Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Llena de Amor #167 (Mex. 196-197) Tue 4/12/11

Maggie here. Because of Llena’s not being shown on Monday, I’m recapping today and Julia is having a well-deserved rest.

This is my next-to-last recap (penultimate, if you like Latin-y words, and I know you do, because heck, you’re studying Spanish!), and I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for what has been for me a prime Caray Caray experience here at Llena. Yes, this was a really fun show with a terrific cast and intricate, if totally implausible, plotting. I am grateful for the performers’ wonderful diction. I mean, say what you will about Mari/Vicky, at least she speaks very clearly.

But what I’m really grateful for is the splendid time we’ve had here. I felt very honored to be part of such an amazing recap team, all of them astonishingly talented superstars. In fact, my only complaint during this show (except the chopped up last capitulos, natch) is that I completely ran out of superlatives when I was commenting on my fellow recappers’ posts. There was no way to express appreciation for every funny bit, for every beautifully turned phrase, because there was such a superabundance of them. I just want you all to know that nothing went unnoticed or unappreciated, and that if you had fun writing it, I definitely had fun reading it.

The same can be said for the marvelous commenters. What an amazing group. You made me laugh, and you sure made me think. I just loved the tone and content of all the comments. You rock.

I will be taking a break from recapping after this, as I’ve done 5 novelas in a row (3 years). A note to those who are considering recapping: Do it! I just love it and will miss it terribly. It’s a wonderful creative outlet, and it’s fun to be part of a recapping team. It’s just one evening a week, which is a reasonable amount of time to spend on a hobby.

I’m not at all burned out on recapping, what I’m burned out on is telenovelas, or at least having to religiously follow the novela the other 4 nights a week. Just an overdose, I guess. So now I’m going to peek around at various ones, or maybe just attack that stack of books by my bed.

Capítulo 196 She flies through the air with the greatest of ease

We left off Friday as Ilitia let slip to the Lirio that Brandon is the love of her life. The Lirio, a full-service kinda guy, provides some family counseling. If she doesn’t love her husband, why doesn’t she just tell him she’s been involved with someone else? Ilitia doesn’t figure she could live in a big house like this on a policeman’s salary. Money doesn’t buy happiness, she knows, but it sure helps. The Lirio realizes she married for money. He offers her a deal – if Brandon is the father of her child, he promises not to hurt him.

At the dollhouse, Muñeca gets plenty het up as the whole idea of Mayela being Ilitia’s mother sinks in. She thought she and Mayela were friends! Not really, says Mayela icily. Muñeca just can’t understand how Mayela’s been around all the time, how Ilitia filmed her first commercial with her when she was 12 years old, and all this time she never gave any sign. How could she be so near her daughter all the time, and not show anything? And why is she telling her now? Mayela stares at Muñeca coldly like the hardened career woman she is, and says Money, money to pay my debts. I was about to get it, but Ilitia intervened.

Lorenzo is mad that Mauricio talked to Mayela, but Mau insists that he just happened to bump into her in a restaurant and they got to chatting. Lo suspects Mau gave her money, but Mau pretends that he never would without asking Lo. Lo smells a rat. Mau offers to off her, but Lo waves that off, telling him to let him know if she contacts him.

Ilitia thinks the Lirio will blab to Marianela if she says anything, but the Lirio says he just met Mari briefly in a hospital room, and gives himself a plug for having paid for Javier’s operation. Ilitia insists Eman is the father.

The Lirio takes her by the shoulders a bit roughly and tells her not to lie. She starts calling for help and he claps a gloved hand over her mouth, and takes her like a hostage downstairs, where Benigno, Paula, Emil and Max all stare. Max pulls a gun and Benigno and Emil beg him not to shoot.

Mayela tells Muñeca that Lo paid her to make Ilitia a Top Model because it was his princess’s big dream, and she did, but after that she had to put up with her little whims, her moods, her drinking. So she fired her, but Lorenzo paid her to take Ilitia back. Ilitia didn’t make any effort to change, and now Mayela stands to lose the business it took her her whole life to build.

Muñeca furiously tells her she’s not getting any money from her. Mayela maintains she did Muñeca a huge favor, giving her the child she could never have, and never interfering. Muñeca fires back that Mayela just dumped Ilitia at the orphanage. Muñeca always thought that Ilitia’s mother was some street person, and she was afraid for Ilitia to find her.

Mayela proclaims that she’s not a monster, that she never wanted to have children, unlike Muñeca, who was always praying to have a child. Muñeca yells at her to get out, but Mayela says all she wants is some help from Muñeca, she doesn’t want a gift, just a loan that she’ll pay back over a couple of years.

Muñeca snorts how it’s always about money. She’ll give it to Mayela outright, if she’ll just get out of their lives, and never tell Ilitia. Mayela scoffs that she doesn’t give a rat’s little fuzzy hiney if Ilitia knows or not.

Emil talks Max into not shooting. The Lirio apologizes, throws his smoke screen and evaporates, leaving Ilitia behind, and everybody coughing.

Gladiola and Netty are weeping on the couch and Mari tries to sort them out, telling Gladiola that Doris will be fine, and that Netty needs to tell Eman the truth about what was in those papers. Netty says she kept Mari’s secret, and Mari has to keep this one for her.

