Caray, Caray!

Telemundo rumors...

Relaciones Peligrosas,
according to wiki, "Due to low ratings Telemundo headquarters decided to shorten novella and will have only 109 episodes."
Friday's episode was 73
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relaciones_Peligrosas

Rosa Diamante,
according to wiki this will follow Una Maid en Manhattan,
starring Mauricio Ochmann,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Diamante

El Rostro de la Venganza,
according to wiki this will follow Relaciones Peligrosas,
apparently Ivan Sanchez was dropped from the cast, boo,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Rostro_de_la_Venganza

La Patrona,
not too much on this one,
possibly starring Aracely Arámbula and Jencarlos Canela,
http://entretenimiento.starmedia.com/telenovelas/jencarlos-canela-protagonista-telenovela-patrona.html

meanwhile,
I've been watching Corazon Valiente and reading the recaps for Relaciones Peligrosas,
thanks to all, for the wonderful recaps and comments!

btw, I've really been enjoying the morning novela,
La bella Ceci y el imprudente
a very light and entertaining story,

I've notice that wiki has it at 120 (1/2 hour) episodes,
and so at an hour and a half each day puts it at 40 shows total,
we are now at 19, I think, so it's not a long commitment,
I would suggest you take a peek if you haven't already.
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 1

Thanks for the info, Deb. I can't understand why this show would have bad ratings, since I think it's very exciting (and much less silly than some other shows). But 109 episodes is still not short novela, and I'm fine with that.

JP gives Miranda a ring and asks if she'll marry him. She spaces out, sort of thinks he's Mauricio kneeling before her, then somberly says okay. Later, they're at the funeral of Armando, and everyone sees the ring. So far, only Ana, Nora and Diego know Miranda is pregnant, but lots of others suspect.

I was worried that Gonzalo would be hurt because his gun didn't have bullets, but it actually saved him! Henry struggled with him, got the gun, and pulled the trigger. But nothing happened, and Gonzo then got the best of Henry, grabbing HIS gun. He wanted to kill him, since Henry could easily report back to his bosses, but Gonzo couldn't pull the trigger. He shot Rafael in self defense, but can't kill in cold blood, he's not a murderer. He knocks out Henry, puts him in the trunk, and takes him to Javier's place. Javy freaks, but somehow they have to figure out what to do.

The heat continues for Andres. Although he threatens to strike Nena when she shows him the shirt with the lipstick, he doesn't exactly deny anything. Also, Henry has disappeared. And Ricardo went to see Orlando, saying he thought the lab may be doing something bad. Pedro reported this to Andres.

Victor meets with Pedro. If things go bad, lets put all the blame on Andres. Are you okay with that? Pedro says, well, you're then one who's paying me, so that's fine with me. (These crooks are despicable!)

Yesi still won't tell anything about Victor, even to her brother Joaco. She does suspect she may be in over her head, though.

Nora is still freaked out JP's deportation threat, and still not listening to Diego's worries about Julia, who threatened Armando's corpse.

Ana tells Miranda she can be the librarian, and Mau will be a student teacher. They'll be working together. Anyone have any problems with that? :)
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 2

Sebastian tells Alejandro not to break Nora's heart by getting between her and Diego. Alejo responds that Diego may end up breaking Nora's heart when she finds out that he prefers hombres.

Okay, I think I FINALLY know who JP is! When Miranda's Dad was killed, there were two "colonels" in the gang. I know Miranda's Dad was infiltrating, and maybe the other guy, Remigio was, too. Remigio loved Soledad, Miranda's Mom. They both got killed. Miranda starts talking about her past, and JP wants to know every detail (this is a little strange). When she talks about Remigio loving her Mom, but who could care all these years later?, JP has been subconsciously squeezing a glass, and it breaks in his hand, cutting it! Yes, JP must be one of Remigio's sons. And I bet Ignacio was the other! The guys in Mexico are the drug guys, and JP may be against them, but also may be against Miranda!

Mauricio needs some help. Now that Miranda has said she's marrying JP (Mau doesn't believe she really loves, him, although she said she did everything for love (she meant the baby, of course). Mau asks Olivia to visit, and starts asking her about Gia, and trying to solve the drug ring thing. But Olivia's professionalism isn't running too high today. She's dressed in a pink dress with zipper down the front, and pink high heels. When Mau asks for help, she slides the zipper all the way down, showing him her luscious body, barely encased in skimpy black lingerie!!!
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE –VIERNES – Part 1

After Fernanda brings the Ratita right up to Juan Marcos’ bedroom so she sees JM and Angie kissing, the Ratita says she hates the both of them and runs off. Then the Reptile does a fake apology for bringing the kid up there. Angie runs after her daughter, and the Reptile moves toward JM planning a hug. He holds up his hand and tells her to leave. Lots of whining ensues about how she gave up her body to the Rat to save him and this is the thanks she gets. His face cold as ice, JM tells her he heard it’s not the first time.

I’m pretty much fed up to the eyeballs with the way the writers have Ángela letting a kid make her life decisions. Ángela tries to remind the Ratita how much she cried when she was married to the Rat (something she should have said a looooong time ago). No dice. The Ratita sets her stubborn little chin and says she’s rather be drowned than live with JM and Ángela as a couple.

Samantha has another encounter with her father. She tells Darío she isn’t really surprised he and Perla gave away her child, because neither of them love anyone except themselves. Darío tells her that he’s always been an unhappy man, but he did want the best for his family.

My stomach turns every time Bernardo aka Despicable Dad appears on screen. He leers at Cecilia and they allude to the big job promotion she’s going to get when she seduces Willy, leaving the path clear for his moves on Sammy. He gives her a bunch of money in an envelope to buy sexy undies and leers some more about how she’ll look in them. I’m wishing this guy some disease that would give him permanent, Viagra-proof impotence.

