Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tontas Tuesday January 6, '08 Did Anything Really Happen?
Well yes...there were a few plot developments but for me the best part of the night was when the butler and the maid were singing Wooly Bully in the kitchen. What does that tell you? But you want more than that, right? Okay, here it comes.
First the old stuff: Mother and Alicia are squabbling about Patricio's attitude and what he said about his mother-in-law. Alicia pretty much ignores mom and gets on the phone to find Santiago's number so she can arrange for a "bubis" lift...and hey, while she's at it, Mom can get herself a face lift.
Then a brief scene with Cece bringing along a lot of food to Candy's house and setting up the idea that maybe they can have dinner sometime over the weekend. Candy seems to be missing all the signals Cece's sending out but we get to see her gleeful look as she imagines she's making progress.
Meanwhile, back at Santiago's digs, the word is out that Donato is the one who blabbed about Santi's old rock group and got the teenagers totally excited. And since Santiago can deny his daughters nothing, now he'll have to go through with it. Donato and the winsome maid do a little rockin' Wooly Bully number and it's looking good until Mama Santiago arrives in high dudgeon and sentences the butler to a month of washing dishes, including the greasy pots, for running off at the mouth and temporarily getting HER in trouble (Santi thought his mother was the culprit).
Evidently washing dishes is going to be one of our transition themes tonight because we switch to the lovelorn restaurant cook who's still grieving Patricio's rejection. (Don't you just want to rip out Candy's hair for adding to this woman's woes!?) Tio Meño gives her the usual pep talk about being a very interesting woman and "before-you-know-it-your-dream-guy-will-come-along" bit and chides her for looking like a "pollito mojado" (wet chick, or think drowned rat...whatever sad image comes to mind)
Meanwhile Santiago is looking a bit like a "pollito mojado" himself, glum and silent at the breakfast table, and under some brisk grilling by mom, confides that he's worried about Raul's plan for a couples' dinner....because he's sure Raul is going to try and seduce Candy! Mom informs him he's madly in love and jealous. He informs her she understands absolutely nothing!
Well, if Santiago's not making any progress, Patricio certainly is....with Beto his son. He's giving him some good soccer tips and assuring Beto he can score like Borgetti (Jared Borgetti...top scorer for Mexico) if he just learns to stand back a little and not rush the goal. He also throws in the name of Guardado (Andres Guardado, one of the best paid Mexican soccer players) and Beto is so thrilled with the good advice he proposes that Patricio should be their soccer coach. (Watch out Candy!)
Back at the office, Marissa is trying to promote the Candy/Raul romance and it's having the opposite effect. Candy is backpedaling rapidly while we (but not Candy or Marissa) see Cece looking angrily jealous. Candy is off to Santiago's office to try and enlist his help in cooling Raul's ardor, and as she rushes in, she just narrowly misses running into sister Alicia... who's there to see about that "bubis" lift she wants.
Hortensia, his secretary, is not pleased. Everytime you're here "Troy arde" (Troy burns) she sighs to Candy....and besides, the doctor is with a patient. Candy flounces, pouts, sulks and bounces in her seat like a 2-year-old. ( Lord, this woman annoys me! Could we have another heroine please. Anyone???!!!)
So Candy's invaded the surgeon's office, while at home, mother Gregoria is invading her and Meño's space. She waltzes in without saying hello and after some jibes thrown back and forth, informs Meño that "she's coming to live with her daughter". She wheedles Chava into announcing that Candy is his mom and the truth is out for sure...Gregoria has a grandchild...and she knows for certain who the father is as well.
Meanwhile, Candy's pulling the tired old trick on Hortensia...bring me a cup of tea....with a little honey please (see anything wrong with this liberated woman treating a secretary like a maid? I do!) Candy then cracks open the door of Santiago's office, sees that Alicia is the patient and overhears that her husband is about to arrive any moment. Now Hortensia is about to be transformed from maid to co-conspirator. There's also a little horseplay about the bell...it keeps getting accidentally rung and people keep asking "What's up with the bell?" Ho ho ho.
But back to the matter at hand. Santiago's assuring Alicia that her breasts are firm and just fine (well, we can attest to that with all those revealing yoga outfits) but she still wants to enlarge them. Okay, fine, but we have to have your husband's approval. It's my body, she snaps, and I can do what I want with it.
So there!
Alright, let's compress the following madcap I love Lucy type scenes. Candy persuades Hortensia to disguise her as a nurse. However she's so covered up she's blind and stumbles around like a lost soul. Santiago fumbles his lines at first but finally plays along and introduces her as his new surgery nurse. Patricio, who has arrived, is strangely attracted by this curious figure and says "se me hace muy conocida" (she seems very familiar to me) and Santi launches into a lot of maxilofaciala B.S. to explain why she might indeed look familiar. Alicia on the other hand is horrified at this clumsy apparition and says, Well, I certainly hope she won't be your nurse when you operate on me! Good call Alicia.
Another great scene when Santiago then runs down the hall to where Candy is back changing clothes once again. It's a great run. Primo physical comedy. The man can do wonderful things with his body, but Lord have mercy, he needs a better script.
More tomfoolery as Santiago lurks outside the dressing room screen as Candy changes back into her regular clothes. He thinks he deserve a little kiss for all his help, and maybe a little peek as well. Nothin' doin'. He points out that he's seen 20 of whatever she's got on any given day, and on busy days, even more. Still no cooperation. She repeats her classic line (how many times have we heard this.. and has HE heard this?) that she doesn't want any men in her life. Well how about we spend just one night together, and then you can reevaluate? Stike three, he's out.
This whole shebang ends with a little tête-à-tête with Hortensia...a poignant moment when the secretary begs Candy not to torment Santiago.
H: He's a good man....alright, a bit of a womanizer...but someone broke his heart once...I don't want that to happen again.
C: You're in love with him aren't you?
H: shakes her head
C: Don't worry...I won't....
Candy leaves, and Hortensia stops shaking her head and sadly nods.....yes, indeed, she is in love with her boss.
While this medical and emotional mayhem was going on, Gregoria and Meño are continuing their own bickering. He's protesting he has no room for her; she proposes sleeping in his bed with him since she has nothing to fear there.
Things are not going smoothly at Pato and Alicia's either. She wants to know what's up. He's ignoring her and turning on the TV. She gets right in his ear and says she knows what's up...it's about his anniversary with Candy. She stomps out to get a té de tila (lime blossom tea or linden tea for Americanos) which seems to be the Mexican version of a tranquilizer and he yells at her to bring him a burger and lots of nice greasy fries as well. As for her proposed surgery, he could care less...do with her body whatever she wants. Hmmm.....not quite the response most wives would want.
Candy's back at home to join in the fray with mom and tio. Gregoria threatens that she's not going to "tapar la mentira" (cover up the lie). Candy wants to know what she has to do to get her silence. Aha! blackmail is it? Yes, indeed....but if Candy lets Gregoria live there, she'll keep her mouth shut.
Candy gets all huffy and righteous and says, Do you pray?
G: Every night
C: Well then pray that the Virgencita opens your heart because it's been closed so many years.
G: You closed my heart! You closed it by faking your death. And your sister Alicia closed it by kicking me out of her house.
Okay, I think Mom won that round.
We also have a series of interesting scenes with Marissa, trying to score points with Rocio and her two buds by taking them to the park. Beto and Rocio think she's grand but Chava's on to something. He leans his head into her chest (dumping his chocolate ice cream cone all over her shirt) and listens to her heart. Whoops. She's not as nice as she tries to appear. Busted!!!
Beto and Rocio disagree and start pummeling Chava. Meanwhile Marissa sensing an opportunity, grabs Rocio's dog and hides her in the car. Generalized terror and crying as the kids search frantically for the doggie, fearing the worst. After some prolonged kiddie suffering, Marissa miraculously finds the dog and emerges as the all-time Olympic hero of Rocio's life. As the child recounts this charming story to Santiago and her granny, Abuelita looks clearly sceptical. She evidently is as suspicious of Marissa as our little Chava. Darling, she advises Santiago, if you're not serious about Marissa, you'd better cut it off now...Rocio can't lose another "mother". We get the same old line about Marissa being a partner in the business and the legal implications and complications and oh my, that's why he'll just have to remain with her. We've heard it all before.
And speaking of stuff we've heard before...Candy's plowing old ground with Meño about her special connection to Patricio.
M: Your first love....
C: My ONLY love...
M: Candy, I don't want you to dry out like your mother. Love is a plant that must be watered every day. I was in love once.....and I enjoyed it fully (we presume this was with his business partner who left the restaurant and office building to him).
