Caray, Caray!

Recap by Urban Anthropologist
Please provide any missing details. Gracias.

Antes
JJ calls Saul down from his room. Ivan calls Merry Piece to meet with her. JJ lays down the law, and Merry Piece issues her outrageous demand.

Nuevo

Casa Curiel: Ivan refuses to marry Merry Piece and she says “No deal.” Lucia does exactly what we don't want her to do.

Lucia: Que pasa? What did she propose?
Ivan: She's demented. She wants us to get married and share him as though he were a thing. And live with her? No way!
Lucia: So what are we going to do?
Ivan: We're going to court.. That's what we're going to do.
Lucia: But you could end up in jail. And my parents, too.
Ivan: Listen. My father told me that there is no firm accusation. Your sister isn't interested in our son. She's only interested in money.
Lucia: No, Ivan. She's also interested in you.
Ivan: Interested? No; she just wants to torture us.
Lucia (crying): No. She wants to take you away from me because I'm guilty of getting between you two. This is about revenge.
Ivan: Yes, that's what Camilo told me, but don't worry. This was the first round and Maripaz said I had to think about it. But I have thought about it. She has been irresponsible to her family [need clarification here] and she better think about herself because she knows she ran a woman down with her car.
Lucia: But there is no proof. Only our word. [?] Besides at the last minute Mother might help her; we can't deny that.
Ivan: But your grandmother can testify?
Lucia: Yes, but I don't want it to come to that.
Ivan: Don't lose courage, love. In the final analysis as Camilo says we can have other children.
Lucia: But you love Alex.
Ivan: Yes, I love him very much. But I'm in love with you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Lucia: But I feel like I'm getting in the way...
Ivan: Why are you saying this?.
Lucia: Because you came back to right so many wrongs and the only win was finding your son. I don't want to be an obstacle to your getting him back...
Ivan: We're going to see what Maripaz does and then we'll know what to do. (He embraces her as she cries more, but the look on his face says he expects a fight.) It's true that I love my son but I don't want to part from you.

MP's Room: Lucrazia and Merry Piece disagree. Could Lucrazia be coming to her senses?

Lucrazia: What did he answer?
Merry Piece: It looks like we're playing a game of cat and mouse and this was the first round. I'm not going to keep doing this.
Lucrazia: What will he give us and did you only ask for money?
Merry Piece: I changed my mind.
Lucrazia: And if we end up in court? Everything will come out for judgment. And you don't want to marry a man who loves another woman. Imagine the arguments, the insults...
Merry Piece: He was in love with me before!
Lucrazia: Before was before and now is now. And now he loves Lucia. And hates you.
Merry Piece (still smirking): In the beginning it might be as you say. But that can change. OK. Am I less woman than Lucia?
Lucrazia: Don't try to make this about that. A man can be in love with a broomstick. [escoba]. And for all that you want to win he won't change his mind.
Merry Piece: You want to [need clarification here]
Lucrazia: Maripaz, don't keep this up or I will knock your teeth out in front of the house! Besides, you're stupid. (Exasperated and obviously tired of this argument). Ask him for a house, a car, that he maintain you, but don't persist in this insanity that you want to marry him. Ivan doesn't love you. He Does Not Love You.
Merry Piece: Then he will have to resign himself to losing his son.

Lucrazia rolls her eyes, as we do.

Other Room: Carlota tries to talk Lucia out of this madness.

Carlota: Hija, calm down. Ivan is right. Maripaz sooner or later will back down.
Lucia: But, Abue, her hatred is much greater. I will renounce him.
Carlota: No! You are renouncing nothing! What's wrong with you? Ivan is the love of your life. And how can you be sure that if you give him up he will marry your sister?
Lucia: Ivan wants his son with him.
Carlota: Then he will have to find another way to have him.

Carlota, you rock.

Casa McGuire: Tony and Camilo talk about Arcelia; Tony wants to meet her. Camilo explains that she is a simple woman who is not accustomed to interacting with important people. He tells Tony the same stuff he told Judith last week. Ivan returns with the bad news. Camilo asks about Lucia, and Ivan explains that she feels guilty about everything. Tony reminds him that the engagement party is next week and the wedding will be two weeks later. He isn't to worry about this because JJ put the kibosh on Saul paying for Merry Piece's mouthpiece. JJ is willing to play ball with them because of his history with Lucrazia. Camilo explains that the two were once engaged but probably reconsidered marrying each other because he has the personality of a thousand devils and she's even worse.

