What I Watched Today

(Nada enchilada summer – condensed because life is short & summer should be fun)

General Hospital

Monday:

Anna was at the hospital for her phlebotomy treatment and Felicia asked how she was adjusting to being back home. Anna said it was a lot, but Dante was helping her at work. It was really good to feel like herself again. The orderly nearby lowered his mask and it was Peter.

While cooking in Sonny’s old kitchen, Valentin told Carly that the house he’d rented had a professional kitchen, but no moss bowl🎍. She said the house sounded perfect, but he said he’d promised Charlotte they’d move into Windymere. Josslyn came in and asked how far Carly was willing to go to get her out of the WSB.

At Bobbie’s, Lulu told Laura about letting Charlotte move in with her father. Laura said, for what it was worth (🍷), she thought Lulu was doing the right thing, but Lulu wondered how she was going to survive.

Scout came out of the pool where Danny was waiting with a towel. They started goofing around, when Drew came in. He told Danny to back away from his daughter immediately.

Chase and Brook talked about sitting on Gregory’s memorial bench on Phoebe’s adoption day and how it felt like he was there with them. Chase said they’d had a problem, worked through it, and were now totally committed to being honest with each other.

Jacinda told Michael that when she dropped off Nina’s dry cleaning, she may have slipped something into Willow’s drink. By now, Willow loved everyone and everything in the world.

Willow acted all happy/manic with the kids and said last one to the car was a rotten egg. She ran to the door.

Drew said he didn’t want Scout and Danny at the pool together. She’d have to train when Danny wasn’t there. He asked Danny to provide his schedule to Scout, but Danny said it didn’t have to be this way. Drew said Danny had proved he wasn’t safe for Scout to be around, when Jason came in. He asked if Drew had a minute.

Michael said, Jacinda drugged the mother of his children? and she said he still wanted full custody. She just slipped Willow some molly and she’d be fine. She’d be alone returning work calls and babbling away to members of Congress. He said, what if Willow got behind the wheel? and she asked if Willow ever drove herself. He said, no, but left anyway.

Chase suggested he make sandwiches, which Brook thought was sexy, so they kissed. Gio and Trina came in, and Gio said they’d been working on a new song and were starving, but they could leave. Chase invited them to have sandwiches, and Brook said after she put Phoebe to bed, she wanted to hear about their new song.

Charlotte saw Lulu and Laura inside Bobbie’s, when Rocco met her. She said they should decide how they wanted to play this. They should just tell their mom what she wanted to hear. He said he’d try, but wasn’t as good at lying as she was, and they went inside.

Laura told Charlotte and Rocco that Lulu may have a solution for the tension between them, and Lulu said once Valentin was settled, Charlotte could move in with him. Rocco asked how Charlotte could be so selfish.

Britt was dragging a big garbage bag toward the hospital elevator, and Tristan asked if they’d won. She said they never won. The players just rolled around in the dirt for two hours and now she had to do laundry in the GH basement. He wanted to help her, but she said, any help from a WSB guy came at a price she wasn’t willing to pay, and got in the elevator.

Anna said Emma couldn’t stop talking about the magical trip to New York City that Gio had planned for her, and Felicia said she’d like her own magical trip. Was there anything Anna needed before she started her treatment? Peter told Anna, ask her, but Anna said she was fine and Felicia left. Peter said Felicia could give Anna information on Britt and give it to her, but Anna said she wasn’t taking advantage of her friends. He said Felicia was family and if Anna wanted to protect her family, she had to use Felicia.

Josslyn asked if Carly would team up with her dad, and Carly said she’d told him that Josslyn had joined the WSB. He had a right to know. Josslyn said she’d been getting to it, but was hesitant after Carly’s insane reaction. Carly said she’d reacted appropriately after finding out Josslyn had joined an organization that was dangerous and could get her killed, and Josslyn said now her dad wanted her out. Carly asked if he said that, and Josslyn said, no, but actions spoke louder than words.

Jason suggested they step away, but Drew didn’t want to leave Scout alone with Danny. Jason asked Danny to go get a burger at Bobbie’s and he’d pick him up later, and Danny left. Drew asked Scout to wait in the car, but she said she’d stay there, and he and Jason left.

Rocco got mad and left, and Laura followed him out. Outside, Rocco said Charlotte didn’t care about their mother, and Laura asked if he was angry because Charlotte was leaving their mother or leaving him.

Charlotte said she wasn’t trying to hurt Lulu, and Lulu said she could see how much she missed her dad. It wasn’t like she was moving to the moon. Charlotte said she loved Lulu, and Lulu said she loved Charlotte too, and they hugged.

Michael went into the apartment where Willow was dancing with Amelia, while Wiley stood nearby with his arms folded. Willow suggested Michael dance with them, but he turned off the music, and she said he was no fun. He wondered why the kids were with her, and she said Yuri had a hot date with Terry, so he’d dropped the kids off. He took Willow aside and asked if she’d been drinking, but she said he knew she never drank around the kids. What was he doing there? Did he just come to ruin their dance party? Party pooper. She booped his nose.

Brook said she loved Trina and Gio’s new song and had a great idea for the bridge. Chase said he’d warned Gio and Trina that she could be intense when it came to music, but Brook said she wasn’t. Trina said she liked Brook’s intensity. It made her feel Brook believed in them. Brook said she did. They were talented and worked their butts off. Trina said it was a creative outlet for her and kept her mind off her dad’s trial. Her dad felt that court went well, which meant it didn’t go well for her mom and Isaiah. It was a mess. Gio said she could sing what was too painful to say, but Trina said she’d rather not find inspiration from her parents’ experience.

Rocco told Laura that Danny was mad at him and Charlotte was on his side. He felt he’d lost her as a friend and as his sister. Laura said she was sorry, but the bond between siblings wasn’t easily broken. She bet if Charlotte needed her brother, he’d be there, and vice versa. He said he was going to the MetroCourt to pick up his paycheck, and asked her to tell his mom that he was sorry. Laura said, of course (🍷), and Rocco left.

Josslyn told Carly that her dad had taken off on a solo sailing trip, and Carly said he’d been talking about that for a while, but what did that have to do with Josslyn? Josslyn said he’d left full control of JJE to her in his absence without asking her. One of his VPs had flown halfway around the world to hand her the reins. Carly asked if she’d been able to contact him, but Josslyn said, no, and Carly said he’d probably wanted to disconnect from the world. Josslyn said he probably didn’t want to hear that she didn’t want responsibility for the company. The timing was very convenient. Was this Carly’s idea?

Michael asked Wiley to take his sister to her room. It was almost bedtime. Wiley asked if they weren’t going to the arcade, but Michael said they were probably closed. Willow said she was a congresswoman and would get them to reopen. They’d have the whole place to themselves and they could do anything they wanted. She jumped around with the kids, and Michael asked Wiley to please help his sister get ready for bed. He promised to make it up to Wiley. They’d do something incredible together. Wiley said, them, Amelia, and Mommy? and Willow said, that’s genius! Michael said they’d do it together because they were a family.

After Anna’s treatment, Britt approached her and said she needed Anna’s help with the WSB. Anna said she was no longer an agent, and Britt said Cullum had kidnapped Anna and messed with her head. The WSB owed her a few favors. Anna said, what kind of favors? and Britt said it was for her mother. She was miserable not knowing what happened to Cassius – how he died, where his body was. Peter stood behind Britt, and Britt said she thought if anyone could figure it out, it would be Anna. Was Anna going to help her or make her beg? Peter said this was what they’d been waiting for. Now was Anna’s chance.

Jason said it was good to see Drew back on his feet. They had to discuss Scout and Danny. Drew said they could start by how everyone went against his wishes when he was incapacitated and Scout was led to believe Danny wasn’t a threat to her. Jason said Danny wasn’t, but Drew said Scout was told to ignore the danger that followed Danny and Jason around. Now he had to rectify the situation. Jason said Drew didn’t. His job no longer posed a danger to Danny and Scout. He’d stopped working for Sonny.

Carly said she told Josslyn’s father that she was working for the WSB. Anything past that was on him. Josslyn said she’d spoken to the VP of Operations. He was sending her a list of candidates and she’d sign the company over to whoever he and the board chose. Valentin asked if he could chime in, and Carly said, have at it. He said before Josslyn handed her family’s legacy over to a stranger, make sure to do her homework. There were people who wanted to gain her trust and sell off her father’s business for parts. He knew because he was one of them. Josslyn said she wasn’t going to be manipulated into leaving the WSB, but he said it wasn’t just about her. She had shareholders and all the employees who had lives, mortgages, and families. She could jeopardize their livelihoods. Carly said Josslyn may not want this responsibility, but it was hers. She needed to take it seriously.

Trina said, no matter the trial’s outcome, her dad wouldn’t be satisfied until he heard Isaiah say he was the driver of the other car. That was never going to happen. She needed to stop talking about it because going down this particular rabbit hole wouldn’t do any good. Listening to it wasn’t fun either. Gio said it wasn’t bad either. It was just life. She said her dad wouldn’t let it go until he proved Isaiah was in the other car, but she had to.

Michael put the kids to bed and came out to find Willow dancing. He tried to hand her some water, but she said she’d just finish her drink. He said, no, taking it from her. It would keep her up all night. She asked what he was doing there, and he said he was concerned that she’d taken something. He thought she might be high. She wasn’t acting like herself. She said that was because she finally felt good. She was divorcing Drew, she loved her job, the kids were amazing, they weren’t fighting… She put her arms around her and said, so please, let’s not start. He said he didn’t want to fight either.

Britt said she knew Cassius was a sore subject, but it would give her mother peace of mind to know the details of his death. In return, she’d answer Anna’s questions. Anna said the WSB would never share those kinds of details with her, especially if they knew why she wanted them, and Britt said she knew Anna didn’t trust her, but put herself in her mom’s shoes. Wouldn’t she want to know what happened to her child? Anna said she was sorry, but she couldn’t help, and Britt said she was supposed to be one of the good guys. How much would it cost her to show a little compassion? Anna said, the same compassion Britt showed her mother when she’d let Obrecht believe she was dead? when Felicia joined them. She asked if there was a problem, and Britt said, yes. felicia suggested they take a few steps back. Anna was still in Commissioner probationary period. Anna asked who wasn’t on probation, Britt said, useless, and left. Felicia said Britt was out of line, but Cassius was her brother and they’d seemed close. She was grieving, but didn’t get to take it or her anger out on Anna. Peter said, how do you think Britt is doing? and Anna repeated the question to Felicia. He said, there you go.

Tristan asked Britt how the laundry was going, and she said, save it. She saw him watching her and Anna. If he wanted to report her, go ahead. He said, for what? and she said, for being combative with a patient. He asked why he would do that, and she asked if all WSB agents didn’t stick together.

Drew said people didn’t just get to leave the mob, but Jason said, things change. Drew said Sonny wasn’t going to just let Jason go, but Jason said he didn’t know Sonny. Drew said Jason and Danny needed to stay away from his daughter, but Jason said that wasn’t what Scout wanted. Drew said she was a trusting child and it was his job to keep her safe. That’s what fathers were supposed to do, even if their kids hated them for it. Jason said he knew Drew didn’t trust Danny because of him. Drew could hate him all he wanted, but don’t take it out on Danny and Scout.

Laura came back and said Rocco apologized for losing his temper. He needed some time alone, so he went to the MetroCourt to pick up his paycheck. Charlotte saw Danny through the window and asked if it was cool if she talked to him outside. Lulu said, of course (🍷), and Charlotte left. Laura asked if Lulu was okay, and Lulu said, no, but she would be. Laura said Rocco couldn’t bear to see Lulu hurt, but she also thought he was going to miss his sister terribly. Lulu said she thought them living under the same roof would bring them closer, but it just drove them further apart. Laura said maybe it was a good thing they wouldn’t be living together, and Lulu said, if she got lucky, maybe it would bring her closer to her son.

Rocco saw Scout crying by the pool and asked if she was okay, but she said, no. Not even close. He asked what was up, and she said, the usual. Her dad didn’t want her to see her brother – ever.

Michael said Willow must be tired from so much dancing and suggested she lie down on the sofa and close her eyes, just for a minute. She said his voice sounded like it used to when he talked to her. It was nice. He used to be so nice. Remember when he asked her to help out with Wiley? It was nice. She liked when he was her friend. He said he did too.

Valentin suggested Josslyn give him the list of names, but she said she’d go to Michael. He said his offer stood, and Carly asked Josslyn to think about this. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. Josslyn promised she’d handle this in a way that worked for everybody, but she wasn’t leaving the Bureau. Carly had to accept that. She wanted to see her, but didn’t want to argue about this every time. Carly said she didn’t either, and they hugged. Valentin asked Josslyn to stay for dinner, but Josslyn said she couldn’t. She’d keep Carly updated. Josslyn left, and Carly said she knew Josslyn’s father wouldn’t want her in the WSB and knew he’d do something in his own special way to get her out. Valentin said handing over the company was a bold move. He hoped Josslyn knew how valuable JJE was. There would be a lot of people desperate to take it over.

