Saturday, September 12, 2009
Gancho Friday Sepember 11th. Round Two – The Gloves Come Off, and New Rules
In classical music’s sonata form, a symphony begins with the exposition. All the themes are introduced, along with their variations. In Gancho, we’ve completed this process. We know the characters, their motivations, who’s good and bad, who’s annoying or endearing, and who has her own special category (Earth to Ximena – are you listening?) The second part of a symphonic movement is called the development. In this section, the themes are twisted and exposed, new and strange material is introduced, and the composer can take the listener on a voyage to parts hitherto unknown. This is often the place for a musical “storm”. Now that all the secrets are out, I’m beginning to wonder if our happy little novela, where problems seemed to be resolved daily, has entered its development phase, with problems that aren’t resolved quite as easily as before.
El Beto has just received a hook to the heart (Un Gancho Al Corazon) from his beloved Monita, and wants to end it all. The only one who can save him is the esteemed Dr. Lefort, whom Nieves goes to call, but not before locking horns with Estrella, who rightly points out that Beto has only himself to blame.
Connie enters the office sporting some decent cleavage, a delicate bird shaped charm on a thin gold necklace, and a daggers in her eyes. She taps Moni on the shoulder, then slaps her. Twice.
Meanwhile Mauricio, one of the few characters on the show we haven’t seen drunk, is putting that record to rest quite nicely, downing shot after shot of tequila, sitting with Tano as a sounding board, but telling him nada. Tano gives up, gets Mau’s car keys for safety, and leaves.
Moni wants to show Connie who’s boss, but Gabi restrains her, saying it’s not worth going to jail. Gabi warns Connie that Moni’s a professional boxer, and Connie says more like a professional whore. SHE’s going to train as a boxer, and one day defeat Moni in the ring. Now THAT I’d like to see! Connie swears Moni will NEVER marry Mauricio, and marches off. This prompts Gabi to turn to Moni, asking “You’re getting married to Mauricio?”
Estrella arrives at the office to tell Moni that Beto’s not doing so well, Nieves had to call a doctor. Moni feels bad for Beto, and goes to help, Estrella at her side.
Back at Beto’s he’s crying so much his Mom thinks he’ll get dehydrated. The wise Doctor Lefort has arrived to work on Beto’s case (and also to work on Nieves’ ass, as he slips in a few sneaky feels). When Lefort calls Nieves Señora Bella, our Snowy melts, fixes her hair a bit, and leaves the Doc to work his magic on her boy. He proceeds to tell Beto they’ll investigate the deepest part of Beto’s unconscious, the depths of the well, understand? Well, no, Beto hasn’t a clue.
Speaking of not having a clue, Ximena has just been told that Connie hit Moni, and is intrigued. Connie says that Moni can’t rob her novio, but Ximena says you’re robbing HER novio. Connie doesn’t get it, so Ximmy lets it slip that Beto and Moni aren’t siblings, they’re novios. Ooooops, she didn’t mean to say that, but oh well! Connie is muy impactada.
Moni and Estrella breathlessly ask Nieves, how is Beto? Handsome, refined, elegant……No, interrupts Moni, I’m talking about Beto! Apparently he’s cured, as he saunters up, wearing a tee shirt reading Simple but Charismatic, proclaiming he now knows that Moni means NOTHING to him. He’s off, leaving Moni a bit deflated, and not picking up on Estrella’s pep talk that this should lift a weight from her shoulders. Nieves warns Moni that when Mau finds out that Beto’s not her brother, she’s going to lose Mau, and would be left like El Perro de Las Dos Tortas.
Nieves bumps into Dr. Lefort, who says there was no charge for curing Beto, but to complete his treatment, he, as a thorough doctor would like to talk to HER now. About what? Oh, about your son, about life, about you, about me (meanwhile, his eyes are meandering a bit lower than they should), about a “psychophysico-mental relation that can transcend and arise between us, you understand, right?” She doesn’t, but invites him into her place.
Estrella convinces Moni to call Mauricio. She should tell him Beto isn’t her brother before he finds out himself (if only). She calls Mau, who answers in the bar, and agrees to talk to her at the office, but is very short with her, which she notices. What’s going on? Estrella doesn’t think there’s anything to worry about, and will help Moni look pretty for her meeting with Mau, when she can tell him the whole truth.
Oscar’s drinking wine in a bar when Jerry shows up. Oscar initially wants nothing to do with the traitor, but eventually agrees to give Jerry one more chance. However, if Jerry betrays Oscar again, Oscar will KILL him. They shake on it – deal.