He's only beginning to see the worst.

Commercial Break that leads with a promo for the Latin Grammys and MQB.

Casa Curiel, recamara de Carlota; night: Lucrazia and Carlota talk.

Lucrazia: What are we going to do, mother?
Carlota: I don't know.
Lucrazia: Please, tell me anything.
Carlota: What can I think about something so demented?
Lucrazia: Please, I'm talking seriously.
Carlota: I have no idea.
Lucrazia: If you convince Lucia to give Ivan up...
Carlota: Forget it. That's something I will never do. Because you know that Ivan and Lucia suffer like souls in hell. And don't doubt that things are bad for Maripaz because she has no case. [caso para nada]. Besides, it's the child who's getting the worst of this.
Lucrazia: And therefore...
Carlota: We're going to war.
Lucrazia: Mama, we're having a serious conversation.
Carlota: It's desperate. Maripaz wants to win and she's impulsive but she's not a fool. If she thinks about it and accepts money from Ivan so she can continue the partying life she loves...
Lucrazia: Ojala. (gets up) Because if Ivan and Maripaz go to court and it comes out that Ivan killed a ranch worker ten years ago, he will accuse me of ordering the hit. In that situation would you help them accuse me?
Carlota: Truly, that is a predicament. It would be better if you convinced your daughter to keep her mouth shut.
Lucrazia: You would put Ivan above me?
Carlota: Daughter, I love you.
Lucrazia: I love you, too, mother.
Carlota: Then you will talk to your daughter?

Carlota, can you really trust her? We don't think so.

Casa Lomieli: Lucia phones Gerry to ask about Alex. He tells her that he's not eating much and he pretended to be sick to avoid school, but the teacher didn't seem to buy it. That Carolina is supposed to be coming home the next day. He asks about Merry Piece and Lucia tells him that she is persisting with the custody suit. She tells him she will come over tomorrow.

Casa McGuire: Ivan – who obliges us by being shirtless – takes a painting down and projects his vacation movies of Lucia on the wall. He thinks about Lucia and how he won't leave her. The way he interacts with this image he should make it into virtual reality.

Casa Curiel: Lucia talks to Cleto about the night of the accident. She asks if there was blood on the car. He tells her there was but that Maripaz told him she had hit a dog. She asked if he believed that and he told her he was there to obey. We find out that he has worked for her family since he was a boy. [Yawn]

Lawyer Rubiales' Office: He tells Merry Piece that he was informed that matters were settled by their families. She's not buying it, realizing that Saul will no longer be paying the bills. She calls his father a coward. Rubiales asks whether she spoke with Ivan and she tells him that didn't work. He points out the McGuires' generosity, but Merry Piece tells him she didn't get what she wanted, which is custody of Alex. She still wants him to represent her, but upon saying “we'll talk about payment later” she strokes his hand and he seems to realize she's trying to pay him with different currency. I'm wondering at his ethics.

Casa Lomieli: Lucia arrives with Bruno to visit Alex. Based on her startled reaction Rosa must have a phobia about dogs. Lucia tells her that Bruno is there to visit Alex. When Rosa goes inside Lucia gives Bruno a pep talk.

Outside Rubiales's office: Merry Piece calls Saul to tell him what happened. He tells her his father yanked his allowance and canceled his credit cards again because of her and she's to take a hike. He hangs up and then goes into the bar. He asks if the bartender's seen El Gordo and is told that he disappeared. He leaves his phone numbers with the bartender in case El Gordo shows up, but the bartender laughs as he exits.

Bada boom.

Casa Lomieli: Rosa tells Alex that Lucia and Bruno are there to visit him. Ivan watches from a short distance as Alex comes out and starts playing with Bruno. Que milagro when Lucia asks if Alex wants to see Ivan he says si!

Rancho Galvan or Socorro: Camilo discusses stuff with the engineer.

Casa Lomieli: Alex and Bruno bond adorably as Lucia and Ivan come back.

Ivan: You know Bruno really wanted to come to see you?
Alex: How do you know? Dogs can't talk.
Ivan: True, but if you pay close attention, their eyes tell you. When I say “Alex, do you want to see him?” look at how he reacts. [?]

Lucia smiles at this adorable scene.

