Saturday, August 01, 2009
Gancho Friday July 31st The Lucky Medallion, or a Towelsand Thanks
In our cute little show, we’ve had lots of clever scenes, near misses, humorous coincidences, but not too much real drama. Tonight, that all changes.
We begin with a bang, as Connie SLAPS Monita, calling her slumgirl (arrabalera). Moni slams her back against the wall, holding her throat, letting her know who’s boss, and when Connie yells for Security, Moni mimics her dismissively.
At the racetrack, Tano, Ivan and Aldo congratulate Mau for a good qualifying run. Rolu, however, wants to get his digs in, says too bad Rolu qualified first, Mau will have to come from behind. Mau says don’t count your chickens yet.
Back in the office, Gabi bursts into the coffee room to witness Moni’s hand on Connie’s throat. Gabi yells at Moni, Moni says she was provoked, Gabi tells Paula to get a glass of water to calm things down, and Paula promptly soaks Connie with the water, giggling at her “mistake”, as Gabi ushers Connie out of harm’s way.
Well, Salvador was also at the track. He tells Tano to keeps his eyes open for trouble. Mau sees him, and Sal admits he still can’t prove his innocence, but asks permission to investigate to see who was really behind the transfer to the Cayman Islands. Mau gives him total support, saying Sal is the best friend he has, and the guys hug.
It’s dinner time at the Sermeño house. Luisa and Dani are quiet. Why? They wanted to go to the track. Mau says no one could watch them, it’s better for them to stay here. Right, and just play with dolls? asks Luisa sarcastically. Yes, let’s play with dolls, says cute little Dani, prompting Luisa to tell her to shut up. Mau takes Dani on his knee, asks her to tell Luisa that while he’s racing, he’ll be thinking of them, which Dani translates as Mau says give him a hug and kiss so he won’t lose the race. Luisa smiles and she and Dani both hug their adopted Daddy.
Paula is startled by Beto, and complains that he keeps showing up everywhere, the only place he hasn’t surprised her is in her bed, to which he replies that he’d like that, but then remembers he has to be faithful to Moni. He asks about the spat between Moni and someone at the office, and Pau confirms that it was Connie, but she doesn’t know the details. Beto thinks Moni might have seen him with Connie, and that’s why she’s mad at him. At this point, Nieves shows up with a ridiculous pulled-back hairstyle, and the reason for this becomes clear – she’s holding a live monkey (they like to grab hair). Beto asks where Moni is, Nieves doesn’t know, she’s not Beto’s secretary. Beto thinks she should be, they’d get more money, but Nieves adds that he’d probably just buy more beer.
Hunk alert for the ladies! Mauricio is dressed in just a towel, his tanned upper body fully displayed. He worries to himself about the race, when there’s a knock. It’s Moni, she smiles, and Mau’s towel flutters to the floor. Moni gets an eyeful, quickly covers her eyes, as Mau takes just a few seconds too long to realize he’s over-exposed.
Oscar and Jerry have a cozy little talk in which Oscar says they can’t trust anyone, not even each other. Jerry seems a little out of his league here, and when Oscar says they’ll be friends para siempre, his tone is just a bit chilling, and Jerry swallows hard.
Moni tells Mau she came to wish him luck for the race. She removes her gold necklace, and gives it to him. It’s a medallion which will bring him luck, and it’s the only thing she has left from her mother (it seems that her mother isn’t dead, just left with some so-and-so). Mau can’t accept the medallion, but Moni says just use it for luck in the race, and then return it. She then gives him a light kiss on the cheek, and leaves him completely blown away.
At the prison, someone’s going over the wall. Actually, it’s the office, and after Oscar makes another snarling date with Gabi, Sal sneaks in, and instead of walking around the little divider, climbs over it like a con on the lam. He surprises Gabi from behind, putting his hands over her mouth, telling her not to scream. He asks if she still believes in him, and she does. He wants, he wants…..a kiss? she asks. No, he wants access to Jerry’s computer. No way, says Ms. Rulebook. But she’s about to soften when Jerry’s voice is heard, and Sal escapes back over the wall/office divider. Jerry starts to scold Gabi, but she pays him no mind at all, and leaves for a date she has with Oscar.
Ximena is trying to cheer up Consti, telling her to do what SHE does, just blot out the past, and make a fresh start (borrón y cuenta nueva). Connie’s still upset about that cheap little monkey who robbed her guy, but since the world doesn’t know, she’ll go to the track tomorrow to watch the race and cheer for Mau. Her cell rings, and it’s Beto, calling from the community payphone. She urges him to stop harassing her (acosando). He denies he was, tells her to stop messing with his girlfriend, and hangs up. Moni walks up just then, he asks where were you, and she asks with whom was he talking? (think either one will tell the truth?) .
Connie can’t believe Beto hung up on her, calls him a mutant freak (engendro mutante). Ximmy comforts her, and they decide some ice cream would cheer them up.
Beto thinks Moni was jealous, as if he had a new girlfriend. You have a new girlfriend? No, no, he swears he doesn’t. And what were YOU doing, Moni? I went jogging, are you satisfied? Uh, in high heels? And how come there’s no smell of sweat? I used extra deodorant, okay? Beto then insults her again, she’s tired of this, and walks away.
