Caray, Caray!

I don't know about everyone else, but I just didn't feel like a whole lot happened. It was just variations of the same themes. I guess I'm just cranky. Linda is back to her old tricks and is annoying the crap out of me.
 

No Sara you are not the only one. Linda is wretched and Vicky's stalking of Maria to prevent her from working is sickening.

Thanks for your recap. You had some hilarious lines: Bernie "accidentally" cuts her son and "Luckily she has an evidence bag tucked away in her chair." And if the biblical quote had been from the Torah you would have been all over it.
 

I think the verse was from I John, Chapter 2.

I think Burnie also told Fausto that his burn was some punishement for some sin he or a family member committed. She is way lucky Fausto didn't kill her on the spot.

Maria needs to find employment from somebody who hates Victoria. If Victoria's been crushing people on her way to the top, there's got to be SOMEBODY who hates her and won't fire Maria.

Oz must have accidentaly beamed the HO signal in the sky. How did Linda find them in the Victoria Parking Lot?

So yesterday Linda was jumping all over Juanjo's coffin but today she's trying to slime her way back into Oz's arms?

Well, Fer knows now. And how funny was it that nobody wanted to sit next to Ximeana and Roxy? LOL
 

Thanks so much Sara! Quick and witty -- and complete!

Yeah, I got the giggles too when Bernie cut the cheese.

My favorite moments of the evening:

I loved Toni’s exasperated eyeroll when Oscar and Pip get so ferklempt over their Victoria-worship, they embrace.

I loved the way everyone moved to the other side of the hospital waiting room when Xi and Rox came on the scene.

I enjoyed Max’s ugly brown jacket – it looks like something he may have borrowed from his wife.

When Max was kayaking to the music of anguish, I thought I could make out Ximena and mami, distant figures in the background, in a small paddleboat, paddling as fast as their little legs would go, closing the distance between them. But I could be wrong.

In defense of Televisa’s respect for medical accuracy, Victoria was only “on the verge of a coma” and not actually in one (although where that fits on the Glasgow Coma Scale, I couldn’t say.)

And speaking of comas, Pedro finally seemed to come out of his and notice that his wife is EVIL.

"Oz must have accidentaly beamed the HO signal in the sky. How did Linda find them in the Victoria Parking Lot?" Good one, anon!
 

Sara thanks for the quick and fast recap.

Other than Fer finding out about her father's affair nothing really did happen. I was so surprised she took the news quite well but then again she does have a closer relationship with Os than Victoria.

The scene in the hospital where everyone shifts to the other side not to be near the two phony witches was hilarious. First Max followed by Os and then Fer and the three stooges Toni,Pepino and Oscar.

Are we supposed to be sympathetic to Victoria with the way she is acting towards Maria E.?

OS he really doesn't have a great judge of character he went from Max's mom who killed a man and is in prison now. To Ofelia who he obvious didn't think was marriage material. To Victoria and we all see how she is to LindaHo' some great choices there huh?

I have to admit i did love Gui scaring XXX-factor with the lie he told Os about them being a item and that the baby she is carrying is really his. Too early still for this big secret to come out.

I don't understand why JP was in the girls apartment either like that.

What exactly is wrong with Victoria she just told Os to move out of the house and leave the kids alone but she shows up at his job standing in front of his car daring him to hit her with it?


Max when will you wake up it's time for you to cut those apron strings and stop being a mama's boy. Victoria isn't as wonderful as you believe have you forgotten who she forced you to marry? You should have moved out of your house a long time ago but stood by the woman you love and not be pressured into marrying a woman you don't care for at all.
 

I hope Toni finds someone with a little more integrity than Oscar. We use "creeps me out" a lot here. Let me add Oscar to that lengthy list.
 

Sara - Thank you. A long episode and a great recap.

I just wrote a long message that I lost! In short, Burnie is so much smarter than anyone else in this novela. And Fer seems to be growing in emotional intelligence.

Also, casting of less than sympathetic actor for Oscar. He and Linda-Ho remain the most disappointment choices for me.
 

Sara, your recap was very well written and somehow, you made this sad sack of an episode thoroughly enjoyable! Your embedded vocabulary was an added treat.

I've only been watching parts of the first hour - I think all of the recappers are marvelous for taking the time and effort to summarize both hours!

Karen, I totally agree that it's beyond cruel that Vicky continues to prevent Maria from working. Blech. It's one of the many reasons I simply cannot warm up to the character.

The truth is that there are far more unlikeable than likeable characters here. I'd like to see expanded storylines on two noteworthy ones Fabian and Toni.

