Tag Archives: The Real Housewives of New York City

Jul10

July 9, 2020 – When Sonny Hired Theo, GH Bios, Berkshires Redux, Returning, Robin Goes Blonde, Too Many Goodbyes, Pandemically Effected, 21 Years, Latest Bat & You

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

The Flashback hand we were dealt today was January 6th, 2011. I was on a phone call for the first half, but I’ll piece that together as best I can.

A bit of the backstory. Because of a mix-up, Maya and Ethan were married, but they didn’t live together, and Edward had offered them a million dollars on their first anniversary. Steven Webber had organized a ski trip, and the bus had an accident. Olivia and Morgan were badly hurt; Kristina was hurt; Michael had been slightly injured; and Kristina’s friend Ali and the driver had been killed. Brenda had killed Anton/Aleksander an international crime lord’s son, and Dante helped cover it up. The crime lord Theo was also a lawyer, and had weaseled his way into working for Diane. Not coincidentally, Sonny ended up hiring him for Dante and Brenda. D’oh! Which brings us to today’s Flashback.

Diane thought it should be a slam-dunk that Brenda shot Anton, but Theo said her ties to Sonny cast doubt on her. Spinelli came into the office and sneezed, freaking Theo out. Spinelli said his hygiene was above reproach, and Theo said that kind of thinking led to pandemics. (Did they search through every episode to find this reference?) Diane hustled him out, saying she’d check in with him later at his office. (He was working with Sam at the time.)

OG Edward talked to Maya and Ethan about their future, and Maya thought Edward was planning on roping Ethan into the family business, which Ethan wasn’t keen on. He told them they’d have to live together though, and they planned to move into the Quartermaine mansion. Edward said Tracy and Luke were on their honeymoon, so they’d have the run of the place. That was not to be, as Tracy came back, saying, Luke decided to skip the honeymoon and go straight to grand larceny.

Terrell Jackson saw Robin at the hospital, and said he had an appointment with Steven Webber. Robin said they’d been swamped because of the bus accident, but Steven came by with Patrick, introducing Patrick to Terrell. It turned out Terrell was a pediatric doctor who had helped with the bus crash. Terrell said he was there to interview for a position at the hospital. When Steven left with Terrell to do the interview, Terrell and Lisa gave each other the soap eye from across the room. Patrick told Robin that he was frustrated because he wasn’t able to save Ali. Robin told him that he wasn’t God, and Patrick said he respected what she had to say. She wondered why he was being so nice (they were separated at the time). Patrick asked Robin out on a date, but she took a raincheck because she wanted to be cautious.

Kristina was still in the hospital, and Sonny came by her room. She told him that she felt responsible for Ali’s death, since she’d pressured Ali to go on the trip. Sonny said he knew what it was like to lose a friend, and told her about Stone. Kristina admitted that she’d wanted Ali to come because she wanted Michael to see that Ali was better for him than the girl he was seeing, who was too old for him. Michael visited Morgan, who had a broken leg, and Morgan wanted Michael to help him get Carly to stop worrying. Carly overheard him and said that wasn’t going to happen. Morgan thanked Michael for saving him, and Michael was all humble. Carly said they should let Morgan get some rest. In the hallway, Carly said she sensed there was more to Michael and Abby’s relationship than being friends. Michael accused her of being judgmental, and said she didn’t get to choose who he hung around with.

Theo went to Morgan’s hospital room, introducing himself as the lawyer who was going to protect Dante and Brenda. He intimated that Sonny was ignoring Morgan’s present situation of a broken tibia. He told Morgan that his son had been killed, and it opened his eyes to the temporary nature of life. He said, no one has as much time as they think they do, and no one’s loved ones are safe. Morgan said his father spent a lot of time and money keeping his kids safe, and Theo said it was fortunate Morgan didn’t get hurt worse in the bus accident. He was sure Morgan’s father would be devastated if he lost Morgan.

Edward said Luke was up to his old tricks, and Maya said, Luke and Tracy’s marriage barely lasted a week. Tracy said she wasn’t divorcing Luke, she just wasn’t saving him. She thought Prague was a perfect place for a honeymoon, but he’d thought it was the perfect place for a diamond heist. He tried to steal a fortune without warning her, and she hoped he got caught. Edward said you could steal scotch and diamonds, or pursue a lucrative legal way get what you want. He suggested he teach Ethan, who said he’d think about it. Dante was at an unconscious Olivia’s bedside, when Theo showed up. He told Dante that he was the lawyer who was hired to defend him and Brenda. They would have to answer for killing a man. Sonny arrived and told Theo, not now, and to leave Dante alone.

At the hospital, Steven Webber hired new doctor Terrell on a trial basis. He could see if he liked the position, and it would give him time to think. Robin introduced herself, and welcomed him. He asked for a lay of the land, and who to avoid, but Robin said she couldn’t be objective. He said, no matter where you went, somebody was bad news, and Lisa walked in. Theo told Sonny that Dante and Brenda would be charged for wrongful death, but Sonny said Dante’s mother might die, and Theo’s timing wasn’t good. Theo said they didn’t have the luxury of time. Things would proceed regardless. Sonny said he paid Theo to do what he needed him to, and he said he was the man who could save Sonny’s son and fiancé. Gratitude might be in order. It smelled of collusion and a cover-up; like Dante had used his badge to help Brenda get away with murder. That was the case the other side would make, and Dante needed to cooperate. Sonny said Dante was wondering if his mother would live or die. He paid Theo a fortune to do what he needed done, and unless they were dragging Brenda off in chains, leave his son alone. Theo understood, and said they had more in common than Sonny realized.

Patrick congratulated Terrell, and Terrell said he was going to be in pediatrics. Maybe Patrick could give him a rundown of the staff. Patrick suggested he not mess with head nurse Epiphany. He told Terrell that Robin was a researcher extraordinaire, and don’t mess with her family. Robin said Patrick never met a patient didn’t want to cut, but his skills surpassed his ego. Terrell thought it was cool that they were married and on staff together, but Robin said they were separated. Terrell apologized, but she said he had no way of knowing.

Michael came into Kelly’s and saw his more-than-a-friend Abby. She said she’d heard about he bus crash, and that it had people from GH on it. She felt bad because she’d convinced him to go. She said she ran to the hospital, since she couldn’t rest until she knew he was okay. He told her Ali didn’t make it. When Abby showed up at the hospital, he’d just been thinking about her, and there she was. She said she needed to know he was alive. She hadn’t realized it, but she sat next to Michael’s father. She hoped it was okay that she told Sonny they were friends.

Carly said she and Sonny needed to talk about Michael. He asked if she was worried about how Michael had handled the crash, but she said it was his new friend Abby. Abby was ten years older than Michael, and he was tutoring her in math. She saw them hug in the ER, and it was a hug hug. She was older, and she was serious about him. Johnny came by, and wondered why Olivia had been going on a ski trip, and Carly said she’d been asked to go at the last minute.

Lisa told Terrell to follow her, and when they were alone, he said she wasn’t winning at being Miss Popularity. She said she’d made mistakes, but there was plenty of blame to go around. He asked why he was there, and Lisa said she wanted him to seduce Robin. Not that she’s not lovely, but the words seduce and Robin just don’t fit in the same sentence for me. Diane went to Spinelli’s office, and asked why she was there. He said he was haunted by her prose; she was a dynamic wordsmith. He couldn’t imagine she was content doing legal briefs. She said she’d shelved her creative writing since college, and he said he had an offer where she could fully express herself. She could chronical The Jackal, PI. She laughed, and asked if he was serious. Johnny came by Olivia’s room, and Dante asked if he wanted to spend time with her. Johnny told Dante that Olivia had broken up with him because of the life he’d chosen to lead. When she woke up, she’d be happy to see Dante. They shouldn’t take their mothers for granted. Dante told Olivia that her ex didn’t appreciate her, and he hoped she didn’t think her son was like that. He cried, and Olivia patted his head. She asked him what was the matter, and he said, nothing.

Abby told Michael that his father was a nice man. She was worried and nervous, and he’d asked who she was waiting for, and she told him, Michael. Small world. Michael said he was glad she got to meet Sonny. She said he figured out that she was a dancer quickly; he told her that he’d run a strip club. Michael said Sonny understood, and wanted Michael to do what made him happy. Abby asked what that was, and he said, right now, it was sitting with her. Having breakfast would be even better.

Carly told Sonny that Michael and Abby were more than friends, and Abby was the last person Michael should be friends with. She must be after his money. Sonny said she wasn’t; she had a job. He met her at the hospital when they were both waiting, and she seemed nice. Carly couldn’t believe Sonny was okay with it, and he said what he wasn’t okay with was Michael hanging out at Bond’s. Carly asked if Abby was a stripper, and Sonny said she was a dancer. Carly said, this is not happening.

🔎 Giving You a Clue…

Some of these characters haven’t been around in ages, and made their appearances at times I wasn’t watching the show. If you’re like me or need a refresher course, here’s Theo:

https://www.soapcentral.com/gh/whoswho/theo.php

Lisa:

https://www.soapcentral.com/gh/whoswho/lisa.php

And Abby:

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/abby-haver-andrea-bogart

The Real Housewives of New York City

Dorinda is at her house in the Berkshires. She calls Sonja, and gets voicemail. She tells Sonja she’s at Bluestone Manor; it’s all done. It’s cozy, and Sonja can have her own room. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, it’s the start of a new life. In the Berkshires, she has the opportunity to exhale. She’s excited to show the girls. It’s her house, and she made it through. She tries Leah next, and the mailbox is full. She calls LuAnn, gets voicemail; ditto Ramona, and she says she’s feeling like a loser, She calls Elyse and again gets voicemail. She says, loser. It’s official. Elyse visits Sonja, and says she needed to regroup after the Halloween party. She’s surprised Sonja remembered it. In her interview, Elyse says, it’s a small town, and Sonja was one of the wild girls running around the East Side. She was a wild girl running around on the periphery, and that’s how they met. Sonja shows Elyse some old pictures, and her Blue Book. We flash back to the night of 1985 is over, and in her interview, Sonja explains that there’s a Blue Book for every major city, and no one can take that away from her. I actually had one of those once. My sister and I snuck into an abandoned house, looking for treasures – well, she was actually looking for old doorknobs – and that’s what I came away with. Elyse asks what Sonja remembers best about the Halloween party. Sonja says she was home with her glam team, it had been a busy week, they had a kiki, and she came in hot and on fire. Elyse wonders what was going on with Ramona, and Sonja says, Dorinda blocked her. Elyse says someone told her Ramona was crying, but Ramona wouldn’t let Elyse sit next to her, and she had to leave; Elyse wasn’t her friend. In Elyse’s interview, she says she feels horrible, but she doesn’t understand it, so she’s angry now. Ramona is not her friend. Sonja says she knows what Ramona has been through and she’s reactive, but Ramona has to understand not to treat people like that. Elyse tells her about Ramona coming over, and making a show of taking her swim cover-up off in front of Elyse’s husband, and then giving him a shoulder massage. Elyse says if she did that to Ramona, Ramona would punch her out. Sonja says she’s getting creepy curly sensations.

Leah meets LuAnn for shopping, and in her interview, she says she’s hungover AF, and LuAnn looks like a fresh flower. Ramona joins them, and LuAnn asks, what happened last night? We flash back to Dorinda calling out Ramona. Ramona says she loves Dorinda, and loves having Dorinda in her life, but Dorinda is mourning her husband’s death for the first time. She went straight to John, and she’s mad at Richard for dying. LuAnn thinks Ramona rubbed her the wrong way, and Leah thinks it was the Larry Scott thing. LuAnn says, Dorinda thought Ramona wanted them there for pictures, so she could get a party for free. Leah says, it looked like Ramona was using them, and ignoring that possibility, Ramona says maybe Dorinda was mad because it wasn’t her birthday party, and she didn’t have friends to invite to one. In Ramona’s interview, she says she has a whole world without them, and they resent it. The women try on jackets, and Leah says Rob is under the weather, so she’s keeping Kier at her house. In Leah’s interview, she says, it’s hard to keep up with these women. LuAnn says she wants to have a good time in the Berkshires, and suggests they make the trip about having a good time. It was a disaster last night; they were at each other’s throats. Ramona says, not her, and LuAnn says she was pushing Dorinda’s buttons. Ramona says, Dorinda is a loose cannon, and she doesn’t know what sets Dorinda off. It’s scary. LuAnn tells her that Dorinda says the same thing about her, and Ramona brought Missy to the party, which hurt LuAnn’s feelings. She needs to work it out with old friends.

Dorinda tells housekeeper Len not to wait on the women. She makes Len practice, using roleplaying. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Ramona always has an agenda. She figures out how to look her best while making everyone else look worse. The end point is me, me, me. She tells Len not to smile. She’s the soldier in charge. Sonja and Leah arrive, but the door isn’t open and there’s no answer. Dorinda is busy inside, telling Len she found an oyster plate, and there’s so much stuff she could open up her own store in the house. She says when she goes, it will probably all get thrown away. Sonja and Leah go through the back door, and surprise Dorinda, who’s in the kitchen, and happy that they’re early. In Leah’s interview, she says, the Upper East Side way of country living is not the way outsiders rough it. Dorinda said she’d moved all of Rich’s stuff downstairs when he died, and it was all filled with water when she was flooded. It feels like a different energy now. She used to be afraid to be there by herself at night, but now she’s more alive and awake. Leah tells her, everything is beautiful, and Dorinda says she loves the kitchen; it’s her retreat. We flash back to her making it nice. When she shows them the dining room, we return to Sonja screaming, don’t touch the Morgan letters! Dorinda says she got a new rug, and we revisit Coco pooping on the old one. She says Leah is in the Moroccan room, and in her interview, Dorinda says she doesn’t even go in there. She might as well keep it locked. Must be nice to have a house that big. As long as you have a Len.

In the car, Ramona tells LuAnn that she doesn’t know why Dorinda is angry. She loses it for no reason. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Dorinda gets angry, blows up, feels bad about it, and then pretends nothing is wrong. She’ll give Dorinda some beautiful flowers, and move on. She tells LuAnn that she’s really hurt, even though Dorinda didn’t mean it. LuAnn says she should have a separate birthday party for Dorinda, and Ramona says she and LuAnn think alike. Hardly. Even LuAnn isn’t that self-centered and man hungry. LuAnn says Ramona is getting sharper in her old age. Her vocabulary needs work, but what would they do without Ramonaisms? As they come toward the house, LuAnn remarks on what a gorgeous day it is. Ramona calls the foliage, foilage. When they get inside, LuAnn says she loves the carpeting, and Ramona says, it’s so rich looking. Ramona gives Dorinda the flowers, and says she wants to make peace. In her interview, Ramona says she’s willing to let it go. Dorinda is going through something, and she’s mad at life. She feels like life has cheated her. Ramona gets very excited at having thought of this theory. Dorinda says she’ll give them a quick tour, then they’ll have a great lunch. LuAnn is once again put in the fish room. It’s been totally redecorated, but Dorinda has put the shark in the bed. LuAnn says she gets to sleep with sharks, then makes out with it. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Dorinda has done a lot of work to make it look new and improved. It’s Bluestone Manor on steroids. Dorinda says she has a friend for Ramona too, and the swordfish has been placed in Ramona’s bed. In Ramona’s interview, she says she believes in positive energy. If she’s positive, Dorinda will be positive back. Yeah. Until the alcohol is brought out.

In the kitchen, Leah shows LuAnn a social media post from Elyse. She’s posted her picture, writing, it’s all fun and games until someone pisses me off. Leah wonders what she means, and LuAnn says, Ramona. Dorinda says, Ramona blocked Elyse, then corrects herself, saying Ramona unfollowed her. LuAnn says, those are two different things. In her interview, LuAnn says, Dorinda knows Elyse has an issue with Ramona, and she’s one more pawn in Dorinda’s game of chess. Leah says, with friends like Ramona, who needs enemies? Dorinda gets ready to serve Asian chicken for lunch, and the women sit at the table. Elyse arrives, and in Dorinda’s interview, she says, Ramona has a rule book Elyse has to follow, and she’s not following it, so she’s out. Leah announces that she slept with a guy who had one ball. It was a one and done. In her interview, Dorinda says, it feels like a release. The women have heard about what she’s been doing with the house, and now they can see she actually did it. She asks Elyse if she’s talked to Ramona, and Elyse says she will at some point. Ramona wants to pretend it didn’t happen, but it did. She felt betrayed. Dorinda says she would have been heartbroken. In her interview, LuAnn says, Dorinda won’t miss an opportunity to watch Ramona squirm. Elyse says she wasn’t invited to Omar’s (the party Ramona left LuAnn’s party for).

Ramona says she was going out with other girls she hasn’t seen in twelve years. Elyse says, it’s a club. What difference would it have made if she’d joined them? In Elyse’s interview, she says, Ramona has a reputation of blowing up friendships, and making people feel insignificant. That was accomplished. Ramona tells Elyse to lower her voice, claiming it triggers her about her father, even though Elyse isn’t talking that loudly. She suggests she and Elyse have a conversation in the other room. In Leah’s interview, she says Ramona played the victim in Rhode Island. We flash back to Ramona accusing Leah of triggering her. Ramona tells Elyse that she should be on her own, and develop friendships organically. In her interview, Leah says she doesn’t like gaslighting, and she’s not letting Elyse be another victim. She sits with Elyse and Ramona, and the other women follow. So much for privacy. Ramona says if she has a conflict, she prefers dealing with it one on one. She doesn’t get involved, or take sides. Elyse says they talk all the time, and now Ramona has a problem with her friendship. In Dorinda’s interview, as LuAnn predicted, she says she’s enjoying watching Ramona squirm. She has nowhere to go. Ramona says she’s sorry Elyse feels this way, and Elyse says she isn’t sorry. Ramona says it’s not her job to make Elyse comfortable. Nice. Elyse says it’s Ramona’s job to treat her with respect. She couldn’t even answer when Elyse asked if she was a good friend. Ramona says she’d had a major altercation with Dorinda, who’s narcistic. Dorinda corrects her, saying, narcissistic, for which I’m grateful. Elyse says Ramona compartmentalizes, and Ramona says she’s not talking in front of everyone. She starts to leave the room, and Elyse says she’s running away, but Ramona says she doesn’t want to have a conflict in front of everyone. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, Ramona is the queen of scene, and we flash back to several of those. Ramona and Elyse end up in the kitchen, and Ramona says they don’t need an audience. She was disappointed at the Halloween party. Dorinda is going through sh*t, and went off. She wanted to cry, so she left the room.

Dorinda tells LuAnn and Leah about Ramona saying she was drunk. In LuAnn’s interview, she says it’s weird for her to back up Ramona, but she’s been on the other side, and Dorinda needs to understand that she went too far. LuAnn says she wants to be honest, because she loves Dorinda, and Dorinda tells her, be careful. In Leah’s interview, she says she loves Dorinda, but she’s not speaking the truth to her. She’ll get her head chopped off, like in a communist regime. LuAnn says she’s far from perfect, but it felt dark. We revisit Dorinda’s diatribe at the table, telling Ramona that she’s not nice. Dorinda tells LuAnn, don’t go there, and LuAnn says she’s not defending Ramona. Dorinda says Ramona was yelling in front of the group, you’re drunk! In the kitchen, Elyse says she’d thought they were close, and Ramona says she has fifty close friends. Elyse says, maybe Ramona is naïve. She has a lot of social friends. Yeah, it’s more like Ramona has friends who are over fifty. Ramona says she appreciates what Elyse has done for her, and jets out of the kitchen. Elyse says she’s running away again.

LuAnn says, Ramona is in the hot seat. Elyse and Ramona come back, and Leah asks what Ramona said to Dorinda. Ramona acts like she didn’t say anything. Dorinda says Ramona doesn’t seem to feel happy with them anymore. She didn’t even care that they were with her at Larry Scott’s warehouse. Ramona says she was on a sugar high. In Sonja’s interview, she says, that’s a lame-ass excuse. Ramona wanted a group photo to get LuAnn and Sonja’s Instagram followers for Larry Scott. Dorinda says the group loves Ramona, and Ramona tells them that she has nothing to say. Somehow, things are suddenly okay, and she and Dorinda hug. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she’ll give Ramona a break, but maybe Ramona will think twice before calling her drunk or trying to pull the wool over her eyes. Doubtful. In Ramona’s interview, she says she was aggressive with Dorinda, but didn’t regret it. Told you. Elyse hugs Ramona, and Ramona says she’s sorry she made Elyse feel that way.

LuAnna says Dorinda gave in quick, and Dorinda says she doesn’t want to fight. She wants a fun girls weekend. In her interview, she says they keep having the same fight over and over, with no resolution. Dorinda tells Ramona, be peaceful. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Ramona has a different personality for each occasion, and she’s all Mrs. Posh now. Ramona says she’d been spending weekends alone in the Hamptons, and she’s good with it. Dorinda says Ramona needs someone to love her for her. They’re financially independent, and a strong man says, you do you. She tells Ramona, there are very few strong men, and Ramona says she’s come to terms with it, and choses herself. Dorinda says, all you need is one. In Ramona’s interview, she says she doesn’t know how not to need a man. She met two men at the party who sort of meet her criteria, and they called to ask her out. Sonja suggests ordering pizza and going to bed early. LuAnn says, what about Chinese? and Dorinda gets out Twister. Leah says she won’t throw anything tonight. In Leah’s interview, she says they’re confined to a house with a lot of glass and breakables. She knows herself. If she turns it up, sh*t will get broken, and she doesn’t want to do that. Everyone comments on how great Sonja’s ass is. Sonja says, with an ass like this, why should she have to work? In Sonja’s interview, she says her ass is better than the townhouse. Nobody can take this away.

LuAnn tells the women that she and Sonja are doing a show. Sonja whines that LuAnn never pays her. In her interview, Sonja says, it’s not that she doesn’t have a good time doing the show, but she has a family to support. People depend on her. Besides LuAnn. LuAnn says she wants Sonja to be part of the show because she loves her, and Sonja says LuAnn wants to exploit her. LuAnn is taken aback, and says she doesn’t need Sonja. She can go screw herself. She says Sonja gets $225, and Sonja gripes that the other people in the show get more. LuAnn says she loves Sonja, but she’s not a Broadway actor. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she has Broadway actors and comics. She’s not paying Sonja more to take off her dress. Sonja says LuAnn is being mean, and LuAnn says she loves Sonja. Sonja says she doesn’t, and LuAnn wants her for free. LuAnn says if Sonja loves being in the show, great, but she doesn’t need her. Sonja whines that LuAnn made her feel unappreciated, and LuAnn has enough, saying she doesn’t want Sonja in the show. LuAnn walks out of the room, mumbling that she has her own cabaret show, it’s huge, and Sonja is not going to be a part of it. She tried to include her, and Sonja made her feel bad about it. She’s done. Ramona follows her, and LuAnn adds, bitch. In Dorinda’s interview, she wonders where the good time went. In Leah’s interview, she says that’s the diva she’s heard about, but hasn’t seen. Sonja cries, while Elyse, Dorinda, and Leah comfort her.  LuAnn tells Ramona that Sonja doesn’t understand. She loves Sonja. Ramona says LuAnn is missing the point, and LuAnn says she doesn’t need Sonja in the show. She does a great job on her own, and she’s successful. Does Sonja think LuAnn needs her? Ramona says she’s seen the show, and LuAnn almost seems drunk. She says she’s giving Sonja a chance because she loves her. She wanted to make it fun, but if Sonja thinks she’ll be the star, she’s sadly mistaken.