Britt told Tristan not to pretend he didn’t know Anna was in the WSB, and he said he knew who she was. He could recognize WSB damage when he saw it. He could see Britt had been through hell and knew how the WSB used people. That’s why he got out. He could see she was trying to rebuild her life again and it could be done. She asked if he was the proof, and he said that was for her to decide.

Felicia said when she’d heard Britt lost her room over Bobbie’s, she found her a sublet, and Anna asked where it was. Felicia said, Dr. Rosen was on sabbatical, so Britt was renting his loft, and Anna said her compassion knew no bounds. Felicia’s phone rang, and she told Anna to call if she needed her. They were due for a dinner soon. She left, and Peter said Anna got what she needed. Now to circle back to Britt. Let her know after talking to Felicia that she’d changed her mind and wanted to help her out. Anna said Britt would agree to anything she asked, and looked over at Britt.

Drew said he couldn’t stand Jason and Jason couldn’t stand him either, but that wasn’t why he didn’t want Jason’s son around his daughter. It was because Danny was reckless and Jason was a target. Jason said, not anymore, but Drew said that was surprisingly naïve. He hadn’t spent a lifetime getting rid of Sonny’s enemies and making him the most powerful man in Port Charles to be able to just walk away. Jason said Drew wasn’t worried about that. He was just being vindictive. Drew said every sociopathic thing Jason had ever done, every person he’d threatened, hurt, or killed would follow him and Danny around for the rest of their lives. But not Scout, because he wasn’t letting her anywhere near Jason, Danny, Sonny, or anyone associated with their world. And Jason would be very wise not to test him on that.

Charlotte told Danny that she loved her mom, but her mom didn’t get her connection with her dad. It was dangerous when they were hiding out in Europe, but they got really close. Danny said he got it. He and his dad were closer since their road trip. Charlotte said, anything could change in a second. That was why they had to make the most of their time with their dads while they could.

Lulu told Laura that she hoped Charlotte being with her dad would help Rocco confide in her again, but Laura said he was a teenager now. Lulu said, nobody understands you, especially your parents, and Laura said it didn’t mean he loved her any less. It just meant he needed to lean on someone his own age a little more.

Scout said she wasn’t unhappy her dad got better, but at the same time… Rocco said she wanted to live her own life. He knew he’d made some big mistakes, but his parents couldn’t keep telling him what to do forever.

As they cleaned up, Brook said all Trina could do was put this behind her, and Chase said it would be easier for her to do if someone could answer her questions about the accident. Brook said that would be impossible, but Chase said, maybe not. The investigation was still open. There was no harm in him looking at it again from a different angle. Get some fresh eyes on it. Maybe he could find something that led them to the other driver.  

Willow conked out, when Michael’s phone rang. Jacinda said please tell her that he found Willow making a food of herself and not doing something dangerous, and he said he’d stopped her as she was about to head out. Jacinda said, thank God. No harm done. That was good, right?

Tuesday:

Emma found Gio at the pool and said she had exciting news about camping.

At a table nearby, Lucy said she’d seen Serena with Michael and it looked like things were going according to plan. Serena said Michael liked the idea of her joining Deception, and Lucy asked if he liked her.

Cody showed up at the courthouse with flowers and said he’d heard Sidwell was going to prison. Congrats. He wondered why she wasn’t more excited since she won, and she said, except she didn’t.

At the MetroCourt Gardens, Valentin thanked Jordan for meeting him, and she said she wasn’t clear why she was there. He said he needed a favor, but she shouldn’t feel obligated because he’d saved her life. She asked what he meant.

Josslyn met Jack at the Gardens for breakfast, and said she was ready to get back in the field.

Willow woke up and Nina was there. Nina said she was worried, and Willow wondered why she was on the couch. Nina said she’d decided to let Willow sleep it off there, and Willow said, sleep what off? What happened?

Jacinda found Michael in the nook, and said she needed him to understand why she’d drugged Willow. She’d lost it when she got the restraining order, but made sure Willow was somewhere safe and alone… Michael said, she had Wiley and Amelia. Everyone was fine, but Willow almost took them out for a drive when she was high.

Jordan asked how Valentin saved her life, and he told her how he’d come by the car when he’d been a fugitive. He’d seen Curtis trying to free her and helped him pull her to safety. She said Curtis never told her, and he said Curtis had been protecting him. She said she might have died if he hadn’t helped, and he said that was true.

Molly told Cody that she was prepared to go to trial, when Sidwell took a plea bargain and they’d combined the charges. They’d also learned he was also responsible for Maxie’s collapse and coma, but unfortunately, his deal was for everything. He was Pentenville’s guest for the next 31 years or maybe the rest of his life, parole after 26 and change. Cody said maybe it was a good thing. Sidwell wasn’t getting younger and she’d saved the taxpayers money and herself a ton of work. She said she’d rearranged her life because these were supposed to be the biggest trials of her career, but it was all for nothing.

Gio said he’d never gone camping, but was open to trying it one day, and Emma said the day had come. Next week. She’d been on a waiting list at a campground near the Finger Lakes, and a spot opened up for next week, so she took it. They could sneak away together. He said he was sorry, but he couldn’t.

Serena said she and Michael had a good talk. He’d explained he only got involved with Deception to help Maxie and she didn’t think he was trying to take the company away from Lucy. Lucy said he wouldn’t have admitted it, but Serena said she believed he was doing what was best or Deception. Maybe they didn’t need his shares after all.

Nina asked what Willow remembered, and she said Yuri called and had to bring the kids over. Oh my God. The kids. Nina said they were fine, and Willow said she was going to take them to an arcade and Bobbie’s, but it was fuzzy after that. Nina said when she’d come home last night, Willow was out cold and Michael was there.

Jacinda said she’d thought the kids would be with Michael, but Michael said the nanny called in sick and Yuri already had plans. Yuri took tracked Willow to Nina’s and took them there. When he got there, Willow was dancing around the apartment and was going to take the kids out. Jacinda said she felt sick. She’d never meant to put his kids in danger. He said if he hadn’t shown up, they could have been seriously hurt or worse, and she said she never would have forgiven herself. He said it all turned out okay, but it was only a matter of time before Willow realized she was drugged. She’d suspect Jacinda and think he’d put her up to it.

Nina said when Michael came to pick up the kids, Willow was in an altered state, acting erratically like she was high or drunk. Willow said she’d never do that, and Nina said Michael stayed until she got home, then left with the kids. They were fine and didn’t know anything was wrong. Willow swore she wasn’t drunk or high, and Nina said, then what happened? Willow said, Oh my God. Somebody drugged me.

Jack said, according to Josslyn’s doctors, she was almost cleared for duty, but mentally, the jury was still out. She’d almost died. It was a lot to process, and if she had, she wouldn’t be so eager to get out in the field. He got that she wanted to prove she wasn’t scared, but that never ended well.

Jordan said she was grateful, and asked Valentin, what was the favor? He said it involved her former employer, Jenz Sidwell.

Cody said Sidwell was going to prison because of Molly, but she said she might as well have gone on her book tour. He said Sidwell’s lawyers probably recognized what a great case she’d put together and realized they had to take the deal. If the case had been in any other lawyer’s hands, Sidwell probably would have taken his chances in court. But Sidwell was going to prison because he was afraid of her. He wanted to take her someplace fun to celebrate her win.

Lucy was concerned that Michael had charmed Serena instead of the other way around, and said they needed to stick to the plan. Serena said she didn’t know if it was fully necessary. She didn’t think Michael would do anything that hurt the company, and pushing Lucy out would. Lucy said Michael could be extremely ruthless when he needed to be. Just ask his ex-wife.

Nina wondered why someone would drug Willow because she’s stupid, and Willow said she didn’t know, but it was the only explanation. Nina asked if she thought it was Drew, maybe to make her look like she was a loose cannon as a congresswoman, and Willow said it would also make her look like a bad mother. Michael would definitely benefit from that. Nina said he’d told her that Willow was already high when he arrived, and Willow flashed back to talking to him. She said he was right, and Nina said, so maybe it was Drew. Willow asked when he had the opportunity. She’d been there all afternoon. Besides Nina, the only person who was there was… Nina said, Jacinda.

Jacinda said Willow couldn’t prove anything… except her fingerprints were on the to-go cup, but Michael said he’d gotten rid of it. She said, then they were in the clear. It was like when she’d drugged Drew. He said, that was the problem. She’d done this before. If Willow went public, it would look like a pattern. Jacinda said she’d been so angry about the restraining order, she’d acted impulsively. Now she’d given Willow major ammunition against him.

Gio said he’d like to go camping with Emma, but he and Trina had to be ready to record in two weeks. Emma said she’d cancel the reservation, but he said maybe he could ask Simon to reschedule. She said, absolutely not. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and they needed to seize it. Focus on his music and they could go camping whenever.

Josslyn said she’d take a psychological test, but didn’t think it was necessary, and Jack said she’d killed several men, including Cullum, watched Cassius die, and almost died herself, and it wasn’t a big deal? She said he’d taught her that was part of the job, and he said her capacity for denial was impressive. She said she had her regrets, but did the best she could do. She’d stopped Cullum and did everything Jack asked her to do. He said she did and now he was asking her to take a breather. If she didn’t deal with the mental repercussions now, it could cripple her or get her killed and he couldn’t let that happen. She was too valuable of an agent.

Lucy told Serena that Michael was a Quartermaine and would always side with his family. Brook wasn’t a problem, but Tracy would cut her out of Deception the second she got the chance. Family came first with them and she needed Serena to get those Deception shares out of Michael’s hands and put them in hers. Serena said she’d do her best, and Lucy said she came from a family of very creative problem solvers. Cody walked in, and Lucy said, case in point. Family. Her brother was over there. Would she like to meet him?

Jordan said, if Valentin was going to ask her to help exonerate Sidwell, the answer was no, but he said Sidwell had threatened his daughter. There wasn’t a hole deep enough for him. In fact, he planned on profiting from Sidwell’s downfall. This morning, Sidwell signed a plea deal. Once the ink was dry, his company and all of his properties would be on the auction block. He wanted Windymere, but beyond that he had to be strategic, and that’s where she came in. He thought she could provide all the valuable intel he needed.

Willow told Nina that it had to have been Jacinda. Jacinda was getting back at her about the restraining order, and at the same time, helping Michael get custody of the kids. The iced coffee she’d brought over was on the table when she left the room. Was Jacinda alone in there? Nina said, yes, when she went to get the October book for Crimson, and Willow said their names were on the coffee cups, which made her an easy target. Nina said Jacinda endangered Willow’s life, and Willow said, not just her. She’d almost gotten behind the wheel with her kids. Michael and Jacinda were going to pay for this. Nina said Michael had been very concerned about her. Was she sure he was involved? Willow said she was sure of it and was sure he also took a video of her that he could use in court, but she was going to turn the tables on him. She was going to take those kids away from him for good.

Jacinda said if Willow figured out it was her, she’d make sure Willow knew Michael had nothing to do with it, but Michael said Willow wouldn’t believe it. What she’d done would be enough for a family court judge to grant Willow custody. He already had a strike against him with half the town thinking he shot Drew. She said there had to be a way to fix this, and he said there was, but she wasn’t going to like it.

Emma told Gio that there were some slots open the week of Thanksgiving. It might be cold, but snuggling in front of a fire could be really romantic. Gio said, it would be, but Simon wanted him and Trina to do a tour of small clubs in November and he wasn’t sure if they’d be playing that week. Maybe they could plan a trip closer to the date if they didn’t book anything. She said that sounded great, and he promised he’d make it up to her. She said it was all part of dating a rockstar on the rise.

Josslyn said, with all due respect, she thought Jack was being overly cautious, and he said he thought she should talk to Anna. One of the best agents they ever had, and she ended up in a mental institution. She said they both knew there was more to that story, and he said the Bureau would need her sooner rather than later, but right now, she had to sit tight. She said maybe she should take her dad’s offer to run his company. He was trying to lure her away from the WSB by making her head of JJE.

At the pool, Cody asked if they were drinking celebratory mimosas or shots, but Molly thought they should stick to iced tea since it wasn’t noon yet. He said that was a responsible choice, when Lucy came by with Serena. She said she wanted to introduce him to her daughter, Serena Baldwin – his sister. He and Serena shook hands, and he said he didn’t know she was coming to town. Lucy said she probably should have let him know sooner, but he said it was a good surprise. Molly introduced herself, and Cody apologized and said the surprise short-circuited his manners. Molly was his girlfriend. Molly and Serena shook hands, and Molly welcomed her back to Port Charles. Tearing up, Lucy said it was wonderful seeing them meet face-to-face. Dominique would have been absolutely thrilled.

