Caray, Caray!

Friday: Don E tells the jury that justice is in their hands. The judge sends them off to deliberate. Dr B is in his car, trying to reach Ivonne’s cell. No luck.

Will he make it to the trial in time? Don’t touch that dial!

NB: Before we start, I’d like to note that throughout this episode Chris keeps lamenting that Paloma has distanced herself from him, and Madeleine keeps lamenting about having abandoned her son and yearning to be close to him. Since it’s wearing to keep reading these things over and over, I didn’t put them in. Insert wherever you like.

Walking along a street Gabriel, Paloma and Lili (who, now freed from the clutches of the nuns, has taken a fashion tip from Anamar and is wearing a super-short skirt) are happily planning Paloma’s upcoming Sweet 18 party. Lili takes off and Paloma and Gabriel decide to look in at the court to see what’s happening.

Romina has showed up in the lobby of the hotel and is reproaching Em. You said you left because we weren’t working out, but I’m not stupid. You just wanted to be here with your little chickiebaby. Em says don’t insult Anamar. Romina says why couldn’t you go live with your dad? Or at Orlando’s? Em points out that Angelica lives there. He’s just at the hotel until he can find an apartment. Romina pleads then just come home until you find one.

Em says the apartment is yours, and you can keep it when we divorce. Romina says you’re nuts if you think I’m going to give you a divorce. Em says don’t try to do like my mother did. I’m going to remake my life whether you agree to it or not, same as my father did with Luz.

Frantic Dr B is driving narrow cobblestone streets, trying to figure out how to get to the courthouse.

Don E, Chris and Natalia are waiting for the verdict. Chris thanks him for taking the case. Don E says he loves justice, plus, well, Chris knows how he feels about Chris’s mother. Mother? says Natalia, surprised. Don E says it’s a long story and he’ll tell her later.

Natalia tells him thank you (sniff) … for my daughter’s sake (sniff). I have no way to pay you. Me either, says Chris. Don E gestures expansively and smiles. Ya! he rumbles happily.

Oh no! Dr B is stuck behind a stalled truck. He jumps out and yells at the driver, who shrugs. Dr B dances around frantically. A guy on a scooter drives by the growing line of backed-up cars. Dr B says how much for your scooter? He whips out his wallet and fans bills. Sold! Or rented, I’m not sure. Who cares? Off he rides on it. My hero.

Carlota is burning up the phone wire, telling German to get in that jury room and find out what’s going on. German says he can’t, even Don E can’t. Carlota is quite sure Don E could if he wanted to. Do it! She demands. Get in there and bribe whoever you have to, idiot!

Click. Hysterical old bat, German says to himself.

What’s going on? asks Em, who’s just arrived. Do you think they’re going to go free? German says I have no idea. I think they might hang ‘em. Em says I hope you don’t think so just because you’re off the case. You think they’re innocent, right? Oh! Yeah. Sure, says German. It’s just a saying.

In the background, Paloma and Gabriel walk in together. She spots Em. He spots her. He and Gabriel spot each other. Long laser looks, then Paloma and Gabriel go on in. German says to Em Even though they deny it, it makes sense. I tried to ask Paloma out and no luck. She’s not easy to approach.

So how ‘bout you? How’re you doing? I’m getting a divorce and I’ve moved out, says Em. German pats him on the back and says I’m sorry. His mouth twitches with suppressed glee.

Ivonne, Rufi and Madeleine are sitting in the courtroom, wondering why the jury is taking so long. Ivonne gets a call on her cell and leaves to answer it. Rufi looks at Madeleine curiously. I’ve lived here since the dawn of time, she says, and yet I’ve never seen you here before.

Madeleine says she just came to town. Rufi asks does she like going to trials? Mad says she would give her life not to have to be there. She tells Rufi she’s Chris’s ma. She says probably Chris wouldn’t want me to tell anyone, but you seem so nice and I need to tell someone.

