Tag Archives: The Bay

Dec28

December 27, 2024 – Lulu Meets Charlotte In Prague, He’s Back, In 2025, Bay Tribute, VanderBaby, What To Watch, Her Top Ten, 3 Suared Quotes & My Year

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Jason sits at the counter at Bobbie’s while Josslyn cleans up. She knocks over the salt and pepper and tells him that she’s clumsy. He says he thinks her mom would be okay if she took some time off, but she says she’s fine. It’s a good distraction. He says, if she needs anything, let him know, and she says she needs to find out who stabbed Dex.

Trina and Ava are at a table in the MetroCourt, and Ava says, there’s something she wants to talk to Trina about. Trina asks if she messed up something at work, but Ava says, everything she does at the gallery is impeccable. It’s about her annual bonus. She gives Trina a wrapped package and says, it’s not what she’s expecting or deserves.

Emma comes in, and Anna says, she was up early. Emma says she went to the gym, ran some errands, and got a smoothie. She got one for Anna too. She hopes Anna still likes pomegranate/mango. Anna says she’s impressed by all Emma has achieved and it’s not even lunch, and Emma says she’s not a fan of sleeping in. Anna says, that’s even more impressive, since she wasn’t home until 4 am.

Maxie and Sasha are at the beauty salon, and Maxie says, the holidays are fun. Sasha says, they’re a lot of work, and Maxie says she needs a vacation. Sasha says, hopefully, a mani/pedi will do the trick, and Maxie looks at her phone. She says, Deception’s tinted lip balm is a must have for 2025. It’s going to be a good year. She can feel it, especially with their extended family. She asks if Sasha is looking at houses, and Sasha says, yes, but not here. Maxie asks what she means, and Sasha says she’s decided to leave Port Charles.

Michael goes to see Diane, who asks what she can do for him. He says, represent him if his wife files for divorce.

Alexis goes to Laura’s office, and Laura says, Martin’s not here yet, but Alexis says she doesn’t mind. She wanted a moment alone with Laura to thank her for the donation to GH in Sam’s name. It was really generous. Laura says, it’s the least she can do. She’s grateful for the opportunity to honor Sam. Alexis says, the family appreciates it, and Laura says she’s glad. How is Alexis holding up? Alexis says, that depends what minute of the day it is. It’s unreal. Maybe it will always feel that way. The phone rings and she thinks it’s Sam and the feelings flood back. She’s sad, but also proud of Sam. Laura says, she should be. Sam’s legacy lives on, not just in her children, but in Lulu. Martin arrives, and says he appreciates them taking the time to meet with him. Alexis says, the question is, why?

Lulu waits at a table in a café and checks her phone. A man walks by, and she says, this is Café Serendipity, right? He nods, and Charlotte looks in the window. Lulu sees her and smiles.

Maxie asks if Sasha didn’t have a good time with the family, and Sasha says she did, but there’s too much history here. She’s moving back to the Hamptons and starting fresh with the baby. Maxie says, all of them are going to hate it, but it’s Sasha’s life and she should do what she wants. Can she at least tell the rest of the family about the baby? Sasha says she can’t. The more people who know, the harder it will be to leave.

Diane tells Michael that she’s sorry things have escalated. Of course (🍷) she’ll represent him. He thanks her, and she asks for the lay of the land. He says, Willow cheated on him with Drew, and she says, Drew… Drew Cain turned Quartermaine? His Uncle Drew? Michael says, that’s the guy, and she says, that’s just… Willow had an extramarital affair, which begs the question, why isn’t he the one filing?

Anna says she heard Emma come in, and Emma says she had trouble sleeping… jet lag. She was up a couple of times. She’s sorry she woke Anna. Anna says, Emma is lying to a Police Commissioner with decades of experience in surveillance. Try again. Emma says she went out, and Anna asks why she didn’t just say that. Emma says she didn’t want to worry Anna. She knows Anna is stressed from work and the search for Charlotte. Anna says, that’s considerate, but Emma doesn’t have to tiptoe around her. She suggests Emma call her mom to touch base, and Emma says she just got off the phone with her. She says hi. Anna says, interesting, since she just got off the phone with her as well, and she had no idea Emma transferred to PCU. Emma says she didn’t want to tell them until she figured things out. They’re proud of her going to Berkeley and would try to talk her out of transferring. Anna says, in order to transfer, you have to be a student, but Emma isn’t since she got expelled.

Josslyn says, the police still don’t know if Dex was targeted or it was random, and Jason asks what she thinks. She says, at first, she thought Sonny did it, and he says, because of what happened at Chase and Brook’s wedding? She says, yeah, but she talked to him, and she doesn’t think it was him. Jason says, it wasn’t, and she says, what if it was one of his guys trying to impress him? Jason says he doubts it, but he’ll look into it. She says she didn’t expect him to say that. She expected him to tell her to let it go and let the police do their job. He says, people need closure. If this is her way to get it, he’ll do anything to help. She thanks him, he says he’ll keep her posted, and leaves.

Charlotte comes into the café and says, hi, mom. They hug, and Lulu says, she’s so grown up.

Martin says, it so happens he’s been in contact with legal counsel in Greece… Alexis says, Cassadine alert. She’s got to go. Martin says he trusts she’ll want to hear the rest, and Laura asks, what is it? He says, a new heir has been named to the Cassadine fortune. It’s Laura’s grandson Ace. Laura says, no, and Alexis says, don’t look in her direction. Martin says, you, my lovely and lucky friend, get the role of trustee of the Cassadine estate, and she shakes her head.  

Trina unwraps a painting, and Ava says she knows Trina loves it and she wanted her to have it. It’s representative of her stellar performance. Normally, she should get a big check, but thanks to the Cassadines, her bonus looks different this year. Trina says, they can’t take all of Ava’s money, and Ava says, God willing, her fortunes will be reversed, but for now, she’ll wait and make do. Trina says, this would make a great sale. She’s not going to let Ava give it away.

Charlotte sits down, and Lulu says she can’t begin to tell Charlotte how wonderful it is to see her. Charlotte says she knows the feeling, and Lulu asks, how is she? Charlotte says, nervous. She can’t stay long. Lulu says she knows Charlotte’s father would be upset to know she snuck out to meet her. She’ll keep it brief. Is Charlotte safe and happy? Charlotte says she’s okay. What about Lulu? Lulu says she’s become skilled at getting her beauty rest, and Charlotte asks how she woke up. Lulu says she needed a liver transplant, and after the surgery, she woke up. Charlotte says, amazing. She’s been praying for Lulu to wake up. Lulu says she’s been looking for Charlotte from the moment she did, and Charlotte says she’s sorry she wasn’t there to welcome Lulu home. Papa needed her and she couldn’t let him down.

Emma asks how Anna found out, and Anna asks how she thinks. Emma says, it stinks having a superspy for a grandmother. She assumes Anna told her parents and they’re furious. Anna says, they are, and Emma says, it’s not her fault, she swears. Anna says she heard the university’s version of events. How about hers? Emma says she threw a little party in her room, and Anna says, how little? Emma says, maybe ten people. Then half the dorm showed up and it spilled out into the hallway and common rooms. Then somebody set off a sprinkler. Anna says, it caused major damage, and Emma says, it wasn’t her. She threw a party, people came over, and things got out of hand. They’re all guilty. Anna says, she displaced over 200 students, but Emma says, the sprinkler did. Anna says, and it happened on Halloween. That was two months ago. What has she been doing? How has she managed? She’s surprised the school didn’t reach out to her parents. Emma says, they did. She may have given them her number instead of her mom’s and pretended to be her. It’s fine. Anna asks how any of this is fine, and Emma says she’s registered at PCU and has a place to live. It’s fine. Her party throwing days are over. Anna says, they most certainly are over. Emma is staying here with her.

Sasha asks if Maxie is mad, and Maxie says, yes, because she’s going to miss Sasha. Sasha says, it’s easier this way, and Maxie says, not for them. And not for Sasha. Being a single mom is hard enough with help. Without help… What about the father? Sasha hasn’t told her anything about him. Why?