I don't know how JP is keeping his silence. Burnie's actions would try the patience of a saint - but I guess that's the point. :)

Diana
 

Thanks, everyone. I so enjoy reading your comments. They really help take quasi-dud episodes and make them fun and interesting. And what I consider "no action" is no new revelations. Last night there were none...unless you count Fer finding out, which really turned out to be anti climactic.

Anon 2:07, I thought Burnie had said something about the burn being punishment for a sin of his or his family. I wasn't sure, so I didn't include it. I need Burnie's mini whip o' hand lashings. ;-) HO signal=classic. That is the only explanation for how Linda found him.

You are so right, too. There *has* to be someone who hates Victoria and won't fire Maria.

I felt bad for Toni during the Pip/Oscar Victoria Love fest. She is a great character and I wish we could see more with her.

The scene where everyone just got up and moved to a different couch was hilarious. Maybe Rox and Jimena cut the cheese?

NovelaMaven-thanks for clarifying Vic's med. situation. If I keep screwing up these recaps, I might get fired. I better watch it. LOL I rather like the Pedro character. I know he has participated in some gossip, but he is really appalled when his wife takes it a step further and is actively trying to destroy a marriage.

Oscar really really disappointed me last night. Victoria destroying Maria's life is just a petty vendetta and distracts her from her real need to get the company in order. Am I wrong or has Oscar told her that the company is going through a rough patch? Oscar should be telling her to get over it and focus on other things.

I am *dying* to know who this new partner is going to be!!!
 

Sara- I only half watched these episodes, so I am very greatful for the detail you gave us. I only wish Vicy had been out of commission for a while longer. I guess it didn't matter, since her minions like Oscar carried through her evil/stupid scheme to make Maria's life hell. I was so ticked off when I saw Oscar pay off the detective and pick up the phone to make a call that I knew was about firing Maria. I could have slapped him!

I thought it was funny that after all that work to keep Fer in the dark about Ossie having a lover, she took the news better than anyone else has. LOL!

Both JP and Max were shocked, shocked that Vicky would do such a thing as have Maria stalked and fired from every job. Open your eyes people! I hope both of them investigate so that they don't come back to Maria with this stupidness that Vicky would never do such a thing. Yes she would. And yes she has.

I agree that Padre JP hanging out in the apt was creepy. I guess he really is seeing himself as Maria's daddy now. That was clear as he stared daggers at Max.

Speaking of Max, why the heck does he keep bugging Maria. If he doesn't have anything new to say-- like, I'm divorcing the ho I married right now and coming back to you, if you'll have me-- then he should leave her alone.
 

Yes, Vivi! He is really just torturing poor Maria with his constant visits. How long will this go on?

At this point, I would be totally happy if another guy showed up and Maria ended up with him... permanently. Max doesn't deserve her.
 

Sara - Thank you for a major ROFLOL over one of your snarkiest recaps. The Cliffs Notes version sufficed (BuaHahahhahaaaa) but the true entertainment iss in the long version.

Osvaldo needs to wake up and smell the bunny soup.

Linda must have a GPS tracking device on Os or his car.

Oscar has always creeped me out. Maybe if he got a decent shave, he might not have such a high creep-out factor.
 

Oh Doris! "Wake up and smell the bunny soup." Peeing my pants funny!
 

Sara, I loved every minute of this recap. You are so funny. And I agree with doris about the "creep out" factor. All these guys need to shave. Even Max is creepy with all that gross stubble.
 

Gracias Sara.

That plaid jacket that Max had on was sure feísimo, with epaulets no less, I bet it has patched elbows too.

What did our novela Maury Povich, Bernarda, say to the person at the DNA lab?
 

At the beginning of the episode? She said she wanted a DNA test and that she would bring in the other sample for comparison later...hence the cutting of the cheese. Is that what you are talking about ?
 

Sara: I could not stop laughing at: "How do we know when Burnie is lying? When her mouth is moving". I laughed out loud!!! Plus, you gave us some Spanish lessons to boot, amiga! Gracias! Gracias!

@anon about the HO beaming light! VERY, very good!

Sara: Yes...St. Bernard did tell Mr. Faustus that his burn was most likely because someone in his family had committed some sin or other and he had to bear the brunt of it with his burned face.

Here are some of the little things that I either liked or confused me (in no particular order)

-Max of the plaid jacket (with leather epaulettes!)...he wore a TIE! The first time I have seen him in a tie and not a scarf. :))

-The way Eva handled St. Bernard's mini-inquisition of her personal life. I like that bemused smile of Eva's...one can't really make out what she is thinking. I like it!

-Is it my imagination, but is Padre JP all over town these days?! Does he have some magic transporter that gets him here and there and everywhere?!

-the freshly shaven Padre JP is looking better and better to me all the time

-the couch scene in the waiting room where no one wanted to sit by the brujas.

