Caray, Caray!

Pasión Aficionados: The Grand Finale Has Now Been Announced as April 25, Two weeks from tonight. Sigh.

With fond regards to some of my literary heros Donne, O'Neill and Hemingway: we go slogging onward with the scenes of terror in LaFont Land. After arriving late at the TGIF-fratboys outing where they have teased him about his pirate like eyepatch. Santiago aggravates his loss of standing in the boys club by informing Bouffy the Badazz that he has his father's authorization to name his own police inspector/manager (intendente in Mex.) of San Fernando. A scowling Bouffy then hears that Ascanio has been chosen and further Ascanio and Manuela get on well together (simpatizar). Enraged by Santi's words and the razzing from the other boys, he orders his horse. Why Ascanio, he's a nobody? Why not me for her husband chimes in wavy haired fratboy (sorry, I can't remember his name). Santi defends that Ascanio is his friend and such a decent person, Bouffy, further humiliated, rides off toward home.

Battling the plague and pestilence is so much pleasanter in contrast, as Ric is greeted by La Paisana. By the look of your face I can imagine the inferno you experienced last night. How are things going? BAD. There are new infected people. Where is Pablo? Not back yet. She sets up his bath things and with such gentleness asks him if his thoughts are with his wife. She must have had the baby by now. He thinks she has. Put the clothes here, I will come for them. Everything is going to come out fine. Ricardo prays with all his heart to heaven that this wife and baby are well.

Bouffy is an explosion in the making as he blasts past the abashed servants and begins screaming questions at Manuela about when and how often she met this Ascanio, whipping her with his coach whip, while she insists she has only seen Ascanio a few times. He screams that she is a whore and loose woman, you will be locked in here until I say so. He will finish off the low born Ascanio, he demands a virginity test from a midwife even swiping the whip at Nanny. Fran ducks in her head saying you are going to kill her. He lunges toward her and Fran disappears. Manuela sobs that she doesn't want one (probably neither the locking up nor the virginity certification). He then stomps into Fran and Lisabeta's room where Lis is hearing that Manuela has just been called a whore by Daddy Dearest, Lis's crack about Mannie's servant boyfriend Ascanio is cut short as Bouffy holds the whip to her throat and demands that his shame is not to leave the house and if anyone asks, Lis and Fran are to say she is sick. As he smashes his way out Fran and Lis share a knuckle biting moment about how dangerous this man is, Lis realizes that if Bouffy finds out the baby is Ric's he might kill him with his bare hands. Even the intrepid Fran's wig trembles as she adds that he might kill both of them too.

Ascanio is crossing the plaza in his fine looking clothing when he is accosted by three strange ruffians who determine he is Ascanio. He has been involved with a little doll who he shouldn't mix with and her father wants him castrated! They pound on him while people watch until the twins see the attack and approach with long sticks which are almost a match to the swords and knives. Ofelia yells for Vasco who also comes running in, hurling a box and then showing that his fighting technique has greatly improved. He then rushes to Ascanio who has been stabbed. Vasco screams for help, the twins struggle on until Santiago comes through the crowd on his horse. He jumps down grabs a sword from one attacker and makes short work of the villain. One clean sword plunge and voilá, Santiago has made his first kill! He throws the sword back on the lifeless body and ponders his action. Mom looks on in horror. An unconscious Ascanio is lifted up. Night falls and Santiago tells Jorge that it is inconceivable, there is no pardon from God. Santi assures him it was the work of Bouffy. Jorge hesitates that they don't know this for sure. Ascanio could have just stumbled on to these villains. But if it is Bouffy's work Jorge (for real playing the devil's advocate) can understand that a father might be outraged at someone seducing his daughter. Santi says there was no seduction, Ascanio is in love with her. He tells him Bouffy was outraged at his suggestion that Ascanio marry Manuela. Am I your true son or only a commoner? Jorge still defending says he can't make all things happen, even the king of Spain doesn't have absolute power. Besides, Bouffy is his long time friend and collaborator and so he has to reconcile viewpoints. Sofia sidles up to a screen and listens intently to the interchange with a smile. Santiago asks Dad, why can't you simply say no? I did say no, he is an impulsive man. He obviously contracted these villains to kill him. It seems you can allow this type of atrocities but I am not going to agree to it. Jorge with dry irony observes that if Ascanio had demanded the assassination of Ricardo you wouldn't have moved an eyelash.

