Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Abismo de pasión #12 3/27/12: The Kids Grow Up, The Adults Do Not, And The Prodigal Returneth
The Magical Cenote
We open tonight’s story with some Western-style music (Bonanza, anyone?) as Elisa, Paloma and Gael jump into the magical cenote. In a trick worthy of a Disney film, while they are underwater, each swimming kid morphs into their adult self.
Elisa is less a redhead than she used to be, without a trace of her former freckles. Her long hair is sort of auburn, her face is round and pretty and she looks very petite. Paloma looks like a grown up version of her child self, a beautiful brunette, with long, thick, dark hair caught back in a single braid down her back. Gael has light brown hair, a four-day growth of dark beard and a body to die for. The three tease each other and they get out of the VERDANT POOL (for Blue Lass) and Elisa mentions that she misses Damian. Gael says Damian has long ago forgotten them but Elisa finger the amulet she is still wearing and smiles. They look to be somewhere in their mid-twenties. Everybody towels dry, the Western music trails off and the three friends head off to their adult lives.
Castanon Casa
Elisa goes back to her house. She meets Lolita (Delores) who has just prepared her breakfast. Delores looks exactly the same except now her two braids are tied together in the back. She hasn’t aged a bit. Elisa is in a hurry to dine and dash because today is the anniversary of her Mother’s death and she is going to put flowers on the grave. She sees Carmina and tells her tia she will also put them on the grave of her hermanito. Carmina, whose face is now a respectable shade of tan-pink-puce, snarls about the flowers, and Elisa says, “Mejor me voy.” You can say that again, Elisa.
Habanero Fields
Now we cut to huge fields growing habanero peppers filled with toiling workers observed by Augusto. Gael is there, standing in the middle of the fields, clapping his hands and cheering the workers on as they pick the hot peppers. I suspect he has been trained in Situational Leadership and he reads that the situation warrants him standing around in tight pants and plaid shirt, looking good. The workers are dressed in loose cotton garments with hats and they, along with Augusto, ignore Gael. Gael natters on about ideas for improving the growing conditions for the peppers by repairing the long ago burned greenhouse, but Augusto, who now walks the fields with Gael, just grunts and stares at Gael like he has two heads. He couldn’t care less about Gael’s ideas for the farm’s success. Gael’s suggestions require lots of money, Augusto complains, money he doesn’t have. Gael is frustrated by Augusto’s close-mindedness.
The years have not been kind to Augusto. Well, if we are truthful, Augusto was never a beauty, and unlike some men who look better as they age Augusto remains distressingly similar in appearance.
Streets of La Ermita
Elisa walks through town on her way to the cemetery, carrying a basket of flowers. She is dressed in a white sleeveless v-neck ruffled blouse, tucked into a dirndl skirt with a black belt. The top is cut down about two inches below her breastbone. No, I am not exaggerating. I am sure that is so the AMULET can hang free and bounce around when she walks. In the middle of town she meets Paloma, who is off to look for a job. Paloma sees a sad look on Elisa’s face and ask her what is up, but before Elisa can answer, Paloma makes a shrewd guess that Elisa’s unhappiness has something to do with her Tia Carmina. Paloma gives Elisa a lecture…Elisa explains that she is off to put flowers on her mother and little baby brother’s graves. Paloma has time to go with her to the cemetery before she looks for a job. What a nice friend.
Casa Castanon
Augusto walks into the house, fresh from his inspection of the fields. Carmina is waiting and she picks a fight. Where have you been so early, she starts innocently enough. “It is the anniversary of Estefania’s death,” she warms up. They accuse one another of being obsessed with Estefania. Now comes a snarling, carping, complaint given by this irksome brawling scold. Her voice becomes shrill and she bares her perfect white teeth. At some point in the rant she ceases to look human and resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion, who, without either floss or opposable thumbs, struggles with his tongue to get a piece of corn-on-the-cob unstuck from his front teeth. Augusto stares at her stupidly and walks out of the room as she throws some breakable object to the floor. It is shattered and so are we after that scene.
Carmina walks away from her mess and leaves it for the faeries to clean up. Well, the faeries or Lolita, who comes into the room after Carmina stalks out. Lolita surveys the mess, sighs, and offers tonight’s thematic comment, “Ay, here nothing ever changes.” Augusto heads to his office to drink himself silly.
The Cemetery
Elisa and Paloma kneel at Estefania’s grave arranging flowers. Elisa cries and Paloma reminds her that she Estefania will always be with Elisa, just not physically. Elisa can feel, her mom’s presence, her scent, and her hair. Her father burnt all of Mom’s photos but Elisa can see Stef here as if it were a miracle in front of her eyes. (I need a hanky. Do tears harm a MacBook keyboard?) Elisa says that her dad believes that her mom cheated on him but she doesn’t believe it. The girls get up to leave the grave. We now see the humble wooden cross that serves as Stef’s grave market. Augusto, this is a terrible way to treat your wife. Shame on you.
As the girls are walking away from the grave, two trucks drive up. The back of one vehicle is filled with memorial flowers for Rosendo. After all, it is the anniversary of his death as well as Estefania’s. The back of the second truck is filled with—Alfonsina. The driver jumps out and runs around to open the door for the dueña of La Anita Hotsauce. Alfonsina looks fabulous after our hiatus of some 15 years. She is wearing a black silk blouse, softly waving hair and crisp linen trousers. Unfortunately, she is still a bitch, and she proves that when she notices Elisa and Paloma. They exchange words and the girls move on past Alfonsina. It is clear she has not let go of her irrational grudge against Elisa.
Blanca’s Dressmaking Shop
The dressmaking shop is flourishing in a cute blue corner building in town. Blanca is sewing a dress and Lucio is fitting a gown on a mannequin when he loses it. Lucio doesn’t appear to have changed in our 15-year time-jump, he is still a drama queen. He has had it with working in the shop. He throws a fit, he and Blanca have words and he walks out. He quits! Blanca doesn’t look too worried.
