Caray, Caray!

Reina


Thanks for the recap, Jean.
Willy was in his room and pulled out a newspaper clipping of Güero's death and remembered his conversation with Teresa about him. He was going to start drinking, but stopped in anger. There's more to the story there is what I think they were trying to show us.

Alberto was jealous of Conejo and Ramos, and she pointed out that she can tell he likes Veronica.

There was some sleazy politician at the party who told Teresa that he'd help her with her business if she helped him with his campaign. The implication that he's corrupt is there, and he kept trying to feel Teresa up. He was later talking to Teo about his plans for her.

Veronica found Sanchez-Godoy unbearable, whereas I was thrilled to see him again. I know he's technically a despicable drug dealer, but I not-so-secretly love him. He's funny, charming, and endearing to me. He kept trying to achieve a threesome with Patty and Veronica, which he referred to as a union of Colombia, Mexico, and Spain.
He said he'd be around for a week to do business.

It was nice to have a less violent, breather-type of episode after all the action.

-S
 

REINA – viernes

Thanks for the helpful summary, Jean. I do love a party!

And -S, I enjoyed your comments too. I can't say I'm in love with Sanchez-Godoy, but he's pretty funny here in a fish out of water kind of way.

Here are a few things that struck me:

“Society” is there with its begging bowl, only too ready to profit from Teresa’s successful “business” (wink wink), happy to rub elbows with Colombian narcos, Russian mafiosos and assorted Eurotrash. And the press is there recording it all. (The odious Cucho Malaspina thumbs his nose at Pote – after all, O’Farrell herself invited him so Pote can’t touch him or his camera! -- telling him he is “todo un postal mexicano – tú y Cantinflas).

Over there is the big, buxom blonde with her charity to help immigrant orphans (Teo is quick to offer a big donation from the Transer Naga Foundation – when Teresa asks him afterward if they have a fund like that, he tells her they will. First thing tomorrow. It’s a great way to launder money.) And for expression-collectors: the blonde woman, Celina, uses the abbreviation ONG (Organización no gubernamental),

Over here is the alcalde (mayor) of Marbella (the sleazy politician, as -S so aptly called him)wanting to form an "alliance". Then he tries to cop a feel as he, Teo and Teresa (la crema y nata de la sociedad!) are posing for a group photo that Eugenia forces herself into. Teresa detaches the mayor’s wandering hands with a cool: Cuídese con esas manos! (Watch the hands, dude!)

Later, when Teo sits with this same jerk, alcalde Pestaña, he talks about launching a new enterprise together “a bomba y platillo” – with a big splash.

Veronica/Guadalupe looks uncomfortable all evening even though she has the chutzpah to chat with Sanchez-Godoy about government agents. When she slips away to phone in a report to Willy, he asks her if she has done what they planned yet. She says she hasn’t but will do it as soon as she hangs up. Hmmm.

Teresa’s excuse for not telling Teo about the Eugenia/Eddie recording sounded pretty hollow to me. Friends don’t let friends live with someone who wants them dead.

Patti’s comment at the end of the episode leaves us on edge: Lo peor aún no ha pasado. (The worst is yet to come.)
 

A couple weeks ago some posters were saying that the Willy character was a bad casting decision or something along those lines.

I really like this actor he's a Colombian playing a Mexican and doing a great job.

(((GINGERS DO HAVE SOULS)))

Lol
 

REINA:


Thanks Jean, S, and NovelaMaven for great comments.

I like Sanchez Godoy. In Munecas de la Mafia, he played a shy, sweet guy who was sort of forced to work with the druglords, but was scared to use a gun. But here, he's the big cheese. You can see he's having fun with the role.

I know it's unlikely, because this isn't a typical novela, but I somehow got the feeling that Willy had more than a professional interest in Guero. He was looking at the picture almost as if it was his SON. I know that's impossible, but I still think there's something more to his relationship with Guero and Teresa than we've so far seen.

I agree that there's something sleazy or unseemly about the so-called respectable high society types being right at home with all the rich criminals. As I've observed before, I think the writers or producers are trying to show us that it's not how rich or poor you are, or even whether you're labeled as law abiding or a lawbreaker, but what you do with your life, how you treat other people - THAT's what counts.
 

LA REINA - VIERNES

Thanks, Jean, excellent capsule description of Teresa's birthday party.

Teresa definitely was not happy with Patty inviting all the yellow-journalism types to her party. Patty doesn't seem to get it that Teresa's fondest desire is invisibility. I was relieved that disgusting Cucho did NOT even get a fake photo of Teo and Teresa supposedly kissing.

I continue to adore every scene between Eugenia and Patty. Patty demonstrates the highest level of bitchiness possible; every word she says to Eugenia drips with scorn AND hits home.

I'm liking Teo less and less. He was planning to be all over Teresa at the party, until she reminded him she didn't want the scandal of an overt relationship with a married man. He strikes me as thinking his position as Teresa's "consort" gives him power to create alliances without even asking her opinion. I did not like his conversation with the odious Alcalde, Tomás Pestaña, one bit. I can't work out for myself whether Teresa wants this insertion into a position of prominence in Marbella.

S, you and I are on the same wavelength regarding the "bad boys". We both love Pote and we both love Sanchez-Godoy. I always watch every scene this Colombian narco is in more than once. I love the sing-song mafioso accent, his sense of humor, his lustful glances at Patty's trasero, pretty much everything the actor does.
 

LOS HEREDEROS - VIERNES

I practically cheered when etapa culminante appeared.

The novela is marginally more interesting now that Pablo/Emilio is testing each of his adopted sons. Maybe José is going to end up disinherited?

I'm in total agreement with the bloggers on Telenovela World. I look at this maybe once a week to enjoy their level of scorn for this novela. They can't figure out the endless tiresome Rosa/Miguel/Sofía scenes. I'd also like to see Consuelo drown in Johnny's pool.

I'm fed to the teeth with Paula's forgiving of the outrageous behavior of her mother.

The only scenes I'm enjoying are those with Modesto and Berta. I like this actor a lot. I saw him in Más sabe el Diablo and Doña Bárbara, and he was great in those roles. He's good in this one now that he's showing something more than the loyal retainer aspect of his role. I liked it when Berta said he had hair like a telenovela galán; he does have great hair!
 

