Monday, May 30, 2011
Triunfo del Amor #132-133 5/30/11 The Big Tease –or- A Whole Bunch of Stuff Almost Happens
In which:
Victoria almost finds her daughter and ends up losing her son;
We almost find out what’s wrong with Alonso;
Leonela almost falls off the wagon when The Murder Club meets at the Best Restaurant in Mexico;
And we almost lose our cookies when a bubble bath leaves us all feeling a little dirty.
Part One
El Alacrán’s hide-out:
Padilla buys his own reprieve by selling out el Alacrán. Once Bernarda has shot the Scorpion, she turns on Padilla himself and jams his own gun under his throat. If he betrays her, she warns, he won’t live to talk about it. And now she lowers the gun and gives the order: Bury him in the hole where her money was hidden – demons belong underground:
De otra manera, vagarán por el mundo para la perdición de las almas.
(Otherwise they’ll wander the earth and destroy souls.)
Casa Sandoval:
I can only imagine how much you’ve suffered, Osvaldo tells Victoria, her face still streaked with tears. She admits that, more than the physical pain, it is the emotional pain of her illness that torments her – that and the fear of the disease itself. Osvaldo comforts her.
Heriberto and Leonela are wrapping up their visit. She’ll try to control her drinking for her own sake and for Max. When Heri leaves, she reflects:
Ese hombre me trajo paz y tranquilidad y me quitó las ganas de beber –
(That man brought me peace and tranquility and took away my desire to drink – )
And then she adds soberly:
Por lo pronto…
(For now…)
Max stops in at M ya no D’s place in the vecindad. He invites her and little Juan Pablo to join him for comida – he has a surprise for her, something long overdue. Smoochies. ♪♪A partir de hoy♪♪
In the offices of Casa Bernada, Doña Demente has Eva cornered.
She gooses Eva’s face with a peacock plume (I guess you could see she peacocks her). Fausto says you were unaware of his true intentions, she says. Somehow Little Eva intuits what Fausto has told Bernarda and with a show of bravado replies: Fausto isn’t my nephew – and I’m glad he told you the truth. You’ve been so good to me… But if you don’t believe me, she adds with mock humility, it would be better if I left…
Not so fast, Eva. Demente puts an arm on her shoulder and reminds her that SHE is the one who makes the decisions. Eva has heard so many things in the time she has lived in the Demente house that NOW SHE BELONGS TO BERNARDA!
Here the recapper’s mind wanders and she imagines a duet in the Mexican Idol contest – Little Eva and Bernie singing do-wop ♪♪You’re Mine … and we belong to – geth – er♪♪ Yes we belong to-geth-er♪♪ For-or-or-or eter-ni-ty ♪♪
Ok. Back to unreality.
Eva kisses Bernarda’s hand – blech -- and thanks her for believing in her. (Thereby proving that you can, in fact, BS a BSer.) For now! says the Demented One pointedly.
Meanwhile, at the church:
Fausto frets to Juan Pablo that he hasn’t had time to warn Eva about his outburst to Bernarda. But PJP is more concerned about Fausto’s own safety. Let his mother find another super for the vecindad – Fausto can stay in the parochial school where he, Padre Jerónimo and the boys can protect him. As for the job of protecting María ya no D:
¡Lo haré yo!
(I’ll do it!)
Then the padre sets off to see his mother. Left alone in the sacristy, Fausto kneels and prays for forgiveness. He is ready to leave his thirst for vengeance behind.
Chiaroscuro
Chiaro –
Our sweet bride Fer stretches luxuriantly in bed and tells Cruz she’s so happy, she feels like she’s dreaming. You’re not, he reassures her as he hands her a rose. Cruz wants to show her the town – it’s small but soooooo cute (requetechulo) and they can buy some food, and call their families. She smiles so fetchingly that he pulls off his boots and hops back under the covers with her.
Oscuro –
Juan Pablo confronts his mother in her office. He knows about her conversation with Fausto, he tells her. She doesn’t understand why he is so quick to believe the word of others over that of his own mother. Because, he says sadly, you lie. But he’s not there to argue. He is there to warn her: If anything happens to Fausto or Eva, he personally will denounce her to the authorities and she’ll spend the rest of her life in prison.
Chiaro –
A bucolic tableau. Fer and Cruz sit on the grass. A beautiful white horse stands behind them. Fer remembers her fantasy of being swept away by her Prince Charming (principe azul) riding in on his white horse – and now her dream has come true. Sing me the song you sang at her wedding, she asks her prince. And he does. Awwwww.
Cruz carries his light as a feather florecita into the little store in the pueblo.
And meanwhile in the DF:
Juan Pablo has made it back to the church and finds Max waiting for him in the sacristy. Max invites JP to a special comida at the family home. Sure thing, says JP. What’s the occasion? Before Max can answer, his cell phone rings: It’s Dr. Heri and he wants to talk to him about Leonela.
The owners of Casa Sandoval are enjoying a rare moment of domestic contentment as they smile at each other over the breakfast table. Osvaldo answers the phone with his mouth full and Cruz, on the other end of the line, jokes that he must have dialed the wrong number because it sounds like a dog is talking. Then Fer takes the phone. Os, mouth still stuffed, chokes and coughs and Victoria finally takes over. Giggles all around as Os recovers. Father-daughter banter. Fer tells Daddy he's still her favorite guy. He tells her she can't fool him:
¡No me des atole con el dedo!
All is well.
Alonso has finally agreed to have some lab tests done. PJP, who has accompanied him to the hospital, is amused to learn that the same man who has gone fearlessly into the jungle for photo shoots, is deathly afraid of needles, tourniquets and blood (lo de la aguja y la liga y la sangre – todo eso). That’s a big, honkin’ needle, says Alonso dubiously as the tech prepares to draw his blood. PJP puts a comforting hand on his shoulder and tells him not to move.
Now Millie gets a call from the newlyweds and the whole vecindad gang gathers around the communal phone to hear the latest. Don Joel tells her to pass along a message to Cruz: Televisa has called several times looking for him. If they call again, says Cruz, tell them I’ll get in touch when I get back from my honeymoon.
Before she hangs up, Millie gives her nephew a long and scary blessing which might make a lesser man afraid to get out of bed in the morning.
The (in)action moves back to Casa Sandoval. Osvaldo has told Oscar about Padilla’s latest attack on Victoria. It has to be handled with discretion but Os is determined to make Padilla answer for what he did. Oscar assures Os he’ll keep the matter confidential.
There’s something else Osvaldo needs to know, says Oscar. It’s about the theater. Blah blah blah -- legal crap – blah blah blah. Bottom line: Gui’s probably going to able to produce his play. But Oscar’s still on the case and working to recover Osvaldo’s money.
Now Oscar has a favor to ask: He and Antonieta are getting married. Will Vic and Os be their witnesses?
Toni is asking the same thing of Vic. Toni’s kind of nervous about this marriage stuff – neither she nor Oscar has ever lived with anyone else. Ms. Ruffo, consummate professional that she is, manages to keep a straight face when she assures Toni that:
Cuando hay amor, todo se puede.
(When there’s love, you can do anything.)
Suddenly Victoria experiences a spasm. She doubles over and gasps – oh this treatment… they weren’t able to get rid of the cancer completely…
Which thought brings us back to subjects medical -- but this time, it’s Alonso, not Vic, who is the patient. I thought you were going to faint right there in the lab, PJP tells Alonso laughingly.
JP reminds him the results will be back later today. Alonso promises he’ll go back to pick them up but now he wants to talk about what really matters: How is María Desamparada? Forget her, says PJP. And then he patiently repeats the litany: She’s not for you. She loves Max with all her heart. She has a child with him. Accept it – it’s not your destiny to be with her.
But Alonso won’t accept it – he’d rather die! And to the advice that he find another girl: There is no other girl for him. He needs his ternura!
Heriberto is now the official Go-To Guy for the familia Sandoval:
The two hunky cubanos, Max and Dr. Heri, hunker down and talk. Dr. Heri thinks Max is doing the right thing by Leonela. They agree that alcoholism, like all addictions, hurts not just the addict but everyone around that person. Heri warns him that addicts often behave selfishly, insensitive to how they are affecting others. Max will have to confront the issue of relapses and the suffering that goes along with them.
The object of their concern is right now receiving a visitor:
Guillermo shows up at Leonela’s hotel suite brandishing a document – Bernie’s lawyers have gotten him permission to use the theater on the date they need. Gui, being not just an ordinary bastard but a pretentious bastard, proceeds to rant about Sun Tzu and The Art of War:
If you’re ten times more powerful than your enemy, surround him;
if you’re five times more powerful, attack him;
if two times more powerful, divide him;
and if you’re equals, engage him:
That’s what we’ll do, says Gui – we’ll open on the day we planned even if it makes Osvaldo furious.
Leonela laughs delightedly, they kiss and leave to celebrate their triumph.
What happens next is so dirty they have to do it in the tub. Double. Bubble. Bath. Faces. Nails. Ya basta.
The docs in the hospital are shaking their heads over Alonso’s lab results and hoping the guy takes them to his own doctor right away. Serious stuff.
