Saturday, September 05, 2009
MEPS, 09/04/09: I Think I Smell A Double-Cross
As we return to the day-to-day of the effete elite of Villa Madero, Estev and Errorika continue their ruse with Padre Arcadio in order to secure a fake “replacement” baptism record for Franco by circumventing Padre Bosco and using Estev as the “witness” for Franco Santoro’s baptism; Aurora gets ready to tell the mother superior how things went this time with La Sra. Barbara; La Sra., aka Bad-ass Barbie, is on her way back to Grupo and in seventh heaven over her reconciliation with Aurora. At Grupo, Fernanda looks on as Fr/Eduardo comes up with an excuse to convince Camilo that Barbara’s getting control of Grupo Lactos from Gonzalo will benefit them all financially.
The convoluted explanation Fr/Eddie gives is that Barbara Greco is the only executive in management at Grupo that the supposed “executive board” of Powhere Meelk knows and trusts should anything major happen to Gonzo. (Said another way, the big shots from PM figure Gonzo is pretty much past his sell by date.) Unfortunately, Cad is not in the mood to be convinced and refuses to go along with Step-Mommie Dearest taking full ownership of the family enterprise. He’s pissed at Fer for bowing at the feet of PM who he thinks is taking advantage of the Elizalde’s rotten financial situation. Fr/Ed tells him the contract says Gonzo’s children will get all the profits [utilidades] from the business for the next ten years and that would essentially be worth twice what Barbara stands to make off this deal. Cad remains adamantly opposed to the whole proposition. “Only over my dead body will that woman get my father’s business!” They’ve been warned. He slams the door on his way out.
After Cad storms out of Fer’s office, Fer worries that the strategy won’t work. Fr/Ed says it will because Barbara and Cad are thick as the thieves they are, and he is certain she will make sure Cad doesn’t screw with her plans. Fer remembers then that she learned another secret regarding Barbara. She asks Fr/Ed if he knows Aurora.
Rory, meanwhile, tells the mother superior how changed La Sra. Barbara was this visit and how La Sra. seemed so sorry for the way she’d treated her. The nun wants to know why the woman’s attitude has changed. Aurora says La Sra. has forgiven her as apparently Cad admitted drugging Aurora in order to rape her. Once Rory brings up the business then with the bloody cross and words scrawled on the bathroom mirror, the nun gets a bit suspicious. (I would too, especially since there was no hint of indignation on the part of La Sra. regarding the vile act of rape by one of her step-sons. I mean, doesn’t everybody’s kid do it?) The nun says she wants a detailed rundown of absolutely everything that happened to Rory while she was living with the Elizalde’s, starting from the first moment she met Sra. Elizalde. (Query: ever notice it’s the nuns in these things that get justicia for their flock in the end? Ten points, Team Mother Superior!)
Fer tells Fr/Ed about Flo seeing Babs entering the convent and fills him in on how Barbara had thrown out Rory after so conveniently catching her in bed with another man even though Rory really loves Santiago. Nobody knows who the man was and Barb wouldn’t say. (¡Qué suspicaz!) Wheels start to turn in Fr/Ed’s head.
Cad goes into Barb’s office to call her. He screams at her on the phone about his father giving her the ownership of Grupo and threatens her over it. Barb says she’ll discuss it with him once she gets back there. It won’t change his mind, he says, and he threatens her again.
Meanwhile, Fer tells Fr/Ed she believes there’s some link between Aurora and Barb and she plans to find out just exactly what it could be. Fr/Ed warns her to be careful and then gets ready to go before Barb returns and finds him there with her. They thank each other for the support they’ve been giving each other throughout. (Yawn.) He holds his hand out to shake hers as he leaves. (Excuse me? What a lame move.) Fer kisses him on the cheek instead (another lame move). Fr/Ed touches his cheek and then his lips. (It’s enough for Fer, but definitely not for Viewerville, who is starved for something more than pre-teen daydreams of kissy-faced romance on sandy beaches.) He smiles at her like a little boy with a big secret and leaves. (Yeah, pocket that dude. You will need it soon enough when Nanda finds out just exactly what that big secret is.) Fer sighs and smiles herself. (Viewerville marks its disappointment with a communal harrumph.)
At Bravo’s manse in the big city, Lili comes in for a little chat with her Uncle Artie. (The place must be agreeing with her. She’s finally wearing something besides those gawd awful sweats for a change.) Lili asks if she ever told him he is very much like her father. This angers him but she says they are brothers and both are the sons of her Abuelo Jeronimo. Artie tries convincing her that was only an accident of birth and says he and she are not like the rest of the Elizalde’s. They only have each other, now. Lili should realize, he says, after 15 years that none of the others stopped going on about their daily lives for an instant to worry about her after they learned she’d left the clinic. (I’m sure she remembers that Fer did.) He then changes the subject and suggests they go off together to travel the world and see all the unique places of interest. Lili gets excited at the idea of seeing Egypt and the Pyramids and perhaps, various museums. Bravo says they’ll go off together, take care of one another, and be companions for the rest of their lives. (Like that’s a cheery scenario for a young woman of twenty-something.) Lili’s eyebrows go up and we can only assume she’s considering what that might entail. (Travel is grand, but I’d rather imagine it with my Mr. Wonderful –and an old goat like Bravo ain’t exactly what I’d say passes for anybody’s Mr. Wonderful.)