-Pedro FINALLY, FINALLY getting it through his skull that Ofelia hiding a lot behind that lovely little smile of hers. As Carlos has said before, you've got to give her credit, she has fully embraced her dark side.

-LindaHO..oy...she is trash...I believe that Milagros referred to her as trash in the crying scene with the guys and Nathi and Maria E. She is going to harm a lot of people before all is said and done

-Milagros is looking pretty crushed. Do you think she is not long for this world?

-Oscar has already told Vic that he flat out disagrees with her plan to destroy Maria E. How he can defend Vic in the face of what Oz has 'done',but not see what that he is an accomplice in destroying another human being's RIGHT to work, is beyond me.

-agree with all of you...if Max has nothing to offer Maria E at this juncture, then leave her the bl.....y heck alone.

Wonderful job, Sara...wonderful!

Susanita
 

Vario: You have me dying and laughing on the floor! Your description of the 'feisimo' jacket and our 'novela Maury Povich'!!!

Vario...there are tears in my eyes right now!!!

Susanita
 

I am at home this morning (for a change!) and the dog won't stop barking because I can't stop laughing at 'our novela Maury Povich'!!!!

I can't thank you enough Sara and Vario...I needed those endorphins!!

Susanita :)))
 

Good job. I just finished watching this because I was at the opera last night.

Padre Hottie was probably already in the building; Napo and Cruz could have called him to help with poor Tia Milagros. I don't think that his presence in the girls' apt was creepy given their connexion with him.

Echoing everyone else on how the others all avoided sitting near Rox and her hellspawn. If Max were thinking on his feet he would have Ximeana followed. Then he could charge her with adultery and legally force a DNA test at the earliest possible opportunity.

If it was possible to do a DNA test with a hair sample there was no need for Bernarda to "accidentally" cut JP except as some P/A way of punishing him for his "sin." It would not surprise me if she were to attempt to kill Maria E when she confirms the truth.

Hell won't be hot enough for Bernarda by the time this is over.

Kudos to JP for raking Linda over the coals and finally to Pedro for waking up about his evil wife.

The speculation over Victoria's possible suicide attempt (I think it was accidental) will hurt her business.

Fer starts growing up; it's long overdue.

I am wondering whether Victoria can legally get away with what she's doing to Maria E. In the US she would be arrested for this.

Finally and OT, I wish everyone here was getting Late (La Telenovela Network). Last night was the Gran Estreno of Hombres de Honor from Argentina. Think Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather. In 1940s clothes.
 

Sara, once again your irreverent biting humor is cracking me up. I love it when you crack yourself up:

"While Burnie is cutting the cheese (literally…she’s cutting a hunk o’cheese. Excuse me, I’m giggling. I’ll have to get back to you in a minute….) Ok, while Burnie is cutting the cheese (snort) , she “accidentally” cuts JP."

I have to admit, I didn't even see the humor as I was watching because I was so appalled that a mother would actually be able to do that in that way.

Milagros was breaking my heart calling JuanJo to dinner and telling him that his food was getting cold.

I think JP was a bit too generous in totally letting Maria D and Nathy off the hook for JuanJo's death and heaping complete blame on Linda. Like it or not, JuanJo himself is also partly responsible as well, but the bulk of culpability lies with the creeps who killed him.

Susanita, I think that the biggest problem for Victoria is that she has allowed herself to become a self-centered bully. At the moment, I have more respect for Bernarda, she at least has an excuse... she's CRAZEEE.

I agree that unless he makes some new decisions, Max needs to move along.

Carlos
 

Sara, tks I think that was it. María had already given her sample. Wouldn't Bernarda's DNA been good enough?
 

As for María D seeking work from one of Victoria's enemies --

What about the often-mentioned but up to now never seen Luciano Feretti? If I were María, I'd march right up to him, winning portfolio in hand, and offer my services. What a coup it would be for Casa Victoria's biggest rival!

Sara, stop dreaming. You have job security. In spades ("Just when you thought you were getting out...")

BTW, I have a hunch a scene was cut that would have explained JP's presence in the girls' apartment -- maybe, as Urban says, he stopped by to see Milagros and then afterwards, Nathy let him but had to leave. I have enough trouble keeping up with the characters who are REALLY creepy without having to see the few good guys as creepy too:)
 

I don't recall anyone calling la policía about Juanjo, typical TN. I don't think we can blame Bernarda for that one.
We have also had the required novela hospital scene.
 

Urban you get a telenovela network that only shows novelas only old ones at that? That is so cool i wish sometimes that we had one that showed all of the old novelas no matter what network they used to air on.

In the matter of the new partner Oscar told Victoria because she was selling the shares that Os needed for the money for his theater gig. She now had to go get a new partner.

