Caray, Caray!

Sylvia:

This is one of your best recaps—ever. Thank you so much for bringing your wit, observation and fine writing skills to the practice of recapping. I am honored to consider you a mentor, an inspiration and an amiga.

I guess there will be one big question we debate for the next few days—do we believe Roberta?

One argument for yes is that she gave folks teh information that she and Fina were going to leave the next day. But like you, Cap'n, it would take me another 130 epis before I believe Roberta could follow through on her momentary good intentions.

Thanks for getting this up so fast and thanks for writing it so well.

EJ
 

Gracias amiga! You are too sweet. I'm very glad that you have agreed to recap El Talisman along with Marta Ivett and me. But back to CME - I think the key thing about Roberta is that SHE believes herself. Will she be a different person overnight? Doubtful, but coming clean is a start. All habits and patterns are hard to break, bad habits are the hardest. The Reinvention of Roberta would be an entire telenovela on its own.
 

Sylvia: I wholeheartedly agree with EJ. This was a classic recap. Quite hilarious.

Glad to know you both will be recapping El Talisman-whenever the darn thing starts.

Just had to take a moment tonight to tell you how much I enjoyed the recap. Can't wait to read everyone's comments tomorrow.

Robey
 

Sylvia - I am days behind with Cuando and am hoping to pull a marathon catch-up before tomorrow's Gran Finale.

I've just gotten in after a Ute basketball game (they FINALLY won!) and will savor your re-cap when I get to that episode (sometime around noon tomorrow, I hope).

BUT, I just wanted to say.... Scarecrow, I think I'll miss you most of all. You have been amazing. It was one of your re-caps I read when I first found this site and I've held a special place for you in my heart ever since. Just like Regina feels for Renata!

Before I get too gushy and say "You complete me" I do know that this doesn't really end, we just move on to El Talisman. I look forward to more of your priceless wit.

Speaking of El Talisman... I got the new People en espanol and there is a good picture of your Aaron Diaz on pagina 22, but the really exciting thing is he is sitting on one of those sanitarium benches that Fina and Blanca would sit on with the spikey saw in the back! lol

I'll check in again tomorrow.

Rosemary la Otra
 

I knew Roberta had it in her, way deep down. No matter what side you come down on as to her redemption, you had to feel for her during that scene with her papa. Hope to see both of these actors again.

But couldn't they have stretched this week out? I hate that they cram all this in at the last minute. Would a couple weeks have been so bad? Don't think we'd be bored.

Kelly
 

Oh Sylvia, what a perfect recap you have left us with as your last missive on this CME team. It has been a joy to team up with you again. I am going my own way and staying with the time slot so will be building my slang vocabulary with Familia but I know we will have fun skirmishes on other novelas. I am glad that you, Marta and Elna June will take on El Talisman. I hope to comment and come to play often.

I think you and Susanlynn are two of the people I got to know first on CarayCaray, its now been a few fun years and we are going on with a great study group.

I like the Lennonesque title. Gonzolo always talks about love being the answer too. He sure got to Roberta. Too bad Fina believes that hate is the answer. Roberta looks like the loser in this struggle of philosophies. Odd how they always excuse Roberta's awfulness because she was under Fina's influence and yet so was Renata and we see how loving and wonderful she is inspite of being showered by hate every day for 24 years. It is still who is inside that makes all the difference. These and other arguments are what have made this one of my favorite telenovelas too.
 

Truly going out on top Sylvia. Brilliant as always. I always enjoy how you put in those perfect comments to your recaps that absolutely mirror what we all must have been thinking as we watched. Since I'm giving El Talisman a go, I'm excited that I'll enjoy your insights again!

"Certainly he is the best example of how to look hot in a suit." This was certainly Gonzo's night, but Jero looked sooooo good, and I would normally detest that yellow suit on ANYONE else. Somehow, he pulls it off. One of the many aspects of this TN I will miss.

As for Gonzo/Rene-- he and Cesar Evaro really know how to do the loving father scenes. He didn't just have Berta melting, I was tearing up too thinking of my own dear dad and all his love. Rene just nailed it--and I was very impressed with Jessica. You could just see the change in her eyes as he spoke. Yes, very well done scene.

So Berta did get her redemption,
short lived though it was. My hats off to all those who held out hope for her. I probably would have been like Jero, show me in actions, but alas she won't have that chance.

So it looks like our last episode will be devoted to the Marina drama, and then lots of babies. A new beginning...I'm such a sap for little babies, the episode will hopefully send me out smiling big time. (Wonder if we get Kari's bambino born too?) I say La Bonita needs a Day Care center.

Better get off for work. Did laundry last night so I have my flannel pj's ready to go for tonight (sniff sniff).

Oh, and one more spectacular bit-- my Emilia beanie is on it's way!!! Thank you mon ami. I am so excited.
 

Sylvia: I don't think there are enough superlatives to describe my feelings on your recap. Your descriptive words, spot on instincts and awesome humor shone at every turn.

The vocabulary and dicho were stellar, as always.

Sylvia, you graciously welcome all newcomers as you did me years ago. You draw all of us in, and make us feel welcome and never fail to tell us all of our comments and opinions have merit. Your spirit is infectious and your generous heart apparant.

There were so many flowers in this garden, it was hard to pick. Loved "lurid locks", "bloody spittle", "They lob this multisyllabic word back and forth" and my favorite: "From her spiteful point of view this tender moment is not about Renata but rather about herself and she demands an explanation, much as she would from a lover kissing another woman". Wonderful, all.

From the previews, it appears there are issues with Marina. I am hoping all survive but realize it's highly unlikely.

I also teared up at Berta and Gonzo's scene. It was heart wrenching. And yes, I believed Berta finally, at long last, had a change of heart. Her public declaration seems proof, but is it too late?

CME has been a wonderful ride. Thank you Sylvia and all the recappers and commenters who made this such an excellent journey. I look forward to commenting on the finale on Monday.

And then, on to ET. As Dr. Carlos would say: "Next!"

Diana
 

Sylvia, Thank you for another wonderful Friday morning. You always amaze me with the completeness and the wit of your recaps.

I'm going to jump over to Una Familia con Suerte because I prefer the time slot & because I always enjoy the light hearted and campy shows. After all I cut my teeth on Juan Querendon. (Wow, let me pause for a minute and enjoy that image.)

I will miss my Friday mornings with you, Sylvia, but I'm sure we'll bump into each other here on Caray Caray another time.

This has been one of my favorite TNs. The writing & the acting have bee superb. There has been so much beautiful scenery -- the vineyards ..... the sea ...... Jeronimo!

I believe in Berta's conversion. It's true that both girls grew up under the same evil influence, but Nata, Gonzo and everyone can see that while Fina's nasty nature was used to berate and cow Nata it was used to mold and coddle Berta. Gonzo's steady love and acceptance seems to have broken Fina's marionette string and allowed Berta to tumble into the warm embraces of her family. The scee was powerful and I'm a believer. -- Unlike Jeronimo. That was a very skeptical face he presented.

Sylvia -- you were hilarious as usual. I especially loved
--bobble-head from hell.
--Her telephone interrupts her autolovefest
--no giant block letters advising us of the location. I guess they figure that after 180 episodes we finally know where we are.

Those big block letters were wierd. I won't miss them but I will miss everything else.

