Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Duelo Tuesday May 29 - In which Luba listens to the devil on her shoulder

Yesterday Don Loco's shady lawyer threatened Elias and Elias kicked him out of his house, but not before Elias told him he wants to see DonLoco spend the rest of his days behind bars.

Capitan Rodrigo plays with his cute daughter at home. She seems to be a very good actress. They will probably minimize her screen time so her papito will seem less like a piece of wood and more like a man. Too bad.

A squirrely looking guy named Mauricio visits Rodrigo. Apparently he is Dra. Loca's fiance. So I guess last night she was saying he is still her fiance but apparently she's not too happy about it? Anyway, it seems to make sense because he whines about her continuing to put her job before their relationship. So basically he's a remora and she doesn't like it.

Luba finally makes her way to the Devil's Cave. Luckily Coral just happens to be there and is thrilled to see her. Coral asks about Gaspar. Luba, who does not tell a lie, lies to Coral that Gaspar's back at the cave in Escondidaville. Coral talks Luba and Tonky into staying with her at her sorority house. Luba can't wait to see Floralina.

A nice butcher has hired Gaspar to help him out. Gaspar says he will have enough money in a week to go to Puebla to find his little cub.

Soledad tries to get rid of her headache from tying one on the night before but Coral and Luba show up and much screaming ensues. They're all happy to see each other except Tonky who seems more interested in some food he found on the carpet than in saying hello to Floralina. Luba is about to fill them in on the latest when Elias joins them.

Elias says he has great news. In one week DonLoco's trial will begin. Soledad, Luba and Flor are impactadas although Soledad also looks scared and unhappy.

With musical accompaniment we see a series of scenes that I gather are symbolic of the next week - Dra. Loca interviewing and pursing her lips sexily at DonLoco, Alina busting out of a red tank top while Rodrigo plays with Tonky and stares at her when she's not looking, Gaspar earning lots of money, Emilio crying/praying/flashbacking (urp), Flor crying to Angel, Santos and Rosita visiting Braulio in jail, Coral and Soledad decorating their new business.

So I guess it's one week later and Luba is loitering outside the Valtierra house. She asks the Virgencita for strength. She knows she should tell the truth about Gaspar being the father of Emilito but...but...the inner turmoil begins. What kind of life will her grandcub have living in a cave? He'll be better off living the life of luxury, but poor Gaspar has already suffered so much. Suddenly a jeep drives up and Emilio jumps out. He sees Luba and asks her what she's doing there.

The Trial - Don Loco is brought forth to stand behind bars in the judging room. (I don't think it's really a courtroom, I don't know what to call it.) The trial against Alvaro Montellano for all the injustices he has committed against Soledad, Alina, and the law in general is announced and begins.

The prosecutor asks DonLoco if it's true that he confined Soledad against her will for over two years. DonLoco immediately goes on a tirade about Soledad boinking the foreman so everything was all her fault yada yada. Soledad yells back at him. These two have the same fight they always have except now they've got an audience.

Luba spends a lot of time hemming and hawing at Emilio. She thought bubbles...which is more important, the happiness of her son or the future happiness of her little grandcub? She SHOULD tell the truth, but she chickens out and tells Emilio that Gaspar is crazier than ever and she's come to warn him that Gaspar is about to do something foolish. Way to go Judas, I mean Luba.

Luba tells Emilio that Gaspar is going around saying that Emilito is his little cub, ha ha, what a kook, right? Emilio's not laughing but since he never laughs who knows what he's thinking? He says he'll keep guards around the house in case Gaspar shows up. Oh Luba, the Virgencita may not forgive you for this one.

OK, back to the trial and Shady Lawyer tries to present Jose's letter and Soledad's bracelet as evidence that she is an adultress, as if that has anything to do with DonLoco's crimes. Soledad admits the bracelet is hers and Shady Lawyer cackles in glee. The warden takes it upon himself to do the smackdown, he tells the judge that this alleged adultress crapola has nothing to do with the charges against DonLoco, he is on trial, not Soledad. The judge orders the recorder to strike it from the record. Soledad and DonLoco get into it again and this time she walks out of her little box and stands right in front of DonLoco so they can yell in close proximity.