Dorinda tells Sonja that LuAnn doesn’t love her right now, and Sonja continues to cry. Dorinda says she’ll stand up for Sonja. She’s a warrior, and Sonja is weak. Sonja says she’s not, and Dorinda strides off. In Leah’s interview, she says she knew Dorinda was a white witch, but she needs to sage the sh*t out of Bluestone Manor. LuAnn says Sonja is being horrible right now, and Dorinda finds her. She says Sonja is crying. Shame on her. LuAnn asks, why? and Dorinda says Sonja is her friend. She stood by LuAnn on her journey to sobriety. We flash back to Sonja being supportive, and LuAnn asks if Dorinda is saying she owes Sonja, and Dorinda says she’s saying to stand by her. Be nice. LuAnn suggests Dorinda not get involved. Sonja wails that she was just asking for money. Elyse asks why Sonja is so upset, and in her interview, she says, it’s officially what you call off the effing rails. LuAnn says she never wants to see Sonja even at the show. She’s worthless. She’s not coming to the show ever. Now there’s a real threat.

Next time, Dorinda calls LuAnn a drunken fool, Ramona deals with a clogged toilet, Heather Thompson makes an appearance, and Leah announces she’s the only one with a period.

🥂  The Real Housewives of Potomac begin their new season on August 2nd, and it’s confirmed that the Shah’s of Sunset will be reuniting on July 19th. I’m thrilled. Obviously, I have no life.

👩🏼  Fun fact. Even though I’ve seen it a dozen times – it was a favorite of kids I used to take care of – I never noticed that Kimberly McCullough (Robin, GH) was in Legally Blonde.

☄️ Fallen Stars…

This is weirding me out. Over 90 already. The Roll Call of the Celebrity Dead is going to be long this year.

https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/celebrity-deaths-2020/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

📺 Anything But the TV…

Although this opens the door to a whole new reality franchise.

https://www.theringer.com/tv/2020/7/7/21315197/pandemic-tv-coronavirus-effects-2020

💋 Posh As Hell…

I love Victoria Beckham. She has a wicked sense of humor. And face it, if she could snag David, she’s got something going on.

https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/david-beckham-victoria-beckham-21st-anniversary-instagram-posts

🦇 The Latest In Bat News…

A new Batwoman is in town.

https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/javicia-leslie-batwoman-ruby-rose

🎁 That’s a Wrap…

More tea tomorrow, taxes took time today. How’s that for alliteration? Hopefully, yours were done pandemic ages ago. Stay safe, stay rolling with the punches, and stay gathering no moss.

Jul9

July 8, 2020 – When Michael Got Sentenced, About Claire, a Bit of Shirley, A Night In Capri Turns Stormy, Pressured, Ramona’s Test, New Digs For Vicki, Caroline Speaks, Concert Redo, Tavern Survival, Phaedra Directs, a Puppy, a Career & Odd

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

As Ferris Bueller said, GH moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and flash back once in a while, you could miss it. Today, what we didn’t miss was May 7th, 2010.

Prosecutor Claire said Jax knew Michael was innocent, and if she went down, she was dragging him with her. She didn’t have much sympathy for the man who almost torpedoed her career. He asked if she didn’t think the judge would go easy on Michael, and she said she didn’t see why not. Judge Carroll was a lot angrier with them than with Michael. She thought it was realistic to expect a suspended sentence, but it was a felony conviction, and Michael would have it hanging over him for the rest of his life. Her phone rang, and she told Jax that the judge was ready to sentence Michael.

At Crimson, Maxie told Lulu that she didn’t know what it was like to be a pariah. Maxie did, and she didn’t recommend it. Lulu stuck by her boyfriend, and now Michael was in lock-up. Lulu thought he judge was just trying to scare Michael, and Maxie said she was sorry she hadn’t called Jason before Dante talked to Michael. Lulu said Dante was only doing the right thing; the secret had been killing Michael. Maxie said he could end up in Pentenville, but Lulu insisted that he would get a suspended sentence. Dante had said Michael would be able to start a new life away from the mob and Sonny. Maxie said the opposite of what Dante wanted could happen, but Lulu said Dante was saving Michael, and one day everyone would understand why she took his side, and be grateful to him. At the courthouse, Carly told Jason that Morgan wanted to have a party for Michael’s homecoming, but she’d told him that they’d have to wait and see. Morgan thought Michael was coming home right away, thanks to Dante. Jason said Dante shouldn’t have promised that Michael would come home. Dante arrived, and asked Carly to hear him out about Michael.

Outside of Kelly’s, Morgan, Kristina, and Molly were conferring about Michael, and Molly asked if they thought he was getting out. Kristina thought it was unrealistic to think he would right away, but Morgan said, Dante promised. Olivia and Johnny came into Kelly’s, but Johnny’s phone rang as soon as they sat down. He said he’d be right there, and told Olivia that he would be allowed to speak before Michael was sentenced. Maxie told Lulu that she was being too optimistic. Maxie had ended up in Shadybrook because she went along with a cover-up, and let someone she loved take the fall. She had to own up to it, and Michael will have to also. Olivia phoned Lulu, and told her Dante could use her support. Dante told Carly, he hoped when this was over, they’d understand he was right. Carly said he gave snitch a whole new meaning, and had turned it into an art. He lied to her kids when he was working against their father. He lied when he said Sonny didn’t shoot him, and if he’d told the truth, they wouldn’t be there. Dante said the guilt had been tearing Michael apart, and Carly asked why Dante didn’t give him time to come forward himself. Dante said it was his job as a police officer to tell the truth, and Carly said, he told the truth when it was convenient or it made him look good. She said Michael would have turned himself in when he came back, but Dante couldn’t wait to grandstand. Dante said she could have saved Michael all this trouble, but he thought the judge would see Michael as a victim, and give him a chance to build his life again. It was the best thing that could have happened to him. Sonny told Dante, stop talking now. He asked Dante why he was lecturing Carly about what Michael needed; he didn’t know Michael, and had been too busy proving Sonny wrong to protect him. Maybe Sonny didn’t deserve a better son than Dante, but Michael deserved a better brother. Morgan, Molly, and Kristina snuck into the courthouse. Morgan wondered if they could get take-out pizza tonight, and Molly said she thought they were overlooking that everyone hated Dante. Morgan said they wouldn’t after today. Lulu joined Dante, and said she believed in what he was doing. He told her, when the judge gave Michael a suspended sentence, they’d see, and she said it was the right thing for her to be there to take his side, especially with Carly there. She wasn’t going to apologize for loving him. Everyone went into the courtroom, and Carly said it was so wrong. Sonny said, no matter what, they wanted Michael to know they were there to support him.

Elizabeth went to Shirley’s (Michael Learned) hospital room, and Shirley said Elizabeth was looking good. She thought it was the ex-husband. Elizabeth said she was glad Lucky came by and stopped Helena from harassing her; it was like old times. Shirley said, from what Elizabeth had told her, Lucky was a rescuer, and they all dream of someone swooping in to make it right. Elizabeth said sometimes it happened. Lucky had saved her when they were teenagers. They’d caused each other pain, but there had been good times, and she was glad he was still out there. She thought he still cared. Shirley said she always believed the bright side, but sometimes there was a case to be made for reality. Elizabeth said it was the first time she’d seen a glimpse of hope for her and Lucky, and it came from Helena of all people. At the MetroCourt bar, Helena told Tracy she felt sorry for Spencer. He was the son of a stripper, and the nephew of a professional criminal; hardly Cassadine material. Tracy said he was good enough for Helena to kidnap, and Helena said she didn’t expect Tracy to understand the traditions like honor and respect. She wanted to raise her grandchildren to be proper Cassadines. Morgan said he felt like a spy, as the kids snuck around, and listened in from a hallway near the courtroom. Sonny asked Diane how Michael was, and she said Michael wanted to make him proud. Sonny asked if she had any idea what sentence the judge would give Michael, and she said, none, but Judge Carroll had the reputation of being fair and thorough. She told him that Johnny was probably there to make a statement for Claudia, and Carly couldn’t believe Jax was there with Claire, and he was sitting on that side of the courtroom. Judge Carroll came to the bench, and reminded everyone that he was not going to tolerate any interruptions or outbursts. Michael was brought in, and the judge asked if the victim’s family cared to speak. Johnny said he would, and got on the stand.

Johnny said that he and Claudia were very close. She was the one person he could come to if he needed anything. Sonny had tried to have killed, and she sought retribution, but she hadn’t intended on hurting Michael. She’d had guilt and remorse over being responsible for Michael getting shot. That, and losing her baby were the worst things that ever happened to her. Sonny deliberately and relentlessly whittled away at Claudia’s sanity, and by the birthday party, she had gone over the edge. She could have killed Carly and the baby, and Michael had no choice but to stop her. The judge asked if he was aware that Michael killed his sister; he’d sworn Sonny had. Johnny said he’d testified that Sonny was responsible for her death, and he was. Sonny built her up, then humiliated her. If not for Sonny’s actions toward her, she never would have ended up at the cabin, and never would have kidnapped Carly. Michael should be considered a hero for saving his mother and baby sister’s life. Claudia wouldn’t want to see him punished. If she could, she would forgive Michael. He wasn’t responsible; Sonny was.

Helena told Tracy that her role as matriarch was to provide guidance and continuity to the next generation. She was looking out for her own, and Tracy might want to do the same – meaning our Luke. Tracy said he was her Luke, and Helena said she and Luke went to dark places Tracy wouldn’t understand. Luke was thrilling when properly stimulated. Tracy told Helena, stay away from her husband. She left, and Helena said Tracy was too smart. She couldn’t have Tracy figuring out that Elizabeth was really carrying Lucky’s child. Shirley said she was dying, so she might have memory lapses, but hadn’t Elizabeth said there was no hope for her and Lucky? Elizabeth said she didn’t see how Lucky could forgive her for sleeping with his brother. He was hurt and angry, and couldn’t see his way back. He’d looked at her differently, but what brought them together was still there. It was funny that Helena had spent so much time pulling them apart, and now might bring them back together. She wasn’t jumping to a happy ending, but if there was a chance, that was enough. Shirley asked, what about the baby’s father, Nikolas? Lucky showed up at Crimson with some flowers from a guy in the lobby, and Maxie said they were from a photographer who’d had to cancel at the last minute. Maybe she’d invite him back if a free portrait was in it; fashion publishing was her calling. She told him Lulu was at the courthouse, standing by her man.  On the stand, Johnny said Claudia wasn’t evil, and wouldn’t want Michael to suffer for what she or Sonny had done. He understood the judge was upset with all of them, but hoped he didn’t take it out on the kid, and was lenient. Michael was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and never meant to kill Claudia. He was acting on instinct, and saved two lives. Judge Carroll said Johnny was bright and articulate, and hoped Johnny turned his life around before they met there under different circumstances. He told Michael to stand.

The judge said Michael had pleaded guilty, and waived his right to trial. He had admitted killing Claudia, but there was no malice or premeditation, so was charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carried a sentence of five to twenty years. He’d also had brain damage, but the judge wanted him to understand the seriousness of his action without completely sacrificing his future. He gave Michael five years, with the opportunity for parole in two years. Everyone went nuts, and the judge banged his gavel, telling them to take their seats. There was still an uproar, with Dante and Carly yelling the loudest. Dante said Michael didn’t belong in prison, and Judge Carroll told him it was past the point of argument. Dante said he brought Michael there to save him, and get him away from the violence and corruption, but the judge said it was too late to negotiate a deal. Michael’s sentence would give him time to turn his life around. Dante argued that Sonny had a lot of enemies in prison, and Michael could be pulled further into it. He asked the judge to please reconsider, give Michael the help he needed, and give his brother a chance to build a better future. Maxie put Lucky to work, toting boxes for her. She said his sister was crazy in love with Dante, and asked what he thought. He said he never figured his sister for the law and order type. He didn’t agree with turning Michael in, and hoped it had nothing to do with him. Maxie said Dante thought the judge would be lenient, but she thought Dante should have given Michael the opportunity to turn himself in. She was afraid he’d end up with a harsher sentence because he hadn’t. Lulu had gone to be with Dante, since she was in the first stages of love, when you have no thought of hooking up anyone else.

Tracy sat in an examining room, waiting for Epiphany. She told Epiphany that she wanted to see the lab tech who did Elizabeth’s paternity test, but Epiphany said, not a chance. Tracy said her family’s money kept the hospital afloat, and Epiphany said it was Lawrence Bailey. Tracy wanted his number, but Epiphany told her that he used to swim laps before work, had slipped, hit his head, and drowned. In court, Judge Carroll said he didn’t tolerate an outburst, but Dante respected the law and his brother, so he’d allowed it. There was no worse crime anyone could commit than taking a human life. Michael had been part of the cover-up, although he’d had terrible guidance from the people who claimed to love him, and extreme emotional pressure. However, he hadn’t been restrained or threatened, and could have come forward. Michael said Mac hadn’t believed his confession, and the judge said it had been off the record. He asked if Michael had shown Mac the bloody shirt or if he’d made any other attempt at a confession. Diane said Michael had been following legal advice, and the judge said they’d go down that road later. Michael was surrounded by a group who flaunted the law the rest of them had to obey. He’d been systematically exposed to violence and mayhem. He’d awoke after being in a coma for a year, and the judge had reservations about how he was living the life he’d miraculously been given back. Dante said, prison wasn’t the goal; Michael should get counseling sessions and guidance. Judge Carroll said Michael was of legal age, and they were all treating him like a child, when in the eyes of the court, he was an adult. He hoped to teach Michael to respect the law, and that his actions had consequences, and he’d be getting Michael away from the adults in his life. He’d keep them away if he could. He said it was an extremely light sentence. He hoped Michael used the time to plan a better life, and that it left him with an aversion to being locked up, so he never broke the law again. Carly cried, and Dante looked like he had a headache.

Maxie said she wasn’t talking about Lucky, and he said he’d been in love with Elizabeth, but once he moved on, he was done rescuing her. Maxie asked how that was working for him, and he said he’d been known to backslide, especially when Helena was involved, but he wasn’t going to keep trying to make the fantasy work. Maxie was glad he’d outgrown Elizabeth. Those who’d had their hearts trampled, would live to love another day. Epiphany admitted that she’d seen Larry talking to Helena, and Tracy suggested Helena had paid Larry to change the test, then killed him. Epiphany said, or she just wanted to see the result early, and Larry slipped. Tracy wondered why Helena would want a Spencer baby appear to be a Cassadine. Michael was remanded to the PCPD to await transfer, and Sonny said it wasn’t justice. The cover-up was his idea. The judge said, it having a less than satisfying outcome wasn’t his problem. Sonny said he told Michael that he was proud he’d saved his mother and sister, and because of him, Michael had lost a year of his life. Because of him, Michael had been in the cabin. Michael had made a bad choice, but he didn’t mean kill Claudia. He was devastated, and had practically been in shock. The judge asked if they’d sought medical attention, but Sonny said he’d brought Michael home, the only place he thought was safe and they could take care of him. He didn’t want Michael punished anymore for saving Carly and Josslyn. Judge Carroll said Sonny had destroyed evidence that would have proved Michael didn’t want Claudia harmed. Sonny said Claudia wasn’t a tragic misguided soul, like Johnny had said. She was 100% evil, and poisoned everything she touched. The judge said, yet Sonny married her. Sonny said the fact was, he’d brought Claudia into Michael’s life, and he was responsible for her death. He begged the judge not to punish Michael, but to punish him. While the judge agreed that Sonny was indirectly responsible, he said Michael was of legal age. While he’d suffered emotional violence, it wasn’t against the law. Sonny was a selfish irresponsible father, and he was getting Michael out from under Sonny’s influence for two to five years.  Sonny was not a person to admire or emulate, and Michael could take this opportunity to turn his life around. The rest of them broke so many laws, he didn’t know where to start; including perjury, wasting his time, and the time and money of the taxpayers. He had a backup of real cases, so it would have to be punishment enough, knowing they’d helped put Michael in a jail cell. He hoped Michael would think about it tonight, and every night, until he was released. He said he was going to personally pray that Michael never came home. Carly hugged Michael. In the hallway, Molly said they were taking Michael to prison. Morgan said, but Dante promised, and she said, Dante was wrong. They watched as Michael was taken away. Court was adjourned, and Carly hugged Jason. Everyone was bummed.

👩🏻‍💼 She’ll Drag Jax Down With Her…

Meet DA Claire.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/claire-walsh

🏥 You Can Call Her Shirley…

The Waltons mom guest starred for a hot minute.

https://general-hospital.fandom.com/wiki/Shirley_Smith_(Michael_Learned)

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

When picked up where we left off, with Denise and Aaron jetting from Kyle’s barbecue, and Denise telling him not to say anything with the cameras on them. Kyle said Denise didn’t want to be honest, and LisaR said whenever there was an issue, Denise ran. Not allowing such a thing, LisaR flew after her, but Denise said they’d talk in private. In Denise’s interview, she said if all these women were coming for LisaR, she’d defend her because she’s her friend, but LisaR wasn’t going to bat for her. Kyle told the others that she didn’t like Aaron getting involved, and in Garcelle’s interview, she said, either Aaron was being chivalrous, defending his wife, or it was a bitch move, getting involved in a woman’s conversation. Or women business, and NeNe would say. In Erika’s interviewDenise told LisaR it was time to move on to something else. LisaR had hurt her feelings in Santa Barbara, and she didn’t want the others’ opinions. While walking back, LisaR said it was the effing Twilight Zone. LisaR joined Garcelle, Kyle, Erika, and Sutton in a large tent, and told them that Denise and Aaron were going to have a steak and go to a strip joint. I didn’t catch that part, so I don’t even know if they were being sarcastic or that was their real plan. Erika said that it was hypocritical because Denise was judgmental about the threesome business. Holy! When will these morons get that she just didn’t want to talk about it in front of the kids? In her interview, Garcelle said Denise wasn’t being hypocritical. If the kids weren’t there, they could be as free as they wanted. In Dorit’s interview, she said Denise should have stayed and worked through the situation, so they could move on. In the limo, Denise told Aaron that she wasn’t trying to make them look bad, they made themselves look bad. LisaR said she found it ironic, and Kyle swung around a pole in the middle of the tent, turned upside down, and said, namaste, MF’ers. They all acted like idiots, and honestly, I almost turned it off right there.

Teddi brought her kids along for her sonogram, so they could see their little sister.  LisaR went to Sutton’s store, which was called Sutton. So original. I wondered if her dog was named Spot. In Sutton’s interview, she said she was having a trunk show – A Night in Capri – and sent proper invitations, not some weenie text message. Dorit met with a closet specialist, and we found out she has 229 pairs shoes. At least she did when it was filmed. Who knows now? People have had a lot of time on their hands, and shopping on the internet never closed. Dorit said she needed something to fit all her clothes, but it sounded like she was still going to infringe on PK’s closet space. Kyle almost had a heart attack when she thought she was going to get pulled over while in the car with Kim. In Kyle’s interview, she said, when she and Kim were bad, they were really bad. We flashed back to several of those times, including the limo/alcoholic scene. She added, but when they were good, no one made her laugh harder. They went to see a plastic surgeon about Kim’s implants, since she’d noticed a change in one. Dr. Handel said they were like tires, and it had gone  flat. In her interview, Kyle said Kim already had a lumpectomy. The tumor was benign, but they’d lost their mom to cancer, and she was freaked. The doctor thought it would be enough to remove the implants and give her a lift.

While Aaron was driving, Sami asked if what he was doing wasn’t illegal, and he told her, don’t do what I do – ever. He took for a driving lesson, along with Denise, who said she was a nervous effing nelly. We learned that because of their shape, the break was the hamburger, and the hotdog meant go. Denise said Aaron had the patience she didn’t, and when she watched him, she was reminded of why she fell in love with him. She felt safe and protected with him, and had never been with a man who took care of her.

LisaR and Erika went to a place called EMsculpt, where they stick electric paddles on you to tighten you up. LisaR said she’d done everything, and this was great. In Erika’s interview, she said it wasn’t a replacement for exercise, but it was important. In her business, there was a line out the door to judge you. Erika said Dr. Kinney was her next husband. She was going for a plastic surgeon. In her interview, LisaR said he was Erika’s type; rich and bald. Erika had her stomach zapped, while LisaR did her butt. Erika asked LisaR about Chicago, since she’d also been in it. LisaR said her hardest moment was Roxie’s monologue about fame; it’s who she is. In her interview, she said, it was all about her. She told Erika that they all come from a place of need, and can relate. They’re tough bitches.

Kim checked in to the hospital, and Dr. Handel said the plan was to remove her implants, and remove any abnormal tissue for a biopsy. In Kyle’s interview, she said she hated doctors and hospitals – they made her whole body go numb. It terrified her, thinking something might be wrong, and all she could think about was her mom. Kim was worried that she hadn’t talked to her kids that morning, but the doctor said she’d be fine. In her interview, Kyle said she went back to hearing that her mom had breast cancer, and she was scared to die. She would tell Kyle that she was terrified, and still had so much to teach her. I’m not so sure that’s something you should tell your child, especially if they have anxiety. When the surgery was over, Dr. Handel told Kyle that Kim had done extremely well.

Garcelle was moving into her new home. In her interview, she said she’d been planning and building for close to a year. It was two stories, with a grand entrance; 3200 square feet, with five bedrooms and five baths. She said she didn’t realize she had so much sh*t. I know the feeling, and hate moving. After the divorce, building the house was huge for her. She had a date on Friday night, and said she didn’t introduce the kids to many guys. She didn’t want the kids to go through too many changes, and didn’t want them think mom was a ho. Some women have daddy issues, and she picked men who weren’t emotionally available. She never really had a relationship with her father. She thought he must have known he was dying, and wrote her a letter. He sent it to mom who never gave it to her, then it had been misplaced, so she never knew how he felt or what he thought of her; if he was proud of her. The boys walk on the outside of the banister on the grand staircase, giving Garcelle agita.