Güera
 

Cap'n Sylvia! Thank you, thank you! Love the introduction and the induction into the Papas Hall of Fame. . .I'd Andy Griffith's Papa to Opie to that list: Yes, it was heart-warming and those two deserve a standing ovation.

I am happy my faithful friends who've held out for the redemption of Roberta have been vindicated but it will be bitter sweet. I get the distinct impression that when Fina clenched her teeth as she pulled the trigger she was going for Roberta first! Roberta seemed to get a look of recognition in her eyes af if she, until then, had not seen Fina either. We know Renata will not die, nor will she be injured: I think Roberta is going to take a shot in the heart.

Now. What about Fina. Gonzo seemed to stare at one point toward the band before Regina asked him to dance: he seemed to smell, or see, a rat, but the moment passed. Monterrubios, I think you could be forgiven if you dropped your upper class decorum and unleashed twenty-five years of frustration and righteous rage for all the mayhem (and wrecked fiestas) upon this wretch and rip her limb from limb!

Brava Amiga! Thank you for being a big part of the reason I have enjoyed this wonderful telenovela that definitely is one of my all time favorites!

Lila
 

Sylvia- I echo everyone else's eloquent expressions of thanks and admiration for you. I can't say it better. Muchas gracias amiga.

Berta was redeemed in the end, but I also doubt she will survive Fina's bullet. I don't think that Fina is aiming for her, as Nata is the one with the back turned to Fina, but I do think Berta makes that turn to take the bullet for her sis. The ultimate sign of love.

If I were Jero, I would have the same skeptical look (and need 130 episodes of proof) too. I actually laughed out loud when during the office pow wow Gonzo said something like we all want the best for Berta because we love her.
Jero's face: "I don't love that bitch."

I was also very moved by the scene between Gonzo and Berta. Well done by both actors!

I wondered what kind of accident Jessica C had when I saw the gash on her arm. I thought I noticed a red mark on her chin peeking through the makeup too.
 

R la O, I love it, you quoted my favorite movie of all time. Thank you Dorothy! I think I will have to pick up a copy of People en E to see Aaron on the nuthouse bench. Will this be yet another Uni prop that keeps popping up?

Kelly, who know the minds of editors? They allow precious minutes looking at a dumb kitchen and Carlos and Mati's wedding is mere seconds? Go figure.

Cheryl, I will definitely miss recapping with you on El T but I'm so happy you joined the group at La Familia. I'll see you on that board.

daisynjay, I was very glad to see Rene Casados get to show off his acting skills. So often he was just in the background looking wide-eyed and baffled. Directors, let these people act!

Hee, Word Verification is tritings, what all writers try to avoid I think.
 

Count me among those who have a special place in their heart for Recapper Sylvia. When I first found this site, I always looked for her recaps first, even if I wasn't watching that particular novela, because I loved her humor and her thoughtful vocabulary lists. She is not just a witty recapper but a teacher as well.

My favorite lines in this one were
"purple eyelids abaze in anger" (the make-up and costuming crew certainly made Roberta a harsh, unfeminine contrast to sister Renata)
"lurid locks" and
"bobble-head from Hell".(that's our Fina)

Also loved the link to the Sprockets, and am intrigued by your biographical info Sylvia. How on earth did you get slashed by a wineglass like that!? Living your own telenovela, wild child? Inquiring minds want to know.

Soft-hearted though I am, I stopped believing in Roberta's redemption long ago. So I was blown away by the Gonzo-Roberta scene. Very moving and very believable. Reminded me of the Good Shepherd looking one last time for the lost lamb. Or the Prodigal Son returning to his father's open arms after years of dissolute living. Gonzalo really played his part well and I was tearing up right along with the rest of you.

In real life, the lamb might wander off again and the prodigal son might relapse. But Roberta, redeemed, forgiven, and reconciled with her family, looks like she's going to exit before falling back into evil ways. Works for me.
 

Well, Sylvia, you and the other recappers certainly have set the bar very high. Mistressful, as always!

I'm glad I didn't hold the popsicle talk against Gonzo -- that was the best "arise, go and sin no more" speech I have ever heard in ANY language. Guau, papito, guau.
 

Vivi, forearm and chin? I wonder if Jessica is a cyclist? She does something physical to maintain that dynamite body of hers. Last night she looked more fantastic than ever.

Lila, oh for sure Andy Griffith should be in the papa hall of fame. Now I will be whistling that distinctive tune all day, LOL. I'm very glad you stepped in and guest-recapped for us. You and EJ were an incredible tag team, so talented and original both of you.

Güera, I do enjoy your insights and observations. I will see you at La Familia which is, like you say, very similar to JQ. Cutting your teeth indeed! (I always envision that hunk doing tricep dips in his boxers and cowboy boots, rowr, now with teeth marks.)

Diana, you are the true gentle soul, always with a kind word for everyone. I hope you know how much you and your comments are appreciated.

Robey, I'm glad you plan to join us on El Tal. I don't think it aired in Mexico first like other telenovelas so it will be interesting to see how it is received.
 

Blue Lass, maybe Papa Gonzo gave such a good "rise and sin no more" speech because he has played a religious Padre on more than one occasion. Or maybe he is just the best papito ever! I'm so glad you will be recapping on El Tal, tag teaming with Elna Jung. (Hee, some nicknames are doomed to stick.)

Judy, hermana, I truly do miss YOUR recaps, speaking of stellar vocab. You are the creator of Dicho of the Day so I am trying to keep the flame alive. I wish my slashing story was an exciting one, alas it involved a toast gone awry, cheap wine glass easily breakable, friend off-balance, a trip to the emergency room, and a once-lovely pink-striped dress and white pumps doomed for the dumpster. Ah youth...it's a wonder we survive it.
 

Thanks again, Sylvia, for another scintillating recap, and allow me to add to the accolades being heaped upon you today. You and Judy were my inspirations to try my hand at recapping and you both set a very high bar.

Now a word about Robi. I'm certain that her redemption is real, but it may be for the best that she is about to make a timely exit. Roberta is absolutely sincere but I don't think it would take much to seduce her back to the darkside.

When I was a child, our church would set up a tent for a revival each Summer which was always presided over by the same flashy evangelist. Each Summer he would be credited with the salvation of 1000 sinners, give or take. Thing was, each year it would be pretty much the same 1000. I'm afraid that Roberta would have fallen into that group.

"...then they waste more valuable viewing time checking out the kitchen."

I was amused by how intrigued Manuela seemed to be by the light in the hood over the stove. It was like, "Wow! What will they think of next."

Carlos
 

Sylvia, thanks for another great recap. I have so enjoyed your work (as I have in the past).

That was a powerful scene b/t Gonzo and Berta. Unlike all of the other times when Berta smirks and slinks away, she broke down and I was actually moved. Gonzo hit all her wounded parts and continued to show his love to her. Though I have doubted her ability to be redeemed, for a brief moment last night I thought she could.
 

Much as I was pulling for Berta I think you may be right, Carlos, about the staying power of her selflessness. Taking a bullet and remaining in everyone's memory as the savior of her sister may be the best thing for her. (Won't we all be surprised if Berta is NOT shot tonight?)

I too thought Manuelita's reaction to the under cabinet light was a bit much. But I am glad that Kari is finally getting the home & hubby & baby that she deserves.