Back at Grupo a bit later, Fer tells Flor that she’s going to visit the convent herself the next day to speak with the mother superior about what she might know about the connection between Aurora and Barbara. Barb comes out of the elevator just as they’re finishing their discussion. She makes a show of saying hello to Fer who makes a point of saying nothing back. After Barb struts off, Fer wonders if Barb heard their conversation, but Flor is certain that she didn’t. Fer then has Flor sketch [un croquis = a sketch] a map of how to get to the convent.
Cad is waiting for Barb in her office and angrily warns her again that he won’t go along with the transfer of the company to her, but she convinces him he’s got too much on her for her not to continue their partnership. All he has to do is marry Lovely Norton as planned and she’ll take care of the rest, assuring him she’ll make him a millionaire to the end of his days. Cad takes the peso pacifier and reverts to type, figuring it’s easier to let Barb do the heavy lifting and let the easy money roll in.
That evening, Estev and Err are still chatting it up with Padre Arcadio. Estev really gets into it and makes up all sorts of nifty little details about his life spent with his childhood friend, Franco, including being at Franco’s first communion and reception.
Barb now calls Fr/Ed to tell him she’s surprised but appreciative of what he did in demonstrating his loyalty towards her by getting Fer to persuade Gonzo. He says it’ll cost her. He wants to see Lili again. “That’s it?” she asks. He says yes. She says fine, whenever he wants. Fr/Ed says he wants to visit Lili the next day at noon. Barb agrees to it. After she hangs up the batty b!tch smiles to herself about her nearing day of liberation and how having her daughter has begun to give her life meaning. [cobrar sentido]
Anibal now pays a visit to Damian. He is anxious to know how trustworthy the people Dam has in mind are regarding the job he wants done with Vladimir. Dam wonders what’s up and AnyBalls explains he can’t trust Vlad to keep his mouth shut about the baby.
At the same time, Pris is remembering Vlad’s plea not to let her husband separate him from his child. Pris says to herself that she realizes now how much Vladimir loves her child and for his own good he should leave and get far away from all of them.
Cowardly Anyballs, proving once again he wishes he actually had some, tells Dam he’ll pay him half the money the next morning and the rest after the job is finished. Dam wonders when he wants it done. AB says the sooner the better. Dam tells him he’s dealing with major leaguers here. (Oh that’s rich, considering it’s Jacobo and Company.) Dam asks if he should just try persuasion, but AB says that only opens the door for the guy to threaten him with exposing him anytime he gets the urge, and that would mean he and Pris and the baby would lose the inheritance. Dam is pesos-in-his-pupils impactado with this revelation and he gets ready to push the advantage. AB hints he needs something more permanent. Dam says greedily that that will cost AB double.
Errika calls Fer to invite her to join her for a couple of hours the next day at the MUNAL, El Museo National de Arte, with Franco and Estev. Fer agrees to go and says she will take Margarita for the cultural excursion, but Fer needs Errika to take Marge back home afterwards since Fer needs to make a trip to the convent to speak with the mother superior afterwards. Err makes some stupid joke about Fer deciding to become a nun now which Fer does not appreciate. (I got to admit that I don’t much appreciate much of what Dolly’s ditzy daughter does or says these days, myself.)
Across the way at Las Animas, meanwhile, Estev has just told Eddie what he was doing at Padre Arcadio’s with Errika. Eddie puts up such a fuss that Estev thinks Ed’s wanted to avoid the baptism record altogether as a way to get out of his engagement to Errika. “Tell me. Do you want to cancel your wedding with Errika?” Ed struggles cuz it’s obvious he’d love to but…..
At the same time, Fer has gotten hold of Santi and told him how badly Cad took Gonzo’s decision to give Barbara the family business. Moping mop-top Santi says it’s all the same to him; he won’t lose any sleep over it. Santi then changes the subject to Lili. Fer explains that eventually Gonzo will want to bring in the police, and then Barb will tell Bravo and their chances for getting her back will disappear. Santi thinks it’s time Gonzo is told the truth, but Fer tells him that Gonzo has heart problems and his doctor says any sudden shock would be fatal for him. So, the lie must continue.
