Caray, Caray!

Thanks, Jean, for the fine recap. It's true that finally something happened, but actually less than I had hoped. So much of the episode seemed like more of the same. No Hurricane Cristina making landfall, no more Clon sightings. At least we had a different PSA tonight. [Long pause here while I try--unsuccessfully--to think of something pleasant to say about the PSAs.]

Really, the most effective PSA is the eerie blank look in Nati's eyes. Very well done.

The trailer seems to bode well for Monday's episode. Apparently Lucas, Said, and Zein will all be at the hospital worrying about Jade. Who knows, perhaps Daniel will turn up, too. Now that would be interesting!

Jean, have a great time wherever you're heading next week.
 

Thanks Jean. I enjoyed your comparison of Lucas and Zein re Jade. It's hard not to hate Jade when she gets like this. She makes Jadiya look mature, not to mention Said, Nazira, pick your favorite. But I don't hate her enough to want her to get hit by a car and fly 20 feet. And exactly how is it Lucas's fault that Jade ran into the street without looking? Oh yeah, because Jade isn't responsible for her own actions. Anything's fair in the pursuit of happiness, even if she has no coherent plans. Even if she has no skills besides dancing and running in heels.

(That makes me wonder, would Jade consider finding work, even on the side, as a dancer or a model? How much of an "exhibitionist" is she? She always wears form-fitting outfits and you can usually see her hair, but her relatives long ago stopped complaining. Is she fairly conservative in a way not mirrored in Sandra Echeverría's appearance? Or is she willing to show off a bit? If so then she does have marketable skills, or at least attributes.)

I was disappointed to see Rogelio totally enveloped in Alicia's reality distortion field. They decided to fire Cristina without even getting her side of the story, entirely on the hearsay of someone who obviously benefits from her being fired. Alicia doesn't just make people sympathize with her, she makes them stupid.

I was happy to see Alej tell Nati what's what. I'm not sure he's prepared to break up, but it's an improvement. We had enough doormats in this show without him being one.

Also, have we seen the end of Enrique's PSAs? For a while that recurring segment had no connection with the plot (although it was used symbolically). And now he told Carolina it helped him, so maybe they'll be back together.

Jean, I think you're right that we missed something about Father Andrés. I think he always knew something was wrong, but he didn't know what, and he didn't when Albieri would come back, at least as far as we knew.
 

Zein is a slick character but to Jade he and Said are just another means to an end in the absence of Lucas. The reason she was really mean to Lucas was because he owns her heart and she's felt ever since he first left her with her luggage in her hand that he doesn't love her as much as she does him. Keep in mind, she was willing to leave her family, religion and everything else to be with him. If you go back throughout the novela you would find many instances where she asked him if he loved her. She told him she was worried that Marisa would do something to trap him again. Those were the doubts that grew in her mind since that first time he left her. This last abandonment, albeit for a legitimate reason, to her was the straw that broke the camel's back. Her life now consists of re-thinking her options. Either she stays with Zein which has become unlikely because of his decision not to support her idea of kidnapping Khadija or find a way to reconcile with Said in order to be close to her daughter or kidnapp Khadija herself and vanish off the face of the earth. She no longer considers her preferred option which was Lucas because she's lost all hope that he would ever be with her. If after 20 years something came up that kept them from being together she's absolutely sure that sometime later something else will come up.

Like you said, Zein told her the truth about her having no skills to defend herself with. That comes from accepting her fate of living like a zombie with Said, a man who never inspired her, never supported her dreams of going to school. Said never cared if she learned how to cook. I'm pretty sure he was just happy to have her dance and open her legs for him. And don't think that Zein is any inspiring figure too. He probably thinks along those lines too when he first saw her first dance for him.

Jade has only two options, cut her losses (loses custody of Khadija) and be free or return to her jail (Said) for the sake of her daughter. Keep in mind, she offered herself completely and forever to Zein if he brought her daughter to her. She felt that even a relative stranger like him was more tolerable (and maybe even grow to like him) than Said. Tough call.
 

Surely, hopefully, there are more I do like her. She has continued, usually, to carry a attitude of wonder and hope. I hope that's rewarded eventually.