Mauricio can’t sleep, and Aldo meets him outside to give him some words of encouragement.
Moni’s in her robe now, she can’t sleep either, she walks over to Estrella’s place, knocks, but Estrella wants to sleep. However, when Moni hints she’ll tell what happened with Prince Charming, well, that changes everything, and Estrella invites Moni into her apartment, decorated in pink and orange with streams of flower-shaped mobiles hanging all over the place. She also has pillows with star patterns on them, and the whole place is very arty and unique, just like Estrella. Moni tells her about Mauricio’s wardrobe malfunction with the towel, and the girls squeal with delight. Estrella wants to know what Moni saw, but she says her eyes were covered. She did give him a little kiss on the cheek for luck, and a good luck medallion. She knows what it’s like to play for one’s life, in the ring, or on the track. So are you going to the track? No, I just can’t, replies Monita, with a look of concern on her face. Ahhh, you really love him, don’t you? So, so much - she’s afraid of how much she does, and where it’s going to lead.
And now for a public service announcement. This one was unbelievable. Nieves is doing the outdoor wash with her friend Doña Chenita. Paula comes up, and they ask how her Dad is, what with his stomach problem. He’s much better, and guess what? Before when he got sick, they had to borrow to pay. But now they have “seguro popular” (this is a program of health insurance in Mexico, introduced in 2001 to help the poor pay for medical bills). Doña Chenita’s daughter has diabetes, and before, she got no treatment. Now, with seguro popular, there’s no wait to see a doctor. And they treat hypertension, too, like what you have, Nieves, she adds. Well, I’ll sign up right away for seguro popular, responds Nieves, so Moni won’t have to pay so much for my medical needs. Paula gets in the act, too. Her cousin is pregnant, and thanks to seguro popular, she’ll be covered even after the baby is born, and she can be assured of the child’s health for several years after she’s born. And that’s our scene. Okay…..
It’s morning at the office. Paula has brought coffee and cookies to Gabi in the conference room, and Gabi thanks her, but actually, Paula wants to watch the race on tv along with Gabi. Enter our suit-clad malevolents, Jerry and Oscar, who unceremoniously boot out the ladies with insults against the “labor class”, demanding they be brought some cappuccinos, only to sit their sanctimonious selves down in the very same chairs and laughingly watch what they hope will be Mauricio’s defeat.
So Gabi goes back to her workstation, telling Paula it’s just the law of the jungle, and Paula goes off to find some other way to see the race. As soon as Pau leaves, a panther stealthily creeps up on her from behind. It’s Sal again, still wanting to use Jerry’s computer, and this time it might work. Sal can check the computer while Gabi keeps watch. She says okay, I’ll watch your back (yo le cuido las espaldas), then remarks how strange it is that they say “las espaldas” (literally, your backs), when we only have one (good spanish lesson for us learners).
In the coffee room, Paula has found a boombox, and Moni’s there, but can’t bear to listen, so Pau will use headphones (audífonos). Beto enters in his chauffeur suit, what’s she doing? Pau says it’s the race, but Moni says she’s not listening, car races are boring, just going around 100 times ‘til someone wins. Yeah, adds, Beto, and the most fun is when they mess up like dog poop against the wall (cuando se embarran como pópo de perro contra la pared), which Moni doesn’t find amusing at all. She tells him to pray that doesn’t happen, because if Mau crashes, Pau, Beto and she will be jobless. Paula shushes them so she can hear the radio account of the race.
Oscar approaches Gabi, inquiring about the cappuccinos, remarks that Gabi seems nervous, and she says it’s the race. He likes sensitive women, and don’t forget tonight’s dinner date. Again? she parries playfully, you’re going to fatten me up like a Christmas turkey. That’s the idea, he oozes. And then I’ll sink my teeth into you (clavarte los dientes). What a charmer.
It’s a sunny day at the track, and Connie finds Mau, wishes him luck. So far, so good, but she pushes a little too much, saying she can’t take it any more, needs him back. He doesn’t want to talk about this, he has to focus on the race. She won’t let it drop, says I lost you, right? But do I have some hope? He has to leave, and this didn’t seem too great for his state of mind.
In Jerry’s office, Sal is on the computer, furiously taking notes, when Gabi enters to check his progress. He hasn’t found anything yet about the transfer to the Cayman Islands, and Gabi thinks Jerry’s computer won’t show anything, since Jerry never works. Sal agrees, but figures Jerry’s so inept, he probably left a trail anyway. Gabi’s nervous, wants to talk about their relationship, since they’re together right now. Sal keeps trying to use the computer as Gabi keeps trying to talk about when they kissed. He finally snaps at her, just go keep watch, and she pouts in front of the blinds.
It’s race time, and to the accompaniment of 80’s type music (like the Rocky theme, maybe Days of Thunder, Miami Vice or “The Final Countdown” by Europe, all high hats and synthesizers), we have a montage of the drivers putting on their flame-retardant cowls, then helmets, getting into the car feet first through the window, and it’s the green flag, the race is on!
In the coffee room, Paula is glued to the earpiece, Moni’s pacing, pretending not to want to know what’s going on, and Beto’s calmly eating cookies. Moni gets disgusted with Beto, and kicks him out of the room.
