Caray, Caray!

I’ve been yelling a lot at the TV lately and it’s made it’s way to my comments. Hopefully they’ll amuse rather than distract.

Episode 78:

We start with yesterday’s portion as Cami begins to set up her praying area (complete with an image of the Virgin) in her new prison – I mean home for wayward girls room – and Santi comes in to say g’bye. He tells her he’ll leave some money behind so if she needs anything, all she has to do is ask. Cami says it’s not necessary and Mr. Condescending tells her that he knows she doesn’t approve of what they’re doing, but he hopes she’ll use this time to return to God. Cami gives him a great look that sends virtual arrows through him. He asks why she’s looking at him like that (‘cause you’re a condescending hypocrite you dumbass!) and she tells him she can’t avoid it. He asks if she thinks he’s doing something against her and she tells him she doesn’t know him anymore. He says he doesn’t know her either and asks what happened to her beliefs in the church and the laws of God and she tells him that God granted man free will. He replies that it was under certain rules that she’s well aware of. He says that man (Ric) coaxed her with his lechery and she tells him it wasn’t lechery, and that she doesn’t want to think that he’s helping her dad hide her from Ric out of jealousy (‘cause he is). Santi says he only wants to help her find the truth and she asks him if he means hers or his. He says the truth is only one (yeah, that he’s an asshat) and he can’t understand how she can be so charmed with a man like that. She says she doesn’t expect him to understand and it’s not worth arguing about. He’s doing what he thinks is best and so will she. Santi worries and she explains she doesn’t plan to run away, but she will never stop loving Ric, and one day they will be together, in this life or the next (Paradise or reincarnation? Hard to say).

Justo converses with the midwife (who looks very shifty and uncomfortable) and tells her that Cami says she’s about 3 months pregnant (I also thought she said a little more than 2 the last time, but it’s been a few days since her conversation w/Justo and Santi so I guess that’s how they’re doing the math) and asks her to look in on his daughter and tells her that Santi’s mom, who is also a midwife, will come visit and will probably assist in the birth (as far as one can predict when the little munchkins will choose to drop in on you). He pays her and Santi tries to do it for him. Justo argues that Cami is his responsibility (about friggin’ time!). Auxiliadora (funny name, it means auxiliary, or giver of aid) tells them not to worry, as she’ll watch over Cami. Al escorts her out and gives her a handy bribery-sized money pouch in exchange for her services to HIM. She is to report to him every 2 mos in SF. She is to keep quiet about that.

Juliana brings Cami a throw rug and asks if she needs anything. Cami says no thanks, but wants to know what their instructions were. Juli tells her they were told to care for her ‘cause she’s preggers and that she’s not to leave the place. She says fine and Juli mentions there’s a little orchard/garden patch where she can walk and get some fresh air. Cami asks if there is a book in the house she can read to distract herself. Juli mentions the house used to belong to a clergyman and that he left books. She can bring them tomorrow. Camila thanks her. (I wonder if she’ll find any juicy gossip in them about Jorge’s machinations...one can hope) and Juli exits. Cami now tells herself she will obey her dad’s rules and not reveal herself. She then prays to the Virgin that her child is born healthy and that if Ric is alive, he has the joy of meeting it. She kisses the watch Ric left her.

Over at the Coralina brothel (LP got the madam to rent it to them while Ric recoups), Mario insists he should be the one to go to SF. Ric says no way, it’s too dangerous. LP offers to go since nobody knows her. Ric is worried El Chino might have been arrested (he did kill the captain of the guards) and people saw her with him. He’d go himself but he can’t even move. MMM repeats he should go and Ric reminds him he said NO. LP is pleased that at least his mood is back! Ric asks Pablo if he’s afraid and he replies he wasn’t at the scuffle and hardly anyone saw him while he was in town. Ric assures him that if he follows Ric’s instructions, nothing will happen to him. Pablo says he trust him. Mario says the boat to Veracruz will leave tomorrow and Ric asks them all to leave him to finish his letter. He writes: “I don’t know if you continue as a serf to Lis, but Pablo has the money to buy your freedom and will give it to your dad. And you, my love: have faith. As soon as I am able, I will go find you. I will be careful, I promise. And this time, without any pretext or excuse, I will bring you with me.”

