Caray, Caray!

Marta, you had me snickering right off the bat with your description of Jero "looking like a Jesus Christ in a wet suit". I wondered about Augustin's sparkling clean shirt post-impalement as well. Must have been a very sharp saber.

Puerto Nuevo looks like an awesome place. I regret never having eaten there. It is in Rosarita just north of Ensenada and is known for its lobsters (of the spiny lobster variety). I laughed at Carlos wondering what to do with the huge burrito wrap.

About the Nadie Se Rinde thing, I looked up the lady that was at the inauguration with Ines and apparently she is the one who started the real Aqui Nadie Se Rinde foundation.

I loved Renata's 50's look with ponytail and all. I thought she looked great. The dress was a little too tu-tu but she still looked fantastic in it.

Marta, I so appreciate how you take the time to provide so much conversation and detail. I always feel like your recaps catch us up and get us right on track with what's going on. I missed that Augustin's properties were seized by the government. Poor Anibal, but at least Jero and Renata know he is a great kid and will pay for his education.

Tonight's episode wasn't as exciting as last night's, and maybe there was a surfeit of sweetness and sugar (and cheese), but I sure enjoyed the skewering of screwball Augustin. And surprise, Jero actually did the deed!

Thanks again Marta for all your wonderful CME recaps.
 

I forgot to say your title absolutely rocks. Au-gre, heh, yep he was a monster all right.
 

sorry, minor correction.
There are bonds stronger than blood itself, the bonds of blood.
should be There are bonds stronger than blood itself, the bonds of love.
thanks for posting so fast, sylvia.
 

OK, I just fixed it. I didn't even notice that when I read it. I must have known what you meant. And thank YOU for getting the recap done so quickly. I couldn't wait to read your take on all of tonight's action. They really rushed us through some parts but then slowed us way down so the characters to talk about the meaning of LOVE.
 

So sad, last awesome recap from Marta. Sorry you didn't get all the excitement like the night before, but you sure did all the "cheese" some justice. Thanks!!!

Augie--no blood! I thought the same thing!! I mean throw some ketchup on him somewhere.But Jero's collapse was well done and more believable then a hero being all macho over the corpse.

Bummer--Anibal doesn't get the vineyard. Maybe Jero can eventually buy the land?Or maybe give the kid a job in one of his Spain businesses after college, someone needs to pay attention to what's going over there.

Struck me last night that what we got last night was pretty much the type of kissy/love you stuff we get in the second half of a gran finale episode. Didn't mind taking a bit of breather before we get more dramatics. But two things kind of aggravated me:

--I love Gonzo, really I do, but the popsicle scene with Matias, did we really need one that long?? Wondering if we'll actually get to see the Adri/Matias wedding? I'm thinking not?

--And that's all we got of the Carlos/Mati wedding?? Split screen picture taking...felt like we were getting an editing job to speed things along. Anyone know if this was shown differently in Mexico? Even saw a quick glimpse of Carlos' infamous brothers we never got to meet....I just felt gyped.Got more Alfi bawling than the wedding.

Actually looking forward to how Berta spins the "discovery" that she is not Gina's daughter. The fact that Nata is open to her claiming she was taken in explains that "hug" we see. And if Fina is part of a singing group again--please tell me that noone can recognize her with just a purple wig? Really??

Where's those beanies?
 

Marta, this was clever, entertaining and an excellent read. Thank you for always making Thursdays fun - your title had me smailing away. Loved "Au-gre" and "(hugs her but Berta puts a disgusted face away from Gina)…" - a picture perfect description.

Lots of love, joy and happy tears last night. It was a most welcome respite from recent events. I still think Con is way too good for Hon, but if she is happy, then I will try to be too!

I was wondering if the woman at the Nadie Se Rinde event was part of the foundation. She did not look to be an actress but seemed genuinely happy to be there. Sylvia, thank you for passing on that she started the foundation. I commend them for using a real cause and the actual founder.

My mind's eye has held a small burning ember of hope that Roberta might make a miraculous redemptive move. I'm sorry that won't occur but at this point, it's more for Renata's sake as I think she really wanted a sister's love. Fortunately, she will have a myriad of people willing and able to fill any void she might feel.

daisy, I was also wondering if any of the musical group would question who the woman wearing their trademark wig was? Yes, beanie time again. I suppose Fina is going to continue to waltz in seamlessly to any and all events to wreck her havoc until the end. Blech.

Diana
 

daisy, in my title at some point i had 'feel like watching last 10 min of a finale episode' but i chose the cheese option instead, so we were thinking alike there.
 

Marta- Thank you for this gem and for all your other dialogue filled recaps. I love how much detail you always give us. Muchas gracias.

Perhaps they didn't show too much blood on Augie because this was a 7pm tn in Mexico, like it was here. (family hour) Either way, it was satisfying to see Augie stumble and fall like a giant monster/ogre. I was surprised too that they actually had the galan kill the villain with his own hands, but agree that his tearful/exhausted reaction was more true to life. Also loved how Nata cradled him in her arms and cried too as she told him how much she loves him.