Well, Candy's off for a date with destiny. Although she's being mysterious about it with Tio, we have no trouble guessing that she's going to revisit Acapulco on her anniversary. And we have no problem guessing that Patricio will be there too....and that they will JUST miss each other. But whoa...I'm getting ahead of myself here.
We're back with Marissa and her protective brother Raul. They're deep in another romantic strategy session. She's been to the gynecologist's office because her period's late but it's not the hoped for" leverage pregnancy"....rather it's "miomas" (tumors) in her ovaries. Well alright, counters Raul, but if you really want a child, you could adopt. Yes, but Santiago already has two daughters....he'd want a child of his own but not an adopted one. I hoped to be pregnant to tie him to me.... but now.... Raul, you've got to change your strategy! You're driving Candy away and you've got to make her love you so she'll leave Santiago alone.
One final washing dishes scene. This time it's Gregoria with her hands in the dishwater, and Meño trying to shoo her out of his kitchen and out of his house. Evidently she slept in Charly's bed last night and the displaced teenager was clomping around the house all night disturbing Meño's sleep. Chava's watching all this, very confused, and wondering why this strange woman slept over.
At last....Acapulco. We hear in the background Patricio and Candy's love song "Bendita la luz" and there they both are....separated by only a few feet...both dressed in white as they were years ago, and both lost in their bittersweet memories of the past. But wait...he seems to catch a glimpse of her. No, it can't be. He's crazy. He runs after the fleeing vision but finally gives up, (as she cowers behind a stone wall) because he knows, he knows after all, that she must be dead.
We see Candy heading back to Guadalajara on the bus, crying again, but also marveling that Patricio kept his promise (cumplio su compromiso). He returned to the scene of their loving tryst, just as they had planned.
The writers throw in a little comedy scene here, just so we won't get too sentimental and want to see these long lost lovers reunite. Lucia is asking her granny if they had lipstick back in the 60's. Donato chortles while Abue snaps that it wasn't the dinosaur era and yes, they had lipstick, though not as bright as the lipstick today, more "nacarados" (pearlized). (I remember those days well; we piled on lots of mascara and made our lips very pale in order to bring out our eyes even more. Not sure anyone was even looking at our eyes....but we did our best!)
And it turns out the shopping bags Abuela lugged home earlier contained a Sergeant Pepper outfit for Donato. He's having no part of it however. First of all it's too small and he'd look like a stuffed sausage. And besides, he's a Rolling Stones....
Stop right there! He's going to wear it. We shall see, we shall see he mutters, all the while claiming he's "tarareando" (humming) a Beatles tune.
Candy's now back at home and doing that little junior high find-out-if-he-likes-me thingy with her mom. She wants Gregoria to verify if Patricio's still in love with her and thinks she can do it by quizzing Alicia on Patricio's reactions. I find this beyond tiresome but Gregoria finally relents and says she'll do it.
The final scene is Alicia with Gregoria at Meño's restaurant. Evidently Mom's brought her there to do the grilling but Zamora, after fending off Alicia's questions (and trying to interpret Gregoria's frantic hand signals) blurts out that Meño's not there....He went to the 60's party with CANDY.
Impactado look. Alicia.
Previews: Alicia knows there's a "gato encerrado" (there's something fishy here) No subtitles so I can't be completely sure but I think she asks Patricio if Candy walked in the door...would you abandon me?
Vocabulary:
¿comieron los ratones la lengua? (literally, did the rats eat your tongue....or we would say Cat got your tongue? Rocio to Santiago at the breakfast table)
se me hace muy conocida = looks very familiar to me
abolengo = ancestry (part of the complicated BS Santiago was slinging when Patricio asked about his mysterious nurse)
mioma = benign uterine tumor
tapar la mentira = cover up the lie
pollito mojado = wet chick (we might say drowned rat or sad sack)
tarareando = humming or going "la la la"
nacarados = pearlized
cumplio (preterite form) su compromiso = kept his promise
First the old stuff: Mother and Alicia are squabbling about Patricio's attitude and what he said about his mother-in-law. Alicia pretty much ignores mom and gets on the phone to find Santiago's number so she can arrange for a "bubis" lift...and hey, while she's at it, Mom can get herself a face lift.
Then a brief scene with Cece bringing along a lot of food to Candy's house and setting up the idea that maybe they can have dinner sometime over the weekend. Candy seems to be missing all the signals Cece's sending out but we get to see her gleeful look as she imagines she's making progress.
Meanwhile, back at Santiago's digs, the word is out that Donato is the one who blabbed about Santi's old rock group and got the teenagers totally excited. And since Santiago can deny his daughters nothing, now he'll have to go through with it. Donato and the winsome maid do a little rockin' Wooly Bully number and it's looking good until Mama Santiago arrives in high dudgeon and sentences the butler to a month of washing dishes, including the greasy pots, for running off at the mouth and temporarily getting HER in trouble (Santi thought his mother was the culprit).
Evidently washing dishes is going to be one of our transition themes tonight because we switch to the lovelorn restaurant cook who's still grieving Patricio's rejection. (Don't you just want to rip out Candy's hair for adding to this woman's woes!?) Tio Meño gives her the usual pep talk about being a very interesting woman and "before-you-know-it-your-dream-guy-will-come-along" bit and chides her for looking like a "pollito mojado" (wet chick, or think drowned rat...whatever sad image comes to mind)
Meanwhile Santiago is looking a bit like a "pollito mojado" himself, glum and silent at the breakfast table, and under some brisk grilling by mom, confides that he's worried about Raul's plan for a couples' dinner....because he's sure Raul is going to try and seduce Candy! Mom informs him he's madly in love and jealous. He informs her she understands absolutely nothing!
Well, if Santiago's not making any progress, Patricio certainly is....with Beto his son. He's giving him some good soccer tips and assuring Beto he can score like Borgetti (Jared Borgetti...top scorer for Mexico) if he just learns to stand back a little and not rush the goal. He also throws in the name of Guardado (Andres Guardado, one of the best paid Mexican soccer players) and Beto is so thrilled with the good advice he proposes that Patricio should be their soccer coach. (Watch out Candy!)
Back at the office, Marissa is trying to promote the Candy/Raul romance and it's having the opposite effect. Candy is backpedaling rapidly while we (but not Candy or Marissa) see Cece looking angrily jealous. Candy is off to Santiago's office to try and enlist his help in cooling Raul's ardor, and as she rushes in, she just narrowly misses running into sister Alicia... who's there to see about that "bubis" lift she wants.
Hortensia, his secretary, is not pleased. Everytime you're here "Troy arde" (Troy burns) she sighs to Candy....and besides, the doctor is with a patient. Candy flounces, pouts, sulks and bounces in her seat like a 2-year-old. ( Lord, this woman annoys me! Could we have another heroine please. Anyone???!!!)
So Candy's invaded the surgeon's office, while at home, mother Gregoria is invading her and Meño's space. She waltzes in without saying hello and after some jibes thrown back and forth, informs Meño that "she's coming to live with her daughter". She wheedles Chava into announcing that Candy is his mom and the truth is out for sure...Gregoria has a grandchild...and she knows for certain who the father is as well.
Meanwhile, Candy's pulling the tired old trick on Hortensia...bring me a cup of tea....with a little honey please (see anything wrong with this liberated woman treating a secretary like a maid? I do!) Candy then cracks open the door of Santiago's office, sees that Alicia is the patient and overhears that her husband is about to arrive any moment. Now Hortensia is about to be transformed from maid to co-conspirator. There's also a little horseplay about the bell...it keeps getting accidentally rung and people keep asking "What's up with the bell?" Ho ho ho.
But back to the matter at hand. Santiago's assuring Alicia that her breasts are firm and just fine (well, we can attest to that with all those revealing yoga outfits) but she still wants to enlarge them. Okay, fine, but we have to have your husband's approval. It's my body, she snaps, and I can do what I want with it.
So there!
Alright, let's compress the following madcap I love Lucy type scenes. Candy persuades Hortensia to disguise her as a nurse. However she's so covered up she's blind and stumbles around like a lost soul. Santiago fumbles his lines at first but finally plays along and introduces her as his new surgery nurse. Patricio, who has arrived, is strangely attracted by this curious figure and says "se me hace muy conocida" (she seems very familiar to me) and Santi launches into a lot of maxilofaciala B.S. to explain why she might indeed look familiar. Alicia on the other hand is horrified at this clumsy apparition and says, Well, I certainly hope she won't be your nurse when you operate on me! Good call Alicia.
Another great scene when Santiago then runs down the hall to where Candy is back changing clothes once again. It's a great run. Primo physical comedy. The man can do wonderful things with his body, but Lord have mercy, he needs a better script.