The women went to Sutton’s trunk show, where she had some dynamite jewelry. In Dorit’s interview, she said when she’d been offered a job in Italy, she stayed ten years. After a broken engagement, she returned to Manhattan, and met PK. Teddi rolled in, looking unkempt as usual. In Sutton’s interview, she said maybe she could help Teddi. Probably not. Kyle talked about how she and Mauricio were having a black and white party. In her interview, she said they threw a lot of parties, and thought it looked prettier in pictures than a white party. Sutton had a fabulous buffet spread that spanned a few tables. Kyle was uncomfortable when she heard Denise was coming with Aaron. Dorit said she’d learned from that experience, and we flashed back to PK butting into one of the arguments. In Dorit’s interview, she said she knew how Denise felt; thank God for my husband, but it backfires. In Denise’s interview, she said she kept hoping the ladies would put it to bed, and say, let’s have a great night. HA-HA-HA! Good luck with that. Dorit met Denise and Aaron in the reception area. Erika said it wasn’t that deep, but now it was a thing and uncomfortable. My sentiments exactly, but they’re the ones making it a thing and uncomfortable. Teddi said, awkward energy. Denise and Aaron approached their table, and Aaron asked if he was the only husband. Denise said they had a dinner, so he had to come, but in Kyle’s interview, she said she didn’t buy it. Denise dragged Aaron there because she didn’t want to get into anything. He’s her watchdog. Actually, I think if that was the case, he’d be the last one she’d bring. Kyle said she was sorry about what happened that they’d left. In Denise’s interview, she said it was okay for Kyle to leave, but she can’t, and we flashed back to Kyle leaving her own chem trail at a party. Denise said she had to use the bathroom, leaving Aaron to deal with the women. Kyle said she felt weird about how they left, and felt weird not acknowledging it. Aaron thought they should wait until Denise was back, but Erika couldn’t do that, telling Aaron that he’d said they were bad people, they should look in the mirror, and were they happy with themselves. He did tell them to look in the mirror, but he never said they were bad. Aaron said he never called people bad, and Erika said he’d talked down to them. He said if they can live with themselves, okay, and Erika said she could. He said, great. Then she solved that problem. Here’s where I realized I’m Aaron. He’s just not having their phoniness under the guise of honesty, or owning it, if you will. I have the feeling, were I around them for any great length of time, I’d be telling them to look in the mirror too. No. Scratch that. I’d be telling them that if I’d just met them. Denise doesn’t want to talk about some things, and I don’t see what the big deal is. I find it hard to believe all of them are open about everything, and despite what they say, no one has to on a reality show. It’s not a social experiment. They’re Housewives, not the Loud family.

Teddi said Aaron had been belittling, and he said, okay; if that’s how she felt. She said he knew what he was doing, and he asked her to spell it out. Erika said he’d been mansplaining and got heated. He told her that he speaks directly, and she said, so did they. He asked why they were nitpicking people then, and Teddi accused him of being the moral high ground. He asked if she wanted to go there, and Erika said she did; did he? Aaron said he’d go anywhere; he’d go up, down, and all around. Denise came back, and in her interview, she said she’d stupidly left him there with those women. Aaron said if they wanted to talk negatively, they could. He was done with the conversation, but they kept poking the bear. Kyle said he was the one who made it negative. Denise told them she’d said all she had to say about it. Teddi said Denise had called her a sh*t effing stirrer while daughter Phoenix was there. Denise said she hadn’t known Phoenix was there, and this was the dumbest thing ever. Find something else to fight about. She and Aaron walked away, but Dorit couldn’t let that happen. She walked alongside them, yammering. Denise said it was toxic. Dorit told Denise not to say she wasn’t upset when they were storming out. Denise said they weren’t storming out; they were walking away. Back at the table, Kyle suggested Denise just say how she felt. She did. She said she was done. That’s pretty direct. Dorit said Denise was obviously upset, and Denise said it was Sutton’s event, and she didn’t want to cause a scene. In Dorit’s interview, she said Denise was clearly upset and storming out, and that was causing a scene. These people are insane. Storming off is creating a scene, as they’ve all done many times, but Denise and Aaron just said goodnight to Sutton, and walked toward the exit. With Dorit bouncing alongside them, babbling. Causing the scene. Dorit asked why Denise shut it down, and Denise said she had nothing else to say. Erika told the other women that she didn’t give a f***. Dorit said Aaron was being protective, but it wasn’t helpful. In her interview, Dorit said she felt bad for Denise. Now she’d have to blindly defend her husband. Dorit did, and it had sucked for her. Sutton’s boyfriend had the right idea, standing at the buffet and chowing down.

Denise told Dorit that she was past it, but they weren’t. There were paparazzi and people taking pictures; it wasn’t her thing. In Dorit’s interview, she said she didn’t see anyone. Obviously, Denise and Aaron weren’t listening; they were just looking for an excuse to leave. Kyle said she’d felt bad when they left her house, and wanted to talk about it, but they didn’t. They didn’t want to talk about anything when it involved them. She wondered if they’d have to pretend, and Teddi said that wasn’t healthy. Erika said maybe they shouldn’t have any conversations with Denise.

Next time, Garcelle sells a script, Kyle throws the black and white party, Denise and LisaR go to lunch, and Camille, Brandi, and Adrienne show up.

👠 Under Pressure…

Garcelle might have felt the pressure, but she’s kept her cool, and IMO, outshines the veterans.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/01/garcelle-beauvais-felt-pressure-to-be-the-first-black-rhobh-star/

💉 Queen of Corona…

We will never hear the end of this, since Ramona loves talking about herself.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/01/rhonys-ramona-singer-says-she-and-daughter-tested-positive-for-covid-19-antibodies/

🧉 Adios, Uno Amiga…

I love how pensive Vicki looks in the photo. Like I think that’s a candid snap.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/04/rhoc-star-vicki-gunvalson-moves-into-puerto-vallarta-condo/

🎤 A Sister Speaks…

Although she really didn’t say a whole lot.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/02/caroline-manzo-speaks-out-after-arrest-of-sister-dinas-ex-husband/

🎼 Thinking Ahead…

Rescheduling is the new optimism.

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386776/concerts-rescheduled-coronavirus-list

🥂 Looks Like They Made It…

Even before the pandemic, it was sad how so many landmarks had closed their doors in NYC. Not only is Neirs Tavern a Black-owned business, it’s one of the oldest bars in the United States. And it’s survived.

https://nypost.com/2020/07/08/190-year-old-nyc-bar-neirs-tavern-survives-covid-19/

😥  A Wife Does the Honors…

I’d forgotten Phaedra was also a funeral director.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/02/phaedra-parks-talks-about-directing-rayshard-brooks-funeral/

🐶 Something Sweet…

Who doesn’t love a puppy?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bradford-anderson-new-puppy

🧹 A Brush With Celebrity…

Years ago, I did a reality show about fantasy camps, and met Ilene Kristen at a soap opera workshop. She was the best! She was very honest about getting into soap operas, how difficult the work was, and how you could get taken advantage of. Her basic advice was: Don’t. I have a picture of us somewhere…

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/ilene-kristen-amazing-career

🛸 Phasing On…

Don’t worry. We’ll be at Phase 475 before you know it. Meanwhile, stay safe, stay keeping it together, and stay ready for anything.

Jul3

July 2, 2020 – When Michael Gave Back Avery, Character Reference, LuAnn’s Halloween Party, New Trek, Pride Pics, Drunk Rainbow, Academy Goals & Rhapsody

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

The deck was shuffled, and a GH Flashback from June 29th, 2015 was pulled out.

Nina went to Ric’s hotel room, and asked Ric if he was Madeline’s new lawyer, while Madeline hid in the other room. At the MetroCourt, Franco asked Denise (Ava’s presumed sister) if they were a couple in public, and she said it suited their ulterior motive. She suggested they practice their canoodling. Michael and Sabrina brought Avery to Sonny’s. Sonny asked if it was a visit, but Michael said he was bringing Avery home. Dante told Valerie he didn’t know how he was going to get through the night, and Valerie said she was there for him. Lulu was in a hotel room with Dillon, and wanted to call her parents with their room number, but Dillon stopped her. Luke and Laura busted into another hotel room, guns drawn. Luke said, freeze, and they saw it was Holly, also holding a gun. Laura told her to put the gun down. Someone had broken into their hotel room, and they’d gotten word their son had been kidnapped. She asked what Holly knew about Lucky, but Holly was legit surprised.

Lulu told Dillon that Dante had sounded distant and cold when she’d last spoken to him, and she needed to make sure they were okay. Dante started putting the moves on Valerie, and she asked what he was doing. He said, the same thing Lulu had done. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see Lulu and Dillon together. He said Valerie had to admit, there was something between them. Ric told Nina that Madeline was a miserable excuse for a human being, and he would never do anything for that monster. He was Nina’s husband, and would never side with someone who had hurt her. Nina said she shouldn’t have listened to Franco. He got to her, and her imagination was running away. She thought it was strange that Madeline was walking around free, and told Ric that Franco had seen her in Port Charles. Ric said Franco could be lying, but Nina asked what the point would be for him to lie. She wondered, if her mother was out of prison, where was she? Why wasn’t she showing her devious head? Kiki asked Denise and Franco to join her and Morgan for dinner, and Morgan said he accepted that Kiki and her aunt were a package deal. Denise left to powder her nose, and Morgan followed her. Kiki told Franco that both she and Morgan were afraid he was going to hurt her aunt, but Franco insisted that he and Denise were the real thing, and told her to relax. Morgan told Denise that they needed to talk. He said Franco was dangerous, and wrong for her. Michael told Sonny that he was returning Avery to him. Even though Sonny’s life was still dangerous, Sonny was Avery’s father, and her family; he couldn’t pretend that didn’t mean anything. Carly asked if Morgan had talked Michael into it, but Michael said Sabrina had helped him to look past his anger, and see what was right. Sabrina said Michael already knew what he needed to do, and Michael said he was giving Sonny’s daughter back to him.

Nina told Ric that she thought Madeline was planning a sneak attack, but Ric said the thought she was trying to keep a low profile. Nina said Madeline didn’t know the meaning of a low profile, and thought she must be scheming with someone to get her hands on Nina’s money. Ric said Nina had to regain control of her finances before Madeline found a way to access them. Nina started to panic, and Ric suggested they meet in the restaurant. Nina said Franco was there, slobbering over his new girlfriend. Michael told Sonny that losing ELQ had a lot to do with why he was there. Lucy had been the deciding vote, and sided with Nikolas because of what Michael had done to Sonny. He didn’t want to take Avery out of spite, or to use as a weapon, and had talked with Sabrina. He told Avery this didn’t mean he didn’t love her. He didn’t want to trade one tragedy for another and tear the family apart. He’d thought giving in meant he was giving up, but his father would have been the first one to tell him to do what was best for Avery. The cycle had to stop. He told Sonny not to make him regret it, and Sonny promised to look out for Avery with everything in him. Michael handed Avery over.

Valerie told Dante he was a great guy, and had helped her with the death of her mother. He wasn’t a guy who cheats. He said he hadn’t thought Lulu was that way, but people surprise you. Valerie said if Lulu was hooking up with Dillon, she was the dumbest woman in the world, and he owed it to himself to confront her, and not be as wrong as she was. She also didn’t want to lose Dante’s friendship if he resented her later. Lulu decided if she called Dante, she’d have to lie, and she couldn’t; she was already sick over it. Dillon said she was doing the right thing, and he had a better idea. Holly told Luke and Laura that Ethan had also been kidnapped, and Luke suggested they all calm down and deal with it together. Holly said she and Ethan had been going after a mark in South America. When she went to pick him up, he wasn’t there, and the whole place was a disaster area. Luke asked if there had been signs of a struggle, and Holly said Ethan had put up quite a fight. He was gone, and she had no idea where or why. Their son had vanished. Laura said it was the same with Lucky. His room had been ransacked, and there was no sign of him. An anonymous person had called, and told her to find Luke, and they were led there. Luke said Holly was the last person he’d expected to see, and asked if she’d searched Ethan’s room for clues. She showed him a matchbook, saying there was no reason Ethan should have one from a hotel in British Columbia. She wondered how the matchbook had ended up there.

Carly told Michael that she’d never been more proud of him. She was sorry for times she’d hurt him when she seemed to be siding with Sonny. When AJ was killed, she didn’t want the family torn apart, so she lied, but he deserved better. She didn’t expect forgiveness,  but wanted him to know she loved him. Michael said he loved her too. He’d grown up believing Sonny was a man of honor, and wasn’t sure if their relationship would be the same again. He warned Sonny that if he felt Avery was ever unsafe, she’d be gone, but Sonny said he’d guard her with his life. Kiki wasn’t so sure if Franco was good for Denise, since he was on the rebound, and asked if Franco was sure he wasn’t using her. Franco promised that he and Denise were good for one another, and Kiki hoped it helped him get over Nina. Nina told Ric that she didn’t care what Franco did, she just didn’t want to watch it. Ric told her not to let Franco win, and suggested she flaunt her bliss with her new husband. He told her to show Franco that the best day of her life was when she kicked him to the curb. He told Nina to meet him downstairs, and when she left, he told Madeline to be gone by the time he got back. She said to be sure to get Nina’s signature giving him power of attorney, and let everyone know Nina had descended into madness again. He said it was touching how much she loved her daughter. Michael told Avery that she’d be living with her dad, but he loved her more than he thought possible. He’d always look out for her, even when she couldn’t see him. He told Sonny and Carly to take care of Avery, and left with Sabrina. Denise told Morgan that it was the only choice, and they went back to the table. Denise said she wanted to spend some time with her baby niece. Carly told Sonny, despite their faults, they’d raised a wonderful son, and had proof of that tonight. She knew Michael giving Avery up broke his heart, but she’d also known it would happen because of who Michael was. Sonny told Avery, welcome home, and Avery fed him a biscuit, which was super cute. Back at his apartment, Michael said he didn’t think out of sight was out of mind. He missed Avery already. His phone rang, but he ignored it. He thanked Sabrina for going with him, and giving them both space. She said he always knew it was the right thing to do. Dante told Valerie that he sucked at marriage, but Valerie said he was an exceptional father and husband. He said he was a lousy friend, and hoped he hadn’t ruined it. Valerie told him that he hadn’t. Dillon gave Lulu his script to read, and asked how he stacked up on a scale of one to ten. She said he practically held her at gunpoint to get her to read it, but wouldn’t shut up and let her. She had some notes.

Holly was surprised to find out that Jennifer Smith had lured Luke out, but Luke said she had nothing to do with Lucky’s kidnapping. Laura said Jennifer had used Luke’s desperation about his son to get close to him, and yes, she meant that way. Holly said, cow, and Laura said, idiot. Laura said whoever contacted Holly would be contacting them, but they hadn’t heard anything. In perfect soap timing, her phone rang with an unknown caller. Laura put it on speaker, and answered, asking where her son was. Holly said, and hers, and the caller said, good; Holly was there, and found his matchbook. Luke asked where their son was, and what the hell the guy wanted with them. He said he’d tell them everything they needed to know tomorrow.

Lulu told Dillon that she didn’t buy the relationship in his script at all, but he said it was true; those people were him and his first girlfriend after Georgie died. She’d stomped his heart into the dirt. Valerie suggested she and Dante forget the kiss, and Dante said, business as usual? She said, absolutely, and decided to go back to Windymere. She still had a room there until Nikolas said otherwise. Sonny fed Avery her bottle, and Carly said Avery looked more like him every day. She didn’t see Ava in Avery, but did see Ava in her crazy sister. At the MetroCourt, Denise said it was important for her to have Avery in her life. Morgan said there had been a truce with Sonny, but Franco stopped her from leaving by kissing her. Ric and Nina walked in, and Nina grabbed Ric, kissing him, while Madeline lurked around the corner. Sabrina asked Michael if he was okay, and he said he was trying to look on the bright side. He and Sabrina could spend more time together, now that he was out of a job. She said she was too, but things were starting to look up. He said he was trying not to think about Avery, and maybe they could help each other think about something else, so they got busy.

Ric told Nina that he wasn’t complaining, but why? She said she felt hot for him, and he suggested they table that, and get back to the issue at hand. Now that her mother was out of prison, they had to make sure Nina was protected by getting her funds released. He said he would have to act on her behalf, and needed her to sign something. He gave her some paperwork, and she signed it without even looking at it. Morgan said Franco and Denise might want to get a room, but Denise wanted to keep her panties on, at least until she talked to Michael. Carly told Sonny that Avery needed to sleep, and she would be there in the morning. Sonny said, and every morning after that. Basking in the afterglow, Michael said he’d wanted Sabrina for a long time, and she said she felt the same way. His phone rang, but he didn’t pick up, and Denise left a voicemail saying she’d like to come by and see the baby. She felt a connection to her sister’s baby, like she was Avery’s mother, which was fitting since Avery didn’t have one. Sonny told Avery that she was home with him, and never going anywhere again. Valerie told Dante that she thought it was best to give both of them space. Dante said he was sorry, and she said he was forgiven, if he’d stop apologizing. She left without looking back, and Dante looked at his and Lulu’s wedding photo. Dillon said now that Lulu knew the truth, what did she think? She said he seemed to think highly of himself; the character was perfect. He said he’d give him a flaw, and Lulu said, just one? Dillon said he chews with his mouth open, and only listens to Top 40, and she said maybe he was perfect. It was a good distraction for her from worrying about her brother for a while.

Holly told Laura to try *69, but Laura said she’d tried everything. They needed to get some rest, and pray the kidnapper followed through and contacted them. Luke told them, the contact said to wait, so they would wait. Laura and Holly agreed.

🏥 In Case You Don’t Know Them…

Meet Ava’s alter-ego sister Denise.

https://www.celebdirtylaundry.com/2015/general-hospital-spoilers-gh-avas-identity-revealed-who-figured-out-denises-dirty-secret/

And Valerie Spencer.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-valerie-spencer-brytni-sarpy-167403

And Jennifer Smith.

https://www.soapcentral.com/gh/whoswho/jennifer.php

The Real Housewives of New York City

With the first interview, I got a clue why they haven’t been showing new ones, even though they were filmed before the pandemic. The interviews were done remotely, so those must not have been edited in yet.

Leah goes to the Halloween store, and calls Rob, asking him if he wants to be a clown or a priest. In her interview, she says Rob isn’t typically her plus one, but he’s an important person in her life, and she wants to see what he thinks of the women, and more important, what they think of him. Dorinda and LuAnn join her. In LuAnn’s interview, she says her good friend Evan got her a fabulous venue for her Halloween party. She wants to enjoy it with the girls, and have a great time, so she’s not performing. Dorinda says she was Ramonasized again, and tells them, Ramona is planning a birthday party and invited her and Sonja along to see Larry Scott. We flash back to that, and I realize he reminds me of Michael Madsen in a size large. Dorinda swears Ramona barely spoke to them, and they were just there to take pictures for Larry’s social media. Three hours of her day. In her interview, Dorinda says it wasn’t bad enough that Ramona used them to swindle a free party, but she thought they were too stupid to notice. She tells LuAnn, since Ramona actively disinvited Sonja last year, she thought Ramona should do a joint birthday party, but she said no; it was only her and her coming out. She never even spoke to them again afterward. LuAnn asks if Ramona wanted their advice, and Dorinda says, not really. In Leah’s interview, she says she understands, but Dorinda has known Ramona for twenty years. She shouldn’t be surprised. And she needs to chill with the judging stuff. Dorinda is still skeptical about Tinsley getting engaged, and LuAnn says she and Ramona went out for drinks with Tinsley, and she’s 100% sure. In her interview, Dorinda says, everyone deserves to be happy. Tigers and rabbits don’t get along, but that doesn’t mean they can’t scamper away and be happy. They try on some costume armor, and Dorinda suggests they wear it to Ramona’s birthday party. LuAnn says they can show up as gladiators.

Ramona meets matchmaker Rori for drinks. In her interview, Ramona says Rori set her up with Brian, better known as Red Scarf Guy. She thought he was great in many ways, and fit everything in her box. Excuse me? We flash back to Brian, and to the dud date Ramona had with the guy who thought monogamy wasn’t natural. Rori asks if Ramona is looking for love or money, and Ramona says she wants a best friend who makes her laugh, and someone who travels. Rori says, that’s not cheap, and some women accept a little older and heavier for the lifestyle. Ramona says she wants both. In her interview, she says she wants someone who’s worth is the same as hers, or they get intimidated. She tells Rori that when she moved into her new place, it felt awkward. We flash back to Ramona wailing in the bar that she might never find a man. She says she had a renaissance. She feels more comfortable in her home, and loves herself. (That’s clear.) She wants someone in her life who adds to it, but it’s okay if she doesn’t find it. Rori says, happy finds happy, and Ramona is a great catch. Yeah. Until she opens her mouth. Ramona says, age is just a number. Wake me when she’s done promoting herself.

Sonja meets Elyse for drinks at Dakota. Sonja says Halloween isn’t her favorite holiday. She doesn’t like to get dressed up and be around people she doesn’t recognize. You could have fooled me with that one. She tells Elyse that Ramona bought a voodoo priestess costume and got her a matching one. Elyse wonders, why not her? and thinks Ramona is afraid of losing control. In Elyse’s interview, she says when Ramona need emotional support, she comes to her. She tells Sonja that Ramona called her, and said she was thinking of coming by. Meanwhile, her doorman was buzzing her that Ramona was on her way up. In her interview, she says she doesn’t have a house in Aspen and can’t do plastic surgery, so Ramona doesn’t need her now. Sonja says she tried to tell Ramona about becoming the Century 21 chief lifestyle officer (that’s a thing?), but Ramona eclipsed the conversation and made her feel like an upstart. Elyse says, Ramonaville is filled with one-way streets. In Sonja’s interview, she says she doesn’t recognize Ramona anymore. She has to one-up everyone with her fake friends and fake parties. Shut up, Ramona. Elyse tells Sonja to call Ramona out with her, and Sonja says she has a lot of dirt on Ramona, and she’s sure Elyse does too. Elyse says she’d never do that, but Sonja says Ramona doesn’t need to know that.

