Recaps
THIS IS US Delivers Stunning Episode As The Big Three Meet Their Uncle Nick
If you caught Tuesday night’s episode of This Is Us, you saw television drama at its best, and one of the best installments of this heart-tugging series, doing what it does best – intertwining past and present day storytelling, and revealing a shocking truth that will have a ripple effect for the Big Three and Rebecca.
The episode was a beautifully scripted hour of TV called, “Songbird Road Part 1”. The title refers to the address of where the very much alive Nick (brother of Jack) is living 166 miles outside of Pittsburgh.
In the past, we see Jack receiving postcards from his brother under the alias “Clark Kent” or “C. K.” and reaching out to him over an extended period of time, trying to reconnect. Jack hides all of the postcards. When one of them shows up at his home mailbox, and it reads “Last one”, Jack decides to take a Saturday trip to see his brother, and lies to Rebecca as to where he is headed.
In the present day, the Big Three set out on a road trip to find their Uncle Nick, now that Kevin’s journey to Vietnam and back has revealed that Jack lied to everyone – telling them that his younger brother died, when he is actually alive. Seeking the truth and to locate him, Randall, Kevin and at first a reluctant Kate, set out to the address on the postcard Kevin has. Rebecca does not want to go, obviously, struggling with the fact that Jack never let on during their marriage that his brother was alive.

Courtesy/NBC
As the parallel trips unfold (in the past and the present), the Big Three arrive at Nick’s trailer and are stunned. When they knock, there is no one there, but shortly after that a now older Nick (played by Griffin Dunne) arrives with booze in his hand, The Pearsons tell them they are Jack’s children, but they also let them know that Jack is dead.
Now inside the trailer, Kevin broaches the subject of Jack and the war, asking Nick why Jack told his family that he was dead. Nick gets upset and tells them to leave, but Kate refuses to do so, and demands to know what happened.
We go back in time to Vietnam, and to Nick sleeping on the beach and befriending a young Vietnamese boy, who turns out to be the son of the woman that Jack cared about while in the war. Nick recounts what we have already seen; that there was an explosion on the lake and Jack dives into the water. But, there was more to the story.  What actually happened was the young boy and Nick go fishing and Nick’s method of getting the fish to catch is to throw a grenade into the water and wait for the fish to float to the surface.

Courtesy/NBC
Things go horribly awry when Nick hoists a second grenade. It’s at that point the boy tries to grab it and Nick tries to get it from him. B ut, in the scuffle, the grenade ends up on the floor of the boat, Nick screams for the boy to get off the boat, but he sadly doesn’t understand English. Nick quickly dives into the water, but the boy is killed.
In the present, Nick tells the Big Three that he never got the chance to tell Jack that it was an accident. Jack must have believed that based on Nick’s anti-Vietnamese attitude that he set out to kill the boy. After the story is told, Nick asks how Jack died, and Randall tells him that he saved all of them from a fire and died from smoke inhalation shortly thereafter. Nick is overcome and tells them all to leave.
In the past, when Jack shows up to tell Nicky (Michael Angarano) to stop writing to him, he refuses to let Nicky talk about what happened in Vietnam. It is a very emotional moment for the two of them as Nicky wanted to tell Jack what happened. Jack makes the decision to leave his Vietnam past and brother behind, compartmentalize it, and take one direction in his life to not look back. We see Jack at a crossroads. He can turn right to Pittsburgh to be with his family, or turn left to Bradford to help his brother. He chooses Pittsburgh.

Courtesy/NBC
Now in the heartbreaking ending, after their visit to Nick, the Big Three stop at the same convenience store that Jack did all those years ago, (before he left his brother behind for good) to get some snacks. It’s in that moment that Kevin decides to turn the car around and go back to Nick, refusing to leave him alone like his father did. When they return, Nick is mumbling with a gun by his side, contemplating suicide, saying he never go to tell Jack that the explosion was an accident. Randall takes the gun. Kevin puts his hand on Nick’s shoulder. We fade to black,
Kudos to the performances of Griffin Dunne, Michael Angarano, Justin Hartley and Milo Ventimigilia who made this episode soar.
So, what did you think of the episode? Will Nick be integrated into the Pearsons present day life? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Another winning episode in the series that keeps me glued to the set. Totally agree with your performance kudos.
I love how the show intertwines the elements of the Pearson family. Tess expressed concern about Randall bring home another long lost relative. This time it’s Kevin who’s bringing the find into the family. I hope Nicky is going to live with Kevin. Randall’s wife and children have had to deal with enough change.
an absolutely beautifully written episode the humanizing of jack! our boy from daytime justin hartley was amazing as kevin applause all the way around
Damn I was all set to watch it and I fell asleep.I so wanted to see Justin Hartley he is my favorite.I was so mad that I missed it.Oh well next time
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer.Â
Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.
As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC
A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY
Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.
Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.
Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC
WSB WAR SCARS
Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.
In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC
Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Returns, Anna and Valentin Reunite

