What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna and Valentin go to her place, and she suggests he start a fire, and she’ll get them a couple of brandies. He says, good idea, and she says, consider it a down-payment; she owes him a pair of shoes. They were very nice shoes. He says, not to mention comfortable. But no mission is without sacrifice. She says, yeah, they failed, but he says he doesn’t know. She says, Lucy is still in Victor’s clutches, and he says, her own choice, but they got off and on the Haunted Star undetected. They returned the stolen zodiac… She says, borrowed, and he says, borrowed zodiac, and here they are; slightly damp and missing a shoe, but otherwise none the worse for wear. And they’re together. He’d call that a win.

Nikolas tells Ava to take the envelope; it’s hers. She says she doesn’t care if it contains a cashier’s check for a million bucks. It can’t buy back her love and trust, both of which he threw away when he had sex with Esme Prince. He says, it’s not money. He’s not trying to buy back her love. Like he said, this is proof of just how much he loves her. She opens it, and takes out a paper. She asks, what is this? and he tells her, you might say, it’s his life, and as she can see, it’s now in her hands.

At the MetroCourt, the hostess asks if she can get Robert a drink, and he asks for white wine. Mac and Felicia come in, and Mac says, they’re two minutes late, and Robert already has his nose buried in his emails. He told Felicia Robert needed a break. Robert tells him to speak for himself. He’s been looking for Brando’s killer since he got out of bed. He’s thinking, this guy probably sharpened the hook on Ava first. Felicia asks if they can agree both Scorpio brothers need a break. She needs a break. She’s not squeamish, but can they talk about something else besides hooks? Mac says, of course (🍷). He can’t deny her anything, and she flips Robert’s phone over, saying, that’s better. Robert says, now that she’s got her way, what are they going to talk about? She says she can think of one topic for sure, and they look at Cody who’s sitting at the bar.

Cody orders a bottle of beer, and the bartender says, foreign or domestic? He says, always domestic. And also, could he make sure to have a bottle of champagne chilling for when his date arrives? She’s a bit more upscale than him. He looks over at Mac’s table, and says, oh great, him? Is Mac stalking him now? He tells the bartender, on second thought, hold the beer and the bubbly.

At the hospital, Britt tells Terry that she’s officially off the clock. Wish her luck. Terry says, from the looks of things, Britt’s luck is already improving, and Britt says, she’s going on another date with Cody. The last time they saw each other was at the Quartermaine picnic, and they all know how that ended. Terry says, tonight is a new night. Have a good time. Britt thanks her, and they see a vase of roses on the desk. Terry asks when those were delivered, and Britt says, more important, who are they for? She reads the card, and says, lovely Terry, til we meet again. When did Terry get a secret admirer? Terry snatches the card, and says, it’s not a secret. His name’s Yuri, and she met him at the Quartermaine barbecue, which just goes to show the night wasn’t a complete disaster. Finn runs up, and says he needs her. Britt says, it’s too late; she’s off the clock. Finn says, not her. He needs to talk to Terry. It’s important.

Alexis tells Gregory, if Brando was specifically targeted, they need to figure out why. Was it someone he worked with? Was he in a dispute with someone? Anything to give them a clue as to who Brando’s killer is. He asks if they’re following clues now, and she says, if it’s any kind of inconvenience for him, she’s perfectly capable of following up on her own. He says, and cut him out of what might be an important article? Not a chance. When do they start? She says, now, and gets up.

At the garage, there’s a bloody handprint on the desk. On the floor, Diane lies unconscious in a pool of blood.  

Anna tells Valentin, it’s good get out of those damp clothes. Sorry she didn’t have a robe for him. Does he want a blanket? She hands him a drink, and he says, it’s not necessary. She says she ran out of brandy, so scotch. Is that okay? He takes a sip, and says, always, especially when it’s this good. They clink glasses, and she asks, how is he? He says he thinks he’s dreaming because she’s even more beautiful by the firelight, and she thanks him, but says, that’s not what she was asking. In the space of nearly two years, he was raised to believe a lie, that Helena was his mother and Victor was his father, and now Charlotte, the one person he loves without reservation has been taken from him as leverage. He wants to maintain everything is fine and he’s handling it. She’s been where he is, or close enough. Keeping a cool façade when her life was literally blowing up in flames. She wanted to scream and cry, but she was to afraid, because if she started, she didn’t think she would know how to stop. And then if she was broken, truly broken, what would happen to her child? Or she could just be projecting all that. He says, sometimes he thinks his fear for his daughter and his rage for Victor Cassadine is the only thing that’s keeping him sane.

