(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sam asks Jason how he thinks Danny is. She doesn’t think he completely understands Oscar is gone. Jason says he read an article (Jason reads?!) on talking to kids about death. They can’t really process it; only in small bits. He thinks Danny got as much as he can handle, and he’ll circle back when he wants more information. Sam feels like Danny. She can only absorb it in pieces. Jason hugs her.
At the Quartermaine mansion, Kim comes down with her suitcase. Drew doesn’t suppose she’s hungry, but does she want coffee? Kim says, not today. She thinks she’ll just head home. Drew asks why she’s leaving; stay with them.
Willow sees Julian at the school. She asks if he was looking for her, and if everything is okay. He says he’s actually there to enroll his son in pre-K. She didn’t know he had a child that young, and he says his son’s mom is busy, so he told her that he’d do the paperwork. She’s glad she ran into him, and asks if he has a minute. It’s about Brad. She thinks he’s making a terrible mistake.
Michael finds Shiloh in the café. Shiloh just heard about Oscar’s passing. He says he wasn’t aware of it when he ran into Michael earlier. They’re planning a memorial for Oscar’s entrance to the next plain. He thinks Kristina would want be there, and tells Michael, if he hears from her, let her know she always has a home at DOD. He hasn’t forgotten how much of her life she shared with him.
Alexis tells Sonny that they don’t have time for this. Neil said it’s important for them to be there today. Sonny asks if she saw a non-descript car parked at the end of her driveway. She says she can’t see the end of her driveway from there. He says that’s why she can’t see the car there. It’s Detective Spencer.
On the phone, Valerie tells Chase that she hopes Alexis leaves to see Kristina soon. She’s running out of coffee. She tells him just keep doing what he’s doing. She hangs up, and watches Alexis’s house through binoculars.
Kristina and Milo finish a game. She tells him, that, my friend, is how it’s done. He says she’s won three in a row, and she tells him, give up the black jellybeans. More evidence that she’s in a cult. Who likes those? He says, the next time, they’re playing rummy or pinochle. Some things never change. Neil comes in, and says he notices a difference in Kristina since she came. She was combative, and now she seems more relaxed. She says she’s known Max and Milo her whole life, and she’s getting used to him. He says it’s time to evaluate. How does she feel about seeing her parents?
Drew asks Kim to stay few days. He could use the company. The Quartermaines look at her as family. Kim says she’s very grateful for that, and appreciates everything they’ve done for her and Oscar. Oscar had such a connection to the Quartermaines. She remembers how he poured over that tell-all book Josslyn gave him. He talked all the time about it, and the various parks and buildings the Quartermaines donated, and what the family has given to Port Charles. Drew said Oscar told him he was very proud to be part of the family. Kim says, as wonderful and supportive as they’ve been, she’s not a Quartermaine. She needs to go back and face an empty apartment. Putting it off won’t make it easier. Drew gets it, and respects it, but thinks she shouldn’t be alone.
Willow tells Julian, Brad is taking DOD parenting classes. Julian says, Brad is a nervous father, and seems to be benefiting from the classes. Willow says, the classes are a lie; like everything else at DOD,especially their leader.
Michael sits with Shiloh. He says he thinks if Kristina felt at home there, she’d still be at DOD. Shiloh says they all came with baggage. Kristina had the weight of her history with her family wearing on her heavily. Michael must have known. Michael can’t say that he did. Shiloh says Kristina was thriving at DOD. He can’t believe she’d just up and leave. Shiloh tells Michael, when he sees her, say he wants the best for her. Michael says, clearly she felt the need to distance herself. Maybe she realized it didn’t work for her. Would Shiloh be okay with that, since he wants what’s best for her? The way Michael says this is actually a little menacing.
Alexis tells Sonny that Neil said it was essential they both be there. Sonny says, it’s essential she be there. Kristina needs to see Shiloh for who he really is. He tells her not to let the cops follow her, and she says that’s why she’s initiated plan B. Diane knocks at the door, and Valerie watches as she goes inside. Wait a minute. How can Valerie see the front door so well, if Alexis can’t see the end of the driveway? It’s not like she has a periscope. Okay. Suspending disbelief. Valerie tells Chase, this just got interesting. Diane is there. She wonders if Alexis needs legal aid because of possible kidnapping charges.
Sam tells Jason that Shiloh came over after he left. Jason asks if Shiloh was checking on her. She thinks so. She told him she was too upset about Oscar when he called, which wasn’t a lie. She shows him the recorder, and says he gave this to her to use for her Pledge. Jason asks if Shiloh told her what he expects. She says he wants her to say something damaging that would have consequences to herself or someone loves. It’s to show her trust and devotion to DOD. The final step before she’s initiated into the Trust. Jason asks what she’s going to do, and she says, give him what he wants.
Alexis and Diane have switched clothes and put on wigs to look like each other. Sonny asks if Diane is sure she can pull this off. Diane says she learned so much from Max about shaking tail. It was imperative that Valerie know she’s there, but he can’t be on the premises. She tells him, leave be the back door. He says he has that covered. He suggests they don’t mention Oscar to Kristina; they don’t want to upset her. Alexis says she can’t process it yet. Diane is glad Oscar reconciled with his parents before he passed away. Sonny says that’s what they’re trying to do with Kristina. Diane says she always wanted to be a brunette. Alexis as Diane leaves. Valerie watches, and a moment later, she sees Diane leave as Alexis.
Shiloh says Michael assumes Kristina’s absence means she’s not coming back. It’s to her advantage to come back. Michael sees how it’s to Shiloh’s advantage. She’s already given him a substantial amount of money, and there’s more where that came from. She has several rich relatives, and a trust fund that kicks in when she’s thirty. That’s a few years off, but maybe she’s already lost interest. Shiloh thinks Kristina’s commitment to DOD goes deeper than Michael thinks. Shiloh leaves.
Julian asks what Shiloh did to Willow. DOD has done good work; he’s seen it. His ex’s daughter, Kristina, was a big part of it, until she skipped town. Their objectives and values are well-founded, so this is based on what? What harm is there? Willow says the harm is Shiloh. Once he gets his claws in someone, he doesn’t let go. Julian must have known men like that, and it’s not like they twirl their mustache or look sinful. They’re smooth, and seem benign, like Shiloh. He won’t just influence Brad; he’ll influence Julian’s grandson. Is that what he wants to happen? Julian says he has little or no contact with his family. She says she takes it back. She’d rather have Julian in her son’s life than Shiloh. Julian says it’s obviously important to her. He’ll see what he can do to look into it, but Wiley is safe and thriving. He tells her, tryto relax, and take comfort in that, and leaves.
Kim thinks she has to give herself a moment, but it will take more than a moment to adjust to life without Oscar. Drew doesn’t think it’s possible, but Kim says they’ll figure out a way through it at. At the end of the day, she has to live in an apartment alone without him. Drew thanks her for coming to Port Charles, and sharing the remarkable boy she raised. She wishes she’d found Drew sooner, and he says, him too. She says, Oscar loved him so much. He was so proud to be Drew’s son. Drew says he was proud to be Oscar’s father. She says he made the last year of Oscar’s life a dream come true. He helped Oscar die happy. They hug, and he gets the door for her. She goes out, and he looks at the empty entryway.
Sam tells Jason that she has Shiloh where she wants him. He trusts her to be in his inner circle. Jason says where he’ll drug her, rape her, and tattoo her. She says she’ll be gone long before that. When Shiloh is listening to her Pledge, she’ll steal Kristina’s Pledge, and be out of there. Jason asks how she’s getting away, and she says he’ll be there to help her. He says, always. He asks what her Pledge is going to be, but she doesn’t know. She’ll invent something. He says if she really wants to help, don’t invent something about herself. Make it about him.
Drew opens the door to Shiloh. Shiloh says he’s so sorry. Drew thanks him, and asks if he wants some coffee. Shiloh says, sure, and comes in. He tells Drew, things like this can humble you. When they were in Afghanistan, they shared a lot of grief; a lot of mutual friends didn’t make it back. It wasn’t until Shiloh almost died that he realized he had no idea what the afterlife meant. Death is not really death. He knows that’s no consolation, but tells Drew to know just because his boy isn’t there, he’s not gone.
At the safe house, Sonny asks Milo how Kristina is. Milo says still beating him at games. Neil says, Milohas a good effect on Kristina, and Sonny says, maybe this session will be a tipping point. Neil asks if Alexis is going to be there, and Sonny says she has a plan, but he doesn’t thinks it will work. Alexis comes in, and Sonny says he stands corrected. Alexis tells them that Valerie is following Diane, and asks where Kristina is. Milo says he’ll check outside to make sure she wasn’t followed, and tells them, good luck. Alexis asks if Kristina is okay, and Neil says, she’s better, but don’t push her. Let her set the pace. He tells them, be careful, don’t engage in inflammatory behavior. Kristina comes downstairs, and Sonny says she looks good. Alexis says she owes Kristina an apology, but Kristina says, first, she needs them to hear her out.
Kim sees a shrine in front of the apartment door; pictures, teddy bears, flowers, signs that say, we loveyou, Oscar. She looks at everything, and cries. She smiles a little, and reads a note attached to a T-shirt. You caught me when I fell out of a tree. You’re the best! Love, Gigi. She reads another; thank you forthrowing a party for us when the school wouldn’t. We already miss you. And another; sorry I never paidyou back. Good times. I can’t believe you’re gone. A hand touches her shoulder. It’s Julian.
She hugs Julian, and says she thought she told him that she had to do this alone. He says she did. Is she ready to go inside? She says, no. She wants to read some more. There were so many lives he touched. Julian asks if she knows all of them, and she says, some. He reads a thank you from the super for holding a flashlight when the electricity had a glitch. There’s on from Trina, thanking him for helping with her term paper. She would have never passed the class without his help. Yet another thanks Oscar for helping carry the laundry downstairs. They’ll miss his smile every day. Kim says he didn’t tell her about a lot of this. Julian says, he was well loved and respected. Kim says, people will miss his kindness and spirit. Julian says, he’ll stay alive in the memories.
Drew tells Shiloh that he wishes he known Oscar longer; that they’d had more years. Most of all, he wishes they’d had more years to make more memories. Shiloh says he’s spoken to parents at DOD who have lost a child. They say the pain is unimaginable. He wants Drew to know, Oscar had so much grace. Everybody loved him. He always encouraged Oscar to keep up communication with Drew and his mother. Drew appreciates that, but I’m guessing it’s not lost on him – or me – that Shiloh just made it about himself. Shiloh says, even when they were estranged, Oscar wanted to know stories about Drew’s past. Drew says Oscar understood what happened to him, and he’s made peace with not knowing his past. Shiloh says, has he?
Jason tells Sam, Shiloh wants a secret he can weaponize. What better secret than something that can hurt him? Sam says Shiloh is threatened by Jason, and Jason says, give Shiloh something that can send him to prison.
Kristina says she’s had a lot of time to think. Max and Milo reminded her of the good times, and Neil said Alexis and Sonny both take responsibility for what happened during the last meeting. Alexis and Sonny agree that they do. She says, but it wasn’t just them. She gave Alexis a hard time about her phone. Alexis says she should have shut it off. Kristina says she just did it to get her hands on the phone. What they did was wrong, but she’s seeing why they did it.
Michael goes back to Willow’s classroom – which has been filled with everyone, except all those parents she said were coming. He tells her the therapist thinks Kristina is in a place where she’s willing to listen, so it’s on. He’s ready when she is. She tells him that she had to be honest with Chase; she couldn’t lie. He asks if she’s sure she wants do this. It could possibly be considered illegal, and could cost Willow her relationship.
Sonny knows Kristina is angry because of the way they… he handled things. He didn’t give her mother a choice. Alexis says he didn’t consult her, but she chose to participate. Kristina says the only one reason they’re there is because they love her. She gets that. The other night, her mother didn’t know she was watching, but she heard Alexis say she couldn’t see Kristina when she looked in her eyes. She wanted her little girl back. Up until then, all she could think about was how they hurt her. She felt rejected when they questioned DOD, and justified in her anger. Now she realizes they thought she was choosing DOD over her family, and she never wanted to do that. They don’t know what happened between her and DOD, but if her mom can’t recognize her, she doesn’t blame her for feeling scared, or what she did because of it. It’s not her mom’s fault that she doesn’t recognize Kristina. Neil says, it’s not hers either. She says, maybe not, but it’s not Shiloh’s. Sonny grits his teeth.
Diane goes to Kelly’s. Valerie says, she’s been everywhere, and lists several places. Now she’s at Kelly’s. She hopes Alexis is meeting someone. She needs coffee.
Shiloh tells Drew, if there’s some way for him to remember his old life… Drew says he can’t risk retrieving his old memories at the risk of forgetting the past five years, especially the memories of his children. He just lost one, and he’s already told Shiloh this. Why is he telling him again? Shiloh says, sorry. People make irrational decisions when grieving. Drew says, that’s not happening here. Shiloh, who doesn’t know when to shut up, says Oscar’s not really gone, and we grasp that when it’s our time. Drew says he’s not in a place to hear all this, and Shiloh says, sorry. He knows it’s too soon. Drew needs to process his own grief. His door is always open, like it was open to Oscar. Drew says he has phone calls to make. Shiloh can see himself out. Shiloh says, one more thing. He was cleaning out Oscar’s room, and came across this. He holds out a copy of his book. He thought Drew might want to have it.
Julian and Kim sit in the hallway. He says he’s sorry for barging in on her like this, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her going through it alone. He wanted to be there for her, but if she wants him to go, he will. Let him know what she needs. He starts to get up, but she stops him, and says, please stay. She puts her head on his shoulder.
Valerie goes into Kelly’s, but there’s no sign of Alexis/Diane. She goes to the counter, and asks if a woman in a green plaid shirt came in to use the ladies room. Diane walks up, sans wig, and says she did. She needed to freshen her hair. She has a message from her client. They know this so-called investigation isn’t sanctioned by the PCPD. So her watching and following Alexis constitutes harassment. Cease and desist, or she’ll go to Valerie’s superior, and sue the detective badge out of her eager hands. She also suggests the caramel salted donut.
Sam tells Jason that she can’t do that. She doesn’t know anything incriminating about him. She was never involved in anything illegal. She’s not handing anything over to Shiloh. Jason says he’ll have Spinelli set it up. A fake hit on a guy who never existed. She can tell Shiloh that she was an eyewitness, and he’ll find back-up online. Sam asks what if he runs to Margaux? She’s a big believer now. Jason says She’ll be embarrassed when she finds out it never happened. Sam says what if Shiloh thinks she’s a liar? and Jason says, he will. Eventually. If Shiloh tries to turn him in right away, he won’t have leverage over Sam. Sam likes it. She tells Jason, call Spinelli, and set it up.
Shiloh tells Drew, Oscar marked the passages that spoke to him. He thought Drew might like to read it, and get to know his son more. Shiloh says, he and Drew were close once. He knows not close now, but hopes Drew can lean on him like he leaned on Drew. He tells Drew, take care, and leaves. Drew opens the book, and sees a photo of himself, Kim, and Oscar, when Oscar got the Ashbury award.
Julian asks if Kim is ready. She says she’ll never be ready to walk into an empty apartment, knowing she’ll never see her son sitting on the couch, reading a book, or listening to music. How is she going to be ready to live in the stillness and quiet of a home once filled with the beautiful sounds of Oscar? How will she be ready to go into Oscar’s room, and go through his stuff? She’s not ready, and doesn’t know if she ever will be, but she has to start somewhere. She’ll take it one step at a time. Julian unlocks the door, and says they’ll do it together. He opens the door, and takes her hand. She says, okay.
Sam calls Shiloh, and says she just wants to let him know she recorded her Pledge. Just tell her where to meet him, and she’s there.
Kristina says she knows they’re coming from a place of love. She can’t promise to leave DOD. It has to be a choice she makes – if she makes it – for herself; not because she feels guilty for causing them pain. If she chooses to stay, she hopes they accept it. She hopes they’ll be the understanding parents they are now, and can respect her decision.
Michael walks in. Kristina says she thought he was so mad at her, he was refusing to speak to her. He says, what Shiloh did made him mad. That’s why he brought someone to talk to her. Willow steps forward, and Kristina asks why she’s there. Willow says she knows things Kristina might not be aware of. She knows how DOD preaches honesty above all else, but she’s going to tell Kristina the truth about Shiloh, and what he does to young women like them.
On Monday, Finn has Jordan’s test results, Robert suggests Laura go to the Nurses’ Ball with him, and Willow tells Kristina that she escaped and hopes Kristina can too.
🎹 The GH Goodbye Song…
There are a couple of sad photos from the episode too. Twilight Zone moment. I knew a Chris Arena back in my theater days. I looked up this guy’s bio, but it’s not him, or his dad. I wouldn’t have thought it was that common of a name.
I watched, but I didn’t learn anything. – minor character in Dam Sharks, after being told watch and learn
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. – Audrey Hepburn
I’ve not got much money but I’ve got heaps of ideas. – E. Nesbit
The real painters do not paint things as they are… They paint them as they themselves feel them to be. – Vincent Van Gogh
Originality is the art of concealing your source. – Franklin P. Jones
No one wanted to give me any advice in case I blew up and they were involved. – Long Island teenager Justin Schiavo, whose homemade rockets could propel small satellites into space.
Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature. – Saint Augustine
It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently. – Warren Buffett
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Olivia puts photos of Oscar with his family in an album
In Oscar’s hospital room, Kim says he’s the same, just sleeping. Drew says Josslyn should sleep too, but she thinks she’ll stay in there. They haven’t finished reading. Kim asks if she wants anything, but she says she’s good. She reads out loud. Kim and Drew listen outside the door.
Elizabeth goes to Terry’s office, and asks if she wants to go for a drink. Terry says she’s not so much working as wishing. She’s hoping there’s something she missed. She keeps trying to make the pieces add up to a different conclusion, but no matter how she puts the pieces together, the story ends up the same way.
Ned finds Monica in the crypt. He asks what she’s doing, and she says, talking to ghosts. He says he won’t worry until she says they’re talking back. She says, they do. Sometimes, they’re the only ones she can trust to say exactly the right thing.
Carly looks at the babies in the hospital nursery. Sonny joins her, and she asks if their kids were ever this small. When they’re this tiny and helpless, you just don’t realize how much they’ll need you when they get older
Julian calls Kim. She says it’s good to hear his voice. He asks how Oscar is, and she says, no change. He’ssleeping now. Julian says he’s there if she needs him. She knows, and he says he loves her.
Cameron works on his laptop at Charlie’s. Trina asks if he’s doing homework, but he says it’s part of detention. Trina says it was a nice move. The guy he hit is a tool and a loser. She asks if she can help, and he asks if she means write it for him. Trina says, that would be a no, but she can help him focus. He says he’s writing about the kind of friends he wants to have, and the kind of friend he wants to be.
Drew sits with Kim on the stairs. He says they always end up there when there’s a perfectly comfortable couch. Kim says, it feels a little too far from Oscar. She saw how restless he was, like he’s fighting this with everything he’s got. Drew says, that’s him. The first time Oscar asked him for anything, it was to teach him to fight for something he believed in. Kim says, it’s agonizing to know it’s a fight he’ll lose.
Josslyn continues reading. She yawns, and falls asleep. The book drops to the floor. Lila watches Oscar. He asks if he knows her. He doesn’t think they’ve met, yet he thinks he knows her.
Carly tells Sonny that she’s trying to take a cue from Josslyn. She wants Josslyn to have as much time with Oscar as she needs, without her hovering. Carly doesn’t know how to help her with what’s coming. Sonny says they won’t forget Oscar like they won’t forget Morgan. Carly has fought to survive, and that’s the best example she can give Josslyn.
Ned asks Monica what the ghosts have to say. She says she’s not literally hearing them – at least not yet. They’re still bickering, and driving each other crazy. Ned says, it must be a noisy corner of… wherever they are. Monica says, they’re all looking out for each other. They all have each other’s backs, and she knows they’re going to look out for one anyone who joins them when the time comes.
Elizabeth doesn’t know how Terry does it. Terry says, not all cases end this way. 80% of the patients survive five years or more. They’re getting there. When a patient sees her after five years, and they’re healthy and happy, it makes it worthwhile. Elizabeth knows Terry makes the passage easier for the ones she can’t save.
Drew tells Kim that he keeps thinking, maybe Oscar’s not fighting a losing battle. Maybe the doctors are wrong. Kim says, it’s called magical thinking. She’s done her share. She knows it’s not rational, but they could use some magic right about now.
Lila moves to Oscar’s bedside, and puts her hand on his heart. Oscar tells Josslyn to wake up. Did she see the woman? Josslyn says, what woman? He looks around, but Lila is gone. He says he doesn’t know, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he doesn’t understand it, but he feels better She says, better? and he smiles and says, like he’s going to be all right. He starts to get up, but Josslyn tells him, wait a second. She calls Kim and Drew to come immediately. They run into Oscar’s room, and Kim asks, what’s goingon? Oscar wants to get out of bed, and Drew goes for the wheelchair, but he says he doesn’t want it. He doesn’t need it. He gets up.
At the hospital, Josslyn asks if this means Oscar is going to be all right. Kim says they’re waiting for the test results. Josslyn wonders how it’s possible. Oscar was too sick to move, and now he got out of bed. Is it a miracle? Monica says there’s something called end-of-life phenomena, but it usually happens when patients are off of all medications and the natural balance returns. Some doctors thinks there’s a psychological and spiritual component. They can’t figure it out, but when it happens, usually the end is very near. Everyone hangs out in the waiting area. Josslyn says, he’s coming, and a nurse brings Oscar to them in a wheelchair. Drew asks if he’s okay, and Oscar says he is. Terry tells them that they put him through a series of tests and scans. She also consulted with her colleagues, and reviewed all the results.
Josslyn wonders what happened, and Drew asks if she didn’t hear; Oscar’s tumor shrunk. Josslyn says they have more time. Oscar asks Terry, how much time? Terry says he’s experienced spontaneous regression. The tumor’s not just smaller; it’s practically non-existent. There’s scar tissue, and a small tumor, but the tests indicate it’s benign. She’s never seen anything like this. That’s why it took so long. They wanted to make sure there was no error, but the results were always the same, Oscar confirms it, since his symptoms receded. Oscar says he feels great – hungry actually. He asks if he can get up, and Terry says, by all means. He gets out of the chair, and Kim hugs him. We all cry. Oscar tells Kim she can let go. He’s not going anywhere. Kim says he’s really not. Drew hugs Oscar next. He thanks Terry, and everyone hugs. Josslyn steps away to call Carly. Kim says, tell her Oscar’s had a miracle. Oscar’s tumor is gone. Drew tells Oscar, today is the first day of the rest of his life. What is he doing? Oscar says he feels like he has something to do. Josslyn comes back, and says she told Carly she had a surprise, but not what it was. She wants to see their faces. They’ll be blown away.
Josslyn and Oscar stand behind Carly and Sonny at the nursery window. Carly says she feels guilty, welcoming their baby into the world, when Kim and Drew are preparing to say goodbye to theirs. Josslyn says, no one is saying goodbye. Oscar is going to be okay. Sonny asks, what happened? Oscar has no idea, but he’s starting to understand why.
Josslyn tells Oscar, it’s not a mystery why he’s there; he’s not ready to go. Sonny says they’re glad he’s sticking around. He thanks them for being there; he put Josslyn through a lot. Josslyn says, it was worth it. Don’t do it to her again. He says, it’s over, and they can move on. Kim says she doesn’t want to let him out of her sight, and hugs him again. A woman points out her son to Kim, and Kim says she’s sorry she had to take a leave of absence, but glad she had a healthy boy. The woman says she doesn’t mean to pry, but is everything all right? Kim says she’ll be coming back now. She had to put things on hold.
Josslyn says she’ll be right back. Drew asks if Oscar is up for a celebration. Kim says he doesn’t have to if he’s tired. Oscar says don’t worry about him, but she says they always will. He tells them, a party sounds great. He and Josslyn meet outside, Oscar thanks Carly and Sonny for being so great to him, even when he didn’t deserve it, Carly says he cares about her daughter. That’s all she needs to know, but the tie and flowers helped. Oscar says when he realized who Sonny was, he was terrified. Sonny knows he came on strong; he was just being protective of Josslyn. Oscar says he made Sonny a promise that he’d never hurt her, but he didn’t keep his promise. He broke her heart. Sonny says, just treat her right. It was wrong of him to want Oscar to make that promise. In life, there’s no such thing as love without heartache. Carly says he’s right. Only when we care so much, can we be hurt so deeply. Oscar says he doesn’t want Josslyn’s heart to break again, but he’s glad they’ll be there for her if it does. Josslyn comes back, and Oscar says he’ll be there for her. He couldn’t say that yesterday. She’s brought the journal, and says they can finish filling the days. They missed a lot of plans. Josslyn says, that’s over now. She’s going to see what they have for today. Oscar says unless chocolate volcano at Charlie’s is written there, she doesn’t have to look it up.
They walk into Charlie’s, and everyone applauds. Julian can’t believe it. Kim can’t either, but Oscar is in remission. The film looks a little different, and I start to wonder if this is a dream. I swear, they’d better not rip my heart out with this. Julian asks Oscar when he’s coming back to work. Cameron says, it’s insane, but a good insane. Trina says, everyone at school will go crazy, and now Josslyn doesn’t have to miss so many classes. She won’t have to go to summer school. Josslyn says, no way was she leaving Oscar’s side. Ned tells everyone, grab a glass. He wants to propose s toast. Oscar says, if it’s all the same to Ned, he’d like to be the one to make a toast.
Oscar says, plenty of times he forgot to show appreciation, or that he cares. Sometimes, it seemed like the complete opposite. He regrets some things he said, and things he didn’t say, But the only thing that matters is how much he loves them. His life is awesome because they’re in it. Here’s to them. Now eat a chocolate volcano. Kim hugs him, and Drew gives him a fist bump. Oscar says they’re awesome, and he loves them. He ask what would have happened if he died. What would have happened to Drew, and his mom, and Josslyn? Drew doesn’t know, and doesn’t want to think about it anymore. Oscar says he’s been thinking about it for the past few days, and he wants to know they’ll be all right. Drew says, none of them would be okay without him, but Oscar says they’d have to move on, move forward, live their best life. Drew says, life moves on, but it’s a new day, and they’re doing fine. Nothing to worry about. Kim calls Oscar over, and he asks Drew to cover for him. He looks outside.
Oscar sees Carly and Sonny, who’s holding a baby. Carly says the baby is happier in Sonny’s arms than with anyone else. The baby inherited his ego. Sonny is a lot of good things, but he’s not modest. Oscar turns back, and sees Olivia put a lei on Monica. Olivia says, the whole island smells like this. You can’t help but relax. She and Ned want to go back, and they’re taking her with them. Kim is showing some people a ring, and Terry says, she had no idea Julian was going to propose? Kim says, he’s not onlyromantic, but good at keeping a secret.
Oscar sees Cameron, Trina, and Josslyn in graduations caps and gowns. Trina says, class of ’21 forever. Cameron says they have the whole summer, and Josslyn says, it’sthe last one before college. Let’s make it count. A guy, also a graduate, ask if she’s ready, and takes her hand. They leave Charlie’s, and I look at my heart on the floor.
Cameron tells Oscar that he just wants say he’s sorry for not visiting as much as he could when Oscar was in the hospital. He was afraid to see Oscar die. He couldn’t face it. Oscar says they all have to face it some time. He says Cameron came though when Oscar needed him most. He’s sorry for using Cameron to push Josslyn away. Cameron says Oscar already apologized, but Oscar says he didn’t thank Cameron enough for being a friend, a good friend, a real friend. The kind that was there when Oscar needed him, and he’ll be there for Josslyn if she needs him. Josslyn joins them, asking, what’s up? Cameron wishes he could tell her. Josslyn asks Oscar what he wants to do tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. Oscar sees Lila and Edward holding hands. He tells Josslyn that he’s sorry, but he needs to go home now.
This is just mean, and I’m actually a little pissed off. An alien came to Port Charles years ago, why couldn’t Oscar have gotten a miracle?
Kim tells Julian about hearing Oscar practicing guitar. It was a beautiful melody, and he said he’d written it himself. Drew tells sonny about climbing a mountain, and getting out of breath at the top. Oscar saw him, and said at least there’s no one else there. Terry tells Elizabeth that getting to know the family has been a privilege. Oscar is special. Monica says Oscar took the family name. Drew says he did too. Trina tells Cameron that she got her license, so she can drive if they want to go on another road trip. Boys inthe front; girls in the back. Josslyn tells Oscar they were supposed to watch the stars tonight, and they go outside.
Josslyn says, it’s too early. It’s too light out; they can’t see the stars. Oscar says it’s later than she thinks. She says he must be tired, and he says he’s done all he can for tonight. She doesn’t understand, and he says he knows why he was given this time. He didn’t want to go. He kept hearing them tell him to hang on and stay, but as long as he waited, everyone else waited in a kind of limbo. No one can move forward. Josslyn says, no one wanted to move forward without him. He says he needs to be the one to let go. Carly and Sonny need to share their joy about the baby. His mom should be helping families bring children into the world. His dad should be climbing mountains, and living his life, and Josslyn should be living hers. His life has been full. He’s had more happiness than some people do in a lifetime. He loves her so much. She says she loves him too. He says it’s someone else’s turn to find out what they’re meant to find. He’s ready to go home. He kisses her.
Lila and Edward walk out of Charlie’s. Oscar looks at them.
We’re back to the beginning. As Josslyn reads, she falls asleep, and the book drops. Oscar opens his eyes, and looks at her.
Sonny asks if Carly is ready to tear herself away from the nursery. She says she is. New life is such amiracle. Terry asks Elizabeth if she can have a raincheck on the drink. Elizabeth says as long as they do it soon. She did everything she could for Oscar. Terry knows, but thanks her for saying it.
Cameron types. Trina asks if he’s finished, and he asks if she wants onion rings. He gets up, and she looks at his laptop. She reads, I have a friend who was willing to push the girl he loves away. Not to keep from getting hurt, but to put someone else’s good ahead of his own. Cameron isn’t sure he’s got it in him, but that’s the kind of friend he wants to be. At the counter, he orders onion rings, but changes it to a chocolate volcano. Julian says, Oscar’s favorite.
Ned tells Monica, enough time with ghosts for one night. He suggests they go back to the house, and she says, good idea. She’s hoping she has a few years left, but when her time comes, it’s going to be one hell of a reunion. She tells them, goodnight. Her darling son, AJ; her love, Alan; Edward, the old grouch, and Lila, sweet Lila. She touches Lila’s plaque, and says, happy birthday.
Olivia looks at the pictures. She says, Lila and Edward, what a beautiful family you’ve made.
Drew and Kim sit on the steps, leaning on each other.
Oscar sees Lila, and closes his eyes.
Kim jerks up. She asks if Drew felt that.
Oscar gets up, leaving his body behind. He kisses Josslyn’s cheek, and touches her hair. He says he loves her, and tells her it’s going to be all right. He stands between Lila and Edward. Josslyn touches her cheek. She looks at Oscar in the bed, and we hear a song about goodbyes.
Tomorrow, Franco asks Cameron to hear him out, Shiloh says he spoke to Willow’s mother, and Drew tells Kim they have to be strong.
Two reasons why I didn’t think this was real early on. The film was different; they used a softer lens, and time moved too fast. It takes two days for people to say hello on a soap. The plot never moves along as quickly as it did here. I’ll say it again, this was mean. Wonderfully written, but heart wrenching, and a surprise. I started tearing up when I was editing.
The Real Housewives of New York City
The best I can say is, I like this bunch better than Beverly Hills right now.
Bethenny gets in the limo, and driver Albi says it starts at 9:30. In her interview, Bethenny tells us that her divorce/custody battle still rages on. It’s really bad. She tells Albi that she has a contract that stipulates she can get fired if she does pretty much anything. Albi says she doesn’t have time to drink water. He sees a paparazzi. Bethenny wants to play a game with them, but Albi says, to get in, she has to go right in front of him. Albi uses an umbrella to shield her from the rain and the pap, one sad, wet dude.
Jill brings her dog Bossy along to play tennis with LuAnn. In her interview, LuAnn says Jill dealt with Bobby’s death, while she was dealing with her brush with the law, and they commiserated. LuAnn tells Jill that she needs some exercise, and they’ll catch up after. LuAnn is going national with her show, and says she’s going to be on huge stages the greats have played on. They both stink at tennis, but get better as they play. Poor Bossy nearly gets beaned by a ball, and Jill wisely puts him under a bench. LuAnn says to him, it’s the equivalent of a flying saucer.
After their game, or whatever that was, they sit on a bench. Jill asks how LuAnn is handling the nightclub situation. Luann says she can handle people drinking, but doesn’t like sloppy. Jill doesn’t drink. She thinks she’s allergic to alcohol; it makes her tired. LuAnn says she’s a different kind of alcoholic. Most people wouldn’t consider her to be one. Therein lies the crux of LuAnn’s problem – she still thinks she’s different. She says she has fun, but doesn’t get too crazy, forgetting that pesky Palm Beach incident. Then she tells Jill, one drink throws her off, negating what she just said before that. A doctor she knows well said she’s not pretty when she drinks; her face changes. She looked at pictures of herself, and saw a face she didn’t like. In LuAnn’s interview, she says issues were magnified when she was drinking. She now has a more positive outlook, and she’s happier. Doing cabaret involves being around liquor, but she takes it one day at a time. Jill says she’s been seeing someone. She feels the energy when she and new guy are together. LuAnn is glad she’s moving on. Jill says she misses Bobby, but a psychic told her he’d said she shouldn’t be alone. So he sent her a nice Jewish boy.
Bethenny gets back in the car, and tells herself to take a deep breath. She says she doesn’t realize how she feels until she gets out. In her interview, she says it’s been a long, drawn out process. She wants to get past this negative situation, but doesn’t know when the end is. She tells Albi that she needs a break. She’s been thinking about selling the company. She calls Brent, the president of BB Endeavors. She tells him there were a lot of things she didn’t count on, like a nasty divorce and custody battle. In Bethenny’s interview, she says she’s been approached by several people interested in buying the SkinnyGirl brand. She’s not looking to exit, but just take the pressure off. She feels like she needs to think, breathe, and get a different engine going, so it’s not falling on her. She tells Brent, it’s too much.
Tinsley and Dale go to lunch. Dale asks if it’s a mimosa Sunday, telling Tinsley, for her, this is a vacation. In her interview, Tinsley says her mother comes to the city to get her hair done. Of course she’d be there for Tinsley’s circus performance. Tinsley is excited, but nervous. Dale says Tinsley’s dad is watching proudly. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, for all excitement, she was really hoping to keep her emotions level and in check. Dale thinks it didn’t register when her dad died. Tinsley has a lot of emotions, and this would be a happy, sharing-with-dad moment. In Dale’s interview, she believes Tinsley is upset because her dad didn’t exhibit alcoholic behavior when she was growing up. (FYI, I changed her words. What she said was, Tinsley’s dad wasn’t an alcoholic, but you don’t just suddenly become one at age 50.) Dale tells us that he suddenly got sick, and Tinsley sees it as a personal betrayal. The rest of them have forgiven him, but Tinsley is still angry. Dale ask how it’s going with Scott. Tinsley says Scott tells her that he’s proud of her, but on one side, he seems supportive, and on the other, he sees a lack of control. He’s afraid the public person will leave him. Dale says, if they’re finished, she should move on. She doesn’t think Tinsley felt secure with him. In her interview, Dale says Tinsley would go to Chicago, and it was never anything major, but some little thing would happen, and they’d be done. She tells Tinsley, a million other guys think she’s fabulous (WOTD). Tinsley says Scott does think she’s fabulous, but a part of him thinks he can’t do it. Dale says the problem with Scott is that he won’t let go, but he won’t take her either. Tinsley says he texted her about how he went back and forth with the ring guy. He was legit looking. Dale says, but he didn’t do it. He didn’t give it to her. Dale thinks it’s time to move on.
