Caray, Caray!

Friday May 18, 2007
Duelo de Pasiones

SHOWING THIS WEEK ONLY on a screen near you: “Two Funerals and a Wedding” plus a BONUS FEATURE, “Resurrection from the Dead!” (No Extra Charge)

¡Hola, todos! This is Schoolmarm Jeanne. I’m an apprentice for Ferro tonight. Thank you in advance for your patience with my recapping skills and thanks for any additions and corrections as needed! I welcome them!

We open to Adela comforting a still distraught Soledad in the woods, telling her she should not be dwelling on death, and Soledad points out that she is mourning her daughter because she can’t be with her daughter now (certainly seems a good reason to me for dwelling on death). Adela tells Soledad that Luba has sent her to share some good news—“Alina is NOT dead!” Soledad is disbelievingly impactada. She begs Adela not to play with her or lie to her. Adela assures her that she herself saw Alina in Luba’s cave and Luba’s fixing one of those potions of hers that she’ll use to fix Alina. There you go, simple as that, Ma’am. No Problem. She continues with this incredible story of Alina taking something to look dead so she wouldn’t have to get married. Then Luba took Alina from the grave and now she’s reviving Alina. Good as new in no time.

Soledad, who may not be a stupid as we have believed, is disbelieving this tale. Not to mention that she may be creeped out. Adela assures her it’s the truth, and though she’s always thought this stuff was from the devil, she sees it could be for the good. Soledad astutely says she can’t believe it……oh, wait. She’s talked herself into it. Another close one. We almost had here there to reality. She races off with Adela, thanks be to God for this good fortune.

Back at the Rinconada, one of our men in black is facing off with his esposa, her riding crop in his hand, accusing her of hitting Jaime with it and causing the mark on Jaime’s face and threatening Alina. Thelma, caught like a stuck pig and knowing the best defense is a good offense (and she is one offensive chick), tells Emilio “yeah, I did that, because the devil made me do it. It’s not my fault. I was blinded by jealousy.” That surely makes it acceptable. You humiliated me, you love Alina. So, it’s really your fault. You want to know the truth, I’m sorry. Emilio astutely tells her it’s a bit late for that, since Alina’s dead. Gee, you must be so satisfied that Alina is dead. Thelma denies that. She didn’t want Alina dead (no, we know that she wanted to keep tormenting Alina, so this is totally believable).

Emilio tells Thelma he never guessed she could be so bad and one such as her should not be a mother. (Ya think?) He says the boy stays with him. Thelma struggles with Emilio. Auntie comes running in, hearing the yelling, wondering what’s up here?

At Casa de Loco, Alfonsina is following DL and asking him if he remembers when Genaro tried to kill him (back at the sugar plantation he owns)? It was Hugo who found him. Don Loco looks at her accusingly. “How do you know that?” “Because I was eavesdropping.” (Surprise!) DL starts to backhand her but she’s saved by the bell when Sergio runs in, yelling for him. Soledad has escaped. DL tells him he’s not only a traitor, he’s useless. He storms out after Soledad.

Back at the Rinconada, Auntie is trying to calm the lovebirds down, trying to find out what the heck’s up. She reminds them the baby will be frightened. They tell her not to meddle, and then Emilio tells Thelma they’re finished! Thelma spits back, “no way!” There’s gonna be no divorce and the baby is mine. Auntie tells them to settle down and Emilio, tired of Thelma anyway, says okay, we’ll resolve this later and leaves with Thelma trailing. She slams the door and Auntie tells her, you’ve lost him. We’ll see. I swear he’s staying with me. (Fat chance).

Back in the woods, Soledad is jubilant that Alina is alive and now she can figure out how to escape. (She’s back in Never Never Land, gentle readers). She’s got to see her now, at Luba’s cave. Adela wants to go to Nora’s but Soledad insists.