Michael says he doesn’t want a divorce. If he had his way, they’d work it out. Diane asks if he thinks Willow feels differently, and he says he didn’t at first. Then he got this paperwork. Diane looks at it and says, Martin Grey. Of course (🍷). How long has this been going on? When did he find out? He says, it was the 4th of July the first time anything physical happened. Willow and Drew kissed. She says, so six months, give or take, and he says, there was a second kiss, and then he found out they were sleeping together. She asks if Willow told him, but he says, he saw it on a video from a nannycam. She says, a nannycam? Where did Willow and Drew… He says, they were in the kids’ playroom at the Quartermaines’. She says, that’s just… icky. Did he confront her? He says he was quiet for a few weeks, and she asks, why? He says he wanted to process and figure out what he wanted to do. He was going to tell Willow everything after the holidays, then Tracy accidentally streamed the video on the TV during the Quartermaine Christmas party. Diane says, Tracy has never been good with technology. Reactions? Michael says, Willow was angry and accused him of holding onto the video for blackmail. Then his mom caught Nina and willow sneaking the kids out of the gatehouse to go to Nina’s. Eventually, he gave in for the kids’ sake. She says she would have strongly advised against it, and he says he heard it already from his mom. She asks how his mom took it, and he says, she’s very worried. He wants to reconcile or at least have an amicable divorce, but he feels like Willow is gearing up for battle.

Jack comes into Bobbie’s, and Josslyn asks what she can get him. He says, a cheeseburger, medium rare, and she asks if he wants fries with it. He asks if people ever order a burger without them, and she says, not sane people. He says he’ll have a club soda with it. He had a nice time with her family last night. She says her too. She’s glad he could join them. She was actually thinking about something they talked about. It’s about Dex. When she asked how he knew about it, he said all the agencies share information. He asks why that’s of interest to her, and she says she has a huge favor to ask.

Laura says she doesn’t want Ace to get any part of the Cassadine fortune. It wreaked havoc on Nikolas and didn’t help Spencer. Ace doesn’t need the money. He’s well taken care of. Alexis says she’s jumping on the bandwagon. If she never hears Cassadine estate again, she’d be happy. Since she’s the trustee, she suggests the funds go to charity, and tells Laura, pick one. Laura says, yes. She wants to give away every dark, twisted penny as soon as possible.

Ava tells Trina, take the painting, and Trina says, okay. But as soon as Ava needs it, it’s hers. Ava says, deal, and Trina thanks Ava. She sees Kai walk in, but he doesn’t even look at her as he walks past her table to the bar.  

Lulu asks if Charlotte has been in Prague the whole time or have they moved around, and Charlotte says, the live in a remote villa outside the city, but they travel a lot. Papa says he wants her to see the world, but she thinks it’s to throw off whoever’s following them. How’s Rocco and grandma? Lulu says, Rocco is great, and her mom is too, and Lucky is back. Charlotte says, in time for Christmas. She’s sorry Lulu missed spending time with the family. She knows how much Lulu loves having dinner and opening gifts. Lulu says she was given the only gift she wanted, seeing Charlotte, and Charlotte says she couldn’t believe when Rocco sent her Lulu’s picture. It gave her such happiness. Lulu says she felt the same way when she heard Charlotte’s voice. They all love her so much and they’re worried about her. Charlotte says she’s fine, and Lulu says, so is she. That’s why she wants and needs Charlotte to come home.

Trina walks over to Kai at the bar, and he asks if he walked past her. She says, he was focused on his destination, and he says he was avoiding eye contact. Not with her. She says, with rogue and adoring fans? and he says he would have left out adoring. She asks what he’s doing by himself, and he says he’s hiding.

Emma says she’s in college. She can’t live with her grandmother. Anna says, she can, and she will, but Emma says she has a place near campus. Anna says, what about the dorm? Or is that another lie? Emma says, it’s a fallback plan. She signed a lease. She can’t break it. Anna says, she can, and she will, and she’ll be living here. Her grades better be damn near perfect. No buts. It’s this or she puts Emma on a plane back to California. Emma says, fine. Can she get coffee, or is that off limits? Anna says, it doesn’t mean she’s Emma’s keeper, but Emma says, it feels like that, TBH. TBH means… Anna says she knows what it means. She’s not that out of touch. As Emma leaves, Jason comes in, and Emma says, good luck. She’s in a mood. Anna asks what he wants.

Jack says he’s intrigued. What kind of favor? Josslyn says, now that there’s a WSB office in Port Charles, they must have surveillance, and Jack says, they do, satellite. She asks if there’s any chance they captured Dex’s stabbing in Rice Plaza. She thinks it would help the police investigation to find out who did this. She hopes he understands why she had to ask. He says he does, and he admires her dedication to finding answers. Unfortunately, he can’t help. She says she figured, and he says, it’s not that the footage is classified or a spy thing or anything like that, but the satellite footage is only available for 48 hours. Then it’s deleted. Josslyn asks, why? and he says, even though they use the technology, they do live surveillance, so there’s no need to hold on to old footage. She says, that’s okay, and he says he’s sorry to disappoint her. She says she knew it was a long shot, but thanks him anyway.

Charlotte says she can’t go home with Lulu, but Lulu says she has to. Charlotte says, as much as she loves Lulu, she can’t leave papa here. He’d be devastated. Lulu says she understands that Charlotte doesn’t want to hurt her father. She swears she’s not saying this to guilt trip Charlotte, but being separated from Charlotte is killing her. When she woke up and found out Charlotte was gone, her heart broke. Charlotte says she hates that, but Lulu has so many people back home and papa has no one. He needs her. Lulu says, her father can take care of himself, but Charlotte says, he’ll be alone. Lulu says, he’s a fugitive. What kind of life is that for her?

Emma walks into Bobbie’s and says, Josslyn? Josslyn says she didn’t know Emma was in town, and they hug. Emma asks if Josslyn works here, and Josslyn says her family owns the place. Emma says, wow. Cool. She loves the new name. Josslyn says her too. Can she get Emma anything? Emma says, a medium cold brew, with a splash of oat milk, no sugar. To go… originally. But now that she sees Josslyn is here… She takes her coat off and sits down.

Diane asks if Michael has spoken to Willow since he received the papers, but he says, no. She says she’d love to know if this was Willow’s idea or Nina’s, and he says, it doesn’t seem like a Willow move. She says, it seems like a Nina move. For a long time now, Nina has wanted to nurture Willow and her grandchildren. Now they’re on her turf. He says, Nina has no incentive for them to get back together, and she says, unfortunately, Nina has the resources to drag this out. He asks what they’re looking at realistically, and she says, Willow is their mother and for the moment has custody, and they have two tough hurdles to clear. Michael says, the video, and she says, it’s a thorn in their side, but he says, it proves she cheated. She says, they could make a case that he withheld a private video, and showing it publicly, accident or not, shows willful vengeance. It can malign his character. She knows he’s a good man and a good father and a good husband. She’s so ready for this fight. He says, fight. He wonders how it got to this point. She says, that’s not the question. The question is, how far is he willing to go? He says he wants his family back, and if that’s not possible, he doesn’t want to take the kids from Willow. They need their mother. They also need their father, and he’ll do what it takes to stay in their lives. Diane says she’s glad to hear it.

Sasha tells Maxie that wanting to leave has nothing to do with the father. The decision wasn’t easy. Maxie says she knows, and Sasha says, Maxie made it a little easier. Maxie says, that’s not usually her M.O., making things easier, and Sasha says, she knows.

Martin says, it’s not that easy. If Ace chooses not to avail himself of the estate, so be it, when he’s of age. Until then, they can’t disburse it. Laura says, Ace is a little boy and should have absolutely nothing to do with it, and Martin says, if she doesn’t want to access the money on his behalf, that’s her prerogative, but the money will be waiting for him. Alexis says, when he’s old enough, and Laura says, at least they get to kick it down the road. She doesn’t want Ace to have the same experience that Spencer and Nikolas did. Alexis says she’ll do what she can to avoid that, and Laura says she’s grateful Alexis is the trustee. Alexis says she won’t begrudge Ace, and Laura says, it’s good to know Alexis is on Ace’s side.

Trina asks who Kai is hiding from, and he says his teammates, coach, donors, pretty much everyone. There’s a reception downstairs given by their booster club. She says, it’s not his scene, and he says, it’s his least favorite part. She says she thought he loved everything about football, and he says, the practice, playing, and the strategy. The events are more exhausting than the last ten minutes of the fourth quarter of the game. She says she’s surprised. When she sees him on campus, it seems like he loves to network and socialize. Kai says he loves it… A man says, so this is where he ran off to. He brought his son, and they were hoping for a picture. Kai tells Trina, this is Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Thomas takes a photo of Kai and his young son.  