Dorinda and Sonja discuss The Hustle, which they’ve just seen. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she and Sonja are getting along great. They’re good with one on one, so when she got advance tickets to the movie, she decided to take Sonja. Afterward, they go to lunch. Dorinda says she loved the main characters’ relationship. You’d think they wouldn’t get along; they’re so different. Sonja says, like their cuckoo group. Dorinda says when Anne Hathaway played the damsel in distress, it reminded her of Tinsley. She finds it weird. Tinsley can’t even call Scott, the guy promising her a ring, and the next day, they’re broken up. Sonja says she seems great; fresh as a daisy, and not a stress line on her forehead. In her interview, Dorinda thinks all the breaking up Tinsley and Scott have done sends a message. And the message is, get out. Sonja says Tinsley holds her cards close to her chest, and Dorinda says it seems like more of an arrangement. Sonja’s not judging, but if it turns into the same thing as the last guy, that’s no good. She wants Tinsley to have integrity and respect in a relationship. Dorinda says Tinsley thinks they don’t have her back, but they do. In Sonja’s interview, she says she doesn’t think being married or having children will make Tinsley happy. She needs to work on herself. If they’re just taking a break or breaking up, it’s better for Tinsley. Dorinda says, Tinsley deserves a happy, healthy, and respectful relationship.
Oddly enough (not really), a commercial for The Hustle follows this scene.
Ramona and Barbara go shopping. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s not putting it off any longer. She can’t stand how Barbara is dressing. She needs to step up her game. Stylist Taylor greets them. Barbara says she wants to be cool, edgy, and fun. Rock and roll is her vibe, even though she’s the CEO of a company. Ramona gives her some champagne. Barbara models some clothing, and Ramona thinks she looks fantastic. Barbara explains that her mother has no filter, and can make her feel horrible but has the best intentions. She thinks she should learn to appreciate Ramona’s delivery. Ramona admits she needs to soften her mouth. I guess shutting it isn’t an option. In Ramona’s interview, she says her father was like that, and it’s not a good attribute. They discuss the female alternative to bromance, and come up with homance.
LuAnn rehearses at a hotel in midtown. She and Sonja are hosting the biggest Halloween party in NYC, and they’re doing a video to promote ticket sales. The choreographer says they have a few more rehearsals, and suggests LuAnn check out the space.
While they’re hanging out at the bar, Sonja tells Barbara the phot shoot is going to reflect what the party is going to be about. LuAnn tells Sonja the costume guy brought the costumes for the video. They go upstairs, where sexy nurse outfits, and odd medical accessories are laid out. LuAnn says it’s going to be the sickest Halloween party ever. In LuAnn’s interview, she says being on stage keeps her from the temptation of drinking. She’s professional with what she does. In her interview, LuAnn says the nurse’s outfit is different from the one she wore when she was being a real nurse, but not much different from ones she’s put on in the bedroom. Sonja and LuAnn pose, and the photographer takes a bunch of photos.
At BB Endeavors, Bethenny tells her staff that she just had a facial, and her skin is the worst it’s been in ten years. It’s stress. In her interview, she says she’s had multiple offers to buy SkinnyGirl. She’s open to moving around pieces on the board. She asks if the numbers look good. Brent is happy they didn’t sell to the other guy. Bethenny says she’s selling half, and will still have creative control and be the face of the brand. In Bethenny’s interview, she says she made the right moves, but you get protective. Brent says the buyer has confidence that he can do better, but he thinks they’d be hesitant to play against the other offer. Both parties collaborate, but both want her company for themselves. In her interview, Bethenny says she still feels like a young girl struggling. We flash back to her hawking samples in Costco. She has to decide what the dynamic is going to be. She wants to take the pressure off; she can’t live like this. In her interview, she says she doesn’t want to be rushing through this, just so she can rush to something else. She wants the deal happen fast.
Tinsley gets her makeup done for the kiki before the circus. In her interview, she says, the ringmasterhas arrived. Dale is there already, and the women begin to arrive. Dorinda tells John that she did the trapeze, and he asks if she has proof. Tinsley confirms it, and says she wouldn’t have been able to it if Dorinda hadn’t gone first. In Dorinda’s interview, she says Tinsley seems nervous, but in a good way. It’s a good distraction, and she’s branching out. Sonja asks, what is it about the circus that brings men out? I’m not sure of that answer, nor am I sure that it’s true. Tinsley goes back to change. Dorinda thinks she didn’t realize she was at a standstill. Sonja says Tinsley is light as a feather now. Dorinda says she’s taking control of her life, and back in the driver’s seat.
Tinsley has problems with her microphone staying in place. She says she’s nervous enough, and now she has to hold her mic. She’s freaking out. She guzzles some wine, and practices her two lines. She literally drops the mic on her way to the stage.
Tinsley is introduced, and comes down on the lyra hoop. She introduces herself, and welcomes the crowd to the circus. She says, on with the show, and Dorinda says she did an incredible job. Sonja asks if they have to stay. In her interview, Dorinda says she thought it would be more elaborate. That makes two of us. She says she would have been great at it. Tinsley sits with women, saying she was nervous, but now she can enjoy the show and have 500 glasses of wine. A guy brings them drinks. They watch an acrobat couple, and Dale compares them to Tinsley and Scott. Brilliant move. Tinsley says, clearly not. There’s obviously a bit of a competitive thing with Dale, like Mama Dee with D’Andra. I don’t know if it’s a Southern thing, a rich thing, or a rich Southern thing. Ramona has a date, and leaves. In Dorinda’s interview, she says Ramona can’t help herself. Something always looks better. Ramona doesn’t see what the big deal is. Dorinda asks for more wine.
A guy plucks Sonja out of the audience for his act. They pretend to be on a roller coaster, and Sonja does somersaults. In Sonja’s interview, she says she might be out of practice in the bedroom, but that doesn’t mean she can’t perform when it counts. Tinsley says, it’s shocking. Sonja had no idea what they were about to do, and still killed it. She can’t do that. Me neither. In her interview, Dale says, Sonja was made for the circus, and points out that Sonja’s part was longer than Tinsley’s, but she’s proud of Tinsley. Whether this is the longest circus ever, or Tinsley is chugging a lot of wine quickly, I’m not sure, but she downs quite a few glasses. She gooses one of the acrobats that gets too close. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, champagne and tight trapeze outfits are not a good combination. It’s time to go home before something bad happens.
Dale tells Tinsley that she was fabulous, and her dad would be proud. Tinsley feels like Dale thinks she didn’t do a good job. She always feels like she needs Dale’s approval, and doesn’t know why. Dale says Tinsley is forty-three, and Tinsley says she feels like an idiot. Dale says Tinsley has her approval; she was fabulous. Tinsley says she wasn’t that good. She’s emotional right now, and does nothing good enough. Dale says this is about Tinsley’s boyfriend, not her. In her interview, it’s not lost on Tinsley that she’s wearing a big bow, and something she would have loved as a little girl. She couldn’t be more depressed or sadder. She starts crying, and Dale asks why she’s sad. Tinsley says she’s doing things she should be happy about, but she’s not. She’s miserable. She pulls the bow out of her hair, having a Baby Jane moment. Dale thinks she should be finished with the Scott thing, and move on. Tinsley says she worked hard, and wants to share it with someone other than her mother. Dale tells her to stop looking at the negative. She was asked to be in this. In Dale’s interview, she says if Scott had wanted to come, he would have come to watch her, but he didn’t. Move on. Dale tells Tinsley, because of her age, she is feels like she’s wasted her time, but she’s learned something. Tinsley says it meant a lot to her, but it would have been nice if he was here and could share it, but he couldn’t do it. In her interview, Tinsley says if she can feel sad in a big bow, a poufy dress, and glittery tights, that means she’s really sad. She’s not in a good place. Personally, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Dale says, people have horrible things happen to them, and that’s not her. Tell God thank you for the situation she’s in. She’ll handle it, and she’s good. Tinsley says she doesn’t feel okay right now. Dale holds her, and says Tinsley will always be her little girl.
Next time, the Halloween party, Bethenny says LuAnn has delusions of grandeur, and Sonja tells Dorinda to clip!
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny makes lasagna, telling Jason that he cooks for Carly when he can. Sam comes in, and Sonny says he thought she was at DOD. She says she’s on her way, but wanted to stop there first. She heard the session with Kristina didn’t go well. Her mom said Sonny thought they were getting through, but then Kristina shut down. Sonny says, Shiloh did a number on Kristina. He asks if Sam found out where he keeps the Pledges. She says she’s getting there, and Sonny says they need her help to get Kristina’s Pledge back.
There’s a knock at the DOD door. Shiloh answers, saying they don’t have to knock. The door is always open. He introduces himself, and the man at the door says he’s Mark Turner. He walks in on incredibly loud shoes, and Shiloh asks what led him to them. Mark wonders where he begins. The theme from LoveStory plays in my head.
Curtis phones Jordan to see how she’s doing. She says, good, adding that dialysis is just a small part of her life. Curtis says it’s vital to her existence, and she asks if he called to remind her. He says he called because he misses her. She says she misses him too, but she can survive a few days without him. He says she’s shattered his illusion, and she asks if he’s getting anywhere. He says the pharmacy break-in is a hot topic with local gossip, especially among the junkies. He found a user who might have something. A dude who looks like Jesus shows up, but says his name is Timmy. Curtis hands him breakfast.
Lucy sees Jordan, and tells her that a lot folks are still talking about Curtis’s big proposal at last year’s Nurses’ Ball. She’s wondering if he’ll perform his magic again this year. Jordan says he’s out of town, but she’ll check with him. Lucy wonders what about a magic act together? Franco approaches, saying he has an idea for a Nurses’ Ball number; it’s a duet. Lucy says, that’s sweet, but it might be dicey. Not that he isn’t talented, but it’s the whole murder confession thing. Jordan says he was an invaluable help to the PCPD, and without him, they might not have realized Doc was really Ryan.
At the cemetery, Lulu tells Laura that she pitched the exclusive interview with Ava to Peter, and he gave her the green light. Laura says, Ryan will definitely be following the Port Charles news. Lulu says first, they have to put Ava and Kevin together, and post it on the internet. Is Laura sure she’s ready for this? Laura says, let’s get it done, her new catch phrase. At the cemetery entrance, Felicia tells Mac this is a group effort, and they need him on the team. Mac says, after all she’s been through, she’s still committed? She says Ryan isn’t getting the jump on them this time. When he comes back, they’ll be ready. Ava arrives, and asks if everything is in place, and where the guest of honor is. Doc says, right here. Let’s give my brother the memorial he deserves.
Sam thinks Spinelli might be the right choice, but Jason says he was already involved, and someone might recognize him. Sonny tells her, if there’s any trouble, get the hell out. They also need to tell Kristina that what she said doesn’t matter; nothing can hurt him. Sam says she needs to get into the records, and has to go. Jason tells her, be careful, and Sonny says, good luck. She leaves, and Jason asks if there was any fallout after Kristina used the phone. Sonny says she eventually calmed down, and is with Neil. Jason says if anyone was looking for Kristina, they would have heard by now.
Mark says it was like Shiloh was speaking to him, and reads from Shiloh’s book. If you can’t find love outside of yourself, search inside. That’s why he’s there; Shiloh changed his life. Shiloh asks how he learned about them, and he says he saw Shiloh speak at the plaza. He was convinced when he saw how they reached out to the homeless, and he bought the book. He’s hoping he can learn to search inside too. Shiloh says, it’s an honorable goal. He wonders why Mark went to the seminar, and Mark says he told himself he wasn’t going to do this. Shiloh tells Mark, give the pain to him. Mark says his girlfriend left him. She said he was too clingy and dependent, with no job and no life of his own, and she’s right. He just wants to make people happy. Can Shiloh help him? Shiloh believes they can.
Jordan sees Margaux, and says despite the joint statement, Franco is still getting blowback of his false confession. Lucy asks Margaux if she has any special talents, and Margaux says she’s good at putting criminals away, but Lucy says she’s asking if Margaux sings, or does magic, or that aerial thing with silks. Margaux says she did synchronized swimming in college, and Lucy says she’ll get back to her on that. Ta! Jordan explains the Nurses’ Ball to Margaux. Margaux says she’s heading to the station, and says they can talk about whether another joint statement is necessary on the way. Jordan says she’s having coffee with her son. Margaux says, no offense, but Jordan doesn’t look good. Jordan jokes about forgetting to put on blush, and Margaux asks if she’s sure she’s okay. Chase and Valerie approach, and Valerie says they want to open an investigation. Chase tells them that Kristina has disappeared.
Felicia tells Laura that Doc loves her, and only her. Laura doesn’t like the situation, but she can do it. Ava says Ryan will lose what’s left of his mind when he sees her with Doc. Mac reminds them, crazy isn’tstupid. Ryan is never more dangerous than when his ego is bruised. Doc says this time; they have the upper hand. When he sees they’ve declared him dead, Ryan will think he’s in the clear, and return. Lulu says it will be covered by The Invader. She’s putting it up on the website, and guarantees it will be trending in no time.
Laura says there’s been evidence of a pharmacy break-in in the Niagara Falls Area. Drugs were taken that are the same ones you’d need if you lost a limb. Ava says, there are also the calls. It’s just breathing, but she’s sure it’s Ryan. Laura says the authorities have closed the case, but that doesn’t mean a PI can’t continue it. Curtis is up in Canada investigating the break-in. Doc says, until then, they have their own work to do.
Curtis tells Timmy that he just want information about the break-in at the pharmacy. Does he know about it? Timmy asks what’s in it for him, besides breakfast?
Jordan says she hasn’t heard anything about Kristina being missing. How long has it been? Chase says, more than 48-hours. Jordan suggests she took off; it’s not unheard of. Valerie says, except Kristina called her from a blocked number asking for help. That’s all she got out when the line went dead. If she called Valerie, Kristina must be in real trouble. They’ve been on the outs since Valerie criticized her friends. Jordan asks if Kristina is in with a bad crowd, and Chase says, yeah. Jordan asks where Kristina was last seen, and Chase says, she was at the DOD house.
Mark tells Shiloh that he wants to take as many classes as he can. Shiloh says Mark mentioned he didn’t have a job, and the class fees are on a sliding scale. Mark says his situation is just the opposite. His parents died in a car crash; the brakes were defective, and there was money from the car company. He’s an only child, so he got it all, but he’d give up everything to have his parents back, or if Gillian hadn’t left. In his book, Shiloh says perfect comfort is found in untold sacrifice. He thinks Shiloh can help him. Shiloh hopes so. Sam comes in, and Shiloh introduces their newest seeker, saying, he’s there for the introductory class. Sam hopes Mark gets as much out of it as she did. Mark asks if Shiloh will be there, adding he’s probably too busy. Shiloh says he enjoys watching new people find their path. He tells Mark to go in the back, where the other members are, and asks Sam if she’s heard from Kristina. Sam says their mom spoke to Kristina, and she’s still working things out. Shiloh hates that Kristina’s doubts got the better of her, but Sam says she’ll come back home after a while. Shiloh hopes it’s before Sam joins the Trust, and Sam says she was hoping the same thing. That’s why she’s there.
Neil comes by Sonny’s place. Sonny tells Neil coking relaxes him and helps him think. Neil says Kristina told him at length how she doesn’t blame Shiloh for her getting kidnapped. She kind of implied Jason is hard to catch. On one hand, she respects him, but on the other, she’s angry for him taking away the thing she wants. Jason asks if she still doesn’t know what would have happened, and Neil says she’ll only shut down. When she’s not isolating herself, she’s been playing board games with Max. They seem to have a good rapport. Sonny says, she’s known Max her whole life. Neil tells them that Kristina said she might be ready for another family meeting soon. He didn’t change her mind; Alexis did. Kristina witnessed Alexis breaking down. She saw Alexis’s distress, and is starting to realize they’re motivated by love. Sonny says, she’s got that right. Neil says he’s discovering that Kristina is a unique and intelligent woman. Underneath Shiloh’s dogma, she’s vibrant. Sonny asks if she mentioned anything about the Pledge she gave Shiloh.
Neil says she didn’t mention anything, but he doesn’t expect her to. Sonny says he thought they were starting to get through, and Neil says they’ve made inroads, but still have a long way to go. The closer Kristina gets to reclaiming herself, the worse she’s going to feel about the Pledge, especially if it incriminates Sonny. Sonny says, that’s impossible, and Jason says, Kristina doesn’t know about the business. Maybe she exaggerated or lied, but there’s no proof; nothing that can be takes to the cops. Sonny says, the worst that can happen is an investigation will be opened, but it won’t go anywhere. He thinks that should be explained to Kristina, but Neil asks, what if he’s wrong?
Sam tells Shiloh that she was going to suggest they go upstairs, but he has new seekers. He can’t abandon them, or they’ll be disappointed. He’ll see her afterward.
Jordan says DOD was on their on radar until Jason got picked up. Chase says Michael was worried about Kristina’s well-being. She was about to take a big step, having been chosen for some honor. Jordan asks what he means, and he says the group is secretive. Margaux says Jason was released because Shiloh insisted they let him go. She ask if Chase is sure Kristina’s family doesn’t know where she is.
Sam sneaks upstairs to Shiloh’s office, which seems pretty easy to get in with a bobby pin, so they’re not all that good at being secretive. She sees the files are color-coded, and says, why make it easy? She flips through the file folders, looks through one, shakes her head, and puts it back. She finds her own folder, and takes it out.
Timmy tells Curtis, breakfast is good, but Curtis has to make it worth his while if he wants Timmy to talk about the pharmacy job. Curtis guesses there’s no chance he’d do it to save people’s lives. Did he have anything to do with it? Timmy says someone wanted to hire him, but he turned them down. Curtis asks. what about the drugs that were stolen? He gets why someone would steal painkillers, but what about the other stuff? Was he keeping it for himself? Timmy says he didn’t do it. Curtis tells him, talk first; then he gets the money. Maybe he can give Curtis a theory. He hands Timmy a bill, and Timmy says he was given a list. Curtis hands him another bill, asking who the person was who gave him the list.
Franco shows up at the cemetery. He says when Ava said this was happening, he didn’t believe it. Why give that evil bastard a ceremony? Doc says, closure, and Ava says, to end the nightmare for good. Franco says at least she’s given up on her ridiculous idea of luring him out of hiding. Laura says, goodriddance. Doc says he wishes he’d healed Ryan, and they’d grown older together, like twins should. He was given the greater gift; intelligence and sanity, but failed Ryan. He had hoped Ryan could find peace, but maybe in death he’ll be healed; conquer his demons and find peace. Franco hopes he rots in hell, and from high above, Kiki gets to watch. Lulu films everything.
Laura says her daughter was stronger and smarter than Ryan. Her life is beginning, and his is over, thank God. He lost and they won. Felicia says Lulu beat him, and you know who else beat him. Her and Mac. All those times he said he was smarter than they were; who’s smarter now?He gave himself the punishment he deserves. They all step on the dirt. Ava says, Franco is right. He deserves to rot in hell for eternity, but her beautiful girl isn’t looking down on him. Heaven is filled with good things, and there’s no room for his memory. Kiki has forgotten him already. Like she will, as he deserves to be forgotten. Doc says amen. He puts his arm around Ava, and holds her. Franco is like, hmm… Lulu continues to film.
Curtis asks who hired Timmy. He says they didn’t have a business card. Curtis says they must have been in trouble, or injured. Give him something. Timmy says, it was a woman.
Jordan asks Valerie if she followed up, and Valerie says she went to the DOD house. Shiloh claimed he doesn’t know where Kristina is. Sam claims not to know either. Jordan asks if Sam seemed concerned, but Valerie tells her that Sam said Kristina was off somewhere to clear her head, and that Alexis had heard from her, but then why would she call asking for help? Margaux wonders if Alexis knows where she is. Chase thinks something is off, and people know more than they’re saying.
Neil says Kristina’s greatest asset is also her greatest liability. She knows her family loves her, and is acting in her best interest. If they confront her about the Pledge, and she admits she betrayed someone she loves, it will hurt her self-worth. The only thing worse, is if the person she betrayed is arrested and tried, causing lasting hurt. Sonny says, the chances are next to nothing, and Neil asks if he’s willing to bet Kristina’s future on next to nothing. Sonny says, no, and Neil tells him, don’t ask about the Pledge.
Sam goes through her own folder, and I tell her to stop lollygagging. Under her picture, it says, despite commitment issues, she’s likely worthy of the DOD Trust. She says, that’s right, Shiloh. Tell her his secrets so she can take him down. She sees a photo of when she was blindfolded, with Shiloh looking at her.
Sonny wonders if Kristina said anything about the phone call, but Neil says she only told him that she’d called a friend. Sonny asks if it was Shiloh or someone else from DOD. Neil tells Sonny, Kristina said it was someone she knew before DOD. Someone she had to cut ties with because of DOD.Her confession was full of regret. Jason says, Valerie Spencer, and Sonny says, that makes sense. Neil says Alexis heard her ask for help, but she didn’t have time to explain before they took the phone. If her friend suspects she’s being held against her will, they could call the police. Sonny says, the problem is, that Valerie is the police.She’s a detective with the PCPD.
Mark walks back into the living room with Shiloh. He says it seems so clear when Shiloh speaks. He’d like to hear more about cutting out negative people, and Shiloh says they can plan a course of study. Mark wonders where to start, and Shiloh says, the classes aren’t sequential. He can start where he wants. Mark also wants to volunteer. Can Shiloh show him online, or does he have an app? Shiloh says they don’t really post about those things. Mark bumps into another member, sending the books in his hands flying. Mark helps pick everything up. Shiloh asks the guy if he’s seen Sam. He has some new reading material for her from the library. The guy says he hasn’t, and Shiloh apologizes to Mark, saying he has to go. Mark asks if he can have a tour; he didn’t know there was a library. Shiloh suggests Mark stay for dinner, and afterwards, he’ll give Mark the grand tour. Shiloh extracts himself, and Mark sends a text. Upstairs, Sam looks on the back of the photo, and it says, it will be interesting to see what secrets she pledges. She takes out her phone, and reads a text that says, Shiloh looking for you. Get out now. I suspected Mark was working for her when he wouldn’t let Shiloh leave the room.
Jordan asks if Chase thinks Kristina’s family is involved, but Chase says, it’s so murky, he can’t tell. She hasn’t answered her phone in days. Margaux says she called Valerie, and Valerie says, it sounded like she got caught. She could be in danger. Jordan thinks they should open an investigation, but Margaux disagrees. Why waste time and resources?Alexis claims Kristina is away taking a breather. There’s no reason for an investigation. Maybe the call to Valerie was a prank. She said they weren’t on good terms. There’s no reason to waste resources on a non-event. Chase wonders who she’s protecting – Sonny or Shiloh.
At the MetroCourt, Ava says she needs a drink. Lulu says she uploaded the film, and it’s definitely click bait. It’s already been picked up and posted elsewhere. Laura hates to leave the party, but has mayoral duties. Franco sees Ava at the small bar, and asks what’s going on with her and Doc. Ava calls Doc over, and Franco asks if she can’t talk to him unless this guy is there. Ava says he may as well know. She went to see Doc to help her find closure. At first, she was in denial, blaming Doc for Ryan’s crimes, but as they talked, they felt a connection. They were both betrayed, and understand each other’s shame and grief. Doc is everything Ryan pretended to be. Doc says Ryan stole his life, and ruined Ava’s. They need to be with someone who understands. Lucy walks in, and says he has to be Ryan. Her Doc would never touch the likes of Ava. Doc says it’s really him, and Lucy asks what he’s doing. He says, comforting a kindred spirit. Lucy says the last time she saw him, they were honoring Gail, and she delivered him to Laura. Doc says he hurt Laura too much. Felicia and Mac join them, and Lucy says Doc is talking and saying things, but he’s not making any sense. Felicia says, it’s okay, but Lucy says, it’s so not okay. Lulu says, there’s nothing that can be done, and Lucy says, the hell there isn’t.
Neil tells Sonny, if the police get involved, there could be severe ramifications. Sonny says, Valerie and the PCPD can look until hell freezes over, but they won’t find Kristina. Jason says they’ve had a lot of experience. Neil tells them, exit therapy is not an exact science. If it doesn’t work, and Kristina turns them over to the police, it could be a catastrophe.
Sam leaves Shiloh’s office. Shiloh sees her, and asks what she’s doing there.
Margaux says Chase is out of line. Valerie tells Chase, let’s go. They gave it their best shot. They leave, and Margaux asks if Jordan is ready to go or is Jordan going to question her judgement too? Jordan says she’s still going to see her son. Margaux leaves, and Jordan hopes Curtis is getting somewhere. She leans on the wall, and starts to call him, but the phone drops out of her hand, and then she drops to the floor.
In the elevator, Chase tells Valerie they can forget about the DA and do an investigation without approval. Valerie is in.
Curtis asks Timmy if the women left a name or said why she wanted the drugs. Timmy says he has to go. Curtis says he has a hundred dollars total, if Timmy coughs up the name of the woman who wanted him to boost the drugs.
Lucy tells Doc that when the truth was revealed that Doc unleashed Ryan, she was the only one who stood up for him. She even gave him a place to live. Doc understands and appreciates it, but asks her to please trust him; he knows what he’s doing. Lucy says, not from where she’s standing. She’s talked to his neighbors, and he hasn’t even been home for the past few nights. Don’t tell her… She looks at Doc and Ava, and tells him, consider himself evicted. He can find a bed on the street. He’ll be so tired of Ava. By the time the Nurses’ Ball rolls around, he’ll be heartbroken and friendless. Felicia tells her that they need to talk about it, but Lucy says, apparently, there’s nothing left to say, and leaves in tears. Franco asks if Ava is okay, and Ava says she’s fine. Franco says, from where he’s siting, she doesn’t seem all right. He leaves, and Mac says that Ava is good at playing her roll. Lulu says the video is trending, and Mac says, itworked. Felicia says they need to hope against hope that it got Ryan’s attention. Ava’s phone rings.
Tomorrow, Finn asks Elizabeth if she’s heard from Hayden, Neil says they have another complication, and Stella finds Jordan.
Vanderpump Rules
The theme of the engagement party is enchanted forest. Brittany is thrilled at how the venue looks. Jax signs the last of the checks. In his interview, he says, it’s a solid wedding, never mind an engagement party, but this is the new Jax. He rolls with the punches. He tells Brittany that she’s worth it. She goes to change.
Tom is figuring out what he’s wearing. He tells Ariana that he’s toying with wearing a hat. Ariana doesn’t think he should upstage the groom. He says it’s a constant challenge.
Lala decides to wear a headpiece. She wanted to wear a crown, because she has to let bitches know what’s up. Whatever that means. She’s queen?
Stassi tells Beau that she can’t believe they’re going to Jax’s engagement party. Jax is still an a-hole, but doesn’t take out on Brittany or them anymore. Beau can’t open a bottle, and Stassi asks him to give it to her. He’s skeptical, but she opens it easily. She asks, who’s your daddy?
Schwartz tells Katie that he wants to wear a TomTom onesie. He can’t picture Katie pregnant. He thinks she’ll be a monster of a human. I think it could go either way.
Lala says she’s going to continue not drinking. She tries to be a good human, but takes all her downfalls out on Rand. Scheana says Adam won’t speak to her because she went on a date. Lala think if he doesn’t want that happening, he should do something about it. She says Scheana always gives it her all, and they end up walking on her. Scheana starts crying, and Kristen says she’s not pregnant, right? That’s a no. She tells the girls that Adam loves penguins, and she found out you can adopt one from the aquarium. I’m laughing because she probably thinks you’re actually adopting it like you would a child or a pet. She says if Adam is still mad at her after she got him an effing penguin, they’re done. I’m with you, Scheana.
Stassi tells Beau that she’s trying be conscious of everything; recognizing the moments she can go off. She had her birthday freak-out. Unfortunately, but it happened. We flash back to her calling Beau incessantly, then slamming the phone on the floor. After that, her mom told her that she was the problem, and she was lucky to have him. Beau says it was awful and unacceptable. She saw a freaking witch, and she’s never tried to better herself before.
Ariana tells Tom that she’s thinking of talking to Lisa at the party. Because in the reality TV world, the best time to bring up your personal beefs is at someone else’s event. Preferably someone who’s totally unrelated to the problem. Ariana says she’s known Lisa for eight years. There’s no reason not to be able to speak respectfully and honestly about something that’s bothering her. In Ariana’s interview, she says Lisa encouraged the Toms to go to Mexico, then publicly shamed them. Exaggerate much? Tom says a huge falling out would suck and affect things, but Ariana says it would only one person’s fault, because she’ll be respectful.
James sees therapist Anita. He tells her that he’s trying his best to keep his temper. He was controlled, and when there was a group vacation to Mexico, he didn’t take the news well that he wasn’t invited. He blew up at the hosts of the trip. We flash back to that. He doesn’t understand the mentality of being angry and not doing anything about it. She asks about his drinking, and he says he’s only had a couple of beers here and there. I laugh because in the old People’s Court shows with Judge Wapner, any time someone said they just had a couple of beers, the judge would look at Bailiff Rusty and practically roll his eyes, knowing it was probably more like a six-pack. James insists he hasn’t gotten drunk, and has only had two at the most. He’s more comfortable doing that, than going a party and being the sober guy. He thinks he’s more charismatic when he drinks, and doesn’t think he’d be that person without it. He tells her that Lisa says he’s full of self-doubt. In his interview, he says he thinks too much when he’s sober. He’s twenty-six; he can make his own decisions. Anita suggests he focus on what he should do for himself, not what he can do for others. He says not caring what they think is impossible. She tells him, the more power he gives to how people look at him, the worse he starts to feel he’s not good enough. He says he wishes he’d said different things at different moments. Then life would be different. Ha! Don’t we all wish that, and yes it would. A real Confucius, that James.
Scheana says they’re not only going to celebrate Brittany and Jax, but to party. They get on a party bus, and Lala asks if there’s a stripper pole. Of course there is. Brittany says they have Kentucky in the building. Tom goofs around on the pole. In Tom’s interview, he says if things ever went south with TomTom he has to have something to fall back on. Right now, he’s falling back on the pole. Jax sees a video, and he’s jealous he’s not on the bus. Brittany notes Lala’s headpiece, and says everyone is on theme. She hopes Lala isn’t upset that she’s not a bridesmaid. In Brittany’s interview, she says she can’t have twenty bridesmaids, and hopes Lala doesn’t kick her ass. We flash back to Lala yelling at James. Brittany doesn’t want anyone to feel sad or left out it. It makes her feel guilty inside.
Scheana hates the tension between her and Adam. She wants to make it better, but he won’t even make eye contact.
Jax says Brittany looks beautiful. I do too, but I’m surprised she isn’t more on theme. Brittany thinks the place looks amazing. In her interview, she says she’s living the fairytale dream. Lisa and Ken arrive. Giggy! Jax says they only have beer and wine. There are certain people he doesn’t trust with tequila. He’s one of them.
Scheana says, depending on how tonight goes with Adam, she might Uber home. She tells the girls that Ethan wanted to make her dinner. He did, and two bottles of wine later, went downtown for a half hour. It doesn’t necessarily lead to a home run. Then she says, Adam won’t do it, it’s not his thing, and we all go, what? I’m not getting this at all. He won’t commit; says she can date others, but gets mad when she does; and he’s not satisfying her sexually. Oh yeah, sign me up. Scheana is not the brightest bulb in the box, but she deserves better. She consistently picks guys who are unavailable in one way or another.
The bus arrives. Jax and Brittany pose by the flower wall. Brittany hugs mamaw. Tom opens champagne with a knife. Brittany’s father tells Lisa that when Brittany first came out there, Lisa was like a mom. He didn’t have to be so concerned about her safety. Lisa’s concern for Brittany’s welfare made it better. Lia says Brittany is a lovely girl. She’s happy to be there for Brittany, and watch her grow. Don asks if Jax asks if Jax has really changed, and Lisa thinks he has. He has Brittany by his side, and it’s made a difference. In Lisa’s interview, she says she doesn’t know if it will last, but Brittany is the best thing that’s happened to Jax. That’s the only thing they all agree on. Don says, every man needs a good woman, and Lisa says, hopefully only one. She keeps telling her husband that. Jax introduces sister Jenny to Lisa, and they show her their tattoos.
Brittany says she has a permanent smile, and tells Lala that she didn’t want her to feel left out. Lala says this is Brittany’s day, and she should have whoever she wants. She has an engagement gift; it’s from her and Rand. She gives Brittany an envelope, and inside she finds a voucher for a trip to Cabo on the private jet. In her interview, Brittany doesn’t know what’s worse. That she had to talk to Lala about not being a bridesmaid or that Lala rewarded her for that with the trip of a lifetime. She feels like a little turd. Lala says just tell her when, and they’ll fuel the jet, and have the best time ever.
Schwartz tells Adam that he can feel the tension. He can put a knife between Adam and Scheana. He asks if the catalyst is Scheana being with another dude. Adam says he asked if she slept with him, and she said yeah. Kristen tells Scheana to be honest and real. Hopefully he will too. Schwartz tells Adam that he doesn’t think it’s a deal breaker. In his interview, Schwartz says in his relationship, he learned, resistance is futile. You have to cave, and make the commitment. Commit to Scheana and see what happens. He laughs, and slaps his knee. Adam asks to talk to Scheana.
Adam says he doesn’t know where to start. Scheana says for the last eight months, everyone has been saying they love each other, but he says he doesn’t have feelings for her. He says he doesn’t know if he’s ready. She told him if he dated, she’d be upset. She says he told her that he didn’t care if she dated, as long as it wasn’t someone he knew. Raising his volume like ten notches, he screams they talked at the white party, and she screwed another guy. Lisa comes by, but hangs back from intervening. Schwartz is dancing with Katie, and says he’s going to twirl her so he can access the situation. Scheana asks Adam if he loves her. He looks away, and she tells him, answer the question. He says, no. She was just with another guy all weekend. She says she thought about him the whole time, and he says, thanks for the consideration. That makes it so much better. She says she’s so sorry she did something that made him realize he has feelings for her, but if she hadn’t, would he ever speak up? No. They’d have just kept on doing the same thing. She did it just to see how he felt. He gets up, and she tries to stop him. He says she’s trying to rationalize it, and Scheana says she’s finishing the conversation. She asks him for a hug, and he reluctantly responds. He says, please. He needs to walk away. In her interview, Scheana says, even though they’re not in a relationship, she feels like they literally broke up. Adam can’t jet fast enough.
At SUR, manager Monica sees James has a reservation, and reminds the waitress that he no longer works there. He and Raquel are seated and order. In his interview, James says everyone at the engagement party will be so wasted. He makes fun of them, imitating them drunk. He says he didn’t expect an invite, although he would have gone had he gotten ne. He tells Raquel that he hopes they’re invited to the wedding. Raquel says for that to happen, he’ll have to change his approach with everyone. He says he’s so in love with her, she’s all he wants. She says he doesn’t want to any more cheating accusations. James says, then there’s hope for him. He never cheated on her. I don’t think any of us believe that, and Raquel says, now that they live together, it will be harder to make something up. She’ll be with him every day.
Scheana cries, and shows Kristen the adoption paper for the penguin with Adam’s name on it. Kristen asks if he knows, again, like it’s a real kid. Scheana weeps and shakes her head. Tom takes a drink from Ariana’s flask. Ariana asks if Lisa would like some warm, disgusting tequila, but that’s a hard no. In Ariana’s interview, she says she loves Tom. She doesn’t show her commitment with a wedding, but she’s doing the bravest thing she can possibly do – go to bat for him with Lisa. She tells Lisa that she loves and respects her, but she said something about the Toms not working hard at TomTom. She’s not going to lie; it bummed her out. They would have never gone on the trip if Lisa hadn’t said to go. Lisa says the Toms have a playful relationship, and she’d never want to ruin their friendly banter. Ariana thinks when people see it, they’ll think the Toms are idiots. Lisa says one of the reasons she wanted to work with them was they’re youthful energy and sense of humor. Ariana says they have more to offer than that. She can’t speak for Schwartz, but Tom is probably one of the hardest working people she’s known. We see Tom with the beer bong. She says, especially when it comes to something he loves, and he loves the bar. She doesn’t want people thinking they’re somebody Lisa pulled from the gutter. Omg, now she’s on another planet. Lisa tells her to lighten up. In Lisa’s interview, she says she enjoys teasing the Toms, and they give her good reason and good cause. Their personas aren’t serious. They’re not Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Lisa tells Ariana, their names are on the building. That says a lot. Ariana wants them to be able to earn the same love and respect they fee for her. She loves and respects Lisa so much. Lisa hopes so, and they hug.
Brittany hugs her dad. Schwartz tells Jax, what a difference a year makes. It’s cliché, but 100% true. Jax says he used to wonder who he needed to be each day. He acted differently with different people, and got to the point where he couldn’t even keep up with what he was telling people. In Tom’s interview, he says Jax’s lies were on a different level. His parents owned 70% of CVS, he was waiting to be a firefighter, his modeling career was taking off, he was roommates with Channing Tatum. Tom says, let’s promise to always be friends, no matter what happens. He appreciates Jax’s dad, but wants to toast to Jax.
