Daily Updates

General Hospital Update for Monday, 24-Dec-2001

A very Merry Christmas to all. Monday’s episode was alternately sweet, bittersweet and had a downright “feel-good” quality to it. I watched it – twice. Here’s why:

Ho Ho Ho

Jax disappears after asking Carly to wait around for him at the club-to-be. She’s muttering to herself when in walk a trio of waiters with a cart laden with champagne and other goodies. Jax walks in and invites her to start celebrating early. Carly again apologizes for her theatrics with the building commissioners but Jax tells her not to worry and that he was impressed with her dedication to their project. He makes a toast to the “most unconventional, club-owning mom”. She happily sips her bubbly. Things get a little weird when he whips out a gift box and insists she open it. She tries to decline gracefully but ends up opening the gift, which contains the necessary building permit for the new club. Hugs all around!! Jax reminds Carly that she has plans with her little boy and that she should be going, and she tries to tactfully include him in the plans for the hospital pediatric party. After wishing him Merry Christmas, a rather somber Jax raises a toast to the empty room and repeats “yeah, Merry Christmas”.

Daddy’s Home

When last we saw Courtney, she was dumbstruck that her “presumed dead” father was standing before her. She seemed at first elated that her father was alive, and in fact, turned on her mother for allowing her to believe him dead for so long. She asked her mother why she would do such a thing and Janine replied that Mike had gambled away every cent she had and she felt it would be best if Courtney believed he was dead, rather than have him hurt her. Court tells Janine that she had no right to do that and why should she believe anything she says - can’t anyone tell the truth? Yes, says Sonny, and why should you be in this conversation anyway? she asks. “Because he’s your brother” replies Mike. Janine tells Courtney that she didn’t know about Mike’s “other family”, just a little detail he forgot to mention. In the midst of all this family turmoil, Johnny announces the arrival of Carly and Michael. Sonny asks him to have them wait outside and Courtney asks how he can leave at a time like this. He rather pointedly looks at Mike and says that he made a promise to his son and he intends to keep it.

Deck the Halls

Over at the Q’s, Edward again attacks Skye. He makes a rude remark about how she’s surrounded by all her friends and family on Christmas Eve, when she’s obviously alone. He starts to attack her again as Lila enters the room. Lila scolds Edward (what else is new?) but he just rattles on about how he has nothing left in his life now that Skye is controlling the family business. He storms out and Skye kneels next to Lila and apologizes for the way she has hurt her through Edward. Lila tells her she wishes Edward could see all the good things in his life and that Skye might be able to help her. Skye vows to do anything Lila asks.


There’s a Party Going On!

Over at GH, Tony greets Felicia and Bobbie (in matching hoochi-mama elf sweaters) and lets them know that Santa is ready to make an appearance. Mac shows up with the girls and Felicia double-checks to make sure that he’ll be there to celebrate early the next morning. Alan catches Rae before she has a chance to leave. She mentions how sorry she is for all that Skye is doing to his family. Alan tells Rae that he’s a better person because of her – which Monica overhears. He tries to talk her into staying and scolds Monica for treating Rae so shabbily. Monica leaves with Rae on her tail as Alan begins to tell the story of Baby Jesus to the hospital kids. Monica arrives home and Rae tells her again that she’s not after Alan – in the midst of this drama, strains of “Silent Night” are heard from the living room. The gals enter to see Lila and Skye surrounded by Dickensian Carolers and holding holiday candles. As A.J. enters and receives a lit candle from his sister, Edward makes his way to Lila’s side and tells her how much he loves her. Even Monica is moved to smile while in the presence of Rae as Alan walks in and views his loving family.

A Tribute to Heroes

Alexis runs into Jax at the park standing in front of a memorial to the September 11th victims. He tells her that he knows how hard it’s been for her to lose her best friend this year. She tells him that in light of all the changes and destruction that have abounded this year, she still feels lucky. She goes on to say that we never seem to take the time to tell those around us, just how much they mean. Jax listens intently as Alexis tells him that she loves him and that her life is better because of him. He says he loves her too and they embrace. She tells him she has an idea, and asks for his help. Later we see the two of them along with Melissa, Roy, Sonny, Carly, Michael, Nik, Gia, Ned and Kristina lighting candles in memoriam of those whose lives were taken. Courtney appears on the steps of the park, sees her brother and his family and somberly accepts a candle from Jax.

May the peace and joy of the holidays be yours…

Kellybteas@aol.com