I liked all the sweetness and light in most of this episode because it looks like they plan to mix in the bitter in the finale (the final two episodes for us). I also would have liked to see more of the Mati-Carlos wedding, but I don't think this is that kind of tn. I don't think a big fluffy wedding with everyone thinking happy thoughts is the way this thing is going to wrap up. It seems the writers are more focused on what happens afterwards-- how these characters live with and love each other, despite their pasts and their challenges.

Fina didn't only separate Nata and Gina for 24 years, she also separated Matias and Gonzo for more than half of Matia's life. I would think that Matias had a lot of resentment all those years when he never came back to Mexico, and Gonzo was too blind to see that this was Fina's doing. I understand why they gave the two of them a long "love" scene in the park as they remembered their father-son time before Fina.

So, I pictured Nata being the easy-going parent, but the way she was already pressuring Alison and Anibal to become Rhodes Scholars/Nobel Peace Prize winners shows me I was wrong. I think it took Jero by surprise too. LOL!

Loved the 50s look on Nata. Very cute.

Fina in a purple wig in a sea of purple wigged singers. Priceless! I love it. My beanie is in place. Bring it writers.
 

Congratulations to abuelos-to-be Emilia and Mike!!!!!
 

Marta, bien hecho.

I was also surprised at Jeronimo personally dispatching Augustin but think it was totally appropriate. There should have been a fountain of blood and someone should have had a chance to gloat before Augie's last breath.

And if I were Renata I wouldn't want to wear that shade of red ever again.

Did anyone else think that the 50s hair and dress made her look like Deborah Kerr?

Who thinks Renata will take back the name "Regina"? I'm trying to figure this out.

I hope Fina's end is truly spectacular.
 

Urban- Well, Renata has a LOT of names to choose from. The way she and Jero were saying her name was Renata Regina. Maybe she'll use it as her middle/second name now? Renata Regina Gamba-Soberon-Monterrubio de Linares. (No Alvarez) That's a mouth full!
 

I like your string of names, Vivi. Hard to fit on a computer form though. My mother wanted to name me Maria Christina Victoria Regina. (Yay, Regina!) so glad my dad got to the birth certificate first!

Marta, excellent recap, as always. You never miss a thing. Thanks, amiga.

Augie? I think he didn't bleed because his ballistic windbreaker immediately healed back, stanching the blood. That's why he only bled from his mouth. Second theory: his heart, (and therefore his blood) was so cold that he couldn't bleed through the tiny sword incisions.
 

I haven't read the recap or comments yet. I just want to say that I love your title -- and the new nickname for he who must not be named but who looks good on a skewer.

Güera
 

Marta, I really really hope to read your recaps again in a future TN. Your ability to translate these rapid fire conversations is just astonishing to me.

One thing I've appreciated about CME is some insights into Mexico's judicial/legal system. Fina's trial, the use of denunciations vs. complaints. I'm really wondering about the seizure of Agustin's property - was that related to his criminal activity, or did he neglect to prepare a will? Will Anibal, as sole heir, have an effective claim to the property? Interesting, but I suspect that, as in this country, lawyers will get rich.

A very, very nice touch to invite the real founder of the real "Aqui Nadie Se Rinde" to participate in the ribbon cutting. She looked a tad uncomfortable, but so what.

The Gonzalo - Matias love fest was a bit too saccharin for my taste. Wonder what was really in the popsicles other than extra sugar.

And yeah, Agustin's bloodless demise was a miracle to behold. From the camera angle it appeared that Jeronimo's sword actually went between Agustin's left arm and left side. One must applaud such attention to safety in the workplace.

Thanks to all of you for the congrats re our primero nieto. Until we know the gender, I'm referring to the little booger alternately as either Hereward or Boudicca. Three years in England and a little reading of Churchill messes with your mind.
 

Marta, great recap, thanks.

Of course, Augie didn't bleed, he was not human.

I had two thoughts as Augie was skewered, first, "Death Becomes You" and how did Jero not hit a rib?

UA, I agree about the red dress!

The scene with Mat and Gonzo was very moving. Of course, Gonzo was clueless about Fina but Mat's ability to move on was terrific.

Maybe Carlos' family can buy Augie's vineyards!

Ani's scene at the cementerio was very sad. It is going to take him a long time to get over his Augie love/hate relationship.

I did not like the split screen of the wedding, it was very distracting. I wanted to see the wedding and guest. I wanted a fully screen of Mati without her every present headband.

Dr. Tata's mellow-yellow attitude is not very believable. I should have ordered one of Emilia's TN hats.

Emilia & Mike, congratulations! Our first arrived in October and has been true blessing.

Rosemary #1
 

Marta, thanks for your recap and all the great work you've done on this TN. Your dialogues were excellent ways to learn Spanish.

