Monday, October 19, 2009

un Gancho al Corazón Mon. 10/19/9 Katya Smells a Rat and Beto Gets Connie Wet


The friends and family gathered with Monita in the cemetery where she has just placed the ashes of her dead mother in a niche, slowly begin to disperse and wander away as she lingers, reluctant to leave her mom alone in such a cold and lonely place. Mauricio offers his support. Jero convinces Ximy that there's nothing more beautiful than a wedding after a death. Sal flirts with Gabi who warns him to cool it with his wife so close or he'll be the next stored in a niche in the cemetery. Oscar wheedles an assignation with Loriloca, reminding her to bring the whip. Nieves invites everyone over for los tamalitos and el atolito.

Cristian tries to summon the courage to confront Paula who is walking just ahead of him. He wants to talk with her but it's doubtless that he remembers their last dampening disastrous encounter in the men's room at the arena. She saves him the trouble turning to face him and express her sadness that they are no longer a couple. He succumbs but recovers his pride enough to demand a fine for her crimes. A thousand besos ought to do the trick. Turns out that Pau thinks that's fair and begins the payoff right then and there.

Next, Estrella tries her luck at smoothing things over with Tano. She is not so successful. Tano is too disgusted, though I think even more wounded, by her relationship with Aldo. She strikes out though I suspect he may later regret this and who knows? Maybe he will seek her out again. I really don't care. I'm in Aldo's corner right now.

In the patio bar, Connie and Beto are having drinks. He's got a beer and she is drinking a martini and nibbling coquettishly on her olive. Beto is in a deep funk over his loss of Moni but Connie insists that he cheer up. Her situation with Mao is the same. She's ready for some fun. He brightens up and becomes playful.

Moni is still at her mother's tomb with Mao sticking close. Her offers consolation and she reasserts her love and appreciation for him. His cell phone rings and it's...Isabel calling him from her hospital bed. She's alive! Of course we all knew this from the previews, but I've still got my panties in a wad over it; what a heartless cow. And Mao was part of a plot hatched by Isabela in order to get a chunk of daughter Moni's bone marrow without having to hassle with that whole mama-thing. Shame on you Mauricio for agreeing to such a distasteful thing. As for you Isabela, I've seen guppies with more maternal affection. Monita asks him who it is. He lies that it is a long-distance business call. Mauricio tells Isabel to disappear, he never wants to see or hear from her again, confirming our fears that we will.

Beto and Connie arrive at her place and begin to grope each other like rodents in rut. Connie checks by calling out that she is home and is answered by Katya. Drat and double drat. Beto silently curses his bad luck. He really did this well.Trying to conceal him, Connie pushes him to his knees, bringing him face to face with his needs. "Well!" he says approvingly as she pushes him on further down to hide behind the sofa.

Katya comes out and is distraught. She's been waiting and hoping for a call from Aldo, but he hasn't called. As she sniffs back her tears, she catches a whiff of the hiding Beto. "Did you step in dog poop?" she asks Connie. Connie checks. "No." Katya is about to check behind the sofa for that offensive odor but suddenly Connie spots a rat and let's out a blood-curdling scream which sends Katya scrambling for the higher ground of the arm chair.

Moni's still at her mother's crypt and Mao is still consoling, as he has a flashback to Isabel's cold indecent proposition during which a rooster crows. Looks now like he's having second thoughts or at least feeling badly about what he's done as he embraces Moni.

Meintras tanto, back at Connie's there is still pandemonium as Katya flees to her room from the invisible but odiferous rat. Well, maybe not so invisible. Beto crawls out from behind the couch and picks up where he left off. Connie weakly resists, finally telling him to wait for her outside. He suggests that they rent a room but she is not willing to pay for a room to make love to him in. No problem, making love is not what he's after, he wants sex. They grope some more, He lays her back on the ottoman and they almost knock off a quickie right then and there. He strives his Fantasma pose and leaves as she lies back and basks in sort of a mixture of frustration and afterglow.