Jason asks if Anna is okay, and she says she’s getting used to her new roommate. It’s challenging. He says he’s sorry. He got news he thought she’d like to know about Charlotte. She asks if Charlotte has been located, and he says, Lulu found her. She asks, how? and he says, Charlotte contacted Rocco on Christmas Eve. Lulu spoke to her, and she said she’d only give her location if Lulu came alone. Dante tracked her to Prague and he’s right behind her. Anna says, Lulu doesn’t realize what she’s done.

Charlotte tells Lulu that she has a great life. She’s keeping up with her studies and learning about the world. She and papa eat every meal together. She’s taken care of. The only thing that was hard was not knowing how Lulu was doing. That she’s awake and healthy is all that matters. Lulu says she’s grateful that Charlotte and her dad are having a wonderful time. It sounds like a great life. If Charlotte is happy, she’s happy. She suggests Charlotte go to the counter and get something they can share. When Charlotte leaves, Lulu takes out a tracking device and puts it in Charlotte’s bag.

Alexis signs the paperwork, and Martin says, two more and initial here. Alexis says, there’s a mistake. It says Windymere and its proceeds are part of the estate. He says, the Cassadines got it back, but she says, it belongs to Ava. He says, not anymore, and she says, he should have led with that. She finishes signing.

Mr. Thomas says, the people with the big checkbooks are in the ballroom to see Kai, but Trina says she needs to borrow Kai for a few minutes. They’re doing a project and it’s important. Mr. Thomas says, nothing is more important than football. He’ll see Kai down there. Kai says he’ll be right behind Mr. Thomas, and starts leaving, but Trina grabs his arm. She says, no, he won’t, and he asks what she’s doing. She says, saving him. Let’s go. Her best friend’s mom owns the place, and she knows where the service elevator is. He says he guesses not all heroes wear capes, and she says, sometimes they wear cute dresses they got on sale at Wyndham’s.

Michael signs a document, and Diane says she’ll call Martin and arrange an interim custody schedule. He says he appreciates her taking the case, and she says she wants full transparency. If he has anything else to say, say it now or risk her wrath down the line. He says he has to make a quick call, and steps away. Sasha’s phone rings, and Maxie asks if Sasha wants her to get it. Her nails are dry. Sasha sees that it’s Michael, and says, no thanks. She’s got it. She asks Michael, what’s up? and Michael asks if they can meet later. It’s important.

Emma says she saw that Cam came home for Christmas. Did Josslyn see him? Josslyn says, yeah. He was here. She saw him. Emma says, Stanford and Berkeley aren’t far apart. They see each other all the time. Josslyn says, awesome, and Emma says, it’s a comfort to see a piece of home when you’re away at school. Josslyn says, except California is Emma’s home, and Emma says, she meant for Cameron. Josslyn says, of course (🍷). He must have been grateful to have her. Emma asks if she met Gretchen, and Josslyn says she did. Emma says, how amazing is she? and Josslyn says, amazing. Emma says she introduced them. She knew they’d be perfect for each other. Does Josslyn remember when they were both into Cam and had a little rivalry? (I don’t. And isn’t Josslyn older?) Josslyn says, how could she forget, when Jack thanks her for the excellent burger and service. She introduces Emma to Jack, saying, she’s Anna’s granddaughter. He says, it’s nice to meet her, and Josslyn says, Jack and Anna used to work together. Jack says, many, many moons ago. Have a nice day, ladies. He goes outside. (Writing Mrs. Jack Brennan on my notepad…)

In the courtyard, Jack makes a call. He says, it’s him. Get back on the server and pull up Port Charles on Saturday, December 10th. Pull all the images of Rice Plaza. (Mrs. Jack Brennan… over and over.)

Anna says, Lulu has been subtle as a freight train since she came back. If she meets Charlotte, she’ll probably blow their cover and endanger everyone involved. Valentin’s enemies are following him. She wonders if Lulu even thought of this. She’ll lead them right to him. She’s not sure what’s worse. If Valentin finds out Lulu is on his trail, he could take Charlotte and disappear permanently. Either way, Charlotte will lose one of her parents for good.  

Charlotte tells Lulu that she comes here to read sometimes. She sees moms and daughters together sharing pasties and never thought she’d be able to do that too. Lulu says she’s sorry for all the time she’s missed and the years she wasn’t there to give Charlotte advice on friends, boys, and fashion. Although from the looks of it, Charlotte should be the one giving her advice. Charlotte says, it’s not Lulu’s fault she was in a coma, and Lulu says, Charlotte is at an important age when she needs her mother in her life. Charlotte says, Lulu is here now, and Lulu says she is. Charlotte looks out the window, and Lulu turns around to look. Valentin is looking in from outside and he doesn’t look happy.  

On Monday, Valentin asks if Charlotte is enjoying the visit with her mother; Kristina tells Lucas that something is unbelievably disrespectful to Sam’s memory; Sonny says, it’s going to be an all-out war; and Ava says she didn’t know who else to turn to, and she’s hoping Laura can help her.

💣 The Spy Who Loved Anna…

I’m hoping he stays, but I can’t figure out a logical storyline where that would happen. Of course, logic means nothing in the land of soap, so maybe.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/james-patrick-stuart-returns-to-general-hospital

🏥 Coming Next Year…

What’s happening in Port Charles circa 2025.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-2025-preview

🧼 Honoring One Of the Greats…

Sadly, one of the few channels I don’t get. It’s on Roku, Apple TV, and Vizio TV. This sounds like a great show too.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jacklyn-zeman-honored-with-special-episode-of-the-bay

🍼 All In the VanderFamily…

Not exactly new news, but I’d feel remiss without including it. Another baby, sans fur, for Lisa to spoil.

https://people.com/lisa-vanderpump-daughter-expecting-her-second-child-exclusive-8746670

👀 Last Week’s Watch…

A few things I saw over the weekend and on Christmas. I don’t know if Afraid is genius, but it was kinda fun. Technology is evil is one of my favorite horror subgenres, after zombie apocalypse, zombies, and apocalypse. A family tries out a device that’s supposed to make their lives easier, but ends up causing chaos. Much like every computer I’ve ever had. I’ve also always suspected that Alexa was a bitch.

This “Genius,” Overlooked Horror Film Topped the Netflix Charts

Spoilers ahead.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/afraid-film-review

Another M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong film, full of twists and turns. A Trap is set for a serial killer who leads a double life. He’s a doting father and husband who keeps victims in a basement, their fate controlled on his phone. While the entire cast pulled their weight, Josh Hartnett was pretty impressive as the killer about to be trapped… or is he?

‘Trap’ Review: Josh Hartnett Steals The Show In Latest M. Night Shyamalan Thriller

Spoilers abound.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/i-finally-watched-trap-streaming-and-the-big-twist-wasnt-even-the-best-part

Fun cameo.

https://www.them.us/story/trap-m-night-shyamalan-kid-cudi-cameo-horror-film

I started watching The Garden: Commune or Cult? on TLC by accident. I thought one of the many 90 Day Fiancé spinoffs was on, and about five minutes in, I said, this isn’t 90 Day Fiancé. What is this? At first, I thought it was a bit boring, but as time went on and conflicts happened, it got more interesting. I don’t think it’s a commune or a cult. It’s more like a bunch of people – preppers, apocalypse theorists, hippies, and one guy who believes a zombie apocalypse could happen – who really aren’t sure what they want except to be off the grid. While that actually sounds good on some days, when people are involved, there are always issues. While they claim there’s no leader and everyone has an equal say, I didn’t find that to be the case at all.

Here’s What Happened at the TikTok Commune After It Closed to the Public

🎇 Not So Wicked…

She might not entirely be a good witch, she’s got a good heart.

https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/ariana-grande-has-10-yes-10-rescue-dogs/

📢 Quotes of the Week

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6, NLT

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

Maintain composure in times of heightened emotion, reacting only when thoughts are calm and clear. Being sensible will open doors for solutions and creativity. – Jaren L. Davis

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

What I’ve experienced is that I can’t know the future. I can’t know if anything that I do will change what happens tomorrow. I can’t know with certainty, but what I do know is if I do nothing, nothing will change. – James Orbinski (Now if I can just figure out what the something is.)

