Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gancho Friday December 11th. Her Secret Love
Episode 122
Someone pointed out yesterday that the actress playing Connie is doing an excellent job of portraying the character’s shifting moods, with subtle changes of expression. This is true, and we seem to have a somewhat unique situation in our novela – a lead villainess who might actually be redeemed (maybe not, but it’s possible). Constanza has been very mean, she’s been devious, dishonest – but she hasn’t killed anyone. And she has a weakness. Her secret love for Beto. She denies it, ignores it, but it’s there, simmering, flowering, growing along with Beto’s baby in her belly. She keeps trying to deny it, to cling to her desire for money and status. But her face shows us the inner turmoil. Will that chilling visage oneday transform into one of warmth and love? We have 100 epis left in which to find out.
We begin with mariachis. The three girls (Katia, Luisa and Dani) are gleefully listening at the upstairs window. The music stops, and Katia thinks her Mom Jackie must have run them off. But it starts again, and Katia now thinks her Mom must be really mad at Jerry for hiring these guys. Nothing could be further from the truth, though, as Jackie finds them enchanting, takes a huge swig of tequila, and proceeds to sing along as the group sings “I tell you, crying with rage, I’m not coming back” (Te lo digo llorando de rabia, no volveré) No Volveré).
Connie doesn’t like the singing, but she tries to ignore it, and keeps insisting that Mau send Aldo to military school. Mau’s in agreement, until Aldo says that Mau lies, too. Why not tell Connie about La Furia Enmascarada? Connie remembers meeting him at the gym, but what’s that got to do with Mau? Mau knows something’s up, tells Aldo to go to his room, and they’ll talk. Connie warns Mau not to wimp out, saying Aldo needs a strong hand, and tells Mau he always gives in (tú te ablandas a cada rato). Mau gets right in her face, tells her to butt out.
Connie goes outside to shut up the singers, but to no avail. Jackie had to get away from all that tension inside, now she’s waaay relaxed. Jerry offers Connie the bottle. Connie’s a killjoy as usual, but fortunately for us, the joy is too big for her to kill.
Aldo comes clean with Mau, explaining that he was super jealous when Estrella went after La Furia, that’s why he hit him. But when he found that letter from Moni in Mau’s trenchcoat (gabardino), he read it, and understood all. So why’d you stay quiet? asks Mau. Aldo explains that he knew Mau didn’t have a thing for Estre, so he was no longer jealous. But why didn’t you realize I was going through a tough time? - You didn’t seem to care about me, adds Aldo. Mau denies this, he’s always cared, but Aldo’s conduct wasn’t too good. Well, what about yours? retorts Aldo.
Outside, Connie warns her Mom that the noise will wake up the neighbors, who might call the police. Jackie agrees, bring the party inside! Connie tries vainly to stop the parade. Jackie goes in, too, but tells Jerry, who’s holding the bottle, that this is an alcohol-free house, so…Bye! She slams the door in Jerry’s face. A despondent (and drunk) Jerry bangs on the door for his Jacqueline, crying that they haven’t yet sung the chorus!
Mau reminds Aldo that different rules apply to adults and teenagers, and although Aldo had permission to go out in the afternoon, he wasn’t allowed to go out at night. Where did he go? Aldo admits he went to the storeroom (bodega) where Mau changes. He wanted to know everything. He took the keys from the trenchcoat Mau had given Terry. Aldo starts to smile as he relates how he saw the costume, the cape, the mask, it was so cool, he put it on, because Mau has no idea how proud he is of his Dad. When he saw Mau in the wrestling ring, throwing himself (aventandose) through the ropes, doing those moves, you know what? He thanked God for giving him a father like Mau. He wanted to shout to all the people, that’s my Dad! Mau melts, draws Aldo to him, and gives him a warm, fatherly hug.
Moni’s dream. Our cute little heroine is sleeping. Everything starts out fine as she relives her kiss with Mau when they promised to be faithful para siempre. Mau tells her Connie no longer exists. But Connie suddenly appears, saying “are you sure?” The lights go out. Don’t let her take you, screams Moni. All of a sudden, La Furia appears. She tells him she lost Mau, and he calms her down. Nothing’s going to happen. But then Estrella shows up. Sorry, Monita, she says, but he’s my guy. Find your own. They leave. Monita laments, why does everyone leave? But then Isabel appears. Valentina, are you suffering? Well, poor you, she says, and laughs at Moni’s misery. Moni wakes up upset, as the music sings Cansada, estresada (tired, stressed out).
Happier music is filling the Mau house, though, as Jackie sings along fairly well with the mariachis. Connie applauds weakly, okay, that’s enough, guys, you can leave now. But wait. Jackie wants to sing another, and this one’s dedicated to Connie. It’s called Secret of Love (or maybe My Secret Love, or My Love Secret). Here are the lyrics: Secreto de Amor. Connie looks guilty, she can’t face what her mother is gently telling her.
Back upstairs, Mau has now explained to Aldo why he invented the character La Furia Enmascarada, so he could see Moni without Connie’s knowledge. Aldo thinks it’s great. Mau cautions him, though, not a word to Constanza. Aldo apologizes for having opened his big mouth (mi bocote) out in the hall before, but promises to keep the secret from now on. But please don’t make me leave the house. Don’t worry, replies Mau, I care for all of you kids, and I think you and I both deserve another chance, okay? I love you a ton (un montón) is the answer, and they hug again.
Connie bursts in, my Mom invited those darn mariachis into the house, and I can’t get them out! We see the mariachis swaying back and forth to the Secret Love song. The three girls, in their pj’s, are also swayin’,
as is Jackie. Jackie grabs a violin, pretends to play, and invites the kids to dance, which they gladly do. Connie’s appalled, but Mau is enthralled, the kids are happy, they’re dancing! He and Aldo start dancing, too, and Terry brings in some snacks. Forget that, it’s time to conga, as Mau drags her, smiling, into the conga line. Connie thinks it’s late, but Mau chides her, tomorrow’s Sunday, a little fun won’t hurt the kids. They dance the night away.