More tomfoolery as Santiago lurks outside the dressing room screen as Candy changes back into her regular clothes. He thinks he deserve a little kiss for all his help, and maybe a little peek as well. Nothin' doin'. He points out that he's seen 20 of whatever she's got on any given day, and on busy days, even more. Still no cooperation. She repeats her classic line (how many times have we heard this.. and has HE heard this?) that she doesn't want any men in her life. Well how about we spend just one night together, and then you can reevaluate? Stike three, he's out.
This whole shebang ends with a little tête-à-tête with Hortensia...a poignant moment when the secretary begs Candy not to torment Santiago.
H: He's a good man....alright, a bit of a womanizer...but someone broke his heart once...I don't want that to happen again.
C: You're in love with him aren't you?
H: shakes her head
C: Don't worry...I won't....
Candy leaves, and Hortensia stops shaking her head and sadly nods.....yes, indeed, she is in love with her boss.
While this medical and emotional mayhem was going on, Gregoria and Meño are continuing their own bickering. He's protesting he has no room for her; she proposes sleeping in his bed with him since she has nothing to fear there.
Things are not going smoothly at Pato and Alicia's either. She wants to know what's up. He's ignoring her and turning on the TV. She gets right in his ear and says she knows what's up...it's about his anniversary with Candy. She stomps out to get a té de tila (lime blossom tea or linden tea for Americanos) which seems to be the Mexican version of a tranquilizer and he yells at her to bring him a burger and lots of nice greasy fries as well. As for her proposed surgery, he could care less...do with her body whatever she wants. Hmmm.....not quite the response most wives would want.
Candy's back at home to join in the fray with mom and tio. Gregoria threatens that she's not going to "tapar la mentira" (cover up the lie). Candy wants to know what she has to do to get her silence. Aha! blackmail is it? Yes, indeed....but if Candy lets Gregoria live there, she'll keep her mouth shut.
Candy gets all huffy and righteous and says, Do you pray?
G: Every night
C: Well then pray that the Virgencita opens your heart because it's been closed so many years.
G: You closed my heart! You closed it by faking your death. And your sister Alicia closed it by kicking me out of her house.
Okay, I think Mom won that round.
We also have a series of interesting scenes with Marissa, trying to score points with Rocio and her two buds by taking them to the park. Beto and Rocio think she's grand but Chava's on to something. He leans his head into her chest (dumping his chocolate ice cream cone all over her shirt) and listens to her heart. Whoops. She's not as nice as she tries to appear. Busted!!!
Beto and Rocio disagree and start pummeling Chava. Meanwhile Marissa sensing an opportunity, grabs Rocio's dog and hides her in the car. Generalized terror and crying as the kids search frantically for the doggie, fearing the worst. After some prolonged kiddie suffering, Marissa miraculously finds the dog and emerges as the all-time Olympic hero of Rocio's life. As the child recounts this charming story to Santiago and her granny, Abuelita looks clearly sceptical. She evidently is as suspicious of Marissa as our little Chava. Darling, she advises Santiago, if you're not serious about Marissa, you'd better cut it off now...Rocio can't lose another "mother". We get the same old line about Marissa being a partner in the business and the legal implications and complications and oh my, that's why he'll just have to remain with her. We've heard it all before.
And speaking of stuff we've heard before...Candy's plowing old ground with Meño about her special connection to Patricio.
M: Your first love....
C: My ONLY love...
M: Candy, I don't want you to dry out like your mother. Love is a plant that must be watered every day. I was in love once.....and I enjoyed it fully (we presume this was with his business partner who left the restaurant and office building to him).
Well, Candy's off for a date with destiny. Although she's being mysterious about it with Tio, we have no trouble guessing that she's going to revisit Acapulco on her anniversary. And we have no problem guessing that Patricio will be there too....and that they will JUST miss each other. But whoa...I'm getting ahead of myself here.
We're back with Marissa and her protective brother Raul. They're deep in another romantic strategy session. She's been to the gynecologist's office because her period's late but it's not the hoped for" leverage pregnancy"....rather it's "miomas" (tumors) in her ovaries. Well alright, counters Raul, but if you really want a child, you could adopt. Yes, but Santiago already has two daughters....he'd want a child of his own but not an adopted one. I hoped to be pregnant to tie him to me.... but now.... Raul, you've got to change your strategy! You're driving Candy away and you've got to make her love you so she'll leave Santiago alone.
One final washing dishes scene. This time it's Gregoria with her hands in the dishwater, and Meño trying to shoo her out of his kitchen and out of his house. Evidently she slept in Charly's bed last night and the displaced teenager was clomping around the house all night disturbing Meño's sleep. Chava's watching all this, very confused, and wondering why this strange woman slept over.
At last....Acapulco. We hear in the background Patricio and Candy's love song "Bendita la luz" and there they both are....separated by only a few feet...both dressed in white as they were years ago, and both lost in their bittersweet memories of the past. But wait...he seems to catch a glimpse of her. No, it can't be. He's crazy. He runs after the fleeing vision but finally gives up, (as she cowers behind a stone wall) because he knows, he knows after all, that she must be dead.
We see Candy heading back to Guadalajara on the bus, crying again, but also marveling that Patricio kept his promise (cumplio su compromiso). He returned to the scene of their loving tryst, just as they had planned.
The writers throw in a little comedy scene here, just so we won't get too sentimental and want to see these long lost lovers reunite. Lucia is asking her granny if they had lipstick back in the 60's. Donato chortles while Abue snaps that it wasn't the dinosaur era and yes, they had lipstick, though not as bright as the lipstick today, more "nacarados" (pearlized). (I remember those days well; we piled on lots of mascara and made our lips very pale in order to bring out our eyes even more. Not sure anyone was even looking at our eyes....but we did our best!)
And it turns out the shopping bags Abuela lugged home earlier contained a Sergeant Pepper outfit for Donato. He's having no part of it however. First of all it's too small and he'd look like a stuffed sausage. And besides, he's a Rolling Stones....
Stop right there! He's going to wear it. We shall see, we shall see he mutters, all the while claiming he's "tarareando" (humming) a Beatles tune.
Candy's now back at home and doing that little junior high find-out-if-he-likes-me thingy with her mom. She wants Gregoria to verify if Patricio's still in love with her and thinks she can do it by quizzing Alicia on Patricio's reactions. I find this beyond tiresome but Gregoria finally relents and says she'll do it.
The final scene is Alicia with Gregoria at Meño's restaurant. Evidently Mom's brought her there to do the grilling but Zamora, after fending off Alicia's questions (and trying to interpret Gregoria's frantic hand signals) blurts out that Meño's not there....He went to the 60's party with CANDY.
Impactado look. Alicia.
Previews: Alicia knows there's a "gato encerrado" (there's something fishy here) No subtitles so I can't be completely sure but I think she asks Patricio if Candy walked in the door...would you abandon me?
Vocabulary:
¿comieron los ratones la lengua? (literally, did the rats eat your tongue....or we would say Cat got your tongue? Rocio to Santiago at the breakfast table)
se me hace muy conocida = looks very familiar to me
abolengo = ancestry (part of the complicated BS Santiago was slinging when Patricio asked about his mysterious nurse)
mioma = benign uterine tumor
tapar la mentira = cover up the lie
pollito mojado = wet chick (we might say drowned rat or sad sack)
tarareando = humming or going "la la la"
nacarados = pearlized
cumplio (preterite form) su compromiso = kept his promise
Labels: Tontas
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My first comment to this blog -
I'm new to the telenovela scene. My husband and I got hooked on La Madrastra about halfway through its run..then halfway through Al Diablo con Los Guapos...then the end of Querida Enemiga. Fortunately, I started Tontas right from the beginning and have been enjoying it. I followed your recaps on Al Diablo and Querida Enemiga, which were quite a blessing since I started watching them so far into their run.
Thank you everyone for your recaps. They have really helped fill in the blanks for me. I watch the shows without subtitles as I am trying to improve my listening skills. I am always amazed by the little details--and sometimes, big ones--I miss that you all explain in such wonderful detail. They talk so fast...some episodes I "get" very little. Other episodes seem to have more poignant scenes and slower conversations, and I am blissfully hopeful that someday I may actually master this language! I find that I rely a lot on visual cues on those fast-speaking episodes...and your recaps.
I love the humor you provide. Sometimes I just sit at the computer and double over with laughter at your remarks--especially the sarcastic ones!
I, too, loved the Woolly Bully dance tonight. Thanks for a recap of "new vocabulary" in tonight's show and a few dichos.
