Caray, Caray!

Father Tadeo has asked Eva about Juan and Sofia. She hems and haws and says maybe it'd be better if Sofia tells him when she comes back.

Juan and Sofia finally reach the river. Amazingly, despite his recent infection-induced delirium, Juan is now doing better than Sofia, who is totally exhausted. She takes one look at that river and says they can't go on; the current's too strong. He says look, there's a rope!

Meanwhile, the search party pulls Oscar and Franco back up the slope. Aw, so close!

At the Eccentric Grandpa home, the creepy administrator is scolding Gramps and the others for their age-inappropriate behavior. (Maybe he should accept only applicants who are already dead.) Grandfather takes umbrage and says they're older youngsters; children trapped in worn bodies, perhaps, but children all the same. The administrator says it's dangerous for them to play. Grandpa says they're playing tag. "Tag, you're it!" (Roñoso="it")

The administrator (I don't know his name, I'm going to call him Dr. Ratched for now) says, "If you think you're going to get the same latitude here that you did at Miss Gabriela's house, you're very mistaken!" Grandpa scoffs and asks what's he going to do about it? "I will punish you. I"ll lock you up until you learn the rules of this place." There are cries of protest from all the residents, as well as Sister Mousie. (I can't bring myself to call her "Sr. Little Rat.") Sr. Mousie says if he's going to punish Grandpa, he's going to have to punish everyone. The residents cheer in agreement.

The orderlies reach for Grandpa's chair, but Grandpa and his new friends fend them off with weakly flailing arms. Dr. Ratched tells them to to calm down and he'll suspend the punishment, but it had better not happen again. The residents jeer at Dr. Ratched and his orderlies as they leave.

Juan and Sofia are having some kind of super-kinky monkey sex hanging from a rope - wait, no, they're just shimmying across this rope of unknown strength/origin over a raging river while megabuckets of rain pour down over them. Their feet slip, and now the hungry current is tugging at their feet as they hang from their arms halfway across the river - no point in turning back now. They get their feet back up, but the rope is starting to fray. Fortunately, they are now almost across.

According to the captions, Sofi is crying for help, but all I hear is the tense string orchestra. (No pun intended.) Sofi reaches the tree first; Juan is holding out his hand. She grabs it, but is strangely unable to hoist his hulking frame with her dainty hand. Now she's screaming with no sound, and there's not much left of the rope. It snaps! This time she does call for help as the river carries him off to Candyland, or wherever people go when they fall into the rapids during a storm.

Amazingly, however, Oscar and Franco are there, but it looks like they're either just passing through or fixing to leave. Oscar seems oddly unsurprised to see her, and doesn't seem to understand what she wants. Finally he gets the message and jumps into the river with a rope to help. (Cool, now two guys are going to Candyland!) Franco helpfully advises Oscar to be careful, and he and Sofia remind him to save Juan (do I smell an Emmy for some lucky writer?); meanwhile, Juan is sinking.

Ofelia apologizes to Rosario for being late and explains that the whole town is talking about Juan and Sofia being missing. (Rosario sighs with discomfort and she lowers herself gingerly into her chair; I don't want to know if that's because of last week's whipping or something else.)

Oscar tries to fish Juan out of the river; Franco jumps in to help. Here I am all excited that I'm going to finally see Candyland in all its splendor as our three heroes build themselves a beautiful house of gingerbread and candy canes, but no, it was not meant to be. The entire search party, plus the tiny slippery hands of Sofia, pull on the line and haul them back to safety.

Eva again tries to convince Crabiela that Sofia is really, truly missing, as is Juan, one of the builders. "Together?" Crabi asks. She can't comprehend why Sofia might be with such a nonentity. Again, Eva plays innocent and says only Sofia can explain. Crabiela is filled with concern... as to what the people will think.

At the river, it seems that the incredibly inconvenient rain has stopped, and now the sun is shining in everybody's faces. Juan coughs out all the water and complains about his arm. They're going to take him to a doctor.

The triumphant search party, now a rescue party, rides into town and are welcomed as heroes. Somebody at the church even rings the bell for them. Quintina, Hortensia, and Fr. Tadeo run out to greet them. Fr. Tadeo seems a little confused when Quintina kisses the boys repeatedly. He directs them to the dispensario.

It's now evening, and there's no sign of our beloved donkey outside the dispensario; maybe his agent demanded more money. Fr. Tadeo says he's going to go, and he wants to take Sofia to the convent. She says she's not leaving Juan's side.