JM keeps asking the Reptile to leave and she keeps saying any minute now. She says she was only with Luis a couple of times and that’s because she was in such pain because she loved him so much and he didn’t respond. She says she was raped as well. JM says he almost believed her at first, but she doesn’t look like a woman who’s been raped. Slap!

The Reptile goes downstairs to try some manipulation on a more receptive person. The Ratita has locked herself in a room and refuses to come out. The Reptile offers to get her to open the door. This is probably going to work since the Ratita and the Reptile are definitely a better combination than the Ratita and her own mother.

Darío begs Estela to tell him who Sam’s bio dad is, since they were friends at the time. She won’t do it. Then Darío goes to Ofelia, manhandling her a bit, asking about the child she never told him about. [This thing has more “who’s your daddy” twists than a Dickens novel.] She also refuses to tell him, but does say it isn’t his child.

Sam goes to Willy’s office to pick him up for their visit to Lucas’ adoptive mother. She arrives when he and Cecilia are laughing about some joke, and gets jealous. She wonders how long he’d be faithful to her. Looking adorable, he tells her 173 years. After that, who knows.

We get a real stomach-churning scene with Despicable Dad seducing Estela. Ladies, I ask you. Would you be turned on by a grinning guy who asks you questions about some other person’s parentage while he’s drooling all over your neck? And the outrageous references to her being like a queen actually work on her? He manages to get it out of her that Miguel was Samantha’s father.

The Reptile gets Ángela to admit that she let it slip that the Rat and the Reptile had had sex before. With an effort, she manages not to rip Ángela’s head off her shoulders. When Ángela finally gets to talk with the Ratita, said rodent-like child tells her mother she has to choose between JM and her!

Nelly’s pregnancy plan isn’t working so well. Peralta has convinced Emma that he’s going to stay with her, even though he plans to be a father to his child. They embrace.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE –VIERNES – Part 2

Sam and Willy look at the supposed child’s headstone. Of course, since this is a telenovela, the adoptive mother comes up just at that moment. She’s a rather unattractive creature and stubbornly says she’s the kid’s only mother, and won’t give them a crumb of information. She accuses them of abandoning the child and won’t listen to any explanations.

Ángela has caved to her little tyrant and left JM’s house. She’s left a note for both JM and Génesis.

Ofelia and Perla snarl at each other once more. Perla wants to know if the child is Darío’s. Ofelia says: “What? You’re worried you might have to share the inheritance? [Darío’s]” Fernanda overhears and then Ofelia admits that she had a child.

Willy tells Sam the date of birth and place of adoption match. But Sam tells him her heart tells her the child in the grave is not hers.

JM calls everyone frantically looking for Ángela. Gloria seems a bit too interested in JM letting Angie go. She tells him that woman will take him to his tomb. He responds that, without her, he’s already dead.

Ángela and the Ratita are having lunch at an outdoor table. The Ratita smiles a bit at her mother, having gotten her way. But she wants her papí as well. Ángela tells her that the police are looking for her father, and he won’t be living with them. When Ángela goes to the bathroom, the Ratita takes her mother's cell phone and calls the number her father gave her. “Come and get us.” Then she stalls, wanting her mother to stay at the restaurant longer.

Of course, the Rat shows up. The Ratita runs to him. Ángela says she’s not going with him, but the Rat says fine, he’ll take the Ratita. He asks the kid who she’d rather be with, and we already know the answer. So Ángela is forced to go along. [Let’s see. I’m thinking maybe sitting in a corner with her face to the wall until she’s 16 might be an appropriate punishment for the Ratita.]

Uh oh. Instead of doing something for himself, the rather entitled Willy asks Cecilia to find a private investigator for him, this same Cecilia who’s already on DD’s payroll.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE –VIERNES – Part 3


The great little actress who plays Génesis reads Ángela’s note to her aloud, her voice breaking.

Perla shows up, still in love with Bernie. She needs a place to stay, and this is where she wants to be.

The Rat has taken Ángela and the Ratita to some kind of a warehouse. The little brat is not too happy about their living quarters. Later he gives her what looks like an iPad and she squeals with delight.

Ofelia admits that the child she had is Darío’s. I didn’t write down who she said it to.

Peralta tells Nelly that he’s prepared to be a good father to her child, but he won’t be in a couple with her. He loves Emma.

The Rat says he wants to start a new life, one free of violence. He puts down his gun as a dramatic gesture. Ángela picks it up and points it at him. They fake us out with a fantasy scene of her shooting him. But no. She puts the gun back down.

The Reptile goes to manipulate Estupida Estela. She asks if she knows how to contact Ángela. She’s offering money, saying Ángela wouldn’t take it from her, but she would from her mother. She tells her Luis is obsessed with Ángela and might harm her daughter and her granddaughter. She wants Ángela to use the money to go far, far away.

Ángela has gotten hold of Violeta’s iPad and sent an email to Sam with their location. The Rat finds her with the iPad in her hand and sees the email. He goes nuts, smashing it and pulls a gun on Ángela. We can only hope that the Ratita has witnessed some of this behavior, but they don’t show it. While Ángela gets in one good shot with her elbow, he knocks her out with the butt of the gun.

Meanwhile, Cecilia has set Willy up with a laptop supposedly containing some files to review for the business. What appears is a video of her stripping, presumably down to the Frederick’s of Hollywood stuff she bought with DD’s money. Ugh!

Luis puts Ángela in some convenient locked room with a window inside the warehouse. Steam appears inside, while the Rat looks on pensively. Not sure if it’s steam from cold or if the Rat answered an ad for a warehouse with a gas chamber included.
 