Mac asks if Cody is following them now, and Felicia says, he’s probably wondering the same thing about them. Robert says he doesn’t have the slightest idea what they’re talking about. Who’s the dude at the bar? Mac says, he’s new in town. As a kid, he went to camp with Dante. He works at the Quartermaine stables now. Felicia says, come on. Robert’s going to find out sooner or later. Robert asks what he’s going to find out, and she says, his name is Cody Bell. Robert says, his name was on the list of 50 people still at the Quartermaines’ at the time Ava was attacked, and Mac says, that’s not all he is. Cody takes out his phone.

Britt says, Finn seems more serious than usual. Did he identify the venom that killed Brando Corbin? Terry says, Britt is off the clock, and has a date waiting for her, and Finn tells her not to let them keep her. Britt’s phone rings, and she tells Cody that she was just on her way to meet him. He says, good thing he caught her. He thought maybe they could try something different. Maybe they could meet up at the PC Lanes and go bowling. She says, excuse me? and he says, drink a couple beers, roll a few frames. What’s her size? He’ll rent her a pair of bowling shoes. She says she’s in a dress and heels; she’s not going bowling. They either stick to the plan and meet at the MetroCourt, or she’s going home – alone. He says, the MetroCourt it is. He’ll see her soon. Terry says, change in plans? but Britt says, no. Bye. She leaves, and Terry asks if Britt is right. Did Finn want to talk to her about the toxicology report? He says he pinpointed the venom, and he’s waiting on a supply to treat the venom, so they have it on hand, just in case. She says, if it’s all settled, then why did he want to… It’s about Elizabeth, isn’t it?

Outside the garage, Gregory asks why the door is open, and Alexis says, Brando’s assistant is probably still working. He says, with all the crime that’s been going on around here, he doesn’t have a good feeling about this, but she says, it’s just a garage. Let’s go inside it. They walk in, and Alexis says, oh my God. Gregory says, what the hell? and we see Dex kneeling next to Diane.

Valentin tells Anna, Charlotte is in this world because of him. He knows every parent can say that, but this was different. Helena made an embryo, but it was his call to go with a gestation host. He chose the surrogate. He’s solely responsible for her being alive. It might have been the most selfish thing he’s ever done. He knew the laws he’d broken, the crimes he committed, the people he’d wronged. He made so many enemies. He can hide her all he wants, but she’s always going to have a target on her. She asks if he had to do it over, does he think he’d make a different choice? and he says, of course (🍷) not, and she says she feels the same about Robin. Apart from the fact she’s spectacular, Anna can’t imagine a world without her. Until she became a mother, she lived her life for herself, and as he knows, that led to a series of terrible decisions. She basically sold her soul to the highest bidder. Robin changed all that; Robin changed her entire perspective. She wanted to be a better person, for Robin, the way he wants to be a better person for Charlotte. He says, the only difference is, she succeeded. His case is still very much in doubt.

Nikolas tells Ava, go on. Read it. She reads, I, Nikolas Cassadine, being of sound mind and body – that’s debatable – do hereby acknowledge and confess that I, and I alone, am responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince. I know this because I killed her.

Robert says, the way Mac is looking at Cody, you’d think he had something on him, but Mac tells him, forget about it. He questioned Cody about the Quartermaine picnic. He has an alibi. Robert asks, then why so interested? when Britt comes in. Felicia asks if Britt wasn’t with Cody on the night of the attack, and Robert asks, since when does Britt Westbourne qualify as a legitimate alibi? Mac has already had a crack at him. Maybe Robert should go over and rattle his tree.

Britt says she’s definitely ready for that champagne cocktail, and Cody asks if she’s sure. Maybe they should relocate to that cool, new burger joint off the highway. She says, first it was bowling, now it’s a burger joint. If he doesn’t want to go on a date with her just say so. He says, it’s not her; it’s them. He nods toward Mac’s table, and she says, the Scorpio brothers? He says, the Chief of Detectives has a brother? and she says, law enforcement runs in the family. Robert’s the DA.

Mac’s cell phone dings, and he tell Robert to wait. There’s been another attack; the details are minimal. Robert says, anything to do with a hook? but Mac says, no. Robert says, then they don’t know if it’s tied to Brando or Ava. It could be totally unrelated. Mac says, it happened in Brando Corbin’s garage, and Robert says, Sonny’s cousin was the second victim. Mac says, they could be looking at victim number three. He needs to take Felicia home, then get to the scene. Felicia tells him to go; she’ll take a Ride Share. Robert tells Mac, then he’s going to the hospital. He wants to be there when the victim gets there.

Finn tells Terry that he’s been worried about Elizabeth, but she’s finally wanting to understand the root cause of all the things she’s been experiencing; the memory loss, the blackouts, all of it. Terry thanks him for telling her, and says, it’s a relief to hear. Ever since Biz found them talking about her, it’s like a wall went up between her and her best friend. He says he knows, but with Doc’s help, she’s finally remembering things from her past she’s been repressing for years. Terry says, about her family? and he says he thinks so. She says she knows better than to push for more. She doesn’t want him to betray Elizabeth’s confidence. She’s just really glad if Biz goes looking into her past, she won’t be going alone.

