Caray, Caray!

This is Jeanne, subbing for Lynn, and Margaret did a summary below in the notes, also. Just a note, 13 is one of my two lucky numbers (long story), but it didn’t seem to help Alina or Duelo much.

Duelo opens to a repeat scene of Sergio telling DL that here in jail we’re all equal, and you’re just a miserable as the rest of us. Even with all your money, you couldn’t escape. (What’s Sergio’s problem here? He knows DL better than anyone, including Soledad. He knows that he’s waving a bright scarlet cape in front of this bull. It doesn’t matter that he’s right. This is one of those places it doesn’t pay to be right.) Don Loco reminds him that sooner or later, everything comes out here. He knows that Sergio ratted. If Sergio thinks he’s man enough, come ahead and try it (referring to the shiny knife Sergio seems to have obtained in jail and is pointing at DL). Predictably, there’s a tussle.

We move to Coral’s backyard where lovely mariachi music is not enchanting Alina a bit. Not even such a fabulous singing voice does it for her (by the way, Sylvia, you’re right. There were definitely tonsils). Still, she loves the bum. Soledad and Coral come into her room to share the box seats for the concert. With varying degrees of conviction, they try to talk to her about him. He sends the boys away, and calls up to her window. Coral editorializes about his pleas.

We move to the hospital where Gaspar will surely die if they don’t find someone compatible, because Luba isn’t. Gaspar looks like he’s flat lining (NOOOOO! Say it isn’t sooooooo, Doc!) Nurses come running. They pull our screaming witch/healer out of the room while the doc attempts to help Gaspar.

Back at the jail, DL is telling Sergio not to try to yell, because he’s not letting the traitor loose anyway. This is how traitors end up, dying by their own hands. He cuts Sergio’s throat and Sergio convulses on the floor, blood gushing from mouth and throat. DL carefully places the fingerprint laden knife in Sergio’s hand and arranges it neatly to look like he did it himself, and Sergio is now part of the litter of dead or dying. Our question of the day, gentle readers: will Dra. Loca make the connection that DL asked to see his old friend, who is now dead from a slashed throat? Probably not.

Coral and Soledad are still trying to comfort a crying Alina. Coral asks why she’s crying, since she had nothing to do with Emilio breaking his marriage to Thelma up, not really. Alina is unconvinced, of course. Soledad adds her two cents’ worth and Emilio calls up that he’s waiting. Alina whines, “what will I do?” and brings up Rodrigo.

In the little tiny shack out in the boonies, Hugo and Alfi have tied Ricardo, Mariana and Malena up into conveniently available chairs with conveniently available rope (although it is remotely possible these two actually had a plan when they came up here and brought the rope with them). Mariana asks why Alfi hates her so much and doesn’t get much of an answer. Gentle readers, let me pose this thought: is this really the time to be asking stupid questions? Alfi tells her that she owes Alfi something. Mariana accused her of bringing all this about, starting this mess. Alfi reminds her that she’s the one who hid the relationship.

Luba cries to the Virgencita to find a way to save her son, and give Luba strength. The Virgen appears, and reminds her they are not alone and they can depend on her. Luba smiles and looks hopeful.

Soledad and Coral ask Alina what she’ll do. “Tell him to go.” It’s too painful when he looks for me. Coral reminds her to let her heart search for the answer.

In the cabin, Mariana makes an impassioned recounting of all the tragedy in her life, and “is that too little suffering?” Alfi leans over her and say, “oh how sad” with a big smarmy smile. (Gentle readers, at this point, nearly any final demise we have suggested for anyone so far, starting with the whirlpool, will not be bad enough for Alfi). Mariana yells at her that she’ll get hers, and Ricardo says, “don’t inflame her any more.” Hugo pours fuel around and they set fire to it as they leave, with our three detained second team heroes screaming for mercy.

Alina has come down to the dark yard and she and Emiliooo are having an impassioned discussion. He reminds her that every time they see each other, it’s clear how they feel for each other. He dares her to look in his eyes and say she doesn’t love him. She can’t. He tells her they can finally be together if she wants it. He kisses her. Rodrigo comes into the yard, watching this, commercial impactado in a Rodrigo-sort of way.

Emilio yells at him not to come and get involved with what doesn’t pertain to him. Rodrigo begs to differ and points out military code of conduct stuff and tells Emilio that all he’s given this girl is grief. He accuses Emilio of using Alina just like he has used many women. Emilio belts him, and makes a nasty (and very unnecessary) crack about doing to her like you did to your own wife. A full-fledged fight ensues.

At the cabin, the flames are getting intense and the smoke is filling the place. Apparently, Hugh and Alfi are no better at tying knots than they are at any of their other schemes, because even slightly disabled Mariana can get out of hers. Ricardo pulls Mariana out first, but Malena is having a bit more trouble. Will she get out?