GENERAL

Thanks so much, Deb, for all the great info about upcoming Telemundo novelas. You are always so informed about what's coming up! Bummer about Iván Sánchez, though. I was licking my chops in anticipation of seeing him again!
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

Thanks, Novelera. I didn't totally understand where Ratita has been sent while Rat 1) hits Angela, and 2) locks her in a room. It look as if he's turned on some poison gas, since I think he's still supposed to kill her. But one would think Ratita will appear, maybe in time to get the Rat to open the door, but too late to have seen anything, and ready to accept whatever lame explanation her Daddy has (like Mommy stupidly locked herself in that room, or something like that). He'll also have to explain the broken laptop. Someday, Ratita will probably see for herself what kind of a man her father is, but I don't think we've reached that day yet.
 

RELACIONES

I'm kind of getting bored with a lot of the storylines... Santiago/Ana/Julia, Gonzalo, JP, Clementina/Andres (whom I have to FF through due to my sensitive gag reflex... surely that's not his real voice?? and Clemetina, get some AGALLAS!), and even the Miranda/Mau/JP thing... but it does surprise me that ratings are so low! It has always seemed to have quite a following, especially in the teen demographic.

Patty and Joaco still have me watching, although they need more screen time in my opinion. Max and Liz, too. By the way, where the heck is Cassius?? Did I miss something???

AnotherAmy
 

RELACIONES
I'm also rather surprised that this show doesn't have "good ratings." I've really enjoyed watching it whenever I have a free evening and reading the recaps when I don't. Thanks to all who type those up, by the way!
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS:

One of the good things about this show is that it doesn't just have one central triangle, repeated over and over again. The large number of characters allows for people to find a couple or two they like. I think the ratings dip may be due to the fact that there are less established "stars" on this show, many new faces, and audiences take a while to warm up to new actors.

I, for one, think the kid playing Gonzalo is an excellent actor, bringing tremendous energy to a complex role, which started out as lost and a bit cruel, but now has some bits of morality or honor, along with a palpable sense of the struggle to survive. This may be why the Leo/Liz and some other stories aren't being stressed now - they're not as intense (Leo/Liz is intense, but it's always the same - we can't do anything or Gonzo will kill us). Gonzalo is one of the key characters, now going up against Andres, that really gives the show some oooph (but I'm not sure my views are in line with the average viewer's).
 

CORAZON VALIENTE

Thanks so much for the very detailed recap Novelera. I had to laugh when Ofelia lied (or did she?) to Dario about her secret love child being his, then admitted it to everyone else who happened to ask her. What was the point of lying to Dario then? One of the MANY people she told is bound to tell him anyway. Plus, he didn't seem to believe her.

I am also tired of Angela being guilted into doing what Violeta wants. She's tried this way of parenting and it is NOT working. Time to try some tough love and put her foot down.

The Rat sent Violeta off to some corner of the warehouse (how far could she get?) so she didn't see him knock Angela out and place her in the fridge/gas chamber. The kid will continue to think her father is perfect and her mother (who has been nothing but loving to her) is a monster.

Shouldn't Willy be wondering why his sexcretary is all of a sudden leaving him stripper-grams on his computer, instead of smiling at her antics?

Estella is an idiot if she can't see what Bernie really wants from her. I do think it's hilarious that Perla has moved into Bernie's. Now we just need Dario to move into Bernie's or JM's, and ALL the characters will be living in just two homes. :)
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE – LUNES – Part 1

The Rat has left Ángela in the refrigerated compartment. When the Ratita asks about her mother, he tells her she fell asleep playing with the “gift”, presumably trying to explain what happened to the iPad.

Juan Marcos, Gloria and Sam arrive at the warehouse and take a hella long time finding Ángela in that room. She looks like a Popsicle.

The Reptile asks Vicente to find the Rat. She wants to help him take Ángela and Violetita far, far away. She promises him her “enhanced” body as a reward. Just then she gets a text from Luis saying he’s killed Ángela. This is not the smartest rat around. Texts can be retrieved by the cops, dummy! But the Reptile is ecstatic. She orders Cecilia to bring champagne and prepares to give Vicente what he’s been waiting for. She has to tell him first, of course, that she and the Rat did the deed on this very desk.

While Emma is talking with Peralta, Nelly comes in holding her stomach. She mentions that she forgot to tell Peralta that the doctor told her her pregnancy is high risk. This is later confirmed by, I suppose, a fake doctor hired by Gabriel. Emma appears ready to sacrifice her relationship with Peralta to save the embryo. She tells him he needs to be with Nelly.

Perla is driving Ofelia and Estupida Estela nuts by behaving like the señora de la casa. Bernie asks them to be patient with her. Ofelia can’t contain herself and tells her she had Darío’s kid. Perla jumps to the conclusion that that child is Willy.

Cecilia comes into Willy’s office. He asks her about the video, and she puts on a big act saying she meant to send it to torture (I mean remind him of better times) the boyfriend she just broke up with. She coos and giggles a lot.

The Ratita again asks about her mother. The Rat loses his temper, but then apologizes. He tells her they won’t see her mother again. He admits he lied before, but didn’t want her to know that her mother left them to go back to be with JM. He tells her Ángela doesn’t love them.

Bernie denies that Willy is Ofelia’s son. He tells Perla that the kid is in Scotland studying.

The Reptile, appearing bored, is about ready to give Vicente what he’s been waiting for when there’s a knock. Willy says he can’t attend some meeting and has to leave. She goes out to the lobby, and he tells her that he has to leave because of Ángela Valdez. When she jumps to the conclusion that she’s dead, he tells her no, just in bad shape.

