(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
The Walking Dead
I made a lot of noises during this show. Be prepared for, what?!
Hilltop burns. Carol shoots arrows at the horde like it’s going to help. Some of the zombies are on fire, but continue to move forward. Daryl slices the top of one’s head off. It’s chaos. The Hilltoppers stab and slice, whack and stomp, but they’re way outnumbered. Mary tells Lydia that she can’t go back out, but Lydia says she’ll never walk with Alpha again. Ezekiel grabs the kids, and starts to run, but Judith is missing. Earl finds Judith about to stab a Whisperer (sans mask) who’s on his last legs anyway, and he grabs her, saying they’ve got to get to a safe place. Zombies crowd the gate. Eugene runs toward Hilltop, and Rosita runs after him. I say, this is hopeless. A zombie pile-up slows the horde, and Eugene and Daryl get medieval on the zombies.
Yumiko gets ready to shoot an arrow, and sees Magna walking with the horde. She’s covered in blood and guts to blend in. Yumiko lowers her bow. Carol watches as everything around her fall apart.
Negan, now wearing a mask, walks through a field, and whacks a zombie. Alpha says that was one of them, and he says, his bad. She says they have to gather and replenish, and he asks if she doesn’t want to savor the victory, but she says, it’s not victory. She doesn’t have everything she want. He says, Lydia, and Beta tells him, it’s not his concern. Negan says he’s seen her, but not among the dead. He won’t stop until he brings Lydia home to Alpha. Beta blocks his path, and Negan says he’s at Beta’s service. Beta tells him to gather, and Negan says Beta wants him to herd walkers? Beta walks away, and Negan says, he’s such a d*ck.
Negan sees zombies toddling around in the woods. He goes near one, and it walks past him. He’s obviously relieved, but the zombie doubles back, and he’s like, WTF? He says, screw this, and whacks the zombie with his bat, and laughs. He sees someone limping through the forest, and follows.
Aaron pulls Luke on a stretcher. He’s headed for a cabin in the woods (not to be confused with the cabin in the woods), and sees Negan. Aaron reaches for his sword, and Negan says, hold on, dammit. Don’t do something stupid. Aaron says the only stupid thing would be not to kill him. Negan says he can explain, and zombies start to gather. Aaron says, enough of Negan’s bullsh*t, but the zombies are coming closer, and he’s conflicted about what to do. Negan backs up, and Aaron is surrounded. He starts to chop at the zombies.
Lydia looks up at the trees. She sees Negan walking without his mask, and he grabs her. She struggles, but he tells her, stop it. He says, sorry, kid.
Kelly walks down the road, with Alden who’s holding Adam, while Mary follows. Adam cries, and Alden tries to quiet him. Kelly says, nobody likes a cute baby voice, not even babies. Mary says she can help, but he says he told her to stay back. She says she can help Adam, and he says, the hell she can. Kelly says Mary knows him, but Alden says, knew him. Her people left him to die. There’s no way she’s getting her hands on this kid. He tells her, move away. Adam continues to cry, and Mary tells Alden how to pat Adam’s head and make a shushing noise. He does, but Adam isn’t having it, and Mary asks him to let her try. He finally hands the baby over, and Mary smiles at Adam, bouncing him in her arms. He quiets down, and Kelly smiles at Alden.
Mary, Kelly, and Alden sit, and Mary rocks Adam. Alden asks what Mary’s sister’s name was; she never said. Mary tells him, Frankie. Her name was Francis. Adam meant everything to her. Kelly says, and Frankie was everything to Mary, right? Mary says if she had it to do all over again, Frankie should be the one there holding him, not her. She gets up, and says, they’re coming. They jet, but zombies are on either side of them. They run across the road, and Mary tells them to follow her. The run to an abandoned van, and Kelly tries to get the door open, but it’s stuck. The zombies are coming closer, and Adam starts to cry. They finally get the door open, and Kelly and Alden get in. Mary hands Alden the baby, and shuts the door. She screams, and leads the zombies away from the van, which is now surrounded. Alden is like, sh*t.
Mary leads the zombies to a creek, and stabs them in the head one by one. When they’re all down, she laughs and looks at the sun. A knife plunges into her stomach. It’s Beta, and she feebly hits at him. He says she’ll walk, and she rips his mask off, saying, never. He pulls the blade upward, finishing her off, and drags her body to a tree. He leans her against it, and picks up his mask. A lone Whisperer comes by, and says, it’s you. Beta puts a finger to his lips, and says, shhh… Then kills the Whisperer.
Beta waits. Mary’s hand twitches, and she rises. I say, bite him, but an arrow pierces her head. It’s Alden, shooting from behind a tree. Beta jets before Alden can get another arrow in the bow.
Carol sits in the woods with Eugene on a fallen tree, while Magna sits with Yumiko. Magna tells Yumiko, they were either dead or trapped under rocks. She kept pushing. They took turns, and before they knew it, they were in the horde. She and Connie were together, and Connie’s hand just slipped out of Magana’s. Magna cries a little, and says she couldn’t find Connie again. Carol starts walking, and Yumiko asks if she’s leaving. Carol says she wants to get there before dark, and Yumiko says Magna has been through a lot; she needs to rest. Carol says she can stay as long as she likes, and Yumiko asks if Carol is going to leave her behind again. Carol tells her, she didn’t say that, and Yumiko says, instead of ignoring Magna, Carol should be begging her forgiveness after the sh*t she put Magna through. Carol asks if Yumiko thinks that’s what Magna wants from her. Like it will fix anything. They go through sh*t to go through more sh*t. Yumiko half slaps, half punches Carol in the face, and walks away. Good. Somebody had to, and Daryl wasn’t going to do it. Yumiko goes back to Magna, and wonders what the hell is wrong with Carol? Magna asks if she should have done that, and Yumiko says, she’s so sorry, but she’s not going to sit there and take that. Magna says, things don’t always work out the way they want, and Yumiko tells her, she never said they did. Magna says she can’t do this anymore. She’s thought a lot about the last time they talked. Now she gets it. Yumiko was right to kick her out. At least Yumiko doesn’t have to worry about someone stealing her pillow. Yumiko laughs, and they both laugh/cry. Yumiko takes Magna’s hand.
Carol walks alone for a while, and sits. A hand comes out of the leaves, and touches her. She smacks it away. A zombie starts emerging, and Carol smacks at it again. Eugene comes by, and she stabs the zombie in the head. Eugene says he didn’t mean to intrude, but he thought he should keep an eye on her. She asks if he knows what it feels like to want something so bad, go after it with everything you have, pissing off literally everyone, and getting people killed, and still having nothing to show for it. He says he does, and sits next to her. He says, there’s a meeting of extraordinary importance; a moment of do or die proportions. The biggest meeting of his life is coming up quick. Unfortunately, he can’t share the details, but obviously he can no longer attend. It’s just that it’s not often you meet someone you… Carol says, if it’s important, it’s simple; you go. He protests, and she says, just go to her. He says he sincerely hopes she gets what it is she wants, and leaves.
Carol walks near to where the zombie popped out, and finds a Hilltop staff.
Daryl and the others cross a field. Rosita wonders about the kids, and Daryl says, they should be at the rendezvous. Nebila leans on Jerry as they walk, and says, it’s still burning. He tells here, they’re almost there. They see the cabin, and a zombie toddles out. Daryl starts to run, and Dianne shoots it in the head with an arrow. Rosita says, this is the spot, right? and Nabila cries, where are her babies? Jerry tells her, it’s okay, and Daryl says, let’s spread out.
Inside the cabin, Judith asks Earl if he thinks they’re safe there. Did he see them? Earl says he won’t let anything happen to them, and she asks if he thinks Ezekiel is okay. There was so much smoke, she couldn’t see. Then he was gone. Earl says, he’ll be there. Ezekiel is one of the bravest men he knows. He tells the kids, they’re all doing great. They’re all so good, and their folks will be so proud. A girl asks, soon? and he says, real soon. He tells them, shhh, and closes a curtain between the rooms. Alone, he overturns a desk, and takes out a hammer and railway spike. He pounds the spike through the desk, and rights it again. He rolls up his sleeve, and we see that he’s been bitten. Judith appears, and says he lied to them. He says he did. He did it to protect them. Judith says, he can’t do this, but he says he doesn’t have much choice. She says she can stay there with him, so he’s not alone. He says he has his son Alden, who will take good care of Adam, and Judith is so strong, so brave. Now he needs to keep the kids safe from himself. He ask her, please don’t come near him again. A single tear falls from Judith’s eye. She touches his hand, and leaves.
Bodies are everywhere at Hilltop, and the smoke is thick. Jerry approaches quietly, with Daryl following. A door lying flat on the ground, starts to move. Jerry gets ready to attack, but Ezekiel comes out from underneath it. Ezekiel says, the kids, and they all run.
Earl looks at the spike. He gets close to it, and slams his head down on it.
The kids sleep. Judith quietly slips into the other room, where Earl is now dead, his head lying in a pool of blood. She comes closer to check on him, and he grabs her arm and makes guttural zombie noises.
Daryl, Ezekiel, and Jerry approach the cabin. Daryl takes out a hunting knife, and pushes the door open. The kids come running out, and Jerry’s kids run to him. Daryl asks if Judith is in there, and looks inside, calling her name. He sees her sitting next to Earl’s body, her sword resting on her knees. He takes the sword, and sits next to her, putting his arm around her, and she leans on him (both literally and figuratively).
Negan approaches Alpha. He says the thing she’s been looking for? He found it.
Lydia is tied to a chair in another cabin. She struggles to get free.
Negan and Alpha see a zombie (ha! sounds like the name of a children’s book). Negan says, what he sees is a bag of bones, and gnarly-ass teeth. She says he’ll see soon, but he says he’s not ready to meet his Maker. She says he’s proved himself again, finding her. Like a lion cub leaves the pride, it’s time he finds his pride. He asks if she wants him to preach her gospel, and she says she wants him to become a lion. He says he may not be hip to the Greek alphabet, but Beta is not an Alpha. If she’s sticking with the lion thing, doesn’t the young lioness take her mother’s place? She tells him, walk.
Lydia continues to struggle against the ropes holding her.
Negan tells Alpha, a long time ago, before the meat lovers started showing up, he lost someone close to him to pancreatic cancer. When the disease wasn’t eating her insides, the chemo was kicking the sh*t out of her. Maybe the cancer put things in perspective. She was never more beautiful. It didn’t matter how frail she got; even when she lost her hair. Alpha says, be grateful death set her free, and Negan says, when she was gone, he didn’t feel much of anything anymore. He didn’t feel scared or happy. He didn’t feel anything; he was just there. She says, that’s his strength, and he says he’s dead to the world, but she’s pretending, thinking that it makes her strong. She thinks the emotions are real, and they’re animals, but it’s bullsh*t and she knows it. Now she claims she has to kill her own flesh and blood. Alpha says, it is her destiny. That disease took his wife because it’s what nature intended. She couldn’t take him with her, but every day she wishes she could. Lydia was made for this. To be free with her.
Lydia gets the ropes off her hands.
Negan asks if Alpha still loves Lydia. They look at the cabin, and Alpha says she has to do this because she loves Lydia. Lydia will always be her baby.
Lydia works on the ropes binding her feet.
Negan and Alpha kiss. She thanks him, and goes toward the cabin. Negan follows. Lydia gets the last of her ropes off. Alpha reaches for the front doorknob, as Lydia opens the back door. Alpha and Negan start to go inside, but Negan turns, and slashes Alpha’s throat open. He holds her, kisses her, and gently places her on the ground.
Negan tosses Alpha’s head, mouth gaping and moving, at someone’s feet. Carol says, it took you long enough.
I didn’t see any of that coming.
Next time, Michonne is back, along with her armless zombie buddies.
🐴🌎 Someone’s Not Thrilled…
I don’t care if it sucks canal water. Aaron Paul could read the phone book, and I’d probably watch. Ditto Ed Harris. I wasn’t able to see it tonight, but I’ll catch one of the 57 reruns encore performances.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Franco brings Elizabeth to The Floating Rib. Sam and Spinelli walk in, and Spinelli tells Sam, it pains him to admit it, but Peter did a masterful job framing Obrecht. Sam says, one might say she had it coming, but Spinelli says, in this time and in this moment, she shouldn’t be in jail. Franco doesn’t mean to interrupt, but asks if they just said Obrecht was in jail. Sam says, Anna arrested Obrecht yesterday, and Franco asks, why? Spinelli says, a plethora of charges, including trying to kill Franco.
In her cell, Obrecht shouts that she’s a victim of Nelle’s maternal guilt, and that woman needs a psychiatrist. Nina comes in, and Obrecht says, it’s so good to see a friendly face. Nina doesn’t look happy, and Obrecht asks, what’s the matter?
Chase and Willow walk into Charlie’s, and Willow says she swears Nelle was goading her on purpose. Chase says, of course (🍷) she was.Nelle is always scheming. If she can get you to blow up, she can play the victim. Willow says, so she should ignore her? He says, if possible. Try not to give her anything she can use in family court. The goal is to weaken her case, and strengthen Michael’s. She tells him that Sasha told her about Diane suggesting they get married, and she’s considering it. He says, Michael is too. Harmony walks in, and Willow asks if she wants to join them.
Julian says, Britt works with his son Lucas at GH, and she says she did. Although she’s closer to his son-in-law. Brad’s her best friend. He says she might want to find a new one. He’s facing serious time. She says she just saw him at the courthouse before they transferred him to Pentenville. Julian asks how he’s doing, and she says, at rock bottom. She can’t believe he kept Wiley’s paternity secret all by himself. It’s crazy. She’d almost say it’s unbelievable.
Michael tells Sasha, hypothetically, if they did get married… Sasha says, hypothetically, it could tip things in his favor with Wiley’s custody. He says he doesn’t want to pressure her into something she’s not ready for, and she says she didn’t think she was at a place where motherhood works for her, but then she ran into Willow. The thought of Wiley growing up with Nelle gave her a sinking feeling, and she’ll do anything she can to stop Nelle. And she can. If marrying him will help protect his son from that awful woman, she’s in.
Curtis asks Jordan, what’s going on? and she says maybe it wasn’t the best idea for her to see Cyrus tonight. She was more emotional than she realized. Her phone dings, and she looks at a text. Tell no one about TJ. Don’t want to ruin Aunt Stella’s visit. You’ll have a visitor soon. Be alone. She tells Curtis, ballistics traced every shell casing, but there’s nothing that tie it back to Cyrus. He asks if that’s all, and she says she told him, she shouldn’t have gone to Pentenville. Cyrus was gloating about killing Taggert without actually incriminating himself. Curtis says, of course (🍷), and she says, every time he said Taggert, she saw Trina’s face, and she lost it in front of him. She got emotional, and showed him that she was in pain, and she hates giving him that satisfaction. He tells her not to let it poison her. She doesn’t have to go back. It’s over. She says they both know it’s not, and asks him to take Stella out to dinner so she can decompress. Tell Stella his neurotic wife needs time alone. He says his beautiful wife isn’t neurotic. He’ll book Stella a room at the MetroCourt. She thanks him, and he says he’ll let her know where they end up getting dinner. If she changes her mind, they’d love for her to meet them.
Franco tells Spinelli, when Andre was performing the memory map procedure, they were interrupted by a gunman. Anna thinks Obrecht hired the gunman? Spinelli says, Anna was led to believe Obrecht hired the gunman, and Elizabeth says, by whom? Sam says, evidence. That’s what they heard. Sam says sorry to interrupt their night, and Spinelli says, apologies. They move on, and Elizabeth tells Franco, sorry. She knows Obrecht has done her fair share of terrible things, but she and Franco are friends. Franco says, there’s no way Obrecht hired the gunman, and asks if Elizabeth disagrees. She says, Anna isn’t one to act rashly. If she arrested Obrecht, it was for a good reason.
Obrecht says Nina doesn’t actually believe the heinous lies that are being told about her. Nina says she’s lost track of how many times she’s forgive Obrecht. Each time, she’s convinced herself she did the right thing, but Obrecht is making it harder and harder to defend her. Obrecht says she was framed by Anna’s devious son. Peter arranged Drew’s plane crash, and sent the assassin after Andre and Franco. And that conniving weasel set her up to take the fall.
Britt tells Julian, Brad adores Lucas. He’d never intentionally hurt his husband. She admires that about Brad. She doesn’t know if she would have done the same in his shoes. Julian asks, what? and she says, take the fall by himself. Julian tells her to just come out and say what she’s after, but she says, where’s the fun in that? She knows he was helping Brad. What made him throw Brad to the wolves?
Harmony apologizes to Willow for not being more available, and asks how she’s holding up. Willow says, some days are better than others, and Harmony says she’s grateful Willow has Chase. Chase say he’s doing the best he can, and Willow says, he’s been amazing. Harmony says Willow has her as well. Willow thanks her, and says she knows it’s been a lot for Harmony too. Harmony says as long as Willow’s okay, she’ll be fine.
Michael asks if Sasha is really okay with this, and she says, better than okay. He takes her hands, and says he’s lucky to have her. She says she’s the lucky one. He’s always had faith in her, even when she didn’t deserve it. His support restored her faith in herself. He’s a good person, and she’s stronger with him. He says they’re stronger together, and Sasha agrees. He says he’s not just saying this because it’s what you’re supposed to say to someone you’re marrying, but he loves her. She says she loves him too, and he asks if she could love Wiley. She says she already does.
Franco tells Elizabeth, Obrecht’s track record is troubling, but she’s always been there for him. She’s never judged him, even for his past, and she’s been such a rock of a friend; it makes no sense. She says the only one who can answer that question is Obrecht. Franco wants to go to the PCPD, but it’s their night out. She says they’ll have plenty of nights out, and he deserves answers. She tells him to go; she’ll wait there.
Spinelli asks why Sam cut him off, and she says he was about to tell Elizabeth and Franco everything they know about Peter. He says, the more people that know he’s deceptive, the better, but she says, no. Peter will feel cornered and desperate, and who knows what he’ll do. He could come after them or their families. Spinelli says he’d like to think Peter wouldn’t actually hurt Maxie or her children – not physically – but the toll it’s going to take on Maxie, knowing she trusted the wrong guy… Sam says she’s sorry, but there’s no way they can help or warn Maxie. If Maxie is pushed, she’ll feel forced to choose, and they both know what her choice is going to be.
Stella asks if they aren’t waiting for Jordan, but Curtis says they’re going without her; she needs alone time. Stella didn’t know her presence was such an inconvenience, and Curtis says, it’s not her. Jordan’s not up for company right now. She says, family doesn’t skip out when someone is struggling, like Jordan is. She wants to be there to support her. Curtis says supporting Jordan means giving her the space she asked for. Stella says, for the record, she’s still worried about Jordan, and Curtis says, noted, and they can talk all about it after dinner from the lovely room he booked her at the MetroCourt. She says he’s sweet.
Jordan sends a text. I’m alone. Now what?
Nina tells Obrecht, Peter changed. He and Maxie are building a life together. Obrecht says, one destined to be ruined, but Nina says, he’s not the same man. He’s actively trying to be a better person – unlike some of us. Obrecht says she’s committed many transgressions in the past. But while Peter only pretended to change, she really did. She didn’t kill Drew, and didn’t order the attack on Franco and Andre. Please believe her and help her. Nina asks why should she? and Obrecht says, because Nathan would want her to.
Julian says Britt doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but Britt says she and Brad have a very open friendship. He tells her everything. Julian agreed to work with him, then bailed, and worked against him. What gives? Julian supposes Brad failed to tell her that he was blackmailing him; threatening to tell Sonny that Julian was keeping his grandson from him. Britt admits Brad did fail to mention that. He doubts Brad told her that he repeatedly refused to listen to him, and sabotaged their plan at every turn. It’s Brad’s fault everything fell apart. She says she hasn’t seen Brad in a while. He’s completely lost his nerve, and is still concerned what people think. Julian says, that’s not a bad thing, but Britt says, people should live however they want. Why care about the choices you make? She sure as hell doesn’t.
Harmony’s phone dings. She looks at it, and frowns. Willow asks if everything is okay, and Harmony says, it’s work; she has to go. Willow suggests a hike on Saturday, and Harmony says, maybe. She tells Willow that she really appreciates the second chance, and she’s taking it seriously. She leaves, and Willow says, that was interesting. Chase says he didn’t realize Willow and her mother were getting close.
Michael tells Sasha, they’ll talk about any problems that come up, and they will because that’s life. Sasha promises to be honest and communicate, and he says he’ll do the same. She says, so does that mean… He gets down on one knee, and says, Sasha Gilmore, will you marry me? She says, yes, and they kiss.
Obrecht says, Nathan made them a family. If he was there, he’d want Nina to help her. Nina says he sure as hell wouldn’t want Obrecht to use his memory to manipulate her. Obrecht says, that’s not what she’s doing, but Nina says she’s done being dragged into this; it’s gone too far. Obrecht is on her own. Obrecht says, please, wait. She can explain how Peter did it, but Nina tells her, save it. Accept the consequences of her actions just once. She’s in a cell because of herself. If she genuinely cared what Nathan would have wanted, think about how important Peter is to Maxie and James. He’d want them to be happy. Consider that the next time she wants to tear their world apart. Nina calls for the guard, and leaves.
Diane asks Michael why she’s there. More Nelle shenanigans? He says he and Sasha have given some thought to the best way to fight Nelle. Diane suggested he get married, and Sasha agreed to be his wife. Diane says, that’s an absolutely awful idea.
Britt says, bottoms up, and she and Julian drink a shot. He says it’s probably a bad idea, but she says, who cares? Life is too short. No one hands you happiness. You have to reach out and grab it for yourself. Julian says, that’s awfully philosophical. Maybe when he was in his 20s, but he has a family now. She says that’s not what she heard.
Willow tells Chase, her mom is busy, and they mostly email or text. Chase says, letting her mom back in her life is a big deal, even if it’s in a small way. Willow says Shiloh messed with her mom’s life as much, if not more, than he messed with hers. It took courage to face it and break free. Her mom stood up to Shiloh, and she’s proud of her. She doesn’t want to waste a chance at a relationship with her. Chase says, if that’s what Willow wants, he supports her. He hopes Harmony lives up to her expectations.
😷 Here’s where there was a special report, but you know the drill.
Jordan looks at the picture she was sent of TJ. There’s a knock at the door. Jordan opens it, and asks what they’re doing here. Harmony says, Cyrus sent her, and walks in. Okay. Didn’t see that coming.
Franco visits Obrecht, who says he doesn’t believe this nonsense. He says, is it though? Is it nonsense? Did she hire someone to murder him? She says she’d never do anything to harm him. He’s her best friend. He says best friends don’t do things like hit you over the head at the pier, and she says, or put you in a position to get caught by the police. He says that’s what he’s talking about. Maybe they’re not so close after all. She says she never wanted him dead, and he says, except that one time she did. She says, not ever. He says, so when Andre was performing the procedure to restore his memory, she wasn’t concerned Drew might remember something that would incriminate her? She says she wasn’t involved in Faison’s demented scheme, but he says, maybe she was. Maybe her cover was blown, and she had to improvise. That meant destroying everyone who was in her way. Even her best friend.
Julian says Britt doesn’t know anything about his family, and she says Brad told her about his bumpy relationship with Lucas and his daughter doesn’t speak to him either. He says she really doesn’t care if she hurts someone else’s feelings, does she? but she says, she’s just saying what’s the point in acting like life’s a fairytale? You should take life as it comes; good, bad, and everything in between. He says she has a point, and she says she’ll drink to that. He says if she insists.
Diane says, the whole point of the marriage is to show that Michael can provide a more stable environment than Nelle, and can give Wiley a stable mother figure. He says, Sasha is a lot more stable than Nelle, but Diane says based on Sasha’s previous conduct, Nelle’s attorneys could argue otherwise. He asks who she thought he was going to get married to? and she says she may have been a little hasty in the suggestion department, especially now that she’s been briefed on Sasha’s past. He says, she did a background check? and she says, yeah. She wants to beat Nelle’s lawyers to the punch, and needs the full picture before the custody hearing. She was unaware of how untruthful Sasha had been while she’s been in Port Charles. Sasha asks if she would hurt Michael’s chances if she married him, and Diane says, unfortunately, she would.
Spinelli looks at his iPad, and says, there is no perfect frame. He’s going to find something to expose Peter. At the bar, Sam asks Elizabeth how Cameron is doing. Elizabeth says, he’s staying strong, but still has nightmares about that guy chasing him down and trying to kill him. She’s glad Jason was there. Sam says she thought the kids were in a warehouse, but Elizabeth says, they were. Then Taggert told Cameron to run, and he did, but a gunman followed him, Jason shot him before he could hurt Cameron.
Stella tells Curtis how much she enjoyed the meal, and he asks, what’s next? She says he doesn’t have to humor her anymore. She knows he’s worried about Jordan. She doesn’t blame him. The last time Jordan pushed them away, she was dying of kidney failure. Curtis says they learned a lot from that, and she’ll never keep anything important from him again.
Jordan says Harmony is working for Cyrus? How the hell did that even happen? That’s what I’d like to know too. Harmony asks if it even matters, and Jordan says, that she’s working for the head of a drug cartel? She’d say it matters a little bit. Harmony says she does what she can to get by, and Jordan says, why her? Harmony says she’s easily overlooked and dismissed. The crazy cult lady with the weird name. No one would suspect she’s working for Cyrus. They won’t suspect Jordan either. Jordan asks what that’s supposed to mean, and Harmony tells her, she’s going to be Cyrus’s person inside the PCPD. When shipments come in, she’ll assure the police attention is elsewhere. Cyrus will communicate through Harmony, and if she has a message for Cyrus, Harmony will make sure he gets it. Jordan says Cyrus thought this one up. Does Harmony know he has her son TJ, and he’s threatening to kill TJ if she doesn’t cooperate? Harmony says Jordan had better do what Cyrus says, and Jordan asks how long she’s supposed to break the law before TJ is freed? What guarantee does she have that TJ will be let go if she follows his orders? Harmony says, none. The only guarantee she has is what Cyrus will do to him if she doesn’t. She knows what Jordan is thinking. That she won’t compromise her morals, and turn the tables on Cyrus somehow. She thought the same thing. She has some advice. Jordan shouldn’t waste her time thinking. Cyrus is too powerful and his reach is too long. Until he says otherwise, Harmony works for Jordan, and so does she. Cyrus doesn’t want a trail leading back to him, so if she wants to reach Cyrus, she goes through Harmony. Jordan asks what Cyrus has on her, and Harmony says he offered to pull some strings so she could go with the early release program. She jumped at the chance to be near her daughter, but didn’t know the favor she’d have to do would be this big. If she messes up, it won’t be just her that pays. Jordan says Harmony is an accomplice to kidnapping and extortion, all while she’s on parole. Does she have any idea how big of a risk she’s taking? Harmony says, going against Cyrus is an even bigger risk. She has to go, and Cyrus will be in touch – through her. Jordan says, before Harmony leaves, she has a message for Cyrus. She needs proof TJ is alive. She wants photos of her son with the date and time, every single day. Harmony nods, and says she’ll do that. She leaves, and Jordan leans against the door.
Nina goes to The Floating Rib, and runs over to Stella, hugging her, and saying she’s glad Stella is okay. Curtis slides over so Nina can sit. Nina says the jetset lifestyle suits Stella, but Curtis is always happier when she’s in town. He says, he is? Nina says, he is, and she wishes she could say the same about herself and Obrecht. Stella says she heard about Obrecht’s arrest, and Nina says, unfortunately, she thinks Obrecht is guilty.
Obrecht says she won’t let Franco throw away their friendship, and he says then she has to give him something to work with; evidence, an alibi. She has to give him a reason to believe her. She says she can do one better. She’ll give him the person who actually did this – Peter August. He needed a fall guy, and chose her, and it worked. Everyone is willing to rush to judgement against her. She just never thought Franco would too. He knows better than anyone what it’s like to be wrongfully accused. She’s done things she’s not proud of. She wasted years of her life on Faison, but that ended when he killed Nathan. She’s a changed person, and didn’t do what she’s accused of. He has to believe her.
Diane says Sasha committing fraud is a problem, and Sasha says, even though she was never charged? Diane says she’s sure Nelle’s lawyers can find people who are willing to testify as to how she deceived Nina. That could badly undermine Michael’s case. Michael says, there has to be a way around it, and Sasha tells him, don’t. Diane is the only lawyer in the room right now, and knows what the courts will be looking for. Diane is right. She can’t marry him. Diane says that’s her recommendation. Unless Michael can marry a paragon – someone with good character, potentially Snow White and Mary Poppins all in one, don’t get married at all. She leaves, and Michael says, sorry about that. Sasha says, don’t be, but he says he wishes it was different. She laugh/cries and says they were engaged for all of fifteen minutes. Why is she so disappointed that they’re not getting married?
Julian comps Willow and Chase’s meal, saying he enjoyed seeing Willow take Nelle down a peg. Willow tells Chase, she may have thrown a drink in Nelle’s face. She knows it’s not very mature, but she couldn’t stand hearing Nelle talk about Wiley. It’s obvious she doesn’t care about him, and is just using him to hurt Michael. Chase asks how it happened, and Willow says, Nelle said something, then she said something back, then Nelle said something, and then she was wearing a drink. It’s everything he warned her not to do, but she can’t say she regrets it. He wishes he was there to see it.
Julian asks if Britt wants another round. She says she shouldn’t, but he pours it anyway, and she laughs. She says she has to visit her mom in the morning in jail. She definitely doesn’t want to be hung over for that. She told herself she was never setting foot in a jail again. At least she’ll be on the other side of the bars this time. But tomorrow is still some time away. She feels like letting loose tonight. She drains her drink.
Spinelli and Sam clink beer bottle and glass, respectively.
Obrecht asks Franco to tell her what he’s thinking, and he says he honestly doesn’t know. She asks him to chose to believe her, but he doesn’t think he can. She’s been a good friend, but she’s a survivor and it frightens him how far she’d go to protect herself. He leaves, and Obrecht looks really sad.
Jordan asks Curtis how dinner was, and he says it was nice. He thought she was going to bed. She says she can’t sleep anyway, and he says she didn’t even change her clothes. She says she got distracted, and asks if Stella is upset about not staying there. Curtis says, a little, because she wanted to help Jordan. Jordan looks like she might cry, and Curtis says he’s there for her; they’re in this together. She says she’s just upset about Cyrus. He doesn’t seem to have any weak spots. Curtis says, of course (🍷) he does. Everybody does. They just need to find his.
Michael tells Sasha he’s sorry, and she says, don’t be. He says, even though she’s not Wiley’s stepmother, Wiley is lucky to have her in his life. So is he. She thanks him, and he says he trusts her with Wiley completely. She says she trusts him, and they kiss. She asks what they do now, and he says, go back to the drawing board. There are plenty of ways to beat Nelle, and they’re going to find one that works for them. She says, sounds like a plan.
Willow asks Chase if he thinks Nelle will press charges for having a drink thrown on her. He says, anything’s possible, and she says that’s why she shouldn’t engage, but she’ll always stand up for Wiley whatever the cost. He says he loves that about her, and they kiss. He suggests they get out of there before Julian changes his mind. She says she feels weird leaving without thanking him again. Did Chase see where he went?
Julian is in the back room, crazy kissing with Britt. They get busy while there’s a song part. Didn’t see that coming either. Well, not until they started drinking anyway.
Sonny gets bad news, Jordan gives Sam false information, and Cyrus is surprised.
Shahs of Sunset
At Mj’s house, she says that life is baby laundry, nursing, pumping, feeding, and golden showers. The best gift she got is a peepee teepee, to keep Baby Shams from taking a shot at her during a diaper change. She’s focused on her incredible, beautiful, innocent angel. He is pretty cute. Nema video chats with her, and asks how Shams is. She says, he’s very well-tempered. Nema can’t believe he hasn’t seen her, Tommy, and Shams since the baby was born. He tells her to soak up much Shams as she can, but they should hang out. We flash back to Shams’s birth a month ago, and in her interview, MJ says if her uterus wasn’t removed, she was going to die. No one saw her or came to visit. It was like she and her baby weren’t important. Nema says he can’t wait to see her. In MJ’s interview, she says Reza’s favorite thing about pup Marti is how he clasps his paws, and Shams clasps his hands the same way. It reminds her of Reza, and it’s like a tsunami of pain. Her friends were anywhere but there.
Adam visits GG, and she asks where her cake is. He says he kind of ate it. She asks what happened after she left the cooking class, and Adam says, everyone was worried. In GG’s interview, she says the pain sharp, and we flash back to her leaving the class. We see a clip of GG calling the IVF nurse. The nurse tells her if she’s not having spotting, she’ll be okay. Spotting would mean she’s having a miscarriage. GG, Anita, and Yasmin go back to GG’s condo, and she goes into the bathroom. She comes out, and says, no blood. So should they party? She says she’s just kidding. Adam says the wondered if she could be pregnant, and in GG’s interview, she says that’s not the way she wanted anyone to know, and she’s not ready to tell them. She tells Adam that she’s already upset with Destiney. It’s like she has a new personality. She slept with Sara’s brother, and d*ck seems to be more important than friendship. She wants to talk to Destiney, but if Destiney comes at her hard, she’ll snatch Destiney’s wig off. Adam tells her about Reza wearing a piece of Destiney’s weave on the party bus going back.
Reza meets Sara at Aerial class, and says, it smells like excitement and regret. In his interview, Reza says somehow he lost his way, and gained some weight. If using the silks can help him lose some, he’s all for it. The instructor shows them how to hang upside down, which I’m sure is harder than it looks. Reza slides to the floor. He wraps himself up in a silk, and says he’s sure there’s a market in Iran. After class, he and Sara sit on the floor and talk. Sara tells him about two special agents knocking on her door, and serving her with a subpoena about her ex; his life is playing out in the media. In Sara’s interview, she says there’s a lot of media attention about her ex-boyfriend. Reza asks who the hell her ex-boyfriend is, and she says, Robert Kelly. They met in 2013, and were together three years. In her interview, she says he was charming and kind, and definitely not what she expected. Reza asks if he was anything like the person being described in the documentary (Surviving R, Kelly), and she says, no. It was an adult relationship, and there was never anything that was a red flag. Reza says, all she can do is speak the truth. She says she broke up with him when she found out he was sleeping with other women. In her interview, Sara says that he was having a party in Chicago, and told her, if she can’t be cool, don’t come, It was literally a full-on club; a happening. When a couple of women showed up, it hit her that he was screwing everyone. She watched the documentary, and the person she loved was a monster. Reza says she can’t blame herself, and she says she doesn’t understand how it’s possible. In her interview, she says that it wasn’t a perfect relationship. He was controlling, but she thinks her experience was different because of the boundaries she set. In hindsight, every small boundary and decision altered the dynamic, saving her life. Reza is glad she confided in him, and promises he won’t say a word to anyone.
Destiney goes wig shopping. In her interview, she says wigs are her thing. Hers was not a normal childhood, so maybe she’s living her childhood life as an adult. She chooses a wig that she thinks looks like a cross between Marie Antoinette and Elvira. She says, her first alter-ego was Rosie, who had a bowl haircut. She asks can she hide things in the wig, and the clerk is like, um… GG joins her, and says she didn’t recognize Destiney, who’s now a blonde. GG says she’s never worn a wig, and Destiney thinks she should try some on. She does, and says it feels like she’s wearing a helmet. She broaches the subject of the cooking competition, and Destiney says, it was intense. GG says she was irritated, and has been seeing a different Destiney than the one she met. Destiney was all about woman power and loyalty. Destiney says if she’d slept with GG’s brother, she would have talked to her first. GG says, maybe that’s why Sara is hurt, and they should have a conversation. In Destiney’s interview, she can’t understand why she’s pissed everyone off. Frankly, me neither.
Reza goes to a fancy jewelry store, and picks up a $95K Rolex. Nema joins him, and Reza says it brings a tear to his eye that Nema is getting his first Rolex. In Nema’s interview, he says, if you’re in the market for gold, a Rolex, or rubies, get a Reza. Nema’s life goal is to connect with his Persian culture. The next step in the evolution of his Persianity, is a gold Rolex. It goes gold, Rolex, Bentley, He says Reza is bougie when it comes to his Rolexes, and he and Nema’s tastes don’t line up. Nema picks out a simple $6500 watch, and the clerk congratulates him.
Mike puts together a wagon for Paulina’s kids. In his interview, he says he never thought he’d be with a woman who had children, and he wants to be with Paulina for the rest of his life. He wonders what he’s doing sometimes, and if he’s ready to be a stepdad. What Nema said, affected his thoughts, and it runs in his head non-stop. We flash back to Nema telling Mike that he doesn’t think Mike is ready to be a stepdad. Nema doesn’t get that Paulina knows Mikes strengths and weaknesses. He shares his insecurities with her, and he’s sure she knows he’s not perfect, but because she loves him, she sees he’s attempting to do it, and gives him a pass.
Nema meets MJ for lunch. He says she looks amazing, and she compliments his white teeth. He says it’s hard to see what happened to her and Reza. She says Reza claims she meddled in his marriage, and Nema says, instead of going to Reza directly about Adam, she went to Destiney; then Ali got involved. MJ says she had nothing to do with it. Nema says that’s huge difference from what Destiney is saying, that she was at the start of this. It makes her look like a homewrecker. Like she was bored in her hospital room, wondering how to eff up Reza’s life. She says she’s sure she wasn’t bored. Nema doesn’t want the perception of her to be like that, and she says that’s not her problem. It’s coming from people who are riddled with fear, jealousy, and lies. In Nema’s interview, he says both MJ and Reza like to meddle in other people’s drama constantly. We flash back to MJ and Reza springing Shalom on GG in the middle of a public event, and telling Jessica about Mike cheating. Nema tells MJ about Sara’s pool party that’s coming up. In his interview, he says, at the end of the day, Reza and MJ are better together. He tells MJ that she can come as his plus one. Thirty years of friendship is worth a conversation. She says she’ll think about it.
Destiney aka Veronica, who has shoulder length kind of blue hair, meets Sara at a restaurant. Destiney tells Sara that she wanted to go over some things. She did get Sara’s text about the party, and Sara says she hopes Destiney comes. Destiney thinks it would be super weird if she goes before they have a conversation. Sara says she’s not concerned that Destiney hooked up with her brother; it’s just awkward, since it’s not like a real love connection. Sam and Destiney are at different places in their lives. She wonders why Destiney is even talking to Sam. In Destiney’s interview, she says Sara can tell her this all day, but aren’t they all adults? Destiney says they’re planning on seeing each other again, and Sara doesn’t understand what she wants. Destiney says nobody is going to tell her how to navigate anything in her life. In Sara’s interview, she says when she and Destiney met, it was awkward. Now Destiney is hooking up with her brother. Sara says Destiney wanted to meet up to talk more sh*t, and it takes the soul and energy out of her. (I’ll have to remember that one.) Destiney doesn’t understand why Sara feels that way. Sara says she wants Destiney to come tomorrow, but doesn’t have the energy to care more. As she’s leaving, Sara says her brother won’t be there.
Adam tells Reza that he doesn’t know how to play Monopoly. Reza says, the game was made for Persians, and helps make you more successful in life. In Reza’s interview, he says he and Adam are doing better. We flash back to Reza confronting Adam about strip Jenga, and the inappropriate texts. Because Sara is having a pool party, he called a tanning guy to come and spray him and Destiney. He asks Adam if he wants one, and Adam says he’s in. Destiney joins them, and Reza asks what happened when she met with Sara. He knows she feels hurt. Destiney says she doesn’t hook up randomly, but doesn’t regret it. She and Sara had a powwow, and she tried to tell herself to understand, since she doesn’t have a brother. Reza says he wants details. WTF did she say? She says Sara wasn’t okay with it, and didn’t realize they were going to continue seeing each other. Reza says, she thought he was just going to hit it. Destiney doesn’t want it to be uncomfortable at the party. Spray tan specialist Robby arrives, asking, are they excited for tans or what? reminding me of a substitute dance teacher I had once. Reza wants to get alarmingly tan. Robby drops pearls of wisdom like, once you go Persian, there’s no other version, and the key to a good tan is drying as you go. In Reza’s interview, he says the spray tanning makes him sad because it reminds him of MJ. We flash back to when they got tans together. Robby says, the tanning has come to an end, and Reza says, he feels like he had a three-way. In his interview, he says he never imagined that on the day MJ give birth, she’d be thinking of coming at his marriage. It makes him feel sad.
Sara gets the house ready for the party, while friend Benny helps out. The DJ sets up, the food comes, and floaties are put in the pool. I’m ready.
Nema gets ready. In his interview, he says he’s the product of divorced parents. He’s had two separate Christmases his entire life. Awkward or not, he’s bringing MJ. All he’s asking is that she and Reza talk. If they talk, and still can’t move forward, at least he’ll know he tried.
MJ meets Nema at his place. Tommy brings in Shams, and Nema says they must be on cloud nine. In MJ’s interview, she says, what really mattered was her best friend of thirty years should have been there.
GG says she hired muscle, in case someone decides they want to step up to her. She’s more familiar with getting into a fight, and might forget what she’s going through, since it’s brand new. Destiney is a blonde, and GG’s bodyguard introduces himself as C. Destiney tells GG that she’s Cynthia today, and in GG’s interview, she says, fashion is expression, so let it be.
Sara loves the set-up, and thinks the bartenders might need to take a drink, since her friends are a lot. Destiney makes GG go in first, and Destiney walks in on C’s arm. In Sara’s interview, she says, Destiney is always like, look at me. Reza and Adam arrive, and GG attacks the food. Mike and Paulina come in, and Mike thinks Destiney looks like a character from Mod Squad. Destiney keeps getting her heels stuck in the deck, and GG says, maybe Cynthia isn’t feeling it today.
In the car, Nema tells MJ to absolve Reza, since he’s coming from place of hurt. He helps MJ put on her necklace, and says she has too much hair. She tells him, she has too much weave.
Adam jumps in the pool, trying to land on a floatie. Nema says he brought a friend, and Reza says he’s leaving. GG says she’s going too, and Reza says he’s not at a place where he’s ready to talk. The betrayal is in his heart, and he needs time to process sh*t. Nema tells him, don’t leave, and follows him, saying, a thirty-year friendship. Reza says Nema could have texted him. Nema says MJ has a different perspective; hear her out. GG asks how Nema could do that, and not tell anyone, and he says he wants to be peacemaker. She says ambushing people isn’t peaceful. At the party, MJ says Reza ran like a bitch. In MJ’s interview, she says, how dare he? Where does he think he’s going? And after she’s been loyal for thirty years.
Mike tells MJ that she should engage with Reza. Ali is the problem. MJ says she almost died, but she should go away? This had nothing to do with her. Out by the cars, GG says, MJ isn’t a good person. She’s screwed everyone who’s good to her. What did Adam ever do in all this? Nema asks Mike to convince MJ to come down. In Mike’s interview, he says he sees the issue from both sides. They need a therapist or a mediator. MJ tells Destiney, she can’t blame other people who aren’t there to defend themselves. Destiney told them that MJ told her to bring up Adam’s cheating. Destiney tells MJ, she never said that. She had lunch with Reza and Ali, and Ali brought it up. What motive would she have to say MJ told her to do that? MJ says she chooses not to believe Destiney, and Mike says, it’s too many years of friendship to waste on a possible rumor. In Mike’s interview, he says a sliver of him thinks maybe Reza is in such a dark place, because he didn’t have his friend of thirty years to confide in. He hopes they connect, and make sense of this craziness.
Reza goes back to the party, and MJ tells him to get away from her. Destiney says, it’s a thirty year friendship (should have done a drinking game with that one). MJ tells her, STFU, and Reza asks if MJ isn’t embarrassed. MJ tells him to go back to his stupid husband. They can cheat on each other, and go to the bathhouse. I’m not even sure if there are still any of those around. I think the last one in NYC closed recently. If you haven’t guessed, I’m a font of useless information.
It gets kind of chaotic, and by now, everyone has noticed, and is like, WTF? Destiney says she never lied, and MJ throws a drink in Reza’s face. He asks if she isn’t embarrassed, and now Sara says, WTF is going on? Reza says MJ has no shame, and she tells him, STFU, which is obviously her go-to phrase. Adam gets into the mix, and Reza tells MJ to screw herself. Go home and watch her baby. Why is she even there? Mike says it’s all he can do not to slap the sh*t out of Reza; WTF is he thinking? He’s talking to a woman.