Gregory tells Dex, whoever he is, step back, but Dex says he needs to do this. He swears he came in and found her like this. He needs to stop the bleeding. Gregory tells him to step back, and put his hands where Gregory can see them, and tells Alexis to call 9-1-1. Dex continues to work on Diane, and says, he’s already called 9-1-1; the paramedics are on the way. Alexis asks who he is, and he says he works for Sonny Corinthos. She’s his lawyer. Are they going to help him or not? Please. Gregory goes over to Diane, and says he can barely feel a pulse. Dex says, they need to stop the bleeding, and Alexis makes another call.

Valentin asks if Anna believes the ends justify the means, and she says she’s not supposed to. He says, but she does, doesn’t she? and she says, yeah, on occasion. He says he thinks it’s his guiding principle. The desired outcome is worth whatever he has to do to get it. He wants to be a better man for Charlotte, but what he wants more than anything is to keep her safe. And if that means he has to murder his own father, so be it. She asks if this is a disclaimer, because she knows who she’s dealing with; she has no illusions about him. He says he enjoyed their evening on the Haunted Star, but he could make the argument that it was a missed opportunity. He had Victor off-guard; he could have cut Victor’s throat. She asks why he didn’t, and he says, for one, there would be a fail-safe in place. Victor lives; Charlotte lives. If Victor dies… She says, yeah. He couldn’t take that chance, and he says, there was another reason he couldn’t kill his father tonight – her.

Ava says, so Nikolas wrote a letter claiming he killed Esme, something they both know isn’t true. He says, the truth is, Esme accidently fell off the parapet and drowned in the water. That accident happened after Ava found out he slept with Esme, and no jury will believe that was an accident. He made that confession to protect her. She asks if he really thinks this is going to work. Does he really think this melodramatic gesture made at the 11^th hour is going to change how she feels about him? This so-called confession is just a reminder that he did indeed have sex with his son’s girlfriend. And should it ever be made public, the whole world would know about that. If he expects her to see it as something heroic, he’s just delusional. He says he can do a lot of things, but he doesn’t have a time machine. He can’t undo his errors in judgement. She asks if that’s a polite euphemism for adultery, and he says, the only thing he can do is make sure she doesn’t suffer the consequences. She says, look at her. She’s suffering every day; she suffers all the time. She’s not talking about the wound from the hook. She’s talking about the pain she feels over how he hurt her; the betrayal, the loss of self-esteem. The sheer humiliation that she ever bought into his promises of love and fidelity. Those wounds are never going to heal. He says, if nothing else, he can protect her from what Esme can do to her, even from beyond the grave. His confession might not mean anything to her today, but keep it. Put it in a safe deposit box, and consider his life on deposit as well. And if the day ever comes she needs to withdraw it… She says she’ll keep it under lock and key, but she’s going to need more than a piece of paper. She’s going to need much more.

Britt says, Cody saw Mac and Robert rush out of here. Does he feel better now that their gone? He says, not really, and she asks, why not? Why does he break out in hives at the mere mention of the Scorpio name? He tells her, let’s just say, he and law enforcement don’t make a good match. She says, let her guess; he’s against it. He says, no. They just tend to be against him and people like him who don’t always play by the rules. It’s something he and Britt have in common. She says she’s reformed, and he says, is she? She says, she made a deal, got a clean slate, and she’s sticking to it. Felicia approaches the bar, and asks the bartender for a glass of water. While he’s getting it, she says, another date night. She’s glad the Quartermaine picnic didn’t them off. Cody says, her husband isn’t going to scare him off either. He’s tired of Mac looking at him like he’s hiding some hook up his sleeve. Now he has to deal with Mac’s brother, who’s the DA? Is this is the locals idea of an investigation; there’s a killer running around, so let’s just blame the newest guy in town? Felicia says, Mac is just doing his job. If Cody has nothing to hide, he has absolutely nothing to worry about. Britt suggests she and Cody take a table, and Cody asks Felicia why it feels like her husband is investigating him for personal reasons. She asks what makes him say that? and he says, you tell me. Is it just because he knew Cody’s mom?

Diane is carried out of the garage on a stretcher, and Mac runs in. He asks Alexis to catch him up, and she says, Diane. He says, Diane Miller? and Gregory says, she’s hanging on, but just barely. Mac sees Dex, and says, him? Again? Gregory says, he was the first one on the scene. He found Diane and called 9-1-1. If it wasn’t for him, she’d be dead now. Mac asks what Dex was doing here in the first place, and Alexis says she needs to go to the hospital and be with her friend. Gregory asks Mac if it’s all right for them to leave. They’ll answer any questions he might have. But just for the record, what he saw Dex doing saved Diane’s life. Mac says, of course (🍷). Go ahead, but they’re going to want to question them. Alexis thanks Dex. She says she knows he works for Sonny. Mac is a good man. Listen to him and tell him the truth. She and Gregory leave, and Mac says, Alexis just gave Dex some good advice. The question is, is he going to take it?