I'm new to the telenovela scene. My husband and I got hooked on La Madrastra about halfway through its run..then halfway through Al Diablo con Los Guapos...then the end of Querida Enemiga. Fortunately, I started Tontas right from the beginning and have been enjoying it. I followed your recaps on Al Diablo and Querida Enemiga, which were quite a blessing since I started watching them so far into their run.
Thank you everyone for your recaps. They have really helped fill in the blanks for me. I watch the shows without subtitles as I am trying to improve my listening skills. I am always amazed by the little details--and sometimes, big ones--I miss that you all explain in such wonderful detail. They talk so fast...some episodes I "get" very little. Other episodes seem to have more poignant scenes and slower conversations, and I am blissfully hopeful that someday I may actually master this language! I find that I rely a lot on visual cues on those fast-speaking episodes...and your recaps.
I love the humor you provide. Sometimes I just sit at the computer and double over with laughter at your remarks--especially the sarcastic ones!
I, too, loved the Woolly Bully dance tonight. Thanks for a recap of "new vocabulary" in tonight's show and a few dichos.
Permalink posted by 
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:16:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:16:00 AM EST
Welcome Deb, and thank you for commenting and sharing your story. The vocabulary words are fun, aren't they? I know what you mean about the visual cues. They are very strong in the telenovelas which is one of the reasons why they are a good learning tool. Oh, and they're fun to watch too!
Most excellent recap JudyB! Wasn't the Mexican version of Wooly Bully a hoot? I was really beginning to like Marissa until she pulled that stunt with the doggie. What a mean thing to do to the kids, not to mention what kind of adult would encourage little kids to go wandering all over the park looking for a dog? And to answer your question, yes I do just want to rip out Candy's hair for being mean to Lulu, grrrrrr. For me, one of the funniest things about tonight's episode was how Alicia kept admiring herself in mirrors and windows yet she wants a bubi job. Que?
Thanks for your great vocab words and for translating nacarados.
Most excellent recap JudyB! Wasn't the Mexican version of Wooly Bully a hoot? I was really beginning to like Marissa until she pulled that stunt with the doggie. What a mean thing to do to the kids, not to mention what kind of adult would encourage little kids to go wandering all over the park looking for a dog? And to answer your question, yes I do just want to rip out Candy's hair for being mean to Lulu, grrrrrr. For me, one of the funniest things about tonight's episode was how Alicia kept admiring herself in mirrors and windows yet she wants a bubi job. Que?
Thanks for your great vocab words and for translating nacarados.
I think Patricio is an entirely different, and much more natural, character when he's with Beto. I actually liked him quite a bit and the acting was less stilted (maybe that was intentional, or am I giving too much credit?).
I was cheering when Meño complained about all the favors and lies Candy asks of everybody around her. She does behave like a reinita. Grr.
I was cheering when Meño complained about all the favors and lies Candy asks of everybody around her. She does behave like a reinita. Grr.
Thanks for your speedy and thorough recap JudyB ;) I agree, the little Hortensia nodding that she’s in love with Santi was quite touching. Oh, “tila” is actually lime tree leaves. Chamomile is “manzanilla.” On Candy’s annoying attitude: I think the tea was an excuse to get in, but I do think it’s incredibly rude of Candy to keep barging into rooms (you’d think she’d have learned by now!), especially someone else’s private office while he’s seeing a patient. The patient could be naked showing Santi what they want done for Pete’s sake! She is entirely too self-absorbed. Then again, Marissa was just as bad with her little dognapping scheme. Maybe the tumors in her ovaries affected her sense of ethics.
Julia – I have also heard of El Vez! He was on an episode of “The Weakest Link” (back when it was still on prime time) with a bunch of other Elvis impersonators including one of the Vegas Flying Elvises. Sylvia, where did you find the CD? I love song parodies (even attended a Weird Al concert, very fun).
Julia – I have also heard of El Vez! He was on an episode of “The Weakest Link” (back when it was still on prime time) with a bunch of other Elvis impersonators including one of the Vegas Flying Elvises. Sylvia, where did you find the CD? I love song parodies (even attended a Weird Al concert, very fun).
First of all Deb....welcome! We are always so happy to hear from new people and to learn a little bit about your experience with telenovelas. When I first started watching to develop my listening skills, I only knew a few words in Spanish, so the only thing I "got" was "Casa Blanca" and "Bush". So finding out about the closed captions was a blessing in extending my vocabulary. However I remember with my first telenovela Heridas de Amor, I didn't know about closed captions but I LOVED the dad. He spoke very slowly in a deep voice. Really sad when he got killed because he was the only one I understood well.
Margarita...thanks for that correction on "tila". I'd always assumed it was chamomile from context because of the way they use it. (The French use té de menthe when they want to calm down...which is almost never!) I'll make that correction in the text.
I did understand that asking Hortensia for a little tea was just a ruse, but it still annoyed me that Candy felt entitled to use it. In an earlier episode, she'd asked her for a cup of coffee I believe....same reason...it was when she and Marissa were planning to steal the appointment book. I guess the whole junior high stunt business in this one just hits me on the wrong nerve!
Margarita...thanks for that correction on "tila". I'd always assumed it was chamomile from context because of the way they use it. (The French use té de menthe when they want to calm down...which is almost never!) I'll make that correction in the text.
I did understand that asking Hortensia for a little tea was just a ruse, but it still annoyed me that Candy felt entitled to use it. In an earlier episode, she'd asked her for a cup of coffee I believe....same reason...it was when she and Marissa were planning to steal the appointment book. I guess the whole junior high stunt business in this one just hits me on the wrong nerve!
Melinama...I too like the scenes of Pato with his son Beto...and with Chava as well. I get a kick out of him calling them "campeon", a subtle humorous way of encouraging them. He makes a nice connection and shows his "good side". He's certainly not a one-dimensional bad guy and I like him a lot more than Candy, at this point, in spite of his alcoholic slipups.
Judy, you were probably thinking of "tilo," which was mentioned frequently in LFMB as a night-night drink. Tilo is linden leaves. It doesn't do a thing for me, and I bet lime leaves taste better.
Tilo is available even in the tiny, tiny "hispanic foods" (I think "Latino foods" would be more accurate) partial-aisle-segment at my local supermarket, so it's probably easy to find. This brand is Badia.
Tilo is available even in the tiny, tiny "hispanic foods" (I think "Latino foods" would be more accurate) partial-aisle-segment at my local supermarket, so it's probably easy to find. This brand is Badia.
Thanks for this great recap, Judy, and thanks for sending the e-mail instructions for photos. I have not had time to look at them yet.
Welcome, Deb!
Welcome, Deb!
Margarita, I was given the El Vez CD by my sailing partner who has a big Elvis collection. In fact for a long time an Elvis impersonator rented a room from her which is how she happened to see El Vez in the first place. I also like Weird Al a lot but have never seen him perform. That would be a riot.
Interesting info on the "tila" and "tilo". I like the sleepy moon on the box of tea, no guessing what that tea is supposed to do!
Interesting info on the "tila" and "tilo". I like the sleepy moon on the box of tea, no guessing what that tea is supposed to do!
Sorry I missed the Woolly Bully scene. I love that song.
Candy is totally unaware of Cece's interest, right? Is this due to general self-absorption on Candy's part, or is Cece more subdued when Candy's right in front of her?
Candy is totally unaware of Cece's interest, right? Is this due to general self-absorption on Candy's part, or is Cece more subdued when Candy's right in front of her?
Do you think Candy would be annoying no matter who the actress was, or is there a problem with the way JB is playing it? Or maybe it's the director's choice to have her play it that way. I think she would be easier to take if we saw less anger/hostility/vengeance, and more vulnerability. You wouldn't have to change any of her lines, just her general manner. An occasional hesitation or flinch; a break in the bravado; some hint of vengeance-fatigue.
We know that she is afraid of being hurt again, but she doesn't show us this side; we just assume it's there because it's one of the minimum requirements for being a human being.
I think the only reason we want her to snap out of it (rather than get run over by a truck) is because we know Santiago likes her. There was a period like this in LFMB too, when Lety was being obnoxious, and Fern's love for her was momentarily her only redeeming quality.
It says something about Camil that he can pull this off. He's carrying his own character and someone else's. The actress is stuck having to play this unappealing character, and we have to see her through his eyes to avoid hating her. It strikes me as unfair to the actress.
We know that she is afraid of being hurt again, but she doesn't show us this side; we just assume it's there because it's one of the minimum requirements for being a human being.
I think the only reason we want her to snap out of it (rather than get run over by a truck) is because we know Santiago likes her. There was a period like this in LFMB too, when Lety was being obnoxious, and Fern's love for her was momentarily her only redeeming quality.
