Victor tells Adam to distract the Abbotts while he plans his revenge using the AI program. Adam feels conflicted because of his friendship with Jack but he does what he is told and starts thinking of a creative way to distract the Abbotts.
Cane tells Lily that he is going to offer Victor a deal not to use the AI program if he has it.
Claire goes to see Harrison and talks to him about his Halloween candy haul. When Harrison goes upstairs, Claire tells Kyle that they are not together anymore, so he has no right to ask about Holden.
Holden tells Audra that he told Claire everything about what happened in Los Angeles and Audra is very upset with Holden.
Cane tells Victor he will give him $ 1,000,000,000 to get the AI program back so he can destroy it. Victor asks Cane if he is sure he has the money. Cane gets a text message and then says “Victor what have you done.”
EJ walks through the town square while on the phone with Rita. EJ tells her that their shipment is confirmed to be arriving and that the gala will provide a distraction for her to get it in without anyone noticing.
Rafe and Gabi pack up Tesoro’s things at home. Rafe says as much as he knew this going to happen at some point, he’s been in denial about it until now. Arianna comes home and hopes Gabi is not going to lecture her about skipping class. Gabi tells her that today, she’s exactly where she needs to be and hugs her.
Paulina is with Marlena, excitedly preparing for Tesoro’s arrival. Paulina declares that their babies are finally having a baby of their own. Marlena responds that they have Paulina to thank for it.
Javi and Leo watch over Tesoro in their room. Javi comments that Tesoro is going to be with his new family and they don’t know how lucky they are.
Johnny and Chanel fill out paperwork with Belle. Johnny thanks Belle for everything and offers to pay her but Belle says getting to be Tesoro’s aunt is more than enough payment for her. Johnny and Chanel excitedly finish signing the papers as Belle congratulates them, announcing they are now the parents of Tesoro. Chanel exclaims to Johnny that they now have a son.
Rafe talks about how much stuff they had for Tesoro. Gabi comments that their home is going to feel so empty without him.
Paulina tells Marlena that all she did was put in a good word with child services while she believes it was the hand of God that guided the baby in to their arms. Paulina talks about when Chanel was a child, she said she wanted to be a mom while playing with her dolls and now her dream is finally coming true.
Johnny and Chanel thank Belle again for expediting the process for them. Belle calls it her pleasure as she hugs them and says she’s so happy for them. Belle tells them to go get their son as EJ then arrives. Johnny questions what he’s doing there.
Rafe says it’s almost time as Leo and Javi come in to the living room with Tesoro. Rafe asks if they are ready to go. Leo talks about them all being overcome with emotion and jokes that they can go on the run with Tesoro. Leo says they know he makes stupid jokes when he gets overwhelmed. Rafe tells him that he’s sorry. Leo knows it’s hard for everybody so there’s no point in pretending otherwise. Gabi tells Leo it’s okay and hugs him, saying she knows it’s especially hard for he and Javi. Javi assures that they will all get through it together. Javi and Leo then exit with Tesoro as Gabi, Arianna, and Rafe follow them out.
EJ says he’s here to speak with Belle and asks what Johnny is doing there. Johnny informs him that Belle was just helping them finalize the adoption of their son. EJ responds that he’s thrilled for them and wonders if his conversation with Amy Choi had anything to do with their success which Chanel questions. EJ explains that she was unpleasant at first and knew she wanted to object, but feels he must have gotten through to her and changed her mind. Chanel asks if he bribed or threatened her. EJ says he did something much more effective, he spoke to her from the heart as one parent with regrets to another. Chanel says they should get going. Johnny thanks Belle again as he and Chanel exit. Belle tells EJ that she’s very busy so she’s sure whatever he came to see her about can wait. EJ says maybe not, as it’s about her father’s request to the hospital, so Belle tells him to have a seat.
In the town square, Leo asks if they have time for one more stroll through the park but Rafe says that’s not a good idea as Johnny and Chanel will be there any minute. Tesoro wakes up crying, so they all begin checking on him and wondering what he needs. Leo talks about how good Javi is with him as Tesoro calms back down. Johnny and Chanel then arrive in the square.
Paulina and Marlena finish decorating for Tesoro’s homecoming. Paulina says she knows how excited Marlena is for Johnny and Chanel, but realizes it must be a hard day for her too as it is her anniversary. Marlena is surprised she remembered. Paulina admits that her sister Tamara did as she’s always asking about her. Paulina asks how she’s holding up. Marlena responds that the baby coming home is a lovely distraction while other times, she just has to remind herself of how lucky she was to have John for all those years. Marlena knows how thrilled and touched John would be that his grandson and namesake is becoming a father.
Rafe congratulates Johnny and Chanel as he hands over his bag of Tesoro’s things. Chanel tells the Hernandez family that they are so grateful to all of them and that this wouldn’t be happening without them. Chanel credits Rafe helping with child services and his whole family for being the reason they have a happy and healthy baby to bring home. Rafe responds that he is honored to help them become parents, especially Johnny as he always considered him his son. Johnny admits Rafe has been like a father to him for most of his life, so he’s really happy that he can be part of this moment as they hug. Leo adds that as much as they are going to miss Tesoro, they are so relieved that he’s going to such a good family. Javi adds that they are also relieved that they can visit him from time to time. Chanel assures that they can visit any time they want because Tesoro loves them and they are going to be part of his life. Arianna points out that Tesoro is now her cousin, so it’s kind of like they will be one big happy family anyway. Rafe then picks up Tesoro and presents him to Chanel and Johnny as Leo and Javi hold back tears.
EJ tells Belle that he thinks such a generous donation should be publicly acknowledged. Belle calls that very kind of him. EJ asks if she approves then. Belle says she’ll have to speak to her family but doubts that they will have a problem with it. EJ says to just let him know before the gala. Belle stops to ask if he actually spoke to Amy Choi yesterday. EJ confirms that he did and asks if she thought he made it up. Belle says she’s just having a hard time wrapping her head around Amy actually listening to him. EJ supposes they were able to relate because he told Amy that he understood what it’s like to feel like you’ve done everything possible to help your child but still feel like you failed them when they need you the most. EJ says that he simply conveyed to her that she wasn’t alone in that. Belle guesses Amy is really worried about Sophia. EJ calls it terrible to feel powerless to help a child in crisis. EJ assumes Belle declined to press charges against Sophia which Belle confirms. EJ knows initially that he wanted Belle to throw the book at Sophia because she hurt his son and he was hurting for him, but after speaking with Amy, he thinks Belle made the right decision. EJ then exits Belle’s office.
Johnny puts Tesoro down to sleep in his stroller. Javi talks about Tesoro’s moods while Leo presents an instruction book he put together that includes suggestions on what to do when Tesoro is cranky, what makes him laugh, the foods he likes, and medical information. Johnny thanks him and says he thought of everything. Javi cries that they can always give them a call if they have any questions. Chanel thanks them and says this is really helpful as they appreciate all of their support. Johnny states that Leo and Javi gave Tesoro the best possible start in his life and repeats that they are so grateful. Rafe calls it crazy how he can remember when Johnny was Tesoro’s age and now he’s a dad. Johnny calls Rafe the best dad he could’ve asked for. Johnny then reveals that he and Chanel hoped Rafe would want to be the honorary Grandfather to their son. Rafe emotionally responds that he would love nothing more and thanks Johnny as they hug. Chanel adds that if Leo and Javi are willing, they would love for them to be Tesoro’s Godparents.
Marlena says that’s enough about her and tells Paulina that Abe must be loving having Theo home and asks about Theo’s new job at DiMera. Paulina says that Theo seems to be enjoying it, despite Abe’s discouragement. Paulina says she’s tried to tell Abe that she just told Theo to follow his heart. Paulina complains that she knows Theo working for the DiMeras is triggering for Abe, but he’s been treating her like she pushed Theo to the job and like he’s the enemy.
Leo and Javi happily tell Chanel and Johnny that they would be thrilled to be Tesoro’s Godparents. Arianna adds that she’d be happy to babysit. Gabi asks if they have decided on a name. Leo questions it not being Tesoro. Javi explains that Johnny and Chanel are his parents now so they should get to choose. Chanel responds that they are between a couple of ideas and will let them know what they decide. Rafe declares that it’s time to let Johnny and Chanel take their son home. Johnny and Chanel thank them again for everything. Leo and Javi say a tearful goodbye to Tesoro as Chanel and Johnny then leave the town square with him. Rafe knows they are all feeling a bit raw, but it’s not like Tesoro is being shipped off to Siberia as they will get to see him all the time. Leo and Javi agree that does make it easier. Leo wants to go see him already but decides he will let his new parents have him all to themselves. Arianna decides she should get back to school since she already missed a class and has a study group at noon. Gabi invites her to breakfast first which she accepts. Arianna tells Leo and Javi that it was great hanging out with them and that they really need each other, especially now. Gabi says they’ll see them at home as she and Arianna walk away. Rafe states that he knows it’s hard to say goodbye but a wonderful thing happened today.
Belle joins Paulina and Marlena to celebrate, confirming that the papers are signed and notarized which excites Paulina and Marlena. Belle says Johnny and Chanel should be home with the baby soon, so Paulina goes to make more coffee. Belle then informs Marlena that EJ came by and said he wants to announce John’s bequest to the hospital at the gala tomorrow night, but only if it’s okay with everyone. Marlena question what the catch is. Belle says that EJ just said he wanted to acknowledge John’s donation in public. Belle knows EJ usually has an ulterior motive, but she thinks he was being sincere. Marlena says it sounds fine and suggests inviting any of the family which Belle agrees to do. Marlena then remarks that with the exception of EJ, it will be nice to have everyone together again to celebrate their new addition.
Arianna and Gabi go to the Brady Pub for breakfast. Gabi asks if she had fun on Halloween. Arianna tells her that she was with Aaron and they were both a little sad about Tesoro. Arianna says she had just found out about the adoption and admits she sort of fell apart in front of Aaron when he’s the one that had to give up his kid. Gabi says Arianna was the one living with Tesoro for months while Aaron doesn’t even know him. Arianna notes that Aaron said he was still grateful to them for taking care of his son for all these months. Arianna adds that since Johnny is her uncle, Aaron can probably see him anytime he wants. Arianna comments that Aaron is a sweet guy and that he was happy about the adoption. Gabi notes they sound pretty close and asks if there’s something going on there which Arianna laughs off.
Rafe says he is going to head to the Pub while Leo and Javi decide to head home. EJ arrives and tells Leo that he knows he wanted a sit-down interview about the gala, but Leo says he’ll call him later and walks off with Javi which EJ finds odd. EJ tells Rafe that Leo had been pestering him relentlessly for an interview. Rafe informs EJ that they just handed off Tesoro to Johnny and Chanel. EJ says he can imagine how difficult that was. Rafe says EJ should know all about that which EJ questions. Rafe explains that they just handed off a child they love in Tesoro while EJ has had to part ways with his son, but Tesoro didn’t hate them so maybe it’s a bad analogy. EJ states that he and Johnny have had their differences but he doesn’t hate him and he’s certain that Johnny will one day let him back in to his life and allow him to have a relationship with his grandson. Rafe then tells EJ that the role of paternal grandfather has already been filled by him.
Gabi thinks Arianna is protesting too much. Arianna insists that she and Aaron are just friends who are going through a similar thing with baby and that’s bonded them, but in a totally platonic way. Arianna reiterates that they are not a thing and she’s only interesting in getting the disciplinary thing behind her and finishing the year strong. Gabi asks about her internship. Arianna says Kate sent her resume to HR but it’s such a mess at Titan that it might be a few weeks before they get caught up. Gabi invites Arianna to come to Gabi Chic but she declines which Gabi questions. Arianna says that Javi has told her horror stories about working there. Gabi argues that she’s a great boss which Arianna jokes about but admits she’s really glad that she got Gabi Chic away from DiMera and says she’s really proud of her for that. Gabi tells her that she’s always proud of her too.