James asks Raquel if they’ll get married one day, and she nods. He says he loves her so much. In her interview, Raquel says she sees marriage down the road, and babies. She and James are perfect for each other. Her eyes don’t look like she believes it. She always looks trapped. The waitress tells James, sorry, but no employee discount. He says the meal was expensive, and he needs a shot. I can’t tell if that’s a joke or not, and I don’t think Raquel can either.
Lisa sees Beau, and asks if he’s looking for his princess. He says he was bringing her another drink. Lisa says Stassi seems happy with him. No one ever validated her; they suppressed her. She can see that Beau loves her a lot. He says he does, and Lisa wonders if he’s going to ask Stassi to marry him. He says he is. In her interview, Lisa says he listens to Stassi, and doesn’t try to make her into something she’s not. He nurtures her, cares for her, and loves her more than he does himself. Stassi joins them. Lisa says she and Ken were engaged three months, and they’ve been married for thirty-six years. She says she told Beau he was lucky to have Stassi. Stassi says her mom said she’ll mess it up. We flash back to the horrifying things Stassi’s mother was saying about her – to Beau. In Stassi’s interview, she says she felt herself bringing negativity and insecurity into the relationship, and sabotaging it. She tells Lisa that it makes her want to be combative; like, fine, she’ll do it. Lisa says Stassi is a strong woman, and similar to her. That’s why she’s always had an affinity for Stassi. Her mother’s negativity has nothing do with her . Stassi says both of her parents are on marriage number four. Beau says they’re not their parents. Lisa points out the way they look at each other. Stassi says she loves Beau him so much. Lisa says, it hurts, and Stassi agrees. Lisa promises it will be fine, and tells them to enjoy each day. In Stassi’s interview, she says it reconfirms she’s on the right track. Ken and Lisa are goals. She wants Beau to follow her everywhere, holding one of their dogs. Giggy! Lisa tells them, never prove her wrong.
Scheana wails to mamaw that she wants be happy. In Jax’s interview, he says, the party is amazing, but if he had one complaint it would be that Scheana found some way to make it about herself, because she wants to marry Adam tomorrow. Get your sh*t together. Scheana hugs mamaw, who asks if she wants to come to Kentucky for a few days.
Mamaw tells Schwartz that she never had a beer in her life. He says her beer cheese is awesome. It’s time to cut the cake. Brittany says it’s a practice round, and she and Jax feed each other. Stassi asks Don how proud he is. He says he wants to be on board 100%, and she says he sounds like her dad. She tells him that you have to trust, or it will drive you seriously crazy. In Stassi’s interview, she says she knows Jax has lied, cheated, and duped them all in the past, but this is the first time he’s proposed. She thinks she owes it to them to root for them. She tells Don, as long as Jax makes Brittany happy, technically, that’s all that matters. He says he’d take more comfort in that if he heard it from Jax. We flash back to Jax telling Don that he’ll always be number one. Stassi says if Jax messes up, they’ll crucify him; light him on fire. She’ll take a hot spike, and shove it up his ass. Don laughs. Scheana gets her drink on, and babbles about Adam. She says she did it to see if he cared; now it’s effed up. Jenny asks if Jax is happy, and tells him not to doubt who he is. She’ll always be in his corner, whether he’s a d*ck or the nicest person on earth. In his interview, Jax says his sister has the same qualities their father had. He can’t imagine life without her. She says she still doesn’t trust telling him anything. He says, that will never change. He can’t help himself.
Lisa asks for the mic. She says tonight is the night many of them thought would never happen. Jax has grown up. They’ve surrounded, supported, and loved him. It’s been a challenging year, but life is about obstacles to overcome, and challenges to rise to. With Brittany as his partner, they’ll go a long way. But if he messes with her Kentucky muffin, she’s coming for him.
In Lisa’s interview, she tells us, they say a leopard doesn’t change its spots, but the leopard she married did. If there’s hope for Ken Todd, there might be hope for Jax Taylor.
Brittany thanks everyone, and says they’ve gone through a lot, but have gotten so much support and love from everyone. They’ve never been happier. In Brittany’s interview, she says she knows people had doubts, but she sees their family and friends there, supporting him. They all love her and Jax. She tells the guests that she loves Jax more than anyone in the world. She’ll never give up on him. In her interview, she says the hell with people’s opinions. She believes they’ll get their happily ever after. In Jax’s interview, he says he doesn’t care what people think. He knows how much wants this, and loves her. It just fuels his fire to prove them wrong. Brittany says, everybody dance!
Tom tells Lisa that he needs her for something very important. She says, whatever it is, she’s not doing it. He shows her the beer bong, and she asks why she’d want do that. He says it fulfills the partnership. He and Schwartz have created a special bedazzled funnel with LVP on it. In Schwartz’s interview, he says it cements a partnership by funneling a beer. In Lisa’s interview, she says she never drank much beer, and never did a beer bong, but… she never turns down a dare. She bongs the beer, Tom yells, thequeen! everyone cheers, and Lisa bows. In her interview, she says, and that’s the way you leave a party. Good night. She tells Ken, it was disgusting, burps, and says, sorry.
Next time – the Reunion – James is in shambles, Billie and Lala go at it again, Beau says watching the pilot scared him, Andy asks how Lisa is coping and she needs a moment, Lala says Raquel comes to her when it’s feeding time and expects not to get feasted on, James calls Brittany’s family a bunch of hillbillies, which doesn’t go over real big. Note to James: this is not how you get invited to the wedding.
I hope it works for Brittany and Jax. I’ll probably never like Jax, but it doesn’t matter. Brittany loves him, and I like her. I hope she gets her fairytale ending.
👑 Cue Game of Thrones title theme. It was time for the big battle, between the dead and everyone except Cersei. Besides doing a lot of staring at people, the Red Woman said some magic words, and the Dothraki suddenly got swords of flame. This made for great cinematography, but sadly, they fell into a trap. After that, everything was so dark throughout the entire battle, it was hard to see what was going on. I thought it was my TV until I read another blog post on it specifically (see below).
Edd got killed defending Sam, and Sam ran. Tyrion almost made Sansa smile, and it seemed like she actually mulled over them getting back together for a moment when he joked about it. I made noises when the Night King swooped down on zombie Viserian, and I also said, do something red lady! There was a giant zombie or a zombie giant that Lyanna ended up killing by stabbing in the eye, but she got squashed for her trouble, while the Hound took notes. Good thing Arya learned to move like a cat from that Zen/sword master, because she needed that skill to hide from meandering zombies later. Beric and the Hound teamed up, after the Hound just got done saying they were doomed no matter what. They ended up saving Arya, who crashed through a wall along with several zombies. Beric was a goner, but the Hound dragged them both away. Then the Red Woman finally showed up, yapping about purpose. Zombie dragon had a fight with Jon’s dragon, and Dany’s dragon incinerated the Night King, but he turned out to be like Yul Brynner in Westworld, because he just stood there laughing. Well, he had the same expression he always has, but he wasn’t even singed. Jon stupidly followed him, and the Night King raised his army back up from the dead, along with everyone who had just died. It was like, are we going to have to do this all over again? And what good is Bran if he just sees stuff, and can’t do anything about it? The whole thing was just a mess. Ser Jorah saved Dany, but paid with his life. Jon Snow had enough, and extracted himself from the Night King’s minons, walloping everyone in his wake. The Night King had bigger fish to fry, heading for Bran. Theon was a big hero, saving Bran’s life for a millisecond at the expense of his own, but again, why? As the Night King stood in front of Bran, Arya flew out of nowhere and stabbed him with the dragon glass dagger. He shattered, and so did all the other Wights. Once again, who’s gonna clean up that mess? The Red Woman said, forget this, tossed her necklace, turned into a naked old lady, and dissolved. It was relentless and amazing, and IMO the best part was the shock of the recently dead rising.
This show is literally awesome. I find myself sitting with my mouth hanging open. I felt the same way about the books. The genre isn’t even my thing, but I was hooked from the first page.
Best quotes:
Jon: The Night King is coming. * Dany: The dead are already here.
Sansa (after Arya hands her a dagger): I don’t know how to use it. * Arya: Stick them with the pointy end.
👓 A Few Viewpoints…
Glad it wasn’t just me. Other people noted the darkness as well.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
I missed the first couple of minutes. Mea culpa and all that.
Sonny tells Michael that they all could have done better, but Neil said it’s a process. They have to keep trying until they reach Kristina.
Kim asks Oscar to come inside from the terrace. Oscar says they were just talking about how nice it was being outside, but Drew agrees it’s getting chilly. Oscar asks to see the picture Monica took of them. Kim shows him, and says his grandmother took a lot of great pictures today. Oscar says, there’s one person missing. Jason comes out on the terrace, and Oscar says he’s glad Jason made it.
Outside Kelly’s, on the phone with Robin, Anna says that she and Robin’s dad were reminiscing about working in Italy. She has a gift she’d like to give Robin; a bracelet they bought in Italy. It’s not valuable, but it’s kind of priceless. It reminds them of how lucky they are that she’s their daughter, and Anna wants her to have it. She says Finn is there, and he’s fine.
At the MetroCourt, Lulu tells Peter that her mom caught her up on a few developments. She knew there was a chance that Ryan could be alive, but finding his severed hand was news. Peter asks if that’s why she came back, to chase the Ryan Chamberlain story. She says Ryan came thisclose to taking her life. Now she knows exactly what she needs. He’s afraid to ask, and she says, a one on one with the object of Ryan’s obsession – Ava Jerome.
At the Crimson office, Nina tells Sasha to go home and get back in bed. Sasha says she’ll be fine. Maxie needs an objective opinion about what dress to wear. Sasha sneezes, and Maxie says, for the sake of her date, maybe Sasha should keep a safe distance. Nina says the worst that will happen is, she’ll have to cancel, and wait seven days. Sasha asks if Nina is still mad at Peter. Nina says he ran a DNA test behind her back. Some things aren’t forgivable. Sasha says Nina says it was her privacy that was invaded, and she forgave Peter. Why can’t Nina? She also forgave Maxie. Nina says, Maxie is family, and Maxie says, so is Peter. Nina says, for all his good intentions, all she can see is that he tried to take her daughter from her. Maxie says Nina has already forgiven her; she might as well forgive Peter. Sasha says, Maxie is right.No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Let it go.
Michael tells Sonny and Carly that he’d promised he wouldn’t judge Kristina or the situation. Carly says his sister joined a cult. How open-minded are they supposed to be? They’re not saying she’s stupid. She wanted to find new experiences that make her happy, and that’s a good thing. Shiloh took advantage of her. Michael asks what she’s saying, and she tells him not to judge himself. They need to fall back and regroup. Michael gets that, but he lost patience, and stormed out. Sonny says, it was emotional for everyone. Neil will tell them when they can reach out again. Michael starts coughing, and says, maybe they can get together and talk about what they’re going to do for the next session, so they’re not blindsided.
Oscar tells Josslyn and Cameron about changing his name. Cameron says, technically, he just added a hyphen. Is he hyphenating? Oscar tells Cameron not to jump on his moment, and says, Oscar Nero Quartermaine at their service. He says he wouldn’t have changed his name without checking with his mom first, and she’s awesome for saying yes.
Julian arrives at the Quartermaine’s, and tells Olivia that Oscar’s mom said it was okay for him to come. Olivia says she’s trying to be supportive without getting in the way. From now to the end, it’s all about Oscar. He says, Kim probably already told her, but her help is appreciated. Olivia says Kim did tell her, but it’s still nice to hear. He wishes he could do more. Olivia can’t believe she’s saying this, but Julian might be just what she needs right now.
Kim asks Drew to pull rank, and tell Oscar that he needs to rest. Drew tells Oscar it’s nap time, but Oscar asks for a minute to speak to Jason alone.
Anna asks what the chances were of Robin calling. She’s glad she didn’t FaceTime, since she’d been so upset. Robert says she had a nasty scare. It was of her own creation, but she’s still entitled to feel relieved. She says she is. Finn asks how Robin is, and Anna says, she called up to see how her mom was doing.Her mom. Robert says, it’s got a nice ring to it. Anna says Alex’s mind games can’t take away Robin being her daughter. Robert says she’s his daughter too. Anna says, their daughter, and she wouldn’t change a thing. Robert asks if Finn would.
Lulu tells Peter that Ryan became obsessed with Ava. He murdered her daughter, and posed as Doc. She consented to have sex with Doc, not Ryan. Peter asks if she thinks Ava wants her story told. Lulu says she’ll be respectful and careful; she promises. Peter asks if she’s sure she’s okay. It’s not the only major event she’s carrying. Lulu says, Dante?That’s different. He didn’t abandon his family. As much as she loves and misses him, she knows he’s where he needs to be. Peter asks if she’s saying that Dante left because he loves her. She says, he did. It hurts like hell, but it’s the price you pay for loving someone. Peter says she makes it sound like it’s worth it, and she says, love always is.
Maxie goes to the Crimson closet, and looks at dresses. Nina tells her, go with the black, but Maxie is afraid it says Protestant in mourning, and she’s neither. Nina knows she loves and misses Nathan, but he’d want her to move on and be happy. Maxie says, just not this soon with this guy. Nina says, while she has her reservations, that’s her problem. It’s just that it’s happening so quickly. Maxie says, it’s one date. Nina says they both know that’s not true. If it goes the way Maxie wants it, Peter will become more than James’s uncle. He’ll be permanent and close. Maxie says, no matter what happens, Nina will always be a part of the family. Nathan… Nina says, would tell her to back off. She can hear his voice in her head telling her to stop. She tells Sasha that she would have loved him, but Sasha is passed out at her computer. Nina shakes her, and Sasha says, she’s okay. Nina says, she’s not. She’s burning up.
Carly tells Michael that he’s burning up. Go home, and get in bed. He says before she airlifts him to GH, he’ll nip it in the bud. He needs to be sharp when they see Kristina. He also doesn’t want to get anyone else sick, especially Carly and the baby, so he’s going to take off. Sonny says he’ll let Michael know when Neil calls. Michael leaves, and Carly says, nothing from Josslyn. Sonny says, maybe that’s good news, and Oscar is holding his own. Carly says, it’s not day to day; it’s hour to hour. She knows what’s coming for Josslyn, but can’t stop it. Sonny says, what she’s going through is devastating. Nothing can prepare her for what’s going to happen. Carly has to let her go through it, and be there when it does. Carly says she needs to let Josslyn feel what she’s going to, but wants to show her there are good things in the world to look for too, like the new baby. Avery appears, and says, what baby?
Oscar doesn’t mean to pressure Jason, but wants to make sure he didn’t change his mind about being executor. Jason says, whatever Oscar needs, he can count on him. Oscar thanks him, and Jason asks if he needs a hand getting back inside. Oscar says there’s one more thing Jason can help him with.
Finn tells Robert, any changes in the dynamic between him and Anna are their business. Anna says she’s happy. She can’t imagine things getting any better. Robert tells Finn, there’s no point in gilding the lily, old man. Finn says he’s glad they’re all on the same page, but he needs to get to work. We see Robert’s hands under the table, holding Finn’s engagement ring (I apparently missed how he ended up with it), and Finn makes a gesture to Robert behind Anna’s back. When he’s gone, Anna asks Robert if he’s happy now. Robert says he thought Finn would never leave, and Anna asks why he’s still giving Finn a hard time. What’s wrong with him?
Lulu tells Peter that she didn’t come home because Rocco was bored, or because she was done decompressing. She needed to be with the people who are there for her; her mom, Maxie, and Charlotte. Just being around them makes her feel better, and she needs to be there for them. That’swhat love is. He says he wouldn’t know. The only emotions he had for his father were fear and hatred, and when his father wasn’t around, relief. He didn’t know his mom existed until he came to Port Charles, and their relationship is tenuous at best. She says there’s never been anyone else he loved? Becompletely honest. He says he doesn’t know if he can love someone else.
Sasha tells Nina, it’s just a cold or a 24-hour bug. She’ll be fine by this time tomorrow. Nina says, by this time tomorrow, she’ll be on antibiotics. She asks if Nina has had a flu shot. Maxie says she needs to handle it before she spreads it around. Nina says, no more arguing. Sasha is coming with her.
Sonny says Avery was eavesdropping? He mom is great at it. Carly says Avery asked a question, and deserves an answer. Sonny was going to tell her when they time was right, but he guesses the time is right now. He says Avery has heard him and Carly talking about having a baby. How would she feel about a baby brother or sister? Avery looks around, and asks where they are, but Sonny says, a baby takes time. Carly says they don’t know if it’s a boy or girl, but the baby will need love, and it helps to have a big sister. Sonny tells Avery that’s what she’s going to be. She’s going to be a big sister. Does it make her happy?
Jason and Oscar go back inside. Jason tells Oscar he can’t do it without Kim’s permission. Oscar asks Kim if Jason can give him a ride on his motorcycle. Kim asks if they’re insane, and Julian says he’s not sure that’s a good idea. Kim says, Oscar could have a seizure and pass out. Olivia adds, there could be an accident. No matter how careful Jason is, they happen. Oscar asks Drew what he thinks. Drew thinks it’s a good idea, and Kim says he can’t be serious. Drew says it doesn’t have be far. Jason can stay on the property. Olivia says. it’s insane in his condition. Josslyn says, it’s what Oscar wants, and Cameron says, there’s so much he can’t do that’s on his bucket list. Why not do this? Kim says it’s nice they want to risk her son’s life for a thrill ride, but they’re not his mother. Every moment is precious. Oscar says, please? He’ll never get to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Jason says if something goes wrong, he can stop safely until help comes. Josslyn says Kim can trust Jason not to let anything happen to Oscar. Oscar says, just one time, and Kim says he will be wearing a helmet.
Robert tells Anna that he just wants her to be happy. She says, today is a banner day then. She is really happy. He says, tastes change, and she asks why he’s saying that. Because she chose a fundamentally good man, who’s dedicated his life to helping people? He says, as opposed to one who runs around shooting people? She says she cherishes the time she and Robert had together, and the day they created their daughter. Robert says, Robin. She’s their daughter, and always will be. She tells him, stop messingwith Finn; give him a break. He tells her, so be happy. This guy better be worth it. Anna says, he is. She leaves, and Robert takes the ring out of his picket and looks at it.
Nina brings Sasha into the hospital. She tells Finn, Sasha has a fever, and is going in and out of consciousness. Sasha says it’s just a cold, or the early stages of the flu. Nina informs her that, during the first World War, more people died from the flu than bullets and bombs. Finn has a nurse take Sasha to an examining room. Nina says she might be overreacting, but she didn’t raise Sasha, and has no knowledge of her medical history. Finn says, Sasha is an adult; they can just ask her. He’s going to confer with the nurse, and be in to check on Sasha. He leaves, and Michael gets off the elevator.
Sasha waits in the examining room. Michael walks in, and sneezes. Sasha says she told him that she’s not good for him.
Lulu tells Peter that she knows for a fact he knows how love. She’s seen the way he is with Maxie. He delivered Maxie’s baby on the side of the road, and slept outside her apartment to keep her safe. She sees how he is with her. He’s nurturing and protective. He’s got the love thing down. He just didn’t know what it was. Maxie comes in. She’s surprised to see Lulu, and they hug.
Julian asks Olivia if it would be okay for him to see Leo, and she suggests they go together. Julian asks, what if he’s sleeping? and she says, they’ll wake him up. They might not get a laugh, but they’ll definitely get sounds.
On the terrace, Drew tells Kim that he knows where Oscar gets his bravery. She says she’s not brave. She just didn’t have the strength to say no to the both of them. She ask why Drew said yes. Drew says he wants Oscar to make the most of the life he has left, even if it means taking a risk or two. We hear the Jason’s motorcycle go past.
Maxie says she has so much to tell Lulu. Sasha really is Nina’s daughter. Lulu says she thought that’s why Sasha came to town. Maxie says, long story. It goes haywire, then comes back. Lulu says, right now, she has an interview to prepare for. She looks at Peter, and before he can say anything, says she’ll take that as a yes. She jets, and Maxie asks what they talked about.
Sasha tells Michael to keep his distance; she’s contagious. He says, too late for that. She’s sorry she gave him whatever, but he says maybe he gave it to her. She says, just so he knows, it was totally worth it. Nina comes in, and says it’s nice of Michael to check on Sasha. She asks if he’s there for a Board meeting, and he says he’s there to get a prescription. It turns out he and Sasha have something in common. Finn asks Sasha when she noticed her temperature rising, and she says, this morning at the gym. Ha-ha.
Carly asks Sonny how Avery is taking it, and he says she couldn’t wait to tell Laura. She’s asking about names, and Carly suggest they find out if it’s a boy or girl first. She asks what he’s thinking about. Whatever he’s got going on, tell her, so she doesn’t make up something in her head. He says, it’s allgood. Her checkup was good. Everybody is happy. She doesn’t know why he can’t relax and enjoy it. He says for the same reason she can’t.
Back at the Quartermaine’s, Oscar says it was awesome. Jason says Oscar kept trying to get him to go on the highway, and Kim thanks him for not listening. Josslyn says she knew he’d be okay. Oscar tells Cameron that he should get a bike like that. Kim says Oscar should rest now, but he has one more favor to ask. It would mean a lot if his dad and Jason could figure out how to be brothers.
Maxie says she didn’t mean to put Peter on the spot. He says Lulu kind of left him in the lurch, and he has a ton of work. She says she understands. The cover proof is a total disaster. Maybe they should reschedule. He says she already got a sitter, but she tells him it’s fine. They’ve waited this long; they can wait until they don’t have to squeeze it in. She tells him to go, and he flies.
Anna sees Finn at the hospital, and he asks if everything is all right. She says, actually, she and Robert had a trip down Memory Lane. He says, they’re done already? It’s a lot of history. He would expect it to be a longer walk. She says it reminded her of how happy she is. He asks, how happy is that? and she says, pretty happy. She doesn’t want to keep looking in the past. They kiss, and she says she’ll see him tonight. When she’s gone, he sends a text.
Robert’s phone dings. He reads, you have something of mine. Robert looks at the ring again, and smiles.
Carly tells Sonny, no offense, but she feels like she’s handling the idea of a new baby a little better than him. He says, more than little. She says she’s still scared everything could go wrong, but thinks the odds are in their favor, and they’ll have a healthy baby. Sonny says, what if they don’t? If they get more, they’ll love more, and the more they have to lose. Carly says she’s learning something from Josslyn. She’s staying in the present, and that’s where she’s focusing. She only has Oscar today. She’s trying to do the same thing with the baby. It’s all good today. The baby is healthy today, and so is she. Sonny says, today be happy. It’s all they have. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
Nina runs into Michael, and says, he’s still there? He says he figured he’d check in on Sasha, and asks if she’s seeing visitors. Nina says she was given something for her fever, and will probably be drowsy, and shoves him into the room. Sasha says, Nina? Michael asks if she wants him to get Nina, an she says, Nina. She wishes Nina was her real mother.
Jason says he never thought he and Drew would find common ground, but now.. Drew says, Oscar? and Jason says, yeah. Drew thinks him for giving Oscar a ride, and Jason thanks Drew for trusting him with his son.
Kim asks Julian how Leo is. Julian says, good. She tells him that he doesn’t have to hold back. He’s allowed to have a healthy son, and be happy about it. She thanks him for coming. He says she’s welcome, but he’s not sure what good he’s doing. She says he doesn’t have to do anything. He’s there, and that’s what matters. They hug.
Oscar tells Josslyn that he needs to talk to Cameron a moment. Josslyn says, guy stuff? and Cameron tells Oscar, don’t be embarrassed. It’s brave of Oscar to come to him for manly advice. Josslyn leaves, and Oscar tells Cameron to get out his phone. He needs to make a video. Cameron hesitates, and Oscar says, trust him. Cameron starts filming. Oscar says, hey, Joss. If you’re seeing this, it means I’m gone.
On Monday, Franco has an idea for the Nurses’ Ball, Doc says they’ll give Ryan the memorial he deserves, and Neil asks what if Sonny is wrong?
I had a fleeting thought of the same thing. Not that I’d ever be mean about it, or post it on social media. Although my thought was more along the lines of, what fifty-year-old woman wants to use a Porta Potty? Then again, anyone from RHOBH probably brings along their own private toilet.
Juicy Joe seems to be on a slippery slope. I’ve been watching them for so long, they’re like family. Like those annoying cousins you have to include because it’s Thanksgiving.
I was just watching their segment of Our Journey So Far. I hadn’t really seen their whole story during the regular 90 Day Fiancé season. They seem like nice people, but she has some problems, and he’s a player, so no surprise.
All this unbridled joy has given me quite an appetite. – The Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), Downton Abbey
Housework can’t kill you, but why take a chance? – Phyllis Diller
Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the forest that was left out by mistake. – Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne
Acting Childish seems to come naturally, but acting like an adult, no matter how old we are, just doesn’t come easy to us. – Lily Tomlin
Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world. – C.S. Lewis, from Surprised by Joy
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. – Vincent Van Gogh
There are no victims, only volunteers. – Dr. Phil
Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen. – Albert Einstein
Normally I don’t drink in the afternoon, but it’s still morning. – Max (Kat Dennings), 2 Broke Girls
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the hospital, Doc and Laura kiss. A messenger brings a package for Doc. Doc asks who it’s from, and the messenger says, someone named Chamberlain. Doc signs for the box, and I wonder if he’s left-handed in real life. He opens it, and there’s a Styrofoam container inside. He opens that, and as I suspected, a frozen hand is inside. Laura is like, omg, and turns away.
Scotty goes to Ava’s apartment, and asks, what’s the emergency? She says she needs a hero, and he’s just the man for the job.
Sasha laughs at a story Michael is telling about forgetting to get off of a ski lift. She says he totally knows his way around a mountain. She used to go skiing all the time, and he says maybe someday they could hit the slopes. She says, maybe. Does he know what she wants to hit now? He knows what he wants her to say, but doesn’t think that’s it. She says, the shower.
NuTJ (who I’m still not used to) says Molly was quiet on the walk over. She says she was thinking about the nutjob Kristina is involved with. He says, it’s not like it’s the first time she’s gone off the grid, but Molly says, it’s never been like this. Other times, at least she responded to texts, but it’s been radio silence. Alexis approaches, and says she’s been looking for Molly. Molly asks if Kristina is okay, and Alexis says, she will be. Molly asks what she means, and Alexis says she hasn’t been completely honest about Molly’s sister.
Neil explains to Kristina that the purpose of the circle is to create a space where all voices are of equal importance. There’s no hierarchy or leader. Kristina says if her voice was equal, she wouldn’t be a captive, and he’d let her go. Nice try.
At the MetroCourt, Sonny tells Carly that he just wants his daughter back. Who’s to say the deprogramming will work? Sam appears, and says it will. For Kristina, it has to.
Shiloh walks into the gym, which is not the start of a joke, and sees Jason near the heavy bag. He asks if he can have a go at it. Jason remains silent, and starts punching the bag. Shiloh laughs, and guesses he should take that as a no.
Sonny tells Sam there are other options. Kristina can’t be involved if the cult leader is gone. Sam thinks the only way for Kristina to unhook from it, is therapy. Carly wonders what if Kristina said something incriminating. Sonny says, at worst, she could have said he gave orders to have someone eliminated. It would be a lie, but she could have exaggerated to impress that dirtbag. Sam thinks the same thing, but if Shiloh exposed what Kristina said his crimes were, she’d fall apart. They have to find her pledge, and make sure it never sees the light of day. Sonny asks what her next move is, and Sam says, go to the house, and see what she can find. They wish each other good luck. Sonny says, they’ll need it. After Sam leaves, Carly says she thinks Sam has lost it.
Harmony looks through some folders. She crosses out Willow’s real name on one of them, and replaces it with Willow Tait. She looks at the picture of Kristina and Shiloh.
Neil admits to Kristina, however well-intentioned, kidnapping her was unfair. Out of curiosity, what would she tell a friend who was being held against their will by their loved ones? She says she can show him. She picks up Shiloh’s book, and reads, the problem lies within the person who’s afraid of an unresolved interior experience in dealing with loss. Neil says he’s unfamiliar with the material, and asks if she can tell him more conversationally. She says her parent’s history with loss makes them afraid of losing her. He thanks her for the clarification.
Michael and Sasha talk about their favorite places to ski. Sasha doesn’t want to sound snobby, but says she’d go with Aspen; the terrain is good. Michael says, the waffles are too. One time the place was closed, and he almost cried. She says she has to get back there, and Michael says he almost went this winter. He booked the trip, but his sister Avery’s nanny got sick, so there was no one to take Avery on the bunny hill. Sasha is impressed that Michael would cancel Aspen to take his sister on the bunny hill, and asks if he walks on water. He tells her to never underestimate toddler charm.
Doc takes a look at a paper inside the box, and tells Laura, it’s from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It’s Chamberlain remains, not from Ryan Chamberlain. He tells Laura, a severed hand doesn’t necessarily mean a fatality. She asks if he thinks Ryan is out there, and he says, in her heart of hearts, doesn’t she? She doesn’t know. She tells him that she understands they still have issues, but believes they can work through them. She thinks that won’t happen until he moves back home. He says there’s nothing he’d love more, but doesn’t think he should until he does more work on himself.
Shiloh says Jason has made it clear that he’s hostile toward him and DOD. He’d considered that Jason kidnapped Kristina, but he was convinced otherwise by Sam. The more he trusts Sam, the closer they become.
Carly tells Sonny that Shiloh is supposed to believe Sam loves him. Now that freak is talking to Danny, and Jason has to put up with it. That’s how she sees it. Sonny agrees, saying, no one wants it over with more than he does, but if it helps Kristina recover by playing it out, he’ll do it. Shiloh will be dealt with.
Michael wishes he could stay, and Sasha asks if he’s riding to another sister’s rescue. He says, actually… and she asks if everything is okay. He hopes so. She tells him not to let her keep him, and asks if it’s cool for her to hang out. He tells her to stay as long as she wants, and writes down his number. She says, digits; it’s getting serious. He thinks maybe they can go to the gym again, or catch a movie; no expectations. She says she’s only in town until her mother’s wedding, but she’d like that. She’ll text him. He leaves, and she looks at the number and smiles.
Molly ask Alexis where her sister is, and Alexis says, she’s safe. She’s working on her issues, and that’s all she can tell Molly. Molly knows better than to press, and Alexis thanks her. All Molly wants is for Kristina to be normal again, and get away from that creep Shiloh. Alexis says that’s all she wants too; her three girls to be safe.
Neil tells Kristina that her family is waiting for permission to speak with her. Kristina says, they’re not known for their communication skills. They don’t hear or see her. He asks how he can help. Would it work for her if had a signal. She can say, she’s not okay with this, and he’ll stop and redirect the conversation to a more constructive place. She says, it sounds okay, and he asks if she’s ready. She tells him, go for it, but it won’t change anything.
Ava tells Scotty to sit. He asks if he should be nervous. She says, no. They’re friends; good friends. She’d venture to say he’s her best friend in Port Charles. He says, as opposed to some other location? She laughs and says he gets her. No one else ever has, and he’s never afraid to say what he really thinks. He tells her that she’s laying it on thick. He can see smoke coming out of her ears. What plan is she cooking up? She says, a plan in which he plays a key role. He asks what she wants him to do. She says, fall in love with her, and kisses him.
Ava says it’s not that farfetched. Scotty says he has feelings for her; he always did. Another place, another time; however, they’ve never kissed. He asks what she wants, and she says Ryan is alive. He tells her that if he thought that was true, he’d shackle himself to her, but Ryan is dead. She wishes that was true. She knows Ryan is obsessed with her, and knows she and Scotty have a close connection. She depends on him in times of need. If Ryan thought they were together, he would surely surface, and when he does, they’ll be ready. He asks if she’s serious, and she says she is. She wants justice for her daughter, and he can have the justice denied him when he prosecuted Ryan.
Sam goes into the DOD house. She sees the folders Harmony was looking at on an ottoman, quickly looks through them, and puts them back. Harmony walks in, and asks what she’s going there. She says she needs to see Shiloh. Harmony says she doesn’t know where he is. Sam sees Kristina’s folder under Harmony’s arm, and says she’ll wait. Harmony tells her to suit herself. Sam’s sorry if she interrupted Harmony’s project, and asks if she needs help. Harmony says it’s private material, far above her level, but thanks anyway. She goes upstairs, and Sam follows at a distance.
Shiloh tells Jason that Sam is learning the DOD courses faster than any student he’s ever had. Danny is incredible as well. He wonders if Danny will get his life outlook from his mom or be emotionally stunted like his father. Jason walks away, and Shiloh says he didn’t want a workout anyway. Jason has sweated enough for the both of them.
Harmony goes into Shiloh’s office. Sam puts an ear to the door, then ducks around the corner when Harmony comes back out. Harmony locks the door. When she’s gone, Sam tries it just to make sure.
Michael goes to the MetroCourt, and gives Carly a hug. She says he’s in a good mood. Would he care to share what contributed to that? He says she can ask, but he’s not answering. She says there’s a secret behind his smile, and he says it’s monumental. He’s grabbing coffee before he meet Sonny about Kristina. If there’s anything to know, she’ll be the first one he tells. She says that’s not nearly enough, but she’ll have to take it. He leaves, and she ponders.
Sonny tells Alexis that Michael is on his way. Alexis says she talked to Molly, but told her as little as possible. She knows Kristina is safe, but Alexis feel badly for not including her. She was the first one to recognize DOD was a cult, but she’ll just make Kristina defensive. Neil joins them, and asks if they’re still waiting for Michael. Sonny says he’ll be there soon. Neil says it’s important that they understand there are multiple steps in the process. Sonny and Alexis have strong, powerful personalities, and are used to being in control. They’ll have to leave that at the door. They’re not in charge, and can’t steer the outcome. Kristina recognizing that she can make decisions is critical to her recovery. If they can’t abide by that, they need to leave. Sonny says Michael is the most level headed of the group. Alexis adds, and the closest to Kristina. Neil says that doesn’t always work in their favor. Kristina already feels betrayed by being kidnapped, and they have to catch up. Are they ready to do the work? Sonny says, ready.
Laura asks Doc what kind of work he needs to do, and he says, on his arrogance; his God complex. Ryan always thought he was the smartest person in the room, and Doc thinks he shares that opinion of himself. She says he’s really been thinking about it, and he tells her he’s been talking to a colleague. She says, therapy, and he says, don’t’ knock it. Always being right gets in the way of life, and when taken to the extreme, leads to where they ended up. He wants no part of that grandiosity, and doesn’t want to make that mistake again. Laura says he won’t, but he wishes it was that simple. His justifications and explanations were just his ego, and it resulted in people getting killed, Lulu being attacked, and pain for everyone involved. Laura says he’s not the one who killed them. Doc says it’s not the same thing, but he was still destructive. He needs to confront and deal with these tendencies in himself, and acknowledge his faults and culpabilities. She says he doesn’t have to do it alone.
Laura tells Doc, anything she can do to help, she wants to do it. Doc asks if she’s not still angry at him, even a little. She says he made a mistake, but he’s a good man. The fact that he’s willing to face those parts of himself proves it. If it doesn’t interfere with his soul searching, she’d love it if he searched his soul at home. He says that’s why he didn’t tell anyone, especially her, that Ryan was alive. He knew she’d call him on it, and tell him to turn Ryan in. He didn’t want that, so he kept it from the person he loved most. He’s so sorry. She says she forgives him, and they hug.
Ava says Scotty must regret how the case turned out. He says he does. Felicia ended up in jail instead of Ryan. It was a travesty. Ava says she’s giving him a chance to fix it won’t do it. As much as he cares about her, right now she’s filled with grief, and jumping into the vodka bottle. She says she’s drinking coffee, but he says it’s just a matter of time. How many times has he picked her up off the floor since Kiki died? She says Ryan murdered her daughter because he could; for fun, or maybe he chose Kiki because she was Ava’s daughter. Scotty gets it. It haunts her. She says she needs to be the one to kill him. Look into the eyes of that sick, sadistic man, and tell him it’s for her daughter. Will he help her? Scotty doesn’t want to take advantage of the situation, pretending to be dating her. She tells him, take advantage of her. It’s his last chance. He suggests they get some fresh air, clear their minds, and come up with another plan. She tells him, if he doesn’t want do it, he needs to get out, and he leaves.