Question - Fina's continued ranting about her revenge but she has caused so much pain and suffering I just don't understand her acting like she's been the victim. Ok, I know I'm talking about a truly crazy character so you can just tell me to put on a beanie and sit quietly in the corner.

And Berta - perhaps she'll do the unexpected at the party but the fact that she just looked shocked when her murdering mother said it will be the last time you see her made me sick. Really Berta? You know what she is capable of and yet you continue to put your lot with her? Estupida!
 

I really appreciate your recaps, Marta. You caught all the detail. I love the way you pointed out the cheese in so many of these scenes.

I like the way they are drawing this to a close. As I was watching it I had the same thought -- they are giving us the finale schmaltz early -- wrapping up a lot of loose ends & cementing the love between the characters. That way they can have more time in the last two episodes for some real action.

I also like the fact that we got Renata back together with both Regina & Jeronimo a couple of episodes before the end so that we can enjoy their chemistry for a few more episodes rather than having those reconciliations and reveals at the very end. This is a very satisfying way to wrap it up. Kudos to the writers.

Güera
 

Forgot to say -- Go SU -- 16 and 0 -- and still Number 1!

Oh and UA -- you're right Nata did resemble Deborah Kerr in that gorgeous retro look.

Güera
 

OMG - Augie dead at last - but it was too quick for him - wanted him to suffer for at least the whole episode.

Touching scene with Anibal - still being sweet to the miserable old fart. Thanks for the dialogue - I had no idea what he was saying - only saw him crying.

As far as the park scene with Gonzo and Matt - I was on the floor laughing at what the passersby must be thinking to see two grown men eating popsicles and crying, hugging, kissing and carressing each other!

Yep, lots of cheese in this episode but glad Aug is gone for good. Hope he doesn't come back to haunt anyone!
 

Martaivett--I'll miss your fast-paced and fast-clip rat-a-tat-tat dialog on CME. You have no idea how much that has helped me with no CCs. You are a terrifically entertaining recapper and look forward to more of your interpretations.

I thought Augie didn't get to suffer enough for us. No last words, no jut-jaw before taking off for the nether regions. The absence of blood also bothered me. I attribute that more to the wardrobe dept. being a bit vigilante about their property.

I was waiting for more from Nata and Jero than college educations for Ani and Ali, but it's a start. The closeness will come later. I guess Manuela and Alfie will fill in as babysitters for the new babies since Ali is so easily distracted.

We'd better get a "better" ending for Roberta and Fina than Augie gave us. But, anything to delay the end of CME. It's been a great run.

RLO challenged me some time ago to collect our Word Verifications. I took her up on it. I'll post them in a following comment. They are hilarious. This time, I preserved the name of the donor.
NOK
 

"I was on the floor laughing at what the passersby must be thinking to see two grown men eating popsicles and crying, hugging, kissing and carressing each other!"

LOL Mary. Don't forget to add the image of them both wearing suits too.
 

Marta, great rendition of often rapid fire dialog, and great insight into the scenes.

Actually the minimal bleeding on Augie is not THAT hard to believe. There exists a "space" called the pleural space between the outside of the lung and the rib cage which is maintained at below atmospheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure inside the lung pushes it out against the rib cage, a state that is called "compliance." If you pierce the chest wall and disrupt the sub atmospheric pressure of the pleural space, then with each breath you suck in atmospheric pressure air which destroys compliance (gradually collapsing the lung). Dr. Carlos would call this a pneumothorax. This was a big problem in Vietnam, so in our Army 1st aid training we were taught how to administer 1st aid for this (cut off a piece of poncho and strap or tape in over the wound so air can't get in), and the Army in its inimitable and unable to be forgotten teaching style called this a "sucking chest wound." Blood will pool in the chest cavity where the collapsed lung used to be, so sometimes very little bleeding outside the body occurs. We didn't see Augie's back - there may have been some blood leaking out there if Jero did indeed run him through.

I see that Nata is back into her SpongeBob SquarePants outfits.

Great news from Mike and Emilia. You're gonna love it!

David
 

Marta,

Thanks as always for a fabulous,
detailed recap and for your
continued commitment to remain with the novela until the
bittersweet end. Thanks also to all recappers for their dedication and humor throughout. I have not
commented much, but have enjoyed
every word.

I also liked the sweetness and light of last night and thought ample time was given to the C/M wedding.

Renata indeed looked awesome and yes, I could see a resemblance to DK now that it has been mentioned.

Get a kick out of Padre S adjusting to the unconventional
scenario of the 2 Jero-impregnated women.

Dr. N seems to be getting off easy.
His barbaric cruelty went far beyond his alcoholismn.

Giant Beanies definitely needed for
all of the events regarding
Fina.

Most interested in knowing that
the kids with cancer foundation does in fact exist. Went to it online and noted a place to give donations.

Thanks again to all for a great ride with CME.
 

Word Verifications Pt.1, beginning late August----

Lila (butedge--Oh My Gosh! That is hilarious!!)