Jimena is moping in her bedroom, wondering where Oscar is. Or Sofia, for that matter. She can't tolerate being shut in any more; she sneaks out the unlocked balcony door, then climbs down the rope that Oscar left earlier. She takes a quick look around and runs into the night.

The doctor shows up at the dispensario. Did Fr. Tadeo finally decide to embrace 19th-century technology and get a phone? If so, he's not telling! The doctor asks for a moment alone with his patient. Oscar asks him to take care of his brother.

Outside the room, near the noisy peepee fountain (besides the annoying loud trickle, the lighting sometimes makes the water look yellow), Fr. Tadeo asks Sofia what happened. She tells him she was on her way to meet him at the church ("because it didn't occur to you to simply meet me at the convent where it'd be safer," she doesn't add) when along came a truck without lights. (In the flashback, the truck has its lights on. In fact, during this scene last week, I noticed that sometimes the truck had its lights on, and sometimes not.) She was afraid, and began to run, but some guys attacked her, and one of them was going to rape her (in the flashback, Feo is punching her). Then Juan showed up, they fought, Juan had just about gotten the situation under control when somebody shot him and he slipped off the cliff. She tried to help him, and then they both fell in and the river carried them away. Surely those guys left them for dead. Fortunately, they're alive, and nothing happened to her. And then they got rescued! (I think she skipped a few things, but that's okay.) She hugs Oscar and Franco to thank them.

Pedrito shows up at the convent with his little dog Mariachi to tell the head nun that Sofia's okay and she's in the pueblo right now. The nun is happy, but I'm thinking she'd be even happier if they got a damn phone so they wouldn't have to send a kid out by himself at night. The nun asks about someone named Delfina, who must Pedrito's mother or guardian. He says the rain caused her rheumatism to flare up.

The nun asks why he doesn't hang out with more kids. He says there are hardly any kids where he lives. Well, there's one, but they never let him go out. (HMM, I wonder who that might be *coughcoughRosario'ssonAndrescough*.) He lives with a woman who must be his grandmother. He thinks the boy's name is Luis.

To make sure that this subtle hint is lost on no one, next we see Rosario staring at her son's photo again and studying his drawing, wondering where they've hidden him. Ofelia tells her it's time to sing, so she needs to stop crying. To cheer her up, she says they found Juan and Sofia. Rosario says that's why she never stops believing in miracles - someday she'll get her miracle too, she'll get her child back and then they'll never be apart again.

The fountain at the dispensario is louder than ever; it sounds as though they've fitted it with its own microphone. The doctor comes out and tells them Juan's on antibiotics. He's young and strong, and he'll get well soon. The brothers hug until Oscar is red in the face.

Sofia and Juan make typical "I love you and I'm glad you're not dead" small talk. Juan says they're now one forever and no one can separate them; however, she's gotta go or else people will point and gossip and talk trash about her. She doesn't want to go, but he says his brothers will watch over him, and anyway, since they're one now, he'll always be with her wherever she goes. Until everything's been worked out, they don't want to arouse any suspicions. His brothers will take her back to the convent, and he'll be able to rest easy knowing she's safe. She agrees to this, but wishes she could shout to the world that she loves him, and that she is his and she loves him forever. He repeats that he doesn't want people to suspect their love. They kiss.

Jimena shows up at the dispensario and asks the Padre if it's true what they're saying in the pueblo - that Juan and Sofia were found. She asks to see her sister.

At the hacienda, Sarita asks Eva about Grandpa and Sofia. Eva says Jimena is probably wondering the same thing; she was just about to bring her dinner. Eva says Juan is missing too, "and don't ask me anything more because I don't have any response." Oh please, that's like saying "I have a big secret and I'm not going to tell you what it is." She repeats that she's bringing Jimena's dinner because Gabi was too tired to do it. Jingle-jingle, she's got the keys. "I'm going to open the door to see how she is," she explains needlessly as she opens the door to see how Jimena is.

Sarita brings in the tray and they note that Jimena isn't there. The balcony is not locked as expected. Sarita, being the clever sister, deduces that Jimena must have gotten out that way.

Eva is just in the middle of saying "if your mother finds out" when Crabi herself yells for Fatima, the maid, to bring her some coffee... in Jimena's room!

Sarita and Eva panic, and I wonder if Sarita is going to get in bed and hide under the covers and pretend to be asleep, or something silly like that. You never know, with this show.

Father Tadeo is shocked to hear that Gabi has been keeping Jimena locked in her room. She says it all started with that little luncheon, when she had too much wine. (I'd say no amount of wine would be enough for a gathering like that one, when they first met the Uribes at the height of their twittiness.) Her mother wants total obedience, and it's worse every day.