GENERAL

The weekly discussion link doesn't appear to be tagged to the sidebar for either the Delicious Discussions area or the other one.
 

LA REINA - GENERAL

Someone posted this conversation with Kate Del Castillo on Telemundo World:

La traficante de drogas Teresa Mendoza podrá no temerle ni a las mafias ni a la muerte, pero la actriz Kate del Castillo, quien da vida a esta singular anti-heroína en "La reina del sur”, dice que no planea regresar a vivir en México por miedo a la narcoviolencia.

"No salí por la violencia en México... Pero definitivamente no he vuelto por la violencia, ni quiero volver, o sea, no por el momento”, dijo la actriz durante una entrevista reciente con The Associated Press, a la que llegó con el cabello suelto, luciendo poco maquillaje. "Amo a México y todo, pero no regreso hasta que las cosas no estén bien allá”, explicó la protagonista de la exitosa telenovela de Telemundo.

Del Castillo, quien vive en Estados Unidos desde hace varios años, resaltó que tiene sentimientos encontrados: por un lado está México, el país natal que no puede dejar de amar; y, por el otro, Los Ángeles, ciudad en la que es feliz y se siente a gusto.

"Cuando me voy de Los Ángeles me voy con mucha ilusión y cuando llego (a México) digo instantáneamente, '¡Qué horror! ¡Me quiero regresar ya!''', señaló. " Pero cuando salgo de México, salgo con nostalgia, algo que no pasa cuando salgo de aquí ".

Sin embargo, dijo sentirse como en casa en Los Ángeles, donde vive con su esposo, el también actor Aarón Díaz y su perrita Lola.

Por ahora, no obstante, los niños no están en el panorama de la estrella de 38 años." Sé que debería ponerme las pilas ", dijo sobre el tema.

" A lo mejor después me dan ganas pero por ahorita no... Se me hace una responsabilidad enorme y como me conozco de responsable, sé que mi vida va cambiar por completo, voy a volcar mi vida y yo voy a anularme para cuidarlo ".

Del Castillo lamentó que ninguna canción de Los Tigres del Norte esté incluida en " La reina del sur ".

Fue justamente un corrido del grupo de música norteña " Contrabando y traición " el que inspiró al libro homónimo del escritor español Arturo Pérez-Reverte."

Hubo problemas y malentendidos ", dijo Del Castillo refiriéndose al tema central de la producción interpretado por Los Cuates de Sinaloa.

La cadena y la banda mexicana tuvieron negociaciones para que los músicos tocaran e inclusive participaran en promociones de la telenovela, pero no pudieron ponerse de acuerdo, dijo el miércoles portavoz de Telemundo, Alfredo Richard, sin dar más detalles.

La protagonista de telenovelas como " Muchachitas " y " La mentira " aseguró que no la ha cambiado la fama que le ha traído " La reina del sur " desde que se estrenó el 28 de febrero." Claro que el éxito me sorprendió. Pero el éxito es efímero. He tenido éxito en mi vida y sé de allí pueden salir cosas muy buenas, como no puede salir nada ", explicó la actriz, quien retorna a la televisión luego de aparecer en la pantalla grande con los filmes " La misma luna ", " Trade " y " The Black Pimpernel".
 

Sorry, Novelera, I managed to screw up both tags this week and I didn't check them like i usually do. It is fixed now.

REINA- I like the Sanchez Godoy character, too.
This is probably stating the obvious but I think the business with the Mayor is part of Teresa's efforts to protect herself. The book describes how a combination of payoffs and philanthropy made an almost impenetrable shield against the press and the police.
 

I loved seeing Sanchez-Godoy and hearing his lovely accent again. He should be a pirate! Really enjoyed him showing up to front a Mariachi band - LOL!

Audrey
 

REINA - Thanks, Novelera, for the interview with Kate de Castillo. It's tragic that even she doesn't want to visit Mexico because of the drug wars. Hopefully one day things will be better. One other interesting thing in the interview (I know we're not supposed to comment of actors' personal lives, but I'll just make this one observation) is that her husband is Aaron Diaz, from "Teresa", who is almost 10 years younger than she is.
 

Reina - Viernes

NovelaMaven, I love your observation about the party.

I thought Teresa didn't tell Teo because when she had mentioned it, he discarded the possibility (though he was lying).
As for Sanchez-Godoy, it's not Santiago or Oleg-type love, but as Hombre stated, cheese factor. I also like the respect he has for Teresa and his general desire to please.

Novelera, yes, another reason to dislike Teo. I struggle to see what exactly Teresa finds compelling about him, because his stale lines can't possibly be it.

As for the actor playing Willy, I'll say that he does the best job by far of not sounding Colombian. Ratas and the woman playing his mommy (especially her) aren't very good at hiding the Colombian accent and sounding Mexican.

-S
 

REINA- If anyone not watching Teresa wants to see a picture of Kate del Castillo's hunky husband, there is one in this post
on the cast of Teresa.
 

LOS HEREDEROS - VIERNES

Jean - Thanks for the recap.

novelera - I, too, got excited when I saw 'etapa culminante.' and I agree the actor playing Modesto is really good. He was also in Donde Esta Elisa, and played a totally different character from this, and Mas Sabe El Diablo.
 

Reina - lunes

I'm sorry I haven't added anything yet to this week's page. Please know that I've been very grateful to everyone for your interesting and helpful comments.

Monday's episode was surprising in at least one way. Willy admitted to Veronica that he killed his son, who was a young narcotraficante. Apparently there was a raid, and Willy gave the order to the raiders to shoot, resulting in his son's death. It's not clear that Willy actually shot his son, but he gave the order and thus feels responsible. I think this is one of the few times (perhaps the only time thus far?) that we've learned anything about Willy's past. I suspect there will be more to come.

Willy tells this to Veronica after she says she has become too involved emotionally with Patty and wants to return to Mexico. Willy apparently convinces her to continue with her mission. She returns to Patty's, only to find Patty and Sanchez-Godoy together asleep in bed. She leaves them there without being seen.

I've never been all that interested in the relationship between Conejo and Alberto. In last night's episode, he finds he can't bring himself to sleep with her because she's an asesina. She's crushed, but at the same time relieved that his reason wasn't because she was ugly or old (or something like that--I don't recall her exact wording).