Dorinda meets daughter Hannah for lunch, and says she’s not dressed warm enough. Dorinda insists on giving Hannah her coat, and they go to Jimbo’s Hamburger Place, which looks like an old school diner. Dorinda asks for everything on her burger, and Hannah adds, and all the sauces. In Dorinda’s interview, she says if she was stranded on a desert island the one thing she’d bring is Hellman’s. Mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard are part of every meal, and Russian dressing is a holiday. Hannah says, no burger, just sauce, and I wonder why they’re calling condiments sauces. Dorinda shows Hannah a picture of Richard’s son Aidan that he sent to her. Hannah says Dorinda used to get sad, wondering who her person was. She’d always had an anchor that shaped her sense of self. Hannah looks up to her more now, and says Dorinda is a better role model than ever. She was given a bad hand, but didn’t turn it into a streak, which is worthy of pride. In her interview, Dorinda says everyone has seen her go through changes and grow. She’s a different Dorinda today. Hannah says it’s the first time she’s seen Dorinda be herself. She’s managing herself, and not desperate to be married. Hannah says she feels guilty that she hasn’t gotten it right yet. Dorinda tells her about Ramona’s party, and suggests she and Hannah have a birthday lunch. She confuses Riker’s Island – known for a prison – with Randall’s Island – a cute residential island that you can get to by an aerial tram. Sylvester Stallone and Rutger Hauer had it out on the tram in Nighthawks.

Leah, Rob, and Kier go to Chinatown for dinner. In her interview, Leah says, when you’re from New York, you know all the spots to eat; it’s not all about the Upper East Side. She says this is normal for her and Rob. They’ve been co-parenting longer than they were a couple. She hadn’t wanted to be in a relationship; she wanted to spread her wings and fly. She specifies, not those wings, and we flash back to Dorinda discovering how Leah grooms downstairs. She says Rob has been her rock. She tells Rob that she went to lunch with Bunny and Brian (her parents), and we flash back to Bunny saying alcohol is a slippery slope for Leah. Leah says they talked about Rob. It’s weird. They’ve been broken up for eleven years, yet neither one of them has moved on. She feels like her parents wouldn’t accept another person; he’s like their son. Rob says he has no mother figure, so it’s definitely her mom. Leah says she should give Bunny more credit. In Leah’s interview, she says her sister likes to say she and her mother only communicate and show love through arguing. She tells Rob she still has resentment. Imagine telling Kier to live on the street at seventeen years old. Kier asks if Leah was really that young, and Leah says her mother claims she was nineteen, but whatever. Kier wonders if nineteen is a little old to be living with your parents, and Leah says, most people are in college then, and still being taken care of.  Kier asks why Leah didn’t go to college, and if she couldn’t get in. Leah is like, please, and in her interview, says she’s no saint, and she can be an a-hole. She tells Rob that she should be better to Bunny, and Rob says she knew that. She says, don’t be a d*ck. He’s so I-told-you-so, like her mother. She tells Kier, a lot of women marry men like their fathers, which Kier finds disgusting. Leah says she married someone like her mother, and Kier makes a face.

In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t normally dress up, but she found a see-through mesh jumpsuit, and she’s going as a voodoo slut. She goes to get her makeup done by LuAnn’s makeup artist, who says LuAnn is on her way. In her interview, Leah says, LuAnn has her own timeframe. LuAnn goes to the venue to check things out, and the décor is phenomenal. LuAnn tells Evan that it’s incredible. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, last year was sexy nurse, and this year, it’s voodoo. It has to be shocking. Evan shows her one room that’s like a cemetery, and tells her that it’s going to be filled with smoke, like a different world. LuAnn meets the chef, who says the menu is over-the-top. His seafood platter looks like it’s escaping. In her interview, LuAnn says, it’s not a Halloween party unless someone is grossed out. She says, the girls will love it, and moves on to makeup. Leah tells her about the jumpsuit, but says she’ll be covered in the strategic places. She doesn’t want to give anyone a heart attack. LuAnn says, it’s Halloween. You’re supposed to give people a heart attack.    

Ramona tells Missy, her plus one, that she hasn’t liked Sonja’s costumes, so she got one for her. They’re the first to arrive, and they check out the decorations. Ramona says her priest wouldn’t like it, and Missy says, don’t tell him. Ramona examines a goat head on the buffet table, and in her interview, she says, who would want to eat looking at that? Her friend Ron joins them, and we flash back to her meeting him at the bar when she was having drinks with LuAnn and Tinsley. She says he looks scary, and he says he takes Halloween seriously. Ramona calls LuAnn, asking where she is. LuAnn says dinner isn’t until 8:30, and Ramona tells her the room is gorgeous. Ramona tells Missy that she’d even sent a group text about starting early. A male friend of hers has a private table at Omar’s downtown, and she wants to go. Like this is her party. Sonja, Dorinda, and Elyse share a limo to get there. In her interview, Sonja says she got lit with her hair and makeup team. Halloween is a national holiday in their in group. If it’s not to you, stay home because you’re dead meat. She tells Dorinda and Elyse that Ramona doesn’t feel her pain or struggle. Dorinda says Ramona wants everyone orbit around her. Sonja gets animated with the voodoo doll she’s holding, and the driver looks nervous. At the party, Ramona tells Sonja’s friend Andrew that his paunch looks real. He tells her it is, and in her interview, she says, oops. Sonja, Dorinda, and Elyse arrive, and in her interview, Dorinda says, it’s a Dorinda set-up. She’s a little jealous. They took a page from her book.

Jill Zarin shows up to get her makeup done. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been friends with Jill a long time. She’s been on tour, and Jill has a new love, Gary, so they don’t get to see each other often. When she has a chance to invite Jill to a party, she does. Jill asks the makeup artist if she can be pretty, or does it have to be weird? The artist says she’ll make Jill pretty. Sonja whacks at her voodoo doll, invoking Ramona’s name. Ramona says Sonja is scary looking, and Sonja says the doll’s name is Ramona. She’s mad because whenever she  talks to Ramona, Ramona brings the conversation back to herself. In Sonja’s interview, she says, the other three vodka sodas will be kicking in soon. She tells Ramona that she loves her, but she’s an a-hole. Ramona gives Sonja a kiss, and Dorinda says Ramona should apologize. Ramona thinks Dorinda should stay out of it, and in Dorinda’s interview, she says when she’s told to stay out of something, it just makes her more eager to jump in. Sonja tells Ramona that she’s mean to Elyse, and Elyse is always at the bottom of the totem pole. Elyse admits she does feel like that, and says Ramona might have a lot of friends, but they’re different kinds. There are the ones that knock you when you’re on top, and kick you when you’re down; and the ones who celebrate when you’re on the top, and catch you when you fall. Which one is she? Ramona asks which one she wants to be, and in her interview, says she thinks Elyse is jumping on the bandwagon. Elyse says she’s asking Ramona, and Ramona says she doesn’t give a sh*t at this point. She tells them that she has to use the restroom, and walks off. Sonja tells Elyse, Ramona wants her to do well, but not better than her. In Elyse’s interview, she says she’s watched Ramona being an a-hole to other people, but at the end of the day, what do a-holes give you? Ramona goes over to Dorinda, and tells her not to repeat this out of the group. Why do these women always assume any of them will keep a confidence? Ramona says Dorinda and Sonja are her most important friends. In her interview, Dorinda makes a face, and says she doesn’t buy it. I literally lol. Dorinda wonders why Ramona can’t have a joint birthday party with Sonja, and Ramona says she’ll throw another party. Dorinda says, that’s silly. In Ramona’s interview, she says Dorinda would have no one to invite, while she has 80 girlfriends because she’s a good friend. I see that number has gone up by 20 since the last count an episode ago. Dorinda says Ramona just wanted a free party, and Ramona insists that she’s paying for everything. Dorinda tells her to swear on her daughter’s life that Larry is charging her, but Ramona won’t do it, and tells Dorinda, she’s whacked. Dorinda says Ramona is out of her mind, and sounds ridiculous.

Leah and Rob arrive, and Leah introduces Rob to the women. He says he feels small, and wow, they are tall next to him. Dorinda wastes no time, and asks why it didn’t work out. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Rob seems easy-going, and she sees why Leah hooked up with him. Sonja slinks over, and LuAnn says Sonja started Halloween early. In her interview, LuAnn wonders who came with Sonja, and who was at the pre-game? Sonja probably should have gone to bed. Missy says maybe Ramona should talk to Dorinda, but in Ramona’s interview, she says, Dorinda can’t talk when she’s angry. She’s going to stick it out for a while, and go to Omar’s. She tells Leah that she looks absolutely stunning. Sonja says Leah is an effing weirdo, and Leah says Sonja looks hot as hell. Sonja says she likes Leah, but she’s a weirdo. Leah goes over to Sonja, and gets nose to nose with her, and Sonja says they’re artists. Can they keep it real? Leah doesn’t know. In her interview, Leah says she and Sonja are having a fresh new start, and she loves everything about it. Sonja tells her, don’t be divisive be inclusive. In Leah’s interview, she says she understands drunken Sonja language, now she needs to learn to speak sober Sonja. It’s agreed alligator does not taste like chicken. Ramona tells Missy that Sonja is like Jekyll and Hyde. She flips, and it’s scary. Dorinda tells LuAnn, Ramona is a selfish, self-serving person who’s always thinking about herself. LuAnn can’t believe Ramona brought Missy; a girlfriend of her ex-husband’s. Ramona says Dorinda doesn’t have Tinsley to attack, so she’s getting it. We flash back to the engagement party, where Tom told Missy that wearing a wedding ring was like being a dog with a collar. In her interview, LuAnn says, Ramona doesn’t give a sh*t; she’s insensitive. The problem with people is, they always disappoint you, but Ramona never ceases to disappoint. Dorinda remarks that Ramona changed seats quickly to be next to Rick. Is she happy Dorinda brought him? Ramona ignores her, but Dorinda repeats the question, and Rick looks pretty uncomfortable. In Ramona’s interview, she says, the best thing is to ignore someone who’s being mean to you. It makes them more angry, and more reflective. I dunno about the reflective part. It probably just makes them angrier and meaner.

Dorinda stands up, and clinks her spoon against her glass. She says she has a question. Is it nice if you have a good girlfriend who, when they don’t like something you said, asks if you’re drunk? Sonja yells, why did you say that, Ramona? and Dorinda says Ramona has been there an hour and a half, boozing it up. Ramona is sad and mean to her – schadenfreude. Dorinda says, she’s not nice, and Sonja says, Ramona is terrible to her. Dorinda tells Ramona, don’t do that, and Sonja repeats it. LuAnn gets up, lifts her glass, and says, how about them Mets? Happy Halloween. In her interview, LuAnn says she understands Dorinda has had it, but she’s taken it to a whole other level. LuAnn actually feels bad for Ramona at this point. Jill asks if this is how it always is; you walk in, and Dorinda attacks someone? Elyse asks if Ramona is okay, and says she still loves her. Ramona says she has a lot right now. In Ramona’s interview, she starts to talk, and daughter Avery tells her, stop wasting her energy talking about Elyse. She hears Ramona telling her friends; she can’t get enough of it, and it’s annoying. Ramona tells her, shut up. Elyse asks if Ramona is good, and Ramona says she is. Dorinda carves the pig, for which LuAnn is glad. In her interview, Ramona says, who in their right mind, after witnessing that speech, would give Dorinda a knife? Leah pulls an octopus out of the seafood tower, and LuAnn tells her, don’t f*** with the seafood tower, which I predict will be the next, don’t be all, like, uncool, along with, 1985 is over. Leah introduces Sonja to Rob while still holding the octopus. She plops it back on top, and pulls out something else, asking, what is this? I don’t know what it is either, but it looks gross. LuAnn says, this is where it goes wrong, and Leah throws whatever-it-is on the table. In Ramona’s interview, she says, someone put voodoo on this party, and she’s out of there. She’s going to Omar’s, which will be a lot more fun than this party.

The music starts, and everyone dances, except Sonja who looks sullen and clutches her voodoo doll. Leah asks Rob if he’s okay, and he says he’s fine, but he’s not sticking around. She tells him that she loves him so much, and he says he doesn’t know how life ended up like this, but here they are.

Next time, a return to the fish room, Ramona blocks Elyse, Dorinda finally corrects Ramona’s mispronunciation of narcissistic, and LuAnn tells Sonja that she doesn’t need her and to eff off.

🛸 For the Trekkers…

A new animated comedy series. It sounds kind of weird, but I dropped out after Deep Space Nine.

https://www.startrek.com/news/star-trek-lower-decks-sets-release-date

🌈 For Those With Pride…

Lots of fun pictures.

https://www.manrepeller.com/2020/06/brooklyn-bushwig-2020.html?mc_cid=c16f404248&mc_eid=3e76ab4a64

🤹 But Don’t Let This Happen To You…

GoHomeRainbow

🎭 A Diverse New World…

The Academy is moving forward.

https://www.instyle.com/news/oscars-diversity-goals-new-members

🗺 How’d We Get Here Again…?

We’re back at Friday, or day 103 if you’re going by the pandemic calendar. Just think, we have so much to look forward to when this is over. Like wishing for a seat on public transportation, traffic, and people invading your personal space. In the meantime, stay safe, stay civil, and stay not like Ramona.

Jun25

June 24, 2020 – Stalker Flashback, NYC Watches BH, Tops In TV, Important Awards, Finishing Thrones, More Tours, a Collab, a First, Doing Something & the Best

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Click, click, click… and the Wheel of GH Flashbacks lands on October 12th, 2005. Or as I’ve come to call it, unknown territory.

Maxie thought that Jesse (who?) was over-invested in a case. Old Brook asked Diego (who?) why he had a roofie in his pocket, and accused him of being the stalker lurking in Port Charles. He said there was a guy on campus who was a walking pharmacy, and if the dealer wasn’t the stalker, he’d been supplying the stalker. If the police could nail the dealer, he might give up who the stalker is. Diego claimed he was going to give the roofie to the police, to see if they could tie it to the stalker. Brook wondered how he’d known about the dealer in the first place, but he assured her that he just wanted to get to the bottom of things because she’d been the victim of a crime. He invited her back to his dorm to check out his cameras. When old-Mike-not-Max–Gail brought them some sodas, Diego slipped the roofie into Brook’s drink. Emily told Nikolas that she wanted to throw Lucky and Elizabeth a fairytale wedding; they deserved more than a tiny ceremony in Audrey’s living room. Nikolas said Lucky had asked him to be best man, and Emily thought Elizabeth would probably ask her to be maid of honor. Which is not too awkward since Nikolas and Emily are the middle of getting divorced. Nikolas was concerned that Lucky and Elizabeth might try to use the wedding to get him and Emily back together, since Lucky had told him not to bring Courtney.

Sam and Jason were relaxing on an island somewhere. Sam found a super soaker, and Jason threw her in the ocean when she went after him with it. Manny Ruiz (not to be confused with Father Ruiz, his non-evil twin) said trouble in paradise was a go, as he burned a photo of Jason and Sam. Sam said she was happy, and it was the most relaxed she’d ever seen Jason, so we knew trouble was right around the corner. At the hospital, Jax and Courtney talked about a program they wanted to develop for unwed mothers in the name of the baby they’d lost. Emily told Nikolas that she didn’t think it was fair to leave Courtney out, and Nikolas asked if she’d be okay with Courtney showing up, adding he didn’t think Courtney would do anything to upset the wedding. While Sam went out to do who-knows-what, Manny showed up with some thugs. He wanted to kill Jason, but since Jason had saved the padre’s life, family honor dictated he couldn’t – unless Jason tried to kill him. Jason wasn’t about to do that, and ended up being tied to a chair.

Maxie asked Jesse if his over-investment had to do with his brother, but he said, no; his sister. A pregnant Alexis assured Jax that although she’d misplaced his divorce papers temporarily, they’d been mailed out. Nikolas showed up, saying he received Jax’s divorce papers instead of his own, and wondered if Alexis had done it on purpose, so he’d reconsider. Alex said she didn’t care what went on, as long as it was mutually agreed upon, and she was an overworked attorney with a pain in the ass husband. She told both Jax and Nikolas to take the opportunity to appreciate the ones they loved. She said she was busy, tired, and hormonal, and told them to get out. Emily told Courtney that she’d heard Courtney tell Sonny that she was pregnant. Even though Emily and Nikolas were getting a divorce, she was still in shock. Courtney said Jax might be the father, and she wasn’t saying anything until she knew for sure, adding that it was none of Emily’s business anyway. Emily threatened to tell Nikolas, and Courtney said Emily had eavesdropped on a private conversation, and now Emily was blackmailing her. Emily said Nikolas deserved to know the truth, and Courtney told her that she had no idea what it was like to lose a baby. The new baby was a miracle, she’d decide what was best, and tell the father when she was ready. Emily said Nikolas was still her husband on paper, and she’d tell him whatever she wanted. She’d lost him by keeping secrets, and she wasn’t keeping anything from him again. Although why that mattered if she’d lost him already, I don’t know. She said if Courtney had half a brain, she wouldn’t keep anything from him either. Courtney said she was getting a paternity test in a few weeks, and Emily said maybe she’d give Courtney that long. I don’t really know Emily’s character very well, but everyone always acts like she was a saint. I’m not getting that from this episode.

Manny had his thugs beat up Jason, and suggested Jason not dishonor Sonny again, and shoot him. Jason refused, and got beat up some more, Manny saying, no wasn’t a word he settled for. Mac told Jesse that he blew the case, and the last thing he needed was a loose cannon on the force. Jesse asked if Alcazar owned the PCPD, and Mac said Jesse was off the case. The next time, he’d be out of a job. Diego took a woozy Brook to a walk-in freezer in the Quartermaine’s basement. He pulled out a diary that had belonged to his cousin Sage (dim memory of that one), and told Brook how much pain she’d caused Sage, saying he’d brought her back to the scene of the crime.

Jesse told Maxie about how his sister had gotten involved with a gang member who beat her. She’d make excuses about her trips to the ER, and laugh it off. She begged Jesse to stay out of it, but he didn’t listen, joined a rival gang, and started a war. He’d planned to take the gang member out, and set his sister free, but instead their brother ended up dead. Jesse then became a cop to set things right, but told Maxie, sometimes bad guys still get away with murder. Brook realized Diego was the stalker, and he’d taken pictures of her and harassed her with menacing calls. He said it was nothing compared to what she did to his cousin. All Sage wanted was to be part of the crowd, and even her boyfriend Dillon had used her before dumping her. Brook stood by while Maxie stuck Sage in the freezer, and Sage had been murdered, so he brought her there, where she’d left his cousin to die.

Jax brought the papers back to Alexis, who noticed they weren’t notarized, and Jax asked if she could misplace them for a while longer. Courtney saw Emily with Nikolas in Kelly’s, and he told her it might not be a good time. In France, a woman showed up at a hospital who had an R on her bracelet, but we didn’t see her face. One of the doctors asked if she wanted to join him for lunch, but she said she was waiting for a call. When she was in her room, she put a candle in a cupcake, and lit it. A call came in, and she thanked her Uncle Ric for sending the cupcake, promising she’d make a wish. When she blew out the candle, we saw that it was Robin. Sam came back, and saw Manny and his thugs surrounding Jason, but they didn’t know she was there.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?

LuAnn and Sonja (The Real Housewives of New York City) watched a throwback episode of RHOBH, where the women went to NYC to celebrate Dorit being on the cover of Bella magazine for Fashion Week. Giggy! This was somewhat better than Garcelle and Dorit watching for a couple of reasons. A friend and I had just been discussing how the commentary shows were falling flat, and agreed that besides the commentary being sparse and not very engaging, the POV wasn’t balanced. Both Pillow Talk and the defunct People’s Couch are huge favorites of mine, but both are focused more on the people talking about the show than the show itself. We’ve already seen the show, and don’t need to see so much of it again. We’re there to hear what these viewers have to say. From our mouths to Bravo’s ear, tonight was a definite improvement. Either the New Yorkers had more to say, or more was edited in. One stumbling block is that the observers can’t be together because of pandemic restrictions still being in place, but regardless, IMO there was still a little too much focus on the episode.

Sonja babbled incessantly, realizing halfway through that she was being extra loud because she was wearing an earpiece, and consistently checked herself out. We also got the scoop that she and Teddi sat next to each other at Josh Flagg’s (Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles) wedding. On RHOBH, Dorit had alluded to Kyle that LVP was jealous of their friendship, so she spilled the beans to LVP herself in Union Square Park, which LuAnn mistook for Central Park, and tried to make about herself. I wondered why LVP and Dorit had such cheap umbrellas, which I hadn’t noticed the first time around. Sonja thought Dorit should be put with Ramona, so they could dig a hole together. If that ever happened, I have no doubt they’d make it all the way to China. LuAnn and Sonja both praised Erika for the way she took a meeting with Simon & Schuster, and when LisaR talked about how the delivery guy was robbed before daughter Delilah got a delivery for her new place, LuAnn made a point of saying that didn’t always happen in NYC. As Sonja watched the women get their hair and makeup done, she started messing with her own hair. She wondered who hadn’t been on the cover of Bella, and said they’d asked her. She mentioned this twice; once saying she didn’t have time, and then saying she thought it was overrated and declined. When the BH women greeted designer Marc Bouwer, Sonja let us know he was one of her best friends. They went back a long way; they were the old bitches.

Both Sonja and LuAnn seemed a little lost, not knowing the background of any ongoing issues, and since I didn’t remember some of it, I was lost too. Kyle had been upset about Erika slipping away from Teddi’s beach house for the night, and LuAnn said at least she didn’t have to sleep in the basement. She also interjected that Teddi had a voice like a cabaret singer, just to get the word cabaret in there somewhere. There were probably another twenty-three references that were edited out. What was most amusing was how LuAnn and Sonja were acting like this nonsensical arguing was foreign territory to them. A lot of the episode revolved around Kyle having heard Dorit say that LVP was needy, and perhaps jealous of Kyle’s other relationships. Since Dorit knew someone else would end up telling LVP, she told LVP herself. LuAnn wondered why Kyle was more upset about the whole thing than LVP, and proclaimed that people had said worse about her. She figured there were only two options of how the night would end; getting sick or crying. Crying it was. Sonya said she’d been happy to share the limelight with Beverly Hills, but the women were emotional vampires, and she was going to have to light a candle and do some yoga to recover. LuAnn thought Kyle was more of a pot stirrer than Dorit, and when Sonja had to get up, she said she was walking like Ramona after a night in Palm Beach. I’m not sure what that meant, and don’t think I want to know.