Alonso himself walks in the park where he first met M ya no D and continues to obsess about his ternura.
I guess bubblebaths give Leonela an appetite. She tells Gui to take her to the Best Restaurant in Mexico. He warns her not to drink. And she warns him not to try to tell her what to do.
It’s all happy happy at the new Casa Victoria. Love is in the air. Pip and Toni are glad to see María and little Juan Pablo, both dressed in their Sunday best for the special comida Max has planned. Toni reminds María that she is invited to her upcoming wedding.
Max arrives at the hotel looking for Leonela and he’s upset when the manager tells him she went out. Max figures she must be with Gui – who else? He decides to ask Dr. Heri for help.
Alonso picks up his test results at the lab. The nurse passes along the hospital doctor’s advice: Show these to your doctor right away!
What makes this comida different from all other comidas?
Victoria and Osvaldo, handsomely turned out for the occasion, wait for Max to get home. They are curious about the reason for this special meal. They are surprised when Padre Juan Pablo arrives at the door, and then more so when Max himself shows up with María and little Juan Pablo. Everyone smiles. Vic asks if she can hold the baby. María hesitates a moment and then agrees, putting the child in her arms.
Max takes the floor: I wanted to let you know -- I’d like to marry María Desamparada as soon as possible. And I wanted the whole family present when I asked for the hand of the woman I love.
Whoa… Victoria is confused. María Desamparada is an orphan and doesn’t have a family. Just whose permission is Max looking for?
Max answers by turning to PJP: Padre, will you give me MD’s hand in marriage?
Now Victoria is really bewildered. Why is Max asking PJP?
Because, answers Max, he’s her father; Padre Juan Pablo is María Desamparada’s father.
Victoria’s face is a canvas of changing emotions as understanding dawns… if Juan Pablo is María Desamparada’s father…
Part Two
Now it’s Max’s turn to be confused. He sees that Victoria is overwhelmed by emotion. Why?????
It is PJP who breaks the spell:
Yo soy como su padre, su padre confesor ...
(I’m like her father, her confessor …)
Then he turns to María: ... her spiritual guide, he concludes.
Max laughs incredulously and asks: What are you talking about, Father? But now MD chimes in and says yes, PJP has always been like a father to me.
And we watch the joy drain out of Victoria’s face as it turns to stone. She hands off the baby to Micaela. Then she faces Max. Listen, she says, I’ll be honest with you. I won’t try to stop you because I know you’ll go ahead with your plans, no matter what I say. But let me make this clear:
Aunque la tolero, yo no la quiero – mucho menos la quiero como tu esposa.
(I may tolerate her but I don’t like her – especially not as your wife.)
María is wounded and furious at these words: So what you said to me when my son was missing – those pretty words of consolation – they were false?
I was hurting because of Max, Victoria answers coldly.
No, says María – you just felt sorry for yourself because it reminded you of your own lost daughter.
María continues lashing out: I’m glad you lost your daughter. You didn’t deserve her! And if God hasn’t granted your prayer, it means you still don’t deserve her -- that you’ll never find her!
Shut up, screams Vic. And wham! She slaps her hard. Get out of my house!
Don’t you dare hit me ever again, answers María with cold rage, because the next time, I’ll hit you back! I never want to see you again! And you’ll never see my son again!
You can’t keep me from seeing my grandson, retorts Vic. And María answers icily:
Ese niño no es nada suyo porque Max no es su hijo biológico.
(That child is unrelated to you because Max isn’t your biological son.)
There’s no blood tie between you!
Now Victoria spits out her final venom: I don’t know why JP had to take so much trouble with you – you’re just a poor orphan, one of so many…
The same arrogant woman as always, says María. Being here disgusts me, she tells Victoria and she goes off to get her son. PJP follows her.
And now at last Max has seen – really seen and been wounded by – the arrogance – la soberbia -- of Señora Victoria Sandoval. He too follows María out of the room.
Osvaldo glares at Victoria. Hell. We all glare at Victoria. But also at Juan Pablo for letting this ugly scene play out.
We need to get out of that house for a moment. Let’s take a peek at the Televisa studios – Millie and the Jarochas have just arrived and are shlepping through the lot looking for the contest stage.
In some circles, soberbia – high and mightiness -- is a quality to be desired:
At Casa Bernarda, Luciano is thrilled that Ximena’s very appearance cries out “soberbia”; and Xi – with a model I don’t know -- is buttering up Luciano – he’s the Best Designer in Mexico, he’s so handsome… They wheedle a lunch invitation out of him. To the Best Restaurant in Mexico, natch.
Take a cleansing breath. Okay. Back at Casa Sandoval, Max, with little Osvaldo in his arms, announces he is leaving. He still loves Victoria – that’s the worst thing about it! But he’ll be living with Leonela in an apartment until he and María are married. If Vic doesn’t want to see the woman he loves, well, she won’t see Max either.
Victoria is left alone to weep.
Let’s spend some time in the Best -- and by Best, we mean Most Expensive -- Restaurant in the city. Over here are the brilliant thespians, Leo and Gui. And over there, are the fashion glitterati, Xi and Luciano. Xi stands up and introduces Luciano to the room at large. She toasts him with champagne (and we wonder, ever hopeful, if she is still taking the pills that interact fatally with alcohol).
Now Xi suggests sending a glass of champagne over to Leo and Gui’s table. Luciano will do her one better – he trots over and places the glass in Leonela’s hand. Gui tries to intervene but Leo insists that refusing would be an insult to Luciano. But before she can bring the glass to her lips –
Dr. Heri appears! Magically. Like something out of Harry Potter! He strides up to the table and takes the glass away from Leonela. Not a single drop, he tells her. To the others he explains: I’m her doctor.
Leonela surprises everyone with her reaction: Let’s celebrate, she says. But without alcohol!
Time out for some characters who aren’t sociopaths:
Luci has her suitcases packed. She’s moving out of the apartment, she tells Fabián, because she knows he doesn’t share her feelings. Fab is.. you know … confused. And hurting from Fer’s wedding. He persuades Luci to stick around while they sort out their feelings for one another.
And back on the ranch:
Fer confides to Cruz that she’s afraid he’ll get tired of having a paralítica for a wife. He scoffs at the thought – he’ll never tire of her. What they have will last a lifetime. Having a child together would make their happiness complete, she tells him.
Had enough normal? Back to Bernie:
Bernarda thinks about her latest murder – el Alacrán – and then JP’s threat to turn her in to the police. She has to reconcile with her son, she tells herself.
Her son, meanwhile, pleads with María ya no D to cut Victoria some slack. She tried, she says, but you heard her: She tolerates me but she doesn’t like me.
Max is still at Casa Sandoval saying his goodbyes to Osvaldo. He explains his reasons and plans. Osvaldo warns him that Leonela may be a bad influence on him. Os doesn’t believe she has really changed:
Arbol que nace torcido jamás sus ramas se enderezan.
(A tree that’s born twisted never grows straight. As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.)
In the Best Restaurant in Mexico, Ximena and Luciano have joined Gui and Leo; and Dr. Heri has taken his place at the table. Xi turns to Heri and asks maliciously:
So you’re the one who did Fer’s surgery?
Yes, he says, and unfortunately the results weren’t what we hoped for.
Now Gui snorts and says: Maybe because the doctors didn’t know what they were doing.
Leonela contradicts him: I don’t think so, Guillermo. Sometimes doctors find themselves faced with impossible cases…
That’s true, agrees Dr. Heri.
Now Leo brightens and suggests they talk about happier things. She turns her charm on Luciano and asks him if he’d like to design the wardrobe for her upcoming show – she’s Desdemona in Gui’s production of Othello. Desdemona – she gets killed, doesn’t she? asks Xi. And then adds: Watch out: Guillermo likes to kill actresses. And Gui rejoins: Yeah, like you like to kill your rivals.
And somehow, Dr. Heri knows these two aren't joking.
Leonela and Ximena have a staring contest.
The crowd at the Televisa hall is in a festive mood as they wait for the contest to get started. Ay caray! One of the Jarochas goes rogue! She runs up on the stage and kisses the host, Adal Ramones.
At the hospital, a doctor remarks that Alonso’s test results were worse than they expected.
Oblivious Al, far from following the advice to see his doctor right away, hasn’t even opened the envelope with the test results. And then, when he gets distracted by a phone call – it’s someone named Carmona who wants another Lovely Cosmetics commercial – he drops the envelope without even noticing.
Guillermo takes Leonela back to her suite at the Casa Vieja.
He’s pleased with the way she handled herself but not so pleased with that metiche, Dr. Heri. Gui tries to get … um .. chummy … but Leonela’s not in the mood. She is in the mood to gloat, though. Now – after hearing Xi say that he likes to kill actresses -- she’s sure Gui is a murderer. So what? he says. So are you! Yeah, but I’ve paid for my crime, she smirks.
Back on the ranch, Cruz and Fer daydream about having a child and they imagine all the things Cruz will teach him to make him todo un ranchero. Fer reminds him he needs to finish his studies in the DF. He knows. After the honeymoon, they’ll be moving back to the city – he has a cozy little place ready for them in the vecindad – María and Nati helped him furnish it.