Beto shows up at Connie’s. He wants revenge! So does she. They’re both mad at La Monita. Let’s stir things up (nos revolcamos – but this also means a roll in the hay). Are you ready, he asks? Ready, she answers. He counts one, two, three, and they start kissing madly, hands all over each other, nothing’s going to stop them this time!
Mauricio arrives at the office drunk, greets Gabi and Sal, goes into his office to await Moni. Ding, elevator door opens, and she walks out, looking ravishing in an off the shoulder scarlet or mauve short dress, hair pulled back like a Spanish flamenco dancer, luxurious earrings with three golden hearts on each side. Gabi thinks she’s finally following her advice as to how to dress for the office. Moni enters Mau’s office full of excitement, sits on his desk, shows a little shoulder…..and is repelled by the pungent smell of alcohol.
Mauricio doesn’t really give Moni the chance to say anything. He tells her he knows she and Beto are novios, and you know why? Because he saw them kissing. Moni’s not feeling so happy anymore.
Neither is Beto. Apparently, his little soldier failed to show up for battle. He’s trudging around in tee shirt, boxers and shoes, swearing to Connie this has never happened before. Everything was going fine, when he started thinking about La Monita. Well, this pisses off Connie royally, and she slaps him, calling him a dummy (tarado) and an imbecile. He wants to try again, but she tells him to try without her, and call her if anything comes up. After she leaves, he looks wistfully at his little soldier, lamenting that even HE’s stabbing him in the back, like all the others.
Meanwhile, Mauricio is on a rant, not giving Moni a chance to talk, he can’t believe she would lie to him when he had such feelings for her. She’s destroyed him, and although she says she was going to tell him the truth, he doesn’t believe her anymore. Before she can get another word in, he walks out and slams the door of his office in her face, leaving her in tears.
Beto’s back home now, sees a big mound of covers on his Mommy’s bed, rips off the blankets, only to find Nieves and Dr. Lefort doing the nasty! Not really, they’re fully clothed, but she was lying on top of him. Nieves insists it was “therapy”, but Beto can’t believe that the two women in his life, Moni and now his Jefa, are both puttin’ the horns on him! He’s gonna kill the doctor. He grabs something off his Mom’s night table (like a comb, or a curling iron), and goes on the attack. Fortunately the doc talks him down, telling him to imagine he’s in a forest, there are little birds, just relax, he was just “exchanging emotions” with Beto’s mother. This backfires, as Beto goes berserk again. Thinking fast, Nieves grabs the ol’ fryin’ pan, and conks Beto from behind. He slumps out on the sofa, giving our two swinging seniors time for some more “therapy”. They both agree it’s their duty to complete the session. Lefort says this time, he’ll be on top.
Our three little women (Estre, Paula and Moni) are sitting on the bed, trying to figure out what to do. Moni feels terrible that she lied to Mauricio, and understands why he was so hurt she hadn’t told him herself that she and Beto were novios. She hates herself. Estre says not to beat herself up about it (no te flageles), you’re a boxer, you have to pick yourself up and fight back. Call her now. Paula agrees. Moni takes the phone, doesn’t know what to say. The truth, says Estrella. He’ll understand. There’s no answer on the cell, so she calls the house. Guess who answers? Connie, sitting in Mau’s bedroom while he’s taking a shower, having barged in without Mau’s knowledge. Moni quickly hangs up, THAT didn’t work.
Mau comes out, what’s Connie doing here, and did he just hear the phone? Well, Connie wanted to see him, and the phone was a wrong number. As Mauricio walks around in just a towel, showing the ladies of the audience his amazing upper body, Connie continues that she knows about Moni’s lie too, having found out from Ximena. She feels Mau is doing the right thing having nothing further to do with Moni, just imagine what it would have been to end up with a pathological liar (una mitómana). She adds a few fake tears, says she’s always there for Mau or his kids, and makes a theatrical exit.
Estrella is still trying to encourage Moni, who’s about ready to throw in the towel. Moni thinks Nieves was right, she was flying too high, and now she’s crashing. She’s lost him forever. Estrella starts again with all the boxing analogies. Don’t let your guard down, it’s the last round, you gotta keep fighting, etc. She wants Moni to go to Mau’s house now.
We see Mauricio suffering, pretty much hitting his head against the wall, but flashing back to the shock of Moni and Beto kissing. Outside the house, although it’s the middle of the night, Moni has taken Estre’s advice, and the two of them pause in front of the doorbell (actually a keypad). Moni chickens out, so Estre presses the button. Mau comes downstairs in a black robe over white pajamas, looking lionlike, but with a stern expression. Moni tells him she’s tired of lying. How nice, answers Mau, because with each lie, you tore my heart to pieces. Why did you do it, for fun, to amuse your amigas? No, of course not, says Moni, shocked. Then why, for my money? Maybe Constanza was right. This is just too much, and Moni slaps Mauricio, adding if he thinks that, he doesn’t know her at all. He agrees, he doesn’t know her. He then lays down the “new rules”. If she quits, he’ll immediately fire Beto and Paula, too. If she stays, she has to be a perfect employee. If she arrives 5 minutes late, or disobeys a single order, they’re all fired. There will be zero tolerance! He turns and walks angrily back inside.