Back at Las Animas, Ed says he gave his word and he’s sticking by it. This makes Estev snicker. (Me too. This line is gettin’ stale.) Ed explains to Estev how Padre Bosco refused to allow the wedding or to accept any baptismal record from “Franco Santoro.” He gets an even bigger guffaw from his buddy when Franco says he doesn’t want the wedding to proceed if it’s based on a lie. (No duh. This begs the question: which lie of the many are we talking about here, considering Err doesn’t know the biggest one of all yet, that she’d really be marrying Eduardo Juarez, the son of the Elizalde’s housekeeper.) Estev asks Ed again if he really is going to go through with marrying Err. Ed says yes and he’ll make the effort to make her happy. (How thoughtful. How generous.) “What about your love for Fernanda?” Estev poignantly poses the question. Ed says he’ll carry that in his heart till the day he dies. (Eddie-boy is making it very difficult for me not to want to wash my hands of him at this point. Kudo’s to Estev for soldiering on in hopes of eventually making his BFF see reason.)
Santi tells Fer he thinks he jumped the gun by running off to Italy, but she says no, things with Lili could be resolved at any time. She changes the subject to her going to see the mother superior at the convent to find out what she can about Aurora. She tells him she found out that Barb has been going to visit Rory there and it seems a little fishy to her. [darle mala espina= to feel uneasy] Santi is still angry about Rory cheating on him and says nothing will change the facts, even if he knew the name of the man Barb found her with. Fer sympathizes and says to wait till after she’s talked with the woman and they’ll have the answers they need. That should clear up whatever doubts they might still have about Aurora. He says go ahead because he simply cannot continue living through the Hell he’s had to.
Meanwhile, Aurora sleeps the sleep of the innocent and dreams of a forgiving Santi coming back for her and the baby.
The next morning Fernanda and Marge meet up with Estev and Errika in front of the MUNAL. Fast Eddie rides up on a motorcycle lookin’ hot in leather and denim. (He loses points with hubby, though, for the nerdy helmet.)
Dam gives Vlad an early morning call during breakfast. Vlad’s in no mood to speak to his ex-pal. Dam accuses him of eating scorpions (instead of Cheerios) for breakfast. He only wants to help his friend out after all. Vlad says Dam doesn’t know the meaning of the word and remains suspicious. “Don’t waste my time. I’ve got to get to work.” Dam says he’s got a plan that should interest him since it has to do with Pris and the baby. Vlad is all ears.
The tour of the MUNAL and our Mexican art history lesson (PSA #1199) begins. The only thing notable for many (me included) is the way Errorika drapes herself all over Fr/Eddie and the furtive glances he and Fer alternately share. (For those who care and are artistically inclined, hubby says Orozco is vastly overrated and the only one worthwhile of the artists mentioned was Diego Rivera but, the pre-Columbian sculpture was worth the price of admission. I say, “Ehh! To each his own, and” --you should pardon the pun—“different strokes for different folks…..” The only Mexican work of art worth looking at in my opinion was Fernando Colunga. Yowza!! Love the way he fills out those gringo blue jeans!) FF>>
Back at Grupo, Denia has a hard time deciding with cousin Flor what kind of “career” she wants to study for. She’s no good at numbers and it would seem, not so great at learning English either….. bada-boom. Forget computers, bookkeeping or being a bilingual sexratary.
The mother superior prays to the virgencita for guidance.
Vlad agrees to see Dam who tells him nobody has the right to separate him from either his child or the woman he loves. He says that’s why it surprises him that Vlad agreed to accept Anibal’s offer. Vlad immediately wonders how he found out. Dam says that doesn’t matter. What’s important is that he has a very good source that tells him Anyballs is ready to comply with what he promised. Vlad figures out it was AB that sent him and yells at Dam that he can go back and tell Anyballs he doesn’t believe a word of it. Dam says Vlad doesn’t have any choice and is being stupid if he doesn’t believe him. Vlad suffers another moment of indecision. (Will he or won’t he fall for the ruse?)
The mother superior (now that the phones are apparently working again) calls Grupo looking for Fernanda, but she hangs up without leaving her name when she finds out from Flor that Fer isn’t there.
Dam manages to calm down Vlad and tells him he’s got it wrong. He’s not there on behalf of anybody, much less a tyrant like Anibal. Vlad, he says, runs off at the mouth and needs to learn to keep his mouth shut from time to time. Vlad agrees and says his problem is that he’s become confused with everything that’s been going on. Good pal Dam says that’s precisely why he decided to come see him, to offer his help and support by seeing that Anibal doesn’t end up with his kid. Vlad says thanks, but it’s all been handled now. Dam doesn’t understand. Vlad says he couldn’t be expected to sit around with his arms crossed and do nothing while the guy tries to take his child and wife from him. Dam asks if he’s saying he’s seen Pris again.
Vlad says he had to see Pris again and that now she understands and says he’s right about everything. Dam tells him he’s an idiot; that he should realize Pris is really on Anibal’s side. Vlad refuses to believe that of his “angel”. Dam tells him to shut up and listen. “You can’t really think that she would risk losing the Elizalde fortune her kid will inherit, do you? Settle down. Get used to it! [aterrizar] You are so naïve! All the rich are the same. They’re all trash!! Among the rich it’s all understood.” (Could it be that Dam is out to double-cross the double-crossing Elizalde’s?) Vladi is as confused as ever. (So am I. What’s he suddenly doing with a 5:00 shadow at 8 AM?)