It says something about Camil that he can pull this off. He's carrying his own character and someone else's. The actress is stuck having to play this unappealing character, and we have to see her through his eyes to avoid hating her. It strikes me as unfair to the actress.
This tea discussion is interesting...I looked in a couple of groceries today in the "Mexican food aisle" and no té de tila. I did get an herbal tea at Trader Joe's that has a ton of "flowers" in it, including organge blossoms and something called "tilia flowers". Don't know if it will give me the approximate feel of the tea or not.
Now, on to our obnoxious heroine and the question of script versus actress.
I don't know...Jacqueline is playing her like the snotty "popular girl" in school, who patronized the lesser lights, had a ton of admirers both male and female, to whom she felt completely entitled ...and was never able to step outside her own narcissistic self-absorption (probably a little redundant there).
These queens waltz through life unaware of others' suffering because they're so transfixed by their own. Oxygen-wasters.
However, yes, there was a period when we were annoyed by Lety and in Juan Querendon, Paula was so unbearable one of the recap titles was "Is It Okay If I Say Mean Things About Paula"" So maybe it's the script writer/director's strategy.
I'd really like to get inside these folks' minds once in a while (well, maybe not) and find out just what their motives are for writing and staging some of the things they do.
It's a puzzlement.
Now, on to our obnoxious heroine and the question of script versus actress.
I don't know...Jacqueline is playing her like the snotty "popular girl" in school, who patronized the lesser lights, had a ton of admirers both male and female, to whom she felt completely entitled ...and was never able to step outside her own narcissistic self-absorption (probably a little redundant there).
These queens waltz through life unaware of others' suffering because they're so transfixed by their own. Oxygen-wasters.
However, yes, there was a period when we were annoyed by Lety and in Juan Querendon, Paula was so unbearable one of the recap titles was "Is It Okay If I Say Mean Things About Paula"" So maybe it's the script writer/director's strategy.
I'd really like to get inside these folks' minds once in a while (well, maybe not) and find out just what their motives are for writing and staging some of the things they do.
It's a puzzlement.
Well, the tea mystery deepens. Looked it up on google and they showed a box of té de tila from Spain , which below said Linden Tea.
However linden leaves are not related to the citrus fruit lime....so is it linden tea or lime blossom tea. Inquiring minds want to know.
Can you get back to us, anybody who has actually found it and drunk it? I'm going to try some of my Trader Joe eclectic mix and try and calm down!
However linden leaves are not related to the citrus fruit lime....so is it linden tea or lime blossom tea. Inquiring minds want to know.
Can you get back to us, anybody who has actually found it and drunk it? I'm going to try some of my Trader Joe eclectic mix and try and calm down!
Great recap, JudyB! I especially liked the "good call Alicia" about not wanted the klutzy nurse helping with her operation. Although she seems to have no problem with Doctor Spastico wielding the knife. Can't imagine why she would want a lift--is she planning to use her breasts as a chinrest?
Aside from Santiago and the kids, Patricio is now my favorite character. He started out pretty low, but at least he is multidimensional and making progress toward redemption, unlike bratty Candy. The institute should hire someone to teach basic manners and start with the staff.
Aside from Santiago and the kids, Patricio is now my favorite character. He started out pretty low, but at least he is multidimensional and making progress toward redemption, unlike bratty Candy. The institute should hire someone to teach basic manners and start with the staff.
I think Alicia was arguing for augmentation...although I'd say she has more than enough already. But I like your idea of chin rests!
Given that she has high-class pretensions of wanting to play gold (earlier episode) she should give some thought to how those big babies would interfere with her swing. Oh well....
You may have given us a new nickname for Santiago. And I agree...the manners at the Institute...in particular Candy and Barbara, the psychologist. Both are behaving like junior high brats in my opinion.
Given that she has high-class pretensions of wanting to play gold (earlier episode) she should give some thought to how those big babies would interfere with her swing. Oh well....
You may have given us a new nickname for Santiago. And I agree...the manners at the Institute...in particular Candy and Barbara, the psychologist. Both are behaving like junior high brats in my opinion.
Judy: a wonderful recap. Thank you SO much for the vocabulary - it is greatly appreciated.
"...we switch to the lovelorn restaurant cook who's still grieving Patricio's rejection. (Don't you just want to rip out Candy's hair for adding to this woman's woes!?)" Yes! It was painful to watch. My heart goes out to Lulu - she is a beautiful, warm, caring woman who deserves a wonderful partner.
"Could we have another heroine please. Anyone???!!!)". Judy, if only... It's hard to like a leading lady who fakes her own death (thereby decimating her parents), deprives her son of his father and whose actions are generally always self absorbed.
I hated Marissa's subterfuge with the dog but I just can't dislike her. I've admitted before that I like Pat and I felt for him when he saw Candy. He has a lot of faults but loves his sons. It's obvious he still loves Candy. I think she still loves him too and until and if that changes, can't really see her with Santiago.
Deb, nice to see your comment. Welcome. This is a wonderful blog and the recappers and those who comment are the best. Diana in MA
"...we switch to the lovelorn restaurant cook who's still grieving Patricio's rejection. (Don't you just want to rip out Candy's hair for adding to this woman's woes!?)" Yes! It was painful to watch. My heart goes out to Lulu - she is a beautiful, warm, caring woman who deserves a wonderful partner.
"Could we have another heroine please. Anyone???!!!)". Judy, if only... It's hard to like a leading lady who fakes her own death (thereby decimating her parents), deprives her son of his father and whose actions are generally always self absorbed.
I hated Marissa's subterfuge with the dog but I just can't dislike her. I've admitted before that I like Pat and I felt for him when he saw Candy. He has a lot of faults but loves his sons. It's obvious he still loves Candy. I think she still loves him too and until and if that changes, can't really see her with Santiago.
Deb, nice to see your comment. Welcome. This is a wonderful blog and the recappers and those who comment are the best. Diana in MA
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:37:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:37:00 PM EST
Since I'm new to this show, I have a few ?s.
How did Santiago's niece's parents die? Has she lived with him most of her life? What about the mother of Santi's daughter, does she ever show up? Also, who do the majority of viewers want him to end up with, Candy or Marissa? I am loving this show!
Thanks.
Violet
How did Santiago's niece's parents die? Has she lived with him most of her life? What about the mother of Santi's daughter, does she ever show up? Also, who do the majority of viewers want him to end up with, Candy or Marissa? I am loving this show!
Thanks.
Violet
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:08:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:08:00 PM EST
What a great recap. Filled in a lot of blanks. I had a real prob with her barging into his office like that too and putting Hortensia, a fellow working woman, on the spot. It is making her look very self absorbed. Also, I said to my daughter last week that I thought her sending the picture of what she feels is the homely girl to fool Patricio was downright mean spirited. I thought she was supposed to be such a defender of women. Her immaturity is offputting. Now, Jaime Camill I would watch if he was sitting there judy scratching his head.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:14:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:14:00 PM EST
Thanks for the great recap Judy. I really hated Marissa hiding the dog and putting poor Rocio in such a state of fear and unhappiness. I felt no pity for her over her medical condition after that stunt.
Thanks for the great recap, which filled in a number of blanks for me, and the vocab.
I agree that Candy's behavior is very self-centered, and she hurts others (Lulu, Hortensia) without thinking. She was also mean to her mother (and father) when she faked her death. She's also forced Meño, Soledad and others to go along with her schemes. And I hate the whole Rojiblanca trickery.
But then, why is Santiago so madly attracted to her?! I'll tell you why, she's not just pretty, she's got energy, enthusiasm, love (for Chava), is a leader, is smart (but not wise). Some men like this. In Querida Enemgia, I sort of liked the character of Monica, the daughter of Raimundo the restaurant owner, who was mean and scheming, but I saw her as dynamic and sexy.
I'm hoping, though, that Candy's hidden human side (if she has one) comes out if, or when, she runs into Patricio. And it's getting so close, no? Every day I think, well that's it, they finally meet!
Oh, I also have to add that I'm jealous of Chava's skill in judging people by their heartbeats. Or maybe I'd just like to try out that skill with Marissa! Sorry:)
Violet, I think Lucía's parents died in a car accident, but I don't know how long ago that was. She went to live with Santiago right after that. As for Santiago's ex-wife, Paulina, we've seen her a few times, usually in a business meeting. I think she lives in the US, and never has time for Rocío.
As for who we want Santiago to end up with, I think it's almost sure to be Candy, whether we want it or not!
