Friday, April 17th

As Billy’s leaving Jack yet another message, Ashley lets Victor in – he’s received a letter requesting NE’s surveillance tape be reviewed by an expert. That’s a no brainer, Ashley claims. It hasn’t been doctored – your desperate measures won’t save Jack, Victor vows. From what? Jack saunters in with his new wife.

Jack struggles against the restraints on his bed. Kelly!!!! How could you do this to me!? What did you give me!? I’d never choose you!!!!! Never!!!!

At the club’s bar, Neil assures Devon that he’s just drinking coffee. He doesn’t want anything from Devon – and don’t worry, whatever’s said in court today, won’t drive him back to the bottle.

In the hallway of the courtroom, Chris is eager to punish the man responsible for her losing her baby. In fact, Nikki’d be up there too (getting exactly what she deserves) – if she didn’t have the Newman name (and son with Paul)

Dylan’s summoned Paul to CL’s, to show him a tabloid (Sayanora Sharon) What’s this!? Good bye in Japanese, Paul quips (and maintains that he’s only following evidence) Dylan insists – Sharon’s being framed – why can’t you see that? What Paul sees is Dylan getting too involved with Sharon. Avery must agree – or she’d be here.

In bed, Joe’s more interested in the tabloid than eating. Avery scolds him – and this is where she’s meant to be (not with Dylan) Dr Shelby arrives – the latest test results are in. Da Da Da Dummmm.

Dr Shelby reports Joe’s nervous system has severe damage. Once, this would be permanent – but science is making great strides. Joe will be transfered to a rehab facility. To learn how to use a wheelchair, Joe growls. He’d like Avery to leave too.

In the hallway, Barton whines to Leslie – who says they can only do their best. She’s going up against Winston Mobely today – he takes no prisoners.

In a suite, Winston puts his jacket on – perhaps he’ll cross examine ‘Ann’ after the trial. With a kiss Hilary wishes him good luck, then pulls out a suit from HER closet.

Paul and Dylan debate whether Avery believes Sharon. Maybe she did – until the tests she ran on the tire iron. Dylan’s obsession with helping Sharon has put Avery in question (re: Joe’s fall) If Joe didn’t insist it was an accident, Avery and Sharon could be sharing a cell – then who would you help? Paul’s tired of everyone trying to deceive him – stop interfering – or go to jail.

Victor’s glad Jack got some sun – he might not see any for a while. Ashley and Billy scold the newlyweds for being incommunicado. Victor then accuses Jack of stealing corporate data – it’s on tape. Team Jack prods him to say something – and are puzzled with his unconcerned ‘Guess, I’ll have to call my lawyer’.

Victor notes that Jack’s not denying the accusations. You should see a lawyer – while he tends to Neil’s trial. He’s sure Jack and his lovely bride will be there to support their friend. Have a nice day. That leaves the Abbott’s to pounce – Snidely has you on tape! All are frustrated – if they don’t come up with a plan, they’ll be forced to make a deal with Victor. Is that such a bad thing? Jack stuns all.

Kelly!!! If you love me, come talk to me. Remember how we talked for hours? Finished each other’s sentences? Nice try son, ghost John saunters in – you sure can pick em Jackie Boy. Of course Victor’s behind it – but you played into his hands. You need to beat Victor at his own game. Jack fumes – when I get my hands on Victor …. Dad? Dad!? Come back!! Jack’s alone again.

Lily hugs her Dad in the court hallway. Cane’s there for support too. Shaking his hand, Neil can use all the support he can get. When Leslie arrives, Neil doesn’t need to prepare – he just wants to tell the truth. No matter what you hear today, I love you. Lily reminds Neil that he has a son too – Devon’s testimony could make all the difference.

Hilary struts down the club’s stairs – dressed to impress (and testify) Devon knows she’s only doing it so her divorce settlement isn’t tied up. But he knows she’ll play her part well – a good actress when she puts her mind and body into it. Devon asks her to show some compassion for Neil – leave out the gory details of our affair. This Mobely guy doesn’t lose. He’s only human, Hilary clips clops out.

Avery won’t leave – if she didn’t push Joe, he wouldn’t be there. Joe blames himself for making a pass. As he told Paul, it’s his own fault. Now get the hell out of here! He rejects Avery’s support, and spotting Dylan, tells him to come in and claim his prize. You win!

Dylan’s sorry, but he can’t let Joe lash out at Avery. No, it’s OK – it was my fault, Avery feels she deserves it. Take your guilt stricken fiancĂ©e and go! Joe barks. Put me in your rearview – go! Joe’s left alone to fight tears.

Heatstroke? Has Jack lost his mind? Strike a deal with Victor!? Billy and Ashley are then stunned to hear that Phyllis and Jack struck a pact with Victor to get her off the charges. But that’s moot – Kelly’s dead (RIP) Jack’s not sharing his strategy – but it’s HIS call. Life is too short to worry about corporate rivalry.

You don’t have to do this, Victor arrives as Nikki’s about to enter the court-room. He’s concerned about her health. Nikki can and MUST do it. OK – then let’s do it (they proceed inside)

On the stand Chris tells Mobely that she can’t have another child. Leslie’s next – she extends her sympathies – but we’re here to determine who’s caused that loss. He did – Chris amends – THEY did. Leslie counters – Or you did – why did you run into the path of that car? You were upset with your husband and think Nikki hates you. Mobely objects as Leslie wonders if it’s because Nikki has a child with Paul and Chris doesn’t. No further questions. Chris marches out – Paul on her heels.