Sylvia, another of the things I loved about this recap was the way you kept pointing out how everyone was looking right past Fina as she stood right among them --"Jero and Matias, mere steps away, take no notice of the pink-hued help." "Matias says “life is full of surprises, Profe”. (Well he would be surprised if only he’d check out the wacko on the stage!)" "Fina can’t resist skulking close to them, peeking at their happiness and leaving a wake of creepified, howling background music. Boys, are you deaf?!?!" "Regina takes the microphone and all eyes are on her WITH FINA RIGHT BEHIND HER but nobody nobody seems to notice her." Your take on that was so funny.

I also liked the way you pointed out the body language in the Regina/ Renata /Roberta scene. Those details are one of the reasons I love your recaps. Gracias Amiga.

Güera
 

Brilliant, Sylvia!

All through this episode I kept wondering how aware anyone was that Fina was still at large. As for Roberta's redemption, it would take 130 episodes more to convince me. She might have realized that Fina could turn on her as well, but she would need a lot of time to prove herself.

I am so impatient for tonight's finale.
 

Yes, all that hiding-in-plain-sight required a massive amount of beanie action. I've been married for 28 years, and I can recognize my husband out of the corner of my eye just by the way he moves. And even as a youngster of Roberta's age, I think I'd know my own mama!
 

Fantastic recap Sylvia. I'm glad you're doing El Talisman.

I agree with Vivi that I don't think it matters if Roberta turns herself around because I don't think she survives the bullet. A fitting end to Fina to kill her own daughter who she professes to love so much. And on my TV, Roberta's purple eye shadow looked blue on this episode.

I said to my daughter that I can't believe no one recognized Fina. It seemed pretty obvious to me.

The Gonzo talk to Roberta was very moving. I would have loved to hear such a thing from my dad.
 

Well I'm with Jero (man can that man rock a suit - even a yellow one) - that it would take me 130 episodes to get on Berta's band wagon. She's just too insincere.

And how hilarious was Fina back there as a back up singer?? But I think I definitely saw an Oh Sh*t expression on Fina's face after she fired.

What do you think??
 

EJ - I finally got to watch your episode. It was so good, but your recap was even better! Thank you to you and Lila for taking over Tuesdays. You are an awesome duo.
I am excited that you are staying on AND having Blue Lass as a partner! Blue Lass - you've made me LOL on numerous occasions. This will be fun!

Marta - I also got to your re-cap this morning. Wonderful, as always! I've said this in the past, but you do write so beautifully and you've helped with so many funny sayings that a dictionary just wouldn't have listed. Did I hear you are staying on too? YAY!!!

How cool that they used the real gal from the Aqui Nadie Se Rinde Foundation! This tn has been all over the PAs. Good for them.

Fina is going to disguise herself as a Japanese man named Izakuri? LOL is right, Marta.

NOK - Thank you so much for all of your hilarious lists! Are they going to be posted somewhere on this site for posterity? This word verification one is a gut splitter. Too bad there isn't a game show called "Define that Word Verification". We'd all be such good contestants. They could throw anything at us and we'd make it fit.

Emilia and Mike - what fun abuelos you will be! And what a darling wardrobe the baby will have. Congratulations! You've certainly been experiencing the Circle of Life as late.

Now, time for me to watch last night's episode.

Rosemary la Otra
 

Berta had four people in her life who truly loved her (Renata, Gonzo, Rafa, and Gina) and she squandered those relationships with deceit, envy and hate. Very sad.
 

Cap'n--there just aren't enough words to express what you give us in each and every recap. This one was stellar. Thank you for this swan song for both you and probably Berta.

I'll be sorry to leave this particular 7pm community, but happy to see some of our top-notch recappers and commenters moving to ELT (to distinguish from ET--call home). As you know I was a big fan of Eva Luna and I'm anxious to see Blanca Soto in a different role.

Gracias a todos por el entrenimiento y la bondad en esta comunidad.

My word verification today is noteworthy: bument--as in what is probably going to happen to Berta tonight.

NOK (soon to divest myself of this moniker and take on my childhood name--Anita)
 

Carlos, I love your story about the summer revival. That really exemplifies this particular area of the human condition very well. I think Roberta's (possible) shining moment might well be left to a moment. Tonight we shall see. Like the rest of you say, longer than a moment is just not quite believable.

cathyx, I still have a wretchedly old TV and I'm usually loathe to call out colors. I noticed Roberta's eyeshadow did look a bit bluer last night later in the episode, but at first it appeared purple. Maybe that was just me assuming. Probably. Funnily enough I will miss her purple eyeshadow, assuming of course we will not see it again.

UA and Mary, you guys (and others) and Jero are the realists and able to call bulls**t for sure. I thought it was completely in character for him to be all scowly while everyone else was "aww, let's forgive her AGAIN". He's trying not to be so judgmental but haven't we been saying nobody changes overnight? Him too.

Güera and Blue Lass, I was trying not to be to heavy-handed with my Fina sighting frustration but really, right on stage? It was bugging me.
 

Sylvia-
My TV is really old too, so I'm not sure what color it was. Her dress looked blue on my TV also, so I figured she was trying to match. Maybe they were both purple?
 

Oh, and some of you mentioned NOK's amazing lists. You have no idea. That's all I'll say for now.

Vivi, you have summed up Berta's existence and fatal character flaw very succinctly. I do agree, how sad. I'm not sure she would have truly appreciated Rafa had he not died. She's like that.

Thanks for all your warm and witty comments everyone. I'm with UA, I can't wait for tonight's episode even though it will be the last, boo hoo!
 

What I'd like to know is how the heck did Fina get that gig in the first place???

Sylvia it's bugging me too that no one is noticing Fina up there but then again people often hide in plain sight.

Yesterday I got into an elevator with a woman I work with who dyed her hair black - I didn't recognize her until she said good morning Mary. Anywho

Oh and Sylvia, if you want a newer TV, come over to my house - I have extras (odd I know, but I do) and I'll give you one! Mean it. I live in Glendale, CA . :)
 

Sylvia, thank you. Simply thank you. Quite likely your best ever - seems that you pulled out all the stops for this one.

Roberta - hard to imagine that she would have stayed on the wagon of Love & Righteousness, but she sure burned a bridge with her confession whether or not she was aware of Fina's presence. And, yeah, the eye makeup was pretty grotesque and I think both blue and purple were in layers there. So, ladies, what would it take to remove that much? Cotton ball dipped in WD-40?

Gonzalo - such a good guy. Not at all surprised to hear he's played a priest in other TNs. But I did need the stainless steel mixing bowl beanie that Roberta actually listened and responded.

Sylvia, many many extra thanks for the Sprockets clip. I think I bookmarked the clip w/ Kyle MacLachlan as Karl Heinz, but it was so cool to see the Woody Harrelson one again. That story will never "grow tiresome."

So what's the word on scheduling as of today? When will El Talisman be shown, and starting when? What will be on Univision at 7 pm this coming Monday?

Surely don't want to lose touch with all you good folks!
 

IMDB is listing El Talisman as debuting in "January 2012," so we shouldn't have much longer to wait...

They also say Julieta Rosen is in it. Yay!
 

Checked my DVR schedule and no El Talisman yet--it shows up to two weeks. So maybe in February?

The scene with Gonzo and Berta was great; however, I wished he'd had this talk with her MONTHS AGO!!!

They are all aware that Fina is on the loose, definitely planning evil and has crashed their social occasions before. Why are they not on the look out for her?!!!

Sylvia: If Roberta lives, they'll probably tone down her makeup to prove she has changed.

I do think Roberta has a chance of keeping to the light, even with missteps along the way, since she won't have Fina sabotaging her.

