What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the hospital, Bobbie asks Carly how the wedding was. Carly says it was amazing, and the happy couple is… happy. Bobbie says, a good time was had by all, but Carly tells her not all. Michael brought Nelle as his date.
Nelle tells Nina she has a visitor in her office. Nina assumes it’s Valentin, but it’s Julian. He says he has news for her; the party is over.
Valentin is right behind him though, and walks into the reception area. Nelle thought he was out of the country. He says he’s back, and asks if Nina is in.
Laura tells Doc that she wishes Spencer would take interest in more activities, but right now he’s just interested in the play.
Spencer practices Hamlet in the park. Josslyn sees him, and says it’s a depressing play. At a certain point, she stopped feeling sorry for Hamlet, because he was always feeling sorry for himself. Spencer says there’s no nobler mission than to avenge a father’s death.
Jason and Sonny talk about the wedding. Sonny wants to discuss business. He has something that he thinks will benefit both of them. In her head, Sonny tells Sam that they’re doing business like old times.
Laura asks Doc if she’s doing the right thing. He says that Spencer needs structure and to be with kids his own age. She’s concerned that she can’t distract him from his vendetta, but Doc thinks it’s just a way to keep his father in his life. He thinks they should give him as many opportunities to talk about Nicholas as possible, and maybe they can find better/healthier ways for him to connect to his father.
Josslyn says that Spencer would make a great Rum Tum Tugger (from Cats – which would be even more ambitious than Hamlet for a children’s camp), but he says that he’s better in darker roles; it’s complex, demanding, and takes total focus. She suggests he take a break and do some other activities, but Spencer says that he doesn’t have time for making lanyards and roasting marshmallows.
Carly tells Bobbie about Sonny apologizing to Josslyn, and her not having it. Bobbie says it’s understandable. Carly shouldn’t tolerate disrespect, but Josslyn is allowed her feelings. Carly says that Bobbie is no fan of Sonny’s either. Bobbie tells her that she doesn’t doubt Carly’s love for him, but something always gets in the way.
Mirage Sonny tells Sam that the closer Jason is to him, the farther he is from her and the kids, and the closer he is to death. Jason asks if she’s okay, and she makes something up. She says she has to be somewhere, and asks him to watch the kids.
Nina asks Julian what he’s doing in her office. He says checking on his holdings. He tells her that Crimson is doing well under her leadership. She thanks him, and says not so much the rest of his subsidiaries. He’d better get on it before there’s a hostile takeover.
Nelle tells Valentin that Nina is in a meeting, and he says he’ll wait. He asks about her health and if she’d like to come back as Charlotte’s nanny. She says she just started at Crimson, and he says that as long as she’s working for Nina, she’ll still be in Charlotte’s life. Julian leaves, and Nina sees Valentin.
Doc tells Laura that he’s more worried about her than Spencer. He sees her being strong and meeting Spencer’s needs, but he’s not sure that she’s taking care of her own. He thinks she’s afraid that if she eases up, the loss will overcome her. Laura says she supposes there are consequences for dating a psychiatrist, but Doc says he’s speaking as a partner who loves her. She says they’re coming to the one year anniversary of Nicholas’s death. He asks if it helps that Valentin is gone. Julian pops in out of nowhere, and says Valentin is in Port Charles; he just saw him.
Oscar joins Josslyn, and she introduces him to Spencer. Oscar says it must have been cool to go to a school overseas, but Spencer says he prefers being closer to home; better to reclaim what’s his.
Valentin asks if Nina will see him, and she says let’s get it over with. She asks what he wants, and he says he spent a lot of time imagining her face and smile, and wanted to see her in person. She tells him that she doesn’t have time for this, but he says that he wants to buy an ad for his new non-profit. It offers a safe haven for racehorses that would otherwise be destroyed. He’s named the rescue after her.
Sonny tells Jason that he’s sure Sam is dealing with him getting shot. Jason says she was never like that before, but Sonny says things change. He asks if Jason would like to partner with him in a completely legit business venture.