Back at the cemetery, Moni mourns mom more. Mauricio flashes back to Isabel outlining her plan somehow convincing him, though I certainly was not convinced. Basically, she gets a transplant and Moni gets a few days with a repentant, loving mother. What a deal. Finally, and mercifully for us, they leave.

Connie is still recovering from her encounter with Beto. Katya cautiously peeks out. All clear. Well, maybe a little of Beto still hangs in the air. With Katya hurting from here rejection by Aldo, Connie takes the opportunity to share with her the photos she took of Aldo and Estrella outside the Hotel Notel. Well that ices it, she is ready to join in a vengeful plot with Connie which involves Aldo's sisters.

Leaving the cemetery M&M bump into Alicia who invites Moni to come and visit, she has something for her. Mao has yet another flashback as we learn more of the evil contract he made with Isabel. She threatened to tell Moni the truth. That was the hook? If he didn't go along, she would tell Monita about the awful rape and how for her Monita would forever be a reminder of that horrible night, how much she hated her from the first knowledge that she was in her womb. So I guess Mauricio, a stickler for truthfulness, decided that Moni can't handle the truth. At least we learn that Alicia wasn't in on it. Only Isabel and Mao.
Beto escorts Connie to the gym and he pulls her into the ring with him. There they engage in some curious foreplay with him bouncing her off the ropes and into his arms. They melt into the mat in a passionate embrace. Could this actually have been a good idea after all?

M&M have made it back to her place and she is safely tucked in. She invites him into her bed to spend the night holding her. He takes off his jacket and shoes and crawls in beside her holding her close. He has more guilty flashbacks of his convincing her to accept her mother and of Nieves warning him about Isabel.

It's the next morning and Nieves carrying a warm beverage, atole, for Moni discovers her the arms of Mao. She awakens her with a feigned sneeze. She sort of approves because they are novios, but she feels sorry for Beto whom she thinks that Moni has treated badly. She leaves them alone and Mao awakens. He's in no hurry to go to work and gives Moni the day off. That's big of him. Moni urges him to drink the atole and go but not before a lot of kisses.

Back in the gym, Beto and Connie look exhausted, sprawled in the middle of the Carona logo in the center of the ring. She is covered by what looks like a thermal blanket and he, clad in blue boxers and a black tee shirt. They are lying on a striped, colorful Mexican blanket. He is also covered below the waist with a lavender something. She mentions that she had a rough night because he snores like a bear (oso) notices his odor. ( Beto smells manly in the morning) and his stong breath. He comments on her cold feet. He is ready for another go-at-it, noting that wrestling matches last three rounds. He leaps up, climbs atop the ring's turnbuckle, does his Fantasma gesture and dives...

It's a lovely morning in the hood for Estrella who emerges from her apartment to catch sight of Moni kissing Mau goodbye and Pau sending Cristian off in a similar manner. She shrugs observing that she has only herself to blame for being so stupid.

The kids arrive a little early or school. 'Catch you later," Aldo has places to go, people to see, things to do. He passes Katya on the steps, gives a curt nod and,"Buenas días," and hurries off. She is sure, as are we, that he is off to sniff around Estrella. She complains to Luisa. Seems as though all is not well between Luisa and Ivan either. The girls commiserate over the unfairness of being female, Ivan's last girlfriend did it all and she's not ready and Aldo's wanting the same from Estrella. They are joined by Dani and change the subject.

Moni, replacing fluids with a well positioned bottle of water, passes Nieves folding clothes. When Nieves asks where she is going, she tells her that she is off to workout. No, no, no. Nieves insists that she must go back and rest but Moni resists. Nieves tries unsuccessfully to enlist the support of Estrella, then accusing her of being an uncaring friend. Estrella points out that Monita needs to unwind, that it's better for her to punch the pear (punching bag) than Nieves.

Meanwhile back at the gym, well I wasn't planning on pictures but... eat your hearts out you ladies watching Sortilegio.
They sink below our sight beneath the gentle pelting by the warm shower.