The music fades, and it’s Sunday morning. It appears a little fun wasn’t too kind to our grown-up kids Rolu and Jero, who have a cruda-wakening. That is, they’re both nursing mean hangovers (crudas), seated with ice-packs at the table. Xime greets them with a "Bonjour",
bubbling as usual, she slept great! She had a “maraviguau” (combination of wonderful and wow) night with her husband. The guys want her to lower her voice a bit. Xime has her three things to tell Jero: 1) It’s not her fault that he got hammered last night (he was una araña fumigada, a sprayed spider, slang for being drunk or zonked out); 2) If you want quiet, go to your room, and 3) Can I have a drink of your tomato juice, porfis? She helps herself, realizes it’s a Bloody Mary, and that’s even better. Jerry insults her, she’s a descent on the evolutionary scale, which prompts Rolu to leap to the defense of his mujer, delighting Xime, who calls him her héroe maxissisimo.
So what’s up down in the vecindad this A.M.? It’s laundry day, and Nieves sees Moni’s not her chipper self. Moni says she had a nightmare, and Nieves comforts her, reminding her of how as a child, Moni used to jump in bed with Nieves when she had bad dreams. But what did you dream about? My Mamá. She was laughing at me. And now she died, and I have so many unanswered questions. Why did she leave me when I was little? Nieves continues to comfort as Moni wails about how she just has one picture of her Mom. Don’t cry, Monita, says Nieves as she hugs our moping Moni.
Rolu and Xime are now kissing away at the breakfast table, and Jerry tells ‘em to get a room for that. Sorry, bud, says Rolu, it’s not our fault Jackie gave you the shaft. Yeah, well have you forgotten about Beto? Oh, Rolu’s going to forgive Xime, and he asks her to break it off with Beto. Xime says she’ll ASK Beto if that’s okay. Huh, why do you have to ask? Xime assures him it's nothing personal, and she pulls him to her breast to smooth over any bad feelings. Jerry calls him a perro faldero (a lapdog). The phone rings, and Jerry springs up like a barking terrier, it could be Jacqueline! (Woof, woof! pants lapdog Jerry. Maybe he's a Springer Spaniel. A Jerry Springer Spaniel:) Nope, it’s Oscar (haven’t seen him in a while).
Back at laundry day, Cristian’s doing a little washing as Paula tells her invisible Papá to rest, remember what the Doctor said. We then have a little déjà vu, in that they proceed to have a PSA for the Seguro Popular. I recapped a very similar scene about two months ago, where the characters took turns telling anecdotes about how wonderful this Mexican health program is. This happens again, but then Paula tells how great it’ll be when the Seguro Popular pays for the birth of their kid, after Cris asks her to marry, and……wait a sec, says Cris. Marriage? A child? Umm, he just remembered, there’s a 2-7 in progress. Bye, honey. As he leaves, Paula folds her arms in resignation, saying Damn that Cristian, as soon as I mention marriage, he’s out the door, fleeing. Coward!
Nieves remembers her conversation with Isabel, warning her not to hurt Moni. Isabel had given a cryptic response, saying what’s wrong with giving Moni some happy memories, and Nieves’ doubt sensors start heating up, as she remembers Isabel saying “I’m not a monster”.
At that, a big, cute monster wakes up, namely Don Cesar in his flannel airplane jammies (and shades), stretching to greet the day. What’s on your mind, my little cotton pillow (mi almohadita de algodón), he asks Nieves. She tells him her thoughts about Isabel, but the conversation soon turns to breakfast. They hear Beto snoring away, and decide to eat at the market so as not to wake him. Nieves tempts her Cesarin with the idea of some nice memelas .
At the big house, it’s also breakfast time. (Note that nobody’s going to church. This show is very light in the religion department). I don’t recall seeing this room, but anyway, they’re all having scrambled eggs, rolls and juice (no authentic Mexican dishes for the rich folk). Luisa brings in the fruit, raving about those cute mariachis last night. Katia agrees, and little Dani says she loved singing the Secret Love song (she starts singing it). Terry chimes in that in her day, they had serenades all the time. Bitter Connie spits out that nobody cares what happened in “your day”, and I’m tired of all this laughing and smiling. By the way, tell Mauricio to come to breakfast. But, Senora, he left early. They wonder (for 2 seconds) where he went, when he shows up (Jackie even says “Good morning, Papá”, just like the kids). He wants to talk to Connie alone, though.
In the hall, he gives her a home pregnancy test kit, and urges her to do the test right now, to remove any doubts. At first she balks, let’s do it later, I’ve got a craving (un antojo) for hotcakes (said in English, pronounced “hawt-cakes”). A craving? asks Mau, worried that that means pregnancy. Fine, she’ll do the test now.
Xime’s wheeling her Rolu into the barrio, isn’t it picturesque? Nope, he says, go talk to that swine (gandalla), get rid of him, and we’re outta here. But first, here comes Estrella! She’s wearing a silver jacket, looking better than ever, and she’s on cloud 9 from her noche de amor with La Furia. La Furia was so passionate! Xime had a great night, too, although Rolu was half drunk, half asleep, but it was maraviguau (see above) just the same. Rolu interrupts the squealing gals to get Xime back to business. Of course Xime can’t remember why they came. Oh right, Beto! She asks Estrella to watch Rolu, then changes her mind, maybe that’s not a good idea, amiguita, I know how you always steal boyfriends, don’t want you to be tempted, you know? Estrella’s a little indignant as Xime asks some homely neighborhood ladies to watch her prize.