Robey
 

Blue Lass: Thanks for the El Tal update. Glad to know we won't have to wait unti Feb for it.

During Borders going out of business sales :( I bought La Heredera with SN. Think I'll watch that until El Tal starts.

Robey
 

I don't believe the coincidence, but guess what I just made and put on the stove: Stuffed Grape Leaves! They're for a small gathering at a friend's house tomorrow night.

Anyone having wine with tonight's finale?
 

Urban A, I think Kelly, who lives in San Diego, might manage to score some actual Baja wine for tonight. I'm so glad one of us might have the real thing. As for me I will probably open a good bottle of red to honor the occasion, followed by a shot of smoky, sippable Mezcal at the end of the show.

Grape leaves! I'm hungry. Yes that is a coincidence. All those beautiful grape vines must have been lurking in your head.

Mary, you have extra TVs? That's funny. I might just have to take a road trip down to Glendale ;)

Mike, I just thought it was so funny that in the midst of their anguish and concern Regina grabbed Gonzo and said OK let's dance. It was a very random and Sprockets moment.

I checked my Tivo and it looks like Familia is scheduled to be two hours each night starting at 7:00 definitely for next week and then into the following week. However Univision has scheduled programs and then changed the scheduling at the last minute. I wouldn't mind a couple of weeks off from recapping, just not too long.
 

Definitely having wine in my flannels, UA, but I don't think I can bring myself to try Mexican...is California close enough?
 

You mean no one from the band noticed a stranger in a pink wig on stage with them?

I noticed last night's commercial of El Talisman said it would be coming "Muy Pronto". lol how's that for vague?

Thanks for the Sprockets link, Sylvia. How did that pop into your head?

I love your idea of a spin-off, The Reinvention of Roberta. I'm with Kelly wishing they'd stretched out her redemption a few more days. I would have like to see her settle within herself.

Guera worded it so perfectly: "Gonzo's steady love and acceptance seems to have broken Fina's marionette strings and allowed Berta to tumble into the warm embraces of her family." Beautiful.

Papa Gonzo was just spectacular tonight. Not one bit ditzy in that speech to Roberta. I don't think it would have been quite as effective if he was sporting those bangs we see him with in the New Years clip from Vivi. That's more a popscicle scene look.

I was pleased to see Carlos' icky mom give Mati a nice hug and look happy at the wedding. Her brown dress was frumpy looking though.

Carlos re: Manuela spotting the oven light: "What will they think of next?" lol lol lol

Blue Lass - I've been married 28 years also. 1983?

I have really enjoyed the vineyard scenes. I guess I've been one to sip my wine without really thinking much of where it came from. I had an uncle who started a vineyard in Forestville, CA that is still producing. Perhaps I need to visit.

Speaking of which... Sylvia being slashed by a wineglass. And you waited until the Gran Finale to share that with us? Glad you are okay and it didn't affect your typing skills!

R la O
 

1984, R la O. Easy to remember. Orwellian.

And I think we ALL need to visit your uncle's vineyard. We could dress up as our favorite CME characters and...well, I guess it's too soon to be planning the reunion, since the finale hasn't even aired yet. ;}
 

Blue Lass, considering that California used to be part of Mexico I'd say that's just fine. Let's say wine from Texas (where vines were planted long before California) New Mexico and Arizona count too because they are border states.
 

R la O, the wine slash was a LONG time ago. Hey, I get up to Forestville from time to time. We drive right through there when we go up to the North Coast and we usually stop on the way home for some wine tasting. It is a terrific wine-producing area and very beautiful too.

Check out my response to Mike about why the scene made me think of Sprockets. Pretty random I'll admit.

I'm still thinking about Urban A's grape leaves. Maybe I'll pick some up for tonight. Or maybe I'll make mole in honor of Mati and Manuela.
 

Sylvia, thank you so much for your endless wit during these months of CME, your recaps are always a joy to read. Not to mention the great Spanish lessons at the end ! This is one TN that I will surely miss!

I really loved the Sprockets reference, that was one of my favorite SNL skits of all time. Now and then we see someone dressed like one here in Portland and my hubbie and I just say "sprocket"and we get a good chuckle.

Mike good idea about a stainless steel bowl for a beenie, do they make stainless yarn Emilia? If so I would like to order one! Considering Fina has shot, poisoned and beat up the family, and now escaped from prison, I would have snipers on the rooftop, attack dogs and an airport scanner before anyone entered MY property!

Gonzo really nailed the father daughter talk, he is another man that looks fabulous in a suit!
I am still upset that they didn't show Mati's wedding, I'm sure it would have been lovely, especially since she wasn't wearing the dumb headband. I hope Carlos throws them all away because he needs the headband drawer for his socks.

The Marina storyline and scenes still bother me, always feel like I am watching an episode of Big Love/ Sister Wives. I just don't get the purpose of having beautiful Renata having to share her man for eternity with another woman and her kids. Ugh.

I wish the writers would give us a week of happiness in the end instead of the usual last episode of closure squeezed into 1 or 2 hours.

Thank you to all the recappers and study group members on this site, without your translation and keen observations I would have missed half of what was going on!

word verification: moddifi -what I have to do to my brain when I try to make sense of these TN's
 

My stuffed grape leaves contain rice, artichoke heart, oregano, and olive oil. When they've cooled off in the fridge I will put them in a white wine vinaigrette dressing with extra virgin olive oil, chopped Queen olives, parsley, dill, scallions, and lemon adobo. That has to sit overnight in the fridge before serving. You can't buy any like them.
 

Sylvia - let me know - I'll dust one off for you!!

Blue Lass - you're right about recognizing those we are close to - I lost my mom 5 years ago but I'd be able to spot her in a crowd of 1,000 from a mile away.

Whoever has an uncle with a vineyard in Forestville, yes go soon. We were up there in October - it is spectacular - just beautiful and a million GREAT wineries.

I think I'll open a bottle of some of the stuff we got just for tonight and celebrate the end of my first TN!

As far as dressing up as my favorite character - hum... Jero is my favorite - I'll have to go out and find myself a yellow suit!! LOL
 

Urban A, you are killing me! That recipe sounds absolutely divine. You're right, I don't think I could purchase your beauties anywhere, not even from a gourmet deli.

Mary, my favorite character is Lazaro so that would be easy if I buy a black hat. Just don't expect me to run around saving everybody. You're going to think I'm crazy, but Augustin is another favorite. But I don't have a white windbreaker or a Marlboro Man jacket so that's out.
 

My favorite character is Renata, hands down. Maybe I'll wear some leather gloves with my PJs. (I have a coon cat boa, so I don't need a hamster vest.)
 

Cap'n Sylvia, splendidly well done. Great lines, great description, great vocab.

I, too, think Roberta will spin Renata out of the way and take the shot herself. I'm not entirely convinced she was really repentant. She may have just decided she doesn't want to live on the lam with her novio-killing mama, and if she acts nice to the rest of the family they will let her stay and enjoy the lifestyle to which she is accustomed. But if she does die, her last-minute apologies and saving her sister will allow her family to believe that she was good deep down, and I think this will give them some peace. They won't be left with ONLY bad memories of her.

WHY oh why did they waste so much time on repeats and kitchen-admiring when there is so much going on? I would love to have a brief scene where the detective tells Honorio something about Blanca's past and motivation for what she did. Plus more Carlos and Mati time.
 