Rufi thoughtbubbles that that would mean she’s Paloma’s grandmother. On cue, Paloma comes into the courtroom and knees affectionately in front of Rufi. Madeleine is touched, then she studies her. Her DNA lights up like a nuclear reactor.

Carlota is pacing her room. A heavenly choir sings. How does she rate a choir? Ay, no! She says. She gets her coat and scarf.

The courtroom again. Everyone is waiting. Suspenseful violins work themselves into a frenzy. The defendants are led in.

Madeleine asks Rufi who that girl was. Rufi says she’s my child, or not exactly. I work in her house. She’s Paloma Espinosa de los Monteros. Madeleine says there’s something about her that seems familiar. Her eyes, her manner.

Everybody up! says the bailiff. Rufi rises, and Madeleine takes her hand and says please stay here with me. Rufi smiles kindly.

Em ends up sitting next to Paloma. He smiles at her.

Outside, Dr B, who’s not very adept at scooter riding, is awkwardly maneuvering the Disneyland-ride-line style switchbacks of the approach to the courthouse. Almost running down a few pedestrians, he pulls up to the front of the building, parks the thing, takes the suicide note from his pocket, and, waving it high, runs into the courthouse.

The jury has its verdict. The lead juror hands it to the bailiff who takes it to the judge. The judge looks at it with a stern poker face. Quick shots of team Chris looking anxious.

Outside of the courtroom, the bailiff bars the door, telling Dr B he can’t come in.

The judge is saying in the case of… etc… and we see the screen fragment into a fly’s vision composite of faces of concerned audience members.

Dr B bursts in waving the suicide note. Wait! he says. Carlota, disguised with a head scarf and long coat, slips into the door and melts into the back row.

Dr B tells the judge that it’s a note Alonso left for Natalia. It was hidden in the back of a photo frame. The two lawyers materialize at the bench and look at it. The prosecutor says that’s no kind of evidence, a suicide note from the deceased! Natalia is agape.

Don E says it’s very important. We need to verify its authenticity, but we can’t decide beforehand. These two people are accused of a murder that obviously was a suicide. Carlota puts her hand to her head – oh crud!

The judge tells everyone to get back in their places. He reads the suicide note. (To refresh: Sorry, but my life has no meaning without Inaki. I’m going to revenge his murder, then off myself. Have a nice day! Alonso) Natalia anguishes.

The judge says this letter might exonerate the defendants, but I’m not going to accept it as evidence, as the trial is already over. Don E objects.

That’s my decision, says the judge. And here’s why. He reads the jury’s verdict: Innocent.

Jubilation! Carlota’s jaw drops. Paloma hugs Em. Gabriel looks down sadly. Hugs all around. We see Carlota glaring furiously.

The prosecutor smiles and shakes Don E’s hand. What a sporting fellow! Perry Mason won ‘em all too. What can you do but be decent about it? Madeline thanks Don E. Rufi congratulates Chris, calling him Padre. He says just Chris. She says she can’t get used to that.

The padres hug and congratulate Chris. Paloma hugs Natalia who says she can’t wait to throw her arms around Sagrario. Rufi comments to Chris that so many things came to light. Chris says he only hopes that Paloma will let him tell her everything.

Carlota stomps out of the courthouse and down the steps. Don E follows at a distance. Carlota furiously whips off her head scarf. Carlota? says Don E to himself

Em tells German don’t feel too bad - you’re still new at the game. German angrily says it isn’t all due to Don E. Em says why don’t you admit that you’re still learning and that you made some mistakes? A lot of people thought you weren’t ready for a case like this yet. German says did you think so too? I did, says Em. But Chris made the decision on his own. Still, think how it would have been for your career if you’d lost this one. And think how it would have been for them.

Em goes into the courtroom to congratulate Chris. Chris is happy, but he says the one thing that’s weighing on him is Paloma. Em says that makes two of us.

