Venice: Episode 212 - December 29, 2010 (Season Finale)

It's the season finale. This makes me sad

Sami is trying to call Owen but he's not picking up. He is however about to have sex with a girl he's got laying over a table. Unless he's filming something, but I doubt it. Sami leaves a message telling Owen that she diesn't know what is going on with him but that she wants to and to call her. I actually feel for and like Sami here. I don't trust her yet, but I do feel for her. She picks up the Hippo that Owen gave her as tears roll down her face. :(

The Colonel is working on his hand exercises. Gina tells The Colonel that he can have a cheeseburger as a treat after he finished his exercises. He pulls the letter she wrote to Ani out of her bag and takes it with him on his exercises. Seriously a huge step for him. You could see his internal struggle last season hurting over the fact that he couldn't accept Gina being gay. Now he's had so much time with her in a setting where she isn't his adversary on personal issues, but on health issues and with all of the pretense gone he can see her again like he used to before Katie died. He accepts now that Gina isn't some thing that he has to control or command, that she's her own person and a really great one at that. He is her dad and he doesn't like seeing her hurting so much. I've always loved Jordan, and he's amazing in this role.

Ani is sitting up in bed either reading or thinking, I can't actually see if she's got a book in her lap or not, when Lara wakes up. Probably thinking. If she does have a book she's not focused on it. Lara is facing away from her and starts talking, "Hey." Ah, Ani picked at invisible lint on her pajama pants. So, no book. I wonder how long she's been up because she's been doing some serious heavy thinking. Lara, "I don't know what to say...about last night. I know that I was out of control, and uh. I know that 'I'm sorry' is not enough." Ani is listening but doesn't say anything. Lara continues, "...and please know that I would never intentionally hurt you, okay. Please know..." Ani says, "I don't know anything anymore." and gets out of bed., This scene is brilliant because they never look at each other. Even though Lara turns her head in an attempt to pick up on some reaction from Ani, she doesn't turn enough to see her. Ani doesn't even glance her way. Lara is ashamed of her behavior, but I'm not sure that she fully understands the consequences of her actions or can truly be sorry for them and not just the situation in which she's found herself. She turns enough to see that Ani has gone then faces forward again and cries in self pity not because of the hurt she's caused Ani.

Van tells Sami that Owen got fired weeks ago from the film. Now see if he was working last night and not just engaging in some comfort sex from a random woman then Van has just made things soooo much worse. Yep, he's not a cool guy. :(


Gina has finished cooking the cheeseburger but can't find her dad. She can't even see him from the front door. Maybe he's behind one of the big trucks that the neighbors don't like. ;P

Michelle gets a call from Alan who has gotten the sketches. I don't know what he says, but Michelle says "Shit."

Sami catches up with Owen on the beach. She asks him where he's been and he says that he saw her kissing Van. She confronts him about the movie. She figures out that Van told her. Sami tells him that Van was kissing her and that she pulled away but that she doesn't know what she's feeling now. Owen apologizes, but Sami says, "Thank you for thinking the worst of me" and that they need a break and walks off.

Van is smuggly drinking on a patio somewhere. I think he's at Guya's.

Wow! Ani hit that wall a lot harder last night than it looks. She's looking at her bruised face in the bathroom mirror when Lara comes up behind her teary eyed and apologetic. She wraps her arms around Ani from behind and Ani doesn't resist, but she doesn't lean into her either. They have the conversation through the mirror. Ani says, "I know you didn't mean for this to happen, but it did." Lara says that she's sorry. Ani replies, "I love you. I do, but you need help." She's watching Lara in the mirror and when Lara's voice break on "I promise" you can see the struggle in Ani's eyes for a split second. She doesn't like seeing Lara hurt, but she can't let her off the hook and wrap her arms around her and tell that it's going to be okay. It still seems to me that Lara is more sorry and scared of Ani leaving than she is of what she did to Ani. Ani allows herself to lean into Lara and a single tear rolls down her cheek. Seriously Jessica!

The Colonel is walking to the neighborhood mailboxes. That's why Gina couldn't see him from the porch. He mails her letter to Ani, "Okay young girl. Okay." It's like he's saying, if this is what my baby wants then I'm okay with that. Aaawwwww!

Ooooo Amber is back at Guya's and she is not happy. She keeps screaming "You owe me!" Guya says that she's given her her money back and Amber says that Guya was supposed to be her best friend for life. Guya looks down and sees little flowers painted on Amber's finger nails and says, "Katie" Amber screams "Why did you do this to me?"

Yep. That's the end of the season folks. Sooooo is Guya seeing Katie in Amber or is Amber a manifestation of Guya's guilt? Hopefully we'll find out more in season three. No word on filming dates yet.

Venice: Episode 211 - December 22, 2010

Ani is waiting for Lara to get up. Lara says that it was a nice party. Ani says that it was until the end. She says that she's not a jealous girlfriend or anything but that it's not okay to see her all over Jess at the end of the night. Lara doesn't know what Ani's talking about. Ani asks her if she even remembers the end of the night because she was "a little drunk" Oh, Ani sweetie. She couldn't stand up on her own, that's more than "a little drunk". Lara says that she remembers everything. Ani calls her on it saying that she and Gina "had to haul your ass home because you were completely out of it." Ani brings up that she knows that Lara's under pressure. Lara slams her hands on the table and yells that she doesn't need more from Ani. Ani immediately goes into herself and gets this detached far-away look like she's watching what's going on between them but she's not a part of it. I am very familiar with that look. Ani has been in this situation before. She's got some back story I'd love to see explored! It's emotionally abusive even if indirectly. And then she says it. She's getting more and more freaked out and doesn't know if she can do it. Lara calls to Ani not to leave, but Ani keeps going out the door. She's right to do it. If she stays she'll get emotionally manipulated or she'll say something that she'll regret later. She needs to process away form the situation. Nadia and Jessica both do an excellent job here.

Owen is at Guya's and when she asks him about work he tells her that the director's nephew took his role. Yay to Owen for opening up to family. :) Owen tells Guya that he wants to have a future with Sami but that he can't let her be friends with Van. Guya tells Owen to not let Van get in his way. That is Sami loves Owen then she will forgive him for lying about work.

Gina covers a sleeping Colonel then reads a letter that she wrote to Ani telling her that she's ready now to love her but that she knows that she's happy with Lara. It's a long beautiful letter and Gina's crying by the end. She says in the letter that she'll probably never send it, but she puts it in an envelope and seals it with a kiss. Unbeknownst to her, The Colonel is awake and was listening to her read the letter. This stroke has allowed him to sit back and observe and forced him to not be in control. It's changed him for the better.

Van kisses Sami and she pushes him aware. Owen sees the kiss, but not the rebuff.

Lara is at High Bar drowning her publishing deal loss in bloody marys.

Ani and Gina are on the beach. Ani notices when Gina refers to The Colonel as her dad. It's sweet. :) Ani tells Gina that she and Lara fought. That maybe she's being gun shy after her relationship with.... Gina says, "With me." and assures her that it's okay. She asks Ani what she wants to to. Ani wants her to be okay and Gina tells her that it will be tough but that she'll need to stick by Lara if she wants to help her.

Jamie called a car for Lara and helps her to it to get her home.

Guya is upset and Brandon comes up to comfort her. She had a nightmare last night and started crying when he tried to wake her. I'm glad that he's there to be attentive and help her. He's just what she didn't realize that she needed.

Gina tells The Colonel that "his friend's death was an accident" that it was an aneurysm and she thought he'd like to know. He thanks her. Sweet!

Ani goes to Lara's and finds her lying on the couch drinking. Lara says that she's all talked out and Ani tells her that she knows about the missed deadlines. Lara is upset that Ani read her e-mails. Ani says that she understands the pressure that she was under now. Lara is melting down and Ani is right there for her. Lara says that she expects perfection. Ani says that she knows that but that she thought Lara wanted 'them' too. Ani hugs Lara then Lara freaks and pushes Ani who hits a wall head first. Ani slides tot he floor crying but not injured and Lara is in shock and starts apologizing and crying and leans into Ani. Ani seems to make a decision before putting her hand on Lara's head to calm her.
Ani is going to kill me having to watch her try and be there for Lara.