The race music builds up the tension, and we see the cars zooming around the track. It’s revealing that all the cars have tons of ads on them, such as Nextel (and Advil) for Mau’s car, except Rolando’s black car, ad-free, since the producers know that product placement on the villain’s car could have a negative impact. We see pitstops, lots of random cars screaming down the track, but we have no clue what’s happening in the race at this point.
Gabi just couldn’t restrain herself, and is bugging Sal again. He accuses her of working with the enemy, namely Oscar, doesn’t she realize Jerry and Oscar planned the whole thing? You’re just jealous, she retorts, which he denies. The phone rings, and she doesn’t hear it for a few rings, until Sal begs her to answer, but when she opens the door, busted! Jerry and Oscar are right there. Jerry is outraged Sal’s on his computer, and Oscar jokes he’s probably stealing some more money. You worms! is Sal’s reply, and when Gabi comes back in, Oscar says call the Feds. Sal then punches Jerry, but Oscar grabs Sal from behind. Meek Jerry clutches some folders as a shield, and tentatively threatens Sal with a comb, as Gabi screams “let him go”!
Paula excitedly tells Moni that Mau is going to pass (rebasar) his rival. Moni smiles. But NO! The car spins out, there’s a cloud of smoke, Paula’s coffee cup falls and shatters, Moni frantically asks what happened, and Paula says he killed himself! We see flames, a burnt-out car on the side of the track, and Mauricio, eyes closed, not moving, as the music plays a song “I’m tired of running”.
Moni implores Pau, tell me it’s not so! Pau, listening through the headphones, says wait, an ambulance is coming, quiet so I can hear. Is he alive? Is he alive? ……… He’s alive!! We see an ambulance, speeding to the hospital. We then see Aldo, Ivan and Tano in the parking lot. Aldo is mad Connie wouldn’t let him go in the ambulance, but Tano says calm down, Ivan will drive you home, I’ll go to the hospital and let you know what’s happening. Enter Rolu, how’s Mauricio? This causes Tano to scream it was your fault, Rolu punches Aldo, Tano and Ivan struggle with Rolu.
And in the office, Jerry is now holding Salvador, while Oscar pummels him without mercy, to Gabi’s horror. Paula tearfully bursts in, listen to me, everyone, there’s been a terrible accident! Mr. Sermeño’s car overturned, we don’t know what happened. Sal says I knew it! Paula says don’t worry, she’s going to pray. Jerry utters a very fake cry of anguish, saying Goodbye cousin, holding his hands over his eyes (to hide the laughing). Oscar tells Sal “Saved by the bell, huh? Get out before I call the cops”, and they all leave the office. This leaves Jerry and Sal to gloat at their good fortune, now they can really seize power (apoderarse), and they’re so happy they almost kiss.
Moni, distraught, wants to go to the hospital. Beto enters, thought the crash was impressive, he’s not upset at all. After Moni leaves, Beto asks Paula where she went, and Pau’s not saying, just remarks that Beto has sweetbrains in place of a heart (mollejas), which just reminds Beto that he’s hungry again. Mmmmm, good. Beto figures his boss is probably going to die, so he’s jobless again, might as well go home and chill, no prob.
Aldo, Ivan and Luisa are concerned, but they’ve decided it’s best not to tell Dani, who’ll go to her friend’s house to play and watch TV. Dani, all set with her pink backpack, at first doesn’t want to go, but when they remind her that her friend “la Chivis” has a doggie, she cheers up about it.
Paula is upset that the radio just has music now, when she wants to hear the news. Gabi comes in, a little miffed that Pau’s not working, but they both agree that Mauricio is the best boss in the world. After Paula assures Gabi that she’s not a gossip, Gabi reveals that when she first started working here, she was totally in love with Mauricio. But it was one-sided, and she was heavy at the time, weighed over 80 kilos, and she wanted so much to lose the weight, but she realized her obsession with Mau was foolish. You know what? says Paula. Same thing happened to me. You weighed 80 kilos? No, but the first time I saw him, I fell in love with him. Gabi points out that Mauricio is unattainable for them. Oh, and those eyes, say Pau. Gabi reveals she has a poster of Mau from his earlier racing days, and so does Pau, but a small version of it. They both have their posters hidden in their houses. And they keep gushing, Gabi about his chest, Paula about his butt, the girls are getting breathy, praising their sculptured hero, their eyes closed, musing dreamily. Gabi finally realizes this may not be appropriate, and returns to her desk, as Paula asks if maybe she could bring that poster in to work.
Beto’s back in the vecindad, back in his casual clothes, happy as a clam that he’s out of a job again. Estrella wonders why he’s not at work, so he gives her the news that his boss got smushed, he’s a goner, no biggie, which exasperates Estrella, who rushes off to see what she can do.
A TV news reporter is outside the hospital, giving a live report about the accident, but they don’t know Mauricio’s condition. But here comes his fiancé, the designer Constanza Lerdo de Tejada, maybe she can tell us something. He approaches, mike in hand, but Connie is standing with the attending physician, and he’ll explain. The doctor relates that Mauricio suffered mild lesions, but had a severe blow to the cranium, and is in a coma! The camera focuses on Mau in bed, eyes closed, tube in his nose, still looking pretty good. It zooms in closer, closer, closer, as we hear the beep, beep, beep of the heart monitor. What lies ahead for our handsome highness of hunkosity? Tune in Monday for the answer.