On to today: Ursula laughs at the palace courtyard and asks Mani if Ascanio kept the appointment. Mani says yes, out of respect to Ursu. Ursu asks if they’re seeing each other and Mani says she ran into him on the street. Ursu says yeah right! Then she asks Mani if they’ve done it yet. Mani’s offended and asks how she can think of such a thing. Ursu says if Mani doesn’t she’s a fool. She then asks Mani for a favor. She knows “Lancaster” (aka Foreman, the sleazy English Corsair) was a friend of Al and she wants Mani to get his address. Mani doubts her father will give it to her and Ursula explains she’s not supposed to ask for it, she’s supposed to looks for it amongst dad’s things. Mani says she wouldn’t dare and Ursu threatens to tell Al that Mani’s got a romance with Miller boy if she doesn’t help her. Mani hopes she’s bluffing, but Ursu says she’s bored and a public flogging might be fun. Just then, Ascanio arrives and tells the doorman Santi’s expecting him. Ursu spies him and they exchange pleasantries. As he’s off to see Santi, Ursu tells him no to disappear. She then taunts Mani saying Ascanio has a nice amount of flesh; so a few lashes shouldn’t kill him. Mani agrees to help, but she tells Ursu she’ll pay for this someday. Our little girl is growing up =)

As the sugar to make up for how annoying he’s being; we are treated to a nude Santi in his bed (well, with a sheet over him) getting the last few acupuncture needles removed from his back. Ascanio’s in the room and Santi asks what he thinks. Ascanio’s impressed and Santi points out that it’s helping. His leg hurts less and he’s walking better. He turns over to reveal his fussy bear chest and legs (kibbles and bits discreetly tucked under the sheet). Ascanio apologizes for not coming sooner, but he’s been looking for new digs. Santi asks why and Ascanio says he doesn’t want to take advantage of Justo any longer and that he’s also looking for new work (and perhaps he’s afraid he’ll deck him for being such an asshat to Cami). The doc (they call him Master) tells Santi to rest and he’ll see him tomorrow. Santi dismisses the valet and Ascanio asks after Cami. Santi says she was obviously sad. Ascanio asks if they think they did the right thing. Santi says there was no other choice; they had to take precautions in case Ric survives and tries to come get her. Ascanio nods, but we can tell he’s not really convinced.

Over at the Coralina brothel, Ric hands Pablo the letter and tells him not to do anything that occurs to him in his head (really, that’s how he said it, the poor man has a fever), but only what Ric told him. He is to go to Ric’s old rental place to look for Jim. If she’s not there, Pablo shouldn’t look for her, but got to Justo’s place (I can already see a big hole in this plan) without going through the main plaza. He asks Pablo to please take care of the money (yeah Ric, rub it in how the poor guy was almost killed guarding your loot the last time). Pablo says not to worry, and Ric tells him to go with God. Ric turns to MMM and says that even talking exhausts him. Mario tells him he’ll get better. Ric asks “When?” Weeks go by and he feels useless. He doesn’t know how Cami is. What if she thinks he’s dead? He falls asleep. Outside the room, Pablo puts the money in his satchel and LP mentions that they’ve spent weeks together, but haven’t talked even once. She knows it’s not Pablo’s fault, but hers since she’s afraid he’ll think she’s telling him lies. He says he doesn’t think anything and she says she doesn’t want to speak ill of anyone or blame anyone, but life’s sick and everyone knows the good and the bad they’ve suffered. She says they’ll talk when he gets back and if he believes her, great. If not, they’ll say goodbye. She hands him a satchel and Pablo leaves shaking his head. He’s clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

“Una Semana Despues” (A Week Later) flashes across the screen. Juli tells Cami that Doña Auxiliadora’s there to see her. Cami says she feels fine, but reconsiders and decides to see her. Aux introduces herself and says Cami’s color is good, but she’s a little thin. Cami says she’s been trying to eat well because of the baby, but she hasn’t had any appetite. Aux asks how far along she is and Cami says she thinks 3 ½ months. Aux asks if this is her first because 1^st timers always get the count wrong. Aux tells her she’s leaving her some herbs for tea. Cami says thanks, but she already has some herbs that were given to her from another midwife and that’s what she’s taking. Aux asks if she doesn’t think hers are any good (they look similar, but you can never tell) and Cami replies politely she’s sure they’re good, but she’d like to finish Ofi’s first. She mentions that Ofi has been like a mother to her. I have a bad feeling about this woman... I can totally see Al holding on to the kid in case Ric shows up.

We join a procession outside the church for the wedding of Liz and Al. They exchange vows and she’s on the verge of tears. Al kisses her and she quickly turns away. They now enter the church (This is strange ‘cause you usually end with the part inside the church and then leave. Maybe ‘cause it’s those two they are doing it a$$ backwards) and everyone goes inside looking quite uncomfortable. Sofia is nowhere in sight, but the rest of the Mancera clan (including the new additions) are there. There’s a lovely children’s choir singing in Latin.

