General Hospital Recap: Rocco Is Framed, Carly and Lucas Clash, Trina Threatens Jordan, and More
Things went from bad to worse in the November 14 episode of General Hospital. Lucas (Van Hansis) was upset when Carly (Laura Wright) lashed out at him, Stella (Vernee Watson) tried to talk sense into Curtis (Donnell Turner), Trina (Tabyana Ali) had some harsh words for Jordan (Tanisha Harper), Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Emma (Braedyn Bruner) came to a big decision, and Rocco’s (Finn Carr) arraignment took a shocking turn when new evidence appeared unexpectedly and left everyone reeling! Keep reading for all the details.
That Could Have Gone Better
Lucas joined Carly and Josslyn at Bobbie’s to share his big news that he and Marco were moving in together. Although surprised and wondering whether he was ready for such a big step, Carly was happy to help them find a place… until Lucas revealed they were moving into Wyndemere, and she tried to shut it down. Lucas reminded her that she didn’t have a say in his decision, and argued it was a great way for him and Marco to try out living together before getting their own place. Carly insisted that Sidwell was dangerous, having blown up Charlie’s Pub. Lucas countered that there was no proof of that, so she brought up what the villain did to Anna, Jason, and Lucky in Africa. When Lucas tried to compare Sidwell to Sonny, Carly got even more upset and angrily declared that her brother was overcompensating to prove something.
Josslyn tried to calm her mother down, but Lucas urged Carly to get it out. She suggested that, at best, Marco was as deluded as Lucas was about his father’s business, but at worst, he was using Lucas because of his connection to her and Sonny. Lucas was offended that she didn’t think Marco actually loved him. Carly urged him not to make this mistake and looked to Josslyn for backup, but Joss argued Lucas should be free to live his own life and they should support his decision. Lucas appreciated her support and declared, “Don’t worry, Sis. You don’t need to visit. And I don’t need your approval to be happy.” With that, he stormed off. Carly was upset that Lucas felt that way about her. Josslyn offered to smooth things over, but Carly said that she was disappointed in Joss, as well. Needing Lucas to get closer to Sidwell for her WSB assignment, Josslyn tried to play this all off as no big deal, but Carly countered that she knew better than anyone how dangerous Sidwell could be.
Advice Column
At a nearby table, Stella pressed Curtis to open up to her, and when he said he didn’t want to discuss what was on his mind, she told him, “Too bad. I know that you and Portia are having a baby.” She explained how she’d figured it out, and didn’t understand why he would keep this wonderful news from her. Curtis admitted it was complicated because he and Portia were getting a divorce. Stella suggested they try counseling, since they’ve got six or seven months to get back together before the baby comes. Curtis didn’t think that the baby changed anything, but she declared that the baby changed everything. She didn’t want him to throw away a second chance to be a father and raise a child from birth. Curtis explained he intended to do that, but not while married to Portia. Stella argued that their child deserved to have both parents in their life and remained confident that they would work this out. Curtis gently reminded his aunt that this wasn’t her decision to make, and he and Portia had agreed to split up. He argued that divorced parents bring up children all the time, but Stella insisted that they had to try again and told him to fix his marriage or he would live to regret it.
Taking a Stand
When Trina didn’t respond to her work question at the gallery, Ava could tell her friend had something on her mind and urged her to open up. Trina revealed that her parents were getting a divorce, adding that she didn’t understand why she was so upset about it because she didn’t even grow up with them together. Still, Trina shared, she could tell how much they love each other and insisted they didn’t just grow apart, but were pushed apart by outside interference.
Just then, Sidwell arrived with Marco and Jordan to take Ava up on her offer to look at art, and Trina glared at Jordan. Ava congratulated Marco on Lucas moving in with him, and he appreciated her support and invited her to dinner. Trina asked Jordan what brought her here, and she replied that she wanted some art for her new apartment. Trina politely took Jordan off to look at some paintings, and Marco excused himself, leaving Sidwell alone to suggest to Ava that Lucas moving in with Marco could be a bridge to Carly and, later, peace with Sonny. Ava cautioned that hoping for peace with Carly was likely a lost cause, but Sonny’s mood would simply change based on whether or not he got to keep his piers. Lucas showed up, and Sidwell excused himself to browse so they could chat. Lucas thanked Ava for believing he could run his own life, and she realized he had told Carly, who had the expected reaction. Lucas wrapped his aunt in a grateful hug.
Once Trina had Jordan alone, she lashed out at her father’s ex for not staying out of her parents’ marriage and leading them to get a divorce. When Jordan suggested that Portia had clearly dragged her name into this, Trina warned her not to speak about her mother and declared she saw the truth all by herself. Jordan didn’t want to fight, but Trina smiled tightly and said, “Oh, we’re not fighting. We’re not even debating. Because my dad loves me. And he listens to me. And I’m gonna make sure that he never goes back to you.”