In the big house kitchen Nereida puts some of Bernardo’s drops, the ones that make a person crazy, not the sleepy-time ones, in one of the drinks for the family gathering. When she goes in to serve them, she says that she hates it at Fedra’s and can she please still work here? Emil says sure.

Nereida gives the tainted drink to Gretel, and Emil starts in on a big announcement. He had hired a detective who went to Greece to investigate Fedra’s past (the family is stunned) and he found out she wasn’t the Curiels’ child. She was born in Veracruz, but he doesn’t want to get into her past because it’s distasteful. He plans to confront Fedra, and demand to know why she came into his life pretending to be another person, and who Jose Maria is, because he thinks he’s hiding something too.

But there JM is, walking into the pension where Gladiola is still a river of tears over Doris. She fills him in on why nobody’s home, mentioning that Netty’s engagement has been called off. That sure grabs his attention.

Eman’s finding it hard to believe his mother isn’t who she says. Emil hands over the investigation for him to read. The drops must’ve kicked in because Gretel is coming unglued, and hysterically repeats that she doesn’t want anything bad to happen. She has a vision of ghostly Luis Felipe (in black and white because that was cheaper to develop years ago, I guess) holding a silencing finger to his lips.

Speed-reader Eman reports that yup, Fedra wasn’t the Curiels’ daughter, and also that Jose Maria was in prison for murdering them. Everyone marvels and wonders. Eman implores his father to tell them who his mother was in Veracruz. He must’ve been skimming when he read the report.

Netty shows up with Marianela and tells Emil that she wants him to listen to what she has to say.

Bernardo and Fedra have pulled up outside and Fedra wistfully notes how lovely the big house is all lit up at night. Nereida comes up to the car and tells them who all’s inside. Bernardo thinks it’s going to be hard for Fedra to return to her throne in the castle. She says thinks Eman will stick up for her, Max and Emil could be a problem. Her main fear is that Gretel will blab what she knows. She tells Bernardo to keep his mouth shut. He makes sure Nereida followed his orders about the drops.

Emil tells Netty that his marriage started out with secrets, and he doesn’t want to make the same mistake and start another when he knows she’s hiding something. Mari begs him not to be so harsh. Netty swears that she loves him, and that’s her only truth. Benigno, a secret romantic, lets out a long sigh.

Emil explains to Eman that Netty knows what Jose Maria’s secret is, and she won’t tell him. Eman can’t stand that they’re fighting, their whole happiness is at stake. He asks his father to come talk to him alone in the office, but Netty begs him not to do that to Emil. Eman doesn’t want a breakup because of JM, while Netty pleads that Emil’s whole happiness is that Eman is his son. Emil of course is getting very confused.

Netty, deciding it was a mistake to come and that she’s going to leave, tells everyone that they should be very proud of their father – he saved her from the kidnappers, saved her life in fact. Emil grumbles that JM is more important to her than he is, so Eman insists they go talk alone.

Fedra comes in looking looped, Bernardo behind her, and demands to know what Netty is doing there in her house. Emil tells her she’s the one who’s going to do some explaining. Emil knows she isn’t Fedra Curiel, Max adds that the Curiels didn’t have any children, and then Mari, Ilitia, and Netty all take turns letting her know that the jig is up.

Emil says he knows her real name, now she’s to say it in front of everybody. Gretel, standing in the back, is freaking out.

Back at the pension, JM is very understanding to weepy Gladiola and she leans on his shoulder. Brandon and Oliver come in and are shocked. Gladiola tells him that she needed comforting because Doris ran off with Andre.

Fedra, slurring her words, says that it’s true she wasn’t the Curiel’s child. She was an orphan they took in, but they treated her like a servant, not their child. Emil demands to know why she didn’t tell him from the get-go. Fear, she says, that you would reject me.

Netty tells her she’s making it all up. Flipped out Gretel keeps repeating “don’t believe her, don’t believe her.”

Emil wants to know how she made a living in Veracruz, and adds that his brother had uncovered all of this long ago, and Mari has the report. Right, says Mari, the moment of truth has come. Tell everyone your real name, or I will. Fedra ambles up to Mari, gets right in her face refuses, and bolts.

Looks like we’re in the pre-boda home stretch now, that magical, deeply gratifying time when the telenovela gods wield their terrible swift swords, smiting the evil, so it’s time for a little ditty.

The moment had come
I swallowed my gum
I knew there’d be blood on the sand
Pretty soon.
(Tom Lehrer)

Fedra has fled to a bedroom, and Gretel, not seeing her, comes in. Fedra quick locks the door and gives Gretel a slap. Max and Eman pound on the door.

This is quite a pair of the impaired, Fedra sloshed and Gretel nutsy from the drugs. Gretel tells Fedra that she saw! Fedra mumbles that that Luis Felipe was going to uncover her past. She curses Emiliano and Mari, and shoves Gretel onto the bed. The guys pound some more outside.

Tell them! Gretel shouts. Fedra leans on the door and slobbers to Eman outside that she doesn’t want anybody to put her in jail. Eman is puzzled. Fedra goes to Gretel and sentimentally strokes her leg, sadly saying she couldn’t stand it if Eman didn’t love her. I love you! she calls out to him. The guys pound some more and demand to be let in. Fedra blocks the door with an office chair with wheels (that oughta work…not). She looks for a way out, and we see that the balcony is pretty high up, above tree-level.

Fedra is remembering how it all happened. She remembers the balcony was just there… then, taking Gretel to the closet and placing her there, you were just there, hiding like a rat.