Estrella is on the phone leaving a rather desperate message on Tano's voice mail, her fifth, when there is a knock on the door. Gee, I wonder who that could be. At least he knocks. "No, no, no, no, there's nothing for you here." He doesn't understand since she was willing before. "I was wrong." He tries begging, just one night, then threatening to take his quest for enlightenment to the street. She is adamant and kicks his horny little butt out. Well, heck!... OK, OK, way to go Estrella. Stars in your crown.

Costeño has arrived to open the gym and seeing the unoccupied clothing strewn about the ring suddenly realizes why Beto requested his own set of keys. He picks up Connie's red knit dress and in what is either an awww or an ewww moment, sniffs it and proceeds to caress his face and body with it. His reverie is shattered by the sudden appearance of Moni who startles him. Before he has a chance to explain, Connie emerges behind him wrapped in a towel drying her hair. Moni is stunned but recovers quickly. "Mummy, I wasn't acquainted with your predilections."

Carlos

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Comments:
Thanks for the recap Carlos. I think we've experienced a bit of a turn in our fun little novela. Hombre or Judy can probably say this more eloquently (Hombre gave such a great musical/dramatic explanation of Tontas for one of his recaps) but I think we've moved to Act II where darkness is always lurking. This plot line can only result in weeping and gnashing of teeth and I was so happy avoiding such activities.

Connie is really becoming quite mean. She might end up beating Jeri and Oscar.

I felt kind of sorry for Mau as he relived his nightmare conversation with Isabel. She put him in a terrible position and we know its going to blow up in his face.
 

Good morning one and all...Was out last night and haven't seen this, but sure do hope my tape recorded.

Carlos, your recap was just delicious...and man, you alternated nicely between touches of Sunday School and sly humor.

"indecent proposal during which a rooster crows" and "stars in your crown" fits right in with my Cumberland Presbyterian upbringing.

But your descriptions of Connie and Beto's roisterous (izzat a word?) coupling was more in line with my ancestors' straightforward farm culture tell-it-like-it-is humor.

Especially loved "well, maybe a little Beto lingers in the air". That was just so fine.

Glad we got a little further explanation on Mauricio's pact with the devil and how it came about. Yes, Karen, storms are coming but at least with telenovelas, we know EVENTUALLY there will be a happy ending. Plays out a little differently in "real life", alas.
 

While not quite as grim as Friday's episode, this was still rather glum by the typical Gancho standards. I thought the overall somber theme was captured perfectly by your thoughtful, insightful analysis. Excellent Carlos.

That picture almost melted my screen. What chemistry!

In addition to the great lines my friend Judy has already noted, enjoyed "rodents in rut" and your sentiment over the Isabel situation: "I've still got my panties in a wad over it; what a heartless cow." Sigh...

I've tried to muster up some, or even any sympathy for Isabel. While I can't imagine what and how she suffered, her icy cruelty and dismissal of Moni is beyond my comprehension.

Karen, your entire comment was beautifully stated, particularly "This plot line can only result in weeping and gnashing of teeth and I was so happy avoiding such activities." Amen.

Diana in MA
 

Karen, except for Connie and Beto, this was a dreary episode. Looks like we may get a little treat with Aldo at the music academy tonight, so don't sespair just yet.


Judy, it looks like you may get a good one tonight to tell us about. We have Ximena's and Rolu nuptials pending, Oscar's date with Krazy-Kitten with a whip, and Aldo's music lesson.

Diana, I would like to feel a little compassion for Isabela, but she is such a cold trout. Nieves may be a cunning, conniving, overprotective mom, but she certainly displays motherly instincts. After all, she did breast feed Beto until he was 8 yrs. old.

Carlos
 

Oh yes, forgot to say thanks for the picture, the link to "atole", truly a strange drink, and your title which could be taken several different ways...you rascal you.
 

Great recap, Carlos, lots a clever phrases, and what a picture! Well, there's no doubt about Beto and Connie now, they came close a few times previously, but Beto's wrestling dive and the later shower showed they finally let nature take its course.