Emilio tries to be a nice guy to Luba, he says he'll go to San Mateo and try to intercept Gaspar. He tries to give Luba 13 pieces of silver (well, a wad of bills actually) but in her despair at becoming a traitor to her own son she refuses and leaves.

Cut to Gaspar receiving his final payment from the nice butcher. Gaspar is so happy that his muscles are about to make his clothes explode off his body (heh heh I wish). The poor schmuck hugs the butcher and skips out of town.

Fast Forward through Don and Doña Loco screaming...oh wait, the warden has something to say. He and Shady Lawyer bicker about Alina being DonLoco's real progeny or not. The warden decides to exhume the body to get hair so they can do a DNA test. Elias and Soledad are impactados.

Don Loco cusses up a storm at this suggestion and goes completely ballistic until the Doctora requests a recess so her patient can overcome his nervous and irritable state. The guards drag him out as he screams at Soledad.

Dra. Aida Loca calms DonLoco in her office. She says she is a professional and musn't take sides. She holds his hands and leans waaaaaaaay over... Her door opens; it is her fiance Mauricio and he doesn't look happy about his sweetie flashing her flesh to this patient.

Aida introduces them, "This is my patient Alvaro Montellano. Alvaro, this is my...FRIEND Mauricio." "Sorry to interrupt, FRIEND," Mauricio snaps as he makes his exit. OK, so that's how it is.

Emilio warns Thelma that Gaspar might be showing up in Puebla. Thelma is wearing a hideous white lace shirt and tight clam-digger jeans with lace on the pockets and cuffs. Also white spike heels. It's incredibly tacky and of course she looks fantastic. She thought bubbles that Luba must have warned Emilio, her suspicions that Luba had visited were correct.

Thelma makes her maid describe the odd woman who was at their door. Long hair, with a dog, yep, it must have been Luba. She tells Singing Auntie of her suspicions. She says if that imbecile Gaspar sets one foot in the house she'll kill him because only if he is dead will he stop bothering her. She tosses back a shot of scotch to drive the point home.

Soledad and Elias fill Alina in on the courtroom drama and about them wanting to exhume her body for the DNA. They hope that DonLoco will act like such a madman in front of the judge that he will be put away for years without having to have an exhumation.

Santos and Rosita visit Braulio in jail. I'm wondering why this guy is still in jail? Everybody else in Escondidaville kills, rapes, shoots, maims and they all get off scot free, but the nice guy who shot the man who raped his daughter and was threatening to re-murder his future son-in-law, this man is still rotting in jail? I don't get it. Anyway, Santos tells Braulio that the day he and Rosita have been waiting for has finally arrived. They are getting married tomorrow. Braulio cries because he wanted to be by his daughter's side for her special day, but he gives them his blessing. Someday they will all be together again.

Shady Lawyer Mauro tells DonLoco that the key to winning the trial is knowing when to open his mouth and knowing when to keep it shut. DonLoco is not helping his case by yelling and ranting in front of the judge. DonLoco says the key to winning is going to Vera Cruz and talking to Hugo who said he had something that would help him. Hugo knows Soledad is an adultress and has something to say against her. Then she can go to the devil.

Alina has another date with Rodrigo.

Emilio coos at the baby while Thelma slithers around exclaiming that they are all Norman Rockwell at last. "We are anything but normal," grunts Emilio. She makes him feel guilty and he agrees go out for a stroll just like a happy family does.

Luba goes back to Coral's house to say her goodbyes. She's going to find her son and return to her cave. Now why does Luba want to go back to the place where the villagers are hunting for her blood? I'm thinking she should stay in Puebla, jump on the Coral gravy train and open some sort of new age curandera healing shop with herbs and crystals and that sort of thing.

Oh barf, Thelma and Emilio are taking their lovely stroll with the baby. She keeps calling him "mi amor" and grabbing his arm while he stiffens up every time she touches him. She tries to pump him for info about what Luba said to him EXACTLY. She keeps pushing and pushing until he becomes irritated and tells her to shut it.

They pass by some cool-looking bright blue buildings with pink trim. After they turn the corner the camera pans to one of the doorways...Alina and Rodrigo are having lunch inside the courtyard.

