Caray, Caray!

"I guess the space shuttle was booked that day, because I'm sure he knows how to operate that too! He could probably do wheelies in it!" Too funny! And it's funny cause it's true :)

Gracias por el recap, Ferro!
 

I'll miss you, Chris! Come back to us! I saw Flor chewing gum in church too. And what about that pink-clad dweeb singing Ave Maria, waving her arms around? And I thought you were supposed to have covered shoulders in church? I loved the hot air balloon, though. sigh.
 

Thank you Chris for this and all your wonderful entertaining recaps.


Jody :)
 

A HUGE Thank You to our wonderful recappers for their efforts tonight and for all the preceeding episodes! I know I never would have been able to make sense of this TN without all of your work, dedication, humor and insights! You ROCK!!

I enjoyed this thoroughly! A good and satisfying ending (though I do doubt the sincerity of Cad's redemption).

Can someone please tell me what Esteve said about and to Venus during the reception? She looked wonderful with the longer hair, as did Aurora with the new bob. It was good to see Lili happy finally. And Miguel - well he ended up with the rich sister, so I guess that smile and sexy voice paid off for him in the end!
 

Another loose end---we didnt see Fernanda get her packet of Ed's letters.

But I cried anyway. I always cry, after sticking it out with one of these stories for so long its almost like giving birth. Dont know what to do with my foundling white king chess piece now...

A huge thanks to all the recappers and to our blog mom. I'm taking a novela break but will lurk again soon.

Liliana
 

Yay! Thanks! It was funny to see old style communion. I haven't seen anyone put it on your tongue for you since I was a child. The only person I missed was Erika. Guess having a real baby took her out of the final episode.
 

Jaime Camil spotting. Jaime Sr, that is. I guess when it's your property, you get to come to the party. My DVD player went all wonk just before his cameo, so I only heard him, didn't see him. In his cameo on LEP he did better than usual, he looked more natural, as if he's had a few acting lessons. How'd he do on this one?

Several of the women looked sooooo different, I had trouble recognizing them. With Aurora, I thought, "She's with Santi, so it must be Aurora." Why do they change them so much?

Too bad we had banda music for the party, instead of an Alejandro Fernandez appearance. I don't dare tell my Mexican friends how much I detest banda, so may I rant here just a smidge? I am convinced that in h*ll they play banda. Leastwise, it would be my h*ll. The rest of the traditional music is fine; I just can't abide banda.
 

All the recappers were fantastic tonight. I'll be back tommorow with more because it's very late or too early and I need to gather more thoughts after a good sleep.

Paula I can hate banda with you. I hate it SO much. I can't stand it at all and I thought that Fer and Ed getting a banda group was completely random and off. I just can't see either of them into banda. Also, in weddings: mariachis, boleros, trova, salsa and even gruperos are much more typical. Sigh. OT: Did you get my response mail?

Melinama I think there are rules about clothing in church but nobody follows them in real life either.

Jarocha
 

Thanks, Ferro. And thanks to all our great, devoted recappers. Gee, I was a little confused/disappointed in this finale. I enjoyed watching FC on the motorcycle...yikes..scary, but watching him get shot about five times in the body was awful. I kept thinking that it was a dream sequence or he was wearing a kablar vest with fake blood to trick Art into thinking he was dead. Que the hell ??? I also would have been satisfied with Barb in jail para siempre. They didn't have to deepfry her, too. That was just gross. Blazing Barbie..bleeeccchhh. I also wish that Fer would have at least touched Dam before he died. That bedside scene with his mother was hard to watch. I was happy to see the wedding, and I got a kick out of Francisco from DA suddenly appearing so that DDenia would finally have an hombre. I didn't feel the chemistry between FC and Silvia. FC seems kind of stiff...I guess it was those five bullets. Oh well. My advice to FC is to stick with Carla Estrada. She's given him 3 great novelas to star in. Insert big sigh right here.
 

Ah Chris, we were on the same page. Miguel was doing very interesting flips with the "hostia". I'm thinking Liliana is going to be tutored by a real kissing pro.

Melinama, I with you on that wretched soprano. She was mugging for the camera and waving her arms around in the most distracting way. And the lipstick! Ugh. Ruined the wedding for me. Well, not totally...but still.

Flor was so cute flirting with the band guy. Was Gardenia's instant new beau the creep from Destilando Amor? Ugh. Oh well....

The hot air balloon ending was just wonderful. A true fairy tale "happily ever after". Loved it. Wish real life were that way. But then we wouldn't need telenovelas, would we?
 

What was Ana Martin doing there at the wedding? Who was she? That was funny.

It was also funny to see Francisco de la Vega de Chava (the grifter from Destilando) go for Gardenia! I was just thinking about that actor today, wondering what he'd been up to.

I had to LOL all through the reception - handsome dudes for all the single ladies!

But what happened to Erika? Did they show her and I missed her, or did they even mention her?? Did she formally "go away" during one of the ultimos capitulos and I missed it? (I confess that due to time constraints, I was only able to skim some of those recaps.)
 

I can't stand banda either and thought they wrecked a really nice song.
 

Chris - thank you for all your recaps, esp. with a new baby! I appreciate all the work you've put into it, and please thank your wife for her patience with your recapping labors.

Chris - Catholics pray to saints (but do not worship them at all!) as intermediaries to God and/or Jesus. It's a Catholic thing. It's sort of like we are a PAC committee, and the saints are our lobbyists in Washington D.C.)You can't have too many friends in heaven.

You saw Communion being handed out the old-fashioned way. I don't know if the modern Catholic church still does it that way, or not, since I bailed out 32 years ago. A practicing Catholic can weigh in on that. (When I left, women were not even allowed to dispense communion but I hear that has changed.) The practice comes from some disease epidemic, centuries ago, in which germs were not to be shared, people didn't have good sanitation, so only the priest touched the wafer and his hands (hopefully) had been washed.

What a great ending! It was muy divertido and very satisfying. Everyone got what they deserved.

"Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?" (Fifth Dimension)

I guess Aibal and Pris divorced. Anibal looked like a new man --- a humble man --- at the wedding. Good for him.

Camilo seemed repentant enough, after being on the receiving end of getting beat up and raped. Just desserts.

susanlynn - I thought the shooting of Ed was a dream sequence too. I could not believe it. (in Pura Sangre he is shot on the street, their "Fer" find his car but not him because a neighbor has dragged him into her house and he's on the sofa dying.... and NEVER called an ambulance. Way worse in Colombia than Mexico, if you ask me.... but different from MEPS in that she knew he was shot within the hour)

I loved Ana Martin’s cameo appearance at the wedding. That was sooo random! She played FC’s mother in Amor Real. Her name was on the credits at the beginning of the episode last night.


Who was the distinguished looking grey haired guy in the navy suit & tie that congratulated the couple at the reception? Is that Camil Sr.?

At the wedding, Aurora looked eerily like Barbie.

Paula H - the hair changes---signifies new etapas in their lives. I did not recognize Tomasa but wondered who that woman was.

xntlperuvian - What I understood Steve to say about Venus was, essentially, that he hopes one day they have a child, a beautiful little girl just like Venus.

It seems Erika was our only loose end that didn't get tied up. Oh well....

Now to try Sortilegio. I'm not sure I'll like it but I'll give it a chance. Nothing else is on that interests me, and BLF will end in a week or two. Wah.
 

Thanks for the recap Ferro. It's been a fun ride with all of you. I'm sad it is over but as one ends another one begins. Francisco de la Vega gives me the creeps (Gardenia's new boyfriend). Yes he was the creep from DA. I like to refer to him as crispy critter. That was Tomasa?! I didn't recognize her. I hate Banda too. Blech! 8(:-)
 

Well, Chris, you did a splendid job recapping the mandatory wedding finale. Loved the space shuttle jab at our resident hero who also leaps tall buildings in a single bound. Too funny!

OK, I may be the only one but...I didn't like the wedding. Nanda's dress was blah. Her Dam wedding dress was much prettier. The singer was a distraction. Her voice was ok but egads, take the camera off of her! She reminded me of Olive Oyl with those gangly arms & horse teeth.