Over at the mill, Jim asks Ascanio if he knows anything about Cami. He says he heard from Lazaro that Justo heard she’s well. Jim feels terrible that they can’t even see her. She asks if he thinks Ric died and he says he hopes not. She agrees for both Ric and Cami’s sakes since they love each other.

On his sickbed Ric tells Mario he’s sick of being in bed. Mario warns that the “matasanos” (it literally means killer of the healthy, but it’s usually used to mean a doctor) said too much strain could re-open the wounds. Ric doesn’t care and asks MMM to help him. Mario says no way, do it yourself. Ric manages to sit up and put both feet on the ground. MMM rejoices and tells him how proud he is. Ric asks how long the doc thinks it will take him to heal. MMM warns he won’t like it but Ric again doesn’t care. It will take about 2 months. Ric thinks the doc’s crazy. MMM reminds him that he received two fatal wounds that would have killed anyone and he should be thanking God he’s alive. Ric says he’s thankful but he’s gotta get his wife damn it! Mario tells him to suck it up because his wounds haven’t scarred properly and he still needs to be able to stand and gain some strength ‘cause he was left quite “fregado” (in bad shape, though it normally refers to dishwashing – maybe the scraping with the brillo pads has something to do with the “bad shape” expression). And for him to be able to pick up a sword and handle it like he used to will take a lot of time. Ric replies he has no time and starts chewing bread. Mario is so cute. He’s like a hyper puppy trying to avoid cabin fever.

Liz is in her boudoir as Fran helps her get ready for her wedding night. She tells Fran she’s scared and Fran says she knows but there’s no turning back. We get a little Sex Ed moment as Lis asks what she should do and Fran tells her to do nothing and just let him do everything. She asks, “what if he hurts me” and Fran explains that she’s heard the man always hurts the woman the first time. Lis asks “so then?” Fran says to suck it up ‘cause that’s the way God made us. She puts the robe on Lis and tells her it’s time. Lis asks for what and Fran tells her not to play dumb, Al asked for her a while ago. Lis asks why he doesn’t come to her and Fran tells her to stop asking stupid questions ‘cause she belongs to her husband and must do whatever he wants. Lis tries to stall asking for her cane and Fran gets it and rushes her out of the room. Ah, the perils of being raised by your spinster aunt before they started teaching science class...

Al is in his bedroom wearing his own bathrobe when Fran brings in the terrified Lis. She leaves closing the door behind her without even saying goodbye. Lis tells Al she’s nervous. He says there’s nothing to be worried about, removes her robe and lays her on the bed. He removes his robe and jumps on the bed. We are mercifully spared any additional flesh in this scene. Al starts pawing her and telling her how beautiful she is and how much he likes her pale soft skin. Liz looks like she’s ready to hurl and he tells her she’s his wife and there’s no place for modesty in that room. He starts kissing her torso and she tells him it’s a sin. He tells her he warned her she would learn to bring him pleasure. She says she doesn’t want to. He tells her he wants her to enjoy him and to let him enjoy her. She says she’s cold and asks why they don’t throw on a sheet. He says he wants to see her and have her let him. He also wants her to “see” him with her hands. She says he can’t force her and he slaps her so hard she falls off the bed. She screams “not like this” as he picks her up and throws her on the bed. She crawls off the bed and tries to run away, but he blocks her way. He tells her he wants her to give him pleasure and throws her on the bed. We are spared the rest as they cut to commercial.

Now for the spoonful of sugar. At chez Justo, Vasco walks down the steps to the kitchen to get some water. Ines is in her jammies making tea for Paco. Vasco tells her he wants them to be a couple again. He tells her he needs her and asks if she no longer feels anything for him. She walks away and says she needs him too and that she still loves him, but she’s afraid of suffering again. He says the way they’re living they’re already suffering. He sees her everyday; so beautiful, so attentive and smiling to everyone except him. She’s worried he’ll go back to his old ways and he says it won’t happen, because he’s starting to fall in love with her. We now see them in their room as a new song plays (I think we may have heard it when Ascanio kissed Mani). She’s a little shy at first, but they both exchange a lot of come hither looks and we get to see a great deal of both. Ines blows out the candle. The audience collectively smiles knowing what’s coming...