MJ says Adam’s cheating has nothing to do with her. Reza says no wonder MJ’s uterus exploded, since she’s had ten abortions. I literally gasp, and say, nooo. I can’t believe he said something like that, and in the middle of a crowded party. Destiney says, enough is enough. Stop. Mike asks WTF Reza thinks he’s doing, and Reza says, f*** you people. He takes a binder out of a car (MJ’s?) and throws the contents up in the air, and the papers rain down. MJ says he’s an effing liar, and Mike goes after Reza.
Next time. Mike says it’s going to get messy, Tommy trashes Reza’s patio, Tommy says he broke a plant when he wanted to break Reza’s legs, GG says it’s the most agonizing twelve days of her life, and Reza tells Nema to butt out.
Just so you know, the only Corona you’ll find here, is beer.
🎙 Quotes of the Week
Sometimes it’s easy to lose faith in people. And sometimes one act of kindness is all it takes to give you hope again. – Randa Abdel-Fattah
It is our wounds that create in us a desire to reach for miracles. – Jocelyn Soriano
When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful. – Malala Yousafzai
Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of. – Roy T. Bennett
When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. – Maya Angelou
Anger, it’s a paralyzing emotion, you can’t get anything done. – Toni Morrison
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. – Niccolò Machiavelli
We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane. – Kurt Vonnegut
Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. – Lao Tzu
The great Western disease is, ‘I’ll be happy when… When I get the money. When I get a BMW. When I get this job.’ Well, the reality is, you never get to when. The only way to find happiness is to understand that happiness is not out there. It’s in here. And happiness is not next week. It’s now. – Marshall Goldsmith, American Author
🎪 No Surprise…
Of course this week would end with Friday the 13th. See you in the Deadzone.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Alexis and Neil bask in the afterglow. They smile at each other.
Michael builds a dollhouse. Sasha comes in, and says he was awfully quiet last night. He says Diane gave him a lot to think about, and Sasha asks if he wants to talk. He says he’d appreciate her take on this. To bolster his case for custody, Diane suggested he get married.
Ava runs into Julian at the hospital, and asks what he’s doing there. He says, looking for his son, and she asks if Lucas is talking to him again. He says, first, Lucas loses Wiley, then has to kick his husband to the curb, and he rushes back to work. Ava asks if he’s worried about Brad’s arraignment, but Julian says it doesn’t have anything to do with him. She asks if he’s not afraid Brad is going to give him up. He says if Brad makes him the bad guy, he could go prison for aiding, abetting, and kidnapping.
Scotty tells Brad to untie his hands; give him something. Brad wonders what else he can give Scotty to make it better, and Scotty says something to blur the lines and give reasonable doubt. Something to get the guilty off of him.
At The Floating Rib, Mac stands next to Taggert’s picture, and says they’ve gathered to celebrate the life and memory of Marcus Taggert. He suggests Jordan go first, but she says, what is there to say? Taggert was the bravest man she ever knew. She raises her beer bottle, and says, to Marcus Taggert, and everyone else follows suit. Trina thanks Cameron for coming, and Elizabeth tells Portia that she’s sorry. Portia says she appreciates it. It means a lot to Trina that they came too. Trina says she’s right, and hugs Cameron.
Laura sees Curtis at the hospital, and asks if he’s okay. He says he gave blood, and she says doing his civic duty. He says he’s just in it for the cookie; helping others is a bonus. She finds that hard to believe, and says he was missed at the funeral. He says, that’s another reason why he’s there. He thought he could do more good donating blood after all that’s been shed. She tells him to stop beating himself up about what happened to Taggert. He says, if he’d had more time or a better plan… but Laura says Taggert had a plan. He wanted Curtis to get his daughter out alive, and Curtis did it. She tells him, Mac is hosting a wake at The Floating Rib, and he should go. He says he’d feel out of place, but she says, if anyone should be there, it’s him.
Mac asks if anyone else wants to say something. Sonny says he does, but Jordan says, the memorial is for friends, family, and cops. He says he just wants to pay his respects. He asks if he can have a glass, but Mac says, it’s for cops only. Sonny says he can do it without one, and walks up front. He says, if he had a glass, he’d raise it to Taggert. It’s no surprise they didn’t like each other. They had a lot of battles, but in the end, he respected Taggert. He was a brave man; loyal to the people he loved, and committed to the code of honor. He says, to Marcus Taggert, but no one responds. I feel sad for Sonny.
Brad says he told Scotty a billion times. The only other person who knew about the baby switch was Nelle. It was her idea. Scotty says Nelle insists Brad stole the baby while she was passed out, and Brad says, she’s lying. Scotty says he needs prove it. He needs to know if there’s somebody else mixed up in this with Brad.
Ava says Brad knows Julian is his only friend. He says, when a ship sinks, that kind of friend takes the raft. Brad is the person he’s least concerned about. If Sonny finds out… She says, there’s one solution; Sonny can’t find out.
Michael tells Sasha, on one hand, it might help to show he’s more qualified to care for Wiley. She says, living in a mansion with a full-time staff might help. He says, it doesn’t hurt, but a nanny isn’t a substitute for a mother’s love.In the meantime, Nelle has money from the sale of her ELQ shares. She says, what about character witnesses? Does Nelle even have any? He says, he has more stability, and Wiley will be loved and nurtured. It’s not even close, but it’s Nelle. Sasha says, she’s a master manipulator, and Michael says she’s turned playing the victim into an art form. She asks, what about him? What does he think about this marriage thing?
Alexis and Neil kiss. She says she needs a therapist, and he says he thinks she just had one. She says, it was really great, but a mistake, since he has a hearing in less than an hour about what they just did. He asks if they can forget about the hearing for the next five minutes. She asks what he wants to talk about, and he says, the opera, and the fact they ended up in the same box. And it wasn’t just any opera. It was Aida, a story of forbidden love. She asks if they’re not all like that, and he says, only 80%. Then there was the walk home; a romantic stroll through Manhattan. The bar, the ride in the elevator, and them struggling to say goodnight. Alexis says, it can’t happen again. When he goes before the board, his license is at stake. He says he needs to tell the truth that they’re more than friends.
Jordan says, Port Charles was Taggert’s home, and he did everything he could to keep it safe. She’s not sure if everyone knew, but he was planning to move back full-time, so he could be closer to his daughter. Now he’s a part of her – and them – always. Everyone raises their bottles again. Sonny tells Trina that he’s sorry, and she thanks him. He says he and Carly have her in they’re prayers. He tells Portia that Trina is great, and if they need anything, let him know. Portia thanks him, and says, it’s kind of him to come. She knows Taggert would appreciate it very much. Sonny says, he was a good man, and Portia says, yes; he was. Sonny asks how Cameron is, and Cameron says, he can’t complain. Well, he guesses he could… Sonny asks how his left hook is, and if he’s ready to come back to the gym. Cameron thinks so, and Sonny asks how Elizabeth is. She says, glad the kids are safe and sound. Sonny tells her, make sure to keep them safe. Josslyn wants to ask Sonny something, and they step away. She asks if it’s okay if she stays a little longer. She thinks Trina might need her. He says he’ll tell Michael and Wiley that she said hi. He leaves, and Josslyn says she hopes it was okay with Trina that Sonny came. Trina says she’s glad he did, and she’s not just saying that. Even though they were on opposite sides, like Sonny said, they respected each other, and that’s important.
Laura says Taggert asked Curtis to help him. He wanted Curtis to protect his daughter while he did what he knew he had to do. Curtis says he shouldn’t have left Taggert alone, but Laura says, according to the kids’ statements, it’s obvious if he hadn’t been there, they’d be having funerals for Cameron and Trina. He says he knows that, but… She says, no buts. When Taggert found out Cyrus had his daughter, he knew how it would play out. He put his daughter’s life in Curtis’s hands, and Curtis got her out of there. He says he doesn’t think Trina sees it that way, and Laura says, that’s the good thing about facts. It doesn’t matter how others see it. Curtis might not be a cop, but at the moment Taggert needed him most, Curtis was his partner.
Alexis asks if Neil is insane. He says, legally or psychologically? and she says, it’s not funny. If he tells the truth, he can kiss his career goodbye. He says if he doesn’t, he undermines his colleagues, and she says there won’t be anything to undermine. He tells her, say he lies, and they put whatever they’re calling this on hold for two years. He doesn’t think they can, but she says they have no choice. Someone reported him, and if they keep this up, they’ll report him again. He says he’ll tell the truth, but she says, no. He’s a great doctor, and this is coming from a patient he fired twelve times. He’s good at this. it’s who he is, and she’s not letting anyone take that away from him, including him.
Neil tells Alexis, like it or not, he has to tell the truth. Alexis says, the truth is, while he was treating her, they had an attraction, but didn’t act on it until she stopped treatment. He says, but they did, and she says, please don’t do this. He says he has to get ready, but before he does, he wants her to know, no matter what happens or what the board’s decision is, he doesn’t regret last night. He kisses her and leaves. She says, wow.
Ava shows up at the memorial, and Trina says she’s glad Ava is there. Ava says, of course (🍷); they’re friends, aren’t they? On a day like this, they all need friends. Portia watches Ava, and Jordan watches Portia.
Sonny goes to visit Michael, but says he’s not staying long. He just stopped by to see how Michael is doing. Sasha greets Sonny, but says she has to make some calls, and excuses herself. Sonny asks how Michael is doing, and Michael says, so far, so good. He’s spending every minute he can with Wiley, who’s napping right now. Sonny says, Michael will be a good father, and Michael says he learned from best. Every minute feels like a gift, especially since Wiley was taken away from him for so long. He knows he spent a lot of time with Wiley, but knowing Wiley is his son… He has to be sure Wiley stays with him.
Julian stands outside the door, listening to Scotty and Brad. Scotty says, it’s never too early to prepare a good defense. He needs to know if there’s someone Brad can share the blame with. Julian walks in, and Scotty asks what brings him by. Brad says he and Scotty are discussing legal stuff, and Julian asks Scotty if he can have a word with Brad. Scotty tells Brad to think about it, and don’t take too long. He tells Julian, the check cleared, and Julian asks if there was ever any doubt. Scotty says, yeah, especially with his clientele these days. He’s surprised Julian is there, since Brad isn’t Lucas’s favorite person right now. Julian says, like it or not (phrase of the day), Brad is still his son-in-law, and he’s here for him. Scotty says, touching, and leaves. Julian asks Brad if he gave Scotty any names, and Brad says, not yet, but they’re running out of time. Scotty thinks someone else is involved.
Jordan follows Portia to the bathroom, and asks if she’s okay. Portia says she’s fine, and Jordan asks if she’s sure. It can’t be easy. Portia tells her, she never said anything was easy. She loved Taggert very much, but he was never going to let go of his work. Jordan says, Taggert loved her and Trina; she has to know that. Portia says, she does know that, but so what? When it came down to choosing between them and his job, she and Trina never stood a chance.
Trina tells Josslyn and Cameron to talk to her about anything; college volleyball, even soccer, which is only interesting every four years when they compete for the World Cup. Josslyn says she wants a distraction? Something right in front of her to keep her focused? Trina says she does, and Josslyn says, college visits. She’s looking at schools in Florida, but her mom isn’t happy about that. Trina sees Curtis, and asks what the hell he’s doing there.
Trina says Curtis is the reason her father is dead. Because of him, all she has left is the burial flag. Everyone says she should be grateful to him for saving her life, but he should have saved her father. Portia comes over, and asks, what’s wrong? Trina says she wants him gone. She says, Curtis? and Curtis says, Portia? Trina says, they know each other? Jordan is like, hmm…
Sonny says he heard as soon as the charges were dropped, Nelle sued Michael for full custody. Michael tells him not to worry. He saw it coming, and he was ready. He took a leave of absence from ELQ, so he could focus on his son, and providing a home that no judge will want to take Wiley away from. Sonny understands where Michael is coming from, but says he loves running ELQ. Michael says it’s nothing in comparison to his son. There’s something else. He’s been dreading Brad’s trial, and having to listen to Nelle justify taking his son away. Sonny tells him not to worry. Things have a way of working out.
Julian tells Brad that he’ll do what he can, and Brad asks what Julian wants in return. Julian says he wants Brad quiet. If Brad cares about Lucas, don’t take one more thing from him. Brad says, meaning Julian, and Julian says Lucas has lost Wiley and Brad, and he’s the last thing Lucas has. Brad says, so Julian gets away with keeping Wiley from his family, while he takes the fall.
Alexis goes to the hearing. Dr. Crouse introduces herself and thanks Alexis for coming. Alexis says she’s happy to clear things up. Neil arrives, and Dr. Crouse suggests they get started. They’re here to review a complaint against Neil. She’s read their statements, and asks if Neil has anything to add. He says, not at this time, and she says, then they’ll be hearing from the other party first.
Trina says, Curtis and her mother know each other? Portia says, they used to, and Curtis says he didn’t mean to interrupt. He’s just there to pay his respects. Laura says, it’s her fault. She thought Curtis should be there. Portia thanks her, and Laura says she knew Taggert twenty years ago. He was a wonderful man and a dedicated cop. Trina says, now he’s dead. Why is everyone being nice to this man, when he’s the one responsible? She’s done. She runs off, and Cameron and Josslyn say they’ve got this, and follow her. Mac asks if Curtis wants a drink, but he says he’s good. Mac asks what about Ava? and she says, her? Yeah.A vodka martini with three olives. Jordan watches Curtis and Portia look at each other.
Portia tells Curtis, she’s so sorry. Forgive her daughter. Curtis tells her, Trina said nothing he hasn’t been telling himself. Portia says Trina owes him her life, but he says Trina’s father saved her life. He was just backup. She asks how long it’s been since they’ve seen each other, and he says, years, adding, he’s sorry for her loss.
Outside the bathroom, Cameron says they’re taking too long; he’s coming in. He asks if everything is okay, and Josslyn says, it’s all good, more or less. Trina says the less is that her father is gone, and the man responsible is an old friend of her mom’s. How twisted is that? Cameron knows she doesn’t want to hear this, and she says, then don’t say it. He tells her, he’s glad she’s alive, and she says he didn’t see what happened. Her dad against all those guys. Curtis dragged her away, and she can’t be grateful. Josslyn says, she got to say goodbye. If she can’t be grateful that she was saved, be grateful for the extra time she had with her dad. She doesn’t have to pretend. Cameron guesses he’s pretending too, but he’s not doing half as good a job. The whole morning was terrible. He’s glad he’s there, but knows it’s terrible for them too. Josslyn says, it is, and hugs Trina. Cameron comes in from the other side for a three-way hug.
Elizabeth tells Portia, they were so close to losing their kids, and Portia commends Trina’s support system. Ava says, Trina has a lot of people she can count on, including her. Portia says, what a wonderful role model. Ava says, it’s her husband’s memorial, and Portia can say what she wants. Curtis asks if Jordan is okay, and she says, it’s another reminder of life cut short. She asks how come he never mentioned he knew Trina’s mother, and he says he hadn’t realized who Trina’s mother was until just now.
Laura approaches Ava, and says she wondered if Nikolas would be joining her. Elizabeth says she was just asking about him. Ava says, Nikolas. Poor man, moping around that big house, looking like he lost his best friend. She’s hoping Elizabeth and Franco can join them for dinner sometime.
Brad tells Julian, the best thing to do for Lucas, is tell him his father lied every step of the way. Julian says he wouldn’t say every step. He’s kept Brad’s secret for the last few months, but he’s not the one who stole Wiley; that was Brad and Nelle. And he wouldn’t be part of this mess if Brad hadn’t begged him to keep the secret. He tells Brad, stick to the script, and he’ll take care of the rest.
Michael asks how Lucy is, and Sasha says, the same as always. She asks what his dad wanted, and he says Sonny was just checking on him, and wanting to solve all of his problems. Sasha says, everyone thinks they know what’s best for him and Wiley, and he says, it’s the story of his life. She says, he knows better than anyone what’s best for Wiley, and asks if he has any thoughts about Diane’s advice. He says, in olden times, the primary purpose of marriage was a business transaction – property, armies, money – it wasn’t about love. Sasha says she’s practically swooning, and he says, to a degree, it’s still like that. Maybe what Diane is expecting is for him to get down on one knee. As a lawyer she thinks marriage will help his custody case. Sasha wonders if he’s asking her.
Brad wonders where to begin, when Sonny walks in.
Dr. Crouse says, a complaint was filed that Neil and Alexis have a personal relationship, and asks if there’s any factual basis. Alexis says, the facts are as follows. They found themselves in the same venue – Bingo. She won, and doesn’t typically win that kind of thing, so she was super excited and kissed him impulsively. Nothing romantic; it was strictly out of joy. Dr. Crouse says, from winning at Bingo? and Alexis asks if she’s ever won. Dr. Crouse says she has, and there’s nothing like it. Does they have anything else to add regarding the relationship? Neil says, no, and Alexis says, actually, yes. She asks the board to take into account, Neil’s acumen as a therapist. Her daughter Kristina ended up in a cult, Dawn of Day. Dr. Crouse says she’s familiar with it, and she’s sorry to hear Alexis’s daughter got embroiled in it. Alexis says, Kristina’s father hired Neil to extricate her, and he was very successful. He led Kristian back to her family, and she has a healthy relationship with herself again. If not for Neil, Alexis would have no relationship with her daughter today. Dr. Bern is a very good therapist. He helps people; sometimes in sessions, and sometimes as a friend. After their sessions ended… Dr. Crouse says, they became friends? Alexis says, it’s a small town, and they run into each other, and frequent some of the same places. It would be ridiculous if when one of them walked in, the other walked out. They’ve chatted, and she wouldn’t say they’re friends, but friendly. Dr. Crouse says the board recognizes that Neil is a gifted therapist, which is why it’s even more imperative that he do what’s right. She asks Alexis to tell them in her own words, of what nature is her relationship with Neil?
Ava tells Elizabeth, let’s have dinner soon, and moves on. Laura tells Elizabeth that she guesses it wasn’t the place to say she wouldn’t be taking Ava up one it, and Elizabeth says she’d be fine blowing it off, but it will be hard to talk Franco out of it. Ava and Nikolas are up to something. Laura says, of course (🍷) they are. Trina comes back, and Portia asks if she’s okay now. Trina says she’s feeling better, and Portia suggests they go home. Ava tells Trina, it’s okay for her not to rush back to work, and Portia says, how kind of her, allowing Trina to mourn her dead father. Ava says she knows what a terrific multi-tasker their girl is. She’s sure Trina had it in her head to come in tomorrow. Trina says she was going to come by today, but Ava says she’ll do no such thing. Take her time. Her internship is waiting. Trina says they’ll talk later.
Elizabeth asks if she can give Josslyn a ride, but Josslyn says, Sonny has a car waiting. Cameron says, and bodyguards, and Elizabeth says, you can never be too safe. They look at Taggert’s picture, and Josslyn tells Cameron, she knows she’s said this a hundred times, but she’s glad he’s okay. They hug. Elizabeth tells Josslyn, be careful and stay safe. Jordan looks at her phone, and Curtis asks if it’s a text from TJ. She says, yeah, and the text reads that he needs time away to think things over. Don’t worry. Curtis says, TJ is licking his wounds. He’ll work it out. She says she’s not worried, but texts back for TJ to call and leave a message. She wants to hear his voice. She tells Curtis, she’s just verifying.
Dr. Crouse says, before they answer, she wants to emphasize that the patient review board is relying on their honest, concise, and forthright answers. She’s asking for what she hopes will be the last time, what is the nature of their relationship? Alexis says her relationship with Neil is strictly professional. Outside of the incident she told them about, their relationship has been cordial. She was his patient, and he was her therapist.
Michael tells Sasha, he’s willing to protect his son by any means necessary, but a marriage of convenience isn’t fair to anyone, especially her. Sasha appreciates him saying that, but if he was considering it, she would understand. He says he has no desire to create an instafamily for appearances sake, and she says she’s glad they’re on the same page. He says, but if the day ever came that he decided to get married, he would want it to be for the right reasons. Wouldn’t she? I wonder if I’m watching The Bachelor for a moment, and Sasha says absolutely. They can’t let anyone else dictate how they live. How they live is up to them, not Diane, and certainly not Nelle. They hug.
Brad asks what Sonny is going to do to him. Sonny says, that depends on what Brad says in the courtroom.
Tomorrow, Laura says they’ll use Cyrus’s own tactics against him, Brook visits Mike, and Sonny tells Brad to plead guilty.
The Haves and The Have Nots
After all he’s done to his mother and father, Wyatt thinks he wants to. Kathryn says she’s heard all of this before. She thinks he’s in jail and safe, and tells him to leave her alone. He asks if she knows how easy it is for him to kill himself there. He shows her a shank made from a toothbrush, and says, you can easily get a shank like this; it has a razor inside, and you can slit your wrists. She tells him, don’t do anything stupid, and he says, it’s just a way out. Doesn’t she think they’ll be happy if he does this? She says she’s not playing around, and he says neither is he. She calls for the guard, but he says he timed it so they’d be on shift change. Tell dad he’s sorry. He cuts his wrist, and she yells again for the guard.
Wyatt says, it shouldn’t be too long, and Kathryn tells him to put pressure on it. He says, it’s all too much, and she says she loves him. He says he knows, but he just can’t do this anymore. She continues to call for the guard, and Wyatt says, tell dad he loves him. Kathryn says he’ll be able to tell his dad himself; don’t do this. He tells her, don’t panic. They’ll all be much happier. She says they both love him, and he says he thought she said she didn’t. She says she gets upset sometimes. She cries, saying she gets angry and says things. He says, the truth always comes out. When he was seven, she always blamed the banana fosters. He loved those. She begs him to put pressure on it, and calls for the guard, but he says, doesn’t she want their last conversation to be one of peace? He loved those banana fosters; they were so good. He’d come home from boarding school, and be so excited to see her and dad, and asked her make him a banana foster. After a week, she’d start yelling at him; they’d get sick of him. Does she remember that? They were screaming because of something dad made her do. That’s the day the priest did to him what he did, and all he wanted was a banana foster to make him feel better. He just wanted her to hug him, but she looked at him, and made him feel so sad. He starts to slump, and falls. She screams his name, and sinks to the ground, sobbing. She calls for the guard again. I guess it must be a long shift change.
Jim’s thug comes into his hospital room, and says, Jim wanted to see him? Jim says it’s his lucky day; he’s giving another chance. The thug says, sorry, but Jim says, don’t be. This has nothing to do with the Malones. This one is easy. Veronica Harrington. He wants her. The thug asks how long Jim wants her held, and Jim says he wants her killed. He wants her dead, and he wants it to look like an accident. How does he think he’ll do it? The thug says he’s not sure, and Jim says, understand. It needs to look like an accident. The thug says, a car accident? but Jim says, something big; catastrophic. She hangs around with thugs. Come up with something plausible. The thug leaves, and Jim’s phone rings.
It’s AG Kyle, who says he heard Jim had an issue. Jim says he’s as well as can expected, and Kyle says Jim’s colleague said Jim wanted to talk to him. What’s going on? Jim asks if it’s a secure line, and Kyle says it is. Is Jim’s? Jim says, yes, and tells Kyle that he wants to talk about the situation. Kyle says he’s all over that, and Jim asks when he’s reaching out. Kyle says, tomorrow, but he can’t do anything about the other part. It’s a murder charge. Before, it was just conspiracy. Jim asks if Kyle is sure there’s nothing he can do, and Kyle says, it’s highly unlikely, but Jim says, at least try. Kyle says the little favor Jim did about Candace doesn’t pay this kind of debt. Jim says he can be helpful to Kyle if given the chance, and Kyle says, okay; he’ll consider it. Jim thanks him, and Kyle tells him, try to stay out of trouble. Jim says, not a chance in hell, and Kyle says he’s learning that about Jim. They’ll talk soon. Jim hangs up, and wonders, what the hell is going on?
Kyle tells Scott that Jim was calling in a favor, and Scott asks what Jim wants Kyle to do. Kyle says Jim wants him to help his wife, and Scott says, it’s a murder charge. Kyle says, Jim is something else. He thinks the little info he gave Kyle on Candace is enough. Scott tells him, be careful with Jim. These are the kind of people he has to watch, and not take for granted. There’s something going on with Candace. The press has turned the tide; they’re murdering him, and consoling her. Someone is behind this. Kyle has a gut feeling Scott knows who it is, but Scott insists he doesn’t. He tells Kyle, be careful with that Cryer guy, and Kyle says, just do his job.
Benny finds Mitch waiting for him as he drives up in his new truck. Mitch asks what the hell he’s doing with that thing, and Benny says it’s his. Mitch asks, how? and Benny says Candace set him up, so he bought two. Let’s get back in. Mitch asks where Candace is, and Benny says, she had to make a stop, but said she’d be back before she left. He wants to get the towing back up, and get at it with Mitch. Mitch asks how he got the money, and Benny says, don’t worry. Candace gave him a lot. Mitch says, it was nice of her, and Benny says Hanna is going to be mad as hell, but it’ll be all right. Mitch hopes the both of them will be all right, and Benny says, Hanna will be mad, but he’s not worried about Jim. If Jim comes after him, he’ll be ready with his badass truck. A horn beeps, and Candace pulls up, also in a new truck. Mitch says they all got big boy trucks, and Benny says they’re doing big boy things. Mitch asks if he can borrow Candace’s truck, and she says she bought it for him. She tosses Mitch the keys, and says she’s tired of seeing him drive around in that… He says his car is vintage, and she says, it’s a piece of junk. Mitch thanks her, and Benny wonders why Candace got the truck for Mitch; he didn’t do nothin’. Candace says, he saved Benny’s life; be happy for him. Benny says, all right. Candace says she has to pack for the airport, and they go inside.
Mitch says his new truck is bad as hell, and he and Benny fist bump. Benny says, they’re back in action. He realizes Hanna is there, and she says, so this is how it is. She asks what Candace got, and Candace says, nothing. Hanna says, no red bottoms? Her brother was kidnapped, and her baby was killed. Benny says, mom, but she tells him, shut up; she’s talking. She asks what they’re going to do when Jim comes for him, but Benny says, he won’t. She asks how he knows, and Benny says, he just knows. She says he’s crazy, and asks Candace, did you do something gansta, princess? Candace says, no, and Hanna says he’s coming, but Mitch says, he won’t. Hanna asks if he was in this conversation, and how does he know? Mitch says he talked to Jim. His family can be persuasive. Benny says, Mitch talked to Jim? Mitch says he did, and Benny asks what he said. Mitch says he told Jim that he can’t mess with them anymore. Hanna says her family is now gangster talking kids, and Benny says he knows she’s upset, but she’ll get over it. Candace gave him a million dollars.
Hanna says, a million dollars? and Benny says he’s keeping every dime. She says, then get out. He says he knew she’d say that, and if she likes, he’ll be glad to leave. Hanna says, so this is how it is, and Benny says, sorry. She tells him, get his sh*t, and get out. He says he thinks he’ll get a house; something small, around $200K. When Hanna calms down, she can come live with him. She wants no part of his gangster lifestyle, and he says when she’s tired of freeloading, let him know. She says she’s tired of her children not knowing how to do the right thing. They’re grown. She tells Benny, it won’t last, and he says he’s going to enjoy it while it does. She says she expected it from Candace. She was holding out hope, but wondering how long before Candace went back to her old ways. Candace says she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Sorry. Hanna tells her, get her stuff and leave. When she comes back, she wants them both gone. And if they come back, the police will be there. She’ll have them arrested for stealing money. Candace says they didn’t steal it, and Hanna says they’ll let the police decide. She’s always said, she’d rather see Candace alive and in jail, than dead in the street. She can’t believe them. She leaves, and Mitch says, she is pissed. Benny says, she’ll be all right, and Mitch wants to take a spin in his new truck. He goes to do that, and Candace sits on the couch, with her head in her hands. Benny says he knows she’s not feeling bad. He suggests they get her stuff, and get hell out.
David goes back to his house. Jeffrey is lying on the couch, and asks if he’s sneaking in. David says, no, and Jeffrey says, it looks that way. He’s tiptoeing around like the Grinch. David asks if Jeffrey was sleeping, and Jeffrey says, this early? David says he knows Jeffrey likes to nap, but Jeffrey says he wasn’t asleep. Does David want to talk about it? David says, what? and Jeffrey says, what he saw. David says Jeffrey is a grown man, and Jeffrey asks if he minds that it was in the house? David says, no, and Jeffrey asks if he minds that it was Madison. David repeats, Jeffrey is grown. He does have a problem with what he saw, but it’ll be fine. Jeffrey asks why David is avoiding him, and David says he didn’t expect to see all that. Jeffrey asks if it weirded him out? and David says, to be honest, yes. Sorry. Jeffrey says, don’t be sorry, but David says, it’s who Jeffrey is. He’s just never seen it before. Jeffrey says, not even in college? and David says, no. Jeffrey says, damn, and David says he grew up in a different time. Jeffrey asks what gay people did back then, and David supposes they hid their sexuality; a lot of them were in the closet. Jeffrey guesses they had to be afraid, and says, it’s sad. David says he doesn’t want that for Jeffrey. He wants Jeffrey to be free. He says if Jeffrey had been with a girl, he wouldn’t feel this way. Jeffrey asks, what way? and David says he doesn’t know how he’s feeling. He needs time to deal. He tells Jeffrey that he loves him, and Jeffrey says he loves David too. David says, no matter who Jeffrey is sleeping with, just make sure they’re a consenting adult. He says he bought Jeffrey something, and Jeffrey says he saw it, but he doesn’t need a fifty pack of condoms. David says, they were on sale, and Jeffrey thanks him. I loved this scene. There was just the right amount of uncomfortable, and lots of love.
David asks if Jeffrey really likes Madison, and Jeffrey says, he’s still getting to know him. He knows what it’s like. David can’t tell him that he never had sex with someone he was still trying to get to know. David says he does, and he likes Madison better than Justin (said everybody). He’s happy for Jeffrey. Jeffrey says he and Madison are supposed to go out to dinner, and asks if it’s okay if Madison comes over afterward. David says, sure, but please, lock his door. Jeffrey and I laugh, and Jeffrey says, make sure to knock next time. David says he loves Jeffrey, and he’s a little embarrassed, but he’ll get over it. He tells Jeffrey, enjoy his dinner. Jeffrey says security phone him, and David says not to panic. It’s necessary. Jeffrey asks if David thinks Veronica will try it again, and David says he knows she will. Jeffrey says, damn, and David asks if Jeffrey loves his mother. Jeffrey says, she makes it harder every day. Why is he asking? David says he just wants to be sure. Jeffrey asks what he’s thinking, and David says he’s not thinking anything; he’s just asking. Jeffrey says David doesn’t ask if there’s not a reason. Is he going to do something to her? David tells him, have a nice time, and tell Madison he said hello. Jeffrey says, should something happen to his mother, he understands. He asks if a guard is going to follow him, and David says the guard will keep his distance. He’ll keep an eye out, and look out for his mother’s henchmen. Relax and enjoy himself. They’ll talk more later.
Scott says, Kyle wanted to see him? Kyle says they may have an issue. Senator Connelly Westlake. Charles wants to make him the AG. Scott says they were expecting it, but Kyle says they weren’t expecting him to get up in his bonnet over Candace. He was really upset. Scott says, Connelly has no reason to be upset about a whore, and Kyle says, well, he is. Kyle wonders if Charles is in love with Candace; impossible. Scott says, he’d be a fool, as would anyone who falls for a piece of ass. Kyle says the reason he called is, they need to make sure everything was done by the book, especially the last eight years. He doesn’t want Connelly opening an investigation about them. Scott says he’s on it, and Kyle says, itshould already be done. Scott says he’ll make sure it’s done correctly. Kyle says he thinks Scott might need to get rid of any evidence. He thinks she recognized him when she robbed him. Clean it up, and make it look like accident. Make it look a suicide. Charles will be heartbroken. Make sure it’s on Federal property, so they can make a Federal case out of it. Scott says, say goodbye to the President’s mistress.
Laura tidies up, and Veronica says she likes it a lot; Laura is good. She tells Laura that she needs to pick up the dry cleaning and to take her car. Laura protests, but Veronica says Laura isn’t taking her five grand suits on the bus. She says Laura is a sweet girl, and Laura tells Veronica, her mom… Veronica interrupts, and tells her she has a job to do, and Veronica just expects her to do it. Laura says, sorry, and Veronica says, don’t be sorry; be better. There’s a knock at the door, and Laura answers it. She tells Veronica, he said his name is Rondell (yay! a name!), and Veronica says, let him in. Rondell walks in, and Veronica asks, what’s going on? He says he just came to holler at her. They’re out for her. She asks, who? and he says he doesn’t know; a foreign dude. She says, it’s probably David, and he says she needs to watch her back for real. She says her back is fine, and he asks if she’s sure she doesn’t need muscle around, but she says he’s not muscly enough. She sort of flirts with him, and takes his hand, asking if they’re good, now that she paid for his brother’s funeral and his kids’ tuition. He says they are, but she needs to lay low until this blows over. The dude who’s looking for her ain’t a good dude. She says she can handle it, and he says she ain’t scared of nothing, is she? She says, not really. Except the whore he’s sleeping with. He says he’s been checked, but she says he’s not touching her until she sees the blood test. He says he’s glad they’re cool now, and to let him know if she wants anything. He leaves, and she says, damn. Weed and malt liquor. Veronica has to do better than this. She calls for Laura, saying, Lucy bring the air freshener please.
Madison and Jeffrey go out to dinner, and Madison thanks Jeffrey for asking him out. Jeffrey says he didn’t really ask Madison out, and Madison guesses he’s right; he demanded it. Jeffrey says he hopes Madison brought his wallet, and Madison says he hopes Jeffrey brought his appetite. Jeffrey says he did, and Madison says, how about his sexual one? Jeffrey says, that was lame, and Madison says, don’t act like he didn’t want to finish. Jeffrey asks if they’re really talking about that right now, and Madison says they can talk later. He tells Jeffrey, for someone who’s trying so hard to resist, he seems to be getting excited. Jeffrey asks how Madison knows that, and Madison says, when Jeffrey is excited, he acts like he’s not interested. He needs to lighten up. Jeffrey asks, what’s on the menu? and Madison says, him. Jeffrey asks what’s wrong with him? and Madison asks if Jeffrey can blame him. Since day one, when he saw Jeffrey, he wondered, who is that? Jeffrey says he did too, and Madison says, then don’t act like he didn’t want the same thing. Jeffrey says he did, and asks if they can order now. Madison asks if Jeffrey is in a hurry, and Jeffrey says, the sooner the meal is over, the sooner they can leave. Madison calls, waiter! and they order.
Laura goes home to her apartment, and her boyfriend? husband? asks where she’s been. She says she got the job. He says, with Veronica? and she says, yes. He says, it’s the score they’ve been looking for. He asks how Veronica is, and Laura says, she’s a bitch. He wouldn’t believe it. She needs him to case the place, and he says he could do his pool boy thing. She doesn’t like it, but he says, it’s the best way in. She agrees, telling him to do what he’s got to. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too. He says they’re about to be so rich. She says, they are, and she’s so horny. She tells him, take his clothes off, and he asks if she’s got dollars. She says, it’s on credit. Tonight’s a good night, and she’s going to cash in. He takes his shirt off, and she grabs his belt, pulling him closer. He kisses her, and carries her to the bedroom. Since she never once called him by name, I picked up one character’s name, only for a nameless one to negate it.
Candace tells Benny, Hanna is pissed. Benny says he knows, and she says they were just getting on good terms. Benny says, it’s crazy for her to think they weren’t taking the money. Candace says she almost didn’t, and Benny says she would have regretted it for the rest of her life. She says she’s not looking back, and Benny picks up his laptop. He says he’s looking up Derrick, and Candace says, for what? He says Derrick pissed mom off, but Candace says, let it go; she’s serious. He shows her a mug shot, and says, dude is in jail. He reads something, and asks if the man who raped Hanna didn’t have a lion tattoo on his chest. He and Candace look at each other, and I think he knows Candace knows who Derrick is.
The Haves and The Have Nots returns in the fall.
Vanderpump Rules
Fingers crossed that James does something stupid. Oh, wait. If he’s in this episode, he’ll be doing something stupid. No finger crossing necessary.
Kentucky Castle, Versailles, Kentucky. Brittany thanks everyone for coming. Jax says, they’ve come a long way, and he and Brittany appreciate it. A guy walks through the guests to the front, and says he’s a Junior Detective with the New York Police Department, and wherever he goes, murder seems to follow. In her interview, Brittany says, it’s a murder mystery party. The guy says he’s recruiting them be amateur detectives. In Stassi’s interview, she says everyone who knows her, knows she loves murder and solving mysteries. This is the role she was born to play. We see what looks like an old black and white film, with the title of The Case of the Kentucky Castle Killer. The guests try to solve the mystery, and in her interview, Stassi says, it’s legit the most romantic thing she’s ever seen.
One hour later. The pseudo detective asks, who had the most motive? and Lala guesses correctly. He says, Lindsay killed her brother, and the person playing her says she had no choice; he was running the business into the ground. In Lala’s interview, she says Lindsay’s dad wasn’t leaving the company to her because she’s a woman, so she killed her brother. Lala tells Stassi, you can’t overthink the game; she never asked one question. Brittany’s niece Presley, comes over to where Stassi and Lala are sitting, and switches her wristlet for Stassi’s designer purse.
Lala tells Katie that she’s confused about Carter. He and Kristen aren’t together, but he’s coming to the wedding. Katie says, he was only invited as a guest, not on his own. Lala asks Kristen if Carter is her date, and Kristen says he deserves to be at the wedding. He’s her best friend. We flash back to their train wreck of a relationship, and Stassi asks if Kristen can’t be real for one second. She’s tried to have conversations with Kristen, but she won’t be honest. Lala says they care about her well-being. Kristen tells Katie that she’s a bitch, and she knows it’s hard for Stassi. Because Kristen is conflicted, Stassi doesn’t know where she stands, and she’s being obnoxious. Brittany swoops down on them, and says, no more fighting. In Kristen’s interview, she says she feels like she’s on a friendship peninsula that’s turning into an island. Her two best friends want nothing to do with her. She can’t imagine doing that to anyone.
At SUR, Dayna and Adriana (not Madix) commiserate about the restaurant being busy. Adriana asks what’s the deal with Dayna and Max, and Dayna says they’re exclusive and dating. Adriana says, this is awkward, but she saw Max with another girl. He didn’t see her, but he was with a girl, and they seemed friendly. It was right after Pride, and she told Danica about it. They stalked the girl on Instagram, and she thinks she found her. She shows Dayna a picture, and Dayna says, that’s TomTom’s Pride shirt. In her interview, Dayna says the shirts were made for Pride at TomTom’s, and Max was the only person who had them. He didn’t even give her one. Adriana says Dayna knows what happened with her and Max, right? It’s the same pattern. Dayna says she literally (she loves that word like Christian Siriano loves awesome) feels sick. In her interview, she says, everybody was right about Max.He’s a f***boy. Adriana says, Max is not a good guy, and Dayna says, wow.
Stassi’s mother is there for the wedding, and in Stassi’s interview, she says, Brittany is so into family, she let them invite anyone they were related to. Brittany says they’re getting mani/pedis tomorrow, and she’s so excited. Lala tells Brittany that she’s marrying the love of her life, and they’ve gone through some sh*t. In Brittany’s interview, she says she and Jax planned everything together, and it’s weird he’s not there tonight. She’s hoping he’s okay. In Jax’s interview, he says he stayed in. He needed time to himself, and to spend with his father. He knows his father is out there, and when he thinks about him too much, he goes into a hole. He wants to make his father proud. Getting hammered isn’t it, which is why he’s not going. He’s doing what he thinks is right. Lala asks Brittany about Lisa, and Brittany says she texted Lisa before they left L.A. She told Lisa not to stress about the wedding.
Beau wonders who will cry. Tom says, if Brittany cries, he’s going to cry, and they hug. Kristen asks Beau if he’s having fun. He says he is, and she says they were friends even before he met Stassi. He says he’s still her boy, but it’s different now. He and Stassi are in a relationship, and Stassi is his number one. At this point, Kristen leaves the real world, and says she’s tired of everyone coming down on her about Carter. She and Stassi were arguing earlier, and she wants to know why she’s being dragged for something that’s hard for her. No one is asking if she’s cool. She calls him self-involved, says, screw you, and goes off on him for favoring his girlfriend over her. In Beau’s interview, he says Kristen is giving him anxiety just listening. She talks to you and over you, and doesn’t get it. Beau suggests they get unselfish, and focus on Brittany and Jax. They clink plastic cups.
Brittany tells Jax, one more day. She wishes he would get a pedicure, but he says he wouldn’t do that to someone. Wedding planner Mitchell knocks on the door, and brings in what looks like a small woodgrain upscale cooler. In Jax’s interview, he says his dad has been in a box for two years. He talked to Mitchell about what to keep him in. He likes to take him out, and put him in the front seat for a drive, or take him out in the backyard. Jax gets all emotional, and thanks Mitchell.
Everyone nurses their hangovers, and gets ready to go to the pool. Lala stops by Scheana and Kristen’s room She asks if Kristen is grumpy, and Scheana says Lala was kind of yelling at Kristen. Lala thinks they have a different point of view about yelling. Kristen says she’s tired of it. You don’t treat the people you love like that.
Katie tells Schwartz that Kristen makes her feel psycho, and he says he lived with Kristen. She’s the only person he’s ever wanted to murder. Beau tells Stassi about how Kristen got upset when he told her that Stassi was number one in his life. Stassi says, Kristen needs to understand that she’s not number one in someone else’s boyfriend’s life. In Stassi’s interview, she says, when Kristen slept with Jax, she had to get over it. She doesn’t like when Kristen texts Beau to discuss a falling out with her. She thought nothing could shake their unbreakable bond, but no, sh*t can. She tells Beau, Kristen is a psychopath, and Beau suggests they stay on opposite sides of the pool. Stassi says, once the wedding is over, she’s saying goodbye to Kristen.
Schwartz and Jax stop by to get Beau on their way to the pool. The guys ask what Jax did last night, and he says he watched Friends. He can’t do three nights in a row of drinking. Schwartz says he was never legally married, since there was no license. Stassi is shook. In Schwartz’s interview, he says it was his duty was to make sure the license was in a secure place, and he lost it. It was a piece of paper, and he didn’t understand it was important. He let it slip to the one guy he shouldn’t have let it slip to (Jax?), and now that the cat is out of the bag, he needs to tell everyone first. Stassi asks how he and Katie do their taxes, and he says, married, separately. She says, but they’re not married. In his interview, Jax says he never thought he’d be the first guy out of the group to be married.
At the pool, Stassi says she’s upset with Katie. She thought they had no secrets, and Katie isn’t married. In Katie’s interview, she says she planned the entire wedding. This is on Schwartz. We see a clip of them with Lisa at their wedding, and Lisa asking about the license. Tom says he doesn’t know where it is. Stassi shouts that Schwartz and Katie are single.
Scheana tells Lala about James blowing up her and Raquel’s phones, after Raquel went out drinking with her and some other friends. She had twenty-two missed calls. Ariana says, James was texting Raquel messed up stuff, and she warned Raquel that she was going to start believing what James was saying if it continues. Scheana says Raquel and James talked, and James said he’d go to an AA meeting. Lala asks if she’s sure he said he’d go to a meeting, and Scheana tells her, he’s never said that before. Lala says, it’s the first step. In Lala’s interview, she says she’s seen James at his best, and she’s happy for him. She tells Scheana, she’d be more than happy to talk to him about her experience, and Scheana thinks that would mean something. Lala says she’ll reach out. Right now, she has to pick Rand up.
Tom asks Brittany if they’re going to Lexington tonight, and she says they’re going to a cool speakeasy for a meet and greet, then the girls and guys are separating. Stassi sees Kristen talking to her mom, and says Kristen is tainting her brain. In her interview, Stassi says Kristen latches on to her friends and family, and talks to them and texts them. She sees Stassi’s mother more than she does. She tells Katie about how Kristen got mad that Beau wouldn’t put her first, and Katie thinks it’s weird. So do I. He’s not her brother for God’s sake.
