Saturday, March 19, 2011
El Mundo de Telemundo, Week of March 21, 2011: Discuss Amongst Yourselves
LA REINA DEL SUR
Part One: A Comment -- feel free to skip the purple prose and go directly to the summary below.
¿Se acabó la luna de miel? ¿Pa’qué te digo que no si sí?
Let’s get a few things straight. For my money, this is still the best acted, best written Spanish language telenovela-formatted dramatic series I have ever seen. Yes, that’s a mouthful –
Spanish Language Telenovela-Formatted Dramatic Series
Because calling this a telenovela sets up false expectations. A traditional telenovela tells the story of a set of characters over time; there are subplot excursions, to be sure, but essentially everything is in service of filling out the dramatic arc. A good part of the pleasure for the viewer is in figuring out how the pieces will eventually fit together; we don’t doubt for a moment that they will fit together.
Remember Aurora? You know, that promising original sci-fi novela starring lovely and gifted Sara Maldonado and everyone’s favorite hunky good guy, Jorge Luís Pila? The show that inherited so much viewer goodwill from its predecessors, El Clon, and ¿Dónde está Elisa? that many of us (myself included) were willing to accept the absurd premise that Eugenio Siller’s twenty-something Lorenzo had morphed into Pila’s forty-something self? (As for the silliness of the science – let’s just acknowledge that technical and scientific accuracy aren’t high on Telemundo’s priorities, adjust our beanies accordingly, and move on.)
I watched as the plot of Aurora took unexpected and -- to me, at least -- unwelcome twists and new characters were introduced with backstories that gave the lie to what I thought I knew. I finally gave up on Aurora when I realized that the problem was me, not them. Telemundo was aiming this one at adolescents and young adults. Definitely not fodder for most of us at CarayCaray.
¡Me cayó el veinte!But now, after a couple of weeks of La Reina del Sur I understand something else: both this new show and Aurora resemble episodic television adventure shows more than they do traditional telenovelas. In each episodio, there is a mini-adventure. Something happens and is resolved. Usually at the same time, a small subplot plays itself out as well. Because the show is aired daily, an ‘episode’ may extend beyond a single evening. But the only story arc that we can expect to continue from the first cápitulo to the last is Teresa Mendoza’s life and times.
In the past few years, I’ve been a little out of it as far as English-language adventure series are concerned, but I imagine that Lost was a bit like this. Super fans could probably tell you everything that had happened to their favorite characters from day one; but casual viewers could tune in to any episode and enjoy a satisfying one-hour story. Years ago, The Fugitive had a long run (sorry); we knew he was looking for the elusive one-armed man, but on the way, we could count on him for a thrilling evening’s adventure.
I’m guessing that the first two capítulos of La Reina that were shown here make up a single episode in the fourteen part version to be shown on Spanish television. That version is likely more faithful to the book and more novelistic in structure. But our version is geared to (if I were unkind, I’d say ‘panders to’) our pan-American tastes for plot movement – threats, chases, judicious doses of beautiful young bodies, male and female. The structure of the book doesn’t exactly lend itself to neat segments of plot so the writers have been busy embroidering. The result? The Adventures of La Mexicana, based on the novel La Reina del Sur. They’ve given us a daring escape from a frustrated DEA agent here, a gutsy foray into a Moroccan orphanage there. Even Teresa’s anonymous ‘grief sex’, although based on an event in the book, is fleshed out into a glimpse into the life and death of sympathetic policeman, Jaime (Juan Pablo Raba).
Maybe that’s why the novela Eva Luna turned out to be such a hit. I watched it early on and found it unbelievable that the producers would gamble everything on Blanca Soto, a drop-dead gorgeous beauty queen with very little skill as an actress and a voice that can only be described as challenging. But they were right on the money! People wanted lots of plot movement, no matter how ridiculous the storyline, and were happy just looking at Blanca, especially when she was paired with Guy Ecker (who must have spent most of his scenes standing on a box so he wouldn’t appear to be staring at Blanca’s chin.)
Here in La Reina del Sur we get plot up the wazoo including chase scenes, sex scenes, and fist fights, gun fights, knife fights; splendid acting; marvelous location shots; and a chance to listen to interesting and varied Spanish dialects. So I’m not complaining. I’m just sayin’…---------------------------------------------------------
LA REINA DEL SUR
Part Two: Friday’s Episode, in brief
Santiago and Lalo head out to sea with a full consignment of drugs in spite of Teresa’s gut feeling – un presentimiento -- that something bad is going to happen. “Yo no soy el Güero” he tells her as he goes out the door.
In Yamila, Soraya notices that Dris is in an unusually expansive mood.
The Gallegos are in Moroccan waters when a Coast Guard vessel appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and orders them to halt. Santiago and Lalo begin to dump their cargo overboard; then Santiago tells Lalo to hold on. Santiago accelerates, the Coast Guard starts shooting and Lalo is hit and falls in the water. By the time Santiago realizes what has happened, he is too far away to help his friend. He manages to make it back to Melilla but Lalo is captured by the Moroccan officials.
The captors torture Lalo until he gives up Coronel Chaib’s name as the one he and Santiago were working for.
In Melilla, Santiago connects briefly with Suleiman and asks him to tell Teresa he is safe and to ask Chaib to get Lalo out of jail. Then he flees to Algeciras, Spain.
If Teresa and Santiago think Chaib is going to help get Lalo out of jail, they are tragically mistaken. When Chaib learns that Lalo has given him up, he curses the day he listened to Teresa. And he decides that 15 years in a Moroccan prison is not punishment enough for Lalo – he has his captors cut out his tongue.
The women – Teresa, Fátima, Soraya and Sheila – figure that someone must have ratted out the Gallegos. Soraya remembers Lalo’s big mouth and Dris’s big ears that day in the restaurant. Ha sido Dris, she says. (Which is a very European use of the present perfect: La Mexicana would surely have used the simple preterite and said “Fue Dris”) Yes, they all agree, it was Dris. He did it out of jealousy.
Teresa confronts Dris: she knows he did it, even if she can’t prove it. But if anything happens to Santiago, Dris is a dead man.
A month passes. Santiago has found work running drugs from Algeciras. But he and Teresa are full of longing for each other. One day, Teresa comes home and finds Santiago sitting on the curb outside her apartment. They fly into each other’s arms and can’t tear their clothes off fast enough. As Fátima remarks with good humor: ¡Qué ganas tienen de revolcarse! (They’re sure hot to trot!)
Come back to Algeciras with me, says Santiago. Teresa turns to the light and says enigmatically:
Un día me voy a morir a esta misma hora. Me va a matar esta luz sucia que siempre entra por la ventana cada vez que empieza y acaba la noche.(One day I’m going to die at this very hour. It’s going to kill me, this dirty light that always comes in through the window when the night begins and when the night ends.)
Yes, she says turning back to Santiago. I’ll go with you. But on one condition – that you let me work with you.
---------------------
NUEVO RICO, NUEVO POBRE
This wryly funny Colombian comedy has reached the point where all the bad guys seem poised to salir con la suya. The one bright spot is that Rosemary and Andrés finally dropped their guard (and their pants) in Cartagena and now are willing to tell the world they are novios.
All through the honeymoon, la Flacuchenta esa has kept the absurdly priapic Brayan running for cold showers.
Meanwhile, back in Bogotá, little Ingrid thinks she’s been knocked up by the odious Miller (although I’m hoping she’s wrong – the pregnancy test she used was outdated.) The poor innocent Gordo is in jail. Don Leo has been beaten to a pulp by the local thugs and is in the hospital. Mundo Express has lost a ton of money under Brayan’s inept management and now has been audited and slapped with a huge fine. And slimy Mateo is plotting to steal the motorbikes that Rosemary and Andrés bought in Cartagena.
Could anything else go wrong? Well if Brayan takes the bait and commits an infidelity with one of the pro’s his wife is supplying him with, la Flacuchenta walks away with half of the Ferreira fortune. So far he has been surprisingly resistant to temptation.
-------------------------------------------------------
Okay, my friends. Your turn!
Part One: A Comment -- feel free to skip the purple prose and go directly to the summary below.
¿Se acabó la luna de miel? ¿Pa’qué te digo que no si sí?
Let’s get a few things straight. For my money, this is still the best acted, best written Spanish language telenovela-formatted dramatic series I have ever seen. Yes, that’s a mouthful –
Spanish Language Telenovela-Formatted Dramatic Series
Because calling this a telenovela sets up false expectations. A traditional telenovela tells the story of a set of characters over time; there are subplot excursions, to be sure, but essentially everything is in service of filling out the dramatic arc. A good part of the pleasure for the viewer is in figuring out how the pieces will eventually fit together; we don’t doubt for a moment that they will fit together.
Remember Aurora? You know, that promising original sci-fi novela starring lovely and gifted Sara Maldonado and everyone’s favorite hunky good guy, Jorge Luís Pila? The show that inherited so much viewer goodwill from its predecessors, El Clon, and ¿Dónde está Elisa? that many of us (myself included) were willing to accept the absurd premise that Eugenio Siller’s twenty-something Lorenzo had morphed into Pila’s forty-something self? (As for the silliness of the science – let’s just acknowledge that technical and scientific accuracy aren’t high on Telemundo’s priorities, adjust our beanies accordingly, and move on.)
I watched as the plot of Aurora took unexpected and -- to me, at least -- unwelcome twists and new characters were introduced with backstories that gave the lie to what I thought I knew. I finally gave up on Aurora when I realized that the problem was me, not them. Telemundo was aiming this one at adolescents and young adults. Definitely not fodder for most of us at CarayCaray.
¡Me cayó el veinte!But now, after a couple of weeks of La Reina del Sur I understand something else: both this new show and Aurora resemble episodic television adventure shows more than they do traditional telenovelas. In each episodio, there is a mini-adventure. Something happens and is resolved. Usually at the same time, a small subplot plays itself out as well. Because the show is aired daily, an ‘episode’ may extend beyond a single evening. But the only story arc that we can expect to continue from the first cápitulo to the last is Teresa Mendoza’s life and times.
In the past few years, I’ve been a little out of it as far as English-language adventure series are concerned, but I imagine that Lost was a bit like this. Super fans could probably tell you everything that had happened to their favorite characters from day one; but casual viewers could tune in to any episode and enjoy a satisfying one-hour story. Years ago, The Fugitive had a long run (sorry); we knew he was looking for the elusive one-armed man, but on the way, we could count on him for a thrilling evening’s adventure.
I’m guessing that the first two capítulos of La Reina that were shown here make up a single episode in the fourteen part version to be shown on Spanish television. That version is likely more faithful to the book and more novelistic in structure. But our version is geared to (if I were unkind, I’d say ‘panders to’) our pan-American tastes for plot movement – threats, chases, judicious doses of beautiful young bodies, male and female. The structure of the book doesn’t exactly lend itself to neat segments of plot so the writers have been busy embroidering. The result? The Adventures of La Mexicana, based on the novel La Reina del Sur. They’ve given us a daring escape from a frustrated DEA agent here, a gutsy foray into a Moroccan orphanage there. Even Teresa’s anonymous ‘grief sex’, although based on an event in the book, is fleshed out into a glimpse into the life and death of sympathetic policeman, Jaime (Juan Pablo Raba).
Maybe that’s why the novela Eva Luna turned out to be such a hit. I watched it early on and found it unbelievable that the producers would gamble everything on Blanca Soto, a drop-dead gorgeous beauty queen with very little skill as an actress and a voice that can only be described as challenging. But they were right on the money! People wanted lots of plot movement, no matter how ridiculous the storyline, and were happy just looking at Blanca, especially when she was paired with Guy Ecker (who must have spent most of his scenes standing on a box so he wouldn’t appear to be staring at Blanca’s chin.)
Here in La Reina del Sur we get plot up the wazoo including chase scenes, sex scenes, and fist fights, gun fights, knife fights; splendid acting; marvelous location shots; and a chance to listen to interesting and varied Spanish dialects. So I’m not complaining. I’m just sayin’…---------------------------------------------------------
LA REINA DEL SUR
Part Two: Friday’s Episode, in brief
Santiago and Lalo head out to sea with a full consignment of drugs in spite of Teresa’s gut feeling – un presentimiento -- that something bad is going to happen. “Yo no soy el Güero” he tells her as he goes out the door.
In Yamila, Soraya notices that Dris is in an unusually expansive mood.
The Gallegos are in Moroccan waters when a Coast Guard vessel appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and orders them to halt. Santiago and Lalo begin to dump their cargo overboard; then Santiago tells Lalo to hold on. Santiago accelerates, the Coast Guard starts shooting and Lalo is hit and falls in the water. By the time Santiago realizes what has happened, he is too far away to help his friend. He manages to make it back to Melilla but Lalo is captured by the Moroccan officials.
The captors torture Lalo until he gives up Coronel Chaib’s name as the one he and Santiago were working for.
In Melilla, Santiago connects briefly with Suleiman and asks him to tell Teresa he is safe and to ask Chaib to get Lalo out of jail. Then he flees to Algeciras, Spain.
If Teresa and Santiago think Chaib is going to help get Lalo out of jail, they are tragically mistaken. When Chaib learns that Lalo has given him up, he curses the day he listened to Teresa. And he decides that 15 years in a Moroccan prison is not punishment enough for Lalo – he has his captors cut out his tongue.
The women – Teresa, Fátima, Soraya and Sheila – figure that someone must have ratted out the Gallegos. Soraya remembers Lalo’s big mouth and Dris’s big ears that day in the restaurant. Ha sido Dris, she says. (Which is a very European use of the present perfect: La Mexicana would surely have used the simple preterite and said “Fue Dris”) Yes, they all agree, it was Dris. He did it out of jealousy.
Teresa confronts Dris: she knows he did it, even if she can’t prove it. But if anything happens to Santiago, Dris is a dead man.
A month passes. Santiago has found work running drugs from Algeciras. But he and Teresa are full of longing for each other. One day, Teresa comes home and finds Santiago sitting on the curb outside her apartment. They fly into each other’s arms and can’t tear their clothes off fast enough. As Fátima remarks with good humor: ¡Qué ganas tienen de revolcarse! (They’re sure hot to trot!)
Come back to Algeciras with me, says Santiago. Teresa turns to the light and says enigmatically:
Un día me voy a morir a esta misma hora. Me va a matar esta luz sucia que siempre entra por la ventana cada vez que empieza y acaba la noche.(One day I’m going to die at this very hour. It’s going to kill me, this dirty light that always comes in through the window when the night begins and when the night ends.)