The Reptile is now no longer in the mood. She tells Vicente that the idea of Ángela Valdez being dead is what got her excited, not him. [I have a feeling one of these days Vicente is going to be the Reptile’s downfall – for stupidly rubbing his nose all the time in how little she cares for him.]

Gabriel shows up at Emma’s room and starts working on her about Peralta needing to be with Nelly now.

We get the usual hospital waiting room scene. JM tells Sam and Gloria that Ángela won’t be able to bear it if they don’t find Violetita. Meanwhile, they’re having to shock Ángela’s heart to bring her back from a flatline.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE – LUNES – Part 2

In the new warehouse he’s taken the Ratita to Luis decides to get drunk. He wants her to leave him alone and let him sleep. When she says she doesn’t like this place, he yells at her.

Perla sneaks into Despicable Dad’s office to have a look at his laptop. Hearing footsteps, she ascends a convenient staircase in the room and overhears a conversation between Ofelia and DD. He’s chewing Ofelia out for telling everyone she had a child. She says she’s tired of the bad treatment and the gunshot wound has made her think. He tells her she better not even whisper that she’s his sister. He says Papá treated you like a bastard, but I took you in.

Of course the Reptile doesn’t stay away from the hospital. We hear those spike heels tapping before we see her. The doctor comes out to say that Ángela is in a coma.

The Rat wakes up yelling for the Ratita to bring him water, but it’s Gloria pointing a gun at him that he sees. She tells him he’s going to tell her everything. When he isn’t forthcoming, she bashes him in the face with her gun. Oooooh! That was fun!

Perla goes to play her Ace with DD. She tells him she knows he doesn’t want his kids to know there’s an auntie living with them. She says she’ll likely forget what she heard if he reverts to his affectionate behavior of before.

Pablo Peralta comes in to Casa Arroyo with Violeta. He says she called the house and he went to get her. She asks Emma if it’s true that her mama came back here to live.

JM goes in to see Ángela. I hope that, if I’m ever in a coma, someone will remember the mascara and lip-gloss. The doctor comes in with some other great news about maybe amputating her arm.

Sam borrows Willy’s phone since her battery is dead, and sees Cecilia’s little strip tease. What? He transferred it from the laptop to his phone? Maybe Ceci did it.

The Reptile comes into Ángela’s room. JM says he wants her to stay a moment while he makes a call. Reptile spits some venom at Ángela, regretting that she came unprepared (without her usual hypodermic syringe). While she’s spitting words at her, Ángela’s eyes open. Then Sam, Estupida Estela, and JM all come into the room. The doctor throws them all out. Great! In a Univisión TN comas last for weeks.

Emma tells Violetita that she got a mixed parental bag: a very good mother and a bad father. I’m waiting for the pout, but she goes to Emma and puts her arms around her and thanks her for the truth.

Sam has left the hospital and is very angry with Willy. He pursues her in his car. When they get out to speak, she decks him, showing him the video and saying she never wants to see him again.

Gloria has the Rat handcuffed to a bed somewhere. There’s some pizza on the bed. He asks why she’s helping him. [She is?] She tells him he’s going to find out. So Gloria Fereira has a secret.

Ángela appears to be OK, but says her arm hurts. Just then Violeta and Génesis come in. Violeta (no longer a Ratita, for me) tells her mother she wants her to be happy with Juan Marcos. The Reptile fumes from the doorway.
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

Thanks Novelera! I really want to meet Ofelia's kid now. I hope he and Sam's son appear before the end of this tn.

That "search" by JM, Sam and Gloria of the hideout was ridiculous. JM even walked right by the room with the window (where he could have easily taken a peek inside). And then that doc saying they may have to amputate Angela's arm! I had to laugh out loud. Just how long was she in that fridge? I'm guessing that fact that her arm hurts now is a good sign and she won't have to lose it (like it was even in doubt).

Glad to see Ratita turn back into Violetita. I very much enjoyed the look on the Reptile's face when she saw the happy family.

There was a cute scene between Pedro and Emma. The new maid (since Nelly has to rest now, ha!) is pretty and flirting with Pedro. Emma and Pedro have this conversation where she tells him she doesn't want another pregnant maid. He retorts that she shouldn't hire such pretty maids then. He then mentions something about Gabriel and she retorts something funny. They are both smiling during this conversation and totally flirting with each other. I think Gabriel and Nelly are going to have to step up their game if they really want to separate these two. Since the new maid is an actress I have seen before, I'm sure she'll be causing trouble soon too.

I still don't understand why Bernie thinks it would be so horrible for his kids to find out Ofelia is their aunt/his half sister. I bet that their father did leave Ofelia some inheritance and Bernie didn't tell Ofelia about it, but instead told her he was doing her a favor by having her live under his roof as a servant.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE-

Thanks, Novelera, for the super recap. Things to move along on this novela.

There´s definitely more to the Ofelia story than we know. Perla, who seems to be obsessed with social position, seems to think that Bernie is hiding his relationship to Ofelia because he doesn´t want anyone to know that his sister is a servant.

I feared the worst when Gloria was holding the rat at gunpoint and hadn´t handcuffed him but she seems to have gotten him under control. I wonder what she has in mind for our Rat. I am more than ready to see him exit from the story.

Pretty quick turnaround in opinion by the former Ratita but I´m not complaining. Did she get herself to JM´s house or did she call someone? After the Rat passed out, Violetita was looking at something in their hideout but I couldn´t tell what it was.

