Tag Archives: The Show Must Go On

July 30, 2020 – When Michael’s Side Testified, Ramona Feels Hurt, Free Party, More Award Noms, Sad Honor & Going On

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH Flashback was from May 20th, 2020. Here’s the shortened version, but if you want to take the long road, go to:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/may-20-2020-the-custody-hearing-begins-an-astrological-evening-goodbye-basement-artie-farewell-to-the-best-child-reunion-togetherness-king-costume-tnt-train-raining/

At Turning Woods, Sonny told Jason, the disease takes away everything you are, and leaves you an empty shell. When he asks what Mike wants, Mike doesn’t say anything or doesn’t want to. If Elizabeth was wrong, and Mike wanted to stay and fight, he had every right to. Then again, what was he fighting for? He has nothing look forward to. Sonny looked at Mike, and said his heart was still beating, but his brain couldn’t hold memories . He’d lost his appetite, and they’d have to put tubes in him. Sonny was confused as to what to do, and Jason said he knew Sonny wanted answers, but he could only say what he’d want in Mike’s place. Lulu stormed into Laura’s hold the invitation to Windymere for Ava’s portrait unveiling. Laura said she’d gotten hers yesterday, and Lulu said she could send regrets for them both, but Laura said that’s not what she wanted. Nikolas found Ava at the MetroCourt bar, and told her Avery was quite the artist. Ava said she couldn’t wait to show Avery’s work at the gallery, and he said he’d run into her favorite painter at the gym. She hoped he didn’t use Franco as a punching bag, and Nikolas wondered if there was something – or someone – he and Franco should be fighting about. Elizabeth told Franco that Nikolas was trying to be the person she used to know, one who valued honor and integrity. If he became that person again, she’d accept him back as a friend. Franco said Nikolas had run her sister out of town. Was that someone she wanted to be friends with? Diane told Michael and Willow to go ahead into the courtroom; she wanted to talk to Carly. She asked if Carly was prepared for Martin cross-examining her. It wasn’t going to be pretty. Carly said she was going to present herself as a loving grandmother, which was true, and convince the judge that Nelle should never get custody. Willow asked Michael if he still had photographs of him and Sasha, but he said he’d deleted them; he was a married man. She said she was a married woman, and deleted her pictures of Chase. She told Michael, she knew he was grateful, but he was also hurting like her, and it made it more bearable knowing they were going through it together. Michael said when he needed a reminder of why they were doing this, he looked at a picture of Wiley. Nelle practiced her testimony for Martin, who said it was too saccharine; not enough sincerity.

Lulu told Laura that the unveiling was just an excuse for Ava to patronize the little people. Nikolas had brought her into their family, but didn’t see why he should inflict her on the rest of them. If Laura went, she wouldn’t just be going as his mother, but as the mayor. She’d be giving Ava her stamp of approval, knowing she’d coerced Nikolas into marriage, and Spencer would rather stay in France than be there. Was Laura prepared for that?  Ava told Nikolas that Franco was ruled by powerful emotion, and she was promoting his art. Nikolas suggested she was promoting his past, and she said Franco didn’t mind. He said, Elizabeth did, and Ava asked if he’d shown Elizabeth the letter from Spencer. How was he going to respond? Was he going to choose his son, or his fortune? Nelle asked if Martin had any more unwanted advice, and he said, just tell truth, and let stand up to Michael, Carly, and Willow’s version. Julian came in, and Martin asked if he’d been drinking. Julian said, just one shot for courage, and Martin gave him some mints. Martin left, and Nelle said if she won custody, Sonny would never have to find out that Julian knew about the baby switch. Julian said he’d stick to the script; losing wasn’t an option. Diane asked Carly if Sonny was going to be there, but Carly said, no. Diane said it was probably best. His presence might be construed as intimidation. Michael asked if Willow was ready to go head to head with Nelle’s attorney, and she said she had nothing to be ashamed of. Michael told her that he couldn’t say the same. Martin was going to drag him and his family through the mud, and some would splash on her. Willow said for better or worse, and he said they were starting with worse. She asked if the honeymoon was over, and he said when the trial was done, they’d go somewhere fun with Wiley.

Jason said when he’d had surgery the first time, he’d said he didn’t want tubes and machines keeping him alive. Sonny said he didn’t have kids then, but Jason said he’d never want his kids to go through what Sonny was going through. He wished Mike hadn’t put it on Sonny. Sonny said there was a lot he and Mike hadn’t talked about; a lot they hadn’t shared. And now it was too late. Ava took Nikolas’s silence to mean he hadn’t talked to Spencer, and Nikolas said, what if his son didn’t want him without his money? Ava said Spencer was still young, but if didn’t care, he would have been indifferent when Nikolas returned. Spencer loved him, and wanted to be with him, money or no. Nikolas said Ava would like that. She would get it all, but guess again. He walked out. Elizabeth told Franco that she knew Nikolas could be selfish, but he was also sensitive and kind. He’d been patient with Mike. Franco said it sounded like she was halfway to forgiving Nikolas. She said she was trying to understand why one minute, Nikolas was a stranger, and the next, he was her old friend. Franco said he was sorry he’d brought it up, but she said they couldn’t pretend their feelings didn’t exist. Her feelings for Nikolas were complicated, like Franco’s feelings for Ava. Diane put Carly on the witness stand, and asked about Carly going to Ferncliff. Carly said Nelle had claimed Carly pushed her down the stairs, and she was forced to plead temporary insanity Diane said she eventually escaped, which was criminal, and Carly said, when the truth came out, she was exonerated, and her sentence vacated. Diane asked if Nelle ever visited, and Carly said she had, when she’d become engaged to Michael. Nelle had told Carly that she was trapped. She was going to marry Michael, and in time, everyone would forget her, and she’d be left to rot. She’d wanted Carly to know she’d won. Martin objected, saying it was inflammatory, and Diane said, withdrawn.