Fedra is definitely weirding out, but Gretel foolishly yells at her that she knows that she was a prostitute. Fedra goes back to reenacting that moment, and runs to the balcony and shows how she pushed Luis Felipe, remember, mi vida?. Gretel sobs that she couldn’t do anything. Fedra tells her she’s not going to be able to do anything now either.

Fedra climbs onto the balcony rail and stands there, back to the yard, arms held out straight on both sides, while Gretel begs her not to do it. Below, Nereida sees her and starts yelling. The family rushes out and pleads with her not to jump. I love you, Emanuel, she calls down.

Gretel begs her to come back in. Fedra tells her it was her fault Luis Felipe died, and now it’s her fault that she’s going to too. The others are yelling Don’t do it! Fedra allows herself to fall, arms still held out.

Ka-thunk! Boing, boing boing.

I made up the boing boing boing part. Looks of horror on everyone’s faces, Gretel screaming Nooooooo! Max looks a little urpy, Eman calls out Mama, no! then he and Bernardo Eman run over to her. She is unconscious, blood running from her mouth, her hair spread wide. Kristel clings to Ilitia and rambles over the horror. Tranquila, comforts Ilitia (like that would help for heaven’s sake). God knows why these things happen, adds Ilitia who now has a death sentence lifted off her after all.

Netty says she always wanted to see Fedra brought down, but not this way. Eman realizes that Fedra’s still breathing and Emil calls an ambulance. Max spits curses at her.

Shut up! yells Bernardo. All Fedra has done all her life is worry about all of you, about her kids, he raves at them. And this is how you repay her? You’re all responsible for this!

Max begs to differ. Actually, he’s yelling that no way can Bernardo defend her, and the only people who have paid are her victims. Axel asks if Bernardo’s forgotten what she did to him, and Ilitia chimes in on how evil she was. Max tells Bernardo to get out. Kristel gets hysterical and screeches that everyone should shut up. Mari tells Bernardo that he was instrumental in constructing the lie, and he’s going to pay.

In her room, Gretel is rocking herself and repeating that it’s her fault. Outside, Paula is pounding on the door while she and Netty try to get her to open up. Netty calls out to her how awful Fedra was, and how she always said Eva was an alcoholic, when she’s the one who really was. Bernardo has wandered into the foyer, and hears Netty and mumbles that Gretel’s the one who was responsible for killing the woman he loves and she’s going to pay, in blood.

Eman has been at his mother’s side all this time, and he can’t wait for the ambulance, he wants to take her to the hospital himself. Ilitia goes over to him and softly tells him she’s going to die, and to let her go. He yells at her to shut up. Emil is sure she’s going to die, but Eman, in tears, sobs that he knows they all hate her, but she gave him life and he’s going to fight for hers.

Mari sadly tells him that it’s better to wait, it’s not safe to move her, and Emil backs her up. Ilitia looks slitty-eyed. Mari wishes her off the planet too.

Gladiola is hanging on hard to Brandon, who wants to go after Andre. Oliver tells him he’s too overcharged, that he (Oliver) can talk with Doris. Gladiola tells Brandon that Doris is upset about having to spend a night in jail, and she doesn’t want to lose her forever.

Brandon’s cell rings and it’s Ilitia pleading with him to come, she feels really alone and bad. She leaves out the weensy detail of Fedra’s having flung herself off the balcony. Brandon tells Oliver to talk to Doris, and bring her on home, and tells Gladiola everything will be fine and off he goes. Oliver asks to have the cell phone and Brandon hands it over. Hmmm – what was that all about?

Poor Gretel is still rocking herself when her eyes widen at the sight of Luis Felipe, in shades of gray and all shimmery, telling her it was her fault, she didn’t do anything and she let him die. Shimmery gray Fedra appears beside him and agrees.

This calls for a bit of the Bard!

I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That shapes this monstrous apparition.
It comes upon me. Art thou any thing?
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil,
That makes my blood cold and my hair to stare?

The music is too loud to make out what they’re saying, but they lay some more guilt on Gretel, who begs them to leave her alone. She backs into the closet and closes the door and screams. At the pension, Oliver feels a sharp pang in his chest. Gladiola is afraid it’s a Doris pang, but Oliver knows something has happened to Gretel.

Netty calls the pension and tells Gladiola that Gretel’s bad off due to Fedra jumping off the balcony. Oliver knew something was wrong! He tells Gladiola he’ll go talk to Doris later and he bolts out.

The ambulance comes, Fedra is loaded in and Eman gets in with her. Others follow in the car, leaving Max, Paula and Benigno and Kristel. They go in, and then we see Bernardo beside the house with a ladder, threatening that Gretel’s going to pay.

Outside Gretel’s door, Mari has joined Paula and Netty. They wonder why Gretel is so bad off. Netty thinks Fedra would drive anybody nuts, but Mari looks thoughtful. Max shows up. The keys haven’t worked, they tell him, they push but can’t open the door. He pounds on it and calls to Gretel.

Gretel cracks the closet door open only to see the two spirits again, Fedra telling her it’s her fault and Luis Felipe demanding to know why she let him die.

Bernardo has made it over the balcony and now comes into the cobwebbed room, evilly saying he knows she’s there. He spots her in the closet. She cowers. He tells her she’s killed the woman he loves. Gretel blubbers that Fedra pushed Luis Felipe, not her.

Capítulo 197 Not really Fedra Curiel, not really dead

Mari wants to wait for Oliver – he’ll lure Gretel out. Mari and Max send Paula and Netty down to the kitchen. Inside the room, Gretel tells Bernardo that she’s was a witness to all his crimes, and she’s going to testify. He laughs. He’s getting as nutso as Gretel, and he didn’t even drink the magic drink. He growls that she’s taken Fedra away from him, and she doesn’t deserve to live.

He shows her a gun – it’s Fedra’s. Nobody knows he’s there, so everybody’s going to think that Gretel had it and - boom! - shot herself because she couldn’t take it. He holds the gun to her head while she trembles.

Netty and Paula are having a tea, and Paula tells her how Gretel is her child, and if she’d known, she would have defended her tooth and nail. Netty is amazed that Eman wants to save his evil mother, but Paula points out good or bad, that’s his mother. Netty thinks that Fedra jumping off the balcony is justice, but she apologizes to San Antonio.

Ilitia drags Brandon into her bedroom and hangs on him and delivers what for her is the headline of the day, namely that the Lirio was there, Mari’s surely in cahoots with him, and that she could’ve lost her baby, which she knows would be particularly upsetting to him. He wonders why. She pounds on his chest and tells him he’s too taken up with chasing criminals and doesn’t pay attention. He grabs her and kisses her, leaning her onto the bed.

Of course Mari walks in and demands to know what’s going on.

Kristel is talking to Nereida about being the Top Model when Oliver comes in looking for Gretel. She calls him “corazon” and grabs him by the hand and they run upstairs. They go into a bedroom and she closes the door and says she needs him too, then throws him on the bed.

Bernardo menaces Gretel, telling her she’s worthless. She ends up clinging to him, begging. He holds the gun to her head again, saying nobody will doubt that the family nutcase pushed Fedra, then shot herself. He keeps repeating how Gretel took her away from him, how she killed him, then he breaks down, leaning his head against hers and weeping into her hair.

Gretel has another vision of Fedra and Luis Felipe and tells Bernardo to look. Forgive me! she says to the watery spirits. He looks, sees nothing, and passes his hand in front of her eyes. What’s wrong with you? Gretel begs them to forgive her. Bernardo is confused, then laughs that she’s crazy, but looks like he’s coming unhinged too because he hands her the gun and tells her to shoot him; his life is worthless without Fedra.

Mari tells Brandon and Ilitia off for kissing – and in her bedroom, no less! Brandon tries to tell her it wasn’t what it looks like, and Ilitia tells her she’s nobody to talk. Brandon said she made him mad, so he kissed her. Ilitia pretends to be mad, then slaps him, saying he wanted to rape her.

Gladiola shows up at Andre’s apartment where Doris is staying and announces that Doris can’t go through with this mistake.

Some woman calls Lorenzo, calling him Senor Lorenzo, and tells him Fedra’s at death’s door and is on the way to the hospital.

In the ambulance, Eman tells his unconscious mother that she’s strong, and begs her to hang on. He kisses her forehead. She comes to a little and says she’s going to die, and that she did it for him. I love you. He tells her he loves her too. She passes out again, and Eman panics. The paramedic leaps into action.

Kill me, laughs Bernardo. Wraith Fedra tells Gretel she should pay with her own life. Bernardo thinks she should kill him, either that or, with a single shot, she could put an end to her own suffering. I’m afraid! Says Gretel. Kill me, then, says Bernardo.

Four-way split screen of all the family groups quibbling. A shot is heard.

Brandon and Oliver appear at the doorway, along with others, and Oliver begins pleading with her to open up. In another room, Ilitia and Nereida find Kristel tied up with bedsheets, cursing Oliver. “I don’t get it!” says Kristel.

At Andre’s apartment, Gladiola begs Doris to come on home and not waste her life, and slaps Andre.

Oliver tenderly and desperately talks to Gretel, trying to get her to open the door while the others listen and hope. Finally the door opens, and Gretel, looking like a wraith herself, opens the door and says that he said he wanted to be with Fedra. She killed him.

Arms surround her and she is taken to her room. Max, Benigno and Oliver burst into the room and find Bernardo on the floor. He’s still alive. Max figures he was trying to hurt Gretel. Brandon decides he has to arrest Gretel. Over my dead body, says Max. Bernardo, who is only wounded in the arm, says she tried to kill him.

Doris tells Gladiola that Andre is her guy and that’s that. Andre swears he loves her and that she’s in good hands, and he lets drop that he doesn’t have any family, they left Mexico. That hits Gladiola’s tender spot.

Fedra’s being rolled into the hospital and rushed to emergency. Eman is frantic.

Gretel is hysterical and Paula, Netty, Oliver and Mari are puzzled. Netty thinks she seems crazy. Gretel says something about having seen something, and everyone wonders what she’s talking about. Max comes in with Bernardo holding his bloody shoulder and demands that she tell them what happened, but Gretel is too freaked out. Bernardo says she was all nutsy and wanted to kill herself, and he took the pistol away and it went off. Gosh, he was just trying to prevent a tragedy. Tell them the truth, he says to Gretel.

I can’t! she says. I know the truth, but I just can’t say it. Brandon thinks he has to arrest her (his universal solution to all problems), but Oliver, who is sure Bernardo is lying, forbids it.. Brandon decides to take Bernardo to the hospital first, and then he has some big-time questions for him.

Gladiola tells Andre to look in the mirror – he’s paying the price for his wild ways, and he’s probably infected a legion of women. Andre says he’s paying the highest price there is. Doris proclaims her big love again, but Gladiola swears by the memory of Doris’s dead daddy that she’s going to separate them.

Oliver asks everybody to leave so he can calm Gretel down. She sobs against his manly chest.

Emil is trying to calm down Eman, who says that his mother is dying and he doesn’t even know who she is or her real name. That sets off the mournful violas, and Emil repents that he confronted Fedra like that. Eman knows that she couldn’t face up to her truth in front of everyone, and it’s not Emil’s fault.

Gretel is afraid she’s losing her mind. She hasn’t heard voices in ages, or seen visions, and now it’s happening. She begs Oliver to ask Netty to get that psychologist lady to come.

Emil says his sons (Axel is there too) have the right to know the truth about Fedra. Eman tells him no, he wants to hear it from her own lips. Axel says no matter what, he doesn’t want her dead. He always hoped that she’d have a turnaround and tell him how proud she was of him.

Eman wants Emil to go solve his problems with Netty, but Emil wants to be with boys through this. Group hug.

Paula and Netty are back in Gretel’s room. Gretel is terrified of being crazy again, she just can’t take it. She begs again for the psychiatrist. Netty promises she’ll deliver and everything will be fine, and drags panicked Oliver out of the room.

Eman comes home to talk to Marianela, and Ilitia gives him grief about not greeting her first. Mari appears and Eman asks her if Fedra can recuperate in the house. Of course, says Mari, you know I have a good heart, and I’ll do it for you. Ilitia imitates her sarcastically. Suddenly the gloves are off – Eman says that the whole marriage is a farce, that her big love for him is fake. Mari says she saw her kissing Brandon, and she should fess up that she’s in love with him.

Lorenzo has managed to get into Fedra’s hospital room. She unconscious, but he begs her to fight, that she’s all he has left. He starts crying, saying that he loves her and that she has to live so they can be married. They can wipe out everybody who’s against them, so she needs to live to get her vengeance.

Bernardo, his arm in a sling, opens the door, sees Lorenzo there and closes it again. Next a cheery doctor comes in and tells Lo that the operation was successful, and they’re just waiting for her to come to so they can check her out. He asks Lo to leave so he can tend to Fedra.

Ilitia protests that Mari’s lying, but Eman tells her to come clean. He’s sick of being lied to. His mother, Ilitia (he flicks his eyes at Mari), all these lies. Mari looks a bit abashed. Ilitia weasels some more without any luck. Eman just wants to know who the baby’s father is.

Bernardo pops back into the hospital room. Now we find out why the doctor is so smiley – Bernardo has paid him to inject her with something (but I don’t know what, as this section wasn’t shown, so no captions to clarify). Bernardo is thrilled he did it and tosses the giant syringe into the trash. Now she’ll realize who really loves her. The doctor smiles that each injection will be just as expensive. They shake on it.

Netty has come to the hospital with Delicia. She asks Emil to come on home with her. That leaves Delicia and Axel, who doesn’t believe that Delicia came just to keep Netty company. Delcia fesses up that she knew he’d be there worrying about his mother. Axel gushes that she’s an amazing person to be worried about Fedra, who has done so much to her. Delicia, softening, says she wasn’t worried about her but about the man she…. um, had the back luck to marry. Axel swears he’s going to luchar for her love and not stop lucharing until he’s won her back.

Bernardo is petting unconscious Fedra and swearing if she dies, he’ll die too and they can be reunited to burn in hell together. He swears there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. Everything changed as of today – people know now . Maybe they’re lost. Fedra mumbles to him that nothing is lost, because she’s still alive; no force in the universe is stronger than Fedra Curiel. He kisses her hand frantically, and tells her everybody knows now that she’s not Fedra Curiel. She asks who couldn’t be moved by the story of a penniless orphan who had to fight to survive?

If they believe it! says Bernardo. They will, Fedra assures him, didn’t you see Emanuel’s face, how sad he was? She swears she’s going to stick with that story, get back in her house and wreak revenge on everybody.

She tosses off her cannula saying it bothers her and sits up. Oops, can’t feel those legs!

Ilitia is still lying up a storm when Brandon walks in. She tells him Mari made up some story about them kissing, and she wants him to tell the truth about how he’s obsessed with her and how she keeps shoving him off. Brandon apologizes to her, and admits her was kissing her, and he would never force anybody, he’s not that kind of man. It’s just that she doesn’t want to lose the family name, the money, the house, the power. Ilitia holds a finger to her lips.

He tells her that even though she calls him a naco, a gorilla and all kinds of things, he gave her his heart and soul, but that didn’t mean anything to her. Don’t say that, Ilitia says, looking stricken and near tears. Yes, I’m her lover, her toy, her penniless policeman. I can’t give her what she needs, but I can tell her I love her her right in front of her husband, right in front of the whole world. I’m crazy in love with you, Ilitia Porta Lopez.

Avances: Lorenzo slaps Ilitia, and offers Mauricio stacks of dough to off Brandon. Eman tells Ilitia the marriage is over, and tells Mari he’s going to make everything clear.

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Comments:
Aw Maggie. Sad to hear of your retirement, but I can understand your need for a break. Been feeling a little TN-weary myself (just can't get into Teresa and hanging in with Triunfo for now)) and I don't recap! So appreciate your, and all our wonderful writers', fantastic recaps. Hope you hang around and comment now and then somewhere. ( I may not watch, but I always read here!)

A whole lot of fussing last night that probably could have been cut in half, and it got a bit much to watch online. Love that fast forward!

Not loving driving Gretel nuts again, though the tender reaction of Oliver is sweet to watch.

My fav scene was watching Brandon declare his love. Poor guy. Is Ilitia so shallow that she will still choose the money over him, sticking to her story. Fedra's been exposed and lying in a bed girl, no reason to fear her anymore.

Get the feeling there's a bit of dragging this out to the bitter end. Some of the scenes had that feeling about them. Where's that fast forward button???
 

A wonderful "penultimate" recap, Maggie, and with the bard and Tom Lehrer thrown in extra. Wow.

el Lirio = "full service kinda guy" (love it)

Benigno = "a secret romantic" (yes, I was hoping Benigno would find a love interest before this was over. Short chubby guys yearn for love just like the big hunks do. Be fair telenovela writers!)

Axel =not going to stop lucharing until he's won Delicia back (alas, clearly that ill-starred romance is going to re-kindle)

Well, we'll just have to trust in the Power of Love to dramatically change both André and Axel so Doris and Delicia (Hmmmm..A,A, D, D) can live happily ever after.

I loved the final scene of Brandon declaring his love. He was great and Ilitia's tender vulnerable reaction was so well played. For this romantic, that was the one scene that made the evening worthwhile.

That and your recap, querida teammate!
 

Maggie, thank you for sharing your amazing insights and great wit with us these many years. I've been watching and posting for the past 3 years and have been privvy to your wonderful humor and full, descriptive recaps. You always made each of us feel important and you were always eager to hear what we had to say. I will say more after the finale but again, gracias!

The amount of detail in this was wonderful. Loved "shades of gray and shimmery" and "scoffs that she doesn’t give a rat’s little fuzzy hiney"...

ITA with daisy and Judy that Brandon's loving, declarative ode to Ilitia was lovely.

Fedra's nod to "I Believe I Can Fly" fell flat (so to speak). Although the crowd seemed mildly concerned, no one cared enough to do anything except Eman, screaming to summon the ambulance. I didn't blame them one bit!

Novelas don't seem to have much difficulty portraying mothers who either don't care (Mayela) or who hate (Gancho) their children. Still, you have characters like Low, the most despicable person possible who nevertheless loves his children. Fair and balanced? Think not.

Again Maggie, thank you so much! Can't wait for your finale.

Diana
 

Thanks for the great detailed filled recap Maggie. I stopped watching this on TV but still read the recaps. I am also sorry to hear you will be retiring, as your recaps are always so much fun to read.
 

Maggie, I've been strolling down Memory Lane after reading your opening paragraph. Remembering the first 'test recap' you did for Guapos.

They were lacking a recapper and you dashed to the computer during every ad break and wrote down what you remembered. We were very impressed and urged you to sign on as a regular recapper and the rest is history.

You are such a gifted writer, literate and witty, great at putting together a wonderfully readable synopsis of the events.

We all struggled with the slang and I can remember one...."ni perro que ladre" that a little maid in Guapos used and it was like "Whaa..." As I recall, the entire dicho is Ni padre, ni madre, ni perro que ladre" to express total loneliness. But of course they never say the whole dicho and we're left trying to figure out what in the Sam Hill they mean. But that's the beauty and the challenge of recapping. And part of why we do it.
 

Thanks Maggie. Once again you gift us with a marvelous recap that for me was much needed since I only watched the Univision version.

What a romantic episode. Brandon's public declaration of his love for Ilitia was very touching... even for Ilitia as you point out.

Also very romantic was Bernardo's vow to join Fedra in death and burn in Hell with her through all etrnity. Now there's a commitment.

How did Kristel end up tied up in bed with sheets?

Your comments beginning the recap were very sweet and clearly heartfelt.

Carlos
 

Maggie, thanks for the great recap, it is much appreciated since I watched only the Uni version.

I am sorry that you are taking a leave of absence from recapping, you will be missed.

Poor Gretel, not again with the crazys. At least she asked for the good doctora this time. I hope Oliver gives us our fix of LOL funny stuff before this show ends.

Poor Brandon, he has declared his love and now the really despicable Low has a hit out on him. I hope that he is not the one to kill Low, I am afraid that Itilia will never forgive him.

So Bernardo, the ever faithful St. Bernard, is going to following Fedra into eternal damnation in hell - what guy!

Rosemary
 

Maggie! I am sorry I'm coming in on the end of your recapping stint. Your opening comments made me misty cause I have been acquainted with this community for several years and the skill of the caps are only exceeded by the devotion -- cappers especially. Thank you! I've been watching online since last week since the choppiness was making me loca! I believe (and this was included in the TV version) Bernardo has the dirty "Doctor" giving Fedra perhaps a cocktail of two drugs or extreme dose of one which both knocks her out and paralyzes her legs. Muscle relaxer? Dr. Carlos, any thoughts? That's what I gathered from what I was able to understand -- don't use captions so happy to be corrected.

I picked up at the point where Mari/Vicki and Eman became engaged and then were torn apart by the trick. It HAS been a fun novela. Got a conference next week so I think I'll finish it off online but I do love the caps and everyone's comments. Thanks again, Maggie!

Khalilah
 

Oh, yeah, forgot to say I think I heard Bernardo thought bubbling that these drugs will insure that she is his alone. I think he figures Low will never want an "invalida" and take off, then he has Fedra, caring for her and she will "miraculously" become whole under his loving ministrations (i.e withdrawal of the drugs), be eternally grateful and stay with him forever. . . .


Khalilah
 

Aw, thank you all so much! I do apologize for so much detail that in some cases wasn’t necessary, but when I watch the online version, I don’t know which scenes will be cut, so I try to describe them all just in case, even though some aren’t maybe detail-worthy.

JudyB – wow, nothing wrong with your memory! I had forgotten all about my first stab at recapping. I do recall that I bought a laptop so I could set it in front of the TV – running to my desktop computer just didn’t work out, needless to say!

Carlos – apparently Brandon tied Kristel up, though they didn’t show that.

I loved Brandon’s declaration of love too, but for me the most splendid scene was between Bernardo and Gretel, with lots of creepy moments from the two spirits, most of which was cut. I don’t know who to thank for the splendid interpretations we’ve seen, the actors or the director, but in this novela scenes that ordinarily would involve a lot of screaming and over-the-top melodramatics are played quietly and to much greater effect. I mean, can you image Fedra played as the usual evil telenovela harpie?

I am astonished that this novela is being cut. It must’ve been expensive to make, as many of the cast are huge names, and have stuck around for the whole story, not having been killed off after a cameo. I’m sure the cast has heard about its being chopped up here, and they must be crushed to have their wonderful scenes cut.
 

Well hopefully they didn't butcher it in Mexico like they have here for the American audience Maggie. Still, it's infuriating. And let's face it, very tough on us recappers. But we're nearing the finish line now, Gott sei dank!
 

Carlos - make that Oliver, not Brandon. oops!
 

Maggie-

Thank you for your lovely words at the beginning of another fabulous recap from you. Your talents will be missed here, but you have inspired and entertained many with your recaps. Thank you, thank you.

Since I decided to not watch the butchered tv version I have been using my 7pm hour to do other things. The result is that I have fallen woefully behind in watching the show and have just not found the time to watch online. It has made me appreciate the recaps even more. Thank you wonderful recappers.

I am sad to read that Gretel has been sent back to the edge of insanity. I can't believe that they would allow Nerieda back into the house after she has obviously been in league with Bernardo and Fedra. When are they going to learn to only let trustworthy people (Paula) handle their food and drink? I was fine when the General was getting the crazy drops. But hearing about Gretel disturbs me.

Yay for Brandon for declaring his love publicly! Now if only Ilitia would admit whose baby she's carrying to at least one of the guys.

Mayela is one cold character. But at least she knows what she wants. Mari could do with a dose of her decisiveness.
 

Maggie, thanks a lot for the detailed recap (which filled numerous blanks in this badly condensed doble capitulo) and your commitment to our cartel of romantic academics. You will be missed. Some people familiar with the genre (native and non-native Spanish speakers) just shake their heads that I watch this stuff (even though it does help with Spanish pronunciation, vernacular, culture, etc.), and this place has been a safe haven of sorts. It’s been fun guzzling the Kool-Aid with you all. It reminds me of long-past days in high school when we all had a running analysis of the previous night’s “Melrose Place”.

I’m pretty sure the part with Nereida tainting Gretel’s beverage was cut, which was really critical to the plot. I remember the camera focusing on Nereida’s pointed delivery of a specific drink to Gretel, but of course the significance was missed, especially when she had the psychotic episode in the bedroom. Same for the part about Bernardo having Fedra injected with the paralytic - that was definitely cut.

The showdown scene with Fedra was a good one. In my mind’s eye, I could see her getting loaded in the car with Bernardo and then getting empty-stomach plastered two minutes later.

I loved the brutally honest reactions to Fedra’s fall. I was thinking Kristel’s reaction to her protégé’s fall might be the catalyst for her redemption, but then she tried to seduce Oliver again.

Mayela is something else. She confronts Muneca for a “loan” when Ilitia takes the money Lorenzo promised her. Klassy.

Brandon’s got it bad. The Fresa accuses him of rape when they are caught mid-cosita and he still swears that he’s crazy for her.

Take care, all!

-Alison
 

Speaking of running out of superlatives, Maggie, I just don't have enough, either to describe how much I enjoyed this recap (LOTS!) or to express my thanks for all your work over the years. I'm glad we get one more from you before you take a well-deserved rest!

Lots of funny, clever, and literate lines, but my absolute favorite bit was "doesn't give a rat's little fuzzy hiney." That is going to be incorporated into my everyday vocabulary and make me laugh every time I say it.

I thought these were great episodes. Not the Lunivision edit, which made little sense, but the full thing. Loved Brandon finally getting it out there, and Ilitia seeming like she might finally start to value him more than money. Loved Oliver leaving Kristel tied up with the sheets.
Loved Fedra smashed on the pavement, and the mostly indifferent reactions.

I hope Gretel finds out that she's been getting drugged and that she's never been crazy. She's suffered enough and doesn't need to go through life worrying that there's something wrong with her and these hallucinations might happen again.
 

More thank you’s to all of you!! Gosh.

Kahlilah – thank you for explaining about the druga. If that’s what’s affecting Fedra’s legs, it was a big mistake to cut that scene. It must be quite a drug that goes for the legs only.

I was sorry Lorenzo’s bedside scene was cut. It’s a marvel that this horrid woman has two men hovering over her, swearing their undyling love.

Alison – Your characterization of the Caray group is side-bar worthy! “It’s been fun guzzling the Kool-Aid with you all” slayed me.

Stand firm with your scoffing friends! Besides the vocab and culture that you mention, what telenovelas offer that is almost non-existent in a Spanish class is what is called in the foreign-language teaching biz “pragmatics.” Pragmatics refers to HOW something is said, the tone of voice, the body language, the stress, the rhythm, and the WHEN, when something is appropriate.

Viva – I don’t mind Mayela either. She’s not somebody I’d care to have for a friend, but I’d say she’s the ultimate pragmatic. I don’t find her evil.

Julia – your kind words are much appreciated!
 

Loved your comment on "pragmatics" Maggie. Didn't know that term when I was teaching French but I knows it when I sees it...and you're right. Telenovelas are great for that. Or having a French boyfriend, or sitting in a sidewalk café eavesdropping on others' conversations.Those were the days. Now...well.... guess it's just gotta be telenovelas for me.
 

JudyB – ahhh, the French boyfriend, the famous “sleeping dictionary.” Sigh. Those were the days, huh?
 

I have really enjoyed your recaps Maggie and will miss them. I much appreciate you, Julia, Judy, Carlos, and Kris for taking the time to recap this show in addition to including the deleted scenes. Thanks to you all.

What an episode as we move toward the butchered finish. Things are closing in on Fedra and Eman is sick of all the lies hint hint to Mari.

Best scene of the night. Brandon declaring his love for Ilitia in front of Eman and Mari. Gotta love him. Unfortunately, Ilitia is still stuck on materalism to admit that she loves him too.

Mayela was cold wasn't she?

Uni cut out all the Doris/Andre scenes and the scene with Oliver and Kristel. I was confused why her hands was tied up on the bedpost put your cleared that up. Thanks again Maggie.
 

Hi everyone. Sorry I'm late! My new gardener accidentally cut my cable line early this morning and I have been without wi-fi, TV and land line until just now when the sweet little comcast guy came and fixed everything.

Maggie, I did read your lovely intro. You are a sweetheart and I will sorely miss your recaps. I'll bet you will come to miss it and recap again in the future.

OK, now on to the recap and I'll hook up with y'all in a little while.
 

Oh, Sylvia, your cable woes remind me of when I was a kid, and we had just moved into our new house which was freshly built and had no landscaping yet, and my dad was out rototilling the ground and cut the cable which fed to our whole end of the neighborhood...right during some big major baseball game. Didn't endear us much to the neighbors. Also started Dad's years-long battle with the cable company. He couldn't figure out why they had buried their cable only six inches down through our yard in the first place. Glad you're back online.

Wasn't Fedra in surgery most of the night? What were they operating on? She landed on her back, but seemed to have no problem lying down on her back or sitting up.

Why does everyone keep acting shocked at the "revelations" about Fedra? Don't most of them already know all this stuff? They keep talking about unmasking "the real Fedra Curiel" but what's left to find? I think they've got the picture. Are they just trying to bully her into admitting it now?
 

Maggie, I swear this was your BEST recap ever.

I laughed out loud, loudly, at "kathunk boing boing boing" and "This calls for a bit of the Bard!" You're such a wry and funny wit. I am a sucker for any reason to quote Shakespeare and you weren't even gratuitous about it. Nicely done!

I feel sad to think you will stop recapping. I stand my original statement that you will join in again. Call me optimistic or unable to face the brutal truth, but that's my belief and I'm sticking to it. In the meantime thank you for all your hours of hard work on our behalf. You are a fun teammate, that's for sure.

That RYdT household are a bunch of hand wringers and non action sorts. Surely they could have figured out a way to free Gretel? Kick the door in? Get a ladder? See the ladder that Bernardo propped up? Duh...

Julia, dunno what they operated on. Personality transplant maybe?

Your story about your dad's battle with the cable company is hilarious. I agree with dad. Six inches? I'm glad to be back online too. If they didn't show up by two I was going to have to call JudyB and have someone cover for my recap tonight. But to quote the Bard, All's well that ends well. (OK, now that was slightly gratuitous, I know.)

I also chuckled at the "new revelations" on Fedra. These revelations have been going on for a few weeks now, haven't they? I think everybody knows bits and pieces and if they would all have a 30 minute discussion then the newest of the new news would be revealed.

Axel and Dee - Grrrrr.

Andres and Doris - Snore.

Brandon and Ilitia - Awwwwww! Brandon, I'm in love with you too after last night's announcement.

Best of all, I might finally get Doctora Chelatina on my watch.
 

Sylvia, you warm the cockles of my heart, which today are feeling wonderfully toasty warm!

I’m expecting that I’ll recap again in the future. It’s just too much fun to give up permanently. Where else can you throw in Shakespeare and Tom Lehrer and not have people glaze over? What an amazing group!

I just found I was getting grumbly about having to watch every night, even though I really love this novela. So it’s time for a break. Maybe I’ll actually crack my Spanish verb books and learn my conjugations!
 

Maggie! That was quite a penultimate recap. Even with Shakespeare quotes! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks much to all the fab LDA recappers!

Cheers!

Audrey
 

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