I loved the blue lipstick on the frozen Ángela. If she had frostbite damage, it would be on her fingers and toes or her nose, not her whole arm but whatever.
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

Thanks for the excellent recap, Novelera. Jean, Violeta was looking at a cellphone in Luis's coat pocket, hanging up. She then called Peralta, who brought her home (but apparently didn't do anything about Luis). Also, no one saw Gloria. And if Violeta called, how did she give Peralta the address? I guess we just need to go with the flow.
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 1

Olivia kisses Mau, who almost gets into it, but pulls away, it wouldn't be right, you love me, but I don't love you. Yes, says Olivia, but isn't the same as you love Miranda, but here she goes getting engaged, so she doesn't love you? Mau thinks it's different. But he also wants her to help solve the drug thing, and she takes the picture of Andres and Monica to Orlando, the prosecutor. She recognizes the model, he asks if she's met Andres, and she flashes back to when a smirking Andres told her to "catch those evil drug guys". Yes, Andres could be behind the whole thing. Pedro overhears this, calls Victor, who is not happy.

At Javier's warehouse home, Gonzo and he have blindfolded Henry with duct tape, and yell at him to reveal his boss! But he won't. So they put headphones on him and crank up the loud music, to torture him into talking. Also, they can discuss strategy that way. I think they leave the music on all night, but Henry doesn't talk. In the morning, Leo knocks on the door. Gonzo has Javy take Henry into the bedroom, takes off his shirt, and greets Leo. Sorry, bro, but I've got a babe back there. Liz? asks Leo. Nah, another gal, and don't tell Liz. Leo is NOT happy about this, and leaves. Gonzo isn't happy either, since this is the only lie he could come up with.

Mau again warns Yesi about her boyfriend, whom Mau says is a dangerous narco, but she's still not listening. She does take the time to spit in his face that Miranda is pregnant, that's why they have to get married so fast.

At the school, it's welcome back Miranda, plus honor Mau day, and Ana makes a speech. JP announces to the crowd that he's engaged to Miranda, and the wedding's coming up (Miranda isn't too happy about this). Carmen is super angry at Miranda, Ana and Orlando for allowing "that woman" back in the school. She tells Miranda, if you come back, I'll plaster all over the papers that a child molester is in the school. You decide!
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 2

Miranda is mortified that there would be publicity about her, because those guys in Mexico would find out where she is. Speaking of them, we learn the main drug guy is Gualtemoc. Olivares calls JP on the phone, explain some stuff to me, or I won't help. JP says there are two rival bands, one that wants Miranda dead, and one that wants her alive. Which are you in? asks Oli. JP evades this, answers that falling love with Miranda changed everything in the blink of an eye. Oli guesses there's an inheritance involved. JP says I've got to meet with the Mexico guys tonight, you keep tabs on Miranda, and tell me if Mau comes by. After they hang up, Olivares says to himself, it's sure strange that I'm partners with my daughter's killer. But after I get my half of the money, he'll pay in blood!" Maybe Gualtemoc is in the band who wants Miranda alive? We'll see.

JP calls Gualtemoc, let's meet tonight. He gives Miranda a lame excuse why he has to leave to meet with his friend in Mexico who lent them that plane.

Yesi confronts Miranda about the pregnancy, which Miranda denies, saying is was a girl at the school for underprivileged kids, but Yesi says she went there, and no one was pregnant. This takes place in the ladies' room, and Patty overhears it! JP later tells Miranda as soon as they get married, they'll announce the pregnancy.

Alejandro tells Diego not to keep his true feelings hidden.

Hector tells Santiago to fill up this cup with a "sample" so they can artificially inseminate Julia, who just happens to be ovulating today. Santi makes a face, tells Julia to remember he's with Ana now, and Julia later says to herself, not if I can help it!

Victor tells Andres about what Pedro heard, and that Mau was giving Olivia the info. They have to stop Mau. Should we kill him? No, says Andres, that would bring too much attention. Let's kill his father!!! (Of course, since Manuel is a minor character, he's expendable :)
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS:

Also, Javy and Gonzo gave Henry some of the drugs to make him talk. We'll see if that works (the drugs apparently make one LOSE his memory, and are often fatal!).
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS

First I want to say thank you to Hombre, if it weren't for his recaps, I would have forgotten about this TN. Second, I'm in shock that it has low ratings, all the things Telemundo did to attract young people to it. Third, I think that may be why it got low ratings, people thought this was for a younger crown, which is not true.

The few times I've watched this I have been intrigued, I have not followed it simply because I knew I would not keep awake each night to watch it.

Too bad.
 

CORAZON VALIENTE

Well I just came back from hitting myself with a wet noodle. I, who could not stand Emma, now applaud her. Finally she told this kid straight out, and I want to offer applause to the writers for that scene.

And thank you, I thought I was seeing wrong, "the search" where they kept running here and there, I thought it was weird, and now I find so many others did too.

Ofelia still reminds me of Mrs. Danvers!
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE

Thank you for the fun recap, Novelera!

Everyone's pretty much said what I wanted to.

hasta mañana.
 

Corazon Valiente
Tnanks as always to those who recap and summarize with dedication week after week. I agree with whoever (Nellie?) said that Ofelia is like Mrs Danvers! And speaking of wacky relatives, don't forget that at some point Isabel's mother and sister/brother will be thrown into the mix--Bernie mentioned them in passing right after Isobel's death. I wonder if there will be genealogical mysteries clinging to them too....
J in Oregon
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 1

Now we REALLY know who JP is! His real name is Gael Sanchez. His brother is Gualtemoc Sanchez. This is the one I keep referring to as the drug guy in Mexico. JP goes to Mexico and meets with his bro (I'll all him "Walt"). Walt says how can you want Miranda to live? She caused our mother to commit suicide!