Max comes by Dayna’s apartment, and she asks if he has anything he thinks he needs to tell her. He says, no, and she says, he’s not dating this girl? She shows him the picture, and he says, no, but he sure looks guilty. He said he’d been seeing her in San Diego, and then she moved there. Dayna asks if she moved there for him, and he says he was easing her off of him (oh please). Dayna asks why she has a Pride shirt, and he says he gave one to everyone. She asks when was the last time he saw her. He says after Pride, and Dayna asks if they went out alone. He says they did, and Dayna asks if he screwed her. He says, no, and in his interview, he says he’s tired of defending himself. They went to lunch, and it was like lunch with his mom. He threw a shirt at her before they parted company. It’s not like she was naked in his bed and had no shirt to wear. He tells Dayna, he feels awful about how she feels, but he’s wondering if this is a good idea. Dayna says, screw it. She’s not into this bullsh*t; this is done. Max says, that’s it? In Dayna’s interview, she says she’s hurt right now. This is not how she saw things going with him. She has sensitivity to someone wasting her time or not valuing her. She puts his necklace in the litter box, and swirls it around. She tells the cat, when she sees him at TomTom, hitting on every girl and their mother, she’ll know he’s wearing a poo necklace, and she’ll feel better about that.
At the speakeasy, Stassi and Katie try to avoid Kristen. Ran arrives, and there are hugs all around. Everyone goes into shock when they see he brought Lisa. Brittany starts crying, and hugs her. Lisa hugs Jax, and says, it was last minute. She thought she’d be in London, but the funeral was delayed until next week. In her interview, she says the funeral was happening later than she thought it would, and she realized she could make the wedding. She called Rand, and said they needed to get there asap. Puffy! She’s there to support Brittany and Jax, and show how happy she is for them. She can stand in the gap, since Jax’s mother isn’t there. In the light of losing her own mother, she understands the importance. Jax says, it means so much to him.
Jax sit with Lisa, and outside the window, Lexington’s Gay Pride is going on. Jax says he’s got to laugh. Lisa asks if his mother had any reaction to the wedding weekend, but he says he doesn’t know. His godmother Jane is giving him away. He chokes up, and says they’re the family he has, since he only has his sister Jenny. He appreciates Lisa being there. In his interview, he says she’s been like a mother to him since they met. He looks up to her, and since he has no parents there, having an alternate parent is wonderful.
Brittany keeps up her mantra of I’m getting married. Stassi can’t believe Lisa is there, and says Lisa won’t believe what she found out. Lisa asks if it’s something important, and Stassi says she thinks Lisa might laugh. Tom and Katie aren’t legally married. Lisa asks what she’s talking about. In Lisa’s interview, she says, you’ve got to be effing kidding. All the effort she put into writing the vows – we flash back to the ceremony – and they’re not even married. She put more into it than they did. Everyone looks out the window to see Beau line dancing. Stassi says she loves it so much. In her interview, she says it warms her heart that he’s extra. It makes life lively, and he brings the energy up wherever he goes. She’s not like that.
James goes to TomTom, and orders a Coke. He tells Max it’s weird that no one is there except them. Max says, someone has to run TomTom. They marvel at Jax getting married, and Max says he’s clearly not happy about what happened with Dayna. James asks if they were going official, and Max says they weren’t official, but he liked hanging out with her. Someone brought out an old girlfriend, and created a story when they saw them at lunch. Now they’re kind of ending it, and it’s a mess. In his interview, Max says it would have been fine if everyone had stayed out of their business. Max tells James, Danica has been saying negative stuff. In his interview, he says, Danica has been effing stuff up since day one. He doesn’t understand why she wants to sabotage him. He tells James, he wants to 86 Danica. James says Raquel gave him an ultimatum. She wants him to quit drinking; he thought she was about to whip him. Max can’t see Raquel mad, and James says he agreed with what she said. In James’s interview, he says he and Raquel talked about his drinking. He hasn’t gone to a meeting yet, and doesn’t want to. He doesn’t want to drive across town, and talk to a bunch of people, eating donuts in a cold room, and listening to their stories. But if Raquel wants him to go, he’ll go. She means everything to him. Yeah. I can tell by the way he treats her.
20 hours until the ceremony. Jax asks if everything is okay, and Brittany says they’re getting married tomorrow. He asks if she wants to call it off, and she says, never. Tom says, it’s surreal that their boy is getting married. It’s a moment he never thought would happen. In Tom’s interview, he says, this isn’t just any guy. It’s Jax-effing-Taylor. He’s banged at least 300 women, and that’s just at SUR. He was a f***boy before it was a phrase. Brittany tells Jax, it’s the last time they’re going to see each other before they walk down the aisle. Schwartz says, Jax used to do full-on speeches about not getting married, and called him a chump. In Schwartz’s interview, he says when he flash backs to when they lived together, and fast forwards to now, it’s surreal. Brittany tells Jax, the big day is tomorrow. He says he’s going to hang out with the guys, but he’s not drinking anymore. Brittany says, let’s party, but be good.
The girls gather. In Brittany’s interview, she says she told them all to being onesies of something that would live in a castle, like a princess, unicorn, or mermaid. She loves the fantasy world, and was raised on everything princess. Kristen walks around with her onesie half falling off, and in Stassi’s interview, she says, Kristen is oblivious, and can’t keep it together. Stassi says Brittany is going to be part of a new family, and Brittany says she gets a new sister tomorrow. They have a twerking contest. In her interview, Stassi wonders how everyone suddenly became twerking masters. She feels she’s at a disadvantage with her flat ass. The girls screech over Brittany getting married, and she hopes Jax isn’t still drinking. She thinks it’s time to call it a night.
At the guys’ party, Beau shows up dressed as a knight. In his interview, he says, they are in a castle. He’s Sir Ladles-a-lot. He slays soups, and drinks shots. When Jax comes in, they all chant his name. Tom says he has everything. He even brought tampons – top of the line tampons. In Jax’s interview, he says, Jax doesn’t want to go away quietly. This is his last dance. He drinks out of the bottle, and says he probably should stop drinking. He tells the others, he’s not going to lie; he’s pretty sh*tfaced. He never thought in a million years he’d get married, but Brittany is the best woman for him. We flash back to the beginning of their relationship, and in his interview, he says she’s his best friend; his partner in crime. He 100% believes the person he was before, wasn’t good enough for her. We flash back to all the problems they had, and he says, when he cheated, it was typical Jax, sabotaging his relationships. He didn’t make the best decisions. Brittany could have left at any time, but she didn’t. He put her through hell and back, and she deserves the world. Tom says he’s about to be married for the rest of his life, and Jax says he’s super happy. In his interview, Jax says he’ll have to work on the relationship for the rest of his life. It’s not as easy for him as it is with other people. His life is in a good place. He thinks he’s grown, and doesn’t see himself going down that road again.
Katie says Brittany is a princess in a tower, and Jax is the Beast. Brittany says, he’ll be a prince tomorrow. She says she’s excited, and it’s time for lights out. In Jax’s interview, he says he’s scared. His worst fear is Brittany not being happy anymore.
Next time, the wedding is here! Stassi tells Beau, a proposal is the one part of her life she doesn’t have control over; Kristen calls out Carter for being abusive; and Dayna asks if Max still has feelings for her.
💃🏾 I checked out Family Karma, and although I couldn’t give it my full attention, it looked like fun. I love seeing how other cultures live, and they seem like a colorful bunch. No doubt there will also be marvelous food porn throughout the season. You can check the cast out here:
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Preparing for the arraignment, Nelle practices saying she’s going to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help her God. Carly walks in, and says Nelle should probably try not to attract God’s attention. Nelle addresses Carly as the grandmother of her child, and says it’s wonderful to see her. Carly says, enjoy it while it lasts. She’ll be back in Pentenville to stay soon.
On the phone, Michael tells someone to reach out if there’s anything he needs to know about. He should only be gone a month. Sasha wonders what’s going on, and Michael says he’s taking a leave of absence to be a fulltime father. She says, good for him, and he says he doesn’t want her to think he’s a slacker. She says he’s happy, and happiness is hot. They kiss.
Willow sits in Rice Plaza, and a little boy drops his hot chocolate. She runs over to him, telling him it’s going to be okay. His father comes over, and Willow explains what happened, even though it’s obvious. The father says, thanks for… I guess he’s not sure what, because then he hustles his kid back to the hot chocolate cart. Willow goes back to the bench, and Chase comes by. He asks if she’s okay, and she hugs him.
Valentin has a drink at the MetroCourt bar, and Olivia tells him, Nina is on a photoshoot. Valentin says that’s Nina’s business, not his, and she asks who he’s stalking instead. He says he’s not. He’s just enjoying a cocktail and watching people.
Linc tells Brook, sorry; he needed to take a call. He told Miguel, it’s not retro; it’s just backward. (Making mental note of that one for future reference.) Brook suggests he try to grab Miguel’s ass, and Linc calls her a spitfire. It’s clear their partnership isn’t working, and she says extortion and sexual harassment aren’t working for her. What about him? He says he told her she’s free, and can assume full control of her career. All she has to do is sign over her shares of ELQ.
On the phone, Jordan says she was aware Taggert had a kid, but didn’t know Trina was in Port Charles until recently. It’s been a while since they’ve been in touch. No. That doesn’t make it hurt any less. Mac comes in, and sets up two shot glasses. Still on the phone, Jordan says they have no proof Cyrus was behind it yet, but her people are working non-stop. Mac pours the shots and hands her one.
Curtis meets Jason and Sonny near the coffee warehouse, and Jason thanks him for coming. Curtis says Jason told him that he wanted to meet, but didn’t mention he was bringing Sonny. Sonny says, Cyrus is a problem for all of them. They have to find a solution.
Jordan says, to Taggert, and Mac says, a damn fine cop, and they clink glasses. Mac asks if she’d like another, but she says, no. She needs to save something for the wake. Mac says he didn’t pop in just to raise a glass. He has a lead that he’s been holding off pursuing until he gets her take on it. She asks, why? What lead? and he says, her husband.
Sonny says Jason told him what happened, and it’s his understanding that Curtis did everything possible. Curtis says, except save Taggert. Jason says they had to get Trina out, and Sonny says, Taggert agreed it was the right call. Curtis says, it doesn’t feel that way.
Brook asks Linc why he wants the shares, and he says, dividends. He’s investing in his future. She asks if he even knows what ELQ does, and he says, does she? She throws some financial terms at him, and asks if he understands them. He says he doesn’t have to take a quiz, and she wonders why she’s going from recording contract hell, and being offered freedom for a company Linc knows nothing about. What’s he doing there, and what is he really after?
Olivia says, Carly might be okay with letting Valentin in there, but she’s co-owner, and reserves the right to throw him out. She might exercise that privilege now. He says he bears no ill will against the Quartermaines. Valentin flashes back to saying Michael doesn’t want him as an enemy, and tells Olivia, in fact, he thinks they have quite a lot in common.
Michael tells Sasha, he thinks it’s important that he be a fulltime father for a month or so. Wiley is going to miss Lucas and Brad. He asks if she and Willow had a chance to talk, and Sasha says, some. She knows Willow said she can’t see Wiley anymore. Michael says, Willow is worried Wiley will pick up on her sadness, and Sasha says, she’s not necessarily wrong. Michael says he respects Willow’s decision, but he practically begged her to stay in Wiley’s life. He can’t help but feel they both need each other. Willow might not be Wiley’s biological mother, but Wiley is a son to her in her heart, and infinitely better than his birth mom.
Willow tells Chase that she thought she’d watch the skaters. She didn’t mean to ruin their day. He says being there for her makes him feel useful, and she says she watched a boy drop something, and swooped in to make it better. The crying lady in the park. She’d run from herself too, if she could. So would Michael if he had any sense, but he insisted it was the opposite. She told him that she can’t be around Wiley, and he asked her to try and find a way. The more she thinks about it, the more she wants to.
Carly tells Nelle, she called it. She said it was only going to be a matter of time before Nelle screwed up and was sent back to prison. Zara tells Carly to stop antagonizing her client. Nelle introduces Carly to Zara, saying Carly is the grandmother to her child. Zara says she thought she recognized Carly; she met Carly’s husband. Carly says Sonny was impressed with her; not so much her client. Zara says, Shiloh was her client, and Carly says, not anymore. Zara says he was a man full of contradictions, and Carly says, they’re called lies. He was a rapist and conman, and the world is better off without him. Zara says, those are harsh words to say in front of his grieving widow. Carly laughs, and says Nelle just married him to get his ELQ shares. Nelle asks why Carly is being cruel, and Carly says Nelle tried to kill her son. She left him in a car she thought was going to explode, and gave Brad a child that he convinced Michael was his dead son. Zara says, of all people, Carly must be familiar with the word alleged, and Carly says, Nelle gave birth to Wiley, but she’s only ever allegedly been his mother.
Chase asks if Michael asked Willow to keep being Wiley’s nanny, but she says, it wasn’t like that. Wiley lost Lucas and Brad, and Michael thinks she can be a consistent presence in his life. Nothing has changed from Wiley’s perspective. She’s the nice lady who reads stories to him and babysits sometimes. Chase says, it’s changed from her perspective, but she says it shouldn’t change her and Wiley’s relationship. He’s not the child she gave birth to, but she’s been a part of his life. It’s like what Michael was going through. He didn’t know Wiley was his child, but loved him anyway. She knows Wiley’s not hers, but she doesn’t love him any less in her heart. He says that’s not how she felt last night, but she says she misses Wiley so much, Chase suggests, before she makes a decision, take a breath. She says, of course (🍷), and he says he knows Michael is thinking about what’s best for Wiley, but he’s thinking about what’s best for her.
Michael tells Sasha, part of him feels guilty, but another part hopes Willow can work it out. Sasha says, what if she doesn’t? Will he be able to accept it? He hopes so. He’s afraid he’s going to keep asking. Sasha says, most of the time, Michael compulsively does the right thing. So if this is selfish, why keep doing it? He says he’s convinced if Willow and Wiley stay apart, it’s not good for either one of them. Michael’s phone dings. He looks at it, and says, Willow’s not going to decide before Nelle’s arraignment. Sasha asks if he’s going, and he says he can’t miss it. Sasha says she has a meeting with Lucy, but she can reschedule. Michael says, no. Nelle is going to turn it into a circus. Why give her more of an audience? She wonders what Nelle can do at this point, and he says she’d be surprised.
Nelle asks again, how Carly can be so cruel. They’re connected be her little boy. Carly says, they wouldn’t be, if Nelle had kidnapped Wiley and smuggled him out of the country. Zara starts to interrupt, but Nelle says they have to act as a family, and not be at each other’s throats. Carly says Nelle is going back to Pentenville, and she’s not going to see her boy again unless she makes the right choice. Zara asks, what choice would that be? and Carly says, one day, Wiley will understand Nelle’s alleged crimes. Nelle is sure Carly will fill his head with lies, but Carly says she’s not going to breathe a word. That’s what the internet is for. When Wiley reads about her, in the middle of the mug shots and headlines, will be a full account of what she does today. Nelle asks what she’s doing today, and Carly says, admitting everything she’s done. If she throws herself on the mercy of the court, and the record shows she regrets what she did, at least Wiley will know she’s sorry.
Jordan says, Mac’s lead is Curtis? Mac says, Taggert didn’t go alone; Curtis went with him. Curtis got Trina out, while Taggert drew their fire. Jordan says, that ultimately killed him, and Mac says, Jason came late, and saved Cameron. Once the kids were safe, he and Curtis went back in. Jordan says Curtis’s statement will reflect that, and Mac says, once Curtis provides one. They’re still canvasing the crime scene, so he won’t get to Curtis until later. He wants her to pass the word along, so when they talk, Curtis has a clear head. She says she’ll deliver his message. He starts to leave, and she says he forgot his bottle. He says, no; he didn’t.
Sonny tells Curtis that he and Taggert had their issues, but in the end, Taggert was a brave man. This plan was doomed from the start. Curtis asks what they know about the plan, and Jason says, it’s not hard to figure out. Cyrus grabbed Taggert’s daughter, and Taggert couldn’t risk Cyrus making good on his threats by calling the cops, so he contacted Curtis. Curtis asks what they’re saying, and Sonny says, no one wants Curtis taking the heat for anything he did that crossed the line. Jason says they’re just trying to understand. What was Cyrus’s beef with Taggert? Did Taggert share it with him or Jordan? Curtis doesn’t say anything, and Sonny says, listen to him. They all have secrets. The threat of Cyrus is touching all of them, and now isn’t the time to keep quiet. That’s over. Curtis says, good talk. Be seeing you. He walks off, and Jason looks at Sonny.
Carly tells Nelle, put Wiley first for once, and Nelle says, that’s what she’s doing. She’s fighting to stay with her son. Willow walks in, and Nelle says, there wouldn’t be this mess, if another woman hadn’t given up her child. Carly says she’s sorry Willow had to hear that, but Willow says, it’s fine. That narcissistic sociopath can’t help herself. Carly says Willow doesn’t have to be there, but Willow says she wants to see Nelle sent back to prison with her own eyes. Michael arrives, and Willow says she’ll talk to him later. Nelle asks Michael how their son is, and if he told Wiley that she loves him. Michael tells Willow, about last night… but the bailiff says, all rise. Court is in session, and the Honorable Judge Pierce is presiding.
On the phone, Sasha tells Lucy, there’s nothing to worry about. Nina is on board with the partnership between Crimson and Deception, and would be even if she wasn’t.Maxie is on board, and she’s the Nina whisperer. She says she’ll call Lucy back later. Chase asks if he can come in, and Sasha asks if everything is okay. He says the housekeeper said he could find Michael there, but she says, he just left for Nelle’s arraignment.What’s wrong? He says, Michael is messing with Willow’s head and it needs to stop.
Linc tells Brook, he has no ulterior motive. He’s just getting the best deal. She wonders what good it is to him to invest in a company that’s not even publicly traded. The shares are only worth what someone is willing to pay. He says, three albums in five years is what he’s willing to pay, and asks if her independence is worth it to her. She says she’s willing to wait, and he says five years is a long time in their business. She says, after five years, she’s going to look and sound better than ever. He says, by that time she’ll be crooning to lounge lizards if she’s lucky. Olivia stops at their table, and asks if there’s a problem. Linc says, no problems; just a solution. He goes, leaving the paperwork with Brook.
The judge says, it’s the people versus Nelle Benson. He asks what she pleads in the charge of assault, and possession of forged documents, and she says, not guilty. He asks about bail, and the Assistant DA says, the people want bail denied altogether. Nelle was apprehended when she was breaking parole, and preparing to leave the country with a stolen baby and a forged passport. She’s a flight risk. Zara agrees bail shouldn’t be an issue, and makes a motion to dismiss all charges.
Sonny asks if Jason saw that, and Jason says, how uncomfortable Curtis was? Sonny wonders what’s going on, and Jason says, whatever Cyrus is after, it’s not just personal, and Jordan is in deep. Sonny says, interesting theory, but they don’t have a lot to act on.
Curtis goes to Jordan’s office. He sees the liquor bottle, and Jordan says, Mac brought it by. Mac is going to come looking for him. He says Mac wants his statement, and she says, and wants to ask him some questions. Curtis says he’s surprised Mac didn’t hunt him down sooner, and she says, Mac was holding off. Curtis says his story is straight, but she says she doesn’t want him to give a story. She wants him to tell the truth. He says, he will, as much as he can, and she says, it’s okay. She’s ready for this to come out. She shows him some papers, and says, it’s her resignation and confession. She’s turning herself in.
Curtis says he was hoping Jordan changed her mind, but instead she upped the ante with a confession. She says she has to, and he asks how they’re going to change anything if Cyrus is released from prison, is free to do what he wants, and she’s in prison? She says she has a choice between that, and saving lives, but Curtis says Cyrus is piling them up from prison, and the body count will be higher when he’s out. And she’ll be powerless to stop him.
Jason says Taggert and Jordan were in the operative that took Cyrus down, but why the secrecy? Mac comes along, and says they must be discussing coffee business. Sonny tells him, sorry about Taggert, and Mac says, Jason saved Cameron, and subsequently helped Curtis take down Cyrus’s men. Jason tells Mac, he has nothing to say without his attorney present, and Mac says, some things never change. He didn’t come to grill them. He was hoping Taggert said something before he passed that might give Trina some peace. Jason tells Mac, he said Trina was the only thing he cared about. Mac thanks him, and says, one more thing. He has a message for Sonny.
Chase tells Sasha that Willow came there to tell Michael that she wanted no contact with Wiley. Of all people, he’d think Michael would understand what she’s going through, and respect that she needs time and distance to heal. Instead, he pushed her to change her mind. She’s grieving, and being around Wiley makes it worse. Sasha says, Michael would never do anything to hurt Willow, and Chase says, not intentionally. He wouldn’t be there to speak for her if he didn’t think she wasn’t in the right headspace to advocate for herself. She’s the strongest person he knows. Right now, she’s falling apart, and Michael is speeding it along.
Zara says her client was charged because of one woman’s account that’s riddled with inconsistencies. The Assistant DA asks if Zara saying the victim is unreliable because of a head injury the defendant caused. That’s a new level of victim blaming. Zara says Willow let the defendant in, and the Assistant DA says Willow’s statement says she tried to close the door, and prevent Nelle from coming in, but was unable to do so. The judge asks if there’s evidence that Willow sustained an assault, and the Assistant DA says they have the medical records from that night. The judge asks, what else? and she says they have Chase’s statement. Zara says he’s Willow’s boyfriend and the alleged attack took place in his apartment; there’s conflict of interest. The judge dismisses the assault charge without prejudice. Zara says the prosecution failed to hand over the so-called forged documents, and Robert says there was a mix-up. The PCPD misplaced the documents. Valentin slips into the courtroom.
Sasha tells Chase that she’s sorry about what Willow is going through, and Chase says he knows Michael is too, but he’s got to let Willow get through it at her own pace. Sasha says she has a confession. When Willow was there last night, they talked, and she backed Michael up. Chase says, dammit, and Sasha says she got the impression that Willow really wanted a relationship with Wiley. He says, Willow needs distance and perspective to make that decision. Sasha says she isn’t sure Michael has it either, but maybe they do.
Judge Pierce asks if the charge isn’t possession of forged documents, and Robert says it is, but they’re not in possession of the alleged documents. Nelle flashes back to Valentin giving her the passports and birth certificates. The Assistant DA says she’s certain they can be located, and the judge says to get back to him when they do. Until then, if there’s no evidence, there’s no charge. Motion to dismiss granted. Nelle asks Zara what this means, and Zara says she’s free to go. Nelle hugs her, and Valentin smiles. Carly says Robert is still charging Brad, right? and Robert says, absolutely. They’re still building a case. The Assistant DA says, Brad’s statement is in direct opposition to Nelle’s, and Robert says, they can’t nail her without a hammer, and they don’t have one.
Sonny asks Mac if it’s a message or a warning, and Mac says, it’s a courtesy. Laura has instructed all city agencies to come down hard on businesses like his. They can expect a visit from the health department. Jason says they’re ready, and Sonny asks what Mac wants in return. Mac says, consider it a favor in case he needs Sonny’s thoughts about Cyrus. Sonny wonders why Mac would listen him, and Mac says, a cop is dead, the mayor was caught in a crossfire, and he won’t stand for it. Sonny says the mayor took a bullet for his son, and Cyrus came close to killing his wife. It’s different this time. Mac says he doesn’t miss their little chats, and Sonny says, neither does he. Mac leaves, and Sonny shakes his head.
Curtis tells Jordan, when Cyrus gets out, it will put literally every case against him in question. Jordan says, they’re rock solid, but Curtis says, they won’t be if she does this. Cyrus will walk, and have the freedom to operate. On top of it, he’ll be given the gift of being a man wronged by the government. Legally speaking, he’ll be a victim because she went rogue to put him away. She says, innocent people almost died. She doesn’t know what else to do to stop Cyrus. He says he’s got an idea, but she ain’t gonna like it.
Brook thanks Olivia for chasing Linc off, but she’s not in the mood for a lecture. Olivia asks why Brook is hanging out with that creepy slimeball who muzzled her. Brook says they’re negotiating unmuzzling. Olivia asks how that’s going. Is there an actual offer? Brook says, yes, but it looks like the cost isn’t in dollars. Olivia says if Linc is trying to get in Brook’s pants, she’ll have Sonny break his legs. Brook asks if she thinks Sonny would do that, and Olivia says, absolutely. Brook says she’ll keep that in her back pocket, but what if sex isn’t what he wants? Olivia asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says, her dignity. Olivia laughs, and says Brook is a Quartermaine. Hasn’t she bought and sold that already ten times over?
Olivia tells Brook, look at her family. There are books written about what a cad her great-grandfather was, including his own memoir. The Quartermaines thrive on scandal; she’s never seen anything like it. Brook says they’re a colorful clan. Olivia says, if the price of her freedom is eating crow, grab a bib, and chow down. Brook says, if she does what Linc is asking, she’s afraid her family will never look at her the same way. Olivia says, tell her what the thing actually is, and Brook looks down. Olivia says she’s got to ask herself what outcome is best for her, and if she can live with what she has to do to get there. If she can’t, don’t do it, and start thinking of herself as something other than a singer.
Sasha tells Chase, Michael and Willow are so close to the situation, and hell bent on protecting Wiley, they might not realize they’re hurting themselves. She and Chase can keep an eye out, and have an open line of communication. Chase says, spying on them, and Sasha says, no; supporting them. If Willow has a problem, let her know, and she’ll work hard on her end to do the same. Chase says he doesn’t like going behind their backs, and Sasha asks if it’s any different than him coming there now. He says, yes. He didn’t come with a plan or strategy. She says he makes it sound like a conspiracy. It’s more like a safety net; friends relying on each other. Chase says, it wouldn’t be forever, and Sasha says, of course (🍷) not. Chase says, eventually, things will get better.
Zara says Nelle is prone to gloating – don’t. They got lucky, extraordinarily so. Nelle says she’s always had to make her own luck, but Zara says, they can refile at any time. They’re not going to let go easily. She tells Nelle not to leave town, and Nelle says she’s not leaving anytime soon. Nelle’s phone rings, and Valentin tells her, congratulations. She says she supposes she owes it all to him, and he says she’s welcome. She’s had a helluva reversal of fortune. Make the most of it. She says she plans to. She asks how single life is treating him, and does he want to grab a drink some time? Valentin says, goodbye, and hangs up. Nelle looks at her phone, and says, whatever.
In the hallway, Willow wonders what just happened. The woman who knocked her unconscious and gave her a concussion is getting away with it. Michael says, it was dismissed without prejudice. That means she can be recharged when they locate the evidence. (I already knew this term from watching court shows. The more you know…) She says, what if it never happens? but Carly says, this is far from over. They’re going to prove Nelle gave Wiley to Brad. Willow says, it’s Nelle’s word against Brad’s, and for some reason, judges believe Nelle. Nelle walks up to Michael, and says she’s glad he’s there; it saves her a trip. She hands him an envelope, and says she’s suing him. He’s unjustly kept her child from her long enough. She’s filing for full sole custody.
Sonny and Jason are in Jordan’s office, along with Curtis. Sonny says he knows it’s a complicated situation, and respects Jordan for reaching out. She says, it wasn’t her idea. Curtis will explain what they’re doing there. Curtis says, let’s call it a meeting of like minds. They need to set aside their differences, and come together for the common good. They need to take down Cyrus Renault.
Tomorrow, Obrecht asks Spinelli what he thinks he’s doing, Carly asks if Nelle wants to go to war with her family, and Jason asks if Cyrus has something on Jordan.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey – The Reunion – Part One
Andy started the show by saying he wanted full Jersey hair – ten inches. That was not to be, but the fashion was excessively sparkly, and Teresa even had marabou feathers on the bottom of her sequined number. She also had some rhinestone hair ornaments that I seriously coveted.
Jennifer started things off well by saying Melissa couldn’t really be considering having another baby, because she’s too self-absorbed. Jennifer accused her of making a mockery of people who really wanted children. This, coming from the most self-absorbed person on stage (which is saying a lot), and someone I hope her children don’t emulate. They talked about their plastic surgery – zzzz – and Marge’s relationship with Marge Sr. Andy asked about Marge’s father, and she said her mother had left him after a year and a half of marriage. Andy pointed out that the age difference between Marge and her first husband (twenty years) is the same as the difference between her and Marge Sr., and wondered if she’d looked at him as a parent figure. Marge explained that he’d had custody of his three children, and although she had a son on her own, it was the family she never had. Andy said she didn’t seem emotional about her dad, but Marge said, you can’t miss what you never had. Teresa said her mom was also like that, and her mother’s father had left when she was little.
Moving on to Dolores, Andy said everyone always asks about Frank, and wonder why they don’t just get back together. Are they kidding? Frank is the perfect non-husband. He does everything for Dolores, and wants nothing but her scintillating company. She said she and Frank hadn’t had sex since Frankie was conceived, and we all fell out of our chairs. She didn’t say why, but I assume that’s when she found out he cheated. She thanked the viewers who love them together, but said it wasn’t happening. Andy asked about having it all without the ring, and Dolores said she was good without the commitment. Andy asked, what changed? and Dolores said David had many opportunities, and should have taken them. Jennifer suggested Dolores was settling, but Marge disagreed. Jennifer babbled about the reasons why she thought that, while Dolores tried to get a word in edgewise, trying to answer the question she was asked. Marge told Jennifer, shut it, and Dolores said she and David had good chemistry, and she’d wanted to give him a chance to meet her halfway. She was pretty pissed because she considers herself an effing good catch. She said she doesn’t ask for a lot. Andy wanted to take a group vote on who thought Dolores should kick Frank to the curb, but there were no takers. Marge did admit she thinks Dolores should move on.
Andy switched gears, asking if Jackie got offend too easy, but Jackie said she thought people who didn’t acknowledge their emotions are the angriest inside; it’s healthy to let them out. They rehashed Dolores saying she wasn’t friends with Jackie. Andy said he thought there was more going on than Dolores having been raised old school, but Jackie said it was true they’d been raised differently, and she was more liberal. Dolores said liberal was okay, and she was getting there. Andy told her that a lot of people considered her comments anti-Semitic, which Dolores said couldn’t be further from the truth. She’d probably been with more Jewish men than Jackie. She said she and Jackie were friends now, but she likes to get to know someone before considering them a friend. I hear this, since I’m kind of the same way. She said Jackie made an effort to get to know her after that, and they like each other. Melissa asked why Jennifer was making a face, and Jennifer said she thought that was corny. A viewer asked Jackie her opinion on who’s an excellent parent, and Jackie diplomatically (and wisely) said, they were all great parents in their own way. What they all have in common is that they’re mothers, and how they parent makes them different. We see clips of that, including Gia’s prom, and Andy said, the most asked question about Frankie is if he’s single or with Gia. Delores said he was single, and interviewing for a job as an investment banker. He felt with the long hours, he couldn’t give anyone the time they deserve. Andy said Dolores is always saying she doesn’t want Frankie to have a girlfriend, and asked if she’d make an exception for Gia. She said she would, and we already knew Teresa wouldn’t mind. Andy asked Teresa how it was going with Gia out of the house, and Teresa said she was living vicariously, since she hadn’t been allowed to go away to college. Delores said she had to be home at 11 when she was getting married – ask Frank. Andy asked how Marge’s relationship with her step-kids was going, and she said it was better, but not where she wanted it to be. A viewer reminded everyone about how Jennifer said she didn’t know what kind of a parent Marge had been, and Marge said she was a working mom who raised someone else’s children, along with her son. By the time she divorced, the kids were grown, and all the children are tight with each other. She said Jennifer was far from the poster child for stay-at-home-moms. Jennifer said she did it on her own – with only one woman and a babysitter, and a nanny when she had her fourth child. Melissa said, from Jennifer’s social media, it looked like she was never home, but Jennifer called her postings InstaSham, because that’s what people do. Marge said she only posts about her real life.
Andy asked if Jackie’s father understood her eating disorder now, and she said his mind couldn’t imagine what had really happened. Marge said Jackie looked emaciated in her wedding photos. A photo was shown, and Marge was right. Jackie’s arms looked like broomsticks. Jackie said she would shut down anyone who brought it up, and Dolores asked if thinking of food still consumed Jackie. Jackie said it didn’t consume her, but it was still a struggle. Andy asked Jackie why she kept the fact she had a lot of money a secret, and she said it wasn’t a secret, but it wasn’t what defined her. Andy went on to Jennifer’s old world family facing present day issues, and they discussed her daughter Gaby being bullied, and her brother being gay. Jennifer said her mom was learning, and Marge said she thought Jennifer had handled it beautifully. Jennifer said it was a hard discussion to have with her mom.
The rip-roaring fights of the season were the next topic, and Melissa told Jennifer that she says dumb sh*t. Jennifer said Melissa’s husband says a lot of dumb sh*t, but Melissa finds that funny. Jennifer and Marge bickered over who says stupid sh*t, and Andy said there were no winners at the dinner where Jennifer threw a plate and fork at Melissa. We flashed back to that, and Jennifer told Andy that she automatically says what comes to mind, and it gets her in trouble. It’s not like she was touching anyone. Melissa said maybe not, but the flying dinnerware could have hurt someone. Marge suggested they make a pact not to throw things. A viewer thought Jennifer lost control easily when she was angry, but Jennifer insisted she has the patience of Job, until she’s pushed too far. Marge said she goes from zero to ten quickly, but Melissa hit the nail on the head when she said Jennifer was an effing a-hole, and she thinks Jennifer is starved for attention. Marge said they would never judge Jennifer by her cover, but inside, she was sh*t. Great start for Part Two.
Next time – Part Two – Juicy Joe’s cheating is brought up, the husbands (and Frank) join the group, and Danielle arrives, demanding to sit next to Andy.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Brook accepts an award, giving a special thanks to Julian, for making this special moment possible. She finishes her speech looking in the bathroom mirror, and then does vocal exercises using her hairbrush as a microphone. Olivia asks if Michael heard Brook rehearsing in the bathroom, and he says he just hopes she doesn’t wake up Wiley, who’s cranky. Olivia says, it’s a small price to pay for a miracle.
On the phone, Ned asks what they mean be a dead end. He’s paying for answers, not excuses. He knows it’s complicated. Life is complicated and so are the Quartermaine finances.
Linc stands on the pier. Julian walks out, and without looking at him, Linc says, it’s about damn time. He has better things to do than freeze. Julian says he really can’t think of anywhere else he’d want to be.
At the MetroCourt, Peter says Maxie is quiet. Is it work or something else? She says she turned down Spinelli’s invitation to lunch. He’s just going to ask annoying questions, and she’s not subjecting herself to another inquisition. Peter is making an effort to get along; why can’t Spinelli? If he doesn’t trust her judgement, it’s his problem, not Peter’s. Peter says he doesn’t want to come between her and Spinelli, and she can’t keep avoiding Spinelli on his account. She says this is one of the reasons she loves him, and she’ll think about rescheduling. Peter says he has to talk to her about something else. Spinelli isn’t the only one questioning his past. She’s probably wondering what came between Finn and Anna, and it’s time he told her the real reason.
Alexis tells Valentin, a penny for his thoughts, and sets one in front of him. He says he was thinking about how far he’s come since they last stood on the terrace together, and she says, since he found out he’s not Mikkos’s son. He says it’s good of her to check on him, and she says she’s glad he’s in a better place, but she doesn’t think her pep talk had anything to do with it. What changed?
In Rice Plaza, Finn asks if Violet is ready for her ice skating lesson. She says she wishes she could have one every day, and he tells her, don’t be in a hurry to grow up. She says, look! It’s Anna! and Anna comes over to them. Violet asks if she’s come to skate, and Anna says she’d love to, but doesn’t want to intrude. She was getting some tea. Violet tells Finn, make her stay, and Finn says, it’s hard to say no to his daughter. He doesn’t want to disappoint Violet. Anna says, of course (🍷) not. Violet tells him to go get the tea; she wants to talk to Anna. He asks if Violet wants a hot chocolate, and Violet says, with extra whipped cream. Anna guesses she knows who’s boss in the relationship. Violet says she’s missed Anna, and Anna says she misses Violet too, and they hug.
Maxie asks if Peter was trying to protect her, and he says, maybe himself too. Whatever the reason, she needs to know what’s being said about him. She says she knows, and doesn’t care, but he says, please. A lot of people have questions about his past, and he’s come to realize, in the end, it comes down to love. That’s what it’s really about. Jason loves Sam, so he’s searching for someone to blame for breaking Shiloh out of custody, which led Sam to kill Shiloh. Robert loves Anna, so he’s skeptical of Peter because he’s Faison’s son. Spinelli’s love for Maxie, and his faith in Jason, cause him to distrust Peter as well. Then Finn and Anna became engaged, but because Finn loves Anna, he can’t bear the thought that she’s possibly being conned by the son she gave up, even though there’s no proof otherwise. Maxie believes him, doesn’t she?
Brook comes into the living room, saying, hello, beautiful family. It’s a gorgeous day. The sun is shining, and the birds are chirping. Michael says he heard one bird in particular, and Ned says he’s not sure Brook’s outfit is appropriate for the ELQ office. She says she didn’t think he was serious. She’s not equipped to answer phones. She calls him Eddie, and says he knows what it means to pursue a dream. Michael says he’s going to take off, but Ned stops him, saying he needs a witness so Brook can’t wriggle out of this. Brook says she thought Ned was challenging her to get her career in gear, but Ned says he was challenging her to grow up, and be responsible, like every other adult in the family. What she did was the opposite of responsible. Her contract is valid, and the producer refuses to sell it. Brook says she wouldn’t worry. She has a feeling Linc is coming around.
Julian tells Linc, some people think this is a bad neighborhood, but he likes the quiet. You could fall into the water, and no one would hear your cries for help. Linc asks if he knows Julian, and Julian says, maybe. He deals with a lot of people. Linc says he’s meeting someone, and he’s not into game playing with strangers. Julian says, you know who isn’t a stranger? Brook. Linc asks, what about her? and Julian says he thought Linc would never ask. He puts his hand on Linc’s shoulder, and says Linc has her under contract. He pulls Linc closer and says, that’s about to change.
Valentin tells Alexis, he was feeling defeated and hopeless, but realized it was just a temporary setback. He’s had them before. The great thing about setbacks is, they introduce you to your greatest strengths. She asks what he’s doing with his newfound strength, and he asks what she would do. Would she deny the legacy that’s rightfully hers? She says, if he’s talking about the Cassadine fortune, get over it. If he’s referring to the Cassadine name, he’s better off without it. Where has it gotten him? He says, Shakespeare would say, what’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. She says, words to live by, and he says, maybe, but he doesn’t agree. She says, unwise, but he says he’s keeping the name, and all that goes with it. With every drop of his blood, sweat, and tears, he’s earned it.
Alexis asks if Valentin is talking revenge, and he says, redemption. He was cornered like a common criminal, and wants his daughter’s respect. She says, if Charlotte is going to respect him, he has to respect himself. He says, not a problem, but she says he’s on the outside, looking in. She was too, and it wasn’t until she turned her back on the Cassadine name, and built a life for herself, that she got a modicum of self-respect. He says she might be right; he’ll look at it. She laughs, and says she won’t hold her breath. He says she’s too cynical, another thing they have in common. It took him learning about his sister to realize how alike they are. He kisses her cheek, and leaves.
Ned asks if Brook’s producer had a change of heart, and she asks if he thinks Linc has a heart. Linc is going to do what he thinks is best, and she thinks it’s in his best interest to tear it up. He says, whatever scheme she’s up to, stop it right now. He refuses to clean up another of her disastrous mistakes. Olivia says, they all know how he feels about the subject. Leo asked if Ned would visit him in the playhouse before he goes to the park. Ned says he and Brook aren’t finished talking, but leaves to find Leo. Brook asks if Ned is always such a sourpuss in the morning, and Michael says Ned is worried about her. She says he has a funny way of showing it, and he says, sorry if he made it worse by teasing her. He hopes she succeeds. She says she wishes him only happiness with Wiley; he’s so cute. Michael says, he is, but it’s hard for him to adjust right now. She says, he doesn’t know what a bad thing Brad did, and Michael says he has to make up for lost time, and forge a relationship. It’s different for Willow and Lucas. Willow is grieving a son she didn’t know was gone, and Lucas’s whole world has fallen apart. His husband is a liar and a kidnapper, and the son he loved isn’t even his. Brook flashes back to her conversation with Julian, and Julian saying Sonny will put a bullet in his back. It’s a lot of weight to carry, and what about Lucas? He’s going to lose another loved one if she puts a target on Julian because of her overactive imagination.
Julian asks if Linc is shaking because it’s cold. He pushes Linc toward the water, and Linc says Julian misunderstood. He really cares about Brook. Three albums in five years is the industry standard. Julian says he doesn’t know much about music. The car radio is about as far as it goes for him, but somebody like Brook doesn’t want to make music for Linc, and she doesn’t want to wait five years. She wants to fly solo. Linc asks if Julian is joking. Is he actually going to throw Linc in the water if he doesn’t let Brook break the contract? Julian says, it’s up to Linc. He has friends, a lot of them, and while he knows little about the industry, they know a lot. They can make it difficult for Linc to stay in business; deny him access to studios and distributions, disrupt his concerts, stop him from getting venues. He puts his arm around Linc’s neck, and says what happens next, is entirely up to him.
Maxie wonders how Peter can ask if she believes him. He says he’s the one responsible for the awkwardness between her and Spinelli. She kisses him, and asks if it answers his question. He says, very much so, but she says she’s not letting him off that easy. Don’t say he’s trying to protect her either. She’s not a fragile flower that wilts at bad news. Either they tell each other everything, or they don’t have a relationship. He says he was trying to protect himself. She asks if he’s worried she’ll believe what other people say about him. She believes in them. Too bad. No one can come between them, but them. He tells her she can come down off her soapbox now, but she says she likes it up there. He says she does look good on it. Obrecht comes in, and tells them, like a little girl with red shoes once said, there’s no place like home.
Anna asks Violet how Bella and Otto are. Violet says, they’re not talking. Anna asks, what happened? and Finn says, they had an argument. Violet says, Otto might change his mind if Anna visits. Anna say she knows how stubborn Otto can be at times. The skating instructor arrives, and asks if Violet is ready for her lesson. She tells Finn that his daughter is a great kid. Violet leaves with her, and Finn tells her, have fun. He’ll be watching.
Finn and Anna watch Violet skate. Finn says, it’s hard to watch when Violet falls, and Anna says, look; she’s back up. She asks how he is, and he says, her first. She wonders if they should continue talking about stuffed animals. They don’t have to be separated. They fell down, and it hurts, but they can get back up.
Obrecht gives Maxie some schnapps for her and Peter on those wintry nights, and some gifts for James. Maxie says he’s going to love them, and he’s going to love seeing his oma. She must have had a good time in Switzerland. Obrecht says, the spa was wonderful, and Peter asks if a tall, dark stranger swept her off her feet. She says she got something better; peace of mind. Maxie said Obrecht told her that she was going to do some soul searching, and Peter says, she has a soul? Obrecht says her problems are self-inflicted. She’s not unlovable, but hasn’t forgiven herself. Since Nathan’s death, she’s been angry at the world, in particular, Peter, as if he’s to blame, while she’s just taking on more blame. Maxie says, it doesn’t matter, and Obrecht says she realized she was angry with herself for not breaking away from Peter’s father sooner. Maxie’s phone rings, and she says, typical. She’s been trying to run something by Nina, and now she wants to call. Peter says, Obrecht was saying about his father?
Michael tells Brook, she’s not just talented. She has the presence that turns talented people into a star, and he’s sure she’s done what she can to make that happen. Brook says she’s got to go. Ned comes in, and says, tell him he ruined Brook’s good mood my mentioning the word job. Michael says, she’s just emotional. It’s an emotional time for all of them. Ned says, it’s almost too much to process, and Michael says, it’s as good a time as any to make his pitch. He’s been doing some thinking. Wiley is used to having Michael in his life, but not as a father. Olivia says, Wiley will come around; he’ll adjust. Michael says he comes home from the office, and kisses Wiley goodnight. He needs to sit down and have a meal with Wiley, play with him, and read him stories, not just at bedtime. Ned says Michael wants quality time with his son, and Michael says Ned has been good about pitching in at ELQ. He hates to ask Ned to do more, but he needs to take a leave of absence. He was hoping Ned could take over until he gets back.