She pops into Robi’s house, but he’s asleep. She shakes him and he grabs her, yelling in his sleep “cucharita” (teaspoon), and (somewhat) against her will, they’re spooning in his bed, with him still half asleep. She says sueltame a few times, but his manly grip is too much.
Outside, Moni enters the scene, carrying a green blow-up plastic monkey toy (no, I didn’t make that up),
and wonders why Rolu’s sitting there. Estre says Xime brought him, and she’s talking to Beto. Rolu asks Moni if she’s interested in Beto again, now that she’s lost Mauricio. No, why? Because I want that bum to stop bothering my wife. What are you talking about? inquires Moni. Rolu lays it down – Ximena and Beto are lovers. Both Moni and Estre go “¡¿Qué?!” Moni slams the monkey into Rolu’s jewels, Estre kicks his cast, and as he doubles over in pain, the two rush over to Beto’s abode. They push back the bead curtains to find the “lovers” still spooning. Ooops, says Ximena (notice where Beto has his hand).
Mau’s sitting on the bed, waiting for the results of Connie’s little test. She comes out of the bathroom, stares at him. Tell me, Constanza, that you’re not pregnant. She looks at him. He looks at her. She looks at him. He looks at her. She looks at him. I look at my watch. I look at a commercial. Oh, those telenovela moments of truth. Don’t you just love ‘em?
Congratulations, handsome, says Connie. Mau’s aghast, you mean you’re pregnant? Connie pauses about 3 seconds, then says, no, in fact the results were negative, I’m congratulating you that I’m NOT pregnant, that’s the least thing we need now (oh, you sly Connie). Mau signs with relief, as Connie jerks his chain a little more, telling him these home tests aren’t infallible. And they only made love about a week ago, so maybe she should get checked out by a doctor. But she doubts she could be pregnant, she’s been taking her birth control pills (mentirosa!). So let’s have breakfast. Mau’s lost his appetite. But Connie hasn’t. She wants those hotcakes now!
Moni and Estre take turns reading the riot act to the still spooning Beto and Xime. How could you?! Beto’s still asleep, and Xime’s imprisoned in his manly grip, quiet as a mouse (for once). The plan? Moni will unlock Beto’s arms, and Estre will pick up Xime. It doesn’t quite work, they both tumble into bed, and Beto wakes up to his fondest dream come true – surrounded by babes! He’s so happy, Xime, Monita, Estrella in his bed, the only one missing is Constanzia! Moni and Estre struggle to extricate themselves from his manly mayhem.
Aldo’s staring straight ahead, eyes glowing with pride and power, silently musing, dreaming of his night of passion.
Jackie, sitting next to him, knows that smile, she knows men. She quietly tells him his smile gives him away (te delata). You’ve become a man, right? She subtly pats him on the shoulder. No one else notices, and Mau stares at Connie across the table with a chilly look.
Beto can’t remember, how did he end up in bed with all three gals, must have been great. Not in your dreams, shoots back Estre. Moni makes a fist, she’ll break his head if he doesn’t tell them right now what he’s doing with Ximena. Both Ximmy and Betito siguen calladito (remain silent).
Jackie gets up, says thanks for the breakfast, but she and Katia are going shopping! (on Sunday, no less). Mau’s going to spend the day with his kids. Dani says I love you, Daddy, and Jackie says he’s a good father. Connie tells Aldo to enjoy his last fun time before military school, but Mau says, No, I’ve changed my mind, he’s not going. Connie protests, but Mau ignores her, telling the kids to get their jackets (chamarras) and brush their teeth. Connie’s royally pissed off (again).
Moni’s disgusted with Beto, lying there with Xime like an animal. An animal, maybe, but not an ugly animal, corrects Beto. Moni can’t believe it, first La Momia, now Xime, and she’s married. Xime finally speaks up – that doesn’t really count, she says. Moni says well, that’s your life, but Beto’s like my brother. Estre thinks Moni and Beto should talk alone, beckons Xime, your husband is waiting outside, remember? Oh, him, right, yeah, let’s go, as she pops up, and let’s not deny what I was doing, porfis. Estre is flabbergasted. You want to TELL Rolu? Xime has three answers, as that little pinky goes up to start the list. 1) Robi is divine, 2) You can’t imagine how happy I am, I’m eternally grateful and 3) thanks to Robi, my life is changing! She exits theatrically, with air kisses and an “Au revoir”, as Beto waves with a “Ciao, Xi!” Estre goes to check out the Rolu fireworks, and Moni crosses her arms for the Beto interrogation to come. Beto smiles weakly, coughs guiltily, and we’ll have to wait ‘til Monday to find out what happens next.
And you know what? Monday looks "maraviguau" (Carlos, they always give you good days, don’t they?), with EVERYONE going to the amusement park. Not only that, Connie appears to lose control and SLAP Luisa. Big mistake!
Vocabulario:
Ablandarse – to soften, to give in. Connie said tú te ablandas a cada rato, or you give in each time
Gabardino – a trenchcoat, or raincoat
Mi bocote – my big mouth
Una cruda – a hangover
Maraviguau – not a real word, Xime speak, a combination of marvelous or wonderful and wow, we could say Wonderwow (if we were Xime)
Quedar como una araña fumigada – to be zonked out, hammered, literally to be like a sprayed spider, another similar expression is quedar hasta las chanclas
Un perro faldero – a lapdog, literally a skirt dog, falda is a skirt, Jerry and Rolu currently fit this category
Gandalla – another of the numerous words we’ve learned meaning “swine”, or a crook, a lowlife
Delatarse – to give oneself away
Chamarras – (sheepskin) jackets
Someone pointed out yesterday that the actress playing Connie is doing an excellent job of portraying the character’s shifting moods, with subtle changes of expression. This is true, and we seem to have a somewhat unique situation in our novela – a lead villainess who might actually be redeemed (maybe not, but it’s possible). Constanza has been very mean, she’s been devious, dishonest – but she hasn’t killed anyone. And she has a weakness. Her secret love for Beto. She denies it, ignores it, but it’s there, simmering, flowering, growing along with Beto’s baby in her belly. She keeps trying to deny it, to cling to her desire for money and status. But her face shows us the inner turmoil. Will that chilling visage oneday transform into one of warmth and love? We have 100 epis left in which to find out.