In the hallway, Chris tells Paul to stay – testify for us – and our baby (she can’t listen to Neil and Nikki) Paul heads back in as Nikki’s on the stand. Mobely forces her to admit that Neil grabbed the wheel and aimed for Chris. You want us to believe that you were doing a good deed, but you’re both a couple of drunks. Leslie objects (as Hilary slips in) Nikki rephrases – I’m a recovering alcoholic! As Mobely continues, Lily jumps up – that’s not how it was!

At CL’s, Dylan’s sorry Sharon’s taking up so much of his time. He then tells Avery why he didn’t come home to her right away – he needed time. Maybe that’s what Joe needs too. Avery thinks he needs a friend more.

Dr Shelby talks to Joe about rehabilitation. Joe’s angry – he can live without his legs – but not Avery. That’s gone for good.

Jack talks to himself – worries about Phyllis. He’s being held prisoner by a man he knows all too well – and a woman he doesn’t know at all. Sounds familiar, John’s back. Admit you need me – and there’s hope for you, he smiles.

After a nurse leaves Joe lunch he has no interest in, Avery chats with Dr Shelby in the hallway. The right person CAN make all the difference. She pauses to look into Joe’s room.

At the club, Billy and Ashley are both confused and frustrated by Jack’s attitude. Worst of all, he doesn’t feel the need to consult with us about his plans. What plan? Seems like he wants to sell out to Victor. My company, my call. Ash reminds that Jabot’s a family business – and family will do what it has to do.

On the stand, Neil admits he was drunk. Nikki was sober and trying to take him to a meeting. Devon stands – this was MY fault! Neil says it was HIS fault. I was too drunk that night to know what he was doing – alcohol made him grab the wheel; not my son, not Nikki – my own sickness. Mobely reminds that a baby was lost – the settles. Leslie calls her first witness; Mrs Neil Winters. As Mobely turns around, Hilary gives him a sneer.

Mobely looks grim as Hilary sashays to the stand – and still smiling, with her hand on the Bible, she swears the tell the truth.

Joe’s not happy when Avery barges back in demanding he eat – you’re gonna need your strength to get through this.

Dylan tosses the tabloid in the trash and looks troubled.

Billy recognizes Ashley’s look. She must protect Jabot and Jack (until he comes to his senses) As a family, we must remove him as CEO.

Jack shrugs off not going to court to support Neil. And he’s not worried Victor will send him to prison. He hacked into Jabot and NE’s servers to get Victor’s secret weapon. He’s convinced things are going one way – but they’re going another, he gloats to Phyllis.

John talks about the great Houdini. He never gave up or used strength – he used agility, flexibility and patience. Now, make like Houdini – take one hand. Close your eyes – concentrate. Jack wriggles a hand out. I did it! John’s gone as Jack removes all the restraints and walks outside (to be shocked by what he sees)

Next: The only thing that will bring her peace is if Neil’s found guilty. Nothing less will do, Paul tells Nikki and Victor …. I think you should step down, Billy says. Is that what you think? You know what I think? You’re fired. Ashley, Abby, Kyle and Phyllis are shocked.

My Thoughts: Are we really supposed to go to commercial on the edge of our seats – waiting for Joe’s test results? No one but Avery cares. Why hasn’t there been suspense about Mike’s test results? I’m flabbergasted that the Baldwin’s cancer storyline is being overshadowed, nay, completely shoved aside, for this tripe. And yes, I probably WILL complain about it every day …. Phyllis’ wardrobe has been blah since MS left -but today’s dress didn’t even fit. Note how it gapes at the armpits … Jack complains that his Dad’s talking about a dead magician like being dead or alive is relevant. Your TALKING to a dead guy Jack! … At least Yack wears something other than suits. I grudgingly admit I’m anxious to see what put the shocked look on Jack’s face when he left the shack. Maybe he’s in the ole gardener’s/potter’s shed of his own property (or an outbuilding on the Newman ranch) … And if Yack can bring down Victor, I might become a fan … Of course Phyllis wouldn’t notice that she’s sleeping with another man – Jack never noticed when Patty slipped into his bed posing as Emily Peterson … Now that Courtney’s parents are back from their cruise, I wonder how long it’ll take them to go to Paul for some answers. I hope we get to see them confront Sharon … And why is Joe referring to a tabloid as the newspaper. It clearly wasn’t the GC Chronicle … Great – now both Neil and Nikki have stopped drinking by snapping their fingers. Who needs AA?… Chris is glad that Neil’s FINALLY being brought to justice? Yet Phyllis is stunned when Victor tells her Neil’s in court today. What!? Already!? … Nope Paul – it’s not Sharon’s defense that’s flimsy, it’s the case against her … Who’s taking care of the firm of Baldwin & Bailey Clark? Mike’s babysitting Sharon and Avery’s babysitting Joe …Dylan claims that Avery didn’t break any laws by having the tire iron tested? Paul confirms – says it was ‘irresponsible’ – but THEN says they’re ‘obstructing justice’. Which is it!? Paul seems to have NO control whatsoever. Kevin, Dylan, Avery – everyone just does whatever they hell they want. Dylan says he’s all about ‘getting convictions’? When was the last time anyone was found guilty and sent to jail? … Does Devon and Lily even know that Adam and Billy had a fist fight in their restaurant yesterday?… You sure can pick up Jackie Boy – says the man who married Gloria.

I’m working on a mobile and tablet friendly version of the site. And in the process, will be removing some scripting that slows down the load time. I don’t expect any problems or downtime (but, well, you know ….. )