Fr. Tadeo offers to speak to Crabi again - I don't know why he thinks their next talk will turn out any differently. I guess this is a man of infinite perseverance! Jimena begs him not to do it now - she doesn't want Crabi to know she snuck out. The padre assures Jimena he'll do it at some other time.

There have been a few comments about the padre's forehead looking a little strange (like, a little too perfect, or maybe having something like a line of demarcation just above his eyebrows). We get a very up-close look at it during this scene. If you're curious, the actor's name is René Casados; you can search his name on Google and then click "Images" at the top of the page. At least you'll have some context for your research...

Also, I know this is totally out of the blue, but last week during a scene in his office, I noticed his pencil cup was filled with those same damn green pencils we saw in La Fea and in Destilando Amor. I wish I could send away for these amazing pencils that just float from one telenovela to another, never getting used.

But let's return the fascinating action.

Sofia is asking Juan to promise that he'll get some rest. They say they'll dream about each other. (Even though it's well after dark, there seems to be blue sky outside the little window - or is that just a decorative blue square on the wall? I noticed the same thing at Lety's house in LFMB.) They kiss, and they're still at it when Jimena walks in. She takes one look, impactada, and walks out. HA! There you go, Jimena, now you know how Sarita felt every time she caught you with Oscar!!

Crabi gets to J's room and asks Eva where Jimena is. "She's in the bathroom. It seems she's not feeling well." Ooh, that's much better than hiding Sarita under the covers - now I know why these writers make the big bucks! Crabi knocks on the door. Sarita moans sickly through a rumpled towel. Crabi continues to rattle the door; Eva suggests that it might be better to let her rest for a while. Crabi agrees but says they might as well take away her dinner if she's not feeling well. Eva sits there and nods in terror. Crabi prompts her for the keys. Eva hands them over and takes away the dinner. Crabi knocks on the bathroom door once more for good measure; Sarita cowers by the toilet, but Crabi gives up and leaves, locking the bedroom door.

Sarita timidly creeps out of the bathroom, nearly hyperventilating with terror; Crabi scolds Eva for taking too long with the tray; Eva tells Fatima to bring Crabi's coffee to Crabi's own room after all.

Sarita realizes she's locked in Jimena's room. She looks at the balcony and debates with herself whether she'd rather die falling off the balcony, or get caught by her mother; that's an easy decision. She crosses herself and looks down; I dunno, I'm a big wimp. I think I'd take my chances with Crabi. But Sarita knows her better than I do, and she's willing to chance it; so I say good luck, Sarita! Be free!

Eva is on the ground below to encourage her. She reminds Sarita to close the doors so they look locked.

Juan is still telling Sofia to leave, and says if she doesn't, then he'll have to go. (Take a hint, lady! The guy's been shot, he's tired!) Franco sticks his head in and asks if he can come in. Juan says why bother asking, since you're already in, dum-dum! Juan thanks Franco for saving them. He asks Franco to take Sofia to the convent. Franco says he'll do it, since Oscar is taking Jimena back to the hacienda. Sofi is surprised to hear that J is there.

Back at the hacienda, Sarita finally reaches the ground and complains about her hands and how scary it was to be in the bathroom and how Jimena is going to PAY for this. Eva offers to make some tea for her fear (chamomile, maybe?), but Sarita wants to wait in that spot until Jimena returns. Eva says in that case, she'll wait with her. If Mom asks what they're doing out there, they'll say they came out for some air. Sarita tells Eva she wishes her own mother were like Eva.

Oscar notes that Jimena seems uneasy. She tells him she saw Juan and Sofia kissing. "You didn't know?" he asks. "They're in love." She agrees to keep quiet about it until Sofia tells her. Oscar hesitantly tells Jimena that there are things we sometimes can't understand, can't comprehend, and especially when it's your own brother or sister, it's too powerful... I think he's referring to how he felt when he found out about Libia and Bernardo. Anyway, Jimena says she's not judging her sister. She doesn't - okay, say it together, folks - she doesn't love her husband, she has never loved her husband, and there is nothing between them. They sleep in separate rooms... Oscar is barely paying attention; I think he's still thinking about his sister!

She calls Oscar back to reality and he asks, if they sleep in separate rooms, why doesn't Furdnando leave her? "Because he doesn't want to give her her freedom."