And the balloon? Pure cheese, especially with the "FE" on the side. Why didn't they just go out & get his-n-hers tattoos?

My daughter joined me just in time to see scary Barbie Que (HA!) & she said "man, they do comeuppance with a vengeance, don't they?"

I'm sorry they kept our 2 protagonistas apart for so long.

Net/net: MEPS was ok. Pasion is still the high water mark for me. TBLMOE needs a better role, hope to see Sylvia again soon (I think she is stunningly gorgeous) & I'm passing on Sortilegio to get some work done.

Ciao for now, gang!
Maggarita
8(:->

p.s. Connie, love your beanie emoticon!
 

Ferro: Where would we be without that snark of yours? Sorry you won't be around for Sortilegio to give that unique perspective of yours in recapping.

Blah wedding dress is right, Melinama. Even blahier wedding--one of the worst for a fin.
At least we didn't have to see ankle high boots under it with Ren and Stimpy legs.
 

Aawwww, I liked the wedding dress. Count me in the minority.

Fer sure wasn't taking any chances with her 2nd marriage: First wedding to Dam was out on the lawn and look what happened. Second wedding---in a church! Reminded me of Loretta Castorini's so-called luck in Moonstruck.

I hope FC's next role is better. He's so hot in period 'novelas. He looked too metrosexual for me in this one. Ewww. I like my men a little not-so-perfect-looking.
 

Thanks, Chris. At last - we see FrEd without eyeliner.
 

Chris,

Thanks so much for ALL your recaps and I second what someone else said, pass a thanks to your wife for her patience as well. Great new dad comment, Aurora's baby looks like a newborn, not like Pris's who looks like 6 months old! I see you have had some baby care duties!

Doris,on Nanda's dress, my sweet daughter-in-law invited me to look at wedding dresses with her. Standing alone, I began admiring a dress that looked exactly like Nanda's. A clerk walked by and said that the dress I had was what OLDER brides always chose! What does that say about us!

I owe an apology to Steve and Venus. They actually look good together. When they are at home, with her blue jeans jacket and his jogging suit they actually have a Ma and Pa Kettle look about them. Venus, Steve's rich NYC parents will love you!

Babs crying on the baby photo was heart wrenching. I actually shed a tear or two. Her outcome was a little too much for me. The telanovela gods HATE Barbara. They gave Artie a great funeral and proper burial place in the family crypt and in his life he was horrible, go figure.

Sandy in TN
 

Melinama - I'll be back, I just don't know when. The combination of real life and not being interested in the next show (after Heridas de Amor and what I watched of Tontas I don't think I'll ever watch a show with Bracamontes again) is going to put me on the shelf for a while. I hope in a few months something good starts.

Yeah the wedding singer was nutty.

I was wondering who the random well dressed gentleman was too, I guess that was Camil sr?

It wasn't in my half hour so I forgot to mention - did you see that even if Camilo is suffering in jail, he still seems to be able to find a tanning bed and hair gel? Wonder what he has to give up in trade for that....
 

Well they already took his shoes! What else is left? Hmmmmm......
 

Sandy, I also cried during the scene of Babs crying over the picture of her nieto. I think that's the first time I've ever felt that much sympathy for a villian at the end, so either the writers or Lucero did a great job to make that possible.
I also liked Fer's first wedding dress and dream wedding dress better than the one the dressed her in for the finale, but I actually loved her look in the booties and short dress. Very stylish and modern, and she has great legs.
Thanks so much to all the recappers from last night and from this whole novela.
Vivi in DC
 

Erika moved to Argentina to get away from it all.

Neither Erika nor her parents needed to be at the wedding; Fernanda was marrying the man Erika was supposed to. I think Fernanda's always had the life Erika wanted. Now it's time for Erika to get her own life.

I guess it's implied that Jacobo & Lucio bit the dust.

Did Santiago & Aurora get married?

I saw a big rock on Venus' hand so I assume she and Steve got married. Venus also got herself a fresh new weave.
 

Chris, thanks for all your great recapping!

As to your question, “…has anyone ever actually prayed to GOD ever in one of these shows?” Gardenia prayed to Jesus at least once.

“During one of the group shots, we get to see Aurora chomping away on a piece of gum with her mouth wide open.” Missed that. I’m going to have to go back and look at the last part again. I didn’t recognize the band member that Denia was blowing kisses to, even though I was a Destilando fan. I think I also missed Tomasa.

Susanlynn, “I also would have been satisfied with Barb in jail para siempre. They didn't have to deepfry her, too.” They did something similar to Rubi. Is that a TN device when death isn’t good enough, or for beautiful women whose best punishment is disfigurement. I think it’s unnecessary.

Sandy in TN, I too thought Artie’s end was unfairly superior to that of Barbie, whom he played a huge part in corrupting.

Julie: “What was Ana Martin doing there at the wedding? Who was she?” I wondered that too. Someone in a recap for another part suggested she was Mercario’s wife.
 

Was that Clarita from Destilando?
 

I also want to mention that I was very impressed with Silvia Navarro - that is the best acting by a lead female of any of the shows I've seen so far. A lot of the credit goes to the writers for not making her stupid and helpless (I'm looking at you AURORA) like so many protagonistas, but she did an excellent job. If someone knows where she will appear next let me know.
 

The gum chewing was gross. My daughter chews gum all the time. Yuck.
 

Gracias x 6

I appreciate all the re-capers, it helps clear things up, in addition to being lots of fun.

Babs didn't look so good with oatmeal on her face & someone here got their wish, no hair.

Recognized Gardenia's new interest as the slimeball from DA, married to Rodrigo's sister Sofia, & more teeth than Miguel.

Flor is going to end up with a Mariachi.

Things we'll never find out
How Artemio got his money
Anything more about Eduardo's father
How Erika is doing
Are Pris & Vladimir living happily, para siempre?

I have a complaint about communion, they got the wafer, where was the vino?

Ana Martin said she just likes to come to weddings, she was not related to anyone. I think FC is one of her favorites.

All in all a very good novela.

See you at Sortilegio
 

Yes Doris and Ferro, the unfamiliar older guy who congratulated the couple is Jaime Camil Sr. (See clip, time hack 2:30.) He's been in cameos in four of his son's shows, but this is the first I've seen him in anything else. Las Animas (the exterior, anyway) is actually Camil Sr's ranch outside Mexico City, so I'm sure that's the reason he was included.
 

Ferro...again we're on the same page. I didn't mind Bracamontes in Heridas but was totally annoyed by her in Tontas. Insufferable. So the combo of her and mush-mouthed William Levy is too much for me. Am going to skip Sortilegio and try and work on my spoken Spanish a bit more (talking to myself I guess!)
 

Melinama thanks for the hard work you put in same goes to everyone else involved in the recapping. it sure helps with the translation and comprehension. Great job everyone.

I think the majority of the comments will be in this section so I will put all my comments her for all parts. Eduardo should have used my explanation about why he adopted the guise of Franco Santoro. Eduardo died so that Franco Santoro can be born to get mhis revenge to those who wronged him. The unmasking of Santoro led to feelings of leplessness and despair that after his work is done, he will leave his dearly beloved forever. Eduardo took solace to the fact that he did what he had to do to get his revenge and to free the innocent Liliana but the price he had to pay was to never have Fernanda. A very high price indeed.

Perhaps all the explaining would have to be put on hold after the phone call telling of Damian's impending demise. Damian died in the arms of his mother and even though he did not touch Fernanda, got to tell her he failed her and was sorry. Quite a dignified death to someone I did not like. At least he had repented in the end.

Was the funeral held that same day and they had a quick change that Superman would be proud of? I notice that clouds in the sky signify the passage of time here. did not notice that on the transition scene to the funeral parlor hug and goodby to Damian's mother.

I have never seen Babs so desperate that She gave Lucio whatever amount he asked. She was becoming unglued. It was good to see Aurora reunited with her. If even for an instant both of them actually felt happy. I too wondered how long Babs left the room when Aurora made the phone call to Fernanda to say that she was ok and that Babs had her. Because all of a sudden she disappears and reappears at the Hacienda Elizalde.