We begin with mariachis. The three girls (Katia, Luisa and Dani) are gleefully listening at the upstairs window. The music stops, and Katia thinks her Mom Jackie must have run them off. But it starts again, and Katia now thinks her Mom must be really mad at Jerry for hiring these guys. Nothing could be further from the truth, though, as Jackie finds them enchanting, takes a huge swig of tequila, and proceeds to sing along as the group sings “I tell you, crying with rage, I’m not coming back” (Te lo digo llorando de rabia, no volveré) No Volveré).
Connie doesn’t like the singing, but she tries to ignore it, and keeps insisting that Mau send Aldo to military school. Mau’s in agreement, until Aldo says that Mau lies, too. Why not tell Connie about La Furia Enmascarada? Connie remembers meeting him at the gym, but what’s that got to do with Mau? Mau knows something’s up, tells Aldo to go to his room, and they’ll talk. Connie warns Mau not to wimp out, saying Aldo needs a strong hand, and tells Mau he always gives in (tú te ablandas a cada rato). Mau gets right in her face, tells her to butt out.
Connie goes outside to shut up the singers, but to no avail. Jackie had to get away from all that tension inside, now she’s waaay relaxed. Jerry offers Connie the bottle. Connie’s a killjoy as usual, but fortunately for us, the joy is too big for her to kill.
Aldo comes clean with Mau, explaining that he was super jealous when Estrella went after La Furia, that’s why he hit him. But when he found that letter from Moni in Mau’s trenchcoat (gabardino), he read it, and understood all. So why’d you stay quiet? asks Mau. Aldo explains that he knew Mau didn’t have a thing for Estre, so he was no longer jealous. But why didn’t you realize I was going through a tough time? - You didn’t seem to care about me, adds Aldo. Mau denies this, he’s always cared, but Aldo’s conduct wasn’t too good. Well, what about yours? retorts Aldo.
Outside, Connie warns her Mom that the noise will wake up the neighbors, who might call the police. Jackie agrees, bring the party inside! Connie tries vainly to stop the parade. Jackie goes in, too, but tells Jerry, who’s holding the bottle, that this is an alcohol-free house, so…Bye! She slams the door in Jerry’s face. A despondent (and drunk) Jerry bangs on the door for his Jacqueline, crying that they haven’t yet sung the chorus!
Mau reminds Aldo that different rules apply to adults and teenagers, and although Aldo had permission to go out in the afternoon, he wasn’t allowed to go out at night. Where did he go? Aldo admits he went to the storeroom (bodega) where Mau changes. He wanted to know everything. He took the keys from the trenchcoat Mau had given Terry. Aldo starts to smile as he relates how he saw the costume, the cape, the mask, it was so cool, he put it on, because Mau has no idea how proud he is of his Dad. When he saw Mau in the wrestling ring, throwing himself (aventandose) through the ropes, doing those moves, you know what? He thanked God for giving him a father like Mau. He wanted to shout to all the people, that’s my Dad! Mau melts, draws Aldo to him, and gives him a warm, fatherly hug.
Moni’s dream. Our cute little heroine is sleeping. Everything starts out fine as she relives her kiss with Mau when they promised to be faithful para siempre. Mau tells her Connie no longer exists. But Connie suddenly appears, saying “are you sure?” The lights go out. Don’t let her take you, screams Moni. All of a sudden, La Furia appears. She tells him she lost Mau, and he calms her down. Nothing’s going to happen. But then Estrella shows up. Sorry, Monita, she says, but he’s my guy. Find your own. They leave. Monita laments, why does everyone leave? But then Isabel appears. Valentina, are you suffering? Well, poor you, she says, and laughs at Moni’s misery. Moni wakes up upset, as the music sings Cansada, estresada (tired, stressed out).
Happier music is filling the Mau house, though, as Jackie sings along fairly well with the mariachis. Connie applauds weakly, okay, that’s enough, guys, you can leave now. But wait. Jackie wants to sing another, and this one’s dedicated to Connie. It’s called Secret of Love (or maybe My Secret Love, or My Love Secret). Here are the lyrics: Secreto de Amor. Connie looks guilty, she can’t face what her mother is gently telling her.
Back upstairs, Mau has now explained to Aldo why he invented the character La Furia Enmascarada, so he could see Moni without Connie’s knowledge. Aldo thinks it’s great. Mau cautions him, though, not a word to Constanza. Aldo apologizes for having opened his big mouth (mi bocote) out in the hall before, but promises to keep the secret from now on. But please don’t make me leave the house. Don’t worry, replies Mau, I care for all of you kids, and I think you and I both deserve another chance, okay? I love you a ton (un montón) is the answer, and they hug again.
Connie bursts in, my Mom invited those darn mariachis into the house, and I can’t get them out! We see the mariachis swaying back and forth to the Secret Love song. The three girls, in their pj’s, are also swayin’,
as is Jackie. Jackie grabs a violin, pretends to play, and invites the kids to dance, which they gladly do. Connie’s appalled, but Mau is enthralled, the kids are happy, they’re dancing! He and Aldo start dancing, too, and Terry brings in some snacks. Forget that, it’s time to conga, as Mau drags her, smiling, into the conga line. Connie thinks it’s late, but Mau chides her, tomorrow’s Sunday, a little fun won’t hurt the kids. They dance the night away.