I agree that Candy's behavior is very self-centered, and she hurts others (Lulu, Hortensia) without thinking. She was also mean to her mother (and father) when she faked her death. She's also forced Meño, Soledad and others to go along with her schemes. And I hate the whole Rojiblanca trickery.
But then, why is Santiago so madly attracted to her?! I'll tell you why, she's not just pretty, she's got energy, enthusiasm, love (for Chava), is a leader, is smart (but not wise). Some men like this. In Querida Enemgia, I sort of liked the character of Monica, the daughter of Raimundo the restaurant owner, who was mean and scheming, but I saw her as dynamic and sexy.
I'm hoping, though, that Candy's hidden human side (if she has one) comes out if, or when, she runs into Patricio. And it's getting so close, no? Every day I think, well that's it, they finally meet!
Oh, I also have to add that I'm jealous of Chava's skill in judging people by their heartbeats. Or maybe I'd just like to try out that skill with Marissa! Sorry:)
Violet, I think Lucía's parents died in a car accident, but I don't know how long ago that was. She went to live with Santiago right after that. As for Santiago's ex-wife, Paulina, we've seen her a few times, usually in a business meeting. I think she lives in the US, and never has time for Rocío.
As for who we want Santiago to end up with, I think it's almost sure to be Candy, whether we want it or not!
Thank you, Judy. I missed the first 9 minutes of the show last night, and some of those scenes were not on YouTube. Thank you for filling in the holes so well. And excellent scene transitions - good work! Did you ever feel like you're trying to write segues for someone who is channel-surfing?
I loved the scene where Santiago was doing his lead singer moves, wrenched his back, and his buddies carried him to the couch. My family heard me laughing uncontrollably.
I'm totally in agreement with your "Could we have another heroine please; Anyone???" Santiago is crazy wild about her, but why? We know why Pat fell in love - she was sweet, she adored him, she had a spark. We know why Candy is falling in love - Santi is so romantic, he adores her, and he's marvelous with the kids, both his and hers. But why did he fall for her? She's aggressive, sadistic, shrill, selfish, and she never stops lying. It's that standard novela plot gap - one star is suddenly wildly in love with the other, eternally, with no cause leading up to it. But in this case there are lots of reasons to detest her, few reasons to even like her, and still he is wildly in love. Okay, end of rant.
"Santiago then runs down the hall.. it's a great run." How can that man take huge strides on a short hallway? Then again, how can he do a six-foot table slide? How can Baryshnikov hang in thin air? Must be magic.
Did you notice? It was a direct proposition in the dressing room (why don't you test me for a night?) and Candy didn't kick him or anything; she just calmly refused. Progress.
I loved the scene where Santiago was doing his lead singer moves, wrenched his back, and his buddies carried him to the couch. My family heard me laughing uncontrollably.
I'm totally in agreement with your "Could we have another heroine please; Anyone???" Santiago is crazy wild about her, but why? We know why Pat fell in love - she was sweet, she adored him, she had a spark. We know why Candy is falling in love - Santi is so romantic, he adores her, and he's marvelous with the kids, both his and hers. But why did he fall for her? She's aggressive, sadistic, shrill, selfish, and she never stops lying. It's that standard novela plot gap - one star is suddenly wildly in love with the other, eternally, with no cause leading up to it. But in this case there are lots of reasons to detest her, few reasons to even like her, and still he is wildly in love. Okay, end of rant.
"Santiago then runs down the hall.. it's a great run." How can that man take huge strides on a short hallway? Then again, how can he do a six-foot table slide? How can Baryshnikov hang in thin air? Must be magic.
Did you notice? It was a direct proposition in the dressing room (why don't you test me for a night?) and Candy didn't kick him or anything; she just calmly refused. Progress.
Gracias, Hombre for answering my questions. I am still hearing your song in my head! I will download it too.
V
V
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:34:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:34:00 PM EST
Interesting comments everyone. This telenovela raises lots of questions EVEN IF you've been watching since the beginning.
Hombre de Misterio did a good job of filling you in, Violet. Yes, Santiago's ex-wife now works in New York in the fashion industry I believe. She didn't seem thrilled about her pregnancy but he was over the moon. When Rocio was still a baby, she left for N.Y., leaving Santiago only a note...and the baby! Lucia, the older niece, wasn't with them then...so the accident happened sometime in the past 7 years...and the dates were on the tombstones but I doubt if I could read them off a youtube video. I had the feeling though that the accident was fairly recent...maybe in the last year? Probably Paula or Margarita could help with this...they have great memory for details.
Jazzee...so you'd be happy just watching our Jaim scratch his head, huh? Well, he is adorable, I'll give you that. And since I'm a "lip woman", I love his mouth. Just perfect for nibbling, as is William Levy's.
Now Hombre....you realize you would have to press your head awfully hard against Marissa's chest in order to hear the heartbeat. And you might get distracted. Better leave the cardiology to Chava.
Who would I like to see Candy end up with? Patricio. He's the father of her child. And they were genuinely in love with each other before the wedding disaster. Time to work it out and move on.
Don't want to see Santiago end up with Marissa. She's got too much baggage. Not sure who she should be with. Jury's out on her.
Santiago. Hey, I'd like to see him pull a "fea mas bella" and fall in love with Hortensia. She adores him. And she could continue to help him in his work and put an end to that bell clanging.
Don't know who for Lulu...but a good man, for sure.
And Alicia...she can go back to whatever she was doing in Tiajuana...I'm sure it made good use of her skills.
Hombre de Misterio did a good job of filling you in, Violet. Yes, Santiago's ex-wife now works in New York in the fashion industry I believe. She didn't seem thrilled about her pregnancy but he was over the moon. When Rocio was still a baby, she left for N.Y., leaving Santiago only a note...and the baby! Lucia, the older niece, wasn't with them then...so the accident happened sometime in the past 7 years...and the dates were on the tombstones but I doubt if I could read them off a youtube video. I had the feeling though that the accident was fairly recent...maybe in the last year? Probably Paula or Margarita could help with this...they have great memory for details.
Jazzee...so you'd be happy just watching our Jaim scratch his head, huh? Well, he is adorable, I'll give you that. And since I'm a "lip woman", I love his mouth. Just perfect for nibbling, as is William Levy's.
Now Hombre....you realize you would have to press your head awfully hard against Marissa's chest in order to hear the heartbeat. And you might get distracted. Better leave the cardiology to Chava.
Who would I like to see Candy end up with? Patricio. He's the father of her child. And they were genuinely in love with each other before the wedding disaster. Time to work it out and move on.
Don't want to see Santiago end up with Marissa. She's got too much baggage. Not sure who she should be with. Jury's out on her.
Santiago. Hey, I'd like to see him pull a "fea mas bella" and fall in love with Hortensia. She adores him. And she could continue to help him in his work and put an end to that bell clanging.
Don't know who for Lulu...but a good man, for sure.
And Alicia...she can go back to whatever she was doing in Tiajuana...I'm sure it made good use of her skills.
Diana...good to see you back. We sure missed your presence on the blog lines over vacation. Are you still watching without closed captions? Is it getting any better? I suppose your husband can always translate any particulary thorny dialogues, right? Anyway, welcome back.
* * *
And Rhonda..good to hear from you again too. I felt like last night's episode was partly meant to drive home the message that Marissa is an untrustworthy baddie. There was Chava's discovery of her telltale not-nice heartbeat. Then the mean trick of hiding the dog and scaring the kids so she could look like a hero.
Evidently psychologists are now calling this an extension of Munchausen's Syndrome (not just medical) to artificially produce a crisis and then step in and "solve it" in order to appear heroic.
And in addition, when scheming with Raul, he said something about how she should continue "to pretend to be Candy's friend" in order to blah, blah, blah...
On the other hand, easy to understand why she's in love with Santiago. And easy to sympathize with her pain at seeing his infatuation with another woman.
The only reason I can come up with for that infatuation, other than Candy's prettiness, is her unavailability. She is evidently the first woman to turn him down (other than his wife). And maybe that's the hook...if he can finally win her over, he will have exorcised his abandonment issues with his marriage.
* * *
And Rhonda..good to hear from you again too. I felt like last night's episode was partly meant to drive home the message that Marissa is an untrustworthy baddie. There was Chava's discovery of her telltale not-nice heartbeat. Then the mean trick of hiding the dog and scaring the kids so she could look like a hero.
Evidently psychologists are now calling this an extension of Munchausen's Syndrome (not just medical) to artificially produce a crisis and then step in and "solve it" in order to appear heroic.
And in addition, when scheming with Raul, he said something about how she should continue "to pretend to be Candy's friend" in order to blah, blah, blah...
On the other hand, easy to understand why she's in love with Santiago. And easy to sympathize with her pain at seeing his infatuation with another woman.