I'm going to dress up as Matilde. I don't know that she's my absolute favorite character, but I have the outfit.

Also I need to stop at the market and get some squash to cut up for dinner.
 

Dinner at Urban's tonight - YAY!!


Sylvia, your magnum opus, and what an opus it was! Thanks for all the hours you have put in. We appreciate 'em all.

My take on the Fina thing: Rich people, with a few exceptions, ignore their 'help'. Servants float in and out bearing tea, telephones, messages, with scarcely any notice at all. Elvis himself (complete with pink wig and pink sideburns) could have been on that stage and nobody would have noticed. Well, WE would, but for some reason the actors can't hear us screaming at them. Guess we know what that makes us, huh?

It's a shame Gonzo didn't have The Talk with Roberta until half an hour before her demise. Better to have wiped the clouds from his eyes, oiled his hamster wheel and spoken about 10 years ago. Guess that would have shortened this tn somewhat...

Mike and I are having chili verde and California red wine this evening. We will raise a glass to all of you fantabulous recappers. And the commenters.
 

We're gonna try a recipe for Chile Verde tonight. And some particularly nice Zinfandel.

Julia, if you have a way of cooking squash so that it doesn't hit the plate all soft and mushy, let me know. Or are you just channeling Manuela?

Also, since it appears we're all going on a post-CME diaspora, should we all check in to Cheryl's Gran Final recap in the coming days/weeks just to keep in touch? I think we did something similar after Gancho.

Aw, poo, word verification is what tonight's episode is; (the) lastr .
 

I think there is a brand of yarn with stainless steel in it. Have to give it a try.

Word ver; dagum Got too dagum much stuff to do around here...
 

R la O:

We have been missing you, lately. Glad to see you caught up just in time for the finale.

Forestville is prime Russian River Sonoma Wine country. I live in Petaluma, about 15 miles away, and I used to live in Sebastopol, the next town over from Forestville. Which vineyard did your uncle start? Is he a grower, a winemaker, or both? Russian River valley is one of the prime growing regions for Pinot Noir in the US, along with the Central California Coast, Williamette Valley in Oregon and Washington State. A wine from a tiny vineyard in the Forstville area was just named best wine in the country by Wine Spectator magazine.

Yes, I will be lifting a glass of local red tonight in honor of our CME. Sonoma County is a typical agricultural region in that we consume a lot of our own products! Honestly, it isn't that much of a hardship. LOL.

UA: Might I beg a copy of your stuffed grape leaves recipe? It sounds WONDERFUL!

EJ
 

Yum! Stuffed grape leaves! You're making me hungry. Perhaps I'll pick up dinner at the local Mexican food restaurant tonight...

I think we all noticed how this tn seemed find of names that started with certain letters. I thought 'R' would win out, but the 'A' names pulled forward:

A:
Adriana
Agatha
Agustin
Anibal
Alison
Alfonsina
Antonio
Alvaro

C:
Constanza
Carlos
Chema (aka Jose Maria)
Carina (also spelled with a K sometimes)
Catalina (Doña Cata)

G:
Gonzálo
Germán

I:
Inez
Isidro

J:
Jerónimo
Josefina
Jose Maria (Chema)
Julieta

M:
Matias
Matilde
Manuela
Marina

R:
Regina
Roberto
Renata
Roberta
Rafael

S:
Severino (Padre)
Selena

Random: Ezekiel, Lazaro, Honorio, Blanca, Priscila
 

Sylvia, I run out of ways to express my admiration and appreciation for your skill, humor and general ability to make these things really enjoyable for everyone, and especially for us non-Spanish speakers.

My word verification is tragi, uh-oh, looks like that tells us a little about tonight's episode.

I have to withdraw my theory for Augie's offing. The shot of his body last night showed no blood at all. His clothes were as pristine as a young bride about to walk down the isle, so Jarocha's explanation must be correct.

I liked the father-daughter counseling session last night, but also think if Roberta lives she'll just return to mucking up everyone's life. Carlos, your revival memory was funny!

I started commenting on here because of R la O's comment about using a red T shirt as an off the shoulder dress substitute. I imagined you sitting there with your head and arm sticking out of a tight neck hole, your face getting more purple as the episode went on, and your arm stuck up in the air in an exagerated Nazi salute.

I've really enjoyed reading and interacting with such a fun bunch of people - and, the twins and I got world class beanies from Emilia.

David
 

My favorite character is Anibal. The kid is just so darned pure at heart. I think I will avoid punking my hair up like his and just drink a glass of wine in his honor.

I also like Isidro and Ines, Laz and Kari. I couldn't stand Auguie but I LOVED Lisardo in the part.

Julia: ITA...I really wanted to see Matilde in her wedding finery sans headband. The Kari house tour with the miraculous overhead light could have easily been replaced by more wedding time. I found the Manuela-light-bit more than a tad condescending.

EJ
 

Oh Julia - I totally agree - so much cheese when they could have been telling us some back story or given us more insight to some of the characters.

Oh UA - send the recipe for the grape leaves!!

Oh and chili verde - my mom was from Silver City, NM - need I say more? Mike, I'll send you the recipe! Then you can also make some sopapillas! Tell um Cheryl. ;)
 

Mike, I just sauté it. I like squash and if it is mushy, I guess I haven't noticed. Mostly I just want to join Manuela's kitchen cabal.

I think it's feasible for Fina to have joined the band and gone unnoticed. Roberta could have arranged the entertainment. She could have put out an ad saying a singer has a gig but needs a band and backup singers. Musicians join up with each other that way a lot. The others were just not looking at the band.

One might think that, knowing Fina is on the loose and out to get them, they would have better security, maybe have guards inspecting everyone who comes in, but this family is always lax about that kind of thing.
 

Oh I definitely have to get some squash for tonight. I love it all ways from raw to squishy. I add it to my Pastel Azteca and then tell myself that it magically makes the dish healthy.

OK Mary and UA, any chance you two might share your recipes? I have gotten some amazing recipes from the Caray community and I'm always looking to add to it.

Mary, I have a pretty good chile verde recipe but I wouldn't mind replacing it with an authentically delicious one. And sopapillas? Did I hear someone say fried dough? Yum!!

OMG my next door neighbors just started jack hammering! I am out of here for a while. I'll catch you folks later today or tonight.
 

Stuffed Grape Leaves:

Step 1: Filling (makes 35-45, depending on size of leaves)

1 can artichoke hearts
1 cup short- or medium-grain rice
dried oregano
freshly ground pepper (optional)
extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, although I can't stand Rachel Ray)

grape leaves
2-3 cups cold water (enough to just cover)

Mix filling ingredients together. Sprinkle oregano in until you like the aroma (it should not overwhelm) and put in enough EVOO to hold the mix together. Break stems from leaves (gently!). Stuff leaves starting at stem end, fold back ends and sides inward and roll toward the point. Place point-side down in large skillet, starting from the outside.

The trick is to not roll too tightly or place them too close together in the pan, as the rice needs some expansion room. 1/2 tbsp of filling is usually the right amount to put in.

Add cold water, cover with a dinner plate, and place over medium flame. When water begins to boil lower flame and allow to cook for about 20 minutes. Remove from flame, drain remaining water, remove plate, and allow to stand until steam dissipates. Carefully remove stuffed leaves to a shallow bowl and refrigerate for 4-5 hours.