The music fades, and it’s Sunday morning. It appears a little fun wasn’t too kind to our grown-up kids Rolu and Jero, who have a cruda-wakening. That is, they’re both nursing mean hangovers (crudas), seated with ice-packs at the table. Xime greets them with a "Bonjour",
bubbling as usual, she slept great! She had a “maraviguau” (combination of wonderful and wow) night with her husband. The guys want her to lower her voice a bit. Xime has her three things to tell Jero: 1) It’s not her fault that he got hammered last night (he was una araña fumigada, a sprayed spider, slang for being drunk or zonked out); 2) If you want quiet, go to your room, and 3) Can I have a drink of your tomato juice, porfis? She helps herself, realizes it’s a Bloody Mary, and that’s even better. Jerry insults her, she’s a descent on the evolutionary scale, which prompts Rolu to leap to the defense of his mujer, delighting Xime, who calls him her héroe maxissisimo.
So what’s up down in the vecindad this A.M.? It’s laundry day, and Nieves sees Moni’s not her chipper self. Moni says she had a nightmare, and Nieves comforts her, reminding her of how as a child, Moni used to jump in bed with Nieves when she had bad dreams. But what did you dream about? My Mamá. She was laughing at me. And now she died, and I have so many unanswered questions. Why did she leave me when I was little? Nieves continues to comfort as Moni wails about how she just has one picture of her Mom. Don’t cry, Monita, says Nieves as she hugs our moping Moni.
Rolu and Xime are now kissing away at the breakfast table, and Jerry tells ‘em to get a room for that. Sorry, bud, says Rolu, it’s not our fault Jackie gave you the shaft. Yeah, well have you forgotten about Beto? Oh, Rolu’s going to forgive Xime, and he asks her to break it off with Beto. Xime says she’ll ASK Beto if that’s okay. Huh, why do you have to ask? Xime assures him it's nothing personal, and she pulls him to her breast to smooth over any bad feelings. Jerry calls him a perro faldero (a lapdog). The phone rings, and Jerry springs up like a barking terrier, it could be Jacqueline! (Woof, woof! pants lapdog Jerry. Maybe he's a Springer Spaniel. A Jerry Springer Spaniel:) Nope, it’s Oscar (haven’t seen him in a while).
Back at laundry day, Cristian’s doing a little washing as Paula tells her invisible Papá to rest, remember what the Doctor said. We then have a little déjà vu, in that they proceed to have a PSA for the Seguro Popular. I recapped a very similar scene about two months ago, where the characters took turns telling anecdotes about how wonderful this Mexican health program is. This happens again, but then Paula tells how great it’ll be when the Seguro Popular pays for the birth of their kid, after Cris asks her to marry, and……wait a sec, says Cris. Marriage? A child? Umm, he just remembered, there’s a 2-7 in progress. Bye, honey. As he leaves, Paula folds her arms in resignation, saying Damn that Cristian, as soon as I mention marriage, he’s out the door, fleeing. Coward!
Nieves remembers her conversation with Isabel, warning her not to hurt Moni. Isabel had given a cryptic response, saying what’s wrong with giving Moni some happy memories, and Nieves’ doubt sensors start heating up, as she remembers Isabel saying “I’m not a monster”.
At that, a big, cute monster wakes up, namely Don Cesar in his flannel airplane jammies (and shades), stretching to greet the day. What’s on your mind, my little cotton pillow (mi almohadita de algodón), he asks Nieves. She tells him her thoughts about Isabel, but the conversation soon turns to breakfast. They hear Beto snoring away, and decide to eat at the market so as not to wake him. Nieves tempts her Cesarin with the idea of some nice memelas .
At the big house, it’s also breakfast time. (Note that nobody’s going to church. This show is very light in the religion department). I don’t recall seeing this room, but anyway, they’re all having scrambled eggs, rolls and juice (no authentic Mexican dishes for the rich folk). Luisa brings in the fruit, raving about those cute mariachis last night. Katia agrees, and little Dani says she loved singing the Secret Love song (she starts singing it). Terry chimes in that in her day, they had serenades all the time. Bitter Connie spits out that nobody cares what happened in “your day”, and I’m tired of all this laughing and smiling. By the way, tell Mauricio to come to breakfast. But, Senora, he left early. They wonder (for 2 seconds) where he went, when he shows up (Jackie even says “Good morning, Papá”, just like the kids). He wants to talk to Connie alone, though.
In the hall, he gives her a home pregnancy test kit, and urges her to do the test right now, to remove any doubts. At first she balks, let’s do it later, I’ve got a craving (un antojo) for hotcakes (said in English, pronounced “hawt-cakes”). A craving? asks Mau, worried that that means pregnancy. Fine, she’ll do the test now.
Xime’s wheeling her Rolu into the barrio, isn’t it picturesque? Nope, he says, go talk to that swine (gandalla), get rid of him, and we’re outta here. But first, here comes Estrella! She’s wearing a silver jacket, looking better than ever, and she’s on cloud 9 from her noche de amor with La Furia. La Furia was so passionate! Xime had a great night, too, although Rolu was half drunk, half asleep, but it was maraviguau (see above) just the same. Rolu interrupts the squealing gals to get Xime back to business. Of course Xime can’t remember why they came. Oh right, Beto! She asks Estrella to watch Rolu, then changes her mind, maybe that’s not a good idea, amiguita, I know how you always steal boyfriends, don’t want you to be tempted, you know? Estrella’s a little indignant as Xime asks some homely neighborhood ladies to watch her prize.
She pops into Robi’s house, but he’s asleep. She shakes him and he grabs her, yelling in his sleep “cucharita” (teaspoon), and (somewhat) against her will, they’re spooning in his bed, with him still half asleep. She says sueltame a few times, but his manly grip is too much.