Juan Miguel (awbrat, as in what Matilde no longer is)—You spoke too soon, Juan Miguel—back in August! Where in the world ARE you Juan Miguel?

bonney churros (stediess...oh-oh.)
Lila (vomet--what Blaaaanca makes us want to do)

daisynjay (sucks--yep that sums up poor Nata's wardrobe )

Güera (fully--how appropriate since I am so fully enjoying this show and all of you)

NOK (familas--and very dysfunctional ones we have here)
Deb (tingstog -- that sounds like a new unflattering word for one of our villains.)

Julia (unsmize--Tyra Banks would not approve.)

Emilia (wrestwit--we certainly don't have to wrest the wit out of you guys!!)

Susanita (witchle)

Susanita (reinas)

RLO (deldio--is that Spanish for a sex toy?" Ha ha ha!!!)

Cap’n S (cheman--is that Chema in a few years)

Julia (viress--Augie is a virus, and Roberta is a viress)

Lila (eatingly--just weird, that's all)

Mike (foxyloo--and I ain't gonna go there)

Güera (gonsi--a new nickname for Gonzalo)

NOK (obull--how I feel about another pregnancy twist in the story)

Bonney churros (songerl !?? !)

CherylNM (resole--I think that is posole warmed up the next day, isn't it?)

NOK (phitt--something Augie would say if his jaw would jut out any further)

Julia (mateme--Ha!)

RLO (tally--as in how many murdered people is Fina up to as yet?)

Robey (moses--Is there a message in there somewhere?)

Lila (dismsyco--that's what Fina is doing: Diss 'em Psycho!)

NOK (burgisi--So, if you don't have red, burgisi will do)

Emilia (burth--Maybe Renata will have triplets - that'd show Marina

Rose#1 (shest--says it all)

RLO (dwimnit—what Augie really is)

NOK (skyls--something Roberta lacks in the work department)

Cap’n (slormbr--too close to slumber which is what I should be doing instead instead of peeking at the comments)

NOK (furitoat--the sort of things Auggie, Renata and Gonzo have been wearing in hot, sunny Mexico lately)

EJ (poxal--So I say a pox on Augie!)

Emilia (mantric--Die, Augie, Die, Augie, Die.....)

Mike (looth--like Sylvester the Cat's baby tooth…or as in Fina has a screw looth)

Submitted with "seffa" (open to your own interpretations by NOK
 

ha ha ha - oh Vivi - that's right - both in suits!! Too funny!!

Floridia: I agree - Nesme is a killer - he needs to be in solitary confinement - not leading a group of AA wannabees! Dumb

Oh and somebody get Con a dress in another color - and a tan. Please.
 

Word Verifications, Pt.2---

RLO (litedinc--Any idea who that could be referring to?)

Valeena (BUYER--Now how cool is that? Whoo hoo)

Güera (psyco -- how did they know that I'm just about to read of the doings of Alfoskanka and the ladies of the manicomia?)

Emilia (CHEERS!--and cheers to you, Elna June for your great recap)

RLO (pture--Somewhere between pubescence and maturity. Eg: Matilde was acting very pture last night.)

RLO (imblue--yes, I am blue that there is no CME tonight)

EJ (dedlyin--really…since the epi is so filled with lies.)

Güera (steno--how NOT appropriate for someone who makes as many typos as I do)

RLO (conawsm--Not necessarily right now with her hiding the baby and all.)

Lila (shizaera--the word TaTa thinks she can say to make Jero magically her hombre.)

Urban A (vermi--which is only short one letter to describe Nesme and Augustin)

Emilia (taxes--Oh NO!!)

NOK (shysturr--definitely
something that Blanca and Saul can relate to)

Cathy (bugers (boogers?) haha)

NOK (witypned--what our recappers deliver unfailingly, typos included.)

NOK (tunapsui--the perfect canape for Chema's restaurant opening.)

RLO (ducte--what Gonzalo should have done when the bullets were flying.)

Lila (hmmm. rackwar--is that what's coming up between Prisbutt and Mati?)

NOK (tanicab--the new open air taxis Gonzo and Gina would use in Taxco)

Robey (shema--a few days ago. Yes, for those of us who were cradling our wine the night he died, we were crying "Oh Shema".)

Rosy#1 (therip--very appropriate, no?)

RLO (flites--which is funny as I am heading out the door to pick my son up at the airport)

Robey (crocy--the kind of tears Berta cries when she's being manipulative or suspected of doing something wrong)

Robey (wormsha--lots of those in this TN)

Robey (broke--As in the puppy did not get broke)

Güera (blest--just how I feel in he company of all of you on this site.)

Cap’n (amessnab--Hee, which is what Jero is in)

Lila (sodysist--sounds kinda mean and obscene, good descriptor for Berta!)

Annaleigh (toste--which is what I will drink to Blanca's satisfying end.)

Elle (putsh--what fina did to blanca ..she putsh her over the rail!)

Kelly (Spagia--How's that for a dog name)

NOK (etrat--hoping that's not what Jero has to eat to stay alive.)