Linc says, maybe there’s another way out of this. He could think more clearly if Julian would let go. Julian says, the way he sees it, there’s a plan A and a plan B. He already laid out plan A; tear up Brook’s contract. Linc asks, what’s plan B, and Julian says Linc goes swimming in the icy cold water of Port Charles harbor. He can decide. Valentin walks onto the pier, and asks, what seems to be the problem?
Julian tells Valentin, it doesn’t concern him. He’s passing on a message from a mutual friend. Valentin says, Julian has friends? Julian asks Linc, message received?Nod once for yes. Linc nods, and Julian says, good. He doesn’t want to meet again. Julian leaves, and Linc tells Valentin, he didn’t sign up for this. Julian said he’d make his life a living hell. Valentin says Linc has been well compensated for his effort, but Linc says, not really. No one told him that he could be ruined, or it could cost him his life. Valentin says, if Brook is having Julian threaten him, that means she’s desperate.
Ned tells Michael that he doesn’t have to step away. Wiley is comfortable with the nanny, and everyone is pitching in. Olivia says, before Michael knows it, Wiley will be going off to pre-K like any other well-adjusted, independent little kid. Michael says, Wiley’s life has been torn apart. Wiley needs to know he’ll be there, and his attention can’t be divided. Ned asks how long Michael is talking about, and Michael says, a month, tops. Ned tells him, how can he say no?
Anna says Finn is used to dealing with infectious diseases, but sometimes things just need a kiss to be made better. Finn says, a bandage is a temporary fix. Sometimes a cut runs deeper. Violet calls to them, saying, look at me, and Anna says, Violet is quite graceful. He says, she’s so resilient. Everything she’s been through has barely harmed her. Anna asks if Finn told the police about his suspicions, and he says he told his brother, but he didn’t mention Peter being involved with anything, or Anna withholding evidence. Anna asks what he actually told Chase, and Finn says he told Chase that he moved out because he doesn’t trust Peter.
Peter says, it sounds like the mountain air was refreshing and illuminating, and asks Obrecht, what else? She says it really hit her; all the ethical and legal lines she crossed in a desperate attempt to be worth of Faison. Peter says Faison had power over them, and she says, not any longer. She realized if she continued down that dark path, she could hurt Maxie and James, and she couldn’t bear it. She knows how he loves them, and nothing should ever change that. She says they’re very much alike. They’re both trying to live down their past. He says she used his past to her advantage, but she says she’s not that person anymore.
Ned calls his assistant to set up a meeting asap. He wants everyone to attend, including the executive staff and financial advisors. He’ll explain the CEO change when he gets there. Olivia says he forgot to mention, it’s temporary, and he says he’ll explain at the meeting. Olivia says, Michael might not want to give up his position, but Ned says, Michael has a lot going on. He wants to make things easier so Michael can take care of his son. She says, don’t kid a kidder, and he says he only has Michael’s best interest at heart. She says, as well as ELQ, and Ned says, not only is there a hostile takeover in the works, the Corinthos family is in turbulent times. ELQ needs more seasoned leadership. She says, nice speech, and he says when he sits down as CEO, he’ll make the deal permanent.
On the phone, Brook says she’s so sorry for what they’re going through. No matter what, they’re still a friend. Julian comes in, and she says, well? Did he give Linc the message? He says he was interrupted by Valentin, and she asks what Valentin was doing there. He says he doesn’t care. The point is, he had to walk away before Linc tore up the contract. She says, but he will, right? Julian says he’s gone as far as can go on own She says, if he walks away now, she’ll tell Lucas everything. How he knew about the baby switch, and caused the accident that almost killed his own son. Julian says she’s bluffing, and Brook says, try her.
Julian says Brook should stick to her singing career; he’s calling her bluff. She says she’ll tell Lucas everything, and he says she overheard him talking to Brad months ago, and thinks she heard him threaten Brad. She says he used the word eliminate, and he says he doesn’t know how many times he’s had an intense conversation with Brad. Brad has a talent of upsetting everyone he knows. She says, Lucas might have died in the accident, and he says, tell Lucas her fantasy. Maybe Lucas will believe her; then what? He’s lost his husband and son. Is she going to risk him losing any link to his father because he’ll be better off? She says, what about Sonny? He’ll take her at her word. He says she’s absolutely right, and Sonny will have him killed because her blackmail failed. Is she going to tell Lucas the reason his father is dead. Does she think her career is worth his death? She doesn’t say anything, and he says he didn’t think so. She pretends nothing gets to her, but he doesn’t think she wants his blood on her hands.
Valentin says if Linc is telling him it’s beyond his capabilities, then give back the money. Linc says he doesn’t want to blow the deal, but he wants to make it back to L.A. with his life and career intact. He’s not getting his hands dirty for Brook. Valentin says, Brook is ready to make a deal, and Linc is going to collect.
Michael thanks Diane for coming. She says his message was cryptic; what’s up? She knows Brad and Nelle swapped babies, and his survived, while Willow’s baby died. She’s incredibly happy for him. He says he’s still reeling, in a good way, of course (🍷). She asks what she can do for him, and he says he needs advice on changing Wiley’s name. She says, first or last? and he says, Wiley’s first name is what he knows, but he was never a Cooper or a Jones. He doesn’t know whether to give him Quartermaine or Corinthos. She says, they’re both notorious for different reasons, and he says he needs an objective opinion. What does she think is better for his son? She says, there’s no denying who Wiley is, or who he’s related to. Why not embrace and use both? He says, so Wiley Quartermaine-Corinthos? and she says, it’s a name to be reckoned with.
Anna says she and Finn are at an impasse. He thinks Peter is guilty, and she doesn’t believe he is. She asks if it’s a wall or an obstacle they can find their way around? Peter is a grown person, and has his own life. Is what he did or didn’t do worth sacrificing their future? He wishes it were that simple. He’d love pick up where they left off, plan a wedding, and have their happily ever after. She says, then let’s do that. Violet can be a flower girl, and carry a basket of violets. He says, if it was just them… He has Violet to look out for, and can’t take the same risk on Peter that she can. Violet comes back, and tells them the instructor said she was a natural. Finn says, of course (🍷) she is, and Violet asks if they can go back to Anna’s house now.
Obrecht says, whatever Peter did, whatever Faison led him to do, she understands. If he ever feels the need to unburden himself, don’t trouble Maxie. She’ll always be there to listen. He says she’s too kind. Maxie comes back to the table, and asks what Nina would do without her. She already did all the things Nina told her to do. Not to brag, but Nina needs to appreciate her more. She looks at them, and asks what she missed.
Finn fumbles with Violet’s jacket, and Anna says, step away from the zipper. She tells Violet, daddies are all thumbs when it comes to zippers. There’s so much they don’t know. Finn says, he’s practicing, and she says she gets it. He tells Violet, they’re going to be late for Brianna’s, and Anna asks her what they’re going to do with him. Violet doesn’t know, and Finn tells her, say goodbye to Anna, and let’s get going. Violet says she misses Anna, and asks if they can do this again. Anna says she’ll have to ask her daddy, and Finn says, we’ll see. He leaves with Violet, and looks back at Anna while they’re walking.
Obrecht tells Maxie, she just missed the most fascinating conversation. Who would have thought her time away would have brought her closer to Peter? Peter says, closer than she knows, and Maxie is glad they’re getting along so well. Peter says he is too.
Diane gets ready to leave, and Michael thanks her again. He asks how soon she can arrange the name change, and she says he might want to hold off on that officially. Wiley’s mother might have other ideas. He says, besides being involved in the baby switch, she attacked Willow. She’ll be back in prison. Diane says, that’s for a judge to decide. Until then, Nelle is very much a factor in Wiley’s life.
Brook meets Linc, who tells her that she needs to find new friends. The one he met belongs in a cage. She suggests they get it over with, and asks if he’s tearing up her contract or not. He says, for what it’s worth, he believes she has what it takes, and he’s sorry he won’t be the one to make it happen. She can forget the three record, five year deal. She has her freedom now. She says she’s not sleeping with him, and he says she doesn’t have to. She asks, what’s the catch; what does he want? He takes out a folder, and pushes it toward her. She looks at it, and he says, her shares in ELQ.
Tomorrow, Olivia asks if Brook got an actual offer; Jordan says she’s turning herself in; and Sonny tells Jason and Curtis that Cyrus is a threat, and they have to find a solution.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Benny says, a million dollars? and Candace says, it’s okay, The officer says she’ll be back with the receipt, and Benny asks for $100K in cash. The officer leaves, and Benny says, this is real. Girl, I love you. Candace says, he’d better, and he says, eight dollars; that’s cold. That’s what he’s talking about. She wonders what they’re going to tell Hanna, but he doesn’t care. He’s got a million dollars. He tells her, don’t worry about Jim, and asks what she wants to do. She doesn’t know, and he says, get out of there? She says, for sure. New York, L.A.. He says, that’s it, huh? Don’t look back. She says she won’t, adding, this is all too much. He says he’s getting back to work. He’s getting a truck, and buying a place. He says he’s going to get momma, but Candace says, she won’t move. Benny says, it don’t matter; she will. He thanks Candace, and she says she loves him. He says he loves her too.
Still in the hospital, Jim asks if David has come up with a plan. David says Jim doesn’t want to know what it is. Jim says he won’t tell, and David says he told George that Veronica shot Jennifer, but he didn’t buy it. Jim asks what George said, and David tells him that George thought he was being set up. That’s all he needs; that little weasel breathing down his neck. He can’t go after Veronica now. Jim says, an untraceable accident, and David says, like a plane crash? Jim says he doesn’t want to know. He asks if David talked to AG Kyle, and David says, once. Jim says, he hasn’t called again? and David says, no. Jim says, one bitch at a time. He hands David the papers he was served, and asks David to do him a favor and shred them. He can’t believe his own damn son shot him. David asks if he wants to see Wyatt, and Jim says he does. He is Wyatt’s father. David says, maybe he needs a new one. Jim wants to get out of the hospital. He’s been there long enough. He says he’s going crazy, and asks David, please, get the doctor. David says he’ll talk to Dr. Danny, and Jim says, use two shredders. David leaves, and Jim says, where’s my damn pants?
Veronica’s doorbell rings. It’s George, and she asks what the hell he wants. He wants to talk to her, and she asks if he brought chicken. He says, sorry, but she lets him come in. He says her home is always lovely, and she says, she’s a queen. Queens have lovely homes. What can she do for him? He says he’s letting her know, he spoke with David. David wanted immunity to testify against her for Jennifer’s murder. She says, is that right? He already has the perpetrator of that crime, doesn’t he? She asks if he’s not sure, and he says he’s not. She says he’s wasting his time; she had nothing to do with it. He asks if she was there. Veronica says, so David wants immunity. He asks again, was she there? She says David is playing him. He can blame anything he wants on her. George says that’s what he thought, but then he started thinking, there was so much bad blood between them. he might take David up on it. She tells him, do what he must. Can he leave now? He goes, and she calls David.
David asks why she’s calling, and she says she spoke with George. David says she went after his son, and she tells him, remember, she has evidence about the murder. He says, they both do, and she says, by the way, that girl is not his son. He should get a DNA test and see. He’s been played. Jeffrey might be Jim’s. He calls her a pathetic whore, and she says, thank you; she tries. He says he’s coming for her, and doesn’t need George to do it. She says he does; he’s a weak ass bitch. He doesn’t even know how to kill a bitch. He says she’s a murderer, and she says, bing, bang, boom, Erica. He says they’re coming for her, and she hangs up. She makes another call, and says, send over the candidates today. She knows she’s been putting it off, but she’s ready now. Send a lot over today.
Marty asks if Kathryn is sure she wants to do this. Kathryn says she does, and Marty give her a pen, telling her where to sign. He shows Hanna where to sign, and notarizes it. He tells Hanna, now she has power of attorney. Kathryn asks if she and Hanna can have a minute, but before he goes, how is bail coming? He says, it’s coming, and she asks if she called the judges she told him to. He says, no one wants to touch it. He’s sorry. She says, after all she’s done for them, and he says he’s on it. Kathryn tells Hanna, she can’t believe no one is calling back. Hanna says, that’s the way things happen for a lot of people. They have a saying; nobody loves you when you’re down and out. Kathryn says, it’s just sad. She’s glad she knows Hanna, and says her life is in Hanna’s hands. Wyatt is just hoping they don’t press charges, but it’s not going to work. Hanna says, it’s so sad, and Kathryn says she can’t think about it right now. Hanna says, maybe Wyatt will be sent to a prison where he can get help. Kathryn says, Wyatt tried to kill them. Hanna has too much of a soft spot for her son. Hanna says nobody is saying let him get away with it, but send him to a place where they could hold him and help him. Kathryn asks Hanna to go by the house, and check on things. Make sure the blood is cleaned up. She doesn’t want to see it when she gets home. Hanna says she’ll make sure. Kathryn says, she’s coming home; trust her. Can Hanna do it today, and make sure the plants are watered? Her accountant will come by and explain everything, but don’t let him do anything without seeing her first. She thanks Hanna, and Hanna says Kathryn knows she loves her. Kathryn says she does, and the guard says he has to take her back. Kathryn tells Hanna, to the presidential suite. Hanna says she’ll see Kathryn later, and Kathryn says, yes, she will.
Benny’s kidnapper comes into Jim’s room, and Jim asks what the hell he’s doing there. The thug says, he’s gone. The Malones came in and got him. Jim calls him a first class idiot, and says, go get him. The thug says he can’t. They told him not to, and he doesn’t even know why he was there in the first place. Jim tells him, get the hell out. The thug leaves, and Jim makes a call. He asks if he got a wire, and the bank officer says, yes, but it’s not what Jim thinks. It’s only for eight dollars. Jim says, that bitch. The officer asks what he should do, when Candace walks in, and says, hi.
Jim says he was just about to call her. She didn’t give him his money. She says, no; she did. He says, eight dollars. Care to tell him why? She says she was going to return all of it, but then Jim thought it was a good idea to kidnap her brother. He’s gone now, so that’s it. He says, give him his money, and she says, nope. He says she has no idea what he’s planning to do to her mother and brother if he doesn’t get it. She doesn’t think he’ll do anything, and he says, care to make a bet? She says, $7 million dollars. She just realized that she has a good, solid group of friends in the White House. He says, her name is mud in Washington, but she says she’s talking about the Malones. They’re loyal when you do them a favor. He says he’s done favors for them himself. She says, he also pissed them off, and he says, so will she. It’s only a matter of time. Until then, live it up. That’s his son’s inheritance, and he’ll chase her to the ends of the earth. She says, happy hunting, and he says he knows where her mother and brother are, and he’s going to get her. She says, okay. Her friend has something to say. Jim says, alert the media; she has a friend. Mitch comes in.
Mitch asks how Jim is doing. Jim says he’s been better; have a seat. Mitch sits on the bed, and asks if Jim remembers him. Jim says he does, and Mitch says they need talk about the money. Candace is special to them. Jim says, special to the Malones? and Mitch says, yes. Jim says he happens to know the Malones don’t like Black people. Mitch laughs, and Jim says he thinks that’s funny? Mitch says they like her. She did deliver War to them. Jim says she did that for herself, and Mitch says, it doesn’t matter. His grandma owes her a favor, and Jim knows how Grandma Rose is about favors. Jim says he does, but Candace owes him $8 million, and he’s going to get it back. Mitch says, he understands, but they’re not happy about how Jim harassed her mother and brother. Let this one go. Jim says he can’t; he’s going to get his $8 million back. Mitch says then he’s going to have to talk to his grandma and explain. Jim doesn’t think Mitch understands, and Mitch says, if he doesn’t let it go, he’s going to his grandma, and saying he got caught in the crossfire during Benny’s kidnapping. Jim says they both know that’s not true, but Mitch says, she won’t know. Forget about the money. Mitch doesn’t care how Jim handles it, but he has to let it go. Jim doesn’t know if he can, and Mitch says, a shotgun blast is just a warm up. Jim’s not going to win this one. Jim says Mitch wants him to let $8 million go for Candance because she did a favor? Mitch says she’s got the family behind her, and Jim knows what that brings. It’s his decision. This is just a warning. Jim appreciates him coming, and they shake hands. Mitch says, get better. When he’s gone, Jim says, son of a bitch. I’m laughing. That was fun to watch.
AG Kyle walks into his office to find Connelly sitting in his chair. He asks what he can do for Connelly, and Connelly says he just wanted to come by to look at his new office. He’s been asked to take the appointment. Kyle says he thought it would be Connelly, and Connelly says, confirmation is good. Kyle asks if he can get Connelly a drink, but Connelly says he never touches the stuff. Kyle says, good for him, and Connelly says he doesn’t seem convinced. Kyle says Connelly knows how this town is with rumors, and the rumor is, Connelly drinks a lot. Connelly says, you have to in this town, but no. He remarks that Kyle’s office is smaller and darker than he thought. He might paint. He wonders what Kyle is going to do now that he’s out of a job. Kyle says he has a few more months, but Connelly says, the day is coming. Kyle says, it is, for all of them. Connelly says, some sooner than others. Kyle asks if Connelly would like to see the cafeteria, but Connelly says he doesn’t want anything. He came to tell Kyle that he never liked him. Kyle is a slimy SOB. Kyle says, tell him how he really feels, and Connelly says he knows what Kyle did to his guy, and they don’t have short memories. Kyle asks if that’s a threat, and Connelly says to him, and his whole party. Kyle says he thinks they’re done, and Connelly says, they’re nowhere near done, but he’ll go. Before he does, one name for Kyle – Candace Young. Kyle says, that whore from Savannah, and Connelly says, that’s the one. Kyle asks why he cares, and Connelly says when Kyle tried to take his guy down, it was a personal vendetta. Kyle says, that was horseplay, and Connelly says he caused a lot of grief. Kyle says, tell Charles,it was politics; get used to it. Connelly tells Kyle, keep that arrogance. He hopes Kyle dotted every i, and crossed every t during his tenure. Kyle says he did, and Connelly says, then he won’t mind an open investigation into the entire justice department. Kyle says, go right ahead, and Connelly laughs, saying, no one wants that. Kyle knows if they look hard enough, they’ll find something. Kyle says, thanks for the warning. He’ll make sure his tracks are covered. Connelly says, that’s exactly what he wants Kyle to do. By the way, he farted in Kyle’s chair. HAHAHAHA!
Veronica looks at a candidate for maid, and says, all wrong. The agent says Veronica didn’t talk to her, and Veronica says she doesn’t have to. Exit through the garage. Next. The next woman walks up, and Veronica says, she looks like she steals. Exit. Keep them coming. The next woman holds out her hand, saying she’s loyal, and can clean all day and night. Veronica says, she’s wrong. Follow the others to the garage. She asks the agent if the only candidates are white women. She wants a Black woman who doesn’t eat fried chicken. No greasy maids. The agent says, that’s racist, and Veronica says, she’s Black; she can say it. She wants a Black woman who’s in shape, has class and style, and favors her. The next woman is Black, but Veronica says, not someone who looks like her mother. The woman says, Laura is running late; she’s coming from another job, but Veronica can’t discriminate against color. Veronica asks if white is a color. She’s a lawyer, and the first two barely got through the door, the others look like they’d steal, and the other two looked greasy. The last one looked like her mom, and was not what she asked for. Do her job. Laura comes in, and Veronica says Laura is her size. The agent thinks smaller, and Veronica asks what she’s saying. The agent says, nothing, and Veronica says, she’s hired. She drains her drink, and says she’ll take Laura upstairs, calling her Linda. Laura corrects her, and Veronica says, like she said, Linda. They go upstairs.
Justin pulls up to David’s house, and tells the guard he’s there to see Jeffrey. He’s a friend of his. The guard says he needs to talk to Jeffrey first. Can he tell Jeffrey what it’s about. Justin says he just needs to talk; he’s leaving town. He gives the guard his name, and the guard tells him, wait there. The guard tells Jeffrey that Justin is there, and Jeffrey says, tell Justin he’s not there. Wait. Let him in. The guard tells Justin, come on.
Justin tells Jeffrey that he looks great, and asks if he’s ever coming home. Jeffrey asks what he wants, and Justin says he’s leaving. He can’t take this anymore, so he’s done. Jeffrey says, okay, and Justin says that’s all Jeffrey has to say after what they’ve been through? Jeffrey says he’s sorry, and Justin says Jeffrey’s mom won’t let him be who he is, and won’t make them stop. Is Jeffrey in this with her? Jeffrey says, no, and Justin says, then make her stop. Jeffrey says, nothing can make her stop. Justin says Jeffrey is just going to let him go? and Jeffrey says he can’t stop Justin. Justin says, it’s because he’s seeing Madison, but Jeffrey says he’s not seeing anyone. Justin asks why Jeffrey is dressed up. Where is he going? Jeffrey says Justin said he was leaving, so he should do that. Justin says, wow. So cold. Jeffrey says, it’s a cold world. Buzz off. Justin says Jeffrey did this to him, but Jeffrey says Justin did it to himself. Justin says he begged for Jeffrey’s help. He’s sorry. Jeffrey says, goodbye. Justin says, goodbye, and leaves. Jeffrey wonders what the hell he’s up to.
Veronica tells Laura to dust all day; she likes it spotless. Laura has a pile of clothes in her arms, and Veronica says they’re going to charity. Laura says, some still have the tags on them, and Veronica says she didn’t get to wear them before the season was over. Does Laura like them? Laura asks if she’s serious, and Veronica says she can have them, on one condition. She has to wear them to work. (What is this? The Gap?) Laura says she can’t work in them, and Veronica says she can change when she gets there. She’s a giving person, and wants Laura to know what it feels like to walk in her shoes. Speaking of shoes, What size is Laura? Laura says, six, but tells Veronica her shoes are a little big. Veronica says, they’re not, and asks if Laura has a car. Laura doesn’t, and Veronica asks if she can drive. Laura says, yes, and Veronica says sometimes she’ll want Laura to take her car to the carwash. Let her show Laura around. This is gonna be fun. Not too obvious.
At county, Wyatt calls to Kathryn, who says she’s not in the mood. He says he thinks he wants to die. After all he’s done to her and his dad, he thinks they’d want him to die. Kathryn says she’s heard all this before, and he says she doesn’t think he’d do it. She says he’s in jail, and safe from himself. Just leave her alone. Wyatt asks if she wants to see how easy it is to kill yourself in there. He takes out a toothbrush, and says, you can easily get a shank like this. There’s a razor inside; he can slit his wrists. She tells him, don’t do anything stupid, and he says, it’s not stupid. It’s a way out. Doesn’t she think she and his dad would be happy. She says she’s not playing around, and he says, neither is he. He sets his wrist on one of the bars, and takes the razor blade out. Kathryn calls for a guard, but Wyatt says he timed it so it’s the guard’s shift change. Tell his dad that he’s sorry. She says, please, and he cuts into his wrist. She calls again for the guard, and asks, what has he done?
Next time- the mid-season finale – Hanna says she’ll have Candace and Benny arrested, Jim plans an accident, the AG says the favor Jim did doesn’t pay this kind of debt, and Wyatt collapses.
Vanderpump Rules
It’s Stassi’s birthday, and she says she didn’t want sh*t to happen. She wants all or nothing, and with so much going on – her sister’s wedding, and Brittany and Jax’s wedding – this time, she wanted nothing. She and Beau meet Schwartz and Katie at a coffee shop. Katie tells her, happy birthday, and Stassi shushes her. Katie says, next year, and Stassi says she’s going to have so much built up birthday sh*t, it’s going to be like nothing they’ve ever seen. In Stassi’s interview, she says, this year, she’s a newly hatched baby dragon. Next year, she’s going to be in fully grown dragon mode, full of fire and anger, that didn’t die. We flash back to her previous birthdays. Schwartz asks if she’s ever revisiting the joint birthday, and we flash back to her Ice Queen party with Ariana. She tells Schwartz that she wasn’t really friends with some of the guests, and doesn’t want to make small talk. She says Jax and Brittany are going to Ariana’s birthday party, and she’s surprised. Schwartz wants to try and mend this. He wants to support Jax, but feels like Jax will regret it in the future if Tom isn’t there. In Schwartz’s interview, he says Tom is Jax’s best friend, but he doesn’t know if it will be the same after this. Stassi says, Ariana might not go to the wedding, Jax’s mom isn’t invited, and Lisa can’t make it. Stassi tells Schwartz to suggest Jax invite Tom back. In Stassi’s interview, she says she knows Jax and Brittany will ultimately want Tom there. If they don’t invite him, they’ll look back at it, and be sad. The waitress brings a cupcake with a candle in it, and Happy Birthday is sung. Beau blows out the candle, and unwraps the cupcake. I assume he eats it too, but we don’t see that.
Lisa’s business partner Nathalie comes by Villa Rosa with flowers. Puffy! She and Lisa hug, and Nathalie says she’s very sorry. She remembers Lisa’s mom as being flamboyant, smart, and gorgeous. In Lisa’s interview, she says her mother was in Mensa and could solve a Rubik’s Cube. She remembers going water skiing with her mom, and playing tennis. She says, there’s a progression with a parent, and maybe we get mentally prepared during that time, but her mother died suddenly from deep vein thrombosis – it came out of nowhere. Nathalie gives Lisa a photo of her mom in a frame. Lisa gets weepy, and Nathalie says she didn’t mean to make her cry. Lisa looks at a picture of herself with her mother, and says she looks so young. She tells Nathalie, life is difficult sometimes, and she doesn’t want to miss the good stuff. She can’t dictate when the funeral is, and told Jax and Brittany that she can’t be there. She tells Nathalie to have a chocolate, and Nathalie says, only if she can have the pink one. Lisa says Nathalie knows that’s hers.
Danica asks Raquel and Dayna to help fold napkins, since Peter didn’t make anyone do it last night. Raquel tells them that she went out with some of the girls last night, and drank way too much. We see her dancing around in someone’s InstaStory. She says she blacked out, but Scheana made sure she got home. She left her phone in the kitchen, and passed out. When she woke up, she had a million texts from James. Whore. Slut. Dayna says Raquel deserves better. In Dayna’s interview, she says she doesn’t care who you are, or if you’re drunk, or shooting heroin into your eyeballs. No one talks that way to someone they say they love. She says she’d tell him to suck an effing egg. In Raquel’s interview, she says she didn’t even look at all the texts. She didn’t want to see everything. A producer asks if she’ll read through them, and she reads. F*** you. I’m breaking up with you. Whore. Slut. Whore. F*** you. She says, it makes her literally want to throw up. Dayna says Raquel is so much better than that.
It’s Ariana’s birthday, and Tom asks if she wants a glass of wine, as she gets ready for the party. He brings her wine in a glass so big, it’s only slightly smaller than Amy Schumer’s joke glass. She says she finally slept, and Tom says he woke up before her, and let her sleep. In Tom’s interview, he says, Ariana has always dealt with depression. He’ll do anything he can to be there for her. He tells her that he figured he’d let her save up her birthday energy. She says she’s not woohoo about it, but she needed some reset sleeping. In her interview, she says, the last thing she wants to do is go to a party when she’s depressed. Life is made up of highs and lows, and she needs to learn to surf the lows better, and not drown in that ocean. She asks Tom if Jax texted back, and he says, no. She says, Brittany is coming, so she assumes Jax is coming with her. Tom says he didn’t think he’d change Jax’s mind. We flash back to Tom reading Ariana the text he sent Jax. He asks if Ariana has thought about what she wants to do about the wedding, but Ariana says she doesn’t know. She has to tell Brittany tonight. In Ariana’s interview, she says she doesn’t want to abandon Brittany, but Tom is her guy. It’s the hardest decision she’s made maybe ever. She tells Tom, there’s a lot based on this decision, and she doesn’t want to make one.
There’s a marquee outside the venue that says, Happy Birthday, Ariana, and it gets crowded quickly. Charli tells Dayna about her date with Brett. He said he wanted to get to know her, and then talked about himself and his ex-girlfriend. We flash back to that, and her saying she doesn’t sit through podcasts this long. She tells Dayna, they broke up two years ago. In Max’s interview, he says, the date sucked. It was like dealing with a child. She’s got to fix her sh*t. Lala says, Ariana is still not there. She is planning on coming, right? Last night, she told Ariana that she wanted her to be honest, and Ariana said she wanted to drive off a cliff. She’s going to be miserable in Kentucky without Tom. Brittany says it breaks her heart. Katie asks if Tom still isn’t welcome, and Brittany says, he apologized, but Jax is headstrong. She thinks if Tom isn’t there, Jax is going to regret it. She can’t stop thinking about it. Tom and Ariana arrive.
In Jax’s interview, he says, after twenty years of friendship, a text is like a slap in the face.All Tom had to do is say he was sorry. He doesn’t want to be walked on. In Stassi’s interview, she says, Jax and Tom have done worse sh*t to each other than this. We flash back to a few times they’ve gotten into fistfights. She’s pretty sure they can get past this. Stassi thinks if Jax doesn’t invite Tom, the friendship is done. Katie says she can’t believe Jax would give Tom a third chance at being best man, but Brittany says, he can just invite Tom. Stassi says they need to talk it out. In Brittany’s interview, she says, the situation has caused her so much anxiety. She hates it. Brittany asks to talk to Tom, and says she’s going to explode over this situation with Jax. She’s not going to hate Tom forever because of one argument. Tom says, when he left, he assumed the friendship was done. He was dead inside. He’s angry about it, and sad about it. He didn’t know what do or say. She says Jax was just looking for an I’m sorry, and Tom says he felt like Jax just wanted him gone.
Jax joins them, and says he thought the two people he wouldn’t have to worry about were his best men. Tom admits that he could have handled himself better. He didn’t want it to be like that. He apologizes. Jax says, it’s water under the bridge. Of course he wants Tom at his wedding. Tom says, whatever Jax wants. He can come as a guest. Jax says he still wants Tom to be best man, and they hug. Ariana hugs Brittany. In Tom’s interview, he says, I’m back. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he feels like he can breathe again. He’s been watching tutorials on how to tie a bow tie all week. In Jax’s interview, he says he’s not over it, but it was easier to give in. One less problem. Jax says, let’s have a good wedding. No more hiccups.
Katie tells Kristen, she’s getting the sympathy of going through a breakup, but she’s not actually going through one. She can’t watch Kristen drink the poison called Carter. If she wants to do that, Katie can’t help her. She asks if Carter is coming to the wedding, and Kristen says, of course. Katie tells her to stop saying they broke up. Katie says, no one gives a f*** if Carter is there. He’s only been invited because Kristen wants him there. Kristen says Katie is being super hurtful, and Katie says Carter hasn’t even been around them lately.
James tells Raquel, they probably won’t stay, but she says they were invited to a party. He should be happy they were, and be there for a second. She’s glad he’s not drinking tonight. They have to talk about the other night. The way he texted was completely inappropriate. He says, if she’d answered, he wouldn’t have gotten so triggered. Oh, okay. I guess it’s her responsibility to cover him in bubblewrap. In his interview, James says, when she doesn’t answer, he thinks she’s doing what he used to do. A girl like Raquel doesn’t get left alone at parties.
Ariana says she has to get Stassi a present, but Stassi says, no present. They sing HappyBirthday, but I don’t see a cake anywhere. Maybe Beau ate it. Ariana’s brother Jeremy is there though. Ariana says she knows they like it when she’s drunk. Yay for her being born.
It’s the next day, and Jax asks Brittany if she wants to call Lance. She says he’s in Hawaii, but they don’t have much time. He sent a transcript of the ceremony. Jax says he doesn’t want Lance talking more than four minutes. Brittany says everything in it is beautiful, and Jax asks if she thinks they can ask him to sing No Strings Attached. Brittany laughs, and says she’s so excited. Jax says, focus, and she calls Lance. Lance asks, what’s going on? and Jax says they’re planning a wedding, and thanks him for officiating. In Brittany’s interview, she says tomorrow, they’re going to Kentucky. It’s wedding week. No turning back. Jax says he wants Lance to wear a multicolored robe. Lance says, like inJesus Christ Superstar? and I say, no, it’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The answer is right in the name of the show. I’m hoping Lance was just drinking heavily, and mixed up his musicals. He tells Jax that he’s honored, and Jax says they want Lance to enjoy himself. Afterwards, Jax tells Brittany, he thinks he sounded stupid. Well, he didn’t correct Lance.
Ariana and Raquel go out behind SUR to talk. Raquel asks if Ariana is tired after her birthday extravaganza, and Ariana says she has to pack for Kentucky. She barely saw Raquel at the party. She saw Raquel talking to James. She says she heard about the texts, and Raquel says if she hadn’t gotten drunk and kept James updated, he wouldn’t have been drinking. Ariana says, it’s not her fault; it’s on him. She asks to see the texts, and Raquel says she’s not proud of any of them. She shows Ariana the phone, and says, it goes on a while. Ariana reads; I hate you, we’re breaking up, I’ll never marry you. Ariana tells Raquel it’s only a matter of time before words like that become what Raquel thinks of herself. Ariana has been there before. In her interview, Ariana says she was in a verbally abusive, controlling relationship. She didn’t do what she should have; end it as soon as it happened. She tells Raquel, she doesn’t want to see her sacrifice her own self-worth to help James, when he’s not helping himself. In Raquel’s interview, she says, no girl thinks she’ll be verbally abused going into a relationship. She doesn’t want to go through that again. It was scary to her. She tells Ariana, it’s the last straw.
Brett asks Scheana how her trip was. In Scheana’s interview, she says she loves Ariana, but had already booked a job on the east coast singing Good As Gold. Charli showed up dressed as her, so she was there anyway. Brett says it’s too bad Scheana wasn’t there. He didn’t want her to feel the way she did about his lunch date with Charli. Scheana says she just doesn’t want him to get hurt, and he says it’s not serious. She says she’s not giving him advice anymore. Speak of the devil… Charli joins them, and Brett jokes that they’re wearing the same outfit. Charli says she wanted to talk to both of them. Scheana told Brett that she was untrustworthy. Scheana say she doesn’t use that word, but she doesn’t trust any new people. Charli says it seemed weird, and she had the feeling Scheana liked Brett, but she’d said she wouldn’t let it get between a friendship. Scheana says she doesn’t like Brett like that. Charli says Brett told her that Scheana was questioning her intentions, and it’s a turn-off for someone to bring up their girlfriend of two years ago. Brett says, it clearly wasn’t a date, and wonders if he was supposed to make the whole conversation about her. He says he was being honest, and now he’s being scolded for it. This is why he can’t have girls as friends; they take sh*t to the next level. In Brett’s interview, he says he’s got a Charli and Scheana smoothie, and it’s a disgusting drink. Charli says she has to get back to work. She loves them both – don’t hate her. Brett says she has to have the last word, and make him look like an idiot. Charli tells him to write about it in his diary. In Scheana’s interview, she says she didn’t poison the well. She doesn’t want Charli and Brett to be together, but she didn’t do it on purpose. Her bad.
Lexington, Kentucky. In Brittany’s interview, she says she’s always known she wanted to get married in the Kentucky Chapel, surrounded by family and friends. It’s her dream venue. Two days until the wedding. At the castle where everyone is staying, Brittany says, it’s her kingdom, and she’s so excited. It’s perfect. She says, people are there, and tells everyone, welcome. Stassi says, it’s a mixture of Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey. Brittany shows them to their rooms. One of their dogs has a poopie issue, and in her interview, Stassi says, even though the room smells like dog sh*t, it’s the most romantic place she’s ever been. Brittany hugs everyone, and tells them that she loves them. Schwartz says, a bathroom with chairs; amazing. Scheana asks Kristen if Carter is coming, and in her interview, Kristen says Carter isn’t staying in the castle with the rest of the wedding party. It’s at their request, but he’s also not her boyfriend. She and Scheana have a drink while they get dressed. Brittany says, it’s two and a half hours until the rehearsal. The girls have gotten gift bags, and put on their robes and sleep masks. Lala gets dressed, and Stassi says she can’t wear that; it’s white. In Lala’s interview, she says she didn’t realize they couldn’t wear white during any of the wedding functions. She wouldn’t be mad if someone wore white to the rehearsal dinner for her wedding. She goes to change anyway.
Schwartz says he doesn’t really want do anything. Before they left, he went to check on their lizard, Daug, but he’d passed away during the night. He buried Daug in the backyard. Daug, gone too soon. Jax and Brittany go out on their bedroom balcony, and Brittany yells, I’m getting married! Jax says, him too
Meanwhile, at TomTom, Lisa stops in, and asks Max for a cup of tea. She says she’s seen the figures, and it seems to be running smooth. She tells Max that she hasn’t felt up to being around customers, and faking it. He doesn’t blame her, and she says she has to start getting out. Life is punctuated by important moments. It’s significant that Jax and Brittany are getting married. She watched Jax attempt to grow up. In Lisa’s interview, she says Jax has been in her life for so many years. We flash back to after Jax’s father died, and he told Lisa it was a wake-up call. We move to Lisa talking to Jax’s mom Marie. She says, they’ve gone a long way. Max says he’s sure they’ll miss seeing her at the wedding.
Everyone gathers for the rehearsal at the chapel. Planners Mitchel and Christie give everyone orders, and say, those not in the wedding party can stay or go in the shade. They’re doing a dry run. Tom brings out a cooler with at least three different drink choices. In his interview, Tom says he’s good at being a best man. He’s been busting ass. Maybe he should start a business. We see a fake commercial with Tom saying he puts the best in best man. He’ll make sure you don’t sweat. He doesn’t throw shade – he provides it. Schwartz says, at his wedding, Tom took care of his dog and cried real tears at the same time. Scheana says Tom wasn’t her best man, and now she’s divorced. Tom says, see you at the altar. That was pretty funny.
They go through walking down the aisle, and who’s walking together. Mitchel asks if someone will be Randall. Brittany tells her dad, looking out the window, it hit her; it’s real. They look out, and see everyone lined up. Tom puts an umbrella over Jax. There’s a disagreement over who should come first – there are tons of people involved – and in Jax’s interview, he says, Tom isn’t number one. Schwartz is his best friend, and needs to walk out first. He’s paying for this huge day, and wants it the way he wants it. He tells Brittany, it’s the one thing he asked, but she says she didn’t want to upset anyone. In Tom’s interview, he says he’s been Jax’s friend for almost twenty years, and thought he’d be next to him. He fights back tears, and says, to be moved past to Schwartz is expected, but it hurts.
James makes chicken tacos. Raquel is bummed, but James says he’s tired of hearing about it. He’s over it. in James’s interview, he makes fun of the hashtag Jax is using on everything – #JaxGotItRight. Raquel says, no one is posting, Maybe they’re so wasted, they can’t. James tells Raquel, let’s not go there, but she says she’s not pretending it didn’t happen so he feels better. He tells her that he says a lot of things when he’s drunk. She says he gives her a tone, and he says, it’s his personality; he’s from England. If she doesn’t love who he is, goodbye. She says she’s not telling him not to express his emotions, and he says he’s so over this conversation. He walks out of the apartment, and in Raquel’s interview, she says she’s the one person who’s stood by him. She cries, and says she’s given him so many chances, and it hurts. He comes back, and she says he doesn’t like hearing the truth, but they have to talk about it. He says he’s sorry; he knows. She says she’s not blaming herself for his actions, and she’s not going to be embarrassed for him. The way he talks to her when he’s drunk scares her. If they have kids, she doesn’t want to put them in any situation that’s even relatively close. If he can’t get his sh*t together, then they’ll break up. She wants to go to self-help meeting as well; Al-Anon for those who have loved ones in their lives who drink. James says he’ll go to meetings, and stop drinking. In James’s interview, he says they’ve talked about this before, but there’s something about how Raquel is looking at him, and how upset she is, that he knows he needs to get a handle on it, before she walks out the door, and he’s left wondering what happened. She says it scares her, and he says he knows. He tells her not to cry. He’s doing it. He promises. Raquel says she can’t stop him from drinking anymore, and he says he’s sorry.
And did he just call her Bubba?
Next time, Jax gets sh*tfaced the night before the wedding, Beau tells Kristen that Stassi is his world, and a server tells Dayna that she saw Max with another girl.
🌅 Don’t You Dare…
I’m more like touchy in the morning, but I do love Miss Ross.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jordan tells Taggert, let her get straight. He asked Sonny to work with him to get Cyrus. Taggert says, it wasn’t an easy decision, and she says she bets it wasn’t. She tells Curtis that Taggert spent most of his time there working to put Sonny away. Taggert says if they want to take Cyrus down, they might as well team up with the most powerful man in Port Charles.
Sonny tells Jason, Laura means business. If they can’t stop this from getting bigger, she’s going to get involved. Jason says, if she does, it will make her a target – for real this time. He suggests they continue to stop shipments, so Cyrus’s distributers lose faith in him, but Sonny says it will take too much time. Jason says they know people on the inside at Pentenville, and could possibly arrange an accident.
Carly finds a bullet in the stuff that fell out of Dev’s backpack. She calls upstairs to him, but there’s no answer.
Trina tells Cameron, smile nice. Her mom and dad are going to see the pictures. She takes a selfie, and the driver watches in the rearview mirror. Trina says they’d better take more with Josslyn and Dev at the dance. Cameron asks if she’s sure they’re coming, and she says, Josslyn just texted; they’re on their way.
Elizabeth tells Franco that he didn’t have to get her anything. Cameron is at the dance, and Aiden and Jake have a sleepover. Franco says he’s aware they’re alone, and she says that’s all the gift she needs. He says, it won’t take long, and she opens the box. A note tells her that she’ll find a surprise under the fries, and he says, it’s a scavenger hunt. She asks if he’ll give her a hint, but he says he’s not going to make it easy. He loves her, and it might not be what she wants, but it could turn out to be something she needs. She says having him back is all she needs, and they kiss.
The driver says, it looks like there’s traffic; there’s an accident ahead. He asks if Trina and Cameron mind if he takes a shortcut, and Trina says, whatever’s fastest. The driver does something with his phone, and Cameron tells Trina, one more. She says, serious, but not too serious, and they take another selfie. They bicker, as the driver keeps an eye on them.
Alexis sees Molly at the MetroCourt, and says she’s dressed to the nines. Molly says, as opposed to her usual burlap sack, and Alexis asks what the occasion is. Molly says Alexis’s guess is as good as hers. TJ insisted on treating her to a special romantic evening. He’s the best boyfriend.
TJ is at the hospital, messing with his phone, when Neil comes by. Neil asks how it’s going, and TJ says he’s been busy. Neil asks if he’s cracked any more medical mysteries, but TJ says, it was a stroke of luck with Alexis, and he had a lot of people helping before he made the diagnosis. Neil asks if TJ’s luck has continued with Molly. Did he propose? TJ says, not yet, and Neil asks, what’s the hold up?
Trina wonders where they are, and Cameron says the driver is taking the scenic route. Trina thought it would get them there faster, and Cameron hopes so, since they’re going to be late. She teases him about wanting to see Josslyn, and says she can’t believe her dad didn’t show. He’s sure her dad has a good reason, and she says, at least Cameron dodged a grilling. He says when Trina showed up, she looked… She says, flawless? She knows. Cameron tells the driver they seem to be going out of the way, and the driver says he figured they wouldn’t mind alone time. It’s their first date, right?
Elizabeth goes into the kitchen, and asks Franco if she’s getting warmer. He says he’s not telling her, and she remembers there are leftover fries in the refrigerator. She takes the container out, and there’s another box inside. It tells her to look under the chapeau, but she says she doesn’t speak French. He tells her it means hat, and she sees a bowler on top of the paper towels. She finds a box underneath, with a note that tells her to look in the cabinets, where she finds one more box. That note tells her to look under the pillow. Franco tells her it’s technically under the pillow, but it’s really under the sofa. She pulls out a bunch of art supplies, and he says he and the boys were talking. They thought, like him, she’d like to have art in her life again. She thanks him, and he sits on the floor next to her. He says he can’t wait to see her paint. She kisses him, and her phone dings. She looks at her phone and says, Cameron sent the ride share information; it’s all good. Franco asks if she wants to set up her paint set, but she says, after this, and kisses him. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her more.
