He can’t tell them exactly where. Unfortunately, he was blindfolded every time he was taken there. Anna says, of course (🍷), but maybe some detail, a sound he heard, and he says, the place was like a fortress, security everywhere. He can’t give them the exact location, but the route was always the same. He got the sense they turned off a main boulevard, not a side street. She says, that’s a good place start, and Andre asks what Victor has done now, and Anna says, they think… they hope that’s where Victor is holding Lucy Coe, because he faked Lucy’s murder, and then framed her for it. So any help Andre can give would be greatly appreciated. Andre asks if the WSB is looking for the space, but Anna says, no. They’re working on their own. Andre says, so the two of them are going to infiltrate Victor Cassadine’s top secret base by themselves? Valentin says, piece of cake.

Obrecht tells Britt that it wasn’t her intention, but Scotty was away, and she was left alone with her fears. Britt tells her, just spit it out, and Obrecht says she told Nina about Britt’s condition. Britt says she’d rather Obrecht didn’t, but Nina is family. Obrecht says, and Sonny. She’s so sorry. Britt says, Obrecht told Sonny her deepest most personal secret? and Obrecht says, not really. She told Nina, and Sonny just happened to be there. It’s been so difficult keeping this terrible secret. Britt says, it’s her secret, and Obrecht says, Britt is her daughter. No matter what kind of mother she was, the mother she is now can’t tolerate her suffering. For what it’s worth (🍷), they promised not to tell anyone. She asks if Britt hates her.

Demetrius says, whatever Esme wants, he’s certain the chef can provide it, and she says, steak medium rare does sound delicious. But what she really wants is some company. Is there any way he can join her for dinner?

Nikolas asks how Victor found out about the baby, and Victor says, Ava told him. Nikolas asks what she said, and Victor tells him, not only was Nikolas having an affair with Elizabeth, she was also about to furnish him with a new heir. Congratulations, by the way. Despite the circumstances, another Cassadine is always a blessing. Nikolas says, Elizabeth had a miscarriage. Ava must not have heard when she talked to Victor, but she knows now. Victor says he’s sorry to hear that, and Nikolas asks why he was talking to Ava in the first place.  

Ava says she understands how much Trina wants justice for Rory… Trina says, and Ava, and Diane, and Brando, and even Oz Haggerty. If it wasn’t for him, she might be in prison right now. Ava says she knows the police are doing everything they can to find this killer, whether it’s Esme or someone else, and Trina flashes back to hatching a plan with Spencer to catch Esme. Ava asks what she’s thinking, and Trina says, that she’s going to follow her heart, and do what’s right. Ava says, no doubt, when Spencer walks in. Ava says, just remember, while she’s following her heart, she should also protect it. Spencer walks over to their table, and says he’s glad he ran into Trina. She thanks him for being supportive at the memorial, and Ava says she should be on her way, but Spencer says, if Ava doesn’t mind waiting, he’d like to speak to her alone.

Laura says, if Eileen is working with Victor, why does Cyrus care? and Cyrus says, she already knew this. She’s using Ashby against Victor. That is a bold move. She says, he still hasn’t answered her question, and he says, if it becomes public knowledge that the Deputy Mayor arranged for Spencer’s release, Ashby could easily say she was acting on Laura’s behalf. Laura asks why that sounds like a threat, and Cyrus says, because she doesn’t trust him. It saddens him, but he understands. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Martin says, Cyrus best get comfortable. He’s going to be waiting a long time. Cyrus promises it’s not a threat; it’s a warning. She asks why he would warn her, and he says he reached out because they’re family. Victor Cassadine interfered with his family, and he has no intention of turning the other cheek.

Valentin wonders if there are any specific defenses other than armed guards, and Andre says, they entered the building via secured elevator underground. Despite being in the center of the city, the place is like a bunker. Anna says, they’ve gotten into tougher places than that, and Valentin says, they have? She says, they’ve certainly gotten out of them. She figures getting in will be easier. Andre suggests he go with them. He might remember something when he’s in the general vicinity. Valentin thanks him, and says, he’s been very helpful as it is, but Andre says he wasn’t not asking Valentin, and asks if Anna can really trust this guy.

Britt says she knows Obrecht wouldn’t betray her trust on purpose, and Obrecht says she swears, it just spilled out. Britt says she’s sorry. She didn’t realize keeping her Huntington’s a secret was taking such a toll on Obrecht. Obrecht says, I am the mutter; you are mein kind. She realizes she wasn’t there for Britt as a child…  Britt says, oh, she was there, and Obrecht laughs, and says, Britt knows what she means. But she is here now. Britt says, still, she’s sorry for all the pain she caused, but Obrecht says, no. She’s the one who should be sorry. Any pain she’s feeling is worth it. It’s worth anything to have Britt as her daughter.  

Victor says, Ava wanted to discuss the terms of her divorce, and Nikolas says, with Victor? Victor says, after finding out Nikolas had strayed, not only with Esme, but Elizabeth as well, does Nikolas blame Ava for wanting to come to him for advice? Word of warning. Don’t give his soon-to-be ex-wife more ammunition. Ava is out for blood.

Spencer asks if Trina wouldn’t mind giving him and Ava a moment alone. Then he’d like to talk to her about Britt’s party. Ava asks, what about Britt’s party? and Spencer says, he’ll explain, if she’ll listen. Trina says she’ll check in with Joss, and leaves. Spencer sits down with Ava, and she says she assumes this is about the trust fund, but he says, it’s not about money. It’s about something entirely different. She says, if he’s expecting any help from her about Trina… but he says, this has nothing to do with Trina. She says, if it were up to her… He asks her to shut up. He’s trying to apologize.

Demetrius says he’s Esme’s guard; it wouldn’t be right. She says she understands. It’s just, she’s so lonely up here in this tower, and it’s New Year’s Eve. Her favorite New Year’s Eve memory is when Spencer surprised her with a romantic dinner; candles, a single rose adorning the table. It made her feel so special. He says, Mr. Cassadine would not like it, and she says, probably not, but it is his duty to guard her. What better way to ensure she’s eating than to be in the same room? They can enjoy a candlelit dinner. He doesn’t say anything, and she tells him that she understands. She knows that’s probably not how he’d choose to spend his evening, but he says, it’s not that. She asks if that means he’ll consider it, and he says he will. She thanks him, and says, he has no idea how much this means to her.

Ava says, Spencer wants to apologize to her? and he says, if she’ll ever let him get around to it. He put her through hell because she broke a promise to him. He thought she wasn’t good enough for his father, but it turns out, his father wasn’t the man Spencer thought he was. And he’s sorry, because he never should have targeted her. No one deserves to be put through what he put her through. He knows they’re not going to be friends, and she says, certainly not… Nikolas let us both down. So what is this about Britt’s party? He says, Trina is going with him. He figures it’s better than her sitting at home alone missing Rory. He just wants to help her get through this. Ava says, then he’ll have to be a much better man than his father. If he lets Trina down in any way… He says he knows. He’ll answer to her. She says, he’s got that right.

Nikolas says he knows Ava will never forgive him, and Victor says he thinks Elizabeth would make a better match for him than Ava. She seems to be more malleable. Nikolas says, clearly, Victor doesn’t know Elizabeth. She may have her vulnerabilities, but she’s no push over. Victor says, even better, and Nikolas says, all Victor needs to know is that he trusts her. Victor tells him, just don’t make the same mistake as he did with Ava. Don’t trust her with any Cassadine family secrets.

Britt says, she and Obrecht have come a long way. Yes, there have been nicer, warmer, and fuzzier mothers, but there’s no one like her. And she means that in the best way. There’s no one more fierce, more protective, more loyal, more brilliant, and hilarious, and extraordinary. To be here with her, to celebrate and mourn with her, to forgive and be forgiven by her, to evolve with her. It’s no surprise she’s always been so protective of her heart, because there’s no one Britt has ever met that feels as deeply and as passionately as Obrecht does. It is an honor and an adventure – she takes Obrecht’s hand – to be her daughter. It’s a thrill ride, and she’s so glad Obrecht is her mom. Obrecht says, and she’s so proud to be blessed with such a strong, acerbically witty, beautiful and brilliant daughter. Not only a doctor – just like her mutter – but Chief of Staff – also just like her mutter. Britt says, Co-Chief, and Obrecht says, only because Monica Quartermaine is an idiot. Britt says, Monica is a savvy and brilliant woman. And if Obrecht ever repeats that… Obrecht says, she could never, not without choking. Britt says, unfortunately, she won’t be able to do this job much longer, and Obrecht says, when Britt falters, she’ll be there to see that Britt soars again. That is her promise to Britt. Britt will not go through this alone. She’ll be by Britt’s side for everything. Britt says, ich liebe dich, and Obrecht says she loves Britt too.

Valentin says, Andre’s not questioning his motives, is he? and Andre says, he is a Cassadine. Helena used to talk about him all the time. He was the one person she really seemed afraid of. Valentin says, Andre is flattering him, but Andre says, not at all. He’s simply stating, he knows Valentin’s reputation. He knows how dangerous Valentin is. Valentin says, Andre has no idea, and Anna says, all right. Valentin’s dangerous. Andre’s dangerous. She’s dangerous. The three of them are threats to the common good, but they’re all trying to be better, aren’t they? She trusts Andre’s intel; she trusts Valentin with her life 

Laura says, so Cyrus wants to take Victor down? and Martin says, only one bully in the playground, right? Cyrus says he wants to protect his family. He will be an enemy to their enemies, and oppose those who oppose them, and Martin says he knew Cyrus would circle around to the Old Testament sooner or later. Laura asks if Cyrus is suggesting they work together, and Cyrus says he thinks they’re stronger together. He has resources she doesn’t; can do things she can’t. Laura says, he means, that she won’t, and he says, she’s a fair person. Doesn’t she think it’s fair that Victor pay for Luke Spencer’s death?

Alone with Valentin, Anna says, she told him that she vouches for Andre. Valentin says he doesn’t trust anyone who’s willing to get involved with the Cassadines. She asks if he wants to run that by her again, and he says, she knows what he means. He didn’t have any choice; he was born into this family. Tell him again why Andre is willing to help them. She says she’s sure he has a lot of reasons to hate the Cassadines. Besides, wouldn’t Valentin want to help someone who said they were going to bring down Victor? He says he would if it was her. He’d do it in a heartbeat.

Esme looks at the tree, and says, not very fancy, but oh so flammable. She tells Ace that she only needs one more thing to make her escape. And Demetrius is going to provide it.

Nikolas tells Victor, don’t worry. He’s not going to share any of his Cassadine secrets with Elizabeth. Victor says, good. Elizabeth may be a loyal friend, but she’s not family. Don’t let her too close. Nikolas says, that’s not going to happen, and Victor says, from now on, he thinks it’s best he deal with Ava in regards to the divorce. They seem to have developed a kind of rapport. Nikolas says, that’s fine by him. He has his hands full enough. Victor says, anything he can help with? and Nikolas says, he’s just trying to figure out the mess he’s made of his life. Victor says he knows it seems like Nikolas is on a long road right now, but from where he stands, it looks like Nikolas is headed in the right direction. Soon his marriage to Ava will be behind him. Nikolas says he can’t pretend to be happy about that, and Victor tells him, just remember, he’s meant for much better things… So is Ava.

Ava and Trina wish each other a happy New Year, and Ava tells Spencer to be good. She leaves, and Trina thanks Spencer for telling Ava about the party. She was working up to telling her. Spencer says, there’s no reason Trina should suffer Ava’s questions and judgement when he’s here to take the brunt. She says, how gallant, and he says, besides, the whole reason they’re doing this is to get people to talk. Wherever Esme is hiding out, she’ll be furious if she thinks they’re together. Unless of course (🍷), Trina’s changed her mind. Then he’ll go back to his original plan, and try to lure Esme out of hiding by himself. She says, no. We said we were going to do this together. He says, we? She’s the one who said that. He just knew better than to argue with her. She says, he’s finally learning, and he says, just so she knows he can handle it. She doesn’t have to help him. She says, yes, she does… even if it means pretending to enjoy his company, and he says, when Esme does come after them, they’ll be ready.

Britt comes out in an amazing black sparkly dress, and Obrecht says, she looks absolutely atemberaubend. Britt says, she looks underfed? and Obrecht says, no, atemberaubend – stunning. Britt says, Obrecht is right. She does, doesn’t she? Obrecht says she’s always right, especially when it comes to Britt’s beauty. She suggests they take a picture to remember the moment, but Britt says she doesn’t need a picture to remember. Obrecht says, come, and they stand together. Obrecht tells Britt, say happy birthday, they do, and Obrecht snaps the picture.

Cyrus says he’s offering Laura justice for the father of her children, but Laura says, he’s talking about vengeance. He says, what if he is? Isn’t she entitled to that as well? Martin asks, is it Deuteronomy or Romans where the Lord says, vengeance is Mine, and Cyrus says, both. Laura says she doesn’t think this is about justice or vengeance. She thinks Cyrus wants to use her to get rid of Victor. Cyrus says, the Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. Laura says, but vengeance isn’t his, because he’s not God. She and Martin get up, and Cyrus says he’s really enjoyed their little family reunion. Happy new year, sister. I’ll be right here when you need me.

Tomorrow, Finn tells Terry that he’d be the wrong guy to ask; Trina says she has something to clear up; Nikolas tells Laura, if she takes down Victor, she takes him down; and Britt says, happy birthday to me, and a shirtless waiter offers her a drink.

🏥 Confusing Exit…

Wow. Two radically different stories. This sounds more like backtracking, but who knows?

The Real Reason Marcus Coloma Left GENERAL HOSPITAL

🍑 More Confusion…

This woman is becoming the NeNeCoaster. Five minutes ago, she was suing the network and accusing Andy of being racist, and now she wants back on the show? I just don’t get it.

https://pagesix.com/2022/12/27/nene-leakes-shares-tweet-about-grace-to-make-rhoa-return/

🌬 Toxicity Be Gone…

But how is she going to avoid herself?

Teresa Giudice Vows To Avoid “Toxicity” In 2023 Amid Feud With Brother Joe Gorga

⚓️ Below Deck Begot…

Apparently, he’s redeemed himself since the Rocky days.

Below Deck Alum Eddie Lucas Shares Career Update; Says “I’m The Captain Now”

🎄 Not Done Yet…

I like to milk the holidays as long as possible.

https://people.com/celebrity/christmas-2022-how-stars-celebrated-photos/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays-2022/

👶🏽 In With the New…

Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, and music. Until then, stay safe, stay not feeling pressured to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, and stay remembering, while following your heart, you should also protect it.

Dec22

December 21, 2022 – Christmas Eve In Port Charles, More Sad, Granddad Sonny, Getting Closer, Mishaps On Deck, Good War, Puppies (!) & Spicier Wrapping

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Leo and Wiley open their presents at the Quartermaines’, and Olivia says, it’s a shame Monica is under the weather. She would have loved this. Michael and Willow play with Wiley.

The Gingerbread Jam is being set up at Rice Plaza, and Maxie gets a text from her mom: I’m here, where are you? Austen approaches her, and she asks what he’s doing here. He says he thought they had a plan.

Spencer arrives at Alexis’s house, and Sam says, the kids are upstairs making videos for social media. Whatever you do, do not engage. Spencer thanks Alexis for having him, and she hugs him, saying, he’s always welcome here. She’s just surprised his father didn’t monopolize him over the holidays now that he’s out of Pentenville. Spencer says he can see his father every day, not so much all of them, so he wanted to make up for it this Christmas, and Alexis say, famous last words.

Trina comes downstairs, and says, gosh, looking at all the fabulous decorations. She sees Curtis, Portia, Marshall, and Josslyn waiting for her, and says, what’s all this? Curtis says, they wanted to do something special for her, and Marshall says, but if she’s not in the mood… Trina says, no. It’s beautiful. Portia tells her, merry Christmas, and hugs her.

Violet, Finn, Chase and Gregory walk into Finn’s house, and Violet asks if they saw the house with all the angels, lights, and music. She makes a head exploding gesture, and Gregory suggests she find some more appropriate attire for their Christmas celebration. She says, on it, and runs off. Gregory says he knows Finn and Chase are hurting, but that little girl expects a merry Christmas, not a grumpy one. Can’t they focus on their blessings for one night, for her sake?

On the phone, Brook says, it’s happening? Thank you so much. You don’t know what this means… Yes, she knows they did her a favor, and she owes them. And they’re definitely going to collect.

At Alexis’s house, gifts are opened. Molly says she got socks for everyone, because you can never have too many, and TJ agrees, saying, he should know; he’s a doctor. Kristina says, you are too… you guys, and Molly thanks her, kissing TJ. They go to get more cider, and Spencer looks at the tree. Alexis asks if he’s okay, and he says he’s great. This is good. This is fun. She says, for a Cassadine, he’s a terrible liar, and he says he has a lot on his mind. She says she has a lot of time, so what’s on his mind? He says, this is probably a stupid question, but is he destined to be just like his father?

Trina says she’s sorry, but Josslyn says she has nothing to be sorry for, and Portia says, Trina is entitled to feel however she feels. There’s no pressure here. Trina says she appreciates that, but she doesn’t want to bring down the holiday, and Marshall says, she couldn’t if she tried. Curtis says, the holidays are about family; the ones we’re born into, and the ones we’ve chosen. And the ones we’re lucky enough to be chosen by. All that matters is them being here for her. Portia says, you know what they’re going to do? They’re going to follow Trina’s lead. So if she wants to do something, she has supplies to decorate ornaments. Trina says, it used to be their tradition, and Portia says, they stopped doing it for a couple of years, but she figured this was the perfect time to bring it back. And if Trina wants to be low-key, that’s absolutely fine too. Just do what makes her heart feel good. Trina says, thanks, but Christmas is even more important during hard times. Yes, she’s sad, and scared, and hurt, but being here with all of them, she knows she’s lucky too. She, Portia, and Curtis have a three-way hug.

Austin asks if he can talk to Maxie. He thinks they should clear the air. No matter what, they should know where they stand before the holidays, right? She asks where he thinks that is, and he says he doesn’t know where she’s at, but for him, he knows he messed up. He let his insecurities get the best of him, and he did some shady stuff. And the worst of that was to pressure Spinelli. He shouldn’t have done that; he knows Spinelli is important to her. He’s sorry. He thinks he might have driven a wedge between them. She says, the wedge was already there, and she thinks he knows that.

Brook comes into the sitting room, and says she didn’t know they were opening presents tonight. Olivia says, they’re letting the kids open one present, and Ned says he was beginning to think they weren’t going to see her until the show at Rice Plaza tonight. She says she has a couple of minutes before she has to go. Nothing’s more important than family at Christmas, right? Ned says, family is important, but there are other things… Leo asks, where’s Chase? He wants to show Chase his book. Brook says, he’s with family at the moment, and Leo leaves to read his book. Olivia asks if they’ll see Chase before the show, but Brook says, Chase isn’t coming. Not here, not Rice Plaza, nowhere that she is.

Gregory says, look at them, all together at Christmas. There was a time he never thought he’d spend the holiday with his sons, much less his beautiful granddaughter. They’ve come so far. Chase says he’s sorry. He’s not really in the holiday spirit. Maybe he should just go. Gregory says, Chase isn’t performing tonight; he’s free to spend time with his family. Chase says, Brook completely screwed him over, and Finn says he’s sorry. Gregory says, what Brook did was wrong… and Chase says, it was beyond wrong. She cost him his badge when she took it upon herself to make decisions about his life. The more he thinks about it, the more he’s glad that he backed out of the Gingerbread Jam. Brook can deal with the fallout. Gregory says he gets it. This is about revenge.

Michael tells Wiley that he and Willow have something to tell him, and asks Willow if she wants to do the telling. She says, they found out the baby in mommy’s tummy is a girl. He’s going to have a little sister. Michael asks how that sounds, and Wiley says he can’t wait.

Drew says he’s really glad Carly is here, and she says, her too. Donna’s with Sonny, and Avery is with her mother. Joss is with Trina, and she’d be going crazy if she was sitting in the house by herself. Not to mention she gets bonus time with Wiley. And she gets holiday bonus time with him, which is really, really nice. She wonders if Willow’s okay; she’s really pale. She seems to be having a really hard time with this pregnancy. Drew says, unfortunately, he thinks finding out that her birth mother was dead really added on the stress, but now that they know that Denise was lying, he’s not going to stop until he finds Willow’s birth parents, or at least find out what happened to them. She says, he’s a man with a mission, and he says, they have to tell her there’s hope her family’s out there. She says she thinks that would be a really big mistake, and he asks, why? She says she thinks he should wait until he has all the facts before he gives Willow more bad news. He says, like the suspicion Harmony stole Willow from her birth parents? and she says, let Willow enjoy Christmas before he puts all that on her.

Wiley asks if his sister will be here next Christmas, and Michael says, she sure will. Wiley asks if they’ll open presents together, and Michael says, she’ll have presents, but she’ll be too small to open them herself. Wiley says, then you, me, and mommy will help open them, right mommy? and Willow says, they sure will. She tells them that she’ll be right back, and leaves.

Ned says he’s sorry to hear Brook and Chase split up, and Olivia says, they were worried something like this might happen. Brook says, worried, but hardly surprised? Ned says, and Chase bailed on the performance tonight? and Brook says, Chase was only performing because they were together. Go ahead. Tell her how selfish and stupid, and she deserved what she got. Ned says he’s so sorry, and hugs her. Olivia says, they know how important Chase was to her. If anyone understands what she’s going through, it’s them. Brook says, they’re not going to lecture her? and Ned says, it’s Christmas Eve. No lecture today. Maybe on New Year’s.

Dante looks at his phone, and Sam says, no phones tonight. Tonight, Dante is all hers. Anything important? He says, no. He was just going to check on Cody; make sure he’s not alone. She says, he could invite Cody to the Gingerbread Jam, and he says he doesn’t know if he told her lately how incredible she is. She says, a couple times, when his phone dings. He says he’s got to go, and she says, was it work? It’s not another attack. He says, nothing like that. He’ll be right back. He promises.

Spencer says he shouldn’t have brought it up on Christmas, but Alexis says, it’s the perfect holiday to maximize family disfunction. What’s going on with his dad? Spence says he found out some things about him. He’s embarrassed and ashamed that it makes him look bad by association. Does that make sense? She says, sadly, it does, and he says he wants to find a life outside of his family, to stay away from his father, and even Uncle Victor, but he can’t find a permanent way out. He needs her to tell him how to escape his own family, but she says, they can’t.

Curtis suggests Marshall and Portia take a break, and Portia says, in a minute. She wants to make everything perfect for Trina. Marshall says, he’s helping; doctor’s orders. Curtis says he’s sure Trina will appreciate the effort, but what he has to tell them can’t wait.

Trina says, Josslyn doesn’t have to stay. The traffic is going to be crazy with the Gingerbread Jam at Rice Plaza. Josslyn says she’ll take the back roads, and tells Trina, stop putting everybody else first. She’s here as long as Trina needs her. Trina says she was supposed to be with Rory’s family tonight. She told him she’d go before… She was on her way to tell Rory that she didn’t love him. All because she can’t shake her feelings for Spencer. He might have broken up with her, but she’ll never know. Rory is gone, and he’d still be here if he’d never met her. She starts to cry.

Curtis says, they’re all working hard to help Trina, and she’s their number one priority. But it’s his and Portia’s first Christmas as an engaged couple in their home. It’s his and Marshall’s first Christmas in over 30 years, since Marshall came back into his life. And even after everything that’s been going on, he thinks these things need to be celebrated. He gives a gift to Portia, and one to Marshall, and says, open them. They tear open the paper, and Portia says, it’s like self-care in a box, and thanks Curtis. Marshall opens a set of record albums, and says, this is like a time machine. He thanks Curtis, and they hug.

Josslyn asks, in what universe is Trina even remotely responsible for Rory’s death? He was investigating a crime. Trina says, this crime, and Josslyn says, the killer happened to be there. Trina says, exactly. If it wasn’t for her, Rory wouldn’t have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Josslyn says, okay. It’s time for some tough love. What happened to Rory was a tragedy, and Trina is entitled to feel however she wants about that, but not responsible. The only person responsible is the monster who killed Rory. Trina says, right, and Josslyn says she knows Trina is saying it, but doesn’t think Trina means it. It’s human nature that when things get really, really bad, we try to make sense of them, and we’re willing to accept answers from anywhere, even if it means believing the worst about ourselves. Trina says, and Josslyn thinks that’s what she’s doing? Josslyn says, it is what she’s doing. Blaming herself is only going to hold her back. Rory wouldn’t want that for her. Rory would want her to keep moving forward. She puts her arms around Trina, and holds her.

Maxie says she appreciates Austin owning what he did. It proves he can still be a good man, which is why she was drawn to him in the first place. He says, helping a woman deliver a baby when she’s being chased be a crazy nurse would make anyone look like a hero, and she says, that’s where the root of their problem is. When she met him, she was trying to save her own life, and her daughter’s life, and trying to survive the most traumatic relationship she’s ever been in. And there Austin was, like a guardian angel. They went through something huge together, and became really important to each other really fast; so fast, she thinks lines were blurred. Trauma bonding is a real thing and fate  brought them together, but… He says, they’re not meant to be.

Drew tells Carly that they need to let Willow know there’s still a chance her birth parents could be out there. She needs some hope. Carly says, it’s not hopeful to hear you were taken from your family. When you’re pregnant, your hormones just compound everything, and that’s what’s going on with Willow. There’s nothing to worry about. Um… she brought up that Willow wasn’t looking too good.

Brook tells Ned and Olivia that she just got so caught up in what she wanted, she convinced herself that’s what Chase wanted too. Now Chase is gone, and she has to live with it. Ned asks what she’s going to do about the show tonight. She’ll be in breach of contract if she doesn’t show up with an act. She says, she’ll just have to get a different act… Ned could take Chase’s place. Olivia laughs.

Violet drapes a candy cane striped scarf around Finn’s neck, and says, it’s his color. He says he’ll take her word for it, and she asks if they can do the advent calendar. He says, you bet, and they sit in front of the calendar on the coffee table. She asks why there isn’t anything for Christmas Day, and he says, that’s because Santa brings her candy for her stocking, but she says she knows Finn does that. Santa only brings presents. He says, she’s getting way too smart for him.

Gregory says he’s not trying to excuse what Brook did; Chase has every right to be angry. Brook made a mistake, one that cost Chase dearly, but just because Brook made a mistake doesn’t mean Chase can’t. Chase asks what he’s talking about, and Gregory says, his badge was taken away, not his moral compass. There’s still a wrong he has to make right – tonight. Dante knocks at the door, and says he’s sorry to interrupt, but he has some news he doesn’t think can wait.

Brook says, who needs Chase when she has Eddie Maine? but Ned says, what Linc and Blaze signed up for, and what the Rice Plaza bookers agreed to was a performance by two up and comers. She can’t change the terms at the last minute. Brook says, it’s an emergency, but he says, they won’t see it that way. If there’s no way she can get Chase to do this, she needs to be honest with the people she made an agreement with. Brook says, and tell them she can’t deliver, and Ned says, unfortunately, dare he say it – Olivia says, please don’t – she has to face the music.

Drew says he doesn’t feel good keeping this from Willow, but Carly says, all they have is a theory, an extremely disturbing one at that. He says, she’s right… he thinks, and she says she’ll take that.

Willow comes back, and Michael asks if she’s okay. She says, yeah. She’s sorry for getting so… He says, they’re going to spend many and more Christmases together, and he, Willow, and Wiley have a three-way hug.

Violet says she’s taking the calendar to her room, and runs out. Gregory says, Finn is doing a good job of hiding his pain from Violet, and Finn says he wasn’t so sure after what Gregory told him the other day. Gregory says, Finn’s performance has improved. He’s not trying to pry. He knows there are elements of Finn’s break-up he doesn’t want to discuss, but Violet loves her Aunt Elizabeth. Finn says he knows, and no matter what happens between them, Elizabeth will be a part of Violet’s life. Gregory says he’s proud of Finn not leaning into despair when it would be so easy to, and Finn says he’s had a lot of practice. He’s learned his lesson this time. He’s not cut out for love and relationships. As much as he tries, some tragedy always follows him everywhere. Gregory says he knows Finn has experienced his share of darkness; they had their share of darkness as a family as well. But it would be a mistake to ignore all the joy they’ve had too. Finn asks if this is the part of the conversation where Gregory says, everything happens for reason, and Gregory says he wouldn’t dream of being so cliché, but the journey Finn has been on, put him on the path that brought Violet into his life. Would he change that? Finn says, of course (🍷) not; not for a minute. Gregory says, so maybe don’t throw in the towel yet.

Dante says, the CCRB is going to revisit Chase’s reinstatement. They’re going to take another look at his case at the next meeting in the spring. Chase says, that’s fantastic, but it was supposed to be a done deal, and Dante says, it was, but Brook managed to get them her letter. Chase says he thought it was too late for that, and Dante says, it was. He has no idea what happened; maybe she wore them down. Chase says, Brook has that effect on people, and thanks Dante for letting him know. Dante shakes his hand, and says, merry Christmas, partner. He leaves, and Chase goes back inside. Finn asks what Dante wanted, and Chase says, to deliver a Christmas miracle.

Austin says, Maxie means a lot to him. He wishes things were different, but they’re just not. So he thinks maybe they should just call it. She says she is grateful for him. Not just because he brought Bailey Lou into this world, but for the time they spent together, even though it didn’t work out. He says, him too, and they hug. He tells her, merry Christmas. He hopes those kids have a great holiday. Give little Bailey a hug for him. She says, of course (🍷), and he leaves.

Trina thanks Josslyn for being the best, and Josslyn says, call if she needs anything. Trina says, she will, and Josslyn leaves. Portia asks how Trina is feeling, and Trina says she’s okay. There’s something she wants to do, and she needs Portia’s help.

Marshall gives Curtis a gift, and says, Curtis didn’t think he’d be left out. Curtis says, he figured he’d have to wait until morning, and Marshall says, that was the plan, but Curtis inspired him. Curtis opens the gift, and Marshall says, it was their first Christmas together; Curtis’s mama, him, Tommy, and that blur is his Aunt Stella. She set the timer too fast. They all thought it was funny, so that’s their favorite. And that little boy there is Curtis. He can’t tell Curtis how grateful he is for this second chance to make up for all those holidays he missed spending with him.

Spencer tells Alexis, he doesn’t understand. She, Kristina, Molly, and Sam all have lives. They’re not… They don’t get drawn in by their family. They’re not dependent on them. They don’t get sucked into the drama, and the scheming, and the treachery. Alexis says, they’re still connected to them. She fully expected Victor to walk through that door, and refer to this gathering as if it were some little soiree, while he’s lecturing them about family. Spencer can’t escape being a Cassadine, but he can survive it. He asks, how? and she says, she and the girls have their own lives because she insisted on that; they insisted on that. That wasn’t easy. It just looks easy on nights like this. Victor has a special interest in Spencer, and she’s advising him to be very cautious about that. If Spencer has questions he can’t answer, ask her instead. Because this band of psychopathic murdering megalomaniacs are theirs. They’re their family, and always will be. He says, so basically, he’s doomed with the brontosaurus in the tarpit, and she says, this place he lives in is always going to take up space in his head. The key is to just accept that, and if you do that, it’s easier to forge your own path. He asks if that’s how she’s always able to rise above the insanity that’s their family, because that’s all he wants to do. She tells him, remember, genetics don’t dictate your actions. He’s his own person. He can never not be a Cassadine, but he can ground himself in other things. He says, such as? and she says he has to find out what makes him feel alive; him, Spencer, not Spencer Cassadine. Does that make sense? He says he’s not sure. He wants it to. She says, find out what makes him happy. Figure out what that is, then hang on to that, and let it be his guide. She promises this won’t last forever. At some point he’ll be able to ignore their attempts to pull him in, and follow his own heart.

Linc (I assume; it’s a different actor) approaches Brook at Rice Plaza, and says he’s been looking everywhere for her. Where’s his opening act? Brook says, about that… when Maxie runs over, and hugs her. Linc gets distracted by some set pieces, and Maxie asks, where’s Chase? Brook says, Chase isn’t coming, and Maxie says she’s sorry. Is there something she can do to help? Brook says, no, but thanks her anyway, and Maxie says she’s going to go find her kids and her mom. Break a leg. She hugs Brook again, and leaves. Linc says, where is he? and Brook says she’s so sorry. She knows this is disappointing, but Blaze is going to have to perform solo. Linc says, no, and Brook says, Chase isn’t coming. She doesn’t see any other option. He says, Blaze’s manager has been screaming at him all afternoon. A solo performance is a non-starter. Brook needs to fix this – now.  

Sam says, Molly’s caramel apple pie is to die for. She legitimately made this herself? Molly says she did, and thanks Sam. She says, baking has become a sort of meditation for her these days. Kristina says, she, too, has begun to realize there’s more to life than work. She’s organizing a charity clothing drive to help struggling LGBTQ+ youth. She realized helping people gives her life purpose, and she never would have realized that if she hadn’t had a job that allowed her the time to explore it. Spencer says, seems like they all found things that make them feel alive, and Molly says, that’s one way of putting it. Sam says she guesses they’re all lucky that way, and Spencer tells them, merry Christmas. He has to be going. Alexis asks if he’s okay, and Molly asks if it’s something Kristina said. He laughs, and says, it was actually what all of them said. He thanks Alexis, says, he realized there’s somewhere he has to be, and leaves.

Portia and Trina are concentrating on something, and Curtis brings Marshall some coffee. Marshall says, look at those two. Even though they know better, you would think nothing’s wrong with the world. There truly is peace on earth. Curtis says, they are beautiful, and Marshall says, this whole evening. He gets to spend Christmas with his family – that’s a gift. Curtis says, merry Christmas, dad, Marshall says, merry Christmas, and they clink cups.

We see a Rory tribute ornament, and Portia tells Trina, this was such a lovely idea, so thoughtful. Trina says, Rory holds a special place in her heart, and it’s important for her to keep his memory alive, even as she moves forward. It just needs one final touch. She puts a soda can ring over the hook, and says, she knows it’s corny, but the day she and Rory met, the police had been questioning her for a while, and he brought her a soda. Then when she was exonerated, he brought her another one. And because she’s ridiculous, she saved the tab. Portia says, she’s not ridiculous in any way, shape, or form. You know what that is? That’s perfect.

Carly tells Willow and Michael that she has to go, and tells Wiley to have a merry Christmas. He hugs her, and she says she loves him. Drew says he’ll walk her out, and when they get outside, he kisses her.

Josslyn is driving, and shields her eyes from someone’s brights. She slams on the brakes.

Drew says he’s been dying to do that all night, and Carly says, it’s been difficult keeping her hands off him. He says, before she goes, he got her a present, and hands her a small box. She opens it, and takes out a keyring from Jacksonville, with a key attached. He says, hopefully, it will remind her of their time together there, and she says, that she could never forget. She asks what the key is for, and he says, she’ll find out. He leans in for another kiss, but she says, merry Christmas, and walks off.

At Rice Plaza, Brook turns to see Chase walking toward her, wearing his leather jacket.

Gregory and Violet bring mugs into the living room, and Violet asks when she’ll be able to make hot cocoa by herself. Gregory says, far too soon, and Finn joins them on the sofa. Finn says, all right. They have their hot cocoa. Is anybody ready for a story? Violet asks if grandpa can read it, and Finn hands the book to him. Gregory says he’d be honored, and Violet sits in Finn’s lap. Gregory begins to read… ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…

Alexis says, so that charity work Kristina is doing… Kristina says she doesn’t want to argue with Alexis on Christmas Eve, but Alexis says, then Santa came early for Kristina, because she was going to say she loves that Kristina is doing something she loves. Alexis is so proud of her.

Sam lets Dante in, and says, welcome home. He says, there’s no place he’d rather be, and they hug.

Alexis and Kristina hug, and TJ and Molly kiss

There’s a knock at the door, and Trina answers it. Spencer says, merry Christmas.

Tomorrow, Brook asks Chase if they can get past this; Spencer tells Trina, if the police won’t do it, he will; and Mac says, they have a lead on Rory’s murderer.

👼🏾 Singing With the Angels…

She will be missed. I still can’t believe it. Watching GH today made me want to cry, knowing she’ll no longer be bossing people around.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Stars Remember Sonya Eddy

🧓🏻 In Happier News…

I’ll bet he’s an amazing grandpa.

GH’s Maurice Benard is Going to Be a Grandpa Again!

👠 They’re Coming…

I wonder who Teresa will throw something at this season.

https://ew.com/tv/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-season-13-trailer/

The Real Housewives Of New Jersey Season 13 Trailer Is Finally Here

🛥 Deck Disasters…

Captain Lee will turn this boat around.

Worst Below Deck Mishaps

🍰 Bakers At Battle…

I am so addicted to this show. Those who can’t do, watch it on TV.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/holiday-wars

🐕 All About That Bowl…

It’s never too early to talk about the Bowl.

https://www.chiff.com/articles/puppy-bowl.htm

✨ Westward Leading, Still Proceeding…

Come back for more of the same tomorrow. If nothing else, I’m consistent. Until then, stay safe, stay believing it’s the thought that counts, and stay remembering, genetics don’t dictate your actions. You’re your own person.

Dec10

December 9, 2022 – Ryan Gets a Blast From the Past, Love To Hate, NJ Dish, Hot Stuff, VanderDumped, Competition, Dead Talk, DocuGlee, Critic Noms, Pets (!), a Bouquet Of Quotes & Hazy

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Sonny asks, how’s Donna? and Nina says, he’s missing all the fun. Donna is running circles around her and Pilar. She asks how his day is, and he says he’ll tell her all about it when he gets home. She says, they’ll be here. Donna and Pilar are having an early supper in the kitchen, but for them, she ordered a gourmet dinner for two to be delivered from the MetroCourt. He says he’ll see her when he gets home, and Dex comes to his office. Dex says he wanted to follow up on the deal Sonny mentioned; some third party who wants to use his facilities? Sonny said he might want Dex to assist him. Sonny says, that depends, and Dex says, on what? Sonny says, on what’s important to Dex; working for him, or making time with Josslyn?

Nina hums as she sets the table and pours some wine. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, it must be dinner. She opens the door, and Josslyn asks what she’s doing here.

Trina tells Rory that she doesn’t know what to say, and he says, when he was in training at the Police Academy, he had several instructors tell him that he was going to be a great cop because he’s so naturally stoic. Big emotions like this don’t come easy to him, but tonight… He guesses his feelings for her are so strong, he had to say something. And even though this is new to him, he wanted her to know how much he meant it, every single word. He loves her. Spencer watches, and tells Victor that he thinks he lost his appetite. Rory tells Trina that he didn’t know how he was actually going to feel after saying that. He feels great, but he wants her to know he doesn’t expect her to say anything in return. He got her something, and it’s not another can of soda; they’ve progressed. He wanted to get her something to symbolize how he felt. He gives her a gift bag, and she takes out a perfume (I think) box. He says, it’s called L’Amore. It seemed fitting. She says, this is… and looks up to see Spencer practically hugging the back of Rory’s chair. FYI, perfume is probably not a good choice of gift, unless you really know the person or you know that’s what they wear.

Alone in his room, Ryan says, Esme, where the hell are you? What have you gotten yourself into now? The doorknob rattles, and he goes back to his locked-in persona. Someone wearing a bathrobe comes in and closes the door. Heather says, hello… lover. They tell her that he can’t talk to her, but she bets she knows what he’s thinking. A blast from the past, right? Her and him, together again for the first time. It almost feels like a lifetime ago, but some things in life, you just can’t forget. They both know when they were bad, it was very good.

Elizabeth says, Finn went to Spoon Island? and he says, like he told her, he was looking for Esme Prince. Sha asks, what made him think Esme would be on the island of all places? and he says he was just following the trail. She says, what trail? and he says, the one that begins and ends with her. She says she doesn’t understand. How could she have led him to look for Esme on Spoon Island? He says, she was the last person to see Esme before Esme attacked her on the pier. If she hadn’t called the police first, who knows what Esme would have done? Elizabeth says, but she didn’t. They should be thankful she just ended up with a bump on her head, and leave it at that. He says, but who knows if it would have ended there? He thinks Esme went to Spoon Island, and now that he’s been there, he’s even more convinced he’s on the right track.

Heather asks if Ryan remembers how they first met; that was ages ago. Decades. But she can still see it, as if it was yesterday. She runs her hand up his arm, and stands behind his chair, feeling his chest. She says, she was hiking the Cascade Mountains. A regular nature girl on a journey to find a place for herself outside the rigid confines of middleclass society. That’s when she smelled smoke, coming out of a cabin in the middle of nowhere. And there he was, chopping wood with a hatchet. The blade gleamed in the moonlight. He always was handy with a blade. She caresses his right arm and says, such a shame to lose this hand. It was so talented in so many ways. She said her name was Hazel, and he said his name was Richard. They were both playing the same game. They found each other. Soulmates. Is it beginning to come back to you, Richie?

Rory asks Trina, what’s wrong? and follows her gaze to Spencer behind him. He says, oh, and Trina says she doesn’t understand. They said Spencer’s release was weeks away. Spencer says, it was supposed to be. Don’t let him interrupt their dinner. They’re clearly in the middle of something special. Rory says, they are, and Trina gets up, asking, what happened? How is he a free man? He says, don’t worry; he didn’t escape this time. Trina asks, what changed? and Victor says, his nephew’s exemplary behavior earned him an early release. Spencer thanks him, but says, Trina is smarter than that. He did what he always does and relied on his family to get him out of trouble.

Nina asks why Josslyn is surprised. Everyone, including Josslyn, knows that she and Sonny are involved. Josslyn walks in, and says she’s here to pick up Donna, and it was her understanding Nina isn’t allowed anywhere near her little sister. Nina says she’s happy to tell Josslyn, that information is outdated. Sonny and Carly reached a new understanding, and she had the best day with Donna. She’s in the kitchen with Pilar having an early supper. Josslyn says she’ll check in with her mom about the change in rules when she gets home, and starts to head for the kitchen, but Nina says, Sonny isn’t home from work yet. Josslyn says, shocking. The family man is too busy obstructing justice, or whatever it is he does (see? Josslyn doesn’t even know what he does), to spend time with his youngest child, so he leaves her with the girlfriend. Lucky Donna is still too young to understand where she ranks on Sonny’s list of priorities. Nina says, Sonny is on his way home right now, and she knows he’d love to see his daughter and kiss her before Josslyn takes her home to Carly, so wait a little while. She can take it if Josslyn can.

Dex tells Sonny that he didn’t go to Josslyn for help. He never meant for her to be involved. Sonny says, but she was involved, and Dex flashes back to Josslyn fixing up his bullet wound in the gatehouse. He says he doesn’t know if Josslyn saved his life, but she definitely saved his freedom. People know he works for Sonny. If Josslyn had called an ambulance or the cops, Sonny would have been investigated at the very least. Sonny asks, what’s his point? and he says, Josslyn did him a favor, and he’s grateful, but that’s as far as it goes. Sonny says, good, because he spent today cleaning up the mess Dex made when he was driving that transfer van to Pentenville. He was concerned that someone could identify Dex as the driver, so he made sure no one is going to identify Dex. Dex says he appreciates it, and promises Sonny that he learns from his mistakes. Sonny says he believes Dex means that when he says it, but like his old man used to say, some mistakes are too big to make. He opens his desk drawer, and Dex sees a gun. Sonny says, Dex is probably standing there thinking, he’s done a solid job, why is Sonny so hard on him? Dex says, something like that, and Sonny says, when he was Dex’s age, he was in debt to a guy named Joe Skully, and he would have done anything to pay him back. Joe wanted him to do a job, he was young and inexperienced, he did the job, and left a trail that could have led straight back to him. Even worse, it could have led straight from him to Joe. Dex says, obviously Sonny is still in the game, so what happened? What saved him? Sonny says he had a guardian angel. He took it upon himself to clean up after Sonny. Dex says, that was lucky, and Sonny says, luck is only going to get you so far in life. In this business, you’ve got to have brains; you need to trust your instincts. Dex says he has both, and Sonny says, think of this as a crossroads in his life. Dex is the one who’s going to have to make that call. He’s got to figure out what he’s going to hold on to, and what he’s going to let go. What matters; what doesn’t matter.

Josslyn tells Nina that she can wait until Donna’s done eating, because they both know Pilar cooked that meal, and Nina didn’t. (Not sure how that applies.) But let’s be clear, when Donna is done, they’re leaving whether Sonny is back or not. Nina suggests they go to their separate corners until the referee rings the bell for round two. Josslyn says, like a fight? Why would she want to fight Nina? She’s so grateful. Nina says, Josslyn’s idea of gratitude leaves a lot to be desired, and Josslyn says, Nina did what no one else ever could. She took Sonny away from Josslyn’s mom, and set her free. She feels a little bit sorry for Donna, but in the end, Josslyn knows she’s better off. She doesn’t have to grow up listening to her mom defend the indefensible, like Josslyn did. She watched her mom turn herself inside out for Sonny. She doesn’t have to do that anymore. She can live her life the way she wants to, and she has never had a better time. Josslyn thanks Nina, and says, out of all of Sonny’s many girlfriends, Nina might just be her favorite. Nina says, Josslyn makes it sound like she’s the latest in a long line, and Josslyn tells Nina, she said it, not her.

Spencer asks what he can say. When your grandmother is the mayor and your great uncle is Victor Cassadine. you can pretty much get yourself out of anything. Rory asks if he’s saying he mayor pulled strings to get him an early release, and Spencer says, when you have family connections, the golden rule is to never advertise who did what. Though he will say his Uncle Cyrus looked out for him when he was on the inside. Rory says, Cyrus as in Cyrus Renault? and Victor says, that unfortunate family tie came to an end the second Spencer came out of the Pentenville gates. Keeping the box with the doves out of sight, Spencer says, they’ll let Trina and Rory get back to their dinner. Good seeing Trina. They walk away, and Victor says, that was very graciously done, but Spencer is making one mistake. He’s a Cassadine, and Cassadines never quit.

Elizabeth asks what Finn found on Spoon Island, and he says, it’s more what he didn’t find when he went to Windymere. She says, he went to the house? and he says he thought Nikolas might cooperate and help him find Esme, but he had to play the big shot. Supposedly, he had some of the staff search the property, but even if they did look, they weren’t going to find Esme. She says, so he walked away empty handed, and he tells her, of course (🍷) Nikolas said he was just looking out for her best interests, but he wasn’t buying it. She asks, why not? and he says, his lips were moving.

Heather flops onto Ryan’s bed, and says, remember how they used to bundle together in the cabin on those cold winter nights, when the wolves howled outside the window. They’d howl right back at them because that’s what they were; a couple of timber wolves, too wild for all of those poor pathetic sheep out there. He’s in there, isn’t he? He might have everybody else fooled, but she knows him, inside and out. He’s not really paralyzed, is he? It’s just his way of controlling the situation. Getting everyone lulled into a false sense of security, and that’s when he’s going to strike. She knows she’s getting to him. After all, she’s his Hazel, and can affect him in ways nobody else can. She’s about to kiss him, when he says, you left me without so much as a goodbye. You broke my heart. He doesn’t think she’s ever been hurt as badly, but that can be arranged.

Finn says, he gets the sense Nikolas is only willing to cooperate when he’s in charge, and Elizabeth says, sounds like him. He says, maybe, and she asks what he means. He says he has the feeling Nikolas is hiding something.

Heather says, it speaks. She knew her mountain man was in there, just waiting to break free. Ryan talks without moving anything but his mouth, and says, she just might live to regret that… or not. She says, ooh, naughty boy. She knows he wouldn’t hurt her. He says, since when did she mind a little pain, and she says, you remembered my sweet spot, lover, but he says, there was never anything sweet about her, but that was her appeal; two of a kind. She says, like knows like, and he says he actually began to question if it ever happened at all. She seemed too good to be true, and then she disappeared without a trace. He actually wondered if he imagined the whole thing. She says, it wasn’t his imagination. She stands up and leans over him, saying, take a whiff. She still uses the same soap… all over her body… every inch. He inhales deeply, and she smacks him hard across the face.

Victor tells Spencer to sit down. He said they were going to celebrate Spencer’s first night of freedom from Pentenville, so that’s exactly what they’re going to do. A little life lesson. Don’t let anyone or anything prevent him from enjoying his first breath of freedom. Spencer says he’s not ungrateful for Victor getting him out early. He never thought he was going to be out of Pentenville by New Year’s Eve, much less Christmas, but it’s difficult to celebrate when… Victor says, Spencer feels the same way about the lovely Miss Robinson? Spencer says, with all due respect, what is the point? They got here just in time to hear Rory tell Trina that he loves her. Victor says he thinks it makes all the difference in the world.

Trina says, where were they? and Rory says, they were celebrating their three-month anniversary. He hopes she likes… His phone rings, and he tells her, he’s so sorry; it’s work. He has to take it. She tells him, go, and he says, yes, Commissioner, as he goes outside. Victor tells Spencer, remember, opportunity is only lost on those who fail to seize it, and Spencer jets over to Trina, asking if he can join her. Before she can answer, he sits down, and she asks what he’s doing. He says he has a question. Can they start over?

Nina says, Josslyn’s gratitude sounds a lot like resentment. She’s guessing Josslyn talked to her mother about what happened between them today. Josslyn says, her mom never mentions Nina, and Nina says, so Josslyn doesn’t know. She and Carly were at Willow’s, and Willow fainted. Josslyn asks if Willow is okay; does Michael know? Nina says she imagines by now he does, and Josslyn asks, what happened and how is Nina involved? Nina says she went over there to talk to Willow about helping Sasha. Things got heated, Willow got upset, and passed out. Josslyn says, only Nina would pick a fight with a pregnant woman, but Nina says she didn’t pick a fight with Willow. Her point is, that for a split second, she and Carly put aside their differences to help Willow. If they’re able to do that, why can’t she and Josslyn do the same thing? Josslyn says, her mother makes her own choices; so does she. Even though she’s grateful Nina took Sonny off her mom’s hands, that doesn’t mean she likes Nina. Nina says she didn’t take Sonny off of anyone’s hands; she fell in love with him. Josslyn says, how romantic, and Nina says, the only part of it she regrets is keeping the truth from everyone. Josslyn might not understand, but Nina kept the truth from herself. She came to care for someone when everything else told her it was wrong. Josslyn flashes back to kissing Dex in her dorm room, and says, Nina is right. She can’t understand. She’s nothing like Nina. Nina asks what she’s talking about. Who said Josslyn was like her?

Sonny tells Dex, one of the hardest things he’s had to learn in his life is when to use a gun, and when to keep the safety on. It’s taken him almost a lifetime to learn that. Dex says, he had to start sometime, right? and Sonny says, yes, he did, and so does Dex. He takes out the gun, and slides it across the desk, along with a clip. Dex asks what Sonny wants him to do with it, and Sonny says, it’s his; take it. Dex puts the clip in the gun, and puts the gun in his waistband. Sonny says, so the deal Dex asked him about. He set up a meeting with a third party, and wants Dex to come with him. Dex asks what Sonny wants him to do, and Sonny says, just listen. Take orders. He’s probably not going to have to use the gun. Dex says, so Sonny just wants a little security, and Sonny says, the go-between who set up the meeting isn’t really a trusted friend or someone he’s done business with, but it’s who the contractors chose. He just wants to be prepared. Does Dex have any questions? Dex says, nope, and Sonny tosses him the car keys, saying, let’s go. Dex asks where they’re going.  

Josslyn asks if that isn’t what Nina is after; sympathy, empathy? Nina wants people to put themselves in her shoes, so they can see she had no other option but to lie. Josslyn’s not like that; she doesn’t use deceit to get what she wants. She’s nothing like Nina. Nina asks what Josslyn is talking about. She never said Josslyn was deceitful. If anything, she’s honest to a fault, and a little quick to judge people by her own high standards. Josslyn says she’s going to see if Donna is done with dessert, and Nina asks, how’s Cameron? Josslyn flashes back to telling Trina that she thought sleeping together would help her and Cameron reconnect, and be a magic fix for what she hasn’t been feeling. She tells Nina, it’s none of her business.

Trina tells Spencer, she doesn’t know. So much has happened, she doesn’t think a fresh start is even possible for them. He says he supposes that’s fair. He did what he did, and there are consequences he has to live with. She says she appreciates that he wants to try, but it’s hard for her to even think about this now, much less talk it over. He says, she’s with Rory at the PC Grill, not at Kelly’s having burgers. He knew they were in the middle of something special, and if he’d known she was going to be here with her boyfriend, celebrating, he would have insisted to his uncle that they go elsewhere, especially when he heard what Rory said to her. He wasn’t trying to eavesdrop; he practically announced it to the entire restaurant. Not that he blames Rory. If he were in Rory’s place, he’d want to tell everyone too. She says, it’s not what he thinks it is, but he says, when a guy takes you out to one of the best restaurants in town and tells you he loves you. What else could that mean?

Outside on the phone, Rory says, copy that, Commissioner. See you soon. He starts to go back in, when Victor blocks his way. Victor says he admires Rory’s dedication. Rory tries to walk around him, but Victor moves, and says, Rory swore to do the right thing. He assumes Rory knows when to stay the course, and when to call it a day. I love how with all his big plans, whatever they are, Victor still has time to meddle in a kid’s love life.

Ryan asks, what the hell was that for? and Heather says, for what he did to her Franco. He says he keeps a pretty good record of the crimes he’s committed, and the people he’s killed, and Franco Baldwin isn’t on that list. She says, don’t even mention his name. Ryan victimized her son, and what’s that old expression? One bad turn deserves another. He says, you wouldn’t blow the whistle on me, would you, Hazel… dear? and she says, I’d hate to be backed into that corner, Richie… boy.

Elizabeth tells Finn that Nikolas’s Uncle Victor is living at Windymere now. There’s bound to be something Nikolas is hiding. He says, she thinks Victor is using Spoon Island for something? and she says, Windymere isn’t just a family estate; it’s a fortress. He says, a fortress where they might be hiding Esme Prince. He thinks this is a good time to have a conversation with Jordan, but she says, he can’t. He says, why not? and she says, he’s a healer, not a detective. His place is here at GH, doing the kind of life saving work he was meant to do, not taking on a cold-blooded killer. He says he’s not taking on the killer himself. He knows that’s a job for the PCPD. She says, if Esme finds out Finn led them to her, she’s going to put him on her list, but he says he can’t let this go, not after Esme attacked her. As long as Esme is out there, she’s free to go after Elizabeth again, or her kids, or anybody else who gets in her way. She says, what about his daughter? If he doesn’t give up this search, what if Esme targets Violet? He says, it’s Violet he’s thinking about. How does he look his little girl in the eye, knowing he didn’t do what he could to put a stop to this? Come to his office. They’ll call Jordan and see what she has to say about this. They go out in the hallway, and Finn says, Elizabeth forgot something. She says, wait, but he goes back in and picks up the bottle of prenatal vitamins, taking a look at it. He remembers seeing an empty bottle of the same thing at Windymere.  

Ryan says, of all the women he’s loved, Heather was always his most vivid memory. She says she read all about him, and she’s guessing that’s a crock, but she’d love to believe it. She always knew their paths would cross again. What they had was kismet. He says, then why even dream of exposing him? and she says, don’t worry, mountain man. She wouldn’t do that. She’s just putting him on notice not to even think of adding her to his list of victims. He says, heaven forbid, and she says, heaven is not his final destination, or hers. Still, she’s sorry for walking out on him. If she’d stuck around, who knows? Maybe both their lives would have been different. Let’s just say, she owes him one. He says, according to his math, she owes him two.

Trina tells Spencer, Rory is a great guy. He’s honest, kind, and has a great start on a very solid career. Even Ava, who has very high standards, thinks she’d be crazy if she let him get away. He says, and of course (🍷) she and Ava always agree with each other. Rory comes back, and asks if everything is okay here. Spencer says, everything’s fine. Time for him to rejoin his uncle. He shakes Rory’s hand, and says, great seeing Trina. He leaves, and Rory sits down. He asks what Spencer wanted.  

Josslyn comes out of the kitchen, and Nina asks, where’s Donna? Josslyn says, Pilar is helping her wash up. As soon as they’re done, she and Donna are leaving. Sonny’s just going to have to do better with his time management. Sonny walks in with Dex, and says, he didn’t expect to find Josslyn here. What’s going on? Nina asks if Dex will be joining them, and Sonny asks what Josslyn is doing here. She says she’s here to pick up Donna. She’ll see if Donna is ready. She can’t get out of the room fast enough, and Dex says, if it’s okay with Sonny, he’s going to pass on the dinner invitation. He’s not hungry, and should probably call it an early night. Sonny says he’ll see Dex tomorrow, Dex says goodnight to Nina, and leaves. Sonny says, Nina was here alone with Josslyn. He doesn’t see any broken glass anywhere. What happened? Nina says, it’s clear Josslyn has other things on her mind, and they hug.

Trina tells Rory, Spencer just wanted to touch base since his early release from Pentenville. Obviously, she wasn’t expecting to see him tonight. Rory says, it’s unfortunate their big night got interrupted. Now he’s been called back to the station. Plus, he did tell her mom that he’d have her home early. She says, they’ll do it again with no interruptions. She picks up the bag, saying, she can’t forget her gift. She really loves it. He kisses her, and they leave holding hands. Victor says, if Trina chooses Rory over Spencer, it’s her loss. Spencer says he has to go to the restroom, and tosses the box containing the doves on the table. When he’s gone, Victor  picks up the box and puts it in his pocket.

Finn says, Elizabeth left these behind. It’s strange. He saw a bottle just like this when he went to see Nikolas. Prenatal vitamins. Are they hers?

Heather says, she owes Ryan two? How does he mean? He says, when she left him never to return, she didn’t just stomp on his heart and walk out of his life. In the years since, he’s learned that when she left, she was carrying the child they created.

Finn asks, what’s going on? Is there something Elizabeth wants to tell him? She says, just let it go, but he says he doesn’t want to. He wants to hear her voice, but if she doesn’t want to tell him, he’s fine with going to Windymere and getting answers. She says, please don’t, and he says, please don’t what? Is she pregnant?

On Monday, Drew asks Denise, where did Baby Callie come from; Willow tells Carly that she’s far from okay; and Ryan tells Heather, if something falls into the wrong hands, he’s holding her responsible.

💣 Man With a Plan…

Victor is the best at bad.

Charles Shaughnessy on Playing “The Villain You Love to Hate” on GH

👰🏻 Still In the Bubble…

Maybe it’s me, but I still don’t see why this woman is not just employed, but celebrated, by Bravo.

Teresa Giudice Reveals If Her Brother Joe Gorga Gave Her A Wedding Gift

How she makes new friends is also beyond me, but give it time.

Margaret Josephs And Jackie Goldschneider Joke That Teresa Giudice Has A “New Lapdog” On Season 13 Of Real Housewives Of New Jersey

🎤 Burning Down the Mic…

Housewives caught saying what they shouldn’t, and production lapping it up.

Iconic Real Housewives Hot Mic Moments

🍸 No Longer Employed…

Was this ever even in question?

Randall Emmett Reveals He’s No Longer A Cast Member On Vanderpump Rules

🕶  Odd Combo…

I don’t know if I’ll be watching, but it’s an interesting concept. Although I could do without Brandi, another one they should dump.

Bachelor Star Arie Luyendyk And Brandi Glanville Join Other Reality Stars To Compete In New Show “The Traitors”

⚰️ Dead In the City…

This. Looks. Wonderful.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/maggie-and-negan-return-in-the-walking-dead-dead-city-teaser-trailer/

‘Walking Dead’ Stars Lauren Cohan & Jeffrey Dean Morgan On Tonight’s Series Finale & Why ‘Dead City’ Spinoff Is No ‘Moonlighting’

https://ew.com/tv/jeffrey-dean-morgan-negan-walking-dead-dead-city/

🎼 Fame Kills…

This is a bit of a stretch, considering the size of the cast. Stuff happens.

https://people.com/tv/the-price-of-glee-trailer-explores-deaths-of-naya-rivera-cory-monteith-mark-salling/

🏆 Upcoming Choices…

Nominations for the Critics’ Choice Awards.

https://ew.com/awards/leslie-jordan-ray-liotta-receive-posthumous-critics-choice-award-nominations/

🐩 Hello Pets…

And to send you off on a good note, places you can’t afford, but someone’s pet can. Hey, they deserve it.

https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/gallery/20220504139347/celebrity-pets-with-pampered-lifestyles-houses/1/

🦉 Quotes of the Week

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. – Harry S. Truman (Or you could say, Murphy was an optimist.)

No one should be ashamed to admit they are wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that they are wiser today than they were yesterday. – Alexander Pope

A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money. – W.C. Fields

My belief is that personal freedom cannot grow beyond personal responsibility. The more people that learn to be fully accountable for their lives, the more freedom each of us can enjoy and the more fulfilling all of our lives will be. – Ross Parmenter

Infinitely more important than sharing one’s material wealth is sharing the wealth of ourselves—our time and energy, our passion and commitment, and, above all, our love. – William E. Simon (But a little cash never hurts.)

There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them. – Ray Bradbury

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou

Being dead really doesn’t make things easier. – Barbara (Geena Davis), Beetlejuice

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. – Anatole France

Social media is the devil. – Judge Star Jones, Divorce Court

🦌 Playing Reindeer Games…

Exiting stage left until Monday really Tuesday, when I’ll be back with soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay within your budget, and stay remembering, opportunity is only lost on those who fail to seize it.

Dec3

December 2, 2022 – Victor Meets Cyrus, Absent, Jackie’s 45th, Remembrance, Cover Boy, Rudest, Sailed, Amends, That Cake, Only a Donor, Daryl’s Spin, Holiday Horror, First List, New TV, a Handful of Quotes & 1963

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dante walks into Pozzulo’s and knocks on Sonny’s office door. On the phone, Sonny tells Brick to let him know what he comes up with. He asks Dante, what’s up? and Dante thanks him again for Thanksgiving. They had a great time seeing everybody, and he thinks it must have meant a lot to Gladys and Sasha to be included. Sonny says, his commitment is always to his family, no matter what Michael thinks, and Dante says, that’s the real reason he’s here. They both know Michael was right about Sonny.

Drew goes into Sonny’s ex-kitchen to visit the moss bowl🎍, and sees Michael. He thanks Michael for meeting him, and Michael says, it sounded urgent. He asks why Drew asked to meet at his mom’s house, and Drew says, this conversation has to be completely confidential, and there’s too many potential eavesdroppers at the Quartermaines, and probably at Aurora too. Michael asks, what’s going on? and Drew says, they have to be prepared, because he and Carly could be facing criminal charges.

Josslyn checks out a shirtless Dex (another possible drinking game!), and says, his wound is almost healed. Dex says he told her he was fine; nothing to worry about. She says, that sounds so familiar. That’s what he said when he was bleeding and fighting a 104 fever in her dorm room, so excuse her for checking it out herself. He says, so she just came to provide medical attention? and she asks what else she’d come here for. He says he thought maybe she wanted to see him.

Sam struggles to put up a wreath, and Sasha helps her. Sam says, Sasha’s timing is impeccable; good reach. Sasha says she appreciates Sam helping, and Sam says, Dante texted her, and said she was helping with the community decorations. Sasha says, it was Nina’s idea. Nina thought she might be at loose ends as the holiday approached. Sam says, good for Nina, and good for Sasha too, and Sasha says, Nina really deserves all the credit. Not only is she a good person, she’s thoughtful and generous too.

Willow tells Nina, Sasha was just the latest excuse for Nina to get closer to her, and scheme her way back into Wiley’s orbit. Which after the lies Nina spread, is just ludicrous. Nina says she didn’t spread any lies, and Willow says, so Nina didn’t tell Michael that she and TJ were having an affair, when nothing could be further from the truth? Nina says, she made that one mistake. Can Willow calm down? And when she apologized, Willow told her to drop dead. Willow says, that’s because nothing else gets through to her. She doesn’t listen. She doesn’t stop; she just keeps pushing and pushing. Go away, and leave her family the hell alone. Carly walks in, and Willow drops to the floor. Carly and Nina run to her, and Nina says, she’ll call 9-1-1, but Carly says, no. Help her with Willow first.

On the phone in the hallway at Pentenville, Victor says he needs to know what happened to that necklace. If it burned up in the cabin, sift through the ashes. He must have those diamonds. They’re pivotal to his next step. He goes into the visitor’s room, and Nikolas is there. Nikolas says he thinks this is a bad idea; his son doesn’t want to see him. Victor says, Nikolas is Spencer’s father. Spencer misses him, even if he’s angry. The guard lets Spencer in, but Spencer says he wishes to return to his cell. Victor asks if that’s any way to treat family. No matter how many times they might disagree, Cassadines always come together in the end. Nikolas says he’s glad to see Spencer, even if Spencer doesn’t feel the same.

Sonny tells Dante that he can’t believe he’s hearing this. They both know Michael’s anger is out of control. He keeps trying to reconcile, but Michael doesn’t bend. Dante says he’s not condoning the way Michael is treating Sonny – he doesn’t like it – but Michael was telling the truth when he said Sonny abducted Dex Heller and had him beaten. He saw some of Dex’s injuries, and the only reason he didn’t arrest Sonny is because Dex lied and covered for him. Sonny says, that was after Brando’s funeral, months ago. Why is Dante bringing it up now? Dante says, because he looked the other way. Sonny committed a felony, and now he’s doing it again. He does know what Sonny does for a living, right?

Josslyn tells Dex that he can put his shirt on now, and he says he didn’t mean to make her feel uncomfortable, but she says she’s not uncomfortable. He says, true, she’s seen him in less, and she says, he slept in her bed. He says, too bad all he did was sleep, and she says, wow. He really went there. He says he can’t help it. Of all the rotten luck to be lying in her bed, too feverish to do anything but sleep. She says, there’s always next time.

Sasha says, Sam must be on decoration overload. She’s helping get Rice Plaza ready for Christmas, and also has her own house to decorate. Sam says she does have three elves to help with that; she hopes anyway. Scout’s down to help, but she doesn’t know if Danny and Rocco will think they’re too old for decoration. Sasha says, too bad if they are. At least Scout is on board. Christmas is magic at any age, but especially for the little ones. She used to… How about adding some ribbon to this? Sam says, Sasha doesn’t have to edit herself with her. Whatever she was going to say, whatever she’s feeling, she can say it.

Drew tells Michael, he spoke to his legal team, and they think there might be a case against him and Carly for insider trading; even though Carly didn’t make any money, and the merger between ELQ and Aurora didn’t happen. Michael asks if Drew really thinks Ned would go to the SEC, and Drew says he doesn’t think Ned would go that far, but he can’t afford for it to happen. They shared pizza together at Thanksgiving, but he can’t assume that peace offering is going to make Ned forgive and forget. Michael says, the Quartermaines are famous for holding a grudge, and Drew says, exactly. That’s why he has to back way off. He can’t afford to provoke Ned more than he already has. Michael says, given Ned’s anger at feeling they abandoned him, he doesn’t blame Drew, and Drew says, in addition to Leo’s sweet desire for family peace, it’s in their best interest for him and Carly to mend fences with Ned. Michael says he will too, and Drew thanks him. Michael asks what else Drew and Carly can do to protect themselves, and Drew says, they could stop seeing each other.

Nina brings in a cold towel, while Carly props up Willow’s feet, and tells Willow to open her eyes. Willow opens her eyes, and Carly tells her to take it easy. Nina says she’s going to call 9-1-1, but Willow sits up and says, no.

Victor says, Nikolas is Spencer’s father, and Spencer is going to need his father’s support when he’s released, but Spencer says, not if Victor fulfills his end of the bargain. Nikolas says, what bargain? and Spencer says, Victor didn’t tell him? Victor says, he didn’t see the need, and Spencer says, if he agreed to keep his mouth shut about Nikolas sleeping with Esme, Victor promised Spencer would get his birthright ahead of schedule. So he doesn’t need Nikolas anymore; he’s obsolete. Uncle Victor made sure of it. Nikolas says he can’t say he blames Spencer. He hasn’t been a good father, and doesn’t deserve Spencer’s forgiveness, despite his mistakes. Spencer is a better man than he is, and he envies how Spencer gives his whole heart. He hates that he broke it. Spencer says he’s used to it, and Nikolas says he hates that too. Spencer has no reason to trust him, but if Spencer lets him in his life, he gives Spencer his word that he’ll never hurt him again. Spencer says he’d settle for not having to listen to another of these disingenuous speeches, and Nikolas says he told Victor this was a bad idea. He leaves, and Victor tells Spencer, sit down. Spencer sits, and Victor says he’s so disappointed in Spencer. Spencer says, Victor and his father both disrespected his wishes, but Victor says he’d do it again, even though Spencer squandered the time he bought, so Spencer could realign with his father. Spencer says, Victor may be all powerful on the outside, but he has competition in here. Cyrus walks in.

Michael says he didn’t know Drew and his mother were seeing each other. Although the looked cozy at the Quartermaine picnic, and Drew did go to Florida to help his mom with her adoptive mother’s grave, which was above and beyond. Drew says, to be honest, he’s had a thing for Carly for a while now, and Michael says, since they came back from Jacksonville, he just got a friendship vibe. Drew says, the point is, if he and Carly are going to openly be a couple (or perhaps a throuple with the moss bowl🎍), it could strengthen the SEC’s case that he gave her privileged business information. So they’ve got to be casual in public, and probably in private too. How uncomfortable is this conversation making Michael right now? Michael says he knows Drew and his mom are adults, and he’s got to admit, since his mom came back from Florida, this is the happiest he’s seen her in a long time. Drew says, Carly makes him happy too. Unfortunately, this relationship may be short-lived. Michael asks if it has to go that far, and Drew says he thought they could meet in private, but it isn’t fair. They can’t meet at the Quartermaines because he lives there, and there’s always someone popping in and unexpected moments in that house. Like when Olivia walked in on Chase in Brook’s bedroom, for example. Michael says, he heard about that? It was a moment. Drew says, if they meet here in Carly’s house, they have to time their visits to when Donna and Joss aren’t here. It seems dishonest. Maybe he has to accept the timing isn’t right. Michael asks, what if this is the only time they’re going to get?

Tucked in on the couch, Willow says she’s fine. Please don’t call an ambulance. Carly feels Willow’s forehead, and asks if she still feels dizzy. She going to check Willow’s temperature. Willow says she’s not dizzy, and she’s not running a fever, but Nina says, at least let them take her to the hospital, so she can notify her OB. Willow asks, what part of I’m fine doesn’t Nina understand? She’s not in pain; she just needs to rest. Carly gives her some water, and says she needs to stay hydrated. She asks Nina if they can chat outside.

Sonny says he thought things were good with him and Dante, and Dante says, maybe they’re too good. They spend holidays together; they’re neighbors. It seems like the further apart Sonny and Michael get, the closer they get. Sonny asks, what’s wrong with it? and Dante says, there’s been this boundary that he’s always had to keep, between his love for Sonny as a son, and his duty as a cop. And that line is starting to blur. Sonny asks, how so? and Dante says, if this was anyone else, he would pursue the case into Dex’s abduction. He’d get more evidence, and talk to witnesses. He’d build a case, bring it back to Dex, and try and get him to cooperate. And instead, he called Michael a liar. He did that for Sonny’s benefit. He wanted Sonny to know he knew what Sonny had done, and had to tell him to his face that he knows Sonny is behind what happened to Dex. Sonny says he’s never asked Dante to cover for him, and never would, and Dante says, that’s good. Maybe Sonny can tell him about Anna’s escape then.

Josslyn tells Dex to take it easy, and limit all activity for one more week. He says, no offense, but how does she know? Did she consult a medical professional about him? She says she’s been doing some research online, and he asks, where? BulletWounds.com? She says, GH’s website. She went through all this trouble to take care of him, so it woudn’t make sense to bail before he’s healed. He says, that’s exactly what she needs to do – bail.

Cyrus wonders when Spencer is coming back to their chess game, and Spencer tells Victor that he’s improving his game in here. Victor says he’s glad Spencer’s not without friends, but Cyrus says, they’re not just friends; they’re family. Victor says he’s Spencer’s actual family, and Cyrus says he knows who Victor is. Victor says, and he is? and Cyrus says, Cyrus Renault. He’s sure Victor’s heard of him. Victor says, so he’s the famous Cyrus Renault, and Cyrus says, same name, different man, but the Bible says, the memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Dante says, less than an hour before he found out about Anna’s escape, he heard Sonny on the phone, asking someone how it went with Anna. Sonny says, he told Dante, he provided her help when she reached Pentenville. He walks out into the restaurant, and Dante follows, saying, the guy who was supposed to be driving the van was found in the parking lot, tied up with a bag over his head; he was unharmed. Sonny says he’s happy to hear that, and Dante says he’s sure Sonny is. Because whoever conducted Anna’s escape, clearly didn’t want to hurt anyone else. All they wanted was for Anna to get out of there. Sonny sips his espresso, and Dante asks, what happened to Anna? Where is she? Who else has a whole bunch of safe houses in the area? Sonny doesn’t say anything, and Dante says, see what he’s talking about here? It all adds up. Sonny broke Anna out of police custody, and he’s not doing a damn thing about it.

Michael tells Drew that he doesn’t want to be too involved in his mom’s personal life, but he knows from experience, you have less time than you think. He’s sure Drew would like to believe he has years and decades to spend with the person he loves, to do what he dreamed  of. He hopes Drew gets that time, but it’s not guaranteed. Drew asks if this is about the tension between Michael and his father. Is he worried Sonny is going to retaliate?

Josslyn says she’s sorry if her medical skills don’t meet Dex’s high standards, but he says she knows better. If she’d taken him to a hospital, the ER doctor would have had to report the bullet wound, and he’d be behind bars. He owes her. She says, he’s welcome, and he says, she asked him before how he got shot, and she says, and he didn’t tell her. He says, she doesn’t need to know the details to know it was something illegal, and she says, he works for Sonny. Of course (🍷) it’s something illegal (ha-ha!). Dex flashes back to Michael telling him, none of this is fine, and that Dex needs to find a way to keep Josslyn at arm’s length. He tells Josslyn, that’s why he needs her to leave now, and never come back.

Sasha tells Sam, it’s not easy for her to acknowledge her feelings. It’s something she’s working on in therapy; taking time to process her emotions, instead of bottling them up until the overwhelm her in a public and messy explosion. Sam says, it can be really scary, admitting to yourself how you really feel; revisiting dreams for someone whose gone that you know aren’t going to come true. She’s learned, the more time passes, the more she’s able to accept those dreams, and even smile a little. Sasha asks what Sam dreams about, and Sam says, her first child, a daughter, was stillborn. Sasha says she had no idea. She’s so sorry. Sam says she thinks about her all the time, and Sasha says, Liam would have been about a year; he was born near Christmas. He’d have been too young to understand who Santa was, but she thinks she and Brando would have still taken him to see Santa. It never happened, but the thought of it still makes her smile.

They walk outside, and Nina tells Carly that she doesn’t need another lecture. She didn’t come here to pick a fight with Willow. She didn’t come here to orchestrate a run-in with Wiley. She just came her to reach out to Willow on Sasha’s behalf. Carly says she believes Nina.

Willow says she’s sorry to the baby. She should have been more careful. She didn’t mean to get so upset. She’s afraid they’re in for a bumpy ride, but they’re going to make it. She’s their mommy, and she’s going to bring them safely into this world. She promises.

Spencer says he may not have a father he can count on, but he’s lucky to have uncles that look out for him; Cyrus and Victor, and of course (🍷) Uncles Sonny and Martin. Cyrus says, Victor knows his brother Martin, and Victor says, Martin is his son’s attorney, but Cyrus says, they both know Martin is much more than that. Victor gets up, saying, he doesn’t want to interrupt Spencer’s game, but he hopes Spencer reconsiders mending fences with his father. Cyrus says, Victor Cassadine mediator? and Spencer says, Uncle Victor wants peace for their family. Cyrus asks if that’s why Victor tried to kill his. Victor caused his brother great harm. Victor says, the implication that he had anything to do with Lucy Coe’s disappearance is unfounded, and frankly insulting, but Cyrus says he’s not talking about Ms. Coe. He’s referring to the attempt on his brother’s life, and that of their sister Laura.

Carly says, she and Nina aren’t friends, but she doesn’t think Nina came here with the intention of upsetting Willow so much, she fainted. But she has to stay away and accept the fact that seeing her upsets Willow so much, and they both know that’s not good for the baby. Nina says she’d never hurt that baby, and Carly says she believes Nina. Nina says, all right, she’ll go. If Carly will just tell… don’t tell her anything. Nina leaves, and Carly goes back inside. She tells Willow, Nina’s gone, and Willow thanks her. Carly says, but she’s not wrong. Willow needs to see her doctor. Let Carly take her to GH.

Sonny says he doesn’t need Dante’s protection. He can investigate and act on whatever he wants. Dante says, he’ll do that. He just hopes Sonny covered his tracks this time. Because next time – and there will be a next time, and a time after that – he might not have an employee who lies to take a beating. Sonny might slip up, and then Dante will have to do something he doesn’t want to do. Sonny says, so Dante feels the same way Michael does; that he should lose his family, that he should have everything he loves taken from him? Dante says he’s not Michael. He’s not out to get Sonny. He loves Sonny, but he took an oath to uphold the law, and he’s going to keep that oath. Sonny says he doesn’t expect anything less, and if it gets worse, and Dante is forced to arrest him one day, he won’t love Dante any less. Dante says he woudn’t blame Sonny if he did, but Sonny says, it’s not going to happen… ever, and they hug.  

Sam says she can cover if Sasha wants to take a break, but Sasha says she’s having fun. It feels good to be doing something useful and positive. Not that putting up Christmas decorations is going to change the world. Sam says, maybe not, but people seem to take extra care of each other this time of year. She sees a lot of smiles at the decorations and the trees lit up. Sasha says she’s grateful to be part of it, even if in a small way. It turns out what people have been telling her is true. Helping others is a great way to help yourself.

Michael tells Drew that he doesn’t believe he’s in any physical danger from his father, and the emotional damage has already been done. But this whole rift with his father has made him value his family even more. He spent the first year and a half of Wiley’s life believing Wiley was dead. Now he has Wiley… he has Willow and a baby on the way. Every day is precious to him. He wants to freeze time, and live in this place of joy with Willow and the kids. Drew says, if only they could, and Michael says, life has a way of messing up your plans. When it happens, all he can do is deal with it the best he can. Drew says he can’t argue with that, and Michael says, what he won’t do is waste any more time, or overlook the little things. Like the look of wonder on Willow’s face when she feels the baby kick. Or Wiley insisting he read Willow’s baby bump a bedtime story. Drew says, which of course (🍷) he does, and Michael says, those things only come around once. You don’t get do-overs. So if Drew and his mom feel the need to hide, then hide, but don’t pass up the chance of something really good. Now he’s going to go home to Willow.

Spencer asks if Cyrus is talking about the attack on his grandmother and Uncle Martin at the safe house last year. His Uncle Victor had nothing to do with it. Cyrus says, his sources don’t lie, nor do his instincts. Victor tells him, says the man who held Trina Robinson and her mother at gunpoint, and tried to kill Spencer’s friend Britt Westbourne. Or does the attack on Dr. Westbourne not count because Cyrus sent his minions to do his dirty work? Cyrus says he doesn’t hear Victor denying what he did to Laura and Martin, but Victor says he doesn’t answer to Cyrus. Cyrus says, Victor will if he goes near Cyrus’s family again, and that includes Spencer. Victor says, Cyrus doesn’t want him as an enemy, and Cyrus says, or he’ll go on Victor’s hit list too? Victor tells Spencer, don’t let this man manipulate him, but Spencer says he doesn’t get manipulated, and he won’t again. If there’s nothing else Victor has to say… He points toward the door, and Victor tells Spencer, like he said, he doesn’t want to interrupt his game. But remember, your pawns need to be guarded, and you won’t always have a knight to ride to your rescue. He leaves, and Spencer tells Cyrus, could he be more obvious? Cyrus says, instantly, there dropped from his eyes what seemed to be scales, and he could see once more. He’s sorry Spencer had to learn about Victor this way. Spencer says he’s not in the mood to play chess. He’s going back to his cell.

Willow thanks Carly for hooking her to the portable fetal monitor and checking for herself. Carly says, the baby’s heartbeat looks fine, and Willow’s blood pressure is good, but she’s no OB. She’s not going to insist Willow go to GH, but she wants Willow to promise to see her doctor in the next couple of days. Michael walks in, and asks, what happened? but Willow says, it’s nothing. Michael asks why she needs to see her doctor then, and Carly says, because she fainted. Willow says, she’s fine. Once again, she forgot to eat. Carly says, Willow didn’t want to call an ambulance, but she thinks Willow should see her OB. Willow needs to rest, and needs some TLC. Michael says he’ll make sure of it, and Carly leaves. Michael takes out his phone, and says he’s going to call Terry. She needs to know Willow fainted.

Nina goes to Rice Plaza, and Sasha asks what she thinks of the progress so far. Nina says, it’s great; everyone is doing a fantastic job. Sasha says, Nina doesn’t have to pretend with her. Did something happen? Nina says, sometimes she’s afraid that she’s really as awful as Willow thinks she is.

Dante tells Sam that she’d better pace herself; she has a penthouse to decorate. She says she was just telling Sasha that Scout will definitely want to help decorate, but does he think the boys will think they’re above it all? He says, Rocco seems like he’s going through something right now, but Danny will step up for Scout’s sake. The minute the ornaments and candy canes come out, they’ll get into it. Their boys aren’t as old as they think they are, thank God. Sam wonders where that came from, and he says he loves his father, but their relationship has always been a bit of a minefield. He’s hoping he and Rocco don’t turn into that when he’s an adult.

Josslyn says, Dex is out of bandages and antibiotic ointment, so she’s going out to get some. He tells her not to bother. He can order that stuff online. He doesn’t need her to come back. She says, skip it. It’s not going to work. He says, what? and she says, the big speech. He tries to warn her about how dangerous he is, and tries to push her away for her own good. She knows he’s dangerous. He was beating up some guy under Sonny’s orders the night they met. He can do so much better than Sonny. He’s resourceful; he keeps his head in a crisis. He’s loyal, and doesn’t complain even when he’s hurt. He says, Dex Heller, hero, and she tells him, stop it. She found him bleeding. She nursed him through a fever. She sat up with him all night to make sure he was still breathing. So she’s not going to walk out and pretend what they went through doesn’t mean something.

Sam says, most of the tension between Dante and Sonny is because Dante’s a cop, and Sonny is… Sonny. As long as Rocco doesn’t want to grow up like his grandfather, she doesn’t think Dante has anything to worry about. He says, fathers and sons butt heads about stuff, and she asks if she looks worried. She sees him and Rocco interact every day, and she sees love. Not only Dante’s love for Rocco, but Rocco’s love for him. You know what that tells her? He says, that they’re love is so strong it can survive anything, and she hugs him, saying, don’t make fun of her. He’s so smart. He says he just gets it through osmosis living with her. He thanks her for making him look forward to Christmas, and for their blended family. For the traditions they’re going to make. He’s already got his Christmas presents. She says, her too, and they kiss.

Nina says, too bad she doesn’t have a flask of brandy to go with this hot chocolate, and Sasha says, that bad? Nina says, it’s her fault Willow fainted. She never should have gone over to Willow’s place. For a smart women, she does a lot of stupid things. If something happens to Willow and that baby, she’ll never forgive herself. Sasha says, Nina made a mistake. Welcome to the club. The important thing here is to take a breath, figure out how it happened, and how to avoid it happening again. Nina says, she knows the answer, and oddly enough, got it from Carly. Sasha says, Carly’s a smart lady, and Nina says, even though it galls her to admit this, Carly helped her to see that the only thing she can do for Willow is stay away from her.

Willow thanks Michael for the soup, and says she’s feeling much better. Staring at his phone isn’t going to make Terry call back any faster. Michael says, maybe they should go to GH. If the chemo is causing her to faint… She says, it’s not the chemo. It was Nina, or rather her response to Nina. He says, Nina was here? and Willow says, Nina volunteered Sasha to oversee the decorations in Rice Plaza, and showed up to ask her to help. When she tried to decline, Nina said she was selfish. Things went downhill from there. She snapped and started screaming at Nina, and next thing she knew, it was lights out. He says he’ll make sure Nina never comes here again, but she says she doesn’t think that will be a problem. She thinks her fainting scared Nina more than it scared her. Michael says he doubts Nina would have gotten in an argument with Willow if she’d known Willow just had chemo. They need to find Willow a bone marrow donor, and need for people like Nina to treat her with consideration. They need to tell people Willow has leukemia.