Bravo is examining Lili’s birth certificate when he gets a call from the security guard that Fr/Ed and Barbara are out front. He carefully puts the document into an envelope and throws the envelope into his desk drawer. Barb and Fr/Ed walk in. Barb tells Bravo that as part of their agreement, Franco has come to see Lili again. She thinks it’s the least they can do considering the impeccable behavior he’s demonstrated towards them the last day or two. Bravo says he’s happy to hear things are progressing positively for them, but he cannot comply with Santoro’s request. Barb becomes visibly upset and asks why. Bravo says it’s because Lili isn’t there. Fr/Ed frowns and is obviously upset with this disturbing turn of events.
Labels: manana
I know he does not love the girl but man show a little effort or show us the viewers a little bit of acting skills.
Lucero is good but thats I knew it would NEVER live up too Pura Sangre from Colombia I saw it about 2 years ago and Im officially done with Manana its just En nombre del Amor for me and Gancho from time to time.
Eeew! FrEd lost points with me, too, for that nerdy helmet. It overshadowed the yummy jeans and killed the moment.
So what was the museum scene about? Filler? Qué the ****? Oh, right, that was the culture/national pride moment.
Where now on earth is Lili Elizalde? (sing to tune of Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?)
As for Anonymous's unhappiness with Colunga's acting, I think he's doing just fine vis a vis Errorika. She's falling all over him and not noticing that he's not reciprocating. I do have some misgivings about his acting in this TN, but I think he's handling the role of reluctant novio just right.
Doris, ITA that the museum scene was nothing more than filler. And I too wonder dónde está Lili.
I know it's frustrating that things aren't coming to light. But this TN is still very entertaining. I laugh several times each episode. Some of these characters are hysterical. i.e. Gardenia & Flor, Camilo and Damien....I especially love the scenes with Damian and Vlad...The bull dog and the puppy!
I tried to get into ENDA. But it seems to be a show full of Auroras. That is, a bunch of crying kids IMHO.
-La Salsera
If you know of any new ones that might be good, please post them here, preferrably those that don't star teenagers..... can't handle watching them. Thanks!
-La Salsera
Damn is working all the angles lately. Already worked Babs about Aurora, getting an apartment and a wad of cash out of it. He asked Anyballs for double the $$$ to compensate his own efforts. And, he's up to something with Vlad, not sure what. I don't know if he really plans to off him for Anyballs or not.
Esteve told Fr/Ed that he really didn't lie to the priest because the name Franco Santoro was never mentioned. What he said would apply to Eduardo, thus his get out of hell free card. But I thought they met at Harvard. No way he would have attended Eduardo Juarez' first communion. So he DID lie.
Re Colunga. I think his acting is just fine. He's acting the part and the lines written for him. We've noticed that when he gets to be more forceful and angry or more clever in outwitting someone, he seems more like the Colunga of Alborada, Pasión and Amor Real. I don't think we should complain about him seeming dopey and confused in his conversations with Esteve or in his relationship with Erika. He's working with the script he was given.
Well, the foreshadowing was right. AB is officially fond of Liliana, and planning to have her as a companion for the rest of his life.
I totally agree with La Salsera. I suffer through the last few minutes of ENDA every night while I'm waiting for MEPS. All I can say is that if I wanted to watch bitchy sobbing teenagers, I'd watch Gossip Girl. 'nuff said.
Someone fill me in. What is it that Nanda knows about Aurora that links her to Evil Barbie? I must have missed it along the line. I'll bet Mother Superior figures out the Babs/Aurora connection before anyone else because everyone confides in her.
How does Artemio happen to have Lili's birth certificate? It's more than a little weird that all the sudden he wants to "hang out" with a girl he helped imprison in a mental hospital for 15 years.
I wonder how much they had to rewrite for Erika? I think the original must have had them riding those wonderful horses why else would have the big deal about Salerosa? It is getting to the point of being ridiculous trying to avoid her shape. Erika must have some contract or agent for them to keep her on this program!
I'd like to combine a couple of the previous comments/thoughts. This TN has had some of the best vignettes of all times, the many Vlad and Damian scenes, Pris' anguish, almost all Flor scenes, so many of the Fer scenes, etc. Why have obviously talented writers written such a poor vehicle for our favorite Mexican actor..Fernando Colunga? With his chiseled face he will always look good, but as a galan, EdFr' s actions are hard to swallow. There is something wrong with this novela. SOMETHING has been lost in the "translation".
Just my two cents!
Sandy in TN
I'm not understanding a couple things about the replacement baptismal certifcate. 1)How is Estif able to simply testify that Eddy was baptised, and get the new one issued? 2) Why is he doing it? He doesn't want Eddy to marry Err. Makes no sense. When he was asked about the confirmation, Esif said that he knew that Eddy had been confirmed, even what they had for dinner, but I didn't understand him to say that he (Estif) was there, himself, avoiding lying to the sacerdote.