In his cross-examination, Martin asked about Sonny’s businesses, illegal or otherwise, and Diane objected because Sonny wasn’t there. Martin said, withdrawn, and asked Carly, what happened in court in April of 1998? She said Tony Jones had kidnapped Michael, received a suspended sentence, and she’d shot him. He asked what sentence she received, and she said she’d gone to Shadybrook. He asked if she believed Wiley would be safe in her less than stable care, and Diane objected. Martin said, withdrawn. Diane said it was a matter of public record that Nelle had perjured herself – in other words, Nelle lied – because she’d wanted to cause Carly grievous harm. Had Carly ever retaliated? Carly said, never. She loved her son and grandson too much to stoop to Nelle’s level. Diane called Michael to the stand. Laura thanked Lulu for her concern, and Lulu said, but she was going anyway. Laura said someone had to look out for Nikolas, and Lulu said he had a wife for that. Laura said she would love if Ava was the person to bring the good out in Nikolas, but it wasn’t going to happen. Lulu asked if she thought there was still any good to bring out, and Laura said Nikolas just needed a chance to show it. Lulu said Laura was his mom. What if he’d become a Cassadine, through and through, and was just as deceitful as the rest of them? Laura said she’d never give up on Nikolas, like Lulu would never give up on her own kids. There was a knock at the door, and it was Nikolas, bearing flowers. Franco told Elizabeth that his feelings for Ava weren’t complicated; she cared about his career. Elizabeth said Ava was more concerned about herself, when Ava appeared, saying Elizabeth sounded like Nikolas, and she wouldn’t put much stock in someone who’d pretended to be dead for two years. She gave Franco the check for the balance on the portrait. Diane asked Michael about when he first met Wiley, and Michael said Brad and Lucas had asked him to be Wiley’s godfather. He’d felt honored, but also had a connection; an instinct that Wiley needed him. Diane asked what happened when he found out Wiley was his son? and Michael said the bond became stronger. He made a vow never to let Wiley down or let anyone hurt him. Martin said no one doubted Michael’s love for Wiley, and submitted Michael and Willow’s marriage license as evidence; dated just before midnight. Diane asked if there was a question, and Martin said, given the timing, did Michael love his wife? Michael talked about how wonderful Willow was, and that he loved her, and Martin asked why he hadn’t married her earlier. Was he in love with her?

Michael admitted he loved Willow, but wasn’t in love with her. Martin said Michael hadn’t married for love, but to put on a show for the court, and project the image of a loving, stable couple. Michael said Willow’s love for Wiley was equal to his own, and Martin said he wasn’t asking if Michael loved his son. Mutual love was the bedrock of genuine marriage, and absent that, it was a marriage of convenience. I’m seriously surprised that Martin opened this door, since Nelle and Julian barely knew each other. Sonny wondered if Mike was listening to music, listening to something in his head, or nothing,  and told Jason they hadn’t gotten a lot of time after Mike left him and his mom. Jason said he’d gotten Mike back, and Sonny said he was grateful. Not everyone got a second chance. Michael was fighting for his son, and he was there, fighting for his father, and losing him more every day. Nikolas asked Lulu how Charlotte was, and said of all the mistakes he’d made, pretending to be Charlotte’s secret bodyguard was the worst. He asked if Lulu had a court date for custody, and Lulu said she and Valentin had agreed to continue with their 50/50 agreement. Laura said she was proud of Lulu for putting Charlotte’s needs first, and Lulu said she hoped Nikolas wasn’t intending on giving her advice about raising children. He said he’d come there to get advice. Spencer was more than willing to welcome Nikolas back in his life if he dumped Ava. Lulu asked if Nikolas had answered him, but Nikolas said, not yet. She asked what he was waiting for; it was a no-brainer. Laura asked what was stopping him. Franco got excited about the check, and Ava said the portrait was going to be a huge success; he’d be swamped with commissions. Elizabeth said, along with a reminder of the past he’d worked hard to put behind him. Ava said there was no such thing as bad publicity, and Elizabeth asked why Ava didn’t work to bring out the best in Nikolas. Ava asked why Elizbeth thought it was there, and Elizabeth said she’d seen it. Michael told the court, he and Willow would work to provide a loving, stable home for Wiley, but it wasn’t a marriage of convenience. It came at a cost, but Wiley was worth it.

Willow was put on the stand, and she said putting her baby up for adoption was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do, but she had to protect him from Shiloh. Diane pointed out that Nelle had married Shiloh in prison, where he’d been convicted of numerous crimes, including drugging and raping women. Now his widow wanted sole custody. She asked how Willow felt when she learned her son was dead, and Willow said the grief was unbearable, but at the same time, she was happy for Michael. He’d asked her to stay in Wiley’s life because Wiley had been through so many changes already. Michael knew the best thing he could do for Wiley was give him a real family. Martin asked if there wasn’t another side to the story; a darker side involving her. Nikolas told Laura and Lulu that if he and Ava divorced, he’d lose everything, and it was Spencer’s legacy. Lulu said Ava was a lot of things, but she was no dummy. Spencer was a good kid, but had expensive taste, and a long list of necessities. Laura said all Spencer needed was his father. Spencer felt betrayed by Ava when she’d backed Valentin, and would do anything to punish her. Nikolas didn’t need her to tell him what to do. Be a father to his son, and everything else would take care of itself. He thanked her, and left. Lulu asked Laura, what was that about? Ava asked Elizabeth to put aside her misgivings, and join them at the unveiling, for Nikolas. Elizabeth left, and Ava told Franco she thought she was doing something good, but he felt exploited or it would have a negative impact on the boys… He said he’d been honest with the boys, and hoped one day they’d forgive him for who he’d been. She said, what about Elizabeth? Martin said Willow had been a teacher, and asked if she still worked at the school. She said she’d been terminated because parents had complained she was inserting herself in her student’s lives, and disregarding their wishes. He asked if that’s how she intend to care for Wiley. Would she ignore the wishes of the mother who gave birth  to him? How did they know she wouldn’t eventually ignore the wishes of Wiley’s father? Who would be there to protect Wiley from her?

Diane asked if Willow had gotten no letter of recommendation from the school, and Willow said she had gotten one. Diane submitted her glowing recommendation letter, and Willow said she was now working in a teaching program at GH. Diane had Willow read her perfect evaluation, and submitted that as well. Diane said she rested. Jason told Sonny, when Mike was bartending at Luke’s club, he’d always try to connect with Sonny. He can see now that Mike was trying to win back Sonny’s trust, and trying to be someone Sonny counted on. Then he’d get in trouble, lie, Sonny would shut down, and the disappointment was like a wall between them. Then the cycle would begin again, with Mike trying to tear down the wall. Sonny said he should have been forgiving, and Jason said Mike never gave up, knowing it was his fault in the first place. He kept trying because he was Sonny’s dad. Mike loved him, and wanted him to be okay. Whatever Sonny wanted to do – if he wanted to keep Mike or let him go – he’d be doing what Mike wanted. Sonny teared up, and said he appreciated it, and Jason left. Sonny asked Mike if he wanted to watch TV. Maybe the Yankees were continuing their home run streak. He knew Mickey Mantle was looking down, cheering. He still has the signed card Mike had given him as a kid. Mike had said it would be worth more than gold. Did he remember? Laura told Lulu that she was reminding Nikolas not to underestimate Spencer. If Nikolas was open and honest, Spencer wouldn’t disappoint him. Lulu said she was in awe of Laura’s capacity for forgiveness and understanding. Laura said she was in awe of Lulu too. She hoped Nikolas had learned his lesson, and was willing to change. Nikolas called Spencer, and left a message. He said he’d gotten Spencer’s letter, and was ready to respond. Ava told Franco that she looked forward to seeing him at the party, and Nikolas was hoping to see Elizabeth as well. She left, and Franco asked if Elizabeth was ready, and not to forget her flowers. They got into the elevator, and Elizabeth seemed really weird, kind of distant.