The only reason I can come up with for that infatuation, other than Candy's prettiness, is her unavailability. She is evidently the first woman to turn him down (other than his wife). And maybe that's the hook...if he can finally win her over, he will have exorcised his abandonment issues with his marriage.
Oh and Paula...yes, that rehearsal scene was awesome...especially that jazz slide where he was on his knees and back touching the floor. Hard for anyone but trained dancers to do that.
Melinama, yes Meño complained that Candy wants favors from everyone. Also Santiago in the dressing room, "Pides, pides." She keeps asking for favors like one would ask the man in her life, but nothing in return. She won't even call him "tu."
Judy, you said Pat is not one-dimensional. I'll go two steps further. I think he's becoming a very complex character, especially compared to everyone else - they all seem like caricatures.
Julia, "use her breasts as a chinrest?" Laugh-out-loud moment of the morning!
Violet, Lucía's parents died when she was about 10 or 12. Luc's father was Santiago's brother.
I've been keeping a near-miss list for Pat and Candy. (Paula? Lists? No puede ser!) The tally is at 10. I'm seeing progress. In all but one of the first eight, either Candy spotted Pat first and ran away, or Pat got a big hint (like Candy's photo at Meño's) but didn't actually see her. Now he's getting closer - #9 he sees her in the nurse disguise. #10 he sees her briefly on the mountaintop.
Judy, you said Pat is not one-dimensional. I'll go two steps further. I think he's becoming a very complex character, especially compared to everyone else - they all seem like caricatures.
Julia, "use her breasts as a chinrest?" Laugh-out-loud moment of the morning!
Violet, Lucía's parents died when she was about 10 or 12. Luc's father was Santiago's brother.
I've been keeping a near-miss list for Pat and Candy. (Paula? Lists? No puede ser!) The tally is at 10. I'm seeing progress. In all but one of the first eight, either Candy spotted Pat first and ran away, or Pat got a big hint (like Candy's photo at Meño's) but didn't actually see her. Now he's getting closer - #9 he sees her in the nurse disguise. #10 he sees her briefly on the mountaintop.
The date of death on the tombstone was 2004, so Lucia was around 11 years old.
I love that Meño and Santi are calling Candy on her nasty habit of always asking favors and giving nothing in return, not even basic courtesy.
I love that Meño and Santi are calling Candy on her nasty habit of always asking favors and giving nothing in return, not even basic courtesy.
Judy, thanks so much. Yes, still watching without captions. For me, Tontas is harder to follow than Angel or especially Fuego (I swear some early episodes contained 5-6 words repeated endlessly but love it anyway :)
My husband knows only a little more more Spanish than I do so it is frustrating when neither of us understand what's been said and we look at each other helplessly! But, until the golden goose arrives with funds to buy a new TV, the challenge is just fine!
Even if I understood every word, I would be just as anxious to read the recaps as I am now. I so look forward to them!
Diana in MA
My husband knows only a little more more Spanish than I do so it is frustrating when neither of us understand what's been said and we look at each other helplessly! But, until the golden goose arrives with funds to buy a new TV, the challenge is just fine!
Even if I understood every word, I would be just as anxious to read the recaps as I am now. I so look forward to them!
Diana in MA
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 2:35:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 2:35:00 PM EST
Okay. When Judy mentioned tilia, I was thinking that was yet a third thing, so I looked it up, and found out, to my surprise... well, I'll quote wikipedia:
"The trees are generally called lime in Britain and linden in parts of Europe and North America (where they are also known as basswood)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia
So tilo and tila and tilia are the same thing; you can also call it linden, basswood, or lime.
But it is NOT the same thing as the citrus lime we all think of. Go figure.
"The trees are generally called lime in Britain and linden in parts of Europe and North America (where they are also known as basswood)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia
So tilo and tila and tilia are the same thing; you can also call it linden, basswood, or lime.
But it is NOT the same thing as the citrus lime we all think of. Go figure.
...and incidentally, now that I know they're all the same thing, I can tell you that tilo/linden/whatever alone is a pretty dull drink. But not dull enough to make me sleepy. Same with valerian and chamomile.
"Sleepytime" tea (which also doesn't affect me) includes both chamomile and tilia. It also has some tastier ingredients to make it more appealing.
"Sleepytime" tea (which also doesn't affect me) includes both chamomile and tilia. It also has some tastier ingredients to make it more appealing.
Violet, I cast a timid vote for Patricio. It'd be nice to see him reunited with Chavo, although then of course, what about Beto? Maybe his other dad will pick up where he left off. At the start of the show they seemed like a very happy family. And Hombre, sigh, just to be Chavo for a minute or so. I thought, oh you cheeky, lucky little mocoso. Finally, I hope we see and hear more "Wooly Bully", it"s one of my alltime faves. Carlos
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 3:47:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 3:47:00 PM EST
So is the Oxford dictionary wrong (I worked once for Encyclopedia Britannica so I know these things can be wrong...because it said lime blossoms. Now were those lime blossoms from the linden tree or the lime tree? Because the Brits call linden also lime trees but....oh....
Ouch..my head is really hurting now. Will use exercise as an antidote rather than any d***ed tea I guess!
Actually, I'm pretty sure it's THE BELIEF that is calming, rather than the actual tea. If your mom gave it to you, as a child, when you were upset, the love that came with it is no doubt what calmed you. And the memory of that love would continue to calm you as an adult.
I got oversalted Campbell's chicken noodle soup, saltines, and ginger ale when I was little....and sick...and it still soothes me today, even though there's probably very little good and lots of bad in the actual products. No matter...I feel loved...and I feel better.
Ouch..my head is really hurting now. Will use exercise as an antidote rather than any d***ed tea I guess!
Actually, I'm pretty sure it's THE BELIEF that is calming, rather than the actual tea. If your mom gave it to you, as a child, when you were upset, the love that came with it is no doubt what calmed you. And the memory of that love would continue to calm you as an adult.
I got oversalted Campbell's chicken noodle soup, saltines, and ginger ale when I was little....and sick...and it still soothes me today, even though there's probably very little good and lots of bad in the actual products. No matter...I feel loved...and I feel better.
Carlos...so glad you're voting for Patricio and that you like Wooly Bully as much as we all do. And of course, as an hombre, you understand Hombre!
Now...what's your professional take on the value of té de tila? Inquiring minds want to know.
Now...what's your professional take on the value of té de tila? Inquiring minds want to know.
Judy, thanks for that recap. The "Wooley Bulley" scene was an unexpected gift. So funny, and brought back lots of memories.
La Paloma
La Paloma
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 3:57:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 3:57:00 PM EST
Judy B, my Spanish profesora once served me a cup of tila that I found quite pleasant. I asked her what was in it and she said that it was made from a type of flower bloom but didn't know an English name for it. She told me a Spanish name but I don't remember that offhand. She said that it was used a lot in Mexico and was good for treating a lot of ailments but that the universal medication of choice where she is from (a little village in Jalisco) is Tequila. I accept that wisdom. Carlos
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 4:27:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 4:27:00 PM EST
No, the dictionary's not wrong, it's just British. That's another reason why I stopped using Oxford as my primary source. Their definitions skew towards British English, which has confused me more than once. :(
Wikipedia says "lime" is an altered form of Middle English "lind." So, the British call the linden tree a lime tree, therefore, its blossoms are lime blossoms. This isn't confusing for the British because the "real" lime tree (citrus) doesn't grow well there.
Now my question is, where did limes get their name? I'm guessing that it's just a coincidence, and the fruit name came from an unrelated Latin root.
Wikipedia says "lime" is an altered form of Middle English "lind." So, the British call the linden tree a lime tree, therefore, its blossoms are lime blossoms. This isn't confusing for the British because the "real" lime tree (citrus) doesn't grow well there.
Now my question is, where did limes get their name? I'm guessing that it's just a coincidence, and the fruit name came from an unrelated Latin root.
Great recap as ever Ms. Judy, I missed the first half and it didn't record while I was at the market down the street deciding NOT to stand in the line of nearly a hundred folks waiting for their Roscas. I'll post photos on that tonight.
Regarding the TEA discussion, I've never really heard of any difference between tilo and tila and have definitely had tila and it is from the Linden tree or Tilia. Apparently the Brits and maybe others call this tree a lime but it's not the same as what we would call lime, meaning the green citrus fruit, so that is maybe where the confusion lies. We would know this as a Linden tree or Basswood tree and the tea is made from it's blossoms.
Anyway, I do remember this coming up in La Fea, maybe even in one of my recaps, and it comes up in several novelas and the tea is widely used for purported medicinal properties as everything from a sedative to a cure for cold or cough.