Much of last night's episode revolved around Eugenia and Teo. First, Teo returns home to find blood on the stairs leading up to his front door. He runs up the stairs and finds Eugenia seeming to be the devoted mother, hugging their two daughters. I was at first confused--where did the blood come from? But in a later scene we see Eugenia in bed with bandages on both feet. Did she deliberately cut her feet in order to leave blood on the stairs and bloodstained footprints on the carpet? Apparently she did.

Eventually, Flores et al. arrive to question Eugenia about her relationship with Eddie Alvarez. She admits to them (with Teo present) that yes, she paid Eddie to kill Teo, but not for the huge insurance policy but rather as payback for all the years of humiliation and infidelity (the same thing she had said to Eddie in the church). Flores tells her she will have to accompany him; she agrees, asking for just a minute to get her things. We then see her with a revolver to her head, and then we hear a gunshot. If she were really diabolical/clever, she'd fire the gun at the wall, and when Teo, Flores, et al. rush in, she'd shoot them. But I doubt that she's thinking clearly enough to do something like that.

One other thing worth noting is that Oleg again warns Teresa about the need to be discreet around Patty.

I have nothing to say about Sanchez-Godoy except that I'm thankful to those of you who report what he says, because I understand almost nothing. But I do enjoy looking at him :-).
 

REINA -- lunes

Oye, Juanita, thanks for kicking off the discussion today with your excellent comment.

The expression la conejo used was "cardo borriquero" - I know because I had to look it up! Literally, it means 'cotton thistle' but colloquially it means something like 'ugly as sin'.

I loved the Teresa and Pote scene, seeing them share a rare, nostalgic moment -- listening to the Rockola, drinking shots of tequila. Teresa asks him if he was there when they killed el Güero but Pote deflects the question,telling her some things are best left in the past. She says she'd give it all to avenge el Güero's death -- some heavy duty foreshadowing, preparing us all for the road trip ahead.

About Willy's personal life -- I think we've heard him talking about his long-suffering wife. And I assume that's the woman with him in the photo he keeps in front of his hotel mirror.

I was glad to hear Veronica admit to Willy that she had fallen in love with Patti. It makes me like her character a little bit more.

And finally -- I admit it. I'm on board with the Sanchez-Godoy fan club! :)
 

REINA -

Thanks, Juanita, for the excellent summary, and NovelaMaven for the extra details.

Sanchez Godoy wanted a menage a trois with Patty and Lupe/Veronica, which he called "un trio". Veronica was mad at Patty, saying she was like a female dog (bitch) in heat (una perra en celo).

Eugenia was barefoot when she smashed the liquor bottle against the fireplace. Maybe she accidentally stepped in the glass. Or maybe she set it up. I tend to think she really did pull the trigger, but we'll find out tonight. Teo said he was going to send the kids to their grandparents' house in Cortijo.

Willy was something, telling Veronica not to get involved sentimentally (emotionally). He said that after he gave the order to shoot in which his son was killed, it didn't matter, because the operation was a success, and he didn't get involved sentimentally. Yeah, right.

The Pernas family sincerely wants to deal with Teresa.

Pote gave Teresa a birthday present. She has everything, so what could he give her? A card of Santo Malverde, which has always protected him from harm. He wants her to be protected, but says she should pray, too. I have a feeling now that SHE has the card, he could be in trouble, but SHE might still be protected.
 

LA POLA - Lunes

I just want to say the 2 young actors playing Pola and Alejo are adorable, and very good in their roles.
 

Reina - lunes

Thanks, NovelaMaven, for "cardo borriquero." And I too loved the scene between Teresa and Pote drinking tequila and listening to the Rockola. Pote is such an interesting mix: he has no qualms about killing, but he won't even assume that he can help himself to a shot of tequila without Teresa's permission.

And Hombre, thanks for "una perra en celo." I can't believe that I didn't know that phrase, but... As for the bloody footprints, what you say about her possibly having cut herself on the broken glass makes very good sense, but how do we account for the blood on the stairs leading up to the front door?
 

LA REINA - LUNES

Thanks, guys, for the excellent descriptions and comments today.

Teresa and Oleg were talking about the problem that Eugenia represents in perhaps knowing too much about Transer Naga's REAL business. Oleg warns Teresa not to go after Eugenia, saying no podemos someter a seres debiles un miedo desmedido porque la respuesta siempre es fatal. or Don't put too much pressure on weak people because they'll crack.

I was surprised Patty "did the deed" with Sanchez-Godoy since she made such a big deal about Vero being her novia. I suspect the combination of alcohol and the extra pure coke he brought with him overcame any scruples (not that she has many to begin with!)

Sanchez-Godoy was hysterical after she left him to speak with Veronica, glancing pointedly at his crotch and telling her not to be gone too long.

Is it my imagination or does Teresa lapse into a very typical, almost sing-song Mexican accent when she speaks with Pote? By the way, I loved the scene of them together drinking tequila. Pote handled her question just right. It was not so much a fear of her vengeance for his involvement as sparing her the horrible specifics of how El Güero died.
 

AURORA – Past two episodes; Part 1 of 3

Finale is May 20th, 2011; Countdown: 9 episodes.

Clara tries to talk to Vickie, but Vickie has withdrawn from therapy. A package with a threatening message is delivered and it scares Vickie enough to make her decide to go home to mother. Martin vents to Angela, telling her he will be getting his own revenge. She gets exasperated with his refusal to involve the police. He gets a call regarding Ernesto's whereabouts.

Vanessa is still determined to separate Vickie from Martin. She refers to Vickie's feelings as “obsession” and made some comment about love leading to the grave. Vickie isn't buying this (Olé, Vickie!), reminding Vanessa that she isn't a child anymore. She'd rather live with the scar than give up Martin. Vanessa raises the issue of plastic surgery again, but Vickie doesn't want to talk about it. Martin calls Catalina to request her help, which she is pleased to give.

Later Vanessa goes into Vickie's room, carrying baby Arturo (why is she wearing stiletto heels in the house?), trying to wake Vickie up and interest her in doing something. She then pulls back the covers to find pillows.

Vickie hid in the back of Federico's car. Federico takes a call from Martin, then they pick him up.