The day reaches a climax with the confrontation between Babs and Fernanda. Eduardo and Babs should have realized that they had her in their hands and that they could have made a deal with her to turn herself in and Turn witness against Artemio in exchange for a lesser sentence in Prison. She was begging and begging and it became apparent that it was end game for her. Instead it turned into a confrontation. Who could have blamed Fernanda who was by then totally enraged and the pent up emotion of 15 years was unleased on Babs. Eduardo becomes a catfight referee and interestingly enough the person with level headedness in this situation. That was the slap heard around the world by Fernanda and a reeling Babs tried to get one on Fernanda.
Eduardo semmingly getting all kinds of hands across his face.

At the end of the exchange, I thought she threw down her blackberry. I did not know it was the house keys acording ot one observer. Good thing they Got rid of Santiago since he was not thinking clearly. It was a perfect statement though to say that it was up to Aurora is she wants to see Babs again. At least they respected her enough to let her make the decision instead of thinking for her and maintaining control of the situation.



Ibarramedia


Ibarramedia
 

Chris, I knew it was you as soon as I saw the title. Now that I can ID your work, you're leaving! You always made me laugh and your recaps are always wonderful, this one especially. Enjoy your family but don't stay away too long.

Except for not being sure Vlad and Pris are together, this one summed up everything nicely. I agree that Barbara's ending was cruel and unnecessary especially as already pointed out, Artemio was buried with more pomp and circumstance than Barbara will ever receive.

Wonderful to see Lili happy and that Jacinto and Marg are expecting.

Agree with other postings about Colunga. Not sure if he was miscast or misdirected. His mugging and expressions were not indicative of the action around him and some were simply painful to watch. He is better suited to portray a romantic,immortal man (Ricardo). Mere mortal simply doesn't suit him.

Thanks to all the commenters and bloggers. It was a great ride.

Diana in MA
 

With Babs leaving the Hacienda,I figured she would go to Artemio's mansion or th ehotel to stay. Santiago's revelation to Aurora prompted her to leave and make a decision. The fateful Reconciliation of the family that kills together, stays together was a time of hight tension. What words would be said? The finger pointing that ensued between Babs and Artemio meant that they were owned and beat down by Aurora. Aurora questioning why she was born was poignant. She has Babs to thank though, because I think Artemio wanted to abort her or kill her. So at the very least, she can thank her for that.

Babs by then had finally snapped. I was surprised at how quick and efficient ths had dispatched of Artemio with one shot while Borja could not finish the job on Eduardo with 5 shots and one close to point blank. More on that a little later.

Babs had lost emotion in her face and had a blank look. She had lost everything. And sat in the chair. I tjhought she had called the authorities herself but later realized that Fernanda and Santiago had called them. She basically turned herself in by admitting to shooting Artemio. Commander Lozaya was giving her out by asking if it was suicide. she said no. I killed him. this signifies to me that she was tired of running and hiding and Aurora seemingly rejected her. With that she had no more purpose to live because Aurora was trully the only thing she Rebecca Sanchez trully had left. And now she was gone after a fleeting moment of hope for what she thought was a daughter lost forever. The fates were cruel to her in that she had materialized after being thought long dead only to have the ultimate fate of rejection spit her in the face. I was really feeling bad for her now.

While the high and heavy drama was going on in Artmio's erstwhile family reunion. Eduardo had to go see the former Dr. Plutarco Obregon a a nightclub teaching the dancers the can-can during rehearsal. The look on Eduardo's face was priceless. A wtf is this combined with eye roll and jaw dropping impactada. If anyone was debating whether the Dr. was gay or not before, would have a more conclusive ec=vidence this time. He even acted much more flamboyant than ever before. After he regained his composure, he sternly yelled "Obregon" to which he turned around to see who it was and just about died of fright.

After convincing him to testify against Babs, we see the ubiquitious car vs Dirtbike chase. I think Eduardo ahd a fraction of a second to strap on his helmet but took too long staring at Borja in the car. Someone had asked if it was a moped. A moped is a small motorcycle that is almost a hybrid between a bike and motorcyle. Smaller and weaker horsepower wise to a scooter and a vespa. I very briefly tried a dirtbike before with an elbow scar ro go with it.

Anyway, traffic must be so bad in the heart of DF that it is better to use a motorcyle. I still maintain that Cairo and New Delhi have the worst traffic in the world. The wheelie was fun to watch but not needed and not logical only serving to taunt the chasers. Eduardo ahd ample chances to really evade them. I can't believe the goons were able to follow a motorcyle to asemiaanr room all the way to the back dock area and the car blocking his way. Even I would have lost them and my flirtation with the bike was brief. With the chase semmingly over I would have returned to las animas after only completely losing borja and the goons. He was not quick enough and was shot five times and seemingly killed to Jacinto and Steve's horror. He sure looked dead to me when he said a few words and then closed his eyes witha head nod.

The surgery was gut wrenching abnd his life was still in danger. Only one bullet was extracted. The timing could not have been more dramatic when Fernada called asking about Eduardo. Steve sullnly said he was on the plane for the US. The look of disaapointment in Fernanda's face was classic. I wanted to hug and kiss her myself.


Ibarramedia
 

I am severely, profoundly disappointed with the finale. They jumped through hoops to tie up almost all the minor loose ends, but they completely ignored the second most important one.

(with apologies to Vizzini) The fools! They fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is "the protagonists must get married," but only slightly less well known is this: "Sergio Sendel must throw a cell phone!"
 

The trial of Rebecca Sanchez Fruto aka Barbara Grecco aka Babs caught me off guard. I'm not used to seeing a regular room with a small holding cell as a courtroom. Seemed more like an ofice to me. I'm more used to the English and American and even European system of justice in a grand courtroom with the Jusgado in dark robes. I've sat in few of those before for classes. In my mind after surrendering herself to the authorities, I thought that Babs would have longer trial time, with dramatic testimonies flashing by in quck succession. No dramatic courtoom scene just a cold handing down of her sentence of a cumlative 235 years and with 60 years of actually being served. All were present except for Eduardo. I was thinking he would have been recovered and was a witness testifying. with Babs being led away, i thoughfor a moment she had headbutted the other person.


Ibarramedia
 

Great recap, Chris, and thanks for all of your recaps. They're always enjoyable.

I thought it was funny they had Ana Martin show up for the wedding, and why not? She's in just about every novela, usually as someone's Mom.

I also didn't like the wedding singer, but I think she did better with Ave Maria than Pablo Montero in FELS.

Besides Sylvia Navarro, I also think the actress who played Liliana did a great job, very nuanced, just gradually, gradually getting better (although it was hard to believe she was far enough back at the end to have Miguel fall for her).
 

Iberramedia..just wonderful analysis. You are a great thinker!

The only thing about participating in the Caray Caray blog during office hours is the LAUGHING OUT LOUD problem. This is not good.

I can start this, but can't finish it, but I'd like to comment on the really BEAUTIFUL and well done scenes played my the MEPS actors. One that will always stay with me is the wedding scene with Erika when she gives Eduardo his freedom. (of course per usual he doesn't take advantage of it!) and Fernanda crying in the car after the night with Franco (woops Eduardo). Unfortunately, the burned Babs crying with the tears falling on photo of the nieto was very, very good but will probably come back to haunt me in a BAD dream....Any more?

Sandy in TN
 

I was happy to see Ana Martin. She was FC's mother in Amor Real, and I think that they are very close in real life. I once heard her call him ''my prince'' on an awards show when he [for Pasion] lost out to Ed Yanez [DA]. I agree that Fer's dress in her wedding to Dam was much prettier. I didn't see the one in the dream sequence. I, too, was surprised to see the family he terrorized for 15 years giving Art at funeral and putting him in the family crypt. Que the hell. I, too, hated the wedding singer. She must be relative of the producer. All in all, the finale was a disappointment to me. I kept thinkimg of the great outdoor party for the finale of Alborada. Oh well, I hope FC makes a better choice for his next novela, and now I'll wait for Corazon Salvaje.
 