Belle sends a text to everyone in the family that is out of town about the announcement at the gala and says she will tell Brady when she sees him later. Marlena mentions Will coming to town and says she hopes more of the family could come, especially Sami to meet her new grandchild. Belle says she’s sure Johnny would love that. Paulina tells them that the coffee is made and food is ready as Chanel and Johnny then arrive with Tesoro, exciting them all.
Leo and Javi return home to their room. Javi guesses they should take the crib down. Leo says they don’t have to do it right now. Leo suggests they spend the rest of the day doing some self care. Javi finds a pacifier left in the crib and gets emotional.
EJ tells Rafe that he is not going to sit by and let him be a father to his grandson. Rafe responds that EJ doesn’t have a say in the matter because Johnny and Chanel already made the decision. Rafe then gets a call from Sami and informs her that Johnny and Chanel just took the baby home.
Arianna tells Gabi that she should get going and thanks her for breakfast. Gabi says she really appreciates her being with them today. Arianna talks about Tesoro being such a big part of their lives. Gabi says it wouldn’t have felt right without her there. Gabi brings up Will and Lucas coming to town for the gala, so she asks if Arianna can pull herself from college to attend. Arianna says she definitely will. Gabi states that it will be really good to have their family together as they hug.
Paulina, Marlena, and Belle introduce themselves as the baby’s grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt as they then realize they don’t know what to call the baby, so Marlena asks if he has a name yet. Chanel reveals they have decided. Johnny then announces that Tesoro will now be known as Trey as in the third for John the third which makes Marlena emotional. Johnny explains that being named after John and trying to live up to that has made him a better person. Marlena assures that John would be so honored. Chanel then adds that the baby’s middle name will be Paul after Paulina. Chanel says that Paulina’s love and support is a big part of the reason why they are parents today, so they are grateful for her helping them get here and make this happen. Paulina excitedly hugs Chanel as Chanel congratulates her on becoming Grandma.
Leo admits to already wanting an excuse to go see Tesoro. Leo knows Javi has been stoic through this but he also knows that saying goodbye has brought back a lot of memories for Javi. Javi knew the emotional risk of bringing him home and he always knew that saying goodbye would be hard. Javi talks about forcing himself not to feel sorry for himself when he has a lot to be grateful for. Javi cries that looking at the crib is bringing back a lot of memories. Leo encourages that this time, he’s here to help him through it. Javi says he will help him through it too as they hug.
Johnny gets a call from Sami. Johnny says they are just getting settled in and he can’t wait for her to meet their baby boy as he’s perfect. Johnny adds that he and Chanel are beyond happy and excited. Sami then informs Johnny that she’s coming to town to meet her grandson. Paulina and Chanel smile at the news while Belle looks potentially worried.
Ashley vented to Shanice about why Derek was in such a hurry to get married. Derek was at home and fell trying to stand from his wheelchair. Jan showed up letting him know that she was in his corner regardless of how many times Ashley questioned her feelings for Andre. Shanice called Derek and told him that he would regret it if he didn’t tell Ashley the truth soon. Derek didn’t notice that Ashley walked in while he was on the phone with Shanice. She was excited that he was standing until she realized that he didn’t learn to stand overnight. Ashley realized that he lied to her for weeks. They had a big argument about it. It occurred to her that he kept quiet about it for weeks. Ashley wondered if he was pretending to be paralyzed to keep her from Andre. She begged him to say something to make it better He couldn’t do it. Ashley realized that he’s not the man she thought he was. She took her engagement ring off her finger and walked out of the room.
Nicole, Dani, Andre and Ted were at the Fairmont Crest. They talked about the Winterfest. Bill was hosting the event. Ted was shocked that he was still on the guest list. Dani told Andre that his decision not to do the campaign meant she had to put her runway career on the backburner. They had a conversation about his parents dying. Losing his parents changed Andre forever. He became selfish when it came to love because of what happened to his parents. While they were talking. Andre had a change of heart and decided to do the campaign. He wanted to donate the money to a charity in honor of his late father. Dani wanted to set up a foundation in his father’s name so that someone deserving gets an award. The foundation would be a way for his father’s name to live on forever. Andre was overwhelmed by her suggestion. Nicole talked with Laura about the Winterfest. Laura wondered how she would feel if Ted invited Leslie to it. Nicole wouldn’t like it. She wasn’t sure if she had the problem with him dating Leslie or anyone. Eve and Leslie talked about Ted forgiving them. Leslie believed that she would get Ted back. She advised Eva not to wait on things to happen. Leslie told her that “Mr. Right” wouldn’t just walk up to you. Ted arrived at Orphey Gene’s and sat with Leslie and Eva. They talked about new beginnings.
EJ talked to Rita about a shipment. He thought the distraction of the gala would help avoid scrutiny. He went to Belle’s office and saw Johnny and Chanel signing the adoption papers. Johnny was cold to EJ. EJ wondered if his conversation with Amy changed her mind about letting Johnny and Chanel adopt the baby. When Johnny and Chanel left, EJ told Belle that he wanted to acknowledge John’s bequest at the gala. Belle liked the idea but wanted to talk to her family about it first. He told her about his conversation with Amy about the difficulties of being a parent. Belle told him she wasn’t pressing charges against Sophia. EJ thought she made the right decision. The Hernandez family said goodbye to Tesoro. Johnny and Chanel met the family at the town square to pick up Tesoro. Leo told Johnny and Chanel about the things Tesoro liked and didn’t like. Rafe told Johnny that he remembered him at Tesoro’s age and couldn’t believe Johnny was a father. Johnny said Rafe was the best father he could ask for and asked him to be the honorary grandfather. Chanel asked Leo and Javi to be the baby’s godparents.
When Johnny and Chanel left with the baby, Rafe comforted his family. Rafe stayed behind when the family left. EJ showed up. Rafe reminded EJ about his strained relationship with Johnny and told him he was the baby’s paternal grandfather. EJ was heated. Rafe answered a call from Sami. Marlena and Paulina decorated Johnny and Chanel’s place. Paulina said she knew how hard it was for her since it was he anniversary. Marlena said the baby was a distraction. She said John would be thrilled that his namesake was a father. Belle showed up and asked Marlena if John could be acknowledged at the gala. Marlena agreed to let John be acknowledged. Johnny and Chanel brought the baby home. Everyone was excited to see him. Johnny said they were naming the baby Trey after John. He said he was honored to have John’s name. Chanel said the middle name would be Paul after Paulina since she was the reason why they were parents. Paulina was touched. Sami called Johnny and said she was coming to Salem to meet her grandson. Belle wasn’t too pleased.
Xander ran into Sarah and Victoria in front of the pub. He wanted to join them, but she snatched Victoria away from him. She wanted him to leave. Kate yelled at Philip about Stephanie revealing that she’s Anastacia. He finally told her that the event went well. The mother and son talked about Titan being in trouble, and the company was relying on one book to save them. Kate felt like she could do more if she had a bigger role in the company. She noticed the tension between Sarah and Xander and wanted to know what happened. Philip wanted to talk to Sarah alone. He asked her not to tell Kate what Xander did to him. He felt like Kate would go off, and Maggie would lose everything. Sarah agreed not to say anything, but she told Brady. Brady wanted to talk to Rachel at the square about what she did with the pumpkin. He was upset with her for what she did. Rachel apologized for what she did, but Brady wasn’t sure he believed her. Thomas told him the truth so Brady decided to ground her. She wouldn’t be allowed to visit her mother. Rachel went ballistic when Tate and Aaron showed up. She decided to run off, and Brady went after her. He ran into Xander at the pub. Brady grabbed Rachel’s arm and took her into the pub to talk to her with Sarah. He made her tell Sarah what happened with the pumpkin. Sarah thought Rachel was out of sorts because of Kristen being in jail. Brady was doing the best he could. He felt like he shouldn’t let Rachel see Kristen much. Sarah asked him not to tell anyone what Xander did to Philip. Brady promised not to say anything.
Philip took Xander to the bookstore. Xander told him what happened with Sarah and Victoria. He let Philip know that he couldn’t fight the divorce so he won’t try to win Sarah back. Xander would fight for her when he changed his behavior. Sarah and Victoria deserved a better man than he is right now. He hoped he could win her back someday.
Pamela talked to Andre about Dani turning down the modeling job with Forrester. She asked why Andre didn’t like having his picture taken when he’s a handsome man. Andre said he didn’t want to be a model. Pamela said it was Dani’s last chance at being a model which was why she was pushing him to do it. Hayley yelled at Randy for telling Joey that they were having an affair. Randy said he needed an excuse for why the two of them were seen together. He said it was the first thing that came to his mind. Hayley said she couldn’t believe having sex with his cousin was the first thing that came to mind. Randy said he didn’t tell Joey that they were related. He said Joey wasn’t going to tell Bill. She told Randy that she let Joey know he couldn’t get a girl like her. Hayley said despite the problems, she had her eyes on the prize. She wanted to spend her late husband’s money. Randy wanted to know who hurt her. Hayley said everyone did, but she learned to turn it into her advantage.
Bill told Dani that Caroline ripped into him for spending too much time with her. He said he planned to keep his distance from her for Hayley’s sake. Dani said she wanted him to MC the WinterFest the way he always did. She said they may be dysfunctional but he was still her family. Dani said he could bring Hayley. While they were talking, Hayley showed up. Dani left. Hayley was furious about Dani being there until she found out it was for a donation. Bill said Dani didn’t need the money when she was set for life. Joey and Vanessa had breakfast at the country club. People were shocked to see them together. Joey didn’t care who saw them together. He made a comment about being responsible for Doug’s death so he could keep her to himself. Vanessa wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. She said she wanted a bigger role in the organization. Joey said he had a job for her. He said he was going to put her in charge of his escort service.
Susan went to Stephanie and told her that her murder mystery was going to be real. She told Stephanie that something tragic was going to happen. Chad and Cat looked for the carving knife. Thomas and Rachel got a pumpkin ready to hit Cat on the head. Someone dressed like Jeremy tried to stab Alex but missed. When Alex saw the pumpkin flying, he pushed Cat out of the way. Alex got hit with the pumpkin instead of Cat. Stephanie, Susan, and Leo showed up. Jeremy was with Thomas and Rachel. Chad showed up and told Thomas that he knew what they tried to do. He wanted Jeremy to take Rachel to Marlena while he dealt with Thomas.
Chad yelled at Thomas about what he did. Thomas apologized for his actions. Javi showed up to check on Alex who was okay. Alex didn’t want to go to the hospital. Javi turned his focus on Tesoro. Leo told him the news about the baby. Alex let Stephanie know that he was okay. Chad brought Thomas over to apologize. Alex said he didn’t blame Thomas for what happened. He blamed Jeremy. Alex tried to tell Chad what Jeremy did to Stephanie. Jeremy said he wasn’t that man anymore, Susan saw Rachel in the bookstore. She told Rachel that she knew how bad she was. Susan wanted her to stop acting up and help Marlena get better. Leo and Javi brought Tesoro to the bookstore. They congratulated Johnny and Chanel. Leo and Javi were disappointed to find out how soon they were losing Tesoro. Johnny and Chanel took the baby home. They felt bad for the Hernandezes, but were thankful that they were parents. Thomas apologized to Chad. Chad said he needed to talk things out instead of acting them out. Cat looked at the pumpkin catapult that almost hit her. Jeremy told her that Thomas launched the fruit. Cat realized Thomas tried to attack her. While Stephanie and Alex were at the pub, Susan showed up. Stephanie told Susan that her premonition was off since nothing happened. Susan said her book was going to come true.