At the church, Juan Pablo is with Jero and he is lamenting Victoria’s blindness to the miracle God put right before her. ( I’m no theologian, but it seems to me Juan Pablo himself is the Miracle Blocker here.) That is the cue for Bernie’s entrance and uninvited explanation: It’s because God doesn’t want Victoria to find her daughter.
Eva may be little but man, she’s lethal. She tears into Fausto for telling Bernie the truth and calls him a coward for not following through on his plan for vengeance. And he’s also a coward for not telling María Desamparada that he loves her.
Fausto knows Eva is mocking him. He remembers what his mother taught him -- don’t harm others; love thy neighbor as thyself. He wishes Eva well but he and she are following different paths now. He’ll be going to the parish school. Is he going to become a priest? He hasn’t yet decided.
Speaking of priests –
Bernarda rudely dismisses Padre Jerónimo. Once she and JP are alone, she promises him that she won’t do anything to harm Eva and Fausto.
Toni, now with Vic at Casa Sandoval, speaks plainly to her friend: Victoria was wrong to say what she did to María. Vic won’t back down though. She mutters that she won’t be a hypocrite; she was just speaking the truth. Maybe, says Toni, but this time Max isn’t going to sacrifice his happiness. (¡Dios te oiga, Toni!)
And maybe he really isn’t (going to sacrifice his happiness, that is). Because when he shows up at María’s place, little Osvaldo in arms, he brushes aside her worries about his family coming between them. Not this time, he tells her. Nothing will come between us. You are the love of my life. Nothing is more important than you.
But I never want to see Victoria again, María tells him. And I don’t want her near our son. He’s willing to accept that. But right now he and little Os have a surprise for her: clutched in Osvaldo’s fat little baby hand is a ring. Max asks: Will you be my wife?
Cue the kayak
Victoria almost finds her daughter and ends up losing her son;
We almost find out what’s wrong with Alonso;
Leonela almost falls off the wagon when The Murder Club meets at the Best Restaurant in Mexico;
And we almost lose our cookies when a bubble bath leaves us all feeling a little dirty.
Part One
El Alacrán’s hide-out:
Padilla buys his own reprieve by selling out el Alacrán. Once Bernarda has shot the Scorpion, she turns on Padilla himself and jams his own gun under his throat. If he betrays her, she warns, he won’t live to talk about it. And now she lowers the gun and gives the order: Bury him in the hole where her money was hidden – demons belong underground:
De otra manera, vagarán por el mundo para la perdición de las almas.
(Otherwise they’ll wander the earth and destroy souls.)
Casa Sandoval:
I can only imagine how much you’ve suffered, Osvaldo tells Victoria, her face still streaked with tears. She admits that, more than the physical pain, it is the emotional pain of her illness that torments her – that and the fear of the disease itself. Osvaldo comforts her.
Heriberto and Leonela are wrapping up their visit. She’ll try to control her drinking for her own sake and for Max. When Heri leaves, she reflects:
Ese hombre me trajo paz y tranquilidad y me quitó las ganas de beber –
(That man brought me peace and tranquility and took away my desire to drink – )
And then she adds soberly:
Por lo pronto…
(For now…)
Max stops in at M ya no D’s place in the vecindad. He invites her and little Juan Pablo to join him for comida – he has a surprise for her, something long overdue. Smoochies. ♪♪A partir de hoy♪♪
In the offices of Casa Bernada, Doña Demente has Eva cornered.
She gooses Eva’s face with a peacock plume (I guess you could see she peacocks her). Fausto says you were unaware of his true intentions, she says. Somehow Little Eva intuits what Fausto has told Bernarda and with a show of bravado replies: Fausto isn’t my nephew – and I’m glad he told you the truth. You’ve been so good to me… But if you don’t believe me, she adds with mock humility, it would be better if I left…
Not so fast, Eva. Demente puts an arm on her shoulder and reminds her that SHE is the one who makes the decisions. Eva has heard so many things in the time she has lived in the Demente house that NOW SHE BELONGS TO BERNARDA!
Here the recapper’s mind wanders and she imagines a duet in the Mexican Idol contest – Little Eva and Bernie singing do-wop ♪♪You’re Mine … and we belong to – geth – er♪♪ Yes we belong to-geth-er♪♪ For-or-or-or eter-ni-ty ♪♪
Ok. Back to unreality.
Eva kisses Bernarda’s hand – blech -- and thanks her for believing in her. (Thereby proving that you can, in fact, BS a BSer.) For now! says the Demented One pointedly.
Meanwhile, at the church:
Fausto frets to Juan Pablo that he hasn’t had time to warn Eva about his outburst to Bernarda. But PJP is more concerned about Fausto’s own safety. Let his mother find another super for the vecindad – Fausto can stay in the parochial school where he, Padre Jerónimo and the boys can protect him. As for the job of protecting María ya no D:
¡Lo haré yo!
(I’ll do it!)
Then the padre sets off to see his mother. Left alone in the sacristy, Fausto kneels and prays for forgiveness. He is ready to leave his thirst for vengeance behind.
Chiaroscuro
Chiaro –
Our sweet bride Fer stretches luxuriantly in bed and tells Cruz she’s so happy, she feels like she’s dreaming. You’re not, he reassures her as he hands her a rose. Cruz wants to show her the town – it’s small but soooooo cute (requetechulo) and they can buy some food, and call their families. She smiles so fetchingly that he pulls off his boots and hops back under the covers with her.
Oscuro –
Juan Pablo confronts his mother in her office. He knows about her conversation with Fausto, he tells her. She doesn’t understand why he is so quick to believe the word of others over that of his own mother. Because, he says sadly, you lie. But he’s not there to argue. He is there to warn her: If anything happens to Fausto or Eva, he personally will denounce her to the authorities and she’ll spend the rest of her life in prison.
Chiaro –
A bucolic tableau. Fer and Cruz sit on the grass. A beautiful white horse stands behind them. Fer remembers her fantasy of being swept away by her Prince Charming (principe azul) riding in on his white horse – and now her dream has come true. Sing me the song you sang at her wedding, she asks her prince. And he does. Awwwww.
Cruz carries his light as a feather florecita into the little store in the pueblo.
And meanwhile in the DF:
Juan Pablo has made it back to the church and finds Max waiting for him in the sacristy. Max invites JP to a special comida at the family home. Sure thing, says JP. What’s the occasion? Before Max can answer, his cell phone rings: It’s Dr. Heri and he wants to talk to him about Leonela.
The owners of Casa Sandoval are enjoying a rare moment of domestic contentment as they smile at each other over the breakfast table. Osvaldo answers the phone with his mouth full and Cruz, on the other end of the line, jokes that he must have dialed the wrong number because it sounds like a dog is talking. Then Fer takes the phone. Os, mouth still stuffed, chokes and coughs and Victoria finally takes over. Giggles all around as Os recovers. Father-daughter banter. Fer tells Daddy he's still her favorite guy. He tells her she can't fool him:
¡No me des atole con el dedo!
All is well.
Alonso has finally agreed to have some lab tests done. PJP, who has accompanied him to the hospital, is amused to learn that the same man who has gone fearlessly into the jungle for photo shoots, is deathly afraid of needles, tourniquets and blood (lo de la aguja y la liga y la sangre – todo eso). That’s a big, honkin’ needle, says Alonso dubiously as the tech prepares to draw his blood. PJP puts a comforting hand on his shoulder and tells him not to move.
Now Millie gets a call from the newlyweds and the whole vecindad gang gathers around the communal phone to hear the latest. Don Joel tells her to pass along a message to Cruz: Televisa has called several times looking for him. If they call again, says Cruz, tell them I’ll get in touch when I get back from my honeymoon.
Before she hangs up, Millie gives her nephew a long and scary blessing which might make a lesser man afraid to get out of bed in the morning.
The (in)action moves back to Casa Sandoval. Osvaldo has told Oscar about Padilla’s latest attack on Victoria. It has to be handled with discretion but Os is determined to make Padilla answer for what he did. Oscar assures Os he’ll keep the matter confidential.
There’s something else Osvaldo needs to know, says Oscar. It’s about the theater. Blah blah blah -- legal crap – blah blah blah. Bottom line: Gui’s probably going to able to produce his play. But Oscar’s still on the case and working to recover Osvaldo’s money.
Now Oscar has a favor to ask: He and Antonieta are getting married. Will Vic and Os be their witnesses?
Toni is asking the same thing of Vic. Toni’s kind of nervous about this marriage stuff – neither she nor Oscar has ever lived with anyone else. Ms. Ruffo, consummate professional that she is, manages to keep a straight face when she assures Toni that:
Cuando hay amor, todo se puede.
(When there’s love, you can do anything.)
Suddenly Victoria experiences a spasm. She doubles over and gasps – oh this treatment… they weren’t able to get rid of the cancer completely…
Which thought brings us back to subjects medical -- but this time, it’s Alonso, not Vic, who is the patient. I thought you were going to faint right there in the lab, PJP tells Alonso laughingly.