I could sort of understand why Mau went along with the plan. Isabel said if the marrow didn't work, she promised to spend her last few months with Moni as a caring mother, and that would have been nice, provided she could bring it off. But if the operation DID work, she'd have to fake the death. She said she knew the doctor who was going along with her, so at least Mau didn't arrange that part. I still don't know how Mau got the urn, and how Alicia didn't realize anything, since she went with Mau to complete the "procedures". Anyway, Isabel gave Mau the ultimatum, he had to decide right then, give Moni some tender times with her Mom, or nothing. Not such an easy decision.

Somehow I'm not too fond of Tano these days. Of course his reaction is understandable, but I don't really see what Estrella sees in him. I mean compare his personality (and looks) to Mau, Beto or Cristian, and I think Tano just doesn't have anything appealing about him. Am I missing something?
 

Hombre, Tano is a nice guy, he treats Estrella with repect and isn't just out to get into her pants. She doesn't feel the same kind of love connection as she does with Aldo, but Tano and Aldo are the only two men who have ever treated her with respect and kindness. She feels like she should stop being an idiot with men and see the value in someone like Tano. If Aldo were older, she would not have this conflict at all. It would be Aldo all the way.

-Vivi in DC
 

The actress playing Connie will play a character with the same name in the upcoming Corazon Salvaje.
 

Let me echo what Vivi said. Tano is a nice guy. I consider him attractive in a "real guy" kind of way, not Hollywood vavavoom. He's a loyal, level-headed friend to Mauricio, steady hard-worker. He treats Estrella well. Better than she's ever been treated before.

Yes, he responded with harsh words to her "betrayal" with little Aldo and her waffling rejection. Guys respond that way when they're hurt and angry. Had he shrugged the whole thing off, that would have been an indication he didn't really care for Estrella. That he was deeply hurt indicates he had serious feelings for her. (plus he's already been merrily dumped by Ximena a few times). "Once burned, twice shy"/

Sooo...I'm voting for Tano. Ladies, anyobody else want to join me and Vivi?
 

Vivi, I'm with Hombre on this. I don't really dislike Tano, but he seems too bland and humorless for Estrella. Aldo, unfortunately at the moment has but one thing on his mind. I believe that Tano's guided by the same instinct, he's just a little more smooth about it. I'm conflicted about Aldo. He really needs to slow down a little and probably needs someone his own age, just not Katya.

Carlos
 

I like Tano, yet somehow can't help rooting for Aldo despite his age and ineptness. I think we need a little time leap or two before the end so Estrella and Aldo can get together without the complicating factor. Even though Tano seems like the better choice, Estrella just isn't enough into him.

Tonight's visit to the house of ill repute should be quite a romp. If Mauricio flipped about the strip club, he's really going to go ballistic when he finds out about this...and the adoption still isn't final.
 

Fantastic recap Carlos. Your picture was great too, there was something sweet in how Coni played with his hair in that scene.

I've been without internet connection for the last days, so I've been missing the recaps, but I'm about to catch up.

Judy I agree about Tano. He is also smarter than Mauricio and smells better than Beto. In this novela filled with colourful characteres he may not be so atractive, but in real life he is a good catch. I understand why Estrella wants to like him so much, especially by having such bad luck with men as she seems to have had, she may feel like she won't find another guy like that and she is scared of either ending up alone or with someone who is not as good. She is still young but the fact that her best friends are already in important relationships is making her feel like she is being left behind and her time is running out, while at the same time, Aldo's time is just begining.

Carlos: the link was good, but I just wanted to add that one thing they got wrong was about the masa. The atole is not made with masa, it's made with maizena while the champurrado (that they call the chocolate version) is made with masa. The difference between them is that the maizena is the white part inside every corn grain, while to make masa we use the corn grains with skin and all; as a result, you have to drink both while they are hot or they become too thick, especially the champurrado.