They arrive at Ernesto's motel room. Martin is armed and he forces Ernesto to his knees with the pistol aimed at his head. Ernesto continues his verbal taunting, causing Martin to pick him up by the hair. Foolish move because Ernesto knocks the gun out of Martin's hand. A nasty fight begins; Federico and Catalina enter and Federico has Ernesto at gunpoint. Martin asks to be left alone with him. Vickie runs in and tells him not to. Martin has a bottle of the same acid. Catalina restrains Vickie as Martin approaches Ernesto, who tries to get away. It's a fakeout because just as Martin prepares to throw the acid in Ernesto's face, Ernesto catches his hand and tries to force it back, but Martin (who is a leftie) grabs his wrist and shoves his hand back and Ernesto gets the acid in his face. As he collapses on the floor wailing, Martin calls the police... and gets arrested as well.

This was still not enough to convince Vanessa that Martin loves Vickie, who prays to the Virgencita for help. Just as she finishes her prayer Martin appears behind her and they embrace. They go home to their place. Angela tells Lorenzo in the next scene that Martin's actions are regarded as self-defense and the nightmare is over.

They wish.

In between scenes of Lorenzo and Angela working on the restaurant we get a Macy's product placement as we see Blanca and Vickie present Mother's Day gifts to Inez and Vanessa. However, Vickie's is a flashback because it took place before the acid. Martin says something about how maybe next year there will be a surprise for Mother's Day and Vickie replies that she is dying to have his baby. Somehow that sounds ominous.

Martin sends for Clara to talk to Vickie because Vickie just shuts herself in at home. When he leaves them alone, Vickie tells her that the only thing wrong is the scar. No matter what she is currently experiencing in her marriage she fears that Martin will wake up one morning and think her a monster. She still wears the square white bandage (Hija, they're also made in flesh tones) and when out in public she wears a headscarf like Jade in El Clon. She tells Clara that it might be best if she just went away.
 

AURORA – Part 2 of 3

It's the evening of the grand opening. Vickie still doesn't want to go out in public, so she tells Martin to go alone and give his dad her apologies. Various characters come and go through the evening, including Felix (who looks like he belongs on Hombres de Honor) and Diana, whom Martin wishes would fall off the face of the earth. She lures him again with the promise of information regarding the death of Sebastian (Lorenzo's twin and allegedly Martin's bio-dad). This is obviously another trap.

Angela and Lorenzo kiss in the restaurant's kitchen, then pull apart. They talk about not giving in to their impulses and she talks about selling her share of the business. This has gotten old.

Elizabeth has the gall to approach Vickie about surgery, explaining that she may need as many as 10 operations and that she is the only one who can cure her. However, we're not inclined to trust her as we know all her crimes (and no character in the story does because Telemundo isn't in love with the Abuse of the Confessional). She tries to explain that Vickie wasn't the intended target of the poison and that she's sorry and wants to make it up to her. Vanessa arrives and tells her where to go. Right after that Vanessa lets Vickie know where she stands on this.

Blanca and Cesar fight again about Elisabeth being anywhere near their twins. At some point later Blanca tries to explain her feelings about Angela. She's rather a brat for expecting Lorenzo to never love anyone else after Aurora. Natalia gives Lorenzo her opinion about that, which concurs with mine.

Vickie makes Martin explain that her face will never be exactly the same again. He didn't tell her before because he didn't want to upset her more than necessary.

Vickie's unbandaged reflection tells her in an evil voice that it's only a matter of time before Martin leaves her. She collapses against the wall and cries. Meanwhile, Ernesto dreams that Vickie comes to him because “we're the same.” Fat chance. He calls her name and a cop comes in to find out what's wrong and to tell him nobody has been in his room. He demands to see Vickie.

It's Diana who comes to see him. She's seeing him for the first time since he was burned and she gets a wee bit squeamish. The police guards had told her that he hadn't had any visitors; they must have been in shock at seeing “Cleopatra” in a sexy green dress. He tells her about his dream and that he needs her to separate Martin and Vickie permanently.

Felix visits Angela and hands her an envelope. It's two tickets for a cruise of the Greek islands. For her and him. She later tells Clara she is reconciling with Felix. At this point she needs a shrink more than Vickie does.

Vickie looks up an old friend about a job; friend brings her to a studio where her old high school boyfriend is working. We wonder whether either of them are in cahoots with Diana and Ernesto.

Lorenzo goes to Angela's place and says they need to settle things. Oy vey. Within a minute he's hiking up her skirt and placing her on the desk...
 

AURORA – Part 3 of 3

Elisabeth starts to tell Cesar about his biological father. His name was Diego Fuentes. Blanca later asks Federico to see what he can find out about him.

We see two pairs of feet entering Ernesto's hospital room. It's Federico and Vanessa. Ernesto asks “How did you get in here?” Federico says “Contacts.” Ernesto: “Have you come to kill me?” Vanessa: “It was enough to see your face. You may as well be dead.”

Diana shows up at Martin's place just as he's gotten out of the shower and he answers the door in only a towel (Why doesn't he have a peephole in the door like everyone else in NYC?). As she sashays in she makes a presumptuous comment about him being ready for her. He pours her a drink and leaves the room to dress. When he returns in jeans and a sweater she makes an equally presumptuous comment about how she could always get him out of his clothes. He's not in the mood for her games and tells her to get to the point. She tells him that Gustavo Ponce de Leon killed his father. Martin is smart enough not to believe this, as the timing of this death is completely wrong. She claims to know all the details.

The door opens and there are Federico, a Mafia-looking dude who is probably a bodyguard, and Vickie. Diana fakes a flagrante-delicto surprise reaction and Vickie asks “What's that about? Is it about my face or just the fact I'm here?” Diana responds with an obviously fake “Really, I'm so sorry, Vickie.” An unflappable Vickie says “Ciao.” Diana leaves.

When Vickie asks Martin if there is anything he has to tell her he says “No” then that Diana came to tell him that Gustavo killed Sebastian. Vickie doesn't believe this to be true, then Martin tells her he can't take any more and he needs her, the Vickie he married. They embrace.

Lorenzo and Angela look at each other with the same regret (¡ya, basta!) and she tells him goodbye but he needs to know something first. She opens her blouse to show him the scar from the transplant surgery, then places his hand on it and tells him that the heart was Aurora's.