Coral and Soledad come down to the yard, with the fight underway and lots of yelling. They try to intervene and Emilio tells them to butt out. Rodrigo yells that he’s carried this pain about his wife for years and what does Emilio know of it? He’s just adding Alina to his collection and doesn’t really love her. (At this point, gentle readers, I am really liking Rodrigo and thinking Alina should really end up with him. If you put a moustache on Emilio, he’d look suspiciously like DL and she’d be marrying her Daddy’s tipo de hombre, IMO. But I digress). Soledad finally chimes in to tell him to just go, already. Emiliooo goes.

Back at the cabin, Mariana begs Ricardo to go in after Malena, and the cabin blows. She panics that her cousin is lost and screams. Ricardo holds her on the ground.

In Coral’s living room, Rodrigo is getting cleaned up with Alina’s help. Alina leaves for a moment. He apologizes for exchanging blows with Emiliooo. Rodrigo tries to convince himself, Coral and Soledad that Emiliooo doesn’t really want Alina for herself. Coral points out that he has no real idea of the long history between the two. Soledad just wants peace. Rodrigo agrees, gives Alina a little kiss, and leaves. Soledad, finally looking like she may be getting some sense, tells Alina to rest and get her thoughts in order. It almost looked like stern admonishment to get her act together.

At the cabin, Mariana and Ricardo are back on their feet. Mariana is still fretting over Malena, screaming “no!” The cabin should be ashes by now. It was just wood. Apparently, it was treated wood. Aha! Here’s Malena! She’s alive but very injured and burned. They run to her to help.

At Coral’s boutique, Soledad, Coral and Angel are talking about the scene with his brother the night before. Soledad knows Alina loves Emilio but Rodrigo is a good man. Angel doesn’t want to see his brother suffer. Soledad leaves with a rack of clothes, and Angel is fretting about Claudia. Coral lets Angel see Claudia’s confidential info – they smile conspiratorially.

Sleazy lawyer Mauro, meeting with DL, hears that there was a sad event at the jail the night before (busy night, huh, in Puebla?). There’s a body. DL informs him it was Sergio’s. Mauro figures that DL had something to do with it. DL says it could be that Mauro knows him well, and what happens to those who betray him. Mauro sits back. He finally tells DL that Alfi and Hugo bopped him and escaped. DL shakes his head. It’s clear, gentle readers, that it isn’t going to go well for Mauro from here on and it’s only a matter of time.

Back at the jail after the commercial, DL asks how could it be that Mauro failed to get the job done. Mauro – with as much bravado as he can muster when faced off by a bully in a jail jumpsuit, tells him that as absurd as it sounds, that’s what happened. I told you I’m no killer and there were two against just me. DL does what every good schoolmarm knows to do to warn a kid without getting ugly…..lowers his voice to a whisper and walks slowly up close behind Mauro. (For anyone who wants to know, gentle readers, this is a time-honored instructional strategy that works up to about middle school. Then the kids have your number). He gently puts his hands on Mauro’s shoulders. Unlike any schoolmarm I’ve ever known, DL squeezes those shoulders; Mauro sweats and grimaces. DL advises Mauro he’s getting out one way or another. Mauro massages one shoulder.

Rodrigo, with prominent bruises on his lovely face (he really is a looker, and getting less wooden every day—I did a freeze frame on him in this scene and whew, what eyes! Remind me of my hubby’s puppy eyes), is telling his uncle the General about Emiliooo’s bad behavior. He wants to impose sanctions from the military code of honor.

Luba tells the Lucha Libre Master (LLM) that things are bad; the doc comes in to tell them he’s stabilized Gaspar. But, they have to send Gaspar back to Puebla because they don’t’ have what they need to save the boy there. Luba asks what if there isn’t any donor? Then, only a miracle will save him.

The General asks his nephew about the altercation. Rodrigo doesn’t exactly tell his uncle the whole truth and nothing but the truth about the reasons Emilio had, and he reminds Uncle that he was supposed to be protecting Alina from harm. (Hm. That’s a twisted rendition of the facts if I ever heard one, gentle readers). But Uncle says he’s no fool. He knows what’s up here. Don’t abuse that privilege you have. Yes, we’ll sanction him, but watch it.

The prosecutor guy is questioning Dra. Loca who sticks to her story about DL needing to be out of solitary, etc., etc. He tries to call her bluff but she is righteously indignant about knowing what her patient needs. Same old, same old.

Singing Auntie, playing with the baby, talks with Emilio as he walks in to find Thelma gone. Why is she gone so early? How strange!

Tina is talking with another woman, and Gaby notes Thelma in a bright blue car. Thelma is throwing a stuffed bear up and down, Gaby is pulled to the bear, and thus, Thelma. (She looks older than that. Most kids her age wouldn’t be falling for the stranger with candy/stuffed bear routine, but this is telenovelaland, gentle readers). Thelma chitchats with Gaby and tells Gaby her cat had kittens, you want to come see them? Sure! But I have to tell my nanny. No, she’s busy (very slick, Thelma). Gaby gets in the car with her. Tina is done talking and sees Gaby has disappeared. She panics. (She should. She’s dealing with a maniac).