Anna asks if Valentin thinks she’d have a problem with him killing Victor, but he says he doesn’t know. Maybe; maybe not. But she’d have a problem with him killing her good friend Lucy, which he’d have to do; he couldn’t leave a witness. Anna says she’d be a witness, and he says, there is that. He’d be asking her to stay quiet about the death of her friend, and he knows she wouldn’t do that, so he’d have to kill her too. She says, could he?

Nikolas asks, what more can he do to prove himself to Ava? If Esme’s disappearance is ever investigated by the police, his confession proves her innocence and his guilt. She says, he has a history of making grand declarations that come to nothing. She needs proof that can’t be faked or forged. He says, fine. What else does she want him to do? If he’s able, he’ll do it. She takes out her phone, and says, here’s what’s going to happen. He’s going to take his confession, look into the camera, and read every single incriminating word. She holds up her phone, he gets ready, and she says, action.

Felicia says, like they told Cody the night they met him at the Quartermaine party, back in the day, they ran in the same circles with Dominique. The person Cody really needs to talk to his Mac; he knew Cody’s mother much better than she did. Cody says he already talked to Scotty, and Scotty was married to his mother. So arguably, he knew her better than anyone, and he claims she never said anything about him. Britt says her champagne is getting flat, and Felicia says she’s so sorry; she’s ruining their date. Britt says, she kind of is, and Felicia almost leaves, but stops and says, Cody really should talk to Mac. Cody asks why he should make it easy for Mac. Her husband’s been asking a lot of questions about him, even though he’s relatively new in Port Charles, and he never even met Ava Jerome or the other victim. Is Mac laying the groundwork to frame him? Felicia says, that’s not fair; he doesn’t know Mac. Cody says, but it’s fair for Mac to assume he knows him? and Felicia tells him, like she said, Mac and Dominique were close once. He says, oh yeah? How close?

Mac says, if Dex knew the garage was closed because the owner was murdered, and his body is in the funeral home, why did Dex just happen by? Dex tells him, he didn’t say that; Mac did. Mac says he’s just trying to help Dex. His fingerprints are all over the place. Diane’s blood is on his hands, literally. Dex also showed up just after Ava Jerome was attacked, and to top it all off, he was seen at Charlie’s shortly before Brando was attacked in the alley outside the pub. Either he has the worst timing in the world, or he knows a helluva lot more than he’s saying. Dex says, his boss always told him not to talk to the cops without a lawyer present. Is he under arrest? Mac says he’s questioning Dex. Dex either answers him here and now, or at the PCPD. What’s it going to be?

Finn says, got it, and hangs up the phone. Robert says, there’s been a report of another stabbing? and Finn says, Mac’s bringing them in now. The paramedics wheel Diane in, and the doctor says a bunch of medical stuff as she’s wheeled past the desk. Gregory and Alexis come in, and Finn asks how they got here about Diane so quickly. Gregory says, they were going to Brando’s garage to speak with his assistant. They were trying to get information as to why Brando was targeted by the attacker, and they found Diane on the ground. Robert joins them, and says, Brando Corbin, Diane Miller, and Ava Jerome. They’ve all got one thing in common – Sonny Corinthos.

Valentin says, yeah, he’d kill Anna, if he had to, to save Charlotte. Just like she’d kill him to save Robin. She says, yeah, she would. She’d miss him though. He moves closer, and says, anything short of that, he wouldn’t harm a hair on her head. He’s loved her since he first saw her. An insane, crushing love that never stood a chance. Now look at them. On the floor of her townhouse. He’s baring his soul in front of the fire, and the look in her eyes doesn’t look like pity. She says, it’s not, and kisses him.

Nikolas reads as Ava films: I, Nikolas Cassadine, being of sound mind and body do hereby acknowledge and confess that I, and I alone, am responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince. I know this because I killed her. The means? My own two hands, by pushing her off the parapet at Windymere, my family’s estate on Spoon Island. The motive? Revenge… justice, guilt; take your pick. Esme Prince was my son Spencer’s girlfriend, and I had sex with her. To be very clear, it was consensual, and if anything, Esme initiated things, but I shouldn’t have given in to my worst instincts. My behavior was indefensible. However, Esme used that lack of judgement to destroy my marriage. Not only that, she used it to destroy the relationship with my son, and any chance of reconciling with Spencer was ruined. In effect, Esme destroyed my life, and when she taunted me on the turret, in a fit of rage, I grabbed her and pushed her to her death. Honestly, my only regret is not dong it sooner, to spare the ones I love the pain that I caused. This I solemnly swear. Ava says, cut, and he asks if she got all that.