And in the previews, Monday looks AMAZING, with Moni crying for Mauricio not to leave her, Paula telling Moni and Estrella that Jerry wants Mau dead for the insurance, they’ve got to save Mau, the girls dress up as nurses, Moni punches Jerry, and Estrella says she’ll write on his (Jerry’s) chart, instructions for them to do an operation on Jerry, the same one that was done on her uncle. Ay caray!
Vocabulario:
Arrabalera - girl from the poor area of the City
Borrón y cuenta nueva – start fresh. A borrón is an inkblot.
Acosando – harrassing, pestering or following relentlessly. We just had this word on MEPS yesterday, maybe I’ll remember it now. I think it’s the same root as to accost.
Yo le cuido las espaldas – I’ll watch your back
Audífonos – headphones
Cuando se embarran como pópo de perro contra la pared – when they mess up like dog poop against the wall. Embarrar means to get covered in mud, or to mess up
Clavarte los dientes – to sink my teeth into you
Rebasar – to pass, to overtake
Apoderarse – seize power
Mollejas – sweetbrains, gizzards
We begin with a bang, as Connie SLAPS Monita, calling her slumgirl (arrabalera). Moni slams her back against the wall, holding her throat, letting her know who’s boss, and when Connie yells for Security, Moni mimics her dismissively.
At the racetrack, Tano, Ivan and Aldo congratulate Mau for a good qualifying run. Rolu, however, wants to get his digs in, says too bad Rolu qualified first, Mau will have to come from behind. Mau says don’t count your chickens yet.
Back in the office, Gabi bursts into the coffee room to witness Moni’s hand on Connie’s throat. Gabi yells at Moni, Moni says she was provoked, Gabi tells Paula to get a glass of water to calm things down, and Paula promptly soaks Connie with the water, giggling at her “mistake”, as Gabi ushers Connie out of harm’s way.
Well, Salvador was also at the track. He tells Tano to keeps his eyes open for trouble. Mau sees him, and Sal admits he still can’t prove his innocence, but asks permission to investigate to see who was really behind the transfer to the Cayman Islands. Mau gives him total support, saying Sal is the best friend he has, and the guys hug.
It’s dinner time at the Sermeño house. Luisa and Dani are quiet. Why? They wanted to go to the track. Mau says no one could watch them, it’s better for them to stay here. Right, and just play with dolls? asks Luisa sarcastically. Yes, let’s play with dolls, says cute little Dani, prompting Luisa to tell her to shut up. Mau takes Dani on his knee, asks her to tell Luisa that while he’s racing, he’ll be thinking of them, which Dani translates as Mau says give him a hug and kiss so he won’t lose the race. Luisa smiles and she and Dani both hug their adopted Daddy.
Paula is startled by Beto, and complains that he keeps showing up everywhere, the only place he hasn’t surprised her is in her bed, to which he replies that he’d like that, but then remembers he has to be faithful to Moni. He asks about the spat between Moni and someone at the office, and Pau confirms that it was Connie, but she doesn’t know the details. Beto thinks Moni might have seen him with Connie, and that’s why she’s mad at him. At this point, Nieves shows up with a ridiculous pulled-back hairstyle, and the reason for this becomes clear – she’s holding a live monkey (they like to grab hair). Beto asks where Moni is, Nieves doesn’t know, she’s not Beto’s secretary. Beto thinks she should be, they’d get more money, but Nieves adds that he’d probably just buy more beer.
Hunk alert for the ladies! Mauricio is dressed in just a towel, his tanned upper body fully displayed. He worries to himself about the race, when there’s a knock. It’s Moni, she smiles, and Mau’s towel flutters to the floor. Moni gets an eyeful, quickly covers her eyes, as Mau takes just a few seconds too long to realize he’s over-exposed.
Oscar and Jerry have a cozy little talk in which Oscar says they can’t trust anyone, not even each other. Jerry seems a little out of his league here, and when Oscar says they’ll be friends para siempre, his tone is just a bit chilling, and Jerry swallows hard.
Moni tells Mau she came to wish him luck for the race. She removes her gold necklace, and gives it to him. It’s a medallion which will bring him luck, and it’s the only thing she has left from her mother (it seems that her mother isn’t dead, just left with some so-and-so). Mau can’t accept the medallion, but Moni says just use it for luck in the race, and then return it. She then gives him a light kiss on the cheek, and leaves him completely blown away.
At the prison, someone’s going over the wall. Actually, it’s the office, and after Oscar makes another snarling date with Gabi, Sal sneaks in, and instead of walking around the little divider, climbs over it like a con on the lam. He surprises Gabi from behind, putting his hands over her mouth, telling her not to scream. He asks if she still believes in him, and she does. He wants, he wants…..a kiss? she asks. No, he wants access to Jerry’s computer. No way, says Ms. Rulebook. But she’s about to soften when Jerry’s voice is heard, and Sal escapes back over the wall/office divider. Jerry starts to scold Gabi, but she pays him no mind at all, and leaves for a date she has with Oscar.