JP reminds him the results will be back later today. Alonso promises he’ll go back to pick them up but now he wants to talk about what really matters: How is María Desamparada? Forget her, says PJP. And then he patiently repeats the litany: She’s not for you. She loves Max with all her heart. She has a child with him. Accept it – it’s not your destiny to be with her.
But Alonso won’t accept it – he’d rather die! And to the advice that he find another girl: There is no other girl for him. He needs his ternura!
Heriberto is now the official Go-To Guy for the familia Sandoval:
The two hunky cubanos, Max and Dr. Heri, hunker down and talk. Dr. Heri thinks Max is doing the right thing by Leonela. They agree that alcoholism, like all addictions, hurts not just the addict but everyone around that person. Heri warns him that addicts often behave selfishly, insensitive to how they are affecting others. Max will have to confront the issue of relapses and the suffering that goes along with them.
The object of their concern is right now receiving a visitor:
Guillermo shows up at Leonela’s hotel suite brandishing a document – Bernie’s lawyers have gotten him permission to use the theater on the date they need. Gui, being not just an ordinary bastard but a pretentious bastard, proceeds to rant about Sun Tzu and The Art of War:
If you’re ten times more powerful than your enemy, surround him;
if you’re five times more powerful, attack him;
if two times more powerful, divide him;
and if you’re equals, engage him:
That’s what we’ll do, says Gui – we’ll open on the day we planned even if it makes Osvaldo furious.
Leonela laughs delightedly, they kiss and leave to celebrate their triumph.
What happens next is so dirty they have to do it in the tub. Double. Bubble. Bath. Faces. Nails. Ya basta.
The docs in the hospital are shaking their heads over Alonso’s lab results and hoping the guy takes them to his own doctor right away. Serious stuff.
Alonso himself walks in the park where he first met M ya no D and continues to obsess about his ternura.
I guess bubblebaths give Leonela an appetite. She tells Gui to take her to the Best Restaurant in Mexico. He warns her not to drink. And she warns him not to try to tell her what to do.
It’s all happy happy at the new Casa Victoria. Love is in the air. Pip and Toni are glad to see María and little Juan Pablo, both dressed in their Sunday best for the special comida Max has planned. Toni reminds María that she is invited to her upcoming wedding.
Max arrives at the hotel looking for Leonela and he’s upset when the manager tells him she went out. Max figures she must be with Gui – who else? He decides to ask Dr. Heri for help.
Alonso picks up his test results at the lab. The nurse passes along the hospital doctor’s advice: Show these to your doctor right away!
What makes this comida different from all other comidas?
Victoria and Osvaldo, handsomely turned out for the occasion, wait for Max to get home. They are curious about the reason for this special meal. They are surprised when Padre Juan Pablo arrives at the door, and then more so when Max himself shows up with María and little Juan Pablo. Everyone smiles. Vic asks if she can hold the baby. María hesitates a moment and then agrees, putting the child in her arms.
Max takes the floor: I wanted to let you know -- I’d like to marry María Desamparada as soon as possible. And I wanted the whole family present when I asked for the hand of the woman I love.
Whoa… Victoria is confused. María Desamparada is an orphan and doesn’t have a family. Just whose permission is Max looking for?
Max answers by turning to PJP: Padre, will you give me MD’s hand in marriage?
Now Victoria is really bewildered. Why is Max asking PJP?
Because, answers Max, he’s her father; Padre Juan Pablo is María Desamparada’s father.
Victoria’s face is a canvas of changing emotions as understanding dawns… if Juan Pablo is María Desamparada’s father…
Part Two
Now it’s Max’s turn to be confused. He sees that Victoria is overwhelmed by emotion. Why?????
It is PJP who breaks the spell:
Yo soy como su padre, su padre confesor ...
(I’m like her father, her confessor …)
Then he turns to María: ... her spiritual guide, he concludes.
Max laughs incredulously and asks: What are you talking about, Father? But now MD chimes in and says yes, PJP has always been like a father to me.
And we watch the joy drain out of Victoria’s face as it turns to stone. She hands off the baby to Micaela. Then she faces Max. Listen, she says, I’ll be honest with you. I won’t try to stop you because I know you’ll go ahead with your plans, no matter what I say. But let me make this clear:
Aunque la tolero, yo no la quiero – mucho menos la quiero como tu esposa.
(I may tolerate her but I don’t like her – especially not as your wife.)
María is wounded and furious at these words: So what you said to me when my son was missing – those pretty words of consolation – they were false?
I was hurting because of Max, Victoria answers coldly.
No, says María – you just felt sorry for yourself because it reminded you of your own lost daughter.
María continues lashing out: I’m glad you lost your daughter. You didn’t deserve her! And if God hasn’t granted your prayer, it means you still don’t deserve her -- that you’ll never find her!
Shut up, screams Vic. And wham! She slaps her hard. Get out of my house!
Don’t you dare hit me ever again, answers María with cold rage, because the next time, I’ll hit you back! I never want to see you again! And you’ll never see my son again!
You can’t keep me from seeing my grandson, retorts Vic. And María answers icily:
Ese niño no es nada suyo porque Max no es su hijo biológico.
(That child is unrelated to you because Max isn’t your biological son.)
There’s no blood tie between you!
Now Victoria spits out her final venom: I don’t know why JP had to take so much trouble with you – you’re just a poor orphan, one of so many…
The same arrogant woman as always, says María. Being here disgusts me, she tells Victoria and she goes off to get her son. PJP follows her.
And now at last Max has seen – really seen and been wounded by – the arrogance – la soberbia -- of Señora Victoria Sandoval. He too follows María out of the room.
Osvaldo glares at Victoria. Hell. We all glare at Victoria. But also at Juan Pablo for letting this ugly scene play out.
We need to get out of that house for a moment. Let’s take a peek at the Televisa studios – Millie and the Jarochas have just arrived and are shlepping through the lot looking for the contest stage.
In some circles, soberbia – high and mightiness -- is a quality to be desired:
At Casa Bernarda, Luciano is thrilled that Ximena’s very appearance cries out “soberbia”; and Xi – with a model I don’t know -- is buttering up Luciano – he’s the Best Designer in Mexico, he’s so handsome… They wheedle a lunch invitation out of him. To the Best Restaurant in Mexico, natch.
Take a cleansing breath. Okay. Back at Casa Sandoval, Max, with little Osvaldo in his arms, announces he is leaving. He still loves Victoria – that’s the worst thing about it! But he’ll be living with Leonela in an apartment until he and María are married. If Vic doesn’t want to see the woman he loves, well, she won’t see Max either.
Victoria is left alone to weep.
Let’s spend some time in the Best -- and by Best, we mean Most Expensive -- Restaurant in the city. Over here are the brilliant thespians, Leo and Gui. And over there, are the fashion glitterati, Xi and Luciano. Xi stands up and introduces Luciano to the room at large. She toasts him with champagne (and we wonder, ever hopeful, if she is still taking the pills that interact fatally with alcohol).
Now Xi suggests sending a glass of champagne over to Leo and Gui’s table. Luciano will do her one better – he trots over and places the glass in Leonela’s hand. Gui tries to intervene but Leo insists that refusing would be an insult to Luciano. But before she can bring the glass to her lips –
Dr. Heri appears! Magically. Like something out of Harry Potter! He strides up to the table and takes the glass away from Leonela. Not a single drop, he tells her. To the others he explains: I’m her doctor.
Leonela surprises everyone with her reaction: Let’s celebrate, she says. But without alcohol!
Time out for some characters who aren’t sociopaths:
Luci has her suitcases packed. She’s moving out of the apartment, she tells Fabián, because she knows he doesn’t share her feelings. Fab is.. you know … confused. And hurting from Fer’s wedding. He persuades Luci to stick around while they sort out their feelings for one another.
And back on the ranch:
Fer confides to Cruz that she’s afraid he’ll get tired of having a paralítica for a wife. He scoffs at the thought – he’ll never tire of her. What they have will last a lifetime. Having a child together would make their happiness complete, she tells him.
Had enough normal? Back to Bernie:
Bernarda thinks about her latest murder – el Alacrán – and then JP’s threat to turn her in to the police. She has to reconcile with her son, she tells herself.
Her son, meanwhile, pleads with María ya no D to cut Victoria some slack. She tried, she says, but you heard her: She tolerates me but she doesn’t like me.
Max is still at Casa Sandoval saying his goodbyes to Osvaldo. He explains his reasons and plans. Osvaldo warns him that Leonela may be a bad influence on him. Os doesn’t believe she has really changed:
Arbol que nace torcido jamás sus ramas se enderezan.
(A tree that’s born twisted never grows straight. As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.)
In the Best Restaurant in Mexico, Ximena and Luciano have joined Gui and Leo; and Dr. Heri has taken his place at the table. Xi turns to Heri and asks maliciously:
So you’re the one who did Fer’s surgery?
Yes, he says, and unfortunately the results weren’t what we hoped for.
Now Gui snorts and says: Maybe because the doctors didn’t know what they were doing.