COMMENT

I don't know how many different sets of writers they had working on this but none of them seem to have read what their predecessors have done. Federico is suddenly on the side of the angels, as is Catalina, and all of them appear to not be aware that Elisabeth is a serial killer.

Per our previous agreement I've left out descriptions of the avances, but let's say that I never trust these anyway. It wouldn't surprise me if the entire dramatis personae were put on ice against the day that better scriptwriters are found.
 

REINA

The scene last night with Teresa and Pote was SO good! The guy playing Pote is perfect and the scenes with him and Teresa are just great...all the Mexican nostalgia, I watched that one twice last night. Love how loyal he is and how Teresa knows it.

Novelera, you make a good point, he'll kill in a heartbeat but will only go for the Tequila when given permission, the guy is SO loyal! Love Pote!

Like the rest of you I love the accent that Sanchez brings too, this show has so much good stuff going for it...

Rand.
 

AURURA -- Martes

Coundown to Gran Final: 8

Angela explains to Lorenzo that she knew from the beginning that she received Aurora's heart. It made her want to help him. He is freaked out and offended that his children didn't tell him. Martin found out through medical records, but Elisabeth told Cesar and Blanca. Angela doesn't know how she found out. Lorenzo and she part company with him telling her it's a good thing she's taking a trip with Felix.

Martin tells Vickie that she is beautiful. She now wants the plastic surgery and wants to get it out of the way as soon as possible so they can concentrate on having a baby. He tells her that there are risks and although he will lose his inheritance if they don't have a baby after being married 5 years he doesn't care.

Ernesto tells Vanessa that only he loves Vickie because they're the same. Vanessa tells him off and Federico says how he would prefer to strangle him.

Cesar goes off to his clandestine racing and is provoked by another driver. There is an accident he blames himself for. The other driver's father threatens to kill him if his son dies, but the other guy survives and doesn't press charges.

Blanca phones Martin after being left in the apartment with Elisabeth, whom she is afraid will kill her.

The Mafia-dude drags Diana into Catalina's presence and Catalina threatens to disfigure her if she refuses to cooperate.

Martin visits Ernesto in his prison cell (we hope it's a maximum security facility) and Ernesto spins a tale about how Gustavo knew Sebastian a long time ago and owed him money from a gambling debt. And killed him rather than paying it. Martin doesn't buy it at first, but is sufficiently poisoned to confront Gustavo who is shocked at this accusation. He reminds Martin to consider the source.

Angela prepares to leave with Felix but insists on seeing Martin first. She walks in on the end of that confrontation.

Vickie seems to enjoy her new job. She continues to impersonate Jade although she has a flesh-toned bandage.

Lorenzo confronts Martin, Blanca, and Cesar about the secret. Martin explains that he felt that concentrating on getting Lorenzo's freedom was the priority. Blanca says that while she was prepared to accept him having another relationship someday (as in the day after never) she feels that her mother's memory is being defiled (my words). Cesar rolls his eyes and tells her she's wrong, she asks whether he has a plan in place if she died, then walks out of the room. Cesar apologises and follows her.

Angela leaves on the trip.

Vickie talked to Elisabeth about having her do the plastic surgery. Elisabeth doesn't want her to tell Martin. This can't possibly end well.


One month later:

Martin comes home to see poster-sized head shots of himself. The next day is his birthday. He lets her know he doesn't want Elisabeth touching her, saying that Elisabeth is not only a killer, she will want to control her life.

The other driver has recovered – thanks to Martin's help – and he goes to see Cesar. All is well.

Vickie talks to Elisabeth about the operation, but Martin enters the room.
 

Aurora-

thanks so much, UA for the summaries!

also, the other race car driver and his father's last name is Fuentes, the same as the biological father of Cesar, Diego Fuentes.

this has been a fun novela to watch, different.
 

REINA - Martes

Well, Eugenia did it. She pulled the trigger, and is dead (very small wound, very dainty and refined just as she lived). Teo wants to keep it out of the press. Teresa helps by giving a big contribution to the slimy Mayor's campaign, with the understanding he'll put a lid on it. He does. Chucho gets the suicide info from his contact (ex boyfriend) at the morgue, but when he takes the proofs home, some thugs beat him up and take them. And I think Oscar Lobato will delete it from Chuco's computer.

Teresa agrees to deal with the Gallecians. She looks Pa Pernas right in the eye, he lights her cigarette. He gets the north, she gets the south.

Then there's all sorts of cat and mouse. Veronica gets Sanchez Godoy to let slip that 7 tons of coke are coming in tonight, disguised as fireworks powder. Later, a chemical will turn it back to white coke. Veron calls Willy, who tells Flores. But it was a trap! Teresa told Sanchez to leak this, to see if Veronica would tell someone. Looks as if Veronica is caught. But no, Willy anticipated this, and they allow 6 tons of coke to go to the streets, to make Teresa and crew trust Veronica. It works.

A few months later, Veronica meets with Willy. She's got all sorts of proof that Transer Naga is laundering money, including banks, warehouses, farmhouses (cortijos), investments in 4 countries, and Teo's trips with Teresa. She'll deliver the final report today at 3 o'clock sharp, Locker 54 in the train station. But Patty sees the two of them talking! Does she remember who Willy is? Can she come down from her coke high enough to tell Teresa? Can she betray Teresa No. 2? We shall see.
 

REINA -

I meant 7 tons of coke. All of it.
Also, Oscar may not have deleted Chucho's files. But it did seem as if the press muzzling worked.
 

LA REINA - MARTES

Thanks, Hombre, especiallly for clearing up what Veronica apparently now knows about Transer Naga and is ready to give Willy.

As usual, Pablo Flores is a heartless rat. Didn't seem to bother him a bit that he caused a suicide.

Boy, that was a big surprise that Sanchez-Godoy was working a number on Veronica. All the time he was in the pool with Veronica I was thinking: And this guy is a major Colombian narco, blabbing his head off to a pretty woman?