Mau’s back in the kitchen drinking some water, when Aldo comes in to see what’s wrong. He gently touches Mau’s shoulder in sympathy, but Mau pulls away, refuses to explain anything to Aldo, but warns Aldo never to mention Moni’s name again, not to go to the vecindad, and not to have anything to do with anyone connected with Moni. Aldo thinks Mauricio is upset, but Mau says he knows exactly what he’s doing, and this time, Aldo will OBEY.
It’s morning, and Beto’s head hurts, but he doesn’t know why. Conveniently not telling him, Nieves has made him his favorite breakfast, chicharrones in green sauce, soup, milk, he’s enjoying it until he remembers – he caught Mom red-handed (con las manos en la masa – hands in the dough) with the doctor. He calls her a pig! She reminds him to respect his mother, and explains that he’s projecting. Huh? Well, he’s mad at Moni, so he’s taking it out on his mother. Where’d you get that idea, Ma, from that shrink? Well, just from thinking about it, and maybe a little from talking to him, and…..here, have some more breakfast! This works, and Nieves assures Beto that he’ll get Moni back. She has a plan.
Ivan and Aldo are eating breakfast, stumped as to what’s going on with Mauricio. Connie enters, scolds Aldo for not being in school, and helps herself to some orange juice. Aldo grabs the pitcher, telling Connie that if Mauricio isn’t here (he isn’t), she has no right to be in the house, period.
Gabi arrives at the office, and is surprised that Moni’s already there, and is bringing her coffee. Gabi senses something is wrong, notices that Moni looks pale, her forehead is warm, what’s wrong? Moni just says she didn’t sleep well. Gabi guesses Mau and Moni fought, wants to help. Moni asks if there’s any envelope she can deliver, she really can’t bear to be in the office, she’s afraid of what’ll happen when Mauricio arrives. She’s crying, and Gabi gives her a motherly hug. Gabi then lights up, she’s just remembered, she has to pay her credit card bill. She gives the envelope to Moni, adding that she’ll think of other deliveries, forget about making coffee, she’ll help Moni get through this.
Maybe not. The elevator opens, and Mau and Salvador are right there. Mau asks what “Valentina” is doing, and Gabi says she’s delivering an urgent envelope. No way, responds Mau, from now on, we’re using messenger services. He turns to Moni. “You, bring me a cappuccino right now, that’s what I pay you for, don’t delay, please.” (Ooooh, he’s cold). She trudges off in silence. Mau then informs Gabi of the new office rules. No more concessions, no more gossip, no more complaints, only efficiency, discipline, understood? And whoever doesn’t do his work, fire them, Salvador. He stalks away. Gabi tells Sal she can’t understand why Mau would stress efficiency to her, she’s the epitome of efficiency. Sal tells her the way Mau is suffering now, it’s only going to get worse.
Back in Mau’s place, Connie hasn’t backed down from Aldo’s challenge one bit. She calls him a stupid runt (esquincle majadero), and says he has no say over whether she’s in this house or not. Are you threatening me, asks Aldo? Just advising, she retorts, adding that he should look around at all these nice things, because if he and the kids take Moni’s side, it’ll be the last time they see them, and that IS a threat.
She then calls Mauricio, complaining that Aldo tried to make her leave the house since they’re no longer novios. Mau says he’ll take care of it. Connie says Aldo treats her badly, and Mau says not to worry, he now knows who is who. They’ll talk later. Just then, Moni delivers Mau’s coffee, and he tells her, she can leave now. But she refuses to leave until he listens to her. Fine, talk.
In the outer office, Nieves enters, looking a little like a fish out of water, wearing her usual colorful clothes, having added a lime green furry pocketbook which looks almost like a poodle. She demands to talk to Mauricio Sermeño.
Moni tells Mau that she lied, she lied about Beto and many other things. One lie led to another. But there are some things she never lied about – such as when she told him he had changed her life, when she told him she fell in love with him the minute they met, and everytime they kissed. Those were not lies. And she’s not lying now in telling him that she loves him with all her soul. That beso with Beto was a farewell kiss.
Mauricio is moved. He stands up, walks over to Monita, takes her head in his strong hands, leans down, and kisses her, full of passion. She looks up at him, eyes full of hope, what was that? MY farewell kiss, he answers solemnly, it’s over. What we had is over for ever.