Commercial Break that leads with a promo for Protagonistas

Casa Curiel:

Merry Piece: Mama, it's sure that Ivan and I will end up in court. But I swear I won't say a single word that you ordered the ranch workers to beat up on him.
Lucrazia: I suppose something has changed.
Merry Piece: Yes, Saul was paying the lawyer's bill, but would you believe it? Saul's dad found out and stopped him. So I want to ask if you would pay the lawyer.
Lucrazia: And where do you suppose I'll get the money for that? Have you forgotten that I paid 5 million pesos for your stupidity?
Merry Piece: The lawyer needs to be paid. [Ed. Comment: I guess Rubiales wasn't that desperate for female companionship.]
Lucrazia: No way, Maripaz.
Merry Piece: But what about the money you're being paid for the house?
Lucrazia: It's not sold yet.
Merry Piece: If you don't help me you'll face the awful necessity that I will tell all. Think about it. (She starts to flounce off)
Lucrazia: Also about the woman you ran down?
Merry Piece: Ay, there is no proof.
Lucrazia: There is the guy we paid. (as MP exits) Ay, my mother kidding but she was right. I'm ready to kill her!

We'd give you a pass on that.

Casa Lomieli: Alex, Lucia, and Ivan look at the vacation pictures. Bruno sits in front of Alex and he's one happy perro. Ivan tells him he'll bring Bruno over whenever he wants to play with him and if he has to work he will have Benito bring him over.

Alex: Is it true that you are my real dad?
Ivan: Yes, Alex. It's true.
Alex: And why didn't we meet before?
Lucia: Your dad had to go to the United States to find work, like lots of other people. And ten years and a few months later he's back.
Alex: Ivan, I don't want to hurt you, but I don't want to live with you.
Ivan: You only have to hang with me when you want to. Only when you want to.
Lucia: You can spend a few days with your dad and then with your grandpa.
Alex: And my Aunt Carolina?
Lucia: Of course also with your Aunt Carolina.
Alex: But Maripaz says she's my mother. And I don't want her for a mother.
Ivan: Don't worry. What I'm going to do is during the rest of vacation time I'll have Benito bring Bruno so you can play with him.
Alex: Can Bruno come with us to the pool? [alberca]
Ivan: I don't think the pool is the place for dogs.
Alex: And you say dogs are intelligent?
Ivan: There are people who don't think so.
Alex: Those people are foolish.
Ivan: We know that very well.

Casa Curiel: Lucrazia talks to the realtor, who has a buyer. They want to come over to see the house to take photos and videos. Merry Piece demands money for the lawyer when Lucrazia gets paid.

Lucrazia: It looks like we're about to sell the house.
Merry Piece: Then you can give lend me the money for the lawyer.
Lucrazia: Ay, Maripaz,
Merry Piece: I will give it back to you, I swear. Ivan will pay maintenance for the child and I will give you back every cent you give me. I promise I won't say anything in court.
Lucrazia: OK, but I ask one thing of you. No one is to know I'm paying the lawyer, least of all your grandmother.
Merry Piece: Of course not, mother.

Carlota enters. We wonder how much she overheard.

Lucrazia: Mama, the realtor called and the buyer is coming to take pictures and videos. He's very interested.
Merry Piece: Hola, Abue. (grins, but it's phoney, as usual)
Carlota: You and I are not speaking. Lucrazia, who is the client?
Lucrazia: I don't know. It's someone another agency found. I hope to God he likes the place. Let's eat. (yelling) Gloria!
Merry Piece: And Lucia?
Carlota: Ivan came for her. I think I will eat outside.

Casa Lomieli, outside front door: Ivan, Lucia, and Bruno prepare to leave. All went well. Love talk, besos.

Restaurant: JJ discusses business with the other ranchers, saying that the McGuires are securing good prices for their crops. The issue of the arsonist is briefly raised; these guys still don't have a clue.

Casa Lomieli: Rosa prepares to serve lunch. Gerry comes home and Alex tells him about Ivan taking him to the pool for his swimming lessons and everything else that happened before. Happy kid, happy abuelo, and all is well, at least until the end of the episode.

Auto Body Shop: The mechanic shows David the finished job on the car and presents his bill.

Casa Galvan: Camilo and his mum discuss Carmen, who is apparently looking for work. He wonders whether he should engage Carmen in cleaning the house at Rancho Socorro, but Arcelia thinks this is a bad idea (We agree with her despite how amusing it would be to see Carmen lock horns with Lucrazia and Merry Piece when they get there). Camilo doesn't agree. Arcelia suggests that she help Carmen for two days and that Lechita would like being there. She asks about animals and Camilo tells her there are some old horses and some chickens. Arcelia tells him he will need to get a rooster. She would like living on a ranch. Camilo declares she is an angel.

