Taoboi

You know what? Starting this week of episodes and I can't with that Andre/Dani talk. Dani is being really mature and calling a spade a spade while Andre is really trying to make that narrative different with a hint of STILL trying to string Dani along. Boy, bye. And of course I hollered at Shanice telling Ashley with the quickness about the concert kiss that I KNEW she saw. And now Ashley letting Andre down (as well as getting back to the Ashley I recognize from Episode 1) is making me laugh.

RHOA So Season 17 is going to go ahead and start filming. And NO Nene has not been called or even approached regardless of what bloggers have said. BH The rumor is New Girl Amanda is coming in like a rich version of Brit Eady, getting into it with everyone.

Oh, yeah. I keep forgetting that. Because I saw those scenes again on my rewatch and went 'see? DOUG is probably going to be how Kenny's murder winds up coming out.' Which added to what I said earlier would affect any custody battle between Martin/Smitty and June.

You know what? Binging myself into August...I actually have enjoyed most of what was going on. And it shocked me a bit even though I was knocking quite a few things. Then it occurred to me why. The episodes that I've currently been binging through was NOT mob/Sonny centric. The last few I had watched before that, the focus was sloooowly aiming back to two things. One was Sidwell who we all know that I could care less about as Frank's Flavor of the Month though I'm happy Michael has been distracting him. Two there was such a heavy (emphasis on HEAVY) return to Sonny propping. Usually it did not bug me as much as you all. But from Wagger's death to Natalia's current death to some of what I read here about outside of the show MB stuff, Sonny just seem very weak link to me currently. And the fact they have to prop him is another sign of the character's weakness. Seeing Carly back in Sonny Worship mode made me ugh in disgust though I did love the Carly vs Lucas fights. And we know I don't live for Laura being on Sonny Worship duty so I was glad to see her with her daughter being a mother again. Speaking of Lucas, I've been enjoying the focus on him. Though I believe I miss some of the episodes of why him and Willow are at each other again, I love the intimacy that was on display with him and Marco (mmmm Marco) after Marco was freed. Between them and Martin/Smitty on BTG, it's nice to see gay couples in some form of traditional soap couple tropes. They could have stayed in bed all day and I would have eaten it up. Marco just continues to show how much of a nice addition he has been from the moment the actor appeared with charisma. But I think that is why I've been enjoying a lot of the episodes I've been binging. Away from the mob, the show has been focused on either family storylines or storylines that I either dislike or have people that I don't mind seeing. None of it is...mobby. I would love for a hospital story to pop up. Perhaps Willow's incoming breakdown... And lord...that wedding. Where do I even begin? Outside of Curtis's abrupt vanishing at the end of the episode and start of the next, I loved it. It had been a loooooooooooooong time coming since the storylines started under PM. So in a way, I am happy to be back in time to see the fallout. Nina tearing into Drew. Drew trying to justify it all. Ava and Ric and their reaction shots. Drew clearly not caring about his daughter. Kate Mc was acting her unhinged character's butt off. And I am enjoying her spiraling all over the place, runny mascara and all. lol. I loved that Liz and Ric (who I love seeing together on general principle) were there so she has at least someone to pick up the pieces with. I love seeing her at Liz's house...though I do worry that Liz will become a victim of Willow if Willow goes completely insane. There have been flashes that Willow will just go back to 'factory settings' only to go off again. LET...HER. JS. Cuz this has been the most fascinating this character has EVER been. And there's STILL mileage to go with Willow finding out what Drew did in Germany and the fact that no one knows Willow is the reason Sasha is gone. She's a hot mess now and a trainwreck that I don't mind watching. And not sorry for it, either. Drew continues to be the villain I love to hate. And it is just telling how far he has gotten away from Sam's wishes for his kids because of his own vices. I know that CVE could care less for Curtis vs Drew but good to see it's far from over, so he can leave that in Korte's hands anyway. I have been liking Portia's dilemma. Well, seeing more of her period. But I don't want her to lose the edge I saw her give a few weeks ago when she was giving villainess. She was justified so I didn't mind rooting for her. I don't need to see Stella propping Trina/Kai though. If anything, I'm over them and just want Trina to be written well. I actually have liked that people are sloooowly catching on to Joss in the Alias storyline. I like the vibe that it has been giving that this storyline might lead right to Britt, too. Unexpected, but plausible given the current leg of the story has Joss and Vaguhn running all over the world and they played the beat of Joss being out of country a few times already. Side-note...I am liking the little family unit of Anna/Emma/Gio/Outback (?, is that the dog's name). Their scene with Dante (Mmmmm DZ...) was cute. And as for Britt's story...I was worried from the comments here. And yeah, I could have done without the Jason/Britt montage. And the propping of Britt-as-Rocco's-Mom. But now that it has truly started...I'm liking it so far. Now, don't get me wrong...it is already off to a bad start a la Brenda's/Lucky's-recent return by the isolation of the character, but she was a B/C character at best so it can be the C plot it currently is. I do wonder if she is a captive...then by whom? And I don't like EITHER of the rumors of who it is. Please no whitewashing of characters who have finally found a purpose on this show nor return of dead villains who no one want to see other than their RL SO. THANKS. Honorable mention to Michael vs Drew (and Drew vs Jason at Liz's house) because I was waiting to see how Rory Gibson held his own with Drew...something we rarely got with Chad in the role. Worth the wait. I do want more. I like the Maxie recast...outside of her and Alexa sounding alike...her vibe to me gives Maxie. Not enough BLQ vs Lulu for me. Given all the Gio drama and its progression...I currently can't decide if it's in C plot mode or just 'factory setting' mode. Their rivalry and feud has been carrying since the Nurse Ball...and it was lightning in a bottle in spite of the slanted writing. More please. It goes without saying I like Liz/Ric/Ava/Cody. I hated the idea behind it (Kristina's plotting) and I am now loathing Cody/Molly because of the elephant in the room *cough*TJ*cough, but I am liking the scheming and mess it is creating of it all.