Apparently, years ago, when Antonio (Miranda's Dad) and Remigio (JP and Walt's Dad) were infiltrating the drug cartel, both Remigio and Antonio loved Soledad (Miranda's Mom). But Remigio was married to JP and Walt's Mom, and SHE also loved Antonio. I think Soledad got pregnant by Antonio, and Antonio married her. This devastated Remigio, who loved Soledad, but JP and Walt's Mom found out she was unloved, and killed herself by hanging! (I'm not totally sure of the details, but I'm sure of that last part).

JP and Walt have wanted to punish Soledad, but killing her would be too easy. They want to kill her daughter, Miranda, the cause of their parents' troubles. And they want to do it by hanging her, too! However, JP now wants the money from "the inheritance", which I'm guessing goes to a male heir of Antonio, since Miranda is female. This is also a guess by me (and what if Miranda's kid is a girl?). JP tells Walt he'll be the administrator for the kid, and get control of the money. THEN, Walt (who doesn't care about the money) can kill her! That's the plan.

While the mice are away....Mau finds out JP is away, goes to see Miranda, can't get in the window (JP had it sealed), but he sees Miranda rub her tummy in front of Patty. Miranda had, in fact, confessed to Patty she was pregnant (Patty had overheard Yesi guess it in the ladies' room), but of course Miranda says it's JP's. When Patty leaves, Mau knocks on the window, Miranda lets him in, she doesn't admit anything. But he gets right up close, works his magic, and before they know what they're doing, they're kissing madly!

Olivares has been observing this, and reporting to JP, who wants him to get Mau out of there. But Olivares has fake passport, and won't get involved. He also apparently knows Miranda is carrying Mau's baby, and can use this as leverage with JP.
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 2

Patty calls Joaco for some more lovin'.

Gilberto is trying to have more sex with Julia. He loves her wild spirit. She lets it slip that if Ana gets pregnant from Santi to be a donor for Bea, Julia'll get rid of Ana "too". También?, asks Gil. Julia denies, but Gil knows she had something to do with Armando's death. They have sex, but use protection, since that would be really dumb if she got pregnant with the wrong guy. The doctors took her eggs, are going to do in vitro, and reimplant them in a few weeks.

Olivia begs Orlando to let her back on the drug case. But Pedro's on it. Olivia doesn't trust Pedro, says Indio said they had someone "inside". Orlando said everyone was cleared, but they both suspect Pedro a little, and Orlando says Olivia can be back on the case, as long as her Mau thing doesn't interfere.

The drugs work on Henry a little, and he says Victor Andrade is his boss (he still won't give up Andrés). Gonzo goes to Leo's house to check things out. Leo and Liz are kissing in Leo's room when Nena walks in to announce Gonzo is downstairs! They think it's about them, not knowing about all this drug stuff.

Andrés has ordered Manuel to be killed. They find out he's leaving for his boat tomorrow, so it has to be quick. Ironically, Manuel and Carmen have sort of reconciled, and are very loving, now. The purpose of Andrés' plan is to 1)scare Mau into silence and 2)throw the police off THEIR track. Are they kidding?!!!!! Lots of action coming up.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE- martes Part 1

It was kind of a weird episode.

The Reptile comes in on the happy family scene with JM, Ángela, Violeta and Génesis in Ángela’s hospital room. She says that she will always remember this happy scene like it was a photograph. Right.

After everyone else leaves the room, the Reptile tells Ángela that her arm might have to be amputated. I guess she does this out of general meanness because she certainly doesn’t win any points with JM for this. Ángela is very upset at the possibility and has to be sedated.

Later, that little trouper, Génesis, hobbles on her crutches into Ángela’s room and gives Ángela the same inspirational speech, Ángela gave her when Génesis found out she was paralyzed: no matter what happens to your body, you are still the same person.

The doctor tells JM that he is waiting for the results of tests to see if Ángela’s arm has to be amputated and the chances are 50-50 that it will.

Gloria tells the Rat that she has plenty of time to wait for him to confess who the murderer is. The Rat ain’t squealing yet. Gloria goes to the hospital and tells everyone that the Rat has apparently left the country. Gloria tells the Reptile that she is a cop.

Sam is packing up to leave Bernie’s house. Willy tries to convince her to stay, including forcing a kiss on her. Sam appears to respond but then knees Willy in the family jewels.

Then we have Días Despues (Days Later)

The Rat is in bad shape. Gloria appears to either shoot him in the leg or just miss. In any case, the Rat squeals that Fernanda is the assasin.

I guess the tests on Ángela’s arm came out ok because the next thing we see is Ángela coming back to JM’s house with a sling. JM announces that she is his novia. He has already gotten a lawyer to file for a divorce from the Rat. When that is done, they can get married and be happy ever after. Since this isn’t the final episode, we know that isn’t going to happen yet.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE- martes Part 2

In the battle of the middle-aged ladies at Bernie’s house, Perla announces that she has filed for divorce from Darío and it is only a matter of time before she is the señora of the house. Estela gets a shot in by telling Perla that she has slept with Bernie, too. Bernie tells Perla that whenever he kisser her, he is imagining that he is with her daughter and asks if that bothers her. Perla defiantly says that she doesn’t believe it.

The Reptile tries to torpedo Emma’s romance with Peralta by telling Emma, while Peralta is listening, that women of her class can have flings with men of Peralta’s class but not permanent relationships. Peralta tries to tell Emma that they should not be together but she tells him that she is ready for sex and they at least start in what appears to be an office.