I agree Max needs to stay away because no matter how much he claims he loves Maria E. he still married the XXX-factor. Yes that would be intelligent of him to have XXX-factor followed and see what she is up to. Clearly he is truly Victoria and Os's son because we see how much intelligence they both don't have.

I really would love to Victoria locked up for what she is doing to Maria E. getting her fired and stalked by a P.I. who goes back and tells Oscar where she has been hired next.Oscar if he finds he doesn't agree with what Victoria is doing to Maria E. he should have told her to do it herself.Surely with the way Victoria acts she must have some competitors who would hire Maria E.? Or is she just too powerful still? No matter those sold shares should greatly weaken her power.

JP it's kind of hard for Maria E. to believe you about telling her your mother is making up stories about Victoria because they don't get along. When Victoria through her actions are kind of proving what Bernarda is saying is true.

So does this mean the end to Ofelia and Pedro's marriage? He really didn't like how she acted and her revealing her true feelings and intentions about Os and Victoria both. I can't see him staying married to her for long.
 

Variopinta,
After JuanJo died, an autopsy was done and the death was found due to violent causes. An investigation was opened. That's why Millie had to wait to claim his body. (This all happened very fast, in the beginning of the episode after he was found in the street. They haven't mentioned the investigation since then.)
 

Tks NM, I must have nodded off during that one.
 

Blu, that network mostly shows novelas from South America. Tomorrow at 7PM will be the GE of Dona Beija, which may or may not be the same story as the Dona Bella coming soon to Telefutura. Here is their website:

http://www.latelenovela.com/

Check the video promo for Hombres de Honor and note the theme music and the look of the series. It was made in 2005.

This network has previously shown Montecristo starring our Padre Hottie from TdA. This may sound a little blasphemous, but I think he'd make a very sexy vampire.
 

Very funny recap!

I personally loved the musical chairs scene when Jimena and Roxie got to the hospital and evreyone reshuffled their seats.

I still don't understand why Padre Hottie can't tell Vic Maria is her daughter. His mother didn't really confess any sin to him, she just told him that Maria was his daughter. Any thoughts?
 

Oh, I also hate Oscar now!
 

I would *love* to see Luciano Feretti on the scene!!!! They've mentioned him enough. That would make for some good comedy. LOL, maybe he will buy Os's shares.

Oh, if only TN characters were intelligent and hired PIs to follow their lying ho wives.

UA-I wish I could see Hombres de Honor. Sounds really interesting. I've been harping on the hub to look into directTV. I would really like more Spanish language TV. Univision and MTV Tr3s are not enough for me.

I hope Milagros does not pass away. She doesn't have a lot to do with plot, but I like her anyway.

I'm ready for them to get back to Fer/Cruz and Nati/Fabian.
 

Chuchi- I think that *anything* revealed in Confession is subject to Priest/Confessor confidentiality. Feel free to correct me, folks.
 

UA: Oh my gosh! Padre JP would be PERFECT for the galan in the UA version of "Dark Shadows" OH MY GOSH!!! He's handsome, but not so pretty, pretty as 'my' Colunga. Oh yes...I could fall for Padre JP as a vampire in a minute. You MUST add him to the list of potential actors to play the part!!!!

Carlos: you've got Vic described perfectly! Romo almost makes me laugh in some of her scenes...not because I think she is 'funny', but because she is so darn good at what she is doing with this character, I get a huge kick out of it! This coming from someone who could, in general, take Romo or leave her. She is bound to get an award for this role...which I think she would deserve.

NM: Some good thinking there, amiga re Maria E going over to the competition! See...you are thinking ahead...I've been thinking too much in the moment. You know...I would not be surprised if she does do this. Right now, she is in the throes of grief over her relationship with Max.

Max, in turn, is really thinking (on some level) that he can have his cake and eat it, too. What makes him think that by calling Maria E 'mi cielo' that this is going to change anything?

He's made no effort to confirm the paternity. Obviously, St. Bernard has the common sense to follow up on these types of issues. Yet, Max almost willingly allows himself to be bullied (so agree with Carlos, here) into marriage to the X-Factor, but doesn't bother to look into X-Factor's real history...like why she dumped him the first time!

Question: why was Max waiting up for X-Factor?

Susanita
 

NM: I didn't really finish my thought re Maria E going to the competition. She is so in the throes of grief that she cannot think clearly, yet, but I think that as Victoria continues her harassment, Maria E will start to clear her head.

Could this Luciano character be the actor named Mark Tacher that has been mentioned as a possible love interest for Maria E. Or...has Mark Tacher already shown his face in the form of Joaquin from Miami? Sorry...I sometimes get some of these actors a tad confused.