Another powerful episode with phenomenal performances!

Venice: Episode 210 - December 15, 2010

Owen tells Sami they should go to a movie. She says they should go to The Colonel's and give Gina a break. He says that they should take Gina with them to the movies. He talks about how The Colonel shut down after Katie died. Sami says that maybe it was his way of coping.

Michelle just totally put Gina's name on her own designs. Michelle isn't relaying Alan's messages either because she doesn't wants to bother Gina or she's trying to 'All About Eve' her.

At Ani's party Lara gives a toast and thanks Gina for hosting. Gina is a bit sad seeing Lara and Ani kiss.

Lara and Ani are talking to Michelle. Lara goes to get a refill and Ani and Michelle decline. When Gina comes to sit, Michelle excuses herself (to give Ani and GIna privacy I'm sure). Ani says, "Everyone always leaves." Seriously, Jessica plays Ani so completely adorably! Gina tells her how proud she is and how happy she is for her. Ani tells her that everything is perfect and thanks her. Lara is watching and doesn't look to happy.

Katherine is at the party and sees Guya, then sees a couple of younger women walk by.

Guya tells GIna that Brandon was late because he was working on a case. She says that he found a dead body recently and that she had a very unique ankle bracelet. He says that she probably died of an anuerysm and that she was found in a funeral home. Gina and Jamie are a bit nervous. They go off to the side to discuss it. Gina asks why he took her to a funeral home. He says that she was going to end up there anyway and that he's never doen this before. She asks him how he got her there and we see a flashback. Jamie has the body on her back, legs in the air on a two-wheeler dolly still covered in the red fabric. He's rolling her down the street whimpering, "Oh my god" then yelling, "Why!" so not the calm and collected man that cleaned the living room earlier that night. He tells Gina not to worry that he has her covered.

Gina goes up to Michelle and asks her how she is. Michelle says that she's fine and that she's not staying long. Gina says that she'll be back in the office soon. Michelle seems really upset and distracted. Gina meets Drew who is a fan of her designs. Jamie says that Drew is a rocket scientist.

Gina goes over to Guya who informs her that she's losing her touch and is upset. Gina says that she has a serious gift, Guya says that it doesn't always work. She thinks she see Amber and goes over to the side of the house but she's not there.

Gina asks Jess how Tracy is doing Jess says that she'll be fine.

Lara is drunk and falls into the pool. Ani is completely embarassed. Jess makes a comment about some people having too much fun and Gina looks at her defensive of the rude remark and it's implications for Ani. Gina tells Ani that she'll help her get Lara home. Ani says that Lara just doesn't handle stress well. Gina knows what's going on and says, "Something like that sweetheart." They get Lara out of the pool and home. Gina sees a picture of Ani and Lara at Lara's and teary-eyed acknowledges to herself that Ani is where she's supposed to be. She gets up and sees an old shirt of Ani's calling out, "Ani, you still have this old thing?" She's holding it to her face and taking in the smell when Ani comes back into the room and sees her. They share a look and sadly smile over the past and what could have been.
Such a beautiful scene again.
Crystal and Jessica

Venice: Episode 209 - December 8, 2010

Ani comes into Lara's house the next morning finding the door open with the keys still inside and Lara passed out on the couch still in yesterday's clothes. Ani is not happy right off the bat. You can tell by her expression that she knows what she's going to find and why the door was open, but after she sees Lara a little fire flickers in her eyes. She's beyond miffed. She's angry. I do not envy Lara right about now. Ani just goes up to her, rubs her back and covers her up with a blanket. She then sits on the coffee table and thinks about what she's doing, her place in the relationship.

The Colonel is eating but is giving Gina a hard time. Owen calls and Gina asks him if he's between takes. Apparently he's on set.

Amber shows up at Guya's and Guya tells her that she doesn't have an appointment. Amber begs her to help and Guya agrees to try again.

Jamie runs into Owen and can tell that something is wrong. Owen tells him that he lost the movie weeks ago. I kind of figured he wasn't really on a set when he was talking to Gina. Harrison has pretty eyes. Jamie encourages him to tell his family. Owen says that he's been lying to Sami. Hmm. What about?

Gina tries to get The Colonel to go out for a walk. He asks her what she's doing there instead of living her own life. He asks her if she's between women. She asks if he really wants to have this conversation. He seems genuinely interested. She tells him that she's not between women. That she has recently realized that's she's in love with someone. Someone who is so special that she didn't feel worthy when they were together and that the other woman has moved on and is happy and that now they have a friendship that she cherishes and that she accepts that she'll just have to love her from a distance. Such a touching scene! Bravo to Jordan and Crystal!

Alan calls Michelle because he doesn't have Gina's designs yet. He says that either Michelle isn't relaying his messages or Gina is ignoring them. He give them 24 hours to get the designs to him. Michelle says that Gina will be there.

Sami is on the beach and Van walks up. He says that he's trying to decide whether to keep a secret from a friend. She tells him to take time and consider it, but that he should tell.

Guya and Owen and Gina are relaxing. Guya's cute guy is named Brandon. Gina tells Guya and Owen about running into Richard. Owen asks if she's going to tell him that she's gay. Guya didn't know that she hadn't told him. Guya asks about The Colonel, Gina decides to play a game 'If I were an asshole' in which they get to talk about people without fear of retribution or guilt. Guya says that she would take The Colonel to a strip club leaving him with only his military ID. That hits a little close to home for Gina since that's almost what happened with the hooker (that Owen and Guya don't know about).. Owen mentions the football and it brings Gina to his rehab. Gina tells Owen that he should show up to visit soon. She's really reforming that bond with The Colonel that she's tried to hold onto in spite of herself for all these years. Love it!

Guya is reading her diary. She's reading about the concert and the trip home and that she was busy focusing on Van when she accidentally hit Katie's hand and spilled hot coffee on her causing them to crash into a tree. She breaks down apologizing for killing Katie. No wonder this time of year is hard on her. Guya is carrying around so much guilt and I bet that she's never shared that with another person. That also explains why Van felt slighted (if indeed his story is true) when Guya became over attentive to Owen and Gina out of guilt.

Wow. I so did not see that one coming. Great job from everyone!

Venice: Episode 208 - December 1, 2010

Owen is calling Sami. He went by her place last night and she wasn't there. He's still not happy about Van or leaving voice mails for Sami. Van is secretly following Owen. Hmmm some thing's fishy.

Gina comes down stairs wearing a t-shirt that says "Own It". Awesome! She tries to get The Colonel to exercise by stealing his prized autographed football. He doesn't follow her out the door. :(

Amber comes to Guya again. She's been wandering Venice Beach for years and is lost. Guya has her touch the cards then tries to read her and sees a flowers and a long winding road. She tells Amber that she's in a bad place that she's trapped. Amber screams "Just tell me the truth!" Excellent scene from Liz and Hillary! I can't wait to find out what's up. Is Amber a ghost? She's so distraught. :(

Lara and Jamie and Drew are hanging out and drinking when Lara gets a phone call from Ani. She tells her that she's finished her pages for the morning and was just taking a break before starting back in again. She told Ani that she's not sure about dinner that she'll probably stay at the house and write. Why do I get the feeling that she's avoiding Ani? Jamie asks her about the book and she tells him that she's a little behind. He asks why she didn't tell that to Ani. Lara says that she wouldn't understand. Jamie says that she would. Lara changes the subject and they toast.

Van is at Sami's and they're discussing Owen. Van is telling Sami that he resented Owen because Jane spent so much time raising Owen and Gina after Katie died and he felt left out. She believes him and tells him to stay.

Gina has a football tee set up in the street and sets the ball into it as The Colonel comes out of the house. He walks to the middle of the street and bends down and grabs the ball. Gina is so excited that she does a rather involved happy dance in the middle of the street then shouts "Score!" as The Colonel walks back inside with his football. It's so cute and I'm excited for her because of the huge step and progression that single act signifies in The Colonel's recovery. Gina needs a hug for that clever little move! :) Loving this scene from Crystal so much.