Step 2:

Toss stuffed leaves carefully with the following:

4-5 scallions, chopped
half bunch of parsley leaves (picked from main stem)
half bunch of dill (stripped from main stem)
4-5 oz Queen olives, sliced
Lemon Adobo
Freshly ground pepper
EVOO
White wine vinegar

Refrigerate overnight in covered container. Stuffed leaves should marinate until the next day. Serve cold.
 

UA:

I love all the Foodies on this Board. Can't wait to try the recipe. Sounds like a perfect small bite to take to a party.

Thank you for sharing!

EJ
 

Sylvia! Yes, will share recipe for the chile - look for it tomorrow for sure. I am suddenly bombarded with work! As far as the sopapillas - when last we were in Santa Fe hubby and I attended a wonderful class at the Santa Fe Cooking School - they made sopapillas - they were amazing! I'll send that receipe too!!

AND THANK YOU UA for you Stuffed Grape recipe - I love stuffed grape leaves and usually buy them already made at Whole Foods - can't wait to try this one! Thanks so much.
 

Sylvia, you have provided us with an award winning recap, thank you so much. Again, the comments have been terrific.

Vivi, I have a couple of names for your list, Ssaul, Agatha (Adriana's mother), Arely (spare girl), Andres (son of Ines and Isidro) and of course Gema.

UA, your stuffed grape leaves sound devine.

I agree with everyone about Roberta's lapse of evilness. I am sure that the first time something didn't go her way, she would be her old self.

After this TN I have added Jero to my Telenovia list.

The best part of this TN has been that all of the actors seem to really like and respect each other and therefore, have given us top notch performances. I can understand why Fina won and award.

Rosemary #1
 

You're welcome. I forgot to include that the artichoke hearts should be diced up first.

I once made 250 of them for an SCA event. Never again; it took 7 hours and only about half of the guests truly appreciated them.
 

If Sylvia can admit Augie was one of her favorite characters (what an easy costume to copy for tonight: a white windbreaker preferably unwashed), then I will admit that Fina is the one I most looked forward to watching.

Although not my favorite character, I may have to dress like Ines tonight given I already have a skirt identical to one she sports.

My uncle's vineyard is Swan's Vineyard. Joe Swan, a retired pilot, was married to my mom's sister. They divorced shortly thereafter and he got custody of the little girl. He would fly her out to Utah to spend summers with us when she was a little girl (she's 4 years younger than me). So, he was more my uncle than my mom's sister was my aunt. His new wife (of 40 years) took over the company with her hippie brood, and she died a couple of years ago, so I don't really know the status of the vineyard now. Has anyone been there?

And I would love a good chili verde recipe! Why doesn't mine ever turn out well? Mmmm and sopapillas. I LOVE those!

R la O
 

Oh and Vivi - I failed to mention that great name list.

For a few nights I got productive while watching CME with the Spanish CCs and started keeping track of the words I did not know, thinking I'd put them in an alphabetical list. I had never realized how many more "a" words there are than other letters.

R la O
 

R la O: I could swear I saw Swan when we were up there - but not sure since we did drive by so many but we went to a wonderful restaurant in Forestville called the Farmhouse - OMG amazing!


Don't know why your chili verde doesn't turn out - but I'll send mine tomorrow and I bet it will! :) Ok, gotta run. ttyl
 

Thanks Rosemary #1. I got Agatha, but totally forgot Spare Girl Arely and the Invisible Andres! Two more 'As'. And yes Sssaul.
 

UA:
OT
Those SCA SWINE! I adore cooking but I always feel so miffed when guests appreciate the Lil' Smokies in bottled BBQ sauce more than my organic, local, home-made, scratch offering. Nothing against Lil Smokies, mind you.

Also, I know what SCA comes to my mind when you use the acronym, but, for a giggle, Google SCA and note the first 10 things or so that come up. You can leave us all to wonder to which of the SCA's you were referring. Big grin and thanks again for your generosity with the recipe.

EJ
 

Updated names list. The 'As' pull further ahead!

A:
Adriana
Agatha
Agustin
Anibal
Alison
Alfonsina
Antonio
Alvaro
Andres
Arely

C:
Constanza
Carlos
Chema (aka Jose Maria)
Carina (also spelled with a K sometimes)
Catalina (Doña Cata)

G:
Gonzálo
Germán
Gema

I:
Inez
Isidro

J:
Jerónimo
Josefina
Jose Maria (Chema)
Julieta

M:
Matias
Matilde
Manuela
Marina

R:
Regina
Roberto
Renata
Roberta
Rafael

S:
Severino (Padre)
Selene
Saul

Random: Ezekiel, Lazaro, Honorio, Blanca, Priscila
 

R la O:

Joseph Swan is a well-known and respected local winery here in Sonoma County. Perhaps the CME group should all meet there for a tasting some day?

I have been to the winery on several occasions. Right now they have a really nice Pinot Gris (nicely priced, too!) that I have been enjoying.

Such a small world.

EJ
 

Oh DUH - Elna June - you'd think Sonoma would have been my first clue!! Ok so have you been to the Farmhouse??

Oh, and a get together in Sonoma - just let me know the date and time and I'm there.
 

Mary:

OT
Farmhouse is one of my favorite local restaurants! If you are here again pls contact me for a list of great local eateries and wineries.

EJ
 

UA, thanks for the recipe. I once worked with someone that was married to a sweet young thing from Greece. She made the most incredible Greek food but never shared her secrets so I never made them. Now I have no excuse.

If we are going to swap recipes today, I am still thinking about Audrey's Puerco Pibil from last fall.

Rosemary #1
 

Fantastic. Another wonderful recipe to try. UA, this looks fabulous. I may just be trying this soon-- have everything at home but the grape leaves which I can get at the Nature store. (Oh, and nice to see someone else isn't a RR fan.)

And yes, in honor of our TN, I have a lovely Spanish white chilling in the fridge and after my day today, I may down the whole thing. Also in honor of our special girl, my fav Sylvia, I will be wearing the new long neck scarf I got from sister-in-law. Amazingly, matches nicely with my flannel Pj's. Fate methinks?? She use to rock those neck scarves quite a bit there for awhile.

And I'll be hugging my Chema and Zeke tees since their handsome faces won't be gracing our gran finale.
 

EJ - I truly did not know that Joe Swan was well known and well respected, although I am not surprised. To me, he was the funny uncle (not THAT kind of funny uncle) who would tickle me and lift me up high. My mom and grandma adored him, and were not on speaking terms with his ex, their sister/daughter. And I remember how handsome he looked in his pilot's uniform.

I will have to talk to Sandy, his daughter, tonight and tell her what I heard "through the grapevine". Thanks so much for telling me that!

Maybe we can get Cousin Sandy to give us the tour? Seriously, that sounds like so much fun!

R la O
 

Vivi - and then there was Eulalia ( I remember that one as my Spanish teacher always wanted us to use that name in sentences, I guess for diction practice), and who was that busy body blabbermouth in the kitchen? Esperanza? Hortensia?
 

R la O:

If Cousin Sandy can give us the tour, we should make an event out of it. I can sort some tours for other local vintners and we could have one heck of a Caray Caray potluck foodfest!

EJ
 

OMG I can't believe I actually moved AWAY from California. Now I'm missing all the fun.

Don't forget poor punchbag Panchita for the name list.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

I am glad everyone is waxing nostalgic sharing their salvation memories, wine preferences, favorite Finale recipes and costuming secrets.