Leonela contradicts him: I don’t think so, Guillermo. Sometimes doctors find themselves faced with impossible cases…
That’s true, agrees Dr. Heri.
Now Leo brightens and suggests they talk about happier things. She turns her charm on Luciano and asks him if he’d like to design the wardrobe for her upcoming show – she’s Desdemona in Gui’s production of Othello. Desdemona – she gets killed, doesn’t she? asks Xi. And then adds: Watch out: Guillermo likes to kill actresses. And Gui rejoins: Yeah, like you like to kill your rivals.
And somehow, Dr. Heri knows these two aren't joking.
Leonela and Ximena have a staring contest.
The crowd at the Televisa hall is in a festive mood as they wait for the contest to get started. Ay caray! One of the Jarochas goes rogue! She runs up on the stage and kisses the host, Adal Ramones.
At the hospital, a doctor remarks that Alonso’s test results were worse than they expected.
Oblivious Al, far from following the advice to see his doctor right away, hasn’t even opened the envelope with the test results. And then, when he gets distracted by a phone call – it’s someone named Carmona who wants another Lovely Cosmetics commercial – he drops the envelope without even noticing.
Guillermo takes Leonela back to her suite at the Casa Vieja.
He’s pleased with the way she handled herself but not so pleased with that metiche, Dr. Heri. Gui tries to get … um .. chummy … but Leonela’s not in the mood. She is in the mood to gloat, though. Now – after hearing Xi say that he likes to kill actresses -- she’s sure Gui is a murderer. So what? he says. So are you! Yeah, but I’ve paid for my crime, she smirks.
Back on the ranch, Cruz and Fer daydream about having a child and they imagine all the things Cruz will teach him to make him todo un ranchero. Fer reminds him he needs to finish his studies in the DF. He knows. After the honeymoon, they’ll be moving back to the city – he has a cozy little place ready for them in the vecindad – María and Nati helped him furnish it.
At the church, Juan Pablo is with Jero and he is lamenting Victoria’s blindness to the miracle God put right before her. ( I’m no theologian, but it seems to me Juan Pablo himself is the Miracle Blocker here.) That is the cue for Bernie’s entrance and uninvited explanation: It’s because God doesn’t want Victoria to find her daughter.
Eva may be little but man, she’s lethal. She tears into Fausto for telling Bernie the truth and calls him a coward for not following through on his plan for vengeance. And he’s also a coward for not telling María Desamparada that he loves her.
Fausto knows Eva is mocking him. He remembers what his mother taught him -- don’t harm others; love thy neighbor as thyself. He wishes Eva well but he and she are following different paths now. He’ll be going to the parish school. Is he going to become a priest? He hasn’t yet decided.
Speaking of priests –
Bernarda rudely dismisses Padre Jerónimo. Once she and JP are alone, she promises him that she won’t do anything to harm Eva and Fausto.
Toni, now with Vic at Casa Sandoval, speaks plainly to her friend: Victoria was wrong to say what she did to María. Vic won’t back down though. She mutters that she won’t be a hypocrite; she was just speaking the truth. Maybe, says Toni, but this time Max isn’t going to sacrifice his happiness. (¡Dios te oiga, Toni!)
And maybe he really isn’t (going to sacrifice his happiness, that is). Because when he shows up at María’s place, little Osvaldo in arms, he brushes aside her worries about his family coming between them. Not this time, he tells her. Nothing will come between us. You are the love of my life. Nothing is more important than you.
But I never want to see Victoria again, María tells him. And I don’t want her near our son. He’s willing to accept that. But right now he and little Os have a surprise for her: clutched in Osvaldo’s fat little baby hand is a ring. Max asks: Will you be my wife?
Cue the kayak
Labels: triunfo
Comments:
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OMFG I'm so mad at JP for not telling Vic that Maria is her daughter.But I was also mad at Vic because she was such a huge witch to Maria. She really has no reason not to like that girl.And even if she still doesn't like Maria she didn't have to say all that extra stuff. I don't blame Max for moving out.
Can't wait till we get a X-factor Leo show down.I thought I needed to wash my eyes and mind with bleach after watching that bathtub love scence.EWWWWWWW
So I think that Leo has a little crush on the velvet voiced doctor.But who could blame her? Those eyes and that voice......
Paige
Can't wait till we get a X-factor Leo show down.I thought I needed to wash my eyes and mind with bleach after watching that bathtub love scence.EWWWWWWW
So I think that Leo has a little crush on the velvet voiced doctor.But who could blame her? Those eyes and that voice......
Paige
Permalink posted by 
: Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:49:00 PM EDT
: Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:49:00 PM EDT
What.the.hell.
PJP is an idiot.
How many rings is Maria going to get from Max? Obviously rings mean nothing. Marry her NOW.
PJP is an idiot.
How many rings is Maria going to get from Max? Obviously rings mean nothing. Marry her NOW.
what is going on????? I couldnt believe the old Vitoria is back.
Maria is not good for Max but Cruz is good for Fer..
Come on...
Maria is not good for Max but Cruz is good for Fer..
Come on...
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:15:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:15:00 AM EDT
Hey Paige and Sara,
I share your pain :) I was completely blindsided by PJP's behavior.
Sara, glad you liked the Sandoval seder!
I share your pain :) I was completely blindsided by PJP's behavior.
Sara, glad you liked the Sandoval seder!
PJP should have just fessed up to being Maria's father. That's his truth to tell, it has nothing to do with Victoria. What I mean by that is he might be prohibited to tell Victoria's, but he's not prohibited to tell his. If the two coincide, oh well.
Cruz + Fer vs. Maria + Max:
Cruz doesn't remind Victoria of herself. That's how he can be good enough for Fernanda.
Maria is a humble orphan single mom of dubious background, just like Victoria. Maria reminds Victoria too much of herself. IMO every time she insults Maria she is distancing herself from what she used to be: a humble orphan single mom from dubious background.
Also, Victoria doesn't have the semi-incestous relationship with Fernanda that she has with Max.
Cruz + Fer vs. Maria + Max:
Cruz doesn't remind Victoria of herself. That's how he can be good enough for Fernanda.
Maria is a humble orphan single mom of dubious background, just like Victoria. Maria reminds Victoria too much of herself. IMO every time she insults Maria she is distancing herself from what she used to be: a humble orphan single mom from dubious background.
Also, Victoria doesn't have the semi-incestous relationship with Fernanda that she has with Max.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:58:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:58:00 AM EDT
Novela Maven, thanks for the wrap-up on the "almost" events. Frustrating.
Aww, sweet little Fausto, choosing the side of the angels. Hope that works out for him.
And Alonso would rather die than give up Maria? I guess we should take that as a hint, especially since he seems to have no interest in the condition of his condition.
When Cruz was happily singing the wedding reception song all over again, I couldn't help noticing that it was complete with backup singers. Was that the trees and flowers singing along, the white horse, or what?
La Paloma
Aww, sweet little Fausto, choosing the side of the angels. Hope that works out for him.
And Alonso would rather die than give up Maria? I guess we should take that as a hint, especially since he seems to have no interest in the condition of his condition.
When Cruz was happily singing the wedding reception song all over again, I couldn't help noticing that it was complete with backup singers. Was that the trees and flowers singing along, the white horse, or what?
La Paloma
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:12:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:12:00 AM EDT
What a quick write up. Thank you. I could not believe hour 2 of last night's episode. Is Juan Pablo a priest when he wants to be? I thought that scene when it's about to be revealed he's the father was the top weirdest moment on this TN. I was so annoyed I switched the channel to watch the finale of Reina. I have never watched one episode of Reina, but it made more sense to me than Triunfo did last night. Incredibly unbelievable. Juan Pablo was unbelievable, and Victoria what was that about, came out of left field!
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 6:49:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 6:49:00 AM EDT
...T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U. sooooo much for the recap... i absolutely appreciate it... tnx for the detailed conversation on Casa Sandoval...
OMG!..what just happened to PJP?! Why did he deny that he's the biological padre of MD?!! Wat the hell..!..
What's happening with Victoria?! why is she sooo angry at Maria? IDK wat to do with Vic, already.. when she finds out that MD is her daughter, i'm not sure if she's worthy to be forgiven for all the things she had done to MD...
GO MAX! yeah, ur clever in this epi..haha!.. btw, how many rings does Max wanna give MD?.. . come on, we're all tired of engagement rings...He MUST MARRY her AHORA MISMO...
NovelaMaven, tnx sooo much for the recap (again)..
:)
OMG!..what just happened to PJP?! Why did he deny that he's the biological padre of MD?!! Wat the hell..!..
What's happening with Victoria?! why is she sooo angry at Maria? IDK wat to do with Vic, already.. when she finds out that MD is her daughter, i'm not sure if she's worthy to be forgiven for all the things she had done to MD...
GO MAX! yeah, ur clever in this epi..haha!.. btw, how many rings does Max wanna give MD?.. . come on, we're all tired of engagement rings...He MUST MARRY her AHORA MISMO...
NovelaMaven, tnx sooo much for the recap (again)..
