Saturday, November 29, 2008
Querida Enemiga Friday Nov. 28, '08 Hands Down It Was A Great Gran Finale
Whew....the writers didn't disappoint...this was a rip-snortin' gran finale. Lots of action. Symbolic hands (touching, consoling, slapping, slipping on rings, attacking etc.) and the cruel contrast of Sara's harassment and humiliation with Lorena's triumph of love and affection. And the wedding...always awaited, often a dud, this one was great fun with some dynamite dancing. Vive la boda y arriba los novios!
But let's start at the beginning. The first hour Friday was covered in a stellar recap by Julie Wednesday. Check that one if you missed it. And so we start with Lorena and Alonso's sad despedida (good-bye) in his office. She's thanking him for all he did...in particular reuniting her with her family and saving Ernesto's life. He's regretting his errors and promising that if Ernesto doesn't make her happy, he'll have to deal with Alonso!
Alonso is alone now in his office when his dad enters, surprised that he's not in a more celebratory mood, given the success of the operation. Dad thoughtfully consoles him when he learns Lorena is lost to him forever. You won't forget her right away but she's moved on and so will you. At least you know you fought for her to the end. "El corazon no se mande". This is one phrase that every telenovela watcher learns quickly. Literally, the heart can't be ordered around...but I prefer "The heart has its reason which the reason knows not." The scene ends with Toribio gently placing his hand over Alonso's in sympathy.
Out in the corridor, Lorna is signing for Ernesto's effects when a ring box slips out of the bag. While the nurse rolls her eyes in delight, Lorena stares at the box in equal delight. Ring no. 2 and this one is for keeps!
Valeria is now with Alonso, continuing the consolation scene, trying to get him to eat (he hasn't had a thing all day) and agreeing to listen to his tale of woe as she tenderly covers his hand with hers.
Cute scene with Lorena teasing Ernesto about the ring (although I was horrified she sat down on the bed. You never do that with a hospital patient and particularly when they're recovering from from major surgery on a torn liver!) Oh well, they ramble on about how nothing is conventional in their romance....he fell in love with her selling muffins on the street....and she happily accepts his proposal. He slips the ring on her finger. Tah-dah!
Sara, on the other hand (no pun intended) has a pair of handcuffs slipped on...and this time she's cuffed behind her back. No chance of escape. She's limping but otherwise no sign of the gunshot wounds.
Now we have the Alonso/Ernesto farewell. I've noticed writers seem to favor scenes where two men who fought for the same damsel recognize each other's valor and part as gentlemen. More symbolism as Ernesto reaches out his hand and Alonso extends his for a manly handshake. (and here, Julie, I must say....Alonso's is bigger!)
Valeria is crying when Paula calls to see how the surgery went. He's still in love with Lorena, weeps Valeria. ¿ "Y eso a ti qué"? says Paula, although she's figured out by now that Val is a goner for our doc.
Another tender scene in Ernesto's hospital room (he evidently needs no recovery time from this major surgery). Gina, still missing a tooth, wants to know if he's okay with all these tubes hanging out. Hey, he's great and he's been thinking about them all the time. Ivan doesn't believe it but it's true...he doesn't need to think about Lorena because she's "in his heart" and when she enters the room he introduces her as his future wife (and my mom, pipes up Gina) and there's a group hug. Fortunately they don't all jump on Ernesto's bed after that.
The screen shows "a few months later" and we see Ernesto and Lorena walking around what I assume to be Chapultepec Park(thanks for the spelling correction, Cheryl) which he has picked for their wedding. I guess it's the primo spot though with a population like Mexico City I would think you'd need years to get it reserved. Whatever. She's thrilled because every bride wants her wedding day to be unforgettable.
Back to the mundane. Alonso's helping Valeria study for her new certification when one of her kids comes in and complains that the tv is busted. Val promises to look for a new one tomorrow but in the meantime Alonso jumps up to see if he can fix it (an ideal quality in a man, believe me! forget about hand size) Paula arrives in the meantime, looking for a ride home with bro' and notices that Alonso is already acting like "the man of the house" so why doesn't Valeria tell him how much she loves him!?
Whoops....Alonso comes back just in time to hear this. He's standing there stiffly, looking puppet-like, hardly encouraging for our Val, and she asks him to leave. She can't look him in the eye after this...can't bear him looking at her with pity. (Paula has already scooted , forgetting her need for a ride)
Alonso clumps out, lost in thought, remembering all the tender loving things Valeria has said to him in the past. How could I have been so blind? he asks himself. (something we viewers have discussed ad nauseum I might add).
And speaking of blind (and dumb as well) we have a final scene of mamita and Arturo in prison. She's looking down on her luck, kerchief on head ,but has brought him a yummy treat from the old folks home where she works for room and board. He's full of grand ideas for running a betting pool in the prison which will translate into big money to start a betting parlor when he gets out....in 5 years with good behavior. And you are being good aren't you? coos mamita. Oh yeah.
Brief scene with Diana and Vasco. She has news. He doesn't want to be distracted from Julian's debut commenting on a soccer match. She insists. She's pregnant! Joy all around. In fact I could have titled this "They all (but Sara) lived happily ever after in Fertile Valley" because most of our couples are like the Biblical fruitful vines in this ending.
Julian, by the way, is introduced with the nickname "El Genio" and Dad (complete with cap) Zulema and Hortensia are all watching at home. Meanwhile Maruja and Rossy are at their usual affectionate bickering...boy, girl? healthy! etc. when the labor pains strike big-time. Rossy thinks she's peed her pants but actually "se le revento la fuente" (her water has broken).
Julian gets a text message and goes berserk in the middle of the broadcast, announcing that his son is being born as he speaks, then noticing that a goal has been scored and screaming Gol gol gol gol! Guess we can forget about Lamaze coaching for papas in Mexico. There's a happy scene with the whole family in Rossy's room, Julian arrives out of breath, Rossy teases him that it's a girl...then unwraps the little guy to show him the blue blanket. They name the bebito Omar. All is forgiven. Ernesto announces that just seeing the little critter makes him want one and sassy Rossy asks him if he's doing his homework on that. hah hah
A wistful Valeria is looking at a multitude of tv screens while the salesman tries to talk her into an expensive one by offering a credit plan. Suddenly the screens are all filled with Alonso's face! And Lordy, he speaks! lamenting his blindness, telling her he can't imagine life without her and ohmigosh, he's actually standing right behind her! Yowsa. Can you believe it? She's suddenly backtracking...she's divorced, two kids, it's difficult. Alonso reminds her they've practically been living together the past two months, the kids already sometimes call him "papa"...they'll build a life together step by step. Big clinch. Some nice kisses and the deal is done. (Hope you saw this Ferro...Valeria is looking especially fetching.)
We switch now to Paula's apartment where the family is anxiously awaiting Alonso's arrival. He has some big announcement. Can you guess what it is? Sure enough, it's him, Valeria (and strangely only one child....but whatever) and everybody toasts to "LOVE" including Toribio who wants it to come knocking at his door once more...but with careful vetting of the candidate this time. (for you Amalia fans, sorry, evidently our incompetent black widow/con lady is a no-show).
These happy family scenes are cruelly contrasted with Sara's daily reality. Look at our little tv star, sneers an inmate named Olga. She's not so hoity-toity anymore is she!? We'll take her down a peg or two in here (bajarse los humos).
Lousy prison food for Sara ( most of it on her clothes); wonderful bridal shower for Lorena with....heavens to betsy, a sexy bustier and thong given by no less than Hortensia.
Lorena is off to the beauty parlor/spa to get all a spiffy hairdo and more for the wedding. Sara, on the other hand, is spit upon by Olga and then slapped in the head. Just gave you some hairspray honey, Olga sneers. Okay, they're clubbing us over the head with irony here, just like in the opening scenes of this telenovela...but hey, who wants subtlety? This is drama and comeuppance par excellence!
The harassment continues. When Sara walks past Olga and her gang without saying anything. Olga taunts her. Hey didn't your mama teach you any manners (see what I mean about irony?) Say hello when you pass your elders. You're gonna get it now. Ever feisty, Sara punches her but a fellow inmate slips Olga a knife and as they go down, she repeatedly stabs Sara (or seems to...I didn't see any blood). Then mean jailer arrives. Olga accuses Sara of starting it and having a knife to boot, and eventually both of them end up in the same dark punishment cell, ready for the final confrontation. If you want to kill each other, go for it! snaps the jailer.
The writers are really pulling out all the stops now, contrasting the tender mother-daughter scene of Lorena and Zulema with the can-you-believe it? horrifying mother-daughter scene of Sara and Olga. I've got to say, this was a gem. Much better than having Sara simply offed by the police or killed in a car wreck. The writers really know how to wring all the pathos and horror out of this discovery.
Lorena and Zulema exchange tender words of love and joy at finding each other.... thanking God that they'll be united forever. The scene is full of light.
Sara , in the dark and dank of the cell, is also making a discovery. Olga talks of her downward path, beginning in '83 when that bastard of a guy who got her pregnant is kicking her around, even as she's about to give birth to his brat. But she fixed him. Who'd of ever thought she could come by a machete and do him in! But then the pains started really bad, she was in this dumpy little town, San Martin, (What? shrieks Sara.) San Martin, stupid, are you deaf!? And I give birth in pigsty, can you believe it? What did you do with the baby? Threw it in the garbage, what else?!
I'm your daughter!!! I'm what you threw in the garbage! No way, that trash rotted in there! No! the nuns found me and raised me.! I'm your daughter, damn you, screams Sara and begins to strangle a stunned and dazed Olga. Whew! That was exhausting.
We see Lorena leaving the house for the wedding. Must say she looks fabulous as a bride. Julian thinks so too...in fact she's the prettiest bride he's ever seen (don't tell Rossy). We have the lovely wedding vows (with Gina as flower girl), tender looks, radiant smiles....the usual. And then a rip-roaring dance party. A couple of people in the cast can really shake it, including Zulema, Vasco, the nuns doing a fantastic conga and my all-time favorite, Ernesto, pantomiming magical tricks while swiveling his hips in the smoothest manner possible. Ay yi yi....lucky Lorena. Who cares if his hands are much smaller than Alonso's? That man can move his "caderas".
When the bouquet is tossed, who should catch it but Zulema? At last she will have the church wedding she always wanted (after minimal protest by Omar) and Zully looks lovely indeed as a bride.
And now the final wrapup. Ernesto leads a blindfolded Lorena to.....tah dah, her new restaurant which he knows will be a success because every dish she makes will be filled with love. Julian's new career is so successful he can afford an apartment. He and Rossy now have two sons. Gol gol gol!!!!
Diana and Vasco are living happily in their biosphere ecologically correct nature reserve and they too have another son, named Jaime, in addition to her first child.
Hortensia and Santiago are beavering away on charitable works but romance is in the air. He covers her hand with his. She slaps it away. He smiles. (we know he's not discouraged by rejection!)
Similar hand-slapping scene with Patty and Felipe as he steals a kiss. But what is this? as their hands now intertwine, she finds an engagement ring! Kisses and hugs.
Whoa...and who saw this coming? Toribio has also found his "medio naranja" (better half). It's...can you believe it?...Barbara! We focus on their hands holding up wine glasses (catar vinos...tasting wines) and the narration intones that "love has no age". (I'm expecting a product placement for Cialis any minute now).
Bettina and Ivan are still a happy couple, dancing dancing dancing. He's also about to head off to the university and Bettina is planning to be a doctor, just like her uncle.
Alonso has headed back to Quebec to start a clinic with Valeria's help. (good way to avoid granny Catalina). And they've had twins...and fortunately they look just like Valeria. Way to go.
And Sara? Well, Lorena hasn't seen her but she imagines she's still paying for her crimes. (Indeed she is. We have a shot of her hands gripping the prison bars, an anguished look on her face.) Sometimes I miss her, muses Lorena. She was my best friend....or perhaps I should say my beloved enemy "querida enemiga").
And FINALLY...it's picnic time. Ernesto and Ivan are setting up a group shot. (Gina is still missing her front tooth) And we see that Lorena is holding a little baby girl, Marianna, which she plans to take back to San Martin to show her loving nuns. She's surrounded with blessings, she has the family she's always wanted, "her cup runneth over".
And they all lived happily ever after. Aren't you glad?
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Yes, I'm very glad!
Most excellent recap of a wonderful finale Judy! I love it when things get wrapped up early and the last episode doesn't feel rushed. I'll admit I was surprised that Sara ended up meeting her mom in jail. It was divine justice if ever there was. It might even be better than the trash compacter; but hey, there's still opportunity for Sara to end up compacted somewhere down the line. Maybe she'll try to escape in the garbage and the inevitable will happen.
And the second big surprise, Tori and Babs! That was funny. I like Babs, she seems to have no concept of the parameters of age. Quite inspiring really.
I really enjoyed you pointing out the symbology of the hands. (You're deep, amiga.) And Al proved that bigger isn't always better. Yep, our Ernesto can really shake his booty. That guy just kept getting better and better.
I thought it was interesting how in a way Sara successfully separated Alonso and Lorena, but in the big picture she ended up pushing Lorena toward a relationship that was more mature and probably more long-lasting. As you said, sometimes the writers hit us over the head with irony but sometimes the irony was very subtle.
Big head Al scared the heck out of me when his face popped up on multiple screens. I suppose it was very romantic for Val but I found it a little frightening. Oh well, all's well that ends well and they are in Canada far away from the skeletons in the closet.
Agreed, Lorena looked great as a bride, even with the excessive eye liner which we simply could not get away from, eh? I loved her two-piece gown. Lorena was a refreshing heroine after the in-your-face shrieking harpy Paula from JQ.
All in all it was a very satisfying finale and your wonderful recap did it full justice.
I wonder if Gina's teeth will ever grow in?
Thanks JudyB. It was great fun to recap this one with you and all the other recappers. Nice job y'all.