📺 Perfect For a Pandemic…

There are a lot of good shows on the list, ideal for binge watching.

https://www.businessinsider.com/50-best-tv-show-seasons-all-time-critics-2016-9

🏆 And the Award Goes To…

And don’t call me Shirley… I mean, Karen…

https://www.tvguide.com/news/why-this-years-bet-awards-will-be-the-most-important-and-surprising-ever/

✍🏼 He’s Not Getting Any Younger…

Write faster, George.

https://www.denofgeek.com/books/the-winds-of-winter-george-r-r-martin-book-is-finished-by-2021/

https://news.avclub.com/george-r-r-martin-hopes-the-winds-of-winter-and-the-c-1844142139

🥃 Cheers…

See how liquor is made from your couch.

https://www.liquor.com/virtual-distillery-tours-5069138

🎶 What They’re Doing…

These literal buddies came together to make a joyful noise.

https://floodmagazine.com/78919/new-snoop-dogg-willie-nelson-song/

👑 What She’s Doing…

Vanessa Williams, then and now. I’ve always admired her for not only bucking the system, but for not letting anything get in her way.

https://extratv.com/2020/06/23/vanessa-williams-reflects-on-being-first-black-miss-america-plus-how-shes-taking-action-against-racism/

👣 What You Can Do…

Everybody knows how to do something. Or you can learn.

https://www.upworthy.com/10-practical-and-meaningful-ways-you-can-take-part-in-this-historic-moment

🎤 Bringing It On Home…

Here we are again, in the middle of a work week, if you’re working. If you’re not, just look at where the X’s on your calendar are. Except for Sunday night TV – which, between 90 Day Fiancé and sMothered, is like a John Waters movie – things are slowing down a bit, but there’s always something to fill in the gap until the party starts again. So for now, stay safe (Billy Eilish agrees!), stay enthusiastic, and stay using whatever privilege you have for the greater good.

Jun23

June 22, 2020 – Baby JaSam, Don’t Call Me Sweetie, Bad Deckhand, Snow Legend, Goodbye Snooki, Shelter In Pics, Past GoT & Bright Future

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today, when the GH Flashback wheel was spun, it settled at December 3rd, 2003.

Sam and Jason had both been arrested, and were put in the interrogation room. This episode is so old, they introduced themselves (no doubt, this is Jason and Sam week). They discovered they were both there for aiding and abetting Sonny, and Jason suggested the police wanted to get Sam’s testimony against him. On the pier, Faith told Zander that Sonny’s empire was going to be dust soon, and the territory would be hers, while Courtney listened in. Scotty gave a press conference, saying Sonny’s conviction for attempted murder and kidnapping would be a slam dunk. Sonny was in the hospital, and Scotty expected a speedy conviction. Behind the scenes, Scotty was worried if they didn’t get Sam’s testimony, Sonny would walk. At this point in time, Kim was Carly, and went to visit Sonny, who was in custody in the hospital. Elizabeth and Ric were at a cabin for five minutes, when a cop showed up saying Ric was wanted back to help with Sonny’s conviction. Sam told Jason she wouldn’t be manipulated, and He said he appreciated her standing up, and would foot the bill. Jax came to see Sam, and Emily (who was with Nikolas) showed up to bail out Jason. Sonny told Kim Carly that he’d done what they said. He’d tried to kill Alcazar, and when that didn’t work, took him hostage. She said there were extenuating circumstances. Sonny had been provoked, she was going to get him out of this, and they’d work things out. Scotty said he couldn’t wait to get Carly on the witness stand, so the jury could hear about how Sonny shot his own wife in the head. I don’t know what that was about.

Jason told Nikolas to have a meeting with Faith in public, and tell her that he wanted to make peace. He wanted Nikolas to listen hard, since Faith loved to hear herself talk, and he might pick something up. Jax told Sam that Jason wasn’t a nice man, and just wanted to buy her silence about being taken hostage by Sonny. Georgie went to the Quartermaine mansion to see Dillon, but Tracy walked in, and told Georgie to stay away from her son. Tracy thought military school was a good solution, but Dillon was sick of her holding that over his head. Dillon told Tracy, if he needed to leave to be with Georgie so be it. Sonny told Scotty he had nothing to say without his attorney. Scotty said Sonny was finished in Port Charles, but Sonny said he’d plead entrapment. It was obvious Scotty and Alcazar set him up.

Elizabeth told Emily that she wanted to tell Ric about being pregnant with Zander’s baby, but she was afraid of losing him. Courtney showed up to post Jason’s bail, but Brian (who I do not remember at all) told her she was too late, and he thought she should cut ties with Jason. She told him not to put himself in the middle of her marriage. Jax told Sam that she was being manipulated, and Scotty wanted Ric to rattle Sonny’s cage and get a confession. Sonny told Jason that what he’d done was a lesson on what not to do. Don’t lose your temper, don’t pick up a gun when you’re hurting, don’t act in the moment, and most important, think with your head not your heart. All he heard was Carly didn’t love him, and he took the wrong action. Jason blamed himself, but Sonny told him a man had to be responsible for his own actions. As long as Sam didn’t incriminate him, everything would good. Jason told him Scotty was punishing Sam, but to sit back and let him do his job. Alcazar told Carly that Sonny should pay for what he did, but Carly said Alcazar had kidnapped and stalked her and he hadn’t paid. Unless he admitted to setting Sonny up, he was never going to see her again.

Nikolas met Faith at Kelly’s. Zander was tagging along with Faith, and Elizabeth told him that he was in with the wrong crowd. She said they had a connection, but he told her they’d had some fun together, and not to try saving him from himself. Nikolas offered Faith some of his ships, and she told him to wait for her call, spilling no beans whatsoever. Jason went to see Courtney who told him she loved him. She wanted to go somewhere their differences didn’t matter. Alcazar said, if he did what Carly wanted, would she leave Sonny for him? She said he was nuts, and he said he’d do what she wanted. He’d drop the charges, and if he was called as a hostile witness, he’d admit to entrapment. He loved her that much. Ric paid Sonny a visit, but Sonny said he wouldn’t answer questions without his attorney present. Ric said Sonny would probably walk, but Sam would be prosecuted and probably convicted. The only way for Sonny to prove she did nothing wrong, was to admit to kidnapping.

Jax told Sam that Sonny acted like mobster with heart of gold, and people would sacrifice for him. He didn’t want her to be one of them. Scotty asked if Sam was going to file kidnapping charges, so they could all go home. Ric asked Sonny what the real story was, but Sonny said Sam was innocent and he wasn’t. Carly burst in, asking what he was doing, and Ric said he just confessed to kidnapping. Courtney told Jason, there was going to be no end to the fear and violence, and she didn’t want him to die in her arms, or have some horrible accident happen. Jason said you couldn’t count on anything except how you feel.  He’d love her forever (apparently not), but couldn’t leave. She let him know Faith was landing a shipment at the pier that would finance her takeover. There was Courtney and Jason music like there’s Sam and Jason music today, Courtney said there was nothing left to say, and Jason left.

Jason told Nikolas that he knew what Faith was planning, but would need his help. Ric bragged to Elizabeth that he got Sonny to confess, and the best part was revenge complete. It still didn’t take away the pain or make things right. Elizabeth said he was becoming the man she knew he could be, and it was a lesson in not giving up hope. Jax told Sam that Sonny wouldn’t give a damn about her helping him, but Sam said let Scotty try to convict her for something she didn’t do. Scotty popped in, and said she was free to go; Sonny confessed. Sonny told Carly that he had to pay for what did, and Carly wondered if Sonny was trying to punish her, but Sonny said he’d always love her. Courtney took her ring off, and there was a knock at the door. She hoped it was Jason, but it was Zander. Nikolas showed up as Faith was about to make her deal on the pier, and said he’d changed mind. The pier belonged to Sonny, and she was surrounded by Sonny’s men. Jason lurked in the shadows.

There was some stuff with Georgie, Dillon, and some girl I didn’t remember, so who cares?

Below Deck Mediterranean

Last week, when trying to make a comrade of Captain Sandy didn’t work, Lara realized she’d actually have to work, and left the Wellington in the lurch. Captain Sandy got pissed about Pete continuing to call Malia sweetie, and called a meeting of the deckhands.

The captain tells Malia, because she’s kind, they don’t know a definitive line. The deckhands come to the bridge, and Captain Sandy says she forgives everything for charter one, but charter two is another story. She knows it’s hard for them with a woman in seniority, but they have protocol. Malia is their boss, not their friend. No calling her sweetie, sweetheart, or dear. They wouldn’t call a guy any of those things. She wants them to be professional, and she’s not their friend either. Don’t call her sweetie; she’s their captain. Malia seconds all that, and the captain tells them to enjoy the rest of their day. Pete says they really like respect, don’t they? and in Rob’s interview, he says the meeting was mostly about Pete. He’s so narrow-minded. Calling Malia sweetie isn’t right. Malia joins the deckhands, and Pete says he’s trying to figure out who called the captain sweetie. Malia says he knows who was calling her sweetie, right? and Pete acts ignorant. She says he does it every day, and he excuses it by saying he’s an old country boy from Virginia, and that’s how he was raised. Wouldn’t that be darlin’ then? Malia says women don’t love it, especially when they’re your boss. Kiko asks Rob what the meeting was about, and Rob says the women are tired of being disrespected. He’s staying quiet, and letting Malia deal with Pete. When Malia leaves, Pete tells Alex that he thinks everyone should just do their job, and stop talking about everybody.

Hannah books a tour of the cathedral in Parma, and goes over the picnic with Malia. She tells Malia, if the weather turns to sh*t, they’ll get everyone back in the van. Hannah tells Jessica to set up, and she’ll come later. In Hannah’s interview, she says she was blinded during charter one because Jessica wasn’t spitting venom at her. Now she’s realizing Jessica’s not very good.

The guests go on the tour, and Malia tells the deckhands that they’ll have to hustle to get things set up. In Kiko’s interview, he says it’s his first picnic on a boat. No one ever asked for one on private charters, and in Brazil, they don’t do picnics; they just go to the bar. The guests go the cathedral, and in Malia’s interview, she says she’s hoping the weather holds up. A picnic is so much work, and she hopes it’s not all for nothing. The deckhands set up the table and chairs, and Hannah arrives with the food. Malia tells Pete to fix the table the way he had it the first time, and he says, there are too many chiefs. Malia tells Alex that Pete takes everything personally. The table falls, and takes the glasses along with it, and they shatter on the ground. Everyone helps clean up, and Pete puts the garbage bag behind a bush; a move that I’m sure is going to come back to haunt him later. Pete gets in the van and goes back to the boat, while the others stay.

Hannah sets up the food, and Malia wrangles the guests, leading them to the picnic. Quiche is served, and one of the children suggests Hannah take the green stuff out of it; he likes the one with meats. Alex tells Malia that Pete is a little odd, and she says, it’s alarming. The wind picks up, and the guests head back to the boat. The crew packs up everything, and Malia find the bag. Glass pokes through, cutting her leg, and she says, effing Pete. What did I say? In her interview, she says, it’s Deck 101. When it’s broken glass, you double stuff it, but it was just thrown in the bag.

Back on the boat, Rob tells Malia that she misunderstood, but she says, a lot of the meeting wasn’t directed at him. He says it triggered him about the pack mentality, and she says, it’s a process. She thinks he’s respectful, and he says he appreciates that. Roy III, who looks to be about four, sings Pretty Woman, and it’s very sweet. In Rob’s interview, he says he’s seeing someone, but it’s an open relationship. He’s been flirting with Jessica, but in the back of his mind is, don’t screw the crew; don’t sh*t where you live. A producer asks how far in the back of his mind it is, and Rob laughs. Pete tells Malia that they’re covering the deck furniture, but she tells him to wait. He relays the message to Alex, calling Malia his supreme commander. In Alex’s interview, he says Pete was his first friend on the boat, but he doesn’t like talking sh*t about people. Captain Sandy calls somewhere for a second stew, and asks if they can have someone there for the next charter. In Hannah’s interview, she says, having kids on board is mother training. She loves kids, and there are amazing moments, but they’re really dirty, and it’s sticky everywhere. Please wash your child.

Kiko feels like he’s getting better, and can’t wait to finish the charter perfect. I can’t watch while he kills some shellfish thing that’s probably a kind of lobster. Hannah tells Jessica that she’s been on break for an hour and ten minutes, and she’s late. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s working two people’s jobs. Hannah says she gives Jessica breaks before she gives one to herself. Jessica complains that she had to change during that time too, and Hannah says she can’t have a break at all today, and she’s trying her best to give Jessica one, so please respect what time she’s supposed to come back. Jessica mutters she misses Lara.

Sandy asks the guests how their afternoon was, and tells them, if the weather is good, they’ll drop anchor. Pete plays with one of the kids, and in his interview, he says, when his son was born, he got meningitis and couldn’t hold him for quite a while because it’s so contagious. He’s not a guy who seems like a father, but when he’s with his son he’s a different Pete. Jessica can’t find her dress that has epaulets on it, and Hannah wonders how it went missing. Jessica sets the table for dinner, and Captain Sandy tells the deckhands that they’ll leave the dock at 8 am if the weather is okay. The guests are slow coming to dinner, and in his interview, Kiko says for once his timing is perfect, and the guests are making him wait. The guests are seated, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the first day, Kiko’s Brazilian cuisine was amazing, but he’s the chef on a super yacht, and needs to be good at all cuisine. He reminds her of Adam when he started. He was eager, but he hadn’t worked on a super yacht, and had a learning curve. Roy Jr. and company are impressed. One of the guests asks Ulf how he went from writing songs in the garage to being in a number one band (to refresh your memory, Ulf was in Ace of Base). Ulf talks about waves, and integral patterns, and some kind of esoteric nonsense. In Hannah’s interview, she says, his ego is pretty inflated for level of stardom he reached. Pete senses Hannah’s frustration, and asks if she’s understaffed. She says she can’t do the whole season like this. The guests retire, and everything is cleaned up. Pete hopes the new stew is fun, although what his definition of that is, I’m not sure.

The captain says the water was rough last night, but they can leave the dock. She tells Jessica that she doesn’t want the laundry to look like it is. When Lara left, it was organized. She points things out, saying, that can’t happen, and this can’t happen. She doesn’t want a slob in there. It’s a super yacht, and this pisses her off. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s been avoiding laundry her whole career, under the guise of being eco-friendly. Her mom calls her lazy, but she thinks she’s smart. Captain Sandy wants to drop anchor, but she’s concerned about the swell. In her interview, she says it’s the last day of charter, and she wanted the guests to play on the toys. Since there’s no wind, anchor is dropped. Kiko makes breakfast, and the toys are put in the water. The captain radios the crew to make sure there are life jackets on the kids when they’re outside. Roy Jr. and wife Asa get on a jet ski. Pete asks if Malia is ready for kids, and she says, hell no. In her interview, she says she loves kids, but she’s not there. When she spends time with Tom, they like traveling; kids aren’t her thing now. The wind picks up, the waves begin to crash, and Captain Sandy tells Malia to start putting everything back. Malia clears the guests off the floating platform, and the toys are taken back out of the water. Hanna tells Jessica that she’s going to check Jessica’s cabin for the dress, so she can tell the captain that she looked everywhere. She finds it on the top bunk in a pile of clothes. In Jessica’s interview, she says her nickname as a kid was Messy Jessie. Pieces of that still live in her. She tells Hannah, mystery solved, and anchor is hauled.

Captain Sandy gets ready to dock, and Pete says the boat is rocking like crazy. Ulf can’t believe they’re going to get in that little space. It often amazes me how they get in there. It’s as bad as parallel parking in NYC. In Malia’s interview, she says the wind is blowing where they don’t want it to be. It makes it hard to maneuver when the wind pushing against everything they’re trying to do. She tells the deckhands, great job, and Alex says it was brutal. In the captain’s interview, she says, docking in swells is dangerous, but Malia is did an amazing job calling it. She’s a great leader already.

It’s time for the guests’ departure, and Captain Sandy tells Hanna that she’ll have a second stew for charter two. Roy Jr. tells them it was a wonderful vacation. The food and service were great, and the kids loved them. Asa says the kids played with all of them, and she was surprised. Roy Jr. says he hopes the tip reflects how much they loved it, and hands the captain an envelope.

Rob helps Jessica with stripping beds, and Captain Sandy calls the crew to the main salon for the tip meeting. She says, well done, and tells Hannah that she knows it hasn’t been easy. It was a challenge in a lot of ways. The weather was against them, and they had their first picnic, but the crew stepped in and killed it. Since they were down a crew member, they’ll each get more money. The tip is $21,000 (excellent!) or a little over 1700 euros ($1916) per person. She tells the, before the toast, she has news. She’s been working hard at getting a strong second stew, and it’s someone Hannah and Malia have worked with before – Bugsy. We flash back to Bugsy telling Hannah that she’s a lousy chief stew. Captain Sandy says Bugs is a chief stew, but she’s stepping in as second for them. She’s amazing. Hannah’s face isn’t saying she’s amazing though. The captain says they’ll toast to that. Alex asks Hannah, what’s with the face? and the captain tells her, it’s a good thing. They toast, and after a sip, Hannah jets, saying, f***. Malia tells the others that she’s good friends with Bugs, but Bugs and Hannah aren’t the best of friends. In Malia’s interview, she says she and Bugs got closer after their last charter together was over. She got to know Bugs’s family, and she’s excited. Captain Sandy tells Hannah that she should be excited; Bugs does great table settings, and Hannah won’t have to worry. Thankfully, Bugs was available. The captain tells the crew, there’s food in the crew mess, Jessica mumbles that she’s just invisible, and Captain Sandy wonders why nothing is easy. Hannah lies on the dock. The boat is cleaned, and the deck crew high-fives each other. Everyone gets ready to go out.

In Malia’s interview, she says, Rob has different layers. Jessica is probably deep in places… somewhere in her heart. She starts laughing. In the taxi, Hannah tells Malia that Jessica has a crush on Rob, and Malia tells Jessica, go for it. They go to a restaurant, and Jessica says tequila makes her act like an idiot. Rob tells her that he has a lot to give and say, but no one understands, and Jessica asks for a hug. In her interview, she says it’s nice to have a guy that wants to get in her mind, and not just stare at her boobs. Malia says, the guys are on the prowl. In Kiko’s interview, he says, Pete is trying to get with every girl; he’s a horny guy. In Alex’s interview, he says, they’re trying to find themselves a mamacita. All he knows how to say in Spanish is, I love you very much, mom. Malia tells Hannah things won’t change between them with Bugs coming, but Hannah thinks they will. They head back, and in the taxi, Hannah says, there was a lot going on tonight. She, Alex, and Malia wonder who will make the first move with Jessica and Rob. Alex says Jessica won’t. In his interview, he says he’s worked with her before, and never seen her hook up with a crew member. He also thinks Rob won’t cross the line, but time will tell. When they get back to the boat, everyone races to the bathrooms. Jessica asks to snuggle with Rob. Kiko peeks in, and sees them kissing. He says he guesses he lost his cabin. He and Pete giggle like elementary school children, and Kiko makes gestures outside of the cabin. Alex offers to tuck Kiko into Jessica’s bunk. Rob tells Jessica that he wants her to sleep with him, but not that way.

In the morning, Malia calls the deck crew. In his interview, Rob says he didn’t expect that happen. He’s never hooked up with someone on a vessel before, and he’s not sure what to do. Alex tells her that Kiko slept in Jessica’s room because Jessica was sleeping in Rob’s room. Malia asks if Rob doesn’t have a girlfriend, and Alex pretends he doesn’t know. Malia goes over what needs to be done with the deckhands, Kiko stabs a steak, and Hannah looks at a video on being an effective leader. In Malia’s interview, she says she can’t tell Hannah how she’s feeling about Bugs coming. She’s kidding. Things are going to change. The wind picks up again, and Rob tells Malia that he had a cuddle with Jessica. Malia says, everybody needs a cuddle. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s trying not to have to too much expectation. She’s excited and nervous. She tells Hannah that she hopes it doesn’t get awkward, and Hannah says, it will when Bugs gets there. It starts to rain, and Captain Sandy says, they’re not leaving the dock. Jessica asks Hannah if there were issues with Bugs, or was she just annoying? Hannah says Bugs was pretty bad with her, but as long as she knows what she’s doing, Hannah doesn’t care.

Bugsy arrives, and Malia runs to meet her. Bugs says she’s bringing the thunder.

Next time, a group of pita guests, Hannah is apprehensive about Bugs, Sandy says the wrong groundline was released and it looks like it’s Pete’s fault, Hannah says there’s a difference between guests being demanding and being outright a-holes, there are twelve guests for dinner, and Kiko says he’s screwed. I like Kiko. He’s low key, and keeps smiling no matter what.

🛥 No Surprise On Deck…

While I do think some Bravolebrities were more ignorant than racist, I’m not sorry to see this guy go. It’s pretty obvious he’s sexist, so it’s not a shock that he would be posting something ignorant, racist, and sexist.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/06/17/peter-hunziker-bravo-fires-below-deck-mediterranean-star/3210747001/

🥊 He’s a Legend…

And I like him better than all of the Housewives put together.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/18/meet-leah-mcsweeneys-boxing-trainer-martin-snow/

🏖 Down the Shore No More…

These people are just messy. Beloved reality show? I didn’t even know it was still on the air.

https://people.com/tv/jersey-shore-finale-snooki-quits-show-after-angelina-wedding/

https://people.com/tv/jersey-shore-angelina-threatens-expose-mean-texts-after-snooki-quits/

⚔️ My Kind Of Collab…

It beats a Twins remake.

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/peter-dinklage-jason-momoa-reunite-good-bad-undead-movie-47492528

📸 Something Productive…

This photographer took her time in quarantine taking pictures of others in quarantine. The photo with the senior Pug is the best. It will do your heart good.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/shelter-in-place-family-portraits-photography_l_5ec6c0a2c5b660e1e43a20ee?ncid=newsltushpmglifestyle

🏇 The Race Goes On…

Whether you’ve lost track or not, another week has begun. New TV episodes are still up in the air, while some things have returned to sort of normal, and others are developing into a new normal. So stay safe, stay evolving, and stay looking toward the future. Even if the furthest you can look is tomorrow.

Jun18

June 17, 2020 – Charges Announced, Would-Be Flashback, Reliving S7, New Listing, NYC Update, the Girls Now, Tyler Talks, a Director’s Influence, Bye-Bye Wacha, Posha Reborn & Fight

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Today’s GH Flashback would have been from September 14th, 2015 (see below), but was preempted early on to inform us about charges being brought against the officers in the killing of Rayshard Brooks.

What happened:

https://heavy.com/news/2020/06/watch-garrett-rolfe-kicking-rayshard-brooks/

The charges:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/us/rayshard-brooks-atlanta-shooting-wednesday/index.html

📜  Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

General Hospital

What happened on September 14th, 2015 was… Sonny and Carly were about to get married (again), when one of Sonny’s enemies kidnapped TJ, who at the time was working for Sonny, and lured Sonny into an ambush. Jake Doe saved the day, but Sonny ended up with a bullet lodged near his spine, and Patrick was waiting for him to improve before doing surgery. Everything pointed to Julian having set Sonny up, and even though he was in county, Morgan vowed to kill him.