Santiago stomps out and Sofia moves in. Jorge says, I suppose you heard every word? She nods then shrugs and says you have to choose between your son and Alberto. Jorge says this will cost me work, there's business between Alberto and I. Dirty business? Well, let's say it is barely correct... Do you have to protect him (amarrar) are you afraid he will betray you? It could be, says Jorge. Sofia goes on to say, Alberto is bad and he will betray you. If for some reason or other you get him in your way, Kill him. A dead dog is finished being a rapid/furious dog.

Vasco is being cleaned and tended to by the maid with the twins close by, Santiago appears still in his fine dress asking how is Ascanio. Vasco answers that he is really bad. The police came for the dead man and the others denied what happened. They express thankfulness that Santi showed up just in time. Inside, Ofelia is sewing up a big gash on Ascanio's bare side with Jemena's aid. Ofelia tells Santi that the wound is serious but Ascanio is strong and will survive. Ascanio protests to Jemena that he doesn't want scandals or to do anything, she pushes that it was Alberto, he needs to denounce them, but he just murmurs about Manuela, Manuela.

Back at LaFont's house, Nanny is telling Bouffy that the midwife has already come and Manuela is INTACT, she is a pure virgin. Jorge is announced in. What you did was stupidity! Bouffy isn't going to tolerate..! But Jorge insists that he has to listen. You came here from no where like any poor devil. Bouffy says I'm a nobleman (hidalgo). Jorge lowers his voice and says so you have told us, but it doesn't all fit, you could have been a thief, an assassin or pirate.. I liked you. I made you my friend, my partner my, my accomplice, and a VERY rich man. Now my son detests you and my wife advises me to kill you. If you persist in this, I'm not going to be left holding the bag (no me colmes con buche de piedritos).

On La Coralina, the priest is pressing his message of perdition on the frightened looking peasants and the disgusted looking pirates. He basically says by God's mercy they have been finally freed of this pestilence but it was brought on by their sinfulness and if they persist in their sinful ways, God's wrath will return. La Coralina is an island of sin, it is a Sodom and Gomorrah. After this cheery message that doesn't even mention the filth and rats, Ric meets up with Foreman who says your priests are always alarmists. The plague has ended and the port opens back up tomorrow to navigation. I have sent a message to all my capitans that we will meet on my boat in one week to plan our strategy for the attack. I am very sorry Antillano, but you will have to wait longer to see your beloved.

Sofia and Fortunata are strolling as Sofia tells of her concern that Camila is still so depressed but working with the children helps so much. This won't be forever? No, Santiago has sent to Vera Cruz for a professor to be at the school. Ascanio could be a teacher but now he is healing from his wounds and is back at work at the administration offices. Fortunata asks if he has had more problems with Don Alberto. No says Sofia but there is a new distance between Alberto and Jorge which thrills her profoundly. When will we see Manuela? Don't know, poor thing.

Camila is in the classroom with a munchkn by the hand teaching the classroom of cherubs about washing their hands before eating, praying at bed time and getting up the next morning. Sofia and Fortunata come in with baskets of sweets and fruits. The children will all get lunch, Camila looks a bit unthrilled when she finds out it was all Santiago's idea. Never mind, Sofia wants Camila to come speak to her later when school is out. Just to talk...