Susanita
 

UA and Susanita: I've always thought this video from Laura and Santiago of Montecristo made him look like he was some stalking vampire.


Susanita: Mark Tacher


Jarocha
 

Mark Tacher is not Joaquin. I think Joaquin was just a minor player used simply to get Max drunk with jealousy...paving the way for XXX-Factor.

In my dream-world, Luciano Feretti is another Pip-like character brought in simply to make Pip's life a nightmare. But who knows? Maybe he is more the galan type for Maria.
 

The actor who played Joaquin was not Mark Tracher but i would love for them to bring him back into the story. Max needs some serious competition as some have said Bernarda is on her toes and doing things logically and the correct way. DNA test having someone investigated or followed if necessary. None of this call of the blood nonsense for dear old Burnie.
 

Jarocha good to see you here so how is TDA doing right now in Mexico and how long is Univision going to keep doing this 2 hour gig? They can't keep doing it for long because we'll eventually catch up to where you guys are in Mexico. Perhaps Univision is speeding up this novela is because it's a Mejia production and they're not happy with his results? So maybe they want to end this as quickly as possible over here?
 

Jarocha: Thank you so much for those links! Yes, indeed...oh my!

Susanita
 

IMHO Mark Tacher is more attractive than William (please forgive me everyone.) He is going to give Max some fierce competition, I think. Considering how Max is acting right now, he deserves to sweat a little!
 

Thanks Urban i checked out the site.
 

Sara, what a noteworthy recap. The comments have been great today so I will not repeat what has been said.

My favorite scenario would be that Burnie buys the shares and hires Maria has her top model and no one could say a thing. Then, in a perfect world, BSCX and Max and Rox would move in with Vicki and she could finally see what her dear daughter-in-law is really like.

I am really disappointed in Oscar for doing whatever Vicki ask of him, no matter what, shame on you Oscar.

Maybe BSCX, Ofelia and LindaHo will kill each off over Gui. Pedro would then be available! Of course, Gui has to die for all of the vulgar things he has done with all of that poor fruit.

Rosemary
 

Rosemary: Excellent scenario!!!

Susanita
 

Blu: The ratings in México for TDA are bad and also the whole bar of novelas is suffering now since Teresa and Cuando Me Enamoro are over. There had been a light rise for the last couple of months but it seems it was all because those two shows where on their last weeks and kept people watching the channel, now that they are gone TDA is back in the hole.

I don't know why Univision put this novela for two hours, my first guess was to avoid people from watching La Reina del Sur but I don't know really (and frankly I'd switch to LRdS).

Mark Tacher is another actor that came from TV Azteca (they are invading Televisa now, it seems) and he has been one of my tv boyfriends since many years ago, he can be hot or not if the part requires it.

Jarocha
 

Jarocha are we seeing a end to Mejia's reign of calling the shots at Univision? I mean someone i believe may have to take the fall for why these novelas aren't successful right?

When are we going to get to see his version of the Cunos De Lobos novela?
 

Fer just might be the one to follow X-Factor around. She's definitely not feeling the love for her.

I fear for Pedro's life at this point. He now knows how evil Ofelia is and I fear if he tries to warn Oz/Victoria about Ofelia's plans (especially if he finds out about Gui/Ofelia), it would be very bad for his health.
 

Well, Milenio (a serious newspaper) made a note that Mejía may be about to get fired from his position as director of Televisa Novelas (where he had power to giver greenlight or not to other producer's projects and had great input on which timeslot was chosen for every novela among other things).

Televisa right now has SERIOUS external problems since they are in the middle of a legal war against Carlos Slim as he is planning on creating his own network and pulled out all the commercials for his products and services. They lost their most important client and in my opinion they NEED big ratings right now more than ever.

I hope Azcárraga Jean (the owner) realizes that he needs to make some serious changes because in just 12 years he has created a crisis in the big communications empire that his father and grandfather built for so many decades. Putting people like Mejía in charge of the big seats just because they are friends was a big mistake.

Jarocha
 

I don't know about Cuna de Lobos, Mejía already presented the project and shot the pilot but there's no news about when will be shot the rest of the series.
 

Sorry, that was me, Jarocha :).
 

Sorry to go off-topic, but I have to ask UA, what opera did you see last night? I am a total buff and need to know. I have tickets for Walküre in May.
 

Well it seems that Mejia is on his way out but who might be his replacement? Could Carla Estrada be a possible candidate i know she has a lot of fans of her novelas.I did like her version of EPDA more than this version.It's a shame that Univision allowed it to get this far with their novelas.

Perhaps we might start seeing a drastic change in their philosophy and might start seeing more originals than revised,rehashed remakes.