Felicia says she has to go, and asks the bartender for her check. She tells him that she interrupted Britt and Cody’s date. Put the drinks on her tab. Britt says, that’s very sweet, and Felicia says, of course (🍷), but Cody says, no. He doesn’t want her charity. If she wants to give him something, tell him what she and her husband are hiding from him, especially if it’s about his birth mother. She says she understands his frustration, and understands the questions he wants answered, but it isn’t her story to tell. If he wants answers, he has to talk to Mac. It’s not like it’s some state secret. He says, if it’s no big deal, why not tell him now? Why does he have to hear it from her husband? She writes something down on a napkin, and gives it to him, saying, it’s Mac’s personal cell phone number. However, before he makes that call, he needs to ask himself if he really wants to know the truth. Felicia leaves, and Britt says, this date got way more intense than she expected.

Terry tells Finn and Robert that Diane’s wounds are similar to those found on Brando and Ava. Dr. Dempsey has to operate immediately. Diane is wheeled past, and Alexis says, she looks so helpless. Gregory takes her hand, and she thanks him. Finn tells Terry, if the hook was soaked in the same venom that killed Brando, they don’t have much time, and they head for the OR.

Anna and Valentin finally get busy, and Valentin says he’s wanted this for years. He doesn’t want to rush. She says, they can go slow next time.

Ava says she appreciates Nikolas putting his words into action, but if he thinks she’s just going to fall back into his arms, think again. She asks what he’s smiling at, and he says, she rejected him – tonight. But he can see he made progress. So no, she won’t be back in his arms this time, but she will be in the future, and that’s enough for him. He’s leaving her with the recording and the and letter. He’s literally leaving her with his life in his hands. He starts to leave, but comes back, and says, one more thing. He puts a Ferrero Rocher chocolate on her blanket and says, a chocolate truffle for her. He leaves, and she eats it, smiling.

Britt says, whether Cody is willing to admit it or not, this date is pretty much over for her. He says he’s sorry. He really didn’t want tonight to go like this. She says she believes him. Dominique is his biological mother. Of course (🍷) he’s going to have a million questions about her. She understands that, and she’s guessing if Felicia is that eager for him to talk to Mac, it’s for good reason. So why don’t they quit while they’re ahead? She gets up, kisses him on the cheek, and says, bye. He’s about to leave, when the bartender asks if he wants the phone number. He says, yeah. and takes it.

Mac says, back to Dex. Is he going to talk now or talk later? Dex asks if Mac sees an attorney here. No attorney, no talk. Mac says, Dex leaves him no choice, and tells an officer that they’ll be taking Dex down to the station. He doesn’t think they need handcuffs. Right, Dex? Dex says he’s not going to talk, but no, he’s not going to resist arrest by not going to the station. Mac says, smartest thing Dex has said all night, and the officer escorts Dex out. Mac follows, pausing to look at the blood on the floor.

Robert says, any change in Diane’s condition, he wants to know right away, and Finn says, got it. Gregory asks how Alexis is doing, and if she wants him to call one of the girls, but she says, no. Then she’ll have to tell them what happened to Diane, and she’s not ready to do that. He says he understands that, but… She says she was just thinking about how long she’s known Diane; it feels like forever. Diane is the one person who’s been there for her for everything. He says, and if Diane lives, her, him, and Dex made a difference, but she says, that’s not good enough. He says, she’s not a doctor. There’s nothing more she can do here. She says she’s not talking about here. She’s talking about the paper. It’s time to have a conversation with the killer. She starts to leave, and asks if he’s going to just stand there, or is he going to double-check her spelling. He follows her out. Terry gives Finn the results on the lab tests he asked for, and he says, Diane’s system is tainted with the same substance that killed Brando. His phone dings, and Terry asks, what is it? He says, confirmation that the anti-venom just arrived. He has to prep an injection. If there’s a chance of saving Diane, he’s taking it.

There’s a song part, and Anna and Valentin get busy… then busier… then busiest.

Tomorrow, Jordan needs Portia’s help; Josslyn suggests a friendly competition; Drew goes to Jacksonville, and finds Carly; Curtis thanks Sonny for what Sonny did for his family; and Dante bets Dex has plenty to tell him.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy calls Tasha to the bridge, and says she doesn’t want to crush Tasha’s spirit. She’s awesome at service, but when she comes downstairs, it’s filthy. She asks if they really need two people on service when the guests are winding down, and Tasha says, last night, she also had to make food for the guests. The captain asks if one person can’t clean the floor of the pantry while the other is tending to the guests. It should be cleaned before they go to bed, so when she wakes up, it’s not a sh*tshow. Tasha says, physically, there aren’t enough hours inf the day, but Captain Sandy says, they don’t have to be with the guests 24/7. Before they go down, she wants the floors cleaned. She doesn’t want Tasha to think she’s not doing a good job; it’s just dirty. Tasha promises to get it done, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, it’s a kick in the stomach, but it’s her job to take criticisms like this. She’s going to try her best because she cares about her job. She tells Dave about what happened, and he says, she works hard, the guests are happy, and they adore her. She does an amazing job. Tasha says, they’re not just cleaners, and Dave says he couldn’t do it without her. The captain radios the crew that they’re going back to the dock. As soon as the anchor is home, they get underway.