8-8 Nick/Brooke/Ridge just upped and vanished. Let me go ugh. I think, for me, it has become my highlight of the show. And getting to a Brooke/Ridge talk that had everything up in the air on Wednesday and then...nothing, but a comment on Thursday? No, ma'am. And it occurred to me two weeks back. But it really hit watching this one. As much as I love seeing more Li and that raven hair, this storyline is just a repeat of Finn's 'death.' Right down to Sheila finding Luna. If I'm not about to get Sheila vs Li Part 3, they can keep it. And as for Grace... My feelings are mixed. Was what she did wrong? Yes. But you mean to tell me that NO ONE can sympathize with death threats on her kids? NO ONE??? Or perhaps it's how good of an actress CC is that I fell on her side. And the reactions were OVERKILL. Outside of Liam whom I felt had the right to be angry (if not THAT aggressive). And the moment, the camera panned to Hope...as if it was her storyline...I side-eyed. And as for the slap...honestly that really did leave a bad taste in my mouth. Triggering a bit even. And I can see why the black audience has thrown backlash. Was no one there to warn them of the optics? I thought it was a good week leading up to that. Now I'm...taken aback.

Well, I finally got around to my rewatch of last week. It shocks me to say this since it's my least favorite of the A stories...but I really enjoyed all the Dani/Bill/Hayley stuff. But going back to what I said last week, that might also be why I liked the week. An A story with a few of the B/C plots circling around it. In fact, I liked that it transitioned nicely out of the Anita story that started off the week. And between Anita's story and then the Doug/Vanessa/Joey story, we got a solid B story. And all of the above saw what I liked most about the week: movement. I was going to say that it was nice to have a story with a beginning, middle, and end with Anita's story. But it sounds like it's about to have a turn. That said...I still liked the concert. It had been two months since we had an event on this show and the building up to the concert was very well done I felt. I loved there were little things going on like playing the Martin/Smitty rift, SilkPress's antics, and Dani/Andre...all solid subplots to the main event of the concert...which I loved. I'm such a Tracy fan and a now fan of the actress that I know I'm going to be looking forward to what she does next and other things she has been in. But I think I love all of my soap Tracys. hehe. I loved the music. And I loved Anita's tribute and coda with Barbara. A nice tie-up to move her forward into new story. I loved the Doug/Vanessa/Joey storyline. It had been spinning its wheels a little bit. But perhaps that was to get us to this turn. Doug's frustration and spiral has been fascinating to watch. And best of all unlike in the case of Hayley I thought the writers have done a good job giving us the POV (even if it's been dimmer as of late) of all three characters that I do feel invested. But now Doug wants to murder Joey? WELL...lol. I guess you all are going to be right, and Doug ain't long for this show. Highlight for me has been Doug reading everyone...especially Ted. And I love Randy being back (Mmm that bod, that bubble)...not only as part of this B story...but his now being included in the A story of Dani/Bill/Hayley? YES, PLEASE. And speaking of the A story...as of right now, well-played. I could love or leave Hayley, but her turn into 1990s Kristen Dimera with a dash of Annie Dutton has been fun to watch. She has me shading her at my screen now. And the actress is actually pulling it off. And I loved her showdown with Dani at Uptown that turned into a 'miscarriage.' FINALLY, she was getting good digs in on Dani who always get good digs in on her. And just watching her maneuver out of her own mess is just giving old soap opera villainess. I like it and look forward to her downfall. The only thing that I have not liked has been people (okay, Naomi) being dumbed down for her. I expect that from other soaps. Not this one. Heck another thing that has been holding my interest that has surprised me is Dani/Andre/Ashley. I'm no longer a fan of Dani/Andre, but I've come around to some of their scenes on the rewatch. Probably because I see Dani being open and honest and seeing opportunities for Andre to speak up...only