Casa Arengo
“Begonia, how much time it has been since you visited,” says Alfonsina to the town gossip. Alfonsina thinks it must be some really good gossip to bring Begonia over to her house. (Alfonsina is such a wasp. She cannot speak without injecting a nasty sting). Begonia says, “Well, yes.” Actually, she has a little tiny favor to request of Alfonsina. Her son Enrique is graduating from a “very prestigious” University in Guadalajara as an agricultural engineer. She thought he might be able to work at the procesadora but Gabino said, no, La Anita did not need an engineer. Alfonsina plays the grand dueña, waves her hand in the air, and lo! it is so. She will talk to Gabino and see that Enrique has a job at La Anita.
Blanca’s Dressmaking Shop
We new see that Elisa works at her godmother’s dressmaking shop. Good for her. They discuss her work and Blanca is reminded of the anniversary of her good friend Estefania’s death. Elisa says that she is content but her mother had many dreams for her.
Casa Castanon
Carmina is sitting in front of a mirror in her bedroom. Lolita enters and startles Carmina who is staring at herself. Lolita asks about Elisa and Tia Carmina tells Lolita she doesn’t care what Elisa does. She has no intention of discussing Elisa.
Ramona’s Yerberia
Paloma tells her abuela that she cannot find a job in La Ermanita. Abuela Ramona says maybe she should look in Merida. Paloma says she can’t do that and leave her grandmother. Ramona says not to use her for an excuse—it is someone else Paloma can’t stand to leave—Gael. She says that Paloma does not accept that Gael is just her friend, she longs for more.
Father Guadalupe’s
Lupe and Gael are eating dinner. Gael complains to the good father that Augusto won’t listen to any of his suggestions for improving the farming or production at the pepper farm. It drives Gael crazy to see the low production at the farm. He says that when he was a child he remembers Augusto was once a strong man, responsible. Father says Augusto changed after Stef’s death and that the woman he now has by his side, Carmina, has not helped him very much. Now that, Loopy Lupe, is an understatement.
La Anita Procesadora
Carmina walks into Gabino’s office at the plant. Gabino hasn’t aged either, but his hair now looks more washed. The former Tangerine wants a favor. Gabino doesn’t do favors. Carmina keeps on with the request as she rubs herself up against Gabino. “I need you to use your influence to talk Alfonsina into re-instating the sales contact with the Castanon Habanero Farm.”
When these two slimewads trade words about Carmina asking favors from a man she once tried to shoot, Carmina snarls that she is sorry she wasn’t successful. Way to win friends, influence people and close deals, Carmina.
Dressshop
Elisa is talking to Blanca who thanks her for her help at the shop. Elisa won’t let Blanca pay her for helping out. Elisa dreams of attending University but who would support her? Her father? Her tia? Fat chance of that. She tries to arrange for Paloma to get a job there.
Begonia
Begonia tells Enrique that he has a job at the procesadora.
Casa Arengo
Gabino gets a lecture from La Dueña Alfonsina. Why didn’t he talk to Enrique Tovar about a job when he knew that the two families were friends and Enrique was graduating with a degree in Ag Engineering? Ahhh, because he is a petty tyrant who like to exercise the little power he has??? Gabino tries a lame excuse.
Now Gabino brings up the idea of increasing production at the plant. They would need to buy more habaneros from local growers. Alfonisina will think about it. She tells Gabino on the way out not to forget to call Enrique about his new job at the plant.
Gabino runs into Braulio on his way out of Casa Arengo. He asks him why he is not at the plant. Braulio’s shift is over. Gabino harasses him for a minute. He also sends his menacing greetings to Antonio and her son, whom Gabino suggests looks very like his mother. I don’t know how they did it but Braulio and Antonia actually look like they have aged, gently. And yes, Braulio and Antonia have married and have a son who looks about 15. He is a punk who doesn’t want to go to school or work. I am thinking we know who his REAL dad is…dirtbag Gabino. Braulio says that everyone hates Gabino but he has Alfonsina’s ear and no one has been able to get rid of him at the procesadora.
Braulio muses that when Damian returns maybe THEN, things will change. It turns out that Damian has stayed away all this time and has finished his Ph.D. Hmmm…So maybe he is a little older than Elisa and the other friends.
Gabino stops by to threaten Antonia before leaving the Hacienda.
Casa Castanon
Carmina comes into Augusto’s study to find him dead drunk at this desk. Sadly, age has not improved Augusto’s look. He still has the face of Mr. Toad done up with a rich black on-the-cheap-hair-dye-job and cone-head haircut. His stare is vacant and amphibian as Carmina comes in, abuses some more dishware, and says that if Augusto doesn’t change his ways, then…What? She will leave. That would be a blessing, even for the toadly-one.
(I hope Augusto is putting his money into china. That’s china, as in tea cups not the country. Carmina is running through the place settings faster than they can be replaced).
La Ermita
Gael comes upon Elisa being hassled by a group of teen boys and runs them off.
La Ermita Church
At the beautiful little church Father ‘Lupe performs mass. One interesting thing I note is that the women wear mantillas. How interesting. When I was a child we still covered our heads for mass. After the service Alfonsina makes an offering for the mass. Father ‘Lupe asks about Damian. How is it that in all these years he has never, not once been home for a visit? Lupe tells his sister that she is a strange mother to let something so odd keep her away from her son all these years. She has lost his whole adolescence—and then some. He finished his career training years ago. Alfonsina says it has been a great sacrifice for her, but Damian has been happy in Italy and she did not want to disturb him. That sounds like nonsense to Father Lupe and to me.
The Return of the Prodigal
Back in La Ermita town center Elisa is walking home in the blouse with the v neck cut down below her sternum that shows off the amulet and the space between her high but non-bouncy breasts. She is about to the cross a street when a bus pulls directly in front of her. When the bus hrumphs away, Damian has gotten off the coach and is standing on the other side of the street. Hey! Zepeda—I mean Damian—looks younger than I though possible. The two make eye contact and say each other’s names. “Damian! Elisa! We see them stare wonderingly at one another from across the dusty camino. I think a slow-mo running scene is about to ensue. I hope they don’t stop in the middle of the street to embrace.