In Mexico City the mornings are very cold and it's usual for some people to sell atole, champurrado and tamales on the street. After spending a few minutes shivering in the cold there's nothing like getting warm with a hot cup of champurrado or atole.

In Veracruz the champurrado is only for christmas celebrations and the atole depends of your mom and if she decides to prepare it or not.

Jarocha
 

OK my favorites:

like rodents in rut. - vivid imagery

Moni mourns mom more. - say that 3 times fast

either an awww or an ewww moment, - I think it's both!!!!

:) nice job Carlos!!!
 

Thanks for that info on atole, tamales etc. Jarocha. You got me thinking back to my days tromping around the Paris streets in the cold, and stopping to get a hot buttery crêpe, dusted with powdered sugar. Mmmm...warming and awesome, even if the butter did dribble down and stain my suede winter coat. Good times.
 

Okay now, Carlos, seriously...you believe Tano is guided by the same instinct but is just smoother about it.

Well yes. All the fellows in this story (and let's extend that to all men) are guided by the same instinct. And some are smoother about it than others. Some are willing to be commited to the relationship and some are just slam/bam/thank you ma'am.

Women are biologically driven also. And a large percentage of them want to form a family with someone who appears capable of supporting their offspring financially. And some are smoother about it than others.

Being smoother about it doesn't disqualify Tano in my estimation. If Estrella's looking to settle down, he's a far better bet than randy little Aldo (cute though he is).
 

Jarocha, now I'm keen to try some atole, I've encountered it many times in my reading and viewing, but never really knew what it is. I had my Spanish lesson today (still reading 2666) and asked Adriana, my profa, about it and she said that she makes great atole and that it goes well with tamales as you say. Rick Bayless, a Chicago chef who is a bit of an expert on Mexican food, has said that tamales and atole are inseparable.

Kris, thanks.

I think the reason I'm a little down on Tano was the way he tried to bully Aldo that day at Mao's place. I thought that Aldo showed admirable restraint and respect that day and That Tano overstepped his bounds. I thought that he was condescending and mean as well as a tad desperate.

Carlos
 

Carlos, you outdid yourself with this one! Great episode - Beto and Consti were hilarious and young Katia was quite nimble with that leap up on the chair.

Alas, Isabel. I wonder if she was actually violently raped or was it an affair gone wrong, and her manipulative mind decided that a claim of rape would let her claim victim status.

My vote's for Tano. If Estrella wants a fling w/ some young stuff first, that's between her and Aldo. But I'd say Tano would be a good guy for the long run.

Jarocha, let me second Judy's thanks to you. We greatly enjoy your insights.
 

Thanks Mike. I almost needed to break out the martinis for the last 2 episodes. Looks like tonight's may call for Tequila, however.

Carlos
 

Maybe it's just me, but I never saw anything wrong with Tano going to talk to Aldo man to man about the situation with Estrella. He saw how hurt Aldo was, he saw how much it hurt Estrella to hurt Aldo, and he went to talk to him openly about it. He never said anything like "Estrella is mine and I'm going to beat you up if you don't back off." He said all the things that any grown up would say to a 16 year old boy- it's better if you find someone your own age/at the same stage of life. If he really wanted to be mean, all he had to do was tell his friend Maurico about it and get Aldo in trouble. So far he has said nothing to Mauricio. I respect him for that. Now that he sees the Estrella can't make a choice between them, he's pulled himself out of the equation.

Tano also gets high points from me for the times someone insulted Estrella's virtue in front of him, and he calmly defended her. He's basically a live and let live kind of guy- doesn't think her reputation as a loose woman is a big deal. He really likes Estrella for who she is, but he's been down the path of not being the number 1 choice before with Xime, and he's not having it again.

-Vivi in DC
 

Mike- I was also impressed with Katya's leap onto the arm of the couch...in super high heels! She looked like some sort of over-primped gymnast. :)

-Vivi in DC
 

Vivi, my brain tells me that of course you are right but I guess I've identified too much with Aldo. I would have much preferred that Estrella set Aldo straight, which she has now sorta done. As Hombre pointed out Fri., Aldo is propelled by a force that is overwhelming for him. He was so close to accomplishing his goal and now...not. Pobrecito.