Carly tells Bobbie that she wants to focus on Michael and why he’s with Nelle. He has good judgement, but feels compassionate toward her, and gave her opening she needed. She says she asked Nelle if it was about revenge. Bobbie asks if Carly caused a scene. Carly says no, but she didn’t do herself any favors; Michael told her to butt out. Bobbie asks if she’s going to listen to him, and Carly says hell no. Nelle is a train wreck waiting to happen, and will end up hurting Michael if she doesn’t do something about it.
Julian explains to Doc and Laura about seeing Valentin at Nina’s office. Doc wonders how it’s possible. Laura says she has to call Lulu.
Valentin tells Nina about how he bought a farm for the horses, and will have children and veterans help rehabilitate them. Covering all the bases, I see. She says it’s beautiful, but transparent; he’s trying to lure her back. He says not lure, but he is trying to get on her good side. She says it doesn’t cancel out what he’s done, and the people he’s hurt, like Spencer. She tells him it’s not about the inheritance, but that he killed Spencer’s father. Valentin says that Nicholas faked his own death, and the rest is open to interpretation.
Spencer tells Oscar that his sinister uncle stole his inheritance, but a peasant like him wouldn’t understand. Josslyn is like, hey! and says she thought he stopped calling people peasants. She tells him that Oscar is a good guy. Oscar wants to get snacks, but Spencer wants to continue practicing for the play. Oscar misunderstands, saying oh, that’s what he was talking about, and that it sounded like he was saying it actually happened. Spencer says it did, and that’s why he’s qualified to play the Dane prince. His real uncle murdered his real father, and stole his inheritance. Josslyn says maybe that’s not the way to go, since Hamlet ended up destroying himself. Spencer says he’s smarter than that.
Carly tells Bobbie that ideally, Nelle will be serving time, and Michael will realize who she really is. Bobbie says Michael has his own life, but Carly says he’s the only son she has left. Bobbie tells her she’s going to lose him.
Sonny tells Jason about a property that he scored when the developer ran out of money. He wants to create a mixed retail and office space. He says it’s a big job, and he needs a partner.
Sam flies into the MetroCourt. Julian is at the bar, and she tells him that she has to talk to him. He thought that she was never speaking to him again, but she says that depends on how the conversation goes. She tells him that Sonny says he’s going legit. Julian says that’s never going to happen, but all she cares about is keeping Jason out of it. If Julian wants a relationship with her and the kids, he’d better care too. Julian thinks he missed something, since Jason has been out of the business for a while. Sam says that Jason dropped everything to warn Sonny about Marvy Garvy. Julian says that doesn’t mean he’s thinking about going back, but Sam says that Jason has loyalty toward Sonny, and she’ll do anything to prevent him getting involved. She asks what he would do. He says if she’s looking for a guarantee, there’s only one option – get rid of Sonny.
Jason tells Sonny that it’s not for him. Sonny says it’s a legit opportunity, and he doesn’t need money, just participation. Jason tells him that there are a lot of great people out there. Sonny says it’s above board, vanilla and mainstream as it comes, but Jason says that people will think it’s a front, and that he’s taking over. He can’t risk it.
Bobbie says she knows that Carly wants to protect Michael, but he made the decision to forgive Nelle. She doesn’t want to back him into a corner. If she does things her way, she could lose him for good, but if she doesn’t, Nelle will take him away. Carly says either way she loses, and Bobbie asks if she honestly didn’t think she wouldn’t come up with a third option.
Nina tells Nelle to warn her next time Julian comes around. She says he’s a liar and a criminal, and tried to undermine the magazine; she can’t trust him. She was going to say she couldn’t trust Valentin either, but there hasn’t been an ounce of proof that he’s committed any crime or broken any law. Nelle asks if she’s happy that he’s back, and Nina says no, they’re divorced. It doesn’t matter; it’s over. Nelle just nods and goes, uh-huh, like she doesn’t believe it. Me neither.
Laura tells Doc that Lulu had a run in with Valentin last night. She asks Doc to come with her to the camp. She wants to get Spencer home before Valentin can get near him.
Spencer continues to practice in the park. Valentin steps out, and applauds. He says that he absolutely believes Spencer could kill a man. He tells Spencer that he wants to talk; things between them are unresolved and they are family. He says he brought a peace offering, and shows Spencer a ring that Mikkos gave to all of his sons to bring them good luck. He wants to pass it on to Spencer. Spencer says that Valentin killed his father. If he thinks that a ring will make them even, he couldn’t be more wrong – dead wrong.