Emilio, back at the Rinconada, is talking to God in his room alone. Why is she dead and why did she leave me (it’s always about you, isn’t it, Emilio?) Across the hall, we hear a knock on Angel’s door as he lies in the bed, resting on top of the covers in his black mourning clothes. (In fact, just in case you didn’t see this one today, everyone so far except Alfonsina and Sergio have been in mourning, IIRC). Thelma enters and begs a favor. Angel has the good sense to look wary. He tells her he’s tired and needs rest, and she says “I would not want to disturb you, but…..” and proceeds to disturb him. Thelma asks him to work on Emilio to not divorce her and stay with her and the baby. She plays on him, reminding him he had no parents since a very early age. She tells Angel that Emilio is only thinking about himself and never thinks about her. (It’s always about you, isn’t it, Thelma?) Angel says he will do it, but not as a favor to her and Emilio will have the last word. She thanks him and kisses him and leaves. (Judas kissed Jesus, too, as I recall).

Downstairs, Max is commiserating with Orlando about how he must be relieved not to have to get married. Orlando, who apparently realizes that it’s not socially acceptable to express such a feeling when the escape from marriage is the result of the bride’s death, denies he is relieved. He never wanted her dead (of course he didn’t, now he’ll never get what is Emilio’s). Vera enters with one of the soldiers (I forget which one) who wants Emilio. Orlando is impactado.

In the D. F., Dr. Love and Malena are rejoicing over Mariana’s first word and her progress. But, Malena is concerned that any time now Don Loco is going to show up and all will be lost. She’s hopeful that Mariana can tell it all by the time that her brother storms the place. Mariana, who has all her wits about her, thought bubbles that she hopes it’ll be enough to tell the truth because her brother is plumb loco and who knows how he’ll take the news?

At Max’s office, Orlando has asked if he could help and the soldier says, sorry, no can. I have orders to deal only with the Captain. Orlando is miffed. Oh, it’s Frank. Orlando tells him okay, Frank, it’s about the highway project, then? (Fishing for info, Orlando?) Max interrupts. Excuse me, Engineer, I never expected to see you in these parts again because I know you have issues with Álvaro. (Fishing for info, Max?) Elias agrees, but points out his work comes before any personal issues. Max gives him the bad news about Alina. Elias is commercial impactado.

(Ed. Note: from this moment on for a while, the scenes changed so fast it made me dizzy. I hope reading it doesn’t give you the same malady, gentle readers).

Elias is seated, shaking his head, with the guys standing around him. They think they better take him to the doctor. He leaves with a soldier, and Orlando leaves. Frank waits for Emilio while Max gets ready to leave for the fields.

Upstairs, Vera hunts for something to prove Luba poisoned Alina. She finds the flask, and thinks she knows what it is and what happened. “Bad old witch!” She runs out of Alina’s former room with the flask.

Elias leaves with the soldier in the jeep. Elias doesn’t want to see the doctor, he wants to see the person who saved his life first – Luba.

At the Meson, the girls are worried about Coral and want Grani to hunt for her. He says, no way, Luba is an authentic witch and I’m not messing with her. They agree they all better stay put.

At the cave, Luba throws Coral and Gaspar out of the back room where they’re grieving over Floralina’s body. Luba sends lots of prayers up for Flor and for herself. She doesn’t understand why it’s not working!

In the woods, Adela and Soledad are running to go to Luba’s. DL and Sergio appear on horses. DL calls Adela a traitor.

Back at the Rinconada, Emilio and Orlando are facing off. Emilio basically tells him to get the heck out of there and leave them with their problems, but Orlando says we’ve always been friends, and you are my superior, I have respected you. This personal problem is getting in the way. (It translated “this problem with a skirt,” and I am taking that to mean the problem fighting over a woman, so help, anyone!). Emilio contends it wasn’t a problem over a woman, it’s that Orlando behaved very badly with Alina. That’s what made him angry, not the competition (implied). Emilio is going to tell the General. Now that Alina is dead, Orlando can say he didn’t abuse her and get away with it. Finally, Orlando lets him know the boys are waiting with orders from the boss.