Yes, we’ve entered the development section of our little masterpiece, and we may have stormy seas ahead. But the previews show Moni fainting. If Moni is suffering, can Mauricio continue to deny his true feelings?
Vocabulario:
Revolcarse – to roll around, to stir things up, also can mean a roll around in the hay, if you know what I mean
Tarado – a moron, or a dummy
Flagelarse – to whip oneself, or flagellate oneself. We would say to beat oneself up
Una Mitómano(a) – pathological liar. Mito means myth, or lie, and there’s also a word mitomanía, which may actually come close to what Moni was doing
Majadero – another word for stupid, can also mean whiny
El Beto has just received a hook to the heart (Un Gancho Al Corazon) from his beloved Monita, and wants to end it all. The only one who can save him is the esteemed Dr. Lefort, whom Nieves goes to call, but not before locking horns with Estrella, who rightly points out that Beto has only himself to blame.
Connie enters the office sporting some decent cleavage, a delicate bird shaped charm on a thin gold necklace, and a daggers in her eyes. She taps Moni on the shoulder, then slaps her. Twice.
Meanwhile Mauricio, one of the few characters on the show we haven’t seen drunk, is putting that record to rest quite nicely, downing shot after shot of tequila, sitting with Tano as a sounding board, but telling him nada. Tano gives up, gets Mau’s car keys for safety, and leaves.
Moni wants to show Connie who’s boss, but Gabi restrains her, saying it’s not worth going to jail. Gabi warns Connie that Moni’s a professional boxer, and Connie says more like a professional whore. SHE’s going to train as a boxer, and one day defeat Moni in the ring. Now THAT I’d like to see! Connie swears Moni will NEVER marry Mauricio, and marches off. This prompts Gabi to turn to Moni, asking “You’re getting married to Mauricio?”
Estrella arrives at the office to tell Moni that Beto’s not doing so well, Nieves had to call a doctor. Moni feels bad for Beto, and goes to help, Estrella at her side.
Back at Beto’s he’s crying so much his Mom thinks he’ll get dehydrated. The wise Doctor Lefort has arrived to work on Beto’s case (and also to work on Nieves’ ass, as he slips in a few sneaky feels). When Lefort calls Nieves Señora Bella, our Snowy melts, fixes her hair a bit, and leaves the Doc to work his magic on her boy. He proceeds to tell Beto they’ll investigate the deepest part of Beto’s unconscious, the depths of the well, understand? Well, no, Beto hasn’t a clue.
Speaking of not having a clue, Ximena has just been told that Connie hit Moni, and is intrigued. Connie says that Moni can’t rob her novio, but Ximena says you’re robbing HER novio. Connie doesn’t get it, so Ximmy lets it slip that Beto and Moni aren’t siblings, they’re novios. Ooooops, she didn’t mean to say that, but oh well! Connie is muy impactada.
Moni and Estrella breathlessly ask Nieves, how is Beto? Handsome, refined, elegant……No, interrupts Moni, I’m talking about Beto! Apparently he’s cured, as he saunters up, wearing a tee shirt reading Simple but Charismatic, proclaiming he now knows that Moni means NOTHING to him. He’s off, leaving Moni a bit deflated, and not picking up on Estrella’s pep talk that this should lift a weight from her shoulders. Nieves warns Moni that when Mau finds out that Beto’s not her brother, she’s going to lose Mau, and would be left like El Perro de Las Dos Tortas.
Nieves bumps into Dr. Lefort, who says there was no charge for curing Beto, but to complete his treatment, he, as a thorough doctor would like to talk to HER now. About what? Oh, about your son, about life, about you, about me (meanwhile, his eyes are meandering a bit lower than they should), about a “psychophysico-mental relation that can transcend and arise between us, you understand, right?” She doesn’t, but invites him into her place.
Estrella convinces Moni to call Mauricio. She should tell him Beto isn’t her brother before he finds out himself (if only). She calls Mau, who answers in the bar, and agrees to talk to her at the office, but is very short with her, which she notices. What’s going on? Estrella doesn’t think there’s anything to worry about, and will help Moni look pretty for her meeting with Mau, when she can tell him the whole truth.
Oscar’s drinking wine in a bar when Jerry shows up. Oscar initially wants nothing to do with the traitor, but eventually agrees to give Jerry one more chance. However, if Jerry betrays Oscar again, Oscar will KILL him. They shake on it – deal.
Beto shows up at Connie’s. He wants revenge! So does she. They’re both mad at La Monita. Let’s stir things up (nos revolcamos – but this also means a roll in the hay). Are you ready, he asks? Ready, she answers. He counts one, two, three, and they start kissing madly, hands all over each other, nothing’s going to stop them this time!