Martin called Nelle to the stand.

This episode was especially poignant to me, since at the time it was first aired, I had a very sick older dog, and wasn’t sure how much should be done for him. Jason’s words resonated with me, and I knew whatever I did would be what Casey wanted. I did do everything I could, and unfortunately, he passed away anyway, but, silly as it sounds, Jason was very helpful to me as well as Sonny.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Salon owner Angelo greets LuAnn goes at the David Salon. WTH happened to Ramona’s party? She tells Angelo, the ladies from the Fortune Society are on their way for a fun spa day. In her interview, she says, it’s a small thing, but if makes them feel good about themselves, that makes her happy. She picks out a wig to wear for the day. It’s a brunette bob with bangs, and she looks good, but I can’t imagine LuAnn looking bad. Well, maybe in that mug shot. Ramona comes in, and says she didn’t recognize LuAnn; she looks like Kathrine McPhee. Leah gets in a limo with Dorinda. LuAnn tells Ramona that she looked great at her party, and Ramona says she felt great. She was in her element, and people afterward, saying they felt the love. In Ramona’s interview, she says it was the party of the century. The only snafu was Leah, but nothing is perfect. Leah tells Dorinda, it was a creepy crowd. Dorinda tells her that Ramona asked someone for a hundred dollar donation toward her bag, and we flash back to Ramona screeching about the bag she got. Unreal. While I’m trying to come up with money for vet bills. LuAnn says, Mexico is going to be something. Ramona says the girls were drinking and not eating. She doesn’t want to talk about it. LuAnn says Sonja broke the glass on a mirror by dancing on it, and Ramona says she could have blinded someone. (You’ll shoot your eye out!) Ramona tells LuAnn, Sonja has become a liability. It’s like when they were in Miami. We flash back to Sonja screaming at Bethenny, and falling off her chair. LuAnn says, that was bad. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Sonja isn’t ready to listen about her drinking, and she doesn’t want to help someone who won’t help themselves. Ramona says, Leah was an embarrassment, and LuAnn says Leah is going to be there today. Ramona says she’s not even going to look at Leah. She’s disgusted. Leah asks Dorinda, who invites someone to a party, and gets angry because they’re dancing? Dorinda says, they were all dancing, and Sonja destroyed some property. Dorinda has glass in her foot now. Leah wonders why she’s the only one in trouble. In her interview, she says, once again she’s singled out by Ramona. Ramona must be living with a lot of shame to try to make her feel ashamed, but she doesn’t. Dorinda says, Leah has the one thing Ramona can’t have – youth. By God, I think she’s right.

The women from Fortune Society start arriving. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, seeing how excited they are, it gives her pleasure to be able to give this to them. Ramona asks one of them how long she’s been out of the slammer, although she fumbles around for the words. The woman says, three years. She was in prison for 38 months, having been incarcerated at 17; she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dorinda and Leah come in. In Ramona’s interview, she says when she’s upset, and doesn’t know how to deal with it, she pretends nothing happened. Dorinda shows Ramona her foot, and sure enough there’s a piece of glass imbedded in it. She should really get that looked at. Sonja says she remembers, sorta, kinda. Ramona tells LuAnn, glass was flying all over. After LuAnn gets the women situated, Leah asks to talk to her. She says she’s disturbed and disgusted, and LuAnn tells Leah that she tried bringing up Ramona singling her out. Leah says Ramona is acting like she did something wrong, and treating her like sh*t. She can barely look at Ramona without throwing up. Sonja asks Ramona, what happened? and Ramona tells her how she danced on the mirror. Sonja says she wasn’t the only one dancing. True, but she was the only one dancing on a mirror. Leah says she needs to talk to this bitch. Dorinda tries on a brunette wig, and I vote no. Ramona says she doesn’t want Sonja to end up like LuAnn. She has to figure out how to control her drinking. She asks if she can help, and Sonja says, no more vodka. She’s going back to champagne. In Leah’s interview, she says Ramona’s act is totally bullsh*t. She’s seen  Ramona’s nasty side firsthand, and she’s let things go, but acting like someone is invisible is the worst thing to do to them. Sonja whines to Ramona that her friend’s mother died. LuAnn says, Ramona is deliberately ignoring Leah, and Leah turns the volume up a little, and says, that’s because Ramona is a terrible person, and everyone knows it. She’s a bitch, and doesn’t support women like she claims to. She’s a phony, and singles Leah out. She says, Sonja is Ramona’s best friend, and Ramona treats her like sh*t. Leah grabs her coat, and says she’s leaving. She’s out. She’s not here for it.

LuAnn tells Leah, don’t worry, and Leah asks why are they came there if Ramona is acting like this. Sonja asks why Leah is upset, and Leah tells LuAnn, Ramona wants to be a bitch for no reason. Leah was dancing like everyone else, and Ramona’s sister said she cheapened the group. She elevates this sh*t. Sonja laughs, and Ramona gets all involved with the make-overs. Sonja stuffs her face from a buffet that’s there, and puts something back after biting into it, when she realizes she doesn’t like it. Ew. She’s not a hot mess; she’s just a mess. In Sonja’s interview, she says, does she think it’s correct to ostracize someone from the group? Not really. Dorinda tries talking to Ramona, who says she’s so disappointed. She’s not going there now; she’s so upset. Dorinda asks if they can’t work it out, and Ramona says, no. In her interview, Dorinda says she doesn’t know how Ramona expects not to talk to Leah. They’re going to Mexico together. One of the Fortune Society women tells LuAnn that she loves her. We see before and after shots, and everyone looks great. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, it’s heartwarming. To see the women pampered, and feeling beautiful and shining, gives her more than she can give them in one spa day.