Outside, Moni enters the scene, carrying a green blow-up plastic monkey toy (no, I didn’t make that up),
and wonders why Rolu’s sitting there. Estre says Xime brought him, and she’s talking to Beto. Rolu asks Moni if she’s interested in Beto again, now that she’s lost Mauricio. No, why? Because I want that bum to stop bothering my wife. What are you talking about? inquires Moni. Rolu lays it down – Ximena and Beto are lovers. Both Moni and Estre go “¡¿Qué?!” Moni slams the monkey into Rolu’s jewels, Estre kicks his cast, and as he doubles over in pain, the two rush over to Beto’s abode. They push back the bead curtains to find the “lovers” still spooning. Ooops, says Ximena (notice where Beto has his hand).
Mau’s sitting on the bed, waiting for the results of Connie’s little test. She comes out of the bathroom, stares at him. Tell me, Constanza, that you’re not pregnant. She looks at him. He looks at her. She looks at him. He looks at her. She looks at him. I look at my watch. I look at a commercial. Oh, those telenovela moments of truth. Don’t you just love ‘em?
Congratulations, handsome, says Connie. Mau’s aghast, you mean you’re pregnant? Connie pauses about 3 seconds, then says, no, in fact the results were negative, I’m congratulating you that I’m NOT pregnant, that’s the least thing we need now (oh, you sly Connie). Mau signs with relief, as Connie jerks his chain a little more, telling him these home tests aren’t infallible. And they only made love about a week ago, so maybe she should get checked out by a doctor. But she doubts she could be pregnant, she’s been taking her birth control pills (mentirosa!). So let’s have breakfast. Mau’s lost his appetite. But Connie hasn’t. She wants those hotcakes now!
Moni and Estre take turns reading the riot act to the still spooning Beto and Xime. How could you?! Beto’s still asleep, and Xime’s imprisoned in his manly grip, quiet as a mouse (for once). The plan? Moni will unlock Beto’s arms, and Estre will pick up Xime. It doesn’t quite work, they both tumble into bed, and Beto wakes up to his fondest dream come true – surrounded by babes! He’s so happy, Xime, Monita, Estrella in his bed, the only one missing is Constanzia! Moni and Estre struggle to extricate themselves from his manly mayhem.
Aldo’s staring straight ahead, eyes glowing with pride and power, silently musing, dreaming of his night of passion.
Jackie, sitting next to him, knows that smile, she knows men. She quietly tells him his smile gives him away (te delata). You’ve become a man, right? She subtly pats him on the shoulder. No one else notices, and Mau stares at Connie across the table with a chilly look.
Beto can’t remember, how did he end up in bed with all three gals, must have been great. Not in your dreams, shoots back Estre. Moni makes a fist, she’ll break his head if he doesn’t tell them right now what he’s doing with Ximena. Both Ximmy and Betito siguen calladito (remain silent).
Jackie gets up, says thanks for the breakfast, but she and Katia are going shopping! (on Sunday, no less). Mau’s going to spend the day with his kids. Dani says I love you, Daddy, and Jackie says he’s a good father. Connie tells Aldo to enjoy his last fun time before military school, but Mau says, No, I’ve changed my mind, he’s not going. Connie protests, but Mau ignores her, telling the kids to get their jackets (chamarras) and brush their teeth. Connie’s royally pissed off (again).
Moni’s disgusted with Beto, lying there with Xime like an animal. An animal, maybe, but not an ugly animal, corrects Beto. Moni can’t believe it, first La Momia, now Xime, and she’s married. Xime finally speaks up – that doesn’t really count, she says. Moni says well, that’s your life, but Beto’s like my brother. Estre thinks Moni and Beto should talk alone, beckons Xime, your husband is waiting outside, remember? Oh, him, right, yeah, let’s go, as she pops up, and let’s not deny what I was doing, porfis. Estre is flabbergasted. You want to TELL Rolu? Xime has three answers, as that little pinky goes up to start the list. 1) Robi is divine, 2) You can’t imagine how happy I am, I’m eternally grateful and 3) thanks to Robi, my life is changing! She exits theatrically, with air kisses and an “Au revoir”, as Beto waves with a “Ciao, Xi!” Estre goes to check out the Rolu fireworks, and Moni crosses her arms for the Beto interrogation to come. Beto smiles weakly, coughs guiltily, and we’ll have to wait ‘til Monday to find out what happens next.
And you know what? Monday looks "maraviguau" (Carlos, they always give you good days, don’t they?), with EVERYONE going to the amusement park. Not only that, Connie appears to lose control and SLAP Luisa. Big mistake!
Vocabulario:
Ablandarse – to soften, to give in. Connie said tú te ablandas a cada rato, or you give in each time
Gabardino – a trenchcoat, or raincoat
Mi bocote – my big mouth
Una cruda – a hangover
Maraviguau – not a real word, Xime speak, a combination of marvelous or wonderful and wow, we could say Wonderwow (if we were Xime)
Quedar como una araña fumigada – to be zonked out, hammered, literally to be like a sprayed spider, another similar expression is quedar hasta las chanclas
Un perro faldero – a lapdog, literally a skirt dog, falda is a skirt, Jerry and Rolu currently fit this category
Gandalla – another of the numerous words we’ve learned meaning “swine”, or a crook, a lowlife
Delatarse – to give oneself away
Chamarras – (sheepskin) jackets
Labels: gancho
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Cruda-awakening...I love it! You're very clever.
Nieves and DC's breakfast conversation made me hungry. I enjoyed your memelas link, yum. I notice DC countered that he preferred dobladas, kind of a memela that's folded over. He's such a topper.
When you mentioned that Coni said she was on the pill it reminded me that she said the same thing Thursday night. I forgot to included that in my recap, so she has lied at least twice about that.
I love the scenes with Beto and Xime. Did you see his face when Xime told the girls, "Uno, Robi is divine"? He looked delighted and also had that "but of course" look. What a great scene that was.
Another great scene, the one where Aldo told Mau he was proud of him. I almost felt like crying it was so sweet. Those two have good chemistry. In fact Sebastian Rulli acts quite well with all the kids. He must be a nice guy to work with.