What is exactly about this version that's not capturing the audience in Mexico i thought the storyline has been improving lately.Except for last night but it has move the plot along finally.

Another network starting up that would be interesting and definitely keep Univision on it's toes by producing better novelas.

Doesn't Telefutura show a lot of novelas from Aztec Tv? I remember seeing Mark Tacher in a novela Mujer Pantalones i think it was called. He is cute but not as handsome as William Levy. Let's hope he's not going to wear a beard when he shows up. Enough with the facial hair.
 

Mark Tacher plays Alonso.

There are several actors listed on seriesnow w/o saying who they play, among them
Archi Lafranco
Vicente Fernandez Jr
Arturo Camona, never heard of him

Helena Rojo is also listed

These listing have been wrong, maybe an actor was asked but rejected the part, with Mejia, who could blame them.
 

Archi Lafranco
Vicente Fernandez Jr
Arturo Camona, never heard of him

Helena Rojo is also listed


---------------------

Helena Rojo showed up the first night or two of the show. She was in the audience of Victoria's fashion show and she said hi to Osvaldo on the Televisa lot.

Archi LanFranco is Pedro.

I don't know who Vicente Fernandez Jr. is, he might not have shown up yet.

Arturo Carmona is Burnie's baby daddy, Mr. Faustus' dad who got burnt up with his family. We've only seen him in flashbacks because he's dead. Eva is his sister in law.
 

Blu Mark made some novelas in Colombia, I think that's where Mujer Pantalones comes from.

Estrada seems like a smart choice to take Mejía's place right now but I don't know if she'll be interested. It could also be someone else who is not a producer but who knows about the business and has experience in the network, this is a more administrative job.

A new network would be good but I'm not sure I support Slim going into the television business. So far the government is not letting him but he is putting a fight.

Jarocha
 

Archi Lafranco is Pedro, isn't he?

Jarocha- I love love love getting your little reports "del otro lado." Do Televisa and Univision not see how popular shows like RdS are? How did Doña Barbara do? I am somewhat opposed to RdS based on it's content (yes, I'm a fuddy duddy), but I seems like it has a great cast, production value AND it *is* original. While I like the escapism of the traditional TN, that doesn't mean my intelligence should be insulted. That includes giving me a rehash of something that has already been done...to death.

Anon207- I love the idea of Fer following XXX-factor around.

Ok, so Teresa was pretty popular and we are getting that one "muy pronto." What about Cuando Me Enamoro? Or did I miss the boat on that one?

Sometimes I get the impression that things get made up as they go...including casting. Silly me, I thought everything wast planned and cast ahead of time *then* they started filming.
 

Also, Vicente Fernandez Jr. and Arturo Carmona might be listed in the cast and opening credits but only show up for 1 or 2 episodes. I remembed on STUD, Val's parents were in the credits the whole show even though they only showed up in one or two episodes.
 

Sara, thanks for polishing up an episode with lots of blah-blah-blabbity-blah and giving us the funny version. Super work!

One of the things I dislike about LindaHo is that she looks like she's laughing (or trying not to laugh) when she's crying. And that's on top of being truly trashy. Glad the padre called her out.

Milagros' little trip away from reality was well-played, and very sad.
La Paloma
 

First time to bump into this Telenovela blog. Did not even there is one. Its like one of those Sidney Sheldon books that you can't put down.
 

Welcome, Aurora!

After a second watching, I heard something I missed that I think may be important.

After signing the papers for the sale of the shares: Vic says that she's lost so much...that even if she lost the business, it wouldn't matter.

Is a change of heart in Vic's future? Will she continue to be a work-a-holic?
 

Sara: I heard Vic say that to Oscar as well...about losing the business not being a huge matter. I don't think this is a change of heart for Vic...she says that Oz leaving does not matter, but she is hugely angry about it so it does matter.

I think that this TN has improved immensely now that the plot line is moving along. I'm willing to accept the fairy tale aspect of this TN. I don't get Telefutura, so I don't see Reina, but narco stories do not interest me; I don't care how well written they are.

Jarocha...I would dearly love to hear why you think this TN has had such low ratings in Mexico? Why was Teresa better? Your insights are greatly appreciated.

Do you sometimes think that some of these TN try to pack in too many major stars and it is hard to showcase the best attributes of each star?

Susanita
 

Susanita- ditto the narco stories. They do not interest me and with what it going on in parts of Mexico and the US, I don't think glorifying drug trafficking is a good thing.

Also ditto the great improvement we've seen on this one (excluding last night.)

Triple ditto asking for Jarocha's insights.

Quadruple ditto packing in the stars and hoping that will sell over coaxing a great performance out of a few...and writing a great story/script. TdA is great, but it could use a little pruning.

