Caray, Caray!

Here’s to peace, equality and justice for all on this Martin Luther King Day.

Enzo shares with Vicente that he doesn’t want his daughter to suffer. Vaincente would rather talk about his problems with Candi but offers that something will occur to him to help Enzo. Monica’s girlfriend comes to see her and she hears all about Moni’s romantic interlude in Valle de Bravo with Jose (the Pepe formerly known as naco.) She describes the cabana, candles, all the delightful details, dinner saxaphone player, flowers, etc. She couldn’t believe she could be so happy. So what is she so upset about, did Jose do something? No, no he behaved so perfectly well. {This may give hope to CHFiddler, et. al. about what they did NOT do.) Instead Monica reveals her pain is caused by learning that her mother is alive!

Enzo reminds Vin the Vain that he has always been with him in business and economic crises and even with his drama with Candi. Vin assures him he is going to be with Enzo now in his problem with his daughter as he demonstrates by almost jumping on him while they both remain standing.

Monica questions why her mother left her and why her father had to raise her alone. Didn’t she love her? What did she do wrong.

Pancho continues tormenting Fernanda and Rebe who have shown up at the vecindad hoping to persuade him to stay with Avon. But he rebuffs their arguments saying that he needs to talk to his family because they have so much to decide with all the changes coming in their life. Fernanda asks pathetically, was it all bad, was nothing good? Rebe asks Pancho’s forgiveness once again with no apparent effect on Pancho but it brings a smirky smile to Chela’s face. The two executive ladies leave in defeat. Pancho is hugged by his kids while Chela smirks on. Outside Fernanda tears up the resignation letter. Rebe tells her that not only has Pancho resigned but she is going to leave the company too. She is sorry but this decision is also irrevocable. As Rebe walks away, Fernanda half falls into chauffeur Gonzolo’s arms as he helps her into her limo.

Arnaldo fills in Vicente that Candi will have a radio program that will replace the time slot occupied by Pina Opina. Vicente doesn’t know what to do, if he ever does but Arnie will go talk to Pancho. Arnie kisses Vicente then threatens to kiss Enzo who threatens to trade a punch for any kiss that lands on him.

The family all talk about how happy they are to return to the barrio, except the Pompé the dog. He wants to meet his puppies (cochorros.) And Ana will miss Freddie. Meanwhile Freddie is being counseled by his mother Pina la Paina who is mostly concerned with her program being upstaged by Candi’s program. Does she not know that Candi is upstaging her with more than radios? And here comes the cachorros in a bread basket brought by Adoración. Pina won’t even look at the little white rat-sized bundles of joy calling them mangy vagabonds. Freddie takes a look then picks up one to coo at. He gets Pina to put one on a velvet pillow beside her saying, it is your nieto MOM.

Pancho discusses with his children that they have nothing left to do with the mansion of Dona Fernanda but each will have adjustments to make. He especially has his job to change. Looks like he is headed back to the world of vegetables. Candi is proud she will have a radio program to put together. Tomás comes in on the conversation, petting little Popeye. Tomas tells them that doggy daddy Popeye has puppies that he witnessed being born yesterday.

Back at the Irabiéns, Adoración is watching the three white pups who each look almost as big as Mama Abeja who looks at them with surprise that they came out of her. Small wonder there had to be an emergency cesarean delivery. Popeye comes over with Ana to visit his hijos. He tells Abeja at last he gets to see his pups he is so excited. Que emoción.

Pina comes down the stairs with a snarl on her high class lips, but what kind of scandal is here, she cries. What is the delinquent dog Popeye doing in her house?

Chela asks Pancho if he is sure of what he is doing. He reminds her she always wanted this. She demures that she has only wanted what is best for him. After being a complete beach all this time, now Chela is the one who reminds him to be proud of his work with the Arabs and the Japanese deals he was able to carry out and fixing the company with his honest business practices. What Pancho says he could never understand is why someone like Vicente was kept on in the company as a rat with two feet (rata de dos patas.) Well he is her nephew reminds Chela. Fernanda was not sincere with him, he whines. Chlelsa defends her. He can’t believe that Rebe betrayed him too. Chela looks mysterious but twinkly eyed and silent at this remark.

Rebe cries with her lovely friend that Pancho is lost to her forever, boohoohoo. The friend reminds her that Pancho never stopped defending for her and now she should not give up fighting for him.

Pina tells Ana that these flea bitten bastardos can’t be seen in the light of day. No one must see how ugly they are. Ana points out that the Popeye as the father of these pups has rights too. Ana threatens to carry the puppies away too if Popeye has to go. But you can’t take Abeja. Pina orders them out especially Popeye. Pina is always pretty silly but outdoes herself ordering new Mama Abeja to leave the puppies and come with her. Abeja ignores her like a good mommy should. She’s a well trained dog, she stays beside the basket through the entire scene.