Most excellent recap of a wonderful finale Judy! I love it when things get wrapped up early and the last episode doesn't feel rushed. I'll admit I was surprised that Sara ended up meeting her mom in jail. It was divine justice if ever there was. It might even be better than the trash compacter; but hey, there's still opportunity for Sara to end up compacted somewhere down the line. Maybe she'll try to escape in the garbage and the inevitable will happen.
And the second big surprise, Tori and Babs! That was funny. I like Babs, she seems to have no concept of the parameters of age. Quite inspiring really.
I really enjoyed you pointing out the symbology of the hands. (You're deep, amiga.) And Al proved that bigger isn't always better. Yep, our Ernesto can really shake his booty. That guy just kept getting better and better.
I thought it was interesting how in a way Sara successfully separated Alonso and Lorena, but in the big picture she ended up pushing Lorena toward a relationship that was more mature and probably more long-lasting. As you said, sometimes the writers hit us over the head with irony but sometimes the irony was very subtle.
Big head Al scared the heck out of me when his face popped up on multiple screens. I suppose it was very romantic for Val but I found it a little frightening. Oh well, all's well that ends well and they are in Canada far away from the skeletons in the closet.
Agreed, Lorena looked great as a bride, even with the excessive eye liner which we simply could not get away from, eh? I loved her two-piece gown. Lorena was a refreshing heroine after the in-your-face shrieking harpy Paula from JQ.
All in all it was a very satisfying finale and your wonderful recap did it full justice.
I wonder if Gina's teeth will ever grow in?
Thanks JudyB. It was great fun to recap this one with you and all the other recappers. Nice job y'all.
Muchas gracias, Miss Sylvia. I must say, after all my b**ching and moaning at the start of this series (I wanted Tontas and as it turned out we DID get it...just delayed)....I ended up enjoying the writing on this one...and thought the ending of Sara being reunited with a nightmarish mother was awesome. The dark dank hell hole encounter will stay with me forever.
Yep, always fun being teammates with you, querida amiga, and looking forward to the next wild ride on Tontas.
Hmmm...you're up early, given Pacific time. Insomnia again?
Yep, always fun being teammates with you, querida amiga, and looking forward to the next wild ride on Tontas.
Hmmm...you're up early, given Pacific time. Insomnia again?
Thanks, judyb. I haven't had time to read the recap , but I know that it will be great. [Hub is making French toast from a loaf of cinnamon bread we got at an Amish market in Lancaster yesterday, so I must dash.] I thought that the final episode wrapped up a lot of loose ends . The good folks triumphed and were rewarded with love, happiness, friendship, weddings, bridal gowns, babies, homes, restaurants], and the bad got their just rewards, too. Mami visiting Icky in jail was just pathetic. Sara finally meeting her longlost mother in jail was a twist I never expected...Divine Justice...and chilling. I would have like to see Greta getting some of that Divine Justice. Thanks , Judyb and all the dedicated recappers who made this novela such a fun ride. p.s. Sylvia~~~I , too, loved Lor's 2-piece gown [those sleeves were beautiful]. Zully catching the bouquet and the renewed vows with Omar were lovely touches. And, I liked watching all the grooving at the reception. The dancing is always my favorite part of wedding receptions. It's a family tradition for my sister and I to dance the jitterbug at all our children's wedding. [She's 8 years older that I am and taught me to dance the jitterbug when I was 8.The kids love to see her twirling me around the dance floor.]
Permalink posted by 
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 11:06:00 AM EST
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 11:06:00 AM EST
Hey Susanlynn...just imagining you learning to jitterbug at age 8 has me smiling. I taught my kid brother to jitterbug when he was only 6 (I was almost 13 so I knew it all!).
The dancing was great and as I noted, Ernesto's swivel hips were totally awesome. Worth repeat viewing.
The dancing was great and as I noted, Ernesto's swivel hips were totally awesome. Worth repeat viewing.
Great recap, Judy. I decided to watch the finale, even though I didn't watch the show. Please allow me to me the first to note that hell mama from prison was an awesome cameo from Marta of Fea Mas Bella.
Scary!
My quick impression of this show is that the leads didn't have any great romantic chemistry. Do any of you who watched the whole thing agree?
Anyway, I'll see you all next week, as I intend to watch Tontas for sure.
Scary!
My quick impression of this show is that the leads didn't have any great romantic chemistry. Do any of you who watched the whole thing agree?
Anyway, I'll see you all next week, as I intend to watch Tontas for sure.
Yep JudyB, insomnia again. Sigh. Luckily you had just put your recap up so I was very entertained. I also went back and re-watched some of the juicier scenes. Sara and mama...simply horrible and wonderful.
The only loose ends I can think of are Greta (I suppose her "ending" is she lost her good friends) and Jaqui (who ended up in a convent we assume). It would have been fun to see those two get some sort of redemption but I guess we'll just have to imagine it.
I love the image of Susanlynn and sis dancing at the weddings. No wonder you like Bailando Susanlynn!
NinaK, Lorena and Alonso most certainly did NOT have chemistry. I think she and Ernesto did, but our heroine was a more subdued, conservative type so there wasn't a lot of outright passion. However the lovemaking scene between Lorena and Ernesto was incredibly romantic. Yes, it was even hot. I think they had some good chemistry going on. To me it was believable. I was really rooting for those two to get together and I was very happy (and relieved) to see them end up together.
The only loose ends I can think of are Greta (I suppose her "ending" is she lost her good friends) and Jaqui (who ended up in a convent we assume). It would have been fun to see those two get some sort of redemption but I guess we'll just have to imagine it.
I love the image of Susanlynn and sis dancing at the weddings. No wonder you like Bailando Susanlynn!
NinaK, Lorena and Alonso most certainly did NOT have chemistry. I think she and Ernesto did, but our heroine was a more subdued, conservative type so there wasn't a lot of outright passion. However the lovemaking scene between Lorena and Ernesto was incredibly romantic. Yes, it was even hot. I think they had some good chemistry going on. To me it was believable. I was really rooting for those two to get together and I was very happy (and relieved) to see them end up together.
Yes, Nina...it was strange to see our jovial Marta as an aggressive baddie. She did a good job.
Hmmm...now on the chemistry. We felt there was a bit 'twixt Ernesto and Lorena...mainly because most of us found Ernest to be smokin' hot...at least compared to Alonso.
As for the final Alonso/Valeria pairing...Valeria is lovely (shout out to her no. 1 fan, Ferro) so there's that.
Strangely, the most chemistry seemed to be between Barbara (fiftyish) and Chalo (20-some, bad boy). Go figure. And after all that, she ends up with grandfather Don Toribio.
Hmmm...now on the chemistry. We felt there was a bit 'twixt Ernesto and Lorena...mainly because most of us found Ernest to be smokin' hot...at least compared to Alonso.
As for the final Alonso/Valeria pairing...Valeria is lovely (shout out to her no. 1 fan, Ferro) so there's that.
Strangely, the most chemistry seemed to be between Barbara (fiftyish) and Chalo (20-some, bad boy). Go figure. And after all that, she ends up with grandfather Don Toribio.
Hi again, insomniac...missed your comment while I was writing mine. Yes, there was romantic chemistry with Lorena and Ernesto...tender is the word I guess.
As Julie once noted, Ernesto's had lots of sex but not many hot dogs (Lorena introduced him to pedestrian food) and he was evidently swept away by the change in lifestyle...and ready to devote himself without fear (wedding vows) to his china doll bride.
As Julie once noted, Ernesto's had lots of sex but not many hot dogs (Lorena introduced him to pedestrian food) and he was evidently swept away by the change in lifestyle...and ready to devote himself without fear (wedding vows) to his china doll bride.
JudyB, Thank you for your wonderful recap of the delicious finale. Aren't finales fun to cover? So many ends were tied up with justicia poética para todos.
Tiny correction: Chapultepec Park. http://www.mexicocity.com.mx/chaprk.html
I always spend as much time there as possible when in Mexico, DF full of families and sheer joy on the weekends. But you are right I imagine you have to reserve a wedding space as soon as a baby girl is born to have her wedding there.
An irony for me was how beautiful Zulema was at the end. By the wedding dance scene I thought she was one of the most attractive women in the cast. She is really beautiful. I think it was fine that they just dropped Greta off of the face of the planet without further ado.
I think we all needed the scene by scene contrast of reward for the good and punishment for the evil so nicely woven into the last hour. Sara was a spectacular villain combining extreme beauty with supreme evil. Great acting job. Her enjoyment of the final badgirl scenes was palpable.
I missed some significant plot developments during this run so was glad to see that Alonso spoke of his own fatal flaw in betraying Lorena by succumbing to her best friend. In the end that is telenovela justice writ large for such infractions. I had never seen a TN (not that I have such a huge repertory but I like to think about irrefutalbe TN law) hand the lead protagonist female off to someone other than the top billed male. But perhaps other CarayCaray readers can enlighten me on this.
Judy thanks for the wonderful run and especially for your stellar finale.
Tiny correction: Chapultepec Park. http://www.mexicocity.com.mx/chaprk.html
I always spend as much time there as possible when in Mexico, DF full of families and sheer joy on the weekends. But you are right I imagine you have to reserve a wedding space as soon as a baby girl is born to have her wedding there.
An irony for me was how beautiful Zulema was at the end. By the wedding dance scene I thought she was one of the most attractive women in the cast. She is really beautiful. I think it was fine that they just dropped Greta off of the face of the planet without further ado.
I think we all needed the scene by scene contrast of reward for the good and punishment for the evil so nicely woven into the last hour. Sara was a spectacular villain combining extreme beauty with supreme evil. Great acting job. Her enjoyment of the final badgirl scenes was palpable.
I missed some significant plot developments during this run so was glad to see that Alonso spoke of his own fatal flaw in betraying Lorena by succumbing to her best friend. In the end that is telenovela justice writ large for such infractions. I had never seen a TN (not that I have such a huge repertory but I like to think about irrefutalbe TN law) hand the lead protagonist female off to someone other than the top billed male. But perhaps other CarayCaray readers can enlighten me on this.
Judy thanks for the wonderful run and especially for your stellar finale.
Judy!! As I was watching last night, I wondered, "will Judy notice that Alonso's hand is bigger?" LOL!!
Thanks for the correction Cheryl....I KNEW I was spelling it wrong but was just too bleary-eyed to look it up. I was "circling the airport" but didn't quite land. Will correct the spelling once the Buckeye basketball game is over.
Hah-hah Julie. I honestly didn't notice the first time through but the second time around, BINGO!
Oh, and Cheryl, I'm a relative newcomer to telenovelas also, but it sure is the first time I've ever seen the heroine NOT go to the top-billed guy. Nice bait 'n switch by the writers.
Alonso lost his true love because he betrayed her with her "best friend". On the other hand, Omar suffers no long-lasting repercussions even though he betrayed his wife both before and during her long coma. I guess if it's not with a "best friend" it doesn't count.
Hah-hah Julie. I honestly didn't notice the first time through but the second time around, BINGO!
Oh, and Cheryl, I'm a relative newcomer to telenovelas also, but it sure is the first time I've ever seen the heroine NOT go to the top-billed guy. Nice bait 'n switch by the writers.
Alonso lost his true love because he betrayed her with her "best friend". On the other hand, Omar suffers no long-lasting repercussions even though he betrayed his wife both before and during her long coma. I guess if it's not with a "best friend" it doesn't count.
Judy, stellar recap! Nice balance between observation and interpretation.
The wedding reception room with the window-walls - could that possibly be the restaurant in the Archaeology Museum? I think the outside slope matches, but I can't remember the room clearly. And the museum IS in Chap. Park.
My immigrant friends coerce me to say "Chapultepec" and then giggle at my efforts (we're good friends). I finally taught this German mouth to pronounce Spanish. Mixtec words? OLVIDALO!
The wedding reception room with the window-walls - could that possibly be the restaurant in the Archaeology Museum? I think the outside slope matches, but I can't remember the room clearly. And the museum IS in Chap. Park.
My immigrant friends coerce me to say "Chapultepec" and then giggle at my efforts (we're good friends). I finally taught this German mouth to pronounce Spanish. Mixtec words? OLVIDALO!
Permalink posted by : Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 1:23:00 PM EST
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 1:23:00 PM EST
hey, I'm with you, Paula, I can't pronounce it (Chapultepec) OR spell it! And I've never seen it but I imagine you have, so I'll go with your guess.
And you're right, the Nahuatl (sp?) words are even more daunting. Oh well, never give up, never give in. I'll keep trying.
And you're right, the Nahuatl (sp?) words are even more daunting. Oh well, never give up, never give in. I'll keep trying.
I've never been so satisfied by a finale before. Usually, they're rushed, or they're so chock-full of sweetness that there's no substance. Best of all were the surprises above and beyond what we usually expect in a final.
- I love that the writers set it up so that a telenovela rule was going to get broken no matter how it ended - either Lorena dumps the top-billed galan or the first man she makes love with. Perfect. Only thing I'm not clear on is whether this was the original plan (to have her end up with Ern) or if the changed their minds when they saw how much better their chemistry was.
- Only loose end I cared about (slightly) was Greta. I was completely satisfied with Jaqui joining the convent - she'd been looking for "something," and she found it. Otherwise, I was really happy with this unrushed, thorough finale.
- Sadly, I didn't feel that Lorena had a lot of charisma, or something. She wasn't exactly bland, but... I don't know. It's not that I disliked her, but my interest in the story was motivated more by my horror of Sara than by my affection for Lorena.
- Babs & Tori: Cute but it didn't make much sense to me. Just because you have two leftover people doesn't mean they have to be a couple.
- Doesn't seem weird to me that Ern & Lore got the fancy place for their wedding - they're celebrities.
- Sara and her mother (I thought too, "hey! That's Martha from LFMB!") was an AWESOME outcome. So much better than the trash compactor! Are we to assume Sara killed her?