Urban, where do you get fresh grape leaves or do you use prepared ones? I can't get fresh ones here until next summer.

So here is my offering for the virtual banquet:

Stuffed Jalapeno Recipe:

This is from my young cousin Tammy who is a fabulous cook because she learned and still learns New Mexico Hispanic cooking from her grandmother Teresa and her great aunt Lucy who also make the best red chili sauce on the entire planet. Sorry I do not have that recipe yet but will share it one day when I can learn from them in their kitchen. Have fun, these are always popular at parties!

About 20 jalapenos, larger ones (about 3 or 4 inches long)
Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Without touching your eyes remove the seeds and veins and stems.

8 oz. package of cream cheese ( I usually use Neufchatel which is lower fat) and soften in the microwave about 20 seconds once or twice if I am in a hurry.

1/2 pound of sausage ( I use the milder chicken sausage) cook well in a skillet, cool down.

a couple of ounces of grated parmesan or other grated cheese to make them extra creamy.

Mix the cream cheese, cooked sausage and grated cheese thoroughly in a bowl

Fill the cleaned jalapeno halves with the cheese/sausage mixture and place on a flat baking or cookie sheet.

Place in a pre-heated oven about 350 F. to 375 F, bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You can tell if they get a nice golden look on the top of the cheese.

Remove from the oven and cool a bit, but they are really special if still warm.

Shopping List:
20 Jalapenos
8 oz. Cream cheese or Neufchatel
8 oz. sausage (about 1 and 1/2 big links at Sunflower either pork or chicken)
several ounces of grated cheese

This is from my young cousin by marriage, Tammy who is a fabulous cook because she learned and still learns New Mexico Hispanic cooking from her grandmother Teresa and her great aunt Lucy who also make the best red chili sauce on the entire planet. Sorry I do not have that recipe yet but will share it one day when I can learn from them in their kitchen. Have fun, these are always popular at parties!

Stuffed Jalepenos:

About 20 jalapenos, larger ones (about 3 or 4 inches long)
Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Without touching your eyes remove the seeds and veins and stems.

8 oz. package of cream cheese ( I usually use Neufchatel which is lower fat) and soften in the microwave about 20 seconds once or twice if I am in a hurry.

1/2 pound of sausage ( I use the milder chicken basil sausage) cook well in a skillet, cool down.

a couple of ounces of grated parmesan or other grated cheese to make them extra creamy.

Mix the cream cheese, cooked sausage and grated cheese thoroughly in a bowl

Fill the cleaned jalapeno halves with the cheese/sausage mixture and place on a flat baking or cookie sheet.

Place in a pre-heated oven about 350 F. bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You can tell if they get a nice golden look on the top of the cheese.

Remove from the oven and cool a bit, but they are really special if still warm.

Shopping List:
20 Jalapenos
8 oz. Cream cheese or Neufchatel
8 oz. sausage (about 1 and 1/2 big links at Sunflower either pork or chicken)
several ounces of grated cheese
 

By the way with the stuffed jalapenos, I frequently make them to dine with vegetarioan friends so use chopped walnuts or almonds in place of the sausage. They are really popular that way too and I like them just as well myself. I virtually never ocme home wiht any left on the platter so have learned to reserve some on a dish to LEAVE at home before going.
 

RlaO- Yes, blabbermouth Herminia. I'm leaving off all the background household staff. Although I do appreciate the work that the two MR maids, Connie's maid (who was useless in a crisis), and busybody Herminia did in thankless roles.

Great pic Blue Lass! I am a CA transplant too.
 

I don't know how I managed to repeat the recipe twice in the same message????? Usually the whole message repeats when the cyber tolls are out.
 

Thanks for the recipes--I've added the grape leaves to Vivi's Orange Rum Cranberry relish and Lovely Linda's fresh Corn Salsa.

I'm afraid we did the wine last night. We opened the last bottle of Bouza Tempranillo Tannat that my son and I brought back from Uruguay in 2008. It was worth every drop.

I left my flannel jammies at home and I hate headbands, so I may have to go with turning the hood light on and off during commercials.
NOK/Anita
 

Yay Sylvia - thanks for the recap! Thanks to all you dedicated recappers for this long TN. Really enjoyed them so very much.

This has been a great TN. Great original story, good writers, good casting. The pacing was excellent - it's so nice to have gradual reveals. Sylvia Navarro was amazing. Even though super long and they must have extended the story, the extension was quite graceful. Overall I was very impressed.

Definitely the Gonzo-Roberta scene was amazing. I'm so glad that I made it back home to catch it.

Rosemary, I was "forced" to make cochinita pibil again for New Years Eve dinner. My Mexican-food starved brother visiting from Amsterdam wouldn't hear otherwise.

Audrey
 

Ooops I missed Cheryl's recipe. Good one.
Anita

Word verification is ingite--as in no one sent Fina an ingite to the party.
 

Rosemary La Otra--The Lists.

Don't know about all the ones I collected from you, but we do have a surprise for all us CME afficionados (or is it addicted)--timed for just before the real withdrawl symptoms set in for more CME that never comes.
NOK/Anita
 

Ay Anita! (Such a pretty name, btw)

Estoy excitada! We are going to need something to help us with our withdrawals!
 

Man oh man such great comments and I'm drooling all over my laptop.

R la O, I was on a dry Rose kick last summer and I'll tell you that the Swan Rose kicks a$$. I've had a superb Carignan blend from there as well. Count me in for wine tasting!

NOK aka Anita, we can't wait for your surprise. I for one will be going through withdrawals by Monday afternoon.
 

Audrey, would you be willing to share your recipe?

Rosemary #1
 

Sylvia,
you did it again!
the moment i began writing i was laughing loudly at the office..
"Wow, Jero really jammed it in there!"
and yes, he looks good in either a white or light yellow suit...
loved the...
-- bobble-head from hell.
--Her telephone interrupts her autolovefest
--no giant block letters advising us of the location. I guess they figure that after 180 episodes we finally know where we are.
and no more big letters above the air view of La Bonita.. by 130th ep we should know where we are...

totally agree on Rene Casados and Cesar Evora playing the best dad melting scenes...
and totally agree with Vivi that Berta will take a fatal bullet tonight...

thanks to everyone for the comments on my recaps... we try to please...
trying to finish my english corazon salvaje and betty la fea projects... so i actually have more time to recap and comment on them.
 

Sylvia, thanks so much for delivering another amazing recap for us. Same goes for each and every recapper and commenter. This has been a fantastic ride and I'm proud to have been a part of it.

Oh my goodness, all these recipes sound delicious. I might have to run to the store for some snack supplies tonight.

Elle, I'm with you 100% on the creepy "Sister Wives" vibe from the Marina subplot. I still have suspicions that she might kick the bucket tonight and leave Nata and Jero with triplets. I just don't see how they could make this work in the long term.

Awesome name list, Vivi! There was also Daniel (Blanca's one-time accomplice), Diego (Berta's one-time accomplice), Beth (the Empresa secretary), and Luciana (the only banker in Mexico). "A" names still win, though.

Berta is beyond true redemption. It would take a very long time to rehab her into a decent person.

What I'm more curious about is how Fina is going to end up. She has to die, right? Or maybe she'll end up paralyzed and in the manicomo like Carlota in "En Nombre del Amor". After all, they apparently exist in the same universe with each other! :)

Amy
 

Sure, Rosemary. I emailed a copy to Carlos.
 