Mauricio arrives at the office drunk, greets Gabi and Sal, goes into his office to await Moni. Ding, elevator door opens, and she walks out, looking ravishing in an off the shoulder scarlet or mauve short dress, hair pulled back like a Spanish flamenco dancer, luxurious earrings with three golden hearts on each side. Gabi thinks she’s finally following her advice as to how to dress for the office. Moni enters Mau’s office full of excitement, sits on his desk, shows a little shoulder…..and is repelled by the pungent smell of alcohol.
Mauricio doesn’t really give Moni the chance to say anything. He tells her he knows she and Beto are novios, and you know why? Because he saw them kissing. Moni’s not feeling so happy anymore.
Neither is Beto. Apparently, his little soldier failed to show up for battle. He’s trudging around in tee shirt, boxers and shoes, swearing to Connie this has never happened before. Everything was going fine, when he started thinking about La Monita. Well, this pisses off Connie royally, and she slaps him, calling him a dummy (tarado) and an imbecile. He wants to try again, but she tells him to try without her, and call her if anything comes up. After she leaves, he looks wistfully at his little soldier, lamenting that even HE’s stabbing him in the back, like all the others.
Meanwhile, Mauricio is on a rant, not giving Moni a chance to talk, he can’t believe she would lie to him when he had such feelings for her. She’s destroyed him, and although she says she was going to tell him the truth, he doesn’t believe her anymore. Before she can get another word in, he walks out and slams the door of his office in her face, leaving her in tears.
Beto’s back home now, sees a big mound of covers on his Mommy’s bed, rips off the blankets, only to find Nieves and Dr. Lefort doing the nasty! Not really, they’re fully clothed, but she was lying on top of him. Nieves insists it was “therapy”, but Beto can’t believe that the two women in his life, Moni and now his Jefa, are both puttin’ the horns on him! He’s gonna kill the doctor. He grabs something off his Mom’s night table (like a comb, or a curling iron), and goes on the attack. Fortunately the doc talks him down, telling him to imagine he’s in a forest, there are little birds, just relax, he was just “exchanging emotions” with Beto’s mother. This backfires, as Beto goes berserk again. Thinking fast, Nieves grabs the ol’ fryin’ pan, and conks Beto from behind. He slumps out on the sofa, giving our two swinging seniors time for some more “therapy”. They both agree it’s their duty to complete the session. Lefort says this time, he’ll be on top.
Our three little women (Estre, Paula and Moni) are sitting on the bed, trying to figure out what to do. Moni feels terrible that she lied to Mauricio, and understands why he was so hurt she hadn’t told him herself that she and Beto were novios. She hates herself. Estre says not to beat herself up about it (no te flageles), you’re a boxer, you have to pick yourself up and fight back. Call her now. Paula agrees. Moni takes the phone, doesn’t know what to say. The truth, says Estrella. He’ll understand. There’s no answer on the cell, so she calls the house. Guess who answers? Connie, sitting in Mau’s bedroom while he’s taking a shower, having barged in without Mau’s knowledge. Moni quickly hangs up, THAT didn’t work.
Mau comes out, what’s Connie doing here, and did he just hear the phone? Well, Connie wanted to see him, and the phone was a wrong number. As Mauricio walks around in just a towel, showing the ladies of the audience his amazing upper body, Connie continues that she knows about Moni’s lie too, having found out from Ximena. She feels Mau is doing the right thing having nothing further to do with Moni, just imagine what it would have been to end up with a pathological liar (una mitómana). She adds a few fake tears, says she’s always there for Mau or his kids, and makes a theatrical exit.
Estrella is still trying to encourage Moni, who’s about ready to throw in the towel. Moni thinks Nieves was right, she was flying too high, and now she’s crashing. She’s lost him forever. Estrella starts again with all the boxing analogies. Don’t let your guard down, it’s the last round, you gotta keep fighting, etc. She wants Moni to go to Mau’s house now.
We see Mauricio suffering, pretty much hitting his head against the wall, but flashing back to the shock of Moni and Beto kissing. Outside the house, although it’s the middle of the night, Moni has taken Estre’s advice, and the two of them pause in front of the doorbell (actually a keypad). Moni chickens out, so Estre presses the button. Mau comes downstairs in a black robe over white pajamas, looking lionlike, but with a stern expression. Moni tells him she’s tired of lying. How nice, answers Mau, because with each lie, you tore my heart to pieces. Why did you do it, for fun, to amuse your amigas? No, of course not, says Moni, shocked. Then why, for my money? Maybe Constanza was right. This is just too much, and Moni slaps Mauricio, adding if he thinks that, he doesn’t know her at all. He agrees, he doesn’t know her. He then lays down the “new rules”. If she quits, he’ll immediately fire Beto and Paula, too. If she stays, she has to be a perfect employee. If she arrives 5 minutes late, or disobeys a single order, they’re all fired. There will be zero tolerance! He turns and walks angrily back inside.