Avances
We are told that tomorrow is a pivotal episode but there is nothing new in the avances.
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Wow, what an amazing recap! Amiga, I'm not sure how you manage to enthrall us weekly, yet you do.
This line is a masterpiece: "she ceases to look human and resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion, who, without either floss or opposable thumbs, struggles with his tongue to get a piece of corn-on-the-cob unstuck from his front teeth". I am in awe of that sentence. Who knew that corn-in-the-teeth could be so poetic?
I love your wrap-up of Fina after all these years: "Unfortunately, she is still a bitch". Indeed.
I also like your descriptions of Elisa's "high but not bouncy" breasts. Too funny!
You know those little street thugs that were giving Elisa a hard time? I think the punk that approached Elisa and got punched by Gael was Antonia's slacker son.
So poor Braulio is in the dark about "his" son? Goodness, he and Antonia must have gotten married immediately after Lolita broke up with him.
Thanks again Amiga. Terrific recap! I love how this novela moves right along.
This line is a masterpiece: "she ceases to look human and resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion, who, without either floss or opposable thumbs, struggles with his tongue to get a piece of corn-on-the-cob unstuck from his front teeth". I am in awe of that sentence. Who knew that corn-in-the-teeth could be so poetic?
I love your wrap-up of Fina after all these years: "Unfortunately, she is still a bitch". Indeed.
I also like your descriptions of Elisa's "high but not bouncy" breasts. Too funny!
You know those little street thugs that were giving Elisa a hard time? I think the punk that approached Elisa and got punched by Gael was Antonia's slacker son.
So poor Braulio is in the dark about "his" son? Goodness, he and Antonia must have gotten married immediately after Lolita broke up with him.
Thanks again Amiga. Terrific recap! I love how this novela moves right along.
Perfection! Love your anaylsis on everyone's aging. Looking at Gab's spawn( nasty kid), I figured we fast-forwarded somewhere around 14-15 years. Some of the characters/actors aged rather appropriately, the good Doc showed more gray, but have to say the women must have been in stasis. I want their secret.
The funniest to me was Fina. She actually looked slightly younger--looser hair, nairy a makeup aging device--I came to the conclusion she's a vampire. Or she has a really old aging picure hanging on a wall somewhere.
Disgusto--dumba**. (said it before and I'm sticking to it.)
Love me my Mark, but his excited mannerisms had me laughing. Not sure if it was deliberate because he acted like a mini-me of the Padre who had shown those same excited mannerisms back in the day (he was calmer last night--and surprisingly not so gray). Love their relationship.
"The top is cut down about two inches below her breastbone. No, I am not exaggerating. " Not surprised on this one. Boyer does have "assets" that the costumers do seem to want to display in her shows. But all's fair--we get the Abs, the guys get the "girls". She seems sweet, and I love the attitude she displays which holds true to the Elisa we saw as a child.
I'm digging Enrique too. The former bestest friend of Valentino in Llena--bit more of a jerk there, but seems he'll be a good guy here?
To me it was a beanie moment that Damian and Elisa instantly recognized each other after all those years (maybe secret exchanges and pics?). But it's a TN, had to have the dramatic meet-up.
The funniest to me was Fina. She actually looked slightly younger--looser hair, nairy a makeup aging device--I came to the conclusion she's a vampire. Or she has a really old aging picure hanging on a wall somewhere.
Disgusto--dumba**. (said it before and I'm sticking to it.)
Love me my Mark, but his excited mannerisms had me laughing. Not sure if it was deliberate because he acted like a mini-me of the Padre who had shown those same excited mannerisms back in the day (he was calmer last night--and surprisingly not so gray). Love their relationship.
"The top is cut down about two inches below her breastbone. No, I am not exaggerating. " Not surprised on this one. Boyer does have "assets" that the costumers do seem to want to display in her shows. But all's fair--we get the Abs, the guys get the "girls". She seems sweet, and I love the attitude she displays which holds true to the Elisa we saw as a child.
I'm digging Enrique too. The former bestest friend of Valentino in Llena--bit more of a jerk there, but seems he'll be a good guy here?
To me it was a beanie moment that Damian and Elisa instantly recognized each other after all those years (maybe secret exchanges and pics?). But it's a TN, had to have the dramatic meet-up.
Elna June: A marvelous concoction of just the right ingredients. Blend Sweet: (I need a hanky. Do tears harm a MacBook keyboard?)" and Sassy: "if we are truthful, Augusto was never a beauty, and unlike some men who look better as they age Augusto remains distressingly similar in appearance", "Carmina, whose face is now a respectable shade of tan-pink-puce..." and "His stare is vacant and amphibian". Results: Perfection!
I really like the young actor playing Antonia's son. He played the young David Zepeda in La Fuerza del destino and was so sweet! His role here as an obnoxious bully (truly his father's son) will certainly be a stretch, but he seems up to the challenge.
Lots of interesting side stories here and the characters continue to intrigue.
daisy, Fina certainly did look younger, and with much better hair!
Thanks again Elna June, another exceptional recap.
Diana
I really like the young actor playing Antonia's son. He played the young David Zepeda in La Fuerza del destino and was so sweet! His role here as an obnoxious bully (truly his father's son) will certainly be a stretch, but he seems up to the challenge.
Lots of interesting side stories here and the characters continue to intrigue.
daisy, Fina certainly did look younger, and with much better hair!
Thanks again Elna June, another exceptional recap.
Diana
Permalink posted by 
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:32:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:32:00 AM EDT
Great work. If any quartet of young people need to get out of Dodge it's this one, but I'm wondering whether Elisa is the reason Damian is returning.
Alfonsina must think she is a medieval-period duchess or something to not be disturbed that she hasn't seen her son in all those years. He was better off for it; it's always better to avoid emotional vampires like Fina and Carmina.
I see two rapists in this town and we know who they are. Damian and Gael have their work cut out for them.