I almost felt badly for Sara - she's way out of her league in prison. They'll eat her alive. But she should have thought of that before she stole from nuns and orphans.
- I love that the writers set it up so that a telenovela rule was going to get broken no matter how it ended - either Lorena dumps the top-billed galan or the first man she makes love with. Perfect. Only thing I'm not clear on is whether this was the original plan (to have her end up with Ern) or if the changed their minds when they saw how much better their chemistry was.
- Only loose end I cared about (slightly) was Greta. I was completely satisfied with Jaqui joining the convent - she'd been looking for "something," and she found it. Otherwise, I was really happy with this unrushed, thorough finale.
- Sadly, I didn't feel that Lorena had a lot of charisma, or something. She wasn't exactly bland, but... I don't know. It's not that I disliked her, but my interest in the story was motivated more by my horror of Sara than by my affection for Lorena.
- Babs & Tori: Cute but it didn't make much sense to me. Just because you have two leftover people doesn't mean they have to be a couple.
- Doesn't seem weird to me that Ern & Lore got the fancy place for their wedding - they're celebrities.
- Sara and her mother (I thought too, "hey! That's Martha from LFMB!") was an AWESOME outcome. So much better than the trash compactor! Are we to assume Sara killed her?
I almost felt badly for Sara - she's way out of her league in prison. They'll eat her alive. But she should have thought of that before she stole from nuns and orphans.
It wasn't clear (to me anyway) whether Sara killed mother Olga or not. Yes, she was strangling her, but in my heart of hearts, here's what I hope.
Sara and Mom resolve their differences. They band together to become the most feared duo in the prison. Even the nasty guard is scared of them.
Yes, the environment still sucks and the food is awful...but Sara and Olga RULE!!!! And while it ain't pretty, POWER is still the best aphrodisiac. (But I'd still rather have a shot at Ernesto)
Sara and Mom resolve their differences. They band together to become the most feared duo in the prison. Even the nasty guard is scared of them.
Yes, the environment still sucks and the food is awful...but Sara and Olga RULE!!!! And while it ain't pretty, POWER is still the best aphrodisiac. (But I'd still rather have a shot at Ernesto)
Great recap Judy, thanks.
When crazy jail lady said "back in 83" I blurted "oh my god it's her mother" before I could stop myself, I heard a loud gasp from my wife as she realized I was right. I wasn't expecting that. I guess her life in jail will be that much worse now that she knows where she came from.
I still thought (very small chance of it but thought maaaaaybe) somehow they were going to put Lorena and Alonso together again anyway, just to follow TN law. I told my wife that this will go down as one of my favorite shows ever, just because they did something different. That alone gets it a high rating in my book, on top of the fact that for the last two months at least, this has just been a darn good show. I could have done without drunk loser Julian and maybe a couple other small things, and would have preferred much more Valeria of course, but otherwise I really liked it. Oh and yes Judy of course I was watching and enjoyed Valeria looking good in her extended screen time. Wonder where she will pop up again.
When crazy jail lady said "back in 83" I blurted "oh my god it's her mother" before I could stop myself, I heard a loud gasp from my wife as she realized I was right. I wasn't expecting that. I guess her life in jail will be that much worse now that she knows where she came from.
I still thought (very small chance of it but thought maaaaaybe) somehow they were going to put Lorena and Alonso together again anyway, just to follow TN law. I told my wife that this will go down as one of my favorite shows ever, just because they did something different. That alone gets it a high rating in my book, on top of the fact that for the last two months at least, this has just been a darn good show. I could have done without drunk loser Julian and maybe a couple other small things, and would have preferred much more Valeria of course, but otherwise I really liked it. Oh and yes Judy of course I was watching and enjoyed Valeria looking good in her extended screen time. Wonder where she will pop up again.
heh your last post was when I was typing - that would be funny to see Sara and Olga take over the prison. Somehow they'd run into Arturo, I'm sure.
Oh and Julie, on the "did the writers switch galans when they saw the poor chemistry between Alonso and Lorena"...maybe our Anonymous tipster can help us.
He/she got in trouble for mentioning that Fafy died unlike in the original story. But giving away endings is okay now, Anonymous! Did they pull the same switch in the original or did these writers really get extra clever on us?
Whatever, I agree with Jules...it was an original and satisfying ending all the way around.
He/she got in trouble for mentioning that Fafy died unlike in the original story. But giving away endings is okay now, Anonymous! Did they pull the same switch in the original or did these writers really get extra clever on us?
Whatever, I agree with Jules...it was an original and satisfying ending all the way around.
Hi Ferro...and I missed yours. I think we all gasped when we realized Sara was closeted with her BSC mom. What a great twist!
On the Valeria question, she should be getting a leading role in the next telenovela to come down the pike. The lady is drop dead beautiful...with very expressive eyes and a lovely voice to boot. Go Team Valeria!
On the Valeria question, she should be getting a leading role in the next telenovela to come down the pike. The lady is drop dead beautiful...with very expressive eyes and a lovely voice to boot. Go Team Valeria!
As you may have guessed folks, the basketball game is a booooore...so I kept checking back on the computer.
Speaking of TN laws, what about the “bad seed” rule? Evil parents spawn evil children, and nothing can change the result. Lorena and Sara were raised in the exact same environment, but it didn’t matter. Sara is demon-spawned, and Lorena is “el pan de dios” (a saint, a marvelous person). In Fuego, we’re all sure that Ruth is Gaby’s child, and Sophia is not.
The concept has some truth, but it is also a reflection of the high-born / low-born attitude seen throughout TNs. Orphanage gutter-snipe is noble, wise, and selfless, while child of wealthy, important family is foul, immoral, and susceptible to a multitude of sins. Then, big surprise, turns out the babies were switched at birth. If it’s a period TN, the noble one is the lost child of the aristocrat, such as Alborada. Or.. Rich playboy falls in love with pure, sweet poor girl, but his family won’t accept her because she is of the wrong class. Turns out, she was born to high class; heaven forbid that the high-born should corrupt their bloodline with someone low-born. A few have broken the rule and let the heroine be middle class, such as Pasion and the Feas. But that’s not the norm.
I’m watching the Colombian Betty La Fea right now. Armando (Fernando) just said, “Betty, I’m not the kind of person you think I am.” She answered, “Doctor, you’re cultured, elegant, from a good family. You’re incapable of doing such a thing.” She is absolutely certain that someone of noble birth can’t be despicable. (And it implies that someone of low birth can’t be noble.)
The concept has some truth, but it is also a reflection of the high-born / low-born attitude seen throughout TNs. Orphanage gutter-snipe is noble, wise, and selfless, while child of wealthy, important family is foul, immoral, and susceptible to a multitude of sins. Then, big surprise, turns out the babies were switched at birth. If it’s a period TN, the noble one is the lost child of the aristocrat, such as Alborada. Or.. Rich playboy falls in love with pure, sweet poor girl, but his family won’t accept her because she is of the wrong class. Turns out, she was born to high class; heaven forbid that the high-born should corrupt their bloodline with someone low-born. A few have broken the rule and let the heroine be middle class, such as Pasion and the Feas. But that’s not the norm.
I’m watching the Colombian Betty La Fea right now. Armando (Fernando) just said, “Betty, I’m not the kind of person you think I am.” She answered, “Doctor, you’re cultured, elegant, from a good family. You’re incapable of doing such a thing.” She is absolutely certain that someone of noble birth can’t be despicable. (And it implies that someone of low birth can’t be noble.)
If Sara and Olga took over the prison then Arturo would be their bitch, no doubt about it. However I prefer to think that Sara killed her mother. This would be more in keeping with her character. She systematically went around alienating, and sometimes killing, every single person who ever had a hope of becoming close to her. Her goal was to separate Lorena from every person to whom she (Lor) got close, but instead Sara ended up being alone. Olga was a pretty disturbed person and probably wouldn't have accepted Sara as her own child unless there was something in it for her, but by killing her Sara made sure that any bond between her and mom would never, ever happen. This would probably drive her even crazier, realizing she would never have a chance at a mother's love because mommy dearest died by her own bare hands.
Hey Paula, the low-born, high-born class thing has always bothered me...and also the assumption that for our misplaced heroine to be happy she not only has to marry someone gorgeous, he also has to be rich as all get out. No possibility of being happy on middle income, average looks, nosiree.
So, Sylvia, you bloodthirsty wench, you prefer to think Sara killed mamacita! The only reason I'd leave room for doubt is because mother has killed a few folks herself. Just couldn't believe she'd let Sara's dainty hands strangle the life out of her. But who knows? That's one of the niggling questions this telenovela leaves.
And so we can spin our own theories. Much fun.
So, Sylvia, you bloodthirsty wench, you prefer to think Sara killed mamacita! The only reason I'd leave room for doubt is because mother has killed a few folks herself. Just couldn't believe she'd let Sara's dainty hands strangle the life out of her. But who knows? That's one of the niggling questions this telenovela leaves.
And so we can spin our own theories. Much fun.
I fear I am a bit bloodthirsty. I loved the look on mama's face when her baby was strangling her. Clearly she's not as sharp as Sara and was still working out the details in her mind while Sara was busy throttling her. That really was a great touch!
Thanks to all the recappers who did a great job.
All's well that ends well. Like everyone else, I loved the twist of Sara meeting her mom in jail and possibly strangling her. Oh that Sara!!! The actress did a great job throughout. I especially liked her when she was on her crazy killing rampage. As for Lorena, occasionally the character was allowed to have some spunk, but she was kind of a one-dimensional goody two-shoes and it would have been hard for most actresses to make her very interesting as written. I too liked the wedding and the fact that she wound up with Ernesto.
Looking forward to Tontas...
NJ Sue
All's well that ends well. Like everyone else, I loved the twist of Sara meeting her mom in jail and possibly strangling her. Oh that Sara!!! The actress did a great job throughout. I especially liked her when she was on her crazy killing rampage. As for Lorena, occasionally the character was allowed to have some spunk, but she was kind of a one-dimensional goody two-shoes and it would have been hard for most actresses to make her very interesting as written. I too liked the wedding and the fact that she wound up with Ernesto.
Looking forward to Tontas...
NJ Sue
Permalink posted by : Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 4:15:00 PM EST
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 4:15:00 PM EST
Sylvia, Ay caray, that's dark! I prefer to imagine the two of them locked in battle (isn't there some Greek myth like that), forever trying to destroy the other. The cruel guard keeps them locked in the same cell for her own entertainment. They battle for years, and their hatred grows daily. One is smarter, one has experience with tougher prey. One is stronger, one is more conniving. Each is saturated with hatred. Each is afraid to sleep at night. Each sinks lower and lower into the pit she dug herself. By the end, they are more animal than human, like Gollum. Pues, I guess I can get pretty dark too! This living death for Sara really does carry more punch than the standard fall-into-the-inferno ending.
Don't you just love imagining your own stories that occur after "FIN"?
Judy, I'll agree with you only so far. I would like to see the sweet young thing marry some middle class guy of noble character - he could be a dedicated school teacher or an ambulence driver (btw, did you know that Bobby Sherman became an EMT?). But I draw the line here: the galan must be gorgeous. Tell me, who do you want to gaze at for six months? Fernando Colunga or Eugenio Derbiz?
Sue, nice to see that you came out to see the light of day! But admit it, the TV is calling you, even now, isn't it? I well remember that call. Like a Kingon tractor beam, inescapable!
Don't you just love imagining your own stories that occur after "FIN"?
Judy, I'll agree with you only so far. I would like to see the sweet young thing marry some middle class guy of noble character - he could be a dedicated school teacher or an ambulence driver (btw, did you know that Bobby Sherman became an EMT?). But I draw the line here: the galan must be gorgeous. Tell me, who do you want to gaze at for six months? Fernando Colunga or Eugenio Derbiz?
Sue, nice to see that you came out to see the light of day! But admit it, the TV is calling you, even now, isn't it? I well remember that call. Like a Kingon tractor beam, inescapable!
Yikes Paula...Eugenio Derbez!? Okay, Uncle...you win. The galan has to be gorgeous.
As for your and Sylvia's dark fantasies, I've come to one conclusion. I don't EVER want to make either one of you mad!
NJ Sue...glad you liked the wedding. And yep, most of the time Lorena was just so durned sweet and forgiving. But then they'd let her bust someone's chops (usually Sara's I guess) and then she'd go back to the syrup. But hey, she snagged Ernesto. Must be a little pepper in that pot.
As for your and Sylvia's dark fantasies, I've come to one conclusion. I don't EVER want to make either one of you mad!
NJ Sue...glad you liked the wedding. And yep, most of the time Lorena was just so durned sweet and forgiving. But then they'd let her bust someone's chops (usually Sara's I guess) and then she'd go back to the syrup. But hey, she snagged Ernesto. Must be a little pepper in that pot.
I also have a hard time imagining Sara and her mom becoming allies; I have a feeling that when Olga throws something in the trash, she wants it to stay thrown away.
And that's why I sorta hope Sara killed her.
Now, as for the prison food and Sara's future. Given Sara's brief reign as a celebrity chef, I figure they put her to work in the kitchen. As I recall, she knows how to make three things: Rotten Egg Sauce, Burnt Pork Roast, and Risotto. I think this is the key to her survival. Be nice to the cook, and you get risotto. Be mean, and you get something else...
And that's why I sorta hope Sara killed her.
Now, as for the prison food and Sara's future. Given Sara's brief reign as a celebrity chef, I figure they put her to work in the kitchen. As I recall, she knows how to make three things: Rotten Egg Sauce, Burnt Pork Roast, and Risotto. I think this is the key to her survival. Be nice to the cook, and you get risotto. Be mean, and you get something else...
Hey y'all...have a little sympathy for us mothers! I guess I want Olga to live because after all, she was a much nicer person on Fea Mas Bella. But you're right, Julie, I imagine when she tosses something in the trash, she wants it to stay there. Risotto it is.
And I suppose Sara could go on killing other people in prison. There's no capital punishment in Mexico as I understand it.