I think for Aurora's sake and the sake of the Artemio's/Gonzo's grandchild, it was best that they put Artie in the family crypt. I would like to imagine that when Babs kicks the bucket they will do the same. When the kids of age they can at least say that your grandma and grandpa did some pretty terrible things, but they were family and we forgive them. None us carry hate in our hearts for them, so you should not worry about how we or anyone else views you as their grandchild. I think it;s very healthy. Much more so than continuing to hide the fact of their existance from the kid.

My speculation about Pris is that she is the one who called Vlad to let him know the baby was being born. I think there were some thoughts that he stalkier/spidey senses kicked in and he knew somehow. Unlike Anibal who waits till after a meeting to come, he gets on the first flight from Monterey and still gets there at the same time ar Anibal. I don't see him and Pris being together romantically (and they never showed her falling in love with him), but I do see them co-parenting and building a life where they are both committed/loving parents to their child. That's what Pris realized was most important in the end. You can only hope that eventually she also finds a good man to love and who loves her. Ironically enough, the changed man Anibal became at the end could have been that person. Just my thoughts on the only loose end that I really cared about.

-Vivi in DC
 

I was wondering why they had to tranqulize her. I know babs was hysterical but the clinic scene was a little odd. She sure cold cocked that prison dra. I was Hoping she would not burn the whole place but was horrified when I saw her pour it on herself as I knew what was coming next. You could picture me saying in slow motion with a very deep voice Noooo the cliche movie no. As I saw her bruning from a distnace, I really had thought that the whole place had burned down and there reall was no way she could have survived that. No puede ser as all of you would say. the pasage of time to Priscilla Giving birth to Her kid with Vladimir doing a Kramer from Seinfeld's sudden appearance was surprising to say the least. After Priscilla confirmed that what Vladimir said was true that the baby was not a n Elizalde but a little piniero, I thought Anibal might spike the baby like a touchdown spike. that was the last time Gonzalo looked clueless but it was the time to look clueless. Anyone who did not mknow the backstory would have the same quizzical looks too. It is implied that Anibal and Priscilla Divorced and Priscilla forsaking any monetary settlement as i know anibal would do anything to not give her funds. That is why we never see her again.

There was a lesson in humility for Camilo. At this point, only Gonzalo loves his son. Fernanda prsctically hates and disowned her older brother and Santiago would like to kill him. No comment on Anibal and Liliana's feelings.
I have to love the drastic demotion to Anibal. Very fitting indeed. He also needed to learn some humility and what better way to do that than to send him working with the crew shovelling manure. Getting his straw hat chomped on by the cow was priceless. He could have quit and worked elsewhere but did not so to me it seemed like a temporary deal.

The funeral memorial for Artemio was surprising. But I guess in their eyes, the family had to make peace with their demons of generations past. The man got a way more dignified funeral than I had thought he deserved. i thought that he would quietly be buried off camera after all the action that happened. Liliana did put his box of ashes in the crypt then placed the diary which i assume was read by everyone after time had gone by. Gonzalo credits his brother and recognized his brother for teaching them lesson in life. The way I see it was that it was unintentional lessons while Artemio confessed all that he had done to Gonzalo while Gonzalo lay dying.

Anibal may have had the most humiliating consequence. Artemio forgiven and even praised. I think that Babs had the worst deal. Trully cruel. Like JudyB, I was trully heartbroken at her fate. She definitely got the short end of the deal here. Considering that without Artemio Bravo, she would not have been doing all that she did. He in essence created her and all in his quest for vengeance and to wreck havok in their lives. Her punishment was not proportionate compared to the praise that Artemio got. I had my hopes in her redemption. what happened to her was something that many would not wish on their worst,hated enemies. I have seen some pictures of severely burned victims and have seen worse than what happened to Babs. Still it is too cruel a consequence that some of Babs biggest detractors would probably feel sorry for her.

I'm sure that no one knew what had happened to her only that she was locked up in prison. It is a very small consolation that Aurora would keep her appraised of her child,Babs grandchild. At least it is better than suffering what happened to her physically and then never ever having any kind of contact with Aurora and her child.

Ibarramedia
 

It was disturbing to say the least. Stange how they would blur out Fernanda's nipple yet show a horribly disfigured Babs face. She should actully still be in the buirn unit. It takes many,many months or even years to recover and be mobile. I don't like seeing beautiful women geting ruined. I'm too chivalrous for that.

Lucio and Jacobo were liquidated but it seems the rest of the goon squad and borja got away scot free.

Fernada's beloved community center was finally realized and that was great. Even Better that it was named after Soledad. Fernanda's beloved Nana and Eduardo's mom. The quick segment of all the ladies in the show in the meeting almost gave me the impression that Fernanda works there fulltime now instead of in Lactos. Lots of planning for the future of the kids.

It was a cool move by Eduardo to get the kid to give Fernanda the necklace but bonehead move to get jealous and pull his disappearing act again. to the constrnation of Fernanda. Good thing she decided to go see him at the Church crypt where Soledad was. He may never have the guts to ask her to marry him so she did in a way.

I expected to see Erika at he wedding with a guy comng in from Argentina. It would have been nice. After all she is Fernanda's BFF. Everyone was there and I mean everyone. Except for Camilo who is still locked up Anibal seems to have finally learned some humility and actually looked soft spoken and broken whn he spoke to Fernanda.

All the girls got to hook up with guys. No more old maid's club for them. It was really refreshing to see Liliana fully recovered and fucntioning. She actually looked hot and good thing she hooked up with Miguel. She needs some love.

The hot air balloon was cheezy romantic but fitting. I was just thinking Eduardo had better pilot that thing correctly. I too thought about the song my beautiful balloon. Fitting ending.

It was fun going on this ride with everyone. All kinds of comments and discussions. Interesting things learned. Than ks to all the rtecappers and commenters once again.


Ibarramedia
 

I'm catholic and even though I have not been to mass on a regular basis I'm very much in my faiths and beliefs. We pray to saints but worship God as someone said earlier. I have both done the old fashioned opening my mouth to receive the 'body of christ' during holy communion. I guess it depends on the parish or going with the flow. If the majority are extending their cupped palms I guess it is so that you don't fumble the host if no acolyte is present with the plate that acts like a communion catcher should the exchange ever fumble. And I have never ever seen it fumbled in my life. not saying it does not happen. Just never seen it before.
Wine is not always available durin services.

I'm neutral on the wedding singer. Did not sound bad and Was not on my Radar. Same with Fernada's wedding attire. I guess guys just don't focus on those things. Oh well.

I still cannot get over Babs really horrible fate. I rarely have compassion with enemies but I do for Babs. There should be an alternate ending/s in the dvds. A lot of movies do that now.

At the end of the day I wanted to marry Fernanda. Great woman.

Ibarramedia
 

I would like to thank all the recappers for their stupendous work. I have had a lot of fun with this blog.

I hate to be the skunk at the garden party, but after following Fernando Colunga for almost 20 years in TNs, and after the top rate roles he had in the three previous historical novelas, it was almost physically painful to watch him corseted in this one dimensional role as a wanker who can't even tell the truth on what he thinks is his death bed. He and his friend Estif created havoc and suffering with their clumsy machinations. The fact that he's easy on the eyes can compensate for a multitude of sins, but everything has a limit. Props to Silvia Navarro for playing error free ball. Other great characters were Damian and Vladimir and Dr. Obregón. And last but certainly not least: Gardenia. In addition to being a lucious little serving of eye candy herself, the little linguistic eddies she took us on were such a treat, such as her ongoing back and forth with "chuchito lindo."

As for me, I'll probaby be waiting for Televisa to crank out another "novela de época." Hope it is soon.

cheers to all,

El Pelón
 

Thanks for the props Sandy. I had to break up my comments because it kept going over the limit.


Ibarramedia
 

Thanks to all the recappers and people who commented. It has been fun.

I realize how the captions help me. I had watched the finale with videos without captions. I simply could not get what Ed was telling Fernanda at the end. I thought it sounded like "mi primer y color" - with the captions I noticed it was "mi primer y único amor". There were a few other instances such as this. Unfortunately one becomes reliant on captions.

I'm not sure about Sortiligio - also don't like the actors but I'll be around.