Ani is a High Bar and Jamie comes up asking if she finished early. Ani says that she had a very early sunrise shoot and is done. Now she's waiting for Gina so they can go over some last minute plans for her party. Gina shows up and has a drink waiting for her. She shares her football taunting story with Ani and then they move on to party planning. Gina wants coconut shrimp on a stick and Ani wants pigs in a blanket. Gina tells her, "No." and Ani says, "But I love them." Sooooooooo cute! Gina tells her that pigs in blankets say 'tail-gate' and that Lara was thinking more along the lines of caviar. Ani says that she still want little hot dogs and isn't it her party? Right you are Ani! Gina says, "Apparently not. I'm sorry." So Lara is the one controlling this party that Gina is hosting for Ani? She seems to be awfully controlling for someone who isn't at the meeting because she's blowing off writing and lying to Ani about it. Ani says that she has no business eating any of that stuff anyway. :( Gina asks what she's talking about. Ani says, "You know me. I'm just feeling a little self conscious about my body." Gina tells her that she's got to stop that and Ani start telling her that Lara eats whatever she wants and doesn't work out and look at her body. She says that she and Lara were dancing the other night and all she could think was, "Please...don't touch my love handles." Gina looks heartbroken and catches Ani's eyes and with perfect honesty says, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. So stop it. Stop it." Ani says, "You're biased." Then she brushes it off saying that she's back to yoga and boot camp and that should help. Gina looks so sad. Ani says that she loves that song that's playing. Gina asks her to dance with her. The song is Kyler England's 'Clean Slate'. They are dancing and Ani has a look that says that she's feeling so many emotions is not anywhere near over Gina. Gina has a similar expression. She just wants to do anything she can to make sure Ani is happy. Such a beautiful and heart warming/breaking scene. Crystal and Jessica are perfect in this scene! So much emotion and trepidation. Just beautiful.

Owen and Sami discuss Van.

Ani is at Lara's and an e-mail pops up on the laptop on the counter. Ani opens the e-mail and read it. It's from Lara's publisher saying that she's missed another deadline, that she can't cover for her anymore and that they are thinking of pulling the book deal. Ani is worried and wonders what Lara's been doing and where she is now. Have I mentioned how much Jessica rocks?

Lara is apparently passed out in her car with a flask in the seat next to her.

I loved how much forward movement we got in this episode. Ani and Gina are killing me. Lara is annoying me. I can't say I'm surprised, but she's definitely emerging from her too-perfect new-relationship self. Nadia's doing a wonderful job making the transition natural and smooth.

And of course Kim and Crystal with the writing and storyline, are bringing about a slowly evolving set of characters and events. I love them soooo much for creating this show!

Venice: Episode 207 - November 24, 2010

Gina brings out a box of photos to go through with her father. She pulls pictures out and asks questions about them but he doesn't respond. She has to leave to go to a party but will be back and make him exercise. After she leaves he looks at a photo and says, "That was our fifth anniversary."

Lara and Ani are on the beach. Ani's got a bottle of Shiner and she's laying across Lara's lap. They are completely cute and when they get up Michelle and Jamie make the same assessment.

Gina runs into an old environmentally conscious friend.

Gina walks up to the group who all manage to leave her alone with Ani. They talk for a moment. Apparently Gina is throwing the party for Ani's gallery showing.
Sami asks Gina how it's going with her father. Gina says that it's an exercise in futility. Van walks up to the and Sami is surprised that he is Owen and Gina's cousin.
Gina goes over to Guya and her cute guy. Cute guy leaves them alone and Guya mentions that she loves "a man in a suit" because he's wearing a bathing suit.

Michelle, Jess and Jamie are talking about Jess loving working outside of London and Jamie's Internet date. Everyone is just relaxing.

Owen and Van chat for a minute then decide to start a game of volleyball. During the game Owen hits Van in the shoulder with the ball. Sami goes to his side and tells Owen that he did it on purpose. Van says that he's alright then walks off.

Gina offers Lara some water. Subtle Gina :) Lara declines and Gina says, "You know if you hurt her, you'll have to answer to me."

Van shows up at Guya's to appologize.

Gina walks up to her old friend. His name is Richard. He and Gina used to date. He and The Colonel seemed to get along, but Richard doesn't know that Gina dates women and asks her about the guy in her life. She side steps the question saying that she's not seeing anybody and heads back to her father's house. Richard looks after he all adoringly.

Venice: Episode 206 - November 17, 2010

Gina is trying to get The Colonel to exercise. He tells her not to be condescending. He says that he's sick of feeling helpless. She tells him that he has control of his recovery. She is so desperate that she says, "If I go out with a man, will you get on the bicycle?" Wow! As much as he's put her through emotionally and as much as she's probably been told by Ani to just walk away from him, Gina loves her dad so very very much to even make an offer like that. It's tough to see her grasping at anything to help a man that has hurt her so much. A part of her really is just a hurt little girl inside that wants her daddy back. The man that she probably looked up to and followed around when she was a child.

Lara is working when Ani comes in with flowers. Ani was gone when Lara woke up, she said Lara looked so peaceful and fulfilled that she didn't want to wake her. Ani went to a yoga class. Lara says that would stress her out "to try to bend my body in all those unnatural poses." She pulls Ani down into her lap and they kiss while Lara says, "Last night was amazing." Ani replies, "I know because I was there." They are being all cute and I still am envious of Jessica's hair. Ani puts the brakes on to make sure Lara continues working. Lara asks what's for dinner, Ani doesn't have anything planned. Hmmm. Perhaps Lara is falling into a habit that Ani isn't too keen to follow her into. Right now she's being good with the subtle swaying and directing of their interactions but she can't last like that too long without it turning to resentment from one of them.

The mystery woman shows up at Guya's again. She is a very lost woman named Amber and she's a little sceptical about what Guya does. Guya starts a session with Amber but loses her focus int he middle. She promises to reschedule and turns around only to find Amber gone again when she turns back and the cute foot massage guy there in her place.

Michele and Jamie are talking about his dating and he brings up this guy he's been talking to online named Drew.

Ani is taking pictures of Lara on the beach. At one point she tells her to take her top off then laughing says, "Just kidding" and walks up to and kisses Lara. She kisses her after each of the next few shots causing Lara to say that she likes getting rewarded for posing.

Guya is talking to Katie about her new guy.

Lara and Ani are having a picnic and when Ani pulls out baby carrots Lara takes notice. Being very attentive at the moment Lara manages to pull a story out of Ani about her Aunt Carmella's 80th birthday party and being mortified by becoming the subject of Carmella's vocal comments about no longer being pretty. Lara does a great job here of reassuring Ani. Ani says, "I really like you!" I'm glad that Lara was able to be a positive force for Ani's self image. (Still makes me uncomfortable when it's brought up though. Just sayin'. (: )

Venice: Episode 205 - November 10, 2010

Guya and Gina are at High Bar talking about missing each other, needing a sleepover with Owen and that Guya has been thinking about Katie a lot lately. Gina wonders how things would be different if her mother were still alive. Guya talks about how different he was when she was alive. Gina can't grasp her mind around him being so much different than he is with her. Guya tells GIna that maybe she can use this opportunity to move forward with The Colonel.

Ani is preparing to make dinner at Lara's. She opens the trash to trow away a paper towel and sees 2 beer bottles (Bridgeport Breweries: India Pale Ale?), a wine bottle and a liquor bottle (looks like E&J brand Brandy) Ani kind of frowns and contemplates then looks like she makes a decision. She's noticed Lara's drinking and seeing the bottle in the trash just made it that much more urgent.

Sami thanks Owen for helping before he leaves. She again reminds him that she's unavailable by telling him that she's got a date.

Gina gives herself a pep talk before going into the house to deal with her father.

Owen is frustrated because Sami is late and he's left her voice mail messages already.

Gina brings soup but The Colonel wants a burger. She's frustrated and he's frustrated. She tells him that if he works hard he'll be able to flip her off. When he final starts eating she watches him and a small smile creeps in. She can't help but be happy that he's making some progress.

Ani is feeding Lara empanadas and cleans up crumbs on Lara's mouth by kissing them away. Lara suggests wine and Ani distracts her with kisses.

Guya is upset that she's lost her aura. The last time that happened was when her ex ran off with "that dirty skank ho bitch". She grabs her journal and starts reading an entry from Katie's 30th birthday. She talks about John having planned a surprise party and the kids having planned a skit. She's gotten them tickets to The Greatful Dead.