Elizabeth came close to telling Jake Doe that he was really Jason, even though he eventually ended up being Drew. She was interrupted by son Jake having a bad dream, but did tell Jake/Jason/Drew that she’d done something terrible to Sam. Ric had conspired with Madeline to get Nina’s money, and tricked old Nina into marrying him. She and Franco tricked Ric back, threatening to expose him, and made him sign annulment papers, giving up the rights to Nina’s money. Nina also ditched Madeline, which probably wasn’t hard, since she was in prison.

Sonny was unconscious, hooked up to machines, and a pre-PTSD Dante paid him a visit. Dante wondered if Sonny’s lifestyle was worth it, and suggested he try living and being a dad. The machines went kooky, and Dante ran out, interrupting an argument between Morgan and Michael in the hallway. Michael ran to get Carly, who was in the chapel, reminiscing about her life with Sonny, and reading Sonny’s wedding vows.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Seeing that tonight’s episode was going to be Dorit and Garcelle commentating on the Season 7 finale (Season 7 was also Dorit’s first season), I was immediately disappointed, but willing to give them another chance. We revisited Lisa’s Diamonds and Rosé party, where Dorit wore liquid gold on her head. Or as LisaR said, it looked like a big golden goose took a big golden sh*t on her head. Erika showed up with pink hair, and Garcelle wondered (as did LVP in the episode) if the carpet matched the drapes. PK showed up with Jagger in Dorit’s square, although why anyone would allow a child to watch this show is beyond me. Garcelle said, swans, ponies, no underwear, and champagne; that’s a perfect party. I wasn’t sure if she should get out more, or just reassess the parties she’s going to. I’d forgotten Eden Sassoon was on Season 7, so I refreshed my memory with this:

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-beverly-hills-eden-sassoon-not-returning/

As Eden, got more wound up during the party, I was like, oh yeah… Kim Richards was also still on the fringes of the show, and seemed to be okay with everyone except LisaR.

Garcelle noted that PK loves being in the mix, and yes he does. He should be granted honorary Wife status, along with Peter from RHOA. There was some bad blood between Dorit and LisaR because of Dorit inferring to Eden that LisaR had a substance problem. Dorit and Eden had been discussing LisaR, when Dorit wondered if LisaR’s personality issues were induced. This led Eden to tell LisaR that Dorit had questioned whether she had a Xanax problem. LisaR got all in Dorit’s face, but my advice to her is, don’t make jokes about all the pills you carry around with you. There. Problem solved. PK told Erika that she was inherently cold, to which she coldly told him, she was not. Eileen Davidson was still on the show, and defended Erika. From her square, Dorit wondered why she subjected herself to this. Um… the publicity? Garcelle felt like she was on the playground, or middle school, which is what I say every week

This was before Puppygate, but the group was still feeling the aftereffects of Pantygate. In case you weren’t there for Pantygate, Erika went to a group dinner sans underwear, and PK caught a glimpse. Dorit said something to Erika, who couldn’t see what the big deal was. I might not either, unless it makes someone uncomfortable, which it obviously did. I’ve said it before. I’m no prude by any stretch of the imagination. I’m pretty broad-minded, but I still don’t say the f-word in front of my in-laws or in front of children. This is one of the things I don’t like about Erika. I’m all for expressing yourself and being who you are, but it’s common courtesy not to deliberately make people uncomfortable, and she just does not care. And if she finds out, she’ll do it on purpose. Talk about middle school. Okay, rant over. As a joke, sort of, Dorit had gotten Erika a pair of underwear. Erika was all kinds of offended for ages about this, which I found very hard to believe. From her square, Dorit said, in looking for a silver lining, she and LisaR had come a long way. Back at the party, LisaR told Eden that when she’d talked to LVP – I have no clue about what, and assume it’s the induced personality issue, but it really doesn’t matter – she shut herself off to Eden. Eden had it with LisaR, calling her a bitch, and saying she was sick of LisaR walking all over her and using her as a scapegoat. I barely remember the deal with those two, but I’ve grown to dislike LisaR with a passion, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true. It’s a shame too, because I’d always liked her, but by her second season, I could tell she’d say and do just about anything for attention and camera time. But she owns it.

After Eden’s outburst, LisaR said she didn’t give two f***s what people thought about her, and when she said she wished Eden well, Garcelle commented that those words are the death knell. Dorit said it felt like a lifetime ago, but it was just four years. Garcelle said it was more fun than she thought it would be, and I’m sure had 100% more fun than I did. While the Eden thing was interesting, it’s hard jumping into an old season without prefacing it with some backstory. On top of it, Dorit and Garcelle either aren’t being compelling enough, or it’s being edited badly, because the commentary is boring as hell. Bravo can do better than this.

🌴 Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles began its new season this week. Joshes Altman and Flagg are back, along with Tracy Tutor, James Harris, and David Parnes. While my preference is for the New York branch of the franchise, I still love seeing the West Coast houses, which are always massive. The premiere episode focused on mountainside properties, and while I’m not so sure I could live in a place where vertigo is king, they were breathtaking. The Joshes joined forces again to co-list, even though they vowed never again the last time. My favorite house was the one Tracy looked at, with the most amazing vertical landscaping, but the house the Joshes checked out was also fabulous. As Josh Altman put it, hidden doors, the fake books, and underground lairs; I’m trying not to geek out right now. There was a lot of cracking up (dare I say joshing around?) during their dual interviews, leading me to believe what I’ve thought before. Much of the feuding between the brokers is for the camera.

🗽 New York Tease…

Tomorrow, Bravo has scrapped The Real Housewives of New York altogether to run a marathon of Top Chef, capping it with their finale. So in the meantime, here’s a mid-season teaser.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-new-york-city-mid-season-12-teaser/

🐇 Not Next Door Anymore…

I actually watched this show. I think I was more fascinated with the house and clothes than anything else. They made Hef look like a benevolent, hapless father with a harem from who he required little but their company. But then I read Holly Madison’s book, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny. Um… ew.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/31016/the-girls-next-door-then-and-now?source=email&medium=daily

💔 Tyler’s Heart…

The hardest working man in Hollywood preaches it.

https://people.com/movies/tyler-perry-speaks-from-the-heart-about-racial-injustice-and-the-world-he-wants-for-his-son/

🎥 Influencers…

I’m proud to say The Rocky Horror Picture Show made this list. Hey, it might be my only fifteen minutes.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-first-queer-directors-movies_n_5ec826b6c5b6d29cf2d21d2e

🐶 Learning From Dorit’s Mistakes…

It looked like Andy talked to most of the world before deciding to rehome his dog. While he doesn’t give particulars, it sounds like it was the best decision. And I’m sure a hard one.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1159419/andy-cohen-gives-an-update-on-beloved-dog-wacha-following-rehoming

👊🏽 She’s Come a Long Way Baby…

From thinking the Underground Railroad was a real train to leading the call. My headband is off to Porsha. (I don’t wear hats.)

https://www.eonline.com/news/1159377/porsha-williams-calls-on-white-allies-to-quot-be-specific-for-real-change-quot-in-wwhl-sneak-peek

🏜 Before Sunrise…

In the past few months, we’ve certainly been given a lot to think about and the time to think it. We’re sliding into the world opening back up, and with it, hopefully, our hearts and minds. So stay safe, stay centered, and stay doing the right thing.

Jun13

June 12, 2020 – Ryan Gives Scotty a Hand, Emmy Reels, Tea For 90, The Tins Breaks Out, 80s Gems, Yacht Baby, Move It George, Entertaining Pride, Ten Solid Quotes & That’s Miss Ross To You

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

In today’s GH Flashback, the 2019 Nurse’s Ball kept going with an episode from May 22nd, 2019. Chase found out that Ryan had killed the owner of the cabin in Canada, and set a trap for Laura and Curtis. Ava said they all knew where he was headed next. Nina griped about Willow to Michael, while Shiloh accosted Willow in the hallway. Willow said she didn’t answer to him, but he got in her face, shaking his finger at her. She admitted that she was pregnant when she left Dawn of Day, but said she’d lost the baby. Olivia and Ned did a duet of Get Closer as themselves (no Eddie Maine this time). Sonny told Josslyn about Stone, and how Stone was still with him. He said when times get tough, Stone inspires him, and Oscar does the same for her. She just didn’t know it yet.

Backstage, Scotty told Ava that she deserved better, and asked her who was there when she came off the stage. (Hint: It was him, not Doc.) Ava called her Cedar Mountain house property managers, and asked that the property be opened, adding she’d pay generously for the inconvenience. Shiloh grabbed Willow, but Michael intervened, and said if Shiloh wanted to get to her, he’d have to go through Michael first. Michael decked Shiloh, and told him to get out of town, but Shiloh said he wasn’t going anywhere because he was a father. Back at the Ball, Lucy introduced Valentin, saying she didn’t know if he was the second, third, or fourth most infamous Cassadine, but she knew he was the most talented, and he sang Nothing Without You to his ladylove (old) Nina. Scotty confronted Ryan, who he thought was Doc, and when he grabbed Ryan’s arm, he ended up with Ryan’s fake hand in his. And I don’t mean they were holding hands; Ryan’s hand literally came off. Ryan knocked Scotty out with a wrench, saying, never let it be said he never had the upper hand. Freddy Krueger’s got nothing on Ryan. Shiloh told Sam about his child, but said he didn’t believe Willow had lost the baby, and he was going to find it. Sam pretended to be empathetic, saying she knew what it was like to have a child kept from you. Josslyn stalled, and thought she was letting everyone down, but Jax told her that she wasn’t, and the only opinion she should care about is her own. She didn’t have to prove anything to anyone, and if she followed her heart, she’d know what to do. She said doing the right thing is really hard, and Jax said he was in her corner, no matter what, and Oscar was too. Mac asked Lulu when she’d last talked to Laura, and Ryan watched as Ava slipped out.

Chase told Olivia and Ned that Ryan was presumed alive and on his way back to Port Charles. Epiphany found Scotty on deck, and thought he’d had too much fun. Sam used Shiloh’s own crap on him, telling him to breathe, and let peace flow through him. He thanked her for her commitment, and said he needed her to be in the Trust. Lucy was excited, happy, and proud that Josslyn decided to return, and Josslyn sang the song she and Oscar had written, A List of Things To Do. It kind of reminded me of Burn from Hamilton. Josslyn saw Oscar in the audience as she sang.

Ava went to her mountain cabin, and said, come and get me, Ryan. Lucy said Josslyn reminded her of why she’s honored to be part of the event. It makes you laugh, and makes you cry. It’s about great big feelings, and she hoped great big money. Shiloh told Sam there was a fight coming, and to give him her strength. Willow confessed to Michael that she told Shiloh that she’d lost the baby. Brad tried to get Lucas to leave, but Lucas had put two and  two together, and said Willow and Shiloh were Wiley’s birth parents. Chase put out an APB for Ava, and Scotty said he wasn’t liquored up; he’d been clubbed over the head by Ryan. When Lucy called for the crew to bring down the rigging, along with the rigging came Doc, hanging there in a straitjacket.

At the cabin, Ava ignored her phone, and got her gun ready, along with a martini. No surprise, Ryan showed up.

📽 Reeling You In…

You can watch all the reels submitted by the actors for the Daytime Emmys here:

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/category/abc

💍 For Those Who 90…

A retrospective and update on the couples of 90 Day Fiancé. According to his Instagram, Jesse is traveling as an actor, entrepreneur, and speaker. Translation: he doesn’t have a real job.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1159644/which-couples-are-still-together-after-90-day-fiance-before-the-90-days-season-4

How did it happen?

https://nypost.com/2020/06/11/how-90-day-fiance-become-a-tv-hit-and-pop-culture-phenomenon/

👒 Bye, Tinsley…

I’ll miss her, but I’m thrilled she got her happily ever after.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-tinsley-mortimer-moving-to-chicago-scott-kluth/

One of the perks will be putting distance between her and Dorinda.

https://tvdeets.com/dorinda-medley-tinsley-mortimer-rhony-exit

📼 If You’re Still Stuck At Home…

The best of the movies from the 80s, which birthed quite a few good ones.

https://parade.com/1047441/gwynnewatkins/best-80s-movies/

A short list of 80s classics.

https://parade.com/1014397/walterscott/classic-80s-movies/

🍼 Hannah Hannah Baby…

That was fast.

https://tvdeets.com/below-deck-mediterranean-hannah-ferrier-pregnant/

⚔️ Game Of Write Faster…

I swear George RR Martin better be inside writing away. If anything happens to him before the final books come out, I will be really pissed.

https://nerdist.com/article/the-winds-of-winter-george-rr-martin-announcement-august/

🌈 Taste the Rainbow…

Pride month has gotten somewhat lost amid more immediate issues, but it can still offer another opportunity to broaden your horizons. On the entertainment front, from true stories like Prick Up Your Ears, Boys Don’t Cry, and Milk, to the brilliantly written Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and TLC’s latest effort Dragnificent, there’s a whole host of colors in the rainbow. At present, I think we could all use a pick-me-up, and while conventional romcoms are not my thing, one of my favorite films is Trick. I actually saw it by accident, stumbling on it when it was on rotation on LOGO years ago. The title might lead you to believe it’s on the sleazy side, but not at all. It’s about a poor young dude, living in NYC, named Gabriel (Christian Campbell), who’s just trying to get alone time with his date Mark (J.P. Pitoc). Gabriel is also a playwright, working to get his musical off the ground with the help of his best friend Katherine (Tori Spelling). Katherine has one of the funniest monologues about sh*t I’ve ever heard, and Enter You from Gabriel’s musical will be stuck in your head for days, if not for life. You can check out the particulars here:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162710/

✒️ Quotes of the Week

Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong. – Muhammad Ali

No human race is superior; no religious faith is inferior. All collective judgments are wrong. Only racists make them. – Elie Wiesel

Be genuine. The world is watching. – Tank Sinatra (aka George Resch)

Instead of looking at the past, I put myself ahead twenty years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then. – Diana Ross

If no one has ever heard of you, can you really be canceled? – Anonymous poster regarding MTV’s cancellation of Taylor Selfridge’s special. I have no clue who she is either, so this resonated.

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. – Alice Walker

What I don’t understand is why they had to dress like extras from Coming to America 2. – Trevor Noah regarding Nancy Pelosi, et al, wearing African kente cloths to a memorial for George Floyd.

You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen. – Michelle Obama

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. – Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it. – Toni Morrison

🛴 Rolling Into the Weekend…

Yes. We still call it that. With things not back to normal – or whatever that’s going to be now – everyone is still figuring it out as they go. So don’t feel bad if you’re feeling bad, but if you’re feeling accomplished, roll with it. Regardless, if you’ve got the time, use it wisely. Stay safe, stay supporting one another, and stay finding the humor in things.

Jun12

June 11, 2020 – Finn Proposes Again, Tinsley Gets Her Wish, the Chefs Go To Parma, a Michelin Star, Funkey Pasta, Gone Not Forgotten, Conning Online & All Yours

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH Flashback, from May 21st, 2019, continued with the 2019 Nurse’s Ball. After Finn’s ring went rolling out from the wings to Anna’s feet, Robert told Finn, don’t just stand there; go pick it up. Finn got the ring, then got down on one knee. He told Anna it wasn’t how he wanted to do this, and asked her to marry him. She said yes, and the crowd cheered. Cameron told Josslyn that Oscar had him record a message for her that he wanted her see tonight. He left the recording there, saying it had been Oscar’s last chance to talk to Josslyn. Since he’d recorded it, he already knew what it said, and thought Oscar would want her to hear it alone. My bad, Doc was Doc, and they were on to Ryan by this time, who had blown up a house in Canada, sending Laura and Curtis flying. (It’s all coming back now. Ava and Doc got together to try and draw Ryan out of hiding after he was discovered to be alive and well and killing again.) Doc agreed with Ava to stick to the plan. Kristina told Sam not to get too close to Shiloh, telling Sam that he was a cult leader, and more than a liar.

Josslyn watched Oscar’s recording, and he said he knew if she was watching this, he was gone. He wanted her to live life to the fullest, starting with tonight, and wanted her to sing their song for both of them. Obrecht sang Guilty, and Franco joined her on stage. Every time I hear this song, it makes me want to work out. It’s used in the background on one of my workout videos, and I’m like a trained pony. Josslyn got dressed, and went to the Ball, saying she was doing it for Oscar. Shiloh tried to smooth talk Kristina, and told her to come home, holding out his hand. In perfect timing, Sonny showed up at just that moment, and told Shiloh to stay away from his daughter. Shiloh told Kristina that she couldn’t let her father control her forever, and his door was always open. Sonny said Shiloh’s door was going to be permanently closed. He’d messed with the wrong family, and it was going to cost him everything. Alexis took Kristina away, and Kristina wondered why no one was doing anything about Sam falling under Shiloh’s spell. Without missing a beat, Shiloh moved on to Lucas, and tried to talk him into taking classes at Dawn of Day like Brad was.

Willow literally ran into Nina, spilling her drink, and Nina got pissed off. Willow said the one good thing about losing her job was that she didn’t have to take Nina’s crap anymore. Shiloh kept an eye on Willow, while Cameron practiced backstage, and thought about all the people not there tonight. Josslyn arrived, and told Jax and Carly about the message she’d gotten from Oscar. She said she didn’t know if she was there yet, but one step at a time. Cameron sang a song that may or may not have been called You’re My Star. Afterwards, Josslyn thanked him for bringing her Oscar’s message and being someone Oscar could trust. Kristina wouldn’t leave without talking to Sam, but Neil said that wouldn’t be wise. Since Kristina was still vulnerable, she couldn’t help Sam. She said she’d leave on the condition that Sonny stay and keep an eye on Shiloh, but Sonny said she didn’t even have to ask.

Lucy told Doc that two dozen roses had arrived, and he needed to sign for them. He said he’d gotten them as a tribute for Ava, but Lucy thought the only tribute Ava deserved was poison ivy. In Canada, Laura requested a helicopter, and told the Canadian cops to alert the New York state police about Ryan. Curtis called Chase, and let him know Ryan was on his way back to Port Charles. Finn and Anna celebrated with sparkling cider, and Finn told Anna the ring was a rare Monaco blue sapphire, He’d chosen it because Monaco was where Anna first blackmailed him, and changed his life. He said it wasn’t his perfect moment, but she didn’t care, and they got busy.

Nina eavesdropped on Willow’s conversation about the child she gave up for adoption. Willow said Nina had been making her life miserable since the day they met, and no wonder Charlotte was the way she is. Nina didn’t appreciate Willow’s judgement of her parenting, and said Willow couldn’t even take care of her own child. Nina left, and Willow discovered Shiloh had eavesdropped on her and Nina. Chase alerted the PCPD and the Canadian authorities about Ryan, and Laura tried to alert Doc, but he was already knocked out in the dressing room, as Ryan took a single rose from the bouquet. The episode ended with Ava singing You’re Just Too Good To Be True.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Dorinda visits a Halloween store, and tells the clerk that her Halloween theme is voodoo. The clerk helps her get into a corset. Ben and assistant Roger meet with meet with LuAnn. In her interview, LuAnn says they’re looking for comedians. Her act is a variety show, and variety shows need comedy. They’re waiting for Sonja, and LuAnn says, she probably lost her dress on the way over. Sonja comes in wearing jumpsuit, so she probably had to go to the bathroom. In her interview, Sonja says, LuAnn is so high on life, everything is funny. She wonders if she’s getting paid, and LuAnn says she was paid the last time. In Sonja’s interview, she says LuAnn paid for half of her hair and makeup, so she did her hair herself. The comics audition, and in LuAnn’s interview, she says they’re all good, but for Marry-Eff-Kill, they have to be specific about sex and relationships. Sonja says she’s glad LuAnn included her, and in her interview, she says she’s proud of what LuAnn has built, and excited to be involved, even if she’s not getting paid. Sonja and LuAnn go over their material for the show.

Tinsley calls Leah, who asks, what the hell is going on with her and Scott? Tinsley says, it was so good. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, even though everyone was saying, just get on a plane, she wanted to be cool. But when Scott said, get on a plane with Strawberry and Shortcake, she was all in. It sounds cheesy, but felt like home; like it was real. Leah says Dorinda is putting together an evening of going to a haunted house – Blood Manor – and then out to dinner. She said Tinsley can come if she wants, and Leah wants her to come. Tinsley says she wants to go. She loves stuff like that.

Tinsley and Leah arrive at Blood Manor first, where they’re accosted outside by a zombie and a clown. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she was expecting to be attacked by Dorinda at dinner, not by a zombie on the sidewalk. Elyse shows up next, followed by Dorinda. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she’s been trying to get the group to go to Blood Manor for two years. It’s an institution. It’s scary, and she doesn’t scare easy. She’s the scarer [sic]. She puts her arm around the zombie, and says she’s finally found the man of her dreams. Elyse says, the blondes always die in the horror films. If you’re blonde, and show your boobs, you’re dead. Speaking of which, when met by the zombie and clown, Ramona freaks out, and drops her shopping bag. In her interview, she says, if that’s what it’s like outside, what is it like inside? LuAnn joins them, dressed as a cougar. In her interview, Leah says she’s aspiring to be a cougar. Sonja gets there last. No surprise. In her interview, she says this isn’t for her. She’s already high anxiety, and they’ve had nothing to drink. They go inside, and Leah doesn’t think the clown is an actor. She thinks that’s really how he is.

They inch down a darkened hallway, and the clown opens a door. It’s a typical, albeit well done, haunted house – horror film type sets, lightening flashing, loud noises, and various horror characters jumping out at them. In Tinsley’s interview, she thinks the cackling twins are Sonja and Ramona. We flash back to the two of them at the banya massage, and Tinsley might be right. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, they drop from the ceiling, and come through the walls. They’re everywhere. Outside, Ramona says she’s exhausted and almost peed her pants. They head to dinner. In Sonja’s interview, she says she could use some tequila. Something she’s familiar with; not a haunted house.

The women sit down to dinner, and Ramona says Tinsley posted on Instagram about Scott. In Sonja’s interview, she says Tinsley posted to the world, then they find out. Leah suggests they toast to Tinsley and Scott, and Tinsley says they’re back together; wooo! Leah said Tinsley told her that she and Scott were getting married. We see a clip of Tinsley and Leah in the limo, and Tinsley saying, there’s no ring yet, but she just knows it. For whatever reason, Dorinda decides they should all ignore Tinsley, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says she expected Dorinda not to ask questions, but she’s disappointed that Sonja, Ramona, and LuAnn fell under Dorinda’s spell. Elyse thinks they’ve been hard on Tinsley, and it’s unwarranted. LuAnn asks Dorinda if the conversation is registering, but Dorinda says Tinsley is running game. She’s making asses of them. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she’s not judgmental (I choke on my coffee), but don’t pull the wool over their eyes. She tells LuAnn, don’t bring life to it. In Ramona’s interview, she says Dorinda is telling her not to listen to Tinsley, and she’s in a good place with Dorinda, so she’s sticking with her. What a tool. LuAnn asks where the ring is, and Dorinda says Tinsley will love Chicago. Since she’s living in a hotel, she can pack up and go tomorrow. Tinsley says she’s happy for herself and her dogs, and Dorinda says she’s got a turkey baster. Maybe Tinsley can have a baby. Honest to God, I don’t know how this woman hasn’t been punched in the face by now. Tinsley says Dorinda is mean, and in LuAnn’s interview, she justifies Dorinda’s remarks by saying it’s been overkill about Tinsley and Scott. Wait a second. Tinsley is the one who didn’t want to talk about it, and Dorinda kept hammering at her. W… T… F…?  Elyse says she believes this is it for Tinsley, and she’s going to live happily ever after. In Leah’s interview, she says, the behavior is de classé. They should give Tinsley this one moment, but they can’t. I can tell Tinsley has had it.

Sonja goes with intern Lulu to meet with Michael and Heather from Century 21. In Sonja’s interview, she says, it’s only been phone calls up until now, but the last show blew them away. Now they want to sell her collection. She sent the pieces ahead, and Heather tells her, the quality is incredible. I’ve looked at her site, and the clothes are not only beautiful, they’re reasonably priced. In her interview, Sonja says she wants to pinch herself. Century 21 is known for luxury for less, and designers at a discount, which is what she’s all about. She says she’s so excited, and Michael says their flagship store downtown is going to make a space front and center for her collection. They also want to sell it at their Herald Square store. (For those unfamiliar with NYC, that’s where the big Macy’s is you see on the Thanksgiving parade.) In Sonja’s interview, she says she’s trying to be serious, but inside, she’s dying. This struck a chord with her, and has made her feel confident. Michael says, in the long term, they want to roll her collection out all their stores. It’s a huge opportunity for both of them. In her interview, Sonja says she needs to stay calm. Michael says they’re moving fast, and their buying team has been in touch with her people. They’ll be placing an order in the next couple of weeks. Sonja says she’s ready to start the next chapter.

Dorinda, Sonja, and Ramona share a limo. Ramona tells them that they’re looking at a warehouse, and meeting event planner Larry Scott. In her interview, Ramona says she’s having a birthday party to celebrate herself, and inviting all her girlfriends. Dorinda and Sonja realize they’re going to Long Island, when they thought they were staying in Manhattan. They go to the warehouse of Lawrence Scott Events, and in Ramona’s interview, she says he’s the premier party planner in NYC, Long Island, and the Hamptons. She tells Larry, last year, a friend made the invite list and excluded some of her girlfriends. We flash back to Ramona telling the list maker not to include Sonja. She tells him that she has 60 girlfriends to invite, and he’s shocked she has that many at her age. I’m surprised when she doesn’t react. In Sonja’s interview, she says, if Ramona mentions that she has 60 girlfriends one more time, she’s going to vomit. Larry asks what Ramona’s vision is, and she says, sophisticated jungle, or tropical. It’s her coming out party; she’s single. I guess three people in the world don’t already know that. Sonja says it’s her birthday, as well as Dorinda’s, and suggests they have a joint party, but Ramona immediately shoots that down. In Dorinda’s interview, she wonders why not a joint party? Sonja is Ramona’s real friend, and Sonja needs this. It’s an opportunity to be kind. (I choke on my coffee a second time, since that’s rich coming from Dorinda.) Ramona says she loves them, but it’s her party. In Sonja’s interview, she says, for the last couple of years, Ramona has  wanted the whole spotlight to herself. How hard is it to share a party? Ramona says she’s giving back to the girlfriends she’s known for thirty years, and it’s costing a lot of money, but Larry is giving her a good price. In her interview, Dorinda says, Ramona likes to do let’s make a deal. Dorinda doesn’t do that. She just gives them a credit card. Dorinda says, it’s Ramona’s coming out party? The next thing she’ll be having is an I-got-my-first-period party. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s chalking it up to jealousy, because they don’t have as many girlfriends as she does. Yeah. That must be it. They sit and go over ideas while stuffing their faces with cookies, and Dorinda suggests a woman covered in sushi. Both Ramona and Larry are like, eww! Ramona says there’s no formal theme, and she wants everyone to sit where they want, and mingle. Larry says people can sometimes get cliquey, and they want to make sure the attention is on Ramona. Like this would ever be a problem. He draws a diagram, and shows her where she’ll hold court. Ramona will be the chandelier. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, it’s always the Ramona show. Dorinda barely celebrates Jesus that much. She feels like she’s been kidnapped. How did this happen? They’re in a warehouse in Long Island, being ignored, and overdosing on sugar. Larry asks them to pose for a social media picture, and in her interview, Dorinda says, and now, they have to do a promo piece for Larry’s business. This has taken up a full day, and now they have to do a promo piece. Save the bullsh*t for your Hamptons friends. You’ve got the wrong audience here.

Rob brings Kier to Leah’s apartment. Leah says she’s testing recipes, and Kier makes a face. In Leah’s interview, she says, being the mom of a teen means you’re reminded every day of how you’re not cool. That’s basically what it’s like. She makes a green juice, and tries it. She says, it’s really healthy, and Rob takes a sip. He says it’s the first time he’s ever had one, and it’s not bad. In her interview, Leah says, it’s hard for a lot of people to understand their relationship. They’re like an amazing married couple, but they don’t live at the same address, and they don’t have sex. Leah asks Rob to throw out a giant plant that’s on its last legs, and Kier says she’s a waster. In Leah’s interview, she says Rob is good to have around to co-parent, but also do the man thing she doesn’t want to do. Except that one man thing. She has batteries for that. He leaves with the plant.

Ramona meets Tinsley for drinks, and says she wants Tinsley to be happy. In Ramona’s interview, she says she felt badly ignoring Tinsley at the restaurant. She suggested they meet for drinks at T Bar, and toast to her being back with Scott. Tinsley says, a lot happened really fast. She’s loved Scott for a long time, and they’ve been on this road before. LuAnn joins them, and in her interview, Tinsley says, it means a lot that Ramona and LuAnn reached out to her after their mean girls episode. If they want to talk about her happiness, she’s more than willing. Ramona’s friend Ron shows up, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says, typical Ramona, but at least she cares this much. Ramona says she’s happy for Tinsley, but it happened fast. Now she’s leaving New York. LuAnn asks if Tinsley is coming to her Halloween party, but Tinsley thinks she’ll be in Chicago; she’s moving tomorrow. In her interview, LuAnn says, it feels like it’s moving fast. She’s happy for Tinsley, but wishes she’d stay for a few days. The Halloween party she’s planning is over the top, and they could include celebrating Tinsley and Scott. Ha-ha-ha! Like that would happen. Nice of LuAnn to make it about her. Tinsley says Scott is building her a closet, and also a glam room, and Ramona says, that’s commitment. They clink glasses, and in Ramona’s interview, she says, when a man builds you a closet, that says a lot. She knows a woman who’s been dating a guy for seven years, and she still doesn’t have closet space in his house. This is real now. She hugs Tinsley, and LuAnn says she couldn’t be happier. They all want the best for Tinsley, and will miss her. They have a three-way hug, and LuAnn says they’ll want to see the ring. They toast, and Ramona says, to Tinsley’s happiness. May all your wishes and rainbows come true.

Tinsley packs, and Dale helps. She tells Dale that some things are going to Palm Beach, some to Newport storage, and some are going to Chicago. Dale looks at Tinsley’s baby cup, and starts to cry. She says Tinsley has always been on the east coast, and Tinsley says, it’s happy. She loves Chicago, and she loves Scott. Dale says, everything is changing. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, so much happened so fast. We flash back to her meeting Scott (and immediately making out with him), Scott bringing her a giant heart of flowers, break-ups, and make-ups. Tinsley says she knows if she doesn’t take this moment, she’ll regret it for the rest of her life. She’s going to listen to herself and what she wants, and nobody else. Leah come by, and says, oh my God, when she sees the dogs in tiny ruffled dresses. She opens some champagne. In Leah’s interview, she says, as sad as she is, she’s happy for Tinsley. She thought Tinsley was crazy for wanting to be the fairytale, and not the legend, but now she wishes she had ten percent of Tinsley’s optimism and belief in love. Sonja arrives, and Dale says, her favorite girl in the world. She hugs Sonja, who almost knocks over a lamp. In her interview, Sonja says she’s had her doubts in the past, but Tinsley is happy, and she only wants the best for her. Get ready, Chi-town. The Tins is on her way. Dale says Sonja took in her girl. She didn’t want Tinsley being by herself when she moved back to NYC, and Sonja said come and stay. We flash back to Tinsley living with Sonja, and Dale says she’s thankful. Sonja is generous and kind, and Dale loves her. Sonja says she loves Dale too. She only wanted Tinsley to be safe, get her own dog, and develop her brand again. Now she’s doing her charities and been in fashion shows, and a man has been thrown in the mix. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she’s glad for the pat on the back. Sonja says she loves that Tinsley’s fairytale is coming true. Leah toasts to Tinsley. In her interview, Tinsley says she’s changed so much since moving back to New York. She thought moving there would trigger her back to the old Tinsley from when she lived there before. It took time, but she feels like herself again, and she’s confident. We flash back to Tinsley performing in the Big Apple Circus, Tinsley dancing on a table, and the fashion show. She says she doesn’t think it would have happened without all the bumps in the way. Thank you, mug shot; thank you, Sonja’s townhouse; thank you, everyone she’s met along the way. It’s been a great ride, and she’s happy where she is. We read that Tinsley got her dream ring when Scott romantically proposed in front of Christmas carolers – with Dale’s approval. She’s in the process of planning her closet.

Coming up this season, Ramona terrorizes Sonja with a lobster, a tropical vacation, Ramona plunges a toilet, LuAnn gets back on a camel, LuAnn and Dorinda have it out, Ramona tells Dorinda to look in the mirror, Sonja tells Ramona STFU, Sonja tells Leah that she cheapens the group of friends, and Ramona tells the cameraman, we’re done.

🍽 We’re down to four on Top Chef, and tonight, Padma said they had one last journey. They were going to Parma, home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham. Tom – who should be on Jeopardy, he’s so full of facts – said that the town is protected by the Italian government, who make sure those products are legit and only come from Parma. Their tour guide was going to be Lorenzo Cogo, the youngest Michelin star chef in Italy. The challenge was to create two dishes – a primi and secondi course – featuring the two ingredients, and they would be serving them to sixteen of the most esteemed chefs in Italy.

The chefs went to the home of a billion cheese wheels, where we learned that with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, age is the most important factor, and only salt is added by immersion. The cheese is tapped with a hammer to see if it’s good. In her interview, Melissa said she grew up with that nasty grated parmesan cheese. Yep. You know the one. It tastes like childhood. Moving on to where prosciutto is born, we learned to never cook it. Lorenzo seemed like a super cool guy, and the grocery store was phenomenal, with an abundance of fresh produce. Stephanie said Parma was very meat forward, but she wanted her dish to be vegetable forward, so the judges would have nothing else to compare it to. Their last stop was a cured ham place that was like something out of Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Afterwards, the chefs reminisced about the season. In Melissa’s interview, she talked about mending her relationship with her father, and said she thought it affected her cooking; her confidence is better. He’d finally said he was proud of her. They stayed overnight at a farm, where Stephanie said she never felt more happy, and when you’re happy, your food tastes better. She was ready to crush it.

Raft: a combination of ingredients that are added to clarify broth by trapping the impurities and then rising to the surface in a floating mass (from RecipeTips.com). I looked this up because Melissa said she broke her raft, and would have to go through the process again. At first, I thought she was talking about a piece of kitchen equipment, but then when I read that, it made sense. She said it was a total rookie move, and she didn’t have time for that.

Padma told introduced guest judge, author and chef Evan Funke. Apparently, he has a huge hand in how pasta is made in the US. Evan thought the challenge was incredibly difficult, because both ingredients have strong flavors and are salty. Tom said he thought the chefs all did well, and Padma told them that Melissa and Stephanie stood out. Stephanie seemed totally shocked, and said earning her place there was humbling and a proud moment. Evan said they were all extraordinary chefs, but the shining star was Melissa. Padma pointed out it was Melissa’s third win in a row. In her interview, Melissa said she couldn’t explain what it felt like, but she had one more big challenge to conquer. Kevin and Bryan looked pretty sad.

Evan said Bryan’s pasta was cooked the best, but he screwed up with the cheese (my words – Evan was much more eloquent). Padma said there was no heart soul in the dish, which seemed to offend Bryan, who said he tried to push the envelope and try something new. Gail said Kevin was too heavy-handed with the cheese, it was agreed the pork in his pork and apple dish was too tough. (During the tasting, one chef had said the pork didn’t welcome you.) Kevin said it was the most soulful of all the food he’d made, and that’s all he cared about at this point in his life. Gail said both of them didn’t execute the challenge when it came to the ingredients.

Tom said he had a lot of empathy for them. Coming back showed what they were made of – as chefs, but more important, as people. Kevin had to pack his knives, which sounded like it was painful for Padma to say. In his interview, said he’d learned to be a fighter, and fight for what he wanted in life. He told Bryan to have a good time, and everyone applauded as he bid farewell. In his exit interview, he said he’d had a lot of hard times, but fought back and won. He wanted people who were struggling to have hope that there were great things on the other side. Bravo, Kevin!

Next time – the finale – the chefs are challenged to make the best four-course meal of their lives, get help from former contestants, and the judges take a turn at cooking.

👨🏽‍🍳 The Young One…

Read more about Chef Lorenzo. He’s quite impressive.

https://www.greatitalianchefs.com/chefs/lorenzo-cogo#:~:text=At%20just%20thirty%2Done%20years,figures%20in%20modern%20Italian%20cuisine.

🍜 Bring In Da Funke…

Learn what rules Evan goes by.

https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/evan-funke-pasta-rules

💃🏽 Beyond the Franchise…

What happens when a Housewife is put out to pasture.

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/8x4q9z/divorcing-reality-tv-what-happens-after-you-leave-the-real-housewives

🧙🏽 An Unconventional Convention…

At least you don’t have to stand in line for autographs.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/san-diego-comic-con-2020-announces-virtual-convention-dates/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

🚶🏽‍♀️ Limping Along…

It’s been another one of them there long weeks. My dog Trinket (somewhat misnamed, since she’s kind of tank shaped) came through surgery fine, but is still out of it. I’ll have what she’s having. I don’t think she’s thrilled with the fashionable leopard neck pillow she now has to wear either. I got 99 problems, and at least that one is crossed off the list. Go forth and stay safe, stay moving forward, and stay curiouser and curiouser.

Jun11

June 10, 2020 – GH Continues With 2018, Real Boredom of Beverly Hills, Ramona’s Prize, My Year & Tomorrow

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH flashback episode was from May 20th (according to the digital guide), at the 2019 Nurse’s Ball. The nurses opened with The Best of My Love. Mike had given Yvonne the engagement ring Finn had intended to give Anna, that Robert was supposed to be holding. Backstage, Cameron made friends Budgie the llama, until Felix came to fetch him (the llama, not Cameron). Shiloh was Sam’s date, while Spinelli and Jason set up surveillance at the Dawn of Day house. Lucy was supposed to get Doc (who was really Ryan) in a compromising position, so she and Scotty could uncouple Doc/Ryan and Ava, but it didn’t work out. Josslyn and Kristina stayed home watching movies, until they looked at photos from the Ball, and Kristina saw Sam with Shiloh. At the Ball with Maxie, Peter suggested Lulu mentor Molly, and questioned Shiloh about leading DoD. Maxie pointed out that Shiloh’s self-given name meant he who has been sent, and thought it was the perfect name for the leader of a cult. Kristina called Jason about Sam, and he told her it would all work out, but she wasn’t having it, and headed for the Ball.

Chase told Willow not to let Shiloh and Nina get to her. Still pretending to be Nina’s daughter, Sasha attended with Michael, and Willow told them that she’d been fired. Confused as to why Robert was toting an engagement ring, Anna confronted him in the dressing room, saying she’d always love him, but she was in love with Finn. What they had was in the past. Sonny told Mike that the ring he’d given Yvonne was a fake, so he could get it back, and Finn gave Mike a replacement that Yvonne ended up liking even more. Chase performed Something Just Like This, and brought Willow up on stage. She miraculously became part of the performance even though she hadn’t rehearsed with them. Although now that I think about it, none of them really rehearse. Finn said despite Robert’s best efforts, he was still proposing to Anna. Robert wanted the replacement ring back, but Finn said that was a no. Robert figured Finn had lost it out of spite, but Finn said it had gone to a good cause. Mike reminisced about Summer Wind with Sonny, which pissed me off, since they skipped right over that episode. Willow told Chase groupies would be coming out of the woodwork, but he said she was the only fangirl he was interested in.

Lucy thanked Cameron for saving her llama, and Cameron left the Ball to see Josslyn. He told Josslyn that he had an Uber waiting if she wanted to go, but she said she couldn’t sing without Oscar. Cameron told her that he’d brought her a message from Oscar. Kristina showed up at the Ball, and told Shiloh to get the hell away from Sam, and Jason told Spinelli, this ends tonight. Anna made a speech about the importance of the event, and said passion, fight, and healing was what the Ball was about. She said when Robin had been diagnosed in 1995, it was considered a death sentence, but where there is life, there is hope, which was the true meaning of the night. Standing in the wings, Robert jostled Finn’s arm, and the ring rolled out to Anna’s feet.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

While I love watching people watch TV even more than watching TV, this was incredibly boring. I get that the networks want to stretch the seasons out because of the pandemic causing delays, but I would have rather seen a rerun of a show from Bravo’s infancy, or how about rerunning Odd Mom Out or Girlfriends Guide to Divorce? Or Real Housewives of Wherever-the-hell-it-was in England that I never saw? During the day, Bravo has been airing early Housewives and Below Deck episodes, an enjoyable trip down Reality Memory Lane. Tonight, it was mostly just Garcelle and Dorit literally staring at the show (they were not physically together, and I don’t think could hear one another). Bravo had the right vibe when Kate did commentary on Below Deck a while back. Between her acerbic wit, and being in quarantine at her parents’ house, where mom made guest appearances, it totally worked. This was mostly a nothing. Garcelle and Dorit watched episode six (with the astrologer; not that long ago), which Garcelle said she hadn’t seen yet. While I’d been looking forward to Garcelle entertaining me with droll bon mots, there was little commentary. I’m not sure why Dorit was chosen, since she’s not all that charismatic, so I didn’t expect much from her. Her comments were fluctuated between the generic, and talking to the TV itself. You know. Like how you tell that girl in the slasher film to look behind her. Or how I rail at the cast members of 90 Day Fiancé for the entire two hours. I don’t know if Garcelle was holding back, or just genuinely more interested in watching, but it wasn’t what I’d expected from her. She did immediately say nothing good was going to come out of this when she saw herself gathered with her girlfriends, and said she talks way too much when she heard herself mention she’d dated Will Smith, but after that, it was a let-down. Garcelle said she had Denise’s back as far as adult talk in front of the kids, but that wasn’t new information, and Dorit said she saw both sides. No surprise there, since she’s often a non-committal fence rider because she wants to be liked.

Erika’s Chicago dance rehearsal was revisited; LisaR and Harry discussed the kids; and Dorit and PK talked restaurant business with PK’s buddy. At Erika’s astrology get together, I once again had to suffer through LisaR’s screeching about her and Erika wearing the same thing. Although Tom’s bravery at sitting with this group for even an hour was commendable. As LisaR said in her interview, the night could be fun or an epic disaster, but I found it to be neither the first time around. The letters zzzz come to mind. Garcelle laughed at her own reactions, which was funny, and Dorit agreed that Kyle had to be the center of attention, saying, Kyle is a one-way street, which surprised me. They both overreacted when Kyle asked if Erika didn’t have any good friends, gasping as though she’d said Erika had ax murderers as friends. It wasn’t a nice thing to say, but I didn’t think it was that awful. I’ve certainly heard a lot worse on this show. At the end, Garcelle said she wouldn’t call it fun, but didn’t say what she would call it, and Dorit said she needed a drink. It might have been a lot more fun if she’d had one beforehand.

🗽 Remember Him…?

You should. He was hard to miss, and it was only last week. He’s the dude who Ramona targeted flirted with at the bar in Newport. The one with the fiancé. Or as Leah called him, the prize.

https://tvdeets.com/courtland-sykes-real-housewives-of-new-york-city

Read all about him.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/27/politics/missouri-gop-candidate-feminists-she-devils/index.html

🎸 This Is the Year I Win…

I’m always entering contests for a free trip to Lallapalooza (with VIP passes), so this clinches it. 2020 will be the year I win.

https://news.avclub.com/lollapaloozas-canceled-too-1843968520?utm_source=AV_Club_Daily_RSS&utm_medium=email

🏵 A Better Tomorrow…

I have a lot to say about the recent heads on the Bravo chopping block, but I want to be thoughtful, so I’m taking a little time with that. My sweet pup Trinket also has surgery scheduled for today, so it’s been a little hectic. Please send her your good thoughts and prayers. And in the meantime, stay safe, stay fair, and stay looking for teachable moments.

Jun5

June 4, 2020 – Memorial Preempt, GH Gets Involved, Jake’s History, Newport Cougars, Chefs In Tuscany, BH Special, Heather’s Wise Words, Secret Wives, a Dad’s Review & Roar

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH flashback would have been from May 25th, 2017, a continuation of the 2017 Nurse’s Ball. However, GH was preempted for the George Floyd’s Memorial Service, which even I have to admit, is important for everyone to see. You can easily find it on YouTube, but here are some highlights:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/04/us/gallery/george-floyd-memorial-services/index.html

🙌🏽 Soap Rep…

How some GH cast members got involved.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/stars-join-peaceful-protests

🚴🏾‍♂️ Catching You Up…

If you missed it, or like me, just plain forgot, find out how Jake got involved with Helena in the first place.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/jake-general-hospital-history-131708

The Real Housewives of New York City

Leah asks if anyone is freaking out over her behavior, and LuAnn says they didn’t like the Tasmanian Devil. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, they’re not perfect. They all do crazy things, but this is a new crazy. They need to get used to it. Elyse says she wasn’t freaking out, but to be honest, she’s never seen someone so off the rails. Leah says she needed to get it out. She’s been with her kid, holding it together. Tinsley hugs Leah, who adds, it was totally cathartic. In Leah’s interview, she says she’s not in the best place mentally. She had a huge falling out with the guy she was dating. She drank to forget, and drank too much. Elyse says she’s never been with a woman, but if she did, it would be Leah. We flash back to Elyse saying she wanted to sleep with Ramona, after Ramona bragged about a three-condom night. Elyse says after seeing Leah so crazy, she wants that experience in bed. Sarah arrives, and Leah introduces her around. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s glad Leah’s sister is there to keep her company. They’ll see how it goes. Sarah says it’s her first 24-hours away from the baby. Sarah misses her, but she doesn’t have to wake up suddenly, and do something for someone. Dorinda says she and Leah look like each other (they do), and asks where Sarah lives. Sarah says, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Dorinda tells her about seeing a special about Williamsburg, and how they have the best macaroons. She was ready to pack her bags and go there.

They go back to where they’re staying, and Tinsley, Leah, and Sarah take a selfie on the terrace. The women get ready for dinner. Sonja tells Ramona that she’s not doing her hair and makeup; she’s just changing her clothes and underwear. Dorinda goes to LuAnn’s room, and says she started without them. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she loves Dorinda, but when she says she’s been drinking all day, and they’re going out to dinner, it’s all kinds of red flags. Dorinda says she talked to John, and LuAnn asks if she’s okay. Dorinda tears up, and LuAnn says, talk to her. Dorinda says she just wants to be left alone for a little while, and LuAnn says just tell John that she needs time. He’ll  understand. She feels like Dorinda is feeling bad for John, and that’s not the way to make a decision. Dorinda says she doesn’t want to be a downer, but she’s sad. LuAnn says, of course; they were together a long time. In Dorinda’s interview, she says when she’s not talking to John, she can get through it, but when she talks to him, she realizes they’ve broken up, and he’s not part of her life anymore. She’s sad and emotional. She’s alone again. LuAnn says, let him go, and see what happens. Dorinda says, let the birdcage free, which doesn’t seem quite right, but okay. LuAnn tells her not to worry. She always lands on her feet. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been there, and it’s not easy. Dorinda and John have been together a long time. If you don’t deal with your emotions, it creates negative energy. Dorinda thinks she’s not in a good place, and they drink some wine. LuAnn says now they have to go out with these crazy chicks.

The women meet at restaurant. I wonder what the hell Sonja is wearing; sparkly silver leggings with sneakers or some kind of flats. It’s not a good look. For anyone. Ramona, Sonja, and LuAnn immediately gravitate to the bar, even though their table is ready. In Tinsley’s interview, when the table isn’t ready, you go to the bar, but if it’s ready, you sit at the table. Ramona flirts with some guys, while Elyse sits alone, waiting. In her interview, Tinsley says Ramona is always getting up to talk to men to show she can get attention. She acts like she’s a goddess, but she’s not. She blows off one on one personal time with friends just to prove she’s still got it. It’s not right. In Elyse’s interview, she says, hi, I’m Ramona. Can I feel your muscles? Ramona finds out that the guy she’s been chatting up is engaged, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says, he’s spoken for. Can we now get to the table? She sits, and says, she’s embarrassed. Ramona, Sonja, and LuAnn are still at the bar, when waiter Sean comes by, and Dorinda tells him to come back. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Leah is out of sight, out of mind. The seat at the bar is better than the seat at the table. Tinsley says, they’re cougaring out, and it’s rude. Leah suggests she tell them that their behavior is embarrassing. In her interview, she says she loves Tinsley, but doesn’t think her delivery and communication skills with these women is productive. They need to be communicated with in a special way. She says this like she’s been a real winner in that department. Tinsley goes to the bar, and tells Sonja there’s a nice spot at the table, but Sonja ignores her and talks to another guy. Tinsley tries to get the women to sit, and engaged guy looks annoyed, although I’m not sure who he’s annoyed with, Tinsley, the others, or both. In Sonja’s interview, she says she can’t believe Tinsley is trying to drag them back to the table. She thinks checking the hot guys out is a great alternative. I might think so too, if there were any hot guys there. Tinsley tells the engaged guy to quit talking to them, then decides she’d rather have dinner without them. Sonja and LuAnn eat something Lady and the Tramp spaghetti style. Bleh. Tinsley tells Ramona that she’s rude; Ramona isn’t even looking at her. She asks them to please come to the table. LuAnn goes to the table, and tells Dorinda that Ramona isn’t a good wingwoman. Tinsley sits down, and says they’re rude; they look like cougars. Dorinda babbles to Elyse, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s thinking the guy will take one look at her and her sister and forget the others. She and Sarah go to the bar, and she tells the guy that they’re trying to get their friends over to the table. He says they’re talking, and Sarah says she doesn’t think his fiancé would like it. Not-so-hot guy says the situation is their effing problem, and walks away. In her interview, Leah says, this is the prize. That tells her everything she needs to know, but mission accomplished. He’s gone. In Ramona’s interview, she says the last thing Tinsley should do is take her away from the man she’s talking to. Man, is this woman some kind of insecure.

Dorinda babbles about having a Black Card to Elyse. In Elyse’s interview, she says Dorinda is over-the-top drunk. Tinsley is escalating, and the ones at the bar are a geriatric version of Girls Gone Wild. Ramona and Sonja join them, and LuAnn suggests bringing it down a notch. Tinsley tells Ramona that if she’d set up the dinner, she’d want them to be respectful. Dorinda wonders what’s going on, and LuAnn says they need to find kindness. Sonja starts yelling, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s flabbergasted. She knows she was acting like a maniac yesterday, but at least she’s a fun maniac. LuAnn thinks it’s nasty, and Ramona says talk to Leah’s sister, who’s guilty by association. Dorinda gets up, and Leah says Ramona should take a note from her sister, and learn how to behave. Dorinda says she’s going home, and in her interview, she says she should have stayed home. She had Ghost Hunters geared up, and room service, and was going to sleep at 6:30. Sonja burps, Ramona acts like she’s being choked by the decorative flint corn on the table, and Sonja trumps that with using some squash from the same centerpiece to block her ears. LuAnn asks if anybody would like a shrimp, and Leah says she can’t. Ramona and Sonja trash Leah’s sister; Ramona calling her a demon, and Sonja saying she’s a weirdo. LuAnn says she’s made an executive decision; they’re going back to the hotel. In Leah’s interview, she says, go ahead and f*** with her, but not with her family. She sits across from Ramona, throws a ravioli at Ramona’s face, and leaves. In Elyse’s interview, she says Ramona didn’t even flinch. She tells Ramona that it’s all over her face. Outside, Leah tells Tinsley what she did, and Tinsley says, sometimes you just have to throw a ravioli. Truth! Ramona says she doesn’t need people like this in her life. They’re not invited to her birthday party. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s disappointed in Leah. Disappointment is worse than anger because… it just is. LuAnn comes back in, and says this was upsetting. Tinsley, Sarah, and Leah head back, and Leah says she’s done. She’s over it. LuAnn sets the stalk end of the corn on fire, for the energy. In her interview, Leah says she feels bad, but not bad enough to change who she is. She kisses Tinsley, and they both fall on the ground.

What’s sad is, I’m wondering if I’ll end up hating this show as much as Beverly Hills just because of Ramona. NYC was always my jam, but she’s become an embarrassing snake, who will toss aside her friends for any man or friends higher on the social ladder. She’s always been an embarrassment of some sort, and occasionally the voice of reason, but she’s so worried about dying alone, she’s become the worst kind of friend ever. Some of the others, like Leah, exhibit bad behavior, but Ramona is beyond self-centered.

Dorinda goes to LuAnn’s room, and LuAnn asks if she had breakfast. Dorinda says she had a hamburger from room service; she likes lunch for breakfast. Sarah tells Leah that she’s annoyed. She came so far to have a relaxing 24-hours, but it’s not relaxing; it’s upsetting. Leah says the women treating Sarah like that because of her. It’s not okay, and she feels bad that she invited Sarah and this sh*t happened. In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel happy. She’s not proud losing her temper to the point where she threw food. She’s also feeling bad that her sister had a sh*tty time. She’s not sure how to move forward with this group, and doesn’t even know if that can happen.

Dorinda tells LuAnn that she likes Leah. She thinks Leah is young and lost. LuAnn says, it’s sad, but it’s one thing to upset someone, and another to be all out aggressive. She threw ravioli at Ramona. (It’s not about the pasta.) Dorinda wishes she’d stayed for that one. LuAnn says, when you push that far, it’s hard to go back. In Ramona’s interview, she says it’s not that Leah can’t be who she is, but if that’s who she is, it’s unacceptable. She needs to act nutty around her other girlfriends. Elyse says, not that it’s justified, but she’s known Ramona a long time, and when they’re in a group, even she finds it hard to break in sometimes. Leah takes things to heart, like what Sonja said about people with tattoos being dirty and diseased. Sonja says Leah is a loose cannon (which is rich, coming from the biggest cannon there). She was arrested, and thrown out of school. Sonja adds that she’s trying to be sensitive.

Sarah tells Leah, all of these women have had a night where they threw ravioli in someone’s face. They’re passive, and it’s hard to get an apology from someone who’s passive/aggressive. They’ll just say they didn’t mean it. Leah says her problem isn’t being passive/aggressive; she’s just in your face. It makes her crazy when she’s told to act in a different way. Sarah says Leah doesn’t understand the game of dealing with people. LuAnn asks Dorinda how they’re going to fix this. Dorinda says they can’t, and LuAnn says, no, the girls have to fix it, but how can they help facilitate it? They can’t let this continue; it’s a nightmare. She thinks, if it can swing that far to the right, it can swing back that far to the left. Elyse asks Ramona and Sonja how can they move forward from this. She promises if they give Leah a chance… Sonja says they don’t know when she’s going to go off; she’s like a timebomb. Ramona says there’s a certain demeanor and caliber; a way of acting with the group. Would that be selfishly? Egotistically? She’s not being specific. In Ramona’s interview, she says, it puts a damper in their dynamic. If Leah can’t act properly, no way Jose. Sarah tells Leah, it’s a pit in the ocean. Dorinda tells LuAnn, they’ll hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.

Back in the city, LuAnn meets with cabaret producer Ben for lunch. He thinks it would be a good idea for her to open with Life is a Cabaret, by which I assume he means Cabaret. He tells her that she put cabaret on the map, and made it popular. I nearly choke on my coffee. Ben is a real ass kisser, and the Countess is just lapping it up. In her interview, LuAnn says, it’s an all new Lu. She wants to do an expansion on Marry-Eff-Kill. Who doesn’t love sex, and who doesn’t want to see her being naughty? Ben says she should include the audience, build on the theme, but include traditional songs. Barbara Streisand always has to sing People. I have no words. LuAnn says they need to include Sonja. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, Sonja loves to be on stage, and was in her original shows. We flash back to when Sonja had a wardrobe malfunction, and her dress pretty much came off of her. LuAnn says Sonja needs to get on stage with her – now. She suggests Sonja sing Jovani with her. Ben wonders if they could get a breakaway outfit for Sonja, and LuAnn says, Sonja loves to lose her skirt. They could reveal one fabulous dress after another.

Leah’s meets her parents, Bryan and Bunny, for lunch. These two could pass for Billy Crystal and Carol Kane in The Princess Bride, albeit better looking. I kid you not. In Leah’s interview, she says things are not resolved with her mother since she’s been trying moderate drinking. Wow. If that’s moderate, I’d hate to see her on a real bender. She wants to get to the point where her mom accepts things, and wants Leah to be happy with the decisions she makes, but she’ll never get that. Bryan orders an old fashioned, and tells Leah that he needs to stay away from anything acidic. The lining between his esophagus and stomach is wearing out. In her interview, Leah says she has the qualities of both of her parents, but she’s more her father’s daughter. Leah asks if Sarah said anything about Newport, and Bully says Leah spills her guts, but Sarah is quieter. Leah says she thought she could blow off some steam with the women. She didn’t do anything different from them – they’re not the ladies who lunch; they’re wild – but then they turned it around, saying they were scared of her. Bunny asks if she got nasty, and Leah says not until the next day, when she was pushed. Bunny thinks alcohol is a slippery slope. In her interview, Leah says she can agree, but she thinks when her mom hears about her drinking, it’s a trigger. It’s like she has PTSD from Leah’s early years. Leah tells Bunny, she likes an escape once in a while, but Bunny says if she has the addiction genes, it’s a slippery slope. Bryan makes a joke about genes/jeans, and Bunny says Leah shouldn’t trade her health and sobriety for stupid reasons.

In the swank space on the rooftop of Dorinda’s building, she wonders where her co-host LuAnn is. We see a clip of LuAnn asking what they’re going to do about the situation. Dorinda suggests a tea party where they can relax and relate, and says the rooftop of her building is perfect. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she came out of the Newport weekend feeling exhausted. They’re gathering, but not connecting. They can have tea, but no alcohol will be involved, which is always a good thing with this group. Dorinda tells Leah to think before she speaks, and Leah says she’ll feel it out. In Leah’s interview, she says she knows if she doesn’t take the high road, there will be no reconciliation, and she was wrong to throw ravioli at Ramona. Everyone is dressed up, with hats or fascinators. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, she doesn’t know what co-host means to LuAnn. Dorinda seats everyone, and in Ramona’s interview, she says, it’s ironic that Dorinda and LuAnn are throwing a tea party with crumpets and scones. Maybe they’re trying to teach Leah a few things. Maybe someone should teach Ramona the meaning of the word ironic. Sonja and Tinsley are (no surprise) late, and LuAnn asks if they should start without them. Ramona says, if you have three or more, it’s allowed. I immediately make a mental note of this, just in case I need to know. Leah says she owes Ramona an apology. She didn’t want it to get to that point. Ramona says Leah disrupted the weekend, but she’s sorry, so it’s okay. She walked away from the weekend emotionally upset, but if Leah is willing, they can put it behind them and reset. Leah says she’s not apologizing for who she is, but for what she did. Ramona says if that’s Leah’s normal behavior, it scares her. Leah asks if Ramona has ever seen her act like that before, and LuAnn says, at Ramona’s house in the Hamptons. Leah says she won’t turn up any more. Ramona says she was exhausted, and Dorinda tells her, don’t get carried away. They’ve all had moments. We flash back to Dorinda in loud drunk mode, Sonja falling on the floor after saying she’d knock Bethenny out, LuAnn in custody, and Ramona throwing a glass at Kristen’s face. I met Kristen once. She was a very nice person, which explains why she’s no longer on the show. Ramona and Leah hug, and Leah says she feels bad, and Ramona says she’s a good girl. They’ve had some great moments, and they can have more. In Ramona’s interview, she says the apology isn’t what she wanted, but has a soft spot for Leah. She doesn’t know why. They both get weepy, and Leah says she’s a cry baby. Dorinda says Ramona is a big softie. In her interview, Leah says she doesn’t know why she’s so emotional. She’s projecting her mommy issues onto this relationship. It’s really weird. Ramona says they’ll get through this; it will be okay. Sonja comes in, with Tinsley not far behind. Dorinda wishes they had clotted cream, and Ramona says they don’t need potted cream. Leah says Tinsley literally looks like Barbie. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, going to a tea party, dressed up, in puffy sleeves. It’s the most exciting thing ever. She loves it. Dorinda has everyone change seats, and Ramona hugs Leah again. She says Leah touches a special place in her. I sit on any and all jokes. Dorinda says she wants to talk to Tinsley privately.

Dorinda tells Tinsley that she doesn’t want to be aggressive in her approach. She knows for a fact that Tinsley was in Niagara Falls with Scott, and Tinsley needs to tell them that she’s seeing him. I just don’t get why this is such a huge issue for Dorinda, especially since no one else seems to care. Tinsley says she’s not seeing him. She ran into him in Toronto, and they flew to Niagara Falls. It was a two day thing. Dorinda says she doesn’t care; it’s deceptive. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she knows someone who knows someone who sent her a picture, and said Tinsley and Scott were spending the weekend together. Why is Tinsley lying about it? Tinsley asks if Dorinda wants every detail of her life, and Dorinda says she’s not after details, but Tinsley claims they’re not together. Tinsley says, they’re not, but she’s hopeful it will turn into something. Dorinda says Tinsley needs to tell them. She tells Tinsley, she’ll leave it to her, and goes back to the table. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she’s a person, and has a life. She doesn’t share every detail; neither does Dorinda. Don’t put her on blast for not being open. She’s very open and honest. She doesn’t think she needs to say it.

Tinsley goes back to the table, and says she didn’t think she needed to tell anybody if she happened to see her ex on the weekend. Ramona asks if she’s back with Scott. It’s a huge move, and Tinsley needs to share it. Elyse says she understands why Tinsley didn’t want to say anything. She doesn’t need their comments. In Ramona’s interview, she says, she understands it’s Tinsley’s private business. She saw Scott for the first time in a long time, and she didn’t want to share it. She doesn’t want to hear their opinions, especially Dorinda. Dorinda acts like she’s a detective, finding out things about Tinsley. Is she really so concerned about what Tinsley does? LuAnn asks if they can know how it went, and Tinsley says, it went well. Dorinda asks why she’s crying then, and Tinsley says she thinks it won’t end up well. Like always. In her interview, Tinsley says she and Scott always break up, but you need to do what you need to do to get what you want. And she wants to be with Scott. She tells the women that she loves him. She tried being away from him, but she can’t. Leah says, just be with him, and Sonja – who wakes up for a second – agrees. LuAnn says Tinsley needs to call the shots, and Leah says, tell him, put a ring on it, impregnate me right TF now, or it’s a wrap. Ramona says Dorinda and LuAnn know how to throw a tea party.

Next time, Ramona whines about her birthday, Dale tells Tinsley that everything is changing, a Haunted House, Dorinda finds the man of her dreams, and Leah makes a toast.

🍜 Top Chef began with Tom talking about Italy, and how Covid-19 had affected things since they’d been there. He sent his good wishes, and hoped things would be back to normal soon, and they could return.

The Quickfire challenge had the chefs making an aperitivo for 30 locals from the town of Lucca; something that paired with Peroni beer. The station they picked would determine the region their ingredients came from, and the winner would receive $10K courtesy of Peroni.

The chefs flew business class to Italy, and it looked beyond fabulous. I would love to be able to fly first class before I die. It just looks like the epitome of luxury. Business class would be okay too. In his interview, Kevin said learned to fight every day like it’s his last, and he was ready. Bryan said he’d studied the Russian language, which was not going to help him here. Padma introduced guest chef Filippo Saporito, who tasted the dishes along with the locals. He told Padma that Melissa’s mussel offering opened your heart and your stomach, which I assume is fairly high praise. Melissa was close, but Kevin won with his polenta.

For the elimination challenge, the chefs would be hunting white truffles for use in a dish for a Tuscan food festival. In Stephanie’s interview, she said it was a chef’s dream to go truffle hunting in Tuscany. They would be guided by employees of the Savini family, who are apparently top-of-the-line procurers of truffles. The only requirement of the dish was that it showcase the truffle. The chefs would have three hours to prep and cook, and be serving 100 diners, including million Michelin star chef Cristiano Tomei. The chefs got together with two guys and two dogs, and the hunt was on. They were surprised to find tons of truffles, and it reminded me of the day it seemed like a truckload of beach glass was dumped on our nearby beach. One of food’s most precious treasures, the white truffle goes for nearly $3K per pound, so I won’t be cooking with that any time soon. The chefs had 45 minutes and 400 euros to shop in Italy’s version of Whole Foods. Gregory was having back problems, and it was seriously interfering with his concentration. I felt badly for him, and totally identified.

Stephanie, whose first anniversary fell on the day of the challenge, was surprised to find Italian radicchio had a stronger flavor than that in the U.S., and thought it was too much for her dish. Rather than take it off the menu, which she’d already established, she did her best to tone it down. When it came time for the judging, Tom said, for the most part, the dishes were good, but not every dish was good with truffles. Melissa had wanted to do some Asian/Italian fusion, and her congee was a unanimous hit. Gail said she might start a congee revolution, and Chef Tomei said she had the courage to do the necessary thing. Whatever that meant. She was the winner, with her dish being declared intelligent, fresh, and harmonious. Bryan was in as well, Gail saying his veal and potato dish was a beautiful way to use a truffle. It was simple and let the truffle do its job.

On the downside, Gregory’s wild boar hid the truffle flavor. Tom said Gregory made a great stew, but it wasn’t good for truffles. Chef Tomei said black truffles would have made a difference, but the white truffles had too delicate a flavor. Kevin also had too much going on with his meatball effort, and the truffles were overwhelmed. Padma said it was courageous of Stephanie to make pasta, but the radicchio obliterated the taste of the truffle filling. Stephanie admitted she had been afraid to take it off the menu when she’d already chosen to include it. Padma said they might have thought the radicchio should have been included, but would have respected her decision.

In the end, Padma said they bottom three had good dishes, but didn’t use the truffle properly, and Gail said they all essentially made the same mistake. Tom said that chefs understand traditions so they can break them, but one dish went to far. Gregory had to pack his knives and go. In his exit interview, he said he’d really wanted to win, but the life lesson he learned was that he can’t always control what happens. It was the wrong dish to serve with truffles. He gave the competition 110%, and had a few regrets, but knew he’d done everything physically and mentally that he could. It was a great start for his next chapter.

Next time, the chefs go to Parma, the home of Parmesan cheese. The chefs will be making their own interpretation of traditional dishes for sixteen Michelin star chefs.

⏰ On Wednesday, June 10th, at 9 pm, Bravo will be airing a special episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where Garcelle and Dorit will be giving commentary on one of the recent episodes. While I might have picked someone other than Dorit, count me in. The only thing better than watching TV, is watching other people watch TV.

🐱 Lord Tubbington’s Mom Speaks Out…

Fondue For Two was my favorite thing on Glee, and it sounds like Heather Morris has the same good heart that her character did.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/03/heather-morris-agrees-glee-co-star-lea-michele-was-unpleasant-on-set/

👠 Real Housewives Of What…?

Apparently, like the cat of the same name, they’re invisible.

https://tvdeets.com/itvbe-real-housewives-of-cheshire-virtual-reunion/

👩🏾‍🍳 Sweet Review…

We could all use some positive news, and it doesn’t get much better than this.

https://people.com/food/dads-review-of-daughters-play-restaurant-provides-candid-message-about-advocating-for-black-businesses/

🪂 Sliding Into the Weekend Like…

You made it to another Friday, which hopefully is gaining more meaning again. See you for tea and words of wisdom tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay current, and stay open to learning something new, while respecting the old.