RLO (sesspel--Is that what Mati pushed Priss in?)

Güera (reapin--what a lot of our characters should be doing soon -- reapin' their just rewards.)

RLO (Dicing. Hmmm could this be a reference to Manuela's cooking, Saul giving a rectal exam, what could happen to Augie with an epee, or us trying to figure this all out?)
Submitted with "droness" (open to your own interpretations)by NOK
 

Word Verifications, Pt. 3--The END

Mike (quessies--like the newly pregnant Renata is having)

Güera (aster -- as in here in Syracuse it's still acting like fall. Where's the Snow???)

Lila (ackpgqeh - the sound of spitting which I wanted to do after watching Roberta in this episode)

Emilia (dingsiv: what happens when an anvil falls on your colander-lined beanie!! Teehee)

RLO (recyc - I am hoping everyone will try to recycle more in 2010 as part of their New Year's Resolution.) [editorial comment: Me personally? Don’t want to recycle 2010—NOK]

Robey (farea – India and Egype are farea away)

Emilia (thrus – What somebody will do to Augie with his sword)

Emilia (spinglep - sounds good but what does it mean?) Kelly says: Spinglep: This novela is spinglepping towards the finish

Kelly (Taing. Taing! This is almost over)

Kelly (Inglighs – If my spanglighs were as good as my inglighs, I wouldn't get to read such fine reports as this one.)

Respectfully submitted with "quebara" by NOK
 

OMG, just remembering last night's episode makes my teeth hurt. The music was really beautiful, though. And I loved Nata's kicky little dress!

So, from the previews and the general lack-of-redemption, I'm guessing that Fina's bullet goes awry and hits the wrong daughter -- maybe clipping Marina in the process (*something* has to happen to put her under that oxygen mask.) But never mind all that: the important question is, WHAT ARE WE ALL WEARING FOR THE FINALE?

I have no beanie, but I do have a traje de neopreno -- and I'm thinking it may be time to resurrect the fake beard and moustache from the Laz/Kari wedding...
 

What fun comments this morning! Luckily I learned long ago to set my cup of hot tea gently aside so as to avoid any painful snorting.

NOK you are still riding high with your hilarious lists.

I was also slightly frustrated that Doc He'llAlwaysBeAFreak is suddenly turning "good". ITA with Floridia that his sadism went way beyond the illness of alcoholism. I guess this also shows how Tony has redeemed himself, that he gets to prance around with smile wrinkles around his reptilian eyes putting the universe in order.

Blue Lass, I think for El Gran Final I will stick with my flannel jammies in honor of Renata's favorite hacienda attire. And no, I will not accessorize with a vest made of tiny hamster skins, just my favorite sailor beanie.

Funny, I don't usually get Word Verification prompts, but I just got one and it is ocinge, no doubt what is going to happen to Fina and Roberta when then arrive at their new vacation condo run by the landlord Satan.
 

Marta:
How I love the detailed dialog you capture in your recaps! Thank you so much for the care you take in recapping. I am delighted that we are going to be on the same recapping team going forward.

Like Sylvia and others have commented, "Jesus Christ in a wetsuit" cracked me up.

Daisynjay: Fina is really off her game if she thinks that a lavender wig hides her distinctive features— She is a very striking woman! Isn't this just a direct refrito of the Gonzo-Gina wedding program? Her evil creativity is sure suffering. I am ready for her to be gone and I can't think of an adequate punishment for her.

Diana, I, too, hopde for a miraculous Berta redemption. I know she is a complete jerk but she and Nata ARE sisters.I don't know though, she DID make that nasty face behind Gina's back yesterday. Sigh.

Vivi, I like your take that the lack of gore on Augustin was because this was shown at the 7PM hour in Mexico. Good deduction! I thought it was very sad, the way Anibal showed up with flowers at Augie's grave. The kid really tried to have a relationship with his dad.

Rosemary#1-"Of course Augie didn't bleed, he wasn't human!" LOL!

EJ
 

Mike and Emilia:

A little bun in the oven—how wonderful for you abuelos! You will be the BEST grandparents, I know! Congratulations on this wonderful occasion. My oldest just turned 34 on January 1st, but he and his sisters have not yet decided to be parents. Arghh!

I look forward to more updates about "the bun".

Abrazos,

EJ
 

Marta: Thanks for the great recap. Always appreciate the translations. One of my projects this year is to seriously start studying Spanish. I hope you'll be recapping El Talisman--I've decided to wait for that one. I checked the schedule as far as Jan 16 and it's not on it yet. Little bit of a breather. Can rewatch the final CME eps.

I really like Jero's reaction at the end of the fight scene. Was pleasantly surprised that they went that route. It seems like a lot of people are surprised he took Auggie out. I wasn't. That's what I expected. Guess it's more of a movie/TV type thing than TN thing?

Sorry that Anibal did not get the hacienda, but glad that Nata and Jero are sending him to university. However, doesn't Allison have parents? Why would N & J be sending her, too?