Candi is discussing her radio program with the producer when Vicente arrives. He pushes the producer out of the room so he can talk to Candi. He reminds her that she drives him crazy. She can’t forgive his behavior of last night.

Fernanda has come to the children and tells them she wants to talk to them telling them how much she needs them.

Candi lets Vin know that they will no longer be neighbors and he will never see them again. Why not, he whines. Because my brother has resigned from the presidency. Vin does his signature hot finger shake with sizzle sound effects.

(The cream being sold is por nacos para nacas se llama nacar. Right? Better than killing all those thousands of turtles and who cares about abalone or mussels or whoever is being killed to make our skin softer.)

Vin can’t believe that Pancho renounced the presidency. Vin is confused but yells out his door with great glee that the greengrocer has resigned.

Fernanda is making them all feel bad, she had talked with all of them when they came to the her side of the city and hoped they were happy. Rebe comes to talk to the greengrocer and tells him that she has resigned too. She wants him to know that she doesn’t care if he is a green grocer or a president she sincerely loves him for himself. She only wants him to know her sincerity in this love. She leaves. He says but love you too, Rebe, he says to the door. But you failed me.

Fernanda tells them that no one has been as honest and capable as Pancho Lopez. And she is so sorry he is so bitter. She has come to think of them as her own grandchildren. They give her their support and love, especially Ana and Temoc. Candi comes in saying her mission was awful. Fernanda says she hopes the whole experience wasn’t a horrible bother and unhappy for all of them. Candi assures her that she loved living in this house and the neighborhood. Fernanda wants to talk with Pancho once more.

Vicente rushes in, hugs a delirious Arnaldo crowing that Pancho has resigned and his fortune is about to change. They kiss and jump up and down with what this must mean for Vicente. Vicente goes off to give Enzo the joyful news and Arnie says he has come to the moment of a big decision.

Chela tells Candi how happy she is to think they are all returning the neighborhood. Candi is not so happy. How can you compare this (all the wonder of the mansion) with our old neighborhood? Chela says there is no comparison, but she is sure that they will return to their old happy life. Candi asks her if she thinks it will really all be like it was.

Fernanda tells the veggie toting Pancho that she feels so alone it’s a torture (calvario.) He assures her that it is not all was bad. She begs him to know that her intentions were honorable and he kindly tells her NO it wasn’t all bad it began well but things happened she couldn’t (didn’t) control. She sits or really slumps in a chair. He says you shouldn‘t feel bad about this supposed failure (fracaso.) His family loves her. You saved my life, she adds. And it is her fault that Rebe and he can’t work it out. He says that’s a different matter. Water and oil don’t mix (agua y aciete no mezcla) He tells her he has begun to think of her like his mother. (forshadowing her search of some episodes ago?) They decide to hug and kiss to seal the deal. They agree completely on one thing: Love is the most important thing in life.

Enzo and Vicente do a happy dance and song that Pancho is nowhere to be found. The support staff look on with alarm at this bit of antics.

Chela kneels and prays to the Virgin in a chapel that Pancho will be like he always was and will lose the bitterness. She only wants what she thought was hers, they were so happy.

Why can Pina see Candi's rehearsal or program on her computer? She says more ugly things about Candi who looks beautiful, something Pina can never do. Vicente comes home to tell Pina that Pancho resigned. She can’t even be excited for him but knows something big is up.

Tomas brings a welcome home bear to Lupe. It is nothing, he says as she begins to reject his advances initially.

Chela swells that she has won and Pancho is home. Candi is unhappy in the old digs. The kids are mixed.

Fernanda comes in to tell Vicente of the resignation and the new president will be him she adds quietly.

Candi says you have no idea what hope I had to have my own radio program. Pancho thinks that Fernanda might let her keep it.

Vicente is so happy that he will get the chance this time to be president but Fernanda warns him not to get back to the dirty business practices (basura) like before. He says it will be so happy and he will convert the company into the grandest empire. Fernanda doesn’t look so sure.

Chela is so happy that the children will have to change back to their poor schools and Pepe and Lupe can go to a public university. She is so happy for herself she doesn’t see the hurt In Pancho’s eyes.

Vicente toasts champagne with Enzo for their future and the future of their businesses. He asks, what has happened to Arnaldo? Enzo says, well he had something to do. How could it be more important than this moment?