Natalya says, it serves Tash right, and I’m really starting not to like her. As they dock, Captain Sandy curses the wind, and Mzi saves the boat from hitting a dolphin by using a fender. In Mzi’s interview, he says he thinks they’ve made progress. He’s getting in the rhythm, and thinks Storm is becoming a good bosun. He trusts Storm more than Storm does. The captain tells Mzi, good job. The wind was blowing the bow all over. Tasha’s boyfriend continues to pummel her with texts, and Captain Sandy calls for the tip meeting. She says, charter five is down, and they did an awesome job. They haven’t had one service complaint all season, which is unusual, but at the same time, they have to maintain the vessel. The tip is $20K, or $1800 each, and the captain says she has another surprise. They’ve been doing such an amazing job, the owners gave them the day off tomorrow. Dinner tonight on the owners, and the beach club tomorrow all day. Champagne is poured, and Captain Sandy wishes Mzi a happy birthday. As she leaves, she tells everyone, don’t forget to turn the boat around.

Kyle and Tasha start organizing the pantry, but take a break in their cabin. Tasha tells Kyle, they’re human beings; they need a half hour. In the laundry, Natalya makes up a song about Kyle and Tasha not getting things done, and annoys me further. Storm works on the waterline, and in his interview, he says, it’s Mzi’s birthday, and he wants to have fun, but they need to get things done. He made mistakes during the last charters. We flash back to those, and he says he wants Captain Sandy to see he’s committed to the job. Kyle and Tasha go back to pantry organizing, and Kyle says, it grinds his t*ts. Tasha says, she never wants to be on anyone’s sh*t list, but she is. In Tasha’s interview, she says, the only way for them to catch up is to not go out. We see a clip from earlier in the day, and Kyle volunteers to stay and help. Everyone starts to get ready for dinner, and Kyle tells Natalya about staying behind to do the pantry. She tells him, it’s bullsh*t; it’s ridiculous. In Natalya’s interview, she says, it’s Mzi’s birthday, and they’re being selfish. They could have sorted it out in the five hours they just had. She bitches to Courtney, and Kyle says, winge, winge, winge. Natalya goes on and on about the pantry because she’s an idiot.

Jason asks if Tasha and Kyle need help, and Natalya says, this is rubbish. It’s the crew night out and Mzi’s birthday. They can do it tomorrow. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Natalya should be thankful. They’re doing her a favor using their fun time to organize. But if Natalya wants to moan about it, Tasha can’t win. Agreed. Still working, Storm says he’ll see them at the bar. They get to a museum that’s been opened for them, and go up a million steps to a large balcony overlooking the water. The waiter asks if they’d like wine, and Storm says, yes, and tequila. Courtney tells the waiter, what he says, goes. It’s his birthday. Mzi says, it feels quiet, and they toast to his birthday. Back on the boat, Kyle says, he’s spent more time on his knees scrubbing floors than… Well, you know. They finish up, and Tasha, Kyle, Jason, and Storm leave to join the others at the restaurant. Natalya asks, who’s single? and Dave says, Tasha is back with her boyfriend. Natalya takes this opportunity to smack talk Tasha, and says, you shouldn’t mess with how someone feels. Courtney says she’s been in that situation, but Dave says, he and Tasha are good. In Natalya’s interview, she says she’s not going to be all caring. She’s done with it. The others get there, and Natalya tells Storm that he should have come with them, since it’s Mzi’s birthday. Msi says he’s not upset, and I have serious doubts that Natalya is all caring about Mzi’s birthday like she’s pretending. Storm says he and Courtney are homies, and flirts with Natalya. Kyle predicts them having wild sex. Courtney says, let’s bounce, and in Jason’s interview, he says, the rest of the crew are just co-workers to him. When he was in business, he avoided corporate events, and still had better friendships.