I've really enjoyed the split screen scenes--until now. After waiting forever for Mati and Carlos to get married, I would have liked to have concentrated more on that. I didn't even get a good look at the dress! I thought the scene with Nata/Jero/Marina/Padre was too long. I wasn't able to pay much attention to either of the scenes, because I kept going back and forth between the two.

Loved the Adri/Coni scene. I've been hoping that Adri and Coni would get to that point in their relationship.

Maybe Renata says something to Berta and Berta has a sudden, miraculous change of heart and takes the bullet for Nata.

NOK--thanks for the great lists you've compiled for this TN. I love lists.

Emilia and Mike: according to Wiki, Familia has 232 eps and I think they're still at under 100. That's way too long to be without your company!!!!

Robey
 

Hey Robey, you still on here?? I have your beanie ready to go but don't have your last name. E-mail me, OK??
 

---and Rosemary #1. I would be happy to make you a beanie. Just say the word... (and e-mail me your address emartin105 at gmail.com)

work ver: pardless - our baddies are exiting without pardon.
 

Thank you, Marta. Well done. Fun title. I want to be at that seaside café, too. Heck, let's all go.

I'm pretty disappointed that we never got to meet Carlos's brothers. I would rather have had a plotline involving them than Prissy. That wedding came and went so suddenly I didn't even have a chance to put on my embroidered ruffle dress and headband. Maybe I'll wear it for the finale instead.

I'm also disappointed by Ughie's swift and relatively untortured demise, but oh, well. At least he is gone.

I can't imagine the government will want to hold onto a hacienda, so who better to buy it than the friendly hacienda owner next door? The Cruz de Amor house would make a lovely place for the vineyard workers to live...wouldn't that just make Ughie roll in his grave?
 

Thank you so much for the recap Marta! It was great.

About the no blood on Agustín, maybe it did have to do with the time this was shown in Mexico but the kind of blood that would come out of his wounds I think might be banned in Televisa. They have an agreement with TvAzteca to not show too much blood on screen right now, due to the problems in the country at the present with the narcos at all. So don't expect to see too much blood in other telenovelas either.

Robey: The good guys almost never kill the villains, even in self defense, it's a telenovela trope. Murder is only for the baddies.

I like the name Renata and the name Regina but I don't know if I like them together. Mmmmm.

By the way, I saw a pic yesterday of Silvia's new look for Lidia de Amor. She is a brunette now.

Jarocha
 

Jarocha: Thanks for the info re: heroes killing villains. I love SN's red hair. How does she look as a brunette?

Robey
 

They dispatched with Augie quickly, didn't they? I turned on the tv at 5 minutes after 7 and the lovebirds were already in bed together. Luckily I had the tv set to the right station so it recorded his demise. Would've hated to miss that. Nice to see a more human reaction from Jeronimo instead of a macho, "damn-straight" attitude. The sobbing relief is much more realistic. Yeah writers.
Fina may be able to get away with the beard and mustache, but I sure hope she buys a man's hat. Most men don't wear hats with ribbons and it could draw attention.

And as others have said- "Jesus Christ in a wetsuit". Ha! It's hard to make a wetsuit look good (I've tried without success), but Jero and Matias managed. Suprose they didn't have ties over them though.

So tonight I think I'll hit up the wine store for a Baja bottle of something to toast the finale in which Roberta finally does the right thing. Or not. (Syliva- I don't have a beanie tight enough to pretend that 2 buck Chuck is as good as anything from La Bonita).

Kelly
 

Emilia: Just e-mailed you my name.

Robey
 

David, your explanation was fantastic on Auggie. Betcha that wasn't what the directors and wardrobe were going for, but I say we go with it. I was hoping for him to fall overboard and become fish food, but getting bloody and wet may not have been in his contract. Maybe the jackets were only leased.

Forgot to add my congrats to Mike and Emilia!!! That newborn pic with the teeny new beanie will be a site to behold.
 

Robey: She looked good, it wasn't styled yet so I don't know how she will look finally on screen but it looked simmilar to this.

Jarocha
 

Great title, Jesus Christ in a wet suit probably most memorable phrase ever.

David, thanks for the sucking wound explanation. I was riveted.

Mike and Emilia...grandparents-to-be!!!! Awesome. Grandchildren make those stretch marks and sleepless nights during your teenagers' wild years all worth it.

Agree with Daisynjay and anyone else that the prolonged popsicle scene with Matias and Gonzalo could have been cut. I mean, I'm as sentimental and family-oriented as they come, but enough already! I get it, Love is important, family is great. Okaaaay.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Dr. WasteofOxygen redeemed and leading a 12-step group. Good for him and good use of his time in the slammer. Why not? Roberta's been a bitch but I could go either way on her. Fina, of course, needs to have a spectularly miserable end.

Amused by Renata's bridesmaidy green dress but the Deborah Kerr ID's a good one.