Yes, she says turning back to Santiago. I’ll go with you. But on one condition – that you let me work with you.
---------------------
NUEVO RICO, NUEVO POBRE
This wryly funny Colombian comedy has reached the point where all the bad guys seem poised to salir con la suya. The one bright spot is that Rosemary and Andrés finally dropped their guard (and their pants) in Cartagena and now are willing to tell the world they are novios.
All through the honeymoon, la Flacuchenta esa has kept the absurdly priapic Brayan running for cold showers.
Meanwhile, back in Bogotá, little Ingrid thinks she’s been knocked up by the odious Miller (although I’m hoping she’s wrong – the pregnancy test she used was outdated.) The poor innocent Gordo is in jail. Don Leo has been beaten to a pulp by the local thugs and is in the hospital. Mundo Express has lost a ton of money under Brayan’s inept management and now has been audited and slapped with a huge fine. And slimy Mateo is plotting to steal the motorbikes that Rosemary and Andrés bought in Cartagena.
Could anything else go wrong? Well if Brayan takes the bait and commits an infidelity with one of the pro’s his wife is supplying him with, la Flacuchenta walks away with half of the Ferreira fortune. So far he has been surprisingly resistant to temptation.
-------------------------------------------------------
Okay, my friends. Your turn!
Labels: aurora, herederos, reina-sur, telemundo
Comments:
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REINA
Muchas gracias, NovelaMaven, for your interesting thoughts about "La Reina del Sur" and your excellent summary. Last night, I tried summarizing the episode (I put it up under last week, since the new week's space wasn't up yet), but I like yours MUCH better. Trying to write a summary helps me realize just how difficult a task it is to be accurate, interesting, and coherent. I'm in awe of you and other CarayCaray recappers who repeatedly do it so well.
I have two questions. One is simply a translation question. You used the expressions "¡Se me cayó la veinte!" and "¿Pa’qué te digo que no si sí?" Could you provide a translation? In the first expression, I think I understand "se me cayó," but not "la veinte" (I dropped 20???). In the other, I understood the first part to mean "Was the honeymoon over?" but I'm having trouble with the rest ("Why do I tell you no if it's yes"??). I'm also not sure what any of this refers to.
The other question has to do with a message I tried twice to post last night in last week's Telemundo space. It had to do with an interview in English with Kate del Castillo. Each time, I thought I'd succeeded in posting it, but then it disappeared. Did I violate some rule without realizing it?
Muchas gracias.
Muchas gracias, NovelaMaven, for your interesting thoughts about "La Reina del Sur" and your excellent summary. Last night, I tried summarizing the episode (I put it up under last week, since the new week's space wasn't up yet), but I like yours MUCH better. Trying to write a summary helps me realize just how difficult a task it is to be accurate, interesting, and coherent. I'm in awe of you and other CarayCaray recappers who repeatedly do it so well.
I have two questions. One is simply a translation question. You used the expressions "¡Se me cayó la veinte!" and "¿Pa’qué te digo que no si sí?" Could you provide a translation? In the first expression, I think I understand "se me cayó," but not "la veinte" (I dropped 20???). In the other, I understood the first part to mean "Was the honeymoon over?" but I'm having trouble with the rest ("Why do I tell you no if it's yes"??). I'm also not sure what any of this refers to.
The other question has to do with a message I tried twice to post last night in last week's Telemundo space. It had to do with an interview in English with Kate del Castillo. Each time, I thought I'd succeeded in posting it, but then it disappeared. Did I violate some rule without realizing it?
Muchas gracias.
Great post and summary, Novela Maven. I haven't watched Friday's episode yet so I'm prepared! In the book, Lalo wasn't tortured for information. They were betrayed but Lalo just got shot and fell out of the boat.
Juanita- I didn't delete your comments and I don't think Novela Maven did either.
Were you trying to post the link to the
E! interview
with Kate del Castillo? Posting a link in a comment is a little complicated. It's a great interview.
Juanita- I didn't delete your comments and I don't think Novela Maven did either.
Were you trying to post the link to the
E! interview
with Kate del Castillo? Posting a link in a comment is a little complicated. It's a great interview.
Jean, yes, I was trying to post a link to that interview. I've successfully posted links in my CarayCaray comments in the past, and I don't know what the problem was this time. I took a look at the Page Source to see whether you had done anything differently from what I did, but other than adding rel="nofollow", you created the link the same way I did. Should I have added that? I haven't done so on CarayCaray in the past.
Anyway, thanks for your response and for posting the link to the interview.
Anyway, thanks for your response and for posting the link to the interview.
REINA - viernes
I haven't been put off by the violence up til now, but tonight's episode was almost more than I could handle.
I was also struck by what we see of Coronel Chaib's personality in this episode. He's furious that Lalo has named him to the Moroccan coast guard. As a result, he breaks off all business with Teresa and adds terribly to Lalo's torture. So what had earlier seemed (at least to me) like the Coronel's hard-nosed pragmatism is shown here to be something much colder and more heartless.
I haven't been put off by the violence up til now, but tonight's episode was almost more than I could handle.
I was also struck by what we see of Coronel Chaib's personality in this episode. He's furious that Lalo has named him to the Moroccan coast guard. As a result, he breaks off all business with Teresa and adds terribly to Lalo's torture. So what had earlier seemed (at least to me) like the Coronel's hard-nosed pragmatism is shown here to be something much colder and more heartless.
LA REINA
Did anyone find Teresa's "business decision" to seduce Coronel Chaib a bit odd. She thought nothing of sleeping with him to ask a favor for Santiago. And then she told Santiago he was her pimp even though she was the one who decided to sleep with the Coronel to get Santiago the job he really wanted. Very different world view!
Why didn't Teresa rat out Dris to Coronel Chaib? Or - now that they are leaving Melilla maybe she can.
I didn't watch the first part. Had to skip the violent part.
I'm really looking forward to the scenery around Algeciras.
Audrey
Did anyone find Teresa's "business decision" to seduce Coronel Chaib a bit odd. She thought nothing of sleeping with him to ask a favor for Santiago. And then she told Santiago he was her pimp even though she was the one who decided to sleep with the Coronel to get Santiago the job he really wanted. Very different world view!
Why didn't Teresa rat out Dris to Coronel Chaib? Or - now that they are leaving Melilla maybe she can.
I didn't watch the first part. Had to skip the violent part.
I'm really looking forward to the scenery around Algeciras.
Audrey
Permalink posted by 
: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:19:00 PM EDT
: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:19:00 PM EDT
Juanita,
I'm so sorry -- I didn't realize you had already posted a summary (and an excellent one, I might add) on last week's page. Why don't you copy and paste it here for everyone to enjoy? By the way, I agree that the scene you couldn't bear to mention was indeed grotesque and very hard to put into words.
Se me cayó el veinte = This means something like, "I finally get it; now I understand." "El veinte" is a 20-centavo coin. (Sorry, I originally wrote "La veinte". Maybe that's what confused you.) We have a similar expression in English: The penny dropped!
¿Pa'qué te digo que no si sí? (Why should I say no if it's true? Why bother denying it?) This is kind of a catch phrase both in the novel and in the show -- el Güero used to say it and Teresa still says it from time to time.
¿Se acabó la luna de miel? (Is the honeymoon over?) I was referring to the viewer's honeymoon -- that is, our uncritical adoration of this show.
Sorry to be so cryptic!
I have no idea what happened with the link you posted but I didn't delete it. Actually, I wasn't even aware of it until I read your comment just now.
Sat Mar 19, 01:25:00 PM EDT
I'm so sorry -- I didn't realize you had already posted a summary (and an excellent one, I might add) on last week's page. Why don't you copy and paste it here for everyone to enjoy? By the way, I agree that the scene you couldn't bear to mention was indeed grotesque and very hard to put into words.
Se me cayó el veinte = This means something like, "I finally get it; now I understand." "El veinte" is a 20-centavo coin. (Sorry, I originally wrote "La veinte". Maybe that's what confused you.) We have a similar expression in English: The penny dropped!
¿Pa'qué te digo que no si sí? (Why should I say no if it's true? Why bother denying it?) This is kind of a catch phrase both in the novel and in the show -- el Güero used to say it and Teresa still says it from time to time.
¿Se acabó la luna de miel? (Is the honeymoon over?) I was referring to the viewer's honeymoon -- that is, our uncritical adoration of this show.
Sorry to be so cryptic!
I have no idea what happened with the link you posted but I didn't delete it. Actually, I wasn't even aware of it until I read your comment just now.
Sat Mar 19, 01:25:00 PM EDT
NovelaMaven:
Great insight and a great recap! You're good!
I just had a look at the E! interview with Kate...something about her face looked different. I saw another interview on youtube along with Humberto Zurita and in the comments they were saying the same thing, like she looked different.
Great insight and a great recap! You're good!
I just had a look at the E! interview with Kate...something about her face looked different. I saw another interview on youtube along with Humberto Zurita and in the comments they were saying the same thing, like she looked different.
NovelaMaven, thanks so much for your kind words and very helpful explanations of the Spanish phrases I was having trouble with. Now that I understand them, I see how well they fit with the rest of your very interesting and insightful remarks about "La Reina del Sur."
As for my summary, as I said above, I think your summary is MUCH better, so I think I won't paste mine. I don't think mine adds much that you didn't cover. Perhaps just the warning about the violence in the scenes involving Lalo after he is captured by the coast guard.
As for my disappearing message about the interview, I'm relieved to know that I didn't violate some CarayCaray rule. I think the double disappearance will have to remain one of Life's Little Mysteries.
As for my summary, as I said above, I think your summary is MUCH better, so I think I won't paste mine. I don't think mine adds much that you didn't cover. Perhaps just the warning about the violence in the scenes involving Lalo after he is captured by the coast guard.
As for my disappearing message about the interview, I'm relieved to know that I didn't violate some CarayCaray rule. I think the double disappearance will have to remain one of Life's Little Mysteries.
LA REINA - VIERNES
What a weird weekend for me! It's pouring down rain in sunny California. And since Friday morning I have no land line and no internet at home. I'm typing this at the public library. The fine folks at AT&T won't come until Monday and they don't tell me when they'll come. Sigh.
Excellent summaries of the general theme of the novela, NovelaMaven. I agree that this novela is exceptional, maybe the best I've ever seen. I had such a fondness for Amor Real, and I still love it. But I'm getting used to gritty realism on Telemundo, and I like it a lot.
Jean, did you notice that Santiago's drug connection in Algaciras is our all-purpose baddie who played Melendez (the one who ended up as dinner for his fellow soldiers) in Doña Barbara? He was also a rotten guy in Victorinos. He's got a shaved head this time and and European Spanish accent. I think he's Colombian, but I didn't take the time to look up his real name.
I was a bit confused about what was on Teresa's top. They said sangre, but I thought it was red wine. Whatever... it was loaded with symbolism.
Soraya is smarter than she appeared at first. She figured out who the soplón (squealer, rat) was.
The scene with Teresa and Dris was great. She told him she wasn't afraid of him. She knew she owed him for giving her work when she first arrived. pero hoy terminó mi deuda And she gets right in his face and threatens him if anything happens to Santi. He looked VERY uneasy.
Soraya is a good person, like the other prostitutes with hearts of gold in this novela. She visits Lalo even though he can't even speak to her.
I'm very glad Teresa is getting out of Melilla. Chaib might be capable of harming her.
What a weird weekend for me! It's pouring down rain in sunny California. And since Friday morning I have no land line and no internet at home. I'm typing this at the public library. The fine folks at AT&T won't come until Monday and they don't tell me when they'll come. Sigh.
Excellent summaries of the general theme of the novela, NovelaMaven. I agree that this novela is exceptional, maybe the best I've ever seen. I had such a fondness for Amor Real, and I still love it. But I'm getting used to gritty realism on Telemundo, and I like it a lot.
Jean, did you notice that Santiago's drug connection in Algaciras is our all-purpose baddie who played Melendez (the one who ended up as dinner for his fellow soldiers) in Doña Barbara? He was also a rotten guy in Victorinos. He's got a shaved head this time and and European Spanish accent. I think he's Colombian, but I didn't take the time to look up his real name.
I was a bit confused about what was on Teresa's top. They said sangre, but I thought it was red wine. Whatever... it was loaded with symbolism.
Soraya is smarter than she appeared at first. She figured out who the soplón (squealer, rat) was.
The scene with Teresa and Dris was great. She told him she wasn't afraid of him. She knew she owed him for giving her work when she first arrived. pero hoy terminó mi deuda And she gets right in his face and threatens him if anything happens to Santi. He looked VERY uneasy.
Soraya is a good person, like the other prostitutes with hearts of gold in this novela. She visits Lalo even though he can't even speak to her.
I'm very glad Teresa is getting out of Melilla. Chaib might be capable of harming her.
Permalink posted by : Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 4:05:00 PM EDT
: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 4:05:00 PM EDT
HEREDEROS - VIERNES
I KNEW Sofia would end up in Miguel and Rosa's house. I thought she was a bit chastened, but no. She goes right after Miguel. This woman is a complete mess. She's incapable of existing 5 minutes without a man to drape herself over. And, far from being humble, she takes out her spite on Beatriz, forcing her to wash windows - not in her job description at all.
José gets more villainous in each episode. He wants Efrain away from both Beatriz and Simón.
This novela is looking more and more like a Univisión offering than one from Telemundo. Case in point: lots of secrets. Paula won't tell Juan why she's breaking up with him. José, practically twirling his Simon Legree moustaches, tells Paula she can expect more attempts on her virtue going forward.
What happened to Sofia's bottomless purse? She can't go somewhere and rent at least a motel room?
Looks like they're turning Julieta into a Univisión style evil other woman. She's threatening Paula's life, and dancing with joy because the main heroine and the galan have broken up. Not very original.
I do hope the three sisters and Jonny manage to get Sofia out of their house.
So Paula is planning to spend a whole year pulling away from Juan and telling him she doesn't love him any more? What crap!
I KNEW Sofia would end up in Miguel and Rosa's house. I thought she was a bit chastened, but no. She goes right after Miguel. This woman is a complete mess. She's incapable of existing 5 minutes without a man to drape herself over. And, far from being humble, she takes out her spite on Beatriz, forcing her to wash windows - not in her job description at all.
José gets more villainous in each episode. He wants Efrain away from both Beatriz and Simón.