Ximena is trying to cheer up Consti, telling her to do what SHE does, just blot out the past, and make a fresh start (borrón y cuenta nueva). Connie’s still upset about that cheap little monkey who robbed her guy, but since the world doesn’t know, she’ll go to the track tomorrow to watch the race and cheer for Mau. Her cell rings, and it’s Beto, calling from the community payphone. She urges him to stop harassing her (acosando). He denies he was, tells her to stop messing with his girlfriend, and hangs up. Moni walks up just then, he asks where were you, and she asks with whom was he talking? (think either one will tell the truth?) .
Connie can’t believe Beto hung up on her, calls him a mutant freak (engendro mutante). Ximmy comforts her, and they decide some ice cream would cheer them up.
Beto thinks Moni was jealous, as if he had a new girlfriend. You have a new girlfriend? No, no, he swears he doesn’t. And what were YOU doing, Moni? I went jogging, are you satisfied? Uh, in high heels? And how come there’s no smell of sweat? I used extra deodorant, okay? Beto then insults her again, she’s tired of this, and walks away.
Mauricio can’t sleep, and Aldo meets him outside to give him some words of encouragement.
Moni’s in her robe now, she can’t sleep either, she walks over to Estrella’s place, knocks, but Estrella wants to sleep. However, when Moni hints she’ll tell what happened with Prince Charming, well, that changes everything, and Estrella invites Moni into her apartment, decorated in pink and orange with streams of flower-shaped mobiles hanging all over the place. She also has pillows with star patterns on them, and the whole place is very arty and unique, just like Estrella. Moni tells her about Mauricio’s wardrobe malfunction with the towel, and the girls squeal with delight. Estrella wants to know what Moni saw, but she says her eyes were covered. She did give him a little kiss on the cheek for luck, and a good luck medallion. She knows what it’s like to play for one’s life, in the ring, or on the track. So are you going to the track? No, I just can’t, replies Monita, with a look of concern on her face. Ahhh, you really love him, don’t you? So, so much - she’s afraid of how much she does, and where it’s going to lead.
And now for a public service announcement. This one was unbelievable. Nieves is doing the outdoor wash with her friend Doña Chenita. Paula comes up, and they ask how her Dad is, what with his stomach problem. He’s much better, and guess what? Before when he got sick, they had to borrow to pay. But now they have “seguro popular” (this is a program of health insurance in Mexico, introduced in 2001 to help the poor pay for medical bills). Doña Chenita’s daughter has diabetes, and before, she got no treatment. Now, with seguro popular, there’s no wait to see a doctor. And they treat hypertension, too, like what you have, Nieves, she adds. Well, I’ll sign up right away for seguro popular, responds Nieves, so Moni won’t have to pay so much for my medical needs. Paula gets in the act, too. Her cousin is pregnant, and thanks to seguro popular, she’ll be covered even after the baby is born, and she can be assured of the child’s health for several years after she’s born. And that’s our scene. Okay…..
It’s morning at the office. Paula has brought coffee and cookies to Gabi in the conference room, and Gabi thanks her, but actually, Paula wants to watch the race on tv along with Gabi. Enter our suit-clad malevolents, Jerry and Oscar, who unceremoniously boot out the ladies with insults against the “labor class”, demanding they be brought some cappuccinos, only to sit their sanctimonious selves down in the very same chairs and laughingly watch what they hope will be Mauricio’s defeat.
So Gabi goes back to her workstation, telling Paula it’s just the law of the jungle, and Paula goes off to find some other way to see the race. As soon as Pau leaves, a panther stealthily creeps up on her from behind. It’s Sal again, still wanting to use Jerry’s computer, and this time it might work. Sal can check the computer while Gabi keeps watch. She says okay, I’ll watch your back (yo le cuido las espaldas), then remarks how strange it is that they say “las espaldas” (literally, your backs), when we only have one (good spanish lesson for us learners).
In the coffee room, Paula has found a boombox, and Moni’s there, but can’t bear to listen, so Pau will use headphones (audífonos). Beto enters in his chauffeur suit, what’s she doing? Pau says it’s the race, but Moni says she’s not listening, car races are boring, just going around 100 times ‘til someone wins. Yeah, adds, Beto, and the most fun is when they mess up like dog poop against the wall (cuando se embarran como pópo de perro contra la pared), which Moni doesn’t find amusing at all. She tells him to pray that doesn’t happen, because if Mau crashes, Pau, Beto and she will be jobless. Paula shushes them so she can hear the radio account of the race.
Oscar approaches Gabi, inquiring about the cappuccinos, remarks that Gabi seems nervous, and she says it’s the race. He likes sensitive women, and don’t forget tonight’s dinner date. Again? she parries playfully, you’re going to fatten me up like a Christmas turkey. That’s the idea, he oozes. And then I’ll sink my teeth into you (clavarte los dientes). What a charmer.
It’s a sunny day at the track, and Connie finds Mau, wishes him luck. So far, so good, but she pushes a little too much, saying she can’t take it any more, needs him back. He doesn’t want to talk about this, he has to focus on the race. She won’t let it drop, says I lost you, right? But do I have some hope? He has to leave, and this didn’t seem too great for his state of mind.