Ani and Lara are taking a shower together. I can't help but think that Ani has decided to offer herself as a disctraction to Lara's drinking.
I also can't help but think that this scene is the sole reason that so many who have slighted the series from the beginning have praised this episode as the best yet. The writing hasn't changed, the scene structure hasn't changed. They are both as wonderfully layered and real as they've always been. The only thing that is different in this episode that I can see is the naked women in the shower. If I'm missing some other brilliant piece of writing that has just now come to the surface in episode 205 then please point it out to me. I'm not saying that the shower scene is a bad thing, just that it's the only difference I can find from previous episodes that might garner the praise that it recieved from otherwise historically dissappointed vocal viewers. Not that there is anything wrong with that either.

Venice: Episode 204 - November 3, 2010

Guya is getting a foot massage from a cute guy (Shawn Christian) who she apparently met while 'riding a bull' presumably in a bar. She leans in to smooch the cute guy and the framed photo of her and her sister falls over. Hm? What does that mean?

Sami and Owen are making dinner and she's trying to give him advice on interacting with his father. He doesn't take to her advice to swiftly. He tells her about how the rift formed between he and his father. She suggests that it's time to bridge that gap. They move on to another subject and she brings up having met a guy that talked with her about Africa. Owen gives her a little hippo figurine. Gina calls him to say that The Colonel has run off all of his nurses.

Ani calls Gina to check on her and Gina tells her about having to step in to nurse her father back to health. Ani says that it would make a good reality show and they brainstorm possible titles. Gina asks what Ani is up to tonight and finds out that Ani is cooking for Lara. Ani offers to bring Gina some chicken picata. Mmmmm. :)

Guya has a very distracted and unproductive session with Katherine. She gets a phone call on her private cell from some one leaving her shaken. She tells Katherine that she won't charge her for the session.

Gina tells The Colonel that she's his nurse now and tries to get him to do some hand exercises. He stares her down and drops the ball from his hand.

Lara is on the beach working and gets a phone call from Christa her editor. She is frustrated and annoyed as she always is when she ends a phone call with her editor. She takes a couple of drinks from her flask.

Van shows up at the soup kitchen and helps Sami clean up.

Gina is jogging on the beach and comes across a sleeping Lara. Gina spies her flask and Lara notices then hides it and excuses herself telling Gina that Ani's making dinner so she has to get home. Sooooo Gina is cluing in to Lara having a drinking problem but I seriously doubt that she'll say anything right away. She's trying very hard to not interfere with Ani's life and new relationship.

Venice: Episode 203 - October 27, 2010

We open with the last scene from the previous episode. Ani walking up to Gina on the beach. This time after Ani says, "Of course I am." there is only a small pause with meaningful looks before Gina asks Ani how she found out. When Ani says, "Jamie." Gina says, "Of course he... he told you. He's a good man." Ani prods Gina to talk about how she's doing and what she's feeling. Ani says that she won't let anyone know that tough Gina has a mushy center. The line is delivered with expert cuteness of course, but there's a moment right after Gina's reply when Ani looks like she desperately wants to fall back into her old habits of being there for Gina in all of the unhealthy, all consuming, self-depriving ways that she used to, but to her credit she looks down, away from Gina and breaks away from the mental ledge. Gina using her newly established awareness of Ani's needs asks about Ani, and Lara. It's a huge step in a seemingly tiny un-noticable act for Gina to conciously ease the tension and ask about Ani's current girlfriend. It shows that Gina has leanred from what Ani has been telling her and that Gina isn't going to take advantage of Ani's concern for her in this situation. Ani says that it's easy and they're getting to know each other. When Gina asks if she's happy, Ani replies that she is. Then Ani asks Gina about Tracy and Gina tells her that Tracy went back to London, that it was bad timing. Ani takes a moment to let that sit. Flashlight by Adrienne is playing under the scene. It's beautiful for two reasons, it fits the new friend status that Gina and Ani are trying so very hard to maintain and it's the song that was playing on Guiding Light when Natalia grabbed Olivia's hand to lead her out of Gus's house. (Nov. 10, 2008 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBRXUv7aSsY ) They both miss talking to each other like they used to. Such a sweet sweet scene! ::sniff::

Guya is trying to get The Colonel to allow people to help him heal. She's the only one who calls him John. Also a nice scene.

Gina has a flashback of her and Ani. She's taken Ani to the beach to tell her that she wants to take her away on a vacation. Ani is excited and they kiss. Gina comes out of the flashback and is on the beach alone. :(

Michelle is talking to Alan on the phone and is frustrated. Jamie shows up and tells Michelle that he needs to find a man. Michelle tells him he needs to try the internet. He says no. They are cute together.

Gina comes up to The Colonel's house in time to see his latest nurse leaving. She tries to bribe the nurse to stay by offereing to design a house for her. Apparently that was the last nurse as Gina tells her father that they've gone through 3 nursing companies and numerous nurses. He doesn't say anything as he watches her clean up the living room.

Guya is meditating when Van comes up and spooks her. Wes Ramsey is sooooo cute! Guya is sad that Van isn't staying with her, he's staying with a friend. She tells him about The Colonel's stroke. Van mentions again that he wants to bridge the gap with Owen while he's here.

Ani and Lara are having a picnic on the beach. Lara starts to go off about her editor and then decides that she's done talking about it. Ani says, "Yay!" She talks about being stressed about having to be around "wiaf thin models" who "need a fucking cheeseburger" she says that she coudl stand to lose a few punds and Lara jumps right in to tell her that she's perfect and that she doesn't want her to lose any of it and tells her to eat more. This is a profound scene in many ways. It feels like Lara is the more controlling of the two with her seemingly ignoring Ani's weight concerns and blowing them off by telling her that she thinks that she should eat more. It makes a comment on the world of modeling which has and I'm sure will alway be scrutinized for it's affinity towards dangerously thin models. It's also something that makes me uncomfortable and/or sad personally because I've read comments and seen video where Jessica has mentioned that she's not comfortable with her own weight since her pregnancy. I don't know if she was ever as self conscious about it as Ani, but it still makes me a little sad to be reminded of it. I say that, keeping in mind that I am fully and personally aware of image and weight expectations placed on actresses. It is a plot device that is difficult for me to watch mostly because it's Jessica playing the part. She is adorable and funny and sweet and I don't like to be reminded that she's not happy with her body even if it is completely understandable. The way she's playing it with Ani is absolutely perfect!

Gina is walking around The Colonel's house contemplating while he sleeps.

Venice: Episode 202 - October 20, 2010

Owen and Sami wake up in their South African Village. I have Owen's sleeping bag!!! :) They are cute. Owen tells Sami that they built a cell tower last night in the village. So he now gets all of the messages that Gina left for him telling him about The Colonel's stroke.

Ani shows up at Lara's with soy latte and tells her that she has to go meet Gina because of The Colonel's stroke. Jamie called her to let her know, she hasn't talked to Gina yet. Ani is looking beautiful. Okay, Jessica looks beautiful always and by default Ani is also breathtaking. Ani asks Lara if she's okay with Ani visiting Gina. Lara says that Gina is Ani's past, and that she herself is Ani's "here and now".

Owen and Sami and Gina are talking about The Colonel's stroke. Owen tries to figure out why Gina was there when it happened. She's evasive for obvious reasons and Owen finally backs off when Sami steps in. Sami suggests a round-the-clock nurse so that neither Gina nor Owen has to stay with him and he doesn't have to go to a rehab facility. Sami leaves and is being watched/followed by someone in grey shorts.

Guya tells Gina that Van is coming home and looking to work things out with Owen. When she hangs up with Gina she turns around and sees the mystery woman from the previous night. She asks if she's there for an appointment and turns around to check her schedule. When she turns back around the mystery woman has disappeared without ever having said a word.

Katherine is at High Bar and sees a young woman there. She starts talking to herself and practicing many different pick-up scenarios. She's not doing well working up to asking the woman out, but Alan walks up to her and distracts her. Apparently Alan calls her Elizabeth and is the only one to do so.