And I suppose Sara could go on killing other people in prison. There's no capital punishment in Mexico as I understand it.
Reunitingr with the mother who threw her in the garbage immediately after giving birth to her brings Sara full circle. Yikes ~!!! Shout out to whatever devious mind thought this ending up. Instead of a quick trip to hell, Sara is in a living hell ...confined to a dark, dank cell with the one person she hates more than anyone else.[By the by, didn't the cops shoot Sara ?..What happened to her wounds ???] Whoever made the comment about Sara killing anyone who comes close to her was right on the money. However, Sara's spunkiness and determination are no match for Mamcita's size , strength, and general lack of motherly love. If anyone gets killed in that prison, I think it's going to be Sara. She has met her match in mother. These novelas do seem to support nature vs. nurture, don't they ? Even though Lor and Sara were raised in the same environment by the same nuns, their innate good/bad natures surfaced. In other words, you can take the girl out of the trash, but you cannot take the trash out of the girl. And so,Sara is trapped until death in a world of despair and hopelessness. Makes your own existence seem down right sparkling and great , doesn't it ??? Like...wow...lucky me...at least I am not in prison being tormented by the person who put me in the garbage and left me for dead after she gave birth to me. Now that's harsh.
Permalink posted by : Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 7:32:00 PM EST
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 7:32:00 PM EST
Thanks for a great recap! And there are great comments going on, too! I agree that the ending was great and the dancing was fun to watch!
Sara and her evil mom....two bad seeds, alright! (I think Sara DID kill her!!!)
This was a great novela to watch. Ernesto was sooooo hawt!!! Lucky Lorena!! On with Tontas!!!!
Sara and her evil mom....two bad seeds, alright! (I think Sara DID kill her!!!)
This was a great novela to watch. Ernesto was sooooo hawt!!! Lucky Lorena!! On with Tontas!!!!
Permalink posted by : Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 7:33:00 PM EST
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 7:33:00 PM EST
Yes, Sara is doomed to spend the rest of her life in that dark cell (which may actually be worse than the death penalty). Fine with me!
I know I'm the only one, but I always liked Monica, so now that Raimundo and Paula got married, she's Alonso's step-niece and Bettina's step-cousin, so maybe she'll come back and liven things up!
And if Toribio and Barbara get married, Alonso and Paula are Vasco's step-siblings, and also related to Diana, Zulema, Julian and Omar and Lorena by marriage, and that means Jaime, so Babs is now officially related to herself!
Speaking of the class thing, Jaime did marry Maruja, neither is super attractive, and he's sort of from the upper class and she's middle class, so I guess this is possible in telenovelas, just not with the leads.
My favorite scene? Dancing nuns!
I know I'm the only one, but I always liked Monica, so now that Raimundo and Paula got married, she's Alonso's step-niece and Bettina's step-cousin, so maybe she'll come back and liven things up!
And if Toribio and Barbara get married, Alonso and Paula are Vasco's step-siblings, and also related to Diana, Zulema, Julian and Omar and Lorena by marriage, and that means Jaime, so Babs is now officially related to herself!
Speaking of the class thing, Jaime did marry Maruja, neither is super attractive, and he's sort of from the upper class and she's middle class, so I guess this is possible in telenovelas, just not with the leads.
My favorite scene? Dancing nuns!
Julie and Judy B,
Lorena and Ernesto was the writer's original plan all along. The character of Alonso was supposed to be flawed all along with his irrational jealousy, brooding/moodiness, and the unforgivable sin of having a relationship with Sara. The original Ernesto 10 years ago was Cesar Evora-I thought he was too old for Lorena in that version, but I Iove him in most roles. Jorge Avarena did a fantastic job with the role-I just couldn't imagine Lorena with anyone else (and this from someone who was on team Al 10 years ago) this time around. The details that were changed/updated were few-Faffy's death (he was an old enamorado of Horty and got a second chance with her), Lorena's mom had a liposuction instead of bariatric surgery (makes more sense in the remake), and more use of cell phones and texting between the characters. A lot was so scripted ( Lorena's 2 piece wedding dress-I think it's the same one from 10 years ago-and her hairstyle, her lack of fashion sense, even Ernesto's dumb dance with the magic trick/handkerchief coming out of his ear was in the original script). Both Evora and Aravena can shake their hips and are dancers, but that dance was strange then and now. Any other questions?
Lorena and Ernesto was the writer's original plan all along. The character of Alonso was supposed to be flawed all along with his irrational jealousy, brooding/moodiness, and the unforgivable sin of having a relationship with Sara. The original Ernesto 10 years ago was Cesar Evora-I thought he was too old for Lorena in that version, but I Iove him in most roles. Jorge Avarena did a fantastic job with the role-I just couldn't imagine Lorena with anyone else (and this from someone who was on team Al 10 years ago) this time around. The details that were changed/updated were few-Faffy's death (he was an old enamorado of Horty and got a second chance with her), Lorena's mom had a liposuction instead of bariatric surgery (makes more sense in the remake), and more use of cell phones and texting between the characters. A lot was so scripted ( Lorena's 2 piece wedding dress-I think it's the same one from 10 years ago-and her hairstyle, her lack of fashion sense, even Ernesto's dumb dance with the magic trick/handkerchief coming out of his ear was in the original script). Both Evora and Aravena can shake their hips and are dancers, but that dance was strange then and now. Any other questions?
Permalink posted by : Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 8:30:00 PM EST
: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 8:30:00 PM EST
Awesome job JudyB! Gran final are the best kind of recaps! For what it's worth, as far as Omar being forgiven, it's not just that he didn't cheat on Zuly with her BFF, but that, for 22 years, he was a great husband who loved her and worshiped the ground she walked on. I don't mean in any way to belittle what he did, but I think in contrast with 22 years of happiness, Zuly felt he deserved a second chance to be the man she once fell in love with. That and she still loved him. 'Slow cheated with Lore's BFF within days of dumping Lore and neither time they were together was particularly long (few months), so they didn't have the same emotional investment that Lore's parents did. That's MHO on this one.
Sylvia – I agree about Greta’s punishment being that she’s lost her friends (and the man she kept clinging on to). Being left alone seems like just punishment for someone who was so conniving and double-crossing, all in the name of “love” (or so she believed, I think it was desperation).
Paula - I loved your Gollum-parallel afterword on Sara and Olga. I think it was nebulous as to whether or not Sara succeeded in killing her mom, but I hope she didn't so they can spend the rest of their time in jail making each other's life miserable to the amusement of the mean guard. In time we would see if age and treachery would overcome youth and smarts, or if it would be the other way around. Oh, and I'm with you on the galan not having to be rich, just hot! I guess it goes both ways. For a bit of useless trivia, one of the most legendary telenovelas, "Rina" (later re-made into "Maria Mercedes" with Thalia) had a hunchback lead. She was fairly pretty, but with her hump, hardly the stereotypical pretty girl we usually envision as the lead (and yes, her galan was cute, but technically it was her money and his pedigree).
Anon 8:30 - thanks for the 411 on the previous version. I'm not sure we were aware this was a remake (and I'm sure Cesar Evora was fabulous, if a little old).
Thanks to all for the wild ride. On to the next one ;)
Sylvia – I agree about Greta’s punishment being that she’s lost her friends (and the man she kept clinging on to). Being left alone seems like just punishment for someone who was so conniving and double-crossing, all in the name of “love” (or so she believed, I think it was desperation).
Paula - I loved your Gollum-parallel afterword on Sara and Olga. I think it was nebulous as to whether or not Sara succeeded in killing her mom, but I hope she didn't so they can spend the rest of their time in jail making each other's life miserable to the amusement of the mean guard. In time we would see if age and treachery would overcome youth and smarts, or if it would be the other way around. Oh, and I'm with you on the galan not having to be rich, just hot! I guess it goes both ways. For a bit of useless trivia, one of the most legendary telenovelas, "Rina" (later re-made into "Maria Mercedes" with Thalia) had a hunchback lead. She was fairly pretty, but with her hump, hardly the stereotypical pretty girl we usually envision as the lead (and yes, her galan was cute, but technically it was her money and his pedigree).
Anon 8:30 - thanks for the 411 on the previous version. I'm not sure we were aware this was a remake (and I'm sure Cesar Evora was fabulous, if a little old).
Thanks to all for the wild ride. On to the next one ;)
Hi y'all. Got caught up in football and the computer was comandeered by my son (how's that for a switch) so I missed your comments last night but am enjoying them with my breakfast coffee.
Thanks for the info, Anonymous...Glad we didn't know about the original because the tension of not knowing who Lorena would end up with really added to our interest and enjoyment. And even the magic trick dance was in the original!...wow...thought it was just Ernesto's special talent. Whatever..he did a great job.
Yes, Hombre de Misterio...the nuns' dancing was really cute. Particularly loved the tall thin one's arm movements up... down... to the side..reminded me of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. And glad you haven't abandoned Monica...you're a good man.
Enjoyed all our commenters' imagined scenarios for Sara and her mother. Isn't it interesting how we're still fascinated by Sara and her fate? And leaving it in doubt whether mom died or not was an excellent teaser at the end. But Becky t. maybe you're right! Olga certainly looked mighty distressed when we last saw her.
Pie buddy Susanlynn...yes, these telenovelas stress nature over nurture and in my younger days I would have disagreed, but having had 3 children, who look totally different and are totally different (a pediatrician once asked me if they had different fathers! and noooo, all the same daddy) I must say I'm a big believer in genes. It's been the most obvious to me in families with natural and adopted children. One of my students gave up a baby when she was in college. When she finally was able to contact her as an adult, the daughter had turned out to be a wonderful, productive human being (just like her mother). The adoptive couple's two natural sons turned out terribly. So her college tragedy blessed another couple whose parental lives would have been very discouraging otherwise. And of course the reverse can happen also. Just sayin'
Thanks for the info, Anonymous...Glad we didn't know about the original because the tension of not knowing who Lorena would end up with really added to our interest and enjoyment. And even the magic trick dance was in the original!...wow...thought it was just Ernesto's special talent. Whatever..he did a great job.
Yes, Hombre de Misterio...the nuns' dancing was really cute. Particularly loved the tall thin one's arm movements up... down... to the side..reminded me of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. And glad you haven't abandoned Monica...you're a good man.
Enjoyed all our commenters' imagined scenarios for Sara and her mother. Isn't it interesting how we're still fascinated by Sara and her fate? And leaving it in doubt whether mom died or not was an excellent teaser at the end. But Becky t. maybe you're right! Olga certainly looked mighty distressed when we last saw her.
Pie buddy Susanlynn...yes, these telenovelas stress nature over nurture and in my younger days I would have disagreed, but having had 3 children, who look totally different and are totally different (a pediatrician once asked me if they had different fathers! and noooo, all the same daddy) I must say I'm a big believer in genes. It's been the most obvious to me in families with natural and adopted children. One of my students gave up a baby when she was in college. When she finally was able to contact her as an adult, the daughter had turned out to be a wonderful, productive human being (just like her mother). The adoptive couple's two natural sons turned out terribly. So her college tragedy blessed another couple whose parental lives would have been very discouraging otherwise. And of course the reverse can happen also. Just sayin'
Gee, Judyb~~~You're up early. I couldn't sleep , so I thought I'd surf the Internet for a few minutes and found your early morning post. Well, I think I'll crawl back under the covers for a little while. It's still dark here. Have a nice Sunday.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 6:46:00 AM EST
: Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 6:46:00 AM EST
Hi Susanlynn (yes, I wake up at 5 am though seldom get up that early.) It IS handy when I'm visiting the grandchildren though, I can take the early morning "watch".
Margarita, forgot to address your defense of taking Omar back though it was a very valid one. On the one hand, Zulema had also loved him for 20 some years with great devotion which makes the betrayal all the more heinous BUT....yes, obviously she still loved him. And taking him back gives her the opportunity to build more (and better) memories with him. If she divorced him, her last memories would have been of bitterness and betrayal. Better to build new and better ones...with children and grandchildren.
And always better to forgive (not always to reconcile) because forgiveness is for your OWN sake...so you can release resentment and live free of bitterness and cynicism.
And even though Lorena sometimes seemed relentlessly saccharine, I do concur with her emphasis on forgiveness and moving on. And her final statement made it sound like she had chosen to remember the closeness and friendship she and Sara had growing up, rather than dwell on the betrayal and horror of what came later.
Good move Lorena...as well as choosing that charming hip-swiveling hunk Ernesto.
Margarita, forgot to address your defense of taking Omar back though it was a very valid one. On the one hand, Zulema had also loved him for 20 some years with great devotion which makes the betrayal all the more heinous BUT....yes, obviously she still loved him. And taking him back gives her the opportunity to build more (and better) memories with him. If she divorced him, her last memories would have been of bitterness and betrayal. Better to build new and better ones...with children and grandchildren.
And always better to forgive (not always to reconcile) because forgiveness is for your OWN sake...so you can release resentment and live free of bitterness and cynicism.
And even though Lorena sometimes seemed relentlessly saccharine, I do concur with her emphasis on forgiveness and moving on. And her final statement made it sound like she had chosen to remember the closeness and friendship she and Sara had growing up, rather than dwell on the betrayal and horror of what came later.
Good move Lorena...as well as choosing that charming hip-swiveling hunk Ernesto.
Thank you, Anon 8:30. Evora as Ernesto? Wow. It's hard to imagine feeling the same way about him!
Margarita, I agree with you, Omar & Greta is one thing, and Alonso & Sara is something else entirely.
As for Greta, the reason it felt "unfinished" to me was because she seemed so seriously disturbed that I was worried she'd do something destructive. Apparently she didn't, but I would have felt better if we'd gotten five seconds of seeing her go to counseling or otherwise getting some kind of life.
Margarita, I agree with you, Omar & Greta is one thing, and Alonso & Sara is something else entirely.