This novela is looking more and more like a Univisión offering than one from Telemundo. Case in point: lots of secrets. Paula won't tell Juan why she's breaking up with him. José, practically twirling his Simon Legree moustaches, tells Paula she can expect more attempts on her virtue going forward.
What happened to Sofia's bottomless purse? She can't go somewhere and rent at least a motel room?
Looks like they're turning Julieta into a Univisión style evil other woman. She's threatening Paula's life, and dancing with joy because the main heroine and the galan have broken up. Not very original.
I do hope the three sisters and Jonny manage to get Sofia out of their house.
So Paula is planning to spend a whole year pulling away from Juan and telling him she doesn't love him any more? What crap!
Permalink posted by : Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 4:16:00 PM EDT
: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 4:16:00 PM EDT
HEREDEROS -- Viernes
Considering how Paula started out, I think she's getting exactly what she deserves.
One of the best catfights I ever saw was in Univision's Rebeca between two 40-something women. Does Miguel have a pool?
Jose's treatment of Beatriz makes no sense at all unless he was abused in his youth. How old were these guys when they were adopted?
AURORA
I hope we've seen the last of Daniela and start seeing more of Martin's perfect bod. I guess it's time for Elizabeth's last stand. Maybe she will do all the other characters the favor of knocking Catalina and Federico off.
Considering how Paula started out, I think she's getting exactly what she deserves.
One of the best catfights I ever saw was in Univision's Rebeca between two 40-something women. Does Miguel have a pool?
Jose's treatment of Beatriz makes no sense at all unless he was abused in his youth. How old were these guys when they were adopted?
AURORA
I hope we've seen the last of Daniela and start seeing more of Martin's perfect bod. I guess it's time for Elizabeth's last stand. Maybe she will do all the other characters the favor of knocking Catalina and Federico off.
REINA -
Great essay and summary, NovelaMaven.
I'm not sure, but I felt that Chaib ordered Lalo's tongue cut out not just to torture him, but to prevent him from talking, such as testifying against Chaib. I also think Lalo named Santiago, so it's a good thing Santiago is leaving. Chaib also offered the police guy a higher position in return for not pursuing charges against him, I think
I agree that Teresa didn't turn in Dris because he had helped her a lot, and now they were "even". But since she's moving to a new city, we may meet all new characters (this goes right along with NovelaMaven's essay about how this show is a string of mini adventures). But I sort of like Fatima, Soraya and Sheila, so I hope their roles aren't over.
Great essay and summary, NovelaMaven.
I'm not sure, but I felt that Chaib ordered Lalo's tongue cut out not just to torture him, but to prevent him from talking, such as testifying against Chaib. I also think Lalo named Santiago, so it's a good thing Santiago is leaving. Chaib also offered the police guy a higher position in return for not pursuing charges against him, I think
I agree that Teresa didn't turn in Dris because he had helped her a lot, and now they were "even". But since she's moving to a new city, we may meet all new characters (this goes right along with NovelaMaven's essay about how this show is a string of mini adventures). But I sort of like Fatima, Soraya and Sheila, so I hope their roles aren't over.
LOS HEREDEROS
I think the writers are attempting to pull some type of personality switch - Julieta becomes the villana she was originally listed to be, and Paula all of a sudden becomes a helpless sweetie who can barely protect herself from baddies like Jose, and she's no longer willing to be straightforward with the truth. It's not very well done. I have not been impressed with the writers on this telenovela.
Some folks are speculating that Julieta has a brain tumor. That's the only thing I can think of that would explain her sudden transformation into a murderous psycho. It's bizarre.
I have to say the actress playing Sofia does her part very well. Interesting character. On the surface such a flighty happy-go-lucky party girl - an older one, but convincingly so. But she's been playing some deep, complicated games that are counter to her surface nature. Somehow this actress makes the dichotomy convincing. I guess I have to give the writers credit for this character. Or is it the actress? All the other characters seem very one-dimensional.
Audrey
I think the writers are attempting to pull some type of personality switch - Julieta becomes the villana she was originally listed to be, and Paula all of a sudden becomes a helpless sweetie who can barely protect herself from baddies like Jose, and she's no longer willing to be straightforward with the truth. It's not very well done. I have not been impressed with the writers on this telenovela.
Some folks are speculating that Julieta has a brain tumor. That's the only thing I can think of that would explain her sudden transformation into a murderous psycho. It's bizarre.
I have to say the actress playing Sofia does her part very well. Interesting character. On the surface such a flighty happy-go-lucky party girl - an older one, but convincingly so. But she's been playing some deep, complicated games that are counter to her surface nature. Somehow this actress makes the dichotomy convincing. I guess I have to give the writers credit for this character. Or is it the actress? All the other characters seem very one-dimensional.
Audrey
Permalink posted by : Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 7:55:00 PM EDT
: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 7:55:00 PM EDT
Thanks for the nice words, folks!
Rand, you know it's a mutual admiration society:)
REINA
Audrey, good question about why Teresa didn't rat out Dris to Chaib. I could be wrong, but for one thing, Teresa admits that she has no proof that Dris was the informer; and for another, Teresa no longer has Chaib's ear -- he now considers her the enemy.
Novelera, hope you see the sun again very soon. I agree that the stain on Teresa's shirt was interesting. The way I saw it, it was literally the red wine that splashed on her when Soraya stumbled with the tray of glasses. But as Teresa, who, if you want to get clinical, is suffering from a kind of PTSD, looks at the stain so evocative of the blood, she is reminded of the death and bloodshed she has been witness to or participated in up to now in the story. Mentally, she is the girl who just shot el gato, is splattered with his blood, and is fleeing for her life. Also, remember she started out the evening with a bad feeling -- she is terrified that Santiago is going to be killed this time out.
Hombre, good points about the tongue. I saw it as a very primitive eye for an eye thing -- that's the punishment for squealers, just like the punishment for thieves is cutting off the hands.
And yes, you're right. Lalo gave up Santiago's name pretty early in the game.
Rand, you know it's a mutual admiration society:)
REINA
Audrey, good question about why Teresa didn't rat out Dris to Chaib. I could be wrong, but for one thing, Teresa admits that she has no proof that Dris was the informer; and for another, Teresa no longer has Chaib's ear -- he now considers her the enemy.
Novelera, hope you see the sun again very soon. I agree that the stain on Teresa's shirt was interesting. The way I saw it, it was literally the red wine that splashed on her when Soraya stumbled with the tray of glasses. But as Teresa, who, if you want to get clinical, is suffering from a kind of PTSD, looks at the stain so evocative of the blood, she is reminded of the death and bloodshed she has been witness to or participated in up to now in the story. Mentally, she is the girl who just shot el gato, is splattered with his blood, and is fleeing for her life. Also, remember she started out the evening with a bad feeling -- she is terrified that Santiago is going to be killed this time out.
Hombre, good points about the tongue. I saw it as a very primitive eye for an eye thing -- that's the punishment for squealers, just like the punishment for thieves is cutting off the hands.
And yes, you're right. Lalo gave up Santiago's name pretty early in the game.
HEREDEROS- Stupidly not telling the truth is standard in bad novelas but the Paula/Juan thing really pushes the limit of idiocy.
Jose forces Paula to break uo with Juan or he'll tell Juan that she isn't Emilio's child. Well, what would be the worst consequence of his telling Juan the truth about Paula's parentage - that Juan breaks up with her. So why not tell him the truth anyway?
She doesn't need the year to win Juan's love and she doesn't want the money so cancel the deal and tell him the truth. Sofia is already shown to be bad so it is not hard to believe that she would claim Paula was Emilio's child without her knowledge.
Crap is right.
Jose forces Paula to break uo with Juan or he'll tell Juan that she isn't Emilio's child. Well, what would be the worst consequence of his telling Juan the truth about Paula's parentage - that Juan breaks up with her. So why not tell him the truth anyway?
She doesn't need the year to win Juan's love and she doesn't want the money so cancel the deal and tell him the truth. Sofia is already shown to be bad so it is not hard to believe that she would claim Paula was Emilio's child without her knowledge.
Crap is right.
HEREDEROS -
I agree that this show is stretching credibility, but I'm going to try to explain it, according to what I think the writers and characters are trying to get across to us. Paula doesn't care about the money, but she does love Juan, and she doesn't want her Mom to go to jail (although she's very mad at her Mom). If she tells Juan the truth about the fact that Sofia faked the DNA tests, even if Juan believes she had nothing to do with it, Sofia could go to jail. I think Paula thinks that by putting off the truth, Juan will love her more and more, and she'll have less chance of losing him, and maybe she can somehow save her mother in the meantime. Jose can't really tell Juan anything, because his deal to get the money after the year could fall through. So everybody has to keep lying. In the meantime, Emilio will return (possibly with a new face), and everything could change. Maybe Emilio will somehow help Paula, since he loves her.
Also, we have to remember that there's a 50% chance that Paula really is Emilio's kid. I'd bet she really is.
I agree that this show is stretching credibility, but I'm going to try to explain it, according to what I think the writers and characters are trying to get across to us. Paula doesn't care about the money, but she does love Juan, and she doesn't want her Mom to go to jail (although she's very mad at her Mom). If she tells Juan the truth about the fact that Sofia faked the DNA tests, even if Juan believes she had nothing to do with it, Sofia could go to jail. I think Paula thinks that by putting off the truth, Juan will love her more and more, and she'll have less chance of losing him, and maybe she can somehow save her mother in the meantime. Jose can't really tell Juan anything, because his deal to get the money after the year could fall through. So everybody has to keep lying. In the meantime, Emilio will return (possibly with a new face), and everything could change. Maybe Emilio will somehow help Paula, since he loves her.
Also, we have to remember that there's a 50% chance that Paula really is Emilio's kid. I'd bet she really is.
REINA: Although I really like REINA, I haven't been able to watch it consistently as life happens. From my on and off watching, I love the character of Teresa, who marches to her own drummer, is strong,but also loving and giving to 'friends.' I am having a problem with Santiago, though. I think the actor is good, but I can't say I like the character, who seems childish, often passive, sexist, and has strange values. In a way, i think the relationship between Teresa and Santiago mirrors Teresa's relationship with el Guero, but in reverse. Teresa is the strong, facilitative person in the relationship. Does anyone else agree?
I found Novelamaven's comments about the form of this telenovela very interesting, and as usual very perceptive. Some people spin "fancy" theories that are not backed up by what they actually see. Other people like a certain character or actor and begin to root for him or her and begin to dislike other characters who are obstacles to the character/s they like. Novelamaven always comes up with the most intelligent theories based on what she sees and deduces from the actual work. And her Spanish translations are great. Thanks.
one question --because I did not see all the beginning episodes...Did Teresa have a relationship with Don Epiphanio (or whatever the head narc's name was) that was independent of his relaitonship with El
Guero? Did he know and like Teresa, so that he helped her? Or did he do it because he felt he owed it to Guero?
I found Novelamaven's comments about the form of this telenovela very interesting, and as usual very perceptive. Some people spin "fancy" theories that are not backed up by what they actually see. Other people like a certain character or actor and begin to root for him or her and begin to dislike other characters who are obstacles to the character/s they like. Novelamaven always comes up with the most intelligent theories based on what she sees and deduces from the actual work. And her Spanish translations are great. Thanks.
one question --because I did not see all the beginning episodes...Did Teresa have a relationship with Don Epiphanio (or whatever the head narc's name was) that was independent of his relaitonship with El
Guero? Did he know and like Teresa, so that he helped her? Or did he do it because he felt he owed it to Guero?
Permalink posted by : Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 7:58:00 PM EDT
: Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 7:58:00 PM EDT
NJ Sue,
I was posting a reply to your comment when I noticed it had disappeared? Did you take it down? Or was it eaten by the Blogger? If you want, I can copy and paste it because I have your original in my Google email box.
Very weird.
I was posting a reply to your comment when I noticed it had disappeared? Did you take it down? Or was it eaten by the Blogger? If you want, I can copy and paste it because I have your original in my Google email box.
Very weird.
REINA - Friday
Thank you Juanita and NovelaMaven.
Even though Lalo was a big mouth what was done to him was horrible. I muted the sound during that part. Dris should be trembling in his shoes if his part in all ths is found out, yet he doesn't seem to be nervous at all.
I couldn't understand why Chaib would break off all types of 'relations' with Teresa. What did she have to do with Lalo giving up his name. Being in that business he would have to expect situations like that. He should instead be trying to figure out how the coast guard found out about the drug run. His reaction toward Teresa just seemed odd to me not his usual suave self.
Why was all this done by Dris. Was he jealous of Teresa slowly gaining Chaib's admiration and respect because she is a woman and the new kid on the block. I can't see that he was hot for her and that is why he betrayed them.
Margaret
Thank you Juanita and NovelaMaven.
Even though Lalo was a big mouth what was done to him was horrible. I muted the sound during that part. Dris should be trembling in his shoes if his part in all ths is found out, yet he doesn't seem to be nervous at all.
I couldn't understand why Chaib would break off all types of 'relations' with Teresa. What did she have to do with Lalo giving up his name. Being in that business he would have to expect situations like that. He should instead be trying to figure out how the coast guard found out about the drug run. His reaction toward Teresa just seemed odd to me not his usual suave self.
Why was all this done by Dris. Was he jealous of Teresa slowly gaining Chaib's admiration and respect because she is a woman and the new kid on the block. I can't see that he was hot for her and that is why he betrayed them.
Margaret
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 21, 2011 at 11:42:00 AM EDT
: Monday, March 21, 2011 at 11:42:00 AM EDT
REINA -
Margaret, you raise some excellent questions. Here's my attempt at answering them.
Dris was not nervous, because he didn't think anyone knew about his involvement. Teresa found out, and accused him, but had no real proof, and agreed to keep quiet in return for all the help that Dris had given her.
Chaib broke off relations with Teresa because she recommended Santiago. Santiago got caught, and his friend named Chaib. Chaib doesn't have any proof that anyone tipped anyone off. He just knows that Santiago had the job, Santiago and Lalo got caught. So he blames Teresa, who recommended Santiago.
It seems that Dris did have the hots for Teresa, and as all macho men do, wanted to eliminate the competition by getting Santiago caught. He didn't realize that Santiago would escape, and Teresa would leave to be with him.
But remember, since Teresa and Santiago are now going to a new location, we may never hear about Dris, Chaib, Lalo, etc. again. I'm not sure about this, but it's a possibility. We may meet all new characters.