Didn't post yesterday as it was so late when I caught up, but I loved that episode, especially Naz' fairy tail. Maybe it was time for a breather. I do feel sorry for the Naz. We know from her her care for the child that she has her soft spot. And given her life, caring for two brothers who have come to see her as little more than a baby sitter and watching others achieve their "togetherness goals" has made her bitter. It would me too! Hope her fairy tail comes true!

Lois
 

Is it just me, or is Latifa’s bouffant reaching Jersey Shore heights? And the irony of Dora’s middle name—Encarnación—just hit me. Nice.

Alej had better put his foot down with Nati once and for all; he’s been nice for too long.

If Albieri doesn’t stop shuffling his feet, then I really hope Dr. Silvia gets involved this coming week… There’ll be some tension in the ER on Monday (good because it’ll move things along). Will the real prince charming please stand up?
 

Terrific, Jean! Thanks! And enjoy your vacation!

I was actually shocked by the Jade Runs into Traffic ploy, leading into the Worried Parientes and Amantes in the Hospital Waiting Room ploy. But I suppose there isn't a telenovela worthy of the name that doesn't go there eventually.
-------
As for Zein, as beautiful as he is --
he had previously told us enough about his philosophy of love to rule him out as Jade's life partner:

--He told the ladies at Salamandra love is the same thing as passion.
--He told Luisa that the idea of love suddenly disappearing after twenty years -- or for that matter, appearing out of nowhere -- was unsurprising.

I see Zein as the typical serial monogamist. It's not surprising that he's so comfortable with western culture.

I'm actually liking Lucas more and more these days. I didn't think he was being a wuss when he spoke to Jade. He was speaking from his heart. And I thought Zein was unnecessarily harsh in his answer to Jade's admittedly absurd request. [And Zein's willingness to torpedo Cristina based on what Malicia told Rogelio without even talking to her about it first -- well, in my opinion, it makes him a real jerk.]

Yes, Luke, we have the answer about Rogelio. We has indeed been taken in.

Why do you think Malicia bothered telling the story to Pablo? Was she rehearsing? Was she just trying to poison Pablo further against Cris, give him a sort of booster shot of venom?

I can't see that Pablo would be boyfriend material for her. I thinks she's aiming higher, probably for Rogelio himself.
 

Oops... I meant to say "He has indeed been taken in." Of course, we wuz taken in too :-)
 

NovelaMaven, I agree that Lucas was being quite reasonable in his last "discussion" with Jade. The problem is that "reasonable" has almost no place in her world.

As for Malicia's talking to Pablo, I assumed that she was doing it simply to try to poison Pablo further against Cristina. Why? Because she can. As far as I can tell, Malicia is Unmotivated Evil incarnate.
 

Thanks for the fun recap and comments all! I think the craziest (least believable) thing right now would be Christina's belief that Danielito would be the love child of Dora and Leo! C'mon-a different mom and even full brothers (unless they are identical twins) don't ever look exactly alike!...... I know Christina isn't a geneticist in this novela but would she not of had to study about those peas in junior high school science class? Oh well, probecita de Dora!..... She is the character that I have the most sympathy for! From carrying, birthing, raising, the ungrateful clon, having Osvaldo as the love of her life, now to be accused of sleeping with her best friends hombre, and apparently to have some horrible female disease thrown in........ I hope somehow this story can end happily for her-she deserves it!
 

Jean, thank you once again for my morning Spanish Class & recap.

Jade running in front of that car was really a surprise. And Jean I am with you, how in world could she run in those high heels. I would have been flat on my fanny long before running into the car.

Fernando looked downright evil last night. I think he has more than a party in mind.

I am looking to Hurricane Cristina hitting Miami next week. The storm surge will be just as powerful as the landfall. I am more than ready for Alicia to have the anvils fall for her.

Jean, have a great vacation.

Rosemary
 

Really enjoyed your recap, Jean. And your analysis of the two recipients of Jade's kidnapping plot was spot on.