Hombre, what can I say except you have graced us with another masterpiece. There are too many good parts to mention but your opening paragraph was insightful, your recap excellent, and your link and vocabulary words were Maraviguau!!
I miss Carlos. I loved his trip updates, especially the last one, but when I watch the show I keep wondering about his reactions to Coni's shenanigans. I notice we've all been slightly kinder to her in his absence, maybe because he hasn't been around to stick up for her.
Nieves and DC's breakfast conversation made me hungry. I enjoyed your memelas link, yum. I notice DC countered that he preferred dobladas, kind of a memela that's folded over. He's such a topper.
When you mentioned that Coni said she was on the pill it reminded me that she said the same thing Thursday night. I forgot to included that in my recap, so she has lied at least twice about that.
I love the scenes with Beto and Xime. Did you see his face when Xime told the girls, "Uno, Robi is divine"? He looked delighted and also had that "but of course" look. What a great scene that was.
Another great scene, the one where Aldo told Mau he was proud of him. I almost felt like crying it was so sweet. Those two have good chemistry. In fact Sebastian Rulli acts quite well with all the kids. He must be a nice guy to work with.
Hombre, what can I say except you have graced us with another masterpiece. There are too many good parts to mention but your opening paragraph was insightful, your recap excellent, and your link and vocabulary words were Maraviguau!!
I miss Carlos. I loved his trip updates, especially the last one, but when I watch the show I keep wondering about his reactions to Coni's shenanigans. I notice we've all been slightly kinder to her in his absence, maybe because he hasn't been around to stick up for her.
Thank you for the link to UGAC! The tivo only seems to fail when I am out!! I really appeciate it! Thanks, Robyn
Hombre the awesome, you have captured every scene beautifully and even though I miss most of the shows due to work, the recaps and the vocabulary lessons keep me updated always. Thank you so much.
what is Consti-pation thinking? Does she think making Mau responsible for the pregnancy later is going to make him like her even a little? How greedy can that family be? Like mom,like daughter. Ximena is just too much and I believe she is smartest character in this show. Kind of like Columbo with curves.
Hanna, Md
what is Consti-pation thinking? Does she think making Mau responsible for the pregnancy later is going to make him like her even a little? How greedy can that family be? Like mom,like daughter. Ximena is just too much and I believe she is smartest character in this show. Kind of like Columbo with curves.
Hanna, Md
Permalink posted by 
: Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 4:30:00 PM EST
: Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 4:30:00 PM EST
A cruda-wakening! Great phrase.
I love the dancing scene. They all looked so happy, for once (except Coni, but who cares?). I think Mauricio and Valentina should adopt Katia, too. She seems so much happier and more functional living with some decent sisters, and obviously her own family can't be bothered with her.
I love the dancing scene. They all looked so happy, for once (except Coni, but who cares?). I think Mauricio and Valentina should adopt Katia, too. She seems so much happier and more functional living with some decent sisters, and obviously her own family can't be bothered with her.
Hombre, I just finished watching the episode as well as the other episodes for this week. . What an excellent recap. I had not seen any Gancho this week until last night. It's a bit different reading the recap and then watching the show. Anticipating can be as much fun as being surprised. It's like seeing it twice. Once through your eyes and then through my own. Subtle differences, just enough to enhance the enjoyment.
We had an excellent trip. This one I planned myself as a surprise for the lovely Linda for our 39th anniversary. I think that she enjoyed it. Isla Mujeres is a wonderful place to visit or, I dare say to live. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful. Last night we ate at the hotel restaurant. Linda had grilled tuna, but I had the suckling pig roasted with a Dijon glaze served on a scoop of mashed sweet potato. Wow!
Stephe, thanks again for recapping Mon. night. You were fantastic! Sylvia, thanks for your help.
Hombre, once again, what a great recap, I love the way you have fun with words.
Carlos
We had an excellent trip. This one I planned myself as a surprise for the lovely Linda for our 39th anniversary. I think that she enjoyed it. Isla Mujeres is a wonderful place to visit or, I dare say to live. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful. Last night we ate at the hotel restaurant. Linda had grilled tuna, but I had the suckling pig roasted with a Dijon glaze served on a scoop of mashed sweet potato. Wow!
Stephe, thanks again for recapping Mon. night. You were fantastic! Sylvia, thanks for your help.
Hombre, once again, what a great recap, I love the way you have fun with words.
Carlos
Robyn, I'm glad the link worked out for you. There is another site where you can download episodes from practically every telenovela but you have to sign up, get permission, etc.: http://mistelenovelas.creatuforo.com/index.php
It's free and not a big deal, but the other site is a bit easier for the occasional episode.
Welcome home Carlos!
It's free and not a big deal, but the other site is a bit easier for the occasional episode.
Welcome home Carlos!
Thanks Hombre. Wasn't able to get to the computer until today but loved your recap and your gentle, lyrical opening paragraph. I'm not a Connie fan but hate to write off anybody as "un-redeemable" so...we'll see.
Really appreciate the links to the song lyrics, the Memelas (even though I had breakfast, got hungry all over again reading about them) and the excellent vocabulary notes. Love "perro faldera"!
And loved the delicious spooning scene. Yes, that rascal Beto (or was it the actor's idea?) did have his hand in a choice location and our fun-loving Ximena (or was it the actress' idea?) certainly didn't seem to mind. I'm thinking the cast parties for this crew must be great fun!
And hello Hanna and Robyn. Hanna, haven't heard from you in a while and Robyn, welcome. Check in often. We love to hear from folks.
Really appreciate the links to the song lyrics, the Memelas (even though I had breakfast, got hungry all over again reading about them) and the excellent vocabulary notes. Love "perro faldera"!