TJ tells Molly that he knows how much she loves her sister. He loves Kristina too. She has some great qualities. Molly says, but…? He says she’s had bad things happen to her. Kiefer was the worst, but she survived. She’s had the benefit of money, education, and the support of her family, but she’s never learned responsibility, and how to get herself out of trouble; bail herself out. Molly says Kristina thinks she’s taking ownership by joining DOD, but it’s the exact opposite.
Sam gets into the office, but hears Shiloh call Harmony. She leaves, closing the door behind her, and jets.
Neil says Kristina’s family is there to talk after agreeing to the basic ground rules. Kristina asks where Molly is. Alexis says after their recent friction, they thought it best she sit this one out. Kristina ask about Sam. She’s a DOD member and supports her. Is that why she’s not there? Neil says it’s not about defending points of view. It’s about Kristina’s needs and feelings. Alexis’s phone rings. She checks it and ignores the call. Kristina asks how they’re supposed to talk when Alexis can’t turn off her phone. Neil says that’s a good point. Why not start there.
Shiloh finds Sam in the living room, and she says she’s there to see him.
Laura says, marriage is a partnership, and it can’t always be Doc taking care of her. Sometimes she gets to take care of him. They save each other. She asks if he’ll come home. He kisses her, and thanks her. She says she didn’t do anything, but he says, yes, she did. She asks what he’s going to do with that thing, and he says take it to the morgue for starters; then destroy it. At least part of Ryan will be behind them. He’ll meet her at home. He needs to make a quick stop on the way.
At the MetroCourt restaurant, Sasha asks Carly if she can get something to go. Carly gives her a menu, and notices she’s wearing a sweatshirt from the gym. She says her husband owns that place, and asks how Sasha likes it. She says she had the best workout this afternoon. Carly says, good to know. I believe she’s put two and two together, and come up with Michael and Sasha.
Kristina says her mother’s phone shows a lack of respect. It’s like their entire relationship. That’s why she chose DOD. The way they communicate reflects her need to be heard. Sonny doesn’t get it, and Neil says communication is more successful when the speaker and listener both understand the message. Can she make that easier? She said her mother’s phone shows a lack of respect; how so? Kristina says, when it rings, Alexis disappears. Alexis says that’s not true, but Neil says if Kristina feels that way, it’s true to her. He asks her to restate how she feels the need to communicate. She says she hates when they talk. They never get past her mistakes. They love her, but she thinks they’re saying love her more if she was different. Neil asks how she feels when she leaves their conversations, and Kristina says, terrible; completely disconnected. At DOD, they only ask who she is now, and who she’s willing to be. She doesn’t feel lonely with them like she with her family. She starts to cry, and says she got tired of being lonely.
On the phone, Jason thanks Brick, saying, that’s what he thought. Carly asks what he found out. Jason tells her, residue from a narcotic was in the cup. She wonders what happened at GH, and he’ll give her one guess. She says, Shiloh.
Doc sees Ava at the MetroCourt bar. He was hoping to find her there. She says, dare she ask why? He says he’s had unsettling news about his brother.
Scotty runs into Laura at the hospital. He doesn’t mean to be insensitive, but asks if she’s seen Doc. She says he just left, and asks if something is wrong. He says, Ava is cooking up a plan to bring out Ryan, who’s dead as a doornail. It’s outrageous.
Michael tells Kristina that he brought her this, and gives her a keyring. She says, Mexico. He says they’re family is amazing, but it’s also big and complicated. There’s a lot of history, screw ups, baggage, you name it. Shiloh is offering something that seems positive and wonderful, but something he’s learned in business is, if something is too good to be true, it probably is. He takes her hand, and says she might not believe it, but he thinks she’s really smart and perceptive. She gets a read on people before anyone else. He knows if she really listens to what Shiloh is saying, beneath the flowery message, he’s saying, do what I tell you; trust me, not yourself. Michael misses her, and she says she misses him too. He says let him be there for her. Come home with him. God knows there’s plenty of room. Kristina says he doesn’t understand. She made a promise, and can never go back home.
Sam tells Shiloh that Harmony said he’d be back soon, so she decided to wait. There’s something she wants to say. He tells her that he always welcomes her thoughts. She says she’s been thinking about it, and wants to take the next step in her commitment to DOD. She wants to prove her faith in him is as strong as his faith in her. He says that’s good to hear. It’s almost time. Soon, she’ll be ready join his Trust.
Carly says, Kristina was drugged. She knows Jason isn’t taking the information to the cops, so what’s next. He says he’s going to handle Shiloh himself.
Scotty tells Laura, it’s a hair-brained idea. It would never work, but Ryan is dead. Laura says, if he isn’t, it’s a suicide mission. Anyone who takes her up on her offer is out of their mind.
Doc tells Ava that he knows the hand is disturbing, but he wanted her to hear it from him. He’ll take care of everything from now on. She can put his brother behind her. She doesn’t think she can, but they can use Ryan’s hand to bury him.
Tomorrow, Felicia tells Laura that their plan will draw Ryan out, Molly says Kristina has finally come to her senses, and Shiloh tells Sam she can take her place in his Trust.
Vanderpump Rules
Ariana sets up the bar at SUR. Tom says he’d help, but he’s no longer an employee. This is her first Brunch with Billie, and Tom tells her, get ready; it gets crazy. Lisa comes in and asks Tom what was up with that briefcase full of money. She thinks Schwartz is ridiculous. What was she supposed to do with that? Has he never heard of a cashier’s check? In her interview, Ariana says she respects Lisa as a businesswoman, but doesn’t like the way she’s been treating the Toms lately. We see clips of Lisa lecturing them at various times. Ariana says it’s starting to wear on her. She doesn’t understand the mentality. Um… I think it is a business mentality, since these guys can drift. Tom tells Lisa that James wants to talk to her, and she says, he always does. In Lisa’s interview, she says James thought it would be easy to get his job back, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about him learning a lesson. At some point, she’ll talk to him. She tells Tom and Ariana that she feels like a therapist, and should have a couch.
Jax’s sister Jenny and her husband Patrick arrive at the apartment. In his interview, Jax says his sister is important to him. She’d give the sweater off her back for anyone; she’s like their dad. Jax points out a bottle of Fireball that their dad drank from. Since their mom won’t be at the engagement party, he’s glad Jenny is there. Brittany’s mom Sherri, and a slew of other relatives show up. In Brittany’s interview, she says she loves her family, and it means the world to her that they’re here. None of them have ever been to LA or even traveled that much. Hashtag: blessed. Dad Don prays over the food. It’s the first time Jax has seen him since the summer, and he feels intimidated, but isn’t bowing down for forgiveness. He says when he’s doing good and feels good, it shows. He has to make himself happy first. He jokes that he put all the furniture together, but then admits Brittany did, saying she likes doing it. Yeah. She probably reads the directions, and gets it right the first time. Baby Presley is there, and in his interview, Jax explains that he helped Jenny and Patrick raise money to have a baby in vitro a couple of years ago. We flash back to the fundraiser, and Jax saying he’ll match the total. He says they were very grateful, and he can basically say he bought them a baby.
Brittany talks about going dress shopping. Mamaw says despite their ups and downs, it’s worked out for good, and she loves them both. Jax brings out a box with his dad’s ashes in it, so he can join them. Brittany suggests putting the ashes in something nice, but he says he likes to bring his dad places. I… never mind.
Scheana tells Adam that she’d mentioned her friend Ethan is back in town, and he wants to make her dinner. Adam says he was being honest saying he didn’t care if she dated other people, but he stays at her place all the time. She says she doesn’t want that to change, and he asks if this guy is spending the night. In Scheana’s interview, she says Adam claims he doesn’t care if she dates or hooks up with someone else. Ethan wants to cook her dinner, so she’s calling his bluff. I’m guessing cooking dinner must be a euphemism for dinner and something else. She asks, if she and Adam are going out and having sex, why aren’t they dating? He doesn’t know if he wants to be exclusive, but he doesn’t want her to go out with other guys. So in other words, he has a double-standard. She says she just won’t post anything. Seriously, I’m confused as to what it is they are doing if that’s not dating.
Stassi, Kristen, and Katie wait for Brittany at the bridal shop. Kristen says Brittany is getting married in a castle, and wants the appropriate dress. They decide to each pick one out that they’d like her to try on. Stassi feels like she’s going to be a bridesmaid, but wonders if it’s awkward since Jax is her ex. Kristen thinks she’d make an amazing maid-of-honor because she has OCD obsessive energy that she’s willing to pour into the wedding. In her hope for attention, I guess Kristen is just going to overlook the fact that she and Brittany are not that close. Brittany arrives with all of her female relatives. Stassi says this is going to be the best day ever. There’s a welcome sign and hors d’oeuvres, and the girls have already started drinking. Brittany says she wants a fairytale wedding, In her interview, she says she’s thought about her wedding dress her whole life, and now it’s her turn. She had a My Size Wedding Barbie, and wore the gown all the time. A producer asks who she was marrying, and she doesn’t think anyone. She just got excited about the dress. Mamaw says she was married 54 years, and it seemed like a day. Was he away all the time? Katie thinks Stassi will be next. Sherri says she and Mamaw never gave up on Jax. They were with him the night his dad passed, and he said now he would be the man his dad wanted him to be. After that, they saw a change.
Jax and Jenny go to a tattoo parlor. (Sounds like a children’s book.) They want one of their father’s favorite sayings in his handwriting. Jax asks what Jenny thinks of Brittany’s family, and she says she loves them. He says there are more to come. He asks if she thinks it’s weird their mom isn’t there. Jenny says he has to go with how he feels. In his interview, Jax says he hasn’t talked to his mother since his dad died. Jax says she won’t be at the engagement party, and asks if Jenny is okay with it. Jenny says she didn’t tell them that their dad was in the ICU. In Jax’s interview, he says he can’t forgive his mom for not saying how sick his father was. Jenny says, even if it had just been a body, she would have wanted to say goodbye. Jax wonders if somehow their dad told her not to say anything. Jenny thinks he didn’t want to be a burden, but would have wanted them there. Jax says their dad claimed he would never set foot in a tattoo parlor, and here he is. Yes. Jax brought his ashes along. In Jax’s interview, he thinks he should get an urn, but wants to have his dad around. He says he’s gotten some amazing tattoos, and some not so amazing. Stassi was a bad choice, but Carmen was a terrible choice. The tattoo they’re getting says, make good choices, love you, Dad.
Brittany models a dress while wearing a tiara, Stassi says, the dresses are Disney princess AF. There’s basic Cinderella, sexy Ariel, fun and flirty Elsa. Like a stylish wedding Disney threw up – in the best way possible. In Brittany’s interview, she says she knew best friend Cara was going to be her maid-of-honor before she knew Jax would be her husband. The first dress is her favorite, but she wants try a few more first. She asks for Katie to come back with her. She tells Katie that Cara is going to be her maid-of-honor, but she’d like Katie to be her matron-of-honor. Since these kids are so well read and worldly, Katie isn’t sure what that means; she’s not an old matron. Brittany tries to explain it’s because she’s married, but Katie still seems confused. She wonders if she has to put on a bonnet and churn butter, but if it helps Brittany to have a better wedding, she’ll do it. Honestly, I love this show, but a lot of the cast is vacuous and/or socially inept. No wonder they have the need to band together, and now James and Raquel are wandering aimlessly, like there are no other people in LA to hang out with.
James asks SUR manager Monica where Lisa is. I swear there’s an audible sigh, and she tells him, in the garden. James hunts Lisa down, and says he found her. She says he’s sent twenty-three texts; obsessive much? He says he wants to talk to her about See You Next Tuesday. He has some good ideas, like an astrology laser space party kind of thing. She asks if he’s not understanding that he’s not working there. He says the girls are lazy, and didn’t even show up last Tuesday. She suggests he stop worrying about everyone else, and worry about himself. He whines, and she tells him not to act like a three-year-old. It’s the third time he’s been in this position. Does he think he’s changed? She asks if he’s drinking, and he says, a couple beers isn’t drinking. I’m pretty sure beer has alcohol in it, and that you can get drunk on it too. In Lisa’s interview, she says she made it clear that he has to be 100% sober if he’s going to work there, and he hasn’t proven himself. She tells him, alcoholism runs in families. His mother was honest about that. She notices his attention is wandering, and asks him to focus. He says SUR is his everything. He feels at home there, and grew something from scratch. He guesses this is the last time he’s asking. In James’s interview, he says he can’t believe he’s not being given one more chance. He guesses he needs to prepare for what’s next. Lisa tells him that he’s a person who should never drink again, and could screw up his future, but he’s not doing it there. James bounces.
Stassi, Kristen, Ariana, and Tom have dinner at TomTom. Ariana is glad to be there, enjoying the food and drink, and not tending bar at SUR. Ariana is annoyed about Lisa interrupting an interview by a food blogger. She was talking to Tom about how hard they were working, and Lisa asked if he told the blogger where they just were. She not only suggested they take a trip – we flash back to Lisa saying they’d better do it now, before the real work starts – when they got back, Lisa used it as an opportunity to trash the Toms. Since somehow Ariana wants to make this about herself, she says, in essence, Lisa is saying she’s an idiot to date someone who’s an idiot. In her interview, Ariana says they’ll never be equal to Lisa, no matter what they accomplish, but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be some level of respect. Tom says he and Lisa have never been closer, but he’s still a punching bag, along with Schwartz. Ariana thinks she should talk to Lisa at the engagement party. She’ll be respectful, but tell Lisa that she’s talking sh*t about her partners, when they’re good at what they do. There’s a reason she wanted to work with them; they’re awesome. In Stassi’s interview, she says, confronting Lisa is the worst. She’s done it. We flash back to that, and she says, legit, the idea of confronting Lisa is the best laxative ever. Ariana says, you can’t disagree with Lisa, or you’re on her sh*t list. Kristen nods so hard, her head is going to fall off.
Pup at TomTom! Adam joins them. Ariana says Scheana is on a date, and Adam says that’s what he hears. Ariana says Scheana has asked him five times if he minded, and he said no. He tells her that he doesn’t think he’s ready for commitment. Tom says if Adam needs help, let him know, even though he doesn’t know how he’d help. Adam asks if Tom wants to kill a guy for him, and Tom says, oh, Adam is mad at Ethan now.
Meanwhile at Scheana’s apartment, Ethan cooks. In her interview, Scheana says they met about a year ago, and hooked up once. She says, even though she’s thirty-three, but Botox makes her look twenty-five, so the young guys all want to go out with her. She does a Snapchat update. The girls at TomTom get the post, and Stassi feels uncomfortable. In her interview, she says, it’s awkward AF, and so Scheana, . Getting snaps of Scheana’s new date is enough to make a male model’s head explode. Ethan says it’s been two years since Scheana was married, and she says she’s just been doing her. Ariana tells Adam that Scheana sent a video, and he wants to see it. Scheana asks Ethan if he was ever in threesome. He says, um… what about her? In her interview, she says in her early Hollywood years, she had some fun times. Ethan toasts to the dinner. Scheana tells him that she was never that girl who needed to be married, and wants to be an independent woman. This, coming from the same woman who had her wedding photo blown up to the size of a wall. She asks how long he’s in town, and he says, three and half weeks. She asks if he wants to hook up again, and he says, if it happens, it happens. Tom asks Adam if he’d have a harder time being with her, or watching her go off with someone else. Adam says he tries not to think about it. It sucks and it’s uncomfortable AF. He’ll see how it goes. Tom says they’re definitely screwing. Scheana and Ethen make out on her bed.
Lala meets Lisa at TomTom. Lisa approves of Lala’s outfit, saying last time at SUR, she looked like she was sponsoring a brothel. Lala takes that as a compliment, but Lisa says she’s seeing a mature man, and she wants him to be proud of the way she handles things. She says she let Lala’s last outburst go. She could have raked Lala over the coals, but they’d both been through something tragic. However, it’s not permission to lash out. In her interview, she understands that Lala is having a hard time. The most important thing is for Lala to be proud of herself, and Lisa doesn’t think she would be, considering how she’s been behaving. She sees Lala’s loyalty, and thinks James benefitted from having her on his side. She can point him in the right direction. In Lala’s interview, she thinks she’s capable of offering direction to someone. If her dad was there to give her advice, he would say forgive and let it go, but it’s hard to do. She tells Lisa that she’s feeling sensitive to people today, so she’ll text him. Lisa tells her, grab those big ears, and shake him.
Brittany enthusiastically shows Jax her bridesmaids’ favors, even though he can barely pay attention. She already knows she wants Cara to be her maid-of-honor. She’s even thinking of a dance for the bridesmaids. She wants it all. The girls and one dude arrive at the restaurant. Brittany gets excited all over again greeting them. After they’re seated, she has them open a teeny message in a bottle, and Stassi marvels that Brittany made the tiniest scroll ever. Except maybe for that guy who puts things on the heads of pins. Brittany says, everything is on theme. The scrolls reveal the bridesmaids. In her interview, Brittany says the hardest thing was not knowing who to choose as a bridesmaid, and trying to pick. In Kristen’s interview, she says, clearly, she would be the best choice as maid-of-honor. She asks Brittany who’s walking with who. We don’t get that answer, but Brittany tells everyone that Cara is her maid-of-honor, and Katie is her matron-of-honor. In her interview, Kristen says that she’s jealous, but Cara had a twenty year head start, and Katie is married, so there’s that. Brittany has everyone open a gift box at the same time. Inside, is a rose under a glass dome. Stassi says, it’s just like Beauty and theBeast. In Stassi’s interview, she says, Jax is like the Beast; big, sweaty, and terrible manners. But the Beast loved Belle, and turned into Prince Charming, so you never know.
Lala asks talk to James outside. She wanted check up on him. A lot has come his way, and he crashed hard. She had a conversation with Lisa, and thought she should talk to him. He drifts, and she asks him to pay attention. She says she can’t stop giving a sh*t about someone, and wants to know where his headspace is. James says he’s good. He’s still working on himself. She tells him they can talk about the things she’s done to people, but wants him to know she’s not sitting on her high horse. She asks him again to pay attention, but he says it’s hard to make eye contact with someone he hasn’t spoken to lately. In his interview, he says he misses their friendship, but if he put this Lala next to that one, she’s a completely different person – for the worse. Lala doesn’t want to see him down and out, and getting kicked when he’s not fighting back anymore. He’s not the James she knows. She tells him when he wants to lash out, pick up the phone. James says he’ll probably call his therapist. Lala thinks he seems defeated, and sees him spiraling. She’s speaking from a place she’s been in on her own, and she doesn’t want that to happen to him. If he needs someone who understands, he knows her phone number. In her interview, Lala says he’s not ready to take ownership and accountability, but at some point, he has to own up to his own sh*t, look in the mirror, stop pointing fingers, and listen to her. He thanks her for the chat. In James’s interview, he says even if he wanted the friendship back, Lala isn’t the same, and he doesn’t trust her not to be how she’s been recently. He’s over it. He’s done.
Brittany introduces college friend Lyndi, and says Cara introduced her to Jax. Scheana is busy on her phone, and says Adam hates her, because now is the time to bring up Scheana stuff. Ariana asks how her date went, and after drawing this attention to herself, Scheana says, today is about Brittany. Brittany thought it was okay with Adam if Scheana dated. Scheana says he’s mad. What happened to, don’t ask, don’t tell? I’m double-minded here. She said she wouldn’t post about it, yet still sent the other girls a video, and basically rubbed his nose in it. But he also asked to see it when she sent it to her friends. He didn’t have to look. Either way though, he has every right to be mad. Katie says Adam has feelings for Scheana. Scheana says he hates her now, and he’s her best friend. Stassi says Scheana claims Adam is her best friend, and they’re also having sex. It’s a relationship. Scheana doesn’t want to talk about it. Brittany says her bridesmaid thing is over. Now it’s girl time, because she’s the loveliest human being on earth. Since Jax is a frontrunner in being the worst human being on earth, we’ll see if good ultimately triumphs over evil.
Jax brings future dad-in-law Don dad to TomTom. There are a bunch of brothers, but I only catch the names Wes and Blake. Jax says all he has to do is show up to the wedding, the way it is for most grooms. He thinks it seems like a lot of work. They’re in an open-air section, and Don says it’s a good thing it’s not raining. Wes or Blake says it rains money in LA. Don says it seems like the big rock Jax gave Brittany is important, but what’s important to him is the faithfulness behind it. In Jax’s interview, he says he knew this would happen. Jax admits it’s terrible that it took his dad’s passing for him to figure this sh*t out. Don says he screwed up royally, which didn’t please him at all, and probably no one else was pleased. Jax says he was going through personal issues. Don wants to know Jax is trying, and doing his best. That’s his concern. In his interview, Jax knows he screwed up, but how many times is he going to get the third degree? Jax brings up the bachelor party, and Don says, surely, he’s not invited. Jax says. bad things are going to happen. The brother I think is Wes, says if Jax screws up, they’ll make his life a living hell. Don asks if he got everyone’s blessing. Possibly Wes asks if he’s going to love and cherish Brittany the way they do. In his interview, inching forward in the running for worst human, Jax says he doesn’t know what decade they live in, or maybe it’s how they do things in Kentucky, that you always take care of your spouse. He clearly does not know the meaning of the word spouse either. He asks, what about him? Shouldn’t Brittany love and cherish him? and Wes (I think) says Brittany does love and cherish Jax. Jax says he’s not going anywhere, and maybe Wes says it comes down to how they talk to each other. Jax says it’s hard for him. He needs to have the last word. He says he loves Brittany more than anything, and because we can add stupidest human being on the earth, he adds he has to take care of himself first. He’ll always be number one.
Next time – the finale, and it’s a lot – Schwartz shows Katie a TomTom onesie, Scheana says Adam won’t speak to her, Ariana says she’s talking to Lisa, the engagement party happens, Raquel tells James that he has to change his approach with everyone, Lisa tells Ariana to lighten up, and Adam confronts Scheana.
👑 The Game In a Nutshell…
On Game of Thrones, it was the night before the war, and what might be the last night of anyone’s or everyone’s life. Brienne saved Jaime’s neck by vouching for him, and Dany and Sansa made nice because they both love Jon. Tormund showed up, and made googly eyes at Brienne. Arya saw that the Hound was back, but no more roadshow for them. Arya is all growed up now, and since it might be their last night, wanted to know what it was like – with Gendry. When she started asking him for his sexual history, I was like, is she…? Yes, she was. Tyrion noted the irony that most of them had fought the Starks at one time or another, and now they were defending them. Tormund didn’t understand why Brienne couldn’t be a knight, and Jaime pointed out that you didn’t need a king to knight someone, only another knight. Brienne of Tarth became a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and we all got misty-eyed. Podrick sang a song around the campfire, and Missandei kissed Grey Worm goodbye. Then the hard part. Jon told Dany about his heritage. She acknowledged that if it was true – only his best friend and brother had confirmed it – that he would be heir to the Iron Throne. But before there could be further discussion and reaction, everyone got called off to war. The dead had arrived.
🙇 Best quote: Jaime: Everything I did, I did for my house and my family. I’d do it all again. Bran: The things we do for love.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason tells Sonny, it’s still always an option. Sonny says, even though he got caught again? Jason says, no. Sam is worried that Kristina will come back to the same conclusion, even if he gets rid of Shiloh. Sonny says, she’ll turn it onto herself. He doesn’t want that. Jason says, it’s his call. Sonny doesn’t agree, but Jason says, the longer they wait, the worse this gets. Sam comes in, and Sonny asks if it’s about Kristina. Does Sam want him to back off while she works her con on Shiloh? She does, but that’s not why she’s there. It turns out Shiloh has some influential followers. Sonny says, like who?
Apparently, Willow and Chase have been kissing all weekend, since they’re still at it. She tells him that she doubts Principal Shultz would be thrilled with her making out with her boyfriend there. Chase says detective boyfriend to her. She says she needs to be on her best behavior. She almost got fired. Shiloh would love that, if she crawled back to DOD. Chase says, she would never do that, right? and Willow says, not for any reason.
Alexis arrives at The Floating Rib, and sees Neil, who says he was just leaving. She says, no he isn’t; he just got there. He says he’s making clear boundaries, and she says, who needs boundaries? He tells her they’ll talk at the next session, but she asks if he doesn’t do sessions outside of the office. Why don’t they grab a booth, and he can bill her? He’s not very receptive, and she blurts out, her daughter is in a cult.
Shiloh watches the video of him and Sam. Kristina comes in, and asks what he’s watching.
Maxie tells Peter that her high school crush finally asks her out, and she had to turn him down. Peter asks, why? and she says she’s been excruciatingly obvious. She has feelings for him. For a while, she thought he felt the same way. At their table, Anna says, it’s Peter’s moment, and Finn says, for what? Anna apologizes for ignoring him, and says she and Peter had a real conversation. She thinks he might take her advice. She tells Finn that she’s all his. He nervously drinks some water. There’s something he wants to… Peter tells Maxie that she knows he has feelings for her. She asks, how? and he says he’s told her. She says he hasn’t really, and he says he didn’t think she’d want to hear all that. Maxie says that’s why she’s been spending so much time with him. Peter says he cares for her, so much more than anyone he’s ever cared about before. She asks why he didn’t say so, and he says, why didn’t she? She says he’s the first person she’s felt this way about since Nathan died. She was nervous, and last night, he said they should live their separate lives. He says he thought that’s what she wanted. She asks where that leaves them, and they kiss, practically diving into each other.
Alexis tells Neil that she understands she’s trampled professional boundaries. She should have given him a spoiler alert. She does understand professional distance, but as a mother, she’s freaking out. He says he has a few minutes, and they sit. He tells her, start from the beginning. Alexis says Kristina was born. She was challenging; a lost soul of sorts, drifting. When she found something that spoke to her, a group that did volunteering and self-help, Alexis thought it was great. Then Kristina got more deeply involved, and began to give them more money. They started encouraging her to distance herself from her family. Alexis is worried they’re going to lose her. What should she do? Neil says, nothing.
Maxie says, wow. Finn tells Anna that he was thinking… and sees that she’s mesmerized. She says, she did that. Not to brag, but it’s about time those two had some happiness. Finn agrees, and she says, what was he going to ask her?
Maxie and Peter kiss again. She says, that was nice. He says, really nice, and she says, but that doesn’t answer the question. He says, if she’s ready, he is. He thinks they’d be good together. She says, nowwhat? and he says they could go someplace nice. Maxie says she’s running late, and Lulu comes flying in. She’s glad she caught them. She needed to see them before she leaves Port Charles.
Shiloh tells Kristina that he was reviewing a session. Seeing progress is exhilarating. She tells him, goodnews. She got the money she needs for the Trust. Although she’ll probably be tending bar for the rest of her life. He says, fantastic, and she asks when she gets to meet the others. He says, tonight.
Sonny says Margaux is a member of the DOD cult? Sam doubts she’d call it that, but she’s definitely a follower. Jason says it must have something to do with why she dropped the charges. Shiloh forgave him, and she agreed to drop it. Sam says, Margaux is taking his lead, which explains a lot. Like why her attitude changed. She hated Sam, but now she’s nicer. Sonny says, Margaux has gone through a lot in the last six months. She’s recovering from the ugly truth that her parents weren’t exactly the people she thought they were. Sam says she hasn’t found any concrete evidence yet, but the more time Kristina spends at DOD, the worse it looks. She just wanted to update them. Jason tells her, be careful. She leaves, and Jason tells Sonny that they’re better off eliminating Shiloh now, than dealing with the fallout later.
Lulu tells Maxie and Peter that she’s leaving with Rocco tomorrow. Maxie asks if she’s seeing Dante. She’s heard he was in a secret location, and can’t talk, but Anna is there. Lulu says she doesn’t want to put Anna on the spot, since Anna can’t tell her. And it’s not about Dante. Maybe, in a way. Last year exhausted her; there was so much change. She told herself that she was keeping up, but hasn’t been. She’s been treading water. With the Ryan stuff, Dante gone, then back, then gone again; she needs to reset, and she can’t do that there. Maxie asks how long she’ll be gone, and Lulu says, a week, maybe a month. She’s not putting a timetable on it. She’ll come back when she’s ready. Maxie hates it. She’ll miss Lulu like crazy, but she understands. They hug, and Lulu tells Peter, sorry she’s giving no notice. She’s hoping for a leave of absence. He says he might have to deny her request.
Finn tells Anna that he doesn’t say he loves her enough. She says she loves him too. He’s been thinking about the future. All he sees is her and… Anna says, Robert. Robert sits with them, and says he’s come up with some stuff on Anna’s system.
Alexis says she hopes Neil doesn’t expect her to pay him for that advice. How is doing nothing helpful? He asks how old Kristina is, and Alexis says, twenty-five going on fifteen. He asks if she’s being abused, and Alexis says she isn’t. He says, Kristina is an adult, and can do what she wants. Alexis asks if this is the advice he’d give to someone going to Jonestown, or would he wait until they drank the Kool-Aid? He says he’s worked with families similar situations. The key is to be counter intuitive. Kristina will only resent Alexis more if she sees her as the enemy. Alexis says, and she’ll want to be at DOD even more.
Chase asks if Willow wants to talk about it. He thought everything was fine. She says, it will be. A student’s parents wanted her fired, when she’d thought they were supporting her. He asks what happened, and she says the student is a bright, assertive girl, who was bullying a shy, sensitive boy. She addressed it with the parents, and the stepmother claimed the child did nothing wrong. Her mom and dad were more receptive, and the bullying stopped, but then there was another incident. She caught the same girl copying answers on a test. She went to the parents, and they accused her of being biased. She wants to say, it’s impossible, but the truth is, she doesn’t like the stepmother. She’s a total… difficult. Maybe she jumped to conclusions. It would be totally unfair, and not the kind of teacher or person she wants to be. Chase tells her, it’s possible to recover from inerrant judgement. You have to admit you’re wrong, learn from the experience, and start rebuilding. He says it doesn’t seem so dreadful, but she says it’s not the behavior she wants to model on her job. She wants her students to learn more than reading and math. Fairness, tolerance, and accepting each other’s differences. Chase says it’s cool seeing how passionate she is. Shiloh appears, and says, trust him. She’s always been that way. I call him an a-hole even though he can’t hear me.
Sam sees Kristina reading through the window at DOD, and comes into the house. She asks if Shiloh is there, and Kristina says, he’ll be back soon. He’s taking care of some things for tonight. Sam asks if he’s teaching classes, and Kristina says, it’s a higher level thing. She can’t talk about it. Sam gets it, and tells Kristina that she had a one on one with Shiloh, but it’s not enough. Kristina is glad someone in her family gets it. Sam says Kristina had seemed less than thrilled that she was involved, but Kristina admits she was jealous; a baseline emotion. After tonight, she doesn’t have to worry about her standing in the community. Sam asks, what’s going on tonight?
Robert tells Anna, Boris Makala was an obscure case. It was never digitized, so finding the file took some digging. Anna was the courier. Alex was posing as the girlfriend for a diplomat, and had to be fingerprinted for clearance, so she was in Bern. Anna says Boris lost his life because she froze. Robert says she couldn’t have saved him, but she doesn’t believe it; not then and not now. Alex did her research. She made it sound like she was there. Robert says the DVX gave her the details. He knows Anna will be hard on herself. She says she’s back to square one. She doesn’t know which memories are hers and which are Alex’s. She needs a minute, and steps away from the table.
Maxie asks Peter what’s wrong with him, and Lulu says she needs to regroup. Maxie tells Peter there are statures and laws to protect Lulu, but he says they misunderstood. He wants her to remain on staff. For the last six months, she’s written about the most covered story, and she was personally involved. A lot of people would love to hear about her experience. She asks if he wants a special section in the magazine, but he’s thinking it would make a fascinating book. What better reset than to put it in writing? She says she hasn’t been a reporter that long, but Maxie thinks it’s a great idea. Peter says she can leave it on the page. Lulu says she has a lot to consider, and she has to pack. Maxie says they need a drink. Peter tells them that he’ll get lost, but Lulu’s job is waiting. He hopes she finds the peace she’s looking for. Maxie kisses him, and Lulu is like, wow. Anna watches.
Neil tells Alexis, the key is to plant seeds of doubt, so Kristina will look more critically at DOD. Alexis says that’s a gradual process, and she doesn’t have the luxury of time. Kristina’s father is impatient, and wants to deal with it now, despite any psychological ramifications. Neil asks if Kristina’s father is suggesting kidnapping her.
Shiloh says Willow has a special gift, and calls her Kelly. She says her name is Willow. He pretends he forgot, and says he still thinks of her as Kelly. She’d prefer he not think of her at all. He says, hi, officer, to Chase, and Chase says he’s a detective. Shiloh says if his child is having issues, he suggests bringing them to DOD. They have all kinds of programs, as he’s sure Willow can attest to. Chase says she’s made it clear she doesn’t want to talk to him. He could arrest Shiloh for harassment. Shiloh says he didn’t know her address, and he’s here because he has something that belongs to her.
Sam tells Kristina, it sounds like a big deal. Can Kristina give her a hint? Harmony comes in with Daisy. Kristina introduces herself, saying she’s heard so much about her. Harmony says she’s heard about Kristina too. That’s why she came all this way for tonight. She wonders who Sam is, and Daisy explains she’s Kristina’s sister. Kristina introduces Sam, and Harmony tells her, welcome. She asks Daisy to show her to the attic, so she can get set up for tonight. When they’re gone, Kristina tells Sam that Harmony was one of Shiloh’s first students. Sam says Kristina seems to be a fan, and Kristina says Harmony runs the DOD branch in Beechers Corners.
Jason tells Sonny there might be an investigation or arrests, but they’d have no way to prove anything if Shiloh is gone. Sonny says they need to think about another option before they do something they can’t take back. Why make more trouble for the DA if they don’t have to? Jason says it’s nice having officials in your back pocket, and wonders how long Shiloh’s been pulling her strings. In every town, it’s the same pattern. They’ve influenced the cops, local businesses, and the city council. Sonny says, it’s like taking over a territory. You position everyone to owe you favors. That way, you can run the towns.
Daisy shows Harmony the attic, which looks like a teenager’s room from the 60s. Harmony says, let’s get started.
Alexis says, kidnap is a strong word. Grabbing? Neil says it’s a bad idea, no matter well-intended. Nothing can break the hold on believers. There’s nothing she can do, but there are ways to talk to Kristina; help open her eyes. Alexis tells him, elaborate. She has a lousy track record when it comes to communication with Kristina. He says, don’t disagree. There are subtle ways to get Kristina to see it from the outside. Remind her of the life she had before this. Memories, photos of past events with loved ones. They can talk about the rest in their next session. She thanks him for hearing her out; she appreciates it. He writes on a napkin, and slides it over. She asks, what’s that? and he says, his bill.
Daisy lights candles. Harmony unpacks her bag, and says all they need is Shiloh.
Sam says, so Harmony runs the Beechers Corners branch of DOD, but Kristina says run is the wrong word. It’s more like she represents them. She oversees the classes and outreach. It makes sense, since she had to be in tune with Shiloh to reach that level. Harmony and Daisy come back, and Harmony asks if Kristina will join them in the kitchen. She says she’d like to get to know Sam better, and Sam says she feels the same way. Kristina hopes Sam doesn’t mind, but she has this thing to do. Sam says she loves Kristina. Kristina is glad Sam has an open mind, and loves her too. Sam leaves, and they go into the kitchen. Sam sneaks back in.
Willow says she doesn’t want anything from Shiloh. He says she doesn’t know what he has, and asks Chase for privacy, but Chase says not unless Willow wants him to leave. She wants him to stay, and Shiloh says, very well. He says he was cleaning the attic, and came across this picture of them. He points out how Willow is smiling. She says, pictures can be misleading, but he says, not this one. Look at how happy she was being in the family, and with all the things she trusted him with.
Sonny asks if Jason thinks Shiloh believes his own garbage. Jason says, no; he’s a con. He’s charging for enlightenment, and the higher up you go, the more money he asks for. He’s not getting rich on tuition though, so something else is going on that they’re not seeing; a way to exploit followers and their families.
Sam sneaks up to the attic.
Willow says the place Shiloh is referring to was never her home. He says that’s not what the people she left behind believe. She’s sorely missed. She tells him, please leave, and tries to hand him the photo. He tells her, keep it. Het hopes it inspires her true aptitude. There will always be a place for her at DOD. Perhaps for her students as well. He leaves, and she rips it up. Chase makes sure he’s gone. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she escaped, but he’ll never stop harassing her, now that he knows where she is. He just put on a master class in coercion. What he did when she was part of DOD. There was always free will, or the illusion of it. Shiloh is a master manipulator, who gets people to do whatever he wants, and think it’s their idea.