The scene with Teresa and the Pernas was just great. Ramos and Oleg just sit there and she lays it all out. "I respect what you do in Galicia pero no pienso hacerme a un lado y dejarles monopolio.. Then she goes on to tell them that they have families, wealth, properties, inheritances to consider, while she has only herself and could be gone tomorrow. Y ustedes tienen donde darles para que les duela. In other words, it would be easy to hurt a group as visible as you are. Siso comes unglued at this. In fact, he looks puro demonio during the whole meeting. It's all he can do to keep from jumping across the table and strangling Teresa. Things aren't over for Siso Pernas. We can only hope Pa Pernas doesn't have a weak heart.

As the final note, Teresa tells him she can see he is a man of honor and compares him with her padrino in México. Presumably Epifanio Vargas.

Sanchez-Godoy, as usual, was endlessly amusing. He told his assistant that 7 tons were barely enough to pay the light bill.

We got to see the 3 stooges again looking for drugs. But this time Willy outsmarted Teresa and let the shipment go through. Flores was practically foaming at the mouth wanting to board the ship.
 

Reina - martes

Muchas gracias, Hombre and Novelera, for your interesting and helpful comments.

Hombre, I don't know whether Oscar Lobato will delete the stuff from Cucho's computer (I hope so--I have very little use for Cucho), but I think he (Oscar) was on the phone giving Teresa a heads-up about Cucho's plans for publication. That's all it took to put the kibosh on Cucho's plans and dreams of glory.

I loved the scene between Teresa and the Pernas, especially her ice-cold stare and her insistence that she can't do business with someone who won't look her in the eye.

Novelera, I had very similar thoughts about Sanchez-Godoy in the pool apparently blabbing away carelessly to Veronica. Score one for team Teresa, but score two for Team Willy.

BTW, I wouldn't blame Eugenia's suicide on Flores. I'd point the finger instead at Teo (for all his infidelities) and, primarily, at Eugenia herself.

I can't wait for tonight's episode. BTW, someone on the TNWorld forum said that this TN is scheduled to end on May 27!
 

La Reina - Martes

Juanita, I didn't mean that I personally would blame Flores for Eugenia's suicide. Just that a man with any feelings at all might feel some guilt about making one of his special surprise visits to people's homes that resulted in that person blowing her brains out.
 

I was actually surprised at how upset Teo seemed by Eugenia's suicide. But perhaps it had more to do with the scandal and his children.

Ditto all the wonderful comments about Teresa and Pote scene and her scenes with the Gallegos.

It seems like everywhere in the world --Mexico to Europe in this case-- people in powermale allowances for other people with power and/or money. I thought, for example, that Flores was being very sympathetic to Teo and making things easier for him.

Even though I haven't been commenting much lately, I'll be sorry to see this end. Is Al Lado next? It has a good cast.
 

AURORA -- Miercoles

Countdown to Gran Final: 6 (pre-empted tonight for futbol)

Martin's birthday celebration is happening at his dad's restaurant; Angela shows up with Felix who talks about what a marvelous month it's been. There is some awkwardness between them and Lorenzo. Federico appears to be with another woman (When did this happen?). Vicki is still talking to Elisabeth who gives her the address, tells her to tell no one, and that she needs to be there two hours early. She tells Martin it's about booking a shoot.

In another bar Diana is looking at photos of Vickie and Elisabeth talking in a public place. She tells the man at the table that she needs to know more. These meetings look strange. The man nods; he is a private eye.

Vickie and Martin arrive at the restaurant and Vickie takes some headshots of Angels and comments about her pretty face.

Ernesto's face is still heavily bandaged and he's looking at photos of Vickie. His new cellmate arrives; he's the same cellmate Lorenzo had in his last weeks in la carcel. After a challenging statement by this guy Ernesto tells him he doesn't want any problems and that he is a hero for (didn't get it). The guy says “I like your style.”

Ernesto talks to Diana on the phone and tells her that they are going to break out. She is to get a car and wait for him. He thanks her for the photos.

Vickie creates an alibi with her boss. He jokes about her having a lover. She tells him “You've seen my husband; why would I need a lover?” and tells him the truth. She gives him a CD that is meant for Martin in case anything goes wrong. She goes back to Martin's side for the presentation of the birthday cake, etc.

Elisabeth, back in her apartment, puts on a rubber glove, smiles evilly, and says “Dr Elisabeth Ovieto is back.”

Ernesto and his cellie talk about his revenge against Martin Lobos for “stealing my woman.” The cellie recognizes the name and tells him that Lorenzo turned him in. They talk about traitors paying with their lives.

At home, Vickie gives Martin a crucifix pendant and a teddy bear dressed in surgical scrubs. Lovey dovey stuff.

Lorenzo and Angela have an uncomfortable conversation. She informs him he lost his rights to be in her life when he walked out after learning that she had Aurora's heart.

Diana visits Ernesto in the prison and tells him about Vickie and Elisabeth. The operation will happen outside the city and Diana tells him that Elisabeth doesn't have a license to practice.

Vickie is prepped for surgery and Elisabeth promises to cure her. There is a nurse present.
 

AURORA -- Miercoles, Part II


Vickie's boss tells Martin despite his promise of silence and gives him the CD. Martin calls Vickie's cell phone but has to leave a message for her to call him immediately. He goes to Gustavo who has no information about Elisabeth's current whereabouts. He calls Blanca and tells her to look through her things to see if she can find an appointment book, an address book, etc. because she's about to operate on Vickie. Blanca says “She'll kill her” and exchanges looks with Federico, who happens to be there. Federico calls Catalina; she and Vanessa almost panic.

Martin listens to the CD in his car and it's clearly a goodbye. Lagrimas.

Elizabeth strokes Vicki's forehead and we get a creepy feeling. She says something about being a little nervous and the nurse asks why. “I haven't done this in a long time.” “To operate?” asks the nurse and she is getting apprehensive.

The police break in and arrest Elisabeth. Martin arrives (that was awfully fast, SuperMartin) and checks Vickie's pulse. Elisabeth tells him she is just anaesthetized. She is then taken away in cuffs.

Angela visits Gustavo and they talk briefly about Aurora. He knows that she has the heart and he is happy that it went to someone like her.

Vickie wakes up at home and Martin tells her that Elisabeth is in jail. She is upset that he called the police; he denies doing so and tells her he doesn't know who did.

We find out it was probably Diana, but this is still part of a plot with Ernesto. She updates him in his cell. He says something about getting surgery because how else can he compete with Martin? Diana says something about there being no comparison.