Alfonsina must think she is a medieval-period duchess or something to not be disturbed that she hasn't seen her son in all those years. He was better off for it; it's always better to avoid emotional vampires like Fina and Carmina.
I see two rapists in this town and we know who they are. Damian and Gael have their work cut out for them.
After reading just 2 paragraphs I have to tell you how wonderful this recap is! I wish I had your skills. I am so delighted by your recap, thanks for taking the time to do this. Now back to reading.
Yola
Yola
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 8:53:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 8:53:00 AM EDT
Correction, it was the first 5 paragraphs.
Yola
Yola
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 8:56:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 8:56:00 AM EDT
What a fabulous recap. I loved your take on the aging and non-aging of our characters. Alfie seems to have found the cenote of youth somewhere. She looks fabulous—like a mafia doña. Which is the way she acts. I mean, those over the top flower arrangements and a fancy mass, for a man she only speaks ill of. Plus, the way she has everyone come to her to beg for protection/work/money. All she needs are gun toting guards, and to pack some heat in her purse, and the picture would be complete. I surprised she didn’t have Begonia or Gabino kiss her ring on the way out.
I am like the adult versions of the kids so far. I think Mark T. is staying true to the earnest, feisty and excitable person young Gael was. Yes, he is very much like the Padre that way. Makes sense that he would pick up his mannerisms. I think AB is doing well portraying Elisa as kind like her mom (although not quite as angelic as Stefi), but also strong and not afraid to speak her mind, also like her mom. Livia Brito is doing very well in only her second acting role. Tonight we’ll see how DZ portrays Damian. He can really do what he wants with it. Damian has now spent most of his life away from this place and these people, even outside of his country. It wouldn’t be surprising it he’s totally different.
It was such a shock to see the young actor playing Antonia’s son playing such a junior rapist slimeball. In every tn I’ve seen him in, he’s always the young hero—good, brave and sweet. He was the young Juan del Diablo (Eduardo Y.) in Corazon Salvage, the young Ivan (David Z.) in La Fuerza, and the young Julian (Eugenio S.) in Mi Pecado. Plus, during commercials I get to see him in those Tostinos commercials! My brain can’t compute him playing such a sleaze.
I am like the adult versions of the kids so far. I think Mark T. is staying true to the earnest, feisty and excitable person young Gael was. Yes, he is very much like the Padre that way. Makes sense that he would pick up his mannerisms. I think AB is doing well portraying Elisa as kind like her mom (although not quite as angelic as Stefi), but also strong and not afraid to speak her mind, also like her mom. Livia Brito is doing very well in only her second acting role. Tonight we’ll see how DZ portrays Damian. He can really do what he wants with it. Damian has now spent most of his life away from this place and these people, even outside of his country. It wouldn’t be surprising it he’s totally different.
It was such a shock to see the young actor playing Antonia’s son playing such a junior rapist slimeball. In every tn I’ve seen him in, he’s always the young hero—good, brave and sweet. He was the young Juan del Diablo (Eduardo Y.) in Corazon Salvage, the young Ivan (David Z.) in La Fuerza, and the young Julian (Eugenio S.) in Mi Pecado. Plus, during commercials I get to see him in those Tostinos commercials! My brain can’t compute him playing such a sleaze.
Thanks EJ!!
and about
Carmina, whose face is now a respectable shade of tan-pink-puce, snarls about the flowers, and Elisa says, “Mejor me voy.” You can say that again, Elisa.
carmina barked something to the effect of... 'putting flowers on his grave won't erase the guilt for what you did'...
and about
Carmina, whose face is now a respectable shade of tan-pink-puce, snarls about the flowers, and Elisa says, “Mejor me voy.” You can say that again, Elisa.
carmina barked something to the effect of... 'putting flowers on his grave won't erase the guilt for what you did'...
Gael ...clapping his hands and cheering the workers on ... I suspect he has been trained in Situational Leadership and he reads that the situation warrants him standing around in tight pants and plaid shirt, looking good.
LOL!! i thought exactly the same thing!! he certainly has learned quite a few life lessons and somehow got training on team leadership at a young age...
and he does look GOOOD even though i am still getting used to this character for Mark T.
LOL!! i thought exactly the same thing!! he certainly has learned quite a few life lessons and somehow got training on team leadership at a young age...
and he does look GOOOD even though i am still getting used to this character for Mark T.
i bet if anyone asks Gael what he wants to do when he grows up he would have answered 'I want to FIX THE WORLD!! and then he would sing that Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony'
So many great lines, my fav below:
Augusto…just grunts and stares at Gael like he has two heads.
Carmina…resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion,
Augusto heads to his office to drink himself silly.
Elisa can see Stef here as if it were a miracle in front of her eyes. (I need a hanky. Do tears harm a MacBook keyboard?) I know what you mean, she even said she can smell her aroma… awwwwww… Paloma tells Elisa that everyone else can say what they will (podran decir misa!) but she should keep believing in her mom… seems Paloma and Gael have been Elisa’s supporters along with Lolita and her godparents to withstand all the abusive language from just about everyone else in town for all these years (except Padre Lupe and Ramona)…
Alfonsina plays the grand dueña, waves her hand in the air, and lo! it is so…. Yup, like the famous Yul Brynner line in 10 commandments … ‘so it will be written, so it will be done’
She says that Paloma does not accept that Gael is just her friend, she longs for more. Absolutely. Ramona tells her in her face that Gael has his sights in another direction… (ehem… Elisa perhaps? He did call her his ‘chamaca’)
Now Gabino brings up the idea of increasing production at the plant. They would need to buy more habaneros from local growers. Yes, he very smartly skipped the little detail about whose habaneros he was thinking of buying…
It turns out that Damian has stayed away all this time and has finished his Ph.D. Hmmm…So maybe he is a little older than Elisa and the other friends. Yes, I thought the same thing… PHD at 25 or so? Must be a Doogie Houser type of IQ.
says that if Augusto doesn’t change his ways, then…What? She will leave. … I think she said if he doesn’t change by himself, she will (CHANGE HIM). I seriously doubt she would threaten to leave, she would just get a shrug of shoulders from him..