In Jerry’s office, Sal is on the computer, furiously taking notes, when Gabi enters to check his progress. He hasn’t found anything yet about the transfer to the Cayman Islands, and Gabi thinks Jerry’s computer won’t show anything, since Jerry never works. Sal agrees, but figures Jerry’s so inept, he probably left a trail anyway. Gabi’s nervous, wants to talk about their relationship, since they’re together right now. Sal keeps trying to use the computer as Gabi keeps trying to talk about when they kissed. He finally snaps at her, just go keep watch, and she pouts in front of the blinds.
It’s race time, and to the accompaniment of 80’s type music (like the Rocky theme, maybe Days of Thunder, Miami Vice or “The Final Countdown” by Europe, all high hats and synthesizers), we have a montage of the drivers putting on their flame-retardant cowls, then helmets, getting into the car feet first through the window, and it’s the green flag, the race is on!
In the coffee room, Paula is glued to the earpiece, Moni’s pacing, pretending not to want to know what’s going on, and Beto’s calmly eating cookies. Moni gets disgusted with Beto, and kicks him out of the room.
The race music builds up the tension, and we see the cars zooming around the track. It’s revealing that all the cars have tons of ads on them, such as Nextel (and Advil) for Mau’s car, except Rolando’s black car, ad-free, since the producers know that product placement on the villain’s car could have a negative impact. We see pitstops, lots of random cars screaming down the track, but we have no clue what’s happening in the race at this point.
Gabi just couldn’t restrain herself, and is bugging Sal again. He accuses her of working with the enemy, namely Oscar, doesn’t she realize Jerry and Oscar planned the whole thing? You’re just jealous, she retorts, which he denies. The phone rings, and she doesn’t hear it for a few rings, until Sal begs her to answer, but when she opens the door, busted! Jerry and Oscar are right there. Jerry is outraged Sal’s on his computer, and Oscar jokes he’s probably stealing some more money. You worms! is Sal’s reply, and when Gabi comes back in, Oscar says call the Feds. Sal then punches Jerry, but Oscar grabs Sal from behind. Meek Jerry clutches some folders as a shield, and tentatively threatens Sal with a comb, as Gabi screams “let him go”!
Paula excitedly tells Moni that Mau is going to pass (rebasar) his rival. Moni smiles. But NO! The car spins out, there’s a cloud of smoke, Paula’s coffee cup falls and shatters, Moni frantically asks what happened, and Paula says he killed himself! We see flames, a burnt-out car on the side of the track, and Mauricio, eyes closed, not moving, as the music plays a song “I’m tired of running”.
Moni implores Pau, tell me it’s not so! Pau, listening through the headphones, says wait, an ambulance is coming, quiet so I can hear. Is he alive? Is he alive? ……… He’s alive!! We see an ambulance, speeding to the hospital. We then see Aldo, Ivan and Tano in the parking lot. Aldo is mad Connie wouldn’t let him go in the ambulance, but Tano says calm down, Ivan will drive you home, I’ll go to the hospital and let you know what’s happening. Enter Rolu, how’s Mauricio? This causes Tano to scream it was your fault, Rolu punches Aldo, Tano and Ivan struggle with Rolu.
And in the office, Jerry is now holding Salvador, while Oscar pummels him without mercy, to Gabi’s horror. Paula tearfully bursts in, listen to me, everyone, there’s been a terrible accident! Mr. Sermeño’s car overturned, we don’t know what happened. Sal says I knew it! Paula says don’t worry, she’s going to pray. Jerry utters a very fake cry of anguish, saying Goodbye cousin, holding his hands over his eyes (to hide the laughing). Oscar tells Sal “Saved by the bell, huh? Get out before I call the cops”, and they all leave the office. This leaves Jerry and Sal to gloat at their good fortune, now they can really seize power (apoderarse), and they’re so happy they almost kiss.
Moni, distraught, wants to go to the hospital. Beto enters, thought the crash was impressive, he’s not upset at all. After Moni leaves, Beto asks Paula where she went, and Pau’s not saying, just remarks that Beto has sweetbrains in place of a heart (mollejas), which just reminds Beto that he’s hungry again. Mmmmm, good. Beto figures his boss is probably going to die, so he’s jobless again, might as well go home and chill, no prob.
Aldo, Ivan and Luisa are concerned, but they’ve decided it’s best not to tell Dani, who’ll go to her friend’s house to play and watch TV. Dani, all set with her pink backpack, at first doesn’t want to go, but when they remind her that her friend “la Chivis” has a doggie, she cheers up about it.
Paula is upset that the radio just has music now, when she wants to hear the news. Gabi comes in, a little miffed that Pau’s not working, but they both agree that Mauricio is the best boss in the world. After Paula assures Gabi that she’s not a gossip, Gabi reveals that when she first started working here, she was totally in love with Mauricio. But it was one-sided, and she was heavy at the time, weighed over 80 kilos, and she wanted so much to lose the weight, but she realized her obsession with Mau was foolish. You know what? says Paula. Same thing happened to me. You weighed 80 kilos? No, but the first time I saw him, I fell in love with him. Gabi points out that Mauricio is unattainable for them. Oh, and those eyes, say Pau. Gabi reveals she has a poster of Mau from his earlier racing days, and so does Pau, but a small version of it. They both have their posters hidden in their houses. And they keep gushing, Gabi about his chest, Paula about his butt, the girls are getting breathy, praising their sculptured hero, their eyes closed, musing dreamily. Gabi finally realizes this may not be appropriate, and returns to her desk, as Paula asks if maybe she could bring that poster in to work.