Marta, you've been a trooper...thanks for all those incredibly inclusive recaps. You've put in your time, lady, and we've all benefited. Gracias.
 

Jarocha: It looks good, though I still prefer her red hair.

Robey
 

Mike and Emilia...definitely congrats are in order.
my 2 y.o. grandson is a handful but also provides the smiles every day and its nice to have someone to come greet you when you come in the door... he can't wait to hug me and kiss me each evening.
 

Thanks for the info on the agreement to reduce bloodshed Jarocha! Do they think it's making a difference for people?

Here's a pic of Silvia with dark hair, also from "All My Sons", which she was promoting in the video. Her hair is styled for the play in the pic: http://2musicaymas.blogspot.com/2009/12/silvia-navarro-recibira-2010-en-el.html
 

Oh wait! Silvia Tweeted a pic as they changed her hair color: http://blogtelenovelas.com/look-de-silvia-navarro-para-la-telenovela-lidia-de-amor/
 

Jarocha, interesting about the decision to not show so much blood and gore. What has the reaction been? Is that just for telenovelas? I remember when I was in México, I was a little shocked at how much they showed on the news programs. Like if there had been murders, they would show close-up footage of the bodies lying there. They don't do that in the U.S. Dead people are shown generally only at a great distance, or covered, or obscured somehow.

I always wonder about news coverage...obviously it's good to keep people informed of what's going on, but sometimes I suspect the sensationalism must be gratifying to the criminals. A lot of them must enjoy seeing how much fear they are generating. That was the case with the snipers in D.C. a few years back and spurred them on to more killings.
 

Ooooh! I use Nutrisse.

Robey
 

"Jesus Christ in a wet suit" made me think of the traditional arts exhibit Emilia and I saw at The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. There were some really gruesome depictions in both two and three dimensional art.

Still a great museum, highly recommended if you go to NM. Which, in itself, is highly recommended. Cheryl is one smart lady to have landed herself there.

Also - the Mexican Coasties making a gratuitous issue of a Zodiac boat and wet suits to civilians?? Jeez, I needed the heaviest iron skillet in the kitchen for that one.
 

Heavy iron skillet, coming right up!!
 

absolutely, Mike, calphalon skillet coming right up! that will knock them out in one swing!
 

Ah, Mike...I think I'd be avoiding Emilia today if I were you. (LOL!)
 

OK, Sylvia, flannel PJs it is! I will accessorize with the usual live cat.

And I, too, enjoyed the sucking chest wound explanation. It was WAY more palatable than the popsicle scene.
 

Vivi: Thanks for the link! The first pic is the one I saw but the ones below are new to me, she looks great there!

Julia: It's supposed to include the news. I think Televisa and TvAzteca have more or less complied with the agreement but the gory images are pretty common here anyway. If you happen to walk by a news stand you'll see pictures in the first page of many newspapers and the internet is full of them too. There's not much freedom of press right now in that subject though, so if you want to know what is happening you have to go to certain sources that unfortunately are filled with gruesome images.

Jarocha
 

Emilia says she won't have my beanie finished for the finale grandissimo. That's very ok with me. Dreaming of outfits for a new grandbaby is much more useful AND fun. Congratulation to the abuelos and the padres.

I'll wear a virtual beanie--the kind with blinders so I can't see my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons rolling their eyes while I shriek at the end for Berta/Fina and coo at Nata and Jeronimo doing their canoodling thing.
NOK
 

Ooh, Marta, Calphalon? I'd be honored to get swatted w/ that fancy French stuff. Our cast iron is Lodge or Wagner, though we do have one or two prized pieces of Griswold.

No, what I meant was that I had a real hard time imagining that the Mexican Coast Guard could be quite so generous as to give up a rubber boat and "trajes de neopreno" to Jeronimo and Matias. My understanding is that Mexico's defense budget is about 0.5% of their GDP. Ours in 2010 was 4.7% of GDP, so I confess I'm incredulous at that sort of wanton generosity. It was good to see the Coasties portrayed professionally, though.
 

Mike and anyone else:

I'm in the market for a cast iron skillet. My local cooking store has Lodge. Should I look into the other brands you mentioned.

Robey
 

Robey, I'm not sure Griswold is made anymore, but Lodge is a good brand. Calphalon - if I'm not mistaken - is made in France and is enameled. Lodge is not enameled and is really cast, unfinished iron that requires initial seasoning. It takes a lot of use to get a good finish on it. Cleaning's easy, just dump out what you can and then give it a brushing with hot water. NEVER put it in the dishwasher.

Alguien otro?
 

Mike, I wonder if the Mexican Navy regularly issues zebra print zodiacs to their patrol boats? Or maybe they just collect all those cruiser dinghies that break loose and drift away?

Jarocha, interesting info about showing blood and gore on TV. Thank you for sharing that with us.
 

I'm sure people like Jero and Matias were able to offer the Coast Guard enough of an incentive to supply the boat and trajes de neopreno. They probably welcomed the budget supplement.