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

You shouldn’t burn bridges if your ass can’t swim. – Amanda Halterman, 1000-Lb. Sisters

Why is it when you open a bag of cotton balls there isn’t a giant pill on top? – Ezra (Birkett Turton), Earth Abides (I actually thought that was pretty funny.)

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, Edward Albee

🌟 Following Yonder Star…

Enjoy the weekend, along with the knowledge that it’s now staying light out a little later each day, and join me on Monday for soap and shenanigans on Deck. Until then, stay safe; stay being hyper aware of amateur drinkers on the road on New Year’s Eve (or better yet, don’t drive at all); and stay never trying to lie to a Police Commissioner with decades of experience in surveillance.

Jul17

July 16, 2024 – Anna Gives Jason the Evidence, Soap Bubbles, No Cringe Here, Jersey Shakedown, Charm To Come, Agatha, Feline Fatty & Heat

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dex comes to the pool in his uniform and tells Josslyn that he’s here on his lunch break. She says she likes his blues, but he says, his unform is nothing compared to hers (i.e. her swimsuit).

John goes to Ava’s hotel room, and she says she’s been looking forward to their meeting all day. She’s sleep deprived though, between hearing the elevator and the people at the pool and being without her daughter and knowing if she’s safe, she’s awake most of the night. He thanks her for being willing to help, and she says she’s at her wit’s end trying to get Avery away from Sonny. He says, the best way to protect Avery and herself is to build a case against Sonny.

Willow goes to the penthouse and asks Sonny if she’s interrupting. He says, she and the kids are welcome any time. What’s wrong? She says, maybe she’s being presumptuous, but she decided to come after she had a conversation with her mother. Sonny asks, since when are she and Nina talking? and she says, since she decided let go of her anger.

Nina slaps Drew and says, you son of a bitch. You kissed my daughter. He says he deserved that, but calm down. (Apparently, Drew doesn’t know that he should never say that to a woman.) He knows there’s no excuse and knows it was wrong. She says, he doesn’t look remorseful, and he says he got lost in the moment – the applause, the congratulations, and the fireworks. He was there with a beautiful woman who was happy for him, and it just happened. Nina wonders how Willow missed his rampant narcissism. Willow is an idealist and can’t see the real Drew Cain… She means, the real Drew Quartermaine. It’s time she broke through that and told Willow that her hero is sleeping with her mother.  

Anna asks Jason to hear her out, but he says he has been hearing her. It’s been nearly three years, and he needs the phone. She says, it’s too soon, but he says, it’s the only way to get Carly out from under the FBI. She says she can’t let Cates take Valentin away.

John says, Ava was living with Sonny and has a past with him and the Jerome family. She must have insight into his organization. She says, it all happened so fast, and offers him some wine, but he says, not while he’s on duty. She pours a glass for herself and says she’s feeling unsettled. She’s used to a juggling act with the gallery and scheduling all of Avery’s activities. Without it, she’s felt so out of sync and alone. He says, that’s why she needs to build a case against Sonny to get her daughter back. He puts his phone on record, but she turns it off and says, his help means so much, but to be honest, she’s afraid of Sonny. If she lets him record her, it could make its way back to Sonny, and he’s harsh when it comes to betrayal. It’s the ultimate sin. He says, they have ways to protect her, but she says she’s not going into hiding while Avery is still with Sonny. He’s erratic and dangerous. He’s pushed his family away, except for his daughter Kristina. He actually blames her for outing Kristina’s girlfriend. As if she cares; it’s not her business. John says, his job is to put Sonny away, and if she helps him, it’s to both their advantages. She says, it’s not that simple. Many have tried and failed to put Sonny away, and who among them is still breathing? He gives her his word that he doesn’t give up his sources, and she says she’ll think about it. Knowing she has his support makes her feel more at ease. He leaves and she closes the door.

Willow tells Sonny that seeing Drew give up his grudge against Nina when he had the right to hold onto it forever, made her realize that hanging onto her pain and resentment was only hurting her. She gained nothing by depriving her kids of someone who truly wants to love them. Sonny says, all Nina wants is to love them and be a part of their lives, and Willow says, they’re taking it slow, but she realizes there’s room in her life for her mom. All she wants is for all of them to be happy. He asks if she’s lobbying for him and Nina to get back together, and she says, no, but they’d genuinely seemed happy, and she knows Nina loves him. He says, he wants Nina to be happy, and with Willow and the children in her life, she will be.

Drew says, if Nina was going to tell Willow about them, she should have done it when Willow told her about the kiss, but Nina says she thought it was more important that Willow confide in her than exposing his feet of clay. What was he thinking? Willow is married to his nephew, and they have small children. He should have better control of himself. He says, something happened in that moment, but it was a mistake and won’t happen again. He respects Willow and cares about her happiness and family. It was an isolated moment, like Nina and Sonny in Nixon Falls. He’s not throwing it in her face, but he understands it was a bad impulse and Nina got carried away. Nina says she knows Drew thinks it was just a moment, but Willow is drowning in guilt. She’s agonizing about telling Michael, but she told Willow to make the choice to move on. She hopes Drew allows it. He says, of course (🍷) he will. Whatever she thinks, he has not and will not pursue Willow.  

Jason asks if Anna wants Valentin to go free. Did she tip him off? She says, it’s about Charlotte. She’s back from school and home with her father. Think about Danny and Jake. If Valentin goes down, he’ll be gone a lot longer than three years. What happens to his daughter then? He says he can’t believe they’ve been working together, and he finally got what he needed… She says, he will get it. She almost took Charlotte’s life. He says, she keeps punishing herself for that, and now she’s going to punish him. She says, Valentin is all Charlotte has. Her mother is in a coma and Laura is already raising one grandchild. She refuses to separate Charlotte and Valentin. Charlotte forgave her. Her voice breaks and she says she can’t repay that by damaging Charlotte more and leaving her fatherless and alone. She won’t do it.

Josslyn asks if Gio will make sure no one drowns in the pool, and he says, no one is in the pool. She says, even better. She needs to have a word with Dex. They step away and kiss in the hallway. She asks if he remembers how upset she was when he first joined the PCPD, and he says, of course (🍷). She says, because she was so focused on the downside, she forgot the upside – his uniform. He asks if anyone could be wearing it, but she says, the uniform is great, but it’s him in it, confident and sure of himself. It makes him so hot. They kiss again.

Lois comes to the pool and says she has exciting news for Gio. A friend of hers who works in the city lost a violinist for a string quartet used on Broadway soundtracks. The violinist broke his arm, and she talked Gio up. Her friend is going to hold a spot for him. What does he say? Does he hear that? It’s opportunity knocking. Is he ready for the bright lights?

Drew says, what he did was awful, but he’s not so awful that he’d take advantage of Willow, and Nina says she needed to hear him say it. He says he’s seen Nina work to reconcile with Willow and he admires the fact she didn’t give up. He knows it’s good for both her and Willow that Willow confided in her. Nina says, it felt nice, but the details weren’t, and Drew tells her not to worry about the details. It won’t happen again. She says she’s choosing to believe him. Don’t make her regret it. She believes in him and will make sure he has The Invader’s endorsement. He thanks her, but says, it’s not a quid pro quo. She says, her main concern is Willow’s peace of mind, and he says, maybe it’s time they came to a new understanding.

John asks what Ava can tell him about Sonny’s organization, and she says, not much. Julian kept her out of all that. Julian and Sonny’s world is brutal. He says, she must have heard things, and she says she and her brother were close. She was exposed to things, but didn’t want to involve herself. She preferred to focus on beauty, art, and her gallery. And of course (🍷) her daughter Kiki. She was raising Kiki alone, but she’s no longer with them. He says he’s sorry for her loss, and she says, Julian made more than his share of mistakes, but she loved him anyway. He asks why she turned up with Sonny at Selina Wu’s warehouse the night of the sniper attack, and she says, Sonny insisted she go. Maybe as a human shield, maybe to intimidate Selina. The Jerome family name still holds weight. She was in no position to refuse. He says, she seemed defensive and protective of Sonny, and she says she supposes she was. They were getting along better then, and she was trying to appease him for her and Avery’s sakes. On one hand, Sonny was offering protection, but on the other, he was often a target himself.