Gina and Jamie are walking on the beach debriefing each other about the event of the last night. Jamie tells Gina that the dead hooker wasn't from a service but someone that The Colonel was seeing exclusively (although the same wasn't true for her). Jamie also tells Gina that the woman's alias was Candy Cane. They share a laugh before Gina takes comfort in a hug from Jamie. It's been a long few hours. .

Sami is approached my Van on the beach and they share stories of world travel she tells him that she volunteers at a soup kitchen and suggests that he try it too. She makes sure to let him know that she has a boyfriend.

Gina is sitting on the beach and Ani walks up and sits next to her. Gina is surprised and comforted and grateful that Ani is there. Ani says that "Of course I am (here)." and takes Gina's hand in both of hers. They are both killing this little scene without doing much of anything because Jessica and Crystal can rock the unspoken conveyances.

Venice: Episode 201 - September 29, 2010

I could have sworn that I had already written a review of the first episode of the season, but if I did I have no idea where it went so......


The episode opens with a recap "Previously on Venice" for which I am grateful. Not that I haven't watched the season one episodes recently, but it's a great way to introduce new viewers to the second season.

Gina and The Colonel are arguing over the dead body that he's just shown her. He's telling her that she's going to help him and she says that she's not. That he's only thinking of himself and not about her career or life. Personally I was surprised that she even showed up when he called at the end of last season, but I know that I would do the same thing in her situation. Just as GIna is going to open the door and leave, The Colonel collspes and GIna calls 911. She then calls someone to help her. Her voice is calm and measured so you know she's calling for help with the dead body.

Lara is annoyed with her editor and is not in a good mood then turns around to find Ani making her a nice snack . Lara has given her a key to use anytime she wants. Lara is ranting about her editor and gets up to take a shot of something harder than wine, then comes back to pick up her glass. Ani is watching with concern and a bit of shock. When Lara sits back down Ani moves in behind her to massages her shoulders and relax her. Lara asks about Ani's work and while Ani is having problems with jobs being postponed and rescheduled she's not nearly as angry about them as Lara and kind of brushes them off. She tells Lara that she Googles the New York TImes bestseller list every morning and sees the picture of Lara and says, "That's my girlfriend!" Lara says that Ani is adorable and who can argue with that, because in fact Jessica is playing her so very very well. They get up to dance and kiss. The look in Ani's eyes seems to say that she's trying to distract Lara from her bad mood. She seems to get the drinking issue and is instead offering herself as a substitute. While sweet, that tactic doesn't work well in the long run and can end up being just as detrimental to Ani, causing her to lose herself.

Guya sees a woman outside and is stunned but turns away for a moment and when she looks back the woman (Liz Keifer) is gone. Guya gets a phone call presumabley to tell her about The Colonel collapsing.

Owen has created a little African Village for Sami where there is no cell service, but there is a picnic. They make love on the sleeping bag he's set out in the living room.

Jess (Venice fan "bidforvenice" on Twiter, Anita) is filling in for Tracy and meeting with Michelle. We learn from this conversation that Gina and Tracy are over and that Tracy has thrown herself into her work.

Jamie is 'The Cleaner' and is taking care of things at The Colonel's house. He wonders what he's gotten himself into, and we wonder the same thing. Poor Jamie.

Gina is looking through a box of photos and comes across one that has to have been her mother and father and herself when she was an infant. Then she comes across one of her and Ani (one of the photos of Crystal and Jessica at Crystal's CCnFriends fan luncheon in October of 2009) and breaks down into sobs. Poor Gina.

Hugs to Jamie and Gina!
Crystal, Jessica, Jordan, Harrison and Nadia really turned in great performances for this opening episode. That's not to says that anyone else sucked mind you, just that those five characters had much more layered scenes emotionally in this episode.

SGGtGB: Henrietta Hudson (Premiere 9/15/2010)

'Straight Girls Guide to Gay Bars' is a new series from Open Book Productions the creative team behind 'Venice.' The premise is to have OBP producer and 'Venice' star Crystal Chappell as host along with a couple of straight friends, tour a few 'gay bars' in New York City and report on house special drinks, bar features and themes. The show's format is more like a travelogue than a 'reality series' as some have touted it.

In the premiere episode Crystal and her friends Hillary B. Smith and Liz Keifer take us to Henrietta Hudson Bar & Girl (438 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014)

The three hosts are sitting on bar stools around the bar in a bar-esque conversation pit with the bartender behind the bar. It's very casual and comfortable and very much like a group of friends sitting around talking and learning a little about the bar. Crystal has both of her legs crossed up on the stool and she's barefoot. I mention this because it's exactly the way I sit most of the time so I noticed it immediately. It also sets the mood for the show. Very laid back and conversational.
They get a tiny history about the bar opening in 1991 and previously having been a girl bar under a different name before that. Then Crystal asks the bartender about the different types of lesbians that she had mentioned. The bartender then sorts lesbians into three distinct groups based on clothing style. The descriptions are of course ludicrously stereotypical and even put Hillary and Liz firmly in one of the lesbian sub-categories. Luckily they move on to another subject: Why are there bowls full of free condoms in the lesbian bar? It's a valid question and I liked the hosts' possible scenarios they were humorously speculative. I was not expecting the bartender's reply. Especially since I have been asked that same question and the answer was completely different. (My theatre group used to rent space in an art gallery. the gallery was part of a local business association with the goal of HIV awareness so every business belonging to the association provided free condoms.) I was expecting something general and all encompassing in explanation and yet I should have known better judging by the pre-packed categorizing statement made earlier. My first thoughts in response were, 'not everyone who comes here is lesbian' 'you never know when your best friend might need one' 'as our websites states, we are gay boy friendly and culturally diverse.' But no, we got, "In order to have the most safest, safest, safest form of intimacy we tend to keep them for, um the attachable toys we may use." Um....okay. It's like every effort being made to say, 'hey we're all just people' keeps getting knocked with signs of exclusivity. But, now at least we're on a common ground subject right. Toys. Toys are a universal thing not limited to only straight or gay, male or female. Crystal bring up a business idea of putting a battery vending machine in the place, or selling them at the bar since they can't sell cigarettes anymore anyway. There is a cutaway to the ATM machine when it's mentioned. This bar is waaaay too small to get any good shots. I swear it feels like the camera is 2 feet from the ATM machine. The briefly mention Brazilian waxing which is also light and humorous especially considering that I had had a similar conversation with friends only a few days before.
Now onto bar features, there is a DJ 5 nights a week. They have a pole on a small stage and a cage. Anyone is allowed/encouraged to jump up and use either one. The bartender says that they have a lot of bachelorette parties there and the bride to be will hop into the cage. See, right there! Bachelorette party goers might need the condoms too. Anyway, they try to pan around and show as much of the space as possible but we only end up getting a quick shot of the cramped tiny DJ booth and narrow field of view images of decorations on the ceiling including a disco ball and electronic DJ lighting.
The house drink menu includes a 'multiple orgasm' that Hillary decides they have to try. After discussing who will cage dance and who will pole dance they bring up their kids and whether they would be watching. The banter is so free and light and it's like you the viewer are one of the gang just hanging out at this new place.
It's cute and fun, but I liked the banter with the hosts better than some of the things that the bartender had to say. She actually didn't seem to know a lot about the bar but she may have just been a little camera shy.
I'm very much looking forward to the next episode and location. :)

---------------
For this episode of SGGtGB click here.
Henrietta Hudson's website. http://henriettahudson.com/ They've got tons of info, pics, staff bios and drink menu online.

I'm a slacker... back posts and notes.

Okay, soooooooo I've been behind, but trying to keep up with Days and OLTL, but I hadn't posted them. So I've got things posted up to the first part of August and everything is now dated to correspond to it's airdate. The 'keywords' list is getting a little long so I'll copy some of the links here.

Days of Our Lives
Carly Manning
Bo and Carly
One Life to Live - Inez Salinger

You can also use the search box, for example I call Hope's med-induced alter ego "Avenger" but not all references to her are labeled. If you type 'Avenger' in the search box it will come up with all of the posts where she's mentioned.
You can look through the archives by month, or if you know the airdate you can type it into the search box in 'Month Day, Year' format. (June 18, 2010)

Oh! Also, special thanks to Donna and Tori who clip One Life to Live and Days of Our Lives. I try to watch them on the network's own websites ABC and NBC, but when I get behind I need help from those two to catch up.