Willow asked if Nina found her cup, but Nina said, no, and she’d checked everywhere. It wasn’t there. Willow said, of course (🍷) it wasn’t. Michael was too smart to leave evidence behind. That was fine. She’d go to GH and have her blood drawn to prove that she had drugs in her system. If he didn’t give her what she wanted, she’d expose him. Nina said it could be argued that she’d taken the drugs on her own, but Willow said it didn’t matter. She’d find a way to link it back to Michael. He wasn’t getting away with this. Nina said if there was no clear way to prove her innocence, maybe Willow should take a different approach. Maybe she could take this opportunity to call a truce. Willow said they had a truce and Michael and Jacinda drugged her, and Nina said, after she got a restraining order against Jacinda to stay away from the children. Willow asked if Nina was saying this was her fault, and Nina said, no, but instead of constantly retaliating against each other, they could find a way to broker peace. Willow said it was a nice sentiment, but way too late for that, and she left.

Michael said they couldn’t stay together. As much as it killed him, he had to end things. Jacinda said there had to be another way, but he said he was up all night and there just wasn’t. He knew it was a lot to ask, but it would be better for everyone, including her, if she left town. She cried and said she didn’t know she’d be banished from Port Charles, and he said he hated this and wished he didn’t have to do any of it. She said he must be furious with her, and he said he wished she hadn’t done what she did, but he wasn’t furious. He was desperate and this was the only shot he could think of that let him keep his kids. She said she got that he had to prioritize his children and didn’t want to be the reason he lost custody. So she’d go… on one condition.

Gio was done with this shift, and Emma said, how about if they went for a bike ride? He said he hated to keep saying, no, but he and Trina were writing and rehearsing today. But if they made enough progress, they could watch a movie and eat popcorn later. She said it sounded good, and he said he’d keep her updated.

Jordan said she was sure Sonny was chomping at the bit to get his piers back, but Valentin said he wasn’t going to fight Sonny on that one. But he did want her guidance figuring out what other holdings he should consider. She said she knew SRE inside and out. Was he looking for anything in particular? He said, nothing illegal. He had no interest in going back to prison. She said she spent months trying to sus out criminal activity at SRE, but Sidwell kept it clean, so that shouldn’t be an issue. He asked what other insights she could share.

Lucy suggested Serena and Cody get together sometime and get to know each other as siblings, and Cody asked how long Serena was in town. Serena said her plans were up in the air at the moment. Why didn’t they exchange numbers? Cody agreed.

Josslyn told Jack that while her father was sailing around the world for the next six months, he’d designated her acting CEO. He wasn’t taking phone calls on the boat, so she couldn’t even argue with him. Jack asked if her father had ever expressed interest in her running JJE before, and she said, not in the slightest. Jack said, yet he’d transferred control of his multi-billion dollar corporation to her to get her out of the WSB, even though she had no business experience. She said, when her mom told him that he was an agent, he was very upset, so she guessed he was desperate, and Jack said he’d look into it. She said it was just family drama, but he said, maybe. Could be something more. His phone rang and he said she was dismissed. She said, from breakfast? and left. Because no one ever finishes their food in Port Charles. Nina said she needed Jack’s help and asked if he’d be willing to come by her place. He said he was on his way.

Michael asked, what’s the condition? and Jacinda said he had to be honest with her about something. He said, of course (🍷) he would, and she said, it was never going to last with them, was it? People like her didn’t get to have happily ever afters with people like him. He said, listen to him. This was killing him to do this. He cared about her so much. The night he met her, he was at a serious low point. He was miserable, bitter, and angry, but she made him smile. Ever since then, she’d brought so much light into his life. He was so grateful for her supporting him through one of the lowest points of his life. She helped him find himself again. She thanked him for saying that. She was grateful to him too, for always respecting her and always making her feel like she was someone worth caring about. She’d forgotten what that felt like. He told her not to forget that again. She deserved happiness and a peaceful life. To that end, he’d set up a bank account for her… She said she couldn’t accept that. If she did, then everything that happened between them was a job. He said he was investing in her future because he cared about her. He wanted her to have a chance to build the life she deserved. She said the only life she wanted was the one she was leaving. (…sniff…)

Michael gave her the account information and told her to use the money to build a great life. Whatever she did, be happy. They kissed goodbye, and he asked where she was going. She said she didn’t know, but she’d figure it out. She always did.

Lucy asked what Serena thought of Cody, and Serena said he seemed nice. Lucy said he was a really great guy, but she hoped she hadn’t put Serena on the spot, suggesting they spend time together. Serena said she hadn’t. Traveling the world by herself got lonely sometimes. Having a brother to hang out with seemed pretty great. Lucy said she still had to spend time with her mother. They still had a lot to catch up on and a lot to accomplish.

Cody said that wasn’t on his to-do list today, and Molly asked if it was weird meeting his sister. He said, a little. Did he make it weird? Was he weird? She said, no, besides she didn’t think Serena was the judgy type, and Cody said she seemed cool, which was a relief. He didn’t expect to like her. He was bitter when he found out she was Dominique’s sole heir and he was left without a dime. Then he learned to stop focusing on what he didn’t have, and start appreciating what he did have. She asked, what changed? and he said he met her and realized all he really needed was her… and Outback… and my horses. In that order. She kissed him.

Jordan said Sidwell’s cargo ships were huge moneymakers. She was sure everyone would be bidding on them. He asked if she thought they were worth a look, and she said, if you have the money, yes. RE Touch hadn’t turned a profit yet, but it was about to scale up in a big way. He said, fascinating. What else? She said she gave him those tips because he’d saved her life. If he wanted to hear more, they needed to discuss a consultant’s fee. He said, how much? and she said, make her an offer and she’d decide if it was worth her time.

Nina let Jack into the apartment, and he asked if she drowned someone else. He wasn’t in the mood to bury any more bodies today. She said, very funny, but this was serious, and he said, sorry. How could he help? She said Willow’s war with Michael was escalating and she was hoping he could help her stop it before it destroyed her family.

Gio asked if Michael saw any sheet music around, and Michael said he thought he saw some by the pantry. Gio picked it up and asked if everything was okay, and Michael said, not really. And he had the feeling it was only going to get worse. Willow strode in and said she’d keep this brief. She was taking full custody of her kids starting now.

Wednesday:

Curtis met Jordan for lunch at the MetroCourt Gardens, and she told him that she’d just had an interesting meeting with Valentin. Among other things, he’d mentioned that he helped Curtis save her life.

Isaiah told Portia, with a little luck, the trial would be over soon. In the meantime, he had good news. The latest MRI said his hand was remodeling well and showing marked improvement. There was no lasting tendon damage. She asked if he’d be able to perform surgery again, but he said they didn’t know yet. However, it was looking hopeful.

Scout sat by the pool when Drew came by. He said he wanted to check in on her, and she said Danny wasn’t there. He said she’d seemed quiet, and she said he didn’t want to hear what she had to say. She loved her brother and wanted to spend time with him. Drew said he knew, but wasn’t changing his mind. He was only doing what was best for her.

Rocco went to see Sonny and told him that Charlotte was moving in with her father. He thought it was partly his fault because he and Charlotte weren’t getting along. Did Sonny think he relied too much on his parents to solve his problems?

At Bobbie’s, Kai asked if Trina wanted to go to a party tonight at King’s Beach. Quinn and the guys from the team would be there. She said she wasn’t up for a party, but he should go, and he said he guessed she’d be working late. She said, probably, but she was also worried about her dad.

Michael told Willow that the kids were fine, but she said she was upset. He said there was no need to be. Wiley had asked why she was acting so strange and he’d said she was just tired. Gio said he should go, but Willow said she wanted him as a witness. Michael had his girlfriend drug her and she could prove it.

Sonny told Rocco that Dante came to him for advice and he went to Dante for advice. Families were there for each other. Rocco thought he relied on his parents too much, but Sonny told him not to minimize what he’d been through. His parents would take a while to get over it and his mom was just being overprotective right now. The decision to let his sister move in with her father wasn’t on him. Rocco said he’d screwed everything up, but Sonny said he hadn’t, and don’t forget he’d saved two lives by shooting Cullum. Hold onto that.

Scout said Danny had always looked out for her, especially after their mom died, and Drew said he knew she missed her mom and Danny did too. But Danny expressed his feelings with reckless behavior. He may mean well, but he didn’t think. He had a father who didn’t love him enough to set limits. It was dangerous and he loved her too much to put her in danger.

Isaiah said there was no remaining physical deficit to prevent him from operating, and Portia was sure it would happen. He said he was going to do whatever it took to regain the mobility in his hand, and she said she couldn’t stand the thought of him not operating again, especially when she knew it happened because of her.

Curtis said he didn’t tell Jordan because she’d had enough going on, and she said she was just glad Valentin was there. He said their wounds may have healed, but the trauma was real and still there. He hoped the jury ruled in his favor so they could put it behind them.

Kai said Marshall told them the jury was deliberating right now. How could Trina not be thinking about her dad? She said she’d promised her parents and herself that she’d make an effort not to obsess over them. She didn’t want to be worried, but she was. He said he didn’t want her to feel like she ever had to hide her feelings from him, and she said she didn’t feel like that. He asked what was bothering her, and she said she was worried about her dad going to prison. She started to cry, and he said she had to believe that wouldn’t happen.

Michael said he didn’t drug Willow, and she said, maybe not, but his hooker girlfriend did. Gio looked like he was watching a tennis match, and Willow said she’d had her blood drawn at GH. Whatever Michael had Jacinda dose her with would show up. From now on the kids would stay with her, and if he fought her on it, she’d take him to court and use this incident and the power of her office to make sure he didn’t see the kids again. Gio extracted himself and got out of there, and Michael asked if Willow hadn’t said she was on drugs last night. She said because Jacinda spiked her coffee. Coffee that Wiley almost drank.

Scout said she wanted to spend time with her whole family, but Drew said, sometimes what she wanted wasn’t what was best for her. Part of being her father was to guide and protect her and he couldn’t do that when he was locked in, but he could and would now. She said Grandma Alexis thought she was safe around Danny, and he said, of course (🍷) she did. She was Danny’s grandmother too. She wanted what was best for both of them, but he only had to worry about what was best for her. She said she understood.

Sonny asked how Rocco felt about Charlotte moving out, and he said it was relief in a way, but their mom didn’t have to let Charlotte go live with her dad. Sonny asked if he and Charlotte weren’t getting along, and Rocco said she thought he took things too seriously. He just wanted to give his parents a break from worrying about him so much. Sonny said they’d never stop worrying because they loved him, like he did. Rocco had to trust himself like he trusted him. He wished he’d had Rocco’s judgment when he was Rocco’s age.

Isaiah said Curtis did this to him, not Portia, but she said it was because of her. Ever since she’d drug him into this domestic disaster, she felt like his life had been one crisis after another. He said he hadn’t been drug anywhere. He loved her and Dez. They’d found something real and precious. Any aggression, animosity, and hostility was coming from Curtis. She said Curtis would always be a part of Dez’s life, so they were stuck with him, and he said, unless Curtis went to prison.

Curtis asked why Valentin met with Jordan, and she said he wanted to discuss Sidwell’s holdings which would be up for auction now that he was headed to prison. Valentin was interested in acquiring some of his holdings and asked her to point out which had potential. Curtis said she knew Sidwell’s business backward and forward, and she said Valentin crystallized for her how that knowledge could be quite lucrative. She gave him a few tips and told him that if he was interested in more, he could hire her as his consultant. He made her an offer, but she hadn’t decided if she was accepting it yet. She realized if she played her cards right, she could end up with an even better job than she had with Sidwell. Something with CEO potential down the line. He asked if she was sure she wanted to use her association with Sidwell to do that.

Gio joined Kai and Trina at Bobbie’s and told them about Willow accusing Michael of drugging her. Before he left, Willow had threatened Michael that he’d never see his kids again.

Willow told Michael, Wiley could have OD’d or died. She could have gotten behind the wheel of a car and who knew what might have happened. He’d put their children’s lives at risk. He said he’d never drug her and she knew it. They needed to take breath and if she wanted the kids for the rest of the week, fine. He wouldn’t fight her on it. She said because he knew she’d win, but he said, because of Wiley.

Drew came by and Curtis thanked him for his testimony. Jordan said she was happy to see his recovery, and Drew said he was ready to make up for lost time.

Ric went to Sonny’s and said he assumed Sonny heard about Sidwell. Sonny said he had, and Ric said, if Sidwell hadn’t taken the deal, Molly would have given him life without concurrent anything. Sonny said now they wouldn’t get a chance to see that, but Ric said there was a silver lining. Now Sidwell’s US assets officially were put up on the auction block. Sonny said he had his eye on a lot of Sidwell’s holdings and asked what the competition looked like. Ric said there had been inquiries from several people, including Drew, and Sonny said, that was a problem.

Willow said, so Michael admitted Wiley was better off with her, but he said that wasn’t what he meant. He didn’t know how much she remembered, but she’d told him that she missed them being friends. He did too. He hated the animosity between them. She said she never wanted it this way, and he said the saddest part was when he told the kids the four of them could go on a trip together. Wiley was so happy, it made him realize how hard it had been on their son. She said it had been hard on Amelia too, but he said she didn’t have memories of them being married. Wiley remembered them as a family and missed that. They had to do better. She said she didn’t trust him, and he told her to take the kids and mull things over. They both loved the kids. Trust that.