Gael comes upon Elisa being hassled by a group of teen boys and runs them off. This is where he referred to Elisa as his ‘chamaca’ (his girl) and the other boys said he was her guardian dog (as if he has been taking on this role of protecting her from just about the whole town for all these years…)
I think a slow-mo running scene is about to ensue. I hope they don’t stop in the middle of the street to embrace. LOL!!! I think you’re right… or the instant love like that famous world war II V day photo of the navy sailor and the girl kissing…
Augusto…just grunts and stares at Gael like he has two heads.
Carmina…resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion,
Augusto heads to his office to drink himself silly.
Elisa can see Stef here as if it were a miracle in front of her eyes. (I need a hanky. Do tears harm a MacBook keyboard?) I know what you mean, she even said she can smell her aroma… awwwwww… Paloma tells Elisa that everyone else can say what they will (podran decir misa!) but she should keep believing in her mom… seems Paloma and Gael have been Elisa’s supporters along with Lolita and her godparents to withstand all the abusive language from just about everyone else in town for all these years (except Padre Lupe and Ramona)…
Alfonsina plays the grand dueña, waves her hand in the air, and lo! it is so…. Yup, like the famous Yul Brynner line in 10 commandments … ‘so it will be written, so it will be done’
She says that Paloma does not accept that Gael is just her friend, she longs for more. Absolutely. Ramona tells her in her face that Gael has his sights in another direction… (ehem… Elisa perhaps? He did call her his ‘chamaca’)
Now Gabino brings up the idea of increasing production at the plant. They would need to buy more habaneros from local growers. Yes, he very smartly skipped the little detail about whose habaneros he was thinking of buying…
It turns out that Damian has stayed away all this time and has finished his Ph.D. Hmmm…So maybe he is a little older than Elisa and the other friends. Yes, I thought the same thing… PHD at 25 or so? Must be a Doogie Houser type of IQ.
says that if Augusto doesn’t change his ways, then…What? She will leave. … I think she said if he doesn’t change by himself, she will (CHANGE HIM). I seriously doubt she would threaten to leave, she would just get a shrug of shoulders from him..
Gael comes upon Elisa being hassled by a group of teen boys and runs them off. This is where he referred to Elisa as his ‘chamaca’ (his girl) and the other boys said he was her guardian dog (as if he has been taking on this role of protecting her from just about the whole town for all these years…)
I think a slow-mo running scene is about to ensue. I hope they don’t stop in the middle of the street to embrace. LOL!!! I think you’re right… or the instant love like that famous world war II V day photo of the navy sailor and the girl kissing…
Sylvia,
You know those little street thugs that were giving Elisa a hard time? I think the punk that approached Elisa and got punched by Gael was Antonia's slacker son.
yes he was. so i wonder if Braulio will come back to confront Gael but at least Braulio will have the sense to ask what happened, I hope.
You know those little street thugs that were giving Elisa a hard time? I think the punk that approached Elisa and got punched by Gael was Antonia's slacker son.
yes he was. so i wonder if Braulio will come back to confront Gael but at least Braulio will have the sense to ask what happened, I hope.
daisynjay,
The funniest to me was Fina. She actually looked slightly younger--looser hair,
i totally agree, she actually looked younger.
The funniest to me was Fina. She actually looked slightly younger--looser hair,
i totally agree, she actually looked younger.
EJ, another well-crafted recap full of zingers, thank you.
Vivi, you are spot on about Fina, the Mafia Widow. I laughed when Gabino wanted to buy more local peppers to up production. Fina would destroy the business before she bought anything from the town lush.
I expect to see Carmeana foaming at the mouth one of days during one of her prolonged speeches of abuse.
I look forward to how they writers will develop the grown up youngsters.
Rosemary Primera
Vivi, you are spot on about Fina, the Mafia Widow. I laughed when Gabino wanted to buy more local peppers to up production. Fina would destroy the business before she bought anything from the town lush.
I expect to see Carmeana foaming at the mouth one of days during one of her prolonged speeches of abuse.
I look forward to how they writers will develop the grown up youngsters.
Rosemary Primera
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:11:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:11:00 AM EDT
it was a beanie moment that Damian and Elisa instantly recognized each other after all those years
well, she had the amulet on, but not sure how she recognized him.
well, she had the amulet on, but not sure how she recognized him.
I'm not going to doubt the recognition thing between Elisa and Damian. Last year, I ran into a guy I went to high school with, who was a year ahead of me. It had been nearly 20 years since I last saw him. I recognized him from the BACK of his head and a bit of side profile. He does not have a strange head, and in high school he had a high top fade haircut-- not so now. I recognized him INSTANTLY, and then walked around in front of him to confirm who he was. I still don't know what it was that triggered that instant recognition. Keeping in mind that Elisa and Damian are supposed to look like order versions of themselves, I'm not shocked they recognized each other immediately. It's also a pretty small town, so it's not like there are a ton of other people it could be.
Let me add, we went to school together in CA, and I ran into him in DC. So it was totally OUT of context.
Thanks, Elna June. Now that the kids have grown up, I'll try to tune into this novela when I can. Angelique is back to playing the sweet and innocent , and I am reminded of her character in Corazon Salvaje...the good gypsy. This role will be quite a departure from her selfish, grasping Teresa persona. I remember the actress playing Paloma from TdA. She is beautiful, and I expect to see her in leading roles soon.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:26:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:26:00 AM EDT
What a wonderful recap, Elna June. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'm leaning toward your description of Carmina "platicando" with Augusto:
"At some point in the rant she ceases to look human and resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion, who, without either floss or opposable thumbs, struggles with his tongue to get a piece of corn-on-the-cob unstuck from his front teeth."