Peter sees Robert and keeps walking. Robert tells Finn, great. What a joke, forming a relationship with Faison’s son. Finn says they don’t talk about it much. Robert says it’s tough when the past comes back to haunt you. As a civilian, it’s hard to understand. Finn asks if Robert doesn’t have a flight to catch. Robert says if he didn’t trust that Finn has Anna’s best interest at heart, he’d think Finn was trying to get rid of him.
Anna asks if Peter admitted he has feelings for Maxie. He asks her not to say she told him so. She’s just happy that he’s happy, but she thinks she saw it coming when she told him to tell Maxie.
Lulu asks Maxie if she and Peter are officially a thing. Maxie guesses they are, and Lulu says, the kiss looked definite. Maxie says, it’s all new at the moment. She can’t believe Lulu is leaving. Lulu thinks it’s best, and Maxie asks when she’s coming back. Lulu says, soon. If this has shown her anything, it’s that she’s a complete mess if Maxie isn’t in her life. Maxie feels the same way, and they toast to best friends.
Peter tells Anna that he saw her talking to Maxie. Did she tell Maxie the same thing she told him. It’s avery mom thing to do. Anna smiles. He goes back to Maxie and Lulu, and asks if it’s too soon. Lulu says she has to pack. Rocco wants to bring his whole room, and she thinks the negotiations will be noisy. She tells Peter to keep an eye on Maxie or he’ll answer to her. She and Maxie hug.
Anna trusts Robert and Finn are being civil, and Robert says, of course. He’s sorry he couldn’t wrap it up for her, but something significant did come out of it. The memory that was implanted, must be significant enough to Alex that she freed up the file on Boris. Anna says something that carries emotional weight; something Alex doesn’t want to acknowledge to the rest of the world. However it affects Alex’s life, now affects hers.
Willow tells Chase, members are free to leave, but Shiloh convinces them to stay. The entire group bombards them, and most aren’t strong enough. Chase says, most. She got free of him. She tells Chase that she doesn’t think she’ll ever be free of Shiloh or DOD until she rids herself of this, and shows him the tattoo. He asks if it’s from Shiloh, and she says, Shiloh called it a gift, only bestowed those deemed worthy part of special ceremony.
Sonny tells Jason, blackmail his followers. Jason says, think about it. If Sonny offered him $100K to let Kristina go… Sonny says Shiloh would keep charging him. Extortion. Jason says if Sam can get evidence, they might have a chance. Sonny says the DA is a follower, but Jason says the commissioner and the mayor aren’t. There might be a way to get Shiloh legally. The phone rings, and Sonny says, send him in. He says they’ll figure out a different way to help Kristina. There’s a knock at the door, and Sonny thanks him for coming. It’s Neil.
Alexis hopes it’s not too late.
Sam looks in Harmony’s bag, and takes out a tool roll (similar to a jewelry roll), and looks at the instruments. Shiloh comes in downstairs. Sam says, somebody’s getting a tattoo.
Tomorrow, Jordan says that Margaux has closed Ryan’s case, Willow tells Michael that his sister is in more trouble than he knows, and Sonny asks Neil for help in getting his daughter back.
Vanderpump Rules
In Mexico, Scheana and Lala have reserved rooftop time. It’s just them, the pool, and someone to serve them drinks. Lala asks where Kristen was last night. we see clip dancing right now taking selfies. Lala wonders what triggered her on the bus going home, but Scheana doesn’t know. There are times she just hits a breaking In Lala’s interview, she says she’s been anxious her entire life, and sometimes she just gets to a breaking point. Since her dad died, she goes through a list of things her dad won’t be there for, and gets anxious. She tells Scheana that she’s blessed to have them as friends, and Scheana says they’re blessed to have her. They put their heads together as they sit in the pool.
Sitting on their terrace, Stassi says Beau looks sad. He says he’s taking a moment. She says after she has a freakout, she’s always remorseful, but this time, she feels really sad. She doesn’t trust that she won’t get hurt in the long run, or left. Beau says he cried his eyes out. She knows how awful he feels and hates it, but it freaks her the eff out. He shows her the stress hives he’s getting, and says he’s exploding from the stress. In his interview, Beau says Stassi’s freakouts are awful, but 99.9% of the time, they’re good and in love. It’s not ruining their future. He tells her, it’s a process. They’re growing, and he wants to take the steps. He’s being patient because he loves her. He kisses her, and she says she loves him too.
Ariana and the Toms order drinks. Tom tells Ariana about the text from Lisa about the line. He loves she’s never done the velvet rope thing. Ariana says they have one at SUR, but they don’t use it. Schwartz asks if they go through lulls. He makes Katie initiate sex. Ariana says they probably weren’t connecting because he and Tom were involved with the bar. She and Tom have had to make an effort. In his interview, Schwartz says, Katie isn’t needy, but she needs be loved. All that stuff went by the wayside. Schwartz says, every time, once they’re doing it, they say why don’t they do it more often? In his interview, he says he’s going to be Tom Juan, and initiate tonight. He makes a pinky promise with Ariana. She says if he doesn’t follow through, she can cut it off. And she doesn’t mean his pinky.
Pup on the street in a skirt! The staff readies SUR for the evening. Lisa is glad to see Adam there, since so many of them went to Mexico. She asks why he didn’t go, and he says he has bills to pay. She asks if he’s heard from Scheana, and he says, not really. He hasn’t responded or commented on any of her pictures. Lisa says, they’re an item, but Adam tells her not to say that, especially in front of Scheana. He asks if Lisa wants to see a picture Scheana sent, and she says, probably not, but he shows her anyway. It’s the picture of Scheana half-naked with the knife strapped to her leg. He didn’t know what to say, so he didn’t respond. Lisa says, most men would know what to say to that. In Lisa’s interview, she says she would never… well, maybe. She looks down her blouse, and says, it’s there. She wouldn’t let Ken see though. She tells Adam, Scheana hopes for a magical life, and it hasn’t worked out. Welcome to most of our worlds. She says, be kind to her.
Everyone gets ready to go out to eat. The restaurant is beautiful, and they sit at an outside table with an ocean view. Lala starts breathing heavily, and says, here comes the anxiety again. In her interview, she says, anxiety sucks. You don’t know when it’s coming, or what brought it on. You just feel helpless. Brittany holds her hand, and she says, tighter. Stassi asks if she’s okay. Ariana offers to eat everyone’s pickled onions. Ariana points out Kristen is having a nip slip, but she says it’s a bruise; Carter bit her. Tom says, one make-out session, and Ariana and Kristen are friends. Scheana touches Lala’s face. In his interview, Jax says he’s never had friends pat him down. Stassi tells Lala that they’ve done a lot of partying, and she hadn’t been doing that. Lala wants to know if she looks like she’s in a fog. She needs Stassi to judge her. In Stassi’s interview, she says this is borderline uncomfortable, over the top, and dramatic. She tells Lala that she’s fine.
Katie and Schwartz go to the bar, along with Jax and Brittany. Jax asks for the finest ice water they have. In Brittany’s interview, she says she’s lucky to have a fiancé who wants her to be healthy and happy. Ariana, Scheana, and Kristen hang out by the pool. In bed with Beau, Stassi tells him that she loves him more than ranch dressing. Ariana says Lala is in their room.
On the phone with her mother, Lala says her emotions not being managed is torture.
Tom asks Ariana, what happened? and Ariana tells him that Lala had anxiety attack. In Tom’s interview, he says, Lala wanted everybody’s hands on her, like she was being healed at some Baptist church. He’s sure Randal gives her a lot of attention, but he’s not there, so she wants it from everyone else.
Scheana says Lala was very vocal, and complains that everyone has always treated Lala like she can do no wrong. Scheana says she wasn’t the one Lala was making out with last night, but when Lala needs her, she’s there. Kristen says she’s hypersensitive to everyone (referring to herself). If she knows someone is upset, she’ll be up their ass. Scheana thinks Lala is selfish.
Lala takes to the bed and baby bottle.
Katie comes into the room, following a path of rose petals and candy, finding bags of snack foods, more rose petals, and Schwartz on the bed. She asks, what is this? and he says, romance. It’s the ultimate romantic heist. We see a clip of him on the phone, ordering Doritos and beef jerky. In his interview, Schwartz says there are more conventional methods of setting the mood – Viagra, Spanish Fly – but he did something more mature. We see him telling a violinist, the cue will be meow, and stashing her in the shower. He tells us two of Katie’s favorite things are music and junk food. He’s going to steal Katie’s heart. He meows, and the violinist begins to play. In Katie’s interview, she says, it took a minute to understand wtf was going on. She’s touched by Schwartz’s beautiful, sweet, romantic gesture. They thank the musician, and she leaves. In Schwartz’s interview, he says his name is Tom Juan, and he is the world’s greatest lover. He asks if Katie wants to make a baby.
Kristen tries to figure out the hammock. She texts Ariana that she’s effing tired. Still in bed, Tom says Ariana must have left a lasting impression. In her interview, Ariana says the friendship slowly developed over time. It was like a plant. You plant a seed, water it sometimes, you’re not really paying attention, and then you have zucchini.
Scheana asks if Lala is feeling anxious today, but she’s ready to be home. Scheana wonders if she’ll be okay to go to the airport.
Schwartz feels like he has Dorito cologne on. Ariana has a bottle of Tabasco in her purse. In her interview, Kristen says the trip shows how much she’s grown. Sayonara to crazy Kristen, and hellomariposa. Brittany asks about Jax friends list for the engagement party. She reads what she has, and Jax blanks out. In his interview, he says, the engagement party is going to cost more than the wedding. He wants Brittany to be happy, but doesn’t want to be poor. She says she has to ask again; is he calling his mom and inviting her? He says, no; not for this. In his interview, Jax says he feels empty about his mom. They’ve barely spoken since his dad passed. Brittany doesn’t want him to regret any decisions, and says, this is where it gets tricky. James is out, so Raquel is too, but she doesn’t know what to do about Billie. Jax says he doesn’t like some of the things she pulled with some of his friends, so no. Brittany doesn’t want any hiccups.
Everyone heads to LAX.
James and Raquel meet Billie at Vanderpump Dogs. They’re bringing Graham to get cleaned up before his puppy shower. In his interview, James says, we’re havinga pawty – get it? They’re having it catered, and even get a tasting for the puppy hors d’oeuvres. James can’t do it, but Raquel says the icing is good; peanut butter. In his interview, James is hoping they can rekindle some friendships. Everyone in the group can agree on their love for puppies. Billie tells them she’s having a white party at SUR, and is going to ask Lisa if James can DJ. She was okay with the brunch, although there was craziness. James says, Lalawas the craziness. Billie says Lala almost hit her, and Raquel says she thought Lala was going to poke her in the eye. Billie says they want to get James pissed off, so he’ll be fired forever. Raquel agrees, and Billie asks who Lala thinks she is; she’s literally a bully. Billie uses literally as a filler word, and doesn’t realize it makes her sound illiterate. James says Lala will screw over anyone in her path, but she’s going to push it too far. Billie says, she’s the ultimate mean girl.
Back at work, Jax says he hasn’t pooped in four days. Thank you for sharing. Katie says they all have the major sh*ts. An even better picture. Thanks again. Jax wonders why Tom is there. In Tom’s interview, he says he and Lisa never talked about the transition. If he’s on the schedule, he shows up for his shift. He tells Jax that TomTom doesn’t feel the same way. He likes working at SUR.
Schwartz goes to TomTom, and talks with manager Leo. In his interview, Schwartz says he has a new zest and excitement about his career. It’s like he’s having an out of body experience, watching himself work the crowd. He tells Leo that Tom is over at SUR, working.
Raquel sees Brittany at SUR, and invites her and Jax to the puppy shower. She explains she and James want to celebrate Graham joining their family. In Jax’s interview, he says, nothing is going on up there. She knows Jax might not want to come, but hopes he will, or at least Brittany. Jax says everyone in the group is in a great mood, and they’re all getting along. If it was just her, he’d come. Brittany says she’s not comfortable what happened. We flash back to James rapping about Jax screwing Faith. Raquel says, not her too; she’s shocked. She thought at least Brittany would want to go. Jax tells her congratulations on her new dog though. She looks so eager and desperate, it really is sad.
Lisa arrives at Sur, looking fabulous in black and white. Hostess Lala tells her, hello, queen. Lala is wearing a top that’s like a tube top with straps, and Lisa says, it’s not a strip club; it’s a restaurant. She tells Lala to put on a SUR T-Shirt. Lala says this bums her out, but Lisa says it’s not appropriate attire. I could understand this more if they hadn’t had uniform dresses during the first season that barely covered their asses.
Lisa asks Billie how it’s going; she looks like the cat who swallowed the canary. Billie says she’s doing a white party on Saturday, and would like James to DJ. Lisa says she doesn’t know if that’s a good idea, and Billie says Lala acted crazy, and attacked James at the brunch. Lisa says she’s made so many allowances for James already. In her interview, Lisa says she made it clear that if James wanted to work there, he had to be 100% sober, and he’s not. She tells Billie that she’d prefer another DJ. Billie whines that James brings amazing energy. Lala comes out wearing a SUR T-shirt, albeit still showing her midriff. She asks if it’s better, and Lisa says, better. Lala returns to hostessing, and Billie says Lala gets to run around half-naked, and be a bitch, while she’s gone through a lot of sh*t. Lisa tells her to tone it down. Billie says she needs to breathe because she’s effing pissed off. Lisa again tells her to shush. Billie stomps off, and Lisa follows her. She tells Billie not to talk to her like that, using the F-bomb. She’s the decision-maker, not Billie. She can’t swear, storm off, and have a temper tantrum. She’s done nothing but support Billie. Billie tries dragging Lala into it again, but Lisa say she’s dealing with what she’s seeing right now. Billie asks if Lisa wants her to just smile and say yes, and Lisa says, exactly. These people tend to forget they’re at work, and also in front of customers. Lisa tells her, especially when she has this in her hand, indicating the menu. She tells Billie to have manners and close her mouth. She asks if they understand each other. Billie nods her head, and goes back to work
Brittany asks Scheana about Adam. Scheana says he was at the apartment when she got home. He gave her the biggest and longest hug. He got a leg cramp (it wasn’t clear if this was related to the hug), and he had to use her foam roller, so of course she took a video. Brittany tells her that they invited Adam to the engagement party. Scheana asks about Billie, and Brittany says, Jax said no. Scheana says they want people there who make them happy. They don’t want what happened at hers. Brittany asks, what happened? and Scheana says Tom punched Jax. We flash back to that. Scheana hopes that’s the only engagement party Brittany will have, but hopefully she’ll get another.
Beau and Stassi meet Ariana at TomTom.
Billie tells Scheana about Lisa about James not being allowed to DJ. Scheana says she likes James, but she had to learn to separate that from her relationships with these people, if she wanted to be part of the group. She doesn’t want Billie to be excluded, like she is from Brittany and Jax’s engagement party. Jax said she reminded them of James (what? that’s not what I heard). Billie says that’s like high school. So is the entire show, but we’ll let that pass. She did nothing wrong to them. She hopes Scheana stood up for her, since she’s stood up non-stop for Scheana when she was disrespected. Scheana says she’s trying to help Billie. She doesn’t want her to feel like this. Billie wonders who wouldn’t invite someone just because of their association with another person. He’s not her child or brother. He’s a co-worker who she loves and supports. I’m just going to say it. Billie isn’t the brightest bulb in the box, although part of her constant indignation might be to get screen time. Oh never mind. That pretty much covers a lot of the cast.
Billie wants to talk to Brittany. Of course she does. Because you always confront someone about personal stuff when you’re both in the middle of a work day. She tells Brittany that Scheana said they didn’t want to invite her to the engagement party because she was connected with James. Brittany says, it’s not that they don’t want her to come for that reason. When she talked to Jax, he didn’t think she was trustworthy. He didn’t think it was a good idea. In her interview, Brittany says, when it comes to a $75 a plate event, they have to go by who they like. Jax put the ax on it, and he’s her fiancé. She tells Billie that they don’t want fighting. Billie says she and James aren’t a couple, but Brittany says that’s not how it was. Billie says she has love for Brittany, and Brittany says she does for her too. Still not getting it, Billie asks, then why isn’t she included. Brittany says there’s so much tension there already, and there are some people Billie doesn’t get along with. Brittany doesn’t want that with her family coming in. All teary, Billie hugs her. In Brittany’s interview, she says she had to tell Raquel no to her face about not going to her puppy party. Then she had Billie asking why she wasn’t invited to the engagement party. This is the absolute [sic] worst day ever.
Raquel stops by TomTom to invite them to the puppy shower. Stassi asks what that is, and Raquel says it’s like a baby shower. Stassi says that happens before the baby is born. Stassi wonders if she’s serious, and Raquel hands her a flyer that’s actually kind of cute. She says they’ll be playing games like pin the tail on the puppy. In Stassi’s interview, she says she’d rather light one of her arms on fire. No amount of alcohol could make something like a puppy shower fun. Actually, if everyone brought their dogs, it could be a lot of fun. Certainly more fun than a human shower, baby or wedding, which isn’t much, unless it’s yours. Stassi says she’s not going to James’s puppy shower after what happened. In her interview, Raquel says it sucks that James is affecting her relationship with them. She was hoping they could put things aside, and celebrate Graham. Raquel tells Stassi that she understands why James acts this way. Stassi says she sounds like the woman who wanted to marry Charles Manson. Raquel doesn’t know who that is. Maybe there is nothing upstairs. Obviously, she’s way too young to have been around when that happened, but for the love of all that’s holy, it’s not like he hasn’t been in the news in the past couple of years, and there is that Tarantino movie coming out.
Lisa asks what Tom doing at SUR, and he says he was on the schedule. She says he’s got responsibilities at TomTom. He says he likes working at SUR once in a while. In her interview, Lisa says, he needs to be at TomTom.It’s his new baby; he needs to nurture it. She says she’ll make the decision for him. He’s fired. He asks if she’s serious, and she says, 1000%. In Tom’s interview, he says he literally grew up at SUR. When he started, he was a kid. Flashbacks accompany what he’s saying. Then he began dating Ariana. He’s gotten in fights in the back. There was the ambush. He feels like his DNA is in the walls. He’s worked great Prides. Lisa says, gotta keep moving forward.
Tom and Lisa go to TomTom. Tom tells Schwartz that Lisa just fired him. Lisa says, time to give it up. His name is on the outside. She’s been there running things while they were in Mexico, and she sees success. She says he wants to be a partner; part of it. She asks the Toms, what constitutes a partner? They come up with attitude, commitment, and professionalism, but she asks how it starts – with investment. She tells them the checks both bounced. Tom’s went through, but Schwartz’s bounced. Schwartz says that account isn’t active, and she wishes he’d told her before she cashed the check. He says it was just a technicality, and jokes that he still has a little. Lisa asks how she knows he’s good for it, and he suggests a pinky swear. In Lisa’s interview, she says boyish mannerisms can be cute, but when bouncing a check, cuteness doesn’t work. She says she even told him she was putting it in the company account. We flash back, and yes, she did. She tells him that she’ll be back Tuesday. In his interview, Tom says when you’re partnering, and the money doesn’t come through, it’s a bad look.
James listens to his own music in his car outside TomTom. Raquel gets in, and he asks how it went. She says, not that great. She didn’t expect Jax to come, but Brittany said she’s not coming because of James. Stassi too. He asks if she tried to sell the idea to them, and she says she told them everything. He says flyers aren’t cheap, and she says it’s sucky for her. She’s trying make new friendships with these people, but they want nothing to do with her because of him. He says, whoever wants to come, can come, and whoever doesn’t, screw them. He’s over it. It’s their loss. They are now uninvited.
Next time, Jax finds out in therapy that Brittany still doesn’t totally trust him, James discovers he won’t be DJ at the white party, Stassi contacts a spirit, and Schwartz brings Lisa cash.
⌚ I Still Don’t Know Where It Goes…
Like the Ghost of Christmas Present said, and suddenly you’re not there anymore. Or it’s 4 am. I added that last part.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny and Carly visit Lulu. They want to check on Dante and see how he’s settling in. Sonny asks how Dante is doing, and Lulu says, Dante is gone.
Franco sees Doc being led into the courtroom. They look at each other. Doc says, it’s been a while, and Franco says, sure has. Doc is sorry they can’t speak privately, but he regrets what Ryan put Franco through. Franco says if he regrets what other people do, he’ll have a lot of material to work with. Doc should regret what he did to him.
Alexis sees Laura in the hospital waiting area. She has the papers. Laura’s marriage to Doc is dissolved as soon as she’s ready to sign.
Nina asks what Maxie and Peter are up to. Maxie says they ran a DNA test on her and Sasha. Nina asks why? and Maxie says they wanted to be sure Sasha was really her daughter. Nina says, she is, and tells Maxie to open it, so they can see the results. Valentin frowns. Sasha looks nervous.
Sonny asks where Dante went, and Lulu tells him, he didn’t say. Carly asks, what’s going on? and Lulu says Dante told her that he needed go away, but didn’t know for how long. He needs to fix himself. Sonny asks what he meant, but Lulu doesn’t know. Whatever happened when he was undercover, he feels like he’s no longer in control, and could be dangerous somehow. Sonny says Dante seemed wound up, but he didn’t notice anything. Then again, they were always in the middle of something dangerous in Turkey. When they came back, he noticed something was bothering Dante, but he thought Dante was adjusting. Lulu says, that’s what she thought, then suddenly he was talking about leaving. Carly says she’s sorry. Lulu says, when she saw him, it was like waking up from a nightmare. He was home, and they could put all the bad behind them. She should have known better, and feels stupid, thinking they could pick up their lives like nothing happened. Rocco comes out, and asks if Lulu is mad. He thought she’d said everything was okay.
Valentin tells Maxie and Peter that it’s an exercise in futility, proving what’s already been proven. They have the results. Does it prove otherwise? Maxie says, the test shows that Sasha really is Nina’s daughter.
Doc tells Franco that he’s sorry. He understands Franco feels betrayed. Franco says that’s because Doc betrayed him. He has something to say without steel bars between them. He trusted Doc. He knew Doc wasn’t a friend, but least thought Doc was a concerned party, and thought Doc was looking out for him. Instead, it was a way to help his crazy brother. He neglected to say he was hiding his serial killer brother, who framed Franco for his crimes. He murdered Kiki, and enjoyed it, bastard that he was. Franco says he’s done with Doc, and therapy. And even if he’s not done with therapy, he’s done with Doc. Doc should never try to help anyone again. Franco leaves, and Elizabeth says she’s sorry that happened. Doc tells her, don’t be. He’s alone in this, and has no one to blame but himself. Lucy joins them, and says he’s not alone.
Alexis tells Laura the original divorce is null and void, since Doc’s signature was forged, and she signed under duress. She says divorce is no-fault in their state; both parties leave with what they came in with. Is she okay? Laura says she is, and sits. Alexis asks if she’s having second thoughts. Laura doesn’t know if she can trust again. Doc withheld something for months, and it had devastating consequences. Peopledied. She doesn’t know how to reconcile that with the fact that she still loves him.
Doc asks what Lucy is doing there, and she says he’s her best friend. Where else would she be? He says, no one else came. He’s surprised she doesn’t hate him too. She says harboring and treating Ryan in secret wasn’t his finest moment, but she never thought of friendship as fair weather. If that was the case, she wouldn’t have any friends. She wasn’t as involved in the Ryan situation, but knows from experience, that sometimes you can make the worst decisions based on the best intentions. She thinks maybe that should be the title of her memoir. She’s not turning her back on him, now or ever. He thanks her, and she says he didn’t make it easy. She called everyone, and none of them were representing him. He says finding a lawyer was tougher than he anticipated. No one wanted to touch his case, so he brought in a lawyer from out of state. Lucy says, they better be good. He says he hears they’re one of the best. Nora Buchannan comes in, and introduces herself.
Rocco says Lulu told him that dad was home, and everything would be okay. Lulu says he has every right to feel scared, hurt, or anything else he’s feeling. Rocco wants his dad back. Sonny says he’s sorry Rocco’s dad isn’t there, but does Rocco want to show him some skills with the gaming system Sonny got him for Christmas? He and Rocco leave the room, and Carly and Lulu go into the kitchen. Carly asks what Lulu needs, but Lulu says she’s fine. Carly says she’s not fine. She knows Lulu is holding it together. Lulu says she’s not falling apart. She didn’t the first time, and won’t now. The silver lining is that she and her mom can be there for each other. Her husband is gone for she doesn’t know how long, and her mother barely recognizes hers.
Laura tells Alexis the fact is, Doc was treating his brother in secret for so long. He knew he was doing something wrong, but she wants to know what he thought permitted him to do that. She wants to understand. Alexis says she’s not in a position to judge Laura. Her marriage to Julian, and it’s downfall, is well-documented. Laura guesses there are parallels. Alexis says Julian withheld that his sister was alive, and hurt a lot of people, including her. Laura asks if Alexis was able to forgive Julian, but Alexis says, no, she wasn’t.
Doc tells Nora, pardon the cuffs, but she says she’s used to it. He asks how her trip was, and she tells him that she’s here to provide a service for him; his concern for her has to take a backseat. She tells the guard she wants to speak to her client in private, and he lets them into the empty courtroom. Lucy follows them. Doc says his colleagues speak highly of Nora, and Lucy says she knew that she recognized Nora. She’s the one who was on TV, defending that whack job, Olivia Jerome. Nora says that was her, and everyone deserves a defense. Lucy hopes she was well paid.
Valentin asks why anybody is surprised. He had two separate DNA tests done by Curtis, using two different independent labs. Did they think he wasn’t going to make sure the results were irrefutable before he brought them to Nina? Nina asks what they were thinking, and Maxie says she owes Nina an apology. Nina says she owes Sasha one too, but Sasha says they were just looking out for Nina. Nina asks why they questioned the original test results, and Peter says, because the found out Obrecht was holding something over Valentin.
Peter says Valentin intervened when he wanted to press charges against Obrecht. Valentin says he did it for James, and to keep their family intact. Peter says he did it because of Maxie. Valentin wonders how this also raised the possibility that he’d produced a fake daughter. Maxie says they didn’t want to see Nina hurt. Nina says she is – by Maxie. Peter says the test didn’t tell them what they already didn’t know, but Nina says it told her that Maxie went behind her back to order a test Nina didn’t ask for or want. Does Maxie think she can’t make her own judgments? Can’t she be happy? Does Maxie have to be the one to decide if she’s happy, or her daughter is real? Maxie says she’s so sorry, and wants to make it up to Nina. What does she need? Nina says she needs space, and leaves. On the side, Sasha asks if Valentin wants to tell her what all that was about.
Lucy tells Nora that she didn’t mean to sound judgmental. Everyone deserves a defense. She introduces herself, and Nora says she makes a valid point. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In Doc’s case, he was trying to do good, and it backfired, but he has the benefit of not being present during Ryan’s reign of terror. A lack of intent on his part can be clearly seen. Margaux comes in, and she and Nora introduce themselves. Margaux says she should have realized that the case was high profile enough to draw a high profile attorney. She asks where Nora is from, and Nora says Llanview; it’s near Philadelphia. Margaux says she’s always been a Pine Valley person herself. (Ha-ha-ha! Not only a nod to All My Children, but Elizabeth Henderickson, aka Margaux, used to be on AMC.) Margaux steps away, and Doc tells Nora that he thinks she’s misunderstanding. He retained her in the hope of negotiating a more lenient sentence. He’s pleading guilty,
Sonny says Rocco is way too good at this game, and asks if he’s not a challenge. Rocco says the game is fine. Sonny asks if he misses his dad. Rocco nods, and Sonny says, so does he. He wishes he’d had the chance to say goodbye. Rocco says if he had, maybe his dad would have stayed, but Sonny says, no. His dad left because it was the best thing for him to keep them safe. He had to get help, so he can be a better father to Rocco and Charlotte, and a better husband to their mom. Rocco wishes his dad was better now. Sonny says his dad would want someone to take care of Rocco’s mom. Does he think he can handle that while his dad is gone? Rocco smiles and nods, and Sonny says he’ll back him up.
Carly tells Lulu that Doc is partly to blame, but Lulu says when she was doing research, she discovered that Ryan was a master manipulator. No doubt he worked Doc the same way he worked all of them. They can point fingers, but at the end of the day, the only one who’s a guilty party is Ryan Chamberlain himself.
Lucy tells Doc, absolutely not. Doc says he hid the truth, and had Ryan secretly committed under an alias in the hopes of rehabilitating him, and people died. Lulu nearly died. He has to take responsibility for his actions. Nora says, his actions, but not Ryan’s. There are loopholes they can exploit, and she’s confident she can get the sentence reduced. If he pleads guilty, he’s at the mercy of the court. It won’t bring back one person. The bailiff calls the court to order. Nora asks for a brief continuance, but the judge says, it’san arraignment, not a trial. She asks if the DA is ready, and Margaux says, yes. The judge says, The State of New York versus Kevin Collins. The charges are obstruction of justice, and aiding and abetting a known fugitive. Does he understand? He does, and she asks how he pleads.
Elizabeth suggests she and Franco go home, but he wants to punch a wall. She knows he feels awful. He says he’s used to that, but he feels like a fool. Doc tricked him into telling his secrets, and he was an unwitting accomplice to him rehabilitating his brother. Elizabeth says Doc did do Franco some good. Franco asks if she’s defending that bastard. Seriously?
The judge asks Doc for his plea again, and he says, not guilty. Nora requests that her client be released on bail. The judge asks if the state objects, and Margaux says, it most certainly does. Nora says he’s not a danger to anyone, but Margaux says he was able to keep a fugitive hidden. He has the means and persuasive skills to flee the jurisdiction. Nora says he’s freely cooperated with law enforcement. Sitting behind them, Lucy wiggles around, waving her hand like she knows the answer to the teacher’s question. She asks if she can say something, and Nora asks if she can have a character witness before the bail decision. The judge allows it, and Lucy comes forward.
Lucy says she’s the former CEO of Coco Cosmetics, and is now a real estate agent. She babbles about the Nurses’ Ball, and says she just wrote a book about Port Charles. She can get the judge a copy. Nora coughs, and Lucy says what she needs to tell her honorship, is that she’s known Doc well for a long time. She was married to him twice. He’s goodness and graciousness personified. If you fall down, he picks you up, and gives a supportive ear to anyone who needs it. In context, he never runs, and is a champion for what is right. He understands this is serious, and he’s not going anywhere. He’s going to stand and fight. He’s not a flight risk, but if it eases her honorship’s worries, Lucy would be happy take him into her own custody. The judge tells Doc to surrender his passport, and sets bail at $150K. Margaux says she’ll see them in court. Nora and Doc high five.
Alexis tells Laura that Doc and Julian aren’t cut from the same cloth. Doc is kind and decent by nature, and Julian is Julian. Laura doesn’t know what to do, but Alexis says, there’s no timetable to mending a broken heart or signing the documents. She tells Laura to take her time. It will be fine whether she signs or nor. No worries. Laura thanks her. Alexis starts to go, but Laura’s phone dings, and she asks Alexis to wait. There’s something else she’d like help with.
Sasha tells Valentin that he should have explained things to her, but he says the result would have been more questions. He asks her to excuse him, and leaves.
Peter asks Maxie if she’s okay; Nina was tough on her. She doesn’t blame Nina. If the positions were reversed, she’d feel the same way. She says it’s still important to know the truth, and can’t say she’d do it different. She thanks him for his help. He says they made a good team; wrong conclusions aside. She says they did, and he guesses it’s over now. They’ll back to their own lives. She says he’s right. She’ll see him around. He starts to follow her, but then stops. She goes into the elevator.
Nina ponders in her office. Valentin comes in, and asks if she wants space from him too. She wants to ask him something, and he says, ask away. She says Peter said Obrecht was blackmailing him. He asks what does she think? and Nina says he’s been treating her differently. He let her crash their engagement celebration. She thought he was making an effort, but is Obrecht holding something over him? He says, yeah.
Elizabeth tells Franco, she’s not defending Doc, but what he did doesn’t negate their work. He can be mad – she is – but don’t throw away the progress he and Doc made together.
Nora says it could have gone either way. Lucy thinks her wonderful testimony had everything to do with it. Doc says she’s a good friend. She means world to him, standing by him. Lucy says she has some arrangements to take care of, and steps away. Nora thanks Doc for taking her advice. Falling on his sword wouldn’t do anyone any good. He says a lot of people suffered, and he thought it would bring closure, especially to his wife. Nora says, but he chose to fight. Despite his martyr act, he knows he doesn’t belong in prison. She asks if she’s still on retainer. He says she is, and she says she has to settle the bail. The bailiff says it’s been paid. Doc looks at Lucy on the phone.
Carly tells Lulu to call if she needs support. Lulu says Dante didn’t leave on a business trip, and she has no idea if he’ll come back. Carly understands, but thinks he left to keep them safe, and thinks he’ll be back. Lulu says he told her not wait. She said she’d wait forever, but the fact that he said that… Carly is so sorry. Sonny comes out, and says Rocco is tired of beating him. He’s ready to go to sleep. Carly says they can stay, but Lulu thinks Rocco has the right idea. Enough for today. Sonny says she can count on them, and they leave. Lulu tells Rocco it’s past his bedtime. Rocco knows he’s not a baby, but she can tuck him in, right? She says, of course; she’ll be right up. When he’s gone, she sits on the steps, and tries not to cry.
Nina asks Valentin what he did. He says he doesn’t know how Obrecht got the information, but she knows Nina was the one who injected Cassandra with a fatal dose of opioids. Nina asks how she knows, but he says, it doesn’t matter. She says, it does. She had Obrecht’s back when she kidnapped Peter, and set fire to the stables. She had Obrecht’s back the entire time, and now she’s using something Nina did to blackmail him? Why? He can’t answer that, but Nina says she will, and starts to walk out. He says, don’t.
Valentin tells Nina that he thinks Obrecht may be bluffing. She hasn’t asked for anything else since she got the job. She got what she wants. She loves James, in her weird way cares about Nina, and right now there’s peace between them. Nina says, let sleeping dogs lie? He says, right. There’s no telling what Obrecht will do if cornered. He’ll be keeping an eye on her. He’s sorry. Nina tells him, stop protecting her, and he says, as if that would happen. She doesn’t like that he did this, but it makes her love him even more. She kisses him.
Sasha orders a vodka on the rocks, and wonders what Valentin did. Peter approaches her, and apologizes. He says they didn’t mean to imply she’s a con artist. She knows they’re trying to protect Nina, and she’s grateful. Nina is an incredible woman. Peter tells the bartender to put it on his tab. It’s the least he can do. He says he’ll see her around. She sips her drink, and tells the bartender that she’s going to need another.
There’s a knock on Lulu’s door. It’s Maxie, who says, that settles it. She was wondering if she was spending too much time with Peter. She looks at Lulu, and asks, what’s going on? Lulu falls into her arms, crying.
Carly tells Sonny that she didn’t want to say anything in front of Lulu, but she and Jason saw Dante earlier at the MetroCourt. A waitress dropped tray, and he freaked. She’s no expert, but it looked like PTSD. Sonny isn’t surprised. He had a sense Dante was struggling. He wishes Dante had come to him, but he’s doing what has to, to protect his family. He can’t say he’d do different. Carly says, in some ways, they’re nothing alike, but in others, they’re the same. Does he think Dante will find his way back home? Sonny says, he’s too much like his dad not to.
On the phone, Lucy says, fantastic. It’s a win-win. Ta! She tells Doc, it’s all settled. Doc thanks her, and she says, for what? He says she posted his bail, but he’ll pay her back. She says she didn’t. Her book is doing well, but she hasn’t made that much. As much as she’d love to be his angel, she didn’t post bail. He says, if it wasn’t her, who did?
Laura thanks Alexis for helping her with the transaction. We see the bail receipt on her phone.
Todd thanks Elizabeth for putting his head back on straight. She asks if he still wants to punch a wall, but he thinks he wants to go home instead. Alexis sees them, and says she was going to call. Franco says, this can’t be good. She says it concerns them and Laura. She needs them back for a meeting on the tenth floor. Laura says, everyone? She says, it’s a long list.It’s about Gail’s bequest to the hospital. Her final instructions will be announced then.
Tomorrow, Epiphany tells Elizabeth that they’re a team, Bonnie tells Felicia that she was expecting her, and Lucy tells Doc this is where he’s meant to be.