Eva talked to Leslie about getting closer to Ted. Leslie let her know that she felt closer to Ted too. She warmed up to the idea of Ted speaking fondly of the woman she used to be. Eva realized that parents had a better relationship until she got pregnant. Leslie assured her that she didn’t do anything wrong. She fought tears as she informed Eva that she would do anything for her child once she becomes a mother. The tears flowed as Leslie told her that the world was against them, and they faced it together. They started crying as they began to understand each other better. Vernon made another suspicious call to someone. Anita was at her wit’s end when Vernon saved her by arranging for Laura to help her. Vernon left them alone to talk. Laura talked to Anita about her issues with her boyfriend, Dave. Vernon met with Sharon at a hotel. Derek realized that Ashley lied to him about her schedule and their wedding plans after talking to Shanice. He texted Jacob and Naomi who were in the middle of an argument about wanting children. They put their argument on hold to meet Derek at the hospital. While they were at the hospital, Derek pressured Ashley to set a wedding date. Once Ashley realized what was going on she became enraged. Naomi got upset too because Derek dragged her and Jacob into their situation. After Jacob and Naomi left, Derek and Ashley talked. He thought she would be happy about him wanting to set a date, but she was upset. She felt like he was trying to push her away. Jacob felt like Naomi took her anger at him out of Derek. Both couples are at a crossroads.
The Davis Girls help Scout remember Sam on the first Anniversary of her death.
Danny talks to Alexis and tells her he blames himself for not being able to see Scout. Danny tells Alexis that he shouldn’t have talked back to Drew. Alexis tells Danny that everything is Drew’s fault. Alexis tells Danny that he reminds her of Sam.
Kristina tells Scout that, if she ever wants to talk about her mother, she can talk to her or her grandma Alexis or her Aunt Molly.
Nathan tells Felicia and Spinelli that he isn’t going to seek custody of James right now because he and James need to get to know each other before he becomes his full-time father. Felicia gets a birthday cake to celebrate Maxie’s birthday, and James makes a wish for his mother to come home soon.
Sonny rents the hatchet range for the evening so he can try to persuade Justine Turner to assign another Assistant District Attorney to prosecute Willow’s case. Justine tells Sonny she intends to prosecute the case and if Drew gets angry with her she will handle it.
Gio tells Tracy that Monica left her the house because Monica wanted her to be the new head of the family. Gio tells Tracy that she should have acknowledged Ronnie as part of the family because Ronnie apologized for what she did and didn’t sell the house to Drew.
Anna is in her car when someone puts a cloth full of chloroform over her mouth and later she wakes up handcuffed to a chair.
Jack and Diane tell Kyle to go back to Los Angeles and fight for Claire.
In Los Angeles, Nick punches Mitch aka Matt and tells him not to come near his family or he will kill him. Matt pretends that he doesn’t know why Nick punched him and wonders why Nick called him Matt.
Nick returns to the hospital and tells Sharon that Matt pretended not to know him.
Noah gets the bandages taken off of his face. Nick asks Noah how he knew Mitch and Sienna. Noah tells Nick that Mitch wanted to invest in his new nightclub. Noah remembers kissing Sienna but he doesn’t tell Nick and Sharon about it.
Claire tells Victoria that she will always love Kyle, but she isn’t ready for a serious relationship right now. Claire tells Victoria that Holden is a nice guy that she can have fun with, but he isn’t the one. Claire tells Victoria that she wants to concentrate on her job at Newman Publishing.
Emma tries to persuade Gio to take a risk and get to know his family. Emma also tries to persuade Gio to play the violin again but Gio isn’t ready to get to know his family or play the violin again.
Curtis tells Marshall that Portia is pregnant, but he is in love with Jordan. Curtis tells Marshall that he and Jordan can’t get a divorce until they find out who shot Drew. Portia tells Jordan she can have Curtis because she is tired of living up to his high standards. Portia tells Jordan that if Curtis has to choose between her and his child they both know Curtis will choose his child.
Britt tells Jens Siddwell that Henrry Dalton asked her to cut him out of the deal because he is greedy. Jens Siddwell tells Britt to take Henry Dalton’s deal, or he will stop giving her the medicine to keep her Huntington’s disease under control.
Rocco is unable to steal the key to Dalton’s lab from Britt, but he is determined to get it next time.
Tracy gets the house in Monica’s real will. Monica’s leaves Ronnie a locket and enough money to get a house in her hometown.
Ned tells Chase to take Martin to the Mayor’s office where Martin has to tell Laura everything he did and then ask her to talk to the Quartermaines, so they don’t press charges against him . Laura agrees to talk to the Quartermaines, but Martin has to move out of her and Kevin’s house.
Tracy throws Ronnie out of the house because she isn’t family. All of the Quartermaines defend Ronnie and tell Tracy that even though Ronnie has made mistakes she is family because she is Monica’s sister. Everyone tells Tracy that if she throws Ronnie out they will all leave with her. Tracy tells everyone that they can all leave the house along with Ronnie.
Noah still doesn’t have any memory of what happened, but the doctor tells Nick and Sharon that is normal given Noah’s injuries. Nick decides to go back to the Shadow Room to find out if Mitch Bacall is really Matt Clark. The Detective that questioned Sharon and Nick about Noah’s accident arrives and asks Mitch what the plan is he tells the Detective not to worry everything is on schedule. Sienna arrives and Mitch introduces the Detective to Sienna as Detective Burrow. The Detective questions Sienna and finds out that Noah’s accident happened close to the house where she and Mitch live. Nick arrives and overhears the questioning but nobody notices that he has come into the room because the room is a little dark. Nick also overhears a conversation between Mitch and Sienna where Mitch wonders why Noah ‘s accident was near their house.
Nick later sees Sienna and goes to talk to her. Nick has an angry look on his face.
Holden finally tells Claire the secret that he and Audra share that he has never told anyone. Holden was a bartender at the Shadow Room when Audra came in regularly with a man who owned an art gallery. Audra was an artist and wanted to display the art at the man’s gallery. The man was drunk one night at the club and couldn’t keep his hands off Audra. Holden stepped in to help Audra. Holden was talking to the drunk guy and Audra stole the msn’s wallet. Audra came by the club the next day and asked Holden to tell the guy he found the wallet in the bathroom. Holden told the guy the story and the guy was angry because a cashier’s check for half a million dollars was missing from the wallet. Mitch vouched for Holden and told the guy Holden didn’t steal the check. A few weeks later Audra whose last name is really Cortez sent Holden a check for $ 100,000 to thank him for protecting him from the guy. Holden tells Claire he kept the money Audra gave him so if she goes down for stealing the check he will too.
Tate complains to Aaron in their dorm room, feeling his Halloween costume is lame. Tate brings up how he and Holly were going to go as the Flintstones but she said she had to study and asks when she doesn’t. Tate notes Aaron being distracted and asks if everything is okay. Aaron says yes but also no.
Arianna and Holly sit together at Book Club. Arianna talks about how she can’t believe Stephanie was Anastasia Sands until Holly tells her that she’s trying to study. Arianna tells her to stop.
Sarah walks past the Pub with Victoria in her stroller until they come across Xander.
Kate and Philip sit together in the Pub. Kate talks about getting stuck in Chicago after a meeting and she hates that she missed Anastasia Sands novel launch and the reveal that she’s actually Stephanie. Philip calls it a mic drop moment. Kate asks how it went. Philip says it went okay but there were a few minor hiccups and luckily, Alex avoided serious harm from a flying pumpkin. Philip calls it town square antics that went awry. Philip adds that Stephanie’s reveal whipped up quite a stir and Leo’s article has gone viral, so hopefully the rising tide will lift their other struggling departments. Kate hopes so since he, Xander, and Maggie sacrificed a lot of their personal fortune to resurrect Titan. Kate asks if they just lose everything if it doesn’t work. Philip says he’s afraid so. Kate offers to help.
Brady walks through the town square with Rachel. Rachel guesses that Marlena is mad at her and that’s why she called him to pick her up. Brady clarifies that Marlena isn’t mad, she’s disappointed, but he is mad. Brady sits down and tells Rachel that he loves her and he knows she’s had a hard year, but there is no excuse for what she did. Brady knows she thought it was funny to shoot a pumpkin in to a crowd, but she could’ve hurt somebody. Rachel says she’s sorry. Brady questions if she is.
Holly tells Arianna about needing to ace her exam to get on the Dean’s list. Arianna knows she’s freaked out about being on disciplinary probation but she can’t just work her ass off all day every day. Holly asks why not, pointing out that her mom says college is her job. Arianna argues that it’s not her life and reminds Holly that one of the reasons she didn’t go to Paris was to work things out with Tate. Arianna warns Holly that if she keeps acting like this, that will never happen.
Aaron tells Tate about signing away his parental rights so that Johnny and Chanel could adopt Tesoro. Tate admits that’s a lot to go through in one day. Aaron says until a couple days ago, he didn’t even know the kid was his. Aaron adds that he’s not ready to be a dad, but it’s hard to wrap his head around the fact that being stupid and irresponsible one night with Sophia made a life. Aaron says he’s the father of a child that he has to give up and that’s just messing with him. Tate says he can definitely relate. Tate encourages that if he needs someone to talk to, he’s there anytime. Aaron thanks him and says he appreciates it. Aaron brings up how Sophia literally can’t talk about it. Aaron mentions that he tried to go visit her but he got turned away as they are only letting family in.
Xander looks in on Victoria. Sarah tells him not here, not now and not to follow them as she walks away with Victoria.
Kate reminds Philip that she’s the only person at the helm of a division at Titan that isn’t losing money and she also has a vested interest in seeing Victor’s legacy restored. Kate then sees Sarah enter the Pub with Victoria and sees Xander through the window outside, so she questions what’s going on there. Philip informs Kate that Sarah has filed for divorce and is suing for full custody, so it’s tense. Kate doesn’t get it as she thought they were trying to reconcile. Philip says they were, but it didn’t work out. Kate asks why not. Philip argues that he’s not the marriage counselor and claims he doesn’t know why, it just didn’t work out. Philip then goes to see if Sarah is okay, noting that they saw Xander outside. Philip asks if there’s anything he can do but Sarah thinks he’s done enough. Philip says he’s really sorry about everything and knows he has no right to ask anything of her, but says she can’t tell Kate the truth about what Xander did to him because Kate will go off and that will mean Maggie will lose everything.
Aaron and Tate feel bad for Sophia. Aaron says after everything, he’s glad Tate and Holly got to work things out. Tate says sort of and complains about Holly giving him mixed signals. Tate keeps thinking back to when he stopped Holly at the airport and she was so happy that finally nothing was between them but after her hearing with the disciplinary committee, she’s been all work and no play. Tate brings up that he and Holly were supposed to go to the town square together. Tate then invites Aaron to come with him instead, insisting it will be good for him and fun. Aaron jokingly asks what if Holly shows up and if he’s just going to ditch him then, so Tate admits he would.
Holly tells Arianna that everything she and Tate have been through was traumatic, so she thinks it will be awhile before they feel like they’re in a good place again. Arianna advises that if Holly wants to work things out with Tate, she’s going to have to actually spend some time with him. Arianna encourages Holly to go get her costume and meet Tate in the town square. Arianna points out that Halloween only comes around once a year and asks if she really wants to miss out. Holly then admits she convinced her.