Ivonne and Natalia tell Dr B he’s their hero and Chris thanks him. Dr B’s glad he made it in time. Chris says it’s the hand of God. Or the hand of Macarena, says Dr B. They all agree Macarena was splendid, Natalia included. Chris has his arm around Dr B. Dr B says it was a wonderful man that she left me for. Chris says you were a wonderful friend, a great supporter, and I want to thank you for everything. Man hug. Now, isn’t that civilized?

Madeleine is overcome with emotion. She tells Rufi that it was horrible that Chris had to go through all this, but it helped her find him. Now she just hopes she can get him back. Rufi says talk to him, he’s a good man with a good heart. A man sitting behind them nods sagely.

Madeleine weeps and thanks Rufi for her kindness.

Gabriel tells his dad he’s the best. Don E says the main thing is that justice was done. Paloma tells him that it was really impressive – maybe she’ll study law. Don E says each person has their own gifts, and yours shows in what you’ve done for Gabriel. For him? says Paloma. He’s done so much for me!

Don E says see that smile on him? It wasn’t there before. Daaaad, says Gabriel, embarrassed.

Don E goes over to Chris and they hug. He tells Chris that he’d like to talk to him tomorrow.

Chris then goes over to Paloma. Can we talk? he asks. Paloma says it’s great that you were able to prove your innocence. Con permiso.

Rafa is working on his laptop in his apartment. Luz tells him he can go on to work; she’s okay. He says he knows she isn’t. She says it hurts to think that they’ve taken the little girl and she won’t see her again. Rafa says I gave you an option.

Luz says I know. But I don’t ever want to marry. I know it’s weird for a woman to say that, but I believe marriage ruins everything. It obligates a person to stay with another person. It destroys the magic. And I don’t want to do that with you.

Rafa says I don’t see it that way. Luz says How can you say that after your disaster with Diana? Rafa says I say it despite that. Diana and I didn’t know to keep the magic alive. But with the right person, it can be amazing. I think you and I have a spark.

We do, says Luz, but I don’t believe in marriage, in bonds. Why not? Says Rafa. Did you have a bad experience? Luz looks dramatically out the window. Yes, she says. Her parents’ marriage was horrible. The looked normal on the surface, and they waited too long to divorce. Luz doesn’t want to live like that.

Rafa says we’re different than them. You don’t have to repeat their history. We have magic.

Carlota storms into her house. Maldito! Maldito! She stomps into her room and glares at her big crucifix. It’s not fair! She says. You know it’s not. I hate them! I hate all of them. She grimaces with fury. AAAAAHHHHH intone my beloved bassos.

It’s evening and Anamar is returning to the hotel and is confronted by Romina in the lobby. Anamar says are you staking the place out? Romina says I just wanted you to know that you have no idea who you’re messing with. Anamar says I came to see Em because I realized he’s the love of my life.

What a shameless hussy you are, says Romina. He’s MY husband. Anamar says when I came I didn’t know he was married, and if I knew he was happy, I would have left. But I found out that’s he’s not, so it’s full steam ahead.

Ha, says Romina. I checked and you both have separate rooms. Anamar eyes her up and down and says you are no competition. Now that Paloma… she might be. But she’s leaving Real del Monte. Anamar sashays off. Romina wonders who can help her.

German is very nervous, about to dial Carlota. But he figures she would know by now, and he doesn’t want to face her wrath. Better to let her cool off a little.

Nester comes in and puts a nice spin on German’s role in the trial. After all, he started the case. It’ll look good for his career. He says he was just talking to Carlota and she wants an appointment with him tomorrow, maybe to talk about German. She asked to talk to Nestor alone first, then have German come in.

German decides to dial Carlota. I heard you wanted to talk to me. You are such an insignificant speck, she spits at him. You bet I want to talk to you, but I don’t have time now. Tomorrow.

Carlota says to herself One by one, they’re all going to get it. And right where it hurts.