Lynne
 

Yes, I'm afraid Babs's fate will haunt me for a long time, in fact I found it upsetting. Maybe we should take away from it the incredible forgiveness and love that Aurora is showing her madre by sending the picture of the little nieto, perhaps keeping her in the loop even though she is in the carcel essentially forever. Babs's demise was a little too much of a tear jerker for me.

Sandy in TN
 

Artemio Bravo basically got a pass for his actions while Babs suffered a most horribly, excruciatingly, agonizing end. I shed a little tear for her and I never ever do that. Pride in the name of love. So sad...

Ibarramedia
 

JudyB said:

"Poor Barbie. It wasn't a cigarette break. She went out to buy a new wardrobe for her daughter. In spite of all her evil deeds, my maternal heart ached for la Hiena in this finale. Her self-imposed immolation, resulting physical and emotional pain were so palpable and intense. This was one humdinger of an ending.

What cruel punishments the writers give female villans! Remember the dreadful rape and desperate wandering of that poor blind lady in Pasión? Message is clear: if you're a woman, you really really have to toe the line! Guys might get a little more slack."

Agreed completely with Judy x100.
Lisabeta in Pasion Raped, and wondering road on her knees was too cruel. American and European movies have fewer villanas. Most don't suffer such gruesome endings.

Do they make telenovelas with no female antagonists?


Ibarramedia
 

How come I cry so much when I watch Mexican telenovelas but almost never cry when I watch American TV? I also laugh pretty hard.

One of the things I laughed about was the homage to they did to Destilando Amor both during the wedding and the reception. Did anyone else see this or am I crazy?

In the pews, crying her eyeballs out, was Gaviota's mother. Someone asks her if she knows the bride and groom and she replies no, she comes to weddings to cry.

The other occurs at the reception when the slimeball, in full D.A. character of Francisco, sidles up to Gardenia and feeds her sweet nothings. A fitting partner for the meddling over-the-top Gardenia.
 

I'm not sure what's worse, Babs burned to a crisp, or old lady what's-her-name waking up buried alive in Fuego En La Sangre.
 

The court scenes in Destilando were just like Bab's. They stand in this cage thing. It's kind of strange by our standards. Not sure what the reason is but they did have a court reporter taking it down.

Can't believe we didn't get a phone throw! You'll all have to watch Destilando for that I guess. I try to monitor it so I can alert everyone. It's more toward the end really. Sergio is over the top in that one.

Thank God there was no Franco Reyes at the church. That lady was bad enough but not as bad as Franco (who sounded like a scalded cat!). Ack!
 

Jarocha said:


"I didn't liked that Artemio was basically forgiven at the end when he had been much worse than Barbara. I felt the writers were a little unfair with the punishment of those two. Babs got a horrible commeupance while just died (yeah, I think dead it's not a terrible destiny).

I was pleased with the trial because they tried to make it at least a little bit real by using a true mexican courtroom. Most novelas are horrible in this aspect and they get trials completely wrong. Probably in real life Barbie's case would have taken a longer trial and the press would have been present, but I'm still satisfied with the scene.

Hombre: Not all defendants are behind the grill on their trials, just the ones imprisoned beforehand that weren't released by bail. Babs admitted to committing murder so I don't think she was allowed a bail."

I echo your sentiments. I just have to ask what judicial system does Mexico base it's on? As I said earlier in another post, the court room looked more like an office with a holding cell on the side. I expected to see an American/European style majestic court room with the sitting judge in a black robe. No need for powdered wigs like the Barristers in the UK wear though.

during the Trial of some scicillian Mobsters in Italy, they built a protected built in holding cell, in the court room to prevent assasinations of the accused. They were sound proof too If I remember correctly so other accused would not hear each others testimony.

It is a good thing for Camilo that he was not in a Philippine court room. Up until a few years ago, approximately 3-5 years ago. Rape was punishable by the death Penalty. Though their judicial system and bill of rights are patterned after the US, they had more draconian sentencing guidelines. Crime syndicates boss's convicted of drug dealing were also sentenced to die. But now the Death Penalty was abolished.



Ibarramedia
 

Many of you are upset over Artemio being forgiven by the family and being laid to rest in the family crypt. Well, I think the final resting place is good irony, as he hated them all so much.

BUT . . . forgiveness is not about the effect is has on the transgressor; it is done for the benefit of the one who forgives. Telenovelas are full of moral lessons for their Latino viewers, and this is the big one in MEPS. The lesson they teach their viewers is that you must forgive, not hold resentments, and move on.

Apparently Artemio never did that and look at the havoc he wreaked. He was a very unhappy man, too. Compare to the Elizaldes, who all forgave him, and the happiness that ensued.

Fernanda forgave Ed for this Franco role, and she will live happily ever because of it. Lili forgave Bonzo for being such a cr@ppy father.
Damian apologized for all his misdeeds, so he'll spend some time in Purgatory but not hell.
And so on.

I really rather liked it that everyone forgave Arte, even though ending up dead was too easy a fate for him.

Real life itself doesn't always turn out quite so pretty, but that is the parable of MEPS.
 

Does anyone else think that Miguel is arguably the most handsome man to ever appear in a telenovela?

Also, despite Venus's accusation, I would never think Camillo gay. However, I'd naturally have to wonder if the gym bunny Franco/Edwardo and his live-in guest Esteve were a little light in the loafers.
 

Babs' face was quite shocking. I thought it would be bad but really, wow! How awful. Artemio's death was way to fast. He should have had to do some suffering for sure. I thought Erika might show up with a new guy too. Maybe she was off having her baby though and that is why she didn't come back.
 

Hey, just watch a Disney flick & see what they do to mothers.
Bambi - dead mom
Cinderella - dead mom
Snow White - dead mom
Belle - dead mom
Ariel - dead mom
etc. etc. It's enough to make you wonder why!

Also, if someone gives you just one M&M, you only have an M.

Maggarita
(ruh roh..it's only Tuesday & I'm already goin' round the bend!)
 

Sorry Anon, I can't stand Miguel. He is slimy and smarmy (if that is a word). Yuck.
 

Chris, I have enjoyed your work since I first found Caray Caray. In addition to bringing the masculine perspective (weren't you the first guy to recap here?) you have a remarkable and unique insight coupled with a wicked wit. I love the way you share your true feelings about the shows you recap. When you are not around, believe me, you are missed. Good luck with your endeavors and your lovely family which we have seen grow.

Carlos
 

Are we going to have a discussion place for Cristina? I'm not sure I'll be able to watch it but I'm going to record it for sure.
 

Thank you Carlos, how nice! I will be back. I have tried to slog my way through shows, recapping, that I wasn't interested in watching and it is a chore, so I won't do that again. I really enjoy a good novela though, so I'll be back.
 

Marggarita...most of those mom's are dead when the show starts, Bambi's mom we get to see get taken out!

I was surprised when we went back to Babs. First I was shocked she only got life in prison, then instead she lights herself on fire and I was all whoa! But wait, she survives! Holy cow! I kind of liked how she took out Art. Lucero is great when she is just the cold blooded killer, not the crying and begging. I do really like her though.

On Fer's dress. I was find with it. It was a second wedding and more mature and ivory. It worked fine and Sylvia is so beautiful she pulled off every gastly outfit they put her in.

I enjoyed the finale. I kept looking at the clock thinking it must be ending because it was so full and just kept speeding along.

I enjoyed this novella all the way through, and I am so greatful for the marvelous recappers and all of you commentators who make it so much fun!
 

I liked her dress too Molly. She looked stunning in it and very tall. Maybe that was my TV.
 

Not sure if any of you caught that Esteve y Venus are going to have a little Venusita.

Did they go to Houston with Eduardo?
 

I think the Macario Murder and the embezzling and other crimes were confessed by Babs. It is logical since she already confessed to killing Artemio when she could have said yes. He committed suicide. this of course was done off camera. And there were many scenes of time passing by via the clouds in the sky and the captions underneath.

Connie, Dear Bab looked beyond revolting and pitiful. they could have done scenario where we see her hands grab the letter, weeps in darkness and we would be left ot our own imagination. she looked similar to Anakin Skywalker more than Freddy Krueger in my opinion. Anakin was just much more worse. He was burned by lava both hands and both feet above the knees were amputated, part of his brain was showing and he could not breathe unaided by the built in Iron lung/Breathing device from where we hear the now famous Darth Vader breathing. Still no human should suffer like that much less a woman.