Julian tells Sam that it’s not easy to walk away from the business; it’s almost impossible. Sonny knows too much, and he’d have to turn the territory over to someone he trusts. Sam says that would be Jason, and she’ll lose the family peace that she’s cultivated. Hallucination Sonny tells her that there’s only one way, and too bad she doesn’t have the guts to do it. She says that she has to finish what she started, and tells Julian not to tell anyone about their conversation, not even her mother. He asks if she’s okay, and she says obviously not, since she came to him for help. Outside, she calls someone and asks if they’re still in business. She’d like to make a purchase. Too bad she missed Amazon Prime day.
Jason tells Sonny that it’s not personal. Sonny says he can’t argue it, and Jason says he has faith that Sonny will get out. He asks if they’re cool, and Sonny says they are. He’s going to talk to Michael about a joint venture. He tells Jason to hang on to the papers, so he can give Michael an honest second opinion. Jason thinks he can make it work. Sonny gets a call and has to go.
On the phone in the hallway, Sonny asks Diane to tell him something good. He says, okay, he’ll tell her the good news right away.
Oscar tells Josslyn that Spencer is interesting. She says they’re kind of related. She knows he can be a lot, but there’s a reason. His mom died when he was a baby, so he was close with his dad who was killed last summer. He was supposedly murdered, but no one knows what really happened. The guy was never charged because there wasn’t enough evidence. Oscar says she has a dramatic family, and Josslyn says tell her about it.
Carly says Bobbie just gave her a lecture on sucking it up. Bobbie says that’s not what she said; she told Carly that her plan would backfire and drive Michael away, but it’s not the only way. They need to gather facts about Nelle and arrange for Michael to find out. Carly says he already knows she has a shady past, but Bobbie asks if she thinks it ends there. One secret leads to one hundred secrets.
Carly likes the plan, but says it only works if Nelle has skeletons and if they can find them. Bobbie says it will only work if she keeps her distance. Bobbie calls Felicia, and asks her to find out the rest of Nelle’s story.
Nina tells Nelle that she’s glad Valentin is back for Charlotte’s sake, and the horses at Windemere. And the racehorses at the non-profit he’s put in her name. Nelle is impressed, but Nina says it’s just a gesture and doesn’t change anything. Nelle doesn’t want to overstep, but points out that obviously Nina still loves him. Nina says love isn’t enough, and Nelle asks what it would take. She says to see the future, and know that the future is more important to him than the demons of the past.
Valentin tells Spencer that maybe there’s something he could do to even the scales. He holds out the ring, but Laura and Doc show up. Laura tells him to stay away from her grandson. Spencer tells him to keep the ring; he’ll make his own luck. Valentin can see if the ring helps him when it’s buried with him.
Sam comes home. She asks Jason about the papers, and he explains about Sonny’s project. She says if Jason isn’t going to be involved, why leave the paperwork? Imaginary Sonny says that’s a good question. Jason tells her that Sonny wants Jason to look them over for Michael. She asks what if it’s an excuse, and Sonny thinks he’ll change his mind? Jason promises he’s not going back. Scout cries, and Jason goes upstairs. Not Real Sonny asks if she believes it. Sam says it doesn’t matter; she’s going to make sure it’s not an option, and points a gun at him.
Josslyn tells Oscar that her dad might be away, but he’s alive and well, and her mom is with her. It was selfish and shallow to complain. Oscar says when they start complaining, they should have a special code word they can say to put a lid on it. Josslyn asks if they’re never supposed to complain, but he says there should be a limit. He says the word should be something meaningful to both of them. I swear they say, “bird’s nest,” but that can’t be right. Could it?
At the park, Sonny shows up and asks to talk to Josslyn. She says she has to get back to work; her break is over. He promises that it’s good news, but she’s not interested. Oscar steps in and says she doesn’t want to talk. Sonny says he seems like a good kid, but it doesn’t involve him. Oscar says to leave her alone or he’ll have a problem.
Tomorrow, Carly says she’ll outplay Nelle, Felicia tells Nathan that Maxie thinks he’s keeping something from her, and Lucy visits Scotty with something that can’t wait.