Here is the link for Venice

Days: Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Hope is in the court room and her public defender is wanting to know why she picked him, a rookie. She says that she doesn't want to waste the court's time and money. That she plead guilty and she's going to prison. Bo comes up behind her and says no she isn't.

Nathan comes to Mel's rescue and gets his arm hurt in the meantime.

Ian (Stephanie's doppelganger) has pulled his hair back into a pony tail so they don't look quite so much alike. He agrees to see what he can do about getting the paternity test results for her.

When Daniel comes upon Chloe and Carly and asks what's up Carly starts to make an excuse, but Chloe says that it's time to tell him the truth. Um, yeah. I'm thinking that's NOT going to happen.

Replay of Nicole's whining and Rafe spotting her as an easy target.

Replay of Stefano seeing Sami in the living room doorway. This time he says "arranged Sydney's kidnapping" though instead of just "arranged the kidnapping" like he did on Monday. Sami says, 'What did you say?'

Nicole throws a drink in Rafe's face.

Sami says that it sounded like Stefano said that E.J. was planning on taking Sydney away. She says that she wants to be with her kids. E.J. says that he was thinking of stealing her away for a bit after the wedding. Sami says that maybe he regrets being involved with a woman with four children.

Nathan assesses Mel's neck where the guy grabbed her and says that she'll have bruises. She thanks him again for helping her.

Chloe tells Daniel that Carly is giving her a present for her birthday. Girl time with facials etc. Daniel is surprised. Carly says that it's really for him since he wants them to get along, they're going to spend time together. Seeee Chloe just keeps digging herself deeper. Carly's going to smack her one of these day.

Bo is trying to convince a very martyrdom intent Hope to not give in and to fight prison. Doug and Julie are watching and Doug takes Bo out of the room. They are meddlesome and it annoys me.

Rafe throws out a guy for being a jerk to Nicole about her being Misty Circle. She was very shaken up and thanks him. He says that he should apologize to her.

Lexi overhears E.J. and Sami's news and congratulates them.

Mel tells Nathan he should get his arm x-rayed. He offers to take her home.

Daniel is happy that Carly and Chloe are trying to get along. This is eating Carly up inside.

Ian has gotten to the file with the paternity tests on the St Mary's computer. But the tests results for Dana Scott aren't in.

Nicole is sulking in self pity. No, Rafe, she's right. No one needs to apologize to her. (Shallow side-note: The bartender is cuuuuute!) Ooooooo. Rafe was just trying to get Nicole to drop her defenses.

Chloe tells Daniel that she's learned a lot about Carly in the last few days and that she's come to see her in a new light. Daniel says that the new baby has made them a family.

Stefano tells Sami that he was wrong. Cut to E.J. telling Lexi that Rafe is out of the picture.

Rafe tells Nicole that Sami says that he's so jealous that he doesn't see that E.J. has changed. Nicole scoffs and buys the next round of drinks. Rafe is sooooo baiting her by telling her things that happened when Sydney was kidnapped and how sad E.J. was. Nicole doesn't believe it and Rafe in a fake slur asks Nicole to tell him that E.J. is a good guy. She says that she's not sure she can do that. I hope this works out for Rafe. :)

Daniel is on the phone with Mel she's going to meet them at the pier. He sends Chloe off so they can talk about her birthday surprise in private. Mel shows up and Carly and Daniel both immediately, notice her new bruises and ask about them simultaneously.
Carly: : Are those bruises on your throat?!?
Daniel: Wait, why aren't you... what happened to you?
Mel gulps and says, "That's a lot of parenting at one time." I have to add another Shallow Side-Note here. I absolutely LOVE when Crystal plays a character in 'mom mode' she always manages to convey layers of concern, love, protectiveness, and situationally appropriate anger in just the right amounts at the same time. Mel tells them that some guy got out of hand at the clinic but that Nathan took care of it.

Stephanie and Ian tell Nathan that he's helping her with computer programming stuff. He tells her that a guy freaked out at the clinic then goes to shower. Ian tells her that a girl as pretty as her shouldn't have to fight to keep a guy. I like Ian. I still don't like Stephanie. When Nathan comes back out he tells Stephanie that they freaked out guy at the clinic tried to strangle Mel. Stephanie says that he must know her well then. Nathan gives her a look.

Carly is asking Mel if she's sure she's okay and she's being all mommy to her. Soooo sweet! Mel asks Daniel to drive her home to change and they can talk about Chloe's present in the car. This of course makes Carly tense up and Mel notices and asks what's up. Daniel says that Carly managed to make friends with Chloe then they leave. Carly pulls out her phone and starts dialing or texting.

Stefano and Sami call a pseudo truce. Lexi is really trying to make sure E.J. isn't blind sided by the possibility of Rafe not having given up. Sami tells Lexi and E.J. that Stefano was nice to her.

Nicole is suspicious of Rafe now.

Doug tells Hope to trust Bo. Bo tells her that there's been a change of plans.

Carly calls to check on the test results to make sure they'll be available in the morning. She calls Chloe to confirm.

Nicole frisks Rafe for a wire and ends up losing her balance and falling on him. Cue sexual tension.

Sami and E.J. kiss. A few times.

Days: Monday, August 16, 2010

Daniel asks Carly opinion about a bracelet that he's giving Chloe. Aaawwww. He's excited that he'll get to tell everyone that he's going to be a father. Of course Carly is a little concerned since she knows he might not be.

Sami is caught off guard when Stefano and Will walk in on her kissing E.J.

Rafe is still on Nicole's trail.

Will is upset and Sami chases after him to try and get him to understand. Yeah, not gonna happen Sami.

Rafe has a mystery person in his pocket who he thinks is going to help him with Nicole.

Chloe and Philip fret about Nathan finding out about 'the sex on the couch'.
Daniel is trying to get Carly to open about about why she's so guarded and emotionally exhausted right now. She escapes by leaving him alone at the table at Cheatin' Heart.

Stephanie is annoying and tells Melanie that she probably doesn't want to work where her parents do. Mel says that she likes working with her parents. Aawwww. :) Oh! I guess Stephanie was at St Mary's hospital and Mel is there for her interview.

Rafe has called on .... dun dun dun.... Victor to help him with Nicole. Ha!

Will tells Sami that Rafe was different because he might have worked out and been a real part of the family unlike E.J.

Rafe might not have Victor in his corner. Victor needs more information that Rafe's not willing to give.

Stephanie is being annoying.

Philip doesn't want to leave Mel alone in the neighborhood where the clinic is. Mel says, "You're right. They should put free clinic's in safer areas." Hahaha. :) Oh, Mel is not alone, Nathan is working there too.

Daniel gives Chloe a silver spoon, fork and cup set for the baby. Chloe's feeling guilty and leaves Daniel alone for a minute. Sister Ann (from St Mary's) shows up and Daniel invites her to sit and meet Chloe.

Rafe tells Victor of his suspicions involving E.J. hiring Anna to kidnap Sydney and Nicole knowing about it.

Okay, Stephanie has called in a guy that looks an awful lot like her to help get the password for the St Mary's records system.

Carly walks back into Cheatin' Heart and lock eyes with Chloe who stopped dead while coming out of the bathroom when she spotted Sister Ann. Carly follows Chloe's terrified gaze and sees Sister Ann sitting with Daniel.

Sami and E.J. tell Roman and Caroline that they are engaged.

Rafe tells Victor that if Nicole is put away then she can't get her hooks into Brady. Hhmmm. This might be an offer that Victor can't refuse. :P

Stefano coaches Will into accepting E.J. and Sami's engagement. Um, ew.

E.J. gives Roman an impassioned speech on fatherhood and love and setting an example for Sydney. Um, okay. Uh. No.

Carly shoos Chloe back into the bathroom hallway then she goes to Daniel's table. Aaawwww! Carly said that she ran out because she has to take Ciara to a Brownie meeting. Even if it's not true, I love love love that it's something that Carly might be doing. Ciara needs Carly to be a parent to her. Carly is an awesome mom.
Sister Ann has to leave. Carly says, "So what's a nun doing in a bar?" Heeheee. :)
Daniel gets a call and has to leave. He asks Carly to go check on Chloe since she's been in the bathroom so long. Carly calls Chloe and says that they have to talk.