Preparing for Battle
Ric arrived at the police station to meet with Acting District Attorney Turner, and Justine was surprised he was representing Rocco, especially when Ric said Sonny had requested him personally. When she tried to make a deal for a year of community service, Ric laughed and suggested two months instead. She warned that Rocco could be charged with breaking and entering, but he pointed out how weak her case was, so she changed her offer to six months.
Britt rushed into the station to talk to the commissioner about Rocco, and upon learning from Nathan that Dante was acting police commissioner, assumed he’d shut the whole thing down. Nathan reminded his sister that Dante couldn’t give his son preferential treatment, but as a kid, Rocco would likely just get a slap on the wrist. Britt asked her brother to keep an eye on Rocco. As the two left for the arraignment together, Britt paused when she saw Dalton arrive to talk to Justine.
At Sonny’s place, Lulu expressed concerns about Ric representing her son, but Sonny assured her that his brother — for all his faults — was an excellent attorney. Lulu didn’t understand how any of this happened and where they got the idea Dalton was doing illegal animal testing, but was proud of how Rocco had protected his brother and sister. Outside, Gio apologized for not being able to help, but Rocco understood and didn’t want anyone else getting in trouble alongside him. He assured Gio that as a minor, he’d probably get community service, and he’d be fine. Returning to the house, Rocco hugged Gio before heading to court with Lulu and Sonny.
Do the Right Thing
Emma stopped by to check on Gio, and he admitted he was on edge because he wanted to help, but felt helpless. Emma reminded him that Ned was getting the best care at the hospital, and coming forward to help Rocco would only get him in trouble as well. “So my little brother goes down,” Gio grumbled, “and I don’t even try to take my share of the blame. I don’t know if I can live with that.” Emma told him it wasn’t his fault, it was hers because she started this whole crusade against Dalton. Gio argued she may have been wrong about the animals, but she was right to take down Dalton because he’s a bad guy. He declared his intention to tell Lulu and Dante the truth about what happened, but promised to keep Emma’s name out of it. She reminded him that they’re supposed to be in this together, insisting that if he wants to come clean, they’ll do it together.
Disorder in the Court
Laura ran into Dante at the courthouse, and he urged her not to stick around for Rocco’s arraignment, worried that her presence could hurt her chances in the mayoral election. Laura declared that while she loved her job, “Family comes first.” Dante argued that the city needs her and she shouldn’t risk the election by sitting next to Sonny in court. Laura was relieved to hear that they’d bargained the charges down to a misdemeanor, but worried how Rocco would feel if she wasn’t there for her grandson.
Lulu and Rocco arrived at the courthouse with Sonny. Rick conferred with them and reported he’d cut a deal with Justine and instructed Rocco to follow his lead, promising everything would be fine. As he entered the courtroom, Rocco was pleased his family was there to support him, but Lulu wasn’t pleased to see Britt. The teen was especially grateful to see his grandma, and Laura said she wouldn’t be anywhere else. Sonny offered to change seats, but Laura informed him she didn’t want to hide their friendship. Britt was surprised when Marco sat next to her, and he claimed he was there so he could give Diane a full report on the proceedings.
The judge called the court to session, but as Ric started to explain the plea deal they’d worked out, Justine announced that it was off the table because things had changed. She revealed that Rocco was now being charged with destruction of proprietary information, and there were hazardous materials that could have caused loss of life on the campus if they’d gotten out when he vandalized the lab. As the courtroom erupted in surprise, Ric requested a postponement, but the judge said he could examine the new evidence between now and the trial. Laura whispered to Sonny that Rocco never trashed the lab because Dalton hadn’t said anything about that at the time, and he agreed that something was suspicious.
Given the severity of the charges, the judge ruled that Rocco would be going to trial and taken into custody until his bail hearing. Ric requested setting bail now, but the judge announced it would be in two days. An upset Rocco cried out that he never touched anything in the lab, and Dante and Lulu tried to reassure their son. Exiting the court, Marco called Sidwell to tell him it was over and “worse than we feared.” As the officers cuffed Rocco, Justine shot Sonny an uncomfortable glance, and Laura leaned in to the mobster to insist, “Our grandson’s been framed.” Nathan promised Rocco he’d take care of him, and as the teen was led out of the courtroom, he continued to protest that he was innocent, and Lulu cried on Dante’s shoulder.
Who will be able to step up and save Rocco from these false charges? Will Lucas come to realize that Carly was right about Marco? Will Jordan listen to Trina and steer clear of Curtis? Share your GH opinions in the comments below!
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