Sonny told Ric, with Drew, everything was personal. Drew just wanted to come after him. Ric said Sidwell had created an incredible infrastructure that would attract a lot of interest, and Sonny asked if he believed Drew’s motives were legit. Ric said he believed Drew had lost a lot. He started Aurora and Michael took that from him. He had also been at odds with ELQ for years. Maybe Drew just wanted something that was his. Sonny said what Drew wanted was what was his.

Drew met with Martin and said Sidwell had an impressive list of holdings. Sidwell’s infrastructure would give him a real leg up. Martin said he was going to have competition, and Drew bet Sonny would want his piers back. Martin said, among other things, but Drew said he wouldn’t get it. If Sonny got Sidwell’s assets, the violence in Port Charles would continue. Since Sonny was too stubborn to leave town, he was going to do everything he could to marginalize him.

Rocco found Scout at the pool and asked if things were any better with her dad. She said he thought they were. He gave her a speech about how he knew what was best for her and when he was done, she said she understood. She understood just fine, but she didn’t agree with him. He said he did the same with his parents. He knew they loved him, but sometimes doing what they wanted wasn’t always what felt right to him. At least sometimes. She said for her, it felt like that all the time.

Jordan told Curtis that she’d enjoyed working for Sidwell much more than she’d expected. She took the job to gain intel, but came to appreciate the work. Curtis said any company would be lucky to have her, including Aurora, but she said she wanted to build something of her own based on her own merit. He said the choice was hers. Did she want to work for a big company like ELQ or a smaller company where she could impact policy changes? She said she didn’t think he’d be interested in talking about this, because right now there were 12 jurors deciding whether or not to send him to prison.

Portia asked if Isaiah thought Curtis would be found guilty, and he said he had to think Curtis would be held responsible for what he did. Although you’d think after the good news about his hand, he’d feel more lenient toward him. Portia said Curtis caused Isaiah all kinds of pain and suffering. He’d lost control and could have cost Isaiah his medical career. She stood by what she’d said on the stand. Did he? He said he told the truth, and she said that was all he could do. Whatever the jury decided was on them. He asked what she hoped they’d say.

Willow walked in to Nina apologizing to someone on the phone, and she asked what was wrong. Nina said it was one of Crimson’s biggest advertisers. She had a huge meeting scheduled with them today and she knew nothing about it. Jacinda told her when she had meetings and she hadn’t shown up today. She’d been calling the office over and over. Nobody knew the passwords to her computer and she wondered where Jacinda could be. Willow said she’d probably skipped town and left no forwarding address, and Nina said, if Michael paid her off, she was probably halfway around the world by now, and she’d never have to pay for drugging Willow. Willow said it didn’t matter. She already had everything she needed, and Michael knew it. He caved.

Kai and Trina found Michael in the nook, and Trina said Gio told them that Willow accused him of drugging her. Did he? Michael said he didn’t, and Kai said Gio also told them that Willow was trying to take his kids away from him. Trina said they could help him stop her.

Curtis told Jordan that he was expecting a not guilty verdict. It was the only way he could move forward. He knew it was a risk to turn down the plea deal and take it to court, but every time he looked at Dez, he knew he did the right thing. She said Dez needed his father, and he said, and he needed Dez. How could he miss years of his son’s life?

Portia told Isaiah that if Curtis was convicted, it would destroy Trina, Marshall, and Stella. She didn’t want to hurt them, but if Curtis was acquitted, he’d do everything in his power to keep Isaiah away from Dez. She wanted Isaiah with her and she’d told Curtis he had no say in their relationship. She was worried he was going to pressure her and use the baby as a bargaining chip. Isaiah asked if she thought Curtis would take her to court to change the custody agreement.

Scout told Rocco that her dad didn’t get it. He didn’t want her to see her grandmother or Aunt Molly, and definitely not Danny. It felt like the only person she was allowed to see was Chelsea and she was way too old for a babysitter. Rocco said at least she got to spend more time with her dad, but she said he was busy with his own stuff. He said it sounded kind of lonely, and she said she wished she was more like Charlotte and Danny. They didn’t let anyone stop them from doing what they wanted. He said that was because they were selfish. She wasn’t and she should never feel bad about that. She said at least she still had her swim meets, and he asked how that was going. She said, really good, but she was trying to get her lap time down and it was hard to time herself. He said things were slow right now, so he could time her.

Sonny told Ric that he wanted Sidwell’s assets to help move his business into a more legitimate direction, but he was at a disadvantage right now. On the surface, Drew seemed legit, but Drew was a lot more connected to the business world than he was. Ric said, maybe, but if Sonny had any residual worry about him and Jason, let it go. He would do everything to keep things civil. Sonny said that wasn’t a problem. Jason quit. Ric said, for good? As in he’s done? Sonny said as far as his business, yeah. He respected Jason’s reasoning for getting out. He wanted to be there for his son and be the father that he couldn’t be before. He was sure Ric was relieved, but Ric said, actually, he wasn’t. It was just the opposite.

Nina said, Michael let Willow have the kids even though it wasn’t her date? What was his angle? Willow said, no angle. Michael was just a realist and knew when he’d been beaten. And he knew the blood test would prove his hooker girlfriend drugged her. What kind of judge would leave the kids with Michael after that? Nina said she was probably right, but they needed to be cautious. Michael was making an effort and now she was in a position of power. She could ask for vacation times, holidays… Willow asked why she would settle for that. Michael wouldn’t if he were in her position. Nina said she didn’t want to put Michael in a place where he had nothing left to lose, and Willow said, but he drugged her. Nina said she understood that, but things had gotten out of control. If she didn’t reach lasting peace with Michael, things would escalate until something truly tragic happened. Did she want that?

Michael said he knew Kai was Willow’s congressional intern guy. Did he see her neglecting the kids? Kai said, no. Willow was always great with the kids and loved them a lot. Trina said it was about what Willow did to Drew, and Kai said, Willow shot Drew. Trina said they knew she did because they were there.

Willow said she’d pick up the kids from camp and then they’d be living with her full-time. She’d look for a new house for them and they’d make a new life together. She would never cut Michael out of their lives the way he did to her. He was their father and the kids would miss him terribly. But he was only going to see them on her terms. Nina said it sounded wonderful, and Willow said she’d been on the defensive for so long, but soon her kids would be with her and she’d be the one making the decisions from now on.

Kai said, moments after they heard the shots, they heard something else – a song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Trina said it wasn’t until they were in the court after closing arguments that they heard the song again. They saw Willow pick up a call from Wiley and realized Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star was the ringtone she had for him. That was how they knew Willow was in the room with Drew that night. She was the one who shot Drew. Michael said, Wiley must have called her right after she shot Drew. There would be a record of it. What made them decide to come forward now? Trina told him that Gio said Willow was going to take him to court and make sure he never saw Wiley and Amelia again. They couldn’t let that happen. Kai said Willow had been out of control lately and it wasn’t in their best interest to live with her full-time, and Trina said, so they were ready to go public and tell everyone that Willow got away with attempted murder. Michael said that wouldn’t be necessary. He knew a better way to get them all what they wanted.

Ric said Jason always kept Sonny safe and he didn’t like the idea of Sonny being out there without protection, but Sonny said he could take care of himself. Ric asked if Sonny was going to replace Jason, but Sonny said, no. He was getting out also. Ric said, when? How? Sonny said he was transitioning as they spoke (trying not to make a joke here). He’d been thinking about it a long time, same family reasons Jason had. But Ric was going to take Jason’s place in some areas. Ric said, if Sonny’s past or enemies came looking for him, he probably wasn’t the guy Sonny wanted standing in front of him, but Sonny said he wasn’t talking about that. He needed somebody to be straight with him. That’s what Jason was. Since Jason wasn’t there, he needed Ric to tell him the truth, not what he wanted to hear. Ric agreed, and Sonny said, let’s talk strategy as far as the auction. What was the best way for him to get everything he wanted and for Drew to get nothing?

Drew told Martin, now that Jason was no longer working for Sonny, it was time for him to take down Sonny once and for all. Getting Sidwell’s assets was a good first step. Martin reminded Drew that somewhere out there was a whole trail of bodies, but Drew said, unlike Sonny, his holdings were all legitimate. He’d use that against him. He wouldn’t stop until Sonny was a broken man.

Scout said she could swim all day and suggested Rocco hop in the pool, but he said he was on duty. She said, hey, what’s that? and when he looked, she pushed him in and said, oops.

Portia told Isaiah that she was worried Curtis would try and change the custody agreement. If he was found guilty, it would be impossible. She felt guilty for even thinking this, but Isaiah said he was the one she was supposed to say her guilty stuff to. She said, it would be easier for her if Curtis was found guilty. She wouldn’t have to constantly negotiate with him about Dez. But she also didn’t want Curtis to be in prison for their son and for Trina. Trina would feel his absence and suffer from it, and visiting him would take away her joy. Her kids took precedence and she wanted what was best for them. He said, so she wanted Curtis to be acquitted? His phone rang and he told her, the verdict’s in.

Martin told Curtis that he’d just heard from the courthouse. The jury was back with a verdict.

Thursday:

Bumping into Hudson while she swam laps, Josslyn told him that his pool etiquette stunk. He said the pool was all hers. Maybe in return, she could give him what he’d asked.

Marshall and Stella waited at home and prayed Curtis was acquitted. Stella said it would be the end of one big mess and the beginning of another one.

In the hallway at the courthouse, Jordan said Curtis was handling it well. He was impressive. He said it was because he had her by his side. Kai and Trina joined them, and Trina said when her dad needed her, nothing would keep her away.

At the pool on the phone with Lulu, Rocco said she knew where he was since she’d been tracking him. He saw Britt and asked if she’d been avoiding him. She said, never, but she thought he could use some space. He said she wasn’t the one he needed space from.

Emma and Anna sat at a nearby table, and Emma talked about her classes for next semester, but Anna was focused on Britt. Emma asked if everything was okay, and Anna said, of course (🍷). She asked about the camping trip, but Emma said it wasn’t happening because of Gio’s schedule. She was concerned about the time they’d get to spend together now.

Willow went to the nook and asked Michael where the kids were. He said they’d made cookies and were upstairs cleaning up. She said he’d told her that she could have them for the rest of the week, but he said it must have been a miscommunication. She said if she couldn’t get the kids, she was going to the PCPD, who would be interested in the blood test she just took, and he said, the blood test that suggested she took MDMA recreationally? She said it suggested his hooker girlfriend drugged her, but he said he didn’t think her accusation would mean much now that he had proof she’d shot Drew.

Hudson asked if Josslyn had looked at the list of potential candidates to run JJE, but she said she wasn’t making a decision until she knew everything she needed to know. She was going to be swimming for a while, and he was going to back the hell off.

Stella said Curtis had been clear that if he was acquitted, he’d do everything he could to keep Isaiah out of Dez’s life, and Marshall said Curtis’s battle with Portia would start a war where everybody lost.

Jordan and Kai went into the courtroom, and Trina said it was too important for her to miss. Curtis said part of him wished she hadn’t come, but the other part was glad she was with him. They hugged, and Portia arrived with Isaiah.

Emma told Anna that Gio and Trina were great together, and she felt like they were about to have this meteoric rise. They’d be touring and rehearsing, while she worked at getting into vet school. Their schedules would get more complicated, they’d see less of each other, and before she knew it, they’d drift apart.

Willow told Michael that they both knew he shot Drew, and he said it had to be exhausting playing the innocent victim role. Was there a sense of relief now that she could drop the act? He took two documents out of an envelope and said they were affidavits signed by two witnesses attesting that on the night of September 2^nd, 2025, at approximately 10:05 pm, she shot Congressman Drew Cain in the back, twice. She suggested he’d paid the people off, but he said the witnesses came to him of their own volition. The only person who got paid was a notary. She asked who the witnesses were, and he said, Trina Robinson and Kai Taylor.

Anna said she was proud of both Emma and Gio. Emma didn’t have to choose between what and who she was passionate about. They were smart, kind, considerate, and communicated. They cared deeply for each other and she knew they could work this out.

Michael said Kai and Trina had their own reasons for being there and were hiding in the bedroom when they heard the gun go off, twice. Then they heard a ringtone – Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. What was her ringtone for Wiley again? She said, millions of people must have that ringtone for their child, but he said if someone went over the phone records, he was sure they’d see Wiley had called her at that time. She said she’d been acquitted and couldn’t be charged again, and he said that was true. But fortunately for him, double jeopardy held no bearing in family court. When the judge read the affidavits, she’d never see Wiley and Amelia again. Unless… She said, unless what?

Trina told Portia that she was there to support her dad, but it didn’t mean she was siding against her mom and Isaiah. Portia said she was glad Curtis had Trina, and Isaiah said, for whatever it was worth (🍷), her father was lucky to have her. They went in, and the bailiff said, all rise.

When Josslyn came out of the pool, Hudson was there with a towel and asked her to just honor her father’s wishes. She said her father was trying to get her to leave the WSB, and he told her just give him a name from the list and be done with it and him. No one was making decisions and things were breaking down. If this continued, there wouldn’t be a company left to run.