Beto’s back in the vecindad, back in his casual clothes, happy as a clam that he’s out of a job again. Estrella wonders why he’s not at work, so he gives her the news that his boss got smushed, he’s a goner, no biggie, which exasperates Estrella, who rushes off to see what she can do.
A TV news reporter is outside the hospital, giving a live report about the accident, but they don’t know Mauricio’s condition. But here comes his fiancé, the designer Constanza Lerdo de Tejada, maybe she can tell us something. He approaches, mike in hand, but Connie is standing with the attending physician, and he’ll explain. The doctor relates that Mauricio suffered mild lesions, but had a severe blow to the cranium, and is in a coma! The camera focuses on Mau in bed, eyes closed, tube in his nose, still looking pretty good. It zooms in closer, closer, closer, as we hear the beep, beep, beep of the heart monitor. What lies ahead for our handsome highness of hunkosity? Tune in Monday for the answer.
And in the previews, Monday looks AMAZING, with Moni crying for Mauricio not to leave her, Paula telling Moni and Estrella that Jerry wants Mau dead for the insurance, they’ve got to save Mau, the girls dress up as nurses, Moni punches Jerry, and Estrella says she’ll write on his (Jerry’s) chart, instructions for them to do an operation on Jerry, the same one that was done on her uncle. Ay caray!
Vocabulario:
Arrabalera - girl from the poor area of the City
Borrón y cuenta nueva – start fresh. A borrón is an inkblot.
Acosando – harrassing, pestering or following relentlessly. We just had this word on MEPS yesterday, maybe I’ll remember it now. I think it’s the same root as to accost.
Yo le cuido las espaldas – I’ll watch your back
Audífonos – headphones
Cuando se embarran como pópo de perro contra la pared – when they mess up like dog poop against the wall. Embarrar means to get covered in mud, or to mess up
Clavarte los dientes – to sink my teeth into you
Rebasar – to pass, to overtake
Apoderarse – seize power
Mollejas – sweetbrains, gizzards
Labels: gancho
Comments:
<< Home
Excellent recap, H de M. I had ondered about Nieves' 'monita' since she only seems to have it at the ring when Monita is boxing.
Estrella's apartment is something to behold. I had a room kinda like that in 1966. (still have the bead curtain!)
By the way, Sylvia, I loved your recap also. Quick question: you had a phrase, "she should get the heck out of there (te pintes de colores)". Is that the translation? I'm trying to keep a list this time. Thanks!
Estrella's apartment is something to behold. I had a room kinda like that in 1966. (still have the bead curtain!)
By the way, Sylvia, I loved your recap also. Quick question: you had a phrase, "she should get the heck out of there (te pintes de colores)". Is that the translation? I'm trying to keep a list this time. Thanks!
Emilia, did I ever send you the vocab spreadsheet from Juan Querendon? I'm going to send it to you; it has "pintarse de colores" on it plus a bunch of other stuff. A woman that I used to work with used to say it for "I'm outta here = Me pinto de colores". She didn't know the origin but thought it might have to do with the colors of the Mexican flag. Does anyone out there know?
Well done Hombre! There seemed to be a lot going on in this episode. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet but your descriptions are so vivid I could just see what was going on, especially the "fight" between Sal, Oscar and Jero.
Wasn't that PSA amazing? I guess advertising through TNs is a great way to get the word out.
I was wondering why Rolu didn't have any ads on his car. Of course you are right, the negative connotation would be strong.
Oh that Coni! Acting like she's still Mau's fiancee in front of the camera while knowing full well they are broken up. Well, she warned she'd fight for him and she is.
Thanks Hombre! I'll check in later, gotta get back to work.
Well done Hombre! There seemed to be a lot going on in this episode. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet but your descriptions are so vivid I could just see what was going on, especially the "fight" between Sal, Oscar and Jero.
Wasn't that PSA amazing? I guess advertising through TNs is a great way to get the word out.
I was wondering why Rolu didn't have any ads on his car. Of course you are right, the negative connotation would be strong.
Oh that Coni! Acting like she's still Mau's fiancee in front of the camera while knowing full well they are broken up. Well, she warned she'd fight for him and she is.
Thanks Hombre! I'll check in later, gotta get back to work.
Thanks, Sylvia, I do have the spreadsheet from Juan (just haven't learned 'em all...) I'm trying to combine all the vocabulary lists I can find. So far, without Gancho, there are about 950 lines! The more I mess with it, the more I learn, but my eyes go fuzzy after an hour or so. ...baby steps!
Carlos, Mike says if you need help with your laptop, he'd be happy to help. (He's kinda a computer geek)
Thanks for the recap Hombre. It was a fast and mostly fun episode.