The crew moves on to a club, and Natalya tries to get Dave to trash talk Tasha, but he’s not having it, and says, they worked it out. Mzi works at making eye contact with a woman he sees across the room, and in his interview, he says, it shows intent. She gave him a vibe. He dances with her, and she brings him back to her table. In Storm’s interview, he says, happy birthday. Everyone dances, and then it’s time to go. Mzi says, it’s his birthday, and he’ll do what he wants. Courtney and Dave stay behind with him, while the rest of the crew goes back to the boat. Tasha is very proud of the pantry, and shows it off. At the club, Mzi’s new friend Mariana says, she’s married, but not dead, and Mzi says he has a big day tomorrow. In Mzi’s interview, he wonders where she got a husband all of a sudden, and Courtney tells her, goodbye forever. On the boat, everyone is either eating or sleeping, and Storm says he got Natalya a watch, and shows it to Kyle, Jason, and Tasha. In Kyle’s interview, he says, personally, he wouldn’t purchase material items for someone until he knew them better, but he wants to be a witness when Storm gives it to her. Storm hunts Natalya down in her cabin, and when he tells her that he has a present for her, she gets all weird. She asks why he’s buying presents, and tells him to take it back. She opens the watch, and asks, why? Kyle calls her an ungrateful hoe, and says she needs to start facing her feelings and realize what she needs. In the taxi, Mzi says, he’s in love with a married woman, and Courtney says she’s not married. Natalya tells Kyle that the gift stressed her, and he says, she’s insane. When she gets older, she’s going to hate herself for wasting time. After years of holding back, even though he felt like Quasimodo, he talked to Frank. In Natalya’s interview, she says, it’s too intense too soon. She’s never been around a relationship that lasted. Her mom just moved out one day, and after a while, she wondered where her mom went. Her brother explained their parents were getting divorced, and she felt like an idiot. Well… She might love someone then and there, but it’s always a short and sweet thing. Tasha and Kyle giggle over texts back and forth with Frank, talking about making babies. Tasha says she can’t wait to see and have their babies. Mzi has trouble hoisting himself to the upper bunk.

The crew gets up around 8:30 for their day off. Storm admits to Mzi that he actually bought the watch for his sister, and decided to give it to Natalya. In Storm’s interview, he says, Natalya is beautiful, but so full of attitude. She’s crazy, but he likes it. She grounded him. He knows it’s early for gifts, but that’s how he is. They all have mimosas, everyone gets ready, and they leave.

They get to the Surfside Beach Club in Sliema, and Courtney says, it’s like heaven. She can’t wait to be hungover tomorrow. Kyle says he’s just going to sleep, and Natasha’s boyfriend sends more texts. Dave goes into the water, and Kyle says he’s moving her. Tasha tells him that she’s still upset. What Captain Sandy said hurt her heart. In her interview, she says, she can’t get out of her head. Between that and the horrible messages from her boyfriend, she’s in a bad head space. She tells Kyle that it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. Jason separates himself, and is eating lunch, when Mzi asks him to join them. Jason says he’s good, and in his interview, he says, it’s best to break it into math terms. There are 8 yachties; 2 have a toxic relationship, and 4 hate his guts. That equals 1 day that f***ing sucks.

Natalya tells Mzi that she’s freaking out; it’s too soon. She loves the watch, but in the car, Storm told her to cancel her trip to Mexico, and go to South Africa for two weeks with him. OMG – NOT A WHOLE TWO WEEK COMMITMENT! Mzi says, Storm is emotional, and she says, that’s what’s freaking her out. One moment, she thinks this could go somewhere, but then she wonders how he can get so emotional when he’s only known her for a few days. Kyle tells Tasha that he thinks the dynamic has changed, and Natalya feels guilty. I think, highly unlikely. Dave says, the pantry is very neat, and Tasha says she’s proud of it. Natalya twerks, and Courtney joins her. Jason sleeps. Kyle says, Natalya is always on fuse because she doesn’t face her emotions, and Tasha tells Dave that she’s upset about Captain Sandy’s comment. She has a lot of respect for the captain, and loves working for her. She feels like she’s let her down. Dave says he doesn’t agree, and thinks Tasha is incredible. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Dave seems himself now; like the person she first met. She didn’t like when he was putting her through all the drama, but he does make her feel better. Natalya tells Storm that the watch is too much. She loves it, but is concerned about the meaning behind it. Storm asks, what meaning? and says, there’s no hidden agenda; don’t read into it. She says she’s worried, since she doesn’t want to settle down, and he says he’s not asking her to, but if she’s getting that vibe, he’ll back off. Kyle says he’ll have to go for a piercing after all this drama, and Storm tells them that he doesn’t get it. He’s been respectful, and hasn’t said anything about commitment. Kyle says he would die for a man like Storm.