Rocco told Britt that his parents were smothering him, especially now that Charlotte was spending most of her time with her dad, but she said he was getting off easy. Most parents would lock their kids in a cage after they fled the country, especially with someone they considered a criminal. He said they’d been in danger and he thought it was their last chance to know each other. She said she’d been hoping to run into him to talk about that, and he said, her Huntington’s was getting worse, wasn’t it? She said, it wasn’t. In fact…

Michael said Willow was to do exactly as he said or he’d turn her in and she’d lose access to Wiley and Amelia for the rest of her life. The second the affidavits saw the light of day, she’d be kicked out of Congress. She’d lose everything, including the reputation she’d worked so hard to restore after she’d abandoned their marriage because she couldn’t control herself around some sleazy wannabe congressman. She said he had no qualms about allowing his children to hang around a drug carrying hooker, and he said he could have taken the affidavits straight to family court, but he was offering her a deal. Maybe he should take a page out of her book and pull the trigger. He’d raise his children far away from her and if he played his cards right, after a while, they wouldn’t even remember she existed. She picked up a rolling pin and lunged for him.

Rocco said, Cullum lied to Britt? About the disease, the meds, everything? She said, yeah. All to get her to do what he wanted. Rocco said he was sorry she went through that, but she was going to live, and she said she was thrilled. She just wished she hadn’t been played. She’d hurt people she loved like her mother. He asked if they were in a better place, but she said the pain of the lie was still there.

Emma said she and Gio would figure it out, and Anna suggested going on tour with him for a couple of weeks. There was no denying a great musician was sexy. Emma said, eww. Anna wasn’t allowed to say the word sexy in her presence again. She loved watching Gio perform, but didn’t love the idea of other women watching him and appreciating him. Anna said she went out with a musician once and maybe Emma could hold onto this. They all want him, but he only wants you. Emma said she was glad Anna was back. She’d missed talking about this stuff with her. Anna said she’d missed being in Emma’s day to day, and Emma suggested Anna order another drink while she checked in with Gio. She left, and Peter sat down. He said she and Emma had a wonderful connection. Make sure Britt doesn’t break it.

Stella told Marshall that Curtis had a blind spot when it came to Isaiah. It stopped him from seeing that Portia would never cut Isaiah out of Dez’s life because he told her to. Marshall asked if she thought Curtis would take Portia to court, and she said, yes, and it wouldn’t lead to anything. She’d seen enough in family court to know that no matter how much ammunition they both had, it would just end up with a 50/50 split. He said, which they already had, and she said, if they escalated things, Trina might just cut them out completely. He said they couldn’t let that happen. If Curtis avoided a guilty verdict, they’d have to pull out all the stops to get through to him. She said they would, before the family was torn apart for good.

The judge asked if a verdict had been reached, and the forewoman said it had. The judge looked at it and asked the defendant to please rise. On the charge of second degree assault and battery, how did they find? The forewoman said they found the defendant, Curtis Ashford, guilty. There were soap faces all around, and the judge said Curtis was sentenced to Pentenville Penitentiary for a period of ten years, with the possibility of parole in two.

Michael grabbed Willow’s arm and took the rolling pin. He asked if she was going to kill him like she’d tried to kill Drew. It wasn’t as easy when you couldn’t sneak up behind their back. She asked if they could discuss it, but he said there was nothing to discuss. He had witnesses and signed affidavits. She had a blood test that said she was on drugs. She said Jacinda had thrown him under the bus before, and he said, good luck tracking down Nina’s assistant. He thought she’d find Jacinda unreachable with no forwarding address. She could accept that or leave, but if she left, any hope of seeing their kids again went with her.

Curtis thanked Martin for getting him 48 hours before he had to leave for Pentenville, and Martin said he was glad the judge considered the fact that Curtis had a newborn son.

Sitting at a table, Josslyn told Hudson that she knew JJE needed a CEO, but appointing the wrong person could be even more disastrous than leaving the position empty for a brief time. Hudson said, let him help her. He’d weed out the opportunists and the incompetents. She said that would be helpful, and he said then they could look over who was left and she could decide. She said she’d go over the shorter list with someone she could trust, and he said, in the meantime, people would lose their jobs because some rich girl was too busy working on her tan to do the bare minimum.

Martin said they could appeal, but to be honest, he didn’t know if it would make much of a difference. Curtis said do whatever he could, and Martin said they’d talk soon. He left, and Curtis hugged Jordan, then Trina. He said he thought he found a way to stay with her and Dez. He was wrong. He and Trina hugged again and cried.

Emma came back, and Anna said she and Gio had such a good time in New York City. Maybe they could get away for a weekend somewhere. Emma said they’d talked about checking out Toronto, and Anna said she loved Toronto. (Same.) She looked over at Rocco with Britt and said Emma should check it out. She had to go and take care of something.

Britt said she knew Rocco didn’t intend to, but he’d hurt his parents when he took off with her and scared the hell out of them. Of course (🍷) they had him under surveillance. They’d ease up. Just give them some time. He said it was fun when she visited him at work, even if she was dropping truth bombs. It was a nice break. Anna came by and asked if she could have a word with Britt.

Stella rocked Desmond in her arms, when Portia came in. Stella asked, what happened? and Portia shook her head. She and Stella hugged.

Jordan said she knew it seemed like a long time, but it wasn’t, and Curtis said he thought the jury understood Isaiah’s role in the accident and why things went down the way they did after that. She said he was up against a renowned surgeon potentially losing his career. It was a tough sell. He said, so now he was off to prison and Isaiah had two years to pretend to be the perfect father to his son. She did see the irony in that, didn’t she? Even if by default, Isaiah was going to make a better father than him to his son. She promised he’d get through this. All those that loved him – Stella, Marshall, Trina, Desmond, and her – would visit. They’d be in touch all the time and would wait for him on the other side. She’d be waiting for him because she loved him.

At Bobbie’s, Trina said she couldn’t believe she chose this moment to go low contact with her parents, but Kai told her, don’t do that. She was there for her dad today and her mom too. She said she never thought her dad would be going to prison. What he did was wrong, but… Kai said, it wasn’t ten years with parole in two. She made the right call for herself at the time. Sometimes the world threw something at you – something you never saw coming and didn’t deserve – and you just had to adjust. That was what she did. One thing he could tell her was that she wasn’t alone. He was right there with her.

Willow said giving her old tomatoes ultimatums wasn’t what was best for Wiley and Amelia. She was their mother. They needed and loved her. Michael said they did, but she needed them a hell of a lot more than they needed her. Luckily for her, he wasn’t nearly as vindictive as she was. He was offering her a chance to continue being their mother, despite what she’d done to Drew. Hell, they could even keep the custody agreement the same. She asked what he wanted from her.

Josslyn said her dad taught her a lot, including a rule that applied to everything from business to cards. Never let someone rush you into making a decision. Hudson said she really was her father’s daughter, and she said she may not have done everything he asked, but she always listened. She suggested he do the same. Go make his changes to that list and send them to her. In the meantime, sit back and wait for this rich girl to make her pick. He said she was the boss. He’d get the list back to her ASAP, and when she had a name, feel free to let him know.

Michael said, for starters, Willow was moving back into the gatehouse, but she said, no. He said it wasn’t up for debate. The only way he’d let her near the kids was if he could keep a close eye on her. That meant no more trips to DC with the kids, no more family vacations without him, and she was going to hand over her passport when she moved in. She said she might as well be his prisoner, and he said he needed an answer now or the offer was off the table and the kids stayed with him. She said she’d call the movers today, and he said the kids would be over the moon that they got to do things as a family again. And for them, he’d put up with anything. Even her. She said she hated him, and he said, knowing her, he was sure she’d be able to hide it, and she left.

Alone with a drink at the MetroCourt Gardens, Isaiah saw Jordan come in. He started to leave, but she said he didn’t have to go on her account. He assumed Curtis went to Portia’s to see Dez, and she said, he did. She didn’t want to intrude, but didn’t want to go home either, so she found herself driving there, where it all happened. He said he wasn’t sure why, but he had the same instinct. He guessed he was taking stock in everything now that it was over. She said, now that he got what he wanted? and he said he wanted justice, not to wreck Curtis’s life. She said he had to know he couldn’t get one without the other.

Curtis came in, and Stella and Marshall hugged him. Portia came out with Desmond, and he asked if she minded if he took Dez outside to talk alone. She said, of course (🍷) he could, and he went out on the patio with the baby. Marshall said he’d prayed Curtis would never be separated from his son like he was. Portia had helped him find his way back to his son, and when the time came, she was going to help Curtis find his way back to Desmond. She said, of course (🍷) she would. She promised him. Stella took their hands and said they all would.

Curtis said, hey, Dez, listen. I’m going to go away for a little while. I’ll be back before you know it. I just wanted you to know that I never wanted to leave you and I’m going to do everything I can to get back to you as soon as possible. Now don’t you go worrying, okay? There’s a lot of people around here who wished for you, who loved you before you were even born, but I loved you from the moment you were conceived. Dez, I may not be here, but I am sending my love your way every second of every day until I get back. He gave the baby a kiss and rocked him.

As Trina worked on her songs, Kai brought her some coffee. She said, he wasn’t staying? And he said it looked like she was in a flow state. He didn’t want to get in the way. She said she didn’t even know if what she was writing made any sense, but he said it didn’t have to. He had some work to do, but he was going to her place to do it. He kissed her and left. Outside, someone watched Kai leave, then looked at Trina through the window.

Britt told Anna that she was sorry about yesterday. Lashing out at her was out of line. It was a pattern she was working on. Anna said it was fine. Felicia pointed out to her that she’d probably been too hard on Britt. Britt asked if that meant she was going to look into what happened to Cassius, and Anna said she could find out some things through back channel means, but given who she was looking into and who she was doing it for, no one could really know. Britt said she’d keep her mouth shut, and Anna said if she did find out anything, she couldn’t communicate with Britt through regular channels. Nothing that could be recorded or traced. So no email or texts. Nothing in writing. She thought they should just meet one on one. Britt said, okay. She couldn’t thank Anna enough. This was really going to help. Anna said, of course (🍷). She’d be in touch. Britt left, and Peter did a slow clap and said, nicely done. The bait is set. Now all she had to do was spring her trap and set up a meeting. Make sure the place is discreet. That way, when Britt shows up asking what you have on Cassius, you can eliminate her, once and for all.

🌞 Summer Friday…

Molly went to the stables, and Cody said he’d gotten mauled. He showed her a bite on his hand, and she asked if it was one of the horses or Tracy.

Tracy found Michael in the nook and told him there were moving trucks down by the gates. He said they were early. He’d asked Willow to move into the gatehouse, with her permission of course (🍷). She said, permission denied.

Charlotte met Danny at the boathouse and said she was surprised to get his text. She thought he was working. He said he was supposed to, but Scout was swimming laps and Drew didn’t want her there when he was there, so he got Rocco to take his shift. Rocco could see his sister, but he couldn’t.

Scout came out of the water, and Rocco offered her a towel fresh from the dryer. She seemed hesitant to say anything, and he asked what was going on. She said, nothing, and asked if her dad was there. Rocco said he hadn’t seen Drew, and she took a towel. He said he knew she wasn’t supposed to see Danny. That’s why he took Danny’s shift. Did Drew have a problem with him now too? (Drew is a problem.)

Drew met Alexis at the MetroCourt Gardens and said they had to make it quick. She said she was happy about his recovery, and he said he was sure she was. She said she wanted to see if they could work something out so Scout could spend time with her mother’s family. He said he didn’t see why they had to revisit the subject. So were they done here?

Jason washed his hands in Sonny’s old kitchen and told Carly her mower should be good to go. The moss bowl🎍shuddered at the thought, and Carly said she appreciated it since she knew he was busy. He said he had some time on his hands and a lot to think about. It felt good working on an engine. Maybe he’d open a garage or something. She asked where he’d find the time. He was still working for Sonny, right? He said he quit working for Sonny.

Sonny let Turner into the secret apartment and said he was glad to hear from her, but she didn’t look happy to see him. Was everything all right? She said she was always happy to see him, but the visit wasn’t purely social. Jenz Sidwell was offered a deal and he took it. He was being transferred to Pentenville. Sonny said he heard, and she said she thought as much, which was why she needed to know, was Sidwell going to live long enough to serve his sentence?

Turner said Sidwell going to prison didn’t lessen Sonny’s grudge against him and Sonny had served time in Pentenville. She imagined he still had associates on the inside and his adversaries had been killed there before. He said she was making assumptions and insulting his character. Did she really think he would take out Sidwell? Sidwell had a gun on her and threatened her life, and she wanted to save his life? She said she wasn’t worried about Sidwell, but if he ended up being killed in Pentenville, it would put her in an uncomfortable position. Suspicion would immediately fall on Sonny and it could ruin what they had. Sonny gave her his word that if anything happened to Sidwell, he had nothing to do with it, but she wasn’t sure if she could believe it. He said, from this moment on, there would be no crimes involving Sonny Corinthos that she’d have to deal with. From now on, he was a full-time coffee importer, nothing else.