It seems everyone else commenting here heard something differently than I did, so maybe I'm mistaken. I thought Zein told Jade that she needed to work things out with Said, little by little. I interpreted that to mean eventual shared custody, not that she'd go back to him as his wife. And he hasn't actually said he's ready to call off the six-month trial marriage. So I didn't think he was ready to give her back to Said so quickly. He is exasperated with her, though. He sensibly pointed out that he'd be deported and lose all his businesses if accused of taking Jadiya. And, of course, he would be the prime suspect.

Jean, isn't it Zoraida who's going back to Miami with Albieri, not Latifa?

I think Malicia really has a thing for Pablo. Remember when she fantasized about him being in love with her? Part of it, of course, is based on envy of Cristina. She wants to take him away for that reason alone. And, if she fleeces the Chump and gets Cristina's good job, then Pablo's personal trainer income (which might actually be decent, based on what some PT's get here in CA) might be enough.

Leo's dreams: "up in smoke, as it were". Funny, Jean!

This episode was one where those of you who are very critical of Jade are certainly justified. To me, this is the worst she's behaved yet. If she is that desperate to be with her daugher, she should have stayed with Said, since everyone in the Muslim community has told her the child belongs to the father.

Lucas told Jade MONTHS ago that taking Jadiya would mean prison. She blithely expects first Lucas (who's been told she won't take him back in any case) and Zein to spend years in prison for her. Please.
 

Novelera, I agree with your reading of Zein's advice to Jade: work up to some kind of compromise with Said so she can at least see Jadiya.

Anon 6:03 (Lois?): I'm glad somebody is still on Jade's side, although I can't join you. I can only think of one occasion where Lucas let Jade down without a very good reason, which was when they were supposed to meet but he was with Marisa (when she first started pursuing him, either on the beach or walking in the park, I forget which). Every other time Jade was disappointed it was because she left the meeting place early, or she demanded something totally unreasonable, or Lucas had a genuine emergency to take care of. I don't blame Lucas for any of Jade's troubles, though I do think he's a bit spineless.

NovelaMaven: good question about Alicia. I haven't yet figured out why she's been toying with Pablo. It might be a defensive move, managing the perceptions of her potential enemies. Pablo said Alicia didn't want everyone to think badly of her.

Tom: I agree, Cristina's idea that Daniel and Lucas are half-brothers is absurd. And you're right that Dora has been suffering more than almost anyone. But I can only sympathize so much, because she often let herself be victimized, refusing the advice and offers of help from friends and family. That doesn't excuse the harm Albieri (and to a lesser extent, Osvaldo) did to her, of course. (I preferred Indhira Serrano as a villain in "Victorinos". Her Dora sometimes comes off a little more pathetic than tragic.)

By the way, have a safe and pleasant trip, Jean.
 

Novelera and Luke, I thought that's what Zein meant too, that Jade she should establish 'diplomatic relations' with Said so she'd have access to Jadiya. (Although I did think there was a little ambiguity in the way he said it.)

Tom, You're absolutely right that Cristina's explanation for Daniel's parentage is goofy. And yet, if you knew Diego or you know Lucas and then you meet Daniel -- How do you explain to yourself what is apparently inexplicable? You make it fit within your belief system. For Zoraida, Daniel is a 'genio malo'; for born-again Enrique, he is spiritual vision; for Jade, he is a frightening shadow of Lucas. And for Cristina, who meets Daniel in Morocco, the very place where all her old and unresolved feelings about Leo and Diego have been stirred up, it's not such a stretch to involve Leo in the way she explains the inexplicable to herself.

In short, with the adult Daniel's appearance on the scene, I think the writers have devised a sort of Rorschach test for their characters.

As for Jade, well yes, she was at her most exasperating last night. Still not prepared to cast her to the wind though :o)
 

Thanks Jean for excellent recap. I continue to enjoy everyone's comments also!
NovelaMaven I like your observation: Daniel is a sort of Rorscharch test for the key players, who interpret his appearance according to their own biases or experiences.
I thought Zein's remarks to Jade were some of the most honest, no-frills advice she has received in a long time...no wonder she got annoyed! She can't see that she has always been her own worst enemy.
Joan
 

Hopefully on monday's episode chris will realize that alicia set her up & wants to steal her job.
I can't wait to see chris pulverized alicia, she so deserves it. I've been patiently waiting for someone to get alicia and it looks as though it may soon happen.
And jade, that was horrible & unexpected to see her flying in the air like that.
Once again, great recaps.
KC
 

Jean/NovelaMaven: Thanks again for another week of excellent and well-appreciated recapping. If Zein and Lucas were able to meld their personalities, that my be exactly what Jade needs in a man. Just a thought.
 