Carlos
 

Wow..Tano? Aldo? Tano? Aldo?...this has turned into quite a discussion.

Let me put it this way to you dads: If Estrella were your daughter, would you rather see her with Tano or Aldo?

I think you would recommend Tano. But I could be wrong.
 

Judy, re my daughter? Tano.
 

Okay...that leaves Hombre and Carlos...both papas of daughters...choice?

Don't want to pound this too hard. I think it's wonderful that Carlos can identify with the powerful yearning of a lovesick, lustsick 17-year-old and compassionately plead his case. Speaks well to the fact that our favorite doc is still young at heart himself.

But most women (and a lot of fathers) have their antennae up for the solid guy. And I admit, I was disappointed that Mauricio's cute chauffeur Ricardo turned out to be a cad. But Tano has proved his worth by Mauricio...and therefore I think he'll prove his worth by Estrella. At least I sure hope so!

Katja is a wild card. If she eventually does the right thing by ratting out Constanza's machinations, maybe she's redeemable and worth of our adorable, and fast maturing Aldo.
 

Judy, if you put it that way, then I'd have to go with Tano (sorry Aldo) though I think he's colorless and dull and I thought that he was harsh and overbearing with Aldo, and almost cruel with Estrella.

"You mean someone as old and experienced as I am?"

"You said it."

Since this is a telenovela, I'm going to stay in Aldo's corner for now. I just don't feel any chemistry between Tano and Estre, and it's burbling over almost ready to reach a flashpoint between Estre and Aldo.

Now points to Luisa for admitting that she's not ready to make that leap. Stick to your dolls a little longer sweetie, there's no rush.

Carlos
 

Dang it Carlos, you argue your case so well. Now I know how you manage to prevail with your patients. I'll just have to call it a draw. Points to be had for both galans. Now we'll just have to wait and see whom the writers choose for her and why...
 

I like atole and tamales together but I'm a bit of a traitor to my customs in that I usually prefer to eat my tamales with a cold drink, must be the hot weather here.

In the novela, I like Aldo and Estrella better. In real life: Tano. It's just a case of one having better chemistry with her than the other but I think I will be fine with whoever she choses.

Jarocha
 

I watched a movie not long ago on Cine Latino called Pecados de una Profesora with a similar theme that starred the young actor who played Charley in las Tontas. I found myself pulling for the relationship between an older woman, la profesora, and a young student. Though in real life I would have never approved for a multitude of reasons, I found myself pulling for this couple. It ended with them going their separate ways though neither seemed damaged by the relationship. I think this theme must tap into a common male fantasy. I remember vividly my 7th grade math teacher Miss Baker...

Carlos
 

Don't know if anyone will check back and read this, but Judy, here's my answer to your question, who would I prefer for my daughter? Well, if my daughter were 28 years old (as she is), I'd stay out of it, and just let her decide. I don't particularly think Aldo or Tano is right for Estrella, so I'm going to trust Estrella to figure it out.
 

Okay, to be honest, I'd never approve of my daughter dating a 16 year old boy, so I'd really go with Tano.
 

Hmm... on reflection why not have Estrella train Aldo in the Ways of Venus? Then we have our raging young stallion stand at stud for mares in season. Kentucky talk, y'all. Please forgive.

But for the long run, for Estrella, Tano would be the choice.

Carlos, I'd forgotten about Tano talking down to Aldo - but, hey, personalities seem to change on an episode by episode basis in TNs.
 

Hombre, I liked your first answer best, though your second answer is more in tune with what I really think. If you have a moment, could you tell me where I should leave comments at Mistelenovelas? I was able to download, but the website is very daunting for me and seems like a giant maze. I don't want to let my permission expire. Whenever I go there, for some reason I'm rminded of the Soup Nazi episode on Seinfeld, though I'm sure they have very good reasons for doing things the way they do.

Carlos
 

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