And loved the delicious spooning scene. Yes, that rascal Beto (or was it the actor's idea?) did have his hand in a choice location and our fun-loving Ximena (or was it the actress' idea?) certainly didn't seem to mind. I'm thinking the cast parties for this crew must be great fun!
And hello Hanna and Robyn. Hanna, haven't heard from you in a while and Robyn, welcome. Check in often. We love to hear from folks.
Good morning, all. Welcome, Robyn, glad you found us. Feel free to join our fun discussion.
Hanna, ITA that Connie hasn't thought this Mau-pregnancy thing through. It's unlikely to make him like her (although in Tontas, the main guy Santiago was a lot nicer to his former girlfriend crazy Marisa when she got pregnant). The other thing is that eventually it's going to come out. Xime knows, and if anyone calculates things, she's already 6 weeks pregnant. But it'll probably take a while for all this to come to light.
I also liked your description of Ximena as "Columbo with curves". Exactly!
Julia, Katia does seem better off with her new "sisters".
Carlos, welcome back. Your trip sounded fantastic. Maybe one day my wife and I will go to Isla Mujeres.
Sylvia and Judy, I also love those scenes between Ximena and Beto. The irony is that while the characters are "pretending", they actually do enjoy each other's company, and if they weren't both trying to win someone else's heart, who knows?
Hanna, ITA that Connie hasn't thought this Mau-pregnancy thing through. It's unlikely to make him like her (although in Tontas, the main guy Santiago was a lot nicer to his former girlfriend crazy Marisa when she got pregnant). The other thing is that eventually it's going to come out. Xime knows, and if anyone calculates things, she's already 6 weeks pregnant. But it'll probably take a while for all this to come to light.
I also liked your description of Ximena as "Columbo with curves". Exactly!
Julia, Katia does seem better off with her new "sisters".
Carlos, welcome back. Your trip sounded fantastic. Maybe one day my wife and I will go to Isla Mujeres.
Sylvia and Judy, I also love those scenes between Ximena and Beto. The irony is that while the characters are "pretending", they actually do enjoy each other's company, and if they weren't both trying to win someone else's heart, who knows?
Thanks for the recap Hombre. Witty title and great vocab too.
The scene with Beto and Xime was great. As you noted the actors clearly enjoy one another and are a delight to watch. This redemption of Rolu is interesting...If it's truly legit, I guess I'm OK with this but I want to make sure he doesn't hurt Ximena any more.
Welcome Robyn.
Welcome back Carlos!
The scene with Beto and Xime was great. As you noted the actors clearly enjoy one another and are a delight to watch. This redemption of Rolu is interesting...If it's truly legit, I guess I'm OK with this but I want to make sure he doesn't hurt Ximena any more.
Welcome Robyn.
Welcome back Carlos!
Thanks for that great recap, Hombre. Carlos~ Glad your trip was wonderful. I'm just back from seeing The Nutcracker with my daughter. It's been cold and rainy/sleety all day. I could use a couple days in a sunny, warm place. I'm tired of the cold and the dark. Your mashed yams sounded tasty. I'm going to make baked yams for Christmas dinner, but I will top them with brown sugar and chopped pecans. Yummynummy.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 8:17:00 PM EST
: Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 8:17:00 PM EST
Hombre: Thank you for the maraviguau recap!
I like Mau with the kids. I feel he is sometimes too hard on Aldo but they have a nice chemistry. I was smiling all the way through Jaqui's serenada. The mariachis also sang "Paloma Negra" but we only got to hear the end of it before "Secreto de Amor".
I loved the blow up plastic monkey! It was so cute! I can just picture someone getting it and giving it to Danna behind the scenes as a joke or something. I love little things like that. Also, it was cute that Estrella was happily writing on Rolu's cast when Monita came over to them.
Jarocha
I like Mau with the kids. I feel he is sometimes too hard on Aldo but they have a nice chemistry. I was smiling all the way through Jaqui's serenada. The mariachis also sang "Paloma Negra" but we only got to hear the end of it before "Secreto de Amor".
I loved the blow up plastic monkey! It was so cute! I can just picture someone getting it and giving it to Danna behind the scenes as a joke or something. I love little things like that. Also, it was cute that Estrella was happily writing on Rolu's cast when Monita came over to them.
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Monday, December 14, 2009 at 10:42:00 AM EST
: Monday, December 14, 2009 at 10:42:00 AM EST
I liked the green monkey, too!
I also like how Rolu is always stuck carrying Ximena's purse, which doesn't appear to have much in it. Do you think she carries any money or the usual detritus the rest of us tote, or just relies on other people to supply what she needs and carries the bag (then drops it on Rolu's lap) as an accessory only?
I wonder if Rolando's redemption could extend as far as patching up his differences with Mauricio.
Is anyone else amazed that Constanza could bellow about pregnancy just outside the dining room and have no one hear her? That house must have some wild acoustics ;).
I also like how Rolu is always stuck carrying Ximena's purse, which doesn't appear to have much in it. Do you think she carries any money or the usual detritus the rest of us tote, or just relies on other people to supply what she needs and carries the bag (then drops it on Rolu's lap) as an accessory only?
I wonder if Rolando's redemption could extend as far as patching up his differences with Mauricio.
Is anyone else amazed that Constanza could bellow about pregnancy just outside the dining room and have no one hear her? That house must have some wild acoustics ;).
Hombre, I forgot to mention how much I loved your calling Jero a Jerry Springer Spaniel. Bwahahahahahahaaa! Perfect.
Coni does such a good job at acting I want to jump in the tv and strangle her! My husband does not understand all my yelling at the tv. :)
Thanks for the recaps. It is nice to check to make sure I am understanding everything.
Robyn
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Thanks for the recaps. It is nice to check to make sure I am understanding everything.
Robyn
Permalink posted by : Monday, December 14, 2009 at 8:09:00 PM EST
: Monday, December 14, 2009 at 8:09:00 PM EST
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