Arnaldo drinks soberly with Rebe at her apartment. He wonders about Pancho and her and she says he won’t return. I don’t want to talk about him. And he says but what will you do. She lost Pancho because she agreed with Fernanda to trick Pancho and he won’t forgive her. Arnold says what if you had the love of your life in front of you? She shrinks back. No literally right in front of you, he continues. He proclaims his love for her.

Jose/Pepe has to tell Monica that his circumstances have changed too and does that mean anything to her. Monica says don’t worry about me. Pepe wants her to be happy and wanted to make good with her dad and thinks she could try to get close to him to repair the break between them.

Rebe says but you are gay, in reaction to Arnie’s soulful confession. No, I have never been gay and I am totally in love with you.

Enzo and Vicente celebrate that they will now have control of all the company’s money for their own business deals.

Enzo gets a call from Monica. She wants to talk to him. Vicente is telling him to say in command. Enzo is so excited that Monica will come that he ignores him. Monica gets off having made the meeting and tells Pepe she is scared. What he will say about her mother. They can’t do without each other they swear as they melt into a kiss. (At least one relationship seems good in this mess.)

Arnold says there were many reasons to hide who he really is but Rebe rejects him saying she loved Pancho profoundly and will for the rest of her life. She ask his forgiveness. He says he has always been profoundly in love with her and will now be unconditionally her friend.

Enzo in tears is telling Monica, your mother was a very impetuous woman (muy alocada). IS, says Monica. Yes, is, he corrects himself. Your mother was very rich and her parents were going to reject me as a mate for her. Monica wonders, why were you like that with Pepe if you came from poorer circumstances? To save you the pain I had. (not so logical pops) Her parents objected so we married in secret, she was determined to keep her baby (interesting wording, he is not ready to tell Monica the whole story.) What happened? One day, she simply left with no trace. Monica wants to know why and where, but he has no idea where she went or where she is now. He looked for about eight years but she vanished without explanation. He asks Monica’s forgiveness for lying to her but he didn’t know what to tell her. She softens during this description then forgives him and they kiss with tears. Ah, Enzo is acting so human for once and his reward is Monica’s support.

Pancho snores and Popeye tickles him awake. Then all the kids come in to bounce on his bed. Chela smirks how happy her life is. All welcome him home to their old apartment except Candi who is sarcasitic, oh oh happy happy. Chela woos them all with breakfast. They all pile on Pancho, Chlea waits for her chance.

Back in the Avon offices, Rebe is explaining the story to Monica that Fernanda hired her back to guide Pancho and now she has no reason to be there. Monica is so sorry. Rebe adds, but Pancho broke off with her. She brings her an envelope that tells her about the project she wanted to do (with Pepe? ) being awarded as one of the projects for Avon. (Correction thanks to CHF, Pepe entered this ocntest under the pseudonym Serenita so now he will have to work directly with Enzo, oh my) She starts to tell Rebe her problems, it isn’t Pepe but her mother.

Enzo says Monica returned home. Vince doesn’t want any more details. He has his own thoughts to pursue.

Rebe begs pardon of Fernanda for being so strong with her the other night. She wants them to be friends like always forever. And Fernanda says that is the same thing that Pancho said. Fernanda says come with me. This afternoon I will name Vicente Irabién as the President and I don’t want to go alone. In the name of our friendship please come with me. She weakly holds her head again and Rebe worries.

Pancho stands on a soap box, literally, to announce the whole market that as of yesterday, I am no longer the President of Avon. And I am here to tell you that I will return to my old job with energy and enthusiasm right and correct. He is as happy here as any where. Greengrocers rock.

Arnold comes back to Rebe’s office she tries to fend him off but he says what he really needs is that regarding what they said to each other yesterday, no one else should hear of it. They both agree to be discreet.

Monica opens the envelope telling her she has won the contest that Rebe encouraged her to try out for with her project. She shares her excitement with Pepe. The only downer is that the head of the entire project of which hers is one part is none other than her father.

Enzo chides Vicente about turning aside his triumph and thinking only of his love for Candi. He says he sees her as his queen and the prize for his victory. She should be on his arm. Enzo hides his face in his hand. (Vicente will jettison Pina? Not that I could blame him, but really?)

Candi shows up to argue with Vicente’s secretary who tells her that the president is very busy. Candi is surprised that Vicente has only been named President so quickly. The secretary says he will be busy for a long time. Tell him when he has time that I want to talk to him about my radio program. The secretary has that yeah never, look on her face.

Alex complains to Freddie that Lupe has returned to the same neighborhood as Tomas, his old rival for her affections. Freddie tells him he is going to lose her from his own jealousy, but why would he care. Pina interrupts in a cocktail dress to swoon over the big moment of the Daddy they need to get ready to attend. Things are going to be as they should have been since the beginning, opines Pina.