Thanks for all the great comments!!! I have some kind of Zoraida/Latifa block. It's at least the second time I've typed Latifa for Zoraida. I fixed it.

I totally agree with you, Luke, on whose was to blame in the many Lucas/Jade disasters. In the latest one, for example, Lucas could have jumped to the unreasonable conclusion that Jade had decided to stay with Zein and accused her of betraying him.

When Jade told Lucas that she had risked the 80 latigazos so many times for him, I'm thinking - sure, you took incredible risks just to have a quickie in the ruins or at Lucas' apartment. Well, I don't want to dump too much on Jade. It will be interesting to see how being hit by a car moves the plot forward. By the way she flew through the air, she should be seriously injured but you never know in novelas.

I'm in Belfast, Maine. I have internet but no Spanish TV so now I'm depending you guys!
 

As to Luke M's comment that Lucas is a bit spineless. I totally disagree. He's the one who fights to save the relationship where she is willing to give up very easily. Remember way back in the story when Jade and Lucas first attempted to escape. It was when Lucas had his accident on a horse in the desert and she showed up at ruins and stayed almost all night waiting for him. When she went back home, she said something to Zoraida that sums up the relationship between them. She said in so many words "that she doesn't blame Lucas if he changed his mind, after all what man is willing to tolerate this prison (referring to herself) when he can be with free girls. In essence, Jade is Lucas prison. The moment he fell in love with this impossible woman, his heart has been held prisoner and that's why he fights to the very end to be with her. Consider how awful she's treated him. The ugly things she has told him. I cannot recall one time where he disrespected her in the same manner. Lucas here is the champion of the story because he doesn't give up on her whereas she is willing to stay with a man (Zein) she barely knows forever if he were to bring her daughter to her. While Jade struggles to be with her daughter and her freedom, Lucas fights for the life of his daughter, his identity, his heart (held by Jade), against Jade's mental imprisonment (family, Said, Zein, etc..). And while we all think of Lucas as a wuss, I see it differently. I believe that Lucas loves Jade more than she does him. His love for Jade is so strong that it is reborn in a reincarated state (his clone, Daniel). Think about that.
 

Anon 0954 -- You're not alone! I don't see Lucas as a wuss. He has shown physical courage all along, taking great risks for Jade; lately he has shown strength of character too.
 

Thanks Jean. Zein is correct about Jade's temporament. But both Lucas and Jade were naive teenagers. She keeps on remembering he promised her that he would bring her daughter. They never discussed the practicalities of how to do this. Unrealistic teenagers. Now they have to wake up and face the reality of their dreams.

Lynne
 

NovelaMaven: I like your "Rorschach" interpretation of everyone's reactions to Daniel. The most complex reaction has been Alí's, because Albieri told him what happened, and he is educated enough to know there's a scientific explanation, but it still bothers him on a spiritual level.

Anon 9:54: I agree, Lucas is not as cowardly as everyone in the show thinks. I can sympathize with him a lot more than with Jade. But he constantly takes her abuse, and Marisa's, and Leo and Rosa openly wishing he were Diego. That's the main thing that makes me think he's a bit spineless. He ought to defend himself a bit.
 

Luke, NovelaMaven, and Anon, I also continue to like Lucas. I think a lot of his problems result from a lifetime of his father preferring Diego. His talents, such as playing the guitar well, were not valued. So he grew up kind of timid, being in the shadow of blustery Leo and Playboy Diego.

He adores Jade and has taken many risks to try to make their relationship work. He was very bold in Fez several times. But he gave up when Jade decided Said was going to kill him and thus broke it off with him in order to save him. At that point he had no choice but to return to Marisa since Jade had rather cruelly rejected him.