Once again Santiago is pleading with Justo that he can't get his extreme rightness across to Camila because she won't really listen. It has been six months since Rita died and 4 since Camila lost her baby. He can't understand how she can continue to feel so bitter against him. Justo listens with so much patience but finally advises Santiago that perhaps he should just forget about Camila. Santi is just bewildered (aturdirse) that Camila doesn't see the justness of his point of view. Justo slips in that she rarely ever talks about him at all...Undaunted Santi adds that everything he did was for her own good... Justo now Camila's good and true advocate counters with, She doesn't think so. Justo points out that Santiago lately seems to dedicate himself to worldly pleasures. Santiago excuses this because he is doing so much good with the professor for the school and the surgeon and health clinic, he is doing so much good. He can't forget Camila, he thinks about her constantly. Moments later he shows up at his Mom's house to learn that Camila is in with Ana Maria. He asks the maid to leave and tells Camila that they had agreed some time ago that they were above all still friends. Yeah, she remembers. Then why have you changed so much? She counters with circumstances have changed so much and that has changed their lives. She blames him and her father for the death of her child which he accepts but drives on with his rightness and quest for justice. JUSTICE, she says, I don't understand! He presses on that he can't believe that such a great love they had doesn't have something left to it. In fact he is really, really desperate for her. He wonders how she could have slept with this disgrace (Ric) after two days but she has never slept with him. She looks disgusted and he grabs her face to tell her more about his hot blooded craving and his rage at her love and lust for Ric. As she breaks away she says his mother is right, every day he is more like his father. Still not getting it, he insists they will clear this up. But she just leaves the room. His parting words are you owe me Camila, you owe me... [Huh?]

Camila approaches the palace and goes in while upstairs Sofia is telling Ursula that since she is so bored and has no girl friends she should come with her on a journey. She points out to Ursula that it is a real town much larger than San Fernando. Ursula says well take Fortunada then, I don't want to go. Camila is announce in Ursula sweeps out saying she is doing very badly. Sofia suddenly thinks why shouldn't Camila come with her. Come where? Sofia has an old auntie that died and left her an inheritance and she has to go see about it.

Mario is telling Ric that they cannot get to San Fernando and back in time for the big meeting of Foreman's. Ric is anxious to see that Camila is safe and sound in the village with their child but is worried because if they made her hide her pregnancy they may be hiding his child now too. La Pai tells him not to be so negative. Inside of a month he can be heading toward San Fer with all kinds of booty. He thinks differently, they could lose their skins in Puerto Paraiso. La Pai then asks what he will do with the little boy he is caring for? If the nun's list of the dead show that his mother died, he plans to keep the toddler with him. BREAK for halftime, and the score is: oh never mind.

Camila and Sofia discussing well where is this place? A little far from here on the coast. But what if Ricardo comes for me and can't find me? Well you've already had a long time waiting for him. Camila asks, do you all think that he isn't going to come? Sofia sagely says do you want to hear the truth or a kind answer? I just thought the journey would be partly for me to have your company and also a little distraction for you but if not, forget it. Doña Sofia, you have always been very kind to me, so I am going to ask you for a very big favor. Ricardo came to look for me when they had me in Garbancillo and he told Jemena that he would return to get me but it has been so long and I am desperate here. I lost my baby and even though I have my family, I feel very lonely. I need to go look for Ricardo. Where are you going to look? I will go with you and if we don't find him I will go on looking. If I leave here with you no one will suspect a thing and, she fights for a clear plan, and cries but Sofia, says, don't worry, I am going to help you.

Ofelia arrives home, asking the maid, Ramona, how is my granddaughter? She tells her that Camila and Santiago met there and had an argument then both left.

Camila coming across the plaza runs into Candida who had heard that Camila was sick. Candida then reports that she is working for Lisabeta and Francisca at Don Alberto's house and there is a child she is caring for that they have taken in that is Clotilde's nephew, a poor orphan. Since Candida is also a niece she is a bit puzzled about who this kid is. Camila asks how many years old is he? Oh, not years he is only a few months old. Camila gets a strange feeling in her stomach and the music should warn her that something is unsettling about this news... Well Candida has to hurry back or face trouble. Later Camila is sharing the real purpose of the trip with Ascanio, Jemena, Ines and she shares that she can figure out where Mario went last time. She knows she has to find La Iguana. Ascanio thinks it is maddness for a woman to go alone on this quest. Ines remembers that when Vasco and Bernabe went to look for her, they went to this village and she can ask Vasco where they went. Camila warns that no one is to know why she wants to know, apparently not even her brother Vasco.

It's tears and beers or whines and wines for old Santiago on his luxurious bed sulking and remembering when he had to go to Ric at night, but Ric told him it wasn't an appropriate time to wake up Camila. Santiago's message was that Justo was paralyzed. He cries or drools or both wondering why for Ric, it was yes but for him no, why or why. [Why indeed my pretty blockhead.]