to get NADA. And I loved Jan being the meddling mama in the Ashley/Derek mess. But I loved watching the resident himbo running around in that tank-top so I am bias lol though he should have stayed with Shanice. But respect that he took Jan's advice and tried one more time to get back with Ashley...and also respect for having Andre's number. The weak link is Ashley, but even I felt invested in her scenes. Not as neurotic (and I agree with who said it-she is much better in a supporting character role per her scenes with Naomi) and FINALLY some of her CURRENT POV since we were just discussing her motivation last week. And the moment, I've been waiting for...Ashley finding out Dani is the other woman happened...and yes, I gasped at my screen when it went down. Now...let's see if she will do what I think she will with Dani/Hayley. Jacob vs his father was EVERYTHING. And who knew those onion butts were genetic. 😜 I kid, I kid!!! But just great scenes. And I do wonder how that will impact his role in the SilkPress storyline going forward. Speaking of...Kat/Chels vs SilkPress/Eva was another jewel of a scene though I was not feeling Eva in that at all. I just can't believe she has fallen back into being her mama's sidekick again after SilkPress almost framed her. smh. I do like Kenny's murder is still in the background. For now. But Honorable Mention as this show likes to do. And I LOOOOOOOOOOVEEEEE Martin and Smitty have been giving us the longing to be together sparks that the best soap couples give. Who would have thought it? And with June in the background...assuming she is Ty/Sam's mother...that will be some juicy drama to keep them frontburner. What if June finds out about the murder? But a good week of movement.

But he does need a storyline so I can see it.

I'll say this much...I will never tire of Drew vs Jason. And in my viewing I'm getting more Liz so I'm totally fine. So don't hate me, getting a Liason scene so *swoons*

FINALLY!!! That said...SAME.

SHADE!!!

Time flies.

8-5 Other than Friday sadly, I've been keeping up with the remote as best I can. And it seems like good fluff. But again...I'm bias because I've overdue for a vacation. lol. The water. The buildings. The camera angles. I really love the caverns when Ridge was driving around with Brooke in the boat. Same for Brooke and Nick's sightseeing. I loved the music for the fashion show. Though I do admit that I didn't like that those models were not at all giving. Unlike Brooke...who was easily the best model in that show. Not best dressed, but she had the right model spark. And the filming of the fashion show and lighting all looked breathtaking. Even Ridge was looking good. I've been enjoying the whole Nick/Brooke/Ridge storyline. I love seeing a guy who is just focused on Brooke, and Nick is coming across who much more worldly vs the Dressmaker who is just running around like part caveman, part temper-tantrum-throwing child. You are ENGAGED, Sir. Have a seat. I wish Eric had not even told Ridge that he saw Nick with a ring. Speaking of, I did like the scenes of Eric vs Nick. Oh, and the scene where Nick sweeps Brooke away at the fountain from grumpy Ridge...them giving looks to Ridge...Nick a smirk, Brooke a satisfied grin...in sync was perfection. And at the end of the episode I saw earlier...poor Brooke...fell in the sea. It's just been easy and breezy...and something different. Speaking of different...Luna's fate...was not. Called it with Li. And it can stay in its C plot status. For now. As for the B plot...I've heard things online about what's coming. And I'm not sure how I'm going to feel yet. Given I've basically quit Y&R over what happened to Damian (and Cole...and Chance), I will see how I feel once I hit the episode because the optics I think I will also feel a way. Though I did like that it was mentioned that Grace's ex-husband's gambling harassers have been chasing her and the daughters again as the reason for the truth...so she conned Liam AND Bill. So Liam isn't dying. First of all...ugh. Second of all...it did seem like Brad Bell was setting up Grace for a storyline, but this was not what I had in mind. Though it is funny to see two black women doing sneaky stuff concurrently with Grace here and Hayley over on BTG. But...we'll see. I hope that I'm not about to quit both Bell soaps. But my faith ain't that strong.