Jordan says, no way in hell is she working with Sonny, and Taggert asks, why not? She says collaborating with one mobster to stop another is ethically compromising. Taggert says, and they’ve never crossed the line before. Curtis asks if Taggert got Sonny on board, and Taggert says Sonny didn’t refuse; he sees the advantage. Jordan doesn’t get it. Just because they have a common enemy is no reason to partner up. If he wants to do that by himself, go ahead. Taggert says he never brought up Jordan’s name. He respects her position, and she’s made clear she wants nothing do with this. Jordan asks if he pitched a specific plan, and Taggert says she can’t have it both ways. If Sonny chooses work with him, he’s keeping it to himself unless she changes her mind. He gets up, and says his daughter has a big dance, and he’s late to take pictures. Keep in touch. He leaves, and Jordan asks if Curtis heard that. Curtis says he can actually believe Taggert. He’s right. If Sonny is down to help them, she should take him up on it.
Sonny says, it won’t be easy to get to Cyrus in Pentenville. Maybe Taggert has a way. Jason asks if Sonny wants to trust him, and Sonny asks if Jason doesn’t think he should. Jason doesn’t know, but says if Taggert is telling the truth, and he was on the DEA taskforce that took Cyrus down, he saw how Cyrus operates. He knows how much damage Cyrus could do in Port Charles. Maybe his offer is sincere. Sonny says they still have to be careful. Even if they cooperate, Taggert isn’t going to look the other way if they take Cyrus out.
Carly looks for Josslyn, and starts to panic. She remembers Josslyn said she changed her mind about going to the dance. She grabs the phone, and the doorbell rings. It’s Josslyn, Dev, and Brando. Carly asks what’s wrong with Josslyn? She specifically told her not to go to the dance. She said not to leave, but Josslyn did it anyway. Why? Josslyn says, it’s Dev’s last night in Port Charles. Unfortunately, Brando found them leaving. Carly is glad he caught her fugitives. Carly tells Dev, talk to her, but Josslyn says it was her idea to go to the dance. Carly says, it’s not about the dance, and Josslyn asks what the problem is. Carly says, this, and holds up the bullet. She asks, why was there a bullet in Dev’s backpack?
TJ tells Neil that he keeps waiting for the perfect time, and then things get in the way. Neil says, they always will. Does he want some advice? TJ says, by all means, and Neil says, don’t wait for perfection; it doesn’t exist. The truth is, the closest we get to perfection is when we stop trying to make things perfect. The time will come when TJ least expects it. TJ says he doesn’t want to regret anything, and Neil says, if it feels right, go for it. TJ says he was planning on tonight. He shows Neil the ring, and says he’d better go. He doesn’t want to keep Molly waiting. He asks Neil to wish him luck, but Neil says he doesn’t need it. He and Molly have something special; cherish it. TJ thanks him for the advice, and leaves.
Molly tells Alexis that she and TJ are giving their night out another shot. Their first try fell through. TJ had to study and went to the library, and she went through more emails from Jamie. She can’t believe how much time and effort has been wasted on this superfluous drama. Alexis tells her not to let it ruin her idea about a wedding and marriage. Molly says, too late, and Alexis says, it’s about love, and… yeah, she sounds like a greeting card. Molly says, a little, and Alexis tells her, enjoy her night.
Jordan asks if Curtis is siding with Taggert. He says he’s on her side – always. He understands her reservations about Sonny, but desperate times call for desperate measures. She says he just blew up a warehouse, but Curtis says, no one died. No one was hurt.But Cyrus lost a shipment and a lot of money. It’s a great way to send a message. Jordan asks if he approves of Sonny’s methods, and he says he approves of anything that will stop Cyrus. Taggert could have been dead from an OD like the other two, and he’ll be damned if Jordan will be next. She says she can protect herself without getting involved with Sonny, but Curtis asks, what if that’s the only thing that’s going to keep her alive?
Sonny admits the bastard is smart. Cyrus made it public, so it’s difficult to retaliate. Jason says they don’t want the Feds involved. Sonny says, if that happens, they have to make sure the Feds don’t find anything leading to them. He’s worried about Laura. She’s his friend, but she’s the mayor, and under pressure from the media to clean up the waterfront. Jason asks what he wants to do, and Sonny says, they have people in Pentenville watching Cyrus. Have them figure out when he’s alone, so they can get access to him. To be clear, he doesn’t want to take action. Not yet.
Carly says the bullet fell out of Dev’s backpack, but Dev says he doesn’t know how it got there. What would he do with a bullet? Carly asks him to walk her through every step of his day, and he says he woke up, went to school, and came back; that was it. She asks if he left early, and he says he went to all of his classes. She asks if he made a stop, and Josslyn asks why Carly is interrogating him. Carly says because she found a bullet and needs to know how it got there.
Elizabeth tells Franco that she’s missed painting. While she’s creating, time flies. He says, doing the portrait reminded him of how fulfilling it is, and he wants that for her. He asks if she’s going to set everything up, and she says, maybe later. She wants to do something else first. He likes that idea, and she takes his hand. The doorbell rings, and he says, don’t even. It rings again, and he suggests they hide; it’s not their problem. She answers the door, and it’s Taggert. She invites him in, and introduces him to Franco. She says, so he’s Trina’s dad, and he says, small world. They’ve both been busy since they last saw one another. He’s sorry he’s late, and guesses he missed the kids.
Cameron tells the driver, they’re not on a date; they’re going out as friends. Trina says she should have hired backup. Cameron is going to be trying to get Josslyn’s attention all night. Cameron says, make a left, but the driver says he knows a better way.
Alexis sees Neil at the hospital, and tells him, careful. He might turn into stone. She asks what he’s up to, and he says he’s in the running for a staff position there. They’re making their final decision after his review. How about her? She says she goes to meetings there. He thanks her again for agreeing to make a statement, and she says she never turns down a trip to the Big Apple. She’ll see an opera, he’ll keep his medical license; it’s a win-win. He says, except for them for the next two years. She says she was trying to be altruistic.
TJ arrives at the MetroCourt. He gives the hostess the ring, and she takes it in the back. He sees Molly at the bar, and says their table is ready. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, Chelsea emailed her about lunch tomorrow to discuss her wedding. Her bridesmaid total is four gowns she’ll never wear again. It’s a consumerist joke. He says, there’s more to it than that, and she says, like a whole history of patriarchal subjugation. Fathers used to give dowries along with a woman. He says, it’s not like that anymore, but she says, want to bet?
Jordan goes to Pozzulo’s, and asks Sonny if it’s a bad time. He says he’s got to get home, but she says, it won’t take long, and he says, if she insists. Curtis says he’ll stay out there, and Sonny asks what he can do for her. She says she was hoping to ask about a visit from a former associate of hers. He says he was there earlier, shortly before he was attacked.
Elizabeth shows Taggert the pictures, and he says they look happy. Her son is a fine young man. She says, most of the time, but Trina is amazing all of the time. Taggert says, no argument, and Franco says he’s not clear on how they know each other. Elizabeth says she was friends with Taggert’s sister Gia a long time ago. She asks Taggert how Gia is, and he says she figured out what she wanted to do with her life, and got a law degree. She’s now an immigration lawyer in Texas. She asks what he’s doing there, but his phone rings. He says he needs to make a quick call, and goes into the kitchen. It’s a text with Cameron and Trina’s picture, saying, we have your daughter, and if he doesn’t meet them, she dies.
Cameron says the driver missed another turn. What is he doing? The driver says, driving, and Trina tells him, take them to the school now. He says, there’s been a change in plans.
Molly tells TJ, she knows she should respect their decisions, but she can’t watch them throw their lives away for a stupid fairytale. He says, maybe it’s not a stupid fairytale to them, and they want to get married. She says, since they were girls, they’ve been convinced marriage is the be all and end all, and don’t get her started on the ring industry. Why can’t it just be about love? TJ says, maybe it can, but she says, it’s rooted in the man controlling the narrative. Even the proposal. It’s so unfair. He says he’ll be right back.
Taggert tells Elizabeth that he has to leave. Everything is good, and he appreciates her hospitality. He’ll let himself out. When he’s gone, Franco says, weird, and Elizabeth says, hurry. They head upstairs.
Carly asks if anyone else handled Dev’s backpack. Brando asks if he left it when he used the bathroom. Dev doesn’t think so, and Brando asks if he had it the entire day. Dev says, no. He had to leave it in his locker when he went to gym. Brando says, it was planted, and Carly says, they were hoping she and Sonny would find it and get the message. Josslyn asks, what message? Brando says, obviously there’s someone watching everyone in their family, and they’re all within reach.
Jordan tells Sonny that Taggert said someone was tailing him when he left. He led them to an alley, intending on confronting them, when he was met with a second assailant. Any idea who’s responsible? Sonny says, it wasn’t his guys, if that’s what she’s suggesting. She says she’s not suggesting anything. She knows he and Taggert have a complicated history. Sonny says, it’s over now, and asks if Taggert is okay? She says, he was roughed up, but he survived. Jason asks who she thinks it might be, and she says, who does he think? Cyrus might be locked up, but his reach goes far. He has his eyes on Sonny’s place, and everywhere else he and his family frequent. Sonny says he’ll beef up security, and thanks her. He owes her one. She says she’ll remember that. Sonny leaves, and Jason asks if Jordan has a second. He has something to ask her.
Curtis asks Sonny, how’d it go? and Sonny says, it went. Curtis says he sure hopes Sonny gets a handle on the situation before anyone else gets hurt. Sonny leaves, and Curtis’s phone rings. Taggert says he needs Curtis’s help. Trina has been kidnapped; Cyrus’s man took her. Curtis says, hang on. He’ll get Jordan. Taggert says Curtis can’t tell her.
Trina tries the door, but shakes her head. Cameron says, let them out. They’ll find another ride. The driver just keeps going and Cameron says he’s going to file a formal complaint. The driver makes a sharp swerve, and takes out a gun. Trina says, don’t shoot, and he tells them to hand over their phones. Now. They do, and he starts driving again. Trina takes Cameron’s hand and cries quietly.
Alexis says Neil helped Kristina get out of DoD, and helped her out of a number of messes. And he saved her before Kendra rendered her road kill. He’s very good at saving people, and it’s unfair of her to keep him from saving anyone else. Two years will go by like that. He says he used to bury himself in work. Then he met her, and she made him want to pay attention to the world around him. She says he had his dating app, and he says, the dates were awkward, boring, or both. Until he went out with her.
TJ tells the bartender that he’s looking Candace. She’s supposed to deliver a dessert to his table. The bartender says, he’s the ring guy, and says, there she is. Candace is already putting a small cake on the table in front of Molly. The ring is on top, and Candace says, wow. Lucky lady. TJ tells Molly, he can explain.
Carly checks Josslyn’s backpack, but Josslyn says she had it he entire day. Carly says, all clear; nothing out of order. Dev says he’s sorry. He guesses he should have been more careful. Brando says, it’s not his fault, and Carly says he’s right. There’s nothing he could have done. Josslyn says, it’s insane. They just got over the shooting at the pier, and now there’s a bullet in Dev’s backpack. What next? Sonny walks in, and Carly says, thank God he’s there. They got another message. She gives him the bullet.
Elizabeth looks at her new supplies. Her phone dings, and she sees a message from Cameron. Kidnapped. HELP! She says, oh my God.
Curtis tells Taggert, he’s got to get the police involved, but Taggert says, no police, especially not Jordan. They made it clear, if he shows up with law enforcement, they’ll kill Trina and Cameron. Curtis says, they want Taggert dead, and Taggert says, at least he can trade himself for his daughter. He asks Curtis to help him.
Jason says, when Jordan first came to Port Charles, she was with the DEA, right? She says, yeah; why? He says he was just wondering, which I’m so sure she believes. Jason would never ask a question for no reason. She leaves the office, and asks if Curtis is ready to go. Does he want to grab some food? He says he just got a call from a client, and has to go. He jets, and she calls the station. She tells Martinez that she’s headed back, and to make sure the latest reports on the Corinthos shooting are on her desk.
Jason’s phone rings. It’s Elizabeth, who says she needs his help. Cameron has been kidnapped.
TJ tells Molly, the ring belonged to his mom. He thinks it was from an ethical source, but they can have it appraised and verify that. She says it’s beautiful, and he says he knows she has reservations about marriage, but they can make it work. He promises. He’d never ask her to sacrifice her career, or anything else. He wants them to be equals, and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. He loves her so much, so will she marry him? She sits there, just staring at the ring, and says she’s sorry. She’s overwhelmed. She loves him too, more than she can put into words. He’s very brave to propose after she went off like that, but she doesn’t want to marry him.
Alexis tells Neil, so they won’t mess with success. The one kiss they had was perfection. Neil says, the closest they’ll ever get to perfection, is when they stop trying to make things perfect. (Good for him. He was able to use that gem twice within an hour.) She asks if that’s a Neil original, and he says, as of a half hour ago. He told TJ the same thing. TJ was getting ready to propose to Molly. Alexis says she ran into Molly, who said they were having a special night. Does Neil think TJ is popping the question? Neil says, it seems so, and she says, maybe they’ll have something to celebrate in New York. He says he won’t be celebrating anything if he’s not still practicing. She says she doesn’t want to be late to her meeting. He says, take care, and she says, him too.
Brando tells Sonny, he thinks the bullet was planted while Dev was in gym class. Carly says, that means they got into the school; this has to stop. Josslyn says, maybe it’s a good thing Dev is leaving, but Brando isn’t so sure that’s a good idea. They know what everyone is doing. What’s to stop them from getting into the boarding school? Sonny says Brando has a point. It’s best stay to close where he knows he can protect them. He puts the bullet on the table.
Jason tells Elizabeth, they’ll figure it out. The best thing to do is stay calm. Elizabeth says Cameron was going to a dance with Trina, and sent her a picture of the driver and the license plate number. She sends it to Jason, and says maybe he can use it to find them. Jason looks stunned, and says, he knows this guy.
Taggert goes to the meeting place, and opens the door. The place is empty, and no one is there. He calls out that he’s there. He followed their orders. Where is his daughter? The driver/Cyrus’s guy comes out, and says, take it easy. Taggert says, bring her to him, and the guy says, the way he sees it, Taggert is in no position to make demands. Taggert says, if he doesn’t see his daughter right now, their plan will go up in smoke. The guy calls for Trina and Cameron to be brought in. Two men with guns bring them out, and practically shove Cameron down the stairs.
Curtis lurks outside with a gun.
Tomorrow, TJ asks Molly if she’s saying no, Willow thinks she knows the best thing for Wiley, and Jason tells Elizabeth not to call the cops.
Project Runway
Two designers were going to be ousted tonight, leaving four to go home and prepare collections for New York Fashion Week. The two-day challenge was avant-garde – ahead of the pack – what Brandon described as something that challenges your feelings, and goes beyond the norm. The destination for the runway would be The Vessel in Hudson Yards, a venue where no one had shown before. Geoffrey said it was his favorite building in NYC, and while I think it’s cool, we radically disagree on our style of favorite. Since she was the winner last week, Nancy got first pick of models, and then chose who would go next. It continued that way, until Victoria was the last designer, like being the last one waiting to be chosen for the team. In her interview, she said maybe the others were afraid of her, but I thought it was more that she was unfriendly, self-absorbed, and rude. The contestants were told to show why they deserve a collection for Fashion Week, and Brandon told them, go big or go home. In his interview, Marquis said he’d done a lot of ballroom work, which calls for avant-garde. In Brittany’s interview, she said she was nervous about the challenge, but Sergio was already thinking ahead to female samurai warriors, and how he wanted to show that while women were viewed as weaker, they can still do what men can do.
It was the designers’ final shopping trip to Mood, where Christian begged them not to use satin, or he would cut them. They got a whopping 60 minutes, and $600 to shop. Nancy thought the challenge was going to take everything she had, but Geoffrey said avant-garde was his thing. He was going for ceremonial and regal, and if he didn’t nail it, his client base would be blown. No surprise, he headed for the satin, but Christian intervened, telling Geoffrey how much his satin was hated by the judges the previous week. He decided to use latex, a skill set he hadn’t shown yet. In his interview, he explained he had a latex company, and he still does custom latex. He could make it do stuff no one else could. After buying a ton of horsehair fabric, Nancy puzzled over what she was actually going to make. Geoffrey said Nancy liked to do things on the fly, but he didn’t think that was a good idea for this challenge. Marquis rose to the occasion, deciding to make pants out of chains, but Brittany was freaked out by there being no rules.
In Sergio’s interview, he said he thought he set the bar high for the other designers, and his most difficult competition was himself. Modest too! Nancy FaceTimed with her husband, who she’d met on a golf dating site. She’d been his one and only date, but he hadn’t been hers. Christian interrupted the designers with a surprise, which caused everyone to panic, but he said it was a good surprise. He told the designers to follow him, and took them to a room that housed all the pieces they’d made throughout the season. Seeing everything she’d done, Brittany felt accomplished. In Marquise’s interview, he said his brother had been shot, and it was one of the reasons why he’d moved to NYC. His brother had given him $200, and told him to stay focused and make his dreams happen, because time is limited. He didn’t want Marquise to lose sight of why he was there. Christian said they were to show their unique point-of-view by choosing two past looks. They’d be creating a retrospective that proved who they were as a designer, and also showing what their collection would be like. They would also get a seamstress to tailor the garments to the models. Nancy said it was going to be one magical moment.
Approaching Brittany’s humongous, poufy pink jacket, Christian said he was afraid the judges would think it looked like a pink straightjacket. In Sergio’s interview, he said he wore his confidence like armor, and was voted most likely to succeed in high school. He told us, understanding you can do anything you set your mind to is empowering. Christian introduced the designers to Justine, a stylist from Tresemme (brand placement!), telling them that hair design was a crucial part of the avant-garde look. They’d be collaborating with her on hairstyle. In Nancy’s interview, she said it was all about the details, and she was taking every suggestion. Christian announced the show would be at dawn, and the contestants had to be back at work at 3 am.
Geoffrey pricked his finger, getting blood on his fabric. Since he’d gotten black from an iron on last week’s dress, I wondered if he’d been stain jinxed. He said blood wasn’t avant-garde, and immediately ran for the sink. Sergio suggested licking it, as saliva removes blood (good to know), but luckily it came out with water. Nancy was having trouble believing it wasn’t all a dream, while I pondered why there were geese wandering around outside the design studio.
At the Vessel, afraid of heights, Brandon refused to go one the admittedly scary glass elevator, and opted for the stairs, but freaked out a few flights up, and just stayed there. Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) was introduced as guest judge. When the judges were assembled, the models came up in the elevator, and walked down. I doffed my cap to every single one of them, going down those stairs in gigantic confections and high heels, without death-gripping the banister. Elaine said the designers had done a great job curating their collections, as everything was cohesive. Much of it was indescribable, but Elaine said it best when she described Nancy’s dress as a piece of walking art. She said Sergio was pushing the classic modern aesthetic, and always his own biggest fan, he said in his interview, he felt like he always did that more than the others. Victoria said she was trying to take pictures with her eyes of a once in a lifetime moment. The model trios stopped on various landings to display the collections, then came together to form a circle, so everything could be seen together. After that, it was back to the regular runway.
Brittany got kudos for the pink color of her jacket, which she thought represented her, but Karlie said although she was close, Brittany fell short. Brandon liked the coat, which was covered in plastic and fabric butterflies, but Nina thought the plastic took away from the upscale look. Elaine said Nancy’s garment was like looking at a sculptural piece, and Karlie called it wearable art. Nina said she was a fan, but also a truth teller. Because of Nancy’s black/bronze color combo, she felt like it was a black cloud, and said Nancy had missed the opportunity to use color. She thought Marquise’s outfit was over-complicated (although everyone loved the chain pants), and Brandon said that was a common mistake. He said Geoffrey’s piece – a jacket/shorts ensemble with a train – was other-worldly and sexy. Elaine added that usually latex was skin tight, and the fluidity was poetic. Brandon said Geoffrey’s creation matched the location the best, but it was very Land Before Time, whatever that means. Sergio explained how female samurai fought in wars alongside the males, and his design was an avant-garde version of who he is as a designer; it was theatrical. Elaine said the image of his model going up in the elevator was haunting, Nina said both Alexander McQueen and John Galliano had similar designs, and no surprise, Sergio pleaded ignorance, as he’d done before when called out on the backward tux. Victoria was praised for her use of color – champagne – and Karlie said she could tell Victoria’s model felt regal. However, Elaine was a bit taken aback by a huge earring thing going on, and said it overcomplicated the outfit. After the designers went backstage, Victoria said the judges had been tough on them.
Elaine said there wasn’t a single loser. Every designer left was talented. Nina said Geoffrey’s engineering blew her away, and while some designers fall, he’d gained momentum throughout the season. Elaine said, he takes his designs to another planet. Brandon said Victoria had brought out unexpected romanticism, but Elaine said Victoria’s design didn’t knock her dead. Brandon said he was surprised, since she’d been excited by a latex panty. Elaine said Nancy’s design was true avant-garde, and a show piece. Nina was impressed by so much passion. Elaine thought Brittany’s jacket was elegant and cool, and she wanted to buy it. Karlie said the jacket looked avant-garde, but up close was a full-on Monet. Nina said Brittany had the right fabric, but couldn’t carry it to the end. Karlie said Marquise had raw talent, but needed mentorship. Nina thought his silver effort looked like the Tin Man. She said Sergio’s problem was referencing the work of other designers, but Elaine said, considering the time constraints, Sergio was a cut above.
The designers were brought back out for the final critique, and Karlie said they were all deserving, but only four could go through to the finale. Geoffrey was the first one in. Brandon said he showed up and he showed out. Nina told him to think streamlined and sophisticated. Brandon told him, it was okay to be nervous (he is kind of a nervous guy in general), as long as it’s translated into confidence with his fashion. Victoria was the next one in (sigh), and Karlie told her to not just think of one woman while she was designing, but think of all the women who would want to wear her designs. NANCY was next, and the clouds parted to reveal angels singing. Nina said Nancy represented a second shot at living your biggest dream, and I swear, I got tears in my eyes. Elaine told her, no more oversized, ill-fitting garments, and she looked like she was going to cry. Karlie said she wished all of them could be in, but Brittany was out. Brandon said she was a great designer, and her strength was in the way she carried herself. It was a joy to be let into her talent. Brittany said she appreciated being there, and in her interview, said she didn’t think she’d be going home. It wasn’t that she didn’t think the others didn’t deserve it, but she thought she deserved it more. Sergio was in, and Elaine said it pained her to tell Marquise that he was out. He blossomed there, and should be proud. He thanked them, and said it had been a blessing. In his interview, he said, being self-taught, he was at a phenomenal standpoint, being able to show what he could do. He and Brittany commiserated, while Nina told Sergio not to hide behind excuses and other people’s work. She told everyone to go home, and in five months, create a ten-piece collection for Fashion Week (for which they get a $10K budget).
Christian said Marquise had amazing moments, and he’s going to do amazing things, because amazing is Christian’s favorite word. He said he was ready for it all in menswear from Marquise. He told Brittany that she’d also be amazing, and he was proud of them. In Marquise’s interview, he said he was thisclose. It was a bummer, but he was going to continue to grow, move on to harder things, and put his all into designing. In Brittany’s interview, she said she was allowed to come into her own, and was reassured that she’s on the right path, and doing the right thing. She’ll make it to Fashion Week eventually, but it might be a longer road. Christian poured champagne for the finalists.
Next stop, New York Fashion Week. And as Brandon said, let the games begin.
🍸 On Sunday, March 1st, Bravo will be having a Vanderpump Rules Leap Day Marathon. It starts at 10 am if you’re up for it.
👠 So I Was Thinking…
Not that any of my exes would be dating Lady Gaga, but if they were, I’d ask for an introduction. Way to use it to justify overspending though.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Ava tells Carly to notify the guard that she’s ready to leave. She says it’s inconvenient having an armed escort just to visit her daughter. Carly asks, more or less than living on an island? She wonders when Ava is planning on introducing Avery to her new husband.
Franco helps Cameron with his cufflinks, saying it’s a throwback to another era when men needed valets. He tells Cameron that he looks like James Bond, and Elizabeth says he looks adorable. Cameron says he doesn’t want adorable. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Nikolas.
Brook sees Julian at the MetroCourt. He tries to ditch her, but she says, no drink for her? He says, she gets no favors from him. What she thinks she heard in a private conversation was out of context. She’s jumping to conclusions. He had nothing to do with Brad passing off Nelle’s baby as Willow’s. She asks if passing off is a polite euphemism for kidnapping. She doesn’t think Sonny will appreciate the difference. Does Julian think Sonny will believe him or her when she tells him about her suspicions?
At the Pozzulo’s office, Sonny asks Jason how Michael is doing. Jason says, happy mostly. He knows it’s not over, and he still needs to gain legal custody. The cops have found evidence, and he hopes it’s enough to convict Nelle. Sonny wonders if it’s enough to show that Nelle had help.
Curtis goes to Laura’s hospital room, and is surprised to find her dressed and ready to roll. She asks what he expected, and he says, she’s recovering from a gunshot; maybe extra recuperation time. She says she’s going stir crazy in there, and the doctors said she’s healthy enough to leave. He asks where Doc is, and she says he’s the guest speaker at a medical conference. He wanted to cancel, but she told him not to. Her driver is also her bodyguard, and she’ll get home safe. He tells her that she needs to rest, but she says the sooner she gets back to work, the better. Port Charles needs her.
On the phone, Jordan asks if she and Taggert are on for today, but he says he’s working his own plan. She asks, what kind of plan? but he’s already hung up.
Sonny tells Jason that he doesn’t buy Brad and Nelle pulling it off by themselves. There’s a knock at the door, and one of Sonny’s guards says it’s someone who claims they knew Sonny back in the day. Taggert comes in, and Sonny asks if he took a wrong turn. Taggert says he and Sonny may have a mutual problem. Maybe they can help each other out.
Sonny says, this is a first. Taggert is on the side of the angels. Taggert laughs, and says, there are no angels in this room, or in Pentenville. Sonny doesn’t follow, and Taggert says, Michael was targeted on Pier 55. Carly was caught in an attack on the warehouse, and Sonny was targeted in Brooklyn. Then an industrial warehouse turned into a Roman candle. Sonny says he doesn’t know anything about it, and Taggert says he’s not there to bust Sonny. Sonny says, since when? and Taggert says, since they’ve been trading information about Cyrus.
Jordan joins Laura and Curtis, and Curtis tells her that Laura plans on going back to work right away. Jordan says, sounds right, and he says he should have known better. Laura asks to be brought up to speed. She heard there was an explosion on the industrial pier, and asks how much damage there was. Jordan says, whoever planted the explosive was a pro. No loss of life, but the warehouse and its contents were obliterated. They did find traces of opiates though. Someone blew a major drug operation sky high. Laura wonders who’s stupid enough to take on Sonny.
Carly tells Ava, then again, what’s the point?Not all marriages are built to last. Ava wonders how Carly is judging her marriage when hers involves a sharpshooter on the roof. Carly says she’s not judging; she’s giving Ava a heads up. Sonny is going to want to know how much Nikolas is in his daughter’s life, and he’s not Nikolas’s biggest fan. Whatever game they’re playing, the less it includes Avery, the better.
Josslyn asks if that’s what Dev is wearing to the dance, but he says he’s not going. Josslyn says she wasn’t planning on it either, but Cameron and Trina will be there. The more she thought about it, she realized the first rule of having fun is showing up. He asks, why be around people he won’t be seeing again? After tomorrow, he won’t be living there. He’s leaving Port Charles.
Franco asks Elizabeth if everything is okay, and she asks if he minds hanging out with Cameron. He says he’ll get Cameron pinned up, and goes back inside. Elizabeth tells Nikolas, make it quick. It’s a big night for her son. Nikolas says, Cameron has grown up, and she says, kids do that. Why is he here? He says he’s determined to prove what he told her, and she suggests another time. He says now that he’s secured his inheritance, he wants to make a donation to GH; something specific. She says he can talk to Monica, but he says Elizabeth would know where it would do the most good, and she’s his friend. She says, is she? Inside, Franco pins a boutonniere on Cameron, saying he thought it was only for weddings. Cameron says he did too, but Trina disagrees. Franco says, Trina is a good friend.
At the café, Brook tells Julian that she has a situation with a record producer. He says let him guess; the producer refuses to sign her. She says, just the opposite. He refuses to let her out of her contract. Julian says, get a lawyer, but she says she did, and it’s iron clad. He says, she’s a Quartermaine. Get daddy to buy him out. She says Julian doesn’t get it. Ned tried, but Linc won’t set her free at any price. He says she must be quite the talent. He’s not sure where he comes in, and she says she’s exhausted all legal alternatives. Julian has skills her father and the lawyers don’t have. Make Linc an offer he can’t refuse, and if he stonewalls, give him ten broken fingers for starters.
Julian tells Brook that her faith is flattering, but his days of breaking bones are over. He runs a respectable pub. She says he can either work with her, or take his chances with Sonny, and he says, there she goes again threatening him. Let’s talk about how that might go down. Say Sonny puts a bullet in his back. That’s a lot of weight to carry on her conscience. Does she want Lucas to lose another loved one because of her overactive imagination? Brook says, what Sonny does is up to him, and what Julian does is up to him. It’s his choice, and his funeral. Julian says, maybe there’s another way.
Elizabeth says she and Nikolas’s friendship wasn’t automatically restored. He says she was kind and sympathetic about Spencer, but she says that doesn’t take away the fact that her niece is without her mother because of Nikolas. He can’t buy her friendship with hospital donations. She tells him, find her sister. He says he hates disappointing her, and appreciates and respects their friendship; it means more than he can say. She says he needs to go. He says his inheritance wasn’t everything. You wouldn’t think Windymere could be colder or lonelier. She says he made his choices, and has to live with them. Unfortunately, so does Violet.
Ava says since Carly is so concerned about what’s best for her daughter, she doesn’t like Avery living under siege. Windymere is safer. Carly asks, how many have met untimely deaths there? And she doesn’t want Avery to be a witness to Ava and Nikolas’s spitefest of a marriage. Ava says she doesn’t know what Carly is talking about. Carly says she doesn’t know Nikolas well, but did know Emily, the love of his life, and Ava couldn’t be less like her. Now that Nikolas has his hands on the codicil, she doesn’t think Ava will be his wife much longer. Ava says Carly is very much mistaken. Carly says, we’ll see, and Ava leaves.
Elizabeth takes pictures of Cameron, and he asks if she has to take so many. The doorbell rings, and Trina comes in, looking gorgeous in a black and silver cocktail dress. Elizabeth asks if Cameron minds if she takes one more. Cameron says Trina looks great, and she says, he’s not so bad either.
Josslyn asks Dev, why leave town now? It’s only a few weeks until spring break, and they have the SATs and final exams. He says, it’s a top school, and they do that there; he won’t miss out. Sonny made it happen. She says, what about Gladys and Brando? What about everyone who cares about him? Everything is set up for Dev to stay there as Sonny’s cousin. He says he’s not dragging this out; it won’t change anything. Carly comes in, and asks for a minute with Josslyn. Dev gives them privacy, and Carly guesses Dev told her. Josslyn says, please don’t tell her Dev is leaving because of her.
Jordan tells Laura, there’s no proof that organized crime is behind what happened, but it’s happened too many times in this town. A crime lord decides he can make more money by taking over Sonny’s territory, and it escalates until it’s over – unless Sonny intervenes. Laura says she can’t help if she doesn’t know who she’s dealing with. Jordan says, Cyrus Renault. He’s a major drug trafficker in the Pacific Northwest. He was busted ten years ago, but it appears he’s trying to expand his territory from maximum security in Pentenville.
Sonny asks what Taggert knows about Cyrus, and Taggert says, more than Sonny. He helped put Cyrus away. Jason says, when Cyrus was busted by a DEA task force, and Taggert says, right. When he left, he signed on with the DEA. Cyrus was a high priority, and his team did all they could to have Cyrus put away. Sonny says, Cyrus is behind bars, but still in operation. They underestimated his reach. Taggert says, right now, Cyrus has his eyes on Port Charles; that’s where Sonny comes in. He has more options than a former agent. He tells Jason, the warehouse explosion was a nice job, but Jason says he doesn’t know what Taggert is talking about. Sonny asks, what’s it to him? Taggert doesn’t live there. Taggert says there are people he cares about in Port Charles, and no one is safe when Cyrus is in play. Jason asks if Taggert is offering his help, or asking for theirs.
Sonny says, so Taggert wants to work with him to help take Cyrus down. Taggert says he has no use for Sonny’s business, but he knows Sonny’s not like Cyrus. Cyrus is bad news, and they don’t want him taking charge. He’s seen the ugly things this man can do. Sonny says, give him some time to think, and Taggert says, don’t take too long. He leaves, and Jason asks if Sonny buys that. Sonny says, every word.
Through Pozzulo’s window, we see Taggert’s shadow go by. A few seconds later, another shadow follows.
Jordan tells Laura, it’s a dangerous lot connected to Cyrus, and Laura says, someone is letting him pull strings while he’s behind bars. Curtis says, it’s convenient, and Jordan says she’d be interested in finding out how Cyrus landed there in the first place. Laura says he ride is there; they’ll continue later. Curtis asks her to tell him that she’s going home to rest, and she says, wars are fought on many fronts. Let them work on their side of the battlefield, and she’ll take care of hers. When she’s gone, Jordan says **j has ocnn don’t have info can’t afford share until Cyrus is no longer a threat
Josslyn tells Carly, it was one kiss. She’s over it, and hopes Dev isn’t overreacting. Carly says, it’s not about the kiss. Josslyn says, Brando agreed to cover, but Carly says there’s only so much they can ask Brando to accept. Dev thinks it’s best, and she and Sonny agree. Josslyn says, Dev was there after Oscar died, and it helped. He drove her crazy sometimes, but she’ll miss him. Carly says she will too, and hugs Josslyn.
Brook asks what Julian’s plan is, but Julian says he doesn’t have one yet. He needs some time. She says every day she wastes is killing her career. She needs to get back out there before she loses the little momentum she had. It’s the only way out of her contract, so is he helping her or not? Nikolas approaches their table, and Brook says she doesn’t know whether to slap him or kiss him. He says he gets that a lot, and Brook thanks him for the call. She would have been offended if he’d come back from the dead and left her out. She heard he got married. Who’s the lucky lady? Ava joins them, and says, good; Nikolas got her message. She asks who this is, and he says, Brook Ashton, but Brook says she’s Quartermaine now. Nikolas says, this is his wife, Ava Jerome. Ava says, actually, Cassadine now. Mrs. Nikolas Cassadine.
Cameron gives Trina a wrist corsage, and she thanks him, saying, it’s beautiful. He’s glad she likes it, and she says she wishes her dad was there already. He wanted to take some pictures.
Taggert walks near the piers, and someone follows. We see it’s one of the guys from Cyrus’s warehouse. Taggert goes around, and comes up behind the guy. He asks if the guy is looking for him, and the guy says, no. He’s looking for him. Another guy walks up, and they’re on either side of Taggert.
Sonny tells Jason, for Taggert to come to them, he must be desperate. Jason says, Cyrus was convicted ten years ago. Why is Cyrus after Sonny at the same time Taggert shows up? The guard knocks again, and says Sonny has another visitor. Sonny says he’s busy, but Laura asks if he has time to see an old friend.
Carly says, it’s so unfair. Josslyn has had all these losses, and now she has another one. Josslyn says, this is different. Letting Dev go is doing right by him, and she understands. She says she needs to get dressed if she’s going, and Carly asks, where? Josslyn says, it’s the mid-winter formal, and Carly says she thought Josslyn was going. Josslyn says she changed her mind. Cameron and Trina are going, and Trina gave her a whole lecture about showing up to show school spirit. She has a point. How can Josslyn expect her peers to show up to her volleyball games, and cheer her on, if she doesn’t support them? Carly says there’s no way Josslyn is leaving the house tonight.
Brook asks if she can borrow Ava’s husband, and Ava says as long as he brings her back a drink. Nikolas and Brook go to the bar, and Ava sits with Julian. She says she hopes Nikolas remembers she likes vodka martinis. Like any of us would forget that. She asks Julian why he was huddled with Brook. Or to rephrase that, what the hell kind of trouble is he in now?
Brook says Nikolas looks good for a guy who’s been dead three years. He says she’s still gorgeous, and impossible. She says if she didn’t know better, she’d think he was flirting, but he wouldn’t be doing that with his wife there. He says, true. Ava is never far from his thoughts. His marriage is more important than he can possibly say.
Sonny is glad Laura is up and about. She says she just got out thirty minutes ago, and he says she came straight to see him; he’s honored. He gives her his word that he had no idea who the people were targeting his family. She believes him, but asks, what’s really going on? How’s his family? She heard what happened in Brooklyn, and knows Mike was there. He says his dad is okay. Everybody is okay, and it’s going to stay that way. She says, he can’t guarantee that, and they both know it. So let’s talk – for real.
Jordan and Curtis find Taggert in an examining room. Jordan asks, what happened? and he says he got jumped by two guys. He realized he was being followed, and led the guy into an alley. Taggert got the jump on him, but another guy came from behind. He got a shot off, and they ran toward the 500 block. Curtis asks what Taggert was doing there, but Taggert says he’s answering Jordan’s questions, not Curtis’s. Taggert takes out a handkerchief, and gives it to Jordan. She unwraps a syringe, and says Taggert was going to OD, like the others.
Julian tells Ava that he thought he’d buy himself some time by getting Brad a lawyer. Now that spoiled pop star wannabe is tightening the screws. Ava asks, how? and he says she came into Charlie’s when he was arguing with Brad. He had no idea who she was, and they talked. He vented, and said too much. Ava asks how much Brook knows, and he says she figured out that he was helping Brad with the baby switch. Even better, she’s tight with Sonny and she’s threatening to get him involved. Brook laughs, and Ava says, she seems like a handful, all right, but Julian was already doomed when he got mixed up with Brad to begin with. He says he doesn’t know what to do at this point. He’s tired of the shakedowns. Ava says, too bad. If Brook goes to Sonny with her theory, it won’t go well. He asks what she suggests, and she tells him, just say yes for now; buy some time. Two Jeromes are more than a match for one measly Quartermaine.
Brook says she’s sorry about what Nikolas has been through, and Nikolas says she’s the only person who hasn’t come down hard on him. His mom, his sister, his son, even his best friend Elizabeth, all judged him without caring about what he’s been through. Brook says, Elizabeth judged him? Shocker. He guesses Elizabeth is entitled to her feelings, but Brook says, so is he. It’s hard enough coming back without people lining up to criticize. She knows what it’s like to need a friend, and thinks maybe she can fill that void.
Josslyn tells Carly, there’s plenty of security. One of Sonny’s guards can stay at the dance, and Dustin is chaperoning; he saved her life. Carly says, he’s an English teacher, not a superhero. She and Sonny agreed, it’s best to avoid public gatherings, and she wants to err on the side of caution tonight. Donna cries, and Carly goes to tend to her, while Dev comes back into the kitchen. Dev asks if Josslyn’s mom explained it to her. She asks if he’s really okay with it, and he says, it has to be this way. Josslyn says, then he has to say goodbye to Cameron and Trina. She tells him, get dressed, and meet her in the living room in ten minutes.
Cameron tells Trina that their ride share is almost there. She says her dad hasn’t responded to her texts; she guesses he’s not coming. Cameron looks out, and sees an SUV. He says they’re going premium tonight. He tells Trina that he can talk to the driver, and see if he’s willing to wait, but Trina says, let’s just go. She thanks Elizabeth for the pictures. She’ll have some great shots to show her dad. Elizabeth tells them, have fun, and Cameron says, will do. Franco hustles them out, and Cameron wonders if he’s trying to get rid of them. Elizabeth reminds him to text the driver’s information to her. They leave, and Elizabeth asks Franco if Cameron is right. Was he trying to get rid of them?
Jordan says Taggert is lucky it wasn’t worse, and Curtis says, then there would be one. Taggert says Cyrus will find him if he wants to. Jordan says they’ve been catching up since Bob was killed, and it’s time to get in front. Taggert said he had a plan; let’s hear it. He says she’s not going to like it.
Laura says she and Sonny have been friends a long time. She knows there’s a line he won’t cross in his business; he has a certain integrity. When she took the oath of office, she vowed to put Port Charles above all else, including her personal relationships. Sonny understands where Laura is coming from, and says he’d never ask her to compromise for his sake. She appreciates that, but says she can’t look other way if a turf war threatens the safety of the city. Jason says, with all due respect, they care about the city as much as she does. She says she doesn’t doubt that, but in Sonny’s business, there can be some very ugly turns, and she thinks that’s what happened. Sonny says he didn’t start it, and she says she knows that, but it doesn’t matter. This is on her watch. When innocent people are shot at, the piers are a war zone again, and warehouses are blowing up, the people who live in those areas – low income people who don’t have a lot of choices – are afraid. The parents wonder if their kids will get home safe, or at all. All they want, is for it to stop. That’s why she’s there. If anyone knows how stop this thing, it’s him.
Elizabeth tells Franco, she thought Cameron and Trina were just friends, but after the way Cameron looking at Trina tonight, she’s not so sure. Franco says, it’s a big night for them – and him and Elizabeth too. He says, she thought he forgot. He gives her a small box, and says, happy anniversary.
Brook and Nikolas clink glasses. Ava says it will be her pleasure to help Julian handle Brook, and it might help her solve a problem of her own. She needs Nikolas to cheat, and she needs to have proof, or she can’t get out of the marriage. Julian says, that’s barely a minor inconvenience, and she says Julian is so grouchy when he thinks he’s backed into a corner. He’s lucky he has a sister who’s a pro at thinking outside the box. She was going to use Elizabeth to tempt Nikolas, but it’s important to have back up, and Brook just might fit the bill. Ava walks over to the bar and says, forget the drink. She’s changed her mind. She’d rather be home with Nikolas. She takes his hand, and leads him out. He asks if she’s jealous. She can always divorce him. She says, not on his life. They made a deal, and he’s sticking to it.
Brook returns to Julian’s table, and says, so before they were rudely interrupted, what’s his answer? He says, she told him, all ten fingers, correct? He holds out his hand, and they shake.
Laura tells Sonny, she came out of respect because he’s an old friend. She gets up, and says, but if she’s wrong, and Sonny isn’t able to end this thing before it escalates any further, she’ll have to do what she has to in order to protect the city. Sonny gets up, and says he wouldn’t expect anything less. After all, he voted for her. Jason holds the door open, and she walks out, holding back tears. Jason and Sonny look at each other.
Josslyn comes downstairs, looking lovely, also in a shimmery cocktail dress. Dev asks how she did that so fast, and she says nothing inspires her more than being told she can’t do something. She tells him, they have to go, and he follows her out.
Taggert tells Jordan, he’s crossed the line in the past. Each time, he weighed the risks, and made a choice, believing the ends justified the means. Now he’s crossed a line he never thought he’d cross. Curtis says, desperate times, and Taggert says, right. The stakes are too high for pride or holding a grudge. He went to Sonny, and asked if Sonny would work with him to take Cyrus down.
Carly sees Dev’s backpack, and says, really. The kids leave everything lying around. She picks it up, and everything falls out. While she’s picking it all up, she finds a bullet.
Cameron asks the driver if he can step on it; they’re a tiny bit late. Trina says she doesn’t mind, and tells him to take his time. Better safe than sorry. Cameron and Trina chatter back and forth, and we see the driver is the guy who followed Taggert to the pier.