Sonja goes to Century 21 to see her new display. In her interview, she says she didn’t know they’d had enough clothing to fill the space. Who knew there was so much Sonja Morgan New York? Dorinda joins her, and says, it’s amazing. In Sonja’s interview, she says she’s having a huge launch party, but can’t resist showing Dorinda and Ramona first. Dorinda says she has goosebumps In Dorinda’s interview, she says Sonja is like the little engine that could. I think I can, I think I can. Sonja finally let the cat out of the bag. Or the rabbit out of a hat. She pulled something out of somewhere. Ramona comes in, and squeals that Sonja is front and center. That means she’s important. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s happy for Sonja, and tells Sonja, this is major. She has not one, but two floors. Dorinda says it’s more than she’d expected. She tells them that she found an incredible house in Mexico – sun, beach, and fun. In her interview, she says, they’ll have it all. She knows Ramona doesn’t want to talk to Leah, but she’s going to have to. Ramona says she’ll be civil, and not ruin the vacation. She’s a lady. In her interview, Dorinda says Ramona avoids things like a thief in the dark. Put a spotlight on her ass, and she’s done. Ramona says she found out Leah is bipolar and on meds. She shouldn’t be drinking, and it makes her not respect Leah. In her interview, Ramona says she has no time for the internet, but one of her girlfriends read Leah’s blog. Leah said she’s bipolar, and she’s not acting responsibly. In Sonja’s interview, she wonders where Ramona is getting her information. Sonja is getting along with Leah, and doesn’t want to change that. Ramona says Leah trashed her home in the Berkshires, went crazy in Newport, and now the party. Three strikes.

Everyone packs for Mexico, and meet at Newark airport for a 6:30 flight to Cancun. In Leah’s interview, she says it’s hard to ignore Ramona, but they haven’t said a word to each other. The women pick up their bags. LuAnn’s bag is vibrating, and LuAnn says, it’s a thing to mix juice. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she thinks it mixes some other juice, and I laugh. One time, my husband’s electric razor started up in his suitcase, and he quickly said, it’s not a vibrator! way too loud. Sonja tells Ramona, at least have a shower before she picks up guys. In Leah’s interview, she says, obviously, they need to talk about what’s gone on, but she’s in Mexico for the first time, and wants to enjoy herself. They take a limo ride to the house, Vila Casa del Mar. Ramona reads, 12,000 square feet of paradise. Alcohol awaits, as well as personalized towels. I go, ooh! and think Below Deck should consider that. A mariachi band plays, and the waitstaff lines up. Ramona says she likes to check out the house immediately. Sure she does. She wants to score the best room. Manager Cesar greets them. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s been to a lot of beautiful places, but never saw a staff treat people at this level. She’s so excited. The pool has the conventional floaties, like the unicorn, and there are also floating armchairs and a floating table. Everyone marvels at the pool, and Ramona wants to go in immediately. She gets on a floatie, and falls in. They check out the beach, and LuAnn says, it’s the bomb. Dorinda says, there are no bad rooms. Ramona and Sonja talk outside, and Ramona says she’s hurt and disappointed. She told Leah that she was having a party, and would like to include her, but please act mature. Now she’s hurt. Sonja says she’s not being mad or judgmental. Are these women in the same show that I’m watching? LuAnn visits the kitchen, and chats with the staff, while sneaking a snack. Sonja says Leah claimed she never lifted her skirt, and Ramona says she had to pull it down. This was in front of 50 of her closest girlfriends. Number change alert! It was a celebration of her, not Leah’s body. Ah, there we have it. Ramona is jealous. Ramona gets weepy, which is borderline insane. She says, it’s different here, but it was her birthday party. Sonja says Leah should have been on her best behavior. In Sonja’s interview, she says, you can’t go in, pull up your dress, and show your hoo-ha. Ramona says Leah hurt her and embarrassed her.

The women gather in the living inside. Sonja wonders why Ramona has no camel toe in her jumpsuit, and says she has a chubby p*ssy. In Leah’s interview, she says, if she said that, Ramona would beat her like a piñata. Dorinda tells them that they’re playing a game for the room choices. Whoever presses the buzzer first, and gets the correct answer, can have the room of their choice. She reads, if Sonja had a large meal, what would she most likely do in the car? LuAnn says, farting, and wins. Number two is, what is LuAnn’s favorite word? and Leah answers, cabaret, getting second choice. Either we don’t see any more questions, or only two of the rooms are different from the rest. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, it’s an occasion. She never gets first choice of room. Sonja and Ramona are rooming together, and they choose a room near the kitchen and bar. It also has an incredible view. Dorinda asks Leah if she wants to sit on the terrace. Leah says she’s hurt (word of the night). Ramona is going around saying she showed her vagina, and it’s demeaning and a lie. Then she told Sonja that Leah was on pills because she was depressed. It’s a line you don’t cross. In Leah’s interview, she says, before the trip, Sonja let it slip that Ramona was gossiping that she was bipolar. It’s repulsive AF. She must have been doing some digging. She was diagnosed as bipolar on her 30th birthday, and she became dedicated to getting it under control, and getting herself in a good place. She’s not on meds, and to be talking about it is despicable. Dorinda says, Ramona’s got to quit it. Leah’s a wonderful girl, and Dorinda loves and respects her, as a person and as a mother. In her interview, Dorinda says Ramona has two methods to get to someone; narcissism and a smear campaign. Leah says Ramona loves her one day, and the next she’s saying crazy sh*t. Her way of treating people is less than zero.

Ramona unpacks, and Sonja models her swimsuit. Dorinda comes by, and tells Ramona, they won’t come to a solution if Ramona doesn’t talk to Leah. Ramona says she’s not shunning Leah, and not being mean or sending out bad vibes. Again, are we in the same show orbit? Dorinda says Ramona is avoiding Leah, and Ramona says, let Leah come to her. She should apologize. In Ramona’s interview, she says Leah can do what she wants; just not on her dime. For the fiftieth time, Ramona tells Sonja that Leah hurt her. In Sonja’s interview, she says Ramona just wants an apology. Leah’s got to own it. Leah confers on the phone with Kier about her hairdo. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she wants Leah to confront Ramona, and she wants Ramona to have no opportunity to judge what Leah is wearing. She gives Leah a sheer leopard caftan, and Leah puts it on over a black bodysuit. It looks gorgeous. LuAnn sees her, and says she loves when women dress for their girlfriends. Sonja tells the on-staff beautician that she wants her hair to look amazing. BTW, she’s naked, and just holding a towel on her frontside. In Ramona’s interview, she says Sonja hasn’t had that much to drink. She must be on meds. She’s like Mr. Hand, thinking everyone is on dope. Dorinda tells Leah that Ramona expects an apology, and Leah says, Maria told Elyse that she’d been showing her vagina at the party. LuAnn comes into Ramona and Sonja’s room, and wonders what Sonja is drinking. Sonja says, coffee, and LuAnn says, thank God. Dorinda looks for the others, and says, everyone is waiting. LuAnn says, Sonja is half in the bag, and Dorinda says Sonja claimed she was drinking Coke. LuAnn says, spiked Coke, and in LuAnn’s interview, she says Sonja thinks she was born yesterday. She’s three sheets to the wind, and LuAnn doesn’t want a repeat of Miami. Leah says, it’s déclassé, and LuAnn racks the billiard balls on a pool table nearby.  Sonja stumbles around naked. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, the hypocrisy is incredible. She’s confused and mad. LuAnn says Ramona wants to avoid this, and that’s why she’s hiding. Ramona babbles to Chef Eduardo, and LuAnn continues to play pool by herself. LuAnn asks Dorinda what the hell Sonja’s been drinking, and Dorinda says, Coke with rosé. LuAnn says, first of all, that’s disgusting. Barrelling down the hallway, Sonja yells that she has an unstoppable p*ssy. Ramona babbles to the bartender about tequila, and in her interview, Dorinda says she hears the ring of avoidance with a tinge of fear. Ramona will do anything to avoid Leah. Someone get a taser, and calm her ass down. Ramona babbles some more about wine.