Rodriga and Alina talk about what they have in common. She - "Due to my screwed up family I've had no life for the past two years." He - "Really? Since my wife died I've had no life either. Wow, we really have a lot in common." Alina says she wants to study and have a career. Doofus should give her some space but he's on a roll. He has an admission to make, from the moment he met her he felt as if he knew her all his life. Oh, strike one! "Uh, I really enjoy being with you," responds Alina.

Rodrigo smiles stiffly and says he wants to be "more than friends." Strike two! "What do you say Alina, do you want to be my...girlfriend?" As Rodrigo moves closer to her she leans back, playing with her heart necklace and staring into space. Strike three and he's out!

Angel's doctor is very surprised, Angel seems to be much better. There is even a chance he might live! Angel grins as his little cogs and sprockets work overtime thinking about Alina.

Uh oh, it's the kiss of death for Rodrigo. Alina wants to be 1) friends and she 2) needs more time. He takes it pretty well. Between him and the weakling Angel she's now got two insipid suitors.

Don Loco is talking to his bitch out in the jail playground. I don't know the guy's name so I'll call him Batneck because of his tattoos. DonLoco asks Batneck if he has contacts on the outside who can take care of a little business for him. Batneck says if the business is "chivaton" it will be cheap, but if it is a "sancho" it will be more expensive. I'm not certain but I gather a chivaton is a stool pigeon and a sancho means the other guy, i.e. Elias. Help anyone? Anyway, DonLoco wants Batneck to take care of this "sancho" so that he can't testify against him.

Thelma admires a heart necklace in a jewelry store and this sets Emilio off on a cascade of flashbacks. After continued prodding by Thelma he asks the salesgirl the price of the necklace at the very moment that Rodrigo and Alina pass by the window behind him. What are the odds?

Advance - Thelma sees Rodrigo and Alina, will she tell Emilio?

la joyería = jewelry store
la carnicería = butcher's shop
juicio = trial

Labels:


Comments:
I like your description of the struck-out suitor. We have one of those on Destilando also (and he is also, in my opinion, preferable to our crazy but pretty leading man). Oh, I remember, Yadhira had one on Barrera too, and he also was preferable to Unibrow the leading man.
 

Thanks for the recap, Sylvia. I liked the "remora" remark.

Was I seeing what I wanted - "Ultimas Semanas" for Duelo? Isn't that about 4 weeks?

Why is Braulio in jail, and not the other bad guys? Dinero! If you've got it, or are protected by someone with it, no worries. (I'm sure Braulio gets out - these shows do come through for the little guy - if he's not killed first!).
Así es la vida.

Can't wait to see Gaspar roaming the streets of Puebla, yeling for his little cub. LOL.
 

Muchas Gracias Sylvia. Very detailed and informative recap. Finally someone mentions a DNA test..I just cannot believe that no one else has EVER suggested such a modern approach to determining paternity. I bet that Don Loco would still NOT believe Alina to be his child but atleast the legal system would have some proof that vindicates the poor long suffering Soledad.

Thanks for responding to my question about ordering DVDs from NovelasRUs. After my search on TW and comments made by others, I think that I will order Amor Real as I have yet to see the whole sweeping epic and am anxious to do so. I loved Alborada and am looking forward to seeing another of Carla Estrada's productions esplendoroso.
 

Luba who never lies made a big mistake in not telling that dolt the truth. Yeah the kid would be better off with Emilio because, and I find it hard to believe, Thelma appears to really love it, and living with Gaspar in a cave doesn't have the same cachet. But I have a feeling that someone will kill Gaspar and Luba will have to live with the consequences of her lie.

Unbelievable is right - in years of watching novelas no one has ever mentioned DNA than again they screw it up with the insanity of having Alina examined to find proof of a rape that occurred weeks ago. Obviously they don't have scientific or medical experts around to ask a few basic questions.

Two insipid suitors well actually three if you include the Dolt. LOL.

Johanna
 

Yes, the fact that they asked Alina to have an exam for rape weeks after the fact is so bizarre. There would be no evidence at this point in time; but I guess that this is the way that she will find out that she is still a virgin?? I never understood how she could believe that Orlando raped her in the first place as I said before. Who writes these unbelievable scenarios? There are so many holes in this telenovela..more than most that I have seen. Kinda of sad as I really like the scenery; the sets; the music and of course Tonkey. Also, I like the character of Luba; but in the last few episodes, the writers are making her appear so weak and indecisive. I think cachorrito would be so much better off living in a cave and learning her craft than being raised by Thelma and Emilio.
 