Rachel questions Brady not believing that she’s sorry. Brady informs her that Thomas told him about the plan Rachel hatched and suggested he cause problems between Cat and Chad, just like she did with he and Chloe, then he and Ava. Brady questions if Rachel told Thomas to try to break up Cat and Chad. Rachel admits that she did and asks if she’s in trouble. Brady responds that she is and tells her that she’s grounded which shocks her. Brady declares that starting tomorrow, she will come straight home from school with no friends and no phone. Brady adds that she can forget about seeing her mother tomorrow. Rachel argues that he can’t ground her and calls it completely unfair. Brady warns her that actions have consequences. Tate and Aaron come by and greet them. Tate asks if they are having fun. Rachel says not at all and runs off, so Brady goes after her. Aaron comments that Rachel is about to catch some heat. Tate says Rachel is a good kid but she’s a handful and always pushing boundaries. Aaron jokes that he was too but Rachel is a kid and will grow out of it.
Brady follows Rachel to the Pub, where they run in to Xander.
Sarah gives Philip her word that she won’t tell Kate, but says she did tell Brady, though she’s sure he will keep it to himself as he won’t want them to lose the family business. Philip thanks her while Sarah clarifies that she hates covering for Xander after what he did.
Xander asks if everything is alright. Rachel says no because she’s in trouble which Xander relates to. Brady then takes Rachel in to the Pub where she runs up to hug Sarah.
Arianna and Holly go to the town square and greet Tate and Aaron. Arianna wishes them a Happy Halloween and questions them being so serious and if everything is okay. Aaron reveals that he just go tthe DNA test results back, so it turns out he is the father of Sophia’s baby. Holly calls that a lot to deal with and asks what he’s going to do about it. Aaron announces that he just signed away all of his parental rights so the baby can be adopted by Johnny and Chanel.
Philip tells Kate that he’s sorry but he has to run. Kate thought they were just getting started. Philip promises they will catch up later as he exits the Pub and tells Xander that he saw him standing all alone. Philip offers to buy him a drink but Xander doesn’t think he’d be good company tonight. Philip insists, so they walk off together.
Brady explains to Sarah that Rachel is upset because she made a poor choice and is going to have to face the consequences. Brady sends Rachel to the counter while Rachel mouths “help me” to Sarah.
Arianna can’t believe no one in her family told her that Tesoro was getting adopted, but then she checks her phone and sees that Gabi texted her a couple hours ago to call or text her ASAP. Arianna realizes that’s what it was about and cries that they aren’t going to have Tesoro anymore. Holly says she’s really sorry. Arianna says it’s okay and that her family just got really attached to him. Arianna gets emotional and steps away, so Aaron goes after her.
Brady informs Sarah that Rachel convinced Thomas that the best way to get rid of Cat was to beam a pumpkin at her head, but Alex ended up getting hit instead. Brady says Alex is fine but he can’t help but think Rachel’s history of getting rid of unwanted romantic partners has to do with him. Brady hoped her therapy would help but it obviously hasn’t. Sarah brings up everything happening with Kristen and suggests maybe she sees Thomas’s situation as a way to take control of her own. Brady agrees but asks what kind of father he would be if he just swept this under the rug. Brady argues that Rachel has to know this behavior is not okay and she cannot manipulate people this way. Brady says he’s at the end of the rope and he can’t do it anymore. Sarah mentions that she was talking to Amy Choi about how hard parenting is and her child’s only two. Brady says at least her situation doesn’t involve prison. Sarah says not yet anyway. Brady says he only says that because Marlena planned to take Rachel to see Kristen tomorrow, but he axed that as part of her punishment. Brady admits he already feels like a monster for doing it. Sarah says she’s not judging him and encourages that he’s in a very difficult position. Brady feels bad for doing something so extreme but feels he’s done everything and it hasn’t made a difference, so not letting her see Kristen was his last card to let her know he’s serious. Brady argues that Rachel has to understand that she could’ve possibly hurt somebody. Sarah suggests Brady and Kristen could impress on Rachel together. Brady admits they used to have a united front, until Kristen shot her brother and had their daughter questioned about it. Brady declares that everything that has gone wrong in their lives has been a result of Kristen’s toxic behavior. Brady adds that he hates to say it, but the less Rachel sees her mother, the better.
Aaron checks on Arianna in the town square as she cries. Arianna doesn’t want to fall apart in front of him when he’s the one who had to give up his kid. Aaron says that Tesoro might be his biological son but Arianna and her family all loved him. Aaron says he just wanted to say that he’s so grateful Tesoro was with them. Aaron adds that Sophia just left him at the firehouse, so Tesoro was very lucky. Arianna feels they were the lucky ones as Aaron hugs her. Holly tells Tate that she hopes Arianna will be okay. Tate thinks it’s good for her and Aaron to be there for each other since they are both having to say goodbye to Tesoro which Holly agrees with. Tate brings up that for so long, it felt like the baby was all they talked about and now it’s just over so it’s a little weird. Holly adds that it’s also kind of really great that it all worked out for the best since Tesoro will have parents who love and cherish him and it feels like everything is finally resolved. Tate says it is for the baby, but for them he’s not so sure.
Philip and Xander go to Book Club. Philip says this wasn’t what he had in mind when he invited him out for a drink. Xander says he’s not really in the mood for drinking and doesn’t want to end up in handcuffs. Philip responds that trying to better himself might not be a bad goal for himself either. Philip adds that Sarah wasn’t too happy with him when he asked her to keep quiet about everything for the business sake. Xander says however angry she is at Philip pales in comparison to how angry she is at him. Xander talks about bumping in to Sarah and Victoria outside the Pub and how that was the first time he’s seen them since being served divorce papers. Philip notes that she came inside pretty fast. Xander says he tried to start conversation but she had none of it. Xander says the divorce is incredibly painful but he doesn’t want to make Sarah do anything she doesn’t want to do after everything he has put her through.
Sarah tells Brady that she has a massive favor to ask of him and that’s that he can’t tell anybody about what Xander did to Philip, especially Kate because she would kill him and that would make her no better than him. Brady calls Sarah a far better person than Xander will ever be. Brady promises not to say anything for Titan and Xander’s sake. Rachel returns with her milkshake. Brady asks if she’s feeling better now but Rachel says she’s not. Sarah thinks she knows how to turn her frown upside down. Rachel doubts her but Sarah tickles her to make her laugh.
Arianna tells Aaron that she doesn’t know why she’s upset since Johnny and Chanel will be amazing parents. Arianna adds that Johnny is her uncle, so she will be able to see him all the time. Aaron suggests they go see Tesoro together sometime which Arianna agrees that she would like. Holly tells Tate that she knows she hasn’t been the most fun lately and she’s sorry as she does want to make things work between them, but their relationship can’t be all consuming anymore. Holly says when things went wrong, her life was ruined and she doesn’t want to feel like she doesn’t have a life outside of her boyfriend anymore. Tate says he gets it and feels the same way as they should be taking advantage of all the things in college. Holly says that doesn’t mean she doesn’t still want to do things together. Tate says there are plenty of things they can do together and invites her to a haunted house and says she can hold onto him as they kiss.
Rachel asks how Sarah knew the inside of her elbow is her ticklish spot. Sarah talks about always being her doctor. Rachel can’t believe she remembered. Sarah calls Rachel her favorite patient. Rachel says she is her favorite doctor and friend as they hug.
Xander tells Philip that it’s killing him but he can’t fight the divorce while Sarah is afraid of him because of what he did to Philip, so he will refrain from trying to win her back at least until he becomes the honorable man he aspires to be. Philip says he has lofty goals. Xander insists that he will achieve them as he never wants to hurt Victoria how Victor hurt him. Philip encourages that he can’t compare his relationship with Victoria to their father, insisting that Victoria knows how much Xander loves her. Xander hopes that’s true and says Victoria is the reason that he’s so determined to be a better man. Xander hopes that someday he can win Sarah back.
Johnny brings Tesoro in to Book Club and tells Chanel that Leo asked him to keep an eye on him. Leo comes back over. Johnny says he was coming to find him since Tesoro was getting a little fussy. Leo notes that he seems chill now and thanks Johnny. Leo adds that no matter what happens, he knows Johnny and Chanel will make wonderful parents someday. Chanel thanks him as Leo walks away with Tesoro. Chanel then gets a call from Paulina, who says child services have made a decision about Tesoro. Leo then gets a text from Rafe that an adoptive family has been found for Tesoro. Chanel finishes her call with Paulina and excitedly announces to Johnny that Tesoro is theirs, but then they look over at Leo.
In the town square, Chad tells Cat that Felicity forgot to put her initials on her pumpkin so Cat guesses she will have to do that for her. Cat then discovers that the carving knife is missing from the table which she says is weird since it was right there. Nearby, white sleeves like the ones in Jeremy’s scientist outfit are seen putting the knife in to their pocket.
Thomas tells Rachel that they can’t do that or they’d get in trouble. Rachel argues that they can just say it was an accident. Rachel says that Chad will probably feel so guilty about lying to Thomas that he’ll believe anything he says. Rachel reminds Thomas that Cat pretended to be his dead mom and someone needs to make her pay for what she did. Thomas reluctantly agrees, so they put the pumpkin in the catapult.
Chad and Cat can’t find the carving knife anywhere. Alex then walks in to the town square, looking at his phone when suddenly the knife is raised behind him.
Stephanie walks to the Brady Pub, wondering where Alex ran off to, but she runs in to Susan, who says she’s been looking all over for her. Susan says they need to talk about her autobiographical book before it’s too late. Stephanie says that One Stormy Night had some autobiographical elements, but Susan clarifies that she’s talking about her new book Write Out, the murder mystery. Susan comments that the universe is about to hit play on her very brutal imagination. Susan declares that what Stephanie has written in her second novel is about to come true. Susan reveals that she had a premonition that it’s all going to happen. Stephanie asks what is going to happen. Susan says something tragic.
Alex yells to look out as he rushes forward, causing the person behind him with the knife to miss their swing and run away. Alex pushed Cat out of the way and in to Chad, resulting in Alex ending up getting knocked out by the pumpkin that Rachel and Thomas launched from the catapult.
Leo brings Tesoro back over to Johnny and Chanel as they talk about how they all just found out. Leo congratulates them, saying he knows how long they’ve wanted this. Leo then gets a text that something’s happened in the town square, so he says he should check it out in case it’s newsworthy and then rushes out with Tesoro. Chanel comments that Leo couldn’t get out of there fast enough. They acknowledge that it has to be hard for Leo and the Hernandez family since they’ve been taking care of Tesoro since he was born. Johnny declares that is now their job as he hugs Chanel.
Cat calls an ambulance for Alex as he lies unconscious in the town square. Chad clears the crowd for the ambulance to be on the way. Stephanie and Susan then walk in to the town square to see what has happened. Stephanie rushes to check on Alex as Leo walks in to the square with Tesoro and questions what happened. Susan tells Leo that it was exactly what she knew was going to happen and calls it something very bad. Stephanie asks if Alex can hear her.
Thomas worries to Rachel that they hit the wrong person. Rachel tells Thomas to chill because nobody knows it was them. Jeremy then appears behind them and questions what they have done.