As for Greta, the reason it felt "unfinished" to me was because she seemed so seriously disturbed that I was worried she'd do something destructive. Apparently she didn't, but I would have felt better if we'd gotten five seconds of seeing her go to counseling or otherwise getting some kind of life.
What is the name of the show with Cesar Evora? I can't seem to find any likely choices on his IMDB entry.
Anonymous knows the name so maybe he/she can remind us again. Mentionned that it was 10 years ago.
I figured Greta recovered and is already working on her next lover. She IS attractive...and funny when she's not being crazy.
Thought of the Zulema/Omar question again in church during the Children's Sermon (which I always "get" better than the adult sermon!) and the pastor was talking about "No Matter What Love" which is what we should all be showing others. Zulema is definitely a "No Matter What Love" demonstrator....although she credits Lorena with teaching her how. Whatever. Works for me.
I figured Greta recovered and is already working on her next lover. She IS attractive...and funny when she's not being crazy.
Thought of the Zulema/Omar question again in church during the Children's Sermon (which I always "get" better than the adult sermon!) and the pastor was talking about "No Matter What Love" which is what we should all be showing others. Zulema is definitely a "No Matter What Love" demonstrator....although she credits Lorena with teaching her how. Whatever. Works for me.
Because of the holiday, I just saw the finale this afternoon, so I'm late, but.....
Thanks so very much for the final recap, JudyB, and also thanks to Julie for Wednesday’s. Both of you are great and I always enjoy your recaps. It can’t be said enough what a wonderful gift you give us all by sharing your time and special insights.
I really liked the finale, and I liked the fact that many of the storylines were wrapped up earlier. Although I always thought Lorena was fairly bland looking, she looked beautiful at the wedding. The dance was fun to watch, it was nice to see everyone so happy.
If Zulema is happy, then I guess I’m ok with Omar being accepted back. Not a choice I can imagine I would make, but hey, we all have to do what’s right for us. I agree with Julie that Greta seemed to have a serious problem, I can see her either hurting herself physically or at the very least leaching on to another married man, and probably another, and another.
The writers gave us several great surprises during the final weeks, probably the biggest was Sara’s fate. I think I’m with JudyB on my favorite outcome for Sara and her mother, they team up and rule the prison. That’s a change of heart for me, I previously couldn’t imagine anything bad enough for her. But I think the happy endings for almost everyone else softened me up a bit and let me feel a little sorry for Sara now that she hopefully can’t hurt them anymore.
Thanks again to all the recappers, I've really enjoyed this one, including all the comments.
Thanks so very much for the final recap, JudyB, and also thanks to Julie for Wednesday’s. Both of you are great and I always enjoy your recaps. It can’t be said enough what a wonderful gift you give us all by sharing your time and special insights.
I really liked the finale, and I liked the fact that many of the storylines were wrapped up earlier. Although I always thought Lorena was fairly bland looking, she looked beautiful at the wedding. The dance was fun to watch, it was nice to see everyone so happy.
If Zulema is happy, then I guess I’m ok with Omar being accepted back. Not a choice I can imagine I would make, but hey, we all have to do what’s right for us. I agree with Julie that Greta seemed to have a serious problem, I can see her either hurting herself physically or at the very least leaching on to another married man, and probably another, and another.
The writers gave us several great surprises during the final weeks, probably the biggest was Sara’s fate. I think I’m with JudyB on my favorite outcome for Sara and her mother, they team up and rule the prison. That’s a change of heart for me, I previously couldn’t imagine anything bad enough for her. But I think the happy endings for almost everyone else softened me up a bit and let me feel a little sorry for Sara now that she hopefully can’t hurt them anymore.
Thanks again to all the recappers, I've really enjoyed this one, including all the comments.
NinaK and JudyB,
Cesar Evora is not credited on IMDB and the show doesn't appear because I checked several sites back in July as I was trying to verify that my memory wasn't playing tricks on me. A coworker's mom also remembers it and verified that it was indeed Evora as Ernesto. The original title was QE (I'm sure because Lorena' uttered the same line about her "querida enemiga" right before the family shot at the picnic) and I remember thinking that Dear Enemy was a dumb title back then.
It was probably done by Venevision or maybe Televisa-I'll ask my coworker's mom if she remembers. It was about 10-12 years ago, shortly after Luz Clarita-I think. I know that the show has been billed as an original version, but it has been done once before although it wasn't a hit at the time. The IMDB site does have some omissions, like when they omit Lucero's film "El Niño de la Mochila Azul" with Pedrito Fdz. which was so popular and important to both careers. I remember the QE plot line and dialogue because I was so upset that she ended up with Evora (too old for her and not as good as the chemistry in the remake) that I stopped watching novelas until this year. I'd pass my mom's room as she watched QE and got suckered in again. I took me a few episodes to figure out we'd seen it before, but the plot of the chef who's an ogre and the sweet young orphan betrayed by her BFF/sister plus Ivan's rebellion started ringing bells in the far recesses of my mind (my friends kid me about having a really good memory for details) so that's when I checked IMDB, Wikipedia, and several telenovela sites researching until my coworker said "oh yes, my mom also mentioned it was done before with Cesar Evora" as we discussed the novela one day. As I said before, I loved it this time around and loved the ending. I would have stopped watching again if she had ended up with ole Al. If anyone is interested, I'll try to get more information on Mon. or Tues.-just let me know if you want. Oh, btw, the picnic scene & Lorena's first time was new as they got caught in the rainstorm and had to stay at an inn (El Pariso) for Lorena's first time in the original.
By the way, the recaps were great although I checked in daily to read the very insightful comments more than anything else.
Cesar Evora is not credited on IMDB and the show doesn't appear because I checked several sites back in July as I was trying to verify that my memory wasn't playing tricks on me. A coworker's mom also remembers it and verified that it was indeed Evora as Ernesto. The original title was QE (I'm sure because Lorena' uttered the same line about her "querida enemiga" right before the family shot at the picnic) and I remember thinking that Dear Enemy was a dumb title back then.
It was probably done by Venevision or maybe Televisa-I'll ask my coworker's mom if she remembers. It was about 10-12 years ago, shortly after Luz Clarita-I think. I know that the show has been billed as an original version, but it has been done once before although it wasn't a hit at the time. The IMDB site does have some omissions, like when they omit Lucero's film "El Niño de la Mochila Azul" with Pedrito Fdz. which was so popular and important to both careers. I remember the QE plot line and dialogue because I was so upset that she ended up with Evora (too old for her and not as good as the chemistry in the remake) that I stopped watching novelas until this year. I'd pass my mom's room as she watched QE and got suckered in again. I took me a few episodes to figure out we'd seen it before, but the plot of the chef who's an ogre and the sweet young orphan betrayed by her BFF/sister plus Ivan's rebellion started ringing bells in the far recesses of my mind (my friends kid me about having a really good memory for details) so that's when I checked IMDB, Wikipedia, and several telenovela sites researching until my coworker said "oh yes, my mom also mentioned it was done before with Cesar Evora" as we discussed the novela one day. As I said before, I loved it this time around and loved the ending. I would have stopped watching again if she had ended up with ole Al. If anyone is interested, I'll try to get more information on Mon. or Tues.-just let me know if you want. Oh, btw, the picnic scene & Lorena's first time was new as they got caught in the rainstorm and had to stay at an inn (El Pariso) for Lorena's first time in the original.
By the way, the recaps were great although I checked in daily to read the very insightful comments more than anything else.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 6:10:00 PM EST
: Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 6:10:00 PM EST
Sure Anonymous...whatever you can come up with. It's all right as long as it's not a "spoiler" (and it's not since the show is over) and it's not gossip. Those are Blog Mom Melinama's two requirements or boundaries if you will.
No matter how old Cesar Evora gets, he charms me (of course I'm no spring chicken) but it's his voice that does the trick. It's so warm and almost...what can I say...furry! It just wraps around you and draws you in.
Glad you're enjoying the comments. It's a real treat for me to read other people's points of view and watch virtual friendships develop as we all get to know each other a little bit better. Electronic pen pals!
No matter how old Cesar Evora gets, he charms me (of course I'm no spring chicken) but it's his voice that does the trick. It's so warm and almost...what can I say...furry! It just wraps around you and draws you in.
Glad you're enjoying the comments. It's a real treat for me to read other people's points of view and watch virtual friendships develop as we all get to know each other a little bit better. Electronic pen pals!
Rhonda.....yes, Zulema had a hard choice. Very difficult.
Here's the dilemma. There's NO good choice. Either way she'll wonder, did I do the right thing?
I've known women who divorced their husband when they found out they were unfaithful...then wished they'd worked harder to save the marriage. Especially when the grandchildren came along or when they found themselves sharing pews at a son or daughter's wedding with the new wife.
Those who didn't divorce end up wondering if they would have been happier just "closing that chapter" and moving on. And maybe finding a truer, longer lasting love with someone new.
There's no definitive answer...usually...and so you do have to go with what your heart tells you and just hope for the best....knowing you can survive even if it comes to the worst.
The only good thing that comes out of these painful situations is that the wounded person MUST become stronger and more mature in order to heal....and that's a good thing, always.
Here's the dilemma. There's NO good choice. Either way she'll wonder, did I do the right thing?
I've known women who divorced their husband when they found out they were unfaithful...then wished they'd worked harder to save the marriage. Especially when the grandchildren came along or when they found themselves sharing pews at a son or daughter's wedding with the new wife.
Those who didn't divorce end up wondering if they would have been happier just "closing that chapter" and moving on. And maybe finding a truer, longer lasting love with someone new.
There's no definitive answer...usually...and so you do have to go with what your heart tells you and just hope for the best....knowing you can survive even if it comes to the worst.
The only good thing that comes out of these painful situations is that the wounded person MUST become stronger and more mature in order to heal....and that's a good thing, always.
Evora does have a nice voice, yes.
As for IMDB - it's mostly maintained by users, as is Wikipedia, which means that it's sometimes incomplete and/or incorrect.
However, if anyone here has the time/desire/information to contribute to IMDB, don't be shy. The telenovela pages tend to be pretty sparse, when they're there at all, so any tidbit you can add to them will be valuable.
The IMDB staff reviews submissions to prevent vandalism, but I'm pretty sure all you need to make submissions is a login, which I believe is still free.
I used to have an imdb login, but I lost track of it ages ago. It's been a long time since I've known anything that IMDB didn't!
As for IMDB - it's mostly maintained by users, as is Wikipedia, which means that it's sometimes incomplete and/or incorrect.
However, if anyone here has the time/desire/information to contribute to IMDB, don't be shy. The telenovela pages tend to be pretty sparse, when they're there at all, so any tidbit you can add to them will be valuable.
The IMDB staff reviews submissions to prevent vandalism, but I'm pretty sure all you need to make submissions is a login, which I believe is still free.
I used to have an imdb login, but I lost track of it ages ago. It's been a long time since I've known anything that IMDB didn't!
I am one of the (likely) many people out there who read this blog regularly and never commented. Now that QE is over, I wanted to take the time to say thank you to all the recappers and commentors for the fantastic and funny entries. I started watching QE halfway through, sometime in September, as I was searching for a telenovela to recommend to a friend who is learning Spanish for the State Department (she is off to Venezuela in the late winter). When I learned Spanish many years ago, my professors often used telenovelas as a way to learn vocabulary and to spice up lessons. I thought this blog would be the perfect companion piece for someone just learning. Well, months later, my friend never got around to watching, but I became addicted.
QE seemed slow in the beginning, but these recaps were always entertaining and kept me coming back for more, even when I hadn’t watched that day’s show. But the characters on QE really grew on me. I think every character (except Bruno and Arturo) made me feel sad for them at some point. Even Sara and Greta showed a sad vulnerability in some of their worst moments that made you wish that somehow these two ladies could find a way to fill the emotional voids that were taking over their lives. You could see the characters grow and mature (Lorena, Rosi, Julian, Diana, Paula, Ernesto, Barb, Hortensia, etc.), even when they did complete personality 180s. And although the Lorena-Slow-Chef Hot love triangle got tiresome, I understood that it was a needed plot device for this novela. It definitely kept us in suspense and kept us guessing. In real life, it is sometimes hard to discern whether what you feel for someone is love and gratitude mixed with fond memories (as in the case with Alonso), or if you’re in love with them (as with Ernesto). Usually it becomes clear a lot faster in real life, especially when both choices are right in front of you at the same time!
But my favorite part of QE was cute little Gina! What a charmer and a good actress for one so young (so different from the dull one who played Val’s daughter; and que the heck happened to her son?!!). Gina made me smile and cry (e.g. heartbreaking scenes waiting for Ern to pull through). J It would have been great if they could have incorporated Jackie back in for some comedic storyline, but everyone got their due and/or happy end, with family at the heart of that happiness. All in all, this was a very satisfying telenovela and you all made the experience 10 times better. Not sure if another telenovela will catch my attention as this one did, but I will be drawn back to this site, just to see what you all are discussing in the future. Once again, fantastic job all and THANKS!
-Vivi in DC
QE seemed slow in the beginning, but these recaps were always entertaining and kept me coming back for more, even when I hadn’t watched that day’s show. But the characters on QE really grew on me. I think every character (except Bruno and Arturo) made me feel sad for them at some point. Even Sara and Greta showed a sad vulnerability in some of their worst moments that made you wish that somehow these two ladies could find a way to fill the emotional voids that were taking over their lives. You could see the characters grow and mature (Lorena, Rosi, Julian, Diana, Paula, Ernesto, Barb, Hortensia, etc.), even when they did complete personality 180s. And although the Lorena-Slow-Chef Hot love triangle got tiresome, I understood that it was a needed plot device for this novela. It definitely kept us in suspense and kept us guessing. In real life, it is sometimes hard to discern whether what you feel for someone is love and gratitude mixed with fond memories (as in the case with Alonso), or if you’re in love with them (as with Ernesto). Usually it becomes clear a lot faster in real life, especially when both choices are right in front of you at the same time!