This week on General Hospital begins with the ABC soap opera’s 16,000th episode which brings Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) back to Port Charles after being released by the WSB; all thanks to the deal made between Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Z (John Oliver).
On the same episode, the upshot of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) coming face to face, and seeing each other for the first time in months plays itself out, and it may not be how you think. Josslyn hopes sending Valentin to the side of Anna, will break up his burgeoning relationship with her mother, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but will it?
It appears Valentin has a warning for Anna. In the GH video preview for the episode, Anna is seen saying “How do you know that?” What does Valentin know, and will he be the person that will catch on that she is being haunted by the ghost of Peter August (Wes Ramsey)?

Courtesy/ABC
In addition, look for the debut of Dean Geyer in his role of Dr. Tristan Roberts (named after the beloved late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), as he and Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) may have a tense exchange or two.
Then, in the aftermath of their argument, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) asks Chase (Josh Swickard) “Did I push you towards Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)?” Is Chase going to admit his fixation with his ex-wife, or reassure his current wife that he is not interested in Willow? Stay tuned.
Finally, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) is seen talking to someone saying that the idea of this person filling the 16th seat on the hospital board is a great idea. Who is she talking to?
Check out the official GH spoilers for the week of July 13-17 below.
MONDAY, JULY 13
Milestone 16000th episode! Jason returns to Port Charles. Anna receives a warning. Laura’s choice appalls Tracy. Britt makes an accusation. Carly is caught off-guard.
TUESDAY, JULY 14
Jason explains his actions. Kai becomes privy to shocking information. Jordan strikes out. Elizabeth stands her ground. Valentin is suspicious.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Emma and Gio discuss their future. Obrecht lashes out. Anna interrogates Britt. Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis. Cody delivers difficult news.
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Carly draws a boundary with Sonny. Valentin makes his feelings clear. Trina and Josslyn clear the air. Lulu cautions Ethan. Nina opens up to Brennan.
So, excited for Steve Burton’s return on tomorrow’s GH as Jason comes home? Are you rooting for Anna and Valentin to get back together, or are you hoping that Carly and Valentin continue their relationship, much to the chagrin of Josslyn? And, what should Brook Lynn do about her husband, Chase, who continually fights for Willow? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out the preview teaser from GH for the Monday, July 13 episode below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Offers Jordan a Way to Get Surgery On Her Face; Will She Cave and Comply with His Demands?

On General Hospital, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) finally had it out at the PCPD. The scenes played out on the Thursday, July 9 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.
In story, Sidwell requested a meeting with Jordan. Angered, he wanted to know why she’d given the police the location of his safe house. After months of being undercover, Jordan finally admitted the truth!
Jordan reveals the entire time she was gaining his trust, she was working on the inside at SRE Worldwide, to find evidence against him and bring him down. Snidely, Jenz admitted he’d been suspicious initially of Jordan. However, she eventually won him over, and he saw the value in her being the pretty, public face of his criminal organization to throw everyone off.

Photo: ABC
Trying to make a deal to save his own skin, Sidwell offers to pay for restorative plastic surgery for Jordan’s face, and at the same renowned German clinic that had treated Michael (Rory Gibson) for his severe burns.
Sidwell tells Jordan if she would go to Zurich and empty some bank accounts for him, he will help her jump ahead of the long waiting list to get into the clinic. Defiant and standing up to him, Jordan turns down his offer.
Next, Sidwell threatens her intently, that he’ll find a way to pay Jordan back by making her life miserable. He tells her she will suffer and regret turning him down.
Once she exits the PCPD interrogation room, Jordan takes a deep breath, but brings her hands to the scars on her face from the car crash that injured her.
Is Jordan actually contemplating Sidwell deal to get her into the German clinic? If so, will she be the person to set him free into the world with loads of cash from his overseas bank accounts? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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