Jason says he feels for Charlotte. She’s just a kid and doesn’t deserve this, but that’s on Valentin. He made his choices. Charlotte won’t be alone; she’s got family. Anna says, it’s not the same thing, and Jason says he understands. He’s heard the pain in his sons’ voices asking where he’s been, why he didn’t reach out, and wondering if he cares for them. He won’t let them down again. She says, that happened with her and Robin. She won’t ask him to sacrifice his relationship with his sons. She’s just asking him to trust her for two hours more.

Gio tells Lois that he appreciates the opportunity, but he already promised Ava and Trina that he’d play at a gallery opening and he’s committed to PCU’s summer concert series. Lois says she’s sure someone can cover for him at PCU, and she knows Trina and Ava won’t mind. This is professional work. It’s Broadway, baby. Think of the exposure. And once you’re in, you’re in. He says he supposes they could find a replacement, but his scholarship at PCU is contingent on the concert series. She says, they can talk to the head of the department and explain the situation. College is supposed to prepare you for the real world, and this is a real-world professional opportunity he’s being offered on the road to stardom. No one deserves it more.

Willow says she has a confession. She didn’t come here to talk about Nina. It’s about Michael. Sonny protests, but she says, just hear her out. Michael is her everything. They have a beautiful life and he takes good care of her and their children. She knows Michael is in pain over their estrangement. Michael loves Sonny; he still does. Sonny says, some things just can’t be forgiven, and Willow says, they both know what it feels like to be lied to in order to be protected. The insult and betrayal are hard to get past. Michael did both to her in the name of love, but she got over it. Look at her and Nina now. The healing feels so much better. Sonny’s phone rings, and he picks it up. He says, Diane… Where is she? He’s been trying to call all morning… He doesn’t give a damn. She’s on retainer. Tell her to call him back immediately. He hangs up, and tells Willow, sorry. She says, upsetting news? and he says, Diane is annoying. He pays her a lot of money. She can call him herself, not have an associate do it. Ava is trying to take his daughter away and he’s going to fight tooth and nail to make sure Avery stays with him.

John asks about Sonny’s connection to Anna, and Ava says she’s wondered about that herself. They go way back and are thick as thieves. She suspects that’s why Sonny has remained a free man. They bonded over Robin, and John says, Ava was a captive audience when he and Sonny faced off, dredging up that history. Sorry. She says, it explained a lot about both of them. John is still grieving his brother and his wife. He says, that’s all for now. He’ll let her think on things, and he’ll come back when she’s ready to talk. Give some thought to making a statement. He thinks that’s the best way to go. She says she’ll think about it. May she call him John? He says, of course (🍷), and she says, it’s comforting having him around. They’ll talk soon. He leaves, and in the hallway, his phone rings. He says, no. It wasn’t for him. The champagne was for a source he’s grooming… Yemen? This is the first he’s hearing about a shipment… It does seem Pikeman is still in play. He’s narrowing down a person of interest, but needs time …. He understands. He expects information soon…

Anna says she’ll go to Valentin and warn him that he’s done. The FBI is coming for him. He’ll take Charlotte and run. Jason says, the FBI wants the head of Pikeman, but she says, they just needed him identified to let Jason go. They’ll cast global nets, but she bets they won’t find him. But it won’t matter. Jason will have fulfilled his end of the deal. Jason says, she’s asking that he trust Cates will honor his end of the deal without having Valentin in custody, but she says she’s asking him to trust her. It would have taken a lot longer without her help. He has the evidence because of her and all she’s asking is that he wait two hours before turning it over. Please. She’s running out of time. he says, she’d better be right, and she says she’ll do everything in her power make sure he doesn’t regret it. She promises. She gives him the phone and says she’s trusting him now. He sighs and says, okay. He has what he needs. Do what she wants with Valentin. She dashes out the door.

Willow says she’s sorry that Sonny is going through this, and he says, they’ve been down this road several times. Willow says she’s happy to help, and he says he appreciates the effort, but doesn’t want Michael involved. Michael had someone spy on him. It’s not easy to swallow. She says, Michael knows he made a mistake. At least consider forgiveness. He says, she’s sweet and tenacious. He always liked that about her. He’ll think about it. She thanks him, and says she needs to follow her own advice. She’s in no position to judge anyone. They all make mistakes, and she needs to focus on making amends for what she’s done. He says he’s sure she’ll fix it, and she says she hopes so. For him and Michael too. She thanks him and leaves.

Josslyn says she and Dex can’t do this here. She has to work. He says his lunch break isn’t the way he pictured it. It’s way better. She says, it’s his fault for showing up looking handsome, and he asks if he should steer clear from now on. She says, don’t you dare, and they kiss.

On the phone, Ava says, they’ll talk tomorrow at the gallery, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Natalia and asks what Natalia wants. Natalia says, clarity. She regrets her remarks, but she can’t figure out Ava’s endgame in recording her secretly and releasing what she said.

Nina says she thought she and Drew already had an understanding, and he says, instead of mutual loathing, they’ve moved to mutual cooperation. She says she hasn’t been completely mercenary. She admires Larry McConkey and values his friendship with her father. She wouldn’t have introduced him to Drew if she didn’t think Drew had something worthwhile. Drew says, and he never would have facilitated a reconciliation with Willow if he thought Nina would hurt her. His faith in her has been justified. She says she never thought he’d apply those words to her, and Drew says, same. She says, they’ve come a long way, and he says, it’s time to put the contempt behind them. Which begs the question, what – if anything – is left? Nina’s phone rings, and Madison says, Sonny is here to see her.

Sonny goes to Nina’s office and says he doesn’t mean to interrupt, but Nina says she and Drew have reached a stopping point. He tells Drew, congrats on his candidacy, and Drew says, that means lot, but his vote means more. Drew leaves, and Nina asks if Sonny wants something to drink, but he says he doesn’t have too much time. He doesn’t know what Ava told her, but he’s moved her out and he’s filing for sole custody. Avery belongs with her father. Nina says, good, and he asks if she’s seen through Ava. If not, Nina can’t trust her. Nina says her eyes have been opened regarding Ava, and Sonny says, he imagines Nina’s wake-up call was no more pleasant than his.  

Ava says, believe it or not, she didn’t intend to record Natalia. She was in the middle of something for work and didn’t realize until after Natalia left. When she listened to the conversation, she thought the world deserved to know what Natalia’s poor daughter had to endure, her judgement about the right to love who she chooses. It was appalling. Natalia says, Blaze’s reputation and career were shattered. She was dropped by her label. Ava says, Blaze is talented and will win out in the end. Natalia has shown herself to be an awful person and a worse mother. Not even Sonny is going to have anything to do with her. Natalia says, Sonny is furious about the recording, but not with her.

Gio tells Lois that he appreciates the offer to play on the album, but doesn’t see how he can take it. She says she just doesn’t want him to miss out on this incredible opportunity, but if it’s not the right gig, no pressure. He says, it would be fantastic if he was still in the city, but he doesn’t like going back on commitments. She says, no Cerullo does, and he says, more important, he likes living here. He likes PCU and the music department, and he likes his job. He likes the people he’s met. Lois says, even the Quartermaines? and he says, especially the Quartermaines. She says, even Tracy? and he says, he doesn’t know Tracy well, but she can be… Lois says, intimidating? but he tells her that he was going to say standoffish. She’s letting him stay at the house. Lois says, it’s not up to her. The house belongs to Monica. Gio says, somebody gave it to her, and Lois says, Alan, God rest his soul, was a wonderful man. He’d love Gio staying there, just like Monica. If… When Tracy decides to bully him, be polite, but don’t let her push him around.

There’s a frantic knock at Valentin’s door, and he lets Anna in. She asks where Charlotte is, and he says, she’s with friends. Anna says, call her and tell her to come home immediately and that he’ll explain when she gets here. She’s still packed, right? Does he have a have go bag? He asks, what happened? What has she done? She says she turned him into the FBI as head of Pikeman. He has to leave the country immediately.

Nina says she was naïve to think Ava was capable of having a female friend. She’s never known Ava to have one. She doesn’t know why she thought that would change, especially given their unique history. They were doomed to fail. Sonny says he’s sorry, and Nina says, it was nice to have someone to rely on, until they became a lying backstabber. Ava played her. Never again. Why did Sonny come to her? He says, Ava filed a custody suit and means to say he’s mentally unstable. He knows he and Nina have been through tough times, but wants to know, when they ask her to take the stand, what will she say? She says she doesn’t think Ava is foolish enough to subpoena her, but she’ll tell the truth. Sonny is an exemplary father and Avery adores him. He says, it didn’t end well with them. He could have done things differently and he’s owning up to that, not just saying it. She thanks him and says she loves Avery and wants the best for her. He says, life goes on. They’re trying. She asks what he’s trying to say, and he says, she buried the hatchet with Drew. Can she do the same with him?