But my favorite part of QE was cute little Gina! What a charmer and a good actress for one so young (so different from the dull one who played Val’s daughter; and que the heck happened to her son?!!). Gina made me smile and cry (e.g. heartbreaking scenes waiting for Ern to pull through). J It would have been great if they could have incorporated Jackie back in for some comedic storyline, but everyone got their due and/or happy end, with family at the heart of that happiness. All in all, this was a very satisfying telenovela and you all made the experience 10 times better. Not sure if another telenovela will catch my attention as this one did, but I will be drawn back to this site, just to see what you all are discussing in the future. Once again, fantastic job all and THANKS!
-Vivi in DC
Permalink posted by : Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 9:01:00 PM EST
: Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 9:01:00 PM EST
How interesting, Julie. I have an IMDB log in, but I thought it's only purpose was read and post on the forum pages. I never knew one could edit content/listings. Wild!
Hello Judy B. and gang.....well its that time of the year, when it is dark when you leave for work, and dark when you come home...I will attempt to get into this new Telenova...Tongas? If it has the right ingredients, I may become hooked...When does the new show start, and what time (eastern)?
I look forward to commenting with all here...
I look forward to commenting with all here...
Hello all. What a ride! Thanks to all the recappers for all the entertainment and the hard work. Y'all are the greatest.
My take on Sara... She seemed to be so unhinged at the end that she wasn't totally aware of why she was being punished. The old Sara would have whupped some of the other prisoners by now and organized the rest to do her bidding. She just sat there and let someone spit on her hair! No spark in her eyes, no square mouth, messed up hair, wow!! The actress was terrific, especially the scene where she runs into Ernesto. She was completely nutso. I believe Carol Burnette once said, "She ain't wrapped too tight!" I don't think she killed her mother, not that she didn't want to. She just didn't seem to have to strength to fight an experienced inmate. So, in the end, she was just pathetic rather than the caged tiger I expected. Poor Sara - NOT!!!
My take on Sara... She seemed to be so unhinged at the end that she wasn't totally aware of why she was being punished. The old Sara would have whupped some of the other prisoners by now and organized the rest to do her bidding. She just sat there and let someone spit on her hair! No spark in her eyes, no square mouth, messed up hair, wow!! The actress was terrific, especially the scene where she runs into Ernesto. She was completely nutso. I believe Carol Burnette once said, "She ain't wrapped too tight!" I don't think she killed her mother, not that she didn't want to. She just didn't seem to have to strength to fight an experienced inmate. So, in the end, she was just pathetic rather than the caged tiger I expected. Poor Sara - NOT!!!
Thanks so much for the great recap JudyB. Yes it was a great gran finale. Most of my thoughts have been posted but I want to reiterate my appreciation to you, all the other recappers and those who make comments. This was a really great ride and Lorena ending with Ern does seem to be a unique novela plot (even though its a remake) that I haven't seen. I'm watching Cuidado now but will definitely see how Tontas shapes up.
Vivi in DC Welcome. We hope we'll hear from you again. Loved your story. I started watching in order to learn Spanish and it's true, it really does work...at least once I got the closed captions going. Sorry your friend missed out on the fun but glad you got "hooked". It's embarrassingly easy.
Julie/Nina Maybe if Anonymous tells us more you can log in that info on the site.
Anon #1 Well, you're probably not going to find the lead actress of Tontas to your taste. Very few can match the charms of the woman who played Paula on Juan Querendon! But good to hear from you again. And yep, dark in the morning, dark at night. Time to hibernate!
Emilia...good point about Sara. She seemed almost catatonic in prison. Completely crushed. I'm putting my money on an eventual rebound though. Character is pretty constant (despite the 180 changes we see in these teles) so I figure eventually she'll start roping in people.
Then again, maybe she's out of her depth. EVERBODY there is a tough gal and a schemer, and they've been there longer so she knows she's beaten already.
Julie/Nina Maybe if Anonymous tells us more you can log in that info on the site.
Anon #1 Well, you're probably not going to find the lead actress of Tontas to your taste. Very few can match the charms of the woman who played Paula on Juan Querendon! But good to hear from you again. And yep, dark in the morning, dark at night. Time to hibernate!
Emilia...good point about Sara. She seemed almost catatonic in prison. Completely crushed. I'm putting my money on an eventual rebound though. Character is pretty constant (despite the 180 changes we see in these teles) so I figure eventually she'll start roping in people.
Then again, maybe she's out of her depth. EVERBODY there is a tough gal and a schemer, and they've been there longer so she knows she's beaten already.
Oops..forgot, Karen...I've been dying to ask...you and I were both so worried at one point about whether or not Lorena would end up with Ernesto.
Did you sneak a peek at the finale on Youtube? No, you don't have to answer...just wondering.
Did you sneak a peek at the finale on Youtube? No, you don't have to answer...just wondering.
I'm finally back to work and can comment. Thank you to all the wonderful recappers who brought this telenova to life through their wonderful, witty and humerous summaries. The recaps and comments this past week were excellent.
I loved the finale. It was so well written and there were surprises up until the end although nothing seemed rushed - everything melded together. Of course I'm delighted that Ernesto and Lorena ended up together and happy endings were had (almost) all the way around. I'm not sold on the Tori-Barbara romance either.
But, it wasn't the happy ending that has stayed with me the past few days. I keep thinking of Sara and the justice/injustice of meeting her mother/monster in jail. Was Sara doomed from the start? I know she had the same loving surroundings as Lorena growing up but was there an inherent evil in Sara that had already sealed her fate? I know she had free will and made her choices but I now feel she never had any chance. I'm not making any excuses for her and jail is what she deserved but she truly was her mother's daughter.
Again, thanks to everyone for all your hard work and for all the extra vocabulary which was so helpful and appreciated. Although I'm new to telenovas this was second only to Pasion (with Guapos a close third). Diana in MA
I loved the finale. It was so well written and there were surprises up until the end although nothing seemed rushed - everything melded together. Of course I'm delighted that Ernesto and Lorena ended up together and happy endings were had (almost) all the way around. I'm not sold on the Tori-Barbara romance either.
But, it wasn't the happy ending that has stayed with me the past few days. I keep thinking of Sara and the justice/injustice of meeting her mother/monster in jail. Was Sara doomed from the start? I know she had the same loving surroundings as Lorena growing up but was there an inherent evil in Sara that had already sealed her fate? I know she had free will and made her choices but I now feel she never had any chance. I'm not making any excuses for her and jail is what she deserved but she truly was her mother's daughter.
Again, thanks to everyone for all your hard work and for all the extra vocabulary which was so helpful and appreciated. Although I'm new to telenovas this was second only to Pasion (with Guapos a close third). Diana in MA
Permalink posted by : Monday, December 1, 2008 at 7:45:00 AM EST
: Monday, December 1, 2008 at 7:45:00 AM EST
Welcome back to work and the blog line Diana. We missed your warm supportive presence while you were away.
Sara really is a tragic figure and the whole nature/nurture "sins of the father visited on coming generations" theme is a sticky one.
Even when people are judgmental about lifestyles contributing to health problems, I wonder how much genetics contribute to our supposededly free choices and our tendencies. As I mentioned early, the older I get, the more I see the power of heredity in determining our choices, our reactions and our destiny. Sara's was terrible indeed.
Tontas will certainly be lighter in tone, but I'm sure there will be lots of drama and tears as well. The rollercoaster begins again....
Sara really is a tragic figure and the whole nature/nurture "sins of the father visited on coming generations" theme is a sticky one.
Even when people are judgmental about lifestyles contributing to health problems, I wonder how much genetics contribute to our supposededly free choices and our tendencies. As I mentioned early, the older I get, the more I see the power of heredity in determining our choices, our reactions and our destiny. Sara's was terrible indeed.
Tontas will certainly be lighter in tone, but I'm sure there will be lots of drama and tears as well. The rollercoaster begins again....
Great recap!! Great show!! And boy was I glad that Lorena had her eyebrows done for the wedding!
Permalink posted by : Monday, December 1, 2008 at 9:32:00 AM EST
: Monday, December 1, 2008 at 9:32:00 AM EST
Wow..that's a detail I missed Teresita. Were her eyebrows shaggy? I did think, in all ways, that she looked beautiful for the wedding. And was disappointed (shallow, I know) that she was again dressed in a dumpy dull-colored top a few months after the wedding when Ernesto showed her the new Lorena restaurant. Oh well. Still better than Sara's beige prison uniform.
LOL. I did notice a glaring lack of hair product at the ladies' prison (though you can get a lot of mileage out of spit, in a pinch).
However, that was no excuse for Sara not to comb her hair. :)
However, that was no excuse for Sara not to comb her hair. :)
Well, I guess that was supposed to be further evidence of Sara's total defeat and depression. When a woman stops combing her hair, she's hit rock bottom!
It did seem to bring her more in line with Mom's casual prison "do" The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and so on.
It did seem to bring her more in line with Mom's casual prison "do" The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and so on.
Well Judy B. If their aren't any "Paula" (JQ) type characters on this new Telenovela, then I will just have to watch "Judge Judy" (no pun intended) on regular TV.
I really want to get back into Telenovels, because the shows do help with learning Spanish. Even the shows on Univision that broadcast in CC-3, which translates from spanish to english don't help as much, because the close caption lags to far behind...
Also, it seems the CC on Univision does not always work, but this could be the cable provider, and not Univision.
Well, it good to be back with my friends....See you around the Blog
Take Care
I really want to get back into Telenovels, because the shows do help with learning Spanish. Even the shows on Univision that broadcast in CC-3, which translates from spanish to english don't help as much, because the close caption lags to far behind...
Also, it seems the CC on Univision does not always work, but this could be the cable provider, and not Univision.
Well, it good to be back with my friends....See you around the Blog
Take Care
Well, give Tontas a chance then, Anon. #1 'cause you sure aren't going to learn any Spanish on Judge Judy (at least I don't think you will).
There's a sexy skanky older sister who betrays our heroine, I know that. But I sympathize with your lack of enthusiasm for a show without the beauteous Paula. We womenfolk have been whining about missing both Jaime Camil and Fernando Colunga ever since their shows wrapped up. So it plays both ways....
take care yourself (in Spanish we say "cuidate"
There's a sexy skanky older sister who betrays our heroine, I know that. But I sympathize with your lack of enthusiasm for a show without the beauteous Paula. We womenfolk have been whining about missing both Jaime Camil and Fernando Colunga ever since their shows wrapped up. So it plays both ways....
take care yourself (in Spanish we say "cuidate"
Hey Julie...I just checked into the Fuego comments and saw yours about pies.
I always make apple pie with Granny Smith (wouldn't consider any other kind) and for cherry pie (my son-in-law's favorite) I use frozen tart cherries (better than canned) and add a little almond extract to bring out their flavor.
When their first child was born and I was down there for two weeks, went on a pie-baking binge. Eventually son-in-law had about 10 extra pounds to shed. Now I stick to once a year, at his birthday.
I always make apple pie with Granny Smith (wouldn't consider any other kind) and for cherry pie (my son-in-law's favorite) I use frozen tart cherries (better than canned) and add a little almond extract to bring out their flavor.
When their first child was born and I was down there for two weeks, went on a pie-baking binge. Eventually son-in-law had about 10 extra pounds to shed. Now I stick to once a year, at his birthday.
I don't think I've ever seen frozen cherries at the stores around here (but it wouldn't hurt to look again). Cherry pie is not a common bakery item, either.
Cherries don't seem to be very popular in New England, but I know it's possible to grow them here because my neighbor had a tree when I was little.
We've got cranberries up the wazoo, though, and they mix well with cherries in a pie!
Cherries don't seem to be very popular in New England, but I know it's possible to grow them here because my neighbor had a tree when I was little.
We've got cranberries up the wazoo, though, and they mix well with cherries in a pie!
I think one of the promos for Tontas said the producer was the same one who did La Fea Mas Bella, so there should be some humor in Tontas. QE didn't really have too much humor (a little with Rosy's jealousy), although it did turn out to be a very satisfying telenovela.
Judy and Julie, may I join the discusson about pie? Since this show was about cooking, it seems appropriate. I love to make pie--I made pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. My other favorite is to make blueberry/raspberry or peach in the summer and coconut or banana cream pie. I'm not a fan of pecan--too sweet. It took me a while to learn to make crust, but once I did, it was easy. I never have to buy a prepared crust.
As to Tontas: I've already watched episode 1, and it looks great! The Spanish is easy to understand too--I watched on Youtube with no captions.
As to Tontas: I've already watched episode 1, and it looks great! The Spanish is easy to understand too--I watched on Youtube with no captions.
I appreciate good pie crust; however, for me, pie is all about the filling. I'll eat the crust (and be grateful) if it's really good, but if it's not, I don't get upset. I just push it out of the way and get to the filling. :)
When I "make" a pie, there's usually a storebought crust involved - a graham cracker crust whenever possible.
When I "make" a pie, there's usually a storebought crust involved - a graham cracker crust whenever possible.
Hola Hombre de Misterio...yes, it's another Rosy O'Campo production (think that's her name) and she evidently likes Jaime Camil as much as we do 'cause he's on board again. Some of us are wishing "Lety" was in it too, but alas, no. Yes, there should be funny moments and Camil is good at physical humor. I'm definitely ready for lighter fare.
Nina querida! another modern woman who can make pie crust. Welcome to the club! I've never gotten into the cream pies (other than the sour cream pumpkin pie I make on holidays)but oh those fruit pies! And several people have said they find pecan pie (Hombre's favorite) too sweet...but if you add some bittersweet chocolate to it, takes away the sweetness while adding more richness. Good, good, good. (I'm putting on weight just writing this).
Salud to all! and Julie, next time I'll try adding some cranberries....to the cherry pie that is.