:)
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 7:29:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 7:29:00 AM EDT
NovelaMaven - Thank you for the recap...er...recrap. Great title and I *love* your sub-headings, too. LOL
I was so frustrated last night with how things went! Where do I begin...
JP is dead to me. That coward! WHY on earth he covered up the paternity identity is beyond me. It's not like HE was spilling the confessional beans. Gah!
He is just as bad as his demented mother, playing "god" with the world and peoples' lives. Well, he really is as bad as his mother because he's an accessory to her crimes at this point, since he has not turned her in. Gah!
Okay... beanie hat is now in place. I knew it had to be too soon for Vic to discover Maria is her daughter. Normally those factoids are saved for ultimas capitulos.
Dr. Voice rescues Leo from Xi/Gui. Well done!
Alonso is a dead man. Has to be. He doesn't even want to know what's wrong with him.
I was so frustrated last night with how things went! Where do I begin...
JP is dead to me. That coward! WHY on earth he covered up the paternity identity is beyond me. It's not like HE was spilling the confessional beans. Gah!
He is just as bad as his demented mother, playing "god" with the world and peoples' lives. Well, he really is as bad as his mother because he's an accessory to her crimes at this point, since he has not turned her in. Gah!
Okay... beanie hat is now in place. I knew it had to be too soon for Vic to discover Maria is her daughter. Normally those factoids are saved for ultimas capitulos.
Dr. Voice rescues Leo from Xi/Gui. Well done!
Alonso is a dead man. Has to be. He doesn't even want to know what's wrong with him.
Turdo-del-amor did it again I pretty much never watch this TN knowing full well how dumb it is but I saw the commercials over the weekend I was sucked in.
The whole stupid story line or the most "relevant" secret in this novela is for dumb ass Victoria to find out she's Maria D's mother so here I am like a total dumb a** all excited finally TdA is gonna get good.
PJP is Marias father oh but wait only in theory spirit lol and Victoria goes nuts pulls a 180 and HATES Maria all over again hahahaha when just a couple of seconds earlier she was seriously thinking she looking into the eyes of her long lost baby gurl OMG what a waste of over an hour. Of my time.
I love how this novela turns into a musical from time to time I forgot just how embarrassing this TN really is.
The whole stupid story line or the most "relevant" secret in this novela is for dumb ass Victoria to find out she's Maria D's mother so here I am like a total dumb a** all excited finally TdA is gonna get good.
PJP is Marias father oh but wait only in theory spirit lol and Victoria goes nuts pulls a 180 and HATES Maria all over again hahahaha when just a couple of seconds earlier she was seriously thinking she looking into the eyes of her long lost baby gurl OMG what a waste of over an hour. Of my time.
I love how this novela turns into a musical from time to time I forgot just how embarrassing this TN really is.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 8:43:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 8:43:00 AM EDT
Tks so much NM, tough work.
Reminders
Cristina tonight 9PM EST on telemundo
Alborada 10PM EST on telefutura
Reminders
Cristina tonight 9PM EST on telemundo
Alborada 10PM EST on telefutura
WTF??? I can't believe JP backed off this time. The only justifiable explanation he could offer is that Victoria isn't strong enough yet for this kind of a shock.
I think he finally gave up on his mother, but not completely. One more crime to go?
Here's hoping Osvaldo follows up on this.
I'm not a fan of infants, but the two baby boys were adorable.
And we almost lose our cookies when a bubble bath leaves us all feeling a little dirty.
Brilliant.
As the rest of this Teatro des Absurdoros plays out, anyone else think that Fer could become embarazada and as soon as little Cruz is born she will walk again?
I think he finally gave up on his mother, but not completely. One more crime to go?
Here's hoping Osvaldo follows up on this.
I'm not a fan of infants, but the two baby boys were adorable.
And we almost lose our cookies when a bubble bath leaves us all feeling a little dirty.
Brilliant.
As the rest of this Teatro des Absurdoros plays out, anyone else think that Fer could become embarazada and as soon as little Cruz is born she will walk again?
Looks like we are all in sync vis a vis PJP and his eternal cowardice. That scene should be called 4 dolts and shrew. WTH when the opening was there, didn't he just nod. But no he tosses in all that bull pucky about being her spiritual advisor. And WTH was the matter with both Max and Maria agreeing. How stupid can you get. I wanted to line them all up with Os and smack them, then backhand them and hope their heads would knock together and make them think. Os who usually has a few brain cells working didn't even have a thought bubble and put two and tow together.
As for Vic I think her flip out was disappointment that once again she might have been so close. Does no one notice the physical resemblance between M & V as well as their shared volatility and viperish tongues. I was glad I didn't have a gun handy or I might have shot my TV I was so furious.
Bernie shut up, shut up, shut up about your sainted son and his sin. With the state of the church today I hardly think parishioners would be deserting in droves because the good padre had a child before he took his vows.
Spare me anymore of the horse bound honeymoon, the horror of Mexican Idol, and God knows more of Alonso's obsession. How novela typical that he has the envelope and of course drops it where some snoop, probably Maria will open it. Then we'll get more of mad, moronic Max throwing jealous fits while she encourages Alsonso.
Nice touch about the Cubans chatting. Too bad one of them constantly talks like he has a mouthful of oatmeal. Those 20 plus years CE has lived in Mexico has really erased his accent and he has such beautiful clear diction.
I can barely bring myself to comment on the dual bubble bath. Mejia is raising to yuck factor Juan Osorio levels.
How nice that Lucy can pack all her worldly goods into two suitcases. I use that many for a week end trip.
Actually the only good thing about last night was the two babies smiling at each other.
As for Vic I think her flip out was disappointment that once again she might have been so close. Does no one notice the physical resemblance between M & V as well as their shared volatility and viperish tongues. I was glad I didn't have a gun handy or I might have shot my TV I was so furious.
Bernie shut up, shut up, shut up about your sainted son and his sin. With the state of the church today I hardly think parishioners would be deserting in droves because the good padre had a child before he took his vows.
Spare me anymore of the horse bound honeymoon, the horror of Mexican Idol, and God knows more of Alonso's obsession. How novela typical that he has the envelope and of course drops it where some snoop, probably Maria will open it. Then we'll get more of mad, moronic Max throwing jealous fits while she encourages Alsonso.
Nice touch about the Cubans chatting. Too bad one of them constantly talks like he has a mouthful of oatmeal. Those 20 plus years CE has lived in Mexico has really erased his accent and he has such beautiful clear diction.
I can barely bring myself to comment on the dual bubble bath. Mejia is raising to yuck factor Juan Osorio levels.
How nice that Lucy can pack all her worldly goods into two suitcases. I use that many for a week end trip.
Actually the only good thing about last night was the two babies smiling at each other.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 10:39:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 10:39:00 AM EDT
I kept wondering if Mejia could ruin this novela anymore than he has already and boy did last night's episode confirm that this guy should never be able to produce another novela ever in the rest of his lifetime. WTF! He just totally made Victoria a total nut job who seemed liked she forgave Maria D. last week. Like it's been said PJP useless and i would lock him because he now knows what his mother is capable of doing and i see him as a accessory to her crimes because he has the knowledge of what she has done and not all of it was by confessional.
He has some nerve to plead with Maria D. to once again to forgive that psychotic mother of hers. Here he had front row seats to see how Victoria has treated and talked to Maria D. and he begs his daughter to forgive that no way.
Bravo to Maria D. for all that she said to Victoria the only thing i would have changed is i would have slapped her back. She's been slapped by the psycho heifer far too many times.
Bravo to Max he should have done this long before they went on the Miami trip and also resigned too. The only thing is Max will still see his nasty step mother because he still works with her.I know that if he did this earlier there wouldn't be a novela but wow this novela is just so unbelievable.No wonder it looks like they are trying to end it as quickly as possible here.
He has some nerve to plead with Maria D. to once again to forgive that psychotic mother of hers. Here he had front row seats to see how Victoria has treated and talked to Maria D. and he begs his daughter to forgive that no way.
Bravo to Maria D. for all that she said to Victoria the only thing i would have changed is i would have slapped her back. She's been slapped by the psycho heifer far too many times.
Bravo to Max he should have done this long before they went on the Miami trip and also resigned too. The only thing is Max will still see his nasty step mother because he still works with her.I know that if he did this earlier there wouldn't be a novela but wow this novela is just so unbelievable.No wonder it looks like they are trying to end it as quickly as possible here.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 10:49:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 10:49:00 AM EDT
NovelaMaven, yet another of your marvelous recaps. My favorite line is actually one of your headings:
"Time out for some characters who aren’t sociopaths:"
Excellent.
That scene with Maria, Padre JP, Ozzy, and Vicky was not only maddening and frustrating but was completely implausible.
How is it possible that everyone present didn't finally realize the truth? Why did Maria go along with Padre JP? Why didn't Ozzy speak up?
Why didn't Max insist on clarification?
Finally, why did Vicky seem surprised that Max wants to marry Maria... wasn't that the plan all along? I thought that she had already reluctantly accepted that.
Carlos
"Time out for some characters who aren’t sociopaths:"
Excellent.