Valentin dumps the books off the shelf where the phone was and asks if Anna did this. She turned him in? She says, they don’t have time to talk about their feelings right now. He has to be ready to go. Listen to her. He asks if any of it was real. Them finding each other, their nights together. Anna cries and says, he knows it was. She’s risking everything to warn him. He’s got to get away. He asks if she wants him to thank her, but she says, it’s not about him. It’s about Charlotte. She needs him in her life, and he needs her in his. He takes out his phone, and calls Charlotte. He asks if she’s on her way home… Good. He’ll see her when she gets here. Anna says, take Charlotte and go and… don’t contact her again. He says, there’s another plan. Come with him.

John knocks on Jason’s door, but there’s no answer. He tries the doorknob, but it’s locked. He yells, open up! Inside, Jason sits looking at the laptop, and John yells that he wants full disclosure. Everything Jason knows or he loses the deal and so does Carly. Jason looks at the clock.

Tomorrow, Gio tells Josslyn that he may have overstayed his welcome; Anna asks Valentin why he risked it all for Pikeman; and Jason tells John that he should think twice before listening to anything that woman has to say.

🧼  All the Soap News Fit To Print…

What they did on their summer vacation.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/dex-and-the-city-evan-hofer-shares-his-big-apple-adventure

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/inside-jonathan-jacksons-intimate-concert

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/adam-harrington-shares-his-epic-surfing-vacation

It’s not inconceivable. Some characters have died several times.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-thiebaud-reveals-she-tried-to-come-back-to-gh

More sad stuff.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-alum-james-b-sikking-dead-at-90

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-james-patrick-stuart-mourns-the-loss-of-his-mother-in-law

Scheduled for the fall.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jacklyn-zeman-honored-with-special-episode-of-the-bay

Happy Anniversary!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/one-life-to-live-anniversary-171600

🐪 Camel Me This…

As of this posting, there was no RHODubai recap available, but there was this. Apparently, she spoke too soon, since it was pretty cringeworthy tonight, Taleen in particular.

RHODubai’s Taleen Marie Teases ‘Cringe’ Future Episodes

🪄 Putting the New In Jersey…

IMO, the whole state could use a rebrand.

Andy Cohen Agrees RHONJ Needs a ‘Rebrand’ for S15
Andy Cohen Agrees There Should Be a Major ‘RHONJ’ Shakeup

But alas, neither Kathy nor the sprinkle cookies will be making a comeback.

Andy Cohen Reacts to Rumors Kathy Wakile Will Make RHONJ Comeback After WWHL Appearance

🍹 Meanwhile, Down South…

The latest on the latest Charm.

Everything to Know About ‘Southern Charm’ Season 10: Who Is Returning, More

Either that selfie is Photoshopped, or her arms are strangely big for her body.

Olivia Flowers Confirms She Was Fired From Southern Charm, Shares Why She Was Let Go & Dishes on Phone Call From Production

🧙🏻‍♀️ It Was Her…

Hopefully, this is as good as WandaVision. Premieres September 18th.

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-debuts-trailer-for-marvel-televisions-new-series-agatha-all-along/

https://ew.com/agatha-all-along-trailer-kathryn-hahn-joe-locke-aubrey-plaza-8674666

🐱 Biggest Kitty Loser…

Next on his bucket list, to be a catnip influencer.

https://people.com/canadian-cat-becomes-tiktok-star-weight-loss-journey-documented-8673846

☕️ Pouring a Cup Of Ambition…

Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, LA and (hopefully) Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay not wearing out your welcome as a guest, and stay not going back on commitments, especially if you like it where you are.

Nov14

November 13, 2020 – Phyllis Tells Nina Everything, New Nurse, Former Stripper, Julian Jumps Ship, Bay Chat, Madison’s Lift, Atlanta’s Halt, Not Too Discreet, Learn This, Reunion For a Prince, Nearly a Dozen Quotes & Fresh

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Unlike Susan Lucci, I did not break my streak, and missed the first 2.0567 minutes. Here are the takeaway points. After Sasha discovered the drugs Cyrus had slipped her at the MetroCourt, he asked if she’d lost her appetite. She wondered how he knew about her appetite. Woowoo. Ned told Monica that Valentin was using Brook, and Monica told Ned to quit treating Brook like a baby. Sonny read a bedtime story to Avery called The Enchanted Penny, and she showed him her lucky half-heart necklace. Michael kissed Willow, and admitted that he didn’t want to sign the annulment papers. At Pizzulo’s, Carly asked for Jason’s help with Sasha, and Sonny joined the conversation. And away we go.

Brook tells Chase, the threat is gone, and Nelle is dead – thank God. He needs to tell Willow the facts. He says he thought she was tight with Michael. Why is she trying to break Michael and Willow up? She says, there he goes again. She thought he said Willow and Michael were getting an annulment. They’re breaking themselves up. She loves Michael, she loves Willow, and loves Michael and Willow together. Willow is probably the only woman on earth who gets along with both the Corinthos and Quartermaine families, and the only one good enough for Michael. But she’s not suggesting Willow drop-kick Michael to the curb. She’s suggesting honesty. If Willow has to decide between two awesome men – Chase says Brook thinks he’s awesome? – then she needs real information. Like, one of the guys pretended he was having an affair, thought he was doing a good thing, but was still madly in love with her kind of information.  

Michael tells Willow, just because they have the paperwork, doesn’t mean they have to sign it right away. They don’t have to change anything right now. She says she wasn’t expecting to see it so soon, and she’s not ready to sign them either. Michael says, so they’re on the same page, and Willow says, pun intended. He says the paperwork will be there, and they can sign it when they’re ready. She tells him that she’s glad he said that; it was brave. He doesn’t know about that, but she says she does. Now it’s her turn. She thinks she’s still afraid he thinks he’s obligated to her, and she’s been tripping over herself, thinking she should set him free, but she doesn’t know what he wants. Michael says he’s been doing the same thing. She’s an amazing person, and deserves everything in life, including choosing who she’s with, instead of… She says, marriage choosing them? So what do they do now?

Carly tells Jason and Sonny, she had a strong suspicion in the beginning, and Sasha confirmed it. She never slept with Chase. They pretended, so Michael and Willow could present a united front. Jason says, so Michael could get custody. Carly says she went along with it, and looked the other way because Wiley was the priority, and Michael and Willow were great together, but Sasha can’t handle it. She’s spiraling out of control. She’s doing drugs and having dinner with Cyrus. She must be getting the drugs from him. Sasha’s life is falling apart, and Carly has to do something. Jason says, she doesn’t.

Cyrus tells Sasha, he doesn’t think either of them is inspired be the menu. Why doesn’t she come back to his place? He makes a killer coq au vin. Sasha flashes back to Chase saying, Nelle is emotionally damaged, and will emotionally damage Wiley. It will destroy Willow. Sasha tells him, it will destroy Michael too. Chase says, they’re the only ones in a position to stop it, and Sasha says she’s committed. She tells Cyrus, why not? He says, excellent, and they leave.

Nina says, so her baby survived, and Phyllis says, yes; she had a daughter, a beautiful perfect little girl. Nina says Phyllis told her she wasn’t there at the birth, and Phyllis says she wasn’t, but got to spend a fair amount of time with the baby afterward. She’ll explain everything. Nina says she knew it. She always knew her baby survived. Jax says, before they go any further, this has been a torturous process, and they’ve been told a lot of lies. He encourages transparency; they’re going to have everything vetted. Phyllis says they should, and Nina asks why Phyllis didn’t tell her when she woke from her coma years later. Phyllis says Nina was so disoriented in the beginning, she thought about it a lot, but felt she should wait until Nina was stronger. Then Nina left abruptly. If she’s being honest, she wondered if it was even her place to get involved. She was very relieved when Nina’s P.I. contacted her. All she ever wanted was the best for Nina. She’s been carrying the secret for so long, waiting to be asked. Nina says, the wait is over, and Phyllis says, ask her anything. Nina asks, what happened to her daughter?  