Nina querida! another modern woman who can make pie crust. Welcome to the club! I've never gotten into the cream pies (other than the sour cream pumpkin pie I make on holidays)but oh those fruit pies! And several people have said they find pecan pie (Hombre's favorite) too sweet...but if you add some bittersweet chocolate to it, takes away the sweetness while adding more richness. Good, good, good. (I'm putting on weight just writing this).
Salud to all! and Julie, next time I'll try adding some cranberries....to the cherry pie that is.
Hey there,
Still haven't even watched this finale (nor Weds) but it was on again on Sunday while I was tranferring some video and so I managed unexpectedly to catch two choice moments, Al overhearing Val's profession of amor and then at another point when Lorena and ERNESTOOOOOHHHHHH were at the altar! I guess he won out after all. I really want to see the rest, so I'm refraining from reading the whole recap until then, but so far YEAH!!!!!! TEAM ERNESTO ROCKS!!!!! and so do you Judy. Looks like a great recap and sounds like the finale won't disappoint!!!!
Still haven't even watched this finale (nor Weds) but it was on again on Sunday while I was tranferring some video and so I managed unexpectedly to catch two choice moments, Al overhearing Val's profession of amor and then at another point when Lorena and ERNESTOOOOOHHHHHH were at the altar! I guess he won out after all. I really want to see the rest, so I'm refraining from reading the whole recap until then, but so far YEAH!!!!!! TEAM ERNESTO ROCKS!!!!! and so do you Judy. Looks like a great recap and sounds like the finale won't disappoint!!!!
PS,
I'm briefly noting a discussion about pies here, and without delving deeply into the comments yet, I have to mention this gem...
Not only are there modern women making pie crusts, there are guys...yes, my guy made 4 or 5 homemade pumpkin pies for multiple thanksgiving dinners, ALL FROM SCRATCH! Yes, he bought pumpkins, carved them, made the filling, mixed and rolled the dough and made his own crust. The only thing we didn't do was whip our own cream. We slacked and bought a can. Real cream mind you, but not hand whipped.
Anyway, I'm not sure I ever had a pumpkin pie totally from scratch like that in recent times, so I thought that was pretty cool of him.
I'm briefly noting a discussion about pies here, and without delving deeply into the comments yet, I have to mention this gem...
Not only are there modern women making pie crusts, there are guys...yes, my guy made 4 or 5 homemade pumpkin pies for multiple thanksgiving dinners, ALL FROM SCRATCH! Yes, he bought pumpkins, carved them, made the filling, mixed and rolled the dough and made his own crust. The only thing we didn't do was whip our own cream. We slacked and bought a can. Real cream mind you, but not hand whipped.
Anyway, I'm not sure I ever had a pumpkin pie totally from scratch like that in recent times, so I thought that was pretty cool of him.
Julie, I don't think I have thought about it before, but you're right--ultimately, the pie filling is more important. But it's nice to have made a good crust that's not mushy or tough. Fuego, very impressive on those pumpkin pies!
Can't wait for Jaime tonight. I started watching early LFMB episodes, which I missed two years ago. My Spanish is much better now, so I understand them, and since I know how the story concludes, I can follow the action. Looking back with the vantage point of having watched more novelas now, I see what a work of genius LFMB was, both in acting and writing. It was an unusual comic production that can probably not be equaled easily. But I'm hoping that Rosy Ocampo will do her best.
Can't wait for Jaime tonight. I started watching early LFMB episodes, which I missed two years ago. My Spanish is much better now, so I understand them, and since I know how the story concludes, I can follow the action. Looking back with the vantage point of having watched more novelas now, I see what a work of genius LFMB was, both in acting and writing. It was an unusual comic production that can probably not be equaled easily. But I'm hoping that Rosy Ocampo will do her best.
I forgot to mention that the QE cast is on Cristina tonight although from the previews, I don't think the actress who plays Lorena is there. I can't imagine a reunion show without her (?). Diana in MA.
Permalink posted by : Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:25:00 PM EST
: Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:25:00 PM EST
Wow Fuego...you have a novio who makes pumpkin pies from scratch!? now I really am on my knees talking to the Virgencita! I have a friend with a gourmet cooking business who counsels making pumpkin pie from scratch but I would never attempt it. Good ol canned Libby's for me, thank you very much. I am a stickler for homemade flaky crust though and my daughters will eat my crust plain when I have extra.
Next time, try canned pumpkin but whip your own cream. It really isn't that hard...but after rasslin' with a whole pumpkin, I wouldn't be up for whipping anything! I have to admit.
Yes, yes, yes, you must find time to watch ALL the finale Fuego. IT WAS GOOD...EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
Oh and there is one other guy walking this earth (other than professional chefs) who can make pie...our very own Nickster who made apple pie for Thanksgiving. The rest of his family doesn't cook and ordered the rest of the dinner from the grocery store (confirming my opinion that he is actually the long-lost bebito of Beckster. But wait...I don't think she cooks either! Oh well...)
Next time, try canned pumpkin but whip your own cream. It really isn't that hard...but after rasslin' with a whole pumpkin, I wouldn't be up for whipping anything! I have to admit.
Yes, yes, yes, you must find time to watch ALL the finale Fuego. IT WAS GOOD...EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
Oh and there is one other guy walking this earth (other than professional chefs) who can make pie...our very own Nickster who made apple pie for Thanksgiving. The rest of his family doesn't cook and ordered the rest of the dinner from the grocery store (confirming my opinion that he is actually the long-lost bebito of Beckster. But wait...I don't think she cooks either! Oh well...)
Thanks for the reminder about the Cristina show, Diana. Since I'm up really early in the mornings, I usually miss those and by that hour my husband is bound and determined to watch some of HIS shows (think Monday night football) instead.
I have actually been disappointed when I've seen the actors being themselves rather than the character I fell in love with during the telenovela. I was a complete goner for Jaime Camil until I realized it was actually his character Fernando that had won my heart.
And while Cristina is a love, her Cuban accent drives me crazy.
I have actually been disappointed when I've seen the actors being themselves rather than the character I fell in love with during the telenovela. I was a complete goner for Jaime Camil until I realized it was actually his character Fernando that had won my heart.
And while Cristina is a love, her Cuban accent drives me crazy.
Ahhhh, pie! I love chocolate cream pie and coconut cream pie made with evaporated milk - about a thousand calories per bite. And fruit just seems way too healthy. I'm hit and miss with making the crusts - sometimes they turn out well, sometimes not (depending how faithfully I follow my mother-in-law's recipe), so more often than not I go with the pillsbury roll-out refrigerated ones. The crust is actually about equally important to me. I've been known to just put homemade crust on a baking sheet and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on it. Now that I've disgusted all of the low carb dieters.......
NinaK, there will never be another LFMB. It was my first, and it spoiled me (the first croissant I ever tasted was in Paris, and every one since has been a disappointment - same story). Do you have the complete disks, condensed disks or did you find it on YouTube? If YouTube, where? I can't find it.
If you want it, I have a list of content by episode - one line per episode. e-mail me. paulah88@hotmail.com .
Fea topic: I propose that Ariel was not the villian. Who was?
If you want it, I have a list of content by episode - one line per episode. e-mail me. paulah88@hotmail.com .
Fea topic: I propose that Ariel was not the villian. Who was?
Permalink posted by : Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:54:00 PM EST
: Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:54:00 PM EST
1. JudyB, thank you, ma'am, for the great recap which I see has drawn 73 recaps as I type this one.
2. Pie: when we have one, we don't inquire, "Would you like some pie, dear?" Oh no, we now just cross one index finger over the knuckles of the other hand's index and middle finger to make a Greek "pi" of sorts. That's all we need and the answer's always the same. Emilia's the Piemeister and they're always great! She found a recipe for pecan pie a couple of years ago that is ohs-so-tasty and her pies for the first weekend in May in Kentucky (some greedy bakery in Louisville trademarked "Derby Pie") are legendary.
3. I Googled "Cesar Evora" and I think he looks like Duncan Renaldo who played the Cisco Kid way back when. Also says he Cuban so I guess Sra. Medio Cubana de mi Casa will find that of interest.
2. Pie: when we have one, we don't inquire, "Would you like some pie, dear?" Oh no, we now just cross one index finger over the knuckles of the other hand's index and middle finger to make a Greek "pi" of sorts. That's all we need and the answer's always the same. Emilia's the Piemeister and they're always great! She found a recipe for pecan pie a couple of years ago that is ohs-so-tasty and her pies for the first weekend in May in Kentucky (some greedy bakery in Louisville trademarked "Derby Pie") are legendary.
3. I Googled "Cesar Evora" and I think he looks like Duncan Renaldo who played the Cisco Kid way back when. Also says he Cuban so I guess Sra. Medio Cubana de mi Casa will find that of interest.
Hey Mike, I'm SURE Sra Media Cubana will find that interesting. Cuban Cesar Evora is a great actor...can go from funny to disgusting to pathetic to funny again in a flash. All with an incredible warm, chesty voice. A real master. And the super handsome William Levy of Cuidado con el Angel is also Cuban.
Paula....
I have the over-edited DVD of Fea (started watching halfway through) but now that Eve of Cleveland put me on to the FULL DVD of Amor Real, I think I would recommend going the "full" route. One can still fast forward through the super annoying Fea office scenes with the gals and yet get the complete, developped story without huge chunks being taken away.
For me, the picture and sound production on Youtube leave a lot to be desired. Eve also suggested getting headphones and I love those and understand the Spanish much better with 'em on. However, Schoolmarm has serious reservations about the safety of those, so I'd better put that in. Having taught to loud aerobics music for decades, my hearing is already damaged for the very high tones, but c'est la vie.
And remember the blog lines?....never-ending and from all over the globe..Japan, Greece etc. The whole world was in love with Lety and Fernando!
Paula....
I have the over-edited DVD of Fea (started watching halfway through) but now that Eve of Cleveland put me on to the FULL DVD of Amor Real, I think I would recommend going the "full" route. One can still fast forward through the super annoying Fea office scenes with the gals and yet get the complete, developped story without huge chunks being taken away.
For me, the picture and sound production on Youtube leave a lot to be desired. Eve also suggested getting headphones and I love those and understand the Spanish much better with 'em on. However, Schoolmarm has serious reservations about the safety of those, so I'd better put that in. Having taught to loud aerobics music for decades, my hearing is already damaged for the very high tones, but c'est la vie.
And remember the blog lines?....never-ending and from all over the globe..Japan, Greece etc. The whole world was in love with Lety and Fernando!
No fear, Judy. I have the complete set - I got it as soon as it came out. Also the complete Colombian, although the sound quality on that is poor. I was just curious wheter it's anywhere on the net, so I can recommend to others.
As for headphones, too late. I spent four years under headphones when Uncle Sam owned my days. My hearing started to go, by the time I was 40. Ni modo!
As for headphones, too late. I spent four years under headphones when Uncle Sam owned my days. My hearing started to go, by the time I was 40. Ni modo!
May I join in on the pie discussion? My sis and I rarely make cakes, it's always birthday pies for us! She usually does the crust and I do the fillings, but over the years she has mastered the Thanksgiving pie. Long ago we couldn't decide which we loved more, pumpkin or pecan, so she developed a combo that's out of this world. Not too sweet like whole pecan pies and the pecan praline takes the pumpkin pie over the top. She makes her special pie from scratch using...sweet potatoes! so I gues it's really a sweet potato pie but she puts a pumpkin-shaped crust cut-out on top as a fake-out. As one guest proclaimed this year, "This pie is crack!"
I also have a special "Pi" plate that I use when I make pie on March 14th.
I also have a special "Pi" plate that I use when I make pie on March 14th.
Mike and JudyB, another sexy Cuban actor is Mario Cimarro (usually seen on the other Spanish channel). He is an unusual Cuban in that he's not the pale of mostly Spanish ancestry variety (Levy, Evora, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Martin Sheen, Cristina, Niurka, etc) or the very dark descendant of African slaves variety (Celia Cruz). Instead, he is tanned, which implies either a mix of the previous two or some actual Native American blood. This is unusual in Cuba because the Spanish settlers nearly annihilated the native Taino population way back when. Thankfully, many survived in Puerto Rico and thus kept the heritage alive, but the result is that you find very few tan skinned Cubans. Just some useless anthropology trivia.
Anon 1 - Is it Judge Judy's looks or personality that interests you? If it's the style, and you want to work on your Spanish, there is a Judge Judy style show on Telemundo called "Caso Cerrado" that airs at 4:00 PM EST. She doesn't wear robes, but some very fetching business suits (not sure she's an actual judge or has a PhD in law, but her rulings stick and she's actually sent someone to jail - she didn't enact the sentence, just turned him in to the authorities during her show). Just an option.
Anon 1 - Is it Judge Judy's looks or personality that interests you? If it's the style, and you want to work on your Spanish, there is a Judge Judy style show on Telemundo called "Caso Cerrado" that airs at 4:00 PM EST. She doesn't wear robes, but some very fetching business suits (not sure she's an actual judge or has a PhD in law, but her rulings stick and she's actually sent someone to jail - she didn't enact the sentence, just turned him in to the authorities during her show). Just an option.
There's another court show with a female judge on Telefutura, if that's an option. I don't know when, though, or what it's called.
I don't actually get Telefutura, but I see the ads for it on Univision.
It's very interesting to watch Spanish-language shows that mirror the ones we're used to seeing in English. For a while, I had my mother tape Que Dice La Gente for me - it's like Family Feud.
I don't actually get Telefutura, but I see the ads for it on Univision.
It's very interesting to watch Spanish-language shows that mirror the ones we're used to seeing in English. For a while, I had my mother tape Que Dice La Gente for me - it's like Family Feud.
Thanks for that background on Cuba Margarita...you are such a great resource and I don't consider it "trivia" at all. Interesting and also sad that the native population was so cruelly decimated.
On the Judge shows....
Now I keep seeing an ad for a female judge show and she's very feisty but wears a blue robe and yells "soy yo que manda aqui!" when things get out of hand.