Anonymous said...
Does anyone else think that Miguel is arguably the most handsome man to ever appear in a telenovela?

Also, despite Venus's accusation, I would never think Camillo gay. However, I'd naturally have to wonder if the gym bunny Franco/Edwardo and his live-in guest Esteve were a little light in the loafers.


Here is my take on this from a self professed tough guy's perspective, although Babs' fate has made me somewhat of a softy today:

Venus accusation was well designed for maximum humiliation and insult.
Not to offend our readers and viewers who may be gay. But for guys, much less young, virile guys, calling them gay is probably the worst insult you can make. Again, no offense to the gay members of society but the thing is if a woman was called a guy, she woudl be insulted. likeweise if a guy called a woman or gay. Now if a person is gay and they wee called gay, it does not sting as much. I once knocked out a guy who insulted me and called me the F word if you get my drift. When you are in the schoolyard in elemntary school, you are placed in a impossible situation that would result in lose of face and self respect. We all know how tough it was to be in school. this was also before political correctness became hip. Nowadays, kids would just go postal and get guns and explosives like Damian and go all columbine. But I digress. I really wanted to address this when it was initially being discussed but was too busy at the time. That is a perspective that the female majority probably never knew judging by the commnets i read then.


Ibarramedia
 

Good point about Anakin. I think Babs probably runs a close second don't you think?

Being called gay is pretty bad for a guy. I have gay friends who are awesome but to a straight guy, yes, being called gay is pretty damaging to his reputation.

I thought I heard Esteve say they were pregnant but wasn't sure.
 

Anon, I think Miguel is guapo, but just can't touch Colunga's zapatos.

I guess Camilo is someone's bitch by now. I'm really looking forward to seeing him on Cristina. It's more fun to see the bad guys.

The death of Gabriela is my pesadilla, but when you think about it, recovering from horrible burns is also a pesadilla. Babs should have been in the Houston burn unit. Most people that have recovered said that they would have been better off dead, it's so painful.
 

Overall it was a better ending than I expected. I was not surprised that Barb tried to burn herself up, what did surprise me was that she lived through it. I thought putting Artie in the family crypt was a little weird. I understand it, but it was still just weird and something I don't think Artie himself would have wanted.

One funny moment I caught was after Evil Barbie's sentencing. Gonzo was hugging Lili. Obregon came up and reached out to hug her, then decided against it and swished away. I laughed out loud!
 

Connie I hope we get to see much more of Sylvia Navaro. Fernanda has been by far my favorite female character. I thought they might all always be stupid like Sophia. So glad to know that is not the case!
 

A couple of notes: I thought Miguel was smarmy as well, but he never elevated his job or station in life, he said earlier that he worked for a not for profit, one that Fernanda knew about. Eduardo, on the other hand, rode into town as FRANCO SANTORO, rich guy from NYC via Mexico. I gave Miguel points for his honesty and humility.

Neighbor Doris, while I'm not personally good at forgiveness, I know it is the Christian thing to do. Artemio was not only forgiven, he was elevated to revered and honored brother while Barbara met a horrible, horrible fate at the hands of the writers!!

Just my dos centavos...

Sandy in TN
 

Molly, Gaviota in DA was awesome too. I don't know if you are recording that one or not. I haven't seen the actress in anything else though to compare her to. I'm not a big fan of the Slofia actress. I just want to reach out and smack her. 8(:-P
 

I was trying to find online what Silvia Navarro might be in next - I can't find ANYTHING. IMDB.com is such a great resource usually, but for Mexican shows/actors it's awful. All I can find anywhere else is stuff that already happened. Univision.com is useless too, they refuse to put anything up on the site that happens after today.

Go to a network site - nbc.com, for example. They are FLOGGING upcoming shows to make sure you know about them and tune in. I really want to know what is going to be on for the next few weeks/months, especially any new novelas starting up, that information is locked up in a safe in Atlanta with the Coke formula. WTF.
 

Ferro- A quick look on IMDB shows that Silvia will be in two upcoming productions: Labios Rojos (a comedy) and Cabeza de Buda. The first looks like it's a movie but the second might be a telenovela. Not much detail on either of them though. It would be interesting to see Silvia do comedy. I bet she would be good at it. She's very expressive.

-Vivi in DC
 

Probably next to the Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe too!
 

XIntperuvian, Obregon must have had a brief flashback to when he almost did the same thing with Liliana and Franco quickly swatted his arm.

Connie, Can you Say "Luke, I am you father" and "Aurora, I am you mother"? ;)

Sandy said:

Neighbor Doris, while I'm not personally good at forgiveness, I know it is the Christian thing to do. Artemio was not only forgiven, he was elevated to revered and honored brother while Barbara met a horrible, horrible fate at the hands of the writers!!

Just my dos centavos...


We have been on the same wavelength lately. Agreed with your post.

Molly, I love Fernanda too. Strong Spunky,sexy, kind and with a temper to boot.



Ibarramedia
 

Ibarra,

Glad we agree today, we disagreed all day yesterday!

All in fun...

Sandy in TN
 

Overall I was mostly pleased with the finale. Thanks for the great recaps.

First I was surprised about the ending for Anibal, being demoted. Poor guy. I wasn't pleased that they didn't show what happens to Pris and Vladi. I didn't like either that they didn't show Erika. I know that she had told Ed/Fr that she was accepting a job offer in Argentina, but did she tell Fer too or only Ed/Fr?

I thought that Barbie had a good ending, one that she deserved. I think the worst punishment is to live suffering (in her case meaning being in jail without her daughter/grandchild and completely deformed after a failed suicide attempt) than to die. I think Cami's ending was good too. At least he learned something. I also like Lili's ending. Finally she was able to be happy, healthy, and in love. Of course Eduardo and Fernanda got their obvious ending too.
--TF
 

Ibarramedia: " I just have to ask what judicial system does Mexico base it's on? "

The Mexican Law has it's roots in Roman Law. Our legal system is based in Civil Law. I'm not sure if I misinterpreted your question.

Silvia Navarro is going to be on a theater production (in spanish) of Arthur Miller's play "All My Sons" in México City. Her parents will be played by Diana Bracho and Fernando Luján. All I know is that her character was played in Broadway by Katie Holmes.

Jarocha
 

Chris, Thank you for your riveting contributions to this blog and most recently to this fin de finales. I am a pro MEPS fan almost 100%. The hero acted like an ass a few times. Gardenia was still silly and almost dangerous till the end but used to tells some truths that needed telling, I guess.

I loved the wedding and especially Ana Martin coming right up to the front. It was like an inside joke that we CarayCaray aficcionados were able to share because she is such fun in so many TN's. I also love the fabulous looking food they always parade in front of us at the weddings. Always looks like home style cooking done in huge ollas, I can almost smell the divine aromas.

I wonder if Erika was off having her real life baby so they did not give her a closing comeback scene. I am glad Lilli got the smiling darling.

Oh, and I could not help myself this morning when I arose to view the hundrends of hot air balloons ascending here in Albuquerque for our Balloon Fiesta. I just had to look for an FE. Alas, it wasn't to be, no glimmer of Colunga smiles. I will have to content myself with seeing Darth Vader, recently freed from bondage in China, here in time to compete in the strange shapes rodeo event later this week.
 

Oh, and Cabeza de Buda is out here in México. It's a movie, she plays an antagonic role. Labios Rojos should be out as I believe it was shot before Cabeza de Buda, but I'm not sure why it has been delayed. Jorge Salinas is her co-star in that one.

Jarocha
 

Chris and Melinama, I too would like to come back to a shared night but I am not at all interested in Sortilegio. The beautiful bodies of Bracamontes and Levy don't begin to make up for their vapid characterizations. I too hope something exciting and, especially important, something really well written and produced (Carla, get a move on will you?) to come along. I think the other two TN's will run until early 2010, right?

Oh, I did so love the motorcycle scene, so mush making for the brain, so good for the soul...
 

Thanks for the recap, Chris, fine as always.
 

Chris, late to the party, at least for your recap. Managed to thank the others this morning before work.