Phyllis tells Nina, she’s been waiting all this time; now she hardly knows where to start. As Nina knows, she was part of a private nursing staff Nina’s mother hired. They were paid to be discreet, and not ask questions. Her mother made it very clear that the baby’s father wasn’t to know. She told them the baby’s father had something to do with Nina being in a coma. Nina says her mother was trying to misdirect them. She’s the one who put Nina in a coma, not her husband. Phyllis says she’s so sorry. She thought she was doing the right thing, and couldn’t have been more wrong.

Carly says there has to be something they can do. Sonny could kidnap Sasha, like he did Kristina, and they could do an intervention; get Sasha help. Jason says he gets it. She feels bad because Sasha made a huge sacrifice, and now she’s suffering. Carly says, to the point that she’s hurting herself, but Jason says, there are two issues. One, Sasha chose to take drugs, and chose to see Cyrus. Carly can’t take charge of Sasha’s life to make herself feel better. Two, now Sasha is connected to Cyrus. If they get involved, it could go sideways, and that won’t be good for anyone.

Brando opens Cyrus’s apartment door, and Cyrus and Sasha go in. Sasha asks where the bathroom is, and Cyrus gives her the standard answer, down the hall, second door on the left. He tells Brando to take the rest of the night off, and Brando asks if Cyrus is sure this is the best idea. Cyrus says, excuse me? and Brando says, never mind. He gets paid to drive Cyrus’s car, not give Cyrus his opinion. Cyrus says if Brando has something on his mind, he’d like to hear it. Brando says, that girl is trouble he doesn’t need.

Monica says Brook is Ned’s child, but she’s also an adult. He says, that’s debatable, and she says, right there. He’s got to find some humility, and stop thinking he knows better than Brook what she needs. They both made mistakes; big mistakes. Ned says, agreed, and she says, either both of them won’t forgive he other or they both will, but stop thinking he’s running the show. Does he know who he reminds her of? He says, grandfather, and she says, and his self-righteous attitude toward Tracy. Look where it got him.

Brook tells Chase, Willow deserves to know his feelings haven’t changed. He says, what if she chooses Michael? and she says, then she chooses Michael, but Willow gets to decide. Willow has a better handle on her own life than Chase does. Chase asks if Brook’s resolved things with her dad, and she says, way to change the subject. He says he’ll talk to Willow, but he’s not the only person who owes someone a conversation. Go to her dad and settle things. She won’t feel good about leaving unless she does. They get in the elevator, and she says he was trying to trick her into going to the Quartermaines with him. He asks if it worked.   

Michael says he thinks he and Willow have something remarkable, and now’s their chance to find out for themselves. Willow says, with no outside force, and he says, no Nelle hanging over their heads; no court dates looming; and no time constraints. He looks at Willow, and says, what? but she says, nothing. He says they need to be honest, and he promises not to judge or laugh or anything. She says, the other night at the gym, he looked hot; ridiculously sexy. He laughs, and she says he promised he wouldn’t. He says he’s laughing because he felt the same way. Not about himself, but her. He’s surprised she didn’t notice. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Brook and Chase go to the Quartermaine mansion, and Chase explains to Monica that he’s off-duty. He’s there to see Willow. Brook says she came to see her dad, and Ned comes out. Monica suggests Brook and Ned go into the living room, and she’ll show Chase upstairs. Brook asks Chase to stay a minute, and Chase says, sure. Ned wonders if maybe Monica should join them too; a referee of sorts. Not that they need one. Brook and Monica agree, and Monica tells Ned, this may be his last chance. Don’t blow it. Brook thanks Chase for the moral support. She knows he didn’t come there to babysit her. He says he gets it. What’s another few minutes?

Apparently, a lot. Michael says, it feels weird considering… Willow says, they’re married? He says he doesn’t want to pressure her, but she says she doesn’t feel pressured. She feels very attracted to him, and she has for a long time. He says, him too. Attracted to her, not himself. She says, since they’re into each other, they should do something about that. He says he thought she’d never ask, and kisses her.

Jason tells Carly, one thing they don’t want is a war before they’re ready. Sonny says, especially since Cyrus is tied to the hospital, and Jason says, they could put a lot of people in harm’s way. They don’t want a fight just yet. Carly says she gets it, but they know her. She can’t sit and do nothing. Jason tells her, he never said do nothing.

Brando tells Cyrus, Sasha used to date Michael, and Cyrus says, used to. Brando says, still, she’s involved with Sonny, even if peripherally. It might piss Sonny off to find out Cyrus is hanging around her. Cyrus asks what Brando suggests, and Brando says he thinks Cyrus should ask himself, after everything he’s built, is she worth it? Cyrus appreciates the warning, but he can handle the girl. Sasha comes back, and asks if she missed the fun, and Cyrus says, Brando was just leaving, and the fun is about to begin. He closes the door in Brando’s face.

Nina understands Phyllis thought her life was in danger – Phyllis says, from the wrong person, but yes – but what happened to her daughter? Phyllis says there were no guarantees Nina would emerge from the coma, although it happens; she’s living proof. At the time, she didn’t know what was going to happen. Madeline was in no position to raise a child, and found a couple who desperately wanted a baby. One who could provide one with a stable, loving home. At least that’s what they told Madeline. Nina takes it that Phyllis doesn’t know where the baby went, but Phyllis says she not only knows where, she took Nina’s daughter there herself. Jax says, she personally delivered the baby to a new family? and Nina says, oh my God. Who were they?  

Michael and Willow bask in the afterglow. I don’t know why, but this makes me cringe. Michael says he thinks they’re compatible, and Willow says, really, really, really compatible, and I cringe some more. She says, more than she expected, and he says he’s glad. She says, her too. He’s got some moves. He says she’s got some surprises up her sleeve as well, and I might have to leave the room. He says it’s like he’s seeing her for the first time. He never allowed himself to look at her like this, or feel about her like this. He had blinders on. She calls him Mr. Compartmentalization, and he says, the family thing, the work thing, the illegal thing. It was a new box that he didn’t let take over, but he doesn’t want to compartmentalize her. She asks what he wants right now, and he says, now works right now. She says she was thinking she wants to do this, and they get busy again.

Brook tells Ned, sometimes when you lay down a track, you think it’s great, but when you play it back… Ned says, you wonder, what was I thinking? She says, that’s how she felt the last time she was there. Everything she said was wrong. He says he felt the same way, and she says, maybe if they could stop blaming each other. Ned says he never… and Monica says, Ned. He says, sorry. How can he make her see he’s not the enemy? She says she doesn’t think he is. Does he think she is? He says, God no. She’s his daughter, and he loves her. If he ever made her feel like he didn’t… She says she didn’t come there to rehash everything. She wanted him to know that she’s heading home to Bensonhurst. She called her mom, who has a room ready for her. She’s going to live with her mom until she figures out what’s next. He says, for what? and she says, me.

Phyllis says Nina’s daughter was a trooper on the bus. The ride was long; they traveled through the night. They made some stops on the way, and got off at a little town in north Florida. Calling it a town is a stretch; it was more like a rest stop off the highway. The couple met her in a black town car. Jax doesn’t suppose she got the license plate number, and she says, it all happened fast. For a split second, she considered getting back on the bus, but they were so nice. They melted when they saw Nina’s girl, the mother especially. Nina asks if she has a name, but Phyllis says, no name, no way to trace them. That was the deal. Nina says, so Phyllis just gave them the baby, and that was it? Phyllis says, the woman smiled at the baby with such adoration, it made her feel like it was okay. They got in the car, and drove off. She never saw them, or Nina’s daughter, again.

Jason says Carly can reach out to Sasha as a friend if she wants to help make a difference. Does she know how he knows? Carly says, because she’s the best friend to have in the world, and Jason says, sometimes the nuclear option is not the way to go. She says she hears him, and accepts it, for now. But if Sasha keeps going down this road any option is on the table. Jason says, fair enough, and she says she has to get Avery ready for Ava to pick up. Sonny says, her bedtime book is in her overnight bag, and asks Carly to kiss her for him. Carly leaves, and Sonny thanks Jason. Jason says, for what? and Sonny says, talking her down. Saying everything he said. Sonny couldn’t have said a word of it.