But color me hungry...I WANT THAT PIE RECIPE SYLVIA. Hope it's not a family secret because I'd love to give it a try at Christmas.
Back when I was a reporter for a small newspaper on the outskirts of Philadelphia, the African-American neighborhood held fundraising parties with loads and loads of sweet potato pies. Covering that story and getting a sample was wonderful.
Paula, glad you've got the whole set. I'm convinced nhow that's the only way to go.
On the Judge shows....
Now I keep seeing an ad for a female judge show and she's very feisty but wears a blue robe and yells "soy yo que manda aqui!" when things get out of hand.
But color me hungry...I WANT THAT PIE RECIPE SYLVIA. Hope it's not a family secret because I'd love to give it a try at Christmas.
Back when I was a reporter for a small newspaper on the outskirts of Philadelphia, the African-American neighborhood held fundraising parties with loads and loads of sweet potato pies. Covering that story and getting a sample was wonderful.
Paula, glad you've got the whole set. I'm convinced nhow that's the only way to go.
JudyB, have you ever noticed that when people say their recipe is a family secret it's a recipe that nobody really wants anyway? I'll get the recipe from my sis and send it your way. We worked on that sucker for several years before we got it right. This Thankgiving we had a good laugh recalling the experiments that turned out oddly. (Not so bad that we didn't eat them though.)
Bless you Sylvia...I'm looking forward to seeing it...making it...and eating it! As a matter of fact, I have a ball of pie crust in the fridge right now...just waiting for me to find the perfect filling. Sounds like you have it!
Gracias, amiga. Y gracias tambien a tu hermana.
Gracias, amiga. Y gracias tambien a tu hermana.
Hey, Paula H, what were you doing for Uncle Sam that required headphone wear? I'm retired USAF and can imagine a couple of possibilities.
Speaking of sweet potatoes, I made a wonderful recipe this year that appeared in the Wall Street Journal. It's called "Sweet Potatoes Kittichai." (Kittichai is an excellent Thai restaurant here in NYC that I've actually had the pleasure of eating in.
It's so easy! Bake sweet potatoes till really soft. Cool, peel, and puree in food processor. Simmer coconut milk in a pot with a cinnamon stick. Stir milk into sweet potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Fabulous! (I used 2 cans coconut milk to 10 sweet potatoes.)
It's so easy! Bake sweet potatoes till really soft. Cool, peel, and puree in food processor. Simmer coconut milk in a pot with a cinnamon stick. Stir milk into sweet potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Fabulous! (I used 2 cans coconut milk to 10 sweet potatoes.)
Hey, Mike, Companero! There were certainly irritations about being in the Carter military, but I am quite certain that my duty stations were far less unpleasant than yours. I talked to three kids from DLI yesterday. Were we ever that young?
Your job was called 206 or 208, right? I always got them mixed up. I was a golf. Old joke:
Are you a golf?
WHAT???
And do you remember any of these gems?
* Nil-heard's the word (we almost went nil-heard once)
* It beat my lips.
* and for the Ruskies, Ochen Karendash.
Your job was called 206 or 208, right? I always got them mixed up. I was a golf. Old joke:
Are you a golf?
WHAT???
And do you remember any of these gems?
* Nil-heard's the word (we almost went nil-heard once)
* It beat my lips.
* and for the Ruskies, Ochen Karendash.
For those who were interested, I found a link to the first episode of La Fea Mas Bella on YouTube. I've been watching these.
Coconut milk in a sweet potato pie?
Yes, I believe I will, thank you. :)
I also hear good things about unsweetened chocolate with (or in) pumpkin pie. I've had mole over mashed sweet potatoes, so it definitely sounds plausible.
Yes, I believe I will, thank you. :)
I also hear good things about unsweetened chocolate with (or in) pumpkin pie. I've had mole over mashed sweet potatoes, so it definitely sounds plausible.
One time I had leftovers and ended up making mole and sweet potato quesadillas. They were divine.
I'm sure that chocolate would make anything better!
I'm sure that chocolate would make anything better!
To continue this: I've eaten at Bobby Flay's Tex-Mex restaurant, and he serves great sweet potatoes with some heat, that is, some chili peppers. A mole would be great.
Paula, I'm so old that the AFSC was 203, shredout MX. Send me a note if you like - so we don't bore the other folks - to Nav130 at gmail dot com. Don't want the others to take "Umbra"ge.
Sorry, all, for the digression but it's what old GI's do.
Sorry, all, for the digression but it's what old GI's do.
No worries Mike. We all have our favorite subjects. Who knows, when we eavesdrop on you guys we might even learn something!
Same here, Mike. I love these "off-topic" discussions. And besides, you hombres have to listen to us rant about unfaithful husbands (which you are NOT) so heck, why not? I was in a class with a gal who had gone to that famous military language school in California, trained to listen in on Russian conversations...in European cafes and whatnot. She said she NEVER heard anything interesting.
Howdy folks ;) Oh why can't we quit each other?!
I realize I may have misled folks in my info on Cuban actors and their ancestry when I mentioned Martin Sheen. He was actually born in the states, but his dad was Cuban. I think his mom was half Spanish and half Irish, but I might be off on that end. He ended up switching his name because he didn't look like most casting directors wanted Hispanics to look, so he switched to what he looked like. A few years ago, when the movie "House of the Spirits" came out, a friend and I were amused that Jeremy Irons got that lead, while Martin Sheen and the rest of the Estevez clan were always playing Irish Americans. Go figure.
Did anyone catch the Cristina special? I thought it was interesting that Carmen Becerra got film kissing tips from the actor playing Fafy. He still called her "gatita" off screen and would tell her how to turn her head when she kissed so the camera would get more of her face ;) It made it a lot easier to kiss a man old enough to be her grandfather. It was also neat to know that the actresses playing Lore, Sara, and Rosi all got their training from Televisa at the same time, and that the little boy playing Saulito was the real life son of the actress playing Diana. I imagine any guys that saw the show got a kick from the video of the time she went on the show and performed one of her songs (she's also a singer and on camera hostess) wearing a skimpy red outfit ;) I still have the song in my head "El baile del perrito." Tried to find it on You Tube, but they only had versions from other folks. Here's a link of her performing a different song. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=gUX_cN6tURo Enjoy ;)
I realize I may have misled folks in my info on Cuban actors and their ancestry when I mentioned Martin Sheen. He was actually born in the states, but his dad was Cuban. I think his mom was half Spanish and half Irish, but I might be off on that end. He ended up switching his name because he didn't look like most casting directors wanted Hispanics to look, so he switched to what he looked like. A few years ago, when the movie "House of the Spirits" came out, a friend and I were amused that Jeremy Irons got that lead, while Martin Sheen and the rest of the Estevez clan were always playing Irish Americans. Go figure.
Did anyone catch the Cristina special? I thought it was interesting that Carmen Becerra got film kissing tips from the actor playing Fafy. He still called her "gatita" off screen and would tell her how to turn her head when she kissed so the camera would get more of her face ;) It made it a lot easier to kiss a man old enough to be her grandfather. It was also neat to know that the actresses playing Lore, Sara, and Rosi all got their training from Televisa at the same time, and that the little boy playing Saulito was the real life son of the actress playing Diana. I imagine any guys that saw the show got a kick from the video of the time she went on the show and performed one of her songs (she's also a singer and on camera hostess) wearing a skimpy red outfit ;) I still have the song in my head "El baile del perrito." Tried to find it on You Tube, but they only had versions from other folks. Here's a link of her performing a different song. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=gUX_cN6tURo Enjoy ;)
I also saw the Cristina show with the cast. Did they ever say why Ana/Lorena wasn't there? The clip of Diana doing her little dance on a previous Cristina show was a hoot, but I thought that it was weird of Cristina to put so much emphasis on the actress getting back to her size 6 after having her baby (especially given how much weight Cristina has put on in recent years). I also thought that Carmen/Sara was a hoot. She seemed to really enjoy playing this character an getting to bed all the boys (young and old) except Ernesto.
And, both our galans have babies on the way (one girl, one boy) at the exact same time, with girlfriends they are not married to. Another bee in Cristina's bonnet.
-Vivi in DC
And, both our galans have babies on the way (one girl, one boy) at the exact same time, with girlfriends they are not married to. Another bee in Cristina's bonnet.
-Vivi in DC
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:28:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:28:00 PM EST
Vivi, I think what made Diana's (her real name escapes me and it's late) weight loss such an issue is that she developed some sort of condition (Hypothyroidism or something along those lines) during her pregnancy that she's stuck with now, and this made her weight loss especially difficult (in spite of the fact that she's quite active). It took them a while to figure out what was going on and I think she was developing a little depression (both from the condition itself and from seeing her weight loss attempts come to naught) when they finally figured it out and put her on some medication that allowed her diet and exercise to work so she could shed the pounds.
For some additional trivia on Soto and Aravena's girlfriends, both of them just finished work on Telemundo TNs. Geraldine Bazan (Soto/'Slow's girlfriend) just finished doing Victoria, in which her character went through a pregnancy and had a baby girl! Paola Toyos (Aravena/Ern's girlfriend) just finished a short stint on El Juramento in which her character was killed and thrown over a balcony (I'm guessing that was a stuntwoman). Prior to that one, both she and Aravena worked together on Sin Verguenza (also on Telemundo) where they were matched up with different people. Needless to say, this put some strain on the relationships. Toyos did EJ in Mexico, but it was in another state, a little ways away from where Aravena was shooting in the DF. Meanwhile Bazan was off in COLOMBIA shooting Victoria, so that one was seriously long distance. Obviously both couples made it work.
For some additional trivia on Soto and Aravena's girlfriends, both of them just finished work on Telemundo TNs. Geraldine Bazan (Soto/'Slow's girlfriend) just finished doing Victoria, in which her character went through a pregnancy and had a baby girl! Paola Toyos (Aravena/Ern's girlfriend) just finished a short stint on El Juramento in which her character was killed and thrown over a balcony (I'm guessing that was a stuntwoman). Prior to that one, both she and Aravena worked together on Sin Verguenza (also on Telemundo) where they were matched up with different people. Needless to say, this put some strain on the relationships. Toyos did EJ in Mexico, but it was in another state, a little ways away from where Aravena was shooting in the DF. Meanwhile Bazan was off in COLOMBIA shooting Victoria, so that one was seriously long distance. Obviously both couples made it work.
Oh, I started watching about 3 minutes in so I might have missed it, but I don't think they ever mentioned why Ana Layevska wasn't there (or even acknowledged the fact for that matter). My guess is that she had another commitment, but it does seem odd that they wouldn't just mention it. Woo hoo! I'm #100!
It's very common for notable cast members of a show to not be at the Cristina cast reunion. Sergio Sendel wasn't there after Heridas or Destilando Amor, for example, despite big roles in both, and there have been other, even more notable absences that I just can't remember at the moment.
I don't think they ever talk about why someone is completely absent from a Cristina show. Maybe the reason is awkward or embarrassing (either to them or to Cristina or the studio or the network...).
Even if someone can't be at Cristina in person, they can still beam in via satellite, like Jacqueline Bracamontes did after Heridas de Amor (or was it Guy Ecker who beamed in, I forget). So it's not just a simple matter of scheduling conflicts.
Many ages ago, I remember one of the commenters speculating that it had something to do with the tension between Televisa (the studio that produces these telenovelas) and Univision (which produces Cristina). Perhaps some of the actors have additional personal issues with Univision, or vice versa.
I don't think they ever talk about why someone is completely absent from a Cristina show. Maybe the reason is awkward or embarrassing (either to them or to Cristina or the studio or the network...).
Even if someone can't be at Cristina in person, they can still beam in via satellite, like Jacqueline Bracamontes did after Heridas de Amor (or was it Guy Ecker who beamed in, I forget). So it's not just a simple matter of scheduling conflicts.
Many ages ago, I remember one of the commenters speculating that it had something to do with the tension between Televisa (the studio that produces these telenovelas) and Univision (which produces Cristina). Perhaps some of the actors have additional personal issues with Univision, or vice versa.
By the way, in case you haven't seen the ads, Ana Layevska (Lorena) will be on, uh, I forget what the show is, Hora de Derbez maybe? It's a comedy show that's on before Sabado Gigante.
Some info on Luz Elena Gonzalez (Diana)...I read that she will be in the Aventurera review (the lead if I remember correctly) that Carmen Salinas produces. I also noticed that she is in one of the mini telenovelas that are seen on Ugly Betty (American version). You can see those on abc.com somewhere on the Ugly Betty site. She plays the villainous glamorous wife and there are other familiar faces in it as well.
Julie, JudyB, and others:
For those who wanted more info. on the QE remake-the consensus is that it was a version from Venezuela shown on Univision. My coworker was out sick until today and she confirmed that it was Venezuelan (most probably Venevision) and she will ask her mom what she remembers about the rest of the cast and what year it was shown. I personally don't remember much about the rest of the cast (other than Evora) as they were not well known here. I do remember that the novela that followed QE in the same time slot was the one about Marichuy (the one shown at 8 p.m.) and the doctor and "el Leopardo"-Yup, Cuidado con el Angel is another remake of a remake of a 1959 or 1960 telenovela! I'll post any more info that I get.
For those who wanted more info. on the QE remake-the consensus is that it was a version from Venezuela shown on Univision. My coworker was out sick until today and she confirmed that it was Venezuelan (most probably Venevision) and she will ask her mom what she remembers about the rest of the cast and what year it was shown. I personally don't remember much about the rest of the cast (other than Evora) as they were not well known here. I do remember that the novela that followed QE in the same time slot was the one about Marichuy (the one shown at 8 p.m.) and the doctor and "el Leopardo"-Yup, Cuidado con el Angel is another remake of a remake of a 1959 or 1960 telenovela! I'll post any more info that I get.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 10:23:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 10:23:00 PM EST
Thanks for the 411 on QE and Cuidado Anon 10:03. Funny how the more things change, the more they stay the same ;)
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