Margaret, you raise some excellent questions. Here's my attempt at answering them.
Dris was not nervous, because he didn't think anyone knew about his involvement. Teresa found out, and accused him, but had no real proof, and agreed to keep quiet in return for all the help that Dris had given her.
Chaib broke off relations with Teresa because she recommended Santiago. Santiago got caught, and his friend named Chaib. Chaib doesn't have any proof that anyone tipped anyone off. He just knows that Santiago had the job, Santiago and Lalo got caught. So he blames Teresa, who recommended Santiago.
It seems that Dris did have the hots for Teresa, and as all macho men do, wanted to eliminate the competition by getting Santiago caught. He didn't realize that Santiago would escape, and Teresa would leave to be with him.
But remember, since Teresa and Santiago are now going to a new location, we may never hear about Dris, Chaib, Lalo, etc. again. I'm not sure about this, but it's a possibility. We may meet all new characters.
Margaret, "I can't see that he was hot for her and that is why he betrayed them." I too thought that Gris' motives were weak. Teresa was insulting as she told him that he wasn't on her "list" but as the operator of an establishment where drug dealers hang out, I think he might consider just staying out of the way! His payback was very extreme for her "crime."
Hombre: "It seems that Dris did have the hots for Teresa, and as all macho men do, wanted to eliminate the competition by getting Santiago caught." His "hots" just came on so quickly, it didn't seem real to me!
As for me, I'd like a new location after all we've been through in this location!!!!
Hombre: "It seems that Dris did have the hots for Teresa, and as all macho men do, wanted to eliminate the competition by getting Santiago caught." His "hots" just came on so quickly, it didn't seem real to me!
As for me, I'd like a new location after all we've been through in this location!!!!
REINA - Monday
Hi, Sandy! Well, we've got our new location. Santiago and Teresa have moved to Algeciras, Spain. They said goodbye to Dris, Chaib, Fatima, Ahmed, Soraya and Sheila. Don't know if we'll see them again.
Here are some of the new characters. Jaime Arenas (played by the same actor who's playing Pedro on Herederos!) is a drug dealer, who's been double dealing with the Russian mafia. The Russian mafia is led by a guy whose name is Yasikov Tavarich (I think. I might have combined two guys). Teresa and Santi are in a restaurant when Jaime comes in with a tall skinny blond named Patricia (Patty) Ferrer (or maybe her last name is O'Farrell, as that's the name of her family's country estate). She's apparently bisexual, as she grabs Teresa's butt, and later tried to kiss her maid, Rosario. The Russians burst in, looking for Jaime, but Jaime and Patty escape (to her country house).
Meanwhile, the cops know what's going on, and that Jaime is at Patty's place. But the Russians, don't and proceed to kill both of Jaime's partners. When the guys are in the restaurant, and Santi and Teresa are on the floor like the rest of the patrons, Tere says these guys are like the Sinaloan drug guys, when they're looking for someone, they shoot first, and then ask questions. Santi says, sometimes they don't even ask questions!
Santiago also teaches Teresa about the ship's radar, and tries to show her how to fix the motor so they can get a little more speed out of it. Santi also shows Teresa Gibraltar, an English colony (people who live there are called "llamitas", and his lawyer friend Eddie, who speaks English, and apparently helps Santi launder drug money by depositing it in Gibraltar banks.
But it looks as if Santi's drug dealing will get him somehow involved with Jaime, Patty and the Russians tonight. Stay tuned!
Hi, Sandy! Well, we've got our new location. Santiago and Teresa have moved to Algeciras, Spain. They said goodbye to Dris, Chaib, Fatima, Ahmed, Soraya and Sheila. Don't know if we'll see them again.
Here are some of the new characters. Jaime Arenas (played by the same actor who's playing Pedro on Herederos!) is a drug dealer, who's been double dealing with the Russian mafia. The Russian mafia is led by a guy whose name is Yasikov Tavarich (I think. I might have combined two guys). Teresa and Santi are in a restaurant when Jaime comes in with a tall skinny blond named Patricia (Patty) Ferrer (or maybe her last name is O'Farrell, as that's the name of her family's country estate). She's apparently bisexual, as she grabs Teresa's butt, and later tried to kiss her maid, Rosario. The Russians burst in, looking for Jaime, but Jaime and Patty escape (to her country house).
Meanwhile, the cops know what's going on, and that Jaime is at Patty's place. But the Russians, don't and proceed to kill both of Jaime's partners. When the guys are in the restaurant, and Santi and Teresa are on the floor like the rest of the patrons, Tere says these guys are like the Sinaloan drug guys, when they're looking for someone, they shoot first, and then ask questions. Santi says, sometimes they don't even ask questions!
Santiago also teaches Teresa about the ship's radar, and tries to show her how to fix the motor so they can get a little more speed out of it. Santi also shows Teresa Gibraltar, an English colony (people who live there are called "llamitas", and his lawyer friend Eddie, who speaks English, and apparently helps Santi launder drug money by depositing it in Gibraltar banks.
But it looks as if Santi's drug dealing will get him somehow involved with Jaime, Patty and the Russians tonight. Stay tuned!
HEREDEROS -
I just LOVE Julieta's new personality, her devilish smirk, her purposely spilling something on her top, then changing into Paula's red dress. And then when she destroyed that clay sculpture with a machete. Cool!!!
Jonny was also funny after Sofia told him Rosa had the hots for him.
Jose really starts to turn up the heat on Paula, almost physically abusing her, and ordering her to ask Juan for the money NOW. Forget that one year thing, he says menacingly!
I just LOVE Julieta's new personality, her devilish smirk, her purposely spilling something on her top, then changing into Paula's red dress. And then when she destroyed that clay sculpture with a machete. Cool!!!
Jonny was also funny after Sofia told him Rosa had the hots for him.
Jose really starts to turn up the heat on Paula, almost physically abusing her, and ordering her to ask Juan for the money NOW. Forget that one year thing, he says menacingly!
REINA - lunes
Muchas gracias, Hombre, for your helpful account of Monday's episode. I wasn't able to watch it until now. I'm finding this telenovela much harder to understand than most TNs (but also MUCH better), and I'm glad I had your summary to lead me in the right direction.
There were one or two things I found interesting in the early part of the episodio before Teresa and Santi leave for Algeciras. One is that she burns The Photo of her and El Güero, a strong testimony to her commitment to Santiago. Another thing is that El Coronel tells Santiago that he wants him to work for him--rather surprising, after his telling Teresa over the phone that he is breaking off all business with her and Santiago. Santiago wisely turns down El Coronel's offer, telling him that he has other, more secure contacts. (I'm not sure whether El Coronel knows that Dris ratted out Santiago and Lalo to the Moroccan coast guard, but Santiago surely knows and knows too that Dris is El Coronel's business associate.)
Speaking of Dris, there was an interesting scene where a young woman who looks and sounds a little like Teresa comes to see Dris about a job. Dris keeps flashing back to the time when Teresa first approached him, and the parallels and differences between the two encounters say a lot about Teresa and about Dris.
So Teresa and Santiago move on to Algeciras. Hombre, I'm almost positive that Patty's last name is O'Farrell, not Ferrer, and not just because O'Farrell is her family's name. When she enters the cafe with Jaime, someone greets her as Srta. O'Farrell.
BTW, if I remember correctly, in the novel Teresa and Patty do not meet in the cafe, but rather elsewhere, and somewhat later in the story. Not wanting to be a spoiler, I'll say no more about this.
I was amused to hear some police official (I think) say that Jaime and his friends don't realize that drug smuggling is not a game and that this is not "Disneylandia." It will be interesting to see how Santiago and Teresa deal with the dangers posed by the Russian mafia.
Muchas gracias, Hombre, for your helpful account of Monday's episode. I wasn't able to watch it until now. I'm finding this telenovela much harder to understand than most TNs (but also MUCH better), and I'm glad I had your summary to lead me in the right direction.
There were one or two things I found interesting in the early part of the episodio before Teresa and Santi leave for Algeciras. One is that she burns The Photo of her and El Güero, a strong testimony to her commitment to Santiago. Another thing is that El Coronel tells Santiago that he wants him to work for him--rather surprising, after his telling Teresa over the phone that he is breaking off all business with her and Santiago. Santiago wisely turns down El Coronel's offer, telling him that he has other, more secure contacts. (I'm not sure whether El Coronel knows that Dris ratted out Santiago and Lalo to the Moroccan coast guard, but Santiago surely knows and knows too that Dris is El Coronel's business associate.)
Speaking of Dris, there was an interesting scene where a young woman who looks and sounds a little like Teresa comes to see Dris about a job. Dris keeps flashing back to the time when Teresa first approached him, and the parallels and differences between the two encounters say a lot about Teresa and about Dris.
So Teresa and Santiago move on to Algeciras. Hombre, I'm almost positive that Patty's last name is O'Farrell, not Ferrer, and not just because O'Farrell is her family's name. When she enters the cafe with Jaime, someone greets her as Srta. O'Farrell.
BTW, if I remember correctly, in the novel Teresa and Patty do not meet in the cafe, but rather elsewhere, and somewhat later in the story. Not wanting to be a spoiler, I'll say no more about this.
I was amused to hear some police official (I think) say that Jaime and his friends don't realize that drug smuggling is not a game and that this is not "Disneylandia." It will be interesting to see how Santiago and Teresa deal with the dangers posed by the Russian mafia.
HEREDEROS -
Oh I too love the new Julieta!
It'll be a long while before I sympathize, if at all, with Paula; she deserves everything not good coming her way. i.e. Jose's harassment.
when are they going to focus on Lucas/Rosario??? they're the only couple I'm interested in.
Oh I too love the new Julieta!
It'll be a long while before I sympathize, if at all, with Paula; she deserves everything not good coming her way. i.e. Jose's harassment.
when are they going to focus on Lucas/Rosario??? they're the only couple I'm interested in.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:06:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:06:00 PM EDT
AURORA
I can't believe what happened to Natalia !... pobrecita. 'wonder how Lorenzo, Cesar, and Martin are going to avenge her.
I have fun watching Martin/Vicky; loving her.
I can't believe what happened to Natalia !... pobrecita. 'wonder how Lorenzo, Cesar, and Martin are going to avenge her.
I have fun watching Martin/Vicky; loving her.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:10:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:10:00 PM EDT
Rand (Sat Mar 19, 03:53:00 PM EDT
): Kate's face is very odd-looking. it seems to me like she's over worked-out and it's moved up to her face. I notice that a lot in body-builders. dont know if that has anything at all to do with it.
): Kate's face is very odd-looking. it seems to me like she's over worked-out and it's moved up to her face. I notice that a lot in body-builders. dont know if that has anything at all to do with it.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:15:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:15:00 PM EDT
REINA -- Lunes
I'm good with shifting the action elsewhere and can't wait to see Teresa and Santiago dodging the Russians.
Does anyone know whether Kate del Castillo actually did that jump that's in the opening credits? My legs hurt every time I see it.
HEREDEROS -- Lunes
OK, where is Emilio now?
Sofia is a real skank and I guess Paula realizes she's turning into one. If she truly doesn't care about the money (which I think is total poppycock), she wouldn't care what Jose said to anybody. This doesn't make any sense.
Beatriz is loca. Jose may be handsome with a hot bod and nice equipment*, but his behavior lately is disturbing and could escalate.
AURORA -- Lunes
Natalia and Nina had a lot of sins to pay for but no woman deserves what happened to them. I just hope that Cesar doesn't get killed trying to avenge them.
In view of Vickie's problems when she was reanimated, why on earth would she risk having a baby?
At least we're rid of Daniela.
*The Seinfeldian use of this word.
I'm good with shifting the action elsewhere and can't wait to see Teresa and Santiago dodging the Russians.
Does anyone know whether Kate del Castillo actually did that jump that's in the opening credits? My legs hurt every time I see it.
HEREDEROS -- Lunes
OK, where is Emilio now?
Sofia is a real skank and I guess Paula realizes she's turning into one. If she truly doesn't care about the money (which I think is total poppycock), she wouldn't care what Jose said to anybody. This doesn't make any sense.
Beatriz is loca. Jose may be handsome with a hot bod and nice equipment*, but his behavior lately is disturbing and could escalate.
AURORA -- Lunes
Natalia and Nina had a lot of sins to pay for but no woman deserves what happened to them. I just hope that Cesar doesn't get killed trying to avenge them.
In view of Vickie's problems when she was reanimated, why on earth would she risk having a baby?
At least we're rid of Daniela.
*The Seinfeldian use of this word.
HEREDEROS:
Getting a little more interesting that's for sure. We almost got to see Lupe in something different tonight with the girls, a little more dressed up :) Bueno...¡Que se quite por lo menos una vez esas botas! A ver esos chamorros que seguro son estupendos ;)
Shallowgal: I'd like to see something with Rosario too, I liked her in "El Clon". But what's with Lucas liking Paula? I don't get it
REINA:
I love the music for Teresa and Santiago, great choice.
This show just keeps bringing it , very well done so far. Has much more of a movie feel than a typical novela, the suspense, action, outdoor scenes, etc..
Shallowgal: Typically you can see some jaw development with some bodybuilders depending on growth hormones and steroids, what I noticed in Kate's face looked more like a face lift, like it looked different than what we're seeing in the show right now as it has been recorded and the interview was after the fact. But who knows.
Getting a little more interesting that's for sure. We almost got to see Lupe in something different tonight with the girls, a little more dressed up :) Bueno...¡Que se quite por lo menos una vez esas botas! A ver esos chamorros que seguro son estupendos ;)
Shallowgal: I'd like to see something with Rosario too, I liked her in "El Clon". But what's with Lucas liking Paula? I don't get it
REINA:
I love the music for Teresa and Santiago, great choice.
This show just keeps bringing it , very well done so far. Has much more of a movie feel than a typical novela, the suspense, action, outdoor scenes, etc..
Shallowgal: Typically you can see some jaw development with some bodybuilders depending on growth hormones and steroids, what I noticed in Kate's face looked more like a face lift, like it looked different than what we're seeing in the show right now as it has been recorded and the interview was after the fact. But who knows.
REINA -
It's extremely unlikely that Kate del Castillo did the jump in the opening credits the way it looks. That is, she may have jumped off a 2 foot wall, and landed. There were 5 separate cuts, and through clever editing, it looks as if it's all one continuous motion, and looks as if she jumped off a high wall, but no, it's just camera tricks. Looks great, though.