Tomorrow, Neil tells TJ, if it feels right, go for it; Carly asks why there’s a bullet in Dev’s backpack; Taggert calls Curtis for help; and Cameron and Trina’s driver says, there’s been a change in plans.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey
When Melissa met with Danielle, Danielle said boutique owner Steven told her to pull Marge’s hair, and Teresa encouraged her. We saw a clip of Teresa getting in Danielle’s face, and saying, do it! Do it! Do it! Melissa said she was shocked, and going to let Teresa know what Danielle said. Rather than badmouth Teresa, Melissa said it confirmed that Teresa was not in the right frame of mind. Danielle said Marge had put her through a lot, but Melissa wasn’t having it. She said Danielle had gone too far and shouldn’t have put her hands on anybody, and ended their friendship. At the house, the party was beginning to start, with an amazing barbecue that had just about everything imaginable on the grill. In Melissa’s interview, she said Danielle was a pathological liar, but she didn’t think Danielle would throw Teresa under the bus like that if it wasn’t true. And if it was, it was the end of Marge and Teresa’s friendship. By the time Melissa got to the party, it was in full swing, and there were tons of guests, including my favorite, Marge Sr.
Melissa was basically accosted by the group, who wanted to know how the meeting had gone. Melissa told them it was rough. She said Danielle said that Steven told her to pull Marge’s hair, and Marge didn’t believe it, but we saw a clip of that too. I find it a lot more disturbing that a grown man, who owns a boutique, is making this kind of suggestion to a woman, than table-flipper Teresa encouraging that behavior. Melissa said Danielle also said Teresa told her, do it. Marge didn’t believe that either, and of course everyone said what a liar Danielle always is. Melissa asked Teresa if Danielle was lying, and Teresa said she was drinking and everything happened so fast. In Dolores’s interview, she said it never crossed her mind that Teresa was involved in the hair pulling. Marge called Teresa an a-hole, and said Teresa’s good friend Danielle threw her under the bus to save herself. Marge walked off, and Teresa gave the finger to the camera, then went on a rampage, flinging a Solo cup at the camera, and throwing stuff around. Girlfriend was very stressed.
Teresa stomped inside, saying they were all effing a-holes. I’m not sure if she meant the group, the party guests in general, or the production team. She said she was going home. In her interview, Melissa said she’d known Teresa a long time, and when you call her out on something she shouldn’t have done, she doesn’t take it well. Teresa holed up in the bathroom, and outside the door, Dolores said the only way to rectify it, was to apologize to Marge and never talk to Danielle again. Melissa said she got that Teresa wanted to have fun with all the stress in her life, but she was choosing the wrong people to have it with. When Teresa emerged, she said she was glad Danielle stood up for herself. In Teresa’s interview, she said she was angry at Marge, and drinking a lot. Out in the yard, while Marge didn’t let this stop her from enjoying the food, Joe #2 said he thought they should talk it out. Marge said it made her sick. Dolores told Teresa that Marge deserved an apology. Right then and there, Teresa called Danielle, and told her that Melissa had outed her for outing Teresa. But ultimately, it was Danielle’s decision to pony pull. Danielle told Teresa that afterwards, she’d said she wished she hadn’t done it, and not to let this come between them. Teresa stood firm, and said they weren’t friends anymore. She told the others, she wanted to talk to Marge in private, and she’d be on the front porch.
Marge met with Teresa, who apologized, and said she felt bad. Marge said her first instinct was not to believe it. Teresa said she knows she shouldn’t have done it (can you hear this in her voice?), but maybe it had to happen for her to wake up, and be done with Danielle. Marge said she needed time to process it. In Marge’s interview, she said the idea of someone she’s close with being in on attacking her was mind-boggling. And on top of it, Teresa defended Danielle. In the backyard, Jennifer said, if any good came out if it, at least Teresa realized her friendship with Danielle is toxic. When Marge came back, she said she didn’t know whether to sh*t or go blind, and I wondered when was the last time I heard that phrase.
Since the second half-hour was dedicated to Teresa’s Italy trip with the girls, they did the finale credits here. There was absolutely nothing of interest, except that David still hasn’t moved into the new house. He’s living with Dolores and Frank. Dolores can’t get him to move out, or give her a ring. Whatever works.
Five months later. We sped through what happened with Joe, ending with him moving to Italy. He now looks like Mike The Situation Sorrentino. There was the fastest trip to Italy ever, not even using the Concord, and we flashed back to a previous trip when the girls were little. The girls were thrilled to see their dad, but two seconds in, Joe said he’d forgotten how stressful they could be. They checked into a gorgeous hotel, and Teresa asked if Joe expected sleep with her. They hadn’t been together in four years, and it was kind of weird. He was the same uncommunicative jerk he’s always been.
They took the girls to the Amalfi coast, and on the way, a rainbow dazzled us all. Gia leaning her head on her dad’s shoulder broke my heart. They went shopping, and in Gia’s interview, she said their family had been on an emotional roller coaster. It made her realize it was the little moments that count. She was holding on to every moment, and cherishing it. In Teresa’s interview, she said she thought Joe wanted to be a couple again, but she hadn’t been happy with him for a long time. She didn’t want to hurt him, but sometimes you can’t get over what happened, and need to move on. At a tearful dinner, Joe told the girls that he was sorry about what happened, but would always do what he could to keep them together.
Teresa asked Joe how he saw them, and said she wanted someone with her every day. She reminded him that he’d said hurtful things, like he wished he’d never married her. He was supposed to protect her, and she trusted him. Joe said it was a bogus crime that people don’t even do time for, and it was in the past. Teresa said she hadn’t been the same since. A lot had happened, and they lived in two different countries. He asked if she wanted to just end it now. In her interview, Teresa said it was infuriating. After four years, Joe still wasn’t taking responsibility for what he’d done. He hadn’t changed. She told Joe that she never wanted to hurt him, and wanted him to be endlessly happy. He said he felt the same about her, and that he’d spend the night with the girls. They hugged for the first time, and it seemed genuine.
Teresa said she wasn’t ready to tell the girls, and they were still fighting the appeal. There was still a chance Joe could come back to the US. She was just happy Joe was out and free, and that her daughters can be reunited with their dad, even if they had to get on a plane to do it. It wasn’t the end.
The ending text said that the girls spent Christmas with Joe. They were still waiting on the appeal, and were hopeful. Teresa said since now that chapter was closed, she could start thinking about what makes Teresa happy.
My big question. Why does everyone think a party is where to bring up a personal issue? In Melissa’s case tonight, she was immediately surrounded, but the traditional practice is for someone to bring up a hot button issue in the middle of a party. Usually the celebration of some poor, unrelated, unsuspecting person, and it ruins the good time. Even better, it’s often in public. I’m just glad I don’t know any of these people personally.
💰 She Does Have Bank Now…
I actually think this is one couple who won’t need a prenup because they’re going to make it.
I honestly think she’s just thoughtless, and I’m sorry to see her go. And it’s kind of like when new neighbors move in. Even if you’re glad to see the old ones go, you wonder what you’re going to get.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
In Sonny’s kitchen, Cameron asks what there is to eat; he’s starving. Trina says Josslyn just told them about her new nephew. Josslyn says, the same night Nelle tried to kill her brother, she had Brad steal the baby. Trina says, the good news is Nelle was arrested, and will end up in prison. Josslyn’s brother has his son back, and can now keep Wiley to himself. Cameron likes the way Trina thinks; a silver lining. Josslyn says she’s going to find her mom, and tells them to help themselves. Cameron tells Trina, Nelle is crazy. Why would anyone risk getting Sonny mad? Trina says they have to focus. They need to talk about the dance. Josslyn can’t blow it off. She needs be there.
Ned finds Olivia at the MetroCourt, and she says it’s a pleasant surprise. She thought he had a meeting. He says, it ended early. He thought she’d want to spend time with him, and their new family member. She says, Brook was on the schedule… He says, don’t tell him. She’s a no show. Brook runs in, saying she’s sorry she’s late. She just booked studio time, and it’s supposed to start now, but she needs her paycheck.
At a table nearby, Alexis says, Brad and Nelle replaced Willow’s baby with Michael and Nelle’s baby? and Sam says, Wiley is Michael’s son. The adoption Alexis delivered to Brad didn’t live. Alexis asks how they were able to switch the babies, and Sam says, no surprise, Nelle was behind it. Julian approaches, and Alexis says Sam told her what happened. She’s so sorry about his grandson. He must be devastated. Is there anything she can do? He says, there is. He needs a lawyer for Brad.
Michael tells Jason, on one hand, he realizes how complicate the situation is. Once he gets the legal technicalities sorted out, he can officially file a legal document regarding Nelle’s rights. All of that is important, but it seems so small in comparison to the reality that Wiley is there with him. Jason says, Wiley is Michael’s son; that’s the truth. On paper, it’s another story. Michael’s got to make a plan about Nelle. Michael says he’ll handle it, and Jason asks, how? Michael says, by doing the one thing Nelle can’t. Play by the rules.
Nelle calls to the guard, saying she needs to know where her son is. Carly walks in, and the guard tells her to take as much time as she needs. Nelle asks how her son is; is Wiley okay? Carly tells her, drop the act. Nelle doesn’t give a damn about her child except to use him as a weapon to hurt Michael, and she’s not about to let that happen.
Ned tells Brook that her only shift was yesterday, and she expects to be paid? and Olivia says she can’t bail without giving notice. Ned says, according to the terms of Brook’s contract, anything she records belongs to Linc, but Brook says she can record, even if she can’t release it at the moment. She’ll create art for art’s sake. Dustin comes up behind her, and says he’d like to hear that.
Trina tells Cameron, if Josslyn doesn’t feel like going, they’ll have to talk her into it. This is for him. He’s been kind, supportive, and respectful, and it’s time Josslyn opened her eyes to what’s right in front of her. He says, what if she still doesn’t see? and Trina says, then it’s her loss, and he can move on. Josslyn comes back, saying her mom isn’t home. She’ll have to see her later. Trina says Josslyn will be at the mid-winter formal. She’s the one who opened the school’s eyes to be inclusive about gender identification. Josslyn says she wasn’t the only one. Oscar helped. She’d like to get to know Wiley better, and do some journaling.
Nelle asks Carly if Wiley is okay, and Carly says, he’s more than fine. Wiley went to the Quartermaines. Michael is over the moon, and Wiley is with everyone who loves him. Nelle says, if only she’d known the lifeless baby in her arms wasn’t hers, and that Jonah was alive. If she could have stopped Brad, she would have. Carly says, give it up. She’ll never see Wiley again, and if the legal system doesn’t make certain of that, Carly will.
Sam says, Julian is asking Alexis to be Brad’s lawyer? After what he did? Lucas must be devastated. Alexis tells Sam, she’s got this, and Julian says he knows what Sam is saying. His heart is breaking. Lucas is his son, but Brad is his son-in-law. Sam says, not for long. Lucas is never going to forgive Brad, and their marriage will never recover from this. Julian says, if they truly love each other, they can survive anything. Sam should know that better than anyone.
Jason asks what Michael means by playing by the rules. Michael says the law is on his side. He’s lucky he’s in a position where he can afford the best lawyers. He just has to file the paperwork. Nelle violated the terms of her parole, and should be on her way back to prison, but she can still technically petition the court for access to Wiley, and request supervised visits. He says, Diane thinks she can block it, but Jason says he can’t plan on things going right, and has to figure out what he’s going to do if they go wrong.
Trina tells Josslyn that she journals too much. Some people have a cell phone addiction, but Josslyn has a journal addiction. If she’s not careful, she’ll spend more time writing about her life than living it. Why doesn’t she want to go to the dance? Josslyn asks why Trina cares, and Trina says, it will be fun, and they can show school spirit. Not everyone is involved in a sport or gets awards. They do their part by showing up, and Josslyn should be one with them. Josslyn asks if Trina is involved with camp, but Josslyn says she’s one of those people. Cameron asked her, so they’ll be going together. Josslyn wonders when Cameron had time, since he was away, and Trina says they were texting. When Cameron got back, they confirmed they’d go together, before he met her dad. Josslyn asks what Cameron thinks of Mr. Taggert, and he says he’s as scary as Josslyn’s dad and stepdad combined. Scarier. Trina says, he’s nowhere near scarier. Cameron tells Josslyn, he read about the shooting. He wishes he’d been there, and could have helped. Josslyn says, she’s okay, thanks to Michael and Dustin.
Brook says, Dustin wants to hear her music? He says he’s always been a fan, and thinks there are big things in store for her. She says, if he promises not to tell she’s recording material, she’ll let him in on it. She asks if it’s okay with his girlfriend, and Dustin says she’ll be okay with it. He hopes Brook gets back to songwriting. Maybe there’s an award in her future. Brook’s phone rings, and she steps away to take it. Olivia tells Dustin that Carly informed her about the school dance, and he says he was hoping to talk to Carly. Olivia says Carly isn’t there. He’ll have to talk to her instead.
Brook tells Ned, the studio is double-booked. She has to reschedule. Ned says, then she can work her shift. Brook says, after she gets her paycheck, maybe they can go over the schedule, and make sure it doesn’t conflict with her studio time. It’s complicated. Olivia says she’ll uncomplicate it. Brook is fired.
Jason says Michael knows what Nelle is capable of, and knows she gave Wiley to Brad. If she gets a sympathetic jury and walks, what does he think is going to happen? The doorbell rings, and Michael tells Wiley to keep an eye on his Uncle Jason. Jason puts Wiley in his lap, and says, Michael will always be there for him because Michael is his dad and loves him. That will never change. If he’s upset, Michael will be there. If he makes a mistake, Michael will forgive him. Does he know why? Because Michael’s love for him is bigger than the whole world. One day soon, Wiley will realize that.
Nelle says, keeping a child away from his own mother; what if someone did that to Carly? Oh that’s right, Carly couldn’t bear to be a mom, and pushed Michael away. She didn’t have a choice. Brad stole her baby. If Carly wants someone to blame, blame Brad. Carly says Brad is going to get what he deserves, and so is Nelle.
Sam says Julian has a helluva nerve asking Alexis to defend Brad. She tells Alexis to say something, and Alexis says she can speak for herself. Julian has a helluva nerve asking her to defend Brad. Julian says he’s not; he just needs a referral. Sam asks why he cares about Brad, and he says Lucas is grieving his son, and can barely think straight. He highly doubts Lucas wants Brad in prison for the rest of his life. Sam says, Brad isn’t innocent, even though it was Nelle’s idea. Julian says Nelle is playing the victim card, saying she was unconscious, and when she woke up, she was holding a baby who’d already breathed his last. Alexis asks if Nelle is saying Brad switched the baby without her knowledge, and Julian nods. He says, Brad says just the opposite. He was in emotional distress and couldn’t think clearly. He believes Brad over Nelle; wouldn’t she? Sam says she’s got to agree with Julian on this one.
Brook tells Olivia, she’s sorry she didn’t do a good job, and Olivia says Brook might have given her a heads up. Brook says, the truth is, she needs to be writing. Then, after she waits out her contract, she’ll have new music to drop. Olivia says, good luck. She has customers to take care of. She walks away, and Ned says, let him get this straight. Brook has five years free, and in the meantime, she’ll be writing. Brook says, all music, all the time, and Ned says, without working? She says, music is work, and he says let him clarify; without working for pay. She says he knows artists live on faith and courage. She thought he’d be proud of her. He says he is, but faith and courage don’t pay the bills. She needs to find a real job and work in the real world. She says it will destroy her soul, but he says, she’s an adult. It’s time she acted like one. She can work with him at ELQ. She says, doing what? and he says he’ll figure something out. She asks what makes him think she’s more suited for office work than restaurant work?
Sam says, Nelle lies as much as she breathes, and Julian says Nelle is telling everyone she’s the poor, innocent victim, and Brad is a monster. Sam says, Brad’s no saint. Before he confessed, he allowed Lucas to fall in love with a baby he thought was his. Michael thought his baby was dead. Brad didn’t come up with the idea, but he’s just as guilty. Alexis says, the bottom line is, Wiley spent a year and a half with the wrong parents. That kind of upheaval is detrimental, and both Brad and Nelle should be held accountable and punished. Sam says her mom is right. Julian should walk away. Julian says he can’t.
Chase tells Michael, forensics combed Nelle’s possessions to find possible evidence for the case against her. They searched her car and her bag, and found something. He can’t confirm the details, but what they found appears to contradict Nelle’s version of events. Michael is glad to hear it, and asks how Willow has been. Chase says, it’s been rough, and it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. Michael says, Willow tried hard to protect her son, and Chase says, she’s questioning everything now. It’s a lot to handle. Michael says she has Chase, and Chase says he’s trying his best.
Carly says, Brad needs to pay for his crimes, but his crimes pale in comparison to Nelle’s. She’s not talking about the murder, or the attempted murder that sent Nelle to Pentenville the first time. She’s talking about kidnapping, fraud, and child endangerment. Shiloh kidnapped Wiley because Nelle lied. Nelle says she never lied. Brad stole her precious baby, and if she hadn’t heard Brad say he was actually her son with Michael… She went to Chase’s apartment to hold her baby. Carly says, too bad Willow was there to stop her. Nelle says she feels bad for Willow, and Carly says, she knocked Willow unconscious. Nelle says she was desperate, like any other mother would be, except maybe Carly. Carly asks if she’s really going with this defense. She hopes the jury sees through Nelle, but if they don’t, and the worst happens and she walks, Nelle’s first steps in the sunshine could very well be her last.
Carly tells Nelle, it’s a big, dangerous, crazy world out there. Lots things happen. She should plead guilty; it’s safer for her in prison. Nelle says she learned a lot from Ryan while she was in Pentenville. Too bad Carly didn’t learn from him when they were in Ferncliff together. Or was that Kevin? Nelle wishes she had a twin, so she could be in two places at once. Chase comes in, and says he needs to talk to Nelle. Carly says, good luck, and leaves. Chase asks Nelle to tell him again. Why was she at his apartment last night?
Michael tells Jason, the police found evidence that contradicts Nelle’s story. Jason says, good, and Michael says he asked about Willow. Chase said she’s really struggling. He can’t begin to describe what it feels like to lose a child. He’s been there, and knows what she’s going through. She would have grieved anyway, but to spend the last year and a half, thinking she gave up Wiley and loving him when he wasn’t hers; and the baby she trusted to Brad is gone. In some ways, Michael thinks Brad and Nelle hurt Willow the most.
Alexis tells Julian that he’d said he wanted to go good and decent things. Does he think getting involved with Brad and Nelle after what they did is good and decent? He says he just wants a lawyer. Alexis had said everyone is entitled to a good defense. Did she change her mind because it’s someone she doesn’t like? She says she’ll have her assistant text a list of attorneys. He thanks her, and leaves. Sam wonders why he’s so determined to help Brad. What’s that all about?
Brook tells Ned, forget the whole employment thing. Open up her trust fund so she can pursue her passion. He asks if anything he said made the slightest impression. She has to rely on herself; no one else. She says Olivia just fired her, and Ned says he won’t ask Olivia to rehire her. He wants to stay married. Maybe Brook can find something more to her taste. She’ll never know if she can do it if she doesn’t try. The free ride stops right now.
Cameron says, Dustin threw himself into a gunfight? Poetry man? Josslyn says, he’s not all about poetry. He’s amazing. He saved her life. Cameron says, no argument from him, and Trina suggests they go. Josslyn tells Cameron not to bring alcohol this time, and Trina says Dustin will probably follow him around with a breathalyzer all night. Josslyn says, Dustin is going to be there? She looks at the flyer for the dance.
Dustin tells Olivia that he appreciates her help. Olivia says Carly will kill her if she doesn’t do something nice after what Dustin did for Josslyn. She’ll make pizza, and he says, the kids will love that. He thanks her, and she says, Lulu and Dante love a good Bensonhurst slice. He says, sorry. He’s not trying to take Dante’s place.
Brook sees Julian at the bar, and asks how Lucas is. Julian asks what she thinks, and she says everyone is happy at the Quartermaines, Monica most of all, but they feel terrible about Lucas. It wasn’t just the lie, but who did the lying; the person he trusted most. She hears Brad is in jail. Funny thing, the first night she and Julian met, she saw him with Brad. He said Brad was an associate, but Brad was actually his son-in-law. Julian tells her, it’s always a pleasure speaking to her, but he has to go. She says she’s confused. When she suggested he terminate his partnership with Brad, he agreed, and said he would. After that is when the car accident happened, and the police still can’t figure out why the brakes didn’t work. Julian wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would he?
At the café, Cameron says, a way of showing school spirit? and Trina says it was the best she could come up with on short notice. He says, it’s not subtle, and she says, subtle doesn’t get the job done. Josslyn finally needs to see what she’s missing out on. Cameron says, or not, and she says, either Josslyn sees what she’s missing, or he can cut her loose, and some other lucky girl will find him.
Josslyn plays with Wiley, and tells Michael, she’s officially in love. He says she loved Wiley before, but she says she’s his aunt now; it’s a different kind of love. When is he going to say aunt? Michael says he’ll make it his first order of business after he teaches Wiley to say dad. Josslyn says Michael will be a great dad. He always watched out for her. He said he stopped her from swallowing rubber bands, and she says he also taught her to high-five. She tells Wiley, everyone is telling him what a great dad he has. Too bad about all the time he was with Brad and Lucas. Michael says he made a deal with himself; no regrets. He’s not going to be angry or sad about what he missed. Josslyn wonders if they all survived the shooting so it could lead to this. Michael says he learned you have to take life with both hands, and not let go. Josslyn says she’s starting to feel that way too. She’s emerging from a black hole. He says, that’s great, and she says she knows she’ll never get Oscar back, but she’s feeling like she’s starting to get herself back, and it feels really good.
Nelle tells Chase, she went to see her son, the boy Brad stole who she gave birth to. Chase says, she was unconscious, and she says, yes. Brad took her kid, leaving her with the wrong baby. When she regained consciousness, she believed the lifeless baby was her own. It wasn’t until she heard Brad’s confession that she realized what he’d done. She wanted to hold her kid. Chase says, no matter who got hurt? and she says, sorry about Willow. Willow was keeping her away from Wiley. Chase says, so they fought, and she knocked Willow out. She says she was desperate; she didn’t know what she was doing. Is Willow okay? Chase says, Willow was examined at the hospital, and learned Wiley wasn’t her son. Nelle says she hopes Brad’s conviction gives Willow some comfort, and Chase says, go to hell. Focus on her own conviction. She came to his apartment fully intending on taking Wiley and disappearing.
Carly looks at the dance flyer. Jason comes in, and she asks how it went. He says, Michael is happy and focused on Wiley. He’s thinking ahead, and already called Diane for legal strategy about Wiley’s custody. The cops also found evidence against Nelle. Carly says, Nelle is as slippery as ever, and he asks what she means. What’s going on? She says she went to the PCPD to see Nelle, and he says she played right into Nelle’s hands.
Alexis tells Sam, she has no idea if anything suspicious is going on with Julian and Brad. She has more pressing concerns. It’s time for Neil’s review, and she’s going to New York to make a statement on his behalf. It was one date, one kiss, and not a relationship. Once the board understands, Neil’s reprimand should be expunged. They just have to stay away from each other for two years. Sam asks if Alexis is going to follow the rules. There should be a way two smart people can pursue a relationship without getting caught. Alexis says she’s not standing in the way of a career that Neil loves. Sam says she’s not letting the parole board keep her away from Jason. Alexis says, give her a dollar, and Sam does. She tells Sam, anything she says is now protected under attorney/client privilege. What are they planning? It better not be murder. Sam says, it’s not, but if her parole officer has done something illegal or something she can get fired over… Alexis says she’s blackmailing her parole officer, but Sam says she didn’t say that. Alexis says, please don’t do this, but Sam says nothing is going to stop her. She learned from Alexis to never give up.
Julian says Brook doesn’t know what she’s talking about. He wouldn’t hurt his son. She says, maybe not, but he said he couldn’t trust his associate to hold up his end of the deal, and it was high stakes. Maybe Julian wanted Brad out of the way because he threatened to blow up the baby switch. It makes sense, and she wonders if anyone else would agree.
Trina tells Cameron that she’s got to get ready for the dance. He says, they’re going through all this to make Josslyn jealous, and she might not even be there. Trina says, it doesn’t matter. His mom and her dad will take a million pictures. They’ll post them, and when Josslyn sees, maybe she’ll be jealous.
Joss keeps repeating Aunt Josslyn to Wiley. Michael asks, besides teaching Wiley to talk, does she have anything fun going on tonight? She says the school has a mid-winter dance. She wasn’t going, but thinks she’s changed her mind. He says, good for her, and she says she has no date, but her friends are going, so they’ll hang out. He says he’s ridiculously proud of her, and she says, for going to a dance? That’s lame. He tells her, it’s not. Her courage and strength are going to be a big inspiration to her nephew.
Dustin tells Olivia, listen… but she suggests they keep the conversation about pizza. She says she needs to get to work, and he says he didn’t mean to throw extra work at her. She says she doesn’t mind. He did go out of his way to protect Josslyn. That makes him kind of a hero; the kind of guy who would sleep with her son’s ex-wife.
Ned asks if Olivia is okay? He’s guessing her conversation with Dustin was as uncomfortable as his conversation as his was with Brook. She says, that bad? and he says he supplied his daughter with tough love, and she supplied the rejection. Olivia says she’s sorry, and hugs him.
Julian says Brook has taken a random conversation, and twisted it into a conspiracy theory. It has zero basis in fact. Whatever Brad and Nelle did, is between them. Brook wonders what if she goes to Sonny with her theory, and Julian tells her go to whoever she wants. He didn’t do anything wrong. She says she wouldn’t want to admit her guilt either, and he asks what she wants. She says, maybe a small favor.
Alexis tells Sam, please don’t do this. Don’t make the situation even worse. She likes going out with Sam, and getting together with Sam and the kids. She doesn’t want the next place she visits Sam to be the penitentiary. Sam says if Delores wants to come between her and Jason, she’s coming between Delores and her job. Alexis asks if there’s nothing she can say to stop Sam, and Sam says, she will be with Jason again, no matter what.
Jason says, Nelle knows how to play the victim, and asks if the guard heard Carly. Carly says, no, and he asks if she threatened Nelle. She says, not exactly, and Jason says she’s smarter than this. Nelle is going to do what she can to bait Carly, and fighting will do no good in this situation. If she wants to help Michael, and keep Wiley as far away from Nelle as possible, she needs to keep her cool. She says she hates Nelle, and he says that’s what Nelle is counting on. She thinks she can play Carly, and Carly has to prove her wrong. He knows Carly would do anything for her kids, even control temper, and she needs to do that right now.
Josslyn thanks Michael for his words about strength and courage, but thinks he needs them now. He says he has everything he needs in Wiley, and she says, what about Nelle?What if she goes free, and seeks custody? He tells Josslyn not to worry about him. Wiley is there to stay, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure of that.
Nelle asks Chase if he thinks she wanted to kidnap her son. She just wanted to hold him. He asks if that’s her story, and she says, it’s not a story; it’s the truth. He asks how she explains these, and shows her the passports.
Tomorrow, Brook asks Julian if he’s going to help her or not, Elizabeth tells Nikolas that he mad his choices and has to live with them, and Taggert tells Sonny they have a mutual problem.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Outside Jeffrey’s bedroom door, David says, damn. Jeffrey says, oh no, and asks Madison how much he thinks his dad saw. Madison says, enough. He should go. Is Jeffrey okay? Jeffrey says, no. His dad just walked in on them. Madison says he’s not Jeffrey’s mother. He knows. Jeffrey says, knowing is one thing; seeing it is another. Madison says Jeffrey has to stop thinking being gay is such a bad thing. How would Jeffrey feel if he was a girl? Jeffrey says, embarrassed, but maybe not as embarrassed. Madison says, there you go, and Jeffrey says he’s got the point. Madison says Jeffrey’s dad is an open minded guy; just go with it. Jeffrey says, easier said than done. Madison says he’s going to go, but Jeffrey says, wait. He wants to go out for dinner. Madison says he works late, but Jeffrey can come by and they can get something in the cafeteria. Jeffrey says he wants a nice restaurant and dinner, and Madison says, Jeffrey wants a date. That should have come before the sex. Jeffrey jokes that he wants Madison to buy him dinner because he was so good. Madison says he’ll see Jeffrey later, and Jeffrey says he looks forward to it.
David paces downstairs. He hears the door, and sits on the couch pretending to read. Madison says, Mr. Harrington, and David says he didn’t know Madison was there, but doesn’t turn around. Madison says, it’s good to see him. David says, thanks, and Madison asks how his back is. He can take a look at it if David wants. David says, it’s fine, and Madison says, cool. He asks David if there’s something interesting in that book, and David asks if Madison is waiting for Jeffrey. Madison says, no, and David says, he’s leaving then? Madison says he is, and Davis asks why he’s still standing there. Madison says he’s trying to make David uncomfortable, and David asks what makes Madison think he is? Madison says he can see David blushing, and David says, please leave. Madison says, good seeing him, and trots out the door. Jeffrey comes down, and David says he was just going to the kitchen. Jeffrey asks if David wants to talk about what just happened. David asks if it’s okay if he doesn’t, and Jeffrey says, yeah. David says, good, and starts to walk to the kitchen. He comes back, and says he just didn’t expect to see that. Jeffrey says he knows. Talk to him later? David says, yeah, and starts to head upstairs. Jeffrey says he thought David was going to the kitchen, and David says, that’s right, and goes the other way.
Celine goes to Veronica’s house. Veronica asks if she’d like a drink, and says, it’s over on the desk. Celine says Veronica wants her to pour? and Veronica asks, how else would they have it? Celine pours two drinks, and asks what this is about. Why would Veronica want to help her? Veronica says, a maid with attitude; that should be a reality show. Celine says if Veronica’s not going to help her, she’s going to go, and Veronica tells her, calm down. Why has she been quiet? She has two children by that a-hole, but she’s been quiet. Celine says, she’s moving on, but Veronica says that’s not how they do it around there. If someone does something to them, they get them back. Celine says she just saw Jim at the hospital, and Veronica asks how he is. Celine says he’s the same jerk, and Veronica says she wants to sue him. She wants to get child support, and pain and suffering. She wants to make Jim pay for the years he abused Celine; she’ll be a rich bitch. Celine asks why Veronica wants to do that, and she says because she’s Veronica. She loves this kind of drama. Celine wonders what Jim did to her, and Veronica says she won’t stop, she won’t rest until the Cryers are broke, and on the street, begging like Celine had to. Is she in? Celine says she’ll have to think about it, but Veronica asks, what’s to think about?You could be rich, dumbass. Celine tells her, watch your mouth. She has reservations, and doesn’t trust Veronica. Veronica says Celine shouldn’t. She’s a cold-blooded bitch, but Celine is on her right side. Celine says Veronica is using her, and Veronica says she is. Otherwise, she couldn’t care less about Celine and her kids. Celine says she has to think about it, and Veronica says, don’t think too long. She’s trying to find the best way to get Jim, and she knows Celine is facing eviction. She knows Celine works two jobs. Her oldest son is in college, and her youngest should be in a private school. Celine tells Veronica not to pretend it’s about her, but Veronica says, no, it’s about me. What is Celine waiting for? Let’s do this. Celine thought it would be better to leave and move on, and Veronica says, what dumbass chick does that, when they have a man with money? Celine says she couldn’t take it anymore. She couldn’t sleep or eat, and decided it was for the best to let it go. Veronica says, praise God. Rest, and let her handle the heavy lifting. Celine says she has to go, and Veronica says, do something quickly. She’s always watching. Celine walks out, and Veronica asks herself, what kind of dumb bitch wouldn’t take advantage of this?
Charles looks through folder Oliver gave him, but says, it’s not the one. Landon produces another, and says, here, sir; highlighted in yellow. His call is in the living room. Charles goes to the phone, and Oliver asks if it makes Landon feel good, making him look bad. Landon says, actually, it did. Oliver says he can play that game too, and Landon says, not for much longer. Charles likes things a certain way. Oliver says, the Landon way. Landon suggests Oliver be careful. Charles comes back, looking for Landon. Landon tells him, the Attorney General is here, and Charles says, send him in. Landon says Charles should enjoy this, and Charles says he intends to.
The AG comes in, and Charles tells Oliver, that will be all. AG Kyle says he finally gets a chance to tell Charles congratulations on his victory. He knows how much Charles wanted to win. They make small talk, and Charles asks how Kyle’s wife is. Kyle says she’s his rock. He can’t tell Charles how important the right woman is in his life. He knows why Charles called him; to let him know he’s being replaced. He seems like the kind of guy who would need his own AG. Charles says, that’s usually how it’s done, but Kyle says, not always. Charles says, it is this time. Kyle gets up, thanks Charles for the visit, and walks out. Charles smiles, and I’m like, that’s it?
Hanna goes to the jail to see Kathryn, and asks how she is. Kathryn says, not good, and Hanna can understand that. Kathryn asks how Hanna is, and Hanna says she’s okay. Kathryn asks how Hanna got in, and Hanna says Marty is outside on the phone. Kathryn hopes he’s trying to get her bail, and Hanna tells her, hang in there. Kathryn says she’s trying. Wyatt calls to Hanna, and asks how she is. She says, all right, and he asks her to pray for him. She says she will, and he says he can’t believe what he did; he’s so sorry. He asks how his father is doing, and Hanna says, okay. He says, thank God. He asks if Hanna has seen him, and she says she did. Wyatt asks how he is, and she says, he had surgery, but he’s okay. They had a little altercation. Kathryn says, what? and Hanna says, when she thought heard Benny get shot over the phone, but he’s okay. Wyatt says, tell Benny he’s sorry, and Hanna says, if she sees him. Wyatt says, it was the drugs. He got the bad stuff. Hanna says, it’s all bad stuff, and he says he’s really sorry. His mom doesn’t believe him. Kathryn says, he’s right. He’s not being remorseful, and he’ll say anything to get out, but it’s not happening. Wyatt says, that’s not true. He really is sorry. A guard comes and opens Kathryn’s cell. He says, let’s go. As Hanna starts to follow, Wyatt asks her to pray for him again. She says, she will and she does.
In the visiting room, Kathryn asks if Hanna can believe this. Hanna says, it seems like a nightmare; she’s so sorry. Kathryn asks if Hanna doesn’t want to know if she did it, but Hanna thinks it’s best she doesn’t know. Kathryn says she’s probably right, and asks if Marty told Hanna why she’s there. Kathryn wants her to sign a statement. There’s no one she trusts, other than Hanna, to hold her estate. Everything; every dime. Hanna asks what she’s talking about, and Kathryn says she put all her assets in a trust, and she’s giving Hanna power of attorney. She’ll have total control of all Kathryn’s money and businesses. If she doesn’t, Kathryn can lose everything. Hanna doesn’t know, and Kathryn says she won’t have to do anything. The bills are paid through her account, and the interest covers everything else. It’s to make sure her assets are protected from law suits and Jim. She wouldn’t give him a strand of her hair, and she has no one else to turn to. Hanna has to help her. Hanna says, Lord Jesus, Father, Mother, God. Okay, but what does she do. Kathryn says she doesn’t have to do anything. Kathryn will call when she needs money. She doesn’t trust the SOBs working for her, and she needs someone in charge to make sure everything is protected. She asks if Candace has returned the money, and Hanna says she thinks Benny and Candace are on their way or at the bank. Kathryn says, Jim has nothing, and will be all over Candace. She has to give it back. Hanna says she wants Candace to return it, but she can’t make her do it, and Kathryn knows how she is. Kathryn says, if Candace returns the money, Jim will leave Benny alone. Hanna asks how Kathryn knows, and Kathryn laughs. She says, Jim has nothing. He’ll have to come to Hanna for permission to buy a candy bar. Hanna says she doesn’t want nothing to do with that man, but Kathryn asks if she doesn’t want to get a little revenge. Hanna says, so Kathryn is telling her, Jim will have to come to her… Kathryn says, for every dime. Hanna doesn’t like it. Well, maybe a little. Kathryn says, that’s the way Hanna can help. Hanna says, okay, and Kathryn asks Marty to bring the papers for Hanna to sign.
Mitch, Benny, and Candace are at the Iron Bone. Candace is on the phone, and Benny pokes at her, saying, she ain’t giving the money back. When she’s done, Benny says, so? She says, it’s all set. They’re going to the bank. He says, he’s not, but she says he is. He asks why she can’t be a smart person, take money, and run. She says she’s not doing that. She phones Hanna, and says they’re on their way to the bank right now. Benny is right next to her, and he’s going. Hanna wants to talk to Benny. She tells him, Jim is already mad as hell. Kathryn gave her power of attorney over the estate – all of it. Jim has to come to her for money. Benny says, damn, and she says, just until Kathryn is out of jail. She doesn’t want issues with that man, so make sure Candace gives back the money, and call when they’re done. When he’s finished, Candace says, so? Benny sips his drink.
Landon asks why Oliver just stood there. Oliver stammers, and Landon asks if he really wants this job. Oliver can start by being nice to him. Oliver says, it’s just… and Landon says, just what? It’s just that he’s an a-hole? Oliver says he won’t take this abuse. He didn’t do anything. Landon says Oliver did some things that pissed him off, and Oliver says Landon hired him because he spoke his mind. Landon says, a decision he regrets every day of his life. Oliver says, sorry, and Landon says, that’s better. Oliver says he means it. He’s been working hard to get close to Charles. Landon says he doesn’t need to get close to Charles, and Oliver says Landon is protective. Landon says, it’s his job, and Oliver says Landon has already made him out to look like a moron. Landon says Oliver did that himself, and Oliver asks Landon to try not to humiliate him in front of Charles. Landon says Oliver did it himself. Oliver suggests Landon fire him, and Landon asks if Oliver thinks he won’t. Does Oliver think because he has power from DC behind him, Landon won’t kick his ass onto the street? Get out of his face. Call his daddy, and ask how much money he can give Oliver. Oliver asks if that’s it. Because he comes from money, he’s not qualified. Landon says, no. Oliver didn’t have to work as hard and be good at his job. Oliver tells him, take that back, and Landon asks if he’s going to cry. Oliver says he’s been nice to Landon, which is confusing, since he really hasn’t been nice. He admits he can be an a-hole, and Landon tells him, be an a-hole someplace else. Goodbye. Oliver leaves, and Landon says, is he going to cry? There’s no crying in politics.
Candace asks what Hanna and Benny were talking about, and he says, Kathryn gave Hanna power of attorney over everything while she’s in jail. She was arrested for murder. Candace wonders, what the hell is going on? Benny doesn’t know, and right now, he doesn’t care. She says they’re going to the bank, and he says he’s going to the bathroom. She tells him, hurry. Mitch says Candace is plowed, and Candace asks what he’s talking about. He says, if her mom got power of attorney, he knows what she’s thinking. She says she’s not thinking that, and he says, good. Don’t do that; it’s not worth the risk to take it all. She says, the old Candace would have worked it out. All she knows is, if she doesn’t give the money back, they’ll come after Benny. He says, what if could assure her that they wouldn’t? She asks, how? and he says he’s a Malone, baby. He’s trying to give her options, and she has the entire estate. Think about it. She says she’s already thinking about it.
David visits Jim, who asks, what’s the matter? He knows the look on David’s face; something is wrong. David says he’s concerned about Jim, but Jim says, BS. David can tell him. David says he walked in on Jeffrey having sex. (The two of them look like they’re having a hard time keeping a straight face, and it’s hysterical.) David says he doesn’t mind that Jeffrey is gay, but he’s not ready to see it. He doesn’t mind if Jeffrey displays signs of affection with another male, but to see him in the act took the wind out of David. He loves his son; he’s just not ready. Jim says he understands, and so does Jeffrey. Is David okay? David says he needs a minute to get a mental adjustment. Jim laughs and says, sit down. David says he doesn’t want to talk about it, and Jim says, all right; he won’t ask. He says, Celine was there, and David says he knows. He going to tell Jim after he was feeling better. Jim says he told her to get her tight ass out. He wants her to suffer. David says he met with George about Veronica; he’s going to turn state’s evidence, and give George everything he has. They need to talk. He has immunity, and suggests Jim do the same. Jim says immunity is a slippery slope. It’s a dangerous tactic. David says, it will get Kathryn out of jail. Veronica is going to take the rap for Jennifer’s murder. He’s giving George all her dirty deals. Jim says, their fingerprints are on all those dirty deals, but David says, now, Veronica is going after Jeffrey. He has no other choice. Jim says he should have held Veronica under the water longer, but David says he can’t do that again. Jim says, let him do it. What if Veronica has an accident; not a fender bender, but a big accident, a catastrophe? David hopes he’s not talking domestic terrorism, but Jim says, if Veronica is in the wrong place at the wrong time, there’s bound to be collateral damage. He’s telling David, an immunity deal with George isn’t the way to go.
Veronica walks into Jim’s room, and David say, oh hell. Jim says, speak of the bitch devil herself. Veronica says speaking of Jim’s little penis, said everyone who’s ever taken a ride on it. He says they’ve never had sex, and she asks if he doesn’t remember that day. Jim says, it never happened, and she says he has a mole under his belly line; it’s not too cute. They did it another time when they were both drunk; remember? Jim says, it didn’t happen, and it’s more of a freckle. She says he might want to have it checked; it looked like cancer to her. He says he’s looking at cancer now. David tells her to get out, but she says she’s there to serve Jim. She hands him some papers, saying they’re from Celine, and he says he’s not touching them. She says Celine is suing him for back child support, sexual harassment, and a slew of other things. He asks if this little bitty case isn’t beneath her, and she says Celine will see a lot of money. She asks how David’s back is. Is he still burned? Jim says David should held her under longer. Doesn’t he know a cockroach can’t hold its breath that long? Veronica says Jim’s son shooting him is cold-blooded, and he asks if her son didn’t put a knife in her chest. David says, get out, and Jim suggests David pimp slap Veronica. Veronica says she’d love for him to try. Jim says he’s been served; get the hell out. Veronica tosses the papers on the bed, saying she’s served him, and his very disappointing little peepee. She leaves, and Jim says, David doesn’t believe her, does he? David says he does, but frankly, he doesn’t give a damn. Jim asks if he’s free to do what he wants to her now, and David says Jim has his permission and blessing. Jim says, excellent. He’ll show David how it’s done. David says, confession. He slept with Kathryn – on their wedding night. Jim says, somebody had to do it. Thank you. Ha-ha! It doesn’t get better than this.
Benny and Candace go to the bank, Benny complaining the whole time. Candace tells the officer that she has an account in a subsidiary bank, and asks if she can manage it from the parent branch. The officer says she can, and Candace says she was told online that she’d have to show her ID. Benny doesn’t want to give her his, saying giving back the money is the dumbest thing she’s ever done. The officer says she’ll be back with the paperwork. Benny says, the dude kidnapped him. Why is she giving the money back? She says, it’s the right thing, and he says he doesn’t get her. One day, she’s cold-blooded, beating a bitch down, and now she wants to give back the money. The officer comes back, and Candace signs the paperwork. Benny doesn’t want to hand over his ID, and the officer asks if he doesn’t want to open a new account. Benny says, no… and Candace says it will be a single account, only in Benny’s name, not joined with their mother. Benny says, this is stupid and crazy, and hands Candace his ID. She gives it to the officer, and the officer says she’s making a wire transfer for the new account. She’s wiring $8.25 to Jim – Candace says, exactly – and she’s transferring one million dollars to Benny’s account. Benny says, what? and he and Candace make faces at each other.
Next time – only one more episode until mid-season finale – Jim finds out he only got eight dollars, Candace and Mitch visit Jim, Justin can’t take it anymore, and Wyatt tries to kill himself.
Vanderpump Rules
Stassi visits Schwartz and Katie. Schwartz tells her that he’s worried about his lizard, Dog. Dog hasn’t eaten since he got him. We see a clip of him acquiring the lizard. In his interview, he calls Dog the newest member of the Schwartz family. He puts Dog on Stassi’s shoulder, and Stassi suggests Dog stay with her a while. She can breathe life into him. Katie says Tom was trying to make himself seem woke at the party, and Stassi says he really came at Brittany. He said she and Jax got rid of the pastor because of Lisa, not because they personally felt that way. Katie says, Brittany was sitting there sobbing.
11 days until the wedding. Brittany goes over the seating chart, and Jax says Tom is no longer in the bridal party. He hasn’t heard from Tom in four days, and if he was concerned, he would have called or texted. In Jax’s interview, he says he and Tom have been at odds for a while. Tom stopped responding to his texts, and didn’t come to his LA bachelor party. This time, he crossed the line. Jax tells Brittany, he doesn’t know if Tom is even invited to the wedding, but he’s definitely not in the wedding party. Jax isn’t mad about it. He’s going to stop at SUR before dinner, and if Tom admits he handled it wrong, he’ll be invited.