The moss bowl🎍listened as Jason said, when he was locked up in Jakarta, he had a lot of time to reevaluate his life. He wondered what the hell he’d done to his son and decided if he lived, if he got out, he was going to put Danny first. But to do that, he had to make serious changes. That’s when he talked to Sonny and they both agreed it was time. She said she’d seen him struggle with his commitment to Sonny while trying to be Danny’s sole parent. He made the right decision. Danny needed his father. Jason said he realized he couldn’t justify the risks he took for Sonny anymore.

Danny told Charlotte that he’d done everything he could to make peace with Drew. He’d even stood up to Tracy to allow Drew back on the property because of Scout. Anytime Drew had been at the pool, he’d been totally professional. He’d spilled iced tea on Drew and it was an accident, but Drew thought he did it on purpose. He was trying to prove to Drew that he could be trusted. Charlotte said, news flash. That is never going to happen. Drew already made up his mind that he hated Danny and there was nothing Danny could do to change that.

Alexis said Drew wasn’t paying attention to his daughter’s needs, but he said he knew what Scout needed. He was her father. She said, then act like one. Scout missed her mother and wanted to spend time with her mother’s family. He said she needed to stop using her daughter’s memory to get what she wanted. In this case, more access to Scout. She said of course (🍷) she wanted access to Scout. Scout was her granddaughter. Scout needed them and he did too. Wasn’t there a part of him that was relieved they were able to take care of his child while he was incapacitated? Drew said, no. Not at all.

Scout said she didn’t know if her father had a problem with Rocco. She didn’t want to ask and find out the answer was yes. He said he didn’t know what he could have done to make Drew mad at him, but she said it wasn’t about anything he’d done. Rocco said, it’s the guilt by association thing. Her dad didn’t like his Grandpa Sonny, so he probably didn’t like him either. She said it was plausible. She just wished her dad would give her some room to breathe. She loved him and was glad he was okay, but… If she told Rocco something, he could never tell anyone. He promised, and she said her life was so much easier when her dad was in a wheelchair.

Tracy told Michael that it was her gatehouse and that woman wasn’t moving into it. She couldn’t stomach the idea of that woman moving onto the property. He said it had been his idea. Living there was the last thing Willow wanted to do.

Molly tended to Cody’s wound and asked, what happened? He said, long story short, when he was grooming Hades after the horse’s ride with Tracy, he guessed he wasn’t paying attention and Hades bit him. He guessed Hades didn’t care for how he was brushing him. The horse hadn’t been acting like himself lately and he thought Hades missed James (🦉). He’d been in a foul mood since James left. It was obvious the horse loved James and he didn’t like anyone except Tracy. James would want to feed him an apple, and he’d tell James to be careful, but Hades never bit James. He’d even be gentle. He loved that kid. Cody just hoped they found a good horse for James in Australia.

Turner said Sonny was just going to devote himself to importing coffee, and he said, that, among other perfectly legal things. She asked how that was going to work, and he said, first, he had to buy back his piers at auction, but everything he used them for would be above board. She asked if he was telling her that after decades of controlling all the criminal enterprises in Port Charles, he could just flip a switch, and he said, allegedly controlling. She said, why now? and he said Sidwell bought a bunch of properties to create a power base. Sidwell was out and his rivals had the same criminal interest. She said, alleged criminal interest, and he said, right, and they weren’t going after Sidwell’s territory. She said, so he was stepping in and filling the vacuum, and he said he was going to try. She said it sounded promising, but he couldn’t rewrite his history, and he asked if she was saying his past was going to come back and bite him. She said the statute of limitations was still running for some of his alleged crimes, and there was no statute of limitations for murder.

Carly said she knew how hard it must be for Jason considering his loyalty to Sonny. She had her own version of that. He said if he was going to be honest, his loyalty to Sonny kept him from being fair to her sometimes. When they fought, he’d want her to forgive Sonny and pressure her to stand by him. She said she married Sonny, five times. She shared children with him. That was on her. He said he still pressured her to stay when he knew she wanted out. That was wrong and he was sorry. He was sorry for what it cost her. She took his hand and said she didn’t keep score. And if she did, she’d owe him a lot more than he owed her.

Drew said he couldn’t tell Alexis how awful it was to be brought to GH for an appointment, only to find Scout in the ER, and Alexis said, she sprained her ankle. She was fine. He said, because she was lucky. She climbed out a window because she saw Danny do it and fell out of a tree. She could have had a serious head injury or worse. She said, kids have accidents. It’s part of growing up. Drew said, except she wouldn’t have had that particular accident if she’d been kept away from Danny like he’d asked for. Danny was a bad influence. That wasn’t even the worst part. The worst part was, when he was incapacitated and in that wheelchair, Alexis filled Scout’s head with dangerous lies about her father. Alexis told him that she’d never said a negative word about him… to Scout. Ask her. He said it was clear how she felt about him. She couldn’t stand him. So why would he ever let her anywhere near his daughter? (My dad raised me too, but if I had been Scout, I would have gotten yelled at for not watching Danny climb the tree more carefully so I didn’t fall out of it.)

Michael said he had something on Willow that the congresswoman definitely didn’t want getting out, and Tracy said, that’s great. So sue for full custody, tell her to pack her bags, and move out of Port Charles. He said it wasn’t fair to the kids. He still wanted them to have a relationship with their mother, provided he could control it. She wasn’t a terrible mother and he’d been separated from a parent at their age. He didn’t want that for them. That didn’t mean he trusted Willow, but if she was on the property, he could keep track of her. Tracy had to admit it was what was best for the kids. She said, maybe for his kids, but there were other family members on the property she had to think about. Had he considered what this would do to Brook?

Cody said he’d been missing James like crazy (🦉) and worried about the trouble James could get in, and Molly said they needed to hope his survival instinct kicked in before he met a dingo or kangaroo he wanted to pet. (I identify. The only time I was ever stung by a bee was when I was 4 and tried to pet one. True story.) He wondered why he was moping around when he should be excited about James on his new adventure, and she said, two things could be true at the same time. He could want the best for James and still miss him terribly. He said she was right, and she said she thought he could use a distraction. Or better yet, a change of scenery. He asked what she had in mind, and she said, something very romantic, but he did have to wear a name tag.

Scout started to cry and said she hated it, and Rocco said he knew she missed her dad, but his being in that wheelchair gave her freedom. How she felt was totally understandable. She said it wasn’t just about her freedom. While her dad was locked in, she’d lived with her mom’s family and she loved it. She missed doing the Sunday crossword puzzles with her grandma and cooking huge, messy meals with Aunt Molly. Being with them made her feel close to her mom. He said he was sorry. He knew how much she missed her mom. She said her dad had been through a lot too, and needed to know she was safe. The last thing she wanted to do was worry him. He said if it would make things easier for her, he’d keep his distance, but she said, no. He couldn’t. He was the only person she could talk to. Her dad wasn’t around much, but Chelsea was, and she reported everything she said to her dad. Even when she tried to explain that it made her feel like a prisoner, her dad said it was for her own good. Rocco said he couldn’t count the times his parents had said that to him, but he may have a solution. You make your father think you’re following his rules, and then you do what you want.

Jack walked in, and Alexis said Drew was right. She couldn’t stand him, but her granddaughter’s needs were paramount, so she’d do whatever he asked. If he could just meet her halfway and do what was right for Scout. Drew said he was doing what was right for his daughter by keeping her away from Alexis. Jack approached and said, Miss Davis… ex-Congressman Cain, and Drew asked if he could help Jack. Jack said he couldn’t help noticing things were a little tense. It surprised him that an ex-congressman would be so unfriendly. Alexis asked, why? and he said, it seemed to him that a man in Drew’s position couldn’t afford to make any more enemies.

As they laid out their towels, Danny said, even if Drew wasn’t changing his mind, he had to keep trying, and Charlotte said she knew what it was like. Her mom hated her dad and she couldn’t change her mom’s mind no matter how hard she tried. Although he had done some things to justify her hatred. Danny said he’d done some stupid things, but nothing to make someone hate him, and she said it wasn’t about him. Drew hated his dad. He said he wasn’t giving up on his sister. He had to keep fighting. She said she thought he should, but there was one thing he needed to do. When Drew goes low, you go lower.

Sonny said he was just a businessman trying to provide for his family, and Turner said, if he wanted to move on, great. If anyone could do it, it was him. But they both knew there were risks. He might have an adversary or two that would make a move to shut him up if they thought he could provide evidence against them. He said everybody knew he was no snitch, and she said, what about law enforcement? She was sure there were still some things they’d want to prosecute him for. No matter what he did, some people would still see him as Sonny Corinthos, mob boss. He asked if she was talking about herself too. Was she going to have a problem being seen with him in public, as Sonny Corinthos, the upstanding citizen?

Carly asked what Jason was going to do now, but he said he was still figuring it out. She asked if he was going to open the garage, and he said, tempting, but he thought he’d rather work on engines as a hobby. She said he could run security at the MetroCourt, and he thanked her for the offer, but said it wasn’t for him. She told him that she couldn’t believe she was going to say this out loud, but there was another family who could use his help – the Quartermaines.

Tracy told Michael that this was Brook’s home too. She and Chase were genuinely happy, and the last thing she wanted was for them to move out, taking their beautiful baby with them, because Willow was moving in. Michael said there was no need for them to move out. They’d gotten through a rough patch and seemed better than ever. She said, nothing could undermine that faster than having Willow around. She was dangerous and manipulative. So be smart about it. Use what he had against her and get her out of their lives. He said someone very wise once told him that blackmail worked best when you didn’t use it, and she said, that could apply to anybody in the house. He had to be more specific. He said if he kept Willow close, he kept the advantage over her. If he sued for full custody, she’d fight back, and she wasn’t without resources now. If this went to trial, he’d be leaving his children’s happiness in the hands of the family court with no certainty he’d win. She said she appreciated his thoughts on the matter, but she got to decide who lived there and that woman wasn’t moving in. He asked if that’s what his grandmother would do.

Drew got up and said he assured Jack that he didn’t need his advice. Jack may not know this, so he’d enlighten him. Jack could still use the term congressman even after they’d left office. Jack said, speaking of Drew’s political career, did he think he’d done anything in office that might come back to bite him? Because if you have, I think you might be wise not to step on anyone’s toes, ex-congressman. Drew said he’d take it under advisement, and told Alexis that he was picking Scout up from the pool. Don’t you follow me. He left, and Alexis said she didn’t supposed Jack would consider sharing what he had on Drew. He said that all depended on her.

Molly said her publicist was on her to promote the book ever since she’d cancelled her book tour, but Cody said he thought the book was selling well regardless. She said it had been, but apparently some of her readers had expressed an interest in getting to know her, so her publicist thought a meet and greet would help boost sales even more. There was a big romance novel convention in Savannah and her publicist wanted her to go. She was going to pass, but now she thought it would be a fun thing for them to do as a couple. He said she didn’t seem like she wanted to go. She wasn’t suggesting this because he’d been bitten by a horse, was she? She said she was hesitant to agree to an event with book signings, press, and panels. She wasn’t really comfortable accepting praise, but if she was doing it for him, it would make it a lot easier. He said, all right. Count him in. But he was only going because she wrote a fantastic book and she deserved to be celebrated. He’d make sure that happened, even if it meant he had to take a vacation.

Jason said he didn’t think he had anything to offer the Quartermaines, but Carly said he had a way of looking at a situation and identifying what was working and what wasn’t. It was a valuable skill, and she thought Ned and Michael would appreciate having someone else they could delegate responsibilities to. And Tracy would be over the moon to have him involved in the family business. Ultimately, it was up to him to decide what his next chapter would be, and whatever it was, she knew it was going to be great. He said, whatever he decided, Danny needed to know he always came first.

Charlotte said, the only way Danny would get to see Scout was if Drew had no other choice. He’d have to figure out a way to force Drew to do what he wanted. Danny wondered if they should try to catch Drew doing something illegal and expose him. The dude has obviously done some bad stuff. She said, ya think? The guy was shot in the back in the middle of his own living room. He must have done something. He said, the cops hadn’t found anything on Drew yet. Why would they? She told him, who said they had to find anything? and he asked if she was saying they should make something up. She asked if that would be a problem, and he said, not for him. It would hurt Scout.

Rocco said they shouldn’t be seen together at the pool, and Scout asked how they were supposed to hang out. Her dad watched everything like a hawk and knew where she was every second of every day. He said, make up some excuse where she needed to be alone. Then they could meet up. She said if her father caught her in a lie, he’d lose it, but Rocco said then they’d make sure not to get caught. She said, what about his parents? Was he going to tell them where he was going? He said, no. All they wanted to do was hang out and talk. It wasn’t that big a deal. She said, okay then, let’s do it, when her phone chimed. She said it was her dad. He was coming to get her. Rocco told her, get back in the pool. Pretend like she’d been swimming this whole time. He’d get back to work and make sure they weren’t seen together. She thanked him, he said he’d text her later, and he left.