It's extremely unlikely that Kate del Castillo did the jump in the opening credits the way it looks. That is, she may have jumped off a 2 foot wall, and landed. There were 5 separate cuts, and through clever editing, it looks as if it's all one continuous motion, and looks as if she jumped off a high wall, but no, it's just camera tricks. Looks great, though.
HEREDEROS
Urban A, I agree with you totally. Why doesn't Paula just tell Juan the truth- he already loves her and his finding out that she isn't Emilio's daughter (which I think she really is), would probably make him like her even more. Also, does anyone else feel unomfortable with her new goody two-shoes persona? If she is now supposed to be the heroine, the writers did too good a job of making her villianous because this new Paula is hard to swallow.
Urban A, I agree with you totally. Why doesn't Paula just tell Juan the truth- he already loves her and his finding out that she isn't Emilio's daughter (which I think she really is), would probably make him like her even more. Also, does anyone else feel unomfortable with her new goody two-shoes persona? If she is now supposed to be the heroine, the writers did too good a job of making her villianous because this new Paula is hard to swallow.
HEREDEROS -
Rand, are "chamorros" legs? If so, I agree.
The reason why Paula can't tell Juan the truth is not that he wouldn't forgive her, it's that Sofia faked some DNA tests to make it look as if Paula was Emilio's daughter. That's fraud, and carries a jail sentence. Of course, if no one alerts the authorities....but lots of people hate Sofia, and would surely alert the authorities.
On the other hand, if Paula really IS Emilio's daughter (as I suspect), does that change anything?
Rand, are "chamorros" legs? If so, I agree.
The reason why Paula can't tell Juan the truth is not that he wouldn't forgive her, it's that Sofia faked some DNA tests to make it look as if Paula was Emilio's daughter. That's fraud, and carries a jail sentence. Of course, if no one alerts the authorities....but lots of people hate Sofia, and would surely alert the authorities.
On the other hand, if Paula really IS Emilio's daughter (as I suspect), does that change anything?
REINA - Tuesday
Every night is filled with suspense, intrigue, action and love. What a show!
Patty O'Farrell and Jaime Arenas (whom she calls Jimmy) realize that they can't stay at her country house, so they leave to go to Alta Mar. They elude the cops, but are later tracked down (but not arrested - the cops figure they'll lead them to the Russians). Jaime explains to Patty how he got involved with the Russians.
He was in Colombia buying cocaine. So were the Russians, led by a former Soviet army guy, Oleg Yasikov (the guy with the shaved head). Nobody in Colombia trusted the Russians, so Jaime became the intermediary. They bought 1 ton of coke. But how could they get it into Spain? Jaime had two friends, customs officers, Martin and Rodrigo, and they disguised the coke as coffee. But since Jaime, Martin and Rodrigo had control of things, they decided to up the price to the Russians. Meanwhile they split the coke into 2 parts. The Russians got mad, killed Martin and Rodrigo. The cops have now found Martin and Rodrigo's one half ton. But Jaime still has his part, to deal with the Russians.
We've met Juarez, the main cop, and also a reporter, Oscar Lobato, who knows everybody (the Russians, Juarez, Santiago).
Teresa and Santiago had their first drug run, and they made it! They had to evade the coast guard by going in a whirlpool pattern near some rocks, but they got to Gibraltar, an international city, where they apparently can't be arrested.
At Santiago's place by the sea, he and Teresa share their love, and he builds a model of a schooner (goleta). One day he wants a real one, with three bedrooms, and he'll name it Teresa. Awwwwww, how nice.
And Fatima came to visit! But so did Dris!
Every night is filled with suspense, intrigue, action and love. What a show!
Patty O'Farrell and Jaime Arenas (whom she calls Jimmy) realize that they can't stay at her country house, so they leave to go to Alta Mar. They elude the cops, but are later tracked down (but not arrested - the cops figure they'll lead them to the Russians). Jaime explains to Patty how he got involved with the Russians.
He was in Colombia buying cocaine. So were the Russians, led by a former Soviet army guy, Oleg Yasikov (the guy with the shaved head). Nobody in Colombia trusted the Russians, so Jaime became the intermediary. They bought 1 ton of coke. But how could they get it into Spain? Jaime had two friends, customs officers, Martin and Rodrigo, and they disguised the coke as coffee. But since Jaime, Martin and Rodrigo had control of things, they decided to up the price to the Russians. Meanwhile they split the coke into 2 parts. The Russians got mad, killed Martin and Rodrigo. The cops have now found Martin and Rodrigo's one half ton. But Jaime still has his part, to deal with the Russians.
We've met Juarez, the main cop, and also a reporter, Oscar Lobato, who knows everybody (the Russians, Juarez, Santiago).
Teresa and Santiago had their first drug run, and they made it! They had to evade the coast guard by going in a whirlpool pattern near some rocks, but they got to Gibraltar, an international city, where they apparently can't be arrested.
At Santiago's place by the sea, he and Teresa share their love, and he builds a model of a schooner (goleta). One day he wants a real one, with three bedrooms, and he'll name it Teresa. Awwwwww, how nice.
And Fatima came to visit! But so did Dris!
Great summary, Hombre. Thanks very much.
It seems clear that Jaime is no match for the Russians. (Am I wrong, or did several of them have shaved heads, not just Oleg Yasikov?). I don't think we'll see any of the Russians wimpering "I don't want to die, I don't want to die," as Jaime does in the car with Patty. (It's a perfectly reasonable sentiment, but not when you're going up against the Russian mafia.)
I was really surprised to see Dris on the boat. Has he come to Algeciras to pursue/stalk Teresa? In how many languages does he have to be told No?
It seems clear that Jaime is no match for the Russians. (Am I wrong, or did several of them have shaved heads, not just Oleg Yasikov?). I don't think we'll see any of the Russians wimpering "I don't want to die, I don't want to die," as Jaime does in the car with Patty. (It's a perfectly reasonable sentiment, but not when you're going up against the Russian mafia.)
I was really surprised to see Dris on the boat. Has he come to Algeciras to pursue/stalk Teresa? In how many languages does he have to be told No?
REINA -
Juanita, you're right, several of the Russians have shaved heads. I should have said "the head guy with the shaved head" :)
Juanita, you're right, several of the Russians have shaved heads. I should have said "the head guy with the shaved head" :)
REINA: Novelamaven: When I checked back, I noticed that my comments had disappeared. I hate to interfere with the movement of the comments and the episodes. But if it isn't too much trouble, I would like the answers to my quesions, and would really appreciate your cut and paste offer. Again, if it's not too much trouble.
Thanks to all for the explanations of the intricacies of all the drug stuff and new people. I was getting lost.
Thanks to all for the explanations of the intricacies of all the drug stuff and new people. I was getting lost.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 3:21:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 3:21:00 PM EDT
Here's NJ Sue's original comment that somehow got eaten by Blogger:
REINA: Although I really like REINA, I haven't been able to watch it consistently as life happens. From my on and off watching, I love the character of Teresa, who marches to her own drummer, is strong,but also loving and giving to 'friends.' I am having a problem with Santiago, though. I think the actor is good, but I can't say I like the character, who seems childish, often passive, sexist, and has strange values. In a way, i think the relationship between Teresa and Santiago mirrors Teresa's relationship with el Guero, but in reverse. Teresa is the strong, facilitative person in the relationship. Does anyone else agree?
I found Novelamaven's comments about the form of this telenovela very interesting, and as usual very perceptive. Some people spin "fancy" theories that are not backed up by what they actually see. Other people like a certain character or actor and begin to root for him or her and begin to dislike other characters who are obstacles to the character/s they like. Novelamaven always comes up with the most intelligent theories based on what she sees and deduces from the actual work. And her Spanish translations are great. Thanks.
one question --because I did not see all the beginning episodes...Did Teresa have a relationship with Don Epiphanio (or whatever the head narc's name was) that was independent of his relaitonship with El
Guero? Did he know and like Teresa, so that he helped her? Or did he do it because he felt he owed it to Guero?
Posted by NJ Sue to Caray, Caray! at Sun Mar 20, 07:58:00 PM EDT
REINA: Although I really like REINA, I haven't been able to watch it consistently as life happens. From my on and off watching, I love the character of Teresa, who marches to her own drummer, is strong,but also loving and giving to 'friends.' I am having a problem with Santiago, though. I think the actor is good, but I can't say I like the character, who seems childish, often passive, sexist, and has strange values. In a way, i think the relationship between Teresa and Santiago mirrors Teresa's relationship with el Guero, but in reverse. Teresa is the strong, facilitative person in the relationship. Does anyone else agree?
I found Novelamaven's comments about the form of this telenovela very interesting, and as usual very perceptive. Some people spin "fancy" theories that are not backed up by what they actually see. Other people like a certain character or actor and begin to root for him or her and begin to dislike other characters who are obstacles to the character/s they like. Novelamaven always comes up with the most intelligent theories based on what she sees and deduces from the actual work. And her Spanish translations are great. Thanks.
one question --because I did not see all the beginning episodes...Did Teresa have a relationship with Don Epiphanio (or whatever the head narc's name was) that was independent of his relaitonship with El
Guero? Did he know and like Teresa, so that he helped her? Or did he do it because he felt he owed it to Guero?
Posted by NJ Sue to Caray, Caray! at Sun Mar 20, 07:58:00 PM EDT
And this is what I was going to post in reply:
NJ Sue,
Thank you so much! And let me return the compliment by saying that you have a knack for raising questions about characters and their motivations that get us all thinking beneath the surface. It’s great to know you’re watching La Reina with us.
About Don Epifanio and Teresa:
My understanding is that he knew her only as the Güero’s woman. He had nothing against her – he seemed to be fond of her, in his way. But when he agreed to meet her at the chapel that night, he fully intended to have her killed. If she was a loose end after they killed el Güero, she was doubly doomed after she herself killed el Gato.
She used the Güero’s notebook to bargain successfully for her life. Once Don Epifanio had the notebook in hand, he could have double-crossed Teresa anyway. But he had given her his word – he said he’d help her and he did.
About Teresa’s men and her relationship with them:
Great question! I agree that in her relationship with Santiago, Teresa is the dominant one, the adult; whereas with el Güero, she followed his lead. But my impression is that both guys are overgrown adolescents – it is Teresa herself who has changed. The death of el Güero also marked her loss of innocence.
Both men are adrenaline junkies with an exaggerated sense of their ability to defend themselves (and their woman) and overcome danger. Neither one is a shark but they both think they can swim with sharks and not get devoured.
And both are physically exquisite; both are passionate and generous lovers; and both are completely devoted to Teresa (although the book suggests that both have unimportant dalliances on the side.)
In the book, el Güero is playful, a jokester, always talking and smiling whereas Santiago is quiet and intense. But now that you mention it, I agree -- in the show, Santiago sometimes comes across as petulant, even a bit whiny. I didn’t pick up on that in the book – but since I read it in Spanish, I’m sure I missed a lot! Maybe I should go back and take another look.
NJ Sue,
Thank you so much! And let me return the compliment by saying that you have a knack for raising questions about characters and their motivations that get us all thinking beneath the surface. It’s great to know you’re watching La Reina with us.
About Don Epifanio and Teresa:
My understanding is that he knew her only as the Güero’s woman. He had nothing against her – he seemed to be fond of her, in his way. But when he agreed to meet her at the chapel that night, he fully intended to have her killed. If she was a loose end after they killed el Güero, she was doubly doomed after she herself killed el Gato.
She used the Güero’s notebook to bargain successfully for her life. Once Don Epifanio had the notebook in hand, he could have double-crossed Teresa anyway. But he had given her his word – he said he’d help her and he did.
About Teresa’s men and her relationship with them:
Great question! I agree that in her relationship with Santiago, Teresa is the dominant one, the adult; whereas with el Güero, she followed his lead. But my impression is that both guys are overgrown adolescents – it is Teresa herself who has changed. The death of el Güero also marked her loss of innocence.
Both men are adrenaline junkies with an exaggerated sense of their ability to defend themselves (and their woman) and overcome danger. Neither one is a shark but they both think they can swim with sharks and not get devoured.
And both are physically exquisite; both are passionate and generous lovers; and both are completely devoted to Teresa (although the book suggests that both have unimportant dalliances on the side.)
In the book, el Güero is playful, a jokester, always talking and smiling whereas Santiago is quiet and intense. But now that you mention it, I agree -- in the show, Santiago sometimes comes across as petulant, even a bit whiny. I didn’t pick up on that in the book – but since I read it in Spanish, I’m sure I missed a lot! Maybe I should go back and take another look.
REINA - Tuesday
Thank you Hombre for the summary.
The action never stops. Now we have the Russian mafia shooting up everybody.
I don't see Teresa as being more in control than Santiago. She is just smarter than him and he knows it, so he allows her to take the lead. With Guero, she was just in the background as his girl and nothing more because that was how she wanted it. Like a true 'mafia' wife. Now we are seeing the real Teresa Mendoza and what she was always capable of.
NovelaMaven, did el Gato (Gabriel Porras) die of his wounds. I thought he survived.
Has Dris become a stalker now. Crazy man.
Margaret
Thank you Hombre for the summary.
The action never stops. Now we have the Russian mafia shooting up everybody.
I don't see Teresa as being more in control than Santiago. She is just smarter than him and he knows it, so he allows her to take the lead. With Guero, she was just in the background as his girl and nothing more because that was how she wanted it. Like a true 'mafia' wife. Now we are seeing the real Teresa Mendoza and what she was always capable of.
NovelaMaven, did el Gato (Gabriel Porras) die of his wounds. I thought he survived.
Has Dris become a stalker now. Crazy man.
Margaret
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 4:29:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 4:29:00 PM EDT
Margaret- I believe that Pote Galvez (the other matone) told the Cowboy that Gato died. In the book, though, he survives being shot by Teresa.
REINA:
Thanks Hombre for your mini-recap, glad you had a great time in the DR.
If you are a woman it is hard not to be intrigued with Teresa’s strength and her ability to go head to head with very strong, and in a way, very evil men. She stands her ground with them, not even flenching an eye. She seems to need DANGER, and for that I feel sorry for her, she has already had a premonition of her own death, she isn’t a babe in the woods, she knows what she is doing and what the probabilities are. She has incredible math and accounting skills, she could have easily used her sex appeal, which she seems to have plenty of, along with these innate abilities to gain a position in a legit business.....she didn’t. She knows her personal danger, but she has not in any way acknowledged the havoc that her drug dealing brings to entire countries, yes, including Mexico...too bad! I respect her strengths but NOT her choices.