It’s the next day. Poor Lis sits at her dressing table as Fran sets her hair. Lis tells Fran it was horrible. Not only did he hurt her, but he humiliated her. Fran says the worst is over. Fran just sucks at this comfort thing! Lis asks why women must endure so much shame and humiliation. Fran tells her she’ll get used to it and Lis says she never will. Fran asks if she thinks it would have been any different with Ric. Lis says of course, Ric was good and sweet and she loved him. She now wants to talk about the child, but Al is at the door. Lis tries to cling to Fran but she pries Lis off and leaves her to her rapist – I mean husband. Al comes in with a rose and asks for forgiveness if he was too rough. He asks Lis when she wants to leave on their honeymoon. She says she thought about it and maybe it’s better not to go. He takes a seat behind her and asks why. She says since she can’t see, it’s probably better if she stays in places she knows. Here’s something almost as disturbing as what happened the night before: for the rest of the conversation, Al strokes her cheeks, ears, etc with the rose. Always from behind her and constantly switching sides. You can see the terror in her face as she tries to figure out where he is at any given time. He says fine, but perhaps later on they can take a trip to the capital and go to the theater, to concerts, stroll as he describes the streets, the coffee shops, would she like that? She says she doesn’t know. He tells her to calm down and promises he’ll be gentler next time. He kisses her and throws the rose on the dressing table. Once he’s gone, she wipes her mouth and says she will never like. She begs God to give him a heart attack so he’ll drop dead. Just like her dad...That’s the way he died isn’t it?

Santi comes into Rita’s room and she asks how his sessions are going with the Master (acupuncturist). He says they’re going well and asks about Ana. Rita says she’s at the nursery and he notices her crib isn’t there. Rita says Ursu suggested Ana Maria sleep in the kids’ room with Tita and the nannies. He points out they are of different customs and Rita asks if they can’t enjoy the kindnesses they have now just because they used to be poor. He says he just wants his daughter to grow up with them and not her nannies. Rita says it’s not like she spends no time with her, and if she can get a little help what does he care. He tells her he doesn’t like her abandoning their child to dedicate herself to frivolities. He asks how much time she now spends fixing her hair and dressing herself that way. She says she needs to look a certain way or people will think she’s his maid instead of his wife. He says he sometimes wonders if he made the right choice moving to that house. She tells him not to start. He says he feels that she wants to forget where they came from. His mom says she hardly ever goes to visit her or Justo. Rita says she does visit, but she has to also spend time with Sofia and other society ladies so people won’t think they are rude. He now asks what’s the deal with her wanting to learn how to ride. She says it’s a common form of entertainment among women of class. He tells her she should entertain herself with their daughter. She tells him again that Ana Maria is fine; and if he’s so worried maybe he should entertain himself with her since she’s his daughter too. He tells her it’s her duty as the mother. He says he also won’t allow her to adopt Ursula’s manner. Methinks the boy thinks he knows what everyone should be doing... He slams the door and Rita primly strolls to the door herself.

Al sees Rita and Ursu and tells Rita how elegant she looks on that horse. Rita thanks him and Ursu says the only problem is she hasn’t learned how to fall with grace. Al offers to join them in one of their rides. They say it would be great and Ursu complains that Mani has forgotten about her. Al says he’ll send her over. The girls ride off.

In Jorge’s office, he asks Al why they need to organize a dinner. Al says Lis is hurt because Sofia wasn’t a “madrina” and didn’t even show up at the wedding. Jorge tells him she needs to get over it. She’s the one that declared war on Sofi when she refused to sell her Cami. Al says it’s the more reason why they should have a dinner and smooth things over. It will also show people that Lis is welcome in the palace.

We see that Jim is now a waitress at the tavern. She starts to bus a table and sees Santi walking to the municipal building out of the corner of her eye. She makes a face like she smelled something foul (and I don’t just mean his hair or his scarf). You can see the hate in her eyes.

Inside the building, Santi greets the people in the hall and tells them he’ll be right with them. He runs into Marcelino and asks if Ascanio’s in. Marcelino takes him to the private office and Santi tells him he can go. Marcelino’s a little afronted, but he says of course. Let me know if you need anything. It looks like Ascanio has been hired by Santi as an independent auditor. Santi asks how it’s going and Ascanio says he just started. He says he asked for his help because he considers him a friend and someone to be trusted. Ascanio says he’s grateful. Santi mentions people pay a tithe to the church and a lot of taxes. He knows part of it goes to the crown, but he wants to know what happens to the rest since he hasn’t seen much improvement in the town. Ascanio points out there often is corruption among government officials. Especially if his father allows it... Santi says he still wants to know. Ascanio asks if he wants him to spy and Santi says no, just as a friend he wants to know what’s going on. Ascanio warns he might find something Santi doesn’t like. Santi says he’ll decide that. He knows they don’t agree on many things, but this is for the good of the people (and Ascanio may well find proof of the caravan robberies, or at least the spiffy new fake seals). Santi asks about Mani and Ascanio says please, “do you think I’d ever be able to marry her?” Santi points out that he went from blacksmith to heir apparent. Ascanio says it’s different, he knows where HE came from. Santi says he does as well. Independently of what he’s told Santi (the whole killing the guy who raped his sister) he’s a good man, and his friend. He might give him a hand...Commercial break with a scary shot of Al.