Stephanie questions where the ambulance is as Alex begins to regain consciousness and says he doesn’t need an ambulance. Stephanie tells him to take it easy. Chad checks on Cat, who says she is fine thanks to Alex, otherwise she would have gotten smashed in the face with the pumpkin. Javi arrives with the ambulance to check on Alex and asks what happened. Stephanie informs him that Alex fell and hit his head. Javi questions how he fell. Cat points out that someone launched a pumpkin from the catapult, so Chad goes to investigate. Cat adds that Alex pushed her out of the way, got hit and fell. Stephanie notes that it knocked him out cold while Alex insists that he’s fine now. Javi makes sure that Alex can acknowledge who he is, which he does. Javi admits that Alex’s vitals look good but thinks they should take him in just to be safe. Stephanie agrees while Alex feels that they are making a bigger deal out of it. Javi states that losing consciousness is a big thing while Stephanie worries that Alex could have a concussion. Alex says he appreciates the concern but he knows his body and he’s not going to the hospital. Javi strongly advises that he go but says if Alex refuses, he needs to sign a release, which he does. Javi adds that he will need Alex to go to the ER if he suffers any other symptoms which Stephanie says she will make sure of as she thanks him. Javi then excitedly goes to join Leo and Tesoro, but Leo sadly informs Javi that they have to give Tesoro up.
Chanel excitedly informs Johnny that they just have one more follow up and if all goes well, they will have their little boy tomorrow. Chanel says the paperwork is already done and just needs to be signed. Johnny points out that just a few hours ago, they were praying for a miracle and wonders what turned things around. Chanel reveals that Aaron gave up his parental rights and made it clear that he wants them to have the baby. Chanel adds that Paulina’s support and Rafe proving Holly couldn’t have sent those texts helped, but Aaron sealed the deal and is the reason they are getting their baby.
Jeremy tells Rachel and Thomas that he told them not to touch anything while he was gone and questions them firing off a pumpkin. Rachel claims it was an accident. Jeremy asks why the catapult was turned around. Chad appears and reveals his belief that they were aiming for Cat.
Cat finds Aaron in the town square and asks how he’s doing. Aaron says he’s kind of confused but he remembers his visit with child services just now in great detail. Cat wishes he called as she would’ve gone with him but Aaron says she didn’t need to be there. Aaron declares that he did what he planned to do and signed away his parental rights.
Javi and Leo go to Book Club with Tesoro and inform Johnny and Chanel about Alex getting hit with a pumpkin but says he should be fine. Leo tells a comedic story and admits he’s trying to fill the void of awkward silence as he will do anything to avoid his negative emotions. Javi brings up Chanel and Johnny hearing from child services. Javi says this is obviously very difficult for them but asks them not to think them being sad about giving up Tesoro means they aren’t happy for them. Javi repeats there is no one they’d rather give a kid than them. Johnny thanks them and says it means the world to them. Leo decides they should get Tesoro home and pack up his things. Javi tells them to say the word if they need anything. Chanel asks if it would be okay if she held Tesoro.
Aaron admits to Cat that right before he signed the paper, he had a moment of thinking that Tesoro would grow up and take after him somehow. Cat says he’d be lucky to inherit any of his traits. Aaron hopes Tesoro is just smarter than him and doesn’t make stupid mistakes with huge consequences. Aaron states that he’s so happy Tesoro will be adopted by Johnny and Chanel. Cat agrees that they will be great parents. Aaron says that’s why he put in a good word for them with the social worker, pointing out how good Chanel is with Felicity. Aaron says above anything else, they want a baby to love.
Chanel sees that Tesoro has fallen asleep. Johnny encourages that Chanel can hold him all she wants tomorrow. Javi questions tomorrow. Chanel reveals to them that is when child services said Tesoro officially becomes their baby. Javi and Leo emotionally decide they should get Tesoro home to sleep one last time. Johnny thanks them for taking care of Tesoro all this time. Chanel adds that they will make sure that Tesoro never forgets the Hernandez family. Javi and Leo agree they will always love Tesoro. Chanel says she really wants them to remain part of Tesoro’s life and asks them to come see him a lot which they agree to do. Chanel hugs Javi as he cries and Johnny hugs Leo.
Stephanie helps Alex up and asks if he’s sure he’s okay. Alex says he’s positive. Stephanie says she’d be happy to take him to the hospital. Alex promises that he’s fine and that it will take more than a pumpkin to crack his thick skull.
Chad questions Thomas. Rachel says they were just messing around and didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Jeremy says they did though and he’s very disappointed in them. Chad says he is as well. Chad asks Jeremy to take Rachel to Marlena at the bookstore while he talks to Thomas alone.
Cat tells Aaron it was very kind of him to put in a good word for Johnny and Chanel. Aaron feels he did it for selfish reasons but he wants Tesoro to be raised by good people. Leo and Javi come by with Tesoro. Leo introduces Javi to Aaron and Cat, explaining that he met Aaron earlier in the ghost tour. Cat asks if they are sticking around the square. Leo says they have to get Tesoro home as he has a big day tomorrow. Aaron knows this is all strange and overwhelming, but thanks them for taking really good care of his son who is not his son anymore as he’s really grateful for them. Cat says their entire family is. Javi says it’s truly been their family’s pleasure. Tesoro wakes up from his nap, so Leo asks if Aaron would like to hold his son which he agrees to.
Chad tells Thomas that he’s so disappointed in him. Thomas tries to blame Rachel but Chad tells him not to make things worse by trying to blame her. Thomas argues that it was Rachel’s idea. Chad says even if it was, Thomas is letting her talk him in to things that he knows are wrong. Chad asks if he knows how lucky he is that Alex didn’t end up in the hospital or worse. Chad asks if Thomas can imagine what it’d be like if that pumpkin hit him in the face. Chad tells him that he’s going to talk to Brady about Rachel influencing him, but he can’t change her behavior. Chad says he will change Thomas’s behavior. Thomas apologizes. Chad then asks if Thomas would still be sorry if it hit Cat. Thomas says he would be.
Chanel and Johnny go home and talk about being glad they decided not to take the crib down. They discuss how all the tears and heartbreak are about to give way to so much joy. Chanel admits she almost gave up but Johnny wouldn’t let her and promised they were going to become parents and now they are.
Aaron gets emotional as he puts Tesoro back in his stroller and says he’s like a miracle. Leo calls him a treasure. Chad brings Thomas to the town square to apologize to Alex. Thomas says he didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt. Alex accepts his apology and says they are all good. Chad sends Thomas to clean up and says he’ll come get him soon. Chad checks on Alex, who says he’s fine. Stephanie is shocked as it’s not like Thomas to be involved in something so dangerous. Chad explains that Rachel involuntarily involved him and apologizes. Alex says it’s not Chad’s fault or Thomas or Rachel’s. Alex then blames Jeremy as he comes by. Chad says Jeremy didn’t have anything to do with it but Alex blames him for leaving a bunch of kids alone with a catapult and questions where he was. Jeremy says he only stepped away for a minute while Alex remarks that it only takes a minute for something bad to happen. Jeremy apologizes. Chad argues that Alex is acting like Jeremy had some type of ill intent and it’s not like he intended to hurt someone. Alex asks if Chad has no idea what Jeremy is capable of. Chad questions what that’s supposed to mean. Alex guesses Chad doesn’t know about this creep. Stephanie tries to stop him but Alex argues that Jeremy is living under Chad’s roof and teaching his kid, so he deserves to know. Stephanie clarifies it was back when they dated and they had some issues. Chad asks what kind of issues. Jeremy calls it the kind that makes her wish he never came back to Salem. Alex says she’s not the only one. Jeremy thanks Chad for defending him but says Stephanie has every right to feel that way after how he treated her when they were together. Jeremy admits he was a real jackass back then, but insists he has changed. Jeremy doesn’t know how many times he has to say it, but he’s not that man anymore.
Susan appears at Book Club and startles Rachel, who question where Marlena is. Susan responds that she’s in the back with Julie, but she sent her to tell her that she’ll be with her shortly. Rachel questions how long she’s been staring at her. Susan says long enough to know she’s been a naughty girl. Rachel denies that and asks why she would say that. Susan calls it a hunch while Rachel says she’s wrong. Susan argues that her hunches are never wrong and adds that Marlena is her best friend. Susan brings up that Marlena is not feeling well and if she wants her to get better, she should knock it off instead of giving her one more thing to worry about.
Cat sits with Aaron in the town square and asks what’s on his mind. Aaron says he’s just thinking about Sophia as it all feels wrong that she’s not a part of this. Cat points out that it was Sophia’s choice and that her parental rights were automatically terminated. Aaron argues that Sophia had 14 days to reclaim her baby from the firehouse but she didn’t. Cat notes that now, he couldn’t be going to a more loving home and calls it the right choice for their futures. Aaron asks if Cat thinks they will let him see Tesoro if he wants. Cat thinks they would be more than okay with that.
Chanel goes over requirements for the crib and making sure the smoke detector is prepared. Johnny knows she’s nervous for the social worker visit because of last time, but promises that nothing is going to go wrong. Chanel admits she’s so happy but her heart also breaks for the Hernandez family. Johnny says they always knew that fostering Tesoro was a temporary arrangement and that they would have to give him up at some point.
Javi and Leo bring Tesoro home where Javi talks about the first moment he laid eyes on Tesoro. Leo talks about it taking him longer to get on board with foster fatherhood, but says Tesoro taught him and turned him into an expert. Javi hopes Leo knows what a wonderful parent he is. Leo emotionally responds that he had no idea that someone so little could take up such a big part of his heart.
Chad sits with Thomas in the town square and remarks that it wasn’t the best Halloween. Thomas repeats that he really is sorry and that he feels bad that Alex got hurt. Chad says he knows and he’s sorry too. Chad tells Thomas that he loves him very much. Chad thinks they need to work on their communication skills. Thomas asks what he means. Chad responds that if he does something that upsets him, he’d like Thomas to be able to talk to him about it and tell him how feels instead of acting out.
Alex and Stephanie walk past the Brady Pub. Alex says he is sorry that her big night went off the rails as they kiss. Alex tells her that he’s so proud of her for putting all her fears behind her and coming out as the author she is. Alex says now everyone loves her even more than they already did. Stephanie credits Alex for encouraging her to publish her first novel, pointing out that none of this would’ve happened without Titan taking a chance on her. Stephanie says Alex believed in her and he’s been a huge part in all of this happening. Alex brings up that it was supposed to be on her terms and how she only wanted to publish if Titan kept her name under wraps, but then Jeremy came along and forced her to reveal her identity which wasn’t the deal. Stephanie feels she might have decided to do that eventually anyway. Alex feels Jeremy is still a vindictive jerk. Stephanie decides she’s done talking about Jeremy for a night and suggests they go home where she promises to take very good care of Alex. Alex says he likes the sound of that as they kiss.
Jeremy cleans up the pumpkin catapult where Cat comes by and asks if he’s done for the night. Cat says she wanted to come check out the contraption that nearly took her out. Jeremy realizes that she is Cat Green and says he was there when Chad chewed out Thomas. Cat asks who he is. Jeremy explains that Thomas is one of his students. Cat asks about Chad chewing Thomas out. Jeremy explains that when he walked away, Thomas and another student of his launched a pumpkin in to the crowd and then Chad came over to question Thomas if they were aiming for Cat Green, who he now knows is her.
Javi tells Leo that he just texted Gabi about Tesoro. They wonder how they are going to say goodbye to him.
Chanel tells Johnny that this time tomorrow, they will be putting their son to bed. Chanel can’t believe she’s going to be a mom. They encourage one another and say I love you as they kiss.
Alex and Stephanie continue kissing until Susan comes by and comments on them being lovebirds. Stephanie tells Susan that her psychic powers were a little off the mark tonight but not totally since she was right about something bad going down, but nothing like in her new book. Alex jokes that there was no deleted scene about a deadly flying pumpkin. Susan warns that her premonitions are never wrong and repeats that the events in Stephanie’s book will come true as she then walks away.
At the hospital Noah (now played by (Lucas Adams) awakens. Shortly after, the doctor arrives and tells Sharon that the swelling in his brain has gone down so they decided to bring him out of his medically induced coma.