Sylvia, thanks for the great recap! Thanks for sticking it out to the (bitter) end! So, are you going to “Yo Amo a Juan….?” What's a remora?

Yeah, it looks like Dra. Loca isn’t too enthralled with her fiancé. Poor guy. On the other hand, he’s not too inspiring. Nothing like walking right in on her office hours with a patient in the chair. Er. On the sofa.

Coral’s having a loooong sleepover. Is Adela the chaperone?

That filler to transition through a week was good. They could do that more often instead of insipid dialogue. In fact, someone ought to point that out to the LFMB writers for Tomy/Alicia scenes and cuartel stuff. Oops, too late!

“grandcub” LOL! Perfect!

Maybe that was Don Loco’s arraignment, where they decide if they need to pursue the charges, if there is enough to have a regular case? I don’t know law that well, and definitely not in another country.

“Luba tells Emilio that Gaspar is going around saying that Emilito is his little cub, ha ha, what a kook, right? Emilio's not laughing but since he never laughs who knows what he's thinking?” Great cop-out, Luba. Maybe Emiliooo will keep this stored in long-term and bring it out when he needs it, even if he didn’t give any face. (Term in my world for not having any facial expression).

If any judge could watch that interaction between DL and Soledad, and hear his words, and NOT understand how loco DL is……..It’s clear to us! (But then the judge hasn’t been with us since January 15). Apparently the Shady Lawyer knows this, though, since he’s telling DL to shut it.

Of course, the judge would be able to order the exhumation. Good call, Sr. Juez! This oughta make for a few interesting moments.

“Thelma is wearing a hideous white lace shirt and tight clam-digger jeans with lace on the pockets and cuffs. Also white spike heels. It's incredibly tacky and of course she looks fantastic.” ROTFL! Emilio really must not like this chick to be so put off by such a good-looking gal.

Good for Santos and Rosita for getting married. It’s always worried me that Max would find a way to make off with her and marry her himself (sort of like Thelma, come to think of it). Git ‘r DONE, you two!

“Uh oh, it's the kiss of death for Rodrigo. Alina wants to be 1) friends and she 2) needs more time. He takes it pretty well. Between him and the weakling Angel she's now got two insipid suitors” Three, if you count Emiliooo, PLUS he’s married.

For those who mentioned DNA, it was brought up several times in the beginning but nixed by who other than DL himself? He didn't want to know, because he's celotipic, I guess. Better to suspect and not have real proof if you have celotipia, because it would take the wind right out of your sails.

Jeanne
 

Great recap, Sylvia. speaking if men always falling in love with a certain woman (usually the virginal type) one novela I saw years ago had Victoria Ruffo with about five men who were in love with her. It happens alot!

I think a remora is one of those sucker fish that clings to sharks and eats leftovers.

And ultimas semanas is about two or three weeks and then it ends up in ultimas capitulos which is about two or so more weeks. I THINK?
 

This entire show requires that we invoke Life Rule #1 (do not try to understand madness). That is a great stress reliever. And Luba should teach Gaspar Life Rule #2 (don't tease the bear). Cindy
 

Thanks everyone for your comments. If I sound a little blah in my recap it's because I'm REALLY sick, not because I hate the telenovela, which I do not even though it's wacky and unbelievable.

Schoolmarm, click onto the highlighted word REMORA and it will take you to a wikipedia article. Remoras are very weird fish that attach themselves to bigger fish (or divers as I once discovered) to hitch a free ride, like Becky T says.

Anya, you hit the nail on the head. Braulio is in jail because he can't buy his way out. So this would be one realistic aspect of an otherwise unrealistic program.

It's weird, several of the telenovelas I'm watching (or at least glancing at from time to time) have similar topics...fake burials (Duelo/Zorro), husbands not having sex with odious but sexy wives because they are pining for their true loves(Duelo/Destilando/Zorro), and second-place suitors who are preferable to the supposed hero or leading man.

I think we have about 4 weeks left.

Ha ha! I just read Cindy's comment. Good life rules!
 

Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia. What can I say? What can any of us say? This thing has gone on for too too long. At least your recap made the few glimpses I caught funny. I especially liked your take on Thelmas outfit. I marveled at her get up too, thinking What!!??

Also I find it interesting that Adela is back to being a servant. I thought she shed her bonds of slavery and everyone was living off of Corals lana.

Since I havent been around in a while I would like to add some praise to some other recappers:
Carmel (shout out to you!) I love your name for Doctora Loca. Margaret (shout out to you too!) thank you for clearing up the Elena /Alina confusion. Im like Chris where Im not tuning in anymore so these little intricacies can foul a recapper up. Thank you for being on the ball!
 

Sylvia, for someone sick you did REALLY well! Thanks for the remora link. I remember those now, hearing about them. I'm going to miss all of you.

Jeanne
 

Gee, I just realized how that sounded, thanking Sylvia for the remora link and that I've heard them, then telling you all I'll miss you. Ooops, didn't mean to imply any link between those subjects.

;-)

Jeanne
 

No offense taken. Anyway, I've been known to latch on and hitch a ride now and again when it served my purpose.

Hey everybody, don't say goodbye yet, we've still got another month of Don and Doña Loco fighting about the same old stuff. It's all very Dante-esque (thinking of Infierno of course).
 

Sylvia, I hope you feel better soon. I just got over a cold, cough, allergies? I coughed so much that I ended up getting bruised ribs. My doctor thought he would be funny when he told me that all I had to do to feel better was not to breathe for a couple of days to heal the bruises-but them I would be DEAD! Oh, well, I hope you didn't get THE COUGH!
 

DUHH DUHH! I can't seem to spell anything right lately. I mean THEN! Not them! My cough has affected my brain!
 

True, true. We have time left. More fun for all of us.

;-)

Jeanne
 

I went back over my translation from Monday and I remember the exchange between Aida and Rodrigo, like this:
Rodrigo: And what about Mauricio?
Aida: He's got his fiancee, that's not going to change. [Ya tiene su prometida, y eso no va a cambiar].

Pretty damn weird to be talking about yourself in the third person. I assumed that Mauricio had thrown her over for some other girl and that is also why she looked sad when DL asked her if she had ever had her heart broken.

Instead, we find out that Mauricio is kind of a possessive jerk and she'd like to break up with him. So much so, that she's falling for an even more possessive jerk, DL. SHE needs some serious analysis.
 

Great points, Margaret.

Jeanne
 

"Oh dear, when we start getting attracted to the same dismal type over and over it's time to force a break in the pattern." That's probably what Dr. Aida tells her patients.

Margaret, I remember rewinding that conversation as well and not entirely getting the meaning.

Becky T., the same thing happened to my sister. My Dr. (not loco so far as I can tell) also warned me about that rib thing.
 

What a beautifully written recap!!! I enjoyed it very much.
 

Lynn, thank you! As for the name "Dr. Loca," that was actually Margaret's excellent idea.

Sylvia, sorry to hear you're sick -- I've got a cold and that's my excuse for doing such a lame recap last week. Yours puts me to shame because it's great.
 

Carmel, how can you say your recap was lame? I disagree. I just went back and re-read it and I realized that Don Loco and Doctora Aida Loca are already having repeat conversations. These people! Caray, Caray!
 

Dr.Loca: "I am a professional. You are a very sick man." Don Loco: "Soledad cheated on me with a damn foreman!" repeat repeat repeat. Good thing this show is almost over!
 

Carmel

Don Loco: "Soledad cheated on me with a damn foreman!" repeat repeat repeat.

I sometimes think we should have a betting pool on how many more times this idiot is going to repeat the phrase. Just counting the days, weeks until he discovers the truth!

Johanna
 

Sorry you're feeling badly, Sylvia. Terrific recap. A cold? You and Angel were NOT coughing in tandem, I hope? ;-)

Dra. Loca telling Don Loco HE'S very sick?? Pot. Kettle. Black.
 

I actually liked Thelma's white lace shirt, though. Maybe not the way she put it all together, but I'd wear that shirt. :)
I still don't get how anyone could be attracted to DL, especially someone who just diagnosed him with celotypia. Yeah, I said that already but it still amazes me.
Alina needs a more exciting suitor. Angel, Emilio, Rodrigo... Meh.
 

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