Your recap, as always, was excellent!

I fully agree with you about Bracamontes. I've never cared for her, dating back to Rubí - when she was more wishy washy than Adela Noriega! And William Levy always looks like he wishes he had a runway to walk down instead of a camera to emote to.

We'll miss your Monday snark, at least those who are planning to watch Sortilegio. I'm not.
 

This is my first complete telenovela and I have enjoyed it immensely. Sharing and learning with everyone in this CarayCaray community has only increased my pleasure and fun.

Melinama, Jardinera, Julie, Kat, Jody, Chris, Pasofino, Cheryl and Melissa (apologies if I've forgotten anyone!) THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all the time and effort you have put in recapping. I respect all of your skills and knowledge.

All good things must come to an end, but I am a little sad. It's been so much fun--all I could have asked for was a little more smooching, oh hell, A LOT more smooching between Eduardo and Fernanda.

Hasta luego, Barbara
 

Hats off to all the recappers. You all did a fabulous job. I thin the soaps are sometimes better in the reading then in the actual novela. Anyone notice the look on aurora's face when barb tried to explain how she killed her family because of the drunken abuse. Aurora's expression was priceless. I think she would have been thinking "I went through torture for 18 or more years and did not kill anyone and you only endured 12.

Ret
 

Jarocha, Thank you for your response. That made me do some thinking and do a little research.

I found this:

MEXICO'S CIVIL LAW SYSTEM COMPARED TO THE U.S. COMMON LAW SYSTEM
To better understand the Mexican legal system, it is useful to compare it to the U.S. legal system. A fundamental difference between the two legal systems is that Mexico is a so called "civil law" country while the U.S. is a "common law" country.

The U.S. common law system is based on the case law and statutory law of England and the American colonies before the American Revolution. As the name implies, the traditional common law system emphasizes case law, customs and usage rather than legislative enactments. In contrast, Mexico's civil law system is derived primarily from Roman law as set forth in the compilation of codes and statutes of the Emperor Justinian, called Corpus Juris Civilis, and later refined in the French or Napoleonic Code of 1804. Interestingly, the development of Mexican commercial law drew heavily on Italian law. Mexico's legal system is also influenced by colonial law (the Spanish and "Indian" law of Spain's colonization in the areas that became Mexico and other present day Latin American countries), which was a highly formal body of law, including specific collections of not only laws but customs or accepted legal practices, that required the use of intricate regulations and elaborate writings associated with every important act of one's life, such as birth or marriage, and canon law, or religious law, issued by the Catholic Church. This distinction between two systems based on their respective origins, along with the unique traditions and practices stemming from these different origins, is today the clearest and most important distinction.

For decades, another important distinction between Mexico's civil law system and U.S. law was the codification of Mexican law, on other words, Mexico's adoption and use of codes (like the Civil Code and Commercial Code). Codification, however, is no longer a significant distinction between the two legal systems. Indeed, the U.S. has enacted several federal codes such as the Tax, Bankruptcy and Immigration Codes, and collection or federal criminal statutes and civil and criminal procedure. Further, virtually every U.S. state has adopted some version of the Uniform Commercial Code. Also, most states have enacted codes covering such areas as Property, Probate, Tax, Family, Education, Government. Health and Safety, Penal matters, Insurance, and Elections.

Another traditional distinction between the two systems which has not declined in significance over the years is the importance of and reliance on case law precedent (a principle known as stare decisis) in the U.S. at both state and federal levels, compared with the sparse use of the case law in Mexico. In the U.S. even one case can establish a legal principle that judges will follow in subsequent, similar cases, especially where there is no applicable statute or conflicting precedent on point. State and federal judicial opinions are widely published and circulated. Indeed, so called case reporters constitute the bulk of law books found in U.S. law libraries.

This is interesting:

Each legal system has strengths and weakness. Whereas in the U.S. when law is declared unconstitutional its unconstitutionality is usually applied universally, in Mexico, for the reasons stated above, the law is unconstitutional only for the party which filed the amparo case. Others who wish to challenge the law must file their own cases. May business people consider this requirement inefficient and burdensome, although as a practical matter, most people doing business in Mexico do not engage in this type of litigation.


Ibarramedia
 

This should tie up loose ends and confusion on our part. Or at least reders and viewers here in the US and why we may mistake it for bad acting and bad writing This is particularly important in understanding Lucio,Damian,Camilo and Barbara's going to prison as well as Damian's conjugal visitation.

I wish I knew how to highlight and enlarge certain words here.

D. Criminial Law.

Mexican criminal law has several interesting and distinctive features. In Mexico, one is deemed guilty until proven innocent. No death penalty exists in Mexico, a feature Mexico shares with most Latin American countries for historic reasons. In Mexico, the commission of fraud is a criminal offense, unlike most fraud in the U.S., which is usually considered a civil "tort". In virtually all Mexican prisons, prisoners are allowed regular conjugal visits, and greater freedoms within the confines of the prisons, than in most U.S. penitentiaries. Mexican law never allows parole or bail on personal recognizance. An individual charged with a criminal offense must post a financial bond to be released on bail, which may not be available if the potential sentence in years surpasses a certain limit under a formula set forth in Mexico's Constitution.



Ibarramedia



Ibarramedia
 

Thank you to everyone who spent so much time and work recapping MEPS. I for one really benefited from reading your explanations, and had more laughs than I can count! The time you all have given to this project is staggering to think about, and I appreciate you all!

Sandy in TN - I agree with you about Babs. That scene will haunt me for a quite a while, too. I thought it was a cruel fate for her. I know she was cruel beyond words and made so many people suffer horribly, but I guess I lean more towards wanting the bad guy to either repent and mend their ways even if it is in jail, or just to die (I'm sorry because that seems cruel, too). I felt so heartbroken for her because she was born and raised in an abusive family, then continued to be abused and molded with evil by AB. I know, as an adult, she should have known better and made better choices (as I would tell my preschoolers). But at the end, when she was so disfigured and holding the picture, for her to see what meaning her life could have had then to know it is right outside of her cell never to be experienced - I was heartbroken for her. I really don't think she ever had a chance to grow up to be a "good girl."

Also, about Colunga - I have only previously watched him in Amor Real, Alborada, and Pasion. I thought he was magnificent in those - especially Alborada, my favorite. It seems as though he was not made good use of in this novela. Either that or they over-directed him and didn't let him have the freedom he needed.

In all, this novela was not one of my favorites. I thought the romance story line between Edwardo and Fernanda was rather weak. To me, the stronger story was the Artemio Bravo revenge plot. That was what kept me watching. Oh - who am I kidding. I kept watching because TMBMOE was in it. And I'll watch whatever he's in next for the same reason - just because he's in it. Although, I also enjoyed the Miguel character's voice. I'd like a recording of that to play at bedtime for sweet, sweet dreams!

Serena
 

The only two siblings who actually worked at Lactos were Anibal and Fernanda. Anibal is sweeping up cowpies and Fernanda's busy with the SC Community Center, so who is working at Lactos besides Bonzo?

Aurora is/was working at the community center and she probably has all of Artemio's money so she doesn't have to work. Plus, she's a new mom.

Santiago better put down the paint brush and pick up some Lactos paperwork.

What other milk company in town could Anibal have worked for? Prolasa? Rolando wouldn't have hired him after Priscila left. So getting your hat chewed up at Lactos it is.

Since I doubt Fernanda is leaving Mexico/Soledad Community Center, I guess Eddie will be working at Lactos for real. He does have a Harvard MBA after all. And did Eddie ever really work at Power Milk?
 

Ret said:

"Anyone notice the look on aurora's face when barb tried to explain how she killed her family because of the drunken abuse. Aurora's expression was priceless. I think she would have been thinking "I went through torture for 18 or more years and did not kill anyone and you only endured 12."


At the risk of splitting hairs here, It is strongly implied that the younger Babs was also savagely beaten but not scarred. (It can be done if you know how) Sexually abuse and possibly raped. Aurora endured a lot of abuse. Verbal abuse,neglect, possibly some beatings, though not as bad as Babs'. We cannot really compare the 2 situations. People also will act differently when they reach the breaking point. Babs is more aggressive. she may have been obedient and compliant until that one moment where she snaps and is never the same again.