Oscar clears his throat abruptly as Sofia enters the room. She and Jimena hug. Sofia says it was a nightmare, but now it's over. She asks about Grandpa. J has no news, and explains that Mom has locked her up, and Oscar left the door open for her and now she has to go back. Oscar offers to take her back on the horse, whew glad that's all sorted out. Sofia sends greetings and love back for the rest of the household, and Jimena says their mother is doing worse than ever, which makes Sofia sad. As they hug again, Oscar stares at them with a strange look. (Is he picturing them naked?)

Poor Juan is never going to get any sleep... now Franco is asking him what's going to happen next. Juan gets a goofy grin and says he doesn't know. Then the padre comes in and wants to talk to Juan; Franco leaves. Tadeo says he knows it's not a great time, but he won't be able to retire for the evening without asking Juan if there's anything he'd like to tell him. After some hesitation, Juan tells the priest to get comfortable...

Oscar tells Jimena he's happy to see how much she loves her sister. She says they're all different, but they're united and have always protected one another. Even though they are close in age, Sofia has always been like a mother to her and Sarita. Oscar says it's the same with Juan. He promised their deceased mother that he would always care for and protect them. When their younger sister died, they couldn't do anything, and they felt responsible; it affected Juan deeply. Oscar felt very guilty.

Jimena says losses are so painful. She has a cheerful disposition and many people think she's never sad, but that's not always so. She often thinks of her father, and his untimely death. She misses him so much. Her and her sisters' lives changed greatly after that. Oscar, crying, says it's the same for him and his brothers. He's embarrassed to be crying. They hug and cry together.

Juan tells the padre he doesn't know where to begin. He struggles with his words, not making much sense, says "it was like a bolt of lightning..." (he bangs his hand against something and yelps in pain, then laughs - another unscripted moment, I think). Finally he explains that it's as if the forces of nature gave him a big shock, everything was dizzy, dizzy... it seemed the only thing to do was to hate Sofia, and take out his vengeance on her; but he looked into her eyes and his heart was revealed. He couldn't hate her. He was in love with her, a love so big, so true, and then he found out she was married, and he didn't know she was forced to marry him... (he pouts), but he's sure that she loves him as strongly as he loves her, and no one will ever split them up ever, no matter what.

Juan asks forgiveness for saying all these "barbaridades." Tadeo blesses him, and says he's blessing him the same way he has always blessed true love. He leaves Juan to rest; Juan wipes some invisible tears off of his face.

After all the mush-talk about how much she and her sisters love and protect one another, Jimena and Oscar are surprised when Sarita shows up, scolding J for for being thoughtless, letting them worry while she was hanging around with "this worker." Jimena says she went out to get news about Sofia. Sarita scoffs, but Oscar confirms that Sofia and Juan are safe and sound. Eva is delighted, but Sarita continues to sulk. Oscar says she should follow Jimena's example. Sofia needs their understanding, he says - not judgment, much less critiques. Poor Sarita has no idea what he's talking about. Oscar makes a tiny kissy-face in farewell to Jimena. Eva tries not to laugh. Oscar rides away.

Sarita wants a full explanation right there in the back yard; Eva advises them to go in the house. They agree that the important thing is that Sofia's okay.

Sigh. The episode's almost done, and only now does Feo show up. Too bad, because he's fun to recap.

He comes home from whatever dastardly deeds he's been up to. He starts up the stairs, and even from behind you can see that he's in a bad mood. He catches himself halfway up the stairs, comes back down, and thought-bubbles to us that he needs to change his expression and look really delighted when he tells Crabiela that Sofia and that damn bricklayer turned up.

He puts on his best Eddie Haskell face and goes back up the stairs like a happy schoolboy.

"How do you feel?" Oscar is asking Juan. Juan says he's feeling better. Oscar gives him a mushy speech about how they don't always get along, but he still loves him because he's like their father, etc. etc. Juan says Franco told him that Oscar jumped into the river to save him. Oscar says yes, they wanted to find him alive, because he couldn't handle another loss or imagine life without him.

Oscar says it's just the three of them, like three fingers that can move alone, but when you close them into a fist they're strong, decisive, united. "We are the three Reyes brothers! Only death can separate us." (Ahem, Oscar, you are the three Robles-Reyes brothers.) Juan scolds himself for crying. Oscar jokes that Juan cries like an old man. They hug and cry some more.

Next time:
Jimena tells Sarita and Eva that Juan and Sofia are in love. Only one of them is surprised.
Franco tells Rosario he loves her with all his heart, but he doesn't know what he feels for Sarita. (Rosario takes this poorly.)
Dr. Ratched seems to have lost track of an eccentric Grandpa.
Furd congratulates the happy couple on not being dead.

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