As far as the Artemio/Lili thing goes, I think Ab is feeling that Lili was wrongly injured in the whole thing, he feels "guilty" about having hurt a truly innocent person, and that this is his way of making atonement, as well as doing mortal harm to his percieved enemy, Gonzalo. The irony is that Gonzo, and all the Elizaldes are innocent, none of them had anything to do with the situation that he (AB) is in. The only truly guilty one was Geronimo's wife (can't remember her highfalutin name), and maybe Gerry, tho she threw Ana G out w/o his knowledge while he was away. The whole vengence motive is so flimsy. I guess I need a new beanie, this one just doesn't seem to work at all anymore.
I can't figure out what they are going to do with Dam. He's playing Babs, Any?, Vlad, and to a lesser extent, Pris, Aurora, Jacobo; basically, everyone he is in contact with. It's going to be interesting to see what he actually does. I hope he doesn't really have Vlad whacked. I'm also wondering if somehow, Priss saves Vlad. She has had such moments of sympathy for him. If she only knew what Any?balls is up to.
Oh- just remembered- highfalutin=Altagracia, gawd, that's rich...
======
Dorado Dave: about the baptismal certificate - In an earlier episodio they called it a supletoria de bautismo "supletoria de bautismo" which is a replacement document. It can only be replaced if there is a witness to the baptism who will put his name on the certificate and swear before God essentially that he witnessed the person who needs the replacement certificate get baptized. That is what Err needed from Estev and he thought he'd help out by doing the honors. That's why she and he went to see Padre Arcadio for, and he did lie the way I see it too. I have a feeling that will be Eduardo's way out of the wedding because Bosco has got to learn about this deception from Arcadio sooner or later.
=======
Well, guys, if I make snarky asides about FC, it's only in regards to the character he's playing, because Eddie is written to be a dork at times. All these gálans are, for sure, and every time we get to do an eye roll out here in Viewerville we get to chalk another IQ point under our names and thank the Lord we aren't as stupid as a TN character!!
A definite infarto for Gonzo, now o later, I vote now so he doesn't leave the money to Babs, later, much more painful when he finds out what an idiot he really is.
I don't think Artemio has any unkind feelings for Lili, I believe he looks at her as a kindred spirit.
As always Jardinera, great recap.
Damian is an opportunist. Pure and simple. Now that he's playing that angle to the max I've actually grown to like him much more than when he was Nanda's "3-piece, button-down husband." It's fun to watch him and figure out what scheme he'll come up with next.
Babs will be so mad over that, perhaps she'll do him in for us all. But what would happen with the Powhere Meeeelk deal and FrEd's deal with AB? Hhhmmm..... must tighten beanie hat chin strap.
I really think I prefer FC in period novelas. Hmmm.. yes, with long hair and tight breeches. He looked his goofiest in that "Navidad Sin Fin" they drag out every other year, with that knitted wool hat. Talk about dorky! Makes the scooter helmet look muy caliente.
Really enjoyed the Damian/Vlad scenes. Damian managed to smack him on the back about 6 times! Too funny. Always wonder if Sergio is just throwing this in for the h..l of it...but the Vlad actor seems to roll unfazed.
Even though the lack of a real smooch between Fernanda and Franco was a disappointment, I liked that she took the initiative for at least a cheek kiss. Figure our up front gal is going to become more proactive in the relationship since Franco seems to be seriously emotionally constipated at the moment.
Let the moves begin!
Sandy inTN
I believe the "emotionally constipated" Fr/Ed has told Errorika and time or two that he doesn't love her... but, she's sure she can change his mind.
Speaking of blue jeans, I think Fer handled herself quite well in the area of expertise as well as Fr/Ed. :)
JeffMN
========
Jeff in MN: Here's the link to the youtube videos since you had to miss the show. Now you don't have to miss the visuals. ; ? )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax-akHveBs4
Sondie
Monday I'll be in a remote forest location with no electricity, no MEPS access of any kind for 4 days. I'll just have to catch up from the recaps.
La Paloma
Although this is not the best TN I've ever seen and certainly not the kind of role that lets FC shows his many swashbuckling, galloping, lady-killer, tights-wearing talents, I still think he's very close to the top of Mexico's best TN actors and he can be concisely nuanced at times. I love his acting and I think he's interpretting this role perfectly.
I'm also grateful that this novela moves along and has had a beginning, a middle and now an end is unfolding. In contrast, FELS got so lost in endless, pointless side stories and repetitious scenes that I thought it must have been written as they went along. I have really enjoyed this TN overall, can't wait for each episode, and will be sorry when it's over. Just my dos centavos.
Mother superior however seems to be smart, maybe she is the reason why I find Aurora's scenes are less annoying than before.
About why Colunga may have decided to do this novela: "Pura Sangre" was a huge success, Silvia Navarro had finally signed with Televisa after two years of negotiations, they were working on getting Lucero to agree on doing her first villain since her succesful work in "Lazos de Amor", Nicandro Díaz was promising the Moon with this novela, and the character Fernando was going to play sounded good on paper at the begining. I think those were some of his reasons for doing it.