Thanks so much for brightening the morning with this witty resume. I liked the episode a lot and was happy to have the chance to experience it again through your perceptive eye. Which reminds me -- I know others have said so, but I just loved your line about Gael in the fields:
" I suspect he has been trained in Situational Leadership and he reads that the situation warrants him standing around in tight pants and plaid shirt, looking good. "
Oh and then there's your crack about Lucio being a "drama queen"! Yes. Somebody had to say it! :)
Marta -- your crack about Damián was hilarious:
"i bet if anyone asks Gael what he wants to do when he grows up he would have answered 'I want to FIX THE WORLD!! and then he would sing that Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony'"
-----------------
What's the deal with Gael's accent? Maybe Tacher needs to dial it down a notch. (You hear a little of it when Padre Lupe gets excited but none of it in Alfie's speech. And I don't remember him speaking like that when he was a kid.)
--------------
Gabino's spawn seems to have inherited the gene for evil. Nasty thought, that. Good thing Paloma lucked out (assuming she and the slacker are half-sibs.)
-----------
Casa Castañon -- where no one dares to walk barefoot :D
"At some point in the rant she ceases to look human and resembles nothing so much as an angry male African lion, who, without either floss or opposable thumbs, struggles with his tongue to get a piece of corn-on-the-cob unstuck from his front teeth."
Thanks so much for brightening the morning with this witty resume. I liked the episode a lot and was happy to have the chance to experience it again through your perceptive eye. Which reminds me -- I know others have said so, but I just loved your line about Gael in the fields:
" I suspect he has been trained in Situational Leadership and he reads that the situation warrants him standing around in tight pants and plaid shirt, looking good. "
Oh and then there's your crack about Lucio being a "drama queen"! Yes. Somebody had to say it! :)
Marta -- your crack about Damián was hilarious:
"i bet if anyone asks Gael what he wants to do when he grows up he would have answered 'I want to FIX THE WORLD!! and then he would sing that Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony'"
-----------------
What's the deal with Gael's accent? Maybe Tacher needs to dial it down a notch. (You hear a little of it when Padre Lupe gets excited but none of it in Alfie's speech. And I don't remember him speaking like that when he was a kid.)
--------------
Gabino's spawn seems to have inherited the gene for evil. Nasty thought, that. Good thing Paloma lucked out (assuming she and the slacker are half-sibs.)
-----------
Casa Castañon -- where no one dares to walk barefoot :D
Vivi~~~HA ! I remember a class reunion recently. I guy walked in with a long white ponytail and a long white beard. Oddly, his smarmy grin allowed me to recognize him as my very first boyfriend . In 6th grade , he had a brown crewcut, but he had the same smarmy smile even at the age of 12. Weird. He introduce me to his wife as his very first girlfriend.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:31:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:31:00 AM EDT
Elna June: Great recap - I loved your summary of comings and goings at Casa Castanon.
Along with other, I thought Fina looked a little better. But, all those flowers for her husband's grave. She still doesn't think he was just a little guilty.
Along with other, I thought Fina looked a little better. But, all those flowers for her husband's grave. She still doesn't think he was just a little guilty.
I have run into two people whom i recognized from years years ago..
one was my high school big sister (each class was about 100-120 girls and she was assigned to me when i came in as freshman)... 3000 miles away and 15 years later... go figure!
and also a guy i met in college, about 8 yrs later... he was sitting at a bar (so i was seeing his side profile) and i was on a table with a friend, we kept staring at each other so we must have both recognized each other... he ended up coming to our table and i asked him how much weight he had lost, about 60 lg? he said ... try 80!
one was my high school big sister (each class was about 100-120 girls and she was assigned to me when i came in as freshman)... 3000 miles away and 15 years later... go figure!
and also a guy i met in college, about 8 yrs later... he was sitting at a bar (so i was seeing his side profile) and i was on a table with a friend, we kept staring at each other so we must have both recognized each other... he ended up coming to our table and i asked him how much weight he had lost, about 60 lg? he said ... try 80!
What's the deal with Gael's accent? Maybe Tacher needs to dial it down a notch.
yes i have noticed that Mark T has some south american (vene, PR, colo) sort of accent, skipping letter sounds and speaking fast when excited... as if he had lived for a long time in another latin country...
yes i have noticed that Mark T has some south american (vene, PR, colo) sort of accent, skipping letter sounds and speaking fast when excited... as if he had lived for a long time in another latin country...
EJ, great job with a tough episode -- so much new information! Although I had to laugh when practically everybody started out by saying they were "harto" with something...I guess it's been 15 years of same old, same old and we tune in just in time to see the collective snap.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:15:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:15:00 AM EDT
Great recap Elna June!
It's interesting that both Elisa and Damián recognized each other here.
I can recognize people quite easily too if they were important during my childhood.
Going by Antonia's son, I think 15 years must have passed. This means that the backstory must have been set around 1997, that's a good way to explain all the lack of techology back then.
I didn't think Elisa's blouse was that showy, but then again, Cañaveral had several women who thought bikini tops were common everyday wear. I do notice that, in places were the weather tends to be above 100° for a big part of the year, those girls that tend to dress a little more scantily clad are quite normal and accepted. This is the complete opposite on states with more template weather, where people tend to be more reserved in their way of dressing.
Yesterday I took a peek at the latest episode of this story here in Mexico and found that they have now veered off from the original. I guess we'll see different outcomes here then. Mark Tacher keeps his enthusiastic mannerisms for the rest of the novela, it seems.
Jarocha
It's interesting that both Elisa and Damián recognized each other here.
I can recognize people quite easily too if they were important during my childhood.
Going by Antonia's son, I think 15 years must have passed. This means that the backstory must have been set around 1997, that's a good way to explain all the lack of techology back then.
I didn't think Elisa's blouse was that showy, but then again, Cañaveral had several women who thought bikini tops were common everyday wear. I do notice that, in places were the weather tends to be above 100° for a big part of the year, those girls that tend to dress a little more scantily clad are quite normal and accepted. This is the complete opposite on states with more template weather, where people tend to be more reserved in their way of dressing.