Vanderpump Rules
We backtrack a little. Schwartz says, so much for vacation sex, and Katie says he sounds like a d-bag. In the next room, Tom tells Ariana, it sounds like vintage Schwartz and Katie. Katie curls up on the bed. Schwartz tells her that she’s a naturally contentious person; just say she’s upset. She does deserve love. She says she’s felt left out of his life, and he wishes she’d just said that and not been aggressive. He doesn’t care about first class, and she says she doesn’t either. He gets it. It’s not about the seat on the plane; it’s about their relationship. In his interview, he says if he’s learned anything, it’s don’t take the upper hand. He spoons her, and they apologize. He says she’s important to him, and she says he’s got to let her know that.
Back at SUR, candles are lit, and Lisa arranges flowers. Puffy! Chef Joe comes out, and says he’ll make her a special dinner. Her phone rings. It’s Tom, who tells her that they just got to the hotel, and it’s spectacular. She tells him, have a laugh and have fun. When they get back is when the work is going to start. In Lisa’s interview, she says she appreciates his interest, but he needs to relax, and let her fine tune everything. She’s got this. She tells him to take one of Kristen’s chill pills. He says if she has any, she doesn’t take them. Lisa says she’ll text him every hour. He says, every seven minutes, and she says, goodbye.
Kristen insists this will be a freak-out free vacation. Rooming alone might be the key.
Stassi says it’s the first trip where she’s had a boyfriend along who wanted to come. Scheana and Lala get ready to go out. Scheana asks if Lala is drinking tonight. In her interview, Lala says, after losing her dad, she was a hot mess. Her mind is in a more positive space now, and she feels she can have a few drinks. She wants to celebrate. Scheana says, you do you, and Lala says, exactly right.
The group gathers for dinner at a table on the sand. Brittany tells Jax that she feels fine, even though technically, she’s not supposed to be drinking at all. He doesn’t want her to, but he’s not telling her what to do. She’s a big girl. Stassi says tonight, the girls are skinny dipping. Tom makes a toast. He appreciates their support, while he and Schwartz went through the creation of TomTom. He’s arranged for them to have ATVs tomorrow. They’ll end up at a nice waterfall. Kristen wants to make a speech, and says she’s not throwing a drink on anyone tonight. We flash back to her dousing James. She thinks the best thing to do is drink, but not get hammered. Then you don’t fight with people. Stassi whispers to Beau, if they get married, Kristen is not giving a speech. In her interview, Stassi says, Kristen giving a speech on moderation, is like Scheana giving a seminar on how to be single and not need a man. Stassi talks about other vacations, and last year’s pillowgate. We flash back to that. Jax says he still believes what he said, and explains how the pillows were wedged. Stassi says somebody probably wanted to sit there, not have sex, and he says that’s her opinion. In Scheana’s interview, she says if Kristen was hearing this, she’d probably break Jax’s nose, and toss him in the ocean. Britanny says, no way does he believe that, but he says, on his father. The food comes. I look at my bowl of chicken soup, and sigh.
Tom asks if Schwartz and Kate are good. He and Ariana heard them arguing. Geez, does no one have a filter or even just a sense of appropriate timing anymore? Schwartz admits he checked out of the relationship while they were putting TomTom together, but wishes she’d have come to him instead of doing the passive/aggressive thing. Lala says, you can’t change the way a person is. Ariana asks if Lala wants grab a drink at the bar. In Ariana’s interview, she says Lala has been lashing out since her dad died. She understands, but it’s not okay to hurt others because you’re hurt.
Ariana tells Lala that she’s worried Lala’s aggressiveness is going to reflect on her, and the customers will see. She could lose her job. Lala says she can’t have people saying she’s using her dad as an excuse without seeing red. Ariana says she told Billie that she looked boring, after all Billie has been through. Lala says she’s not going to take someone being a bitch to her without being one herself. She’s not sorry. In Lala’s interview, she says you’d think Ariana would understand the most about what she’s going through. Her family has one less family member, and they liked that family member a lot. Ariana tells her some of the things she says are low blows, but Lala says, they low blowed her. Ariana says, the year her dad passed away, was when Kristen said Tom had cheated with her. We flash back to a million years ago. She says she had people calling her a homewrecker, but she held her sh*t together so hard. Lala says, that’s not fine. Ariana can’t expect for her to not rip people’s heads off when they come at her. If they had been friends back then, she’d have ripped heads off for Ariana. There’s not a right or wrong way to grieve. Ariana suggests, if Lala is seeing red, and they’re in the same room, to seek Ariana out and alert her. Lala agrees, and in her interview, Ariana is cautiously optimistic.
Brittany says, let’s go party! In their taxi, or limo, or whatever it is, Stassi asks, who’s going to the beach? and Tom says, whoever isn’t going, can come to his room and party. Back at the hotel, they all get together before splitting up. Jax holds up a pair of flippers, and tells Tom that he doesn’t need them; they’re $500. Katie finds out that Stassi went back to her room because she was tired, and says, beingtired so three hours ago. In their room, Beau says he thought Stassi was skinny-dipping with the girls. She should have fun. In her interview, Stassi says, even though it was her idea, she wants to skip it, and go to bed. Mr. FOMO wants stay and party. They’re having the same fight they has before. We flash to Stassi’s birthday. Katie calls Stassi, who’s changed her mind. She’s at the elevator. Beau says she’s making it big, and it shouldn’t be. They join the others. Stassi and Beau kiss.
Schwartz asks Beau if everything is okay, and he says Stassi was just drunk and being a brat. Tom says, just go have fun. They’re on vacation. Beau and Schwartz hug. Schwartz says that Jax once told him Stassi admitted to being the devil. We flash back to that. In Jax’s interview, he says Stasi needs to have control. When she doesn’t, she goes crazy. In Tom’s interview, he says, FOMO… an insatiable longing to be everywhere with everyone, having all the fun. We go back to Jax, who says …alienation, disappointment, anxiety. Tequila can help... Tom says, tequila’s not for everyone. He lists some bad decisions that can be made after drinking tequila, and we see clips of him making them. Ask your bartender if tequila is right for you. FOMO hurts. Tequila can help.
At the beach, Stassi says everyone needs a partner. Ariana sits on the sidelines. She’s down with getting naked, and down with the ocean, but she’s not down with being naked in the ocean. I’m not sure why she thinks being in a swimsuit would make you less vulnerable, but okay. In her interview, Kristen says she’s clumsy all the time. She’s like a baby giraffe. Inanimate objects make her fall, and waves move. In his room, Tom farts on the other guys. Vacation excitement abounds.
In Stassi’s interview, she says she doesn’t know why it happens, but sometimes she turns when she’s drinking too much. She’s not self-aware enough to pull herself out, and gets stuck in the upside down. She tells Beau that she wants to sleep with him, and adds that she’s been the least drunken brat ever. Progress.
The next day, the group goes to get the ATVs. Tom calls himself the Mad Max of Mexico. They put on hardhats, split up into three groups, and drive off. They drive through a gate, and Schwartz says they’re going to Jurassic Park. Not really, but there are cows and donkeys. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he and Katie have no lingering resentment; it’s refreshing. He thinks vacation sex is back on. They get to Rancho Something-or-Other, and it’s gorgeous. They climb around near a waterfall, and some of them go into the water, and I’m jealous AF. Scheana wanted to send a butt picture – I assume to Adam – and Tom came up with the idea of a Lara Croft pose. Although I don’t see Lara Croft as posing for a butt pic. Kristen tells Stassi that she, Katie, and Schwartz were terrorists this time, and she doesn’t forecast a meltdown. In her interview, she learns to say, I’m a butterfly in Spanish. Jax is by himself in the water, and Stassi asks if he’s sulking. He looks like a sulking mermaid. He says he has something to tell her. He still has feelings for her. She tells him that he’s lame, and he starts laughing. He thinks she should cut Beau some slack. Her other boyfriends deserved it, but not him. He has a man crush on Beau, and tells her to pick and choose her battles. Stassi says that’s the best advice he’s given her. In her interview, she says after ten years of being a caveman on spring break, now Jax is waxing poetic. She hates saying it, but he’s not wrong.
The girls get together, and Lala passes out baby bottles, with God only knows what in them. Kristen’s has a giraffe on it. Scheana tells Kristen that Jax brought up last year, and still believes Kristen and James hooked up. He was going on about the pillows. Kristen thanks Scheana for telling her. In Scheana’s interview, she says now that she’s friends again with the girls, she knows what they like. Kristen likes to know if anyone is gossiping behind her back. She needs to know the time and place, or she’ll freak out. Lala says she would flip her sh*t. Scheana says Kristen is doing better on this trip. Kristen says she’s not speaking of this person. Lala tells her, clearly, something is being said, and it’s not okay.
At TomTom, Lisa instructs Chef Bryan on one of the dishes. In her interview, she says, vision has to come from passion, especially with the menu. She’ll put on an apron if it’s needed, or if flower arrangements are needed, she does it, or put on a hardhat. If the toilet needs to be cleaned though, she gets Tom to do it.
The group goes to dance club Zoo, which, as you might think, has an animal theme. It looks pretty cool, and they wear light up crowns. In her interview, Lala says, she has no regrets. She either doesn’t drink at all or gets drunk. Tonight, she’s getting effed up. Jax dances in a cage. Kristen says can barely hear herself think, and needs to squash things with Jax now. If she keeps drinking, she’ll lose her sh*t. They go outside, and she says she was told he was talking sh*t about her. He says, who cares? and she says she does. Not too self-centered of a response. That reminds me of when I lived in an apartment, and my male neighbor knocked on the door. I said it wasn’t the time, since I was in my bathrobe, and he said he didn’t care. Um… I did. Jax says if he roles were reversed, he’d be okay with it. Kristen says she didn’t do all that. She made a couple of stupid mistakes. Everyone gets second chances, so why does she keep suffering? In Kristen’s interview, she says the guys have effed up more than everyone – we flash back to too many instances to count = but somehow they get more sympathy. Himpathy. She tells Jax that it’s like he thinks she’s not any different than she used to b. He says he thought maybe she wasn’t happy in her relationship. He wasn’t, and that’s what he did. Omg. I hope Jax sticks with the therapy for Brittany’s sake. He’s obviously still pretty self-centered. In her interview, Kristen says she’s tired of everyone looking at her like crazy Kristen, when she’s worked hard enough to make her just Kristen.
Scheana made a joke to Adam, and she’s annoyed AF that he’s not responding. She looked hot in the photo, and she’s not sending them if he’s not going to tell her that. In her interview, Lala says, when they were in Mexico last year, James was at the DJ booth. He’s not there, and it’s time for people to hear good music. She gets up there, and the others go on a balcony to dance. Except for Stassi, who’s wearing Spanx under a minidress. Beau keeps pushing her to go, and she tells him to stop. In his interview, Beau says they’re in Mexico to have fun. Don’t just sit there. It’s the whole point of vacation. She tells him that he’s taking the fun out of it for her. She has to pull herself out of a bad mood. In his interview, Beau says everything will be great, then she suddenly does a 180.
Things are rocking at TomTom. The bartender took a picture of the line outside, and sends it to Lisa, who sends it to the Toms. Lala dances in a cage. Schwartz shows Tom the picture. In his interview, Schwartz says they built it, and they have come, and they’re not even there to see it. Tom tells everyone about the line. In Tom’s interview, he says they’ve been open for a few days, and it’s going well, but tonight it’s not just well – it’s a hit. He says, let’s effing party, and they clink glasses.
Two hours later, Ariana is on the floor, swimming. She says Lala has her phone. She’s ham sandwiched. In her interview, she says tonight is a blur. She remembers bits and pieces. Lots of tequila, a dance off with a gorilla, Lala’s ass everywhere. Was Jax riding a donkey? (Looks that way.) Lots of kissing. She thinks she kissed Kristen, and definitely kissed Stassi. She doesn’t remember much after that. Somehow she made it back to the hotel, but has no idea how she got there.
Stassi needs hangover patch. Beau says he’s good. She says everything about Beau’s energy is moody knows he wants to be out drinking with the guys. In her interview, she says, it’s like he’s her prisoner, and she wants him to want to be her prisoner. Beau says she wanted him to be with her, and put his heart with her friends and job, and he did that. He feels battered. Stassi asks if he felt like that tonight. He says, and last night, and every time they’re like this with her friends. Stassi says, every time? That’s unfair. At 3 am, he just wants go out, and not be with her, when she wants to go to the room. She doesn’t want to be with someone who still wants to party at 3 am. In her interview, Stassi says a normal, well-adjusted boyfriend isn’t going to want to stay out until 5 am, sh*tfaced. She doesn’t want him to feel like she’s making him do things he doesn’t want to do. They have everything going for them, and this little thing could be explosive. Where they’re so different, it’s scary, and she’s not going to sleep alone.
Beau says for the first time, he knows he’s put all of his heart and effort into a relationship. He’s solid gold with her. I’m not sure what that means, but I do think he’s good to her and for her, and I’m always terrified they’re going to break up. Because I have no life. In his interview, Beau says they have the same fight over and over and over again. It’s massively frustrating to be treated like he’s going to cheat, when nothing happened. He says she’s his heart and future. Don’t treat him like that. He’s not Patrick. He gets weepy.
In her interview, Lala says she struggled with anxiety in the van on the way home. She had a panic attack. We see a clip of that. Once she got back, she was fine. There was more alcohol, so that helped. In Tom’s interview, he says for most people, it would ruin their night, but Lala puked it out and she’s rallying. The girls go in the hot tub, once again with Ariana – still wearing her crown – on the sidelines. Katie tells Tom and Schwartz to bring them something good. Ariana says a million people are going through what they’re going through. Tom drops a couple of glasses, and says, rookiemistake. Schwartz says he expected more from him. Ariana tells the girls, let those people go through their journey. In Schwartz’s interview, he says drunk Ariana is amazing. He rarely sees this side of her. He has no idea what she’s talking about. Ariana says, each person has their own timeline. Schwartz says, it’s like she invented her own drunken language. He tells Tom that he’s becoming desensitized to boobs.
Stassi tells Beau that she’s seen family members divorce, including her parents. Everyone screwed each other over, and she can’t handle being screwed over again. She repeats, I can’t, like, ten times. He asks if he’s showed her anything, and she says, it’s not about that. In her interview, Stassi says there were warning signs in the past. She saw Patrick only once a week, and Jax was DM-ing chicks. If she’d been more aware, she might have saved herself from getting hurt so much. Beau says she’s putting dark sh*t on him, and he doesn’t deserve it. In Stassi’s interview, she says, just because you’re with someone who you know won’t hurt you, doesn’t mean the past things don’t count. Beau says if she can’t figure out her sh*t… How can they have future if she doesn’t trust him?
Next time, Schwartz gets romantic, Raquel has a puppy shower for her dog, Lisa tells Billie to have some manners, and Billie stomps off, proving Lisa’s point.
🍸 Instead of the usual Watch What Happens Live – which is on hiatus until next week – tonight we got treated to The Best of Vandepump Rules. Which was basically a bunch of clips from when various cast members were on the show, plus some added clips from the after-show. No surprise, I loved seeing Lisa. Giggy! When a viewer asked if there’s drug testing for employment at SUR, she said, yes, and if they don’t have any, we give them some. I literally lol’d.
🙅 Maybe It Was Me…
I was tired, and forgot to mention it last night, but I kind of thought the Walking Dead episode prior to the finale was more finale worthy. It was shocking, and gruesome. Somewhere between the Game of Thronesepisode when Ned Stark got his head lopped off, and the Red Wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. What’s not to love about zombies popping out of the snow? And Negan starting to become an antihero is intriguing, but the tail end with Alpha gave me the mehs. Maybe it’s because I’m not that impressed with her leadership. I actually like Beta more. Carol and Ezekiel splitting up was also a bummer, making me wonder if the characters can ever be anything else. Like the Slenderman movie, I can’t tell you exactly what it was, but I wanted something else; something more.
⚡ A Restaurant Divided…
Like this is a huge surprise. And where was Ariana? The picture accompanying the article is fabulous though.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason walks into Kelly’s, and Danny runs to him. Danny says, this is mom’s friend, Shiloh, and Jason says they’ve met.
Alexis goes to Charlies where Kristina is working. She asks if they can talk. Kristina says she doesn’t know. Can they? Not a very mature response for all her evolving.
Willow tells Chase that he doesn’t understand. He says she got caught up in Shiloh’s cult, and somehow got out, and changed her name. She says she can’t talk about it, and Chase asks why Shiloh scares her. Shiloh is the father of her baby, isn’t he? She admits he is, and Chase asks if he knows. She says, he can never know. Her child’s life depends on it
On the phone, Sonny confirms an appointment for Mike. Michael comes in, and tells him, welcomehome. He asks how Sonny is doing. Sonny says he got banged up, but Lucas fixed it. Everything is good. His brother is home where he belongs. Dante is safe.
Dante opens a case that has a gun inside. He starts to put bullets into the cartridge, and says, will complete the mission, with each bullet.
Sam thanks Brad for keeping an eye on Danny. Brad says, his pleasure, but he didn’t do anything; it was Shiloh. Shiloh says he was more than happy to look after Danny. Danny tells Jason that he’s going to grandma’s. and asks if Jason can come. He’s teaching Annabelle a new trick. Jason suggests later this week; Annabelle too. He tells Sam to tell Monica hi, and leaves.
Chase tells Willow there are steps they can take, but she says, Shiloh doesn’t work that way. Chase asks how he works. The more she tells him, the more he can protect her and the baby. She says, Shiloh has the ability to get inside someone’s head. The more he talks, the more he charms you. Chase says, charmis a narcissist’s greatest weapon. They think they’re so great, that they think they can convince you they’re so great. Willow says, he talks, and it’s so easy to listen. He tells you what you need to hear, and before you know it, you’ve unburdened yourself. The secrets you have, now he knows them too. The information is given freely, most of the time. Chase says, what about the rest of the time? She says, he never forces it. He talks in circles, and convinces you that only he can help you with the darkest parts of yourself. Before long, it’s easier to just give in then find your way out. Chase says the night they met, and she stood up to him when he was giving her a ticket, she was so strong and independent. She says that’s what striking out on your own, and giving up your child does; you grow a backbone really fast. Willow is not her given name. When she was a kid, she had a doll named Willow, and pretended they lived on a farm. It was beautiful and peaceful. When she left DOD, she picked a name that made her feel happy and safe. She forgot she told Shiloh about her make believe world. She even told him that; the best part of childhood. Chase tells her not to give him that power. Her name is Willow; she chose it. She says he’s right. She’s Willow Tait, in charge of her own life, and no longer a woman trained to do everything and anything Shiloh asks of her.
Sonny tells Michael that he met a local kid, a pickpocket who knew his way around. He got Sonny to Raj’s compound, where he found Dante. Michael says, just like that, they broke out? Sonny says Dante had to convince Raj he was loyal, and shot him to prove it. It was just a flash wound, but he had to make it look real. He has good aim, and broke them out. Michael says all that training and time undercover helped Dante stay alive. Sonny says, there’s something else. Dante desperately wanted to take Raj down, and found a way to do it.
Dante puts a silencer on the gun, and keeps repeating, will complete the mission. He puts the cartridge in, and checks the sight. Lulu comes to the door, and asks what he’s doing. Dante aims, and shoots her. She falls down, and he says, will compete the mission. He wakes up. Rocco runs in, and Dante says sorry he scared him. Rocco asks if he’s sick, and calls to Lulu, saying, something’s wrong with dad. Dante tells her that he had a dream. Rocco tells him that he was saying no, and Dante says, it was scary; he’s sorry. Lulu tells Rocco, it’s okay. His dad had a bad dream. Rocco has them sometimes. Dante hugs Rocco, and Lulu hugs them both.
Sonny asks if Michael knows what happened in Niagara Falls. Michael knows it was crazy, but his mom and the baby are fine. He’s sure Mike won’t remember, but Carly told them, and he’s happy about the baby. Sonny sometimes wonders how he got so lucky with all of them. Michael says they’re not a bad bunch. Sonny says he might be asking for his help. Michael says, one thing he knows is, there’s no shortage of people to welcome the newest Corinthos.
Alexis tells Kristina, they’re family, and that’s what families do – talk. They also have their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, family can count on one another. Kristina agrees, and says she’s been giving a lot of thought to what family means. It’s not just love, but trust, and trust goes hand in hand with faith. She’s realized the only family she can count on is her family at DOD. She walks away.
Willow tells Chase, what keeps DOD intact is silence. Shiloh says he’s a teacher, but describes himself as a vessel. Chase thinks that’s a bit much, but Willow says, not if you’re a lost soul, praying for someone to guide you. They’re usually searching for answers. Chase asks, was she? She says she had a rootless childhood. They moved a lot. Shiloh and DOD offered stability and a purpose. It’s what a cult provides. At the start, it looks like people helping people. The first step is to make you feel safe. Their mission is to be a safe haven to anyone in need. Chase says, come one, come all, and Willow says, Shiloh is charming, welcoming, and so helpful; eager to help. In the beginning, you feel lucky to have found him.
Shiloh points out that Jason ignored him, and asks if Sam thinks he’ll interfere with her courses. She says she’s not going to let him; she’s not letting anyone get in the way. Brad comes back, and Shiloh tells Sam he’s glad she’s putting the time in on the courses. Brad asks if she’s going back school, but she says, it’s more a self-exploration sort of thing. Brad says he never would have pegged her for that, and Sam says her either. Shiloh says, people change. Sam asks if Danny is ready, says goodbye to Brad and Wiley, and tells Shiloh that she’ll see him later. Shiloh says he hears Brad is family, and Brad says he’s Sam’s brother-in-law, and Wiley is her nephew and godson. Shiloh says their work at DOD is intended for the whole family. He smiles at Wiley, and IMO, looks like an insane homeless person. I’m not seeing the charm.
Brad says Shiloh’s classes must have some message to rope Sam into taking them. Shiloh says he’s not roping anyone in. Brad says it’s just that Sam never struck him as the soul searching type. Shiloh says she’s showed an affinity for what they do at DOD. So much so, he’s mentoring her himself. He holds Wiley, and says Wiley is a born leader. Brad says, he thinks that because all babies look like Churchill, but they grow out of it, and we all laugh. Shiloh says Wiley is his own man; he can tell. They’re offering a new course in peaceful parenting. It’s great for first timers, and will help ease Brad’s jitters. He encourages Brad to bring Wiley. There are more than enough of them to watch him. Brad says he’s thought of everything, and Shiloh says they’re especially welcoming to young children.
Willow tells Chase, Shiloh is good making people think he sees them in a way no one else ever has. Chase wonders how dangerous he is; he needs specifics. She says he makes a big deal about inviting people to join DOD. Then they have to prove their trust. Chase asks, how? and she says they have to agree family control is more important than self-choice. They have to do whatever they’re asked without question. Chase doesn’t want to be intrusive, but he has to ask If, when they had sex, it was against her wishes. They can press charges if she was coerced. She says, it wasn’t like that. He convinced her it was an honor. She was so stupid, so blind. Chase asks what changed her mind? She says something made her see what was really going on, and she left. He asks what it was, and she says, the children. She couldn’t teach them to follow him.
Lulu asks if Dante is feeling better. He says, a little. He’s worried he scared Rocco, but Lulu says Rocco is over the moon to have him home. Dante says, him too. She says that was some dream he was having. Does he want to talk about it? He says he doesn’t really remember, and she says, it sounded intense. He says, whatever happened, when he woke up, it faded when he saw her and their son. She says he’s been through a lot; acclimating might be bumpy. He says he woke up gasping for breath, but now he’s wide awake. Lulu says he’s safe and sound, and he says he can focus on her. He kisses her and says she’s beautiful. She asks if he’s been gone so long, he forgot. He says, not for a second, and holds her. He tells her that he needs to check on Sonny and won’t be long. He leaves, but she looks worried.
Michael tells Sonny, speaking of his brothers and sisters, has Sonny reached out to Kristina since he’s been back. She’s in way over her head. Molly thinks she’s in a cult, given the way she’s been acting. She’s constantly talking about their leader;Shiloh said this or Shiloh said that. If any of them remotely question her, she pushes them away – hard. Sonny says, Jason noticed already, and they discussed the next stages. Michael asks what those might be, and Sonny says, plain and simple, protect his sister, whatever it takes.
Shiloh sees Jason waiting outside Kelly’s, and says he had a feeling they weren’t finished. Jason tells Shiloh, stay away from his son.
Willow tells Chase that Shiloh decided she should teach the DOD children, and she got a degree. It was like an old-fashioned schoolhouse; all the kids, and all ages. Shiloh let her study away from the group, thinking nothing in the world was more interesting than him. When she got distance, she saw it for what it was. Chase asks how big the community is, and she says, it’s not huge, but not tiny. Shiloh plans to expand. Ideally, he wants to raise his followers from the ground up. He’ll welcome anyone, but young people especially. Pregnant, homeless teens, and women running away from their husbands, so their children can be raised in the cult. She couldn’t teach innocent children to admire, follow, and trust him. When she found out she was pregnant, she knew she had to get away. Chase asks how she managed that, and she says she signed up to audit a class in child development. She knew it would show up on her transcript, and used it as a cover to get her belongings out of there and into a storage locker. One day, she left like she usually did, and never went back. She couldn’t let him find her, and sentence her child to a lifetime in prison.
Alexis says Kristina is just cutting herself off from her family? Kristina says, her and Molly certainly. Alexis asks if it’s because they have concerns. Kristina says because they felt she might be drawn to kindness. Alexis says a cult indoctrinates you into a philosophy fostered by a relationship with a single charismatic person, cutting off anyone who doesn’t jump on the bandwagon. Sound familiar? Kristina says she took a hard look at things, and found out Alexis was right; family comes first. Family also inspires trust. Does Alexis trust her. Alexis is like, um… and Kristian says she doesn’t trust Alexis either. Alexis says, but she trusts strangers. Kristina says they see her for who she is – their family. Alexis says she and Kristina’s sisters are her family, and tell her the cold, hard, panful truth; not what she wants to hear. Kristina asks if Alexis is saying DOD is telling her what she wants to hear. Alexis says she didn’t say that; it’s not what she meant. Kristina says, thanks for stopping by, Miss Davis. She’s glad they cleared this up.
Sonny is surprised Lulu let Dante out of her sight. He says he told her he won’t stay for too long. Sonny says no one is there; they can talk about anything. Dante says when he saw Sonny in the cell, he convinced himself that once he got home, everything would feel good; that he’d snap back into his life. Everything would be normal again. Sonny says it’s his first day; it’s going to take time. Dante says he’s right, but he was there for a long time before Sonny found him. He should have trusted his instinct. It was his decision; he chose that job. In order to be over there, and be one of them, he had to prove himself and earn Raj’s trust. Sonny tells him, the job is done. Anyone who loves him understands what he went through. It’s war, and don’t let anyone tell him different. It was war and he won. He avenged Lulu, and took down Raj. He’s home with family. He has to move forward and not look back.
Sam meets Michael, who asks, what’s up? She heard his dad brought Dante back. Michael says he hasn’t seen Dante, but his dad is doing fine. He’s focused on the situation with Kristina. Sam asks, how? Michael thought Jason told her. What Sonny wants is, Kristina out of DOD.
Shiloh says he’s been open to speaking with Jason. He’s not going to argue, since it’s unproductive, but any conflict between them comes from Jason. Jason says, Danny is off-limits, and tells Shiloh, don’t talk to him, touch him, or even look at him. Shiloh says Jason and Sam seem to be at a crossroads. She’s a remarkable woman, and he trusts her decisions are in Danny’s best interests. If that means he’s part of Danny’s life, he has to respect her wishes.
Dante tells Sonny he’s trying to move forward, but feels this anchor, this weight. It wasn’t there before, but it’s there now. Sonny tells him to give himself time. Things will fall in place. Not right away, but they will. Dante says, okay, and tells Sonny, get better. Sonny says Dante can talk to him anytime, but maybe he should talk to someone who can help him get through this. Dante agrees it might be a good idea. Alexis comes in, and says she hit an iceberg with Sonny’s daughter, and can’t believe she’s asking him to step in. She sees Dante, and says she can come back, but Dante says he should get back to Lulu and Rocco. Sonny says they’ll take it up later, and they hug.
Alexis apologizes for interrupting, and Sonny asks, what happened? She says she tried to be understanding, and non-judgmental, but had a hard time, and ended up being very judgmental. She’s had the same argument with Kristina in the past, but this time it was different. Kristina is declaring they’re no longer family, and her only real family is, he guessed it. Sonny says, DOD, and Alexis says, bingo. He tells her, don’t worry about it. He’s well ahead of her, and it’s being handled.
Sam says she can’t tell Michael exactly why or how, but there’s a lot riding on this. She asks when he and Sonny talked, and he says, just recently. She tells him, Jason said he’d give her more time. He asks if she thinks DOD is a good idea, and she says, of course not, but Sonny and Jason getting her out is an even more dangerous one.
Shiloh says he’s learned to relate to the world with caring and kindness, not the anger and violence Jason has embraced. He uses a peaceful path to guide resolutions. Sam is trusting DOD more, and it’s strengthening his bond with Jason’s son. Jason has such a childish coping mechanism, Danny is more sophisticated. Jason isn’t not fooling anybody. He’s angry because he feels them slipping away, and there’s nothing he can do, because it’s a world he won’t let himself be a part of, and won’t open his heart. He puts his hand on Jason’s chest, and Jason says, don’t touch me.
Dante tells Lulu that Sonny is fine. Lulu says Rocco has his baseball cards out, and wants to show them to Dante. Dante remembers the gun and saying, compete the mission. He tells Lulu that he’s home.
Kristina listens to the recording of her trust offering. The secret is about a member of her family.
Alexis asks how Sonny is handling the DOD situation. Sonny says he knows how to handle things. Alexis makes a phone call, and says she’d like to speak to Jordan.
Chase tells Willow that she’s safe. Shiloh is gone. She says, he’ll be back. Now that he knows where she is, he won’t let up. Chase says he might know where she is, but they know who Shiloh is, and so will the PCPD. He won’t give any names or specifics, but just in case. She says, all Shiloh does is hurt people. They haven’t even scratched the surface of what he’s capable of. He gets people to talk, and tell him things. She’s terrified she missed something, and he’ll find out about the baby. Chase says she gave the baby up for adoption, and Shiloh has no legal claims. She says, it doesn’t matter to him. He only plays by his rules, deciding what’s right. Which is why she has to leave town, and not look back. Chase is sorry, but from what she’s saying, he’ll just keep coming. He’ll protect and watch over her. She says it’s not like she wants to leave; she has to. He asks her, please stay. Let him protect her.
Shiloh says Jason’s anger is a manifestation of his fear about Sam. She’s breaking new boundaries, and the more she opens up to him, the more intimate and intense the process is. He says, let him do for Jason what he’s doing for Sam. He reaches to touch Jason again, and Jason grabs him by the throat and slams him up against the wall.
Tomorrow, Jordan asks if someone has information about a possible crime, Anna tells Peter that she wants a relationship because she’s his mother, and Alexis asks what Sonny and Jason have planned.
Vanderpump Rules
Ariana pretends to do a tutorial while putting on her makeup. Tom says, TomTom looks better than ever, and she says they haven’t even opened yet. The Daily Mail party was a tease, and she can’t wait. In his interview, Tom says he’s had singles and doubles, but never a home run. We see clips of his various gigs. He says he’s never seen his name in lights. Tonight he will.
Brittany tells Jax that Lala had a couple of bad ass friends at brunch, and Raquel told them Lala has been mean this summer, and was using the dad card as an excuse. Jax says he would have lost it.
Ariana tells Tom, sooner or later, life goes on, and there comes a time people don’t care if something happens to you. She sees someone hurting in Lala, and thinks grief counselling would help. In Ariana’s interview, she says, anger is a high. She thinks Lala could lose friends or her job by being angry.
Katie is stressed out. She hopes now that TomTom is opening, Schwartz will have time for her. He says he wants to do some romantic stuff in Mexico. In her interview, Katie says she hasn’t seen much of Schwartz, and she’s ready for Tom time.
In Tom’s interview, he’s dreaming of a vison of him and Tom arriving at TomTom. It’s costing him $18K, but the surprise is worth it. Schwartz has no idea. Ariana loves Tom, but it’s hard to understand his excitement over a sidecar that’s nicer than their apartment. Tom gifts her with a helmet. When he leaves, she says, they grow up so fast.
Tom pulls up to Schwartz’s apartment. TomTom is written on the bike, the sidecar, and the helmets, along with individual names on the helmets. Tom tells Schwartz that he’s outside. Schwartz comes down, laughs, and says, wtf? Did he buy this? Tom says he did, and gives Schwartz his helmet. Schwartz says, it’s effing awesome. In his interview, Schwartz says Tom loves grand gestures, and it’s a moment he’ll remember forever. Love you, Sandoval.
The others arrive at TomTom. Stassi remarks that the clock is like moving art. Katie is going to welcome a vacation after the last six months. Out on the road, Tom says he took care of every detail like the helmet, goggles, and suits, but forgot to put gas in.
Kristen and Carter show up. In Kristen’s interview, she says this is a massively huge deal for her. Lisa allowed her to come to TomTom, which means they’re besties. A year from now, she’ll be sipping pinot at Villa Rosa.
Giggy! Lisa and Ken arrive with Nick Alain, along with my TV dog crush. The Toms are on the road, pushing their bike.
Ariana says Tom gave her one job, to get everyone outside. He put the time and money into this big reveal, and if she doesn’t pull this off, they could break up. Tom and Schwartz are now at the gas station. Lisa wonders what they’re up to. They finally come up the road, and everyone cheers, laughs, and takes pictures. In her interview, Lisa says this is why she wanted them involved. It’s a ridiculous, preposterous choice, and also perfect. Schwartz gives Katie a helmet that says Bubba on it. Tom shakes up some champagne, and they pop it open. Lisa cuts the ribbon, and Tom says, welcome to TomTom.
The group sits in an outside room. Scheana and Adam sit on the side. Scheana says they want alone time. They’re not a couple, and that’s a couples table. Okay… Schwartz mingles, and Tom goes behind the bar. In her interview, Lisa says when they had the Daily Mail party, they passed around appetizers, but no money exchanged hands. This is an actual opening, and tonight is business. Brittany orders a tequila shot, saying she’s going to spread it out. In Jax’s interview, he understands, but wants to make sure she’s healthy. Lala drinks mocktails. Kirsten thanks Lisa, and says, it’s beautiful. In Lisa’s interview, she says she banned Kristen from PUMP and SUR, but she paid no mind to that, so what difference does it make? Lisa tells them to pace themselves with the food; there’s a lot coming. The Toms join them, and there’s applause. In her interview, Stassi says Katie has been telling her about Schwartz’s neglect. He’s crazy about Katie, but gets distracted by pretty, shiny things – like the bar, and Tom Sandoval.
Scheana wishes Adam was coming to Mexico. In Scheana’s interview, she says Adam is her person, but not her boyfriend. They’re just dating. They’re not even dating; it’s confusing. Adam says he’s going to block her on social media. Schwartz says he feels like an owner. He’s walking taller, schmoozing, making sure the bartenders have what they need, and making sure everyone is happy. He feels like a manager; like Guillermo. Lala says she’s going to swim naked in Mexico, and embrace her inner Lala. In Katie’s interview, she says the first time Lala went topless was a different time. We flash back to that. They’re past that now. Both Lala and Kristen are rooming alone. In Lala’s interview, she says she doesn’t care if she’s alone, but she’d have a screw loose if she wanted to room with Kristen. Maybe there’s a room they can lock from the outside.
Stassi asks Lala what happened with Raquel. Lala tells her that Raquel said she was being mean, and can’t use her dad as an excuse. She lost her sh*t, and got very Lala. Lisa calls her over, and asks, what happened at brunch? She heard Lala had an altercation with Billie. Lala says not her and Billie. We see a clip of her calling Billie a ho. Lala says she felt disrespected, but wasn’t aggressive. She said her piece, and left it at that. At the table, Brittany says she was holding people apart, and Adam says he just kept stacking glasses. Lisa asks Lala about James. Lala says he popped in, and they had a civilized conversation. She thought she handled it nicely. Lisa says she’s hearing two different stories, and calls Scheana over. She asks if the brunch was eventful. In her interview, Scheana says she doesn’t want Lala mad at her, but can’t lie to her boss. Lisa asks if it was in front of customers, and Scheana says it was by the hostess station. In Lala’s interview, she thinks Scheana should STFU. She’s not having Lala’s back right now. Lisa says Lala should know better than that not to take it outside. It’s non-negotiable. In her interview, Lala says she respect’s Lisa enough not to throw down in her restaurant. She should have dragged their asses to the parking lot. In Lisa’s interview, she says James claimed he was innocent, but she didn’t believe him. Now she hears he was telling the truth. A first for James.