Camila is a regular idea machine as she enthuses that Ricardo had plans to prove that the robbery of his wagons was really conducted by Jorge and LaBouffy. If they could find the proof and condemn the robbers, Ric could get a pardon. Ascanio looks nervous and says that that would mean condemning his boss' father and his father's best friend. It certainly is not going to make him popular at the office if he helps put Papa Jorge in jail.

Ursula comes into the mill office in an outfit that took longer to put on than the time needed to walk from the palace to the mill. She tries to seduce Vasco on the spot with kisses. He who has learned a lesson or two asks what she is doing here. He is leaving right now and he will escort her back NOW. She can't believe he isn't interested but he says he doesn't want trouble and further that he loves his wife. Ursula is in disbelief but he continues, while Ines sneaks up outside the door and listens with a worried look, it's true he didn't love his wife before but little by little he loves her so much and now realizes that she is the best thing that ever happened to him in his life. Ursula looks annoyed and finally leaves, Ines grins in her hiding place and Vasco breaks into a cold sweat.

Sofia explains the journey to Jorge, she needs to attend to the will and get some of the things that were her family's. Ursula flops in and announces that she will go on the journey afterall. Sofia tells her it will be rather crowded with four. When Ursula finds out that means Camila is invited she says well, uninvite her! No! As she exits, Jorge suggest that Sofia look for another husband for her.

Vasco crosses the yard to get the sexiest greeting with squeals of delight from Ines. They laugh and disappear quickly upstairs. [smart girl, Ines] In the afterglow, Ines with her head on Vasco's shoulder makes a playful questioning about the place were he and Bernabe went that time. It turns out through the finger play that it is San Jose to La Iguana on a secondary road and about three days apart. Vasco doesn't want to talk anymore, neither does Ines.

A serving man brings a very large trunk with clothes for Camila to make the trip in style. The maid finds out it is very heavy. Camila tells Justo she is going off with Sofia to see about her inheritance. Justo thinks it is a good idea for her to go. He gently tries again to say Santiago still loves you and what if Ric never comes back? You deserve a chance to have a happy life. Camila says unequivocally that even if Ric never comes, she will still never want Santiago.

Camila next has to tell Ofelia about the journey, Ofelia gently asks her about the disagreement with Santiago, but then they do blessings about the journey and Ofelia wishes her a safe and sound journey. She is going tomorrow!

As Camila starts off toward the carriage in her lovely dress, Ines walks along reciting the directions she got out of Vasco, take the path (vereda) to the village... Paco knows more than his father and asks if Camila is going to find uncle Ric. Yes. Well tell him I want that ride on his ship!

In front of the carriage Camila argues with Ascanio once again, he has fears of her going off alone, perhaps he better come with her. No! She kisses him goodbye. Jorge is advising Sofia about the dangers of a big place like Puerto Paraiso, it's a, well it's a big place... Fortunata appears with an enormous basket, cheerful even though she now doesn't get to go. She has empanadas, sausage, cheese, bread, fruit, sweets. Kisses all around except Santiago must look on with his poor-me eyes and gets a curt curtsey from Camila. He hopes the journey will help her get over her anger at him. After, he asks Ascanio what she said about him. Ascanio, with butter wouldn't melt in his mouth resolve, retorts, should she have said something??

Ascanio and Santi go off to the cafe for a meal. Santi offers him the big job again. Ascanio thinks perhaps it is too big. Santi says he knows that Ascanio will find out how dishonest Bouffy, Marcellino and the others... have been when he starts to audit the paperwork. Santiago says he wants to find some honest people to surround himself with so he can trust them when he becomes the Señor. He will be lucky to have one. hmm, what's happening with Manuela??

Later at the office, Marcellino trembles on tiptoe while wheezing out to Jorge that Ascanio wants to see EVERYTHING! They agree that there is a big problem with those little falsified import papers for Uriel's store. Jorge strides into Ascanio and basically bribes him that if he puts Santiago's worries to rest, he, Jorge, will help Ascanio win Manuela's hand. Ascanio wears that knowing look.

NEXT: LaFont is throwing another humdinger of a fit over Lisabeta's time with the baby. He justifies striking her because a husband has the right to punish an insolent wife. He wants her to get busy having his baby. When a woman doesn't get pregnant it is the woman's fault not the man's. oh Bouffy, oh Bouffy...

Labels: Pasion