Now this is not the best role Fernando has had, it is not the worse either (that title belongs to Jose Armando Peñareal in "Esmeralda" ). But MEPS actually had a bigger following in México than Pasión and Alborada, so it did help his career. He is the best paid actor in Televisa and in order to keep that exclusivity contract as it is, he needs to do succesful novelas in terms of rating numbers.
Jarocha
FC is a great actor, no doubt about that, and he deserves to be the highest paid. Just speaking for myself, EdFr is a strange galan. He is not on the high road, he's not on the low road, he is just middling along. He has been less than honest to Fernanda who was wonderful to his mom and to Erica who has been kind to him (yes, and invasively giggley). Look how many lies he is having to tell to cover up the previous ones. One has to accept little white lies from our friends or co-workers at times, but EdFr's are unreasonable whoppers!! Honestly, I think that the subplots are saving the day in this novela.
Does anyone know how the ratings are doing for MEPS in the US? It would be interesting to compare.
Sandy in TN
Kate del Castillo is a fabulous actress as well. Has anyone tried Vidas Cruzadas yet? I think I'll try to start that today, if I can figure out how to do it!!
Sandy in TN
=========
Pasofino: That was a great recap and your insightful side comments were terrific.
You make a good point, by and large this novela has been very easy to understand. FC speaks beautifully and so do the rest of the actors. Only when the scenes start moving very fast and the dialogue even faster, have I had trouble understanding!
Sandy in TN
I would love him in a Depends commercial. They probably contract for a certain # of novelas in a certain period & this one came along.
Maybe he would have been preferable to Eduardo Yánez in "Corrazón salvaje" (at least to me) but it could have been a timing issue. Also it's by Salvador Mejia (FELS).
If I were the actor, I would choose anything Carla Estrada (Alborada, Amor Real, Pasión, Sortilegio) does & stay away from anything Salvador Mejia (FELS, Corazón Salvaje) does. In some cases they may not have a choice.
I've watched "Ladroón que roba a ladrón" twice & love it. It also has Miguel Varoni & Gabriel Soto in it, not so hard to take.
I would love to see FC in more movies.
Sortilegio seems different for Carla Estrada, since she usually does historical novelas.
At least the novelas last only about a year. The soaps go on for 30 years, with totally stupid plots.
Adios, I have to go, the dogs are barking and going in and out, the cat is mewoing and my grandson is awake. Hasta luego..
Sandy in TN
I'd much rather see FC than EY in the remake. FC is a natural --and a proven-- Errol Flynn type. EY, IMHO, not so much.
Fernanda is not your ordinary heroine. Fr/Ed is so worried about what she'd do if she found out he was Eduardo. But wouldn't it be wild if she said something like "I knew we had a connection all along. I'm not mad at you at all. I completely understand why you had to change your identity to help save my family and honor the memory of your mother. What did you think, I'd get all mad at you and break up with you? That would be like in a telenovela. This is REAL LIFE! I love you, Eduardo" (Kiss, kiss).
Okay, not likely, but it would be different.
=======
Varopinta: Good article. They failed to mention Guy Ecker who has moved easily between the TN and Hollywood series.
Actually, I refused to answer the phone (and later found it was the Nielsen folks) twice because they had the nerve to call both times in the middle of MEPS --the 8:00 pm hour!! When my novela is on the rest of the world ceases to exist for me. It's the one hour of the day I can truly say I keep for myself.
============
Hombre: I've wondered about that kind of an ending to this also. Yours is just as good as anything these writers have come up with!
To see Lucero do a villian after Alborada has also showed her depth. And Sylvia is just brilliant.
Over all MEPS has been terrific.
I really enjoyed the reaction of the priest to Esteve's tempting description of the food at Franco's first communion celebration. He had a wistful look as though he were recalling many such affairs that he had attended and been a central part of over the years. I was expecting to at any moment see drool dripping from his lips like Pavlov's dog. Esteve painted a great picture with words and the padre gave us a great picture without saying a word.
I thought DDenia was brilliant as she channeled Esteve perfectly while she was contemplating her career as a bilingual secretary. Even those who are not fans of DD had to enjoy that little gem.
Add me to the list of those puzzling over how Artie acquired Lil's birth certificate.
Lastly, I know that Damien has many less than admirable traits and a general weakness of character, but I can't picture him participating in Vlad's murder.
Carlos
Official church documents are a different matter. They are maintained by parishes.
Hope all is well with you, we have not heard from you lately - missed your insight.
rsk
Hombre, I think your explanation of Fernanda & Eduardo is perfectly plausible. We can't have too many FELS moments since we only have 26 episodes to go. And these characters aren't nearly as ridiculous as Juan & Sofía.
IMO Silvia is a better actress than Lucero. I like Lucero but I think she overdoes it a little, Silvia hasn't done that at all, very real.
I like the cultural asides, you always learn sth.
BTW, did anyone see el guapisimo in People en Español? I'm looking at his beautiful face right now. He looks much younger in the picture, buts he's competing with mostly 20 & 30 year olds for the 25 más guapos. Very surprised Gabriel Soto is not one of the 25.