The Real Housewives of NYC
Bethenny goes over the Mexico trip with her director, Joanne. She’ll feel personally responsible if everything isn’t perfect. Omg, more tequila. It’s like tequila week. Bethenny wants to see how the sausage gets made, so they’re going to the distillery, and having a tasting. She says she hasn’t invited Ramona, but since she’ll show up anyway, Bethenny is trying to make sure she arrives later.
Luann and Ramona meet for coffee. Luann asks if Ramona is coming. Ramona says she didn’t get an official invite, but thinks she will.
Carole visits Bethenny at her office. She says she went to court with Adam to get his security deposit back from his last apartment. She was channeling her political angst in another direction, but the landlord never showed up, so Adam won by default. In her interview, Bethenny says Carole is the one person who would want to do jury duty. Not if she lived in Queens. Carole tells Bethenny about getting a text from Ramona. Bethenny says she did too, saying that Ramona is sorry for what she’s going through.
Ramona tells Luann about the text, and remarks on how terrible suckerfish Jason Hoppy is. She says that she was wrong in what she said to Bethenny in Vermont, and Luann says to blame it on the booze. In her interview, Ramona says she has to reach out in a non-confrontational way, or she’ll lose the friendship, and she doesn’t want that to happen. Ramona wonders if Bethenny will exclude her. My Lord, for someone who fears being excluded so much, Ramona certainly acts like a monumental idiot.
Carole tells Bethenny that Ramona is hard to break up with. Ha-ha! Bethenny tells her about the trip schedule, and how she doesn’t want Ramona to ruin the day that she celebrates her business. Ramona won’t be coming when they go to the distillery. Bethenny doesn’t trust her.
Sonja goes to a hair removal salon. She says everyone is hairless except her, and she wants to deal with it before Mexico. I’m not repeating everything else she says. TMI. Way too much. She talks about missing Edgar (Frenchie). Then we get TMI about the men who come into the salon.
Dorinda is throwing a pre-Mexico, post-Vermont dinner at a steakhouse. Carole says she has the perfect guy for Tinsley, and they have a date on Saturday. Dorinda thinks that Tinsley should cut her hair. In her interview, she says long hair on an older woman can make her the Lyceum from the back, and a museum from the front. Tinsley is excited about the upcoming date, and they all look at his picture on Carole’s phone. She says he’s an internet entrepreneur, and creates promo codes for websites. Bethenny arrives. In an incredible new haircut, as though she’d heard Dorinda’s words. No museum for her. In her interview, Ramona says Bethenny greeted everyone except her, but she’s not going to be ruffled. Carole and Dorinda talk about a strip club steakhouse. Luann gets there last, and asks if she can bring anything for the trip. In her interview, she says that she’s only at the dinner to find out if Ramona is coming to Mexico. She tells Bethenny that she’s going to be coming on the same day as everyone else, and in her interview, Bethenny says thanks – in some cases, size does matter. Luann asks Bethenny if she’s inviting Ramona, but Bethenny says she doesn’t want her coming to the distillery. She’s barely adjusting to being at the same table.
Tinsley says she’s moving to a hotel, and plans on being there for two months. Her stuff is still in Florida, and she’s always wanted to be Eloise. Sonja’s newly darkened eyebrows are discussed. Sonja seems to be confused about Tinsley’s move. She wonders why Tinsley would stay with her to get a fresh start, and then go to a hotel. Um… because she’s tired of living with you? Tinsley tells her not to act like she’s blindsided, and don’t be mad at her.