Sofia visits with Ofelia and asks if she still disapproves Santi’s recognition. Ofi says he looks happy and Rita’s thrilled. She has Ofi make her dresses just like Ursu’s with the same cut, ruffles, etc. She’s even gotten into horseback riding. She misses her granddaughter. Sofi says if Mohamed doesn’t come to the mountain...Ofi says she couldn’t go to the palace. Sofi wants to talk about Cami’s sudden trip. Ofi says she was very sad and SF brought her bad memories. Sofi asks what convent she went to and Ofi says one in the capital, Saint...Saint something or other. Sofi asks if she’s lying. Maybe she went to meet Ric. Ofi says they haven’t heard from him and she thinks he’s probably dead.

Over on the fields, Ursu yells to Rita to keep up. Rita complains the horse won’t obey her and Ursu reminds her it’s not a horse, but a mare. She should know that by now, pay attention.

Sofi comes over to Justo and asks if he’s been hiding from her (Ya think? Guilty conscience?). He says he’s been busy and she asks after Camila. Justo says she’s fine. Sofi says she thought they were friends and that he trusted her. She wants to know if she went looking for Ric ‘cause she doesn’t buy the convent BS. She reminds him that he knows well that if he doesn’t answer she’ll keep nagging until he does. He finally tells her Cami’s pregnant, please understand his shame. She says she can understand whatever feeling he wants (her husband and daughter aren’t exactly vestal virgins). She wants to know if they plan to get rid of the child and he says of course not! She wants to know where they sent her and he says one of Jorge’s properties, but please don’t tell him you know. Nobody can’t know! She’s shocked Jorge knows and wants Justo to tell her where it is so she can go visit. He says she knows how fond he is of her, but he simply can’t tell her. She says fine (she’s got other spies...) but what do they plan to do with the child. He says the child will live with them. She asks about Ric and he says he doesn’t know. But in case Ric survived, they’re not about to give him the kid to turn into a villain, a filibuster. They will say the kid is an orphan or something. She asks if they aren’t worried Ric will try to come back and they said that’s why they sent Cami away. His only solace is that Ric knows he’s a wanted man. If he tries to come they will catch him and hang him. Sofi points out that Ric’s not the kind of man who’s afraid of danger. That’s how he makes his living. I just knew Sofi would come into this somehow. Hopefully between her and Ofi they can help Cami get word to her hubby.

Over by the mill, Vasco and family are having a picnic. Paco asks how sailors can track the stars if they keep moving. Vasco tells him sailors know the patterns the stars follow. He asks if Ric could teach him and Vasco says there’s no need ‘cause he’s going to grow up to be a miller. Paco says nope, he wants to be a sailor so he can have a really big boat. Ursu rides by and says they look really cute. Ines bolts up and Vasco tells her to pay Ursu no mind and kisses her. Eat your heart out WhoreSula! Paco notices Rita and calls out to her. Ines holds him back as the horse looks quite skittish. Vasco calls out to Rita and she waves as she tries to stay on her horse.

Over at the Garbancillo home, Cami does her embroidery and talks to the sky. She says: “If you’re in heaven my love, please protect your child.”

Back at the palace, Ursu enjoys her tea as Mani swears she looked everywhere and found nothing about a Mr. Lancaster (nobody told her he was filed under “F” for Foreman or “P” for pirate contact or “C” for English corsair who pays them money to steal) and tells Ursu she has to believe her. Ursu says fine and nearly spits out her tea when she sees Rita coming out with her fan and parasol. Ursu comments her mom spoils her more than herself with jewels and attentions, etc. Rita gives Mani a “don’t mess my makeup” hug and kiss and tells her that Al offered to take them riding and suggests Mani should join them. Mani says sure. Rita asks about the new stepmom and Mani says she’s fine, but looks uncomfortable.

Over at the brothel, Ric sits up and manages to stand for a few seconds, but soon collapses back in the bed and bursts into tears of frustration.

On tomorrow’s episode: Al takes Ursu and Rita riding and gets her to call a race. Rita tries to bail out and Al takes a knife to her horse who starts galloping off as he laughs. We all collectively cheer!

Santi tells Justo he will notify the captain of the guard to be at the ready. I hope it’s in response to Sofi’s comment and not because they caught Pablo.

Labels: Pasion

Permalink posted by Margarita Chilaquiles @ 5:47 AM