My family has always used mostly Lodge. It's good quality and lasts forever, but does require seasoning and proper care. Purists say to never ever use soap on it, but sometimes my mother would, then she'd just oil it up again and put it in the oven for awhile.
 

Robey, I have some cast iron that belonged to my grandmother. Take care of it and it will last a good long while.
 

Thanks for the info, Jarocha. I think people can get the idea of a crime without seeing the gore. It's more important, in my opinion, for the news people to try to get out real thorough information than to make a spectacle.
 

I agree, Julia. In 1974 Mike and I were traveling through Texas and stopped in San Antonio. On the news that night there was a report of a drowning somewhere around there. The station we were watching actually showed the body being pulled from the river with hooks! I was a wee young thing then and cried - a lot!
 

Thanks for all the suggestions. My mother has a small cast iron skillet she's been cooking with for years. The Lodge skillet at my local cooking store is pre-seasoned. When I asked the guy how to care for it, he said he uses kosher salt with a little bit of oil and a lint-free cloth. He's never washed it with water, etc.

Robey
 

Robey, also, use corn or safflower oil for seasoning since they seem to not stink as bad as olive oil in the oven. And 10W30 Pennzoil is probably not a good choice either.

Julia & Sylvia, good points about Cost Guard acquisition processes. Maybe their utility boats are outfitted as tiendas, complete with credi card readers! The US Cost Guard has a reserve training center near us that overlooks the York River. It's one of the nicest installations I've seen and the thought has come to mind that maybe the Coasties get to keep a percentage of money seized from dopers.
 

Carlos~~~Thanks for the heads up about this episode. I managed to catch the first 5 minutes , and ...yikes...someone must have been a Highlander:the TV Series ''fan. That sword move was exactly like the one in the episode in which Duncan defeats the really old immortal who had been a friend of his friend the Parisian monk. Exact reenactment...but nobody can swordfight like Duncan. If you want your swash buckled or your buckle swashed...Duncan is your man.
 

Thanks for your final CME recap, Marta, with of course the excellent details, dead on accurate translation, and flashes of mordant wit. I'm already looking forward to El Talisman.

Augie's death:

I really needed a closer look at the body. David's treatment of a sucking chest wound is spot on though from what little I could see of the injury (a through and through penetration) I would think that both the spleen and left kidney were damaged which would result in UA's "fountain of blood".

Dr. Raymond Blount, one of my anatomy professors was famous for his golden needle oral exam question in which he would describe such a wound (made of course by his imagined golden needle) and require us to name each organ and structure traversed. I was all set to offer up my answer for ya'll, but I just didn't get a good enough look.

So as it is, I'll go along with a combination of David's and Jarocha's explanations for the lack of blood.

I'm sorry but I laughed out loud at Renata's tutu. I thought that she was gorgeous in every way except for that. I kept expecting her to portray some sort of dying black swan.

On the other hand, I loved Fina's wig. When I first began to study Spanish, I would tune in from time to time a TN called Carita de Ángel in which one of the main characters always wore just such wigs in a variety of colors.

I also was disappointed in the short shrift given to Matilde's and Carlos' wedding, plus I was hoping for more suffering for Augie and some shrill berating from Nata to entertain him as he shrugged off this mortal coil.

I was also hoping for bitter unholy defiance from Dr. Doom, not participation in a 12 step program.

Emelia and Mike, congratulations! This is wonderful news.

Carlos
 

Carlos, Renata's party dress reminded me of the ink sketches that department stores used to use in their fashion advertising back in the 50's and 60's.
 

Carlos...
Nata's tutu... ROFLOL!
and yes i remember Nora Salinas (Graciela from Esmeralda, also in La fea mas bella) as the aunt in Carita de angel.
 

Carlos- Shrill berating from Nata would have probably made Augie happy, in his twisted thinking. Remember, he preferred her hatred to her indifference. Probably the fact that she didn't give him one last thought and instead cradled Jero her Hero as Auggie lay dying behind her, was the worst thing that could happy to Augie.
 

...happen to Augie.
 

I was cool with Augustin's quick demise. The look on his face of absolute shock and incredulity was deeply satisfying for me. I even let loose with a short nyah nyah for good measure. I'm pretty sure that very expression was his death rictus, doomed to stay frozen on his face for all eternity.
 

Oh, and I fully admit that David's sucking wound description along with Doctor Carlos's addendum increased my satisfaction.
 

I think y'all are right. Prolonged physical suffering wouldn't have hurt Augie as much as that brief, intense moment of knowing that he didn't win, that he isn't invincible, and that Renata didn't care.
 

Julia:
In the end Renata gave him indifference. I thought of that as the cameras pulled away and we saw Augustin splayed out on the deck with absolutely no one tending to him. If that was his last memory it was a harsh one.

Furthermore, given his spiritual development, I would guess that Augustin is in for a long set of lifetimes as an mosquito in a vector control experiment at a large research institution.

EJ
 

Cold, Elna Jung! Ice cold.