That scene with Maria, Padre JP, Ozzy, and Vicky was not only maddening and frustrating but was completely implausible.
How is it possible that everyone present didn't finally realize the truth? Why did Maria go along with Padre JP? Why didn't Ozzy speak up?
Why didn't Max insist on clarification?
Finally, why did Vicky seem surprised that Max wants to marry Maria... wasn't that the plan all along? I thought that she had already reluctantly accepted that.
Carlos
Obviously we have the return of the brain dead but the character that is currently peeving me the most is PJP. By his actions and especially last night he is making it virtually impossible for Maria and Vic to ever have the kind of relationship that both of them want and need. His silence and retreat last night was unforgivable. He is only telling Maria to forgive Vic because he knows he is in the wrong and it's the same thing when he tell Padre Jerry about Vic's pride.
I've given up hope that anyone will ever add two and two. I can only think that someone is going to need a blood transfusion either vic or the baby for the truth to come out. At the end of every episode i keep waiting for the magic words final weeks or yet even better final chapters.
I've given up hope that anyone will ever add two and two. I can only think that someone is going to need a blood transfusion either vic or the baby for the truth to come out. At the end of every episode i keep waiting for the magic words final weeks or yet even better final chapters.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:06:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:06:00 PM EDT
LOL! ROTFLOL! At all your reactions.
I didn't watch the show last night. We had some friends over to watch the finale of La Reina del Sur, so I had it on Los Herederos (more like los braindead!) before. At one point DH asked me - this is not what you usually watch, why don't you put it on the other one? I told him the other was just as bad. Switched - aaaargh!!!! Just in time to see Gui in the bubble bath with Leonela. Qué horror! I told my husband "See! bleech!" and switched right back. Our friends were totally cracking up.
So the "reveal" was a big tease. Surprise! (Not)
How many episodes are left? I don't think they can leave the "Maria is your daughter, Victoria" until the last minute, because I would expect at least 2 weeks of Victoria groveling in the dirt asking forgiveness for her horrid behavior, and that has to be preceded by an episode or two of denial, I would think. So, maybe a month before the finale?
Audrey
I didn't watch the show last night. We had some friends over to watch the finale of La Reina del Sur, so I had it on Los Herederos (more like los braindead!) before. At one point DH asked me - this is not what you usually watch, why don't you put it on the other one? I told him the other was just as bad. Switched - aaaargh!!!! Just in time to see Gui in the bubble bath with Leonela. Qué horror! I told my husband "See! bleech!" and switched right back. Our friends were totally cracking up.
So the "reveal" was a big tease. Surprise! (Not)
How many episodes are left? I don't think they can leave the "Maria is your daughter, Victoria" until the last minute, because I would expect at least 2 weeks of Victoria groveling in the dirt asking forgiveness for her horrid behavior, and that has to be preceded by an episode or two of denial, I would think. So, maybe a month before the finale?
Audrey
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:22:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:22:00 PM EDT
According the wikipedia this TN has 176 episodes and is scheduled to end June 26 in Mexico.
So we should have 38 episodes left. Anyone know how much longer the 2 hour showings will continue?
Audrey
So we should have 38 episodes left. Anyone know how much longer the 2 hour showings will continue?
Audrey
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:41:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12:41:00 PM EDT
According to my TV listings, next week TdA is going back to one hour, and Teresa to 2 hours.
Thanks for a very entertaining recap. I'm getting really fed up with the plot in a pointless stall but the recaps never disappoint.
Thanks for a very entertaining recap. I'm getting really fed up with the plot in a pointless stall but the recaps never disappoint.
NM--In which: You almost rendered me speechless!
It was a totally disgusting 2 hours and a totally hilarious recap and comments. Meh-jia deserves all the raspberries viewerville can produce.
Now that PJP, Maria and Max closed the door on a perfect opportunity to open everything up we get strung along with more nonsense. It's not even suspensful any more, just dang frustrating.
We could still have had the revelation and some more twists and turns. And geesh, we still care about the other storylines to keep watching the remaining episodes.
My fear is that we're going to end up not caring one whit about Max and Maria's wedding--where we only hope the two baby boys are dressed appropriately for a big church wedding.
The only way they left us for Vic to find out Maria is her daughter is on her deathbed (cancer spread, treatment didn't work). Since no one who knows bits and pieces of the story will talk to each other, ONLY Bernarda can reveal it either by releasing PJP from his silence, or PJer to whisper it to Vic during extreme unction, 'cause we know Burnie won't do it voluntarily. Well, maybe if that's the only way she can get her PJP back.
It's hot, sunny, 90F and humid out, but I think I need to get out in the garden and sweat a bit just to get rid of some of this excess frustration.
NOK
It was a totally disgusting 2 hours and a totally hilarious recap and comments. Meh-jia deserves all the raspberries viewerville can produce.
Now that PJP, Maria and Max closed the door on a perfect opportunity to open everything up we get strung along with more nonsense. It's not even suspensful any more, just dang frustrating.
We could still have had the revelation and some more twists and turns. And geesh, we still care about the other storylines to keep watching the remaining episodes.
My fear is that we're going to end up not caring one whit about Max and Maria's wedding--where we only hope the two baby boys are dressed appropriately for a big church wedding.
The only way they left us for Vic to find out Maria is her daughter is on her deathbed (cancer spread, treatment didn't work). Since no one who knows bits and pieces of the story will talk to each other, ONLY Bernarda can reveal it either by releasing PJP from his silence, or PJer to whisper it to Vic during extreme unction, 'cause we know Burnie won't do it voluntarily. Well, maybe if that's the only way she can get her PJP back.
It's hot, sunny, 90F and humid out, but I think I need to get out in the garden and sweat a bit just to get rid of some of this excess frustration.
NOK
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:23:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:23:00 PM EDT
Based on Sara & Julia's info I'm extrapolating a July 15 ending or thereabouts.
Audrey
Audrey
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:32:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:32:00 PM EDT
I'm also fed up with 1 hr, then 2 hrs, as I'm sure the recappers are. Recrapping this mierda is hard enough. I guess I've lowered my standards, I still don't find this one near as bad as FELS.
I think WL's diction problems are due to spending more than half his life in Miami, spanglish.
I think it was only a 1 slap night, Victoria/Maria.
Don't know how they could all stand around & listen to Victoria's verbal abuse of Maria. Oh maldita, I keep forgetting, it's Mejia.
I think WL's diction problems are due to spending more than half his life in Miami, spanglish.
I think it was only a 1 slap night, Victoria/Maria.
Don't know how they could all stand around & listen to Victoria's verbal abuse of Maria. Oh maldita, I keep forgetting, it's Mejia.
I hope Victoria dies without ever finding out who her daughter is. She deserves it at this point.
I still don't get why PJP can't tell everyone that Maria is Vic's daughter. How many people know now that he is her real father? If he can say that, why can't he also say that if he's the father, Victoria is her mother, since that information comes directly from his own history and is not a confessional secret. I know it's ungentlemanly to discuss one's intimacies, but enough already.
I still don't get why PJP can't tell everyone that Maria is Vic's daughter. How many people know now that he is her real father? If he can say that, why can't he also say that if he's the father, Victoria is her mother, since that information comes directly from his own history and is not a confessional secret. I know it's ungentlemanly to discuss one's intimacies, but enough already.
I heard that Don Francisco's 10PM show comes back next week. I can't stand him.
I'd rather have 2 hours of Teresa but I wish they'd bring back Mujeres Asesinas.
The other versions of this series:
Cristal (1985) 246 episodes -- IMDB says they're 60 minutes
EPDA (1998): 155 episodes
Crystal (2006, Brazil): unknown
Sacrificio de Mujer (2010): 101 episodes
176 doesn't sound outrageous.
I'd rather have 2 hours of Teresa but I wish they'd bring back Mujeres Asesinas.
The other versions of this series:
Cristal (1985) 246 episodes -- IMDB says they're 60 minutes
EPDA (1998): 155 episodes
Crystal (2006, Brazil): unknown
Sacrificio de Mujer (2010): 101 episodes
176 doesn't sound outrageous.
They can't have PJP say he's the father, because they have to let Victoria come charging into Maria's apartment, see the crucifix, ask her who gave it to her, etc etc blah blah.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:45:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:45:00 PM EDT
Well, I hope they do bring back Don Francisco's crapola and make all the telenovelas one hour per night, as is civilized and reasonable. I can't stand to miss Teresa, because it's so good, but two hours per night is too much. I can't not watch TdA, either (or at least skim through), because I love Fer and Cruz and also now have morbid curiosity about how bad the rest can get. Whereas Don Francisco I cannot stand, so will feel no desire to watch.
I believe next week TDA will be back at regular time 9pm.
I saw a comercial for Don Francisco starting next monday at 10pm.
I just want to see how long Max will be mad at Vitoria. I also hope that when Maria finds out that Vitoria is her mother she makes her suffer as much she did to her
I saw a comercial for Don Francisco starting next monday at 10pm.