Carlos
Thanks Jardinera -- as much fun as the episode, as always.
I am really enjoying this novela and the acting of all. The problem for me with many of the performances has to do with the pacing. PS was shorter and moved along in a mysterious fashion. Dragging things out makes some of these matters seem ridiculous and less than subtle. As someone said, FC is doing well do with the material. I'd say the same for the others. IMHO, SN has been exceptional in carving a meaningful role out of materials that sometimes seems arbitrary and confusion (I repeat my point about pacing). The other standouts for me are those with smaller roles, e.g., Damian, that are more efficiently delivered.
I will be sorry to see it end. AS these things go from Televisa, a good one.
Better get dinner started before watching this, enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssk3oCPotSM
This is only the second TN that I've really followed (the other was Pasion), so I really appreciate the extra information that is posted in the comments about the actors, the shooting schedule and the locations. So thanks everyone!
Speaking of locations, does anyone know where that beautiful ranch that "belongs" to Franco is located? That house is fabulous! And as a horse owner, I drool over the stables, paddocks and the arena. You'd never get me off the place! Esp. if FC was there to go riding with!
I have a friend in Cabo and she says for all of us to hang in there with this novela...because it gets really good really fast... and we will all be happy with the end..... I hope this is not a spoiler?.....but i was reading a lot of disapiontment(anonymous)hang in there all.....I love Colunga in whatever he does and all the actors in this novela...most of the o0her novelas seem too cheesy to me....BN in CA
Be sure to watch Cristina when the novela is finished, she might have the show at the site, which she did for FELS.
The answer was, "I needed a paycheck."
So maybe FC needed a paycheck. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. :o)
I couldn't help but smile, thinking ah Vlad is hiding out in Oregon to avoid getting killed off. I even had to go take a peek at him expecting a dopey guy wearing a big smile and pullover sweater...but he was a small blonde kid. Oh well...first I see Fernanda in her car and now Vlad...I need a life!
Sorry back to MEPS after my google search the second option was this blog Love it love it love it question why is the ENDA recap missing for friday? anyway
To the first poster on this recap Fernando Colunga is great in this TN and the whole cast I've seen Silvia Navarro on Azteca novelas for about 2 years and she shines in this one Lucero is great and love Sergio Sendel.
Great recap could not help but laugh the whole way threw you did it so entertaining Im gonna be sorry when this novela is over as me and my husband both enjoy watching this one together I love Jackie Bracamontes but I cant really say Sortilegio is drawing my attention at all well thanks to all resposible for this great site.
Maite from Miami Florida.
Cristina in CO
Doris, I'm with you--I don't think FC is too proud to take a role if he needs one. I suspect he wasn't totally happy with this role though (there were rumors, but FC avoids talking ill of anyone).
Variopinta, I'm next in line to adopt :-). I wouldn't be surprised about Carla Estrada doing a modern novela though--she did lots in the past. Maybe like FC she wanted a change of pace.
As for FC in Corazón Salvaje, I would have a tough time with that. I'm a big fan of the 1993 version but I am also a big FC fan. However, I have no faith in Mejia given I find his previous work to be awful melodramas. Given the characters Yanez has played lately, I fear Juan de Diablo will be turned into a crying idiot, instead of the brooding anti-hero of the book and previous novelas.
Jardinera, I agree that the chopped up DVD of Corazón Salvaje is terrible, but don't be afraid to watch the full version without the CCs (actually, if they replay it, they won't necessarily add the CC in now). Martai on TW wrote up the complete dialogs for the entire 80 episodes of Corazón Salvaje, so you can follow along with those.
I like your vision of Fer and Fr/Ed, Hombre. It would spare us so much anguish.
It's looking like Fer might be the one who cracks the code first regarding Barbie and Aurora (though Mother Superior might win). It should be interesting when the two of them share notes.
I want to echo the sentiments that everyone on this site is so welcoming and fun. I am sure this site has increased my enjoyment (and comprehension) of MEPS a hundredfold.
For anyone who is interested, there was a fairly long interview with FC on YouTube posted this week. If you type in " entrevista derecho fernando colunga " , it should come up. I have only had a chance to watch part of it and unfortunately I am lost without captions. When I get a chance, I'll try again. However, even without understanding what he is saying, he still is just so fine.
Barbara
Elle, on hearing a Vlad page ....funny, glad you checked it out. If it had really been Vlad, you could have given him some advice....Run, run, run
Xint, Yes, ENDA is for teens like Rebeldes was, but the theme song is beautiful and the video even better. I actually bought En Cambio No from iTunes. It is nice to hear a talented person sing a great song! Too bad the song is paired with ENDA.
Vario, the Nicole Porter link was great, thanks.
Jardinera, Again, your recap was fabulous, you are a language maestro.
Sandy in Tn
==========
Welcome Maite in Miami FL and Cristina CO. We have lots of fun with the really bad novelas on this site, so please feel free to stick around.