They change for dinner, and Storm walks down to the beach. Natalya says, drama, drama, but goes over to him, and asks if he’s okay. He says he’s not jumping into the sea; he’s just having a moment. Natalya hugs him, and Kyle says, they’re making him sick. He doesn’t know where he is, Malta or Love Island. Storm tells Natalya that he didn’t ask her to check on him. He’s not doing what he’s doing for that reason. Natalya says, he wants her to care, then he doesn’t want sympathy. Storm says he didn’t throw a tiff, and Natalya says, they’re supposed to go out to dinner. He can throw his tantrum by himself. I’m wondering if she’s in the same show I’m watching, or is she trying to gaslight him? He’s not throwing a tantrum by any stretch of the imagination. He was just walking on the beach by himself, and she acts like he’s doing something loud and wrong. He says, it’s the first chance he’s had to release any emotions. Don’t feel like she needs to come after him. He’s not asking her for anything. Natalya says, that’s confusing. Again, is it me? She seems like the confusing one. He’s been consistent and she’s been all over the place. She tells him that she’s been trying day by day, but they need to take it slower, and he says he doesn’t understand what he did to make it fast. She says she’s never had a relationship, and he says, they’re not in a relationship. She says, so it’s chill then, and in Storm’s interview, he says, if she’s thinking it’s too fast, they’re of different mindsets. He doesn’t want to ruin what they do have, so he’ll slow down. Like her, he doesn’t want to get hurt. Natalya says, they’ll rip the Band-Aid off and have a fresh start. Clearly she doesn’t understand what ripping the Band-Aid off means, and they join the others. The crew finally leaves for dinner, and Courtney says, the beach stuff was so fun. Natalya thinks Jason should make an effort to be part of the group.  

They get to a restaurant, and Courtney says, no shots. She points out that Jason is so quiet and so serious, and Kyle says, despite the hate, exclusion, and inclusion, it’s been an absolutely fantastic time. In Kyle’s interview, he says, Natalya is like the Tasmanian Devil; cute to look at, but hella annoying. The crew toasts to a great day off, and Kyle and Courtney go for a smoke. Courtney says, her dad’s struggling. He’s gone to a home, but she’s been so busy, she hasn’t had time to think about it. She gets teary, and in her interview, she says, last season, her dad was supportive and amazing. We flash back to her video chatting with him, and she says, it’s been a bad year for her. Last year, her dad went in a home. She cries, and says, now he can’t talk, and can’t walk. He’s just lying in bed. She was working, scrubbing toilets, and wondered what she was doing with her life. She loves working on deck. It makes it easier to be here. Kyle tells her that she’s a strong woman, and hugs her. They go back to the table, and the crew goes back to the boat.

Storm tells Mzi that he’s going to be causing drama tomorrow, and in Storm’s interview, he says, the last couple of charters, Jason was insubordinate. We flash back to that, and he says, now he’s doing the same thing to Courtney. It’s the first time he’s had to deal with something like this, having a conversation with someone about their work ethic and personality. He doesn’t know what to expect, but Jason’s attitude stops tomorrow.

In the morning, Captain Sandy says, the pantry looks great, and Storm says, time to talk to Jason. Everyone gets up, and the captain tells Tasha, nice work on the pantry. Kyle and Tasha do the cabins, and the boat is turned over. Provisions come, and Dave asks Tasha if he’s being helpful, or overstepping his boundaries. She says he’s helped a lot, and Storm tells Natalya that he needs to have a conversation with Jason. She tells him, good luck, and in Storm’s interview, he says, managing and understanding people is new to him. He’s learning the position, and understanding his responsibilities. He wants to try and make Jason feel like he’s part team of the team. Hopefully he takes it well. He asks Jason if they can chat.

Storm tells Jason that he wants to see if they’re on the same page. He feels tension between them, and Jason and the crew. He wonders where Jason’s head is at, and has some things to say, but wants to hear from Jason first. Jason says he’s trying not to step on toes, and Storm says, Jason gets in a mood, and they all feel it. He becomes snappy, and it becomes difficult to work in an environment when Jason is like that. He wants to challenge Jason to be proactive, and show he wants to be here. Jason says, it’s baffling when Storm says he should be proactive. He’s been carrying more than his load. Storm says he feels it’s the other way around, and being the quitter he is, Jason says he doesn’t want to leave them high and dry, but replace him. Storm says, Jason sounds like he doesn’t want to be here, and Jason says, that’s literally what he’s saying. Storm says he’s not here to make Jason the victim, and wants him to stay.

To be continued…

⚰️ Last week was the finale of Tales of the Walking Dead. Gee, that was quick.

🐉 Jumping Dragons…

This week’s latest on House Targaryen.

https://people.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-recap-the-princess-and-the-queen/

😱 Not Again…

Oh God. Winter House is coming back Octomber 13^th. The house that turns middle aged people with decent jobs into 14-year-olds with serious behavioral problems.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/winter-house-season-2-cast-premiere-date-trailer

🌊 Riding the Wave…

Stop in tomorrow, when there will be soap and a roll of the dice. Until then, stay safe, stay practicing forbearance, and stay always having a fail-safe in place.