DL, in the woods on his horse, looks down at Soledad and tells her she ain’t goin’ nowhere. She begs to differ. She’ll find a way to get out at the first opportunity. Sergio lassoes her (I don’t know much about lassoing but it looked pretty amateurish to me, and darned awkward in the woods with all the branches. Soledad looked like she was stepping gingerly so as to not lose the lasso around her). Sergio gleefully pulls her in.

At the Rinconada, Emilio is sitting behind the big desk and talking to Frank. Frank tells him the General was very impacted by the letter, which Emilio says he feared hadn’t made it through. The General has sent to boys to help Emilio in whatever way he needs. Emilio says they’re going to take care of DL.

In the storeroom where Braulio is being guarded, Iffy asks if he should go for the authorities and Max says no, we’ll wait a while. Iffy leaves. Max sits across from Braulio. He tells Braulio that with any luck, his daughter will change her mind and be his. Braulio growls at him. They exchange insults and Iffy comes in to tell Max someone’s looking for them. It’s Rosita, who’s changing her mind so Papi can be free. At first Max can’t believe it, but she starts to convince them it’s for real. Max is oily when he’s jubilant.

At Luba’s, the antidote hasn’t worked. Coral is worried, Luba can’t believe it, and Gaspar is very upset. Elias comes in to see them standing over the body of Alina. He can’t believe it. He is impactado. Again.

Back at the Casa de Loco, Alvaro is packing everyone (well, all his gal pals) into the convertible for a ride in the country. He tells Sergio they’ll only be gone a little while and to keep everything in order up here. Emilio and Frank drive up, with Emilio half out of the jeep before they even stop, gun pointed at Don Loco. He tells Alvaro that he’s now officially detained. Alvaro is commercial impactado.

“Looks like you want vengeance, Captain!” “No, this is justice.” Sergio, behind the gals, turns tail and runs. Emilio shoots, and Sergio stops. Don Loco reaches for his piece and Emilio stops him.

Back at the cave, Cesar goes to check Floralina’s vital signs. No luck. Gaspar defends his Mami. Elias looks at Luba in disbelief. “Did you take her out of her grave?” Coral assures him “yes, but it all has an explanation.” “Don’t you realize it’s a profanity, and it could be a crime?” Cesar says, “She doesn’t have any vital signs! She is DEAD.” Luba, best evil eye in place, tells him she doesn’t now but she’s gonna. He replies that’s ridiculous and they are going forward (with action against Luba). Gaspar looks scared speechless.

At the Casa de Loco, Frank helps Soledad out of the carriage while the boys face off. Emilio makes DL throw down his gun. Frank’s gun is sticking out behind his back, so DL, who is close, grabs it and Alfi at the same time. He puts her in front of him with the gun to her head. The boys toss off dialogue to each other and they decide to save Alfi, they have to let DL escape with her.

At the Rinconada pseudo-dungeon, Max holds Rosita to his side and Braulio strains against his ropes, trying to tell her not to do this for him! She tells him she must. Max frees Braulio, who tries to charge him, but finds a gun at his chest. They all argue, and Rosita gets dragged off by Max, yelling for her father to go. Braulio is left and flexes the yellow rope that had bound him, as if he could garrote someone with it. (Don’t we wish! I guess the whirlpool is no longer the final resting place of choice, the swamp is. So, if the garrote doesn’t work, can we consider sending Max to the quicksand/swamp?)

At Luba’s, she’s still arguing about the rescue of Alina with Cesar. She’s not committed any crime. Flor’s not dead, so it’s not a crime. They all argue and Gaspar tries to protect Mami. Elias requests that Cesar gives Luba more time. Cesar is reluctant but agrees to Elias’ request. They all have a staring match.