Thanks Hombre for your mini-recap, glad you had a great time in the DR.
If you are a woman it is hard not to be intrigued with Teresa’s strength and her ability to go head to head with very strong, and in a way, very evil men. She stands her ground with them, not even flenching an eye. She seems to need DANGER, and for that I feel sorry for her, she has already had a premonition of her own death, she isn’t a babe in the woods, she knows what she is doing and what the probabilities are. She has incredible math and accounting skills, she could have easily used her sex appeal, which she seems to have plenty of, along with these innate abilities to gain a position in a legit business.....she didn’t. She knows her personal danger, but she has not in any way acknowledged the havoc that her drug dealing brings to entire countries, yes, including Mexico...too bad! I respect her strengths but NOT her choices.
REINA
Thanks Jean. It's just that I remembered him sitting up and moaning in pain, so I thought he had survived. Didn't hear (or understand) that is was said that he died.
Sandy, Teresa only knows this way of life. She likes it. After Guero was killed and she nearly was killed by the same people you would think she would find a nice safe place and nice safe job and blend in. She was given a second chance. But she didn't, she finds work in a brothel/bar full of shady characters, and again falls for a guy who is also in the drug business. These are all her choices and not forced on her. So her fate is sealed.
Margaret
Thanks Jean. It's just that I remembered him sitting up and moaning in pain, so I thought he had survived. Didn't hear (or understand) that is was said that he died.
Sandy, Teresa only knows this way of life. She likes it. After Guero was killed and she nearly was killed by the same people you would think she would find a nice safe place and nice safe job and blend in. She was given a second chance. But she didn't, she finds work in a brothel/bar full of shady characters, and again falls for a guy who is also in the drug business. These are all her choices and not forced on her. So her fate is sealed.
Margaret
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:50:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:50:00 PM EDT
HEREDEROS - MARTES
Well, I'm back in the 21st Century. I had no internet or home phone for 5 days.
I had an epiphany about why I dislike Sofía so much. She makes the entire female sex look bad. It doesn't appear she's ever held a job. She lived off Emilio del Monte until he died (not really). She was prepared to manipulate her own child to get her hands on some of that money. She treats anyone she thinks of as an inferior like dirt (Beatriz). She's like a cat toying with a mouse instigating trouble in the Millán household. She wheedles secrets out of her "friend" Rosa and uses them, for example telling Jonny about Rosa's fantasies. Just rotten. She's an insult to women everywhere.
I was SO glad Paula got that recording of José. But, of course, sneaky Sofía started to look at it right away. She'll spoil Paula's plan, almost certainly.
Actually, I'm buying Paula's rehabilitation. She went to La Arboleda to get revenge for being the outsider, while the boys had consistent fathering. Her long talks with Adela, her friend, revealed her genuine remorse for her behavior so far.
Berta is warming up about 10 degrees per episode and is well on her way to falling for Modesto.
I'm not liking what they've done to Julieta. It's reasonable she would hate Paula. It's not reasonable that she would be thinking about physically harming her. It's not reasonable that she would turn Pedro into Juan in her mind.
Well, I'm back in the 21st Century. I had no internet or home phone for 5 days.
I had an epiphany about why I dislike Sofía so much. She makes the entire female sex look bad. It doesn't appear she's ever held a job. She lived off Emilio del Monte until he died (not really). She was prepared to manipulate her own child to get her hands on some of that money. She treats anyone she thinks of as an inferior like dirt (Beatriz). She's like a cat toying with a mouse instigating trouble in the Millán household. She wheedles secrets out of her "friend" Rosa and uses them, for example telling Jonny about Rosa's fantasies. Just rotten. She's an insult to women everywhere.
I was SO glad Paula got that recording of José. But, of course, sneaky Sofía started to look at it right away. She'll spoil Paula's plan, almost certainly.
Actually, I'm buying Paula's rehabilitation. She went to La Arboleda to get revenge for being the outsider, while the boys had consistent fathering. Her long talks with Adela, her friend, revealed her genuine remorse for her behavior so far.
Berta is warming up about 10 degrees per episode and is well on her way to falling for Modesto.
I'm not liking what they've done to Julieta. It's reasonable she would hate Paula. It's not reasonable that she would be thinking about physically harming her. It's not reasonable that she would turn Pedro into Juan in her mind.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 6:20:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 6:20:00 PM EDT
LA REINA - MARTES
This novela continues to be outstanding. Every episode is like a feature film.
I don't think Jaime Arenas is a real drug dealer. I got the impression he was sort of a layabout playboy, probably another trust fund baby like Patty. I think he decided to do this one-time deal facilitating for the Russians. If he had a history of this kind of stuff, he would not have even thought of taking the Russian mafia's money.
I loved Teresa's scene with Eddie, the crooked lawyer, especially when she called him muñeco.
I like Santiago. He's definitely old school in the area of being possessive of Teresa and jealous. But he gives her all the credit in the world for her intelligence. He LOVED her putting Eddie in his place.
The scenes of them living together at the house on the beach are wonderful. They are just perfect together. I love it when she says his bottom is criminal de bonito. And he was teasing her about maybe having a threesome with Patti after she grabbed her trasero. They are SO natural as a couple newly in love.
I like the actor who plays the older detective on the trail of Arenas and the Russian mafia. He's very European and wise.
I liked Santiago telling Teresa that the Spanish police would not shoot at drug traffickers like the Moroccan ones did. He said that they respected human rights.
Great to see Fátima again. She's adorable. It was very cute when she said she had come to Algeciras to kick up her heels a bit, because she had to be a saint around Mohammed.
This novela continues to be outstanding. Every episode is like a feature film.
I don't think Jaime Arenas is a real drug dealer. I got the impression he was sort of a layabout playboy, probably another trust fund baby like Patty. I think he decided to do this one-time deal facilitating for the Russians. If he had a history of this kind of stuff, he would not have even thought of taking the Russian mafia's money.
I loved Teresa's scene with Eddie, the crooked lawyer, especially when she called him muñeco.
I like Santiago. He's definitely old school in the area of being possessive of Teresa and jealous. But he gives her all the credit in the world for her intelligence. He LOVED her putting Eddie in his place.
The scenes of them living together at the house on the beach are wonderful. They are just perfect together. I love it when she says his bottom is criminal de bonito. And he was teasing her about maybe having a threesome with Patti after she grabbed her trasero. They are SO natural as a couple newly in love.
I like the actor who plays the older detective on the trail of Arenas and the Russian mafia. He's very European and wise.
I liked Santiago telling Teresa that the Spanish police would not shoot at drug traffickers like the Moroccan ones did. He said that they respected human rights.
Great to see Fátima again. She's adorable. It was very cute when she said she had come to Algeciras to kick up her heels a bit, because she had to be a saint around Mohammed.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 6:35:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 6:35:00 PM EDT
HEREDEROS -- General
ITA completely with the dissertation on Sofia and I have the same feelings about her. She should go to prison for the falsified DNA results. All her other sins deserve punishment of some kind as well.
I'm still not buying Paula's "redemption" and I don't think she is the daughter of Emilio. I think in the end we will find out that Juan is his actual son.
ITA completely with the dissertation on Sofia and I have the same feelings about her. She should go to prison for the falsified DNA results. All her other sins deserve punishment of some kind as well.
I'm still not buying Paula's "redemption" and I don't think she is the daughter of Emilio. I think in the end we will find out that Juan is his actual son.
REINA - Wednesday
It's not easy acting in two telenovelas at once. Since the actor playing Jaime Arenas is also a major character in Herederos, it was unlikely he'd live long in Reina. Last night, the Russians gunned him down. I think Juarez (the cop) told Yasikov that they recovered ALL the coke (a lie), so Yasikov had Jaime and Patty killed. But Patty's alive! Juarez wants her to recover so he can find out where the other half of the drugs are. But what kind of a cop is this? Why can't he arrest Yasikov for murder? Hmmmm.
As for Teresa, I'll leave it to other commenters to explain why 1) after she told Fatima that Santi was great, but he was different from Guero, Santi overheard and they had a big arguing match, 2) that night, out of the blue, Santi proposes and gives her a ring 3) she's a little shocked, and doesn't say yes 4) he almost has sex with a hooker, the next day, he just about leaves, he's packed his knapsack, and 5) she says, okay, I'll marry you. Whew!
It's not easy acting in two telenovelas at once. Since the actor playing Jaime Arenas is also a major character in Herederos, it was unlikely he'd live long in Reina. Last night, the Russians gunned him down. I think Juarez (the cop) told Yasikov that they recovered ALL the coke (a lie), so Yasikov had Jaime and Patty killed. But Patty's alive! Juarez wants her to recover so he can find out where the other half of the drugs are. But what kind of a cop is this? Why can't he arrest Yasikov for murder? Hmmmm.
As for Teresa, I'll leave it to other commenters to explain why 1) after she told Fatima that Santi was great, but he was different from Guero, Santi overheard and they had a big arguing match, 2) that night, out of the blue, Santi proposes and gives her a ring 3) she's a little shocked, and doesn't say yes 4) he almost has sex with a hooker, the next day, he just about leaves, he's packed his knapsack, and 5) she says, okay, I'll marry you. Whew!
HEREDEROS -
People have remarked that some of Julieta's recent actions are unlike her character. Well, the writers seem to be hinting that she has some disease, or problem, like a brain tumor, or something like that, which is causing her erratic behavior.
People have remarked that some of Julieta's recent actions are unlike her character. Well, the writers seem to be hinting that she has some disease, or problem, like a brain tumor, or something like that, which is causing her erratic behavior.
REINA -
It seems that ALL the Russians have shaved heads, except of course, the main assassin, who has sort of a pudgy babyface, and curly blond hair (making him even MORE sinister).
It seems that ALL the Russians have shaved heads, except of course, the main assassin, who has sort of a pudgy babyface, and curly blond hair (making him even MORE sinister).
Reina - miércoles
Hombre, I too found Teresa's response to Santiago's proposal rather perplexing. Had she not had the conversation earlier that day with Fátima, I might not have found her response so puzzling. After all, she has had one traumatic love relationship and is quite fearful. But Teresa sounded so enamorada when she was talking with Fátima about Santiago. I found it hard to square that conversation with her stone-faced response to Santiago that evening. I certainly expected that she'd show a somewhat wider range of emotions. Through almost the entire scene, from his proposal to her eventual "Yes, I'll marry you," her expression seemed barely to change. I found it all rather perplexing.
I was stunned by the avances. Apparently Dris is still determined to harm Santiago. (I don't recall Dris trying a second time to undermine Santiago in the novel. Has my memory failed me, or is the TN simply departing here from the novel?) The avances leave it unclear whether Dris has succeeded.
Hombre, I too found Teresa's response to Santiago's proposal rather perplexing. Had she not had the conversation earlier that day with Fátima, I might not have found her response so puzzling. After all, she has had one traumatic love relationship and is quite fearful. But Teresa sounded so enamorada when she was talking with Fátima about Santiago. I found it hard to square that conversation with her stone-faced response to Santiago that evening. I certainly expected that she'd show a somewhat wider range of emotions. Through almost the entire scene, from his proposal to her eventual "Yes, I'll marry you," her expression seemed barely to change. I found it all rather perplexing.
I was stunned by the avances. Apparently Dris is still determined to harm Santiago. (I don't recall Dris trying a second time to undermine Santiago in the novel. Has my memory failed me, or is the TN simply departing here from the novel?) The avances leave it unclear whether Dris has succeeded.
LA REINA - MIÉRCOLES
Actually, Kate del Castillo is making me go along with every step she takes, no matter how quickly she changes mood.
The steel in her that will make her La Reina del Sur is shown when she goes right after Santiago, whom she really does love, when he dares to try getting her to say he's a better lover than El Güero. She fires at him that El Güero didn't need to ask; he knew he was the best. She was ready to walk out on him right then for such a stupid, macho move.
My view of why she ran away instead of accepting the ring is that life has taught her not to think very long term in relationships. After all she told someone (Fátima?) that she'd been gang raped in her neighborhood at a young age. And also that the guy she worked for as a money changer had demanded sexual favors for the job. These events when you're very young do not foster trust.
She also resisted El Güero at first. But then she relaxed into a relationship and was happy and thinking of marriage. And she was rewarded by having to run for her life. It's taken her a long time to get over El Güero. I think she just wanted to live from day to day with Santiago. Thinking ahead scares her.
I hope Fátima has a fling with the cute waiter. She's adorable; I'm so glad they haven't written her out of the show yet.
I'm confused about the detective. After that cozy meeting with Yasikov, it seems to me that he's a dirty cop and wants to get his hands on the drugs, either to sell himself or give to Yasikov for a payoff.
Actually, Kate del Castillo is making me go along with every step she takes, no matter how quickly she changes mood.
The steel in her that will make her La Reina del Sur is shown when she goes right after Santiago, whom she really does love, when he dares to try getting her to say he's a better lover than El Güero. She fires at him that El Güero didn't need to ask; he knew he was the best. She was ready to walk out on him right then for such a stupid, macho move.
My view of why she ran away instead of accepting the ring is that life has taught her not to think very long term in relationships. After all she told someone (Fátima?) that she'd been gang raped in her neighborhood at a young age. And also that the guy she worked for as a money changer had demanded sexual favors for the job. These events when you're very young do not foster trust.
She also resisted El Güero at first. But then she relaxed into a relationship and was happy and thinking of marriage. And she was rewarded by having to run for her life. It's taken her a long time to get over El Güero. I think she just wanted to live from day to day with Santiago. Thinking ahead scares her.
I hope Fátima has a fling with the cute waiter. She's adorable; I'm so glad they haven't written her out of the show yet.
I'm confused about the detective. After that cozy meeting with Yasikov, it seems to me that he's a dirty cop and wants to get his hands on the drugs, either to sell himself or give to Yasikov for a payoff.
Permalink posted by : Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 2:25:00 PM EDT
: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 2:25:00 PM EDT
HEREDEROS - MIÉRCOLES
Hombre, I remember Julieta almost fainting once. But I put that down to the old telenovela staple: pregnancy. In this case it would be Pedro.
I'm frustrated. They're spending too much time in the Millán household to suit me. The Jonny/Suegra thing is getting old. The Consuelo spoiled brat routine is also getting old. If I never see Sofía again it will be too soon.