Luann tells Bethenny to just do it, and Bethenny says she’ll have to just rip the bandage off. She sits next to Ramona, and tells her that it’s an uncomfortable situation. She doesn’t want to exclude Ramona, but she’s uncomfortable because of how Ramona has treated her, and doesn’t know how to deal with the situation. Bethenny notices that Tinsley is listening, and tells her MYOB. Bethenny says Ramona tries to make her feel like a failure, and Ramona justifies her remarks. Ramona says that Bethenny has said negative things about her too. In her interview, Ramona doesn’t like how Bethenny is trying to make up, but criticizing her at the same time. Ramona goes blah-blah-blah about her divorce, saying that she was married a billion years, and Bethenny was only married for two. Like being married to wannabe Hoppy for five minutes wouldn’t seem like a billion years. She tells Bethenny not to compare their lives, and to have more respect and sympathy for her. Bethenny says that she’s changed her mind; she doesn’t want Ramona to come on the trip. Ramona says that it’s a group trip and she’s coming, but won’t go to the distillery. This is the most horrific part of Ramona. She suddenly goes off like a rocket – no, into another stratosphere – about something irrational and/or irrelevant, and then acts like she didn’t just do that. And what is it with these reality show people who invite themselves to things they are intentionally not invited to? Sonja thinks Ramona should just let Bethenny speak her mind. Ramona starts crying, and Bethenny says she’s not interested in the waterworks. Ramona says it’s not always about her. Of course not. It’s always about Ramona. Carole thinks this is way too intense for what it is. Because everyone should react like her. In her interview, Bethenny says that Ramona is afraid of being rejected, and when she doesn’t get response she wants, she gets bitchy. Ramona calls Bethenny superficial. Bethenny brings up Ramona saying that she had sex to get where she is, but Ramona conveniently doesn’t remember saying that. In her interview, Dorinda says that Ramona should just be opportunistic, and get the invitation (IKR?); it’s not the place to be assertive and combative. Ramona says people fight and get over it, and she doesn’t need negative energy. She’s the mothering type, and realizes that Bethenny doesn’t want that. Ramona says they’re like oil and vinegar, and Bethenny corrects that to oil and water. Bethenny says that there’s nothing left to say. I swear, even if I’d been in the middle of that argument, I’d have literally LOL’d when Ramona said oil and vinegar.
Sonja tells Ramona that she handled it wrong. Ramona says she’s coming, but not to the distillery. Bethenny is like, hello? I’m sitting right here. That’s another thing. These women will be within two feet of each other and talk like the other one isn’t there. That’s how into themselves they are. In her interview, Sonja says she’s not excusing Ramona’s behavior, but she doesn’t like seeing Bethenny steamroll her, and says it’s Game of Thrones bad. Well, not quite. No one has been flayed alive…yet. Ramona says it wasn’t her intention to hurt Bethenny, and doesn’t know how to fix it. Bethenny says Ramona has done nasty and malicious things to her. Ramona insists that she wasn’t nasty in Vermont. Bethenny, having had enough, suggests they make a pact not to be mean, and just move forward. In her interview, Bethenny says she just agreed to a big bag of BS.
Ramona leaves, and Bethenny apologizes for snapping at Tinsley. Sonja asks if Ramona is coming on the trip, and Bethenny says she didn’t have a choice. She told Ramona that she didn’t want her to come, and she said she was coming. Ramona is like a cockroach that won’t die.
Ramona goes to work with her trainer, Kerry. In her interview, she says it’s good news to be invited to Mexico, but bad news about the truce. She’s not so sure it will happen. Well, it won’t if Ramona drinks, that’s for sure. She says that she has to work off the calories because she’s not giving up her wine. There goes that then. She blabs to Kerry about some guy she met, who said he didn’t mind watching her with another man. In her interview, she says dating is a mine field, where you have to navigate between bombs and goods. Yeah, I’m glad I don’t have to be out there. I don’t think I could be out there.
Carole and Adam join Scott to meet Tinsley. Tinsley is pleasantly surprised, saying he’s cuter in person, and he’s obviously happy. He loves Tito’s vodka, and Tinsley says he’s her man. They high-five. She’s wearing fishnet tights, and his eyes nearly fall out of his head. Carole talks about Scott having a place in Las Vegas, and Tinsley says that she had her 30th birthday there. It turns out Tinsley, Carole, and Scott were all born in August. They talk about Tinsley getting married secretly when she was a senior in high school.
In her interview, Carole says rule number one is don’t talk about your ex. She thinks Scott is a nice guy. and playing along, and that Tinsley needs a genuine nice guy. Carole says he’s never been married, and they talk about him moving away from the company and traveling more. He says that he’s a computer nerd and boring. Instead of surfing, he likes to hang by the pool. Tinsley says that’s right up her alley. In her interview, Carole says she knew they’d get along, and if they get married, she’ll be a hero. Tinsley says that she doesn’t like the taste of alcohol, but it makes her feel more like herself. That’s Carole’s second rule. She thinks Tinsley’s been talking too much about her ex and drinking, and needs a time out to get the date back on track. She drags Tinsley aside, under the guise of using the bathroom.