Okay, Ian (the Stephanie look-alike)has figured out that she wants something and agrees to it. He can read her very well. Smart guy.

Victor asks Rafe if he knows about Nicole's having been a porn star. Victor tells him that her dad was the one who got her started and that inside she's a broken little girl. Victor tells Rafe to convince Nicole that he's her white knight and she'll owe him. He says to do it before Brady falls again. Ooops. Too late!
Brady is drinking and tells Nicole that he's done listening to her.

Mel gets very hesitantly attacked by someone at the clinic.

Chloe and Carly meet on the pier (for yet another very public private conversation) and Carly says that she'll pick up Chloe first thing in the morning. Daniel walks up and has overheard that last line. He wonders what's up.

E.J. and Stefano are in the living room at the mansion. Stefano asks what would happen if Sami found out that E.J. had arranged the kidnapping. E.J. shushes Stefano and camera cuts to Sami in the doorway looking not happy.

Nicole is all frustrated in a very stilted soliloquy that she doesn't have the control over E.J. and Brady that she'd thought she'd have.

Days: Friday, August 13, 2010

Mel tells Philip that she's concerned about Brady, that he's been drinking and she thinks he and Arianna broke up and he's got something going with Nicole. She's feeling very grateful to have Philip right now.

Victor sees Brady drinking and makes a comment. Brady says that at least it's not coke.

Sami's being stupid and since she told Rafe "If you love me you'll stop me from marrying E.J." and he told her he wouldn't ('cause he's not going to play childish games) she tells E.J. that she wants to set a date.

Stephanie is hiding out in Chloe and Daniel's closet. She overhears Daniel saying that Chloe is pregnant with his baby. Have I mentioned that Stephanie annoys the snot out of me?

E.J. tells Sami that he wants to get married tonight. Um, eeeeeeewwwwwww! Doe eyed E.J. makes me squeamish.

Chloe and Daniel talk about baby stuff. He makes a comment about naming it after one of the Jonas Brothers since his last name is Jonas. He gets called to do an appendectomy and has them call Mel to observe.

Victor thinks that Brady is drinking because of Arianna. When he figures out that it's Nicole he's not amused.

Ha! Sorry, this is funny. Nicole tells Rafe that Brady broke it off with Arianna because he didn't love her and realized that he was in love with Nicole. Um, delusional much?

Victor is so much comic relief right now. Brady turns to leave the living room saying that he needs to change. Victor says, "Yeah, you're right. Oh, your clothes." (because Brady's wearing a swimsuit and towel) The thing is that John pulls it off really well, not corny or vaudevillian. You actually almost miss that he made a joke. Props to Mr. Aniston! Victor then goes on to call Nicole a 'Chimera' he says that she's a chameleon a shapeshifter (which isn't an accurate analogy) then says that she's still a fire breather. (In Greek mythology the Chimera is composed of several distinct animals it doesn't stop being a lion for example to become a snake. Here are references at Dictionary.com, Merriam-Webster and Britannica.com) Brady doesn't like is when Victor calls her a 'Gold digging slut.' Victor figures out that Brady still has feelings for Nicole. It's about time! Why does he sound so shocked? What did he think we were talking about?


Sami wants to get married at St Lukes by Father Matt. She wants a big wedding, but E.J. is a little apprehensive about having it at St Lukes where they had Grace's funeral. Kate has a coughing fit when she and Stefano find out that E.J. and Sami are engaged.

Creepy whiney Stephanie is hiding in the closet when she hears Chloe tells Philip that she's worried about Daniel telling everyone that the baby is his when it might be Philips. You knew that was coming. They just have to keep talking about the secret thing they did.

Daniel's appendectomy turned out to be a soccer injury. Mel says that maybe Stephanie had them call him. Daniel says that he's going to go 'dad' on her and asks if she and Stephanie aren't friends because of something Stephanie did or because Stephanie is with Nathan.

Rafe heads to the station to listen to the CD they recovered from Nicole's mom's locker.

Nicole thinks it will be a good idea to turn the CD over on her own and get into Brady's good graces.

Mel asks Daniel when he started defending Stephanie. He says, never. Then she says that she is over Nathan and wants the family and white picket fence but that one ting might stand in the way of her happiness. I'm guessing she's referring to Chloe maybe hurting Daniel.

Chloe is going stir crazy and she and Philip leave the apartment. Stephanie can now escape from the closet and set to work trying to find out everything that she can. I'm wondering if they're going to have her change the results of the paternity test to show that Daniel's the father even if he isn't so that she can keep Philip with Mel and therefore keep Mel away from Nathan.

Oh, I was wrong. Mel is considering working at St. Marys so that people don't think that the only reason she got the job at University Hospital because of who her parents are. Aawwww. That's kind of sweet.

Nicole tells Brady that the money is from a payoff for a story. Yup. This is boring and irritating. I'm only watching Nicole and Brady because Rafe and Arianna are involved.

Stefano offers Kate's experience in 'event planning' to help Sami with the wedding. Oh the looks those two give each other. Awesome! You can no only see the hate beaming across the room on their glares, but you could drives vehicles across it. Like a Golden Gate Bridge of animosity which is kind of ironic considering. :)

Rafe hears E.J.'s voice on the C but doesn't find out what he did yet.

Daniel tells Mel that she's just defining her individuality and that the new baby won't mean that he loves her any less. She gets teary eyed and he gets choked up and they hug. Aaawwwww, sweet.

Rafe figures it all out. He knows that E.J. paid Anna to kidnap Sydney and that Nicole has more copies of the CD and that he needs to find another one.

Ooo! Mel comes up to Stephanie at the hospital while Stephanie is searching for the test results on the computer trying to find out Chloe's results. Mel asks her what she's doing there before she can find the results.

Rafe tries to call Nicole but she doesn't answer. Rafe is looking intently at his laptop screen, I'm guessing there is info there that he's trying to decipher. The thing is that the editors have decided to do a multi-split screen so Rafe's scene pulls back and shrinks into the upper left corner, Nicole and Brady mauling each other is in the lower left and a vertical shot of E.J. and Sami kissing is the entire right side. Sooooo the end result makes it look like Rafe is watching video of the two couples smooching. I get where the editor was trying to take it, but the execution was not so smooth.

OLTL: Thursday, August 12, 2010 (Inez)

Nate shows up at Dani's and starts ranting about Inez and how he never wants to see her face again. Um, Dude? A little sensitivity here. You're talking to your girlfriend who is slowly losing her mother to a terminal illness. I hope Dani smacks some sense into him.

Inez stops back by Bo's office to tell him that she's found temporary housing and that she'll see him in the morning to start work. He tells her that things at work are going to be chaotic. She says that's nothing compared to what she's just been through.

Bobby and James are at home and James is upset that Bobby is just going on like nothing happened. Bobby tells James that he'll never see Inez or Nate again. James says that he'll see whoever he wants to see.

James doesn't like being controlled or 'protected' as Bobby calls it. He brings up Nate and the money and says that Nate was only concerned with giving it to his mother. James says, 'She's our mother.' Aaaawwwwwwww!

Bo figures out that Inez is talking about the boys. She says that she's just made things worse.

Dani is crying and interrupts Nate's rant. Her mom has moved out of the house to stay at a hospice. She's managed to make Nate forget about his own worries for a bit.

Inez says, "I took Nate to his brothers' apartment and dropped my bombshell." She's not happy that Bobby hates Nate now by association, and that Nate's furious with her. She's hopeful that they will start to wonder about each other and form their own relationship. Bo tells her that she doesn't have to sacrifice her relationship with them in order for that to happen. She says that she's afraid she already has. Aww, Inez really needs hugs but she's being all strong and matter-of-fact.

Bobby and James are discussing what kind of person Inez must be to have not contacted them. James says that she's trying to reach out to them now. Bobby isn't giving in. No slack will be cut for Inez if he has anything to say about it. He's so hurt. He needs a really good let it all out breakdown with his mommy. Bobby needs Inez hugs.

Nate uber angry again. Dude! 0 to 60! He's telling Dani that he has brothers he didn't know about. He really should be careful. All that anger can not be good for his blood pressure I don't care if he IS a healthy teen. Plus one of these days his head may literally explode.