Candi comes in to tell Chela, Pancho and Pepe that Fernanda lost no time in making Vicente the president. They had been congratulating Pepe on winning the project contest. I guess he is involved too or just his usual supportive self for Monica’s success.

Out in the courtyard, Lupe greets old friends and Alex and Tomas show up and approach her from opposite sides. She considers both then advances to Alex to give him a big kiss as a crestfallen Tomás looks on.

Back at the Fernanda’s house, Temo and Ana receive the baby puppies from Adoración who has brought them out into the garden to see papa Popeye. They say will if Pina is going to abandon them then we could take them home. Adoración looks on with horror.

The Avon announcement is catered with drinks and snacks. The every day is doomsday accountant is comparing the end of Pancho’s presidency as the sinking of the Titanic.

Vicente sees himself on the throne taking on his imperial crown. Doesn’t he look like a butter commercial? Fernanda comes in looking quite ill and wilted and the boys comment on how soon she will fall. Pina and Freddie push themselves up to the front to be close to the stage. She tells the audience that Pancho has resigned the presidency and she has to take care of her health so Vicente Irabien will become the new President. The video that immediately plays shows him as a Harvard graduate, charts proclaim his business acumen and he is successful in his personal life with his wife Pina who is responsible for the boy child Freddie. The faces reflect the mixed reaction to the value of this particular achievement.

Taking the stage in a bound, the elated Vicente declares, the world in chaos will return to harmony. Pina tries to get Candi to leave but Candi insists loudly that she has come to represent her brother and she has a right to be there since she still works there. She takes the stand and says the best president is me carnal Pancho Lopez! The secretaries try to stop her but and Vicente almost passes out with Candi’s denunciation. After she saunters out curls a bouncin’, he takes the microphone back and says his presidency will make Pancho’s seem insignificant in comparison. He immediately names Enzo as his Vice President. They hug endlessly at the podium. Fernanda looks like she is going to have another relapse soon. Rebe is as purple as her suit jacket.

All this time, Ana and Temo have been arguing about the puppies when Manuel shows up with the giddy news for Ana that his father will give their band an audition tomorrow. Freddie magically shows up at home from the ceremony and tries to kick Andres out of the garden. Ana wants a ride home with the puppies but Fraudie says he only takes his girlfriends on rides. Ana tells him it’s a shame that a handsome man like him is such a jerk (mala onda).

Alex and Lupe seem to argue about this change of her living arrangements will be a threat to their romance.

Vicente gives the old presidential office secretary the boot and she leaves crying. His old chair shows up with much chaos and then Arnold says he has something to say. He opens the refrigerator and they make bad jokes about the smelly food. But Arnold takes the food out with care. Enzo is told to call the architect to take everything that reminds them of Pancho out of this office. Arnold casually resigns as he leaves. Enzo and Vicente hug some more not seeming to notice. They are too excited about getting back to business as usual.

Lupe and her dad talk about Alex and she asks him if he might be making a mistake about Rebe. Rebe is in her office and dreams of all the good kisses and romantic moments. Arnold comes in for a hug, while a man comes for her boxes. Arnie says never forget that you can always count on me.

The accountant is told to take everything to the new Vice President Enzo regarding numbers. He wants to know if there is anything else. He wants to know if he can count on him. As he escapes the room, he runs into the old secretary. Are you leaving too? he asks. No, but my job has been degraded, she sobs. And the Accountant of Doom screams, It’s Armageddon!

Chela and Candi discuss Candi’s appearance at the announcement. Chela can’t believe Candi is still enchanted with Vicente.

Monica congratulates her father on his new Vice Presidency. For a change he is so happy. Monica then asks, is it true that he knows absolutely nothing of her mother now? She wants to know why she left, why did she abandon them. Enzo looks unprepared to give her a satisfactory answer.

Next up: Vicente and Candi spark, and Pina snarks and harps for a divorce. Rebe shows up at Pancho’s humble digs much to Pancho’s delight or at least surprise to hear her voice and Chela’s dismay.

Vocabulary:

Vecindad – neighborhood or tenement building
Cachorro – Puppy, kitten or any baby animal
Nieto – grandson
¡Que emoción! – How exciting!
Vagabundos sarnosos – mangy bums or vagabonds
Rata de dos patas – two legged rat, i.e., a man,
see Paquita la del Barrio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G03edz_1DmE
Calvario – a torture, a hell, also Calvary
Fracaso – failure, disappointment
Agua y aciete no mezcla – water and oil don’t mix. They were talking about different issues.
Alocada – impetuous, rash
Guiar – to guide

Labels: familia