Mau’s back in the kitchen drinking some water, when Aldo comes in to see what’s wrong. He gently touches Mau’s shoulder in sympathy, but Mau pulls away, refuses to explain anything to Aldo, but warns Aldo never to mention Moni’s name again, not to go to the vecindad, and not to have anything to do with anyone connected with Moni. Aldo thinks Mauricio is upset, but Mau says he knows exactly what he’s doing, and this time, Aldo will OBEY.
It’s morning, and Beto’s head hurts, but he doesn’t know why. Conveniently not telling him, Nieves has made him his favorite breakfast, chicharrones in green sauce, soup, milk, he’s enjoying it until he remembers – he caught Mom red-handed (con las manos en la masa – hands in the dough) with the doctor. He calls her a pig! She reminds him to respect his mother, and explains that he’s projecting. Huh? Well, he’s mad at Moni, so he’s taking it out on his mother. Where’d you get that idea, Ma, from that shrink? Well, just from thinking about it, and maybe a little from talking to him, and…..here, have some more breakfast! This works, and Nieves assures Beto that he’ll get Moni back. She has a plan.
Ivan and Aldo are eating breakfast, stumped as to what’s going on with Mauricio. Connie enters, scolds Aldo for not being in school, and helps herself to some orange juice. Aldo grabs the pitcher, telling Connie that if Mauricio isn’t here (he isn’t), she has no right to be in the house, period.
Gabi arrives at the office, and is surprised that Moni’s already there, and is bringing her coffee. Gabi senses something is wrong, notices that Moni looks pale, her forehead is warm, what’s wrong? Moni just says she didn’t sleep well. Gabi guesses Mau and Moni fought, wants to help. Moni asks if there’s any envelope she can deliver, she really can’t bear to be in the office, she’s afraid of what’ll happen when Mauricio arrives. She’s crying, and Gabi gives her a motherly hug. Gabi then lights up, she’s just remembered, she has to pay her credit card bill. She gives the envelope to Moni, adding that she’ll think of other deliveries, forget about making coffee, she’ll help Moni get through this.
Maybe not. The elevator opens, and Mau and Salvador are right there. Mau asks what “Valentina” is doing, and Gabi says she’s delivering an urgent envelope. No way, responds Mau, from now on, we’re using messenger services. He turns to Moni. “You, bring me a cappuccino right now, that’s what I pay you for, don’t delay, please.” (Ooooh, he’s cold). She trudges off in silence. Mau then informs Gabi of the new office rules. No more concessions, no more gossip, no more complaints, only efficiency, discipline, understood? And whoever doesn’t do his work, fire them, Salvador. He stalks away. Gabi tells Sal she can’t understand why Mau would stress efficiency to her, she’s the epitome of efficiency. Sal tells her the way Mau is suffering now, it’s only going to get worse.
Back in Mau’s place, Connie hasn’t backed down from Aldo’s challenge one bit. She calls him a stupid runt (esquincle majadero), and says he has no say over whether she’s in this house or not. Are you threatening me, asks Aldo? Just advising, she retorts, adding that he should look around at all these nice things, because if he and the kids take Moni’s side, it’ll be the last time they see them, and that IS a threat.
She then calls Mauricio, complaining that Aldo tried to make her leave the house since they’re no longer novios. Mau says he’ll take care of it. Connie says Aldo treats her badly, and Mau says not to worry, he now knows who is who. They’ll talk later. Just then, Moni delivers Mau’s coffee, and he tells her, she can leave now. But she refuses to leave until he listens to her. Fine, talk.
In the outer office, Nieves enters, looking a little like a fish out of water, wearing her usual colorful clothes, having added a lime green furry pocketbook which looks almost like a poodle. She demands to talk to Mauricio Sermeño.
Moni tells Mau that she lied, she lied about Beto and many other things. One lie led to another. But there are some things she never lied about – such as when she told him he had changed her life, when she told him she fell in love with him the minute they met, and everytime they kissed. Those were not lies. And she’s not lying now in telling him that she loves him with all her soul. That beso with Beto was a farewell kiss.
Mauricio is moved. He stands up, walks over to Monita, takes her head in his strong hands, leans down, and kisses her, full of passion. She looks up at him, eyes full of hope, what was that? MY farewell kiss, he answers solemnly, it’s over. What we had is over for ever.
Yes, we’ve entered the development section of our little masterpiece, and we may have stormy seas ahead. But the previews show Moni fainting. If Moni is suffering, can Mauricio continue to deny his true feelings?
Vocabulario:
Revolcarse – to roll around, to stir things up, also can mean a roll around in the hay, if you know what I mean
Tarado – a moron, or a dummy
Flagelarse – to whip oneself, or flagellate oneself. We would say to beat oneself up
Una Mitómano(a) – pathological liar. Mito means myth, or lie, and there’s also a word mitomanía, which may actually come close to what Moni was doing
Majadero – another word for stupid, can also mean whiny
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Excellent, H de M, You had me at the first paragraph. It certainly appears that we are in for some rocky times - or maybe not... This show always has a few surprises.
Nieves and Meno? Could be a great match.
Mike and I hooted when Nieves hit Beto with the skillet!
Nieves and Meno? Could be a great match.
Mike and I hooted when Nieves hit Beto with the skillet!
Good morning Hombre. You are a real gem. Not only do we get a fantastic recap but we also get our first lesson in music appreciation. I love how you shared your expertise with us and the musical analogy completely applies, it's amazing!
Emilia darlin', have you been giving the writers tips? Have they been reading our blog? I'll bet you and Mike had a huge laugh over the pan whack.
Emilia darlin', have you been giving the writers tips? Have they been reading our blog? I'll bet you and Mike had a huge laugh over the pan whack.
I forgot to thank you for the link to the Perro con Do Tortas story. Learning these cultural tidbits is my favorite part of Learning Spanish by Telenovela.
Okay...this is what happens when i don't get in early......
DITTO WHAT EMILIA SAID
DITTO WHAT SYLVIA SAID
DITTO WHAT SYLVIA SAID IN HER SECOND ENTRY
Love it when I learn new stuff so I relished the symphonic composition explanation...and while I was familiar with the perro and dos tortas saying, reading that story really enriched it for me. (plus I'm always impressed when people do links)
Bien hecho, Hombre...masterful, in fact.
DITTO WHAT EMILIA SAID
DITTO WHAT SYLVIA SAID
DITTO WHAT SYLVIA SAID IN HER SECOND ENTRY
Love it when I learn new stuff so I relished the symphonic composition explanation...and while I was familiar with the perro and dos tortas saying, reading that story really enriched it for me. (plus I'm always impressed when people do links)
Bien hecho, Hombre...masterful, in fact.
I too thought the symphonic comparison was really great, as was the link to the dog story. I have known what that saying meant forever, but I don't think I ever fully knew the whole story behind it, which is very revealing, so thank you for that. I didn't see this episode yet, but the recap is all that I need really. Thanks Hombre!
Thanks for the recap and music lesson Hombre. I'll be sad if our problem resolution in one day stops and we enter the suffering phase (or as you posited developmental part) of this novela. At least we'll still have Ximena to laugh at and with.
Hombre~~~Loved your opening paragraph. It certainly was an excellent introduction that pulled your readers into the recap . Being a music lover and having taken several music appreciation classes in college , I vaguely recalled the points you were making. ~~~Susanlynn, off to listen to some Ottmar Leibert and order tickets for TransSiberian Orchestra
Permalink posted by 
: Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9:27:00 AM EDT
: Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9:27:00 AM EDT
Good morning, all. I know Mauricio is wonderful and everything, but in some ways, I think his supercilious manner would be a danger sign for later marriage problems in the real world. Yes, he's attracted to the girl from the other side of the tracks, and he doesn't care about her boxing or her lack of knowledge of certain cultural things. But he acts so haughty, in that he won't let Beto tutear (I know, it's a joke), he orders around both staff and family (you will OBEY) with an imperious tone, and does it really make up for that, when later he realizes his mistake and apologizes? His acting right now is reminiscent of how he acted as Santiago in Pasión when he agreed to accept the role as Don Jorge's heir. He was ultra mean to his former girlfriend (although he eventually changed and became a monk). To me, Mauricio's anger is more frightening than Oscar's cold, calculating malevolence.
I like Gabi, although she has her built-in prejudices, too. I didn't put it in the recap, but when Moni was crying, she said "So Mauricio's had second thoughts about the marriage. Well, of course, that's logical", meaning she wouldn't think Mau would marry someone from Moni's "class".
One more thought - Beto's performance problem was funny, but since it was apparently caused by his continuing love for Monita, how's he going to get over it? Is he really going to be more than an "adventure" for Constanza?
I know, it's silly to ask serious questions in a comedy, but what else do I have to do today? Oh, that's right, the Ravens game! Hope we beat the Chiefs!