Sasha uses the remote to turn up Cyrus’s music system, and dances around. Cyrus asks if she’s all right, and she says, never better.  Whatever he gave her, she’s never had anything like it. Is it new? He asks if she approves, and she says, on a scale of one to five, she gives it a ten. She laughs, and Brando listens in. Cyrus tells her, take it easy. The coco van won’t be ready for another hour. She says, dinner can wait. He gave her something amazing, and she’s ready to return the favor. Cyrus asks why she’s there. To punish someone else or herself?

Ned tells Brook, it’s all his fault. He messed up everything. Not freeing her from that predator’s contract, forcing her to work at ELQ, massively overreacting when she sold her stock. Of course (🍷) she wants to leave. Why would she want to stay? Brook says, half was her choice, the other half, random things no one anticipated. Ned says, like Nelle slashing her throat, and she says, he didn’t cause that; Nelle did. Ned starts to talk, but Monica tells him, let Brook finish. Brook says she can’t be running around, desperately trying to hold on to what she had in motion. She tried, but it didn’t work. So this her being a grown-up, taking the time to regroup and figure out what she wants. She’d like him to support that.

Willow says she’s not like Michael. She can’t compartmentalize. It’s not a problem, but she lets her emotions spill onto everything. Michael says she wears her heart on her sleeve. Willow says, sometimes, like with their situation, she thinks more like him; everything in its proper place. He was a friend – an amazing one, but still a friend – then Wiley’s father. She was someone to help him fight Nelle, and then they were co-parents. She thought of him as someone she could be with, but wouldn’t let herself feel it. Now she has, and it was incredible. He says, it was, and she says, she’s trying to say she’s finally allowing herself to see him for who he is, and feel what she feels for him – which is all good things. They take each other’s hands.

Nina says, so this is how it ends. Her little girl riding away in a black car, never to be seen again. Jax says, it’s a place to start. Maybe the people still live there, or the neighbors know who they are. Nina says, knowing her mother, there’s zero connection to her. Phyllis said she tried to put her foot down, but Madeline told her to let it go. But they’re not without hope. Should Nina’s daughter want to come looking for her, Phyllis gave her a piece of Nina to take with her.

Sonny tells Jason, they’re two totally different circumstances, but the reality is, Karen Wexler was messed up on drugs that Sonny gave her. It makes him look back to a time he doesn’t want to see. He doesn’t want to be anything like Cyrus, but he gave Karen drugs. It’s something he has to live with for the rest of his life. Jason says Sonny didn’t sell her the drugs; he wasn’t a dealer. Sonny says, no, but he gave them to her to relax. What matters is that he exploited her. He’s not making excuses.

Sasha tells Cyrus, if she wanted a shrink, she’d pay for one. Who the hell is he to try and figure her out? He’s not exactly a poster child for empathy, and his spiritual act fools no one. He thinks they should call it a night, and says he’ll have Brando take her home. She gets manic, and says she doesn’t need his driver. She doesn’t need his pity. Does he know who she is? She’s Sasha Gilmore, the face of Deception. Nothing and no one is going to control her. She strides toward the door, but suddenly clutches her chest, and doubles over.  

Chase asks Monica where he can find Willow, and she says she thinks Willow is painting the playroom; she’ll point him in the right direction. She and Chase head upstairs, and Ned says he does support Brook. Brook says, but…? and he says hears her. He admires her soul searching, but he’s hoping instead of going back to her Bensonhurst, she’d do it there, in Port Charles. It’s been unbelievably full of turmoil and he messed things up, but he really loved having her there. He loves that they’ve been able to be in each other’s lives again. It would mean the world to him. Please move back. Stay here and figure things out.

Michael tells Willow, what a great new view. Besides the obvious, of course (🍷). She says, of course (🍷), and he says, no artificial limitations. They’re free to let things happen, and explore what that means to each other. It’s all about exploring. She says, so he’s into exploring, and takes his shirt off. Chase gives himself a pep-talk outside the door, and says, tell the truth. He walks in see Michael and Willow half-dressed.

Cyrus asks, what’s happening? and Brando listens at the door. He hears Cyrus say, for God’s sake, not here. He comes in with his gun drawn, and sees Sasha convulsing on the floor.   

Sonny tells Jason, he has three daughters and a step-daughter. If someone did to them what he did, he’d kill them. Jason says, the same with Scout, but the reality is, they can’t change what happened. What Sonny has done in the time since… Sonny says, no one is giving them medals for their career choices, but Jason says, when Sonny took over the territory, he didn’t allow drugs. Twenty-five years later, there still aren’t drugs coming through. He’s not saying it balances the scales – that’s for God to figure out – but ultimately, Sonny switched directions, and did a lot of good for a lot of people. Life is a series of choices, and in this case, he made the right one. Sonny says they all know his conscience will rest easier once he’s eliminated Cyrus.

Phyllis says she insisted Nina’s mother give Nina’s daughter something of hers to hold onto. She had the heart necklace split in half, and half went with the baby she gave away. Nina takes the necklace out from under her blouse, and Phyllis says, that’s it. Wherever she is, Nina’s daughter must have the other half of the heart. Nina says, they’re back where they started.

On the phone, Carly says she needs Michael to call her as soon as he can. Avery comes downstairs, and she asks if Avery is packed and ready for her sleepover. She tells Avery how pretty she looks, and sees the necklace. She asks Avery what it is, and Avery says it’s her good luck charm. Carly flashes back to talking to Nina, and Nina showing her the necklace, saying, her daughter has the other half. Carly says, oh my God. It’s Nelle.  

Super sleuth Carly does it again.

On Monday, Michael asks what Chase is doing there, Nina says the universe is telling her the story is closed, Brando says they have a situation, and Cyrus says he won’t have this tied to him.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Found In the Last Place Curtis Looked…

All about Phyllis.

Phyllis on GENERAL HOSPITAL — Everything You Need to Know

👙 Karen Who…?

Sonny gave her drugs to relax.

https://soap-operas.fandom.com/wiki/Karen_Wexler

🍻 Goodbye Charlie…

So does Cyrus get the pub now?

William deVry Says Goodbye to GENERAL HOSPITAL

🧼 The Bay Of Soap…

Even though it’s in its 6th season, I’ve never heard of this, but Jackie Zeman looks fabulous for 110.

Don’t Miss a Live Chat With the Stars of THE BAY

And for the Bay curious.

https://thebaytheseries.com/

🩱 Whatever Makes Her Happy…

Madison decided to get a post-baby tune-up.

https://people.com/style/madison-lecroy-shows-off-new-breasts-after-surgery/

🍑 Rut-Roh In the ATL…

Looks like RHOA has to take a step back.

https://pagesix.com/2020/11/11/rhoa-shuts-down-production-after-a-production-staffer-tested-positive-for-covid-19/

🏑 Like a Bad Penny…

Like the shark in Jaws, just when you think he’s moved on, he’s back. However, he doesn’t have the brains of a shark.

https://people.com/tv/southern-charm-kathryn-dennis-says-thomas-ravenel-hid-baby-news-from-her/

🎸 Learning Curve…

In today’s finding of a silver lining, musicians grounded from touring have turned to teaching virtual lessons.

https://www.billboard.com/index.php/articles/business/9466630/musicians-virtual-lessons-touring-artists-revenue

🏀 His World Got Flipped-Turned Upside Down…

The Fresh Prince reunion is on its way. Although it won’t be the same without Uncle Phil, there will be a tribute to James Avery.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fresh-prince-reunion-gets-hbo-max-premiere-date-trailer

🎺 Quotes of the Week

If you don’t believe me, then google it. – Cesar Faison (Anders Hove), General Hospital

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C. S. Lewis

If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success. – James Cameron (This sounds like he might have been high.)

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. – Babe Ruth

Books may well be the only true magic. – Alice Hoffman

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. – Mother Teresa

I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate. – Julia Child

Leaders who win the respect of others are the ones who deliver more than they promise, not the ones who promise more than they can deliver. – Mark A. Clement

No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. – Henry Ward Beecher

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein

Limit your always and your nevers. – Amy Poehler (I try to not use those two words.)

🤾‍♂️ Here Comes Another One…

Whether it’s time for a couple of days off work, or two more days are coming while you wait this thing out, try something different on the weekend. Commune with nature, hug a tree, skip a rock, or stream something you haven’t seen. There’s a wealth of good stuff out there. See you on the Deadside, but don’t forget to stay safe, stay rolling with the punches, and stay away from artificial limitations.