At Casa de Loco, Emilio want to jail Sergio and asks if it can be in the very same grain barn where she had been (but Emilio may not know that). Sergio, true coward that he is, begs for mercy. She yells back at him about all the abuses he laid at her feet. Emilio tells him to shut up. He reassures Soledad that it will be well. He tells her how much he loved Alina. Frank is gone with Sergio then reappears quickly. Sergio is apparently locked up in the barn. (Nice touch, that. The writers do us justice every now and then.) Emilio excuses himself. Before he and Frank can leave, two more young soldiers come running up to tell him they are there to help him. He tells them they must all capture Don Loco. Alive. They jump in the jeep, and Soledad wonders if Emilio is sincere, but now she must concentrate on Alina.

In the woods, Alfonsina is decked out in her best hiking gear, being dragged along by the hand for an afternoon stroll with Don Loco. She begs him to stop and let her rest because she can’t breathe (with so much running after him). He says it isn’t going to be so easy to get out of there, and she wonders where they plan to go. He says he’s not planning to go anywhere without Soledad. (Is polygamy illegal in Mexico, too? This looks hinky to me). She says you can’t get away from the soldiers, and he tells her, no problem, they expect me to run away and I’m staying here, with what’s mine, and Soledad is mine. They don’t expect that. (Geez, Louise, he’s even more loco than we thought. I reckon he failed Logic I and II).

Cut to Hugo in the woods (makes one wonder, gentle reader, if he’s going to stumble on them or them on him sometime soon?). He complains to himself about Don Loco and “what a pretty mess I’m in.” He blames the traitor Alfi. He’s bleeding, has no hat out in the hot sun, and looks like he’s been running a while. “Here I am without a job, without a woman, without the box, without a single friend in a strange land (brother, you got that last part so right! What a strange land!)” He tells himself to calm down, be serene, vengeance is a dish eaten cold, and you are too hot now to think clearly.

Elias, with a look of total disbelief, is trying to understand the story Luba has shared about Alina’s “death” and the attempted revival. Luba tries to reassure him Flor is not dead, these are all the mysteries of her herbs. (I wanna know what she has for weight loss). These are herbs used for remedies that people have forgotten about. Elias asks “okay, if it’s what you say, how come she hasn’t awakened?” Luba doesn’t know. (Very reassuring, to be certain). What if the dose was so strong she’ll never wake? Well, then, for my stupidity I will be jailed. She begs Elias for one hour to work on Flor’s revival. Elias hesitates, thinks, and says all right. One hour. If it doesn’t work, there won’t be anything more I can do to help you. Luba talks to Flor while Elias watches. Cut to commercial.

In the woods, (there’s a lot going on in the woods tonight, gentle readers) Braulio prepares to use the rope to hang himself. He talks to himself and puts the noose around his neck. It’s a pretty sophisticated knot for an impromptu hanging. He’s standing on a conveniently cut stump next to a big tree from which the noose hangs, and as he puts it on, Santos conveniently finds him, running and yelling for him not to do it! Braulio keeps putting on the noose. Santos reminds him that Rosita needs him. Braulio is not being dissuaded. He gets read to jump off the short stump and does it. Santos keeps yelling, but has the good sense to grab Braulio’s legs and hold him so he can’t hang. Braulio gives it up and takes the noose off, coughing, and laments that poor Rosita is going to suffer. Santos asks why and Braulio tells him that she traded her freedom for Papi’s. Santos is impactado.

Back at Castulo’s former cottage, Rosita is on the bed suffering at Max’s hands. Literally. (Why he took her there, who knows, since his bedroom is probably empty at the moment. But, maybe he likes adding insult to injury, reminding her of Castulo.) She cries, Max tells her to calm down. (Easy for you to say, Max. This is your idea of fun). He gets up and tells her “Castulo slept here.” (Okay, that’s not a LITERAL translation, but she can imagine it from what he really said. She’s already so creeped out that this probably won’t make much difference). He tells her he’ll leave her now but they’ll get back to this after she settles a bit. He warns her about escaping, because Papi is still at risk. (You SLIMEBALL, Max, you.) And you are going to be mine, mine, totally mine. He leaves her crying.