I just want to see how long Max will be mad at Vitoria. I also hope that when Maria finds out that Vitoria is her mother she makes her suffer as much she did to her
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:52:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:52:00 PM EDT
I'm glad some of you enjoyed the recap. Thanks, as always, for letting me know.
I KNEW today would turn into a group rant -- how could it not? Last night's episode was such a tease. Of course everything you say is true. And yet... and yet...the thing keeps me coming back. Some parts are sooooo embarrassingly bad -- like JP's tennis match head turns during "the" scene last night. Others, like the scar scene the other day, are remarkably good.
The subplots? We all have our favs. I'm a CruzyFer fan myself although I get it that some people are sick of them. And personally, I can't wait to see Carmen and the Miracles perform -- I was hoping it would be on my watch -- but I understand that a lot of folks will see it as filler and FF>>
On a selfish note -- for a recapper, the crazier the show, the broader the targets and the more fun it is to write about it.
Thanks to all of you for the great comments so far!
I KNEW today would turn into a group rant -- how could it not? Last night's episode was such a tease. Of course everything you say is true. And yet... and yet...the thing keeps me coming back. Some parts are sooooo embarrassingly bad -- like JP's tennis match head turns during "the" scene last night. Others, like the scar scene the other day, are remarkably good.
The subplots? We all have our favs. I'm a CruzyFer fan myself although I get it that some people are sick of them. And personally, I can't wait to see Carmen and the Miracles perform -- I was hoping it would be on my watch -- but I understand that a lot of folks will see it as filler and FF>>
On a selfish note -- for a recapper, the crazier the show, the broader the targets and the more fun it is to write about it.
Thanks to all of you for the great comments so far!
Julia, thanks for the information about returning to one hr. shows next week. I was planning to drop TdA in order to watch Alborada, but now I think I'll be able to stick with this to the bitter end if there's only 4 more days of 2 hr. shows. I'm sure that you recappers are relieved.
Leonela is really a tease. One minute she seems to be sincere about her desire to overcome alcohol, devote herself to being a mother to Max, and maybe even get something going with Dr. Voice... next thing you know... well you all saw...
Carlos
Leonela is really a tease. One minute she seems to be sincere about her desire to overcome alcohol, devote herself to being a mother to Max, and maybe even get something going with Dr. Voice... next thing you know... well you all saw...
Carlos
This is the worst novela I have ever seen, hands down. I thought FELS was bad! Mejia should never be allowed to produce another novela in his life - he should be locked up with Burnie.
I.Hate.Victoria. How is it that we're supposed to be able to forgive her for everything she's done? I don't think there's anything that can make me feel differently about her after this!
Also, I really wish Alonso would just die already. But from the previews it looks as though he's going to try to force himself on Maria once again and then Max has to pay him a visit. Barf.
I.Hate.Victoria. How is it that we're supposed to be able to forgive her for everything she's done? I don't think there's anything that can make me feel differently about her after this!
Also, I really wish Alonso would just die already. But from the previews it looks as though he's going to try to force himself on Maria once again and then Max has to pay him a visit. Barf.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 2:57:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 2:57:00 PM EDT
About Leonela's affair with the bottle: One of my closest friends is the daughter of an alcoholic narcissist mother. From what she has told me, this is exactly what it's like.
She will do whatever it takes to get Max's attention to the extent of making him ignore his primary responsibilities (Maria, the babies, and his work) to bail her out of her non-problems or ones of her own making. When he falters re business or family, she will blame Victoria for not raising him to have any sense of responsibility.
In other words, she's an older version of Ximeana.
She will do whatever it takes to get Max's attention to the extent of making him ignore his primary responsibilities (Maria, the babies, and his work) to bail her out of her non-problems or ones of her own making. When he falters re business or family, she will blame Victoria for not raising him to have any sense of responsibility.
In other words, she's an older version of Ximeana.
I wonder about the recent trend in creating leading characters who are so unlikable. I was so turned off by Teresa that i quit after three days and when I've caught any of it since then she is still a hateful bitch.
The Maria Vic dynamic is completely off. All I can say it that the writers must be real women haters to turn out this dreck.
The Maria Vic dynamic is completely off. All I can say it that the writers must be real women haters to turn out this dreck.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:39:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:39:00 PM EDT
ITA that those babies are precious!!! What sweet babies~!
I already don't care about Max & Maria's wedding. Does anyone really care?
I ceased to care months ago.
Meh-jía must be into personal cleanliness. The Leo/Gui bubble bath last night was gross--me-out-eeeew!
"And yet... and yet...the thing keeps me coming back."
NovelaMaven - the recaps are what keep me coming back. Our recappers rock!
IMO this 'novela is worse than FELS, if you take out the jungle sequence w/Dr. HotLips in FELS.
I already don't care about Max & Maria's wedding. Does anyone really care?
I ceased to care months ago.
Meh-jía must be into personal cleanliness. The Leo/Gui bubble bath last night was gross--me-out-eeeew!
"And yet... and yet...the thing keeps me coming back."
NovelaMaven - the recaps are what keep me coming back. Our recappers rock!
IMO this 'novela is worse than FELS, if you take out the jungle sequence w/Dr. HotLips in FELS.
If Alonso has some deadly disease, shouldn't he get that checked out so he won't transmit it to Maria or baby JP?
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:47:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:47:00 PM EDT
Which TN is FELS?
word verification: mentest
word verification: mentest
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 4:47:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 4:47:00 PM EDT
The only good thing about FELS, Fuego en la sangre, is that it is over.
We can say the same about this one in about 40 episodes. Can we take it????????
Isn't Mejia ruining Cuna de lobos, or is that on hold?
Wish I knew why actors would work for him, pay ck I know, but there has to be good producers other than Carla Estrada.
We can say the same about this one in about 40 episodes. Can we take it????????
Isn't Mejia ruining Cuna de lobos, or is that on hold?
Wish I knew why actors would work for him, pay ck I know, but there has to be good producers other than Carla Estrada.
I missed Friday and Monday, because I was out of town. I was watching this PM. The DVR makes watching so much easier. Just fast forward. Or maybe falling asleep when I watch live is better.
No, I found the best way to watch, DVR and fall asleep.
I am so frustrated with the progress, but I want to know how this comes out. I assume happy, but this is a never-ending story.
No, I found the best way to watch, DVR and fall asleep.
I am so frustrated with the progress, but I want to know how this comes out. I assume happy, but this is a never-ending story.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 5:01:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 5:01:00 PM EDT
Teresa has logical (if cold hearted and selfish) reasons for her bitchiness. The writers are not presenting her as a person for us to admire. Vicky, on the other hand, is totally illogical in her hateful attitude towards Maria. And yet most of the time the writers try to present her as a hard working business woman, caring mother, and good friend, who we are to admire. The writers of Teresa have a clear vision of who our heroine/villainess is. The writers of Vic's character seem to be smoking something.
NovelaMaven- Thank you so much for the recap. You're right, that the worse a novela gets, the better the recaps and the comments get. So we still get a huge degree of pleasure, after the torture of watching the episode. :) I did not watch last night, but I think I might need to fast forward to the baby scenes. I'm a sucker for cute babies.
NovelaMaven- Thank you so much for the recap. You're right, that the worse a novela gets, the better the recaps and the comments get. So we still get a huge degree of pleasure, after the torture of watching the episode. :) I did not watch last night, but I think I might need to fast forward to the baby scenes. I'm a sucker for cute babies.
NovelaMaven,
What a great recap! Psychopaths for sure. Glad that the badness and craziness makes recapping more fun, as you do a wonderful favor for us.
I'm getting the same feeling about this that I had with FELS, Mundo de Fieras and Lleno de Amor. I just don't care anymore and don't want to go on, although I do want to see how it is wrapped up. Oddly, La Madrastra, another Mejia special, held my interest. It wasn't extended forever with ever-crazier filler.
I seem to recall that EPDA was longer than originally scheduled. I liked it, but it did lose its rhythm toward the end.
All else good things about La Reina del Sur and Donde Esta Elisa, El Mantanial and a few others aside, a strength was their brevity. 3-4 months is, IMHO, about as long as novelas should last.
What a great recap! Psychopaths for sure. Glad that the badness and craziness makes recapping more fun, as you do a wonderful favor for us.
I'm getting the same feeling about this that I had with FELS, Mundo de Fieras and Lleno de Amor. I just don't care anymore and don't want to go on, although I do want to see how it is wrapped up. Oddly, La Madrastra, another Mejia special, held my interest. It wasn't extended forever with ever-crazier filler.
I seem to recall that EPDA was longer than originally scheduled. I liked it, but it did lose its rhythm toward the end.
All else good things about La Reina del Sur and Donde Esta Elisa, El Mantanial and a few others aside, a strength was their brevity. 3-4 months is, IMHO, about as long as novelas should last.
NovelaMaven- Thank you so much for the recap.
My only hope is that Max stay far away from Vitoria.
I also wish that Alonso drop dead very soon.
Maria got another ring how many by now? I lost count.
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My only hope is that Max stay far away from Vitoria.
I also wish that Alonso drop dead very soon.
Maria got another ring how many by now? I lost count.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 8:17:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 8:17:00 PM EDT
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