Yesterday I took a peek at the latest episode of this story here in Mexico and found that they have now veered off from the original. I guess we'll see different outcomes here then. Mark Tacher keeps his enthusiastic mannerisms for the rest of the novela, it seems.
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:20:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:20:00 AM EDT
NovelaMaven and Marta:
"
What's the deal with Gael's accent? Maybe Tacher needs to dial it down a notch.
yes i have noticed that Mark T has some south american (vene, PR, colo) sort of accent, skipping letter sounds and speaking fast when excited... as if he had lived for a long time in another latin country..."
Interesting, I don't really notice it. Maybe he is just talking too fast. The local accent in Veracruz, Tabasco and parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero supresses some letter sounds too, like some South American accents. The one from Yucatán is quite noticeable for its tone and at times cutting the words at the first or secon syllable, it's quite different from every other Spanish accent I've heard but it's not being used in this novela.
Jarocha
"
What's the deal with Gael's accent? Maybe Tacher needs to dial it down a notch.
yes i have noticed that Mark T has some south american (vene, PR, colo) sort of accent, skipping letter sounds and speaking fast when excited... as if he had lived for a long time in another latin country..."
Interesting, I don't really notice it. Maybe he is just talking too fast. The local accent in Veracruz, Tabasco and parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero supresses some letter sounds too, like some South American accents. The one from Yucatán is quite noticeable for its tone and at times cutting the words at the first or secon syllable, it's quite different from every other Spanish accent I've heard but it's not being used in this novela.
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:29:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:29:00 AM EDT
Elna June, what a hilarious recap! I didn't even have a drink in my mouth and still nearly ruined the keyboard reading the lion description for Carmeana. Also amphibious Augie in his office.
I was expecting Padre Lupe to have some grey streaks in his hair. Maybe Augie shared the hair dye with him.
La Paloma
I was expecting Padre Lupe to have some grey streaks in his hair. Maybe Augie shared the hair dye with him.
La Paloma
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:53:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:53:00 AM EDT
Elna June, Your recap is just brilliant. I enjoyed every word of it from Situational Leadership talent to the angry male lion descriptions. My favorite part of the night was indeed the morphing scene in the water hole. I so loved the children coming to the surface as their adult selves. And I thought Damien looked just the same so I sure would have recognized him. I liked Vivi's recognition from the back and side of someone 1000's of miles and decades later in DC. Life is funny like that. I find that the years melt away from an aged face and suddenly you can't remember that there were 20 to 40 years that passed. With the best experiences you quickly pick up on conversations and the character has remained the same too.
Elna June - thank you for the recap! You painted awesome word pictures because I haven't watched my recording, yet I was able to picture it all in my head. Loved the "Situational Leadership" comment. LOL
"Unfortunately, she is still a bitch". Indeed., Well said!
daisynjay - I figured approx. 15 years is the time difference, since Damian has earned his PhD.
re: recognizing people after eons --- A couple of years ago, I was behind one of those 5-ft tall office/cubicle dividers at my volunteer work. I heard the staff talking to a guy, and thought I recognized the voice. Sure enough, it was a guy with whom I had shared a high school geometry class some forty years earlier. Amazing. I recently ran into someone else I new from high school or college and we recognized each other right away. It truly is mind-boggling.
"Unfortunately, she is still a bitch". Indeed., Well said!
daisynjay - I figured approx. 15 years is the time difference, since Damian has earned his PhD.
re: recognizing people after eons --- A couple of years ago, I was behind one of those 5-ft tall office/cubicle dividers at my volunteer work. I heard the staff talking to a guy, and thought I recognized the voice. Sure enough, it was a guy with whom I had shared a high school geometry class some forty years earlier. Amazing. I recently ran into someone else I new from high school or college and we recognized each other right away. It truly is mind-boggling.
Hola Jarocha, I have a friend here in Albuquerque who grew up in Veracruz but attended university in Puebla. She says she had trouble slowing her speech down to the languid but fully pronounced Puebla style after the buzzing fast pace of the Veracruz accent with not enough time to pronounce everything. With the combination now, she is very easy to understand. I remember Eduardo Santamarina seemed to have retained some of his Veracruz speed.
Add Ramona to the list of those who must have invested in a case of hair dye. Or maybe she's got some natural herbal aid to maintain that unnaturally youthful dark hair?
Novela Maven, "Casa Castañon -- where no one dares to walk barefoot", bwahahaha!! Good one.
Novela Maven, "Casa Castañon -- where no one dares to walk barefoot", bwahahaha!! Good one.
Buenos Dias--
Thank you, everyone for your nice comments.
Cap'n: Glad you enjoyed the description of Carmina's face while she was ranting. Sabine is playing this character as BSC and it's hard to watch. Of course if I was married to that LOSER Augusto I would certainly be BSC.
Daisynjay: Wasn't that funny about Fina not-aging? She looks great right now. Plus they have got her costumed really well in black and white—very flattering with her coloring.
Diana: Augusto looks like an amphibian, a frog, actually. Thanks for your kind words.
UA: Good point on why Damian is returning—Elisa. I can't imagine it is for his dreadful mother!
Yola: Thank you for the nice compliment. Please join us and comment here often, we love to have lots of voices in the conversation.
EJ
Thank you, everyone for your nice comments.
Cap'n: Glad you enjoyed the description of Carmina's face while she was ranting. Sabine is playing this character as BSC and it's hard to watch. Of course if I was married to that LOSER Augusto I would certainly be BSC.
Daisynjay: Wasn't that funny about Fina not-aging? She looks great right now. Plus they have got her costumed really well in black and white—very flattering with her coloring.
Diana: Augusto looks like an amphibian, a frog, actually. Thanks for your kind words.
UA: Good point on why Damian is returning—Elisa. I can't imagine it is for his dreadful mother!
Yola: Thank you for the nice compliment. Please join us and comment here often, we love to have lots of voices in the conversation.
EJ
Vivi:
Thanks, amiga, for your kind words. I loved YOUR comment on Alfonsina, "She looks fabulous—like a mafia doña..." I, too, am surprised she wasn't having her ring kissed. You can bet your last dollar that she is collecting those favors and will call them all in one day. I think Alfie really loves her life as the rich widow.