Claire tells Holden that she is going back to Genoa City tonight. Holden takes Claire to see the mountains, and they take some pictures of each other. Claire then heads to the Shadow Room to say goodbye to Sienna and meets her husband Mitch.
Mitch later asks Sienna why she seems so nervous every time Claire mentions Noah’s accident. Mitch tells Sienna that he was always Noah’s contact person, she doesn’t even know Noah.
Noah asks Nikki and Victoria how he got to Los Angeles and in the hospital because he doesn’t remember anything. Nikki tells Noah to rest; his questions will be answered later.
Claire once again asks Holden what is the big secret between him and Claire because she doesn’t want any secrets in their relationship. Nick is about to go into the Shadow Room to see if Mitch is Matt Clark, but Sharon calls him to tell him to return to the hospital because Noah is awake.
-Sarah’s flashback could be heard before it was shown.
-It’s funny how Sarah felt she could throw Xander out of his family’s house as if it were hers.
-Did we miss something? When did Xander lose his position at Titan? Maggie decided to take his position from him.
-It’s strange that Cat was the only one dressed up for Halloween.
Tuesday
-Jennifer’s knocking could be heard before she and Chad were shown.
-JJ should have known that Theo wouldn’t approve of him staying on the force. He didn’t need validation from Theo that it was okay to take a leave of absence.
-Chad could be heard talking while Xander was shown.
-Sarah sat on the floor of the rage room where she broke glass. She could have been cut sitting down on the glass.
Wednesday
-How old is Stephanie when she told Julie about her relationship with Jeremy “all those years ago?”
-Paulina could be heard talking while Abe was shown.
-Why would Julie refer to her cousin by his full name? She called him Jeremy Horton when she talked about him with Steve and Kayla.
Thursday
-It was too easy for Aaron to find out the paternity test results so fast. He didn’t have to go to the doctor’s office to find out if he was a fire.
-Chanel acted as if she and Johnny couldn’t adopt another baby. She was obsessed with adopting Tesoro
-Speaking of the adoption, Johnny was the reason why he and Chanel didn’t get Tesoro in the first place. He kept trying to be reasonable with her about the situation as if it weren’t his fault that they didn’t have the baby.
Alex was with Stephanie one minute and with Jeremy the next
Friday
-Chanel cried without any tears.
-Felicity wasn’t anywhere to be found at the Halloween festival, but Cat said she carved a pumpkin.
-Susan was able to sense that Stephanie’s murder mystery novel would come true, but she didn’t get a vibe that she wrote One Stormy Night.
The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.
(about EJ’s construction being responsible for the blackout)
Leo: If I wanted to get through the electronic door, I’d need the code.
Chad: Which you didn’t have.
Leo: Right. So I just started randomly punching in numbers when I felt a presence behind me.
Chad: A presence?
Leo: A presence. So I turned and saw, standing there in a hard hat, your family’s fixer.
Chad: Oh, you meant Rita?
Leo: I mean an imperious and overwhelming troll of a woman who made me jump out of my exquisitely moisturized skin, Chadwick.
Chad: You got out of there without getting tazed, so that’s good.
Leo: Be that as it may, Chadwick, that very vengeful woman, who makes the Wicked Witch of the West look like Mary Poppins, clearly told EJ about out encounter and he could do way worse than taser me. What if he decides to disappear me?
Chad: All right, Leo, you’re overreacting.
Leo: Oh, I don’t think I am. In fact, I know that I’m not. Chadwick, I have survived many an unfortunate footwear trend. I am not gonna end up at the bottom of the Salem River wearing cement heels.
(about Leo)
Gwen: I despise him. I mean he makes me itch in all the wrong places.
EJ: Yes. Well, as I recall, you are excellent at masking your true feelings when you want something. I mean you had the Deverauxs and Dimitri fooled for months. It’s such a valuable skill to have. You haven’t lost it, have you?
Gwen: No. I think it’s in my DNA, a talent for deceit.
Gwen: I’d like to take you to lunch or dinner.
Leo: Will there be poison involved?
(about Gwen asking Leo out to eat)
Leo: What was that about?
Chad: I’m not sure. But you should do it. Yeah, let her take you out. Find out what she’s up to. Nothing else, you get a free meal out of it.
Leo: Yea, maybe a little arsenic in my Aperol spritz.
(to Cat about Tony)
EJ: Look, my brother is a savvy world traveler. And my sister-in-law, well, she panics if she can’t find her reading glasses on the top of her head.
Interview with Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown of the movie “A Newport Christmas” on Hallmark by Suzanne 10/29/25
I really enjoyed this Hallmark Christmas movie, which has time travel, history and a lot of other fun stuff. It airs Sunday, 11/2/25 on Hallmark, and streaming the next day on Hallmark+! They were both really nice. It’s always nice to talk to people with a lot of warmth and enthusiasm. These two are so good in this movie. I’m a longtime fan of scifi and fantasy, as well as Christmas movies, so I enjoy when they combine all these elements. Check out their new song, too! “Timeless!”
About A NEWPORT CHRISTMAS Premieres: Sunday, November 2
Stars: Ginna Claire Mason (A Holiday Spectacular), Wes Brown (Haul out the Holly: Lit Up)
Logline: Ella (Mason) is a charitable and spirited Newport socialite in 1905 who dreams of using her wealth to start a foundation to help others in town. After learning her father intends for her to become engaged to a man she’s never met at the upcoming Christmas Eve ball, Ella goes for a nighttime sail in her schooner to clear her head. Upon seeing a comet shoot across the sky, she wistfully wishes for a different life. Ella is shocked to suddenly find Nick (Brown), a sailor and local Newport historian, aboard her schooner and accuses him of being a stowaway. But Nick insists he owns the boat and a standoff ensues. Once on dry land, Ella realizes that somehow, she’s traveled from 1905 to 2025. As she spends time there and gets a glimpse at what her future in 1905 appears to be, she becomes reluctant to return, especially since she and Nick have grown close and she now knows how true love feels. But the legacy Ella built in her time – and the course of Newport’s history – risks being erased the longer she stays in the present, so the two plot a course for her trip back through time. But what awaits her at home is even more surprising that what she found in the future.
Wes Brown (born January 26, 1982) is an American actor known for his role as Luke McDonald in HBO’s True Blood and other TV and film roles, including Hallmark movies. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State University, initially intending to pursue business before switching to acting. His career also includes roles in series like Hart of Dixie and Private Practice, and films such as Glory Road and We Are Marshall.
Ginna Claire Mason is an American actress known for her role as Glinda in the Broadway musical Wicked and her starring roles in Hallmark Channel movies. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Music Theatre. Mason is married to pilot Eric Moffett, and they have two children.
Jena Siddwell puts Britt in charge of Henry Dalton ‘s cold fusion experiment because he thinks Professor Dalton isn’t making much progress. Henry isn’t happy that Britt is his new boss so he asks Britt if they can both leave Jens Siddwell out of the experiment.
Lucy and Tracy remember Alan.
Lucy persuades Tracy to look for a new house because the memories of her family are in her heart not in the former Quartermaine house.
Gio and Michael both try to persuade Ronnie not to sell the house. Ronnie tells Michael that she is really sorry but she is in over her head and must sell the house to Drew. Drew arrives at the house as Michael is asking Ronnie not to sell the house to Drew because Monica would not have wanted her to sell the house to Drew.
Tracy is unpacking boxes of her things at Lulu ‘s house when she finds Monica’s will in one of the boxes and she heads to the Quartermaine estate with the will hoping she will arrive in time to prevent Ronnie from selling the house to Drew .
Nina tells Sonny that Portia could also have shot Drew because he was blackmailing her with something but she doesn’t know what information Drew had on Portia. Nina tells Sonny that Portia can’t know that she told him because Portia is her friend.
Curtis talks to Portia, and she confirms what Jordan told him that she is pregnant. Portia tells Curtis that she is 10 weeks pregnant and she intends to have the baby. Curtis tells Portia they should consider staying married and not get a divorce because he doesn’t want to be a part time father.
Cody asks Molly to see if there is a legal way to stop Drew from buying the Quartermaine house. Molly agrees to ask ADA Turner if she can look into the sale of the house. Drew taunts Tracy telling her that when he owns the house he is going to make a big bonfire and burn all the furniture. Tracy goes back to Lulu’s house and starts unpacking all her boxes. Tracy begins to cry and Lulu tells Tracy that she will help her unpack all the boxes tomorrow but now she should get some sleep.
Interview with Ramona Floyd of “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” on Hulu by Suzanne 10/28/25
It was great to speak with Ramona about her role in this TV miniseries, which airs Wednesdays on HULU. It premiered October 15th and finishes up November 19th for the finale. I can’t wait! She plays Lynn Goettee, Alex Murdagh’s sister. The miniseries is based on the real-life story of the Murdagh family murders from 2021 in South Carolina. We had a nice, in-depth discussion about the show and her role in it.
SeriesPremieres Oct. 15, 2025, on Hulu (Three Episodes at Launch, Then Weekly)
Maggie and Alex enjoy a lavish life of privilege as members of one of South Carolina’s most powerful legal dynasties. But when their son Paul is involved in a deadly boat crash, the family is faced with a test unlike any they’ve ever encountered. As details come to light and new challenges emerge, the family’s connections to several mysterious deaths raise questions which threaten everything Maggie and Alex hold dear.
The series stars Patricia Arquette as Maggie Murdaugh, Jason Clarke as Alex Murdaugh, Johnny Berchtold as Paul Murdaugh, Will Harrison as Buster Murdaugh, Brittany Snow as Mandy Matney, J. Smith-Cameron as Marian Proctor, Gerald McRaney as Randolph Murdaugh and Noah Emmerich as Randy Murdaugh.
Inspired by the popular “Murdaugh Murders Podcast,” the series hails from co-creator and showrunner Michael D. Fuller (“Quarry,” “Rectify” and “Locke & Key”) and co-creator Erin Lee Carr (“Britney vs Spears,” “I Love You, Now Die” and “Mommy Dead and Dearest”). Nick Antosca (“A Friend of the Family,” “The Act” and “Candy”) and Alex Hedlund for Eat the Cat are executive producers along with Mandy Matney, David Moses and Bill Johnson. Steven Piet executive produced and directed episodes 101, 102 and 108. Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke also serve as executive producers. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.
Ramona Floyd is a versatile stage and screen actor whose work spans Off-Broadway, television, and film. She has appeared in a wide range of acclaimed New York productions, including Please Go Gentle Into That Good Night, The Monument, the title role in Medea, and standout performances in Pygmalion and The Maids with the Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre. Other stage credits include Gone in 60, Arms and the Man, and Fulana. On screen, Ramona has built a career portraying everything from tough bosses to compassionate caregivers in popular series such as The Blacklist, The Punisher, FBI, True Detective, Girls5Eva, Blue Bloods, Bull, and the upcoming Murdaugh Murders: Death in the Family for Hulu.
Interview with star Drew Van Acker and director Jaco Bouwer of the film “Orion” by Suzanne 10/27/25
This is a smart, twisty, psychological thriller as well as a scifi movie. If you like good scifi, or suspenseful dramas, you should enjoy this. Drew Van Acker plays an astronaut, caught up in some intrigue, and he is interrogated by a mysterious person, played by Andrew McCarthy. I can’t tell you more because of spoilers. Just know that the description below is not entirely accurate, due to the twists and turns in this movie! I really enjoyed it, especially the great ending.