The woman are seated outside, and Sonja asks Chef Eduardo what he’s going to teach them. He tells her that they’re making ceviche. Sonja takes her hat off, and tosses it on the ground. She says she can’t deal; she’s reached her limit. In her interview, Leah says, Sonja is sloppy and Ramona doesn’t give a flying f***. Sonja insists she’s had nothing to drink. She says Leah never said anything to Ramona, and Leah says she’s right there. LuAnn says they need to address the fish in the room, and Dorinda says they’re back in the Berkshires. Sonja tells Leah to say what’s on her mind in a kind manner, and Leah says she doesn’t have that much to say. She’s disappointed that Ramona would talk about her depression issues behind her back, and belittle her, when it’s something she’s overcome. Ramona says maybe she’s trying to excuse Leah’s behavior, and Leah says, what behavior? Ramona says, never mind, and LuAnn says she missed something. Ramona says she doesn’t want to talk about it, and Leah says Ramona has been talking about her vagina to half the Upper East Side. Ramona says she doesn’t even like that word. Chef Eduardo looks pretty dumbfounded. He’s certainly getting an earful. Ramona asks what Leah is talking about. In her interview, Leah says, Ramona is clearly trying to deflect and gaslight her, but can’t seem to say how she hurt her. Ramona moans that she took Leah in, and Leah hurt her. Leah asks, how? She’s not explaining. Ramona says, if Leah doesn’t get it, she’s not explaining, and Leah says Ramona is manipulating like crazy. Ramona says Leah acted crazy at her house, and Leah says, that was months ago. Sonja says, if you’re drunk, you don’t get invited. She wants to protect Leah, and says, when you come into the group, you can’t do certain things. Dorinda says Leah can do whatever she wants, and Leah says she never did anything, and no one saw her vagina. Ramona needs to stop talking about it. Ramona stomps off, saying she’s not. It’s disgusting. She slams the door behind her.

Next time, a cake with a sparkler, Sonja motorboats Dorinda, Dorinda tells Ramona that she’s terrible and should be ashamed of herself, and LuAnn has camel flashbacks.

🎊 On Watch What Happens Live tonight, Ramona was a guest, and said Larry Scott gifted her with the party. I should hope so. He certainly got some major advertising.

👨‍🚀 Bring On the Moon Men…

The list of nominees for the MTV Video Music Awards.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1175082/2020-mtv-video-music-awards-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees

😔 Covering Breonna…

This particular case saddens and angers me, but I’m glad it’s getting some attention.

https://extratv.com/2020/07/30/oprah-honors-breonna-taylor-on-the-cover-of-o-magazine/

🤯 Spent…

It’s been one long week, so I’m calling it a night… or is that morning? We’re almost caught up on GH, and they’ll have new episodes starting money. Tomorrow’s post will have the last flashback, the Shah’s reunion, and a spot of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay sound, and stay making your mask a fashion statement.

May 28, 2020 – Nurse’s Ball 2015, Look Out Newport, New Interpretations, a Hiatus, a Break-Up, Gordon Speaks & Keep Going

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH Nurse’s Ball flashback was from May 1st, 2015. Britt and Brad watched the red carpet from home while eating ice cream out of the container. Patrick was with Sam, Hayden showed up with Drew (at the time, Jake Doe), and Michael was with Sabrina. Duke was back from the dead, and Anna showed up with who-the-hell-is-that-guy? Felix arrived with Lucas, but told the interviewer that it wasn’t a love match; he was still single and Lucas was very much in love with someone else. Spinelli accompanied Maxie, and Nathan came with adorkable Ellie. Spinelli accidently tripped Maxie, causing a near nip slip, which Brad and Britt put on heavy replay. Old Nikolas, old Jordan with Shawn, and Dante were there, Nikolas bringing Valerie.

Burned in a fire accidentally started by Cameron, Spencer also spent the night at home, wearing a Phantom mask. Seeing Emma with Cameron on the red carpet, Spencer said, what the fudge? but Britt showed up like a fairy godmother to take him to the Ball to claim his ladylove. Carly had a plan to get Ric run out of town, but told Ric she wanted to put their differences aside, wishing him all the happiness he deserved. This time Aveeno got the plugs, and Obrecht crashed the end of the opening number with 99 Luftballons. After Carly outed Ric and Elizabeth for lying to Jake Doe about who he really was, Brad bailed out the ball with, I Want to Marry You, and a proposal to Lucas. Ending the episode, Elizabeth finally told Jake Doe that he was really Jason. Which he ended up not being, but we didn’t know that then.

The Real Housewives of New York City

We ended last week with a three-way hug between Ramona, Dorinda, and Sonja. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Everyone packs for Newport, Rhode Island. Sonja packs her hormones, telling assistant Matthew that they keep her nice and friendly. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Newport is a chichi place with a lot of atmosphere; like South Hampton, but tinier. Dorinda supervises the work on Bluestone Manor, as they’ve starting doing external stuff like painting.

The women – minus Dorinda who’s going separately – meet at the limo, and LuAnn calls Tinsley a child for bringing her own pillow. I think a lot of people bring their own pillows on trips. In Tinsley’s interview, she says the Newport she knows is Palm Beach as well. Whatever that means. Her mom has a place there, and the people from Palm Beach go to Newport in the summer. Leah tells Ramona that she looks twenty-five, and LuAnn tells her, compliments will get her everywhere. Ramona says they’ll have lunch when they get there, and tonight she’s having a lobster clambake. Wouldn’t that be a lobsterbake? She says, Dorinda has been edgy, and LuAnn says it was the anniversary of Richard’s death, and then it was his birthday. She’s been bitchy to everyone. Ramona says they have to show they care for her. She’s probably there already.