Alina is taking her test for the entrance to the nursing school and hearing Emilio’s voice, then re-living the kiss with “their music” playing. She admonishes herself to get focused and forget him.

Tina explains to passersby that Gaby has disappeared. She calls Rodrigo, who is at home now. These military guys sure keep weird office hours. Tina cries on the phone, and Rodrigo gets alarmed, “Is everything okay?” No! Gaby’s disappeared! Don’t move, I’m on the way!”

Gaby has finally registered that “this place is really out in the sticks! (Muy solo, very isolated)” Why are we here? Thelma has stopped. Geez, Louise, what a well-thought out plan. What’s she gonna do with a 10-year old? Make Rodrigo comply with her demand to pressure Alina so she can have Emilio all to herself? Gaby gets panicky and cries. Thelma, always the nurturing mother-type, yells at Gaby to shut up.

Singing Auntie and Emilio talk about where Thelma might be, and about the divorce. SA is worried about what Thelma might do when she finds out about the divorce being filed. Frank comes to inform Emilio that the General wants to see him RIGHT NOW!

Dra. Loca is still fussing with the prosecutor. I’d love to see that smirk wiped off her face, gentle readers. The prosecutor asks her if DL is confronted with the real proof of the DNA, could it make DL worse? No, she has a theory that if he learns the truth, he will be allll better. (Sheesh.) It’s a risk they have to take for her patient. (We are reminded, gentle readers, that her most recent risk on behalf of her patient resulted with a dead body).

An ambulance is speeding to Puebla with Gaspar and Luba in it. He tells her he hurts, and is going to die. No, she says, you are not going to leave me and you are going to know your cub. She tells him about his cub, with Gaspar’s eyes. She cries to the Virgen and thought bubbles that he cannot die without knowing his baby.

The General is lecturing Emilio about his altercation at Coral’s the night before. He is disgusted with the bad behavior he heard reported. (Like Emilio doesn’t know who reported it). Emilio says he tried to prevent the fight. (Gentle readers, I remember distinctly that Emilio personally threw the first blow. Some attempt at prevention). The General is shipping him off to Siberia for a while. Okay, maybe it’s just a remote project. Still. He is concerned that Emilio’s demeanor is reflecting badly (even though he’s aware that E wasn’t in uniform, because Rodrigo told him so). Emilio’s getting a punishment, and all this is an order. Emilio accepts this assignment with no more retorts.

The prosecutor guy is with Tina and Rodrigo getting info about Gaby’s disappearance. Tina can’t remember anything and the prosecutor guy (does he double as a detective?) wants her to try to remember a suspicious vehicle, something! Well, that car was bright, royal blue and the woman who got out of it was playing catch with herself with a stuffed bear. That’s pretty distinctive in my opinion. What’s more, if Tina had paid a little attention, she’d have seen Thelma’s face and remembered the witch who burst into the apartment demanding to see Rodrigo a day or two ago. But, no such luck. What!!??? They have to wait 24 HOURS to start looking for a missing 10-year old??? Well, kids do run off. Rodrigo panics, then he knows what he has to do.

Alina is done with the testing and filling out forms. She has a nice chat with the nurse in charge. She tries to tap dance around where she spent the last two years. NO problem, you lived in a cave with a witch who made herbal concoctions for everyone who asked. Including one for you to look dead and one to get revived. This is a vital pre-requisite for nursing school. It’ll be good on your résumé. The nurse cuts herself. Filler.

Angel is walking down a back street, looking for Claudia. A greasy guy answers the door, and Angel asks for her. Who’s asking? Angel introduces himself and sticks out his hand to shake. (See comments, I think it was Sylvia who noted the guy was zipping himself so it’s not a good time to shake hands). They face off with glares and hands on hips. Very macho. The guy says she is not here, and you need to get out and never return. He shuts the door in Angel’s face. Angel wonders what’s up with him.

At the boutique, Elias, Coral and Soledad discuss the bad night. She thinks DL won’t be quiet and stay in jail. He tried to escape once…..(Soledad, you may be on to something). Elias assures her that he is going to take care of her, and go see DL. She tells him, no! She’s afraid he might try to have Elias killed again.

Mariana and Ricardo are in the waiting area at a hospital, where Malena is recovering. Mariana wants to get back to Mexico City. She won’t rest until she feels Hugo and Alfi are dealt with. Ricardo agrees things cannot remain as they are.

Alina is with the General, talking about her excitement to start training. She appreciates his help. Rodrigo enters, upset, and advises them that Gaby has disappeared. Alina is impactada.

DL sees Elias seated in the waiting room at the jail. What the h*** are you doing here? Elias is so glad to see him in jail. He just wants Al to know he’s going to protect Soledad. DL knocks him down to the table and chokes him.

Coming: Emilio comes into the General’s office and asks permission to help look for Gaby. Rodrigo looks at his uncle, stone-faced with displeasure about this request. Alina, predictably, is impactada.

Jeanne

Labels: duelo