Drew surprises Carly with a kiss as she walks into the kitchen. She says not that she’s complaining, but what’s going on? He says he has it on good advice that they should take full advantage of their time together while they’re lucky enough to have it. She says she’s not arguing with that, but she thought they were staying away from each other. He says he can’t stay away from her. And they’re lucky enough to have this big house on acres of grounds, with secluded nooks and crannies, and the moss bowl🎍. They kiss, and his phone chimes. She insists he get it, and he says, good news. They have a lead on Willow’s birth parents.

Josslyn tells Dex, she won’t hang around where she’s not wanted, but she’s not going to deny what’s standing in front of her, and neither can he. It’s like this wall went up between them, and Dex remembered he had to protect little old her from big bad him. She calls BS on that. She makes her own decisions, and knows the risks she’s taking. If he doesn’t want her, just say that. He says he’s trying to do the right thing here, and she suggests he try being honest instead. He says, she wants honest? and kisses her. There’s a knock at the door, and Sonny says, open up.

On Monday, Cody tells Britt, it’s more than that and she knows it; Willow tells Michael that she needs to do this on her terms; and Valentin says, if Mac has evidence, he’d like to hear it.

🤷🏻 Where In the World…

God forbid she gets some free time.

Finola Hughes Clarifies Her Status at GENERAL HOSPITAL

🏥 Happy Anniversary…

More pictures would have been nice.

Jacklyn Zeman Celebrates 45 Years at GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🌱 A Mother’s Memories…

This is still just the saddest thing.

Kristina Wagner Remembers Her Late Son, Harrison, on His Birthday

🧼 Wait, What…

I never knew he was on the cover of Playgirl, but then again, it was never on my list of publications to buy.

GH’s John J. York Dishes His Appearance on the Cover of Playgirl!

👠 Love Bubble My Foot…

No surprise whatsoever. I love how Andy says she must have been provoked. Yeah, they said her name.

https://pagesix.com/2022/11/30/radio-host-slams-teresa-giudice-after-rude-interview/

🍹 Ahoy…

Leva dishes on Southern reality.

Leva Bonaparte Reveals That The “Ship Has Sailed” On Any Reconciliation Between Taylor Ann Green, Olivia Flowers And Their Southern Charm Exes

💞 Aww…

I’m sure it won’t last for long.

NeNe Leakes And Kandi Burruss Make Amends At Porsha Williams’ Wedding

👰🏾 Speaking Of Which…

The cake is ridiculous, but I love the traditional theme.

https://people.com/food/porsha-williams-husband-simon-guobadia-wedding-cake-sword/

🍼 No Chances…

Can’t say I blame her. Randall wasn’t much of a step up from James. As a matter-of-fact, aside from the money, he was a step down.

Lala Kent Will Only Use A Sperm Donor For Her Next Baby; Says “I’m Not Taking The Chance”

⚰️ Resetting Daryl…

More on viva le Daryl.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-norman-reedus-reset/

🎄 Sub-Genre…

I never thought of The Thing as a Christmas movie, but why not? I have my own cinematic quirks.

https://ew.com/movies/best-christmas-horror-movies/

🥀 Early Roll Call…

Those we’ve lost.

https://ew.com/celebrity/stars-we-lost-in-2022/

📺 Rushing the TV Season…

What’s coming up next year.

https://ew.com/tv/2023-tv-premiere-dates/

📬 Quotes of the Week

Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided. – Paracelsus

Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor. – Sholem Aleichem

Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. – Lou Holtz

You get to decide where your time goes. You can either spend it moving forward, or you can spend it putting out fires. You decide. And if you don’t decide, others will decide for you. – Tony Morgan

Compassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment. – Arthur Jersild

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self. – Aristotle

I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste. – Marcel Duchamp

If a zombie bear isn’t the problem, what is? – Doc (Russell Hodgkinson), Z Nation

🕰 Time Keeps On Tickin’…

Boomerang back on Monday really Tuesday for soap and my favorite Boat Daddy. Until then, stay safe, stay never settling for less than, and stay helping others. It’s a great way to help yourself.

Nov17

November 16, 2022 – Leo Finds Dex’s Phone, Damn Shame, Dramatic Reading, Mirror Image, Sanity Speaks, Awards Coming Up & Mister

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly knocks on Brick’s hotel room door, and when he opens it, he says, Carly Corinthos. He tells her that she looks more gorgeous every time he sees her, and she says, it’s Carly Spencer now. And he’s looking so dapper as usual. She thanks him for coming through for her, and he says, she knows he’ll always be there for her. Come on in. She goes inside, and Nina comes out from around the corner in the hallway, wearing her nosy face. She wonders what Drew would think of this.

Drew tells Willow, if he’s overstepping, tell him, but if she really wants to know the full story of her biological parents, he thinks he can help. She thanks him, and says, he’s not overstepping; he’s being incredibly generous. Michael says, nothing’s more important than family, and Drew agrees. Both the family Willow has here, and the unknown one somewhere out there.

Elizabeth asks what Jeff is doing in Finn’s office, and he says he had to see her. She says, of course (🍷) he did, because why do things on her terms? Finn says he heard she was admitted to GH last night, and Jeff asks if she’s okay. She says she’s not the one with the busted lip, and tells Finn that she’s okay. She’ll talk to him about it later, but is he okay? He says, yeah; it’s been interesting. Elizabeth tells Jeff, he should leave now before he makes everything worse.

Nikolas tosses Esme a bag, and tells her to pack up. He tells Demetrius to load up the jet, and notify the airstrip. Demetrius says, right away, and Nikolas says, make sure the house is stocked and ready for guests. Demetrius leaves, and Esme asks where they’re going. Nikolas says, someplace no one will ever find her.

Dex wakes up, breathing heavily, and Josslyn tells him, take it easy. She feels his arm, and says, God, he’s hot. He says, so is she, and she says, with fever. She puts a wet cloth on his forehead, and he says, that feels nice. She tells him, just try to rest. Her mom should be here soon with the antibiotics.

Nina comes back to the table, and Sonny asks if everything is okay with the guests. The hostess said she was having a problem with some customer service issue. Nina says she managed to put out that fire, and inadvertently walked into another one, and he asks, what happened? She says, nothing, and he says, just tell him. She says, he told her Brick used to flirt with Carly? and he says, all in good fun. Why? She says she has a habit of getting things wrong, but he says, she needs to tell him what’s going on here, and she says, okay. She saw Carly go into Brick’s room. He asks if they saw her, but she says, no; she was out in the hallway. He asks if she heard anything, and she tells him, she heard Brick say he’d always be there for Carly; that she gets more gorgeous every time he sees her. She’s sure there’s a simple explanation.

Michael tells Leo that his mom called. Time for dinner. Leo asks if Michael knows how to unlock a phone, showing him the phone he found. Michael asks if it’s his, but Leo says he found it when he was looking for leaves. Michael looks at it, and says, it’s dead. They have to hook it up to a charger. Leo says, then can he have it? but Michael says, no. It doesn’t belong to Leo. They have to return it, as soon as they figure out to who.

Willow tells Drew, so the issue of her parents first became a thing when Michael wanted to take her to Paris. She needed her birth certificate to get a passport, only Harmony didn’t have one, so she got one forged. Drew says, right, and Harmony told Carly before she died that she wasn’t Willow’s biological mother. Willow says, if only she’d told Carly who her biological mother was, but he says, the way he sees it, there’s a real birth certificate out there. He’ll get an investigative reporter on the trail. She asks, how? Harmony lied about so many things. Is her birth name really Callie? Is her birthday real or fake? He says, they locate some of the people who used to live in the Denver commune with Harmony and her husband, but she says, if the only way to find her biological parents is by talking to Harmony’s commune friends, she can save him the time and trouble, because that’s going to be a dead end.

Josslyn tells Dex to open his mouth, and puts a thermometer in it. She says, now he can’t talk. It’s her turn. The night they met, when Sonny ordered him to attack that paparazzi, she recorded the whole thing and threatened to take it to the cops. Sonny took off, and just left him there. Then Sonny decides, with zero evidence, that Dex is the one going around attacking people with a hook. He ties Dex up, leaves him in a freezer, and has some freak threaten to torture Dex with knives. Then he orders Dex to do something – God knows what – and Dex gets shot in the process. Dex can’t even call him for help. There’s no way Sonny is paying him enough to go through all of that. She’d accuse him of being blindly, stupidly loyal, but she knows he’s not stupid. So tell her – she takes the thermometer out – what is it? Why has he been risking so much for Sonny? He flashes back to Michael saying, Josslyn can’t know Dex works for him, and says, all he can tell her is, he has his reasons. She looks at the thermometer, and says, his temperature is 104. If her mom isn’t back soon with the antibiotics, she’ll have to take him to the hospital.

Jeff says he’s sorry Elizabeth feels that way, calling her Lizzy, and she says, her name is Elizabeth. And she’s only stating true facts. He wreaks havoc on everybody’s lives. He cheated on her mom more than once; Hayden is living proof. He’s the reason Reiko betrayed Finn; he’s the reason Elizabeth argued with Reiko at the top of those stairs. If Jeff hadn’t met Reiko, she’d probably still be alive. And she and Finn might still be married, and Elizabeth wouldn’t have spent years repressing the memory of her. Jeff says, she’s right. He can’t dispute anything she just said. Finn’s phone dings, and he says he’s wanted in the lab… unless Elizabeth wants him to stay. She says, it’s okay. Her dad won’t be here long. Jeff says, before Finn goes, he’s sorry for what happened to Reiko. Finn says nothing, and leaves, closing the door behind him. Elizabeth asks if Jeff came here to absolve his guilt, but he says he had no idea he’d run into Finn, and he knows what he did was unforgivable. She says, why show up at all? and he says, he took a chance. There was so much left unsaid. She says, really? Like what?

Esme says she’s not going anywhere with Nikolas, and he says, yet she was so eager to leave last night. She asks how she knows he won’t throw her into the ocean from the plane, and he says, that would be the simplest solution; ridding the world of her forever. But she’s carrying his child. He always wanted more children. He’d hoped to have them with a woman he truly cared about, and instead, it’s with her, but the end result is to keep her safe… at least for now. She says, he can’t leave Port Charles. Doesn’t he still love Ava? Or Spence. He should be getting out of Pentenville soon. Doesn’t Nikolas want to be around here for that? His mom… He says, they’re wasting time, and she asks, where’s her suitcase? The one she was packing before his whacked out wife threw her off the parapet. He says, Ava didn’t throw her; she fell from her own momentum. Esme suggests they tell that story to the police and see what they think, but he says he’s sure they’ll be more interested in charging her for the hook attacks. She says, not this again, and he says, as for her luggage, when she went missing, there was no reason to keep it, so it went up in smoke, so to speak. She says, like his plan to keep her here? and he says he’s establishing new house rules. Rule number one; no more lies. She asks, what’s rule number two? and he says, never make him repeat himself. She has five minutes to pack her meager belongings for their journey. He walks to the door, and she doubles over. She says, Nikolas, wait. It’s the baby. Something’s happening. He asks, what hurts? and she says, it’s a sharp pain. He says, she’ll have to do better than that, but she says she’s serious. Demetrius knocks, and says, the helicopter will be here in 30 minutes. Esme yells for Demetrius to help her, but Nikolas opens the door, and says, there’s nothing to worry about. Their guest is just violating rule number one about lying. Esme says, someone help her to the bed please, and Nikolas says, it’s just an act. Esme screams in pain, and Demetrius hustles over, asking if Nikolas is sure. Nikolas says, absolutely. Esme is conveniently getting cramps right before they’re going to travel to a location where it will be impossible for her to escape. Demetrius doesn’t know what a formidable liar she is. Esme says, and Nikolas doesn’t know what it’s like to carry a child inside him, much less lose one… but he’s about to.

Elizabeth says, sending her away as a teenager to live without her parents says it all, and Jeff says, he and her mother didn’t feel they had any other choice. She says, right. Because they were just trying to – quote, unquote – protect her. She guesses it was just an added bonus that they no longer had to parent their wayward daughter; the one who exposed his affair, and killed his mistress. He tells her, stop it. He won’t let her talk that way. She says, let her? He walked out of her life 25 years ago. He doesn’t get to be her dad now. Or is the real issue that she called him out? He says, she’s created this narrative where he and her mother were relieved to get rid of her. She wasn’t wayward; those are her words, not his. And she wasn’t responsible for Reiko’s death. She says, but she still wasn’t perfect either, was she? Like Sarah. He says, Sarah wasn’t perfect either; there’s no such thing. All he and Carolyn ever wanted was for both of their daughters to be healthy and happy. She says, really? Because they didn’t have to drug Sarah to be either. He says he’s not saying they didn’t make mistakes, because they did. But one of the few things they got right was to finally admit the truth to her in Monterey. Even if it means she’ll never forgive them.

Drew wonders why Willow is so certain the people who lived with Harmony in the commune wouldn’t know who her birth mother might be, and she says, in her experience, people who live in communes frequently change their names. They consider themselves to be free spirits with a firm distrust of outsiders. He says he gets that. People that used to live in that community have a fundamental distrust of law enforcement and government in general, but he’s not a cop, and doesn’t work for the government. He’ll show up with a reporter from Aurora, and they’ll frame the questions as part of a human interest story. Then they’ll use the company’s publications to get the story out there. Somebody gave birth to her, and the odds are they had help. Somebody’s got to know something. She says, he almost makes her feel like this could actually happen. Almost. He says, every riddle has an answer. It’s about being thorough and reaching as many people as they can. She says, hopefully, as soon as possible.

Nina asks if Sonny still wants dinner. What is he in the mood for? He says, whatever she wants is fine with him, and she says she ruined tonight. He asks why she says that, and she tells him, she keeps putting her foot in her mouth, with Willow, and Michael, and TJ, and now Carly. She’s going to have a new resolution; stay out of everyone’s damn business. He says, he is her business, and she knew he’d want to know, so she did the right thing. She says, wait until Carly finds out. Carly is going to want her dead. He says, she’s got to let it go. Let’s just enjoy the evening. She says she’d love to… and he says, but? She says she can’t help but wonder if it matters to him because Brick is a trusted associate friend, or because Carly is his ex-wife.  