Yes she is. Dorinda checks into the Castle Hill Inn, telling the woman at the desk, she used to stay there with her late husband. In the limo, Leah whines, are we there yet? but it’s another two hours. Elyse says she had a humbling moment. She was passing some construction workers, who started yelling that she was beautiful. She turned around, and realized they weren’t talking to her. There was a six-foot tall blond walking behind her. Leah talks about Pita Guy, and says they had their first intimate moment. There was heavy petting, clothed, and the next day he didn’t even text. She told him she didn’t appreciate his aloof and irreverent attitude toward her time. In her interview, she says, even after seven years of therapy, and trying to hide it, the psycho bitch came out, and he saw it. She tells the women that her sister is a new mom with a seven-month old baby, and she’d like to invite Sarah along. Ramona is like, no, and Leah suggests she relax and think about it. In Ramona’s interview, she says she knows who works off who, and it’s a tenuous rope. Bringing a new personality into an already turbulent group might be a mistake.

They reach the inn, receiving welcome drinks at the desk. Dorinda is waiting for them in what looks like an empty restaurant, and they all go out onto the terrace. The waitstaff brings out trays of food, and Ramona asks for two dozen oysters. In her interview, Tinsley says she doesn’t like fighting. She’ll be happy to get a hello, but Dorinda seems approachable. Leah insists she’s not hungry, and I’m guessing she’s in what I call drinking mode, where the last thing you want is people shoving food at you. In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel good about herself, but here we go. She says she thinks Ramona would love her sister, and Ramona agrees to including Sarah in their dinner tomorrow. Ramona tells Sonja that she doesn’t want Sarah to come, but Leah talked her into it. Ramona decides they should take a vote, but Leah tells her, she already said yes. Plus, Ramona invited Elyse. Elyse says, don’t even talk to her, and in her interview, says she’s known the women for twenty years. Sonja says, guests can’t invite guests, reminding me of Jessie from NYC Prep giving one of the best quotes ever – guests of guests don’t bring guests. Leah says she’d already asked. In Sonja’s interview, she says the trip was meant for their clique of girls, and it should have been discussed among them. Ramona says she doesn’t want Sarah to come, and Leah says she’s being rude. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she thinks it’s important. Leah is in a new group, and she’s a single mom. Maybe she wants to hang around with her sister. Who cares? Leah tells Ramona, Dorinda and Tinsley said yes. What about LuAnn? LuAnn asks what do they care? and Leah says, it’s agreed. She appreciates it. Ramona says she looks forward to meeting Sarah.

They go to where they’ll be staying; cottage type rooms with terraces and gorgeous views. Dorinda tells the attendant unless he wants to be privy to something scary, she suggests he leave. He wisely takes her advice. Sonja says, the sea air feels good, and tells LuAnn, maybe they’ll get their mojo back. Leah calls Sarah, and tells her that she can come. Ramona tells Sonja, if she likes Sarah, she’ll be happy to have her.

Ramona wonders how Leah got her to say okay, and Sonja says she felt pressured. No one gets a plus-one. In Sonja’s interview, she says Ramona should have thought first. This is what she does; she says yes, then rescinds the invite. Ramona says she’s going to tell Leah tonight that her sister can’t come. In her interview, Ramona grumbles that Leah pressured her like a little girl. The dynamic won’t be good. Drinking like a fish already, Leah goes to Tinsley’s room. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she thinks she’s in for a fun time with Leah, but hopes Leah doesn’t get her naked like in the Hamptons. Leah tells Tinsley, in Newport, they don’t burp, or even pee. They head out to meet the other women for dinner.

In her interview, Tinsley says she hopes Leah doesn’t go off the deep end. Dorinda asks what Leah’s been doing while she was taking a nap all afternoon, and Leah says she started early. Ramona directs them to her clambake, down a path lit with white lights, to a table flanked with sheer drapes. Lagging behind, Leah tells Tinsley, it’s a judgement free zone, and Ramona passes out crowns, saying, they’re all princesses. LuAnn says that reminds her of Feeling Jovani, where she sings about a crown, and everyone is like, all right already. LuAnn tells Ramona, she doesn’t understand. She’d thought the more the merrier, but after reflection, Leah should have asked beforehand. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, when she thought about it, it was kind of rude asking at the last minute. Leah should have given more of a heads up. Ramona tells her, she should have said she’d love to meet Sarah another time. Tinsley and Leah finally catch up, and Tinsley screeches over the crown.

There’s a bar and a small outdoor seating area where the women have a cocktail before dinner. Dorinda and Leah want more vodka in theirs, and Ramona tries to stop Leah. In Leah’s interview, she says Ramona barely knows her, and wants to monitor her in a way she doesn’t monitor herself. Dorinda tells Ramona to leave Leah alone, and Leah says it’s her vacation; she’ll do what she wants. Leah asks the bartender for two shots, while Ramona frets, and mumbles something about Leah being a recovering alcoholic. Tinsley says Leah chose not to drink, and there’s a difference. Leah’s not a recovering alcoholic. Dorinda says they’re in a safe environment, like anywhere around this bunch is a safe environment. She tells Ramona, don’t be quick to judge. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Leah is overconsuming too quickly. What? Leah asks what Ramona is saying behind her back, and Tinsley says she told Ramona that Leah isn’t an alcoholic. Ramona says Leah stopped drinking for seven years. Leah says, it was nine, and while Ramona is her surrogate mother, and she respects that, Ramona doesn’t have to worry. In her interview, Leah says she’s feeling suffocated, and she’s worried if she’s not in Ramona’s good graces, Ramona will blow up.

They sit at a beautiful table, white everything, with white flowers down the middle. Tinsley and Sonja talk on the side. Ramona tells Sonja that she doesn’t want to say anything about Leah’s sister. In Sonja’s interview, she says she understands that Leah’s drinking makes her feel more confident. She’s an unconventional girl in a conventional town. But the strategy isn’t working. Leah sits on Sonja’s lap, and asks Tinsley if she’s going to get thrown out of Rhode Island. She’s having more fun than she’s had in an effing month and a half. In Ramona’s interview, she says she thought Sonja would have her back, but now Sonja is frolicking around, playing with Leah, and encouraging her to act this way. Ramona tells Leah to sit in her seat, and Leah says she’s rude. Leah finally sits, and says, sorry. She didn’t mean to make Ramona uncomfortable. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Leah wants to hang with the girls, but it’s been a while, and she can’t drink as much as she used to. Leah apologizes, calling Ramona mom. LuAnn says, stop freaking her out. While this is going on, Tinsley apologizes to Dorinda. Then Sonja chases Leah around the table. Ramona decides she’s going to tell Leah, because now is definitely the time. Dorinda tells Tinsley that she has so much to give. Dorinda is tough, so she was just trying to toughen Tinsley up.