We know that Willy and Sam can’t stay together because this isn’t the end of the novela but it is unfortunate that their problems have to take the form of Willy succumbing to Despicable Dad’s evil plan. [What Willy should have done is tell Cecilia that even though there is nothing going on between them, her “mistake” is causing trouble between him and Sam and therefore he is transfering Cecilia to some other office. But, of course, he doesn’t do that.] Willy keeps trying to call Sam but she won’t speak to him. Cecilia suggests that they make lie that Sam believes (that Cecilia and Willy are having an affair) a reality. Willy says no thanks.

Then, of course, Sam sends Willy a message saying that it is all over between them and not to bother her again. Willy decides to take Cecilia up on her offer. Of course, Ángela convinces Sammy to give Willy another chance. She goes to the office, where a lot more sex than business seem to go on, and catches Willy and Cecilia dressing after the act. DD arrives and feigns outrage. He takes Cecilia aside and complements her on her work and promises her money and a promotion (ascenso).

Gloria calls JM and says that she is coming over to give them information about the Rat and not to let the Reptile leave. The Reptile is nervous and tries to leave but Gloria catches her on the way out. Then Gloria tells JM, Ángela and the Reptile an amazing story. The Rat is gone but he left a note confessing to all the murders!! He supposedly had some woman problem with JM’s father and wanted vengeance. Naturally, JM and Ángela have trouble believing this and the Reptile is struck dumb with surprise. Gloria sticks to her script and JM and Ángela are eventually convinced that their troubles are over.

Then we get a sort of false gran finale happiness scene [and a promo for Macy’s] where JM, Violeta and Génesis, who is now walking without any problem, do a big Mother’s Day celebration for Ángela.

Darío calls Sam, tells her that he loves her in spite of her not being his biological child, and apparently shoots himself.

Gloria goes to see the Reptile and says that she knows that the Reptile is the murderer. She wants a $1 million to keep quiet. The Reptile agrees. Then Gloria says that she wants a night of love [with the Reptile??].
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

Thanks Jean. Oh my, that was quite the ending to an already bizarre episode. Well, we know what happened to the last cop who lusted after the Reptile...

I was shocked and disgusted that Willy had sex with the sexcretary. He's going to have to do something BIG to win Sam back.

Thanks for the extended ad Macy's! It was nice to see those four happy though.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE - MARTES

Thanks, Jean. Excellent recap. I loved the line about more sex going on at the Arroyo/del Castillo car business than actual business.

Of course, I knew Gloria wasn't going to bust the Reptile right there in the Arroyo's living room. It's waaaay too soon for that. So Gloria turns out to be a crooked cop and lusts after Fernanda? At least we assume that's who she wants a night of love with.

Yeah, there seemed to have been some cut scenes. How did we get from Peralta saying it would never work because of the vast monetary gulf between them to the two of them being completely back to where they were before, talking about a future? At least they found a place where neither Nelly nor Gabriel can burst in on them.

Whoever the writer or writers of this novela is/are there's no love for middle aged ladies. Every one of them is unpleasant. Ofelia IS like Mrs. Danvers, and she let poor Sol drown to protect the Reptile, who I still think may be her child.

I liked the scene with Génesis and Ángela in the hospital. That kid is adorable, and she pulled Ángela right out of her funk.

I agree. I was gnashing my teeth at how perfectly DD's plan with Cecilia worked. Of course, he doesn't have easy access to Sam now, since she left his house. [Who the heck was feeding and walking Arturo all this time?]

I wouldn't take a Las Vegas bet on Gloria's life span. It was sort of disappointing that she's a crooked cop. I was thinking maybe she was obsessed with JM and willing to torture the Rat to solve the crime.
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

I agree. I wouldn't give much for Gloria's life expectancy. Unless she is planning to handcuff the Reptile for sex, I wouldn't put myself in a vulnerable position with that woman.

It's funny that the offices at the Arroyo/delCastillo car business have all glass walls so whenever someone is going to have sex in an office, all the blinds have to be lowered. It must be kind of obvious to the other employees when this is happening.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE

Thanks Jean for the entertaining recap.

yeah novelera, I had to rewind the Emma/Peralta scenes to see if I too missed something. how the heck did they end up in a gym? and that's where they're gonna consummate their first time? so unromantic.

Génesis is always lovely to watch.
 

Thanks, Jean your recap is full of subtle humor, along with great info.

Why didn't Gloria just ask the Rat for the money? Isn't it true that JM just had Cecelia deliver a suitcase of money to him? I think this was about a million, why not? What ever happened to that money?

And what's going to happen with the Rat? It didn't seem (and I doubt) that Gloria will kill him. She hasn't really thought this thing through. But I guess the prospect of lesbian sex with the "lovely" Reptile trumped everything else!
 

CORAZON VALIENTE-

I had completely forgotten about the money JM gave the Rat. I bet the writers have forgotten, too.

How lucky was it that the murderer was a rich person? If Gloria was just interested in money, why not, as you say, get the money given to the Rat? What was she going to do if the murderer had no money?
 

FYI- I saw a promo with Aracely Arámbula during CV yesterday. No name of a novela or anything.
 

GENERAL

I noticed that promo about Aracely as well.

I wonder if a lot of Mexican telenovela actors are moving to Miami and joining Telemundo because of the narco violence in Mexico. Some prominent people have had their children kidnapped, including Vicente Fernandez. And it's much worse now than when that happened years ago.
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS

Whew! Hombre, that plot with JP is VERY convoluted. Does this mean he doesn't care for her at all, and the whole thing is an act to get his hands on her hijo's money?
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE - miércoles part 1

More of the Macy’s commercial - Ángela gets an ugly bag and some perfume for Mother’s Day. Génesis thanks Ángela for being a mother to her. Later, JM and Ángela are in the pool and JM says that he wants a baby. Ángela replies that she wants to have as many children as JM wants but not now - she’s still married to the Rat. She needs time. JM says ok.