In Tom’s interview, he says the person he loves, Ariana, is bisexual, and the pastor was speaking out against the love of his life. He has questions, and he doesn’t think if he and Ariana were in the same position, Ariana’s answer would be to hit him. In Ariana’s interview, she says, Brittany’s approach was to tell Jax to knock Tom out. Brittany might say she’s living her version of a real life fairytale, but she doesn’t know any fairytales where the princess encourages the price to commit aggravated assault. Jax asks Brittany what she’s doing about Ariana, and Brittany thinks Ariana should come to her. In her interview, Brittany says there’s no way she wouldn’t have reached out by now. She respects their friendship more than Ariana does. She tells Jax, they’re supposed to be making wedding plans, and they’re only talking about Ariana and Tom. She wants to focus on the wedding, but she would never do that to somebody.
In Lala’s interview, she says she’s engaged to her soulmate Randall. He’s kind and generous, and on a daily basis, makes her feel like she’s the best person on the face of the earth. She tells Randall, this is their first and last home renovation. Randall says they’ll be there a long time. He tells her that she should move in already, and she agrees, but wants to finish the master bedroom first. In her interview, Lala says they gutted the entire house. She’s never doing this again. You couldn’t pay her. Randall says they’re close, and Lala says if they ever decide to move, they’re doing what Jax and Brittany did; a turnkey. He says Jax has been texting him non-stop. He thinks they get along because he’s closest to Jax’s age. They have fun and laugh together. Lala says it sounds like a girlfriend, and Randall says Jax was upset about what Tom said, and Lala says, it was effing bad. She doesn’t see it going away any time soon, unless Tom deeply apologizes, and he’s incapable of that. Randall says, they’re best friends; they’ll work it out. Lala says they’ll find out tonight.
Brett goes to Villa Rosa, and Lisa says he’s going to hate her, but her foot still hurts. He says she’s wearing heels, and she says her leg would have to be broken for her not to. She invites Brett in, and asks if he wants some tea. In Brett’s interview, he says when he goes to train Lisa, sometimes they don’t train. He’d cool with that, as long as he gets paid. If he gets his hourly rate, he’ll do whatever she wants. A producer says, whatever? and he says he shouldn’t say it that way. She asks if Brett is working tonight, and he says he’s working Charli, one of the new girls at SUR. In his interview, he says he and Charli have gone out a couple of times. He likes brunettes. Lisa wonders if he can’t date outside of her businesses. He tells Lisa that Scheana makes you coddle her, and he doesn’t have those feelings. Friends is where it ends. Lisa says, Scheana only hears what she wants to hear.
Schwartz and Katie hang out at TomTom. Schwartz says he’s hurt; he was the last person to find out that Max and Dayna are exclusive. At SUR, Dayna tells Raquel that she and Max are exclusive. He brought it up and she was caught off-guard. She didn’t know they were there yet. Max wonders what exclusive really means, and Schwartz says, it’s not putting your wiener in other vaginas. In Max’s interview, he says it’s basically making someone a priority. You care about them, and they’re your plus one. He thinks Dayna might be taking it more seriously, which is okay. He tells Schwartz, he loves Dayna, but he also loves single Max.
Tom is working behind the SUR bar with Ariana, when Jax asks to talk to him outside before they get busy. They go out back, and Tom asks, what’s up? Jax asks if Tom has anything to tell him. Does he have anything to say after what happened, like, I’m sorry or it was wrong of me? Anything like that? He and Brittany found out their pastor lied, and they took care of it. Problem solved. In Tom’s interview, he says he’s glad Lisa said something, but leading up to this point, Jax and Brittany were intentionally ignoring it. Tom says, in the past… and Jax says, now it starts. Tom says, the only people who don’t like the past brought up are hypocrites and people with bad credit. I wonder where on earth he got that one from. In Jax’s interview, he says Tom will never tuck his tail. He’ll never apologize without a but. Jax asks Tom if it’s worth it in the big picture, to see his best friend upset on his wedding day. Tom says that’s why he brought it up at the party. Jax says it seemed like a dig, if not sabotage. Why can’t Tom just say he’s sorry? He was waiting for a text. All Tom would have had to say is sorry, and it would have been done. he doesn’t understand why Tom is putting him in this position on the one day that’s his. In Tom’s interview, he says, it feels like it’s been Jax’s day for over a year. Tom tells Jax, if he wants friends who never question him, and always agree with him, that’s never going to be him. Jax says the only person he has a problem with is Tom, and he won’t have that at his own wedding. He can’t believe it’s a week and a half before, but he can’t have his wedding upset because of Tom. In his interview, Tom says Jax thinks he’s making him feel small, but he doesn’t know what else he could have done. Jax tells Tom, he said what had to say. He says, have a good one, and leaves.
Brett asks Charli how the night is going, and if she wants to have dinner with him. In Charli’s interview, she says Brett is nothing like the guys she’s dated, who she likes to call rough boys. But a millionaire she met once told her to say yes to everything once. It keeps people guessing about the second and third time. She says she’ll check her calendar, but thinks she can squeeze him in.
Randall and Lala meet Jax and Brittany for dinner. Jax and Brittany get to the restaurant first, and Jax tells Brittany that he’s been burned by Tom multiple times. Tom has burned multiple bridges. Lala and Randall join them, and Jax says he needs tequila asap. Randall says, Jax came in hot, and Jax says he went to SUR. Tom is no longer in the wedding party. He’s not even inviting Tom. All Tom had to do was text. He knew Jax was upset about it, but he wants to be an investigator, and figure out the issue. He should figure out his girlfriend’s issue, like what sex she is, since it changes every day. Brittany says she’s okay with being asked a question, but it was the way he did it. Jax tells her to stop making excuses; she’s spinning things. She says, despite that, whatever Jax’s decision was, she was always going to support it. He and Tom have been friends for twenty years. Randall says, at the end of the day, it’s their wedding. They have to clear their heads. Randall goes to the bathroom (after asking Lala if it’s okay – she has him well trained). Brittany asks what Lala would do about Ariana, and Lala says she thinks Ariana is a wet blanket. She wouldn’t want Ariana at her wedding. In Lala’s interview, she says, there are two versions of Ariana; the fun chick, twerking on you, and on the other side, the one who’s not happy for her friends. We flash back to both. She says, Ariana and Tom live on their high horse together, when they all want to cut both of them. Jax says he’d originally wanted to have Randall in the wedding, but thought he’d be in production. Randall comes back, and Jax says he could not have been more wrong about somebody in his life if he tried. In Jax’s interview, he says, Randall is a giver. He’s flown them everywhere, and they became friends naturally. Jax says he has something to ask Randall, and gets down on one knee. He asks if Randall will do him the honor of being in the wedding. He knows it’s last minute. Randall says he’s speechless, and in shock. He loves Jax. 100%, he’ll be there, Brittany squeals, and Randall and Jax hug.
At TomTom, Beau asks how Tom is feeling, and Tom says he’s chilling. He talked to Jax, and it didn’t go well. He needs to talk to Schwartz real quick. He leaves, and Katie asks, what happened? Ariana says, Jax came in heated, and now Tom isn’t invited to the wedding. In Katie’s interview, she says it’s Jax’s wedding, and he can cry if he wants too, but she thinks he took it too far. At the bar, Tom tells Schwartz about not being invited to the wedding. Beau asks Ariana if she’s still going, but she doesn’t know. She wants to see them married and happy, but doesn’t know if she’ll be comfortable without Tom. In her interview, Ariana says she feels like it would be an admission it’s okay that Tom’s not there. If she stays in LA, she’s not there to support Brittany, and gets the wrath of the hot one (I guess she means Kristen?). Either way, she’s screwed. Ariana says she’s not telling Tom to claw his way back in. Schwartz asks Tom why he doesn’t reach out and say the timing was off. Tom says, somebody turned a blind eye to it, because he wants to make his point more than anything. Schwartz says he came at it accusatory; his tactics aren’t good. Tom agrees he’s not perfect, and he screwed up. Schwartz says he’s devastated. They’re getting the tuxes tomorrow, and it won’t feel right without Tom. He feels like he should make a case, but Tom says, it’s not worth it. Schwartz says, don’t say that again, and Tom says, just be the best man. Schwartz says he doesn’t know how, and Tom says he’ll show Schwartz. Schwartz cries, and I roll my eyes. Then Tom cries, and I roll my eyes harder. Tom says he’ll hook Schwartz up with a survival kit for the wedding. Wear it, and Tom will be there in spirit. Schwartz says, it doesn’t feel right. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he remembers how special it was to have Jax and Tom up there with him at his own wedding. To think that Tom isn’t going to be there… He feels gutted. He says he doesn’t know how to tie a bow tie, and Tom says he’ll tie them. Tom says he loves Schwartz and Jax. Schwartz says Tom is the best, even though sometimes his tactics are wrong. He feels terrible.
Scheana calls Brett from the car. She says she was getting ingredients for making enchiladas, and asks what he’s doing tonight. He says he has a date with Charli, and Scheana says they’re friends. It’s weird, since Brett had said he’s not attracted to her, and she does her makeup bad. Brett says Scheana is putting words in his mouth, and she says she thinks he and Charli would be better as friends. Charli is a lot younger, and he should date someone more mature, not like an adorable club rat. In Scheana’s interview, she says she can’t see them together. Physically, but not personality wise. Brett says he’d like to get to know Charli better, and Scheana says they’re all getting to know each other. I wonder who Scheana thinks she’s kidding, besides herself. She’s so transparent about being jealous.
10 days until the wedding. The guys in the wedding party, sans nuRandall, stop by Jax’s house. Jax tells Brittany, they got their suits. In Jax’s interview, he says he got to choose the suits, but not really. Brittany gave him two options, and said she didn’t like one of them. Ariana comes by, and tells the guys, it’s her birthday on Friday, and everyone is invited. She goes upstairs with Brittany, who thanks her for coming, and they sit in the bedroom. In Brittany’s interview, she says she likes Ariana, but sometimes she puts up a wall. She doesn’t want Ariana to drift away. Brittany says there was a lot of drama and it hurt her feelings that no one reached out. Ariana says she wanted Jax to hit Tom. Brittany says she was upset. Tom knows who they are. Ariana says he knows their hearts, but he was horrified by what the guy was saying. He was afraid the guy would be at the wedding if it didn’t come back up. Brittany says they would have gotten rid of him months ago if she had seen it. In Ariana’s interview, she says she believes Brittany, but thinks Brittany works hard at maintaining her ignorance. Brittany says it was blown out of proportion, but she was feeling hurt. Downstairs, Schwartz tells Jax that Tom was crying. Jax says, Tom cries if it’s sunny outside and there’s a dog. Schwartz asks if Jax is sure he wants Tom disinvited? Jax says Randall is standing in for him. In his interview, Schwartz says, it’s so final now. I’m laughing because both Tom and Schwartz thought Schwartz would automatically go up a notch. Brittany asks what Ariana is thinking, and Ariana says she’d like to be there for Brittany, but it will be so weird and uncomfortable. Brittany says she would hope, as a friend, Ariana would come. Ariana is a bridesmaid, not just a guest; it’s a big deal. In her interview, Ariana says she deals with mental health issues, and it doesn’t help that her friends are creating more stress. Brittany says it’s tearing her up inside. She needs to know soon, so she doesn’t stress about it.
Charli meets Brett at a really empty restaurant, and they get smoothies. In her interview, Charli, who’s Mexican, calls them white people sh*t. She tells Brett that she just tried an avocado, and she’s never had pasta. In Brett’s interview, he says he’s Italian, and they eat pasta with a spoon. She finds out he was born in New Jersey, and asks if he goes back a lot. He says he’s only been in LA two months. He always wanted to live there. He left after a five-year relationship ended. It was the only relationship he’s had. In Charli’s interview, she says, any guy who brings his ex up on a first date – bye. Get over it, bro. She asks what he looks for in a girl, and he says, when you look at someone, and feel like you’re home; genuinity (which is not a word). He tells her that Scheana called him, and was mad that they were having lunch, and said she didn’t know who Charli was. Charli says she doesn’t take someone’s guy.
Brittany and Jax go to Villa Rosa. Jax says he’s usually not called to the principal’s office. Puffy! Lisa comes in, and says she has to make it brief, but wanted to talk about a couple of things. She knows the pastor thing got complicated, but she wants them to promise to focus on their wedding. The second thing. She doesn’t think she can come to their wedding. She starts to cry, and says her mother died. Brittany says she’s so sorry. In Lisa’s interview, she says her mother suddenly passing is a shock. She doesn’t think anyone was prepared. She just lost her brother, and to lose her mother like that… She tells Brittany and Jax that she has to go to London. It was unexpected, and no one else knows. She tells them to get their priorities straight; life is short. Don’t worry about what anyone said. Jax hugs her, and in his interview, he says he feels awful. Losing a parent is the worst thing you can go through in your entire life. Brittany says she’s so sorry, and thanks Lisa for being so supportive. Outside, Jax says he has nothing to say. The little things aren’t worth it. He took care of a family member and a best friend. What next?
Schwartz schmoozes at TomTom. At SUR, Dayna calls Max, and asks if he can hang out. he says he’s going to be there until 3 or 4. He can come over after. She says, it sounds like a booty call. She thinks she’ll pass. It’s nothing scary. In her interview, she says Max isn’t prioritizing her like she expected. It feels like once he put it out there that they have a relationship, it sent things in the other direction. Tom tells Schwartz he thinks Lisa could use a vacation, and Schwartz says he thinks Tom can use one. Randall is standing in his place. In Tom’s interview, he says he’s known Jax 20 years, and Jax has known Randall for five minutes. It hurts. Jax’s dad passed away last year, this year he’s getting married, and next year, Brittany will be pregnant. He’s tired of walking on eggshells, while Jax does what he wants. Schwartz says Jax can be a pain in the ass, but he wishes Tom had just killed it.
Ariana hangs out at TomTom with Lala and Stassi. Lala asks, what’s going on with the wedding? and Stassi says, even if they’re not getting along, Tom deserves to be there. Lala says, it’s a big deal to ask someone to be in a wedding. Stassi wishes Ariana and Tom would just roll over and say, sorry. In Ariana’s interview, she says her friends are more concerned with what she’s supposed to do than the personal dilemma she’s faced with. Stassi says they’re like a dysfunctional family, and she doesn’t like when another family member doesn’t want to be a part of the family. Lala says it doesn’t seem like Ariana enjoys being with them. Ariana says she doesn’t enjoy much. On the way home, she often considers driving off a bridge, but she doesn’t talk about it. She doesn’t want to be a downer. We flash back to several times when Ariana’s been called a downer. Stassi says she’s been there, and in her interview, says she’s struggled with depression and anxiety. She was at a place in a hole where she didn’t want to live, when there was nothing that should have been making her feel that low. And you can’t really explain it. In Lala’s interview, she says it breaks her heart. She gets it; she’s been there. We flash back to when her dad died. She says she had no idea these were Ariana’s thoughts, or she would have done something. Lala thinks Ariana should talk about it, and Ariana says she’s so miserable, she would probably ruin the wedding. She’s emotionally unstable. Lala says it’s a bigger deal than she was thinking. Talk to her. Ariana says she doesn’t want to be a victim or a martyr.
Tom sends a text to Jax, saying he’s sad he won’t be there on Jax’s big day. Ariana sits with him. She’s crying, and says she doesn’t want to seem mean, but people tell her it’s a safe space and to talk to them, but she doesn’t think they’re safe to talk to. He says, talk to him, and she tells him, they said they should just roll over do what Jax and Brittany want. She can’t do this anymore. In her interview, she says she feels like she’s outside herself. Tom shows her the text he sent Jax, and reads that he’s sorry it’s so close to the wedding, and he hates seeing Jax upset. Ariana says she just wants to get in a car, drive away, and never come back. Never see anyone, and start a new life. Tom says he knows, and she says he doesn’t know. (I hate when people say that, or I understand, when it’s obviously not possible.) She says she wants to leave her life. In Tom’s interview, he says he’s seen her this low before, but it’s very rare. it weighs on him a lot because he loves her and wants to see her happy. He does what he can, but he feels powerless sometimes. Ariana says her friends don’t care who she is as a person; they don’t see her. People think she’s cold as effing hell. He says he sees her, and wouldn’t have her any other way.
Next time, the wedding weekend, Charli argues with Brett, Raquel tells the girls that she got a million texts from James, and James threatens to leave. Now there’s a great loss.
🥂 Let’s Hope So…
If there was any more, my eyeballs would have fallen out of my head.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny comes in along with Michael, who’s holding Wiley. Carly says it’s good to see Wiley, and asks, what about Nelle? Sonny says, the cops have her. Lucas comes up to Wiley, and says, hey, buddy. Michael says Wiley is a lucky guy. So many people love him. Julian says, he’s happy and safe, and asks Lucas if he needs anything. Sonny says, it’s been a tough night; Julian should probably go. Julian tells Lucas to call or drop by if he needs anything. Michael says they have a lot to figure out, and they will, but one thing they agree on is making this okay for Wiley.
Curtis says, body count? Is Jordan in danger? Taggert says he and Jordan both are, and Jordan says she doesn’t want Curtis involved, but Taggert says, he already is by being married to her. Jordan tells Curtis, it was an undercover operation for the DEA. Curtis says, and it came back to haunt them. Jordan says they were part of a four agent team, assigned to investigate a major drug trafficker, who covered the entire Pacific Northwest. He brought drugs in from Russia through the Canadian border, and distributed them to the western states. Taggert says, he sold drugs to everyone, from CEOs to middle school kids. Jordan says, they infiltrated the organization to get evidence and bust him. Curtis asks, what happened? and Taggert says, he covered himself well. Whenever they found someone who’d turn on him, they’d turn up dead. Curtis says, but here they both are; alive and unharmed. Taggert says, they got the break they needed, and Jordan says, they took the dealer down, and left with their covers intact. Curtis says, no one knew who they were? and Jordan says, that’s what they believed. Taggert says, until their partners turned up dead.
Nelle is put in the cell across from Brad. Brad asks where Wiley is, and what she did with him. She tells Brad, he’s despicable.
Willow wakes up, and Chase says she has a minor concussion, but she’s going to be all right. She asks, what happened? The last thing she remembers, she was watching Wiley. She sits up, saying, oh my God. Nelle was there and wanted to take Wiley. Chase says she was arrested, and Willow asks if Wiley is okay. He says, Wiley is fine; he’s with Michael, and she says, thank God. He says he has a lot he needs to tell her, and she says, it’s bad? He nods and she says, okay. Just give her a minute to be glad her son is okay.
Carly says, Michael is right. Wiley has had a confusing, big night. She knows he’s tired, and it’s past his bedtime. Maybe he’d like a snack first. Michael asks if Lucas wants to give Wiley a snack; they’ll talk later. Lucas says, yeah, and takes Wiley, asking if he’s if hungry. He tells Michael, he’s so sorry.
Carly tells Lucas that he has nothing to be sorry for. He didn’t do this. Bobbie says, no one is blaming him, least of all Michael. Michael says Lucas isn’t responsible, and Bobbie suggests giving Wiley his snack. She and Lucas go into the kitchen, and Carly says, what Michael did just now, giving Lucas time with Wiley, was so generous. Michael says he needs their help, and thinks Lucas could use Carly right now. Carly asks if Michael is okay, and he says he’s still figuring it all out, but he’ll be fine. Carly says Michael is a good man, and she loves him. She hugs him, and he says he loves her too. She goes to the kitchen, and Michael tells Sasha that he forgot to thank her for calling Chase. She says she’s glad she could help in a small way. Sonny says, now that Wiley is in the other room, tell him what the hell happened. How did Brad get his hands on Michael’s son, and keep it a secret for more than a year?
Curtis says, Bob Endicott, Jordan’s former boss, the one she said couldn’t have possibly OD’d. He was part of the team too? She says, and Mark Simon is also dead. Taggert says, also from a drug overdose. Two down, and him and Jordan left. Curtis says Jordan thought she shouldn’t tell him she has a target on her back?
Julian pours a shot of whiskey, and Ava runs in, asking if he’s all right. Is he hurt? He says, no, and she asks, what is it? He said he needed her, and it was an emergency. He hung up, and she thought she’d find him bleeding to death. He says, it’s nothing that simple, and she asks, what’s going on? He says, Brad confessed, and she says, to what? He says, Wiley isn’t Willow’s son; he’s Michael’s son, and Sonny’s grandson.The baby Lucas and Brad adopted was Nelle’s baby. He only saw the baby once. Lucas was in surgery, and Brad took the baby home. He laid the baby in his crib, and when he came back, the baby wasn’t breathing; sudden infant death syndrome. From there, things happened, and Nelle gave Brad the baby she’d had with Michael. Ava asks what he means by things happened, and he says, they switched babies by the side of the road. Somehow, Nelle convinced Brad to take the baby home that she’d had with Michael. Ava asks if Sonny knows, and Julian nods. She asks where Brad is now, and he says, in jail. She says he’s got to be terrified, and Julian says, he’s not the only one. She says, please tell her that he didn’t help Brad steal Sonny’s grandchild. He says he didn’t but… She says, if Sonny finds out… Julian says, he’s a dead man.
Chase tells Willow, it’s going to be confusing. She’s going to have a lot of questions, but he’ll do his best to answer them. The details are pretty hazy, but the central factor is undeniable. She says, okay… and he says Wiley isn’t her son. Nelle and Michael are his birth parents.
Nelle asks if Brad knows how she felt, waking up on a cold, damp road to find a dead baby in her arms. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says Jonah meant everything to her. He was the only thing she had left of Michael, and Brad stole him from her. Brad says, no. She said he had to take the baby. She asks if that’s the story he’s going with; he’s the innocent victim. He says she knows it was her idea, and she tells him to stop lying to save himself. She was overwhelmed with grief, and so was Michael. They were mourning a child they thought was dead because of him. Brad says she told him the baby would be better off if he and Lucas raised him. She didn’t want the baby anywhere near Michael. She says Brad was her only friend; stop pretending. Stop pretending he cares, when on the worst night of her life, he stole her child.
Julian tells Ava, a few days afterward, Brad told him that it wasn’t the original baby, and the first baby died. He said he’d gotten a new baby from some random homeless woman. Ava asks if he believed that, and Julian says he thought it was convenient, but it didn’t occur to him that Brad had helped himself to Sonny’s grandson. She says, Brad eventually told Julian the truth? and Julian says, eventually. She asks what the hell he was thinking. Why not go to Sonny the minute that loser told him that he’d switched babies? He says, unfortunately, Brad is his son-in-law, and when Brad came clean, Wiley was more than a year old. Lucas had time to bond with Wiley, and he wasn’t taking Wiley away from his son.
Willow tells Chase, someone made a mistake, and he says he’s sorry, but it’s true. Wiley is Michael’s son. She says, it doesn’t make sense, and he says he can explain. When Willow gave birth at Mercy Hospital on July 29th, 2018, Alexis brought the infant to GH, and delivered him to his adoptive father Brad. Lucas was in surgery, and Brad brought the infant home. Willow asks him to stop calling the baby the infant; his name is Wiley. Chase says, Brad placed Wiley in the crib, but when he came back to check on him, he wasn’t breathing. She says, no, and keeps repeating it as Chase talks. He says, Brad tried CPR, but the baby was unresponsive. Willow gets up, but sinks to the ground, yelling, no! He holds her, and says, it’s okay. I guess because he can’t think of anything else to say, since it’s clearly not okay.
Bobbie says she could wring Brad’s neck, and Lucas says he wishes he could hate Brad as much as she does, but he knows Brad. He knows Brad loves him and Wiley. Bobbie says, forgive her for not being kind and understanding, but Brad created incredible harm. That’s not love; it’s selfishness. Carly agrees, and says what Brad did was wrong, but at least they know Wiley spent his first year in a loving home. Lucas says Wiley gave it right back; he misses Wiley already. Bobbie says he’s Wiley’s father. It’s not like ripping off a name tag and moving on. Carly says Bobbie is right. No one expects him to stop loving Wiley. Lucas asks, what happens now? Wiley chomps on a cracker, oblivious to all the anxiety around him.
Julian tells Ava, the look on Lucas’s face when Brad confessed… He’d give anything not to see it again. She says, it was never going to end well. The problem is, eventually Brad is going to tell everyone that Julian was in on it. Julian says, it’s going to kill Lucas, and Ava says, Sonny is going to kill Julian. They have to get him out of town; out of the country. He says, if Sonny wants revenge, Sonny will hunt him down until he gets it. He’s not running. She asks what the brave act is for, and he says she should know more than anyone what it feels like to fail your own children. When Lucas became a father, he saw a crack in Lucas’s armor, and thought the relationship could be repaired. She says, with Brad in a constant state of panic, and him keeping the secret? He says he had a plan to shut Brad out, and the constant threat. She takes it the plan didn’t work, and he says, none of it would have happened if Lucas hadn’t gotten in that car.
Jordan says she was managing things, but Curtis says that’s not how they do things. When trouble is coming for her, he’s her first line of defense, not Taggert. Taggert says they were traying to figure things out without worrying their families. Curtis says, call Anna, but Jordan says, no. Taggert says they have to do it alone, and Curtis says he can’t believe this. As major drug trafficker has them in his sights, and they don’t want to call for backup? There’s something they’re still hiding. Taggert says Curtis is still jumping to conclusions, but Jordan says Curtis is right. They are.
Willow asks Chase how it happened. How did her baby get switched with Michael’s? He says, Brad was heading back to the hospital, but he was too emotional to drive. He pulled over same road where Michael and Nelle had the accident. Michael was trapped in the car; Nelle left him there. She must have given birth a short time later, since she had the baby with her when she knocked on Brad’s car window. He sits on the floor next to her. Willow says, which one came up with the idea? He says, Brad swears it was Nelle, and she says, of course (🍷) it was. She says that twice, so (🍷)
Michael says, when he and Chase got to the apartment, Nelle was on her way out with Wiley. He distracted Nelle long enough so Chase could grab her, and he took Wiley. He was holding Wiley like he’d done a thousand times before, but now he knew he was Wiley’s father. Sonny tells him to get used to the feeling like his heart is going to burst and he wants to give everything to his child. It doesn’t go away. Michael says he feels for Lucas, and Sasha tells him, they all feel terrible, but don’t let it stop him from feeling joy. It’s not selfish to be happy that his boy is alive. Sonny says both sadness and happiness in your heart is called being human. Michael says it’s not just about him. Wiley is losing the only parents he’s ever known. Sasha says, he’s gaining a father he already knows and loves, who’s always been present in his life. Michael says being the special occasion guy is a whole different thing than being Wiley’s dad, the one he trusts the most. Blood didn’t make Sonny his father. It was the way Sonny took care of him, and how he trusted Sonny. Sonny says, Wiley feels the same way, and knows in his heart Michael loves him. Michael wonders if the right way to love Wiley is to make him leave a house he already knows, with one of the fathers who he already loves.
Brad says Nelle knows what she’s doing won’t work. He’s not taking the blame for what she did. She says, all she did was pass out with a baby in her arms. Brad says she was wide awake when she told him to take the baby. She said it would make Lucas happy. It never would have entered his head if she hadn’t put it there. She says, now she’s a liar? He says that’s what she does. She cons people, and plants thoughts in their heads, so they don’t know right from wrong anymore. She says she’d just delivered a baby. She was weak and unconscious when he took Wiley from her. He says, what about Obrecht? She delivered Nelle’s baby; Nelle wasn’t alone in the woods like she told Michael. She says she had no idea what happened when she was alone. Waking up on the side of the road, all she remembers is that she had a dead baby in her arms. Brad says she has no idea what it’s like to lose a baby, and she says she lost Jonah. First Brad steals him, and now he’s telling her that Wiley loves him more than her. Brad says, that’s not true, and she says he robbed her of time with her son. He knew the truth, that her baby was alive. He says he’s going to make sure everyone knows Nelle gave him to Brad. He and Lucas gave him a home and family, and she’ll never love him the way they do. She calls the guard, and says Brad is antagonizing her. Get him out.
Taggert says, wait, but Jordan says, they started this. That means they’re going to finish it. Curtis says, she’s right. Taggert can’t come up in there saying they were working undercover with the DEA, and not give him the whole story. Jordan says, they’re not guessing about the attacks. The dealer knows who they are, and came there to burn her city down. She knows this because she went to see him at Pentenville. Taggert asks, when? and Jordan says he didn’t come out and say he was after them. It was what he didn’t say that alerted her to what he was doing. Taggert wonders what Cyrus is doing in Pentenville, and Jordan says he got moved. He was always good at making political connections. Curtis asks, who is this guy? and Jordan hands him a file, saying, Cyrus Renault. Curtis looks through it, and says, sounds like a good dude. She says they believe he’s behind the attacks on Sonny, but Curtis says, drugs are not Sonny’s thing. She says, Cyrus gets a fresh new market in taking over Sonny’s territory. Taggert says, after everything they did to put him away; now he’s back. He’s not going to surprise them anymore. He’s going to check with some people. He tells Curtis, now that he knows everything, go easy on her. She was just trying to protect him. Taggert leaves, and Curtis says Jordan never fails to surprise him. Tell him the full story. She says he won’t be happy she did.
Carly tells Lucas, whatever happens next, they’ll get through it together. Bobbie says, his sister is right. Don’t let what Brad did push him away from his family. Carly says, it’s hard. Lucas has every right to be angry, mad, and hurt. Let them be his safe space. Bobbie tells him, never forget he’s done an amazing job raising Wiley. Carly says, nothing can change that. Everyone came together to keep Wiley safe and make him feel loved.
Willow says, of course (🍷) it was Nelle. She hates Michael, and wanted to hurt him. What could be worse than… Chase says, Brad took the baby home, and when the police found Nelle, she had her baby in her arms. The took her to the hospital, where she gave the baby to Michael. Willow says, Michael talked about it in their grief support group. How still the baby was. He wanted to tell himself the baby was just asleep, but he could feel the truth. Even then, he didn’t want to let the baby go. He went to the chapel to ask God why, but God didn’t have an answer. Eventually, the nurse came, and he had to give the baby up. He said it was the worst moment of his life, and she thought she understood. She had to give her baby up when the nurse came to take him for the adoption. She was just missing her baby. Michael was grieving his. Now it’s her turn to grieve her child. She starts to cry.
Jordan tells Curtis, the four of them worked their ways into different parts of Cyrus’s business, but they couldn’t gather enough evidence to bring him up on charges. All that work for nothing. Curtis says he knows the feeling. She says she was in too deep, and losing touch with who she was on the inside. He says, the part of her that’s a mother, and she says she needed to go home, see her kid, and remind herself of what’s truly important. He says it sounds like she reached a turning point, and she says they’d been involved long enough to manufacture evidence, and leave a trail for the FBI to find. So that’s what they did. They framed Cyrus crimes he actually committed. Curtis says, it worked; Cyrus got life, but Jordan says, because they broke the laws they swore to uphold. They were just as dirty as Cyrus. Curtis says, no, no, no, no, no. They didn’t sell drugs to little kids; they saved lives. She says he should be upset, and he says he is. How could she not tell him, and shut him out when trouble came? If the roles were reversed, she’d be furious with him. She says he’s right. She was selfish, and didn’t want her undercover work to touch the life she has with him. He says she’s got to be all in, or it’s not going to work. She says, on the other side, he doesn’t know Cyrus. He’s a monster, and just set up base in their backyard. Curtis holds her.
Sonny says Michael is thinking of giving up his son? All he’d be doing is dragging out the pain. Everyone knows, and more important, Michael does. Even if Lucas moves to China, there’s no amount of distance that can sever that tie. They can’t fix what Brad and Nelle did, but can give Wiley the best life they can. Michael says he’s right about everything, but how does he tell Lucas? Sonny says, say the words, and Lucas will respect that.There’s only one way this can end. Michael knows this. Michael says he still wants Lucas in Wiley’s life, and Sasha says, tell him. It will be a different relationship, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. Sonny says, she’s wise; listen to her. Michael says he does. It just hit him, Lucas isn’t the only one facing a loss. Chase is telling Willow that the child she loved all this time isn’t hers, and her own son is gone.
Willow tells Chase, now she understands why Brad was so tense around her. She thought he was afraid she’d change her mind and take Wiley back. If she’d gone through with rescinding the adoption, she would have taken a baby that wasn’t hers, and when Shiloh tried to get custody, Brad could have stopped it at any time. All he had to do was tell the truth. Chase says, Brad’s weak, and easily manipulated. He’s been under Nelle’s thumb since they switched the babies. That’s why Brad was at Nelle’s parole hearing, and let her stay at his apartment. She’s been blackmailing him. Willow says, he let her.
Bobbie asks if Lucas believes it was all Nelle’s idea, and he says, Brad has told his fair share of lies, but it seems like something Nelle would come up with. Carly says it was the perfect opportunity to hurt Michael, and by extension, hurt her. She’s Nelle’s real target; the focus of Nelle’s envy and obsession. They’re collateral damage. Lucas says Wiley likes to be read to after his snack. Brad usually packs his favorite book. He digs in Wiley’s bag, and brings out a sippy cup. He says if you freeze them, it’s good for teething. Carly says, that’s sweet, and Wiley laughs. Lucas asks if she remembers when he asked her what the hardest part of parenting was, and Carly says, knowing what’s the right thing to do.
Jordan thanks Curtis for loving her, and he says, of course (🍷). He always will. Anyone who comes for her, will have to go through him. She says that’s not what she wants. She doesn’t want him to be the price she pays for her mistakes. He says he can protect himself, and she says, do that, and keep an eye on TJ as well. It will be easier for her to do what she has to. He asks, what is it she’s going to do? and she says she’s the Police Commissioner. No one is going to burn Port Charles down on her watch.
Julian tells Ava, she’ll want to steer clear. Brad is spineless, and could break at any point, and spill his guts. Ava says then they’ll have to intervene before Brad has a chance to give him up.
Nelle says she finally had a chance to be with her son, and now she’s trapped because of Brad’s terrible lies. The guard says they can’t have him badgering other prisoners, and takes him out. Brad says, she’s lying, and when he’s gone, Nelle smiles.
Willow tells Chase, she tried to like Brad over and over, but she didn’t; she couldn’t. Part of her knew what he was like. Brad is a lying coward who cares more about himself than Wiley. Wiley could have had his father the whole time, had Michael raise and love him, and now… He’s so young, and his whole world is upside down.Brad did this to him, his so-called father; the man she chose to raise her son. Chase says, she picked Lucas, but she says, no. She trusted her son to Brad, and Brad let him die. She says, oh my God. Brad traded him in like a faulty appliance. She cries, and says, there was no one there who loved him. No one knew him. She sobs, and Chase takes her in his arms.
Lucas brings Wiley out, and Michael asks if Wiley enjoyed his snack. Lucas says, he did; he ate all of it. Michael says, he loves his animal crackers. Lucas tells Wiley, hey, buddy. He knows his Uncle Michael, and knows how much he loves to play games with Wiley and tell him stories. He has a nice surprise. Wiley is going home with him. He gives Michael Wiley’s bag, and says, there’s more snacks, a bedtime book, and diapers. He tells Wiley, I love you buddy, and kisses the top of Wiley’s head. He gives Wiley to Michael, and tries not to cry. He says, take good care of your son, and Bobbie hugs Lucas. Everyone looks sad.
The acting was so good, even though I can’t relate at all, they had me tearing up.
On Monday, Nikolas needs Elizabeth’s help, Ava asks Franco if Nikolas and Elizabeth had an affair, Julian tells Brad that it’s on him, and Carly tells Sonny that Nelle is the mastermind
🍑 Like She’s Ever Going Anywhere…
They’ll have to pry that peach out of her cold, dead hand.
It takes a lot of time to be a genius. You have to sit around so much, doing nothing, really doing nothing. – Gertrude Stein (I might have found my calling!)
Confidence is 10 percent hard work and 90 percent delusion, just thinking foolishly that you will be able to do what you want to do. – Tina Fey
If his grades get any lower, we’ll have to start renting him out as a speedbump. – Charlie (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men
Every now and then I like to do as I’m told, just to confuse people. – Tamora Pierce
The worst part of success is trying to find someone who is happy for you. – Bette Midler
I’ll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure. – Mae West
Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. – Coco Chanel (Love that! Now if I can just learn it…)
There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. – Nelson Mandela
The price of greatness is responsibility. – Winston Churchill
Death, taxes, and childbirth! There’s never any convenient time for any of them. – Margaret Mitchell
So, your kids must love the iPad? I asked Mr. [Steve] Jobs, trying to change the subject. The company’s first tablet was just hitting the shelves. They haven’t used it, he told me. We limit how much technology our kids use at home. – Nick Bilton
Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. – Dr. Seuss
👠 Friday Night…
I went to see a revival Mack & Mabel on Broadway. I couldn’t find a version of this from the performance I saw, but close enough. Since no good time goes unpunished, this is an appropriate song for today. See you when the Deadreturn.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sasha asks what Michael is doing out on the terrace, and he says he was taking a break. She says she can go back in, but he says he never needs a break from her. She asks what’s on his mind, and he tells her that he said all the right, supportive things, and meant them, but Brad and Lucas leaving is hitting him hard. Sasha says he’s going to miss Wiley, and he says he’s going to miss that little guy more than he imagined.
Julian arrives at Sonny’s, and says he’s sorry; Leo couldn’t make it. Bobbie says, Brand and Lucas called, and Wiley isn’t going to make it either. She can’t believe the just got Lucas back, and he’s moving across the country.
On the phone, Nelle asks about first class tickets to Buenos Aires for Barbara Langdon and her son William. She asks when their flight leaves, and says, in a few hours? Good thing she travels light. Sam is standing there, and asks if Nelle is going somewhere.
At Chase and Willow’s place, Brad tells Willow that Wiley should be good to sleep another hour, and she says she’ll call if Wiley’s sniffles get worse. Chase comes in, and asks, what’s going on? Brad says they’re having a going away party, but Wiley has a cold, and Willow was kind enough to babysit. Willow says, it’s a treat, spending extra time with Wiley before they move. Brad says he’d better get going, and leaves. Chase asks, what’s up with that guy? Willow doesn’t know, but thinks she still makes Brad nervous. He’s antsy around her. Chase asks how she feels about the move, and she says, Lucas cushioned the blow. He asked her to be Wiley’s designated guardian if something happens to him and Brad. Chase says, wow. That’s a big ask, and she says she was stunned. She assumed they’d ask Michael, but she’s thought about it, and she’s accepted.
Anna sees Finn at the MetroCourt, and asks if he got her text. He says, it’s been a hectic morning, and she says she understands; it’s a new environment. She asks how Violet is, and he says, good. She loves room service. He asks how Anna is, and she says she didn’t sleep. She sleeps much better when he’s there. Does he have any idea when that might be? He says he’s not sure, and she asks if they can talk. He says he’d like that. Peter comes out of the elevator, and says, sorry he’s late. Anna is glad he could make it, and he asks if Finn is joining them.
Curtis sees Taggert at Kelly’s counter. He says, Taggert. Or would he prefer Marcus? Taggert says, Taggert is fine, which is good, since it’s what I call him. Curtis asks if Taggert has a minute. He thinks it’s time they get to know each other a little better.
TJ asks Jordan if she’s got a minute, and she asks what brings him by. He says she has something he needs, and it’s vitally important.
Jason tells Sonny it’s been confirmed that Cyrus brought in a shipment, and they can get to it.
Sam says Nelle knows she’s on parole, and if she leaves, she has to tell her parole officer. Nelle says, ofcourse (🍷) parole restrictions would be on Sam’s mind. She must be getting restless, not being able to see Jason. Sam says she actually thinks it’s a good idea, and hints she might tip someone off about Nelle. Nelle says all Sam heard is that she’s moving out of the Quartermaine mansion. And when she’s out, Michael will never have to see her again.
Willow tells Chase, it’s just a precaution. No one expects Wiley to be with her ever. Chase says, ofcourse (🍷), and she asks if he thinks they made the wrong decision, and should have asked Michael. He asks, who would be the best choice? If Brad and Lucas died, would Wiley be better of with Michael or her?
Julian asks if Sonny is there, and Carly says he’s not sure if he’s going to make it. Julian says, too bad, and she says he’s there because Brad wanted him there, and Lucas didn’t object. He thanks her for the red carpet treatment. They agreed to be civil for Brad and Lucas’s sake.
Sasha knows how much Michael loves seeing Wiley, but he said there’s an ELQ office in Portland, and Wiley will probably be back for big holidays. Michael says he told himself that, but it’s not the same as seeing Wiley, and Wiley being there day to day. Wiley’s got two good dads, and doesn’t need him, but life be a little empty without him. Sasha hugs Michael.
Sam asks what Nelle means, and Nelle says, isn’t that what everyone wants? For her to leave forever, and leave Michael alone? Sam says, no argument there, and Nelle says, that’s what she’s saying. She’s leaving them all behind, including Sam. Nelle says, chow, roomie, and leaves.
Anna tells Finn, she arranged lunch with Peter; does he want to have dinner together? Finn says he’s working, and really should get back. He tells them, enjoy their lunch, and jets. Peter says, something happened, didn’t it? and Anna says they had a little disagreement. Peter says he saw Finn with Violet there last night, and knows they checked in. It wasn’t just a disagreement, was it? Was it about him? It was, wasn’t it?
Anna says there’s something she’d like to ask Peter, and she’d love it if he was honest. Peter says, okay, and she asks if he’s the one who made the Attorney General aware of Robert’s deal with Jason. He says, yes, and she thanks him for being honest. She asks, why? and he says, as long the deal was in place, Jason’s sole purpose and all of his focus would be on taking him down. Jason hates him, and he’s dangerous. She says, Jason doesn’t take action without reason. He’s careful and methodical. She asks if Peter is worried that Jason is going to find out the truth.
Nelle overhears Sam talking about the bon voyage party.
Taggert asks Curtis, what’s up? and Curtis says he heard Taggert was married when he worked with Jordan. Jordan said Taggert’s wife was still in Port Charles, and he wonders if that’s why Taggert came back to Port Charles. Taggert says they’ve been divorced for a while. Curtis says, sorry. He knows when you work under cover, it can be brutal on a relationship. Taggert says Curtis got addicted to cocaine, and lost his badge.
Sasha says she’s sorry Wiley couldn’t make it, and asks if she and Michael could stop by later. Lucas says, sure, if they don’t mind seeing an apartment full of boxes. Michael says Spinelli made a cheat sheet of the best parks and kid-friendly restaurants. Julian asks if they need a ride to the airport, but Bobbie says she and Carly want to take them. Carly tells Bobbie, nice save. The sooner they get Brad and Lucas away from Julian, the better.
Jason gives Sonny an address, and says, it’s a warehouse. It’s isolated, in close proximity to the industrial piers with access to the highway. There’s been a lot of activity there lately, and the deed changed hands, despite it not being on the market. He checked with Lucy. A distributing company just offloaded from a ship from Seattle there. He asks what Sonny wants to do, and Sonny says, respond, but it will be tough. Neither the cops or Cyrus can see it coming.
TJ hopes Jordan is careful, and she says she always is. She hopes he is too, and he says he is. He knows she’s not technically in the line of fire, but he knows she likes being where the action is. She says, sometimes too much. She basically abandoned him when she was under cover. He says they already went over this, and tells her, don’t beat herself up about it. He understands her choice; she wanted him safe. He’s over it now, and it taught him to never take for granted how much she means to him. She says she’s not going anywhere, and he says, especially until after she gives him the ring. She says that’s why he came by. It’s in her desk; she thought he forgot. He says, not a chance. She gives him the ring, and says good thing she has it.
Willow tells Chase, it’s just a formality; there’s no need to stress. Chase says, it could become real at any time, and she asks if he thinks she should think it through. He says, isn’t that what she’s doing? She says, Michael would be the perfect guardian. He’s thoughtful, patient, level-headed, and richer than God. Chase says, that’s not necessarily an advantage. In his experience, the Quartermaines are living proof that money doesn’t buy happiness. Willow says she knows Michael can give Wiley a good life, but she can too. Not the same life, but still good. It comes down who Brad and Lucas wanted, and they chose her. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Finn, who says he doesn’t want to interrupt. Willow asks how Violet is, and he says, good. He found out she really likes room service. They’ve moved out of Anna’s house. Chase asks, why? and Finn says, because he left Anna.