Dex asks why Josslyn keeps sticking her neck out for a total stranger, but she says, they’re not strangers. He came dumpster diving with her to help her find Avery’s bracelet. And she happens to know his life ambition is to learn how to surf. He says, he knows she already knows how to surf, and she’s an engaged, considerate big sister, but he doesn’t know a lot else. She says, like what? and he says, like what kind of music she listens to; what shows does she binge? She says, him first. Is he into sports? He says he loves watching football, and she asks, what’s is favorite team? He says, college? Georgia Bulldogs. She asks, why? and he says, there was a guy in his unit who loved the Dawgs. He talked non-stop, had the whole roster memorized. It was infections. He got so excited every game day, you couldn’t help but cheer them on too. She asks if they stayed in touch, but Dex says, he died; KIA. She says, killed in action. She’s sorry. He says, him too. He still roots for the Bulldogs. He’s not around to cheer them on anymore, so Dex does it for him. He wants to go to a game in person someday. His buddy always said the game days were incredible. The stadium is packed, and when the team runs out, they play Baba O’Riley. That’s the weirdest name for a song. She says, he needs to hydrate. He needs to sit up and drink this for her. She sees he’s struggling, and says, or he’s going to need her help. She puts her arm around him to help him sit up, and there’s a knock at the door.

Jeff says he doesn’t expect Elizabeth to forgive them. He doesn’t even expect her to understand what they did. Although he’d be incredibly grateful if she did. Please believe him. Every choice they made, as flawed and misguided as they were, were based on unconditional love for her. She’s a parent now. She loves each of her sons in a unique way. Just like he loved her and Sarah with all his heart, but honestly, the child he felt the most kinship with was her. She says, why? Because she’s screwed up like him? He says, because she goes her own way. She’s not afraid to take chances. She says, the way she sees it, she’s nothing like him, but he says, she was when she was younger. She says, he knew her as a child, barely as a teenager. She’s not the same person he sent away. He says he hopes she’ll allow him to learn who she’s become. He already knows he loves Elizabeth as much as he loves Lizzy. Another chance would mean the world to him – her phone rings – but he won’t push; he won’t invade her space. Her phone keeps ringing, and he goes to the door. He says, from the little he’s encountered of Finn, he seems like a good man. He hopes he hasn’t ruined things.

On the phone, Nikolas says he needs someone. Please get to Windymere as soon as they can. He’ll be very grateful to them. Esme wails that it hurts so bad, and asks Demetrius to please hold her hand.

Carly says, it’s mom, and Josslyn lets her in. She says, Dex’s temperature is really high. Does she have the antibiotics? Carly gives them to her, and she gives some to Dex. Dex thanks Carly, and she says, if he wants to thank her, get some rest. The sooner his fever breaks, the better for all of them. Dex drifts off again, and Josslyn tells Carly, he’s had a really high fever for over a day now. How long does she think until it breaks? Carly tells her, they’re strong antibiotics. Her guess is, his fever will break in the morning. Josslyn hopes she’s right.

Drew says, it seems like Willow wants to find her biological parents quickly, and Willow says, of course (🍷). She hopes it’s sooner than later. He says he gets that, but to be clear, these things take time. She says she’s just a little anxious to finally know the truth. Harmony wasn’t perfect, but there was still some comfort in knowing Harmony was her mom. Now that she knows Harmony wasn’t, she feels a bit unmoored. Michael comes in with Leo, and she says she thought Leo had to be back at the main house for dinner. Michael says he called Olivia and told her that Leo would be delayed. Leo found a cellphone, but it’s dead, so they have to charge it, and find out who it belongs to. Leo wanted to stay around until the mystery was solved. He asks, if Leo were a charger, where would he be? and Leo says, he’d be made of aluminum and silicone… maybe upstairs. He runs up, and Michael follows. Willow tells Drew that she’s sorry if she seems overzealous. She went back and forth, deciding if she wanted to find her biological family. Now that she’s made up her mind… He says, stop right there. He knows exactly why she’s in such a hurry.

Sonny says, the only thing between him and Carly is Donna, and Nina says she knows. Would it be awkward if Carly started dating someone he knows? Brick walks in, and Sonny tells her to do him a favor and order for him. He wants a big steak.

Sonny goes over to Brick, and asks if Brick got everything taken care of. Brick says, it’s all good, and Sonny says he’s glad to hear it. He wouldn’t want Brick to leave his ex-wife unsatisfied.  

Drew says, his and Willow’s situations aren’t identical, but they’re similar enough. There was a time when he didn’t know who his family was, and when you make that decision to find out, you need to know right now. She says, then he knows how she’s feeling, and he says, absolutely. The Quartermaines embraced him as one of their own, and he hopes it’s the same in her case. She says, that would be ideal, but she knows her biological relatives may not be as welcoming as the Quartermaines, and that’s okay. She doesn’t have to like them. He asks why she says that, when Leo comes back down. Willow asks if he found the charger, and Leo tells her, it’s where he thought silicone would be. He’s hungry now. Bye. He jets, and Drew says, that’s what makes family everything; Scout, Leo, Rocco, Wiley… She says, they’re all characters; funny, smart, precocious. He says, imagine in ten years when they’re teenagers. Won’t it be fun to see who they turn out to be?

We see Elizabeth has a voicemail, and Finn comes back. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, her father won’t come around uninvited again. He asks, what happened last night that got her checked in here? and she says, she ran into Esme Prince on Pier 55. He asks if Esme attacked her, but she says, no. She went to call 9-1-1, Esme tried to grab her phone, and she fell and hit her head. She was brought in for observation, and they said she had a mild concussion, but she thinks they were being overly cautious. He says, better safe than sorry, and she says she’s the last person to defend Esme – she thinks Esme is a maniac – but she doesn’t think Esme meant for her to fall. He says he’s glad she wasn’t hurt, and she says she wishes Reiko hadn’t been. He says, him too, and she says she hates that her dad showed up without warning. The last thing she wanted was for him to cause Finn more pain. He says, it’s okay. It woudn’t have been his first choice to talk to her dad this morning, but in a strange way, it may have helped. Her phone rings again, and she turns it off. She asks if it felt good to punch her father in the face, and he says, maybe. Not now but… She says, what about her role in what happened with Reiko? The last time they saw each other, he seemed like he needed space to think about things. Has he? He says he has, a lot, and she says, he can’t be with her anymore, can he? She doesn’t blame him.

Carly asks what Josslyn is doing. Dex was shot, and she doesn’t know if someone is coming after him. What she does know is, he’s working for Sonny, so whatever he’s doing is dangerous. Josslyn says, it’s not like she planned this; it just happened. One thing led to another, and it snowballed. Once he’s better, she’ll show him the door. Carly says, okay, but it’s a lot to risk for a guy she barely knows.

Brick says, it’s not what Sonny thinks. Nothing inappropriate happened between him and Sonny’s ex-wife. He would never. Sonny says, he can’t imagine Brick would, but he likes flirting with Carly. Brick says, that’s all it is, and Sonny says, she was in his room. Brick says, briefly, and only out of necessity, and Sonny says, let’s get something clear. Brick works for him; Carly’s his ex-wife. Brick says he comprehends, and Sonny says, so tell him what was going on in that room, but Brick says he can’t do that. This has nothing to do with Sonny. Carly needed something, and asked him to help her get it. Sonny says, and Brick is the only one who can give it to her? Brick says, give it to her, no questions asked, discreet. His allegiance is with Sonny, always, forever, and Sonny knows Brick will tell him if he insists, but he’d rather not go back on his word. Sonny says, Brick’s word is his bond, and if Brick tells him nothing compromising happened, Sonny accepts his word. Brick says, but he doesn’t like it.

Carly says she knows Josslyn is compassionate, but is there any other reason she’s going this far out on a limb for Dex? Josslyn says she doesn’t know him all that well, but they’re kind of becoming friends. When she found Ava after Ava had been stabbed, and she yelled for help, Dex came running. He helped her save Ava’s life, and that bonded them. On the subject of Ava, she’s assuming the cops haven’t found Esme since she’s been back. Carly says, they haven’t, and Josslyn says, Spencer’s in jail, and Esme has no support system here. She has to be getting desperate. It’s only a matter of time, right? Things will go back to normal. Carly says, this is not a time to let her guard down. They both know how dangerous Esme is. And Esme isn’t the only threat to Josslyn’s normal. They both look at Dex, who looks like no one with a 104 fever ever looked.

Drew tells Willow a story about how Scout decided she wants to be a blonde, when Michael comes back down with the charged phone. He sees the email from Sonny’s address, and tells Willow and Drew that he has to make a call real quick. He goes outside, and calls Dex from his own phone. The mystery phone rings.

Elizabeth says, in the short amount of time she and Finn have been together, they have a pretty spotty track record. Most of it has been on her. She kept Finn at arm’s length, attacked his brother, she didn’t get help when she needed it, she lied to Finn, and now he knows Reiko fell because Reiko was having an argument with her. That’s how Reiko caught the disease that killed her, and it’s just too much for one relationship to withstand. It’s too much for him to possibly forget. He says, neither one of them will ever forget what they’ve been through, but that doesn’t mean they still have nothing to talk about. Her phone rings, and she sees it’s Nikolas. She says she’s sorry, but she has to answer this. She steps away, and says, she’s in the middle of something. Why does he keep calling?… She’s on her way. She tells Finn that she’s sorry, but she has to go, and he asks if it’s the boys. She says, no, it’s something else, and he says, something else she can’t tell him. She says she really wants to finish this conversation, and he says he really wants to believe that’s true. She grabs her stuff, says she’s so sorry, and runs out.

Nikolas tells Demetrius to go downstairs, and get the first aid kit. He leaves, and Esme says, Nikolas can’t let her have even one friend. He says, if memory serves, she makes sex tapes of her friends. Help is on the way. She says, really? and thanks him. She says she knows how much their baby means to him, even if she doesn’t mean anything. He sits, and says he knows she knows that, and that’s why she’s pretending the little one is at risk. She says she’s not pretending; she’s in pain. He says he promises her this, if she’s not really in pain now, she will be soon.

Michael wonders why Dex’s phone is here, and says, where is Dex?

Drew says he appreciates Willow entrusting him with looking for her birth parents. He’ll use every resource he has to get her some answers. She says she knows he’ll do everything he can, but she also knows this is a secret decades in the making, and she won’t blame him if he hits a blank wall. He says he’s confident he’s going to get some results, because someone out there knows the truth about who she really is.

Carly asks if Josslyn knows anything about Dex, and Josslyn says she knows he was in the military, and she knows he doesn’t talk to his siblings. And she knows he didn’t come to her for help. She found him by accident, and now she’s in this. She needs to see it through. Carly says, it’s like looking in a mirror. Josslyn is so stubborn, and Carly knows she gets it from her. She not going to waster her breath giving Josslyn more warnings, because she knows Josslyn won’t listen. Josslyn says she always listens. She just doesn’t always take Carly’s advice. Carly says, Josslyn is going to sit with him all night, isn’t she? and Josslyn says, somebody’s got to. Carly says she has to get home to Donna, or she would stay with Josslyn. Do not open the door for anyone, and call if she needs anything. They hug, and Josslyn thanks Carly for getting the antibiotics. She say she loves Carly, and they hug again. Carly says she loves Josslyn too, so much. Lock the door. She leaves, and Josslyn locks it. She sits on the bed, and watches Dex.

Brick asks Sonny if they’re good, when Nina walks up. She asks if Brick is going to join them for dinner, but Brick asks for a raincheck. Sonny says, they’ll circle back later, and Trish gives Brick a to-go bag. He tells Sonny and Nina to have a good evening, and leaves. Nina tells Sonny that she shouldn’t have said anything, but Sonny says, Carly can see who she wants whenever she wants, as long as they’re not connected to him. She’s not the only one with boundaries to be respected. Nina asks what Brick said, and Sonny tells her, he said they’re not having an affair. She asks if he believes Brick, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. Brick is his guy. He’s known Brick for years, and trusts him completely. Nina asks why she senses a but, and he says, no buts. Let’s eat.

Nikolas thanks Elizabeth for coming right over. He knows she doesn’t approve of what he’s doing. She says, keeping a young pregnant woman captive? and he says, the way he sees it, he’s keeping a murderer off the streets. She says, even worse. If Esme’s really dangerous, she belongs behind bars. He says he already explained why that can’t happen right now, not before she’s given birth. She says she doesn’t want to argue with him. Just tell her why he asked her to come here. He says, Esme is complaining about being in pain. He’s not sure she’s being honest about her symptoms, but an examination can’t hurt. He doesn’t want to take any chances where this baby is concerned. She says, he really cares about this baby, doesn’t he? and he says, more than she knows. She says she’ll do this for him, but only once. He says he knew he could count on her, and they go into Esme’s room. Esme lies unconscious (maybe) on the floor.  

Tomorrow, Britt tells Brad, tonight they’re going to raise a little hell; Laura asks if someone knows something she doesn’t; Robert tells Holly, friendship’s a serious business, and so is betrayal; and Elizabeth tells Nikolas, they need to call an ambulance.

😢 What a World…

This is just sad.

https://pagesix.com/2022/11/16/lizzy-savetsky-exits-rhony-reboot-over-anti-semitism/

🎭 Better Than the Original…

How Andy gets these people to do this stuff, I’ll never know.

https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3444738/ralph-fiennes-dramatically-recreated-real-housewives-lisa-barlows-hot-mic-monologue-about-meredith-marks-and-it-was-hilarious

🖌 Photoshop This…

Frankly, they both look weird.

https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/6684459/rhonj-teresa-giudice-unedited-makeup-filter/

💎 Crystal Clears…

I hope she comes back. She’s the only one I’ve seen actually mature on the show.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1353533/rhobhs-crystal-kung-minkoff-addresses-her-future-on-the-bravo-series

RHOBH’s Crystal Kung-Minkoff Addresses Teddi’s Claim About 14 Friends Feud, Kathy Getting “Pissed” at Aspen Club, and Which Ex-Cast Members Should Return

🏆 Red, White and Awards…

One of my favorites, Wayne Brady will be hosting, and it sounds like a good line-up. November 20th, 8 pm, on ABC, and the next day on Hulu.

More AMAs 2022 Performers Revealed​: Dove Cameron, Anitta, Bebe Rexha, More

https://people.com/music/pink-to-perform-tribute-to-the-late-olivia-newton-john-at-the-2022-amas/

You, too, can have a vote.

https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-american-music-awards-how-to-vote-1235155402/

🎸 Shake, Rattle, and Rolling On Out…

Make a pit stop here tomorrow for some soap, and raking that horrible House cast over the coals. Until then, stay safe, stay knowing, the worst is not, as long as we can say, this is the worst, and stay out of everyone’s damn business. Unless they ask.