What I want to see is what's going on with Emilio del Monte.
Gaspar was right. Juan should have buttoned his lip and not gotten into José's face on his wedding day.
Modesto did looking great all dressed up.
Hombre, I remember Julieta almost fainting once. But I put that down to the old telenovela staple: pregnancy. In this case it would be Pedro.
I'm frustrated. They're spending too much time in the Millán household to suit me. The Jonny/Suegra thing is getting old. The Consuelo spoiled brat routine is also getting old. If I never see Sofía again it will be too soon.
What I want to see is what's going on with Emilio del Monte.
Gaspar was right. Juan should have buttoned his lip and not gotten into José's face on his wedding day.
Modesto did looking great all dressed up.
Permalink posted by : Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 2:31:00 PM EDT
: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 2:31:00 PM EDT
REINA - Wednesday
Kate and Ivan are so brilliant together. I can't get enough of watching them. Great episode.
Poor baby (Santi) is definately feeling insecure with Teresa. I think that Santiago is so in love with her but he isn't 100% sure that Teresa returns his love fully, or even if Teresa will be sticking around for much longer. Everytime he hears Teresa mention Guero he gets into his insecure mode and goes a little crazy. I think that is why he proposed, so he wouldn't lose her. Hasn't he noticed that the photo of Guero/Teresa isn't around anymore.
Fatima was so impressed with Santiago and envious. I love Fatima as well. She is a good friend to Teresa.
Margaret
Kate and Ivan are so brilliant together. I can't get enough of watching them. Great episode.
Poor baby (Santi) is definately feeling insecure with Teresa. I think that Santiago is so in love with her but he isn't 100% sure that Teresa returns his love fully, or even if Teresa will be sticking around for much longer. Everytime he hears Teresa mention Guero he gets into his insecure mode and goes a little crazy. I think that is why he proposed, so he wouldn't lose her. Hasn't he noticed that the photo of Guero/Teresa isn't around anymore.
Fatima was so impressed with Santiago and envious. I love Fatima as well. She is a good friend to Teresa.
Margaret
Permalink posted by : Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 4:49:00 PM EDT
: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 4:49:00 PM EDT
REINA – jueves
Hombre, thanks so much for your helpful synopses – you are helping me with the things I find most confusing: keeping the new cops and robbers straight. (or should I say cops and murderers?)
But like Margaret and Novelera, I didn’t question the motivation for the Teresa/Santiago scenes. The acting and writing were so superb, so believable, that I just went with the flow. In fact, the writing was so impressive, I poked around a bit to see what I could find out about Robert (or Roberto) Stopello, who is credited as writer of the television version of the show. I didn’t find much. But I thought this discussion (in a Washington Post feature from 2006) was fun:
Latin American Melodramas That Are Made in the U.S.A.
New Telenovelas Draw on American Culture
MIAMI (By Peter Whoriskey, Washington Post) August 4, 2006 —
Heaving bosoms. Breathless dialogue. Betrayal. Telenovelas, the passionate melodramas of Spanish-language television, may look complicated. But the secret to writing them is simple.
Take two people who want to kiss.
Prevent them from doing so for 120 episodes.
"A telenovela is the story of an impossible love," instructor Roberto Stopello, a chief writer at the Telemundo network, told students during a recent class here on escenas de amor (love scenes). “That is the formula.”
http://tinyurl.com/6duba4z
------------------------
The above is a perfect description of Triunfo del Amor (or even El Clon). But when you try to apply it to La Reina del Sur, you see that we are in new territory (as if you didn’t know that before!)
Hombre, thanks so much for your helpful synopses – you are helping me with the things I find most confusing: keeping the new cops and robbers straight. (or should I say cops and murderers?)
But like Margaret and Novelera, I didn’t question the motivation for the Teresa/Santiago scenes. The acting and writing were so superb, so believable, that I just went with the flow. In fact, the writing was so impressive, I poked around a bit to see what I could find out about Robert (or Roberto) Stopello, who is credited as writer of the television version of the show. I didn’t find much. But I thought this discussion (in a Washington Post feature from 2006) was fun:
Latin American Melodramas That Are Made in the U.S.A.
New Telenovelas Draw on American Culture
MIAMI (By Peter Whoriskey, Washington Post) August 4, 2006 —
Heaving bosoms. Breathless dialogue. Betrayal. Telenovelas, the passionate melodramas of Spanish-language television, may look complicated. But the secret to writing them is simple.
Take two people who want to kiss.
Prevent them from doing so for 120 episodes.
"A telenovela is the story of an impossible love," instructor Roberto Stopello, a chief writer at the Telemundo network, told students during a recent class here on escenas de amor (love scenes). “That is the formula.”
http://tinyurl.com/6duba4z
------------------------
The above is a perfect description of Triunfo del Amor (or even El Clon). But when you try to apply it to La Reina del Sur, you see that we are in new territory (as if you didn’t know that before!)
LA REINA - MIÉRCOLES
Margaret, Santiago knows Teresa doesn't have Güero's photograph any more. In one of their conversations after the move to mainland Spain he said something to her along the lines of: "Thank you for getting rid of the photo of El Güero".
Margaret, Santiago knows Teresa doesn't have Güero's photograph any more. In one of their conversations after the move to mainland Spain he said something to her along the lines of: "Thank you for getting rid of the photo of El Güero".
Permalink posted by : Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 6:19:00 PM EDT
: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 6:19:00 PM EDT
REINA:
NovelaMaven:
I agree with you about the chemistry and the realism between Kate and Ivan. The acting is the best I've seen in a novela and the music is just perfect.
Like some of the others I did find it a little bit off the way Teresa freaked out over the proposal and took off they way she did. I wasn't buying that with all that's happened, especially most recently, pero buenooo :)
I have a lot of Mexican friends and one of the things that I absolutely love about this show is the contrast with Santiago and Teresa as far as their languages and slangs. During their fight yesterday when Teresa was talking about getting old and all things sag and Santi started to laugh, first, the smirk was so real, and second, when she screamed !No te rias güey! it was perfect.
The combination of different accents and slangs on this show really adds to it. I like it when Santiago says "neta" and Teresa uses "gilipollas".
NovelaMaven:
I agree with you about the chemistry and the realism between Kate and Ivan. The acting is the best I've seen in a novela and the music is just perfect.
Like some of the others I did find it a little bit off the way Teresa freaked out over the proposal and took off they way she did. I wasn't buying that with all that's happened, especially most recently, pero buenooo :)
I have a lot of Mexican friends and one of the things that I absolutely love about this show is the contrast with Santiago and Teresa as far as their languages and slangs. During their fight yesterday when Teresa was talking about getting old and all things sag and Santi started to laugh, first, the smirk was so real, and second, when she screamed !No te rias güey! it was perfect.
The combination of different accents and slangs on this show really adds to it. I like it when Santiago says "neta" and Teresa uses "gilipollas".
REINA:
Wow, what a turn of events. I can't believe Santiago died just like that. I mean yeah, more realistic and always a possibility but with the love story going like it was, amazing.
Wow, what a turn of events. I can't believe Santiago died just like that. I mean yeah, more realistic and always a possibility but with the love story going like it was, amazing.
REINA -- jueves
Rand,
Absolutely. Even though I knew it was coming, Santiago's death was still shocking.
Now, looking back over the last few episodes, it's easy to see that Patty O'Farrell and Teresa were following parallel paths. But unlike mathematical parallels, these two lines now intersect. I suppose the story will develop around that intersection for a while.
I just hope we don't have to spend a lot of time lingering over knife fights in the prison shower.
Rand,
Absolutely. Even though I knew it was coming, Santiago's death was still shocking.
Now, looking back over the last few episodes, it's easy to see that Patty O'Farrell and Teresa were following parallel paths. But unlike mathematical parallels, these two lines now intersect. I suppose the story will develop around that intersection for a while.
I just hope we don't have to spend a lot of time lingering over knife fights in the prison shower.
REINA:
Novelamaven: Thanks so much for your answers to my questions. I found your comments about Teresa and her men interesting.
Not having read the novel, I was shocked at Santiago's death --although not really. There was certainly enough foreshadowing of it. I think that the way Teresa/Kate responded to the news was heart-wrenching. Instead of the usual telenovela histrionics, you could sense that she was numb, and there seemed to almost be a tiny flicker of a smile on her face --as though she was laughing at fate, at herself for becoming involved, or at the fact that what she knew would happen did in fact happen. and then she broke down. Teresa is an amazing character, and Kate del Castillo is an amazing actress in this part.
Novelamaven: Thanks so much for your answers to my questions. I found your comments about Teresa and her men interesting.
Not having read the novel, I was shocked at Santiago's death --although not really. There was certainly enough foreshadowing of it. I think that the way Teresa/Kate responded to the news was heart-wrenching. Instead of the usual telenovela histrionics, you could sense that she was numb, and there seemed to almost be a tiny flicker of a smile on her face --as though she was laughing at fate, at herself for becoming involved, or at the fact that what she knew would happen did in fact happen. and then she broke down. Teresa is an amazing character, and Kate del Castillo is an amazing actress in this part.
Permalink posted by : Friday, March 25, 2011 at 12:34:00 AM EDT
: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 12:34:00 AM EDT
Reina - jueves
I too knew that Santiago would die, but I wasn't sure it would happen so soon. In the book, the relationship between Teresa and him seemed to last longer. Having a sign flash on screen saying "6 meses después" just doesn't have the same effect.
And I too thought Kate del Castillo did a marvellous job of portraying Teresa's response to Santiago's death. None of the usual over the top telenovela histrionics (to borrow NJ Sue's perfect phrase).
The scenes in the prison were pretty raw and powerful. I hope, though, that the TN won't focus excessively on the seamy side of prison life. It's one thing to make us viscerally feel the awful situation Teresa finds herself in, but there's a thin line between powerful representation and pandering to the audience. So far, this TN has done an excellent job of not crossing that line.
I too knew that Santiago would die, but I wasn't sure it would happen so soon. In the book, the relationship between Teresa and him seemed to last longer. Having a sign flash on screen saying "6 meses después" just doesn't have the same effect.
And I too thought Kate del Castillo did a marvellous job of portraying Teresa's response to Santiago's death. None of the usual over the top telenovela histrionics (to borrow NJ Sue's perfect phrase).
The scenes in the prison were pretty raw and powerful. I hope, though, that the TN won't focus excessively on the seamy side of prison life. It's one thing to make us viscerally feel the awful situation Teresa finds herself in, but there's a thin line between powerful representation and pandering to the audience. So far, this TN has done an excellent job of not crossing that line.
REINA - Thursday
I, too was shocked that Santiago died. Dris set them up, but wanted Santiago to be found guilty, and didn't want Teresa involved. Of course, she insisted on going. She knows the whole thing was a set up, but she doesn't know Dris did it. She did, however, pay special attention to the name of the helicopter pilot who rescued her, Javier Collado. It's not that she's grateful for him saving her, in fact she's mad at him. But also, he may know who called in the drug run, and she could have revenge down the road. Or not, seeing as she's now in prison for 5 years.
And THAT's because Eddie Alvarez, the lawyer, double crossed her. She said "a year in jail?". He said much less, with a good lawyer. Just sign here. She signed, giving away all her accounts in Gibraltar, and instead of 1 year, she got 5. Eddie said to himself "he who laughs last laughs best" (in Spanish, of course).
Two more characters have been introduced. There's the nice social worker, Maria Tejada, and the evil lesbian cellmate, Trinidad Sanchez, who goes by the name Makoqui 3, or Makoquita.
But as others have pointed out, Patty O'Farrell is in the same jail (also screwed over, she by Juarez), and their paths are sure to meet.
I, too was shocked that Santiago died. Dris set them up, but wanted Santiago to be found guilty, and didn't want Teresa involved. Of course, she insisted on going. She knows the whole thing was a set up, but she doesn't know Dris did it. She did, however, pay special attention to the name of the helicopter pilot who rescued her, Javier Collado. It's not that she's grateful for him saving her, in fact she's mad at him. But also, he may know who called in the drug run, and she could have revenge down the road. Or not, seeing as she's now in prison for 5 years.
And THAT's because Eddie Alvarez, the lawyer, double crossed her. She said "a year in jail?". He said much less, with a good lawyer. Just sign here. She signed, giving away all her accounts in Gibraltar, and instead of 1 year, she got 5. Eddie said to himself "he who laughs last laughs best" (in Spanish, of course).
Two more characters have been introduced. There's the nice social worker, Maria Tejada, and the evil lesbian cellmate, Trinidad Sanchez, who goes by the name Makoqui 3, or Makoquita.
But as others have pointed out, Patty O'Farrell is in the same jail (also screwed over, she by Juarez), and their paths are sure to meet.
REINA -
One of the repeating themes in this novela is that men mistreat women, and get surprised and resentful if they don't just roll over. Dris mistreats everyone. Same with that guy in Mexico that Teresa killed. Same with Ali and Youseff. Same with Marcelo, the chief of police. Same with Eddie Alvarez. They all treat women like garbage. And most women (like Fatima) don't fight back. But when someone does, like Teresa, these slimeball men get really p-oed, even though they started the whole mess. And the results aren't pretty. I mean, what did Teresa do to Dris? to Eddie? to Marcelo? Just stood up to them. But that's a no no.
Fortunately, Teresa seems to have the more powerful men on her side, such as Don Epifanio Vargas, and Colonel Chaib. She's really down and out now, but I can't wait for her to turn things around.
One of the repeating themes in this novela is that men mistreat women, and get surprised and resentful if they don't just roll over. Dris mistreats everyone. Same with that guy in Mexico that Teresa killed. Same with Ali and Youseff. Same with Marcelo, the chief of police. Same with Eddie Alvarez. They all treat women like garbage. And most women (like Fatima) don't fight back. But when someone does, like Teresa, these slimeball men get really p-oed, even though they started the whole mess. And the results aren't pretty. I mean, what did Teresa do to Dris? to Eddie? to Marcelo? Just stood up to them. But that's a no no.
Fortunately, Teresa seems to have the more powerful men on her side, such as Don Epifanio Vargas, and Colonel Chaib. She's really down and out now, but I can't wait for her to turn things around.