Aurora may have turned inwardly into a shell. She seemingly has poor social skills, is very shy and timid. which is consistent with her character. Different case studies but no real template to a certain behavior.


Ibarramedia
 

Here is the link to the Mexican legal system:

http://www.mexonline.com/lawreview.htm


Could not edit my post and realized I forgot to put it in when I had to split my post because it was over the limit.

Ibarramedia
 

Thanks Ibarramedia for the law info! I guess they are basing these court/law scenes on truth.

-Vivi in DC
 

What is most striking to me is that in Mexico, you are guilty until proven innocent.


Ibarramedia
 

Here is a list of legal systems of the world:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_systems_of_the_world


Ibarramedia
 

Big Changes to Mexico's Judicial System

Mexico's judicial system is getting a makeover. President Felipe Calderon has signed a constitutional amendment which will allow U.S.-style public trials requiring judges to explain their decisions to defendants. Mexico-based law professor John Mill Ackerman Rose explains how the changes could affect Mexican society.


Some parts of the transcript:

CORLEY: Well, under the U.S. judicial system, we typically think of trials by jury, presumption of innocence. How has the system worked in Mexico and what changes are going to happen under this new provision?

Prof. ROSE: Well, this is a major constitutional reform which transforms the way in which crimes are investigated and punished. I think we could focus on two particular changes. One is the change from written proceedings and trials to oral proceedings and trials.

CORLEY: Well, let me just ask you, let me just interject here because - so you're saying that as it stands now, the attorneys do not argue openly in court, that everything is written, and this changes that?

Prof. ROSE: Yes.

CORLEY: And what's the second thing that changes?

Prof. ROSE: The second major change is in terms of the role of public prosecutors. The public prosecutors today in Mexico have very broad discretional capacity of researching and investigating crimes, and in fact, they are not only responsible for researching and investigating these crimes, but actually coming to an initial, pseudo-judicial decision about the guiltiness of a suspect. So they actually - these administrative officials, these public prosecutors, have judicial legal faculties which lends itself to abuse of authority because these are not judges who are actually making decisions which are equivalent to legal decisions.

With this reform we're transforming the role of these public prosecutors to only be responsible for bringing the case to court. We have a real separation now between those who decide the guiltiness and those who investigate and accuse the suspect.

This is interesting:

CORLEY: So you're saying, if a person is charged with an organized crime or has done something that they consider organized crime, they can go to jail for 80 days before they are found guilty of anything?


This goes back to my comment that the courtroom looked lieka n office to me with a detention cell ot the side. Jarocha said it was a real court room.

"And then we need to actually do a physical transformation of the courtrooms because presently there aren't places, actually, for litigators to appear before the judge in a public presentation. And then we also need to train lawyers to do this."


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91684101



Ibarramedia
 

Just reposting this from the thank you section:

Just a heads up for you guys about something I saw on Telemundo. It said something about Charytin interviewing Lucero in Las Vegas this Sunday at 7pm. I will have to remember to record this because I will be Watching NFL highlights and the sunday night game.


Ibarramedia
 

Chris, didn't get a chance to thank you before for your excellent section of the finale recap. Loved the Ana Martin cameo, where she didn't know the happy couple, but just likes going to weddings.
Although there were some complaints with this TN, at least it kept moving and didn't bog down. Always some action and surprises.
Don't know if I can get interested in Sortelegio, but really appreciate this community of humor, knowledge, and good will.
La Paloma
 

Ibarramedia: I don't know how possible are those changes posed by Felipe Calderón. I think that will require alot of work and investment from the government. I think it will take a while if it really does happen.

There has been only one novela ever that has gotten it right when depicting the legal processes and trials. It was called "Nada Personal" and it was a TV Azteca production. The bad guy in the story (coincidentally played by Rogelio Guerra, Gonzo/AB in MEPS) is a corrupt agent from the government and he has deals with narcotrafic. To cover his deals he orders a shooting to his compare's limo to kill him and his daughters and later accuse him on being the one with narcotrafic deals (as it would be believeble since he was very rich).

The shooting happens, killing his compadre, the driver and the youngest daughter (14) but the oldest survives and while she is in the hospital the people of the bad guy plant evidence to make it seem like she was part of the narcotrafic too. That's where the story starts. We get to see her during trials, going to jail, going out of jail on an "amparo" trial, then back, etc. The two sons of the two sons of the evil commandant, one a police detective, the other a reporter, are inlove with her so they try to help her, the first by using the help that the system allowed and the secon by denouncing its faults.

It was quite interesting as they did a great investigation and the lead actress (Ana Colchero, the Aimeé of '93 Corazón Salvaje) actually taped scenes in jail and had contact with prisoners who's stories where represented in the novela. It also helped to educate the masses on how their judicial system works and what they could do in case they were being charged with a crime.

It was very different though, very dark and racy and talked about real life political scandals.

Jarocha
 

Thanks Jarocha for the cultural information.

Lynne
 

Thanks to all of the recappers, for what seemed like an impossible job. I finally watched it on Tues so I could FF the commercials. For the most part i liked it, but (and I'm prob in the minority) FC did not seem to have any passionate chemistry with our favorite heroine. His kisses seemed so stiff and uncomfortable. Maybe he was worried about the flu. Jaime Camil kisses with so much passion I guess he's set the bar pretty high for me in the beso department. ha ha
 

Splitting hairs. Aurora's abuse and bab's abuse cannot be compared, but to say that one endured more is hair splitting. What aurora had to deal with, for her, could have had more of traumatic effect on her, then what Barbara had to deal with. One can go through 100 times more anguish and fair better than someone with minimal issues. Depends on their coping skills. Also to note, Aurora spent her life in that shack, with no one but the ole lady, so that is where her lack of social skills came from, plus she did not get to see how other people act and behave. She had no one to compare the woman with. Babs on the other hand, had a life outside the family and was able to see the interations of other people. What is traumatic for one is not traumatic for another, due to past experiences/beliefs/values, etc.
 

For everyone interested....

I just reviewed the television schedules on Univision.com and noticed this Saturday, Univision will be rebroadcasting the MEPS grand finale from Noon to 2:30 p.m. (eastern time) and then airing Cristina show part 1 right afterwards (2:30 to 3:30 p.m. eastern time).

Also, the Lucero hour-long exclusive interview special will be broadcast on Telefutura on Sunday night (7 p.m. eastern time).

Jody :)
 

Jody, I meant to say Telefutura. Thanks for fixing it.




Ibarramedia
 

I did notice that FC seemed stiff.... Huh, wonderr why? Im glad that Lily got her happy ending, too. :D She deserves it more than anyone. I have to say the finale was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Im gunna miss MEPS.
 

Thanks for the rebroadcast info, Jody!
 

Jarocha, Mexico has until 2016 to make the changes. I pasted below the part that explains it all. Since I'm fairly new to TNs, I was expecting a Law and Order type of court room scenario in Rebecca Sanchez's trial. Looks like she di not even have representation. Gonzalo's Lawyer was there though.


CORLEY: Professor, Mexico has until 2016 to implement these changes. What's needed to make that happen?

Prof. ROSE: Lots. This is a long, transitory clause. It's called for eight years to actually put into action all of these constitutional reforms. These are the constitutional reforms - for the first step is actually the legal reforms, right? And then we need to actually do a physical transformation of the courtrooms because presently there aren't places, actually, for litigators to appear before the judge in a public presentation. And then we also need to train lawyers to do this.

So this is I think the most central reason for giving the eight year period to actually train a whole new crop of young lawyers who don't only know how to argue the cases on paper, but actually argue them orally before a judge.



Ibarramedia
 

Ibarramedia --
thanks for the information on the realities of mexican judicial system.

but I seem to recall that in the telenovelas 'La Ursurpadora' and 'Nunca te olvidare' had U.S. style courtroom sets and trials. (In Nunca te olvidare, Fernando Colunga's character was a trial attorney and Eric del Castillo played the judge.)

Jody :)
 

I had assumed that Babs received a trial that we didn't see, and the scene we saw was her sentencing. That would be of far more interest.
 

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