Commercial Break

Cafe: Lucia and Ivan discuss the situation. They've taken a big positive step with Alex, thanks to Bruno. Repeat of earlier comments about Merry Piece, Ivan tells Lucia not to worry. More love talk. The anvil awaits.

Casa Curiel, outside: Camilo attempts to explain once more why Rancho Socorro needs the pesticides; Lucrazia still refuses to spend the money. He brings up the issue of the neglected house and getting Carmen to help clean it. She's OK with this because they will have to live in that house. She obviously doesn't like the idea of selling the townhouse from the look on her face. But she starts to smile when she comments about how she'll be able to keep an eye on him. At Camilo's second reminder that prevention is better than remedy about the pesticides (which must be deliberate because he's uncomfortable with what is certain to be the prelude to sexual harassment) she gets nasty again. Lucia arrives and exchanges greetings with him before going inside to tell Carlota how well the afternoon went, giving Bruno all the credit.

Casa Curiel, inside: Carlota informs Lucrazia that she has hired Gerry to take care of the repairs to the ranch house. Lucrazia – as usual – questions his competence, but neither Carlota nor Lucia will take that. He knows the house and will therefore do the best job. Lucrazia seems to think he'll do it for a pittance, but Carlota doesn't see things that way. She then asks Lucia how things went with Alex and Lucia starts talking about it.

Casa McGuire, office: David, Camilo, and Ivan discuss the situation. The mechanic told David that it would be almost impossible to find any evidence of blood on the car. Camilo asks whether Ivan knew that the Curiels were selling the house; Ivan knew about the blackmail so this has to be the consequence. David points out that this has to be because Merry Piece hit the woman and she died. Ivan says that the lawyers had agreed not to mention this, that a peaceful settlement is the most desirable, but he doesn't think this possible. David says to count on him for help. Camilo explains that Saul had been paying the lawyer and David asks why she hasn't gone to her own family. Camilo tells him that Lucrazia doesn't want to pay for pesticides for the ranch, so... Ivan concludes that the money from the sale of the house will now go to the lawyer.

Bada bing.

Commercial Break starting with a promo for tonight's Protagonistas

Bus: Antolin and Carolina ride back. She's still wearing the bandages. Why aren't they staying in D.F. since she will have to see the doctor again? Also, buses – in my experience – aren't as smooth a ride as anyone thinks. She's worried about Maripaz.

Casa McGuire: Ivan and Tony discuss business (there's a chance something will go wrong here; I can feel it), then family matters. Ivan apologizes for not being more help in the business deal, but Tony is OK with that, all things considered.

Casa Lomieli: Merry Piece shows up; Alex runs from the room. MP actually tries to blackmail her dad:

Gerry: Por favor, Maripaz, don't say “son.”
Merry Piece: Well, he'll have to get used to it. I came to talk to you. To make a deal, just you and me. I don't want you to tell that gossip Lucia because she will tell Ivan.
Gerry: What kind of a deal?
Merry Piece: I spoke with Ivan and we didn't come to any agreement. Therefore I will go ahead with my plan to get custody of the child. (Gerry rolls his eyes and sighs) I don't want you to be arrested, Papa. Because of that I will tell that when Alex was born I asked you to take him so my mother couldn't put him in an orphanage as she wanted. In this way you will avoid going to jail. Papa, for kidnapping a child you could be in jail for many years. When the judge asks I want you to say the same thing I do.
Gerry: Daughter, why don't you give up this absurd pretense and let Ivan be with Alex? He's his son.
Merry Piece: No. I insist. The lawyer says I have everything to gain. Therefore you and I will make another deal. Do you have an extra bedroom?
Gerry (apprehensive): Yes, why?
Merry Piece: Because I'm coming here to live with my son.
Gerry: What?
Merry Piece: That way Alex will be here as ever with you and his Tia Carolina and doesn't that sound great? Ivan will pay big money to maintain Alex. And with that I will use to start a business or to help with yours. What do you think, Papa?
Gerry: I don't know. I just don't know.
Merry Piece: Think about it, Dad. If you deny me it's all over. You will waste good years in jail and who will take care of your blind sister-in-law? Bye, dad. (kisses his cheek) Think about it.

She exits. Where's the Lysol Air Freshener?

Avances:
The catfight we've all been waiting for.

Vocabulary
alberca pool, reservoir
escoba broomstick
gallina hen
gallo rooster

Labels: Fuerza