Some folks are still at the courthouse. Why haven’t they gone out for a nice steak and a beer? Why hasn’t Natalia borrowed someone’s lipstick? Anyway, Natalia tells Chris, Dr B and the padres that she’s going to go to the DF with Ivonne. She has to tell Sagrario that her father is dead. (I hope she leaves out the part about how his life wasn’t worth living without his son - what is Sagrario, chopped liver? And Natalia?)

Ivonne says I guess we’ll never really know how he died. Dr B says the truth usually comes to light over time. Padre B focuses on the part where Alonso said he was going to revenge his son’s death before committing suicide, but there’s no other death that they know of, at least not here in Real del Monte.

Natalia says he thought it was Carlota, but it looks like he wasn’t able to tie Inaki’s death to her. Chris says if somebody killed Inaki, sooner or later that will come to light, because they are indirectly responsible for Alonso’s death. (No, I don’t get his logic either.)

Ivonne says gosh, we’ve all been so miserable for so long, why don’t we talk about these things later? Smile time! Everyone smiles and laughs. Dr B says you’re right. It reminds us how life can change in the blink of an eye, so we need to enjoy it. We’re going to have a great time in Mexico City says Natalia. You, me, Rufi and Paloma.

Paloma is leaving Real del Monte? says Chris.

Gabriel is walking Paloma home. She says that she’s glad things are getting better and that Natalia got off. Gabriel says Chris got off too, Paloma. It’s not like you to hold a grudge. Paloma says I’m just tired of people telling me things that aren’t true just to protect me.

Gabriel says he has to get back to the church. Maybe Paloma could send him an e-mail. Paloma says I don’t have a computer – Carlota didn’t want to be modern. Upstairs, we see Carlota looking out the window at them, disapproving.

Bassos: AAAAHHHHHH.

He strokes her cheek and says But it would be very helpful so we could communicate. Paloma laughs that Carlota is never going to change. He kisses her cheek and tells her he’s going to miss her. Paloma says you’ll be coming to the DF when you’re finished here.

Carlota says another one to add to my list.

Chris is glad to come back to the priests’ quarters. The padres tell him that his room is still here. Chris says I don’t belong here anymore. Padre M says even if you’re not a priest, you can keep up your social work. Chris thanks them, but says he’s going to find some kind of job. He kisses their hands and hugs them and leaves.

The two padres think that since he was innocent, the bishop should reinstate him.

Don E and Madeleine are chatting. Gosh, he loves the law – maybe he’ll take it up again. Madeleine wonders what he thinks her chances are with Chris. He says give it a little time – he’ll help.

Chris kneels at a pew and thanks God for helping with his trial. He wants to unmask Carlota.

Rufi and Paloma are working in the kitchen. Rufi says they’d better get started on packing early, as her party is the day before they leave. Rufi wonders if she’s going to leave her address with her friends. Rufi notes that she herself doesn’t have anybody to give the address to. Paloma says Edmundo!

Carlota comes in. She mentions Chris getting acquitted and says she thought Paloma was mad at him. Paloma says she’s glad they both got acquitted. Rufi says how did you know they got off if you weren’t there? Church ladies, says Carlota.

She tells Paloma that just because he was declared innocent it doesn’t mean that Chris didn’t do some of the things they talked about, like his relationship with Natalia. I suggest you stay away from him permanently. Paloma says I’m leaving town anyway. She gets up and leaves the kitchen.

Rufi says all these secrets that have been kept from Paloma! Like about her father. Carlota says I should break my word to Macarena just so Paloma won’t be mad?

Carlota says maybe it’s God’s will that the two stay separated. She’s going to the DF now, and surely Chris won’t stay in town after all this scandal. Rufi says she has the right to know her family. Carlota says Chris doesn’t have any family. Yes, he does, says Rufi. His mother is still alive. She was at the trial.

Avances: Romina begs Em not to go. She asks Paloma what she should do to save her marriage. Paloma says give it up. Romina sweeps the dishes off the table in anger. Chris is talking to Rufi, getting started on his Carlota unmasking. He goes to see Carlota.

Labels: amor