Reina - jueves
Hombre, many thanks once again for your interesting and helpful commentaries. I wonder, though, about one thing you've said in your remarks about the theme of men mistreating women. You mentioned "that guy in Mexico that Teresa killed." Are you referring to Gato Fierros, who rapes her when she's trying to escape after El Güero's death? Teresa did shoot him in the face, but I'm not sure he's dead. If I recall correctly (always an iffy matter), Gato's partner Pote tells someone that Gato is in grave condition and things don't look good, but he doesn't say that Gato is dead, nor do we hear that he's dead from anyone else. Whether this matters in the telenovela I don't know; it does matter in the novel.
Of course, none of this has any bearing on your very interesting point about the "men mistreating women" theme.
Hombre, many thanks once again for your interesting and helpful commentaries. I wonder, though, about one thing you've said in your remarks about the theme of men mistreating women. You mentioned "that guy in Mexico that Teresa killed." Are you referring to Gato Fierros, who rapes her when she's trying to escape after El Güero's death? Teresa did shoot him in the face, but I'm not sure he's dead. If I recall correctly (always an iffy matter), Gato's partner Pote tells someone that Gato is in grave condition and things don't look good, but he doesn't say that Gato is dead, nor do we hear that he's dead from anyone else. Whether this matters in the telenovela I don't know; it does matter in the novel.
Of course, none of this has any bearing on your very interesting point about the "men mistreating women" theme.
LA REINA - JUEVES
Excellent comments so far this morning (afternoon to most of you).
I knew from the book what would happen to Santiago, but it was very, very sad. Of course, he should have listened to her. The last time she had a presentimiento was Dris' other attempt to get Santiago locked up.
The part about notarios was in the book also. This is a person who rides along to make sure the pilot of the boat doesn't SAY he had to dump the drugs and keep them for himself. Santiago was indignant that they wanted to weigh down his fast boat with an observer. He thinks his word is his bond. That seemed odd in the circumstances - that they would send anyone else into the trap. Because the guys at the table: Cañabotas and the other guy were in on the plot, I thought.
Dris' reaction was odd. At first he seemed devastated that she might have been killed. But when he found out she was going to prison for 5 years he was laughing uproarously with Chaib and Cáceres. I do hope there's some revenge in store for Dris.
I loved what Santiago said to Teresa before he carried her off to make love to her: the prettier the rose, the sharper the thorns. By the way, when he carries her off and she wraps her legs around him, it's SO delightful. I felt almost voyeuristic watching them, their acting was so believable.
I agree, Juanita, that the "Women in Chains" theme for Teresa in prison can go to egregious pandering if they're not careful. I do get a kick out of Makoqui's Colombian slang. I also enjoyed when Teresa told her that she was Mexican, a Culichi (from Culiacán) and not prepared to take any crap.
Excellent comments so far this morning (afternoon to most of you).
I knew from the book what would happen to Santiago, but it was very, very sad. Of course, he should have listened to her. The last time she had a presentimiento was Dris' other attempt to get Santiago locked up.
The part about notarios was in the book also. This is a person who rides along to make sure the pilot of the boat doesn't SAY he had to dump the drugs and keep them for himself. Santiago was indignant that they wanted to weigh down his fast boat with an observer. He thinks his word is his bond. That seemed odd in the circumstances - that they would send anyone else into the trap. Because the guys at the table: Cañabotas and the other guy were in on the plot, I thought.
Dris' reaction was odd. At first he seemed devastated that she might have been killed. But when he found out she was going to prison for 5 years he was laughing uproarously with Chaib and Cáceres. I do hope there's some revenge in store for Dris.
I loved what Santiago said to Teresa before he carried her off to make love to her: the prettier the rose, the sharper the thorns. By the way, when he carries her off and she wraps her legs around him, it's SO delightful. I felt almost voyeuristic watching them, their acting was so believable.
I agree, Juanita, that the "Women in Chains" theme for Teresa in prison can go to egregious pandering if they're not careful. I do get a kick out of Makoqui's Colombian slang. I also enjoyed when Teresa told her that she was Mexican, a Culichi (from Culiacán) and not prepared to take any crap.
Permalink posted by : Friday, March 25, 2011 at 1:55:00 PM EDT
: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 1:55:00 PM EDT
LOS HEREDEROS - JUEVES
Not too much to say about this very predictable novela. They could wrap this up in two weeks if they had writers as talented as those on La Reina.
I thought it was hysterical that the five brothers rode their horses to the wedding. Maybe they have some magical clothes that don't smell of horse sweat when they get off. I was imagining the whole church smelling like horse.
Guadalupe did look gorgeous.
Why does Juan stand there like a bump on a log when he catches José practically raping Paula?
Emilio, hurry up and appear as someone else before I die of boredom.
Not too much to say about this very predictable novela. They could wrap this up in two weeks if they had writers as talented as those on La Reina.
I thought it was hysterical that the five brothers rode their horses to the wedding. Maybe they have some magical clothes that don't smell of horse sweat when they get off. I was imagining the whole church smelling like horse.
Guadalupe did look gorgeous.
Why does Juan stand there like a bump on a log when he catches José practically raping Paula?
Emilio, hurry up and appear as someone else before I die of boredom.
Permalink posted by : Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:02:00 PM EDT
: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:02:00 PM EDT
MORE LA REINA
Thanks, Hombre, for all your great comments this week. I really enjoy your insights.
I'd like to bring up Juarez again. I still can't figure out if he's a crooked cop or not. What do the rest of you think? Is he a good guy trying to find the rest of the drugs to make sure they don't make it on to the end users? Is he working a deal with Yasikov to give the drugs to him for a commission? Or is he trying to get them to sell himself? He was pretty brutal with Patty in the hospital. That seemed off the reservation for an honest cop.
Also, in the book, there was much more about the relationship between Santiago and Javier Collado (the helicopter pilot). It was like a macho game they played. Santi was high on the other guy's list to bring down. So he'd try to get him. And Santiago admired the other guy's piloting skills when he was in pursuit. They sort of hinted that the pilot was a good guy when they showed his stricken face outside Teresa's room. I think he wanted to catch Santiago, not kill him.
Thanks, Hombre, for all your great comments this week. I really enjoy your insights.
I'd like to bring up Juarez again. I still can't figure out if he's a crooked cop or not. What do the rest of you think? Is he a good guy trying to find the rest of the drugs to make sure they don't make it on to the end users? Is he working a deal with Yasikov to give the drugs to him for a commission? Or is he trying to get them to sell himself? He was pretty brutal with Patty in the hospital. That seemed off the reservation for an honest cop.
Also, in the book, there was much more about the relationship between Santiago and Javier Collado (the helicopter pilot). It was like a macho game they played. Santi was high on the other guy's list to bring down. So he'd try to get him. And Santiago admired the other guy's piloting skills when he was in pursuit. They sort of hinted that the pilot was a good guy when they showed his stricken face outside Teresa's room. I think he wanted to catch Santiago, not kill him.
Permalink posted by : Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:18:00 PM EDT
: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:18:00 PM EDT
HEREDEROS-
Guadalupe did look gorgeous, but what a conservative dress, long sleeved, even, and in that weather? My daughter got married last year, and I don't think they even make dresses like that in this part of the world. The boys also looked very ill-at-ease in their suits, which didn't fit right on most of them (too tight), although Juan's looked good.
Still waiting to see what Julieta's problem (or affliction) is.
Guadalupe did look gorgeous, but what a conservative dress, long sleeved, even, and in that weather? My daughter got married last year, and I don't think they even make dresses like that in this part of the world. The boys also looked very ill-at-ease in their suits, which didn't fit right on most of them (too tight), although Juan's looked good.
Still waiting to see what Julieta's problem (or affliction) is.
REINA:
This is the only novela that has given me goosebumps. The music with Teresa and Santiago and then last night with the boat crash when the two of them were flying through the air and there was almost silence...I was like no way is this happening...now I want to read the book.
Think about this, Santiago's death not only doesn't come at the end of a Friday show, it falls halfway through a Thursday show. I think it says a lot of what's to come as that was some powerful stuff and now it's just another chapter in Teresa's life, memories. Normally that would be saved for a Friday but obviously there's more content here to get to. It's just weird that Santi's gone so soon :(
This is the only novela that has given me goosebumps. The music with Teresa and Santiago and then last night with the boat crash when the two of them were flying through the air and there was almost silence...I was like no way is this happening...now I want to read the book.
Think about this, Santiago's death not only doesn't come at the end of a Friday show, it falls halfway through a Thursday show. I think it says a lot of what's to come as that was some powerful stuff and now it's just another chapter in Teresa's life, memories. Normally that would be saved for a Friday but obviously there's more content here to get to. It's just weird that Santi's gone so soon :(
Reina - jueves
Rand, I think you'll find that the novel's pacing is more satisfactory than the telenovela's, at least when it comes Santiago's death. In the TN, it seemed so abrupt and premature. That's in part because many pages of the novel were telescoped into the "6 meses después" sign on the screen.
Rand, I think you'll find that the novel's pacing is more satisfactory than the telenovela's, at least when it comes Santiago's death. In the TN, it seemed so abrupt and premature. That's in part because many pages of the novel were telescoped into the "6 meses después" sign on the screen.
REINA - Thursday
I can't believe that Santiago is dead. I wasn't expecting that. I am really going to miss seeing him with Teresa. They were beautiful together and so natural that they looked like a real couple in love. I too thought, wow, he sure is strong to be able to carry Kate (Teresa) all the way up to the house. What a man (sigh). It was romantic that it put a smile on my face. What a gorgeous man.
Dris was behind Lalo being tortured and having his tongue cut out, and now he is the cause of Santiago's death and Teresa's imprisonment. He is evil and cold blooded. I hope he gets payback from Teresa soon.
When I saw the lawyer kiss Teresa goodbye (when she was with Santiago), I thought they had made up and became friends, but no, he has turned out to be a slimeball as well. Can't wait for his payback from Teresa as well.
What was the deal with Chaib, Dris and Caseres laughing when they found out Teresa was in jail. Why so happy. Were they all in on the setup. Was she competition for them.
To me it looked like the helicopter pilot was sorry for what happened and maybe wanted to talk with Teresa. He left when he saw she was hostile toward him.
Thank you Novelera for explaining about the photo. I am watching this online and my spanish is pretty basic. Also trying to listen and understand Santiago is even harder because of his accent.
Thank you everyone for all your wonderful helpful comments which help me a lot to understand the little details.
Margaret
I can't believe that Santiago is dead. I wasn't expecting that. I am really going to miss seeing him with Teresa. They were beautiful together and so natural that they looked like a real couple in love. I too thought, wow, he sure is strong to be able to carry Kate (Teresa) all the way up to the house. What a man (sigh). It was romantic that it put a smile on my face. What a gorgeous man.
Dris was behind Lalo being tortured and having his tongue cut out, and now he is the cause of Santiago's death and Teresa's imprisonment. He is evil and cold blooded. I hope he gets payback from Teresa soon.
When I saw the lawyer kiss Teresa goodbye (when she was with Santiago), I thought they had made up and became friends, but no, he has turned out to be a slimeball as well. Can't wait for his payback from Teresa as well.
What was the deal with Chaib, Dris and Caseres laughing when they found out Teresa was in jail. Why so happy. Were they all in on the setup. Was she competition for them.
To me it looked like the helicopter pilot was sorry for what happened and maybe wanted to talk with Teresa. He left when he saw she was hostile toward him.
Thank you Novelera for explaining about the photo. I am watching this online and my spanish is pretty basic. Also trying to listen and understand Santiago is even harder because of his accent.
Thank you everyone for all your wonderful helpful comments which help me a lot to understand the little details.
Margaret
Permalink posted by : Friday, March 25, 2011 at 4:50:00 PM EDT
: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 4:50:00 PM EDT
REINA -- general
This is the thinking person's telenovela, isn't it? Just a few of the themes that have come up and that you all have alluded to in your comments --
Machismo Simple and Machismo combined with Malice - Latino style, Arab world style and where the two converge in Southern Spain and Northern Africa.
Mexican fatalism in the face of death: se burla de la muerte (one mocks death). It is no accident that this story opens on The Day of the Dead (in the tv show, not the book)
Regional variants of Spanish -- It's fun to see Mexican Spanish "translated" into Peninsular Spanish (Like when Teresa tells the social worker that she doesn't even have a dog to bark for her and then explains: I'm alone.) Or variant pronunciations: Fátima asks -- "¿Esta' feli'?" and Teresa says "¿Feliz?" Or which words are considered so vulgar that they have to be censored? ("Culo" seems to be treated as a taboo word here even though it's not considered all that vulgar in Spain)
This is the thinking person's telenovela, isn't it? Just a few of the themes that have come up and that you all have alluded to in your comments --
Machismo Simple and Machismo combined with Malice - Latino style, Arab world style and where the two converge in Southern Spain and Northern Africa.
Mexican fatalism in the face of death: se burla de la muerte (one mocks death). It is no accident that this story opens on The Day of the Dead (in the tv show, not the book)
Regional variants of Spanish -- It's fun to see Mexican Spanish "translated" into Peninsular Spanish (Like when Teresa tells the social worker that she doesn't even have a dog to bark for her and then explains: I'm alone.) Or variant pronunciations: Fátima asks -- "¿Esta' feli'?" and Teresa says "¿Feliz?" Or which words are considered so vulgar that they have to be censored? ("Culo" seems to be treated as a taboo word here even though it's not considered all that vulgar in Spain)
La Reina del Sur - I just found this blog while searching for name of actor in role of "Eddie Alvarez", the crooked attorney who sold Teresa's apartment out from under her while she was in jail. Wiki says he's Carlos Diez "Klaus" buts I cannot found any confirmation elsewhere. There is no actor's pic. Does anyone know his name? I do lots of sketches from LRDS & like to include correct actor's names. Te lo agradezco de antemano :)
Leekaygraphics,
I admit you piqued my curiosity so I poked around looking for the actor. Here's a link to a page I found with photos and credits:
http://tinyurl.com/6b8x8ds
I admit you piqued my curiosity so I poked around looking for the actor. Here's a link to a page I found with photos and credits:
http://tinyurl.com/6b8x8ds
¡Excelente! Tienes olfato de buena detective.
Aquí tienes el dibujito q hice con "Eddie"/Klaus: http://twitpic.com/4kzrkh
Muchísimas gracias y un saludo desde Chicago--
Aquí tienes el dibujito q hice con "Eddie"/Klaus: http://twitpic.com/4kzrkh
Muchísimas gracias y un saludo desde Chicago--
Fue un placer! Y la verdad, me tienes muy impresionada! Me encanta el dibujo -- gracias por mostrárnoslo!
¡Saludos de Wisconsin!
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