Turner said she had feelings for Sonny and sometimes she didn’t hide them enough. Like when she’d kissed him in Ava’s gallery with the cops all over the place. Please understand this wasn’t easy for her to say, but his decision changed nothing for her. Her office could still bring a case against him at some point. He asked if she was giving him a heads up, but she said, no, but that could always change. If the PCPD investigated him, she’d be compromised. He said it would end her career in the DA’s office, and she said she’d worked way too hard to get where she was to throw it all away. So the only way this worked for her was if they continued to keep it a secret.

Molly ran down the stairs, and Cody said, whoa, Jane Austen. She said she just got off the phone with her publicist and she was confirmed for the convention. She was going to be on a panel about Western romances. He said she was going to be great, and she said that wasn’t even the best part. Her publicist said the organizer was so excited to have her, they would be putting them up in their own private bungalow. He said, no adoring fans? and she said, one. She was his adoring fan. He said, back atcha, and they kissed.

Tracy said Michael invoking Monica’s name was some unfair play, and he said, maybe, but they both knew it was the truth. His grandmother would let Willow move in. She said she wasn’t Monica and she had to consider the well-being of the entire family. He said he knew it was a big ask, but he was trying to save his family and couldn’t do it without her help. She said, all right. Even though she’d hate every minute of it and it was against her better judgment – she couldn’t believe she was saying these words – she’d let Willow move in. If she ended up regretting it, Michael would too, because she’d make sure of it. He said he’d expect nothing less and thanked her, but she told him not to. He said if she needed, he could break the news to Brook, but she said she would do it. She’d just explain that Wiley and Amelia were Quartermaines and they take care of their own.

Sonny told Turner, so if he said no, she’d walk out and they’d never meet like this again, and she said she was sorry, but yes. She went toward the door, and he said never seeing her again didn’t work for him. So he guessed they had to keep it a secret. She said she wouldn’t tell if he didn’t, and kissed him.

Carly asked what Britt thought of Jason’s decision, but he said he hadn’t had a chance to tell her yet. She asked what he was waiting for. Britt would be thrilled that Sonny wasn’t going to come between them anymore. Wasn’t that her complaint? He said, one of them, and she said she knew she was the other. He said, yeah, and wondered if he should ask what was going on with her and Valentin, but she said, no. He said that went both ways, and she said she was good with that. It didn’t change anything between them, did it? He said, nothing would ever change between them, and she hugged him and cried.

Jack said he heard there was quite a bit of friction between Alexis and Drew, and Alexis said, that guy was shot in the back. He was in a wheelchair for months. And he came away from that experience thinking there was nothing that he needed to change about himself. Jack said, he is who he is, sadly. He was sorry her granddaughter was caught up in this though. He might be able to help. She asked what it would cost her, and he said, just a little information. She said she had nothing about Valentin. Her cousin didn’t confide in her and she liked it that way. He said he wasn’t interested in Valentin. He was interested in the work she’d done for Jasper Jax Enterprises.

Drew came to get Scout, who was in the pool swimming. She got out, and he said she looked great. Was she ready to go? She said, they were leaving? and he said, she didn’t get his text? She said she was sorry. She missed it. She was doing laps.

Danny said, Drew may be a jerk, but he was still Scout’s father and she loved him, and Charlotte said, she’s paying a terrible price for that love. He was separating her from everyone she loved and cared about. She had to do the same thing when she was hiding out in Europe with her dad. The only reason it was bearable was because she knew it was necessary and her father gave her whatever freedom he could. He said, Drew is just making Scout’s world smaller and smaller, and she said, and using her to make Danny’s dad, his grandmother, his aunt, and him pay. He wanted to hurt them, but the person he was hurting the most was Scout. Danny said they needed something they could use against him, and she said, it’s going to have to make him look really bad.

On Monday, Willow tells Chase, this move will have a silver lining after all; Brook tells Tracy, get Michael in here right now and tell him this move isn’t happening; Michael says he’d be happy to help Josslyn, but he was going to need something from her in return; and Carly talks to Hudson.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

First Marco, then Jack, now this. Of course, Michael could call her to come back now.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-comings-goings-paige-herschell-exits-as-jacinda

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-fans-are-outraged-over-jacindas-exit-make-it-make-sense

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-paige-herschell-breaks-her-silence-on-jacindas-exit-ive-loved-every-moment

I have zero recollection of this. It must have been one of the times I was mad at the show and didn’t watch for a while. Like after Alan died. I was pretty pissed off.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-who-was-the-musician-anna-dated-the-wild-tale-of-eli-love

They always come back. Sometimes even after death.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-comings-goings-carlo-rota-reveals-sidwell-isnt-done-yet

What I said.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/did-kirsten-storms-just-tease-a-general-hospital-return-as-maxie

Seriously, we need one of those bulletin boards like the detectives have, with strings going all over the place.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-how-are-cody-and-serena-related

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy said she’d never been in this situation. The fact they were functioning at all was a minor miracle. Nathan told the captain that he had a bruised disk and had to sit out the next charter. In her interview, the captain said she had Cooper, who was green, Eyebrows Joe, and Aesha would have to work on deck. The dinner table was set with a Vegas theme – lots of gold and feathers – and in Aesha’s interview, she said she was proud of Kat’s abilities. In Gen’s interview, she pitched a fit because Kat used bread plates instead of appetizer plates for the caviar and oysters. Oh horrors! 😱 In Cooper’s interview, he said he thought Eyebrows and Kat were a good match, and in Kat’s interview, she said she and Eyebrows had become an accidental power couple. She wasn’t hating it. Norma texted that she still had no deckhand. At the tip meeting, Captain Sandy said they’d done it with two men down and no egos involved. Clearly, she has no clue about the latter. She said Nathan didn’t know when he was coming back, so Eyebrows was acting bosun, and with Aesha on deck, Kay would be acting chief stew. I didn’t catch the total, but the tip was $1750 each, which they shared with Nathan. The crew had a day off and the captain had arranged for a beach club day and a special dinner. Eyebrows told Cooper that Nathan’s time away was like a breath of fresh air. In Gen’s interview, she said the captain had no idea about the behind scenes struggle, and whined to Aesha about the app plates. In Aesha’s interview, she said Gen didn’t express herself well, and told Gen they were in survival mode. Gen said that Kay was struggling, but Aesha said she wanted Gen to respect Kay as her boss. In her interview, Gen said she’d been a service stew on the largest sailing yacht where she even had to sign an NDA. She wondered why Aesha was accepting of slip-ups. In Aesha’s interview, she said Gen was a competent stew, but being a team player was the most important thing about being a good stew. At least don’t back stab. Yet Gen continued and talked to Kat about it. She told Kat that she must be carrying problems she’d had with past interior crews, and in Kat’s interview, she said they were working as team and Gen couldn’t be bringing in past work traumas.

The special dinner was where the dinner table was hoisted into the sky by a crane. They were literally strapped to their seats. There is no way in hell that I’d do that. And what if you have to go to the bathroom? Afterward, they went to a club, and Kat thought there was awkward energy between her and Cooper. Joy talked about the texts and pics she got from Luke, and Gen seemed jealous. In Cooper’s interview, he said he was tired of the commentary on his and Kat’s relationship. He went out on the dance floor, dancing with any woman available, and in Kat’s interview, she said Cooper was becoming a player and she wasn’t here for that. He’d been a Southern gentleman, and now he was Prince Hans-ing her. Outside, she called her friend Ishan and cried.

The next morning, Captain Sandy and Aesha dressed as pirates and woke the crew up. The captain had hired a pirate ship to take them to the beach club. At the club, they all said hi to Luke via video chat, which pissed Gen off. In Aesha’s interview, she said, the vibe in this day was f***ing weird, but a maraca breaks the tension. I’ll put that on my Amazon wish list. Kat met with Cooper and they decided to sneak around, calling it Operation Secret Vibe. The next primaries, Sandy and Bunny, said their group was picky and fabulous. Kay had a talk with Gen and they seemed copacetic, but in Gen’s interview, she said she still thought Kay didn’t know what she was doing. The captain told Eyebrows and Aesha (sounds like a vaudeville act) that they were getting a new deckhand who they knew – Max. In Max’s interview, he said, destiny has arrived. The French Revolution has begun. In Eyebrows Joe’s interview, he said he was nervous, but had it handled.

Below Deck Mediterranean Season 11 Episode 10 Recap: The Return of Max Salvador-Holz

The Valley – Reunion Part 2

There was a whole thing about Lacy paying for Jesse, which she insisted she didn’t do. Whatever. Zack wept about how he might not have made it without Brittany and Kristen. I thought Brittany looked odd, kind of out of it, and has she had a face lift or something? Maybe her dress was too tight. Zack and Benji had also moved in together. There was a Luke/Kristen/post-partum discussion, and stuff about Jax visiting Janet and Jason. Apparently, they’d gotten hate for it, but Brittany said she’d thought it was a good idea at the time. Danny lashing out at Nia was a topic, and Danny said he’d been grumpy since they’d brought the baby and he lacked sleep. Jasmine told Schwartz that she was going to go out of her mind, and interrupted with her gripe that having a baby and lack of sleep was a poor excuse for being an a-hole. She was sick of hearing it. As a surprise to no one except Jasmine, the parents yelled at her that she didn’t have kids and had no business inserting her opinion. Agreed. Andy suggested all the parents get back-up nannies/sitters. Andy asked if Danny regretted perpetuating hate online after being on the receiving end, and he and Janet wept about it. Kristen also empathized, remembering her Vanderpump Rules days, and said it was too bad people had the access and ability to make online abuse happen. Again agreed. Lala talked about the mixed messages to Danny about his drinking, and Danny said after seeing himself, he was never that drunk again, which no one except him believed. Apparently, there had been an incident at Jasmine’s wedding, which Jasmine wasn’t even aware of, but then it said, to be continued… Which also means another episode of this messy bunch. <sigh>

The Valley Season 3 Episode 20 Recap: Reunion Part 2

Next Gen NYC

Most of this episode was Bravocon centric. Brooks was looked to for guidance since he’d done one before, but in his interview, he said he needed anti-anxiety medication. Rowan stayed struggling in NYC to write her script, and she scripted her day for us, telling the viewers about how she’d called each of her castmates and none were available. She started to feel some type of way, and wondered, could it be FOMO? In Ariana’s interview, she said, nobody tells us anything. They just hand you a microphone and send you out there. Ariana called Liam to give him an update, and Liam met with his friend Kendall and talked about Ariana pretty much the whole time. Next Gen NYC won the Rookie of the Year award, and in Gia’s interview, she said it definitely brought the vibes up. Charlie made a reservation at a club, but Georgia passed since she needed sleep. After the club, the group hung out in Charlie’s room until 5 am. In Ariana’s interview, she said the friendships were on a good trajectory and Charlie was changing the outlook people had of him. After the afterparty party, Shai texted Ava and asked if she wanted a nightcap. She said, cool, and he hung out in her room. He asked to kiss her, but she said, eww, no. In Shai’s interview, he said he’d caught a vibe when he got a look from her, but he was now a nervous wreck about the whole thing. Then he stupidly told Charlie. Charlie texted Ariana and said if she’d left a vape in his room as an excuse to come back and sleep over, now was the time to do so. Ugh. I’ve known guys like him and… ugh. In her interview, Ariana said she loved the attention.

In Gia’s interview, she said she’d been in the public eye since she was 8. Her family was reconciling right now on stage. We saw a clip of the Teresa/Joe/Melissa feud coming to an end, with Luis hanging on the periphery. Looks like all is right in the New Jersey world… for now. Gia went to dinner with her boyfriend Christian, who said he didn’t like being on camera all the time. They were from two different worlds and he didn’t know what the future held. In Gia’s interview, she said if her partner didn’t want her family to be in the public eye, it would be a hard decision. Ava’s mom joined her and told her, when all else fails, just smile. In Ava’s interview, she said that Shai hadn’t wanted to tell anyone about their non-moment, but she woke up to texts asking if she’d made out with him. One word: Charlie. While they were doing their panel, Shai said Brooks could learn about being more direct from Riley, and for whatever reason, this pissed Brooks off royally. It’s a flip of the coin with that kid’s sensitivity meter. In Brooks’s interview, he said he wanted to focus on his business. His parents had invested $100K in it and could seize all the goods if he didn’t pony up in time – and they would. Geez. No wonder he’s high strung. In Charlie’s interview, he admitted he was nosy and liked drama and gossip. One more reason I don’t think he should be hanging around with this group. He’s also older and a bit of a creeper IMO. On stage, Ariana had said she wouldn’t touch Charlie with a ten foot pole, but on the red eye back, she gave up her first class seat to sit with him in economy. Emira said she’d give up her first class seat for no one. Same.

In Emira’s interview, she said, what happens in Vegas this time, she’s definitely coming back to New York with us, and Ava suggested the pole was getting shorter. Gia invited everyone to Friendsgiving, and Hudson saw that Ariana and Liam were bringing a dish together. Hudson called Charlie and said Liam was going against the ground rules he’d set. Because it’s 1889. Charlie said Ariana was reluctant to play ball in front of the cameras, but they’d see how reluctant she was to play ball in front of Liam, who didn’t even know what Bravocon was.

https://pagesix.com/video/next-gen-nyc-recap-ariana-gets-cozy-with-charlie-co-stars-suspect-secret-romance

Ariana Biermann and Charlie Zakkour’s ‘Next Gen NYC’ Connection Takes a Turn

Real Housewives Of London

Panthea and her master solicitor husband Edmund went to Buckingham Palace for the Garden Party, which she made sure we knew was prestigious. Edmund said you had to do good for your community to get the invite, which was why none of the other women got one. She told him that Karen had been attacking her, but they’d made up and she wasn’t a grudge bearer. Really? Is that why everything is rehashed so many times? Edmund gave her a list of rules for the party that he’d obviously made up, like, don’t ask about Harry and Meghan, and don’t do anything without your husband’s express permission. In Edmund’s interview, he said if they weren’t rules, they should be. Juliet and Nessie played paddleball with Amanda and her instructor. Afterwards, they discussed Karen’s cryptic Instagram post about hypocrites, and Nessie took it as her reconciliation with Panthea not being real. Juliet announced that she was having a summer picnic. Caroline Stanbury met the two Juliets for lunch and had shrimp cocktail, mussels, and caviar, making me jealous. In UK Juliet’s interview, she said US Juliet had assimilated well, and US Juliet told them about her fallout with Amanda. She’d been a co-pilot with Amanda in a car rally and they became close. Then they spent a great deal of time together during the pandemic, so they were like best friends. Juliet was friends with Paris Hilton, and Amanda followed suit, but she and Paris had a parting of the ways. Juliet wanted to stay out of it, so Amanda texted Juliet saying their friendship was over because it had no value to her. Juliet felt Amanda was transactional and only wanted things for herself. UK Juliet asked if a reconciliation was possible. She believed Amanda had a come to Jesus moment and was assessing her life.

Nessie’s country home in Birmingham was being renovated and she wanted her house in London to have a family vibe. She invited Amanda to go shopping with her. At lunch, she called and asked Karen about her post, and Karen said when she and Panthea had come back from hashing it out, she thought the others would be happy, but they weren’t. They were hypocrites.

UK Juliet had a summer garden picnic, but nt the kind with a blanket and basket. It was more of a garden party affair, with beautifully decorated tables, shielded from the sun with umbrellas. US Juliet had hoped to reconcile with Amanda, but Amanda acted seriously weird, saying she didn’t know Juliet, Juliet had never been to her house, and she’d never been to Juliet’s house. This was possibly one of the oddest things I’ve ever seen a Housewife, or anyone, do. It put Mariah Carey’s I don’t know her to shame. Juliet said they’d spend copious amounts of time together during lockdown and had been best friends, but Amanda said, during lockdown, it was slim pickings, probably, obviously. Ouch and yikes. In Amanda’s interview, she said when a mutual friend came for her, Juliet didn’t have her back, so she put a lid on it with a text saying there was no value in their friendship. Juliet said people called Amanda a white witch (whatever that means), and Amanda clapped back saying Juliet had been called fake and poor, and she’d helped Juliet when her marriage was on the skids. We flashed back to Amanda saying she didn’t go with gossip. Nessie and UK Juliet had a sidebar with US Juliet, who was stunned. A couple of husbands at another table discussed the loud exchange, one saying, it was a surge of excitement, wasn’t it? and another saying he’d missed what all the excitement was about. Amanda and Karen started to argue across Amanda who was sitting between them.  

US Juliet told her husband Gregor about how Amanda had acted and how she’d trashed their marriage. Amanda whined to Karen that it had been hard to say things she didn’t want to, and Karen told her husband Jeremy about what happened at the picnic. Jeremy hadn’t been able to make it, and Panthea had said he wasn’t there because he couldn’t stand Karen. Jeremy found this amusing and I didn’t get that vibe at all. US Juliet met with Panthea, Nessie, and UK Juliet, and they rehashed the picnic. US Juliet told them that Amanda had milked her for exposure of her skincare line on social media, and UK Juliet said she was on US Juliet’s side because she’d known her longer, but still wanted to hear Amanda’s side.

UK Juliet met with Amanda, along with their respective dogs, white labrador Portia and poodle Monty. It all started off good, but once the picnic was brought up, it lit Amanda up when UK Juliet suggested she might be in the wrong. She called Amanda a bad hostess and dismissed her like she was the hired help. Clearly, Amanda is imbalanced, but this was probably one of the best Housewives episodes I’ve ever seen. No throwing wine glasses or Solo cups, just pure high-end cattiness.

Finally, I found this:

🇬🇧  RHOLDN Season 1, Episode 5 Recap: Crowns, Caviar & Cattiness

🇬🇧  RHOLDN Season 1, Episode 6 Recap: Picnics, Puppuccinos & Proper Tea-Spilling

Duke von Lego. I love it.

https://www.bravotv.com/ladies-of-london/unleashed/juliet-angus-puppy-duke-von-lego

Real Housewives Of Orange County

The group planned a trip to Vegas, and Shannon prepped by getting some kind of spa wrap that did nothing to reduce her waistline. In Shannon’s interview, she said she’d like a body like Jenn. I suggested Sannon go to the gyn and not waste money on ineffective treatments. Gina and Fancy Pants Heather took Carmella out and said she needed to find her own voice. Shannon kept trying to speak for her. In Carmella’s interview, she said it had been four years since Danny’s infidelity, and she still had a wall of resentment, but wanted to work it out. He claimed he was a different person, and she told him that she was going to Vegas to cheat so he knew how it felt. Touché. Vicki became a Mexican citizen, and Fancy Pants went to lunch with her mom, Vicki, and Shannon. In her interview, Carmella said she was afraid to fly and sometimes struggled to even get out of the house. Gina and Emily hashed things out, and discussed Fancy Pants having a problem with them rooming together. She’d claimed the women got triggered by it. What are we, 12? Do we have to get randomly paired up so we mingle? If these women don’t know each other by now, they never will, and frankly, it seemed like Fancy Pants was the only one triggered. Emily said she thought Fancy Pants was just worried about what they were saying. In Gina’s interview, she said she thought Heather wanted a buddy, but she made them not want to be her buddy. When they got to Vegas, Shannon bitched about her room being near the elevator, but it wasn’t so much because of the noise, which would be understandable. She insisted the elevators were emitting some sort of electrical beams of anti-matter or something.  Gina told Fancy Pants that she didn’t want to be micromanaged on trips, and in Heather’s interview, she said, every single person felt the same way about the roomies. Um… no, they didn’t. Jenn finally offered to swap rooms with Shannon just to get her to shut up. The women went to a showgirl seminar where they put on costumes and learned a basic dance. I could just imagine me in one of those headdresses. I’d be I Love Lucy all over the place.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20 Episode 6 Recap: Why Is Heather Jealous?

Random Reality Items

I’d be getting off at the next stop.

https://extratv.com/2026/08/11/rhoc-s-shannon-beador-on-exhausting-journey-with-tamra-judge-exclusive

At last, they found their way back to the love bubble.

Melissa Gorga Teases ‘A Lot of Stress’ in RHONJ Season 15

‘RHONJ’ Star Teresa Giudice Finally Reveals Why She Forgave Melissa Gorga

Hey, I remember that show.

Rock of Love Fan Favorite Daisy de la Hoya Shares Shocking Job Search Update

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

The Last House. Netflix. No doubt influenced by the COVID lockdown, this film tells the story of a family kept in forced isolation without knowing the reason why. On the day a Noah-like rain begins, they find that they’re literally stuck in their house. The doors and windows have been sealed shut in some way, and any attempt to force their way out is a futile effort. For a while, it’s all fun and games until it isn’t. Food begins to dwindle, yet they rise to the task, creating a garden from vegetable scraps and seeds. Years go by and the rain and captivity continue until the unknown entity holding them prisoner is finally revealed. Then a different kind of battle begins. I was there for this most of the way through. The acting was quality and I appreciated the nod to H.P. Lovecraft and I was prepared for the one downer. SPOILER: The dog dies. After googling for this information, I was ready and fast forwarded. I was all about this crazy rain and this family’s personal lockdown hell, until they took me to the cornfield toward the end. It wasn’t all bad, but not being a fan of surprise corn, I was a little let down.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-last-house-review-greta-lee-wagner-moura-netflix-1236666386

Admittedly, this is genius.

https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/the-last-house-billboard-sunset-blvd-la-netflix-b3029420.html

https://deadline.com/2026/08/man-living-in-billboard-netflix-1237028274

A Toxic Love Story. Netflix. This falls under the crazy but true category. Ian and Angela fall in love, move in together, marry, and have kids. Angela is terrorized by Michelle, Ian’s ex, or so we think. What follows is a series of twists and turns so crazy, you’d swear it must be made up. The recreations make it much better than Netflix’s Worst series, and there are a lot of interviews. It’s probably one of the most bizarre true crime stories I’ve heard.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-toxic-love-story-netflix-true-crime-review

The Rocky Horror Show. Broadway, Studio 54. While I’ve included the occasional link about something on Broadway, I’ve never included a show I’ve seen. I used to go more often, but the prices are astronomical now, so it’s become a special occasion. A friend from high school invited me to go with a few other people. Long story short, I’m in a book about the film, so he thought it was only natural we see it. Because of a cancellation, we had great seats in the center of the mezzanine. I already knew it was slightly different than the film and had seen a little theater production in New Jersey. It had been adequate, and at times very good. The Narrator was played by a woman who was all straightlaced and rigid at the beginning, losing her inhibitions – and clothing – throughout the play, which totally worked. I’d found Frankie lacking though. No one will ever be Tim Curry – although props to Laverne Cox who did the live TV version – but this guy was miles away from the character’s appeal to both men and women.

That being said, the Broadway show was everything. Starting with the lobby. Even that was atmospheric, decorated with tiny green lights and skeletons in costume. The bar had specialty drinks, and the décor was everywhere, including the seat boxes on the sides, which also housed the orchestra. The cast was diverse perfection. Casting Rachel Dratch as the narrator was a brilliant move. She made it her own, and her own was very, very funny. The actors were all amazing, and Luke Evans as Dr. Frank-N-Furter was beyond my hopes. He was sizzling hot, with a voice to match Curry’s, and could dance his ass off in fishnets and heels. Since fans can’t seem to help themselves, there were moments when audience members shouted the same retorts they would have during the film. I’d read that this was a little tough on the cast at first, but you wouldn’t have known it. Whether it was Brad, Janet, or the Narrator, they fielded the comments like champs, actually incorporating them into the narrative. Frankie even egged on the audience when he told us to shiver with antici… pation. The sets were incredibly detailed and the costumes, oh, the costumes. They were absolutely gorgeous and I want Columbia’s nurse outfit stat. It was easy to suspend disbelief for the special effect, and I even teared up a few times because, nostalgia.

You could tell many audience members had seen this repeatedly, and while it’s mind boggling that they can afford it, I could see why. It was a rare moment that I stopped smiling, like during Evans’s heartfelt and exquisite rendition of I’m Going Home. This was after he had us dying laughing when he made his entrance to the Floor Show by coming down from the ceiling on a glittery silver crescent moon, ironically much like the one the old Studio 54 used, minus the coke spoon. This show was a roller coaster ride in the best way, and couldn’t have better achieved carrying forward the story’s theme of Don’t Dream It, Be It.

Theatre Review: The Rocky Horror Show (Studio 54, Broadway) ★★★★★

🍾 All the Wives All the Time…

I’ve only seen the first episode, but even if it ends up being a real stinker, it’s fun to see all the Ghosts of Housewives Past.

https://people.com/the-real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip-roaring-20th-cast-then-and-now-12033215

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhugt-roaring-20th-every-housewife-appearing-on-season-6

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

They’re back and saltier than ever. Premiering September 16^th.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhoslc-season-7-everything-to-know

I may actually go to the cinema to see this. I love dinosaurs and I don’t mind dumb fun.

https://ew.com/what-critics-are-saying-about-the-end-of-oak-street-12059776

🐕 How Sweet the Sound…

🐶 Apparently, Facebook is good for something besides time wasting.

https://people.com/dog-missing-for-more-than-8-months-reunites-with-his-owner-thanks-to-facebook-12059491

🐎 He must have read about the dog.

https://people.com/rare-horse-stolen-as-foal-reunited-with-owner-8-years-later-12059125

🐾 Not gone as long, but glad to be found.

https://people.com/dog-rescued-from-storm-drain-totally-transforms-when-reunited-with-her-family-12058960

🧧 Quotes of the Week

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. – Anaïs Nin

In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself. – Jiddu Krishnamurti

The best way to predict the future is to create it. – Peter Drucker

Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice. – Henry Ford

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. – George Washington

Be so good they can’t ignore you. – Steve Martin

It’s very difficult to operate women’s clothes. – Colin Dooley, Baylen Out Loud

🌹 The Sunday Of Summer…

Until next time, stay safe; stay embracing slow moments; and stay not focusing on what you don’t have and start appreciating what you do have.

Video > All Summer Long (Remastered 2007)