Schwartz calls Tom a pimp, and thanks him for everything. Tom can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. He hops over the bar, and makes Schwartz a drink hops. In his interview, Tom says, in the beginning, he was always showing his creativity behind the bar. Now he has a menu full of cocktails he created with his best friend. He never thought it would happen. Katie comes to the bar. In her interview, she says she knows Schwartz has to work the room and be one of the Toms, but she wants to share in it with him. She goes back to the table, saying I love you before she goes, but he doesn’t hear. The Tom’s juggle shakers. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he was never meant be a bartender or a sangria ambassador. Maybe a model, but bar owner feels right. He feels like he’s where he’s supposed to be. Lisa dances with the Toms. In Lisa’s interview, she says, it’s their 13th restaurant, but it never gets old. So much goes into it, when everything comes together – the food, the decorations, and music – it’s magic. Tom wants Lisa to take a ride in the sidecar.
He drags her outside, and she gets in. Schwartz gives her a helmet, and tells her that she looks cute. She’s not sure about this, and Schwartz asks if she has any last words. He tells Tom not to kill their business partner. Lisa screams as they go down the road.
Stassi packs. Beau dances around in a T-Rex costume, the good kind. He tells her that he has T-Rex tacos for her, and bangs his head on the door frame. He’s ready for Mexico. In her interview, Stassi can’t say what the thought process was for Beau dressing up as a T-Rex.. In Beau’s interview, he says he loves doing silly things to make her laugh. Her laugh warms his heart. He tells her it’s his reptilian brain. She say this is why she loves him so much. She says she has to write while they’re in Mexico. She’s behind, and got an extension, but the deadline is still quickly approaching.
Brittany thinks she and Jax should go over some engagement party details. She wants wildflowers, and he says he’s paying for weeds? In her interview, Brittany says, it’s not a democracy. It’s a Britocracy. Jax says he can go in the wild and pick flowers. He’s paying someone to pull weeds. It’s the biggest scam in history.
Tom says, packing hats used to be stressful, but now he has a hatbox. He has to remember scuba grade flippers and snorkel, hairspray, and a full white suit. He points out to Ariana that it’s a different suit than the one he wore to the opening, and says he’s just packing the essentials.
Carter tells Kristen that he needs a vacation. I wonder from what? She says she’s trying to be positive, but everyone keeps giving sh*t. He tells her not to get involved with the drama. She says it makes her not want to drink, and he says maybe she shouldn’t. In her interview, Kristen insists she’s not a bad traveler. We see several clips to the contrary. She says there were a couple of flukes, but on this trip, she’s going to be easy breezy lemon squeezy.
Stassi says if Kristen is crazy this time, it doesn’t matter. She has Beau to protect her. In Stassi’s interview, she says Beau knows her friends so well, they’re his friends. Nothing can happen to shake their relationship. Beau is nervous, but suggests they play it by ear.
Everyone meets at the airport. In Lala’s interview, she doesn’t remember the last time she flew commercial. They had assistant who dealt with her passport and bags, and she was just responsible for herself. They go onto the plane, and see Scheana and Schwartz. In her interview, Scheana says coach was overbooked, and she and Schwartz were randomly selected to fly first class. Katie isn’t pleased, and tells Scheana to trade her, but that’s a no. In her interview, Katie say she loves flying with Schwartz, but they can’t do that this time, since he decided to take a luxury vacation in first class. It doesn’t cross his mind, oh yeah, my wife. Stassi works. Ariana and Tom sleep.
James visits Villa Rosa. He asks Max about the TomTom opening. They play pool, and James says he flipped out when he heard he wasn’t going to Mexico. We flash back to his flip out. He likes hanging out with Max, but would rather be in Mexico. Lisa comes down, and tells them to have some tea with her. James asks about the opening, saying he watched it on his phone. She thanks him for not being there. He says he’s trying be a good person, and she says she knows that. In James’s interview, he says it means the world to him. It’s all he wanted all summer. He wants to respect people who deserve it, and even the ones who don’t. Lisa asks if he’s been drinking, and he says, definitely not. He did have one beer with his dad to celebrate. Lisa tries to explain what’s wrong with this picture, saying his dad knows he’s been doing good with not drinking, so takes him for a beer to celebrate? He says it was a taco place, and beer and tacos are like crumpets and tea. She asks if his father knows he has a drinking problem, and James insists he doesn’t have a problem. She says he lost his job and his friends because of it. It’s a problem. In his interview, James says he bows out of the party, doesn’t freak out with Lala, and still gets lectures. People only notice the bad things. Lisa says she and James’s father are clearly not on the same page. James says his dad thought he deserved a beer. In her interview, Lisa says, you don’t reward sobriety with a drink. It’s like celebrating virginity with screwing. James appreciates Lisa’s concern, but he’s fine. Lisa asks about what he’s doing in his DJ career. He tells her about his latest gigs, and she says maybe his future doesn’t include SUR. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the corners of any human’s mouth turn down as far as James’s do in this moment.
The group arrives at Puerto Vallarta. Even though I have no desire to go to Mexico, I agree it’s beautiful. They chatter in the limo to the hotel, and are met with warm face towels and nonalcoholic drinks. Jax has a bottle for just this emergency. Schwartz suggests they take a moment to appreciate their last moments of sobriety, and gets distracted by the pool. In his interview, he says as soon as the Wi-Fi kicked in, Katie rage texted him through the whole flight. He only cares about himself; she doesn’t know if they’ve made any progress; this speaks of bigger problems – the bubble never stopped. She hasn’t done that in a year. Lala suggests that if he knows Katie is upset, not to ask if she’s drinking.
The view from the upstairs hallway window is amazing, but Brittany is terrified of heights, and won’t look out. When she was a kid, she had a reoccurring dream that Santa pushed her over the ledge at the mall, and she was dangling over the glass railing, so she can’t look out of a window like that. I’d be more afraid if Santa. The rooms are huge and modern in design. Like Ikea, but more upscale. There are welcome cards, and Beau’s says, Mr. Schroeder. Ariana and Tom fight to get to the hammock on their balcony. In his interview, Jax points out, there are multiple places you can feed the hog. He tells Brittany, bad things will be happening in the pool. It’s hungry. Now Bad Things is stuck in my head. You’re welcome.
Schwartz and Katie go to their room in silence. Schwartz sees a card, and Katie gets in the hammock. He says she’s cranky all the time. This is as romantic as it gets right now, and she’s being a wet blanket. I have to agree. She has a point, but ruining a glorious vacation after a major life event isn’t going to help her validate it. She says she hasn’t seen him in months, and when she does, he doesn’t pay attention to her. He says this started because of the seating assignment. It was only a two and a half hour flight. In his interview, Schwartz says, this is vintage Katie, and he has zero patience. He tells her this always happens on vacation. Katie says he’s wrong, but we flash back to other vacations where she’s acted like a shrew. She says, no, he’s right. He’s right about everything. Her, himself, sticking up for his friends instead of her. He says she’s acting like a fool. She says she was so patient and understanding while he was working on TomTom. He says this is just because she had to sit in a random seat, but she says she hasn’t seen him in months; she told him she missed him. He says he had to work. In Katie’s interview, she says she’s not upset about him opening TomTom, but there’s been no extra effort with their relationship. Just because he opened a bar, doesn’t mean he’s allowed to neglect his wife. He says he feels super blech now.
Ariana and Tom hear them from the hammock on their balcony. Ariana says, it’s kind of loud. Katie tells Schwartz, shut up and listen. He’s not listening. Schwartz says he doesn’t like the sound of her voice; it’s a cacophony. He comes up with this word, and couldn’t find something better then blech to describe his feelings? Tom boasts that he pays more attention to Ariana than Tom does to Katie. Ariana laughs, and says he does a good side-eye. Schwartz calls Katie super contentious. Everything about her is yuck. He actually makes a noise, but yuck is the closest I could come with a word. He says, so much for vacation sex. She says he sounds like a d-bag, and he says her IQ is fourteen. They just got here, and she’s being selfish. She tells him, try being with a damaged husband, and he says, try being with a sh*t wife for seven years.
The operative phrase is, they just got there.
Next time, the vacation continues, Lala tells Ariana she’s not sorry, and Beau wonders how he and Stassi can have a future when she doesn’t trust him.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
We rewind a little in Ankara, Turkey. Sonny asks, what the hell is this? Raj says it’s a shame he came such a long way to see his first born only to find he doesn’t want to come home. He’s happy where he is. Sonny asks what Raj did to his son, but Raj says, Dante is there of his own free will. He’s eager to be part of Raj’s organization. At least that’s what he claims. Now’s his chance to prove it. He tells Dante, take the gun and kill his father. Dante takes the gun, and aims it at Sonny.
Finn runs into a hospital room, saying he got a text. Anna says she can’t see him; she’s currently blind. He says, that’s not possible. The virus was neutralized; there’s no chance of re-occurrence. She says, it’s not a re-occurrence. She’s Anna’s sister, not Anna. He says, Alex? and she says her name is Alexandria Merrick, but since they’re practically family, he can call her Alex. He sounds like a lovely man, and smells good. She can’t wait to see his face. As soon as he cures her of course.
Sasha sees Peter at The Floating Rib, and says they need to talk about her mother’s wedding.
Sitting at a nearby table, Maxie greets Lulu, asking how she is. Lulu says, fine, but Maxie says, friends don’t fine each other. Lulu says she’s glad to be alive, and almost fully recovered. She just wishes Dante was home, and not off chasing Raj. She can also do without the constant Ryan Chamberlain coverage. Maxie says they need drinks. Chet comes by the table, and says, at their service. Maxie says, the night turned for the better.
Curtis brings Jordan some clothes from home; not to say she didn’t rock the hospital gown. She doesn’t see a bikini, and assumes they’re not headed to Fiji. He says, not today, but she’s gotten the all clear. She’s being released. She says, finally. She can get back to work.
At the hospital, Marcus sees Stella texting. He says she’s going to pull a muscle typing. He’s still a hunt and peck guy, and she’s going at millennial speed. Stella says, you have to keep up with the times, and asks why he’s there. He says, Yvonne took a fall.
Carly, Michael, and Mike sit down at The Floating Rib. Carly says, it’s great to be out of the house. She loves Michael’s grandmother, but the hovering is driving her crazy. She needs a break, like Mike probably does. Mike asks if they’re looking for Yvonne there. Michael says they’re having dinner. Mike said he was craving ribs. Mike thinks they should wait for Sonny, and asks when he’s coming.
Raj tells Dante that if he wants everything they talked about, prove it. Shoot him. Sonny asks what Dante is doing, and Dante says, getting everything he wants. He shoots Sonny, and Sonny falls to the floor. Raj says Dante barely nicked Sonny’s arm. Dante says Sonny will do them no good if he’s dead. Alive, he’s a valuable asset. Sonny controls the majority of the trade in and out of Canada. Jason isn’t a businessmen, and will find and kill Raj. Does he want money or does he want to die?
Maxie ask when Chet started working there. He says he’s been there a couple of days. She says, no one said anything, and wonders why he didn’t use her for a reference. He says he was hoping to be hired on his own merits. She congratulates him on his independence, and initiative, but her feelings are still hurt. He asks how he can make it up to her, and she asks if he has an extra copy of his calendar.
Sasha wants to make sure she and Peter are on the same page with Nina’s wedding. It means a lot to Nina; she lights up whenever she talks about it. Sasha knows Peter has a complicated history with Valentin, and sabotaging Valentin’s wedding day would be great revenge, but he wouldn’t be hurting just Valentin. He’d be hurting Nina too.
Anna says Alex texted her from the airport to pick her up. She still can’t figure out how Alex managed to enter the country. Alex says, tricks of the trade. She hears Finn is a genius, and she’s wondering if his skills support his reputation. Finn says he can neutralize the virus. It’s a simple procedure, but he’s fond of his medical license. He might lose it for aiding and abetting a fugitive. Alex says Anna has a has feisty one; she likes him. She imagines there’s some way she can compensate him for his efforts on her part. He says it’s up to her sister. She thought that might be the case. Anna says Finn will help her in return for something. Tell her which of Alex’s memories are implanted in hers.
Raj thinks killing Sonny seems easier, but Dante says Sonny has connections; ask around. Raj says he’ll make some calls, but if he decides Sonny should be eliminated, Dante will do the work. And no half-assed arm shots. Dante says he’ll do what Raj wants. Raj tells the guards to get Sonny out of his sight.
Alex asks what Anna is talking about. Anna says they were part of a memory transfer procedure between identical twins. She was Patient One, and Alex was Patient Two. Alex says of course Anna would want to be One. She thinks it’s farfetched, and someone is having Anna her on. Anna tells her, stop lying. Cabot told them everything. Alex says, everything? Is she sure? Finn says Alex was a willing participant, but Anna was abducted and drugged. Anna says she just found out, but Alex has known all along. Which part of Anna’s life belongs to her?
Chet tells Maxie, it’s not his calendar, but she says he’s definitely a standout – Mr. October. Lulu says they’re speaking in code, and Maxie explains the calendar proceeds went to fight against MS. Chet says he thinks he has an extra copy, and Maxie tells him, give it to lulu. She doesn’t mean to put him on the spot, but he says she’s not. He’ll drop it by the office. He leaves, and Maxie says, he’s sweet, modest, and looks good in a uniform.
Carly tells Mike that Sonny is working. He says, this late? Michael goes to the counter to order. Carly asks him to get take-out for Josslyn and Avery. She tells Mike that Avery is going through a phase where she wants to do everything Josslyn does. Mike suggests the call Sonny and talk him into taking a break, but Carly says Sonny can’t do that. Mike asks if she’s sure it’s work keeping Sonny away. He thinks she’s holding out on him. She can tell him what’s going on before Michael gets back. Are she and Sonny fighting?
Sasha tells Peter that Valentin doesn’t have the best reputation. He’s hurt Nina, but he’s also the reason they reunited. Nina is about to have everything she wants, and Nina hopes no one does anything to take that away.
Maxie asks Lulu if there’s any news about Dante. Lulu says the WSB is being all kinds of cryptic, but she believes they’re searching. Is it too much to ask to know if he’s alive and safe? She says, sorry, and Maxie says she’s not sensitive to that stuff anymore. It took a while, but Chet helped her. He told her that she had a choice. She could be bitter and dwell on what happened, or be grateful for the good times, look back and smile, and look to the future. He helped her that day.
Jordan has her street clothes on, and Curtis suggests he take her home. She says she has to coordinate with her team. She can’t fall further behind. He says he’s arranged a space for her to work. Chase has been in touch, and brought the case files she needs. Curtis admits his motive is selfish. He doesn’t want her to push too hard, and maybe they can find time to cuddle and look lovingly into each other’s eyes. How does that sound? She says he might have to hide her computer and phone.
Marcus tells Stella that Yvonne didn’t break anything, but they want to do a CAT scan. Stella says, that’s normal procedure. Marcus says, it’s still scary, but as long as she doesn’t have a concussion, it will be fine. Mike was upset because he couldn’t find her, so he called Carly to let her know. She said she’d take Mike out to get his mind off of it. Stella says that was a lovely, thoughtful gesture; the kind of thing she would expect from him.
Carly tells Mike, nothing is wrong. She and Sonny are good. He asks why Sonny isn’t there, and Carly explains that he’s working out of town, and being a good father. Mike asks what’s going on, and Carly asks if he remembers she said Dante was working overseas in Turkey. Mike asks if that isn’t dangerous, and she says, it’s nothing Dante can’t handle. Sonny is helping him, and they’ll be home soon. Mike wishes Yvonne would be more careful, and hopes she isn’t lost. Carly is sure she’s fine, but Mike says he needs to see her. He wants to go back to Turning Woods. Michael asks if he doesn’t want dinner first, but he says he needs to go now.
Dante visits Sonny in his cell. Sonny asks if he’s there to finish the job for his boss.
Anna tells Alex that Cabot told her some of Alex’s memories were transferred to her, and she’d remember them as an experience; as though she’d lived them herself. Alex says, how lucky. She’s lived an enviable life. Anna asks which memories are hers, and Alex asks how she’s supposed to know. Anna says Alex has been dodging since she picked her up. Finn says before the family squabble starts, the terms should be stated. He tells Alex to tell Anna what she needs to know, and he’ll cure her blindness.
Sasha apologizes to Peter, saying she’s over-protective, but she wants Nina to be happy. Peter says they seem to have a sincere, caring relationship. Sasha says they worked hard for it. She was in denial at first that Nina was her mother, but she adjusted. The more she got to know Nina, the more open she was to it; in part, because it means so much to her. She’s kind and generous, and deserves something good. Peter asks if that’s Sasha.
Maxie asks if Chet still visits Nathan’s grave. He says he often goes after an NA meeting. It helps him focus on why he got clean. He says Maxie leaves those yellow flowers. Maxie says, daffodils; he loved those. She shows Chet a picture of James. Chet remarks on how fast James is growing, and Maxie wishes she could put him on pause; he’s ten months already. She suggests Chet come by to see him. Lulu tells Chet that there’s a guy about to serve himself, and Chet goes back to work. Maxie tells Lulu that Chet and Amy set up a trust for James. Lulu says she assumed Lulu was friends with Amy because she was Nathan’s friend, but she didn’t realize Maxie and Chet were close.
The food comes, but Mike says he’s not hungry. Carly tells him that he said he was starving. He’s worried about Yvonne. He couldn’t find her, and wants to make sure she’s okay. Michael says they’ll take him back after they eat. Carly says she invited them out because there’s something she wants to tell them both at the same time. She and Sonny are trying to keep it quiet, but as grandfather and big brother, they have a right to know. She and Sonny are having another baby. Mike says, what do you know?Congratulations. Michael says it’s the best news he’s heard in a long time.
Dante asks how Sonny’s arm is, and Sonny says, it’s just a flesh wound. Like Dante planned. He did a good job covering; Raj has no clue. Dante says, he could tell? and Sonny says he knows his son. It’s good to see him alive. Back home, everyone was scared. Dante apologizes, but says Sonny knows why he did what he did. Sonny says Raj tried to kill his wife and he wants justice, but the situation back home has changed. Dante asks what he means, and Sonny says, something bad happened to Lulu.
Maxie says, Chet is a friend, and Lulu adds, she said unconvincingly. Maxie says she had a crush on him in high school; they all did. He was a football star with no ego, who stood up for the nerds. Besides, he had the best smile. Lulu says but Maxie doesn’t like him like him.
Sasha tells Peter that she might not be the greatest daughter, but she’s trying. Peter wonders, what more could any mother ask?
Marcus tells Stella that Yvonne and Mike are coping partners. They help each other through this horrible disease. Stella says he still went above and beyond, contacting Mike’s family. She thanks him. He says he’s picking up some coconut cream pie for Yvonne from Kelly’s, and asks if she wants to join him, but she has to check on Jordan. Marcus asks how she’s doing, and Stella says, she’s doing well, but lost a kidney, and the other one is damaged. Marcus says she’ll find a donor, and Stella says she’s on the list. He asks if they accept dinosaurs like him, and she says, it’s the thought that counts. She tells him to give her best to Yvonne, and Marcus says the same to Jordan and her family.
Jordan thinks she and Curtis will get into a routine, and Curtis says they’ll make the most of it. It’s just temporary until they find a donor. Jordan has no doubts about the long term, but she’s worried about the next few months. What if she’s hooked up to the machine, and there’s a major crisis? Curtis says she’ll handle it from the hospital. She says Port Charles has the right to have a police commissioner who’s on their feet. He says she’ll do it after her treatment. He knows it will be an adjustment, but she has this. He tells her it’s for better worse; that’s the deal. They kiss.
Michael says he’s happy for Carly. Carly says, and surprised? She was. Mike says, it’s fantastic. She’d better help with the ribs, since she’s eating for two. Michael asks if he’s excited for a new grandson or granddaughter. Mike says maybe Carly will have twins, but she says one is enough. Michael leaves to get celebratory drinks. Mike asks if Carly told Sonny, and she says he was the first person she told. Mike wonders why he’s not there celebrating with them, and Carly says, he’s out of the country. Mike asks if she can call him. Mike wants to congratulate him.
Sonny explains that Lulu was in the hospital; she got stabbed. Dante asks, by who? and Sonny says Franco. There were three murders within months, and she would have been the fourth, but she lived and identified him. Dante says whoever the judge was who granted Franco’s brain tumor defense, should be disbarred. Sonny says, Franco was caught, and he’ll be in prison for life. Lulu made a full recovery, and she’s back to work. Dante says he shouldn’t have left. Sonny says, she’s okay, but needs him. They need to get back home. Dante says that’s what he was doing. He was working his way back to Port Charles, but then Sonny showed up.
Alex is shocked and saddened that Finn would bargain with a patient’s health. He’s violating the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath. Anna says Alex volunteered her to the DVX, and they tampered with her memory. She asks how much Alex was paid. She wasn’t in it for the cause. Payment is her bottom line. Alex says she was assured Anna would be unharmed, and Anna says, except her memories aren’t her own. Alex says, hypothetically speaking, if there was a memory transfer, so what?
Peter tells Sasha that they’ve got a wedding to plan. Sasha sees Michael, who says it’s good to see her again. Chet brings Michael’s order, and Sasha says someone is having fun. Michael says they’re celebrating some good news in the family. Sasha doesn’t want to keep him, but he asks her to wait. Can he buy her a drink? She says she’s feeling adventurous, so give her the works; fruit slices and all.
Lulu says Chet was flirty with Maxie, but Maxie says, he’s not flirting. He’s just a nice guy, and they have an old friendship history. Lulu says, keep telling herself that. She guesses Maxie has no intention of anything other than friendship because she’s seeing Peter. Maxie tells Lulu that she wouldn’t say seeing. Lulu asks what’s going on with them, and Maxie says she’s working on a special project. Lulu asks, whatkind? Peter comes by, and asks if they’d like another round. Lulu says, Maxie would love one, but she’s sure they need to work on their project. She leaves, and Peter asks what that was about. Maxie says she doesn’t know. She asks if Peter saw who the bartender is, and asks if he remembers Chet. He remembers Chet from the book event, but says there’s something he needs to tell her, and it’s serious.
Stella interrupts Curtis and Jordan, but says it’s refreshing to see them acting like newlyweds again. She’s the last stop before they cut Jordan loose. She can tell Jordan what to expect when dialysis begins. Most patients experience fatigue, but it subsides when the body acclimates to the procedure. The typical side effects are being itchy, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure. She has to stay hydrated, increase protein, and limit sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Curtis says they’ll review the kitchen when they get home. Stella says it will be an adjustment, but Jordan can have a normal, active, productive life, and a healthy future ahead with her nephew. Curtis says, and maybe a little one, one day.
Sasha says Michael must not be seeing anyone, and he asks if he gives off that vibe. She says she doubts her mother would push them together otherwise. He says she’s single, and she asks how single? He didn’t know there was a spectrum, and she says the last guy she dated claimed he was single, but he was waiting for his ex to forgive him. When they did, he went back to them. Michael says he’s not holding out for his ex, especially the last one. She says, that bad? and he says it was a mess. She came to town under false pretenses, and told lie after lie. She nearly destroyed his entire family.
Michael tells Mike that they’ll leave a message for Sonny. Lulu comes over, and reminds Mike that she’s Dante’s wife. Mike hugs her.
Sonny asks Dante to tell him about Raj. Dante says he wanted bring Raj in for trying to kill Lulu, but he’s also been selling military grade weapons to anyone who can foot the bill. Sonny asks how he got in, and Dante says he let Raj capture him. Sonny asks how he survived, and Dante says he almost didn’t. He told Raj that he wanted to work with him, saying his law enforcement background would be an asset. Sonny says, he bought it? Dante says, not at first. He was held prisoner for a few months, and spent time in a cell himself.
Jordan didn’t know Curtis wanted to be a father. He tells her, he never said he didn’t. Stella says they’re bringing it up now? She can consult with the doctor, who can advise Jordan on reproductive options. If Jordan has more questions about dialysis, she’s Jordan’s gal. She leaves, and Jordan asks, what wasthat? Curtis says, it just came out of nowhere. She says, before his aunt? He never talked about children before. He takes it back, but she says if he’s thinking about it, they should talk about it. Curtis says, atsome point; they don’t have to now. Now, he just wants to get her home. They hug.
Peter tells Maxie, Sasha is here. She asks, where? and he says, don’t look. He thinks she’s on to them. and Maxie asks, how? He says she keeps going on and on about how she wants Nina to be happy, and how Nina has everything she wanted. Maxie says, she’s feeling guilty.
Michael tells Sasha that he overshared, but she says, not at all. He’s trying to be honest and direct. Sasha says, that’s good, and he says he has something he’d like to confess. He likes her. She says she likes him too, which is why she has to leave.
Alex says Anna has a wonderful life, a prestigious job, a family, and what seems like a wonderful man, and it’s not enough? Anna can rail against her, but she’s no better, and could be worse. Anna betrayed the agency and herself. If she wants to dredge up and drag out their sins, and sort through them, wondering whose are whose, she’s asking for trouble. Some things are better left alone.
Marcus runs into Stella coming out of the elevator. He says the CAT scan came back fine. He’s taking Yvonne back int the morning. Stella is sure Mike will be relieved. Marcus says he got her something at Kelly’s. Stella is loving the whole thoughtful side. She’ll need to return the favor. Marcus says there’s no need, but she wants to make her famous fried lake trout sandwiches. He takes it back, saying those are criminally good; please do. He hasn’t had those in ages, but hasn’t forgotten. She says tell her when.
Michael didn’t know Lulu was joining them, and says she can have his drink. She says she’s on her way out. Carly is glad she stopped by. Lulu says she’s almost 100%. She’ll tell Rocco that his great-grandfather says hi. Mike says, tell her husband that he should be there with her. She couldn’t agree more.
Dante tells Sonny that Raj tested him to make sure he wasn’t a plant. He had to earn Raj’s trust. Sonny says, it must have been hell. Dante says, it was, but Raj was ready to send him back to Port Charles. Sonny says, Raj was letting him go? Dante says the plan was for him to keep working at the PCPD, but he’d be working for Raj on the inside; bailing out his guys, keeping an eye on shipments, especially the ones coming to New York. Going forward, he’s going to have to convince Raj to keep Sonny alive. If Dante leaves, Raj will kill him. Sonny says, don’t give him a chance, and suggests Dante kill him first.
Tomorrow, Elizabeth knows what she wants to say, but she’s not sure she can say it; Drew tells Kim the test results are in; Anna tells Alex to tell her about the memories, or she doesn’t get cured; and Sonny tells Dante to trust him.
Vanderpump Rules
We overlap a little into last week. James tells Schwartz he should be ashamed, and Schwartz says James should be ashamed of himself. Lisa says James is overreacting. James tells Tom, eff off. He’s done. Tom says James had a huge shouting match with Katie, and got himself fired. James says he hates that bitch. Lisa says he’s not an innocent bystander. He’s responsible for his actions. He asks how much more does he have to do? In Lisa’s interview, she says, he’s his own worst enemy. He takes things from bad to worse. Tom has been in his corner, gone against his friends and his partner’s wife. She tells James that he has misdirected anger. Ken tells him to accept what he has. He brought this on himself. He flares up, and it makes him look bad. Lisa says it’s not worth his sobriety. James says the last thing he’s going to do is drink. He asks if he can still DJ the brunch, and Lisa says, yes. Tom hugs James. In her interview, Lisa says James doesn’t understand. When he hits rock bottom is the time to climb out of the hole.
Beau brings Stassi a jug of vodka. She says he’s more creative, and she wants him to bedazzle the bottle for Scheana’s housewarming. In her interview, Stassi says, as a Southern lady, she knows to never show up empty handed, and it will probably get awkward, so at least they have something to drink. She tells Beau that she has to ask for an extension on her book. In her interview, she says the writing process is harder than she anticipated. A page is four hundred words. A witty phrase is ten words. That’s forty clever thoughts on one page. Her editor calls, and asks how the writing is going. Stassi says she has three full chapters, and little bits for other chapters. She wanted to talk about the possibility of getting a month’s extension. She didn’t know how it would be, and it would help tremendously. The editor looks at her schedule to see how much it affects them. She says they should be okay for spring publication, and an early October release. Stassi is relieved, and thanks her. She tells Beau, it was so effing scary. She looks at the bottle, and says his bedazzling skills are great. He says he went to art school, not football camp.
Scheana is nervous. It’s been a while since they hung out, and tonight is just about the girls. Adam is her best friend, so she’s inviting him. They’ll have a hot bartender. Katie says Marina Del Rey if geographically undesirable (waving to all you ladies in the NYC outer boroughs). It’s beautiful but why? Stassi presents the bedazzled bottle which features Scheana’s picture. Stassi says it’s Scheana and Adam’s coming out night, and asks if he has a drawer. In her interview, Stassi says, Scheana constantly throws herself at the wrong guys, and now that she has an actual, genuine connection, she puts up a façade, and acts like there’s no relationship. It’s legit the most Scheana thing that Scheana has ever Scheanaed.
Kristen shows up. She hasn’t seen Katie since they argued about Carter, but she’s not taking responsibility for the whole situation. Katie wants to talk to her, so she and Kristen go outside. Stassi says she’s scared. Outside, Katie says the last time they talked, she felt that Kristen wasn’t listening. Kristen says she was an a-hole, and Katie says Kristen’s boyfriend is a d*ckhole. Kristen says Katie’s husband has been a d*ck to her. She was being honest, and Katie kept calling her a liar. Katie says she’s not the person who told everyone all about Carter. Kristen says, fair. She created a monster, complaining without saying the nice things about him. Maybe it took everyone talking to snap him out of it. Katie wants to be able to talk to Kristen and be calm. She wants Kristen to be happy in a loving relationship. She wants Kristen to have everything she deserves. Oh God, don’t say that. Katie says she came from good intentions. She’s sorry. Kristen thanks her.
Scheana asks who’s excited about Mexico. She heard James was disinvited. Kristen wants to talk to Lisa about the TomTom opening. It’s a huge deal, and she’s going.
James unpacks. Raquel says she’d been getting ready to pack. James says it didn’t go well at TomTom. He asked Schwartz if he was invited to the opening, and he said it wasn’t good idea. He told Schwartz screw his wife, and called him a p*ssy. In James’s interview, he says he feels bad, even though he kind of meant it. He tells Raquel that Lisa was in the vicinity, and hopes she didn’t think it was directed toward her. In his interview, he says Katie is phasing him out with the friends. She hasn’t met devil, but she’s come close. Raquel tells him not to be disrespectful. She recently moved there, and doesn’t have a ton of friends. If the girls exclude him, it affects her. If he was closer to them, it would be easier for her. He asks if she’s mad, and says he loves her for sticking with him. He knows he’s dealt with situations the wrong way, and apologizes.
At SUR, Ariana says, it’s the most disgusting part of the day – cleaning the menus – but it’s kind of therapeutic. She zones out. Lisa comes in, saying she needs candles, and asks Harry to look for some. Katie is excited about the opening. Lisa asks Katie to help Harry; she’s too tired to move. Kristen stomps in, telling Lisa that the girls said she’d be there today. Lisa looks thrilled. Kristen congratulates her on the TomTom opening. Lisa says they’re not open yet. Kristen says everyone was invited but her. Lisa says she didn’t do any inviting. Kristen heard Lisa didn’t want her there. In her interview, Kristen says there’s a reason she didn’t go to the Daily Mail party, got dressed up, and ate pasta in bed. She’s not missing her best friend’s bar opening. She says Tom invited her, and Lisa says the Toms have a table. It’s up to them to choose who they want to be there. If they invited her, she’s invited. Kristen asks if that means she can sit at Lisa’s table, but that’s a no. In Kristen’s interview, she says maybe she’s winning Lisa over. She thinks they’re on the same page. In Lisa’s interview, she says normally, Kristen is the catalyst, but if the Toms have her on their list, there’s not much she can do. Kristen steps on Lisa’s foot as she gives her a kiss on the cheek. That girl is beyond awkward.
Brittany goes to a gastroenterologist, accompanied by Jax. She gets nauseous, and throws up a lot. In his interview, Jax says Brittany will be in the bathroom for hours. After losing his father, he wants everyone who gets sick to get looked at. You don’t know when your last day will be. The doctor pushes on Brittany’s stomach. She takes a test to see if she has a bacterial infection. In Jax’s interview, he says she’s his other half; his fiancé. He wants her around a long time. The doctor says, good news; no bacterial infection. He thinks it’s an ulcer. Good God. She’s not even thirty. He gives her a prescription for something that suppresses acid, and allows the ulcer to heal. He tells her not to drink alcohol for the time being. In her interview, she wonders how she’s supposed to follow the doctor’s orders in Mexico. She could be grown up and not drink, but what’s the fun in that? She asks if she can just have one margarita, but the doctor says no alcohol, and nothing spicy or citrusy. Even a little will tip her over if there’s something going on. Jax says, it’s not worth it.
At Maniac Music Studios, Lala lays some tracks. She’s recording a song, What’s It For? that she wrote two weeks before her dad passed away. It has a new meaning now that he’s not here. Stassi and Ariana arrive. Lala is hoping the music will be a release for her. Ariana empathizes. When her dad passed away, she had an awful time, and years later, it’s still there. Lala takes a break. She likes having friends there. Ariana days she recorded when James was in the studio. It was only one time, and she felt awkward. James said she sounded like a robot. Lala is happy he’s not coming to Mexico. It’s no one’s fault but his own. She says it’s a luxury to be friends with her, and he doesn’t keep getting the opportunity. That’s not how life works. It takes everything for her not to put her hands on him. He and his girlfriend are both twats. In Ariana’s interview, she says Lala is all over the place. She doesn’t get why Lala is so vicious about Raquel and James. Lala says she’s having road rage right now.
Brittany is filling out forms online for the engagement party venue, and asks Jax if their number is fifty-five. She says they just have the food and drink to do. He looks at the laptop, and says, $300 for a mashed potato bar? He’ll make them. In his interview, he says maybe he needs to move to Idaho, and start a potato farm. How can you justify $300 for potatoes? I’m guessing you’re paying for things like people chopping up little bacon bits or whatever that go on the potatoes. In Brittany’s interview, she says, Jax has changed a lot, but he’s still Jax. He’s still defensive and talks over her. It drives her insane. She tells him it’s $8K for the venue and flowers. He says he might have to bartend to make the money.
Scheana tells Lisa that the dress code for servers at Brunch with Billie is Bohemian chic. She’s just glad not to be waiting tables not wearing a SUR dress, so she’s all about it. Lisa says she might have to pull some people for the TomTom opening. Scheana says she was planning on going with Adam; he’s her best friend and they do everything together. Lisa hopes not everything, but Scheana says they’re friends with benefits. Neither one of them wants a relationship. Lisa says, then she shouldn’t be sleeping with him. She’ll get hurt. In her interview, Scheana says everyone needs to let her do her, and Adam do her. Lisa heads for TomTom.
James arrives for brunch, and sets up his table. He tells Raquel it feels like forever since he’s been there. Raquel says he has the opportunity to show Lisa how professional he can be. Tom is glad to see James. James tells Tom that he’s doing everything in his power to stay positive. In his interview, Tom says he has a soft spot for the underdog. He’s excited about tomorrow. He can’t wait for everyone to eat and order from the cocktail menu. He took a written test for the motorcycle, and passed. We see a clip of him telling the DMV guy all about the restaurant. He supposes they don’t provide hair and makeup. The guy says not as far as he knows. Ariana is surprised he got it so quickly. SUR starts to get crowded.
Lala hoping understand where she and billie went south we flash back she wants to understand what exactly she did wrong sent condolences dad passing thought bonded blindsided billie says she was questioning her character, not calling her a bitch. Lala says she’d rather be called a bitch. Billie says Lala called her trash, and Lala says she was acting like it. Billie asks why Lala thinks she’s better than everyone else, and Lala says, it’s called confidence. Billie says, not if she’s making other people feel stupid. Lala says Billie passed judgement on her, now it’s time for her to do the same. She thinks Billie is a snake. Billie talks over her, and she walks away. I kind of don’t blame Lala. I liked Billie in the beginning, and thought she was a nice addition to the show, but that glow is dimming. I don’t know if she thinks she stays relevant by being combative, but it’s not a good look.
Scheana wishes Adam was coming to Mexico. She asks him if he’s going to be her date for the TomTom opening. She’s staying at his place afterward.