James calls Bobby on his insecurities. 'You don't trust chicks because Dad didn't trust our mom.' He says that Bobby's afraid to get close to girls because she's afraid the girls will leave. James then tells him that he doesn't remind him of Inez, that Bobby reminds him of their dad. See, Bobby really does need mommy hugs.

Dani is shocked to learn that Nate's brothers are the Ford boys. Dani tells him not to hate Inez.

Inez wonders if Nate will ever let her back into his life. She's convinced she's lost Bobby for good. She says that maybe James is the lucky one since she was never a part of his life. Bo points out that she is now. She says that she'll just need to see how it plays out. Then she tells him that it's the last he'll hear about her personal life. Bo tells her that she doesn't have to stop talking to him. She says that she's working for him now and that she's supposed to make his work life easier, not complicate it. Bo looks like he's kind of taken with her. Not in a creepy way, but like he admires her courage and conviction and wants good things for her. Jessica is playing this with just the right amount of sadness. A lot of the shots in this scene are close-ups too. Wow! She is really stunning, and I'm so very very jealous. My skin is rebelling and has decided that if it can't be that beautifully flawless then it's going to give up and go all crazy on me. :D Note to self: Drink more water. Oh, and don't even get me started on the hair. I love my hair, we have been together long enough to have formed an understanding, but I would like for it to at least have the option of growing as long and full as Jessica's. Just once. Then I'm sure I'd feel the need to cut it just barely shoulder length again.

Ooooookkkkkkayyyyyy. Sorry, for that little side trip. :) Back to the show....
James tells Bobby, "I'm sorry that you bought Dad's bull about how all girls are 'evil bitches,' but Mom's side of the story? About how she was run off by our violent abusive dad? That makes so much more sense to me." I'm really liking that James is so open and receptive to Inez that he's actually calling her 'Mom' around Ford. Aawwwww. James wants mommy hugs too. :)

Dani tells Nate that she didn't know about Todd being her father until last year and that she was angry with her mom about it too. She says that she understands it now. Nate's actually listening to her, so that's a good thing. She tells him to go find Inez and talk to her.

Inez tells Bo she'll be there promptly at 9am. He's going to have dinner with the family. Inez stays to set stuff up at her desk. She pulls out a framed picture portrait of Nate, then she pulls out a framed snapshot of Bobby as a little boy holding a tiny baby James and sets them on her desk. Aaawwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So sweeeeet! You just know she's had to keep that photo hidden in case Nate found it and asked questions. Putting that on her desk had to have felt very freeing and bittersweet too.

James is really getting Bobby to look at himself and why he does the things he does concerning relationships.

Days: Thursday, August 12, 2010

Philip shows up at the hospital and runs into Justin and Daniel. Chloe calls him and says that she has news about the baby.

Okay, Sami and Rafe have passed merely kissing and have moved on to mauling up against the lockers.

Philip tells Chloe that it's not a good time and that Daniel is there. She asks him to meet her at the pier. Dude, Philip is a jerk. Nicole shows up at Chloe's and asks her to wait and not leave yet because she needs a friend and Chloe's the only one she's got. Nicole is a jerk too.

Rafe stops the mauling and Sami asks why he did that. Um, duh! Rafe says that is was a mistake. Sami starts to go and she can't walk past him without the two of them heating up again. She doesn't make it out the door.

Chloe tells Nicole that she has to go and Nicole asks where she's got to go. Chloe says the hairdresser and Nicole gets all pouty. Woe is her, she's lost Brady again. Aawwwww boo hoo. Chloe needs to just leave and stop letting Nicole manipulate her. Nicole finally sulks off and leaves Chloe to go about her own business.

More Rafe and Sami making out while talking about how they shouldn't be. They stop again. She tells Rafe that if he loves her he should stop her from marrying E.J. She wants to know how Rafe found out about the proposal. She asks if it was E.J. Rafe tells her to ask him.

Mel is comforting Nathan over Hope's situation, but of course Stephanie sees the hug. She's annoying too. Maggie walks into the kitchen when Mel and Nathan are hugging. They pull away from each other. Mel leaves to go to her room. Maggie turns to Nathan to ask him what's going on with him and Melanie.

Chloe meets Philip on the pier. She's just telling him that she's taken the test. She still doesn't have the results yet.

Nathan tells Maggie that nothing is going on. She accepts his statement.

Sami tells E.J. that they need to talk.

Rafe is sulking at the Cheatin' Heart and runs into Nicole. Good times.

Chloe and Philip...... Nothing new, just a recap of the paternity test hijinks. Philip tells Chloe that he'll make sure Daniel doesn't find out and they hug. Stephanie sees them. She's annoying.

Caroline is short and a little rude with Maggie. Nothing new here. She annoys me too.

Daniel shows up at Maggie's to see Melanie and he tells her that he and she need to look after her mom. Aawwww. Mel tells him that she's blaming herself for what Hope did. Daniel tells her that guilt is second nature to Carly. Mel says that they all have each other's back which is kind of a miracle. He says that she wanted something from Lawrence that she was never going to get. Mel says that you can't change the past. Daniel says that you can't, but that you can learn from it. Daniel says that two people can't stay together after one has been unfaithful.

Days: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Henderson is tired of press calling the house to get a comment. Vivian doesn't like the "vile headlines about Hope." The headline reads 'Hope Brady Confesses to Serial Muggings' Yup. That's pretty vile and predatory Vivian. Ha! :)

Recap of Rafe overhearing news of the E.J. Sami engagement. Then shot of Sami and Will. He says that what he wants doesn't matter to her. Rafe is going to town on a punching bag. He's not happy either.

Victor is upset that Bo didn't tell him about Hope. Bo tells Victor that he can't take his anger right now and Victor apologizes. Bo's is feeling all guilty and responsible for what happened. Stop it now Bo! You are not at fault for this. Seriously.

Hope tells Abe that he's not her lawyer, he's her victim. He's telling her that she still needs a fair trial. Okay, I'm tired of this now. I want fun Avenger back, not whiny Hope.

Victor tells Bo that it's not his fault, that it's Carly's fault. Dude, Victor.... Maggie shows up. She better not make me smack her too.

Maggie's there to check on Ciara. Bo tell's her that Ciara is with Doug and Julie.

E.J. wants a word with Hope.

Sami says that she and Rafe are over. Will tells her that she still loves him.

Rafe is still beating up the poor defenseless bag.

Victor comforts an upset Maggie and Vivian sees them.

Bo steps in to tell E.J. not to threaten 'my wife'. Ggrrrrrr. >:(

Abe and Lexi have Ciara at the beach. They are contemplating Ciara needing their love. What's killing me here, is that they're talking about her like she's an orphan who has lost both of her parents. She hasn't. She has Bo, and Carly is an excellent mother. Another, 'Ggrrrrr.' >:(

Hope tells Bo that he shouldn't be handling any of the paperwork on her case. True, very true. Brady wants to talk to Hope, she says that it's okay, and Bo leaves.

Rafe runs into Sami on the pier and tells her that he hears congratulations are in order then continues to jog by and leaves.

Brady tells Hope that he understands. She says that they all blame the pills and he says that they gloss over why she needed the pills in the first place. He tells her to not listen to that voice that tells her she can't come back.

Sami follows Rafe into the PD lockeroom. She asks what he meant by congratulations. He tells her that he heard she's getting married and that if it's true then she's out of her mind and she's not the girl he fell in love with.

Maggie tells Victor to respect that Vivian is his wife. That he shouldn't set out to hurt her. He asks Maggie if he can respect Vivian just when he's around Maggie, can they be friends then? She says that she realized that they didn't stop being friends, they just didn't see each other. Aawww. They're confidantes again.

Vivian has called Gus. He's kind of cute. Too bad he's a minion.

Sami tells Rafe that she didn't want him to know yet. That she wanted to figure out a nice way to tell him herself. Rafe is trying to not pay too much attention to her. Sami wants him to acknowledge that he drove her to this. She says that E.J. accepts her and loves her and that she loves him. Rafe asks her if she really loves E.J. they go back and forth, 'yes' 'I don't think so' until he kisses her and she kisses him back. Not just simple sweet pecks either. We're talking big time almost making out kinds of smooches.