The interview, unfortunately, had many technical problems (at least for me). The video came out fine, but near the beginning, the sound went mostly out, and nothing I did fixed it. I apologize to the director, whose name I mispronounced throughout. I take full responsibility for the tech problems because I was on my phone instead of my computer. Bad choice on my part! Both gentlemen were very kind, though, as were the PR women helping me.
The movie is showing at various film festivals, so go see it if you can! ORION had its World Premiere at FilmQuest on Saturday, October 25th, and will have its International Premiere at Triste Film Festival November 1, 2025
Sunil Perkash, Drew Van Acker, Elle Army, Scott Army
RUN TIME
96 minutes
LOGLINE
ORION is an intense, sci-fi thriller about a Nasa Interrogator (Jim) tasked to help an amnesiac astronaut (Apollo) recover his memory in order to determine “who” or “what” killed the rest of the crew before they crash landed back on Earth.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT BY JACO BOUWER
When I received Orion’s script, it inspired me to create a film that continually kept the audience guessing at what the hidden truth might be, and therefore, on edge – not just through narrative twists, but brought about by the tension of what is not being said.
Orion is a meditation that hinges on the delicate balance between trust and doubt, and endeavours to celebrate all forms of language – spoken, cinematic, and experienced.
I grew up in South Africa, a country with 12 official languages, where realities of communication, translation, and misunderstanding are part of daily life. A cacophony of meaning and intent – which felt so relevant in the making of this film.
Together with production designer(Mike Conte) and cinematographer(David Kruta) we were able to conceptualise, design and build the sets together and so the world building was a unique way of development for me which reminds me of my theatre work and processes, embracing the concept of single location as referenced in some of my previous work. To be able to largely shoot in continuity also really helped the actors and myself arcing out their emotional journeys. To have enough time to develop the language and score tonality was a privilege in collaboration with long-time collaborator and composer Pierre-Henri Wicomb.
Of course, the production could only be brought to full fruition with the presence of our actors, Drew Van Acker, our Apollo – who himself has invested a great deal in the project – and the sharp intellect of Andrew McCarthy, with a nuanced performance and inescapable gravity to the mysterious Jim. Debbie Ryan with all her layers completes the lead ensemble.
The film navigates those unspoken spaces where meaning is unstable, and unpredictable, the film explores how language – intended to connect us – can also conceal, distort, and betray us – even more relevant than we could have possibly anticipated, with the onset of more authentic AI models, and the advent of more believable fake news, propaganda, begging to question the agenda of a current geopolitical landscape, in social media and speech of a global community.
It is a privilege to make films in a language other than my own, and in another country so far removed from what I grew up with – the process truly resonating on a deeper level as far as the scope, comprehension, and possibilities of communication and language could anticipate.
PRODUCER STATEMENT BY SUNIL PERKASH
Orion was initially an idea Drew Van Acker and I had, based on his love of space and our collective passion for great science fiction films that both entertained and explored humanity in a clever way (Star Wars, Total Recall, Inception etc…) We also were very interested in finding something that was all about the LANGUAGE of filmmaking. Rear Window and even Sleuth (Caine/Olivier) were two great films that relied on filmmaking -acting, camera, lighting, sound etc…- to transcend from their sparse locations. With that in mind, we went to the writer we had previously developed a script with, Anne Vithayathil. She had lived in India and US before settling in US from high school on, and with a degree from Dartmouth and Masters at Stanford, she had studied in Eastern Europe and loved all things spy related and had studied spy tactics in the 1960s, specifically how to use words as a weapon and manipulation.
Our goal was to tell a story that played out like the Russian Mystroishka doll!
Once the script was finished and we met with a number of wonderful directors that had enthusiastic takes on the material. But when we met with Jaco Bowser, something magnificent happened. In telling us the film he saw in his head, we realized, this was no longer our film, but his film we were about to be so fortunate to be a part of. Jaco had a knowledge of filmmaking that was impressive, as much as the most experienced directors I have worked with but perhaps because budgets are so low in South Africa, his approach was very humble and very specific. Needless to say, he instantly wowed us. He closely supervised an additional draft – specifically to fit his vision and ideas for the film, always balancing the spoken word and what was left unsaid.
With our day-to-day partners, Elle and Scott Army – who were critical in helping with financing, a true labor of love for them. Raising independent financing is just impossible today, I analogize it to asking a friend for a ride to the airport for a 2am flight!
Yet…all four of us (Elle/Scott/Drew and I) were able to find collaborators who believed and were even inspired by the vision Jaco and we all had for Orion.
We sponsored Jaco’s visa and working with renowned casting director Avy Kaufman and Leeba Zakarov, we found the perfect Jim in Andrew McCarthy. Jaco felt he had both an extremely affable and cerebral quality, crucial to mine to give Jim all the enigmatic complexities he required. Debby also connected deeply with the existential aspect of the material, and given how cherubically guileless her vibes were, Jaco also felt she would bring all he hoped to Mary, submerging the audience in a woman’s struggle to save her husband (even though…that was not at all what was going on.)
We then set out to make our film, another fortunate thing happened. By not having the mega budgets of my past Studio Films like Enchanted and Salt, it inspired all of us to find ways to stretch our budget, led by Jaco’s unwavering defiance to never compromise the story. He always used his creativity and imagination to find solutions that seemed to always be much more inspired than had we had the mega studio budgets to solve them without that process. And in the end, Jaco and the entire cast and crew found themselves meticulously using the language of filmmaking to tell a story that explores the nature of language in the world we live in today.
ACTOR-PRODUCER STATEMENT BY DREW VAN ACKER
Ever since I can remember I was driven by imagination. The idea of different people, different places, and different times all coming together to create “reality”. Movies, for me, were just that. A journey into the possible.
I’ll spare you my ENTIRE story, but a few years back, I started searching for and developing my own material through producing. It was something I had always been interested in, not just as a performer, but as a fan of story telling.
With “Orion”, I wanted to tell a story that combined my love of science fiction and my ever-present fascination with our communication as a species. It wasn’t until I saw a masterful turn in filmmaking, from a director out of South Africa, that I knew. He had to be the one to help tell this story. That film was “Gaia” and that director was Jaco Bouwer. “Gaia” transcended what I thought a film could be at that budget range. And that was exhilarating. THAT was what I wanted to be a part of. To be challenged. Afraid. Open…
My character, Apollo, is a man living in his very own multiverse of emotions and truths. Which, I realized during this process, we all are. Each scene allows him to explore the possibility that he isn’t as righteous as he wished to believe. He’s scared, troubled and anxious to peel back the onion. He’s confronted with having to find a way to believe his own lies in order to pass them as “truth”. Something all of us deal with on one level or another.
I was blessed when given the opportunity to explore these layers alongside two selfless individuals. Andrew McCarthy and Debby Ryan. I remember walking into the set and seeing Debby for the first time. I remember watching Andrew rehearse. I was being confronted with performances that were so honest, I had to question my own. I think that was a bit of a theme for me here, not only as an actor, but as a man. Facing my fears and doubts that I had long ignored.
This film is cerebral. That’s what makes it sparkle in my opinion. That “drive home” conversation type of movie. Talking about what you just saw. What motivated the characters? Who figured it out first? Truly moved by the honesty of what you witnessed. And that is where I want to be as an artist and a producer. A small part of stories that make people think. Make them talk to each other. Make them wonder…what’s POSSIBLE??
ABOUT THE CAST
ANDREW MCCARTHY | “Jim”
Andrew McCarthy is an award-winning travel writer, a television director, and, of course, an actor. He has appeared in more than two dozen films including such iconic 80s movies as Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. His recent documentary, BRATS, debuted at #1 on Hulu. He has directed nearly 100 hours of television, including Orange Is the New Black and Blacklist. Andrew has been named Travel Journalist of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers, and for a dozen years served as an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler magazine. He has written for the NY Times, WSJ, The Atlantic, TIME, and many others. Andrew is the author of four New York Times Best Selling books. His latest, WHO NEEDS FRIENDS will be published in March of ’26.
DREW VAN ACKER | “Apollo”
Drew has been acting for over 16 years, including starring in Cartoon Network’s first live action show, Tower Prep, as well a lead role on the worldwide hit Pretty Little Liars for 7 seasons, Devious Maids for Marc Cherry, Training Day series for Jerry Bruckheimer, and Aqualad on the hit show Titans.
He recently wrapped Bethesda for the Lewis Bros directing and starring alongside Max Martini and Brianna Hildebrand.
He also starred in Addison Rae’s 2024 smash, top ten songs Music Video, Diet Pepsi directed by Sean Price Williams (The Sweet East, Cannes Premiere) which has over 32 million views on Youtube.
His 2022 critically acclaimed film Last Survivors, which he produced and starred alongside Alicia Silverstone and Stephen Moyer, had its World Premiere at the prestige genre festival Frightfest in London, and also played at Leeds International Film Festival.
The film also reached #1 on both Hulu (US) and Amazon Freevee (UK.) The Film also appeared on over ten “Best of” and “critics picks” lists including New York Times, Gizmodo, Screen Rant, Looper, and Collider.
He previously starred in the independent sci-fi feature Life Like, released by Lionsgate (trailer has over 14 million views) alongside James D’Arcy, Steven Strait and Addison Timlin as well as the comedy Spy Intervention with Poppy Delevigne and Blake Anderson.
DEBBY RYAN | “Mary”
Debby Ryan plays “Mary.” She has a MASSIVE fanbase: social media (15.7 MILLION Instagram followers, 11.6 Million Facebook, 7.6 million Tiktok, HUGE SOCIAL media following) and has most recently starred in Shortcomings (World Premiere Sundance 2023,) Horse Girl (World Premiere at Sundance 2020,) and Howdy Neighbor (World Premiered at Screamfest.) She is best known for her lead in the smash hit phenom Disney Channel Series JESSE.
She currently is in post production Famous for A24 starring alongside Zac Efron and expecting her first child with Husband Josh Dun, part of Twenty One Pilots musical duo.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
JACO BOUWER | DIRECTOR
Jaco Bouwer is an award-winning South African director whose work spans theatre, film, and television, known for his bold visual style and radical narrative approach.
He was awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama in 2008 and went on to win Best Director three years in a row at South Africa’s premier theatre awards, the Fleur du Cap.
His debut feature film GAIA — a visually striking eco-horror — premiered at SXSW 2021, where it won the ZEISS Cinematography Award, and was sold by XYZ Films to multiple territories, including Bleecker Street (U.S.) and Altitude (U.K.). The film was featured as part of Hulu’s “Huluween” lineup in 2022.
Jaco also directed the haunting two-hander Breathing In, adapted from a play by acclaimed South African playwright Reza de Wet, for producer Jorrie van der Walt and Kaapland Films.
In television, he directed all 8 episodes of Spinners (produced by Joachim Landau / Federation MEAC for Canal+ and Showmax). The series made history as the first African series selected for Canneseries, and went on to win Best Series at the inaugural Dakar Series Festival in 2023. It premiered on Showmax in November 2023, with Season 2 currently in production.
Most recently, Jaco directed all 9 episodes of the true-crime limited series Niggies (Cousins) for kykNET. The show became a phenomenon, breaking every viewership record on the channel during its run.
Jaco’s work blends the personal and political with bold formal experimentation, confronting controversial subjects through layered, introspective storytelling.
ANNE VITHAYATHIL | WRITER
Anne Vithayathil is a writer with over ten years of experience as an intelligence analyst focused on Russia/Eastern Europe/Central Asia. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford University, as well as a Fulbright fellow, she has traveled extensively and lived in the United States, India, Ukraine, Russia, and France. She specializes in dramatic thrillers based on spycraft, international espionage, and the military. Her script Year of the Dog, a one-hour pilot about a Chinese-American CIA agent, is currently being packaged as a TV series by Aleve Loh (Blacklight) and Mark Williams (Ozark) at Zero Gravity.