Regarding the TEA discussion, I've never really heard of any difference between tilo and tila and have definitely had tila and it is from the Linden tree or Tilia. Apparently the Brits and maybe others call this tree a lime but it's not the same as what we would call lime, meaning the green citrus fruit, so that is maybe where the confusion lies. We would know this as a Linden tree or Basswood tree and the tea is made from it's blossoms.
Anyway, I do remember this coming up in La Fea, maybe even in one of my recaps, and it comes up in several novelas and the tea is widely used for purported medicinal properties as everything from a sedative to a cure for cold or cough.
I kinda like Patricio with Candy also, Carlos. It will be nice when they finally meet again to see if there isany chemistry left. I think yes! As I said, I only started watching, so missed the beginning when they were a couple.
Violet
Violet
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 5:14:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 5:14:00 PM EST
Gracias, Fuego.
Now what is/are Roscas?!!
V
Now what is/are Roscas?!!
V
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 5:24:00 PM EST
: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 5:24:00 PM EST
JudyB, you hit the nail on the head, nothing happened—great recap!! (In fact, this is more of a show about nothing than Seinfeld was some nights). Thanks for the great job with the disappointing material to work from—your recaps NEVER disappoint!
“the best part of the night was when the butler and the maid were singing Wooly Bully in the kitchen. What does that tell you?” LOL! It tells me that we think more and more alike all the time! I adored this scene.
“lovelorn restaurant cook who's still grieving Patricio's rejection. (Don't you just want to rip out Candy's hair for adding to this woman's woes!?)” ABSOLUTELY! Candy had no business being so ugly with her friend. I really like Candy ……less and less every night. She’s every bit the pill that her sister Alicia is, although Ali is smarmy and sneaky and sleazy on top of being a pill. Candy is just a bitter pill.
“Candy flounces, pouts, sulks and bounces in her seat like a 2-year-old. ( Lord, this woman annoys me! Could we have another heroine please. Anyone???!!!)” Shades of Licenciada Paula in Yo Amo a Juan. They cloned her when we weren’t looking, didn’t they? I want Esmerelda from Zorro back.
“Gregoria and Meño are continuing their own bickering. He's protesting he has no room for her; she proposes sleeping in his bed with him since she has nothing to fear there.” Gregoria was just plain tacky and tasteless here. She’s a sleazy as Alicia in her own way.
“Chava's on to something. He leans his head into her chest (dumping his chocolate ice cream cone all over her shirt) and listens to her heart. Whoops. She's not as nice as she tries to appear. Busted!!!” LOL! He’s getting a little old to be doing this now. It won’t be so cute in about….um…..a year.
Wow, Deb, thanks for commenting! Welcome to C2!
Margarita, thanks for the clarifications on all the teas!
Julie, I think Candy is self-absorbed enough not to notice Ceci’s interest, and she cannot even fathom that other women would be sexually attracted to her—the whole concept simply isn’t on her radar. Other women are just supposed to worship her as a heroine. She thinks she’s God’s gift to men and she’s always on the lookout for men to be attracted to her so she can reject them with a flourish. That’s my two cents’ worth. I agree with JudyB, too, she’s an oxygen waster.
Jeanne
“the best part of the night was when the butler and the maid were singing Wooly Bully in the kitchen. What does that tell you?” LOL! It tells me that we think more and more alike all the time! I adored this scene.
“lovelorn restaurant cook who's still grieving Patricio's rejection. (Don't you just want to rip out Candy's hair for adding to this woman's woes!?)” ABSOLUTELY! Candy had no business being so ugly with her friend. I really like Candy ……less and less every night. She’s every bit the pill that her sister Alicia is, although Ali is smarmy and sneaky and sleazy on top of being a pill. Candy is just a bitter pill.
“Candy flounces, pouts, sulks and bounces in her seat like a 2-year-old. ( Lord, this woman annoys me! Could we have another heroine please. Anyone???!!!)” Shades of Licenciada Paula in Yo Amo a Juan. They cloned her when we weren’t looking, didn’t they? I want Esmerelda from Zorro back.
“Gregoria and Meño are continuing their own bickering. He's protesting he has no room for her; she proposes sleeping in his bed with him since she has nothing to fear there.” Gregoria was just plain tacky and tasteless here. She’s a sleazy as Alicia in her own way.
“Chava's on to something. He leans his head into her chest (dumping his chocolate ice cream cone all over her shirt) and listens to her heart. Whoops. She's not as nice as she tries to appear. Busted!!!” LOL! He’s getting a little old to be doing this now. It won’t be so cute in about….um…..a year.
Wow, Deb, thanks for commenting! Welcome to C2!
Margarita, thanks for the clarifications on all the teas!
Julie, I think Candy is self-absorbed enough not to notice Ceci’s interest, and she cannot even fathom that other women would be sexually attracted to her—the whole concept simply isn’t on her radar. Other women are just supposed to worship her as a heroine. She thinks she’s God’s gift to men and she’s always on the lookout for men to be attracted to her so she can reject them with a flourish. That’s my two cents’ worth. I agree with JudyB, too, she’s an oxygen waster.
Jeanne
I'm rooting for Candy and Pato to end up together as well. They deserve each other. Actually I think once Pato reforms his womanizing ways and Candy grows up they could be great together...obviously they were very much in love at one time.
Santiago needs to look elsewhere. It's hard to tell about Hortensia; I haven't seen enough of her to get a feel for her character or how she'd fit in with the family. Lulu, maybe? She's cheerful and fun when Candy isn't tormenting her.
Santiago needs to look elsewhere. It's hard to tell about Hortensia; I haven't seen enough of her to get a feel for her character or how she'd fit in with the family. Lulu, maybe? She's cheerful and fun when Candy isn't tormenting her.
Fun to get back from work and enjoy the rest of the comments. Okay, definitely linden tea. And come to think of it, I think the Spanish use to same word for lemons and limes and it's definitely not "tila"....anyway, Carlos has the perfect solution...having a stressful day...try a cup of tequila!
Yes, Fuego...tell us what "roscas" are.
Hi Schoolmarm....it's been good to have you back with us the last few days....good to know you're as annoyed with Candy as I am. Didn't know if I was just being cranky and "anti-woman" or if she really is a pill...a bitter pill, as you say.
Yes, Fuego...tell us what "roscas" are.
Hi Schoolmarm....it's been good to have you back with us the last few days....good to know you're as annoyed with Candy as I am. Didn't know if I was just being cranky and "anti-woman" or if she really is a pill...a bitter pill, as you say.
Ahhhh, but the answer is right in front of you.....:)
Actually, I'll put it in my cap tonight so stay tuned.
Actually, I'll put it in my cap tonight so stay tuned.
Hey guys =)
Looks like I created a monster with the tea thing! I actually looked it up on Reverso or WordMagic (can't remember) 'cause all I remembered was that chamomile was manzanilla. They mentioned linden and lime, but then that the tea was lime tree leaves, so there ya have it.
On what limes are called in Spanish, they are called "limones," so some folks think limones are lemons, but I've never seen what we know as lemons in a Mexican supermarket (not sure about other Spanish speaking countries). There are also "limas" in Mexico, but from the one time I tried them I remember they are similar to clementines and taste very bland.
As for Rosca de Reyes, it is a bread eaten during epiphany, when we celebrate the "Reyes Magos" (the three Wise Men), hence the name. It is a yeasty flaky bread that is shaped similar to the king cake that is eaten during Mardis Gras, but instead of being decorated with colored sugar it is covered with candied fruit. I also suspect it has more egg because it tends to be yellowish. Both have the plastic baby inside and the person who gets the piece has to bring it to the next party.
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Looks like I created a monster with the tea thing! I actually looked it up on Reverso or WordMagic (can't remember) 'cause all I remembered was that chamomile was manzanilla. They mentioned linden and lime, but then that the tea was lime tree leaves, so there ya have it.
On what limes are called in Spanish, they are called "limones," so some folks think limones are lemons, but I've never seen what we know as lemons in a Mexican supermarket (not sure about other Spanish speaking countries). There are also "limas" in Mexico, but from the one time I tried them I remember they are similar to clementines and taste very bland.
As for Rosca de Reyes, it is a bread eaten during epiphany, when we celebrate the "Reyes Magos" (the three Wise Men), hence the name. It is a yeasty flaky bread that is shaped similar to the king cake that is eaten during Mardis Gras, but instead of being decorated with colored sugar it is covered with candied fruit. I also suspect it has more egg because it tends to be yellowish. Both have the plastic baby inside and the person who gets the piece has to bring it to the next party.
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