In the woods, Emilio and Frank run after the trail with guns drawn. The tracks stop at the place they have found. Emilio gives everyone orders to break apart and search several areas. Elsewhere (presumably close by), Don Loco is still dragging Alfi around by the hand. She asks why he doesn’t let her go. He points out that while she’s with him, he’s got an ace with the soldiers. He starts to kiss her and PRESTO! It’s Soledad he’s kissing. He tells her he cannot leave her, he needs her. No jail time will be as bad a living without her. He kisses her again and it’s Alfi. She questions him and he says he thought for a moment she was Soledad. She questions his sanity and he refutes it angrily. (Alfonsina, honey, that was ill advised and we’d have told you so if you’d bothered to ask). He orders her forward and they move out.

At the Rinconada, Orlando is leaning behind Thelma, looking like he’s cooking up the next big scenario. He asks about the divorce Emilio requested. She affirms that happened, and she’s afraid now there is nothing she can do to hold him. Orlando reminds her of the child. She says she’ll use the child to blackmail him. She notices that Orlando is concerned about something. He says Emilio thinks he’ll report Orlando’s behavior to the General. Auntie barges in (doesn’t anyone knock in this place?) Thelma asks what the heck she wants, and she just wants to share a bit of gossip…..er…..news. Braulio killed Castulo. Now you don’t have to worry about him any more. She excuses herself with a smug smile. That IS good news for Thelma. One less enemy.

Max and Angel are talking in the office regarding Emilio’s whereabouts and activities. He’s out, probably highway project business. Max is feeding Angel info. He’s going to buy a 4x4 for the new highway. Angel says, nope, it surely wasn’t about the highway; the General must have gotten Emilio’s letter about Don Loco. Max is impactado—what letter? He tells Angel it isn’t going to be so easy to nail Don Loco. He’ll fight to the end to keep what’s his. Angel is impactado.

Elsewhere in the Rinconada, Jaime and Vera are discussing Vera’s discovery. Vera is trying to convince Jaime that the witch poisoned Flor with the Prell. Vera is sure she is right, though Jaime says they cannot prove it all. But, Vera says they can prove the flask was Luba’s if they ask Gaspar. Jaime agrees, this is a good idea.

At Luba’s cave, she’s desperately trying to revive Floralina before time runs out. She puts the antidote on Flor’s lips, and touches some to Flor’s tongue. She tells Flor to wake up, please! Don’t abandon me! Elias come in and asks what’s up? It’s been an hour and she looks the same to me. Luba says, it can’t fail! I can’t fail. Elias tells her she has to accept that Flor is dead. Luba cries. “I was wrong the other time and I’m wrong now.” Elias calls the Sergeant. Luba begs the Virgincita not to take Flor as we cut to commercial.

Back at the Casa de Loco, Soledad is saddling a horse when she hears Don Loco call her and turns, impactada. He approaches with Alf, “Where do you think you’re going?”

Back at the Rinconada, Max is talking to Angel, with his usual drink in hand. He’s going to send Iffy to the Casa de Loco to see what’s up there. He grabs his hat and gets ready to walk out, still facing Angel and talking to him Santos comes in behind Max, grabs him around the neck and puts a knife to his neck. (Nice move, smooth!) Angel asks him what he’s doing. Max says, it’s obvious, he’s trying to kill me like he tried with you. Santos holds the knife at his throat while we go back to Luba’s.

Luba and the crowd are in the living room of the cave. Gaspar, sweet boy, is still trying to verbally defend Mami, though it comes out as a whine. Luba looks resigned to her fate and Cesar is ready to take her away. Elias and Coral look sad. No one is going to win here. Elias is sorry, but he cannot help, and Cesar has to follow the law. Luba takes the blame and they walk away as the hoarse voice comes from the back room—“Luba?” Flor walks out and Luba smiles a little. Others smile, too. Flor looks confused and tired. (Well, it HAS been a trying day, gentle readers)

At Max’s office, Santos is arguing with Angel, who wants him to let Max go. Santos refuses (of course!). Max wants Angel to go for Jaime for help, and Angel wants to know what is happening. Santos replies that what is happening is that you boys don’t know what type of uncle you have. He raped my Mama, I’m his son and he tried to have me killed by Castulo. Angel is MUY impactado.