SUNIL PERKASH | PRODUCER
Sunil Perkash is an independent producer in Hollywood.
Perkash, who holds a B.A. in economics and communications from Stanford University, began his career in 1992 working as the U.S. Production Coordinator on CRONOS, Guillemo Del Toro’s directorial debut. He developed a number of projects at various major studios including MGM, Sony, Tristar, Disney, Warners and Dreamworks/Amblin. The Wrap listed Sunil in their list “Producers Who Are Making a Mark on Hollywood” and Fade In Magazine named him one of the ”Top 100 people to know in Hollywood.”
His major studio films include BLAST FROM THE PAST, for New Line, starring Brendon Frasier, Alicia Silverstone, Sissy Spacek and Christopher Walken. PREMONITION for Sony, starring Sandy Bullock, which grossed more that 85 million worldwide. Disney’s ENCHANTED which became a worldwide mega blockbuster grossing $340million and received rave reviews and numerous awards, including multiple oscar and golden globe nominations. SALT, a vehicle originally developed for Tom Cruise, but transformed into a female lead for Angelina Jolie. The film also became a worldwide blockbuster in summer of 2010, grossing $300mil! And DISENCHANTED, a sequel to the now classic ENCHANTED for Disney Plus starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. The film reached #1 on Disney Plus worldwide.
His independent features include LIFE LIKE, starring Drew Van Acker, James D’Arcy, Addison Timlin and Steven Strait, distributed domestically by Lionsgate in May 2019, the film’s trailer has accumulated an unprecedented 14 million views on youtube.
And 2022’s Last Survivors starring Alicia Silverstone, Stephen Moyer, and Drew Van Acker, was released in February 2022 by Vertical Entertainment to strong reviews. The film had its world premiere at Frightfest in London and also played at Leeds International Film Festival last fall. The film received strong reviews and reached #1 on Hulu in the US and #1 on Amazon Freevee in the UK. The film appeared on numerous “best of” or Critic’s Picks lists including New York Times, Screen Rant, Looper, Collider, Movieweb amongst others.
ELLE ARMY | PRODUCER
Elle began her career as a successful model – walking in NYFW, being featured in magazines such as Men’s Health and GQ, as well as working with iconic brands like Calvin Klein, Guess, Aerie and Nike. As an actress, Elle starred in Life Like along with Drew Van Acker. The trailer for Life Like has amassed 14 million views. That led Elle to playing the lead in the Lifetime movie, Fatal Fashion. Before transitioning into producing, Elle helped her husband Scott Army build Vision Hill Group; a multi-faceted asset management business in the digital asset space. Vision Hill Group was bought by Galaxy Digital in 2021.
Elle received a BA in Cinematography and Film Production and a BFA in Musical Theater from Loyola University Chicago.
SCOTT ARMY | PRODUCER
Scott Army is an entrepreneur and investor. He founded Vision Hill Group in 2017 after a 13 year career as an executive at JP Morgan. Vision Hill Group was a hedge fund and advisory platform in the digital asset space. After a very successful acquisition of Vision Hill Group to Galaxy Digital in 2021, Scott took his knowledge and investment acumen to MeetPerry in 2024 as their Head of Alternatives. His work at MeetPerry spans across alternative asset strategies, sourcing differentiated opportunities, and advising founders and portfolio companies through complex growth phases. Scott’s ability to structure funds, run a complex due diligence process and lead process-driven teams makes him an excellent partner for creating a film fund. Scott connects macroeconomic vision with granular execution earned him the trust of both institutional partners and entrepreneurial teams.
Scott received his BA from Georgetown Magna Cum Laude at Georgetown University in Business Administration double majoring in Finance and International Business.
KARIN ANN | SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTRESS
Described as “Gen-Z’s new alt-pop protagonist”. 22-year-old Slovakian wunderkind Karin Ann makes music with Gothic grandeur, sophisticated indie balladry and theatrical art-pop, while strutting alt-rock riffs that explode into radio-conquering choruses. Her music explores a wide range of themes including gender equality, the LGBTQ+ experience, mental health, and love toxicity.
Voted “Discovery of the Year” at the Czech Republic Music Awards 2021, Karin Ann is the first Slovak artist to appear on a Times Square billboard as a part of Spotify’s EQUAL Music Program highlighting women making a difference in the music industry.
Karin Ann has opened tours for Yungblud, Imagine Dragons, LP, Paris Paloma, and Alfie Templeman, and makes her debut appearance at SXSW in 2024.
DAVID KRUTA | CINEMATOGRAPHER
David Kruta is an award-winning Director of Photography known for his work on films such as “Concussion” (Sundance Official Selection) and “The Sounding,” for which he won the Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography. Most recently, he shot “Black Friday” starring Bruce Campbell, “Agent Game” starring Mel Gibson and Jason Isaacs, and “The Last Thing Mary Saw”, starring Stefanie Scott and Isabelle Fuhrman. David is a two-time Emerging Cinematographer Awards recipient and a 2023-2024 ASC Vision Mentee.
MIKE CONTE | PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Mike Conte has been working as a production designer and art director for over 20 years in Film, TV and Commercials in LA, NY, and internationally.
As a production designer, his films have screened in film festivals such as Fright Fest, Denver Film Festival, Fantasy Film Fest – Trespassers, and won awards at Madrid International Film Fest, and NoHo Cinefest — Three Hours Between Planes.
A well-rounded artist, Mike studied photography and sculpture at Columbus College of Art and Design, and is also an accomplished musician. Mike has worked as a composer and toured the world with his band, Early Man.
Mike is currently working in Los Angeles as the art director on I Want Your Sex, starring Olivia Wilde, directed by Gregg Araki.
NEIR ATHERTON | COSTUME DESIGNER
Neil Atherton is best known for Costume Designing Bad Shabbas, which played at Tribeca and had a very successful theatrical run grossing 1.5 million in limited engagement. He also designed the 2021 The Wheel directed by Steve Pink that had its world premiere at TIFF.
Stephanie was concerned about coming out to her fans. Alex reassured her and told her to go to the bookstore. He spotted Jeremy and threatened to drown him. Jeremy told him that he was a changed man. He became angry while he was talking to Alex. Alex walked away while Jeremy clinched his fists. Alex went to the bookstore with Stephanie. Johnny and Chanel arrived at the bookstore. Chanel talked to Alex about the adoption. Leo talked to Tesoro about being an incredible baby. Cat walked by and spotted the baby. Leo let her hold the baby. Leo and Cat talked about Aaron being the baby’s father and how he was struggling to let go. He understood because he had trouble letting go of the baby too. Marlena and Rachel worked on a pumpkin until things got awkward. Rachel complained about Jeremy. Marlena snapped at her to respect her teacher. She snatched the pencil from Rachel and read her the riot act. Thomas told Chad that he wasn’t participating in Halloween this year. Chad didn’t want him to punish himself and took him to Jeremy. Rachel arrived and talked to Thomas. She pushed him to the edge to get Thomas to make his father miserable to keep him from Cat.
Julie welcomed everyone to the bookstore. Everyone was ready for the unveiling of Anastasia Sands. Stephanie dropped her robe and mask. Alex told Chanel that Chad was the only one who seemed shocked by Stephanie’s reveal. Marlena and Julie talked about the programs offered at the bookstore. They talked about a grief group, but Marlena wouldn’t commit to it. Leo ran into Johnny, and he let him watch Tesoro. While he was watching the baby, Johnny got a message about a family being found to adopt him. Chanel received the same message. Chad ran into Cat, and they made small talk. Rachel saw them and let Thomas know that adults like. She told him to throw a pumpkin at Cat’s head. Someone dressed in Jeremy’s costume raised a knife in the air. It looked like the person was about to stab Alex.
Leslie told Jan that she and Ted were getting closer. She told Jan that Ted suggested that they might be friends one day. Ted and Eva had breakfast together. He said he wanted to make up for lost time and wanted her to call him dad. Ted told her that she reminded him of the way Leslie used to be. He let her know that he was proud of her. Later on, Ted went to Nicole to apologize to her. He let her know that he would respect her decision if she went to the Winterfest with Carlton. After Ted talked to Nicole, he ran into Leslie. While they were talking, Ted told Leslie that he wanted Eva to call him dad. Leslie was touched that he wanted Eva to call him dad. They hugged each other. Nicole showed up and saw them hugging. Hayley and Bill talked about getting a second home, They found a house and made an offer. After the offer was accepted, Bill said he was putting the house in Hayley’s name. Later on at Orphey Gene’s, Hayley ran into Joey. They had a friendly conversation until Joey brought up her secret with Randy. Hayley was upset and said she wasn’t having an affair with Randy. She threatened to sue him and “Sammy.”Hayley walked away from him. Tomas, Kat, Chelsea, and Madison met up. He said he was tired of talking about his situation. When Chelsea made a joke about his penis, Madison was upset. Chelsea told Kat that she and Madison were having problems. Kat took Madison’s side. Tomas ran into Eva at the club and told her Izaiah was Jacob’s brother.
Stephanie told Alex that Jeremy set up a date with Jada to get to her. She confided in Alex about Jeremy’s rage. Stephanie shared with him that Jeremy almost drowned her in the hot tub. Alex was upset about it so she told him that it was a drinking game gone wrong. She insisted that she was young and confused. Jeremy and Jada’s date was going well until he mentioned his past with Stephanie. Jada realized that he’s Stephanie’s old boyfriend. She demanded to know what happened between him and Stephanie. Jeremy insisted that he turned his life around. Jada talked to him about her relationship with Bobby. She refused to do that again.
Amy went to the DiMera mansion to give EJ a piece of her mind. She blamed him for what happened to Sophia. EJ felt like they could help each other since they were estranged from their children. Johnny changed his mind about the adoption because of what he did to Sami. He wanted her to withdraw her adoption objection. If she withdrew her objection, she would be able to focus on Sophia. Amy wanted to give the idea some thought. Johnny found Chanel staring at the baby crib. Chanel was ready to give up adopting Tesoro. Johnny didn’t want her to give up. He believed they would adopt the baby. Aaron was getting ready for Halloween when he got the DNA test results. He found out that he’s the father of Sophia’s baby. Aaron panicked so Cat tried to make him feel better. He planned to give up his rights as a father. One mistake, and he was going to be a father giving up his baby. Cat assured him that he’s still a good person. Jada went to Alex and Stephanie’s place to let them know that she ended it with Jeremy. They let her know that they believed Jeremy targeted her. Their match wasn’t an accident. Stephanie told Jada what she told Alex. They were going to watch Alex like a hawk. Jeremy slammed a pumpkin to the ground. EJ ran into Cat at the town square. She opened up to him about Aaron being the father of Sophia’s baby. EJ wanted Aaron to sign over his parental rights.
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Wes Brown (born January 26, 1982) is an American actor known for his role as Luke McDonald in HBO’s True Blood and other TV and film roles, including Hallmark movies. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State University, initially intending to pursue business before switching to acting. His career also includes roles in series like Hart of Dixie and Private Practice, and films such as Glory Road and We Are Marshall.
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Fuller (“Quarry,” “Rectify” and “Locke & Key”) and co-creator Erin Lee Carr (“Britney vs Spears,” “I Love You, Now Die” and “Mommy Dead and Dearest”). Nick Antosca (“A Friend of the Family,” “The Act” and “Candy”) and Alex Hedlund for Eat the Cat are executive producers along with Mandy Matney, David Moses and Bill Johnson. Steven Piet executive produced and directed episodes 101, 102 and 108. Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke also serve as executive producers. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.
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