A list is in order:
The following characters/storylines can be pruned:

1. Padilla pere
2. Padilla fils (aka RTSB)
3. JuanJo (DONE!)
4. Linda
5. Ofelia (I love the actress, but even getting rid of Linda and Ofelia, Gui could still stir up trouble.)
6. The parrish carpenters and Lorena (Let's face it, we *all* know it's just a secondary story.)

I'm on the fence about:
7. Nati- they aren't really doing anything with her right now.
8. Fabian-see above
9. Oscar-especially after last night's skullduggery. If they get rid of Ofelia, Pedro can be with Toni.

And the sad thing? I'm *sure* more characters will be introduced soon. If they don't start cutting some plot-lines, we are going to drown!
 

Sara: LOVE your ideas!!! There are a good number of subplots that could really be developed, but would tie into the main plot.

Lovely ideas!

Susanita
 

I told you seriesnow makes mistakes,
They have Archi Lanfranco w/o the part he plays.

They have Pedro played by
Archilan Franco

Is it Lafranco or lanfranco?

Vicente Fernandez is a singer, I think Junior is also.
 

Sí, Vicente Fernandez is a singer & the brother of Alejandro.
 

That's Vicente Fernandez Jr.
 

That video definitely proves the point. A number of years ago I would have nominated Eduardo Palomo for the lead in my hypothetical Sombras Oscuras but Diego Olivera might be better (in addition to being taller).

BTW, how do you make a link live here?

It's too soon for a DNA test on Ximeana's spawn, but I think Max will wake up to insisting upon it when the right time comes.

Sara, I agree about Mark Tascher vs. William Levy. Levy does nothing for me at all. His lips are too full and he needs more hair. Not to mention settling the facial hair issue.

For LXV, re the opera: I saw the encore performance of the HD presentation of Iphigenie en Tauride. Placido Domingo still sounds wonderful. I will be seeing Die Walkure live on April 22nd. Are you going to the full Ring cycle next season? I ordered my tickets the other day.

Finally, re the 2-hour episodes of TdA: I think this will stop after Eva Luna ends. Notice that a few of the Eva episodes were longer than usual last week. They must be giving themselves the leeway to make the final episodes longer without shortchanging us on TdA (hence cutting a commercial break or two). Personally I don't miss a thing in Univision's 10PM slot except for Mujeres Asesinas.

Univision often does this in daytime. If two adjacent novelas would be ending within a couple of weeks of each other, they will often give the later-ending one double episodes until it ends, then debut two new ones on the same day. If the promos look good enough premiere episodes back to back is a good programming strategy.
 

I predict that Vicente Fernandez Jr will factor into The Cruz story line. This is based solely on the google image search I did. :-)
 

In re: Live LinksBefore I crash & burn for the third time trying to describe this, let's see if Carlos can dig up the step-by-step instructional on link-making I wrote once years ago (I forget in the context of which novela). Basically, it involves enclosing the word or phrase you wish to link in a pair of a brackets with the term href="followed by the url, and then another " inside the brackets. Put a space after the a. Don't neglect the closing /a in brackets after the word or phrase.

This is finicky, as is all html. But if you are precise, it will work like a charm. The problem with describing it here is that using these terms invokes the code and creates havoc. Somehow, I found a way (after much trial and error) of describing it to Carlos. lo these many years. I'm not even sure he follows this novela. So a shout out to Carlos.
 

Oh, and OT to UA: I'm going to Walküre on May 9th. I wish I could afford an entire Ring. My opera-going is usually comps from singer friends. I did catch the Iphigenie on QXR the other day. I'm 6 weeks post-op on a hip replacement, so I hope I'll be able to sit through it OK.
 

Isn't Vicente Fernandez Jr. a singer like his father and brother? Probably he might be a guest singer or something?
 

IXV
I wanted to ask how long ago you had your hip replacement & how it's progressing. I'm facing that next month. But if you are going to the opera after 6 wks, you must be doing great.
 

Vario; I'll actually be going after 2-1/2 months,( not until May). But, they say i"m doing well. I don't want to tie up the board with a lot of off-topic, so why don't you email me at agnesdebethune@gmail.com and I can tell you more.
 

I think the reason this telenovela has such poor ratings in México is that it's another remake of an extremely well known Telenovela. Not only is EPDA still too fresh in the minds of people but they remember that the last version was better and if they are like my mom (who remembers Cristal) then this story seems even more unnecesary.

To me, Mejía made exactly the same mistake he did when he remade Corazón Salvaje.

Teresa was a HUGE hit, it had the best ratings the 6 pm timeslot had seen in 12 years (and the audience from 1999 is different from the one in 2011, many have cable these days and you compete with the internet and videogames now) and the finale had higher ratings than the ones for STuD, Dinero and MEPS (even though it competed with the Oscars).