I like Gabi, although she has her built-in prejudices, too. I didn't put it in the recap, but when Moni was crying, she said "So Mauricio's had second thoughts about the marriage. Well, of course, that's logical", meaning she wouldn't think Mau would marry someone from Moni's "class".
One more thought - Beto's performance problem was funny, but since it was apparently caused by his continuing love for Monita, how's he going to get over it? Is he really going to be more than an "adventure" for Constanza?
I know, it's silly to ask serious questions in a comedy, but what else do I have to do today? Oh, that's right, the Ravens game! Hope we beat the Chiefs!
Alright, go Ravens!!! Unfortunately the Bucks were beaten last night by THAT TEAM OUT WEST. At least it was close, and we were ahead most of the game...just not when it counted.... sigh.
Mauricio's imperiousness certainly fits with being from the moneyed "ruling class" as well as being male in a culture where the man still rules the household unequivocably...no discussions, punto.
How this works out in real life I don't know. Gottman (an North American author on matters of marriage) says the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are Criticism, Contempt, Stonewalling and Defensiveness.
Well, we've seen plenty of all of those...in any relationship depicted. However, in telenovelas, we're supposed to assume that the magical passion that draws two pre-destined lovers together will work out everything in the end. Alas, the "Four Horsemen" have a way of withering that passion over time.
Oh heck...Go Ravens!!!!
Mauricio's imperiousness certainly fits with being from the moneyed "ruling class" as well as being male in a culture where the man still rules the household unequivocably...no discussions, punto.
How this works out in real life I don't know. Gottman (an North American author on matters of marriage) says the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are Criticism, Contempt, Stonewalling and Defensiveness.
Well, we've seen plenty of all of those...in any relationship depicted. However, in telenovelas, we're supposed to assume that the magical passion that draws two pre-destined lovers together will work out everything in the end. Alas, the "Four Horsemen" have a way of withering that passion over time.
Oh heck...Go Ravens!!!!
Hombre I agree with your analysis of Mau. He really needs an anger mgmt class and sensitivity training. As Judy noted he really does inhabit his position of power of being a rich man (totally shades of Santiago). I know the rationale for his behavior is that he is in love but as you noted his actions do not bode well for marriage. And will he be as upset with Connie when he finds out all the mess she's be doing?
Hombre...I think you should make some form of your music composition observances on the MEPS line. Where are we now, music-wise, in that story? Love the new way of conceptualizing the story development.
Great recap Hombre. Include me among those loving the first paragraph. Great description. It will be sad and good to get beyond the quick solutions, they sure are fun, but as long as this TN will be, not sure how fun by the end. Looking at the avances and Mau sneaking into Moni's room, for ever doesn't appear to have lasted too long. :)
JeffMN
JeffMN
Permalink posted by : Monday, September 14, 2009 at 9:44:00 AM EDT
: Monday, September 14, 2009 at 9:44:00 AM EDT
Hombre,I've started writing little notes when I watch so I can remember what I loved and laughed at, especially as I watch all 3 novelas.
After I read your recap and posted comment, I tore my Gancho notes up. You simply blew me away. As insightful as your recap was, your comment was even more sensational. Santiago (err, make that Mau) is imperious. You are absolutely right, he was channeling Santiago in coldness and yes, cruelty.
I guess he can rationalize things by telling himself that although he has been on and off with Connie during his entire pursuit of Moni, that's somehow acceptable. Moni shouldn't have lied but is it really an unforgiveable sin? Let's hope that this is resolved fairly quickly.
I enjoyed everyone's comments too as well. What an amazing bunch...
Diana in MA
After I read your recap and posted comment, I tore my Gancho notes up. You simply blew me away. As insightful as your recap was, your comment was even more sensational. Santiago (err, make that Mau) is imperious. You are absolutely right, he was channeling Santiago in coldness and yes, cruelty.
I guess he can rationalize things by telling himself that although he has been on and off with Connie during his entire pursuit of Moni, that's somehow acceptable. Moni shouldn't have lied but is it really an unforgiveable sin? Let's hope that this is resolved fairly quickly.
I enjoyed everyone's comments too as well. What an amazing bunch...
Diana in MA
Permalink posted by : Monday, September 14, 2009 at 9:58:00 AM EDT
: Monday, September 14, 2009 at 9:58:00 AM EDT
Hombre, what a stunning and well done recap. Your analysis of Mao's most recent behavior is on the mark. Jumping to wrong conclusions followed by rash decisions seems to be an almost universal trait of TN characters. I guess it's necessary for plot development, but is certainly annoying to us who are watching. The budding romance between Nieves and the shrink should be a lot of fun. Nievee' skillful and measured use of the skillet was satisfying and instantly brought to mind Emilia and Mike. And my heart goes out to Beto.
Carlos
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Carlos
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