Cristina/Pascal/Variopinta:
Lordy, I cringe too at the thought of a 50 yr. old EY playing JDD! If Uni could get Silvia to jump to their stable you'd think they at least could win over Mario Cimarro from Telemundo to play JDD. He at least is nearly the same age as EP was, or looks young enough IMHO and he carried the lead in La Traición with perfection. //Thanks for the tip on marta i's summaries!
===========
Karen: I'm banking on the nun.
=============
La Paloma: Please use the YouTube link I gave JeffMN if you have time when you get back and want to see the episodios in full. Enjoy your trip.
==========
Barbara: Glad to see you appreciate fine Mexican works of art also! > ; ? )
Still, I agree that the song is great and I like the opening with the romantic triangles.
Jarocha
! 8 ? >
” The only Mexican work of art worth looking at in my opinion was Fernando Colunga. Yowza!! Love the way he fills out those gringo blue jeans"
--I jsut love a good looking man in blue jeans, and this was just the best of the best.
Barbara
Maybe it will bomb in Mexico & not make it here. But at least it will be plenty of fodder for the recappers.
I'm looking forward to Sortilegio. It's by Carla Estrada & has Wm Levy.
Since FC is getting older, I think she is shopping for a hot replacement.
Some of these parts are written for much younger men than FC & especially Yáñez. MEPS for FC, DA & FELS for Yáñez.
Araceli Arámbula's schedule is crazy. I don't know how they are finding the time for her to play both characteres. I think she has only taped as Aimeé right now. The whole production seems to be a little behind, Mejía was talking the other day in the news about how he hoped Sortilegio lasted a little longer to give them more time to shoot.
Jarocha
However, given the huge success of FELS, it's possible that Mejia will want (or be encouraged) to turn Salvaje into a pointless, rambling farce as well, in which case I really don't think I could take it.
Hope no one minds this off-topic post. I thought folks here might be interested.
I recently discovered a latino serial-murder- suspense mystery under Time Warner HBO on Demand (channel 114 in Ks City) called Epitafios. Look under "HBO series". I have looked at the first one and it is very well done. I don't know where it is originally broadcast, perhaps the HBO Latino channel. Spanish audio with English subtitles.
Some of my recently discovered Latino musicians:
Zoe - Mexican equivalent of ColdPlay - alternative rock. Very smooth and delicious.
Rebelution - Combination of SKA and Reggae. Very interesting upbeat reggae music - best I've heard since Bob Marley.
Happy Holiday to all -
Silverfox
I thought we would get a little more leche business in MEPS, but at least it touched on it.
I like all of your recommendations
for novelas, movies & books in Spanish. Learning the language is a slow process for me, I need all the help I can get. FC as a teacher would speed up the process unless I couldn't get past "te amo y besame"
Secuestro Express, kidnapping, violence, in Caracas, I wouldn't recommend it.
Torremolinos 73, mildly amusing.
Torremolinos is in Malaga, Spain.
A good site to get ratings on movies & DVD's is rottentomatoes.com
I don't know if Mexican viewers found that stuff ("this is how tequila is made" and "visit Guadalajara, it's awesome" messages) tiresome, but for someone like me who knows nothing of these things, it's much more fun than watching another protracted rehash session or some inane subplot that goes nowhere.
Plus, learning something about the characters' industry gives you the impression that they actually do their jobs once in a while, rather than gossip and scheme in their offices all day.
Hurry to the beach before the rain, I'm in Fort Lauderdale. The sun is shining at the moment.
It's not Grupo Lactos, but this video gives you some idea of the everyday happenings in a big dairy. This video was shot at Fair Oaks Farm in Illinois. It's very interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJRy82i8e5Q
I, too, want to add that I've been very impressed with the acting and especially the way some characters are written. Fernanda, for example, is so far from the usual weeping, moping, weak and unable-to-do-anything-without-male-supervision, TN heroine, that I find this very refreshing. I think FC has done the best job he could under the circumstances. Some scenes do seem a bit forced, but I agree that it's the script's fault, not the actor's.
As far as Sortilegio goes, I am excited for it as well. For those of you who are not particularly thrilled by William Levy and Jacqueline Bracamontes (as I am not), David Zepeda is in it too (and mighty yummy-looking!). He plays the villain this time around and from things I've read and previews I've seen, the role and acting seem to be marvelous and nothing like Acorralada, the script for which, I am convinced, was written by a disturbed person.
Danielle
Thanks for the dairy video, Xlntperuvian!
The only draw is Carla Estrada.
What do cows say in Spanish? I.e. do Spanish-speaking people say that cows say "moo" or do they say something else?
http://spanish.about.com/od/spanishvocabulary/a/animalsounds.htm?nl=1
The best 14 years of my life were the 14 I lived in Florida (Orlando area). Much, much more affordable than Massachusetts, and most of the people were nicer. Best of all, no %@#$ snow.
<< Home
© Caray, Caray! 2006-2022. Duplication of this material for use on any other site is strictly prohibited.