Curtis says Taggert seems to know more about him than he knows about Taggert. Starting with why he’s there. Taggert says, checking on a friend. That’s all he and Jordan are; old friends and former colleagues. Curtis has the wrong idea if he’s thinking it’s something else. Curtis says he got the idea when they first met and Taggert lied. First about how long he’d been in Port Charles, and then about when he said he and Jordan connected. He’s beginning to wonder why.
Jordan says the ring is all his, and TJ thanks her, saying, it means a lot. He asks if she’s sure she doesn’t mind, and she says she’s proud of him. His dad would be too. So he’s really doing this, finally. He says he wanted to months ago, but the timing wasn’t right. Then Alexis was attacked, and the holidays came. She says, the silver lining is, she got the ring sized for Molly. She gets a call that there’s a DOA on Pier 55; another OD. She tells TJ that she’s got to go, and he tells her, be careful. She says she plans to dance all night at his wedding. He says he still has to ask Molly, but Jordan says, Molly is super smart. She’ll say yes. TJ leaves, and Jordan gets her gun, and follows.
Chase says, Finn left Anna? It’s unexpected. Finn says he doesn’t mean he left her. He moved out, but he and Violet are staying at the MetroCourt. Willow extracts herself from the awkwardness by saying she’ll check on Wiley. Chase tells Finn, sit and talk to him. Finn guesses he could say they had a fight, and Chase says, all couples fight. Finn says he knows, but with Anna, they have a tendency to pull apart when they should pull together, and hold back when they should be trusting each other. They don’t communicate well sometimes, and he took Violet and left. Chase says, for good?
Peter says he told Anna that he had nothing to do with the attempt on Andre’s life. She says, sorry. She has to ask again. She put everything on the line for him, and needs to know. He already owned up to blocking Robert; what else is he not telling her? He takes it Finn moved out because Finn thinks he’s guilty. She has Robert to thank for that. He’s sorry, but Robert is using him to break Anna and Finn up. Maybe it was his goal all along. Anna says, Finn knows his own mind, and they’re not breaking up. They’re taking time. He says, whatever Robert told Finn was wrong. He had nothing to do with David Black. The only connection between Black, Andre, Franco, Drew, and Jason, is Faison, not him.
Carly says, Spinelli raved about the Portland Zoo; Wiley is going to love it. Bobbie says, the coffee is good too, and Lucas says they don’t have to pretend to be happy. He knows they’re going to miss him, and he’s going to miss them. Carly hopes once they settle in, he won’t miss them. It’s an exciting time. They’ll have to find a playgroup for Wiley, and network with parents. Her phone rings, and she says she’ll be right back. She goes to the door, saying, what the hell happened? No. They did the right thing. She opens the door, and Nelle is there with one of the guards. She asks what the hell Nelle is doing there, and Nelle says she heard there was a party.
Chase says Finn and Anna have a fight and can’t communicate, so he grabs his kid and moves out? It sounds like it’s over. Finn says, when Chase says it like that… Chase says, make him understand, and Finn tells him not to do the interrogation thing. Chase says he thinks Anna is good for Finn, especially now that he has Violet. Finn says, that’s why he’s doing this, and Chase asks if Anna has a problem with Violet, but Finn says he doesn’t think Violet is safe that house. Chase asks if it’s because Anna is with the WSB, and Finn says, it’s something to consider. There’s always a possibility of retaliation, but Chase says, that can happen with any law enforcement position, but it’s extremely rare, and Faison is dead. Finn says, Faison’s son is alive, and happens to be Anna’s son. He doesn’t trust Peter.
Jason tells Sonny, the cargo is easily worth a million dollars, and Sonny says, losing a shipment is a big blow. People don’t like losing money, and tend to screw up. Jason says, they still have product in Seattle, and Sonny says, the best case scenario is that someone gets to Cyrus inside of Pentenville; end of story. But he’s not counting on the best case scenario.
At the pier, Jordan ask an officer what they have. He says, an OD, and she asks if there’s any identification. He says they ran a driver’s license, and the OD is Mark Simon. He’s from New Hampshire, and they’re checking for any priors. Jordan is visibly upset.
Taggert tells Curtis, this is a discussion he should have with his wife, but Curtis says, he’s asking Taggert. Taggert’s phone rings. It’s Jordan, and he asks, what’s up? She says, Pier 55. Get there now. He says he’s on his way. He tells Curtis, good conversation. See him around.
Peter tells Anna that he’s finally out from under his father’s thumb. He has a successful career, he’s helping raise a son with the woman he loves, and he’s finally building a relationship with his mother. He never dared imagine it, and he’d never jeopardize the happiness he’s found, or disappoint the people he loves. She says she’s glad he turned his life around. Building a relationship with him is a gift. He says, even if it means losing Finn? Her phone rings, and she says she has to take it. He says, ofcourse (🍷), and she steps away.
At the MetroCourt, Molly tells Sam, sorry she’s late. Sam asks why she’s frazzled, and Molly says she’s exhausted over wedding plans. Her friend Jamie is a Bridezilla. She used to be all granola and save the planet; now Molly barely recognizes her. She gets a daily barrage of emails about dresses, a spa getaway, and dance lessons for the wedding. Sam says, right, Jamie, and Molly asks what Sam thought she was talking about. TJ approaches their table, and says, a sister’s lunch. Sam says they were just chatting. He can have her seat; she has to get going. He says he didn’t mean to intrude, but Sam says he didn’t; he’s practically family. Unless he has some big news. TJ asks if something happened, and Molly says, just Jamie, driving her crazier than she already is. Sam says, that’s it then? She tells TJ, take a seat. She’s heading to Carly’s. He sits.
As Sam goes past, Peter asks if she’s going to sit down with one of his reporters. She asks why she’d do that, and he says they’re doing a piece on the early release of prisoners from Pentenville. He can sympathize with the challenges of overcoming negative stereotypes and expectations. She thanks him for his concern, but she’s going to save her comments for when the truth comes out, and justice is served. And the truth always comes out.
Carly asks the guard where he found Nelle, and he says, she was lurking by the front gate. She tells Nelle that she’s not welcome there, and Nelle says her best friend is moving. She yells to Brad, asking if he’s going to let his sister-in-law strongarm her after everything they’ve been through. Brad comes out, and asks what she’s doing there. She says she came to say goodbye. They’ve been good friends, and she couldn’t let him leave without closure. He asks for a moment with his friend, and Carly wonders if now is the time, but he says Nelle is already there. He asks if they can lose the bodyguard. Carly thanks the guard, and he leaves. She tells Brad, don’t take long. When she’s gone, Brad asks what the hell Nelle is thinking, and she says she wanted to say goodbye to her son. Where is he?
TJ tells Molly that he wants to take her to the new vegan restaurant on Valentine’s Day. She says, it’s nearly impossible to get reservations, and it’s crazy expensive. He kisses her hand, and says she’s worth it. She tells him that he’s sweet, but she just feels uncomfortable spending so much on one night. Jamie has been sucked into the wedding vortex, one more over-commercialized, complicated exercise in hyper-consumerism. Getting things you don’t need from a registry you imposed on guests. Who needs that?
Anna tells Peter, Robin sends her regards. He says Anna has an amazing daughter. She takes after her mother. Anna says Robin has surpassed her, and he says Anna is the strongest woman he knows. Anna says she thought so too.
Finn tells Chase, he’d do anything to protect Violet from a threat. He came home early, and she and Peter were playing superheroes. Peter was the villain, and he was attacking Violet. He knew it was pretend, but when he saw them… Chase says, fatherly instinct, and Finn says he doesn’t buy that Peter is as reformed as he claims. Anna does, and Violet is caught in the middle. She’s attached to Anna. This morning, Violet asked when they’re going home, and he didn’t know what to say. Willow comes back, and says, sorry; she left her phone. Chase tells Finn to ask Willow, and Finn says, in her professional opinion, what should he say when Violet asks when they’re going to see Anna again. Willow tells him, be truthful, and only tell her what he’s sure of. Finn says he’s not sure of much.
Taggert arrives at the pier, and asks Jordan, what’s up? Who’s the DOA? She says, Mark Simon, and he says, how? She says, a presumed overdose. She wants to see the toxicology report, and find out if it’s the same as Bob’s. He says, Mark is from Vermont, and she says, New Hampshire. Taggert wonders how he got there, and she says she called to warn him. She told him about suspecting Bob was murdered, and he said he was on his way there. Taggert says, now he’s dead, and she says she shouldn’t have called. Taggert says, they would have gotten to him anyway. She says, this is no coincidence, and he says, this is about Cyrus. He was busted by a four member team. Now two of them are dead. Jordan wonders how Mark got identified. They were in deep cover. How did they get exposed?
Nelle asks Brad if Wiley is upstairs; she knows the back way to the nursery. Brad says, Wiley has a cold, and Willow is watching him at her place. Why he gives her this information, is beyond my comprehension. She asks if he thinks that’s healthy; leaving Wiley with the woman who thinks she’s his mother. He says they’ll be out of her life, unless she makes Lucas suspicious, and blows things up at the eleventh hour. Is that what she wants? If not, leave. She guesses she has no choice, and walks out. Brad leans against the door for a moment, and goes back into the living room. He says, sorry, everyone, and Lucas asks what Nelle wanted. Carly says, she claimed she wanted to say goodbye, but Brad says he didn’t think she knew there was a party. Carly thinks Nelle just came there to get under her skin, and the party was just an excuse. Michael suggests they don’t give Nelle the power to derail the celebration. Brad and Lucas are moving, and they have everything they want; a happy marriage and a beautiful son. Lucas begins to remember the conversation before the accident. He says, Brad? and Brad says, what? Sam comes in, and apologizes for being late. She says she let herself in, and Carly says the guard was busy getting rid of Nelle. I thought Sonny doubled the security. She says, Nelle was there? and Carly says, she just left. Michael says, they’re not going to let Nelle ruin the party, and Bobbie says, Portland is a wonderful city; a bit rainy for her taste though. Sasha says she and Michael saw a waterproof boot and umbrella set; they’ll get it for Wiley. Lucas says, Wiley won’t touch the umbrella, and Brad says, he’s a puddle man. Lucas thanks Michael for loving and taking care of Wiley. He was a good choice for godfather. Michael says, everything changes when Wiley is with him, and Lucas flashes back to Brad saying he wanted Wiley too much. Julian asks if Lucas is okay, and Lucas says he thinks he’s remembering something from the night of the crash.
Anna tells Peter, she used to call her house the Fortress of Solitude, but the thought of going home without Finn’s books scattered all over, and Violet coming out in a superhero costume, makes her pristine fortress seem cold and empty. Peter asks if she doesn’t think they’ll work it out, and she says she hopes so. She can’t imagine living without him.
Finn tells Chase, he and Anna may never agree about Peter, but he can’t imagine her giving up on him. Chase says Peter must have unpaid parking tickets. He can throw Peter in a holding cell. Finn looks at him, and he says, sorry. If Finn has to choose between Anna and keeping Violet safe… Finn says, it’s clear. His daughter comes first.
Jordan tells Taggert, the body is at the morgue, and they’re starting the autopsy. What does he want to bet it’s the same as Bob’s. He says, two down; two to go, and she says, they’re next. He says they’re going to be all right; they’ve got this. Partners for life. He holds her, and she says they’ll talk soon. Staysafe. He says, her too, and they leave. Curtis watches from the top of some stairs.
Sonny tells Jason, they’re sending a message. Not just to Cyrus, but his suppliers. They don’t need to come through Port Charles. It’s got it be clean. The cops can’t know it’s them; there can’t be evidence. Understand? Jason straps a gun to his ankle, and zips up his bag. He says, okay. He’ll let Sonny know when he’s done. He leaves, and Sonny looks grim.
Nelle looks through the window, watching the party. Brad tells Lucas to take it easy, and Lucas says, he was right there. They were in… dammit! Brad asks, what’s going on? and Julian thinks Lucas is overstimulated. He’ll get Wiley; it will be better if Lucas is with his son. Julian walks out, and Lucas suddenly flashes back again. He remembers Brad telling him that Wiley is Michael and Nelle’s son. Lucas gets up, and says, Michael.
Tomorrow, Chase is needed at the Corinthos house, Lucas says he’s not crazy and knows what he heard, and Cyrus tells Sonny that he’s about to make a very big mistake.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Jim tells his thug to shoot Benny. There’s a gunshot, and Jim says, that’s it; he’s gone. Hanna asks what he did, and he says the difference between them is, he does exactly what he says he’s going to. Benny is dead. She tells him to call them, and he puts the phone to his ear, saying, take the bullet out of that boy’s head. Hanna beats on him, saying, what did he do? He tells her he did what he said he was going to, and calls for the nurse. When she comes in, he tells the nurse to get Hanna out of there. Hanna says, that’s her son. He hurt her son. He says he did more than that. She says, her son better be all right, and he says he doesn’t have his money. She says she’s calling the police, and he tells her, go ahead, but do it from out there. She whacks him a couple times with her purse, as the nurse tries to hold her back. She tells Jim, go to hell, and he says he’s been there. Hanna leaves, and Jim asks the nurse if he’s bleeding, and demands she give him something for the pain. She tells him, calm down, and he says, bitch, get me something to calm down. Move. She goes, and he asks, what the hell is wrong with these women? The hospital let some crazy woman in his room. He calls to Hanna, saying, Benny’s dead. He gone girl. He laughs, and hits the morphine button. He says, get me some more morphine, bitches, and laughs again.
Jim’s thug shoots the ground, and Benny says he almost shot him. What the hell is wrong with him? Sandy (Mitch’s main guy) and a group of guys come downstairs. The thug says, what the hell? Who are they? Sandy says Benny is coming with them, but the thug says, no, he’s not. Sandy says, want a bet? Does he know who they are? They’re the Malones. He tells the thug to uncuff Benny, and do it now. He does, and Benny jumps up and punches him in the stomach. Benny says, little bitch. It’s lucky Benny is weak. He thanks the Malones, and asks if Mitch sent them. Sandy says, yeah, and tells Benny, go on; get out. Benny asks if he can use Sandy’s phone, but Sandy says he can’t do that. They’re here because they owe his sister. He tells Benny, get out of there, and Benny leaves. Sandy tells the thug that he needs permission to be in the Malone backyard, and asks if he understands. The thug says, yeah, and Sandy tells the guys to kick the thug’s ass. He’s got to learn.
At the Iron Bone, Mitch’s phone rings. He says, yo, and Sandy says, they got him. Mitch thanks him, and Sandy says, he took off; he said he was going home. Mitch says, he has no money. How’s he getting home? He tells Sandy, put him on the phone, but Sandy says he’s not letting Benny use his phone. Mitch says, then give him a ride, but Sandy says he doesn’t want to. Mitch says, just do it. Benny has no money. Mitch asks where they are, and Sandy says, Hollister Street. Mitch says, just give him a ride out of the neighborhood. Sandy says he doesn’t want to do that, and Mitch says, fine; bring him to the bar. Sandy says, he’s riding in the truck bed, and Mitch calls him an a-hole. Sandy says, it’s that or nothing. Candace asks Mitch, what happened? and Mitch says, they got him. They’re giving him a ride. Candace says, it didn’t sound like that. His family is racist. Mitch says, tell him about it. He says her mom is probably at the police station, and Candace says, they’ll find her when Benny gets there.
Madison thanks Jeffrey for the nap. He gets up, and Jeffrey looks away. Madison wonders why Jeffrey can’t look at him, and Jeffrey says he’s giving Madison privacy. Madison says he doesn’t want privacy. If Jeffrey isn’t interested, fine. Jeffrey says, it’s not that, and Madison says, then don’t look away. Jeffrey asks if Madison thinks he’s turning him on, and Madison says, something is going on, or Jeffrey wouldn’t leave the room when he gets dressed. Jeffrey says he’s showing respect, and Madison asks if he has to do what Justin did to get Jeffrey’s attention. Jeffrey says, not fair, and Madison says, sorry. Madison tells Jeffrey to look at him, and Jeffrey says Madison has a beautiful body. Madison says, Jeffrey does too. Jeffrey asks Madison to put his clothes back on, and Madison puts his pants on. He walks over to Jeffrey, and says, better? Is Jeffrey sure he’s not turned on? Jeffrey says he is, and Madison kisses his neck. Jeffrey responds.
Hanna arrives home, and she’s pretty frazzled. She wrings her hands and paces, then calls the police. She tells them, it’s an emergency. She knows her son’s been kidnapped, and she thinks someone did something to him. She gives them her address, and says she’ll be there. As soon as she hangs up, her phone rings. It’s a collect call from Kathryn, and Hanna says she thinks Jim killed her son. Jim had him kidnapped, and she thinks somebody shot him. She doesn’t know where he is. Benny walks in with Mitch and Candace, and Hanna drops the phone. Benny says he’s all right, and Hanna asks, what happened? He says, Mitch’s family took care of it; they got him out. She says he’s going to give the money back now; she means it. Kathryn is like, hey, I’m still here, and Hanna picks up the phone. She says, Benny just walked in, and he’s all right. Kathryn says, thank God. She tells Hanna that she’s sorry, and says she needs Hanna to come and see her. Hanna says, give her a minute. They’re going to the bank. Kathryn says she’s saving Hanna from going a second time. She knows Hanna has had a shock, but can she come right now? Hanna says she can, and Kathryn says, Marty will meet her. Kathryn hangs up, and says, can somebody clean this damn phone?
Benny says he needs to rest, but Hanna says they’re going to the bank. Benny says, fine, and she says she’s going to wash her face, and then they’re going. When Hanna is out of earshot, Benny says, no way is he giving the money back. Mitch says, it’s going to keep going on. Jim had Benny kidnapped. No damn way should he do that; it’s crazy as hell. Benny says, the hell with Mitch. He tells Mitch and Candace, come on, before she comes back. Candace says Hanna is going to be so mad, and asks where they’re going. Benny says, to the airport. He going to put Candace on a plane, and she’s never looking back. Candace says, they’ll come after Benny, and tells him, take care of his ass. They leave, and Hanna comes out, finding an empty room. She calls to them, but hears nothing. She calls Benny’s phone, but doesn’t leave a message. She hangs up, and says, this ain’t a game they’re playing. Their asses better be at the bank.
Connelly visits Charles, and asks if Charles is sick of him yet. Charles asks if Connelly wants a drink, and Connelly says he’s pouring. Does Charles want more advice about Candace? Charles says, no. He wanted to ask Connelly to consider being Attorney General. Connelly says he’d be honored, and Charles thanks him. Connelly says, thank you, President Elect, and Charles says he sounds annoyed. Connelly says Charles talked to four other senators before him. He’s like an uncle to Charles. Charles says he had to go through the process. Connelly says Charles asked him last, but Charles says Connelly was his first choice. Connelly says he knows what kind of hell they’ve been putting Charles through, and Charles says, now he’s going to give them hell. First thing, he wants Connelly to visit the current AG. He wants Connelly to have a conversation about the transition. While he’s there, Charles wants to know about the operation done during the campaign, and the people involved. Connelly doesn’t think he can do that until he’s been sworn in, but Charles says, it’s not about the information. He wants to make sure the AG knows he’s aware. It’s personal. Connelly says, it’s always personal, and Charles says he doesn’t want them to know too much. Just raise questions. Connelly asks when he should start, and Charles says, right away; he’ll make arrangements. Connelly thanks Charles again, and Charles says he’ll make the announcement this afternoon. Connelly says, here we go, and Charles repeats, here we go.
Jim is sleeping when Celine comes into his room. He says, what the hell? Is he dreaming? She says, no. She heard he got shot. He says he did, and she says she heard Wyatt did it. Jim says, apparently… the ungrateful little bastard. He asks what she’s doing there, and tells her to leave. She says, no. She’s been trying to reach him. He says he knows; he’s been trying to avoid her. She says she could take him to court, and he says, why not do it? She says she just wants him to do the right thing for once. He says, why start now? He never did that before. He tells her to take her fine ass, and get the hell out. She says she can take him to court, and he says, so do it. What is she going to do with no money? She says she’s struggling; she needs two jobs to get by. He says, go to one. She says their oldest son is in college, and he says he has one son. She says, who tried to kill him. He has three sons. He says he doesn’t know that. She’d better start looking for a carboard box. He hears they’re getting harder to find. She says she’s not kidding, and he says he’s not either. She asks him not to put their kids on the street, and he says he doesn’t care. She calls him an SOB, and says, nothing has changed. He says, not a thing; get out. She says he’s forcing her hand, and he says they both know she forced other parts of his anatomy many times. She says she’s going to show him how strong she is. On her way out, she says something in Spanish, and he makes fun of her, parroting nonsense back.
Outside in the hallway, Celine makes a call.
Veronica answers the phone, as she’s walking into the house. Celine says Veronica asked her to call. She wants to go after Jim. Veronica tells her to get everything she’s got, and come to the house. They’ll discuss the details. She’ll text the address. She tells Celine, this is where she says, thank you. Celine thanks her, and Veronica asks what kind of car she drives, and what year it is. Celine asks, why? and Veronica asks if the oil is leaking. Don’t park that sh*t in her driveway.
Justin walks into his house, where some guys are waiting for him. He says, not again. Please. The head dude says, please what? How’s he doing? Justin says he has internal bleeding, and dude tells him that he’s gotta tuck real tight. This is for Veronica. Justin asks how much she’s paying, and dude asks if he thinks it’s about money. Justin doesn’t know, and dude tells him, he gets to whoop ass, and he’s all for that. Justin says he’s not a cop, and dude says, he was a cop. He thinks he’ll go for the stomach. Justin asks if he can’t get it in the back. He has stitches, and his ribs are bruised. Dude asks if Justin is trying to tell him how to whoop ass. Justin says he’s not telling, he’s just asking. He has money. Dude asks where it’s at, and Justin says in the drawer. Dude asks, how much? and he says, four grand; take it all. Dude nods, and says, all right. He tells one of his guys to take it. He tells Justin that he’ll take it, but he’s going to hit Justin once or twice. Justin says, for Veronica? and dude says, it’s part of the deal. Justin says, okay, and dude punches him in the stomach. Justin asks what they can do to make this stop, and dude says he has to settle with Veronica. When she says so, they come. He thanks Justin for the cash, and they leave.
Landon goes in to see Charles, and says he’d like to show Charles something. He hands Charles a folder, and says, all of these articles. Not 24-hours and the tide is turning on her. Charles looks through them, and asks why Landon is doing this. Landon says he wants to see Charles happy. Charles says he’s doing it for his job, but Landon says he sees how Charles lights up when she’s around. He smiles, and Landon wants that for him. Charles asks if Landon doesn’t want the same thing for himself; someone to make him feel that way. He should have that. Has he ever? Landon says, once, and Charles asks, what happened? Landon says, it didn’t work out, and Charles asks if that’s Landon’s way of saying he doesn’t want to talk about it. Landon says, not too many straight men want to hear a gay man’s love story. Charles says he’s open minded, and Landon says Charles also knocked him to the floor. Charles wishes he’d handled the situation better; it was a bit homophobic. If a woman acted like that, he would have reacted differently. Landon says he shouldn’t have betrayed Charles’s trust; he’s sorry. Charles says, there’s no need. He’s past it. Tell him about the guy. Landon says, one night when they have a lot to drink. Tell him about Candace. Charles says, that’s over and done, but Landon says he doesn’t know. Charles says Landon didn’t see the way he treated her. Oliver had her leave in the trunk of a car. Landon says, oh no, and Charles says, she wasn’t happy. Landon says he’s sorry, and Charles says, it’s not his fault. He didn’t have the balls to tell the world. Landon says, when he’s done, Charles will have them eating out of the palm of his hand. Charles says, that’s a tall order, and Landon asks if Charles doubts him. Charles says, Candace will clearly have to be on board, and Landon says he’ll get her there. At least, he’ll try. He’s going to get on it right now.
Kathryn is put back in her cell, and Wyatt encourages her to get in. He asks if she’d like to shut him up, and she says she doesn’t want to hear him. He says he’s sorry, and she says, now he comes to his senses? He says he was high out of his mind. She says, whatever he was out of, he’s in now, and Wyatt says he needs a doctor. He needs to get out. If he does, will she send him to rehab? He’ll go right away. She laughs, and says she can’t do anything for him. Where is the nice boy coming from? Wyatt says he’s sorry for what he did to her and his dad. She says his dad is alive, and he says he knows. Can she get him out? She says, not a chance. He says, please? and she asks if the DA told him they weren’t pressing charges. He says, they’re not? and she says, of course they are. The nice thing isn’t going to work. He says, please, and she says, no please. He’s going to be in there for the rest of his life. He says he’s their only son, and she says, their only son who tried to kill them. He says he wants to talk to his dad, and she says his dad isn’t going to help him. He’ll be just as happy to see Wyatt’s ass in there as she is. They didn’t want Wyatt to pay before, now look where they are. They learned their lesson. He pleads with her some more, and she tells him, give it up. He’s not going to manipulate his way out. She walks as far away as she can.
Veronica’s doorbell rings. It’s Justin, surprising us all, because we were expecting Celine. He asks if they can talk, and she says, okay. He says, when he got home from the hospital, there were guys at his place. She says she knows that, and he says he wants to know how they stop this. She says, stop what? and he says, this. She asks if he can take back hitting her, and he says he can’t. She says sorry then they can’t. He says, this is hard for him; them hitting him. She says it’s not hard for her, and he says he’s so sorry. She says, lady, why are you here whining? and he says he just wants to know how to make them stop. He can pay her; he has a 401K. She says, no amount can make it stop, and he asks what he can do. She says she hasn’t decided yet, and he says there’s got to be some forgiveness somewhere in her heart for him. He’s not a bad person. She says he sleeps with men, and hits women. He’s a bad person; a vile, disgusting human being. Her face still hurts. He says he’s sorry, and she tells him, he said that. He asks when it’s going to be enough, and she says when she says so. Never hit a woman. She tells him, get off her property. Boy, bye. He says he can only take so much, and she asks if that’s a threat. He says, not to her, but to himself. She asks if he’s thinking of committing suicide. What can she do to make that happen? She can get him more visits. He says, please, don’t, and she says, get off her property. She said, boy, bye. She closes the door, and talks to herself. It’s not who I am. Forgive me. Don’t hit her. And forgive? Bitch, please.
David looks at folders, and George walks in. He looks around, and says, it’s worse than he thought. David thanks him for coming, and George asks how he can help David. David gives George a folder, and says, it’s the gun that killed Jennifer. George says David is giving him Kathryn’s head on a platter. David says, no. Veronica’s. George asks if this is some kind of joke, and David says, no. Kathryn was there, but she didn’t do it; she was a witness, and she’s covering for Veronica. Veronica thought he and Jennifer were having an affair. George says David is trying to set him up. He wants George to go after Veronica. David asks what part George doesn’t understand. George says he’s not falling for this, and David says, for what? George says, they have Kathryn, but David says, he’s telling George it was Veronica. George doesn’t believe him, and David says George is going to look foolish when the truth comes out. George asks what sick game David is playing. Cars blowing up, shootouts; he thinks it’s a game. David says, it’s not a game; it’s the hard truth. George says, he’s not buying it. David says he has a lot more, and George says, like what? David says, everything in his files, but George says, no way it will hold up in court. David says he knows that, and George says, give him something solid, like a video. David says he doesn’t have a video. What he has is evidence concerning several crimes, cover-ups, conspiracy, and tax evasion. George says, and David is going to give him all of it. David says, give him immunity, and he’ll give George everything he has. George says, David is involved? and David says he may have knowledge of the alleged crimes. George says, okay. Meet him in his office, and bring everything he has. I say, no. Take it with you now, but George doesn’t listen. David thanks him, and George says he still doesn’t trust David. David tells him, examine the evidence.
George leaves, and David calls upstairs to Jeffrey. I say, uuuuh… and David goes upstairs. He looks into Jeffrey’s room, where Jeffrey and Madison are having sex. David quickly closes the door, and says, damn. I laugh.
Next time, Jeffrey tells Madison, knowing is one thing, seeing it’s another; Kathryn tells Hanna that Jim will have to come to her for every dime; and Veronica admits she’s using Celine, and wouldn’t care about her otherwise.
Vanderpump Rules
Ariana walks into SUR. She asks Charli how it’s going tonight, and Charli says, busy. In Ariana’s interview, she says, it’s like riding a bike. It feels just like home. Dayna says, hi, and Ariana says she thinks they danced for 12 hours straight at Pride. Dayna says it’s the most fun she’s had, and she feels lighter now. In her interview, she says she knew she was different in middle school, when she started noticing both genders. She kissed a girl, but felt like she shouldn’t tell anyone. She’s bisexual, and when she put it out there, Max couldn’t give two sh*ts. Ariana says everyone knows she’s bi, and they double high-five, saying, bi sisters.
In the car, Lisa tells Ken that she woke up to it being plastered all over social media that the guy who’s marrying Jax and Brittany made incredibly offensive remarks about the LGBTQ community; homophobic things. Ken says that goes against what Lisa stands for. We see the pastor’s tweets, which are all Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve stuff. In Lisa’s interview, she says, there were so many negative comments; don’t get her started. She knows Jax and Brittany’s beliefs are the same as hers. Ken says she has to tell them, and she says she knows.
Stassi films Beau making a baked botato, and I laugh. In his interview, he says he’s been posting cooking videos, but they’re really him and Stassi bickering, and he made up an alter ego. Stassi asks him to do different accents, as he gives the cooking instructions. She says, there’s so much cheese, and he says it will make her look good in her bridal gown. She says, bridesmaid, and in her interview, she says she wishes she had a bridal gown. Lala comes over, and in Lala’s interview, she says, Stassi is doing a great job of turning Beau into a housewife. Now she just needs to lock him down, and put a ring on it. Stassi says the shower is going to be at Katie’s house. Lala says, when she gets married, she doesn’t want penis straws or penis hats, and Stassi says she wants none of that sh*t. Beau says he thought princesses and penises would be the theme.
Lisa asks Ariana what it’s like to be back, and Ariana says, chill, at first. Then, wow. Ariana gingerly broaches the subject of Jax and Brittany’s pastor, but Lisa says she called them this morning. We see a clip of Brittany saying she’s going to investigate his offensive remark, and saying he promised he wasn’t homophobic.
Lala asks, what’s up? and Stassi says the pastor’s remarks came out a month ago, and they came out again. Sh*t just got real. In Lala’s interview, she says, in fairness to Jax and Brittany, they don’t think too hard about things. Jax isn’t that smart. He called the guy, who said he doesn’t feel that way, and that’s good enough for Jax. Lala tells Stassi, you couldn’t take that out of context.
Brittany and Jax do a LIT workout class. After class, Brittany tells Jax, she’s glad Lisa called, so they could get ahead, just in case. He’s a family friend, and she can’t believe it. In her interview, Brittany says, no one thought he’d be this way. She grew up with his daughters. He posted negative things, and she doesn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable, or think she has the same feelings. She thought he was a good person. Jax says he doesn’t care what someone believes, but don’t take it to social media.
Ariana tells Lisa, it’s been a month, and she wondered how to approach Brittany. In her interview, Ariana says she’s known for six months. Brittany was upset in January, when it was brought up, and seemed satisfied with the pastor’s answer. Ariana didn’t want to keep bringing it up. She was between a rock and a hard place. Brittany confronted him, and he told her what she wanted to hear, so he could officiate.
Brittany tells Jax, people assume that’s how they feel, and Jax says, it’s not their fault. Brittany says people are accusing her of being a bad person in their comments. In Jax’s interview, he says, it’s not like he’s holding any anti-gay flags. Brittany says she doesn’t think the pastor is a bad guy. Jax says, maybe he’s naïve, but he thought pastors were supposed to be neutral. In Brittany’s interview, she says, in LA, they live in a bubble. When she goes home, there are people who believe all kinds of things. A lot of them have different politics, so she just doesn’t talk about it when it’s brought up. It’s difficult, but she doesn’t want to disappoint anyone in her life. Brittany says, it’s two weeks before the wedding. It sucks.
Lisa sits at Sur, and Raquel approaches her table. Raquel says, Lisa wanted to talk to her? She assumes it’s about Pride. Lisa says she missed her shift, and Raquel says she was at TomTom with James. Her plan was to check on him. Lisa says they were relying on her. We flash back to James screaming, how dare she miss his set? Raquel says that wasn’t her thought process, and Lisa asks what she was thinking. Raquel says she was thinking about James and Pride. In her interview, she says she was thinking about last year, and we flash back to James being a complete and utter drunken a-hole. She says she feels like she almost needs to babysit. At the same time, she doesn’t want to be on Lisa’s bad side. Lisa says, James screwed up every chance, and tells Raquel, don’t go down the same road. Raquel says she’s responsible, and Lisa says, normally. She could be fired for this. Raquel says, please don’t fire her, and Lisa says she’s thinking about it. Raquel says, please, don’t, and Lisa says she’ll still be written up. Don’t let her down again. Raquel swears she won’t.
Tom brings sushi home, and asks how Ariana’s first day back was. Ariana says, chill, and tells him, Lisa called Jax and Brittany. Brittany said she only saw one post, but Ariana saw them six months ago. Tom asks if she believes Brittany really didn’t see them until she called them to Brittany’s attention, and Ariana nods. Tom says maybe she wants to believe it. She says she thinks Brittany works hard not to see things. In Tom’s interview, he says they were tagging Brittany and Jax in all of the posts for months. They were just sitting by, hoping someone would make the right decision. Ariana says, it’s been insanely triggering her. Tom says he feels the same way. He’d like to talk to Jax, and asks what the deal is. Ariana says, the shower is tomorrow, and no one has said anything. She thinks everybody is afraid of upsetting them. Tom says, thank God Lisa said something. it bothers him.
In Dayna’s interview, she says she and Max have been dating for about a month. It’s not just a hook-up thing. We learn from Max that a cork shouldn’t pop, but sound like a silent fart. Good to know. Dayna tells Max that people see they like each other, and they’re triggered about it. She likes him, and likes hanging out with him, She wants to make him a priority. She asks where he’s at, and he says he thinks they should focus on each other. He wants to be exclusive, and Dayna says that’s what she wants. In Max’s interview, he says, in the past, he made work a priority, but Dayna is making him want to make her a priority.
In Katie’s interview, she says, the coolest part of owning a house is having parties – like the shower. It makes them feel like adults. She and Stassi use toilet paper instead of crepe paper.
James asks Raquel how work was, and she says, Lisa is concerned about her professionalism. She feels bad that she missed her shift. She let people down. James says – wait for it – she shouldn’t have left her job. Who does that? In Raquel’s interview, she says, James’s moods vary. He’s an unpredictable person. When she gets up in the morning, she’s never sure which James she’ll wake up to. She thinks if she’d stayed at SUR, he would have been pissed and drinking, and spiraled. In James’s interview, he says, at Pride, everyone is effed up. You can smell the alcohol in their sweat. He needs someone to keep track of him in that moment. Raquel tells him that Peter invited her to his birthday party, but she can’t bring James. Peter is one of Jax’s groomsmen, and doesn’t want to upset Jax. James says, that’s so rude. He’s surprised Raquel didn’t tell Peter to screw himself, but she asks how that would do something. He asks if she’s going, and she says she doesn’t think so. He asks if she’s going to swing on him tomorrow night, and go. He doesn’t want her there, and she says she doesn’t feel like going if he’s not invited. He says it sounds like she’s beating around the bush; make her decision. She says she’s not going. James says, what if he told her to go ahead and go, and she says she wouldn’t go. She wants to stand by him. Because she can’t win here, he says it sounds like she’s just agreeing with him. She doesn’t have to. He probably wouldn’t be happy if she went, but she can do what she likes. She says she knows. She looks like one unhappy girl, and I wonder why she’s so insecure that she needs to stay with this jerk.
Ariana tells Lala, the pastor guy isn’t happening. Lala says Brittany told her that she let him go. We see a clip of Brittany telling Jax, she doesn’t know if he’ll be nice, and Jax saying, they have no choice. Ariana says she doesn’t know how Brittany could like him. Lala says she feels guilty talking behind Brittany’s back. Ariana doesn’t want to hurt Brittany’s feelings, and Lala says she doesn’t want to bring it up at the shower. In Ariana’s interview, she says they’re supposed to smile and nod until Jax and Brittany make it down the aisle. Everyone is afraid to piss them off. Lala says, Brittany lives in a world of unicorns and princesses. We see princesses coming up the walk to Katie’s house, and Stassi letting them in. Ariana says she feels like they’re treating Brittany with kid gloves. Brittany is putting her head in the sand, hoping it will go away or get better.
The finishing touches are put on the shower, and the guests gather. Stassi brings the princesses upstairs, and tells them to just do what they do during the party, and drink if they want. Brittany has no idea that they’re coming. Brittany arrives, and the princesses come down the stairs. In Brittany’s interview, she says her friends know her so well. She’s always loved princesses. They’re always up against something, and come out on top, find their voice, and find their happily ever after. She says, the princesses are there, all that’s missing is the queen. Lisa comes in, and says, it’s lovely. Brittany tells Lisa that she feels better. She took care of it, and everything will be fine. In her interview, Brittany says, it’s complicated having to fire a family friend. She wants to remember this part; not the rest of it. In Lisa’s interview, she says she’s glad to see a smile on Brittany’s face. In Stassi’s interview, she says, you know how you know when you nailed something so hard? She nailed it. Effing princesses. Nailed it. She and Katie high-five.
The Toms put out flowers at TomTom. James comes by, and Tom gives him a check. Tom says he heard Raquel got written up because she missed her shift. James tells them Peter talked rudely to Raquel, but Schwartz thinks it’s just a managerial thing. Tom says managers get frustrated on Pride Day. Peter had to work twice on his birthday because it fell on the same day. James says Peter isn’t inviting him to his birthday party because of Jax. It’s like being on the playground. He’s not going to walk on eggshells around Brittany and Jax. Tom says, Jax is a little touchy, and James says, Groomzilla.
The drinking commences at the shower, and Kristen asks Katie if she’s doing the same thing Kristen is for Brittany’s sake. Katie says she is. Brittany says, they have someone new officiating – Lance Bass. He reached out to them, and he’s willing to do it. Scheana ask if he’s going to sing, and Brittany says she doesn’t know. In Scheana’s interview, she says Brittany is getting married like a princess in a castle, with a member of a boy band officiating. It’s literally every preteen’s dream wedding. In Brittany’s interview, she says she knows her mother would prefer a pastor to one of her teenage wall posters, but her mother got married the second time on a cruise ship. Her mom tells her, everything is good.
Katie texts Schwartz about Lance, and James says, he’s the gayest pop star in the world. Now they’re over-compensating, but it took too long.
Lala and Lisa laugh about Lance officiating. In Lala’s interview, she says, Brittany is stuck between two different worlds. The world where it’s a sin to be gay, and the happy world where a gay pop star is officiating her wedding. Tom says he’s probably on social media the least, and he repeatedly saw the posts. Jax and Brittany were tagged in the comments. In his interview, he says he knows Jax saw the posts and turned a blind eye. He only did something when Lisa said something. He tells James and Schwartz, acting like they just realized is bullsh*t.
The group meets at some kind of bowling alley that also has other things going on, like batting cages and a bar. I guess they’ve rented it, since there are no other people there. Scheana tells Peter she wishes she could do a shot with him, but she’s freezing her eggs. He’s surprised, and in her interview, Scheana says, either people don’t listen to her, or don’t care. We flash back to her saying she was freezing her eggs seven thousand times. Peter says she can have a shot of water.
Peter tells Jax that he didn’t invite James to his party, and Jax says he appreciates that. He doesn’t want to tell Peter who to invite, but you don’t know what you’ll get with James. He might run through walls. They play beer pong, and Schwartz does some batting. Someone bounces a pong ball off of Brett’s head. Kristen fails miserably at batting, and in her interview, she says, she’s not someone who gives up at anything. Whether it’s baseball, love, or life, you’re going to hit a homerun. Schwartz tells Jax not to say they’re having Looks Like We Made It as their wedding song. Jax says they are; Brittany loves ShaniaTwain. Beau says he thought Jax was kidding, but Jax says they went to hell and back. They thought they weren’t going to make it, but proved everyone wrong. In Beau’s interview, he says, the thing everyone was forbidden to talk about is literally in the lyrics.
Katie says if you’re not a part of gossip, you’re the subject of it. She tells Dayna about Scheana saying she should wear a bra. Stassi says, it’s literally about Max, and Dayna tells them that she and Max talked about where they were at, and decided to be exclusive. In Dayna’s interview, she says she and Scheana just made up on Pride Day. She’s not going to say Max gave her the thing Scheana always wanted. Katie says, Scheana pisses on guys like they’re her property. Dayna says she thought, bitch, what did I do to you? In Stassi’s interview, she says she wasn’t sure about Dayna, but there’s nothing like a good sh*t-talking Scheana fest to bring sh*t-talking bitches together.
Jax tells Schwartz and Beau about getting Lance to officiate. Lala asks Brittany to get off her phone. Brittany says, everybody is out to get her right now. She loved the shower, but people on social media made fun of it. She reads, princess parties suck. She can only take so much. She was having fun. Stassi says, who gives a f***? Brittany says, now people are taking the best day of her life. Why do they have to ruin things? That’s a good question.
Tom tells Jax that he’d brought up the pastor, and Jax says they have Lance Bass now. Tom knows, but why did it take Lisa coming to them? Jax says he’s not talking about it. It did take Lisa. Tom says Jax has to be kidding him.
Jax asks where Brittany is, and finds out she’s crying. He goes over to her, and asks why. Lala says, jealousy really is the root of all evil. He tells her about how Tom said it took Lisa to get them to fire the pastor, and Brittany says he has nerve. He doesn’t know what she’s going through. Tom wanders over, and Jax asks why he’s trying to hurt them, and Stassi say he’s trying to make Brittany and Jax look like the bad ones. Kristen asks if this is about Peter not inviting James, and Jax says, it’s about their pastor, and basically tells her to hit the road. Tom says he was upset, and Lala says they all were; so was Brittany. Brittany says that’s why they fired him. Tom says he wants to ask questions. In Tom’s interview, he says he wanted to talk to Jon their own, and make him more aware, but now the sh*t hit the fan. Brittany shouts that she did nothing wrong. She saw one comment. Sitting in a booth some distance away, Scheana says she’s hearing everyone yelling. Tom says, what about all that transphobic sh*t? and Brittany says she chose to believe her friend. She was sorry when she saw the other comments. Lala says Tom making her defend herself is wrong. In his interview, he says, it’s a dangerous group of friends, when you’re not allowed to speak up about something wrong. It’s pissing him off that Jax isn’t standing up for their friends, and a community they’re a part of. Stassi says Tom is making himself a martyr. He’s Jon Snowing himself so hard by standing up. In her interview, she says, Jon Snow always has to do what’s right, despite who he hurts. They’re not in Westeros; they’re in Koreatown. Schwartz tells Jax that Tom is just looking out for him, but Jax says Tom is questioning his motives, and that’s a topic you don’t go near. Ariana asks if Tom can’t have an opinion. In Ariana’s interview, she says it’s like they must protect Brittany at all costs. Should she have a wedding, so she can get her ass kissed? Jax tells Ariana, he was a preacher, and he thought they were always inclusive. Ariana says he thought wrong, and he says he knows that now. He tells Tom, eff off. Ariana says, this is what always happens. She’s hitting some balls. Tom says he was just asking Jax a question, and Jax says, it was the wrong question. In her interview, Ariana says she’s always going to stand up for what she believes in, speak her truth, and when all else fails, bat some balls.
Jax says, there’s no coming back from that. Tom isn’t in the wedding. There’s no way he can have Tom in his bridal party. Brittany tells Jax to knock Tom the eff out. Lala holds Brittany, and everyone is bummed.
Next time, Dayna tells some of the others about being exclusive with Max, Jax says the only person he has a problem with is Tom, and Ariana wants to leave her life. She should have my life. She’d want back in real quick.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 