This is the weirdest scene ever. While Dorinda and Tinsley talk quietly, chaos goes on next to the table. Sonja has now grabbed Leah, who falls to the ground, yelling that she doesn’t want to go on the Morgan yacht. Leah rolls around, and has lost one shoe somewhere. Sonja says Ramona has something to tell her, and Leah says she doesn’t want to go on the yacht. Ramona says she’d love to meet Leah’s sister, but at another time. Leah says, don’t go there, and Ramona says, she’s not coming. I swear, I’d just walk off this show. The paycheck can’t possibly be worth it. Dorinda tells Tinsley, maybe she was wrong. It’s Tinsley’s life, not hers. Ramona says they’ll have a cocktails and conversations party and invite Sarah, and Leah says Sarah is already on her way. Tinsley hugs Dorinda, who suggests they have a reset. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she feels like she’s in Groundhog Day, and she just wants to watch Leah destroy the place. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, bad timing on Ramona’s part. Leah is already bonkers. In Ramona’s interview, she says she didn’t expect a reaction like this. No one was murdered. Leah says she wants to talk to Ramona, but Ramona won’t talk. She says Leah is a little out of control, and Leah says, like no one in the group has been before. Elyse tries hug Leah, but Leah says, get off me. She walks over to the drapes, and pulls at them, and I fully expect the whole thing to come down, but it’s barely disturbed. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she was known as the gangster with blue eyes, but Leah is out of control.

Ramona takes Leah, who has moved on to the crying phase, away from the group. Ramona tells her to pretend like it’s yoga. Breathe in and out. LuAnn thinks Leah was rude to ask if she could invite her sister, and Sonja says Ramona was put on the spot. In Elyse’s interview, she says Leah is taking it personally instead of taking the opportunity to get to know the girls on a deeper level. Asking to bring her sister was a bad idea. Tinsley says, Leah can handle herself, but LuAnn says, clearly she can’t. Dorinda says, Leah’s not used to drinking, and LuAnn says, neither is she. Have they ever seen her behave that way? Yes. We have, and we do again, flashing back to LuAnn falling in that bush, and another clip of her just falling. In her interview, Leah says she’s done crazy in the past. She’s new to the group, and they’re not used to her kind of crazy. Ramona tells Leah that she doesn’t want to change the dynamic. Leah says she’s not staying if her sister isn’t allowed to come. Sonja says she can’t invite someone at the last minute, and Leah says, too late. Ramona can’t say yes, then no. Sonja says, they’ve got her. Sonja joins Tinsley and Dorinda in a hug, and Leah cries some more. LuAnn tells her, these bitches aren’t worth crying for. Sonja tells Ramona, it’s making her upset to see Leah upset. Let her bring her sister. They’re going to push her over the brink. Ramona tells Leah, her sister is welcome, and she’s sorry. In her interview, Ramona says Leah is new to the group, and loves her sister; maybe she’s being ridiculous. She apologizes to Leah again, and hugs her, telling her to stop crying. Ramona says she can be a control freak, but realized it mean a lot to Leah. She had to overlook her own feelings and change her mind.

In the morning, LuAnn does stretches on the terrace. Dorinda goes down to the beach, saying, waves, speak to me. She calls Leah, and asks how it’s going. Leah says she’s alive. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she knows how Leah woke up; the guilt, fear, and embarrassment. All those wonderful things that happen after a night of drinking and losing your sh*t. She’s been there. The Inn hasn’t been burned down; she’s good. Leah says she feels great, and Dorinda says Leah is her kind of girl. She asks if Leah got clarity, and Leah says she found her own clarity; her sister is coming. In her interview, Leah says she didn’t come on the trip in the best state of mind. She doesn’t remember what happened, but she feels like she released a lot of energy. Whatever happened was therapeutic. I like Leah, but it’s pretty selfish to intrude on everyone else’s time with your therapeutic insanity. She really shouldn’t drink. It’s not a good look for her.

Sonja tells Ramona, she feels great. Ramona marvels at Sonja being able to drink up a storm, and wake up fresh as a daisy. Elyse comes by, and says, they’re not dressed yet. Ramona says they like to lounge in the morning. Elyse asks how Ramona is feeling, and Ramona says she knows Leah was a little out of control. Elyse says Leah needed an exorcism. She thought Leah was wrong to ask her sister to come; however, once Ramona said yes, she shouldn’t have rescinded it. In her interview, Ramona says, she likes Leah, but Leah has two sides. The crazy side, and the regular side. She likes the regular side. Save the crazy side for your other young friends. She says, maybe Leah’s sister will be a good influence on her. She tells Elyse that they’re going shopping in town. They can work off what they ate.

The women reconvene, and Elyse asks how Leah is feeling. Leah says, good, and Elyse asks if she’s not hungover. Leah says she’s not, and Elyse says, that’s weird; she’s assuming Leah was wasted. Leah says, that’s the way she is, although alcohol fueled it. That’s how she wants to be all the time. Elyse says, and she wonders why guys think she’s a crazy chick. Ouch. In her interview, Dorinda says, who cares? No one should be judged by one night. Look at the whole group. Ramona asks how Leah is feeling, and Leah says, great. That’s actually a theory I have. Many alcoholics don’t seem to get hangovers. Ramona asks if Leah remembers what happened, and Leah says, of course she does. Bring it on. In Leah’s interview, she says, she doesn’t really want to be like that all the time, but she saw how the women were at the orchard – we flash back to the lunacy at lunch and in the corn maze – and the Hamptons. She thought she was allowed to chug ten martinis and lose her mind.

Leah, Dorinda, and Tinsley take one limo; while Ramona, Elyse, and LuAnn take another. Leah asks if they can believe what Elyse said, and Dorinda says, Elyse isn’t the one who should be giving out relationship advice. Ramona wonders why Dorinda is defending Leah, and Elyse says, Dorinda will give out advice, but everyone else better not. She does an impression of Dorinda calling Tinsley a superficial slut, and then yelling at Ramona not to judge Tinsley. I have to admit, it’s pretty spot-on.