Blanca and Cesar visit Angela; they seem to have talked about Elisabeth. Felix walks in as they depart, obviously wanting to get back together with her and knows that Lorenzo wants her, too.

Vickie prepares a special birthday dinner for Martin. Lovey-dovey stuff is interrupted by Vickie's cell phone. It's Ernesto telling her he called the police on Elisabeth and it won't be long before they are together “definitivemente” (finally). She drops the phone and tells Martin.

Lorenzo goes to Angela's place and they go through the love/hate thing again, which ends with her slapping him.
 

REINA - Miércoles

"The beginning of the end for Teresa Mendoza" - Flores

Teresa wants to take things slowly with Teo. Teo says he has lots of patience. He surprises her with a present, a yacht, named Bandido. They take it out for a spin. Despite the go slow bit, they decide to christen the bed, and make tender, sensual romantic love. On the way back, they're kissing on the top deck, and Chucho's friend finally gets the bombshell picture. Chucho quickly takes the memory card before anybody grabs the camera. Later, he brags that Hola magazine is going to put La Reina del Sur on the cover, and pay 1/2 million Euros. He's even going for a television interview.

Patty was suspicious when she saw Vero/Lupe with Willy (whom Patty doesn't know). She follows VL and sees her put an envelope in a locker at the train station. Later, she confronts VL, who lies, saying she went to the bank. Patty sneaks out the key to the locker, goes to the station, but the locker is empty. She knows VL isn't being truthful, but doesn't know how.

We do. That envelope contained tons of material on Transer Naga, including lots of money laundering info. All the cops need now is the info from Teo's hard disk. VL sneaks into Teo's office, and is sweating bullets as it takes forever for the info to download to her usb stick. But lucky for her, Teresa and Teo, having come back to the office, are so involved in kissing, that VL sneaks out. She gets the info to Flores and Willy, and now they've definitely got enough to have Teresa arrested.

Patty calls VL, did you happen to misplace a key? VL says she doesn't think Patty will figure out the truth, VL will convince her it's harmless.

We also find out that Alberto is an expert sailor, and knows all about the keel (quilla) of a ship, and how to preventing it from running aground (encallar).

Teresa was so happy in this episode, even talking about children (she's undecided, but there was also a lot more in that converation). Tonight we got to see her filled with joy. But it seems her bubble's about to burst.
 

Thank you, Hombre for the excellent recap.

Man, what a bummer that was. Nothing good happened this episode. I don't mean the quality of the show, but the events. Veronica got away with everything, Flores was as smarmy and insufferable as always, no Pote or Oleg (or at least I can't remember any scenes with them), way too much Teo and Teresa. Heck, my eyes just kind of glazed and I barely paid attention to the first fifteen, twenty minutes because it was so much Teo romance and I just don't care.

I don't know, I'm a bit disappointed and surprised that Veronica had such an easy go of it. I feel Teresa was careless with her. The only effort made was with Sanchez-Godoy trying to trip her up. It just seems like they've been smarter than this throughout the show.

-S
 

AURORA -- Miercoles

ok Lorenzo, ya basta!! make up your mind!! hope that slap woke you up. only a handful of episodes left.
 

AURORA -- Miercoles

Shallowgal, care to speculate on the "controversial" finale?
 

LA REINA - MIÉRCOLES

Great work, Hombre, you neatly described this somewhat filler episode!

I knew Vero was not going to get caught doing the download. It's a telenovela law that when they ramp up the suspense, including appropriate music, making you think someone is about to get caught - whether baddie or goodie - it almost never happens.

I'm sure that Aarón Diáz, Kate's husband, doesn't have a moment's concern about the love scenes with Teo. They're totally weak tea.

I had a hard time getting a good definition, but I think I figured it out in context. Flores said he was going to get an informe de hacienda for Teo. There are two other phrases for search warrant that I am familiar with: orden de registro and allanamiento. I could not find the one they used but in googling it I found a newspaper article from Valencia, Spain, that seemed like it referred to going through an official's belongings.

I kind of understand the Veronica situation, S. Teresa was very suspicious of her, but when V asked all those pointed questions of Sánchez-Godoy and then nothing happened with the drug cargo, T probably came to the conclusion that her intuition was wrong.

The one who needs to wake up is Patty. I'd like to think the envelope in the locker that then was gone when P had the key in her possession is very, very suspicious. I might be wrong, but I think V is going to talk her way out of it again tonight.
 

REINA - Jueves

The day everything went wrong.

Strike One: Teresa confesses to Conejo “something tells me Teo is not for me”. Conejo disagrees, love is risk, go for it. But maybe Tere’s right. Willy confronts Teo, he’s been robbing Teresa! Millions of dollars, houses in Miami, New York, you name it. If Teresa finds out, Teo’s dead, says Willy. So decide now. If you help us catch her, you’ll just get a symbolic sentence, you’ll be free, you can keep your assets. If you don’t..... Teo caves. Later, he’s introduced to Veronica Sanchez, Cop. He never knew. He has to work with her to bring down Teresa.

Strike Two: Meanwhile, Flores confronts Teresa, says they know she owns this company, Import-Export Constantine Garoff, which is sending 10 tons of potassium permangenate to Colombia. It’s legal in Europe, but illegal in Colombia, and can be used to make coke. Flores threatens Teresa, who keeps up her tough front, but is a bit shaken. She calls Teo (who’s now working with Willy), he says don’t worry, I’ll handle it.

Strike Three: Lupe snows Patty, that envelope was just my criminal record, my divorce, my deportation. Patty doesn’t totally buy it, but this gives Lupe the chance to yell at her “You always think about yourself! It’s over”. She breaks up with a very broken up Patty.

Is there a Strike Four? Cucho goes on TV, has a big scoop about that mysterious women, La Reina del Sur, here she is, kissing Teo Aljarafe, recently widowed, woo woo! Everybody sees this broadcast, Patty’s mad, SHE’s the queen of the south!

The cops celebrate. Patty tells Tere not to fire Lupe, it’s not her fault. Despite all this police heat, Teresa decides it’s time for their biggest deal ever. 20 tons of coke, the Russians are involved, it’ll be great. And keep it quiet, only those in this room can know about it. Guess what? Veronica and Teo are in that room!

This seems like the dumbest time ever for a big drug deal, right when the police know a lot of stuff. So either 1) Teresa’s an idiot, 2) the telenovela writers beat up the realist writers, and did it for the drama, or 3) Teresa has something up her sleeve. I’m hoping for No. 3.

Previews: Don’t ask. Let’s just say the telenovela writers won.
 

LA REINA - JUEVES

Hombre, I loved your baseball analogy. Last night's episode was indeed frustrating.

Whether telenovela writers or realist writers, they really have a knack for realistic portrayals of relationships between women friends. The scene with Teresa and Conejo getting drunk together was so real to me that I wanted to sit beside them and have a "tequilita" as well. While Conejo's encouraging Teresa toward a relationship with Teo will turn out to be wrong, the larger philosophical advice was good. Life is short and you might catch a bullet any day, so don't let any joy pass you by.

Teresa held her own, but she should not have said one word to Flores. He had no right to be there. She told him that: no iría nada más que ver como mi gabinete de abogados los destroza (his supposed evidence)(I'll only go to the station to watch my lawyers rip your evidence to pieces.). She also said ¿De veras crees que voy a jugar a los policías y ladrones contigo?. I hadn't realized that the term "cops and robbers" was used the same way in Spanish.

I know this is meant to make the drug dealing more sympathetic, but the cops in this TN are insufferable. That smug look on Flores face, pouring drinks to celebrate (a bit too prematurely since they don't yet have enough evidence on Teresa). Willy rubbing salt in Teo's wounds. That was an interesting scene, by the way. Willy loathes Teo, among other reasons because some part of him admires Teresa.
 

Glad Blogger is back up!!

REINA- It's interesting that Teresa seems to be portrayed in the novela as much more dependant on others, especially men, than she is in the book. In the book, she builds her house herself and it's certainly suggested that she bought her boat, which is called The Sinaloa, not Bandido. In the novela, men procure these things for her and she seems a lot more dependant on Oleg than is portrayed in the book.

Best case - the novela writers want to portray Teresa's relationships with these men. Worst case - they can't imagine that even a woman like Teresa could handle these things.
 

Reina - Jueves

Another bummer episode. The writers also insisted on telling, not showing. We had both Conejo and Veronica tells us Teresa is in love with Teo. I still don't see the need for changing this aspect of the story. I didn't read the book, but people who have said it's made clear that Teresa never has these feelings for Teo in the book. She has a relationship with him, but she does not fall in love. I don't know if it's just because this is still a Latin American show and one that is watched here in the US mainly by Hispanic viewers, many of whom still subscribe to a lot of the ideas about sex pushed by other telenovelas that they felt they couldn't have the heroine enjoy a mostly sexual relationship. Still, I've yet to see why I'm supposed to believe she's this wild about this guy.

While on the subject of the book, I know some have read it here, so I want to ask about whether Teresa had a relationship with Patty in it or not. I've been wondering if this is another change made to it for the sake of the novela.

Novelera, you are so right about the cops. The look Flores had was just too much. He's such a smug, self-righteous twit. That's a huge part of why the past two episodes have been so frustrating. I can deal with the fall of Teresa in a sense, but not at the hands of that guy.

That last scene was brutal with Lupe and Teo standing there. I was surprised Lupe was in the meeting. I'm annoyed that Patty and Teresa don't talk about what happened with Lupe. I'm still annoyed that she didn't have Alberto put some surveillance on her from the get-go.

And on Patty, I really pitied her last night. She's really on edge right now.

-S
 

Reina

I forgot to ask: did the writers screw up last night? I could have sworn Willy referred to Veronica as Agente Cortes and then introduced her as Veronica Sanchez to Teo. Anyone else heard that?
 

LA REINA - JUEVES

S, in the book Patty is portrayed much as she is in the TN - suffering from unrequited love for Teresa. I want to say they never had a sexual relationship, but maybe someone else could weigh in. Some of the details of the book are slipping away from me.

I was also VERY surprised that Lupe would be in that meeting. ¿Qué?

I don't think the TN is showing Teresa madly in love with Teo. I think she enjoys his company, both in bed and out of it. But last night she clearly said to Conejo: algo me dice que Teo no es para mí. But she's being portrayed as more desirous of having a man at her side than was the character in the book. To me this is catering to the romanticism prevalent in TN's.

And, yes, S, I meant to say in my earlier post and forgot to do it, that I SO pitied Patty last night. She looked terrible. Conejo made a joke about her appearance, but Teresa, who does love her - platonically - lit right into her about the drug use. This is exactly what someone would do who cares about an addict. But she then embraced her at the end of the scene.
 

REINA-

S, it is still possible that Alberto HAS observed Veronica, such as when she downloaded Teo's hard disk. And it's possible Veronica is in that meeting because Teresa is trying to trap her. This is what I'm hoping for. But it's also possible that the police finally have Teresa where they want her, and she's going down.
 

Wow, a couple of bad episodes in a row. Very boring except for the end when Willy has Teo by the junk and brings in Veronica telling him that she's going to be working with him.

Kind of threw me for a surprise to see that Willy has some dirt on Teo, the fact that he's been robbing Teresa, I was like where did that come from?? I thought the idea was that this putz was head over heels and would do anything for her...

I gotta say this Cucho guy is hard to take, hard to look at and hard to listen to. This guy is weak, I want to call him a putz but I know I've used that one too much on Teo so I'm at a loss, lately I'm doing a lot of skimming with my fast forward button on the DVR player.

I agree with you S, Patty really was convincing in the scene with Teresa, this girl is one great actress and I really felt for her. Although that fake laugh she's got really gets under my skin when she's in party mode.

Rand.
 

Herederos viernes?

I can't believe Lucas almost bedded Rosario once again. Boy that Berta's a pushy broad, no? I thought it would be because of the puppy's accident. Pablo makes an awful chofer! Did they ever name the dog?


La Pola general

is the money that Pola's mom paid so Jose can be sacerdote the same thing as medieval indulgences? i'm not quite sure how that would translate, unless it's "bribe." and it was fun to see Pola back in firey form, pulling the hair of Santa Fe's society gals. It's been almost a week since she's bit anybody. I was worried the 3 year jump in time would mean that the kid actors were replaced.

When they speak of the peninsula is that part of new granada, or is that spain?

-mai tai