I was happy to see that at least. But I got the vibe that was of the few times they have redressed another set when I was rewatching last week...unless I'm wrong. Well given who redesigned it ie: Hayley, it will always be the worst I fear.

A question that I've mentioned a few weeks back as well. Surely we have not gotten to all 27 already...have we?

8-5 Jill, I love you, but Lord have mercy. I couldn't even make it 10 minutes until it went to mute. I did like Claire and Nikki's black outfit. That's all I got.

I agree. They had so many wiggle room options. Which is why when Jacob mentioned that the test would take time...I figured it would go on the backburner. Or when Eva stole everything...something else that could put the story on the backburner as well. But they went ahead and keep trying to push things so now I have to sit here and side-eye them on it. I thought the same as well on that. I liked that the writers seem like they were exploring the aftermath of the anniversary party nicely AND slowly because all of what you mentioned needed to be explored. I could understand how...with that in mind...the part of the plot with Laura would need to be on the backburner. How they went about some things though (like Nicole's POV and that Eva/Nicole awkwardness) is where I also find myself side-eying a bit. Especially now that there's been no movement and it just seem like...outside of Kat and Nicole...everyone has been very bygones be bygones with two people who actually came in and messed with a marriage and people's lives. Nah...I like how Derek has been playing it. He had Andre's number for a while and still is acting the better man about it while still checking Andre. The way I gasped when that played out. I even rewinded. lol. I guess I'm more invested in the triangle than I thought. Honestly, I would say yes. I just feel like the writers with this next twist in Hayley's storyline that they are setting Dani up for a big fall which means no man. She has to save herself. But that's just me. Woooooooow Just shows that Kenya stays having taste.

OH HELL-HOOOO!!!

Well tbf she did. It's just her bounceback (complete with silly relationship with someone who should have never been interested in her) was swift.

Pretty much. Very intriguing.

I believe it!! At least, RHOC proves it can hold its own on a tough night. But it also proves 8 PM is where it's at. At this point, I just think Bravo is self-sabotaging. Again. I feel that. That is like me at work and the crazy schedule around rugby matches.

I completely agree. Steve Burton came back so much refreshed and with story options. And he STILL has story options so it's a shame these folks go with the most illogical ways possible to not play with them. I was just thinking of this this weekend when I was watching Alexis/Drew scenes in my catch-up. It's sad that Drew is so much of a prick that he's been going against Sam's wishes and did in fact separate Scout from Danny and Rocco. And his even ignoring Rocco and even using 'not really her brother' made me side-eye sooooo hard. But then again, this is the man who will now use a kid to keep a couple apart so...I should not be surprised. But out of the three, I feel he has options still. From the aforementioned Liz connection to his rivalry with Drew (or Ric) to his refreshed links to the Qs. I'm sure we both could come up with ideas easily based off of just that.

RHOM Uh oh or cool? We are getting TWO Episodes of RHOM this week. And it appears that RHOM will be moving to Thursday from here on out after OC. We know how I feel about the 9 PM timeslot so ugh. Put it on at 8 PM like they will be doing with OC this week. I bet it would hold its own just like OC very much will in the 8 PM timeslot. It's not that hard, Bravo.

A miracle.

Sounds good. And lest not forget that...as Wendy said at the reunion...EVERYONE will be coming for Stacey, too.

In time. I really feel she will eventually. I really liked it as well. It was giving classic heroine for a change for Dani. It might even bring back the Drunk Dani thread that has vanished.