At the Casa de Loco, Soledad is defying Don Loco. He assures her that he’s not going to do anything except be with her. He sends Alfi to keep a watch so no one interferes. He just wants to be happy with Soledad. Above all, were husband and wife, we swore before the altar we’d be together through good and bad. I’ve never stopped loving you. But, Soledad advises him, I stopped loving you. He tells her she is just confused. (Like you really know what “confused” looks like, Alvaro!) Behind him, Emilio tells him to get away from her. He turns.

Back at Luba’s, she’s relieved and as happy as Luba ever gets. She thanks the Virgin for saving Flor. Elias grabs Flor, who looks woozy, and sits her down. Flor doesn’t feel so hot. (Imagine that!) She needs to rest and has a headache. Gaspar, Elias and Coral look on, smiling. Cesar is incensed. He does not understand any of it. This girl had no vital signs and they took her out of her grave! What’s up with that??!! Flor is impactada—“mi TUMBA??” Luba gazes on the Virgin’s picture.

Back at the Casa de Loco, things are hopping. Gunshots ensue. DL drags Soledad behind a stone wall that has a lovely low place perfect for his shooting hand to rest on and a nice sight line. Emilio is stuck with a tree, behind which he has to stand and periodically peer out to shoot. He’s younger, surely his hand is steadier and he doesn’t need the sight line. Besides, he practices shooting almost as much as Alvaro. The difference is, Emilio practices on paper targets.

Alina’s remembering taking the Prell. Gaspar is excited she’s alive, and so is Coral. Luba orders Gaspar to take her to the back room so she can rest because she’s weak. The army guy is still dumbfounded. He is still disbelieving what he just saw happen. Elias tells him, you didn’t see anything. And for Alina’s well-being, it’s better that everyone still thinks she is dead for the moment until we capture Alvaro. Coral tells them they need to get Alina out of the Sierra. But, Cesar argues he has to inform his superior. Coral assures him she will inform Emilio instead. Luba says she’ll tell the patrona that the daughter is okay. Elias gives his information to Coral, and Luba is still gazing on the Virgin’s picture as they depart.

Alfi, back at her room in the Casa de Loco, has thrown her stuff into a red suitcase and tells herself “I’m outta here!” She heads for the door.

On the road in the Sierra, Cesar is driving while Elias, whose arm is around Alina while he explains some of what is happening to her, away from Luba’s. They move on down the road. (So, how come Alvaro doesn’t use jeeps like these? How come these are the first real vehicles we’ve seen for the past four months in the Sierra? Why is Max just now thinking about a 4x4?)

Back outside the Casa de Loco, Alvaro points his gun then draws it back. We see him with Soledad from behind the wall. Soledad begs him to give up, surrender, this is craziness. Instead, he thrusts his gun back into the groove he’s using for the sight line, yells and starts to shoot again. I guess Soledad will need a new tack. Emilio tells him to surrender and walks toward Don Loco’s wall with Frank. “If you move, I kill you!” (Sounds like a plan to me). Don Loco moves to look through the sight line spot, nods, and pushes Soledad out with him. He throws the gun to Frank, and comes face to face with Emilio’s barrel in his neck. They stare at each other, unsmiling, as we fade to credits.


Vocabulary:
Reanimando – reviving (also means to cheer up, but that didn’t seem to fit this episode…..)
Falda- skirt
Una problema de falda – a problem with a skirt (fighting over a woman, correct me fast someone, if I’m misinterpreting)
Chantajear- blackmail


Jeanne (Ferro’s understudy)

Labels: duelo