Leah says Elyse was hard on her, but Elyse says she’s Leah’s biggest fan when Leah does normal. Leah says she’d never do that in front of her child, and Elyse asks what if she ends up with a mini me? What kind of message is she sending her daughter? Leah says she can do and say whatever she wants, and effity-eff-eff-effs her way out the door. Outside, she tells Dorinda that she and Elyse haven’t had enough interaction to make it appropriate for Elyse to be in her business. Elyse comes out, and Leah says, her daughter is twelve, and Elyse is asking how she’d feel if her daughter gets wasted? Don’t bring up her kid. Elyse promises not to go there, and Leah says, don’t talk about her daughter. Elyse says, that’s fair, and Dorinda asks why Elyse is in Leah’s business so much.

Dorinda says Elyse thinks she’s some great psychiatrist, prowling around, waiting for someone to make a mistake. In Sonja’s interview, she says she knows Elyse was just trying to be helpful. She suggests instead of breaking bread, they all break Bloody Marys. Dorinda toasts to being judgement free. Ramona says she won’t be embarrassed in Newport, and Dorinda asks what about the rest of the states? In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Leah is twenty years younger; give her a break. They should be guiding, not chastising her. Dorinda says, be inclusive, and Ramona says Dorinda is enabling Leah. Sonja thinks Leah should apologize, and Leah says she’s the first person to say she’s sorry, and take accountability. She got drunk, and enjoyed herself, but she’s sorry. Ramona says it was atrocious behavior, and upsetting to her. In her interview, Leah says, going into Newport, she was angry at herself, but instead of getting support, she got jerked around about her sister coming. Anything she does is wrong to these women. Leah says she thinks she triggered something in Ramona about her past, and it kills her. She tears up. Ramona says she’s blocked it out, and in LuAnn’s interview, she says, that’s a crock of sh*t. Ramona has been coming down hard on Leah, when Ramona is no angel. LuAnn tells Ramon that she’s making Leah feel bad for no reason. Ramona says they don’t know how she feels. In her interview, she says Dorinda and LuAnn grew up in loving homes, while hers was a war zone. She read books, and blanked out her dad and brother’s alcoholic rages. She tells Leah that her intention isn’t to make Leah feel bad. She really likes Leah, and doesn’t want to not like her. Leah says she is who she is, but Ramona says she doesn’t like that behavior. Maybe Leah can curb it; they’ll see. To be continued…

Next time, Dorinda wants to be left alone, Leah throws ravioli at Ramona, and Dorinda and Tinsley are back to arguing.

👩🏼‍🍳 On Top Chef, Karen unpacked her knives to go against Kevin in Last Chance Kitchen. Winner Kevin picked three chefs to go head to head with, and won against Brian full of Malarkey, the other white Bryan, and Gregory. This put Kevin back into the game. Award winning chef, and pioneer of California cuisine, Jonathan Waxman was the guest judge, and for the Quickfire challenge, the chefs were to create a two-course business class dish for an airline. They had to use ingredients found year round, and make the meal to airline tray specifications. Everyone made fabulous meals, but Brian full of Malarkey forgot you don’t get a steak knife on an airplane, making his entrée difficult to eat. Melissa was the winner, for which she’d get an advantage in the elimination challenge. I don’t know if these advantages are some kind of secret or I keep missing them somehow, but I have no clue what it was. Five chefs would be continuing on to the finale in Tuscany, courtesy American Airlines. For the final elimination challenge, they were to produce a dish inspired by Michael’s in Santa Monica, a restaurant owned by another California cuisine pioneer, Michael McCarty. Jonathan was his first chef, and the restaurant was celebrating its 40th anniversary. The chefs were to meet with Michael, and taste his signature dishes, which would serve as an inspiration. They would literally be serving Mike, Jonathan, and alumni from the restaurant.

Melissa was allowed first choice, and picked quail. For Kevin, it was duck; Stephanie, scallops with angel hair pasta; Bryan, lamb; Gregory, monkfish; and Brian full of Malarkey, veal. The idea was to take the dish, modernize it, and give it their own spin, yet keep an homage to the original. The highlight was when half of Brian full of Malarkey’s dishes went to another table, totally throwing him off his game. He stumbled through the long, stupid story that went with his creation, and was annoyed because he’d wanted the food to be eaten in a certain order. When everything had been tasted, Mike said they all took his dishes up to the next level, and Padma thanked them for glorious meal.

Melissa had her best night ever, winning immunity as well. Gail said there was nothing any of them would have changed, which was high praise. Mike told Stephanie that she was right there, and the race was close. Bryan and Kevin were also in, leaving Gregory and Brian full of Malarkey on the bottom. Malarkey said he’d had a great ride, and Padma asked if he was quitting. In his interview, Gregory said, Top Chef messes with you, and thought it was getting to Malarkey. He wanted to win because he deserved it, not because the other chef quit. Gail assured Malarkey that their judgement had nothing to do with the screw-up of his food going to another table. Malarkey said he was upset with the process, since his dishes hadn’t been eaten right. Everyone was like, what? and Gail said he can’t control the food once it leaves his hands. Tom told him that the duo on the plate didn’t talk to each other; there was a distinct clash. Which basically meant the two things he made didn’t go together. Jonathan said it didn’t evoke what Malarkey had babbled talked about. He told Gregory he’d been expecting more, and Padma said there wasn’t enough richness in Gregory’s risotto. I told you that risotto is always trouble.

Tom said, in the end, it comes down to what’s on the plate, and Brian full of Malarkey was told to pack his knives and go. Yay! In his interview, he said he didn’t want go out that way. He had every intention of winning, but his mind melted. He was still proud of what accomplished.

Next time, Italy, a truffle hunt, and making pasta for Italians

📺 Since Andy Cohen is on another one of his numerous vacations, Watch What Happens Live will return on Monday, June 8th. Although after suffering through much of the RHOA Reunion myself – three parts of it, no less – I can’t say he doesn’t deserve this break.

💃🏼 She’s Movin’ On…

Dorinda dishes on getting rid of the old John and chain.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-dorinda-medley-opens-up-about-split-from-john-mahdessian/

🔥 Missed Hell…

While the 24 Hours to Hell and Back ship sailed without me, you can still watch Gordon discuss it, along with his life in quarantine.

https://extratv.com/videos/wms5ccziane/?adid=extra_eme_27501_2020-05-13_features2

🌥 Lifting the Fog…

We seem to be moving closer to a new yet old normalcy, and I’m moving closer to the end of what might possibly be the longest week of my life. See you tomorrow for tea and words of wisdom. Not from me. From other people. Until then, stay safe, stay out of fights (unless it’s the good fight), and stay mostly on the straight and narrow.