Emilia and Sylvia when you finalize your big vocab list would you mind sharing?
Emilia and Sylvia when you finalize your big vocab list would you mind sharing?
Great beginning, Hombre, setting the tone and sure appreciate the vocabulary help 'cause there were some brand new ones for me. "Arrabalera"...knew it was an insult but didn't know what it meant. And "rebasar"...I've heard it used in the sense of being overwhelmed and didn't get that it meant passing nasty ol' Romu... so thanks. "Mollejas" was new too.
Loved your term "suit-clad malevolents". I am going to have to leave the room whenever these two guys are on...they upset me so.
The young actors really get into these fight scenes, don't they? I was impressed.
The PSA startled me but for once it didn't irritate me. I'd much rather see and hear that than have a Donato's pizza box waved in my face (Guapos)
Emilia...glad you're keeping a list. Alas, once I type in the vocab and dichos for my recap, I forget 'em all!
AND CAN YOU BELIEVE FOR CARLOS' FIRST RECAP, IT WILL BE OUR GALS IN SHORT, WHITE NURSES' UNIFORMS AND CAPS!!!???? We know how he loves those outfits. Surely the Hand of God.
Loved your term "suit-clad malevolents". I am going to have to leave the room whenever these two guys are on...they upset me so.
The young actors really get into these fight scenes, don't they? I was impressed.
The PSA startled me but for once it didn't irritate me. I'd much rather see and hear that than have a Donato's pizza box waved in my face (Guapos)
Emilia...glad you're keeping a list. Alas, once I type in the vocab and dichos for my recap, I forget 'em all!
AND CAN YOU BELIEVE FOR CARLOS' FIRST RECAP, IT WILL BE OUR GALS IN SHORT, WHITE NURSES' UNIFORMS AND CAPS!!!???? We know how he loves those outfits. Surely the Hand of God.
Hombre, super recap. I've always admired your work but you just keep getting more and more entertaining. Thanks. Judy, clearly my stars are alligned. Nurses and coma. I'm in heaven. Now if Sylvia received an Email, we're good for Mon.'s episode. Emilia, I may very well need Mike's help. I know just about zero about computers. Heck, I thought that they were a fad. Now they almost control our lives. "Sorry, I can't give you those lab results right now... OUR COMPUTER IS DOWN!" Sorry about that little outburst. Time for a little Bourbon and branch. Carlos
Carlos, I'm going to go pour a little Woodford myself. Salud!
Looking forward to your professional assessment of the nursing skills to be displayed for us on Monday. A sure sign of advanced age is that I remember when nurses actually wore those outfits!
Oh, hey, glad to help as much as I can w/ the cyber stuff. E-mail me at Nav130@gmail.com.
Hombre, much obliged for another great recap - this IS a pretty good show, isn't it? Hope it stays like this and doesn't go to the dark stuff like QE and Tontas did.
Looking forward to your professional assessment of the nursing skills to be displayed for us on Monday. A sure sign of advanced age is that I remember when nurses actually wore those outfits!
Oh, hey, glad to help as much as I can w/ the cyber stuff. E-mail me at Nav130@gmail.com.
Hombre, much obliged for another great recap - this IS a pretty good show, isn't it? Hope it stays like this and doesn't go to the dark stuff like QE and Tontas did.
Best wishes with your recap on Monday Carlos. I thought of all the men when I saw Moni, Estrella, and Paula in nurses uniforms. And its seems they going to be getting themselves in trouble again too. I know we say this often but this is such a fun, light novela. And the plus of the weak plot (sorry Judy) is that if they extend it (PLEASE DON'T) it may not be that painful.
And yeah for Mau in the towel!
And yeah for Mau in the towel!
Ahoy all, speaking of computers controlling our lives...today while driving through the streets of San Francisco I saw a pair of young backpackers strolling toward the youth hostel. They had huge backpacks and they each carried a laptop under their arms. I had to ask the boyfriend if I really saw what I thought I saw. I felt truly ancient recalling my backpacking/hostelling days long before I had ever heard of a computer. Back then being disconnected was the whole point.
Carlos, I got your email so we are good to go.
Carlos, I got your email so we are good to go.
Hombre, simply terrific. Your vocabulary was also wonderful (as always). Judy already pointed out my favorite quote: "suit-clad malevolents". Excellent!
Jerry should be afraid of Oscar. His brandishing his comb as a sword was pathetic, wasn't it? As you so correctly noted, he's way out of his league with Oscar.
Gotta give Connie her props - she's relentless. Persistent, if nothing else.
Diana in MA
Jerry should be afraid of Oscar. His brandishing his comb as a sword was pathetic, wasn't it? As you so correctly noted, he's way out of his league with Oscar.
Gotta give Connie her props - she's relentless. Persistent, if nothing else.
Diana in MA
Permalink posted by 
: Monday, August 3, 2009 at 6:26:00 AM EDT
: Monday, August 3, 2009 at 6:26:00 AM EDT
Looking forward to tonight. New laptop. New recapper. Schizoid, balky CCs. What could possibly go wrong?
Carlos
Post a Comment
Carlos
<< Home
© Caray, Caray! 2006-2022. Duplication of this material for use on any other site is strictly prohibited.