Carole asks what Tinsley thinks, and Tinsley says she likes him. Carole tells her maybe don’t talk about the alcohol so much, but we can see she’s already drunk. Carole says no on the ex too. Tinsley says this is new to her, and she’s glad Carole is there to keep her in check. Back at the table, Tinsley takes off her wedding ring, that she’s been wearing on her pinkie, and Carole says that it’s a step in the right direction. Scott hugs Tinsley, and she lays a massive kiss on him. He asks what else they can get rid of.
The girls get ready for the trip. Ramona talks to Dorinda, who says to go with a positive attitude, and who knows? By the end of the trip, they might be singing Kumbaya and braiding each other’s hair. Dorinda has never been to Mexico, and asks what to pack. Ramona lists all the stuff she’s bringing, and Dorinda realizes that she forgot to pack bathing suits. This is getting to be a habit with her.
Next time, beautiful Mexico, Ramona complains about her room, skinny(girl) dipping, Luann takes a spill, and no surprise, lots of fighting.
🍴 I need to get to bed early, so I had to skip The f Word (sniff… it’s one of my favorites), but I’ll catch it On Demand over the weekend. I might as well. All the money I pay for FIOS, and they think no one watches TV on the weekend until Sunday night. Then everything is on all at once. Looking forward to Game of Thrones.
🍜 I did catch MasterChef though. Gordon taught the contestants how to cut lamb chops. Geez. That made me think of Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop (google it), and I’ll end up being a vegetarian yet. Come to think of it though, whose brilliant idea was it to name a cute puppet after a cut of meat? It’s kind of cruel. Reba told Gordon she had never had lamb before, and he asked about her hunting skills. One of the things she hunts and cooks up is squirrel. Did you know that the brains are “succulent and delicious?” Me neither. And I never will. Yep, veganism, here I come. It was all about the lamb in the challenge too. Gordon told Sam that his dish was an “insult to the cut.” Ouch! Jennifer was called out for being a basket case before Gordon even took a bite, and he told her to stay composed and not show her weakness. Her lamb was fine, but I’m surprised they haven’t let her go on emotional level alone. At the end, it was between Sam and Newton, whose lamb was undercooked and Christina wasn’t too happy with the breading. Gordon asked one of them to take their apron off, and Sam bowed out. Gordon said he wasn’t ready yet, and Sam made a gracious exit, saying that the criticism made him stronger. Newton appreciated Sam taking a bullet for him, and said he’ll have to rise to the occasion. Next time, the contestants put together a 5-star restaurant, and a breakfast, with scrambled eggs back to haunt them again. There’s also going to be a fish and chips pressure test.

Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop at the Children’s Museum



Tonight, Andy Cohen’s Then & Now covered 1981 – one of my favorite years! Morgan Fairchild was on the cover of every magazine; Tori Spelling got her first job on Vegas – her one line being “Hi, Uncle Dan.” Dynasty was the big TV show, and also bred shoulder pads. They were in every garment too. Since I’m built like a small football player, I was constantly removing them. The connection to today’s obsession with rich reality TV families, like the Kardashians and the Real Housewives was discussed. Ronald Reagan became POTUS, and was also shot, telling Nancy that he forgot to duck. MTV was born, with Video Killed the Radio Star being its first effort. Bevy Smith commented that it looked like something from a puppet theater, which made me laugh. Truth! The B52s were also interviewed. Fred Schneider is friends with someone I know, and we’ve crossed paths occasionally. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to get a chance to sing Love Shack with him at karaoke.
MasterChef was still passing out white aprons, the last one going to a cowboy cook. The loser said he was going home proud, as he should be, and that he lost fair and square to a guy with a good cupcake.
On The f Word, James Corden, funny as usual, competed with Gordon in a cookoff and lost. He commented on how different Gordon was on this show, saying he thought he was always grumpy in the kitchen. The Cooking Cubans faced School Pride in the restaurant challenge, School Pride winning with the most succulent Southern-style pork chop ever. Gordon also fed some NASCAR drivers, and did a spin around the track of his own. Next time, Katy Perry is up against Gordon, and there’s scuba diving for dinner.