Raquel talks to one of Lala’s friends, saying Lala called her stupid. She’s dad blaming because she’s having a bad time, and it’s not okay. Lala overhears, and says in her interview that she can hear Raquel complaining that she’s pulling the dad card. She’d say Raquel lost her mind, but she’d need to have one to lose one. Tom glad see James, who asks what’s happening. He asks what the verdict is. Is he invited? Tom is like, um… and says he can go as a guest. He asks if he can bring Raquel, and Tom says he can. In James’s interview, he says it means a lot that Tom still cares about him. In Tom’s interview, he says the world isn’t coming to an end, but he’s probably keeping the bike running in case Katie wants to murder him.
Lala asks why Raquel is saying she’s volatile. Raquel says she didn’t, and Lala tells her, stop pretending. Raquel says Lala’s not taking responsibility for her actions, and the way she spoke to her. Lala thinks Raquel has a screw loose. In his interview, James tells himself not to take the Lala bait. Lala says Raquel doesn’t empower other women, and she thinks Raquel is pathetic. How dare she say Lala was using her dad. STFU. She tells Raquel not to bring up her dad. She thought Raquel was a dummy before her dad died. Billie tells Lala, get out. Raquel says Lala brought up her dad. She says Lala is going through so much she can’t comprehend, but it doesn’t give her an excuse to treat people like that. Tom says, it doesn’t give her free reign. Ariana says she’s going to eat some food.
Lala tells Brittany that she knows she’s not in the right frame of mind. She’s mourning a loss. Raquel is wrong for talking about her dad. Brittany says using her dad is disrespectful. Scheana tells Tom and Ariana that Lala is with Brittany. Tom asks if Lala will get fired, and answers himself, no, but James would.
Raquel says Lala attacked her there several times, and Lala is the hostess; she’s a patron. Tom says, would Lala get fired for that? No, but James calls Katie fat and gets fired. James says Lala thinks she’s up there. In Brittany’s interview, she says she thinks everyone is created equal, and doesn’t agree with Lala, but she needs to be there, and help her calm down. Ariana says Lala is fragile, but can’t expect everyone to tiptoe around her. It’s almost the five year anniversary of her dad’s death, but life goes on. People aren’t going to tiptoe around you when something bad happens. In her interview, she says there are a plethora of horrible things that will happen, but it’s not all about you. I think she just wanted to use the word plethora.
James wants to talk to Lala, who asks Brittany to stay. James says he doesn’t like the way she’s speaking to Raquel. In his interview, James says Lala lost some amazing qualities, a long time ago; her freshness and innocence. Raquel still has those qualities. He thinks Lala sees that, and wants to tear them down. That’s what bullies do. He says she doesn’t want him to come to Mexico, and she says she doesn’t want to be around him. He tells her that she said she cared and was his friend, but she says she made it clear they were not friends. He says she canceled the studio time with him. She says that’s because she trusted her gut. He’s a bad guy. He’s loving the fact he screwed Lala. It’s the only successful thing he’ll ever do. He says he’s already successful, and he hasn’t seen her around. She says she’s been too busy charting on iTunes. She’s going through more than he can imagine. Billie says Lala needs to go. She can’t talk sh*t about James; he’s DJing for her. Lala says not only is Billie boring, but she’s even boring to look at. Billie says Lala is 1995. In Lala’s interview, she says it’s J-Lo 2000, and an iconic look. Back to Charlotte Russe for Billie. She tells Billie to get the eff out of her face. She wants to see psycho? Brittany comes between them, saying she won’t let Lala do this. Billie wags her finger, and calls Lala a bitch. Lala leaves, and Billie says, can we do brunch already?
Lisa thinks TomTom is the most beautiful bar she’s ever see. I agree, but I do love a Steampunk look. Schwarz says they’re a few hours away from the grand opening. In his interview, he says it’s up there with his wedding. It’s his professional wedding. He and Tom go over cocktails. Lisa asks if they’re ready. Schwartz says he has a calm sense of determination. Lisa asks if he’s feeling grown up. He is. Lisa says people can order anything from the menu, and they have to be ready. We see a clip of Lisa and the Toms making the partnership official. She tells them good work, and congratulations. Schwartz asks if she’s crying. She says, no, and asks if she should be. Tom says they’ll cry later. Lisa tells them, back to work. Fluffy/Harrison!
Lisa asks if the bartenders are ready, and tells them, don’t let her down. Max arrives, with James right behind them. Lisa says she has no time for nonsense, and they haven’t addressed what happened. He says he’s sorry. His buttons were pushed, he got desperate, and freaked out, but he’s been doing well. He’s determined. Lisa says he has a basic lack of respect for everyone he deals with. He promises he’s been nice to everyone. She asks how brunch went, and he says it was good until Lala put her finger in Billie and Raquel’s faces. There were customer waiting to be seated, and Lala called Raquel a twat and bitch in front of customers. He didn’t call her one name. He just looked her in the eye, and left. Well, he did poke the bear first. In Lisa’s interview, she says she knows his history. He’s normally the antagonist. James says he did a phenomenal job; ask anyone who was there. He’s sticking up for himself because no one else will. Does she believe him? He wants her to say yes. She says the best indication of future behavior, or current behavior, is past behavior. In his interview, James says he’s out of chances. He’s the boy who cried wolf. He tells Lisa, if he showed up tonight, it would be an issue. As gutted as he is, he’s not coming. Lisa thinks it’s the right decision. Surprisingly, I do too. In his interview, James says if he keeps working hard, hopefully he has a special place in Lisa’s heart just for him. He leaves.
Next time, the TomTom opening, Lisa talks to Lala, the group arrives in Mexico, and Katie and Schwartz argue.
🎸 From Fiancé to Idol…
Evelyn and David were actually one of the few nice couples who were on the show. Good for her!
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Laura asks if Jason has Ava, and tells him the police are coming. Jason pulls Ava up, and Laura says she’s safe. The police arrive, and Ava asks, what just happened?
Carly continues to climb.
In Ankara, Turkey, Robert asks Sonny, if Dante is a hostage, where are the demands? What does he want? Sonny says, he’s not a hostage if there’s no exchange. What can Dante offer that no one else can? Robert wonders if they’re after Sonny.
Finn arrives at Alexis’s place. She thanks him for coming, and he says he’s happy to be there. She tells him she doesn’t think should be alone with that, pointing to the vodka bottle. He asks if she couldn’t bring herself to throw it out, and she says she thinks it’s just stuck there. He hates when that happens, and says, let’s see what we can do.
Elizabeth has her ring, and Franco puts it back on her finger. He loves her, and he’s sorry. She knows, and he hopes that’s enough. She doesn’t respond, and he says, here’s where she tells him that’s enough. She says she can’t.
Curtis tells Jordan that the doctor said not too many fluids, so he brought ice chips. Her bed is surrounded by files, and she’s on her laptop. Curtis says take it easy must mean something different to her than it does to him. She says she was told she could have a normal life on dialysis. She’s the police commissioner; welcome to her life. Ryan Chamberlain got away on her watch, and she won’t rest until he’s behind bars.
Ava yells for Doc. She says she told them he needed help. Jason explains to the police that Ryan Chamberlain is a serial killer, and took Ava with him to Canada, but before he left Port Charles, he kidnapped a friend of Jason’s. Laura says she’ll stay, and tells him to text when Carly is safe.
Jason calls Spinelli, and tells him to pull up a map of Cascade Point. He wants Spinelli to look five miles east, parallel to the Niagara River; a bridge or an embankment. Somewhere it would make sense to dump a body. He’ll fill Spinelli in later. Just find it.
Carly is almost to the top, but slides back down. She lies there, unconscious again.
Laura tells the police that Ryan jumped and tried to take Ava with him. Jason pulled her back out. The offer says, considering the drop and the temperature of the water, he’s most likely dead. It’s going to be recovery, not rescue. Laura says, thank God, and Ava asks how she can say that.
Finn asks Alexis, how about cards? but she says, too Vegas. He says he was thinking more gin rummy than blackjack, and she says, gin? He tells her, really good point. He suggests crossword puzzles, but she says too much concentration. He pulls a Jenga game out, and she asks if he brought a whole bag of tricks. He says he did, and tells her, sit back, concentrate on the moves, and let everything else fade away. She says, what if it doesn’t work? He says they’ll find something else, and smiles.
Franco tells Elizabeth to try and put herself in his position. Jordan was going to use him as bait, with or without his cooperation. He had no choice. Where is she coming from? She says for whatever reason he lied to her, she was left to clean up the mess. He says there were extenuating circumstances. Elizabeth knows he didn’t want it to happen, but it did. Franco says, and she had to deal with the wreckage. She says she doesn’t know if she can trust him. He made a promise that he’d never lie to her again. How can she expect him to keep it? He always makes promises, and inevitably breaks them. If it was just her, she could handle it but she has the boys. It’s taken a toll on them. He should have seen Cameron after the interview, and she was trying to shield Jake and Aiden, which was next to impossible. Franco says he can explain to them, but she doesn’t know if she wants him too. Why? Why is she being so weird?
Stella brings TJ to Jordan’s room. Curtis tells them that Jordan is ready to take on the world. Jordan says TJ looks tired, and asks if he’s getting enough sleep and eating. TJ asks if they can believe her, and Curtis says, once a mother, always a mother. Stella says he’s got that right. Jordan asks if TJ gave blood, but he says he got himself tested as a kidney donor. She says he’s not leaving his studies for surgery, but Curtis says, hopefully, it won’t be necessary, and his will be a better match. Jordan says, him too? and he asks if she thought he was kicking back and praying someone else would step up. They’re Ashfords. They’re family, and it’s what they do. She says he got more than he bargained for, but he says he already gave her his heart; what’s a kidney? Stella says she got tested too. Wouldn’t that be something? A little bit of her in Jordan. Jordan thanks them from the bottom of her heart.
Robert doesn’t want to bruise Sonny’s ego, but they’ve been after Raj for a while. What makes Sonny think he can find him. Sonny asks what if Robert is being set up, and Robert says it’s in the realm of speculation. Sonny says he wants to meet Raj face to face.
Finn tells Alexis, if he’d known she was a master, he would have brought a different game; five in a row. She says she hasn’t won yet, and looks at the bottle. He says she will. She says maybe it’s time for some stronger tactics. He has some, but she might not be ready. She might consider them odd. She says, him odd? Shocking. He wants to let her in on it, and she says what does she have to lose. He hopes not much.
Ava tells Laura, this is ridiculous. That’s not Ryan. It’s Doc, and he’s in the midst of a serious breakdown. She should want to help him. Laura says, no. Ryan somehow got the jump on Doc, and switched places with him. Ava says Ryan has been dead for years, and Laura says everyone thought so. They were all wrong. Ava says, it’s wishful thinking. Laura is telling herself it’s not him because she doesn’t want to believe he’d do these things. She knows it’s outrageous, but it’s not a fantasy she created. Laura says Ryan was a patient at Ferncliff. He somehow overpowered Doc, and switched places with him. It’s the truth; she’s not making it up. Why would she? Ava backs away, and says, of course. She laughs, and says, this explains everything.
Carly wakes up again, and struggles to sit up. She slides over and against the wall. She wonders how she’s supposed to do this again.
Finn pours the vodka into a plastic basin, and tells Alexis don’t knock it until she’s tried it. She puts her feet in it, saying, wash her feet in vodka? He says it washes windows too; no streaks. She thought it was only used for escape and drowning sorrows. He asks if she wants to talk about that, but she says, no. He asks what she was running from when she got the bottle.
Elizabeth says the night Franco was arrested, the police ransacked their home. The kids had to live through that. Then two days later, he said he was guilty, and two days after that, he did the interview, confessing his sins in chilling detail. Franco says he had to, and it worked. She asks why he didn’t tell her, but he says he couldn’t. She says at least she could have been prepared. She could have sent the kids to her sister in California. They were left twisting in the wind because of him being dishonest. The little fabric of their family is torn, and when it’s reweaved, it tears again. He asks if she’s calling it quits, and she says she might just have to for her children. Yes. Let’s confuse them even more. Now that he’s not a killer, kick him out.
Stella asks how Jordan is holding up. Jordan says, better, now that Stella is there, looking after those two. Stella says she loves them, and would do anything for them, but she’s no substitute. She’s proud that Curtis wanted to be with someone so strong, intelligent, and maybe a little stubborn; a real partner. She keeps him on his toes. Jordan says Stella set the example when he was growing up. Stella says Curtis is lucky to have Jordan, and Jordan says he’s lucky to have them both.
In the hallway, Curtis asks if TJ is okay. TJ says, looking at his mom, he feels like he’s six-years-old, terrified, begging for his mom to be okay. But it’s the last thing he wants put on her. Curtis says, she’ll be all right. There are few people more stubborn. TJ says, even Aunt Stella? and he says, maybe it’s a tie. Jordan has no intention of leaving them, especially her baby boy. It’s scary – he’s scared too – but remember who she is. She’ll fight as long as she has to, and as a family, they’ll get through it.
Ava tells Laura, unreal. It makes sense now. She knows when it happened, down to the minute. He started acting like a different person, but there was more going on than she realized. Ava says she had sex with him; it’s a violation. Laura says she’s sorry, and Ava asks if Doc is okay. Laura says he’s at the hospital, and Ava says she needs to go to him. Laura says, there’s a lot more than that. Ava says she needs to understand how he got away with it, but knows Laura must be relieved. Doc had nothing to do with putting Carly in the trunk, and didn’t try to kill them. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t, as long as she knows that, everything can wait. Laura says Ava claims she knows when Doc and Ryan switched places, and asks when she thinks that was. Ava says, this morning. Out of nowhere, he suggested they go to Canada. Laura is sorry, but she’s wrong. Ava says, so when? How much earlier? Laura says, months. Ava was never with Doc.
Franco tells Elizabeth, repair, reweave;she needs to try. Elizabeth says she knows his intentions are good, and he says she feels hurt and betrayed. Elizabeth says she’s sad. Franco says she has the right to feel whatever she feels. She says, it was a dangerous situation, and he made the decision to help Jordan. He says he knew how important it was to try and stop the killer, even if it blew his life apart. She says, everyone’s life. He says he did it for Kiki. What did she want him to do? He’s sorry she was hurt in the process, but it was a matter of life or death. The killer might have come after her, and he couldn’t stand to lose her. He stands by his choice, and can’t say it was wrong. Elisabeth is glad he made a choice he can live with, but she doesn’t know if she can live with it. She walks out of his room.
Jordan tells Curtis to get something to eat. He says he’ll get some take-out from Kelly’s, but she tells him to take Stella and TJ, and go sit at a table. She’ll be joining him in no time. He says when she’s like this, it’s best not to argue, and they leave.
Finn asks why Alexis went to the liquor store. She says she couldn’t stay asleep. He says, and..? She says she had a dream about Julian, which led her to excuse the sobering reality of the progress she made in getting beyond their toxic relationship, and him. it turns out, she’s made no progress. Finn doesn’t want details, but asks if it was a romantic dream. She says it’s not about what happened. It’s about who Julian was. He was the dangerous, bad Julian; the one she fell in love with. Finn says, the one who held a knife to her throat, and she says, that’s the one. Not the reformed Julian, but the bad Julian. That’s the one she wants and dreams about. The one who’s bad for her.
Robert asks how Sonny is going to find Raj when no one else seems to be able to? He says the station chief is going to come up with a location, but Sonny says she hasn’t so far. Robert says she messed up, but she’s still the one who knows the players. Sonny says they have different priorities. He needs to find his son. Robert says if Sonny goes rogue, he could get killed. It’s not his territory. What does Sonny do when a guy starts asking questions that he shouldn’t be? Sonny says, eliminate him. Robert has an angle he wants to work. He asks Sonny to do him a favor, and stay there. Like that’s going to happen.
Laura tells Ava that she doesn’t know how he managed it, but Ryan held Doc prisoner at Ferncliff, and took over his life; his family, his friends, and his patients. It happened at the end of August or early September; before Labor Day, before she got home from Paris. She didn’t come home to her husband. She came home to his brother. She’s sorry. The man who broke up with her and fell in love with Ava was Ryan the whole time.
Alexis says, it’s not like it’s new information. She likes bad men because her dad was bad and didn’t love her. She gets that, but she’s intelligent. Why can’t she stop being like this? Finn says, it’s hard, and she says she has too many addictions. She can’t feel that out of control all the time. She’s done what she’s supposed to, going to meetings and therapy, but she still wants the man who did unforgivable things. Julian is now the guy she asked him to be, but she doesn’t want normal. She wants the bad guy. It makes her feel despair and desperate, because that makes her feel normal. What’s wrong with her? Finn takes her hand, and says he can tell her one thing. Drinking ain’t gonna help any of this.
Elizabeth checks on Jordan, who asks how Franco is. Elizabeth says, he’ll recover. Jordan is sorry he got hurt. Elizabeth says, is she? Her little plan did a lot of damage. Jordan says, maybe, but they ID’d a serial killer, and got a murderer off the street. Elizabeth says Jordan is no better than a bully. She has no idea what Franco means to them; the love he brought in their home. She shows Jordan pictures of Franco with her and the boys. She says Franco let the boys test him, and made it his mission to earn their trust. He made sure they knew he wouldn’t let them down, and she took that away from all of them. As a mother, she should know how sacred a child’s trust is. When it’s broken, it’s almost impossible to get back. Her children are devastated, and she did this to them. Jordan takes responsibility for putting Franco in that position, but would do it again. Elizabeth says, the ends justify the means. Jordan says Maybe Elizabeth should have thought about who she was letting in their lives. Frankly, I think Elizabeth is making a big deal out of nothing, and the boys are going to think Franco is a super cool hero.
Ava says if anyone lost touch with reality, it’s Laura. She can’t accept that Doc fell in love with her. His demented brother is the answer to her prayers. It explains why Doc left her, began a relationship with Ava, and asked her to marry him. The simple truth is, she made him happier than Laura could. That’s why their marriage ended. It’s pathetic, taking an awful thing that happened in the last 48 hours, and negate the last few months. She knows how painful it must have been, and that Laura was devastated when Doc left her, but it’s not Ava’s fault or problem. She wants to see her fiancé. She needs to see Doc.
Carly tells herself she can do this, and starts climbing again. She gets toward the top, and a hand reaches down. Jason says he has her.
Alexis thanks Finn for coming. He takes the empty bottle, and she tells him to recycle. He tells her take it one day at a time, and if that’s too much, one hour. She says she was thinking one second, and he says, that works too. He’ll be there if she needs him. He tells her, she’s got this, and leaves.
Curtis comes back to Jordan’s room, and she asks, what happened to Kelly’s? He says he can’t stay away from his wife. She says he just missed Elizabeth reading her the riot act. She feels for Elizabeth, to a point. Curtis says no one could argue that Franco was the logical choice. He was a serial killer. Jordan says it’s not like she made it up. If Elizabeth doesn’t like it, she needs to ask herself if she should be with him.
Franco is asleep, and Elizabeth slips his phone out from underneath his hand. She sees he was looking at a picture of them with Aiden.
Robert comes back, and says, son of a bitch. No surprise, Sonny is gone.
Carly is slipping, but Jason pulls her up. He says he’s got her; she’s safe. She asks how he found her, and he says, long story.
Laura tells Ava that she fell for it too. If Ryan had preferred her, it could have been her sleeping with him. She says Ava is in no condition to drive, and Ava says, nor does she have a car. Laura says she’ll be happy to make arrangements for Ava to get back. Ava says she’s not believing anything until she sees Doc herself. She starts to cry, and says he’s going to tell her that he’s been locked in a cell since September. All the moments where the wonderful man, after a lifetime of her being treated like dirt, loved her for her, and accepted her, all those moments weren’t real because it wasn’t him. All the time she cried in his in arms, accepted his kisses, and let his fingertips wipe her tears, they weren’t his arms, lips, or fingertips. All this time, she was loving the wrong man. She’s she’s been sleeping with a serial killer. That’s it, isn’t it? She collapses, wailing, oh, God, Kiki! Laura holds her, and she weeps in Laura’s arms. I tear up too.
Tomorrow, Maxie tells Peter, the sooner they get the samples to the lab, the better; Drew asks Oscar if they have a deal; and Sonny needs information, and thinks he’s found the man to get it from.
Vanderpump Rules
The show hasn’t even started, and James is pissing me off.
Lisa and Ken put the finishing touches on TomTom. Head server from PUMP, Richardson, helps out. In her interview, Lisa says they still have so many things to do to get TomTom open. She explains everything they need get up to speed, and says the only way to do it is by trial, and sometimes trial has error. Schwartz arrives, and she asks where Tom is. Schwartz says something came up, and she wonders, what’s more important than this?
Apparently, looking at motorcycles with Ariana. Tom laughs because he’s wearing a vegan leather jacket. He wants to surprise Schwartz by picking him up for the opening in a sidecar. In his interview, he says, a limo is basic. He asks himself what speaks to their personality and friendship, and it’s a motorcycle side car. He gets on a bike, saying, it’s a beast. Ariana says the way his mind works is fascinating. He’s in the midst of starting a business that has no guarantee of succeeding. He’s weird about buying a house, but wants to spend $15K on a motorcycle. In Ariana’s interview, she doesn’t think it’s the best use of money under any circumstances. Tom says he’s been planning it for a year, and she’s not holding it up. She says she’s not trying to. In his interview, Tom says he’ll never have a first opening of his first business again. He’s doing it.
Lisa says they’re going to be training the staff, and having a food tasting. Schwartz tells her that he’s bringing in his brothers later to show them the bar. They got in last night. He doesn’t see them as much as he’d like, so when they come, he tries to live it up. He tells her that James is putting in an effort, and he gives him credit.
Stassi visits Brittany, who’s recovering from dental surgery, and holding a cold compress to her face. Stassi says she was expecting Brittany to look like a monster. She brought popsicles and Jell-O shots. Brittany says she’s not supposed to drink, but she’s doing it anyway. It hurts when she opens her mouth wide. She asks Stassi how it went with Beau’s mom. Stassi says the one time she wanted her friends to make a good impression, and be on their best behavior, Carter starts pointing his finger at her and Katie, saying they’re the reason he and Kristen fight. In Stassi’s interview, she thinks Carter was born a brat, is a brat, and will continue to be a brat. He won’t get a job, and yells at Kristen all the time, and then Kristen pretends like everything is perfect. Brittany says Kristen told her she wishes Carter could change like Jax. She’s referenced it a few times. Who’d have thunk anyone would ever say that?
James meets Ohm owner David. He’s been getting bigger venues, and branching out. It’s at Hollywood and Highland, he has a thousand kids waiting for him, a VIP table at the top, and it’s going down. Schwartz, Tom, Jax, and the triplets arrive. In Jax’s interview, he says it’s clear he doesn’t like James, but he likes the Toms and the triplets. He’s going to drink a lot, and probably won’t remember it anyway. A girl gives one of the triplets a lap dance, even though it’s not that kind of club. Tom talks about the opening party at TomTom. James comes by, and sits with them. He’s hyped. Tom says it’s eight times as many people as SUR. James says they want him every month, so maybe it’s his next See You Next Tuesday spot, but it’s hard. Tom says it’s because SUR is like family. Tom says he needs a master trip before he gets married to TomTom. He stupidly invites James, and Schwartz, even more stupidly, thinks this is a great idea. In Tom’s interview, he thinks James has been punished enough, and then some. Let him come around again. He tells James he wants to have fun and relax. In his interview, Jax says he doesn’t care either way, but Tom and Tom are that dumb. Have fun telling the girls.
Ariana, Stassi, Scheana, and Katie go to A Cat Café Experience. Ariana says they’re all huge animal lovers, but the dogs get all the love kitties get left out. There’s a huge play area on the floor where they entertain some cats. We see a clip of Scheana, who has a cat that apparently hides most of the time. My sister-in-law had a cat that I only ever saw hiding behind a dresser. They play with the cats, and Ariana asks if they talked to Kristen. Stassi says Kristen is blowing up her social media, saying she loves him so much. It reminds her of the end of Kristen’s relationship with Tom, when she went crazy. We flash back to that. Stassi says if it goes south, Kristen can’t complain. She has a sh*tty ass feeling, talking this way, but feels resentful. Kristen was saging her like it was a dagger, and she’s mad now.
Tom and Schwartz go grocery shopping. Tom points out there are butt plugs in the produce section, and Schwartz says, it’s LA, man. West Hollywood. Schwartz says he found an amazing deal in Puerta Vallarta. Tom is concerned about leaving right after the opening, but Lisa insisted they go, because she’s going to be kicking their ass for the next year. Who is he to argue?
Schwartz calls Katie, who says they’re playing with cats. Schwartz says Tom made an executive decision. They’re going on a short trip to an all-inclusive resort. Stassi loves an all-inclusive place, since you can drink as much as you want without feeling bad about it. Katie asks who’s going, and he says the usual suspects. He lists everyone, and slips James in at the end. Katie asks if he’s kidding her, and Schwartz says Tom invited James. Don’t worry about it. She says, no, and Schwartz says, it’s not his place. She says, it is; she’s his wife, and it’s his trip too. She almost quit her job over James. Why would she want to go on a trip with him? In Katie’s interview, she says she’s pulling rank. She tells him James doesn’t need be there, and Schwartz says they’ll sort it out, but the Toms are obviously bummed. Katie says Tom is like a brother to her. She gets that he likes James, but if there’s a choice between them, is there really a choice? In her interview, Ariana says it wasn’t smart to invite James without checking first, but she thinks it’s unfair that only Tom has to catch the heat. No one wants to get mad at Schwartz; they all think he’s is so nice. Well, Ariana, although Schwartz tends to not make waves, and go along for the ride, Tom is the one who keeps wanting to include James.
Carter and Kristen go out to eat. It’s the anniversary of their first date. He convinced her to come over the first night, saying he’d sleep on the couch, but he didn’t have one. In her interview, Kristen says she got to his house, and there was no couch. He started the relationship out with a lie, so she had sex with him in the kitchen. Why? I assume there was a bed. He says the two-headed dragon, Stassi and Katie, are scary. Kristen doesn’t know what was said, and Carter tells her that they claimed he was mean to her, he never pays for anything, and they sleep in separate beds. I wonder if they have a couch now. He says he feels betrayed. He doesn’t vent to his friends; it’s not their business. She says he’s not a girl. Exactly. She says when she’s confiding in them, it’s because he’s not pulling his weight in the relationship. In her interview, Kristen says when he behaves that way, she wonders if she’s hard to love or deserves better. Maybe she’s a pain in the ass, and has to find a person who doesn’t mind her being a pain in the ass. She says she needs them to be solid for a while. He asks what she can do better, but she says she’s nice to him. He laughs, and the waiter brings a cake, saying, happy anniversary. Kristen tells Carter to smile, and takes a picture, for what I assume is Instagram.
Schwartz and Stassi go to a waxing place. Schwartz is getting his chest waxed. In his interview, he says he has a tuft, which was his only indication of manhood. He’s hoping to get his mojo flowing with Katie, so they have sex more often. He asks if they bedazzle. Stassi wants to get waxed, but also wants sparkles on her vagina, since it’s a fashionista too. She asks if Schwartz was sober when he invited James on the trip. He says James hooked them up with a bottle, and he’d thought everything had blown over. Stassi says it was stupid, and Schwartz says he’s not happy. He wants to relax and chill. In Stassi’s interview, she says Schwartz’s lack of emotional control is a handicap. None of them want to be around James. It’s done. The technician calls them in.
Stassi goes first, and picks out a kiss mark and crown. She says if she’s Daenerys Targaryen, her vagina is a fire breathing pet dragon. It’s sweet, but also aggressive. WTF? Outside the room, Schwartz asks if it’s ornate. He’s next. He says he’s scared. His confidence has shriveled like his penis in swim class. Stassi laughs as the technician puts the wax on him, and he says he didn’t know it would be hot. He asks her to hold his hand. He yowls when the strips are pulled off, and she’s dying laughing. She tells him that he looks like a twelve-year-old boy. Schwartz says he’s an Adonis.
It’s Girls’ Night at SUR. Jax and Tom serve at the bar. Lisa comes in, and asks Scheana asks for rosé. It’s Brittany’s first day back since her surgery. She’s not taking a full week like Jax would. She tells the girls that she has to push her cheeks in when she smiles because it hurts. Schwartz comes in, and says his brothers made it back in one piece. He loved showing them one of his crowning achievements. They love the Toms and love bars. How could they not love a bar called TomTom? We see a clip of them being impressed. Tom says it’s confirmed they’re going to Puerta Vallarta for a reset. He invited James, but now there’s a big thing going on. He thought everyone was over it, but it’s going to ruin the trip. Jax says he’s not surprised. He knew how it would go, and he was right.
Katie sees Scheana in the kitchen. She shows Scheana her flask, saying she BYOB’d. Scheana, who’s wearing a very skimpy outfit, says she served four drinks and got a hundred buck tip. She asks Katie if she says the magic word, will she, Kristen, and Stassi come see her new apartment? Katie asks if the word is tequila. Scheana says, enchiladas, but she’ll have that too. She wants to cook dinner for them.
Katie tells Schwartz that Tom needs to de-invite James. It was supposed to be a fun moment, and his disrespect is appalling to her. Schwartz is sorry she feels that way. In Katie’s interview, she says Kristen can’t be in the same room with James. He embarrassed Brittany, and Jax can’t stand him. Yet Tom wants to bring him as his plus one. Tom is Schwartz’s partner, and should respect her as his wife. Schwartz says he’ll talk to Tom. In his interview, he says he’s stuck between his wife and his work wife, and it’s a position he doesn’t like being in. In Katie’s interview, she says James looks at her like he’s disgusted, and made more than one comment about her body. Get over it. Beau says not them, and Stassi says the women are getting the brunt of it. Katie almost quit her job of eight years. Schwartz he’ll take care of it. He’ll tell Tom that if James goes, he won’t be going.
Schwartz goes to the bar, and asks Tom to talk a second. Jax asks him not to be too long, and Tom threatens to take a Jax break. Jax says, no Jax break. Tom brings a beer outside, and Schwartz says he was talking to the girls about James coming. He was all excited about the trip, and they took the wind out of his sails. He’s cool with James, and appreciates that Tom is his champion, but him coming on this trip isn’t working. He hates doing it. Tom says he likes James, and feels bad. They’d been talking about it in front of him. Schwartz says it would be a nightmare for him. He thought it fizzled, and Katie was indifferent, but he got a strong reaction, and he knows better than to tell her how to feel. In his interview, Schwartz says he tried being Switzerland, but he has to take Katie’s side. Ariana comes out, and says she has a bone to pick with Schwartz. She’s effing sick of watching her boyfriend be the mouthpiece. He looks like an a-hole, when she knows what they say behind closed doors.
Schwartz says, they’ll do it together. Ariana says she thought he was down for James coming. Schwartz says he got caught up in the moment, now Katie is upset, and James has to be uninvited. Tom invited him; now he has to uninvite him. Ariana says, sorry. She thought he was coming down on Tom when he was in agreement. Katie comes out, and says she’s made her feelings clear, and until she says otherwise, they haven’t changed. Tom says they always know her feeling. Katie ass at what point did they think about her feelings? She’s done with James. In Tom’s interview, he says Katie has done a lot of things to her friends over the years. She bullied Kristen, called Lala a whore – we flash back to her saying she calls it as she sees it – and she made Schwartz’s life a living hell. We also flash back to her saying Schwartz’s d*ck doesn’t work. Now James was fired over a comment. She says, James got himself fired. Tom says he would have a job if she hadn’t said anything. He accuses Katie of being drunk, and she says he’s an a-hole. He tells her that she can say what she wants about everyone, call them a whore, a POS, say their d*ck doesn’t work, but if someone calls her fat, they get fired. She says he has no idea what it’s like. She’s tired of James attacking her body. Tom says everyone effs up, but James is the only one who got fired. She asks what Tom’s purpose is. It’s not the first time James said something to her. She’s been putting up with it for years. We flash back to James asking if she’s pregnant. She says sorry she put her foot down. No more of this sh*t. He looks like idiot. Tom calls her a bully. In his interview, Schwartz says Tom is out of line, attacking his wife’s character. It’s absurd and he has to have his wife’s back. He calls for a car.
Tom tells Lisa about seeing James at Ohm. He says he and Schwartz were talking about possibly taking a trip, and invited him along. As soon as Schwartz mentioned James to Katie, she absolutely not. He says first, there was the whole thing with her putting pressure on Lisa. Buzzer sound. Wrong on several levels. No one pressures Lisa, and it’s probably a bad idea to suggest she was manipulated in any way. He says, James shouldn’t have gotten fired; Katie has been an a-hole for years. As always, Lisa is unruffled, and says that’s his partner’s wife, but he whines, it’s not fair. In her interview, Lisa says she feels torn. James needs a friend, and Tom is the only one on his side, but his relationship to Schwartz is paramount. It’s important to the business. She says it didn’t do him any harm, and she doesn’t know if Katie will get over it anytime soon. He has to sort it out. She can’t do it for him.
Schwartz and Tom meet at TomTom. Schwartz asks, what happens now? Katie loves Tom like a brother, and it hurts when he takes James’s side. There’s no chance they can invite James. It will make his life a living hell. Tom says they were organizing it together. If someone is causing anyone else to be uncomfortable, they shouldn’t be there. In Tom’s interview, he says being partners with Schwartz means he’s partners with Katie too. If his business partner’s wife has an issue with James, it’s done. Schwartz thanks him, and I do too, for doing the mature thing. In his interview, Tom says if he has to uninvite James, so be it. Schwartz says James can take his own trip. Tom agrees.
Lisa arrives at TomTom for the tasting. She’s concerned she’s going to get fatter, and says they should have a bucket they can spit it out into, like at a wine tasting. She says, you don’t have to swallow, once again reminding us of her sassy wit, filled with double-entendres. Everyone laughs. The Toms come in, and ask what she needs from them. Schwartz asks how many people they can invite to the opening. She reminds them the guests aren’t coming to judge; they’re coming to enjoy – it’s their opening.
Tom shows Schwartz the software. James comes in. He asks if Lisa spoke to Billie about him DJing her brunch. Lisa says she hasn’t spoken to Billie, but if she wants him there, she’s okay with it. He says he’s been doing anger management, and breathing exercises. We see a clip of the latter. He asks if he can give Saturday a go. Lisa says, if it’s with Billie, okay. Why is he so excited? He’s got gigs all over the place. He says he misses it. He doesn’t want take other offers if he can work at SUR. In Lisa’s interview, she says she thinks it’s something more than a job. It’s validation. She says he didn’t come to ask her that, and he asks if he can DJ at TomTom. She says she can’t let him do that because of the politics involved. James asks if he’s invited to the opening, or is it up to the girls? Tom thanks him for the club table at Ohm, and says he did a great job. He knows they were talking about the trip. He thought it wasn’t going to be a big deal, but then Schwartz brought it up with Katie and the girls. He knows James has been putting in effort into bettering himself. James says, this is bullsh*t, and calls them a-holes. Schwartz says what does he want them to do? Lisa suggests James take a breath. It’s not that big a deal. He says, it is to him. Lovely for them. Lisa tells him to calm down, and James calls them p*ssies. He tells Schwartz, screw his wife. Schwartz tells him to say it again. In his interview, James says, Katie is a bitch. She’s not happy unless she’s hating on somebody. She directed his summer. I guess he doesn’t know how to make other friends? Lisa tells him to listen, and he calls Schwartz and Katie, fatty and weasel. Tom says he has to take it in stride. He needs to stop and listen. James says, eff you, fatty and weasel. Tom says, talk to him, and James says, don’t do this. They should be ashamed. Schwartz says James should be ashamed of himself.
Schwartz, Lisa, and Tom walk out.
Next time, Raquel is pissed for James, the Toms are officially partners with Lisa, Katie and Kristen argue, and Lala call out Raquel.
🚤 While I don’t recommend Summer House – it’s like The Real World for people old enough to know better – I have it on in the background, in between shows, while I’m doing something else. I literally choked on my toast when Kyle said he was thirty-five. They’re way past old enough. When I first saw Vanderpump Rules, I thought maybe being immature was a West Coast thing, but after seeing this, I’m wondering if it’s a Millennial thing. What thing is it? I don’t remember any of my friends being this aimless, and I certainly wasn’t. I did get a fine quote from Carl though – The forecast is cloudy with a chance of argument.
😕 Dropping Like Flies…
At least he was in his 80s. I don’t remember him as Edward though.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 