Marta: Loved your comments, thank you. You are too funny.I think you have Gael's character nailed right here, "I want to FIX THE WORLD!! and then he would sing that Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony"...
Rosemary Primera: O you are so right about Carmina. Soon she WILL foam at the mouth, the way she is going. Hahahaha!
EJ
Thanks, amiga, for your kind words. I loved YOUR comment on Alfonsina, "She looks fabulous—like a mafia doña..." I, too, am surprised she wasn't having her ring kissed. You can bet your last dollar that she is collecting those favors and will call them all in one day. I think Alfie really loves her life as the rich widow.
Marta: Loved your comments, thank you. You are too funny.I think you have Gael's character nailed right here, "I want to FIX THE WORLD!! and then he would sing that Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony"...
Rosemary Primera: O you are so right about Carmina. Soon she WILL foam at the mouth, the way she is going. Hahahaha!
EJ
seems this cenote is private property of Elisa, Gael and Paloma... its so clean and natural, even the stones were covered with leaves so the kids and adults would not hurt their feet...
must be a hidden location only known to the kids/adults and Ramona. but when they told Augusto the location of Ramona's hut, they referred to the cenote as the landmark so he must know where it is too...
must be a hidden location only known to the kids/adults and Ramona. but when they told Augusto the location of Ramona's hut, they referred to the cenote as the landmark so he must know where it is too...
Novela Maven:
So glad you enjoyed the recap, dear Maven. This cracked me up:
"Casa Castañon -- where no one dares to walk barefoot :D"
SusanLynn:
So nice to see you. I am glad you had fun with the recap.
Pasofino:
Too funny about the truckload flowers for Rosendo. Talk about a counter-phobic reaction! Of course, the display is really all about power. Fina is reminding everyone ow who can afford to spend $1000. US on flowers to honor their dead skunk of a cheating husband.
Blue Lass: Thanks for checking in while you are on Holiday! I hope you are relaxing and enjoying yourself.
Jarocha: Thank you for the compliment,, Jarocha. I am always so glad to see you. You are right about hot-weather climates and dress. Our climate here in the San Francisco Bay area is famously mild and rather cool. I am always surprised when I drive 100 miles inland to Sacramento, where the summers have many 100+ days at how few clothes the ladies are wearing!
La Paloma and Doris:Thanks!
Cheryl: So glad to see you m'dear. I am glad you enjoyed the recap. This TN is very nicely done so far. I can't compare it with the origina;, which is beloved by Jarocha and others, but to date the pace has been great and the writing and direction are very good.
I will be out (playing hooky) for most of the rest of the day, Caray community. See you all later and thanks for dropping by to comment.
EJ
So glad you enjoyed the recap, dear Maven. This cracked me up:
"Casa Castañon -- where no one dares to walk barefoot :D"
SusanLynn:
So nice to see you. I am glad you had fun with the recap.
Pasofino:
Too funny about the truckload flowers for Rosendo. Talk about a counter-phobic reaction! Of course, the display is really all about power. Fina is reminding everyone ow who can afford to spend $1000. US on flowers to honor their dead skunk of a cheating husband.
Blue Lass: Thanks for checking in while you are on Holiday! I hope you are relaxing and enjoying yourself.
Jarocha: Thank you for the compliment,, Jarocha. I am always so glad to see you. You are right about hot-weather climates and dress. Our climate here in the San Francisco Bay area is famously mild and rather cool. I am always surprised when I drive 100 miles inland to Sacramento, where the summers have many 100+ days at how few clothes the ladies are wearing!
La Paloma and Doris:Thanks!
Cheryl: So glad to see you m'dear. I am glad you enjoyed the recap. This TN is very nicely done so far. I can't compare it with the origina;, which is beloved by Jarocha and others, but to date the pace has been great and the writing and direction are very good.
I will be out (playing hooky) for most of the rest of the day, Caray community. See you all later and thanks for dropping by to comment.
EJ
Marta: Loved your comments, thank you. You are too funny.I think you have Gael's character nailed right here, "I want to FIX THE WORLD!! and then he would sing that Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony"...
EJ, well, now you know the MAIN reason i am watching this, but it is really good quality remake... must say that...
that said...
to the image of Gael yelling
"I want to FIX THE WORLD!!" i have to add the excited arm waving movement and since Mark T does play guitar, he would sit at one of the rocks at the cenote to play the Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony"...
there.. that's the complete picture.
EJ, well, now you know the MAIN reason i am watching this, but it is really good quality remake... must say that...
that said...
to the image of Gael yelling
"I want to FIX THE WORLD!!" i have to add the excited arm waving movement and since Mark T does play guitar, he would sit at one of the rocks at the cenote to play the Coke commercial song about seeing the world in perfect harmony"...
there.. that's the complete picture.
ok i did some research, the jingle song is "i'd like to teach the world to sing (in perfect harmony)"
Martaivette: The cenote cannot be private property. Water in Mexico is considered a national asset and can only be used by concession of the president's office.
Jarocha
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 3:34:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 3:34:00 PM EDT
i figured... that it wasn't private. Its just beanie hat fact that the only people who are seen at the cenote are the kids, now the grown up kids... and in the credits its only the four of them, being such a beautiful nature place.
There was another magical body of water like this in Salome when the protagonist's three sons jumped into the river as little boys and came out as Rafael Amaya, Ernesto D'Allessio, and Jose Maria Torre, all ready for college.
I've never seen any previous version of this but I hope Damian and Gael don't become deadly enemies.
I've never seen any previous version of this but I hope Damian and Gael don't become deadly enemies.
there was a LOT of magic in Salome, like Ernesto D'Alessio falling off a high flying helicopter and surviving...
LOL Salomé was something. Although they did give Niurka one of her tamest characters, who was incidentally an exotic dancer/stripper, whatever it's called in the US.
Jarocha
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:13:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:13:00 PM EDT
tonight's ep was hysterical...
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