Then JM wants Ángela to sleep in his room. She says that she doesn’t like his room - it reminds her of JM’s dead wife. JM replies that he will move to a different room.

Gloria tells the Reptile that she has wanted her since the first time they met. The Reptile looks nervous but she accepts Gloria’s proposal.

Estela tells Ofélia that Darío was her “gran amor.” Estela says no, Darío was not her great love but he rescued her from the worst sin. Ofélia says that when she dies, she will go to hell. [I’m guessing here that the “worst sin” was having sex with her brother. Is the Reptile a child of incest?]

Perla chews DD out for sleeping with Estela. DD replies that the only woman he cares about is Sam.

Darío is not dead. It seems he can’t even kill himself properly. Sam goes to the hospital and asks him why he said that she wasn’t his daughter. Darío replies that he just found out from Perla that Sam is not his daughter.

Sam wants to know who her father is and Darío advises her to ask her mother. Perla arrives. She tells Darío that she lied to him and Sam is Darío’s daughter. Sam says that it doesn’t matter what they say; she is going to get a DNA test.

Gloria brings the Reptile to where she has the Rat, who is in pretty bad shape. She takes off his handcuffs. Gloria makes the Rat call JM and say that he is going to continue to try and kill JM and his daughter. When JM asks why he is doing this, he says that he is doing it for a woman but he won’t say who.

Then Gloria pretends to let the Rat leave with his money but on the way out, she whacks him with a big stick.

Emma and Peralta make love. Emma tells Peralta that her money and social position didn’t make her happy; Peralta makes her happy.

The Reptile and Gloria start to dig a grave for the Rat. He isn’t dead though. Gloria is willing to bury him alive since he’s a bad guy. The Reptile asks why she is there and Gloria says that besides sex, she wants an ally. They can do things together.

Ofélia tells Willy that she had a son with Darío and that her son lives in Scotland.
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE - miércoles part 2

Sam tells Willy that Darío isn’t her biological father and that is why he tried to kill himself.

Ofélia goes to see Darío in the hospital. She tells him that she had his child - a son named Rodrigo.

Perla gets into a nasty fight with Ofélia in Darío’s hospital room. DD arrives and asks Darío which broad he wants to chuck out of the room. Darío suggests that DD throw his lover (Perla) out. Perla suggests that DD throw out his “hermanita,” his little sister. Darío is impactado.

Gloria and the Reptile finish digging a very shallow grave. They bury Luis and Gloria says that it is time for sex. It appears that someone is watching them.

Perla asks why Estela won’t tell Sam the truth about her father. Estela says that she and Perla are not the only ones with a child from Miguel. Miguel had a girlfriend whom he got pregnant before he met Estela. Estela managed to keep this information from Miguel. [That doesn’t seem to be an argument for not telling Sam who her real father is.]

Perla announces that she is going to tell Sam herself and is promptly hit by a car. Ángela and JM, who have just arrived at the hospital, witness this.

Perla’s in a bad way. She tells Sam that she let Darío believe he was Sam’s father because she wanted to give her daughter the life of a princess. She won’t say the name of the father and then has some breathing problem. Later, she asks to see DD. She begs DD to leave Sam alone.

Perla tells DD that she believes the death of Sam’s baby was her fault. DD takes pleasure in informing her that Sam’s child isn’t dead. Perla begs him to tell this to Sam for her sake. DD replies that he never had any affection for Perla and that he only does things to please himself.

Then Ángela and Sam are with Perla. There’s a lot of wheezing and gasping but Perla does not manage to pass along any useful information. “You two are...” she says and dies.

Evidently, the Reptile enjoyed sex with Gloria. They are in the bathtub together. The Reptile tells Gloria that she only wants one thing - Ángela Valdez dead. Not gonna happen replies Gloria. I am a policewoman. The Reptile points out that she killed the Rat. Gloria replies that the Rat deserved what he got. But Gloria offers to help the Reptile separate Ángela and JM. She says that she hates JM. [I think the J in Oregon called it. If Gloria hates JM, it probably has something to do with Isabel.]

But it appears that the Rat is not dead. We see him on a table with someone, presumably, the watcher at the burial, in the shadows.

Ángela tells JM that since Perla died, she can’t get the idea out of her head that she and Sam are sisters. She says that she is going to have DNA test to prove it.
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

Thanks, Jean, great recap. What a crazy episode. I'll miss Perla, played by one of my favorite actresses. I wonder who could be watching Luis? I think you called it right, the Reptile may be the product of incest.

Gloria is also somehow related. Could she be the other daughter of Miguel? I don't know why that would make her hate JM, though, so it probably has to do with Isabel.

Also, I thought Dario had a vasectomy, so how could he be Rodrigo's father? I guess maybe he had it after.

Someone earlier recommended DNA tests for the whole cast. I agree. At least Angela and Sam are going to do that.
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 1

Violencia! Yes, we had lots of beatings tonight. But before we get into that, I'll try to answer Novelera's question. Is JP in it only for the money? I'd have to say originally he was, but as so often happens in these shows, he now does have feelings for Miranda, and although he told Walter it would be okay to kill Miranda after the baby is born and JP gets control of the money, he may change his mind. BTW, we're in final weeks. But my calculations say it's about 6 more weeks.

When last we left off, JP had asked Olivares to take Mau's knapsack from his moto. Later, we say why. JP is back in the country, having eluded Walt's guys, and after getting the knapsack from Olivares, drops it in front of Miranda. How DARE you meet with Mau when I was out of the country! I found this outside. She haltingly admits she let him in. Well, did you have SEX? he thunders. No, but we did kiss. Please forgive me.

No way, says JP, I'm leaving. I've helