Caray, Caray!

Hi, everyone! As some other recappers have done, I’ve combined a few of the scenes for continuity, although most of the time I’ll be jumping back and forth just like the show.


To remind us of what was going on, we see Candy giving Charly a pep talk, advising him to confront Lucía in person to find out why she won’t talk to him. And if she won’t talk, to keep trying until she will.

And Gregoria asks Meño not to tell Candy that Alicia now knows that Candy’s alive. Meño says he never lies, but after Gregoria reminds him that this isn’t totally true (such as what he’s not telling Charly about himself), he grudgingly agrees to keep quiet for now, but if things get complicated, he’ll have to tell Candy.

Chayo is waiting up for Ed, and it’s almost 3:00 A.M. She calls his cell – no answer. He finally comes in, giving the excuse that he was dining with Santiago, and they lost track of the time. If Chayo doesn’t believe him, she can call Santiago tomorrow. Chayo says fine, she will, and goes to bed, leaving cheater Ed to worriedly sniff the collar of his coat (for possible perfume?)

Sunrise in the big city. After Santi praises Rocío as the prettiest little girl in her school, she goes to get her backpack, leaving Santi to scold his mother about her planned trip with Jaime, saying she’s betraying his father. Isabel says maybe she won’t go, adding that Santi’s Papá is always here with her (this being said in front of the picture of same Papá, which Santi is glad to have watching things).

Chayo is reciting the reasons why she thinks Ed is having an affair to a sympathetic Candy. Ed just bought new underwear, he’s exercising, watching what he eats, he’s nervous when the cell phone rings, and he doesn’t want Chayo to see his bills. Candy agrees that these are all symptoms of a man having an affair.

So, in a parallel scene, we have Ed pouring out his concerns (and a lot of sugar in Santi’s coffee). Ed doesn’t think Chayo would confront him, but Santi thinks one day Chayo will do just that.

However, so far Chayo just thinks she should keep quiet, since she doesn’t want to lose Ed, and he keeps coming back to her after his little adventures. But Candy disagrees. First she wonders if Ed uses a condom with those women (Chayo hopes so). But Candy thinks Chayo is wrong, and is going to write a column about women who turn a blind eye (las mujeres que se hacen de la vista gorda) to infidelity. That those women are just as responsible for what happens to their relationships as the unfaithful men. And she’s writing this column for Chayo.

The little kids are in the schoolyard, and Rocío is trying to convince Beto that he can’t be her novio. She wants a rock star as her novio, like her Dad, who played the guitar at that sixties party. Her novio has to play guitar and sing. Beto says he sang the hymn of Mexico, but Rocío and Chava remind him that that’s not rock music, the novio has to be a rock star. Like Alejandra Guzman, asks Beto? Yeah, but a guy.

In the restaurant where Jaime plays piano, he finishes tickling the ivories (apparently the actor really plays the keyboard, as it did not appear to be dubbed), to the delight of the crowd and his belle Isabel. Jaime produces the tickets to Puerta Vallarta, but Isabel is afraid. Of planes? No, of course not, she’s a little afraid of going alone with him, and asks him to tell her again. He tells her, he’s in love with her. She takes the ticket, but she’s still not sure she’ll go.

Santi and Marissa are walking outside, Marissa defending herself about the Lucía mixup, but Santi isn’t buying it.

And now it’s time for Candy’s first date. With Ceci (whom we know is gay). Only Candy doesn’t know it’s a date, she just thinks it’s an innocent meal in the restaurant. Ceci is about to explode, she has to confide in Candy, she has a secret. She’s in love! Unfortunately the person doesn’t give her the time of day. Well okay, says Candy, at least tell me about the person. No, Ceci prefers to keep it secret at this time. That topic being closed, Candy remembers the machogram she’s been working on, to categorize all the types of men. She has a new animal to add to the zoo, el macho garrapata. (ew! A garrapata is a tick. I guess these guys latch on and suck out the blood. Also, garras are claws, so it’s a good thing Santi isn’t like this, or he’d be Santi-Claws! Sorry about that one, but I couldn’t resist.) Anyway, Candy explains that this type of macho guy tells you you’re free to do whatever you want, but really, except for going to the bathroom, you need his permission for everything. And can you have your own friends? Forget about it.

Lucía has taken Candy’s advice, and knocks on Charly’s door. He lets her in, mistrust showing on his face. She immediately asks who he was saying he missed (on the phone). His Mamá, so? he replies. She realizes the mistake, tells him how Marissa said it could be another girl, and she begs him to forgive her for not telling him why she wasn’t talking to him. At first he’s not sure, but after three little kisses, he smiles, and all is forgiven. And, she adds, you know who defended you? My uncle! How cool, says Charly, and they hug.

Now Isabel is asking Candy for advice (It really seems as if everyone asks her for advice, and she’s good at giving it. Too bad she can’t give herself some advice). Isabel is a little hesitant about going on the trip with Jaime. Candy asks how she feels, and Isa admits she’s in love, but it’s totally different from the feelings she had for her husband. Candy reassures her, and encourages her to go on the trip. Isa is still concerned about what to do if Jaime wants to make love, and Candy advises her to listen to her heart.

Miss Naïve 2009 (aka Lulu) corners Meño, telling him that they can now use “tu”, since their relationship is pretty advanced. Advanced? he queries. Well, she knows he’s timid, but that he’s just about to ask her to be his novia. Don’t think so. I’m gay, he says (and we wondered how this was going to come out). As he walks away to do other things, she remarks that he’s really funny, too, but she’s not so naïve as to believe that!

It’s Beto’s birthday party! The kids are sitting on the floor wearing gold party hats, as the mistress of ceremonies, Soledad, also wearing a party hat, announces the world’s greatest clown, the famous Chivi Chivi! Out jumps Candy, wearing a Raggedy-Ann or Little Orphan Annie type dress, blue with a red apron, yellow high-tops, white mittens, a long frizzy wig, and full face clown makeup. She’s also wearing red and white striped stockings and red and white striped arm coverings (now I understand the Chivi name, since red and white are the Chivas’ colors) and immediately says Arriba Las Chivas, which draws a bunch of boos. Woops. No matter, she also has her cat hand puppet Merengue, who also says hi, and the kids are smilin’. Santi and Rocío arrive, and Chivi yells out (in a kid like clown voice) say hello to Rocío. They do. Then, say hello to Doctor Plastico! Hola, Doctor Plastico, scream the kids gleefully, as Santi winces a little, then goes over to Candy, tells her how cute a clown she is, they should go for a walk, but she firmly reminds him there are children here! Santi then tells the clown to dance, but she merely repeats Arriba Las Chivas and dances around to general merriment.

Meanwhile, Isabel is crying a little, looking at the photo of her husband, when who should come in to cheer her up? Lucía, who determines that Isabel is also worried about the trip with Jaime to Puerta Vallarta, and that Santi is against it. Not to worry, says Lucía. My uncle’s always a little jealous, but you go, and have a good time. But remember to use protection, I don’t want my uncle to have a new little brother! Now look who’s giving whom advice!

Back at the party, the kids are getting into the food when the doorbell rings. Candy the clown opens it, sees who it is, and, one foot away from him, says, “Patricio”. Fortunately she’s wearing so much clown makeup that she’s unrecognizable, but he wants to know how she knew his name. Thinking fast, she says the birthday boy told her, and everybody, look who’s here. The birthday boy’s father! Pat wants to shake the clown’s hand, and remarks that she’s trembling, and feels cold. She quickly says the clown knows he’s a hungry wolf, and that’s why the clown is afraid. Before anything else can happen, Santi quickly ushers her away to prepare her show. Amidst little interruptions from hungry kids, Santi tells Candy she was playing with fire. Well, she just wanted to see what it would feel like, if she was still dead inside. And he looked her right in the eyes and didn’t recognize her! Well, asks Santi, did you feel anything? Before she can answer, it’s time for the clown show. Chivi Chivi wants to play a game. She needs a “volunteer”, and drags Pat into the middle.

Alicia is angrily doing her kickboxing exercises when the phone rings. She’s lets the machine answer and doesn’t pick up despite her mother’s pleas. She flashes back to scenes from her childhood, the constant rivalry with Candy, fighting for their mother’s attention, tickling each other but it’s more like fighting, culminating with a vision of Pat kissing Candy, then Alicia telling Pat he’ll have to forget Candy. I can NEVER forget her, he answers. Never.

At the party, it’s time for the game. This game (which to me would be more amusing for 4 year olds than 7 year olds, but doesn’t really seem too good an idea for any crowd), involves pretending to hit the other person, who ducks just in time. That’s it. Really. I’m not kidding. So Pat swings slowly at Chivi the clown, who ducks just in time, with the kids half booing, but enjoying the show. Chivi swings at Pat, who ducks. One more time, everyone yells. Okay, Pat swings at Chivi, who ducks, and it’s Candy/Chivi’s turn. She suddenly flashes back to Pat’s kiss of Alicia at the wedding, and in a moment of insanity, hits him REALLY HARD on the jaw! As Pat reels, rubbing his jaw and counting his teeth, comforted by Soledad, Santi says party over, the clown has to go to another party, and hustles Candy away before any more damage is done. Soledad gets the kids involved in the food as Pat continues checking his jaw.

After the commercial, the kids have calmed down, and are eating ice cream. Pat takes Beto, Chava and Rocío outside (Beto and Chava still arguing over who’s Rocío’s novio) to the present Pat got Beto.

Meanwhile, Santi has driven our insane clown away to Chapala, a pretty spot which looks like a canal, with little boats, geese on the water and birds overhead, to calm her down. He tells her that when Paulina left him, he was filled with rage. He could hardly breathe. He came here, and taught himself a technique to help him relax. He takes Candy down to the water, and asks her to close her eyes, assuring her that the geese won’t bite, they’re not dummies. Now, she should yell her name. The first two times, she’s not yelling loudly enough, but then she tries again, closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and screams out “Candyyyy!!!”, which causes the geese to take off, and brings a smile of relief to Candy’s face (mercifully for us, the clown makeup has been removed). Santi explains that when you’re mad, when you feel guilty, when you feel alone, yell out your name! It reminds you that you still have yourself, you’re not alone. Candy says this is a beautiful thought (so do I, maybe the Institute can use this, and pay Santi a consulting fee). Of course when Santi wants a little kiss too, Candy won’t quite go that far, but Santi thinks, little by little, she’s becoming less hardhearted, and as they walk back, he again compliments her on her cute clown costume.

So what’s the present Patricio got Beto? A bicycle. Soledad says he shouldn’t have, Pat responds, why not, and (gently) says don’t scold me. Soledad says she’s not scolding him, as a matter of fact, she misses him. He misses her, too (and it looks as if their attraction is heating up again). There’s a minor accident with the bike, and as Soledad goes to help Beto with his scraped knee, Santi drives up (to pick up Rocío, having dropped Candy off earlier), and greets his buddy Pat. Pat immediately jumps to the conclusion that Santi left with the clown as one of his quickies. Santi negates that, insisting he just took the clown to another party. Too bad, says Pat, she was a really pretty clown, pretty eyes, her mouth was real…..”sexy”, this causing Santi to protest that no, it’s all the makeup, this clown doesn’t look good at all, don’t think about her, but Santi does have a little souvenir for Pat, and gives him the red clown nose.

Speaking of scolding, Candy’s home, and is being scolded by Meño. Meño thinks Candy is subconsciously trying to have Pat discover her. She had to know Pat would be at the party, since what father doesn’t come to his kid’s birthday party? Candy weakly counters that the disguise would prevent her discovery. Changing the subject, Meño asks why Candy had lunch with Ceci. Candy just felt sorry for the poor girl, who kept asking her over and over. Sure, replies Meño, but don’t you realize Ceci’s different? Candy doesn’t get it. Meño repeats, different, like me. What, no way, you’re not saying Ceci’s gay, uncle? Por supuesto she is, says Meño. Nah, says Candy, you just think everyone’s like you. But (changing the subject again), she senses that Meño’s been avoiding her eyes, is he hiding something, is there something he’s not telling her? Yeah, my age, snaps Meño as he walks out.

Continuing our theme of not believing someone is gay, Lulu is chuckling as she relates to Sven and Ole how Meño made that silly joke that he’s gay! Toño asks if she’s sure Meño came out of the closet, but Miss Naïve says no, he wasn’t coming out of the closet, he was going out of the kitchen! Apparently Zamora won the bet, as Toño gives him a bill, to the continued befuddlement of Lulu.

Candy is meeting with Raúl in his office, telling him about her latest column. It’s about how not to desire the novio of your projima (close friend or neighbor). The secret – don’t have close friends (what?!). Raúl, sensing a little inconsistency, asks her about Santiago, he’s the novio of your friend Marissa, no? Don’t you sort of desire him? Well, yes, but it’s like my desire for Alejandro Fernandez, Luis Miguel, Eduardo Yañez (I know some of you female readers may be enjoying this list – too bad she didn’t list Fernando Colunga, right?). Raúl asks if Santiago’s on a list like that, and Candy doesn’t deny it, Santi’s super handsome, intelligent (Raúl’s trying to stop her), but, of course, she adds, he’s engaged to your sister, and our little lie about being novios is still going, too. Raúl’s been trying to convince Santiago, but Santi seems to have strong doubts about Candy-Raúl. Raúl looks preoccupied, and needs to ask a favor of Candy (here’s a switch, doesn’t Candy usually ask these favors?). It’s the anniversary of the death of Raúl’s wife, and he wants Candy to accompany him to the gravesite. Candy graciously agrees.

In the kitchen of Santi’s house, Marissa offers to fix some food for Rocío, but she’s full of cake from the party. She tells Mari that Beto got a bike from his Dad, whose name is Patricio, who’s a friend of Papá. Marissa didn’t realize Santi and Patricio were friends. Mari and Rocío are making silly animal faces while a glaring Lucía, who’s been fixing her own food in the background, walks out, looking annoyed. Mari follows her. Lucía immediately tells Mari what’s up, that Mari made her almost lose her novio, but around Rocío, Mari’s the “perfect Mamá”. She’s no fool. Mari tells Lucía to watch who she’s talking to, she’ll teach Lucía a lesson, she has a mind to slap her or hit her upside the head three times. Lucía shoots back that she’s a well mannered girl, she doesn’t have to listen to someone talk to her like that. As Lucía walks away, Marissa tells herself there’s always a bad one in each bunch (of kids).

And now for our ironic, only-in-a-telenovela scene. Ed enters the office building at the same time as Cecilia. Ed asks her if she’s the nutritionist at the Institute, and she confirms this, wondering if he’s one of those guys who’s a little ashamed about needing to diet to get rid of their llantitas (since llantas are tires, and she’s pointing to his waist, I think we’d call it getting rid of our spare tire). A little self-conscious, he ushers Ceci away from the elevators into the middle of the lobby where they can talk a little more privately. He does want her help, he doesn’t want anyone to know about his little spare tire problem, maybe she can give him some tips. All the while, he’s touching his waist, her shoulders, they’re very close, he’s asking about the artichoke diet, but guess who happens to be in the elevator, looking their way? Candy. Remember when Ceci told Candy she had a secret lover? It’s Ed!

Candy, after seeing the shocking “truth”, is discussing it back at the house with Meño, who’s dubious (since he’s pretty sure Ceci is gay). But Candy doesn’t go for that, thinking how hurtful this will be for Chayo. Also, as for Ceci, it’s a double betrayal. Not only is she fooling around with a married man, but he’s the husband of Ceci’s friend. Candy’s worried, doesn’t know if she’ll tell Chayo or not.

In the cemetery, Raúl lays the flowers on his wife’s grave. He tells Candy he didn’t cry at the funeral, he couldn’t. Until today, he’s never really cried, but now the tears are flowing. He had a life in his hands, and it’s gone. Many times he wanted to kill himself. The music is playing a slow version of the main theme, with a beautiful oboe (which often sounds like a human voice) tenderly accompanying Raúl’s catharsis. Candy doesn’t say a word, but accepts Raúl’s hug with a deep feeling of mutual condolence. After a few moments, Candy tells Raúl that when her husband tricked her, she felt dead, too. But you know what kept her going? Hope. Raúl then reminds Candy that he’s in love with her, she knows that. She’s his hope. Please don’t take away that hope.

Back at Santi’s house, Donato tells him his artificial Dad (Papá postize) is here (it’s Jaime), and urgently wants to talk to him. Santi doesn’t like the joke, and is not too happy to greet Jaime, but Jaime insists on talking to him. After Santi repeats that Isabel had one love, her husband, Jaime points out that Isa’s husband died, and her life is different now. Santi insists that Isabel has a full life. Jaime agrees that she has a son she loves, two grandchildren, but is that enough? She should be allowed to fall in love. Santi thinks it’s better if Jaime just leaves, now. Are you kicking me out, asks Jaime? Well, yes, responds Santi, although he looks a little guilty or regretful as Jaime exits in a gentlemanly way.

And in classic telenovela moment number 2, Candy is going to force Meño to reveal the secret he’s been hiding. Meño makes her promise that after he tells her, she won’t leave the city. Of course, I absolutely promise, no matter what you say, I won’t leave, Candy says, in her confident, playful voice. All right, then, spits out Meño, your sister knows you’re alive! Boooiiiiiinnnnnggg! Candy’s world starts to blur.

At the same time, Gregoria is confronting Alicia, who wasn’t returning her calls. They argue, Gregoria not understanding why Alicia’s so upset. Ali’s distraught, what can she do now? Well, just live separate lives, you live yours, Candy lives hers. Sure, separate lives, same thing you told Candy at the wedding. Well, says Gregoria, Candy didn’t listen to me. If she had, she’d….”She’d be married to my husband now, right?”, says Alicia, angrily exercising on the floor mat. Is that what you want, Ma? Are you happy? Just let it all out. Oh, be intelligent, says Gregoria. Forget about your sister. She never wants to run into you, and she never wants to meet your husband, either. (However, the look on Gregoria’s face belies this exhortation).

Ed enters his apartment, and is shocked to see a cleaning lady! Who’s that woman? Oh, that’s just Ingrid, says Chayo. Now that Chayo’s working, they have an employee to help out around the house. They can share the expense. Ed wants to know how much Chayo earns, but she won’t tell, unless he tells how much he makes. He’s not about to do that, and just wants her home, providing the house with her sazon (seasoning). Not to worry, replies Chayo, because Ingrid doesn’t cook. Chayo can always cook. But Ed doesn’t want any employees in the house. Fine, then Ed can make the bed while Chayo vacuums, Ed can clean the bathroom while Chayo cleans the kitchen. Ed can wash his clothes, and each of them will do their own ironing (she’s reading from a little list she made up). Deal, she asks?, extending her hand for the handshake. Ed recoils, asking if she thinks he’s an idiot. Well, you said it, and you’re a little macho, too. But don’t worry, she’ll teach him to value the labors of women. He can do it! He crumples the list and walks out, horrified, as she tells herself it’ll be difficult, but she’s gonna do it.

Marissa asks Donato where Isabel is, and Donato says she’s not there, Mari could call her on the phone, in fact, she could have used the phone in her own house, and saved herself the trip. Mari says, you know, I sense a little tension here, how’d you feel if once I marry Santiago, you don’t work here anymore! Lucía heard this, and asks Mari if when she marries, is she just going kick out Rocío and Lucía, too? Lucía adds that she’s heard Marissa say bad things about Rocío, too, and that Mari’s a bit of a liar. Marissa is tired of this, and exits, insulting Donato again on her way out.

Tina, the cook is sitting in a chair crying (and furtively clutching her breast). Donato is concerned, was she peeling onions again? No, she’s afraid, she went to the doctor, some tests were done. Donato doesn’t get it, until she says they found a lump (bolito) in her breast. Donato doesn’t know what to say. Fortunately, Isabel comes in to help (thanking Donato for getting rid of Marissa). She says many women have this, and often it’s benign. The important thing is to treat it early.

Shocked Candy has recovered enough to realize that Meño was just joking about Alicia. Except that it wasn’t a joke. When it starts to sink in, Candy tries to stay calm, but she says everything is exploding. Her life is over. It’s over. Meño wants to confront the situation, but Candy knows what she has to do. Disappear (despite that promise of a few minutes ago). She implores Meño not to tell anyone, she’ll get her things from the Institute, and she’ll leave. Meño throws up his hands.

Next time: Faceoff of two sisters.

Just want to let everyone know that my recap next week probably won’t be up until Sunday, but don’t worry, you’ll have it by the end of the weekend

Labels: Tontas