Jarred grape leaves are available 365/yr in supermarkets. The California brand, Orlando, is available in NYC along with a Greek brand, Krinos. They are jarred in brine. You can rinse them if your family needs to eat low sodium or just leave them alone. You might also be able to get them in gourmet shops.
 

Amy, I think it would serve Fina right to get a brain tumor since she faked having one. Alternatively, ending up in a place where she has absolutely NO control since she clearly gets off on being a control freak, so yep paralysis works for me. Really, I think death is too good for her.
 

Vivi - you forgot Malesio. Melisio?
 

Audrey, can you plesae give us your recipe here? Thanks :)
 

Sylvia, if Fina is paralyzed, it absolutely must include her mouth. Can you image her not being able to order people around?

Tonight I think I shall wear a white satin robe, wool scarf and boots. Of course, my husband will probably have me in the manicomio before morning.

Rosemary #1
 

Cheryl & Amy - my apologies for getting your nights mixed up. Still think it would be nice to have a place to leave notes and stay caught up with each other.

Mary, I'd be delighted to have your New Mexico recipe for Chili Verde and Sopapillas, too. Our good intention to make CV tonight got sidetracked by having to go on a hunt for tomatillos. Found some at the International Market but got home too late to mess with them. Manana. Anyway, sounds like the fan club might like the recipes here or e-mail me at Nav130 at gmail punta com

I see the SCA that you're referring to there, Dr. Elna Jung Freud. Hey, some people admire a Venus in Furs, OK?
 

I just had a thought. I forget that Nata and Berta are only just 25 years old (since the actors playing them are in their 30s and, frankly, don't have that 20 something fresh-faced look). She's young enough to reinvent her life. I get that we all can do that, but--and this is only my opinion--it gets harder the older we get. Frankly, I wouldn't have the energy for a complete reinvention at my age.

Robey
 

Ah yes! How can I forget the accomplices-- Diego, Daniel and Melesio. Actually, I believe it is Diego that Selene is marrying. Good for them! They were redeemed too.
 

Not a big RR fan myself. Love cooking shows, hate to cook. My fav--though I haven't been on Food Channel for awhile to check any new talent--is Giada de Laurentiis.

Robey
 

I have to reformat the recipes form PDF. I'll try to post tomorrow.
 

Anita you are cracking me up!!!
"I left my flannel jammies at home and I hate headbands, so I may have to go with turning the hood light on and off during commercials."
 

Wow, it's amazing how many characters were in this tn and that we know so much about so many of them! Your list has helped us reminisce, Vivi.

Here we are with over 100 comments for today. Are we panicking? How many comments do you think we'll end up with from Amy's recap tonight? Especially since it has to tie us over til El Talisman!

R la O
 

Ok Mike - will post recipies here later or tomorrow and to your own email address.

Wish I knew them by heart...

Something to think about though and I bet Cheryl will agree - that the smell of roasting green chili is like what Heaven must smell like.

My mom would order 40 pounds of it every year and roast it herself. I'd pull into the carport at home and I could smell it from there.
 

Rosemary #1: "Tonight I think I shall wear a white satin robe, wool scarf and boots." I forgot about that outfit. Would you think me complete me bizarre if I told you I actually liked it?

Robey
 

Mary, please post it here for all to enjoy.

Every year one of the local grocery stores (Houston) has a Hatch Chili Festival and they roast the chilies in the parking lot. You can smell them roasting a mile away.

Rosemary #1
 

Vivi, I lived in SoCal for 12 years, but I'm really more or less from Virginia -- central, mountain, and northern. Next time I'm in DC, I'd love to meet you.

Anita, turning the hood light on and off -- you are too much!
 

Blue Lass- I grew up in South Central L.A. (after coming from Jamaica), but didn't go back after college in Boston. Definitely look me up when you are in DC.

NOK/Anita- I'll be e-mailing you soon about getting together. I hope you had a great vacation.
 

Rosemary #1 - will do.

And isn't it the most wonderful smell ever!!

I'm here in So Cal for now, but we're moving to Santa Fe as soon as we sell the house! Can't wait!
 

Goodness, so many comments and I love how we got sidetracked with recipes and such. What a wacky group. I can't keep track of where everyone is from and what we are all wearing tonight. Too bad we can't all meet someplace in front of a huge HD TV and have a pot luck too. What a riot that would be.

I got lazy and popped over to Mi Pueblo Market for some fresh tamales so those, along with Lovely Linda's corn relish and some Manuela-approved Mexican squash (roasted in the oven) will be my Gran Final dinner tonight. Since I'm going to a pot luck on Sunday I also picked up supplies for Cheryl's stuffed jalapenos.

Blue Lass, what a cute picture! The pics don't always load up for me but just now up popped your photo.
 

Rosemary, that must be HEB. They roast in Austin and down here in the Valley that same weekend. It's the only way I can get fresh roasted Hatch green chiles. I'm putting it on my calendar next year! I never quite figured out it coincided with the official Hatch Green Chile Festival weekend.

Audrey
 

Just wait until Manuela finds out the oven also has a VENT! Sheesh. It's not like it's a Viking or something. It's just a stove. Show us Matilde's empty forehead instead.

Got the bottle of Baja's Cavas Valmar Cabernet Sauvignon ready to go for tonight. Sadly, it's just paired with cheese and crackers instead of all the good recipes being flung around here today.

3 more hours!

Kelly
 

But there is chili chocolate for dessert, so that's something!

kelly
 

Kelly - LOL too funny! I know, right? Gawd, I hope they didn't put in a garbage disposal! LOL
 

Kelly good for you!! You are probably the only one who can toast with an authentic Baja wine tonight. Chili chocolate, yum! I like your style. Anyway, I happen to love cheese and crackers; it's my go-to meal or snack when I'm strapped for time or can't decide what to make. And sometimes I have cheese and crackers for dessert but not when chili chocolate is around.

Funny comments about poor Manuela all agog in Kari's "modern" kitchen. I think I prefer her old-fashioned one.
 

OMG! I totally forgot to tell you guys that I went to Subway last night for dinner and the store next door is a wig shop. It was open so I peeked in to see if Fina was there.

Robey
 

The SCA is the Society for Creative Anachronism. It is the refuge for weekend warriors and their fair ladies. In other words, people who like to act out their King Arthur fantasies. I was involved in that group for about 9 years.

In all fairness, the recipe I made that time isn't the one I gave here, which was the result of going back to the drawing board. This recipe was never made in that quantity, but the people who got it served to them were my special friends.

I did develop a recipe for Garlic Soup for this crowd and they never left a drop. That feels so good!
 

Robey you didn't!! Did they they have pink, purple and blue wigs? I wouldn't mind having one of those.

Urban A, that sounds like a fun group. I imagine they are the ones I see at the Renaissance Faires and Highland Games and such. I can't wait to try out your recipe. I'll bet it makes a lovely presentation as well.
 

Sylvia, if you want a purple wig go to ebay, they have 4,752 listed.

Rosemary #1
 

OMG check it out! I could get one in Fina's style for $0.66! And they have 6,437 pink wigs. Unbelievable.

Gah, 45 more minutes until the show starts.
 

You see lots of them there, Capt Sylvia. In my later time in that group I cooked for my territory's events. My salads were always a hit.
 

Robey, this TN has made me want to visit a wig shop, too. I swear next time I see one, I will go in.

Here in Maine we don't even have the Ren Faire -- we have Pirate Festivals instead. Go figure.