Now Teresa was also a remake but the difference was that the last version was made 22 years ago and most people don't remember it. Also, unlike Rubí, nobody knew how it was going to end because every version has chosen a different resolution and halfway through they took another path with the story, while still having it make sense with what had happened earlier. It was directed by Mónica Miguel (Amor Reál, Alborada, Pasión, etc.) and she got a good tone and great performances.

Jarocha
 

Jarocha once again thank you for the inside info you provide us on what the audience in Mexico thinks about these novelas before they get here.I said at the time of the announcement of this novela and it was a remake of EPDA that it was too early to make a remake of it. While i never saw the Cristal version i really did enjoy the Carla Estrada one.

Up unto the past two weeks i had to say something was missing from this novela. The script seem disjointed or mostly filler scenes instead of trying to develop the characters better it relied too much on the appeal of it's stars to carry the show with no substance.

It looks like this is two busts in a row for Mejia and he has the Cunos de Lobos waiting in the wings.

You mentioned that Mejia already made a pilot for the Cunos de Lobos could it be because of his shaky status right now they might be putting that project on the back burner or just scrapped it altogether? I remember Telemundo was showing previews for a novela called Ojo por Ojo for awhile but the novela was never started perhaps the pilot didn't do too well and they decided to end the project.
 

OT again: I couldn't afford season tickets until my mother died and I sold her house. Since I'm still out of work I am going to hate my Visa bill this month. A full set of Ring tickets at my level now costs almost $1200, about twice the non-discounted price of the seat. About $400 of that is tax-deductible.

However, the cycle is an incredible experience. I wear my quasi-medieval red dress and pagan crown and carry my drinking horn with me. Some men wear horns with their tuxes! I am so looking forward to Deborah Voight as Brunhilde.

(Now mentally casting the hypothetical jDark Shadows cycle).
 

Blu: I don't really know why they are putting the project in the back burner right now. Rafael Amaya is supposed to play Alejandro Camacho's role from CdL (one of the most important ones) and he left to Spain to work there so I guess the show won't be shot anytime soon but series take longer time to produce and be shown on TV.

By the way, people where asking what Televisa thought about Telemundo's novelas like Reina being hits: They love it.

While Univision shows Televisa's novelas in the US, Televisa shows Telmundo's novelas in México. One that gets great notice means good ratings and that means Televisa will get more revenue from advertisers here in México.

Jarocha
 

I've seen other pilot footage from TM that never made it to the air. I wonder whether they are now doing audience testing before committing themselves.

I also agree that EPDA was too recent to be remade. I felt the same way about the 1993 CS. I think there should be at least 20-25 years between versions of the same story by the same network or production company.
 

Urban great point i think this was a very poor effort made to produce this novela. I think it was quickly put together and not well thought out perhaps if he took the time and got better writers and maybe recasted a couple of roles see JJ and Victoria Ruffo's role it would have turned out better. Let's not forget XXX-factor nothing sexy or alluring or top modelish about that woman. I don't know any successful novela that waits to about episode 45 for the story to get interesting and make the audience want to tune and watch it then?

Urban if they are doing the audience testing like you suggested maybe they should have done one for TDA. Not that would have stopped Mejia though.
 

The Ximeana character was played by Cynthia Klitbo in EPDA and she wasn't sexy either (her character wasn't a model either). I totally agree about JuanJo, although I don't know who else I would have cast instead of Victoria Ruffo.

[light bulb goes on]

Momentito!:

Edith Gonzales, with Angelique Boyer playing the daughter. I would also prefer a different actor as Max.
 

After the first hour: add Milagros to the pruning list.
 

This is off topic, but I need all your help. Is there a home page for the caraycaray blog? Others in my spanish class want to read these recaps, but I'd like to give them a shorter url than http://caraycaray.blogspot.com/2011/03/tda-31611-vic-sleeps-linda-slimes.html
Thanks!
 

This is the homepage:
http://caraycaray.blogspot.com/
 

I too feel really bad that Maria Desamparada cna't hold onto a job because she keeps getting fired. I find it odd that they all have this on the spot interviews and no resume being turned in.

Victoria is literally pulling a page from Industrialist and business tycoon Victor Newman from the Young and the Restless. She is ruthless and wants to crush her enemies. Victor is known for using his influence to deny people the chance to get a job eleswhere.



Ibarramedia
 

Vivi thanks! For some reason when I tried that url in the past it didn't work. But I see it does now.
 

Not even William Levy could keep me interested in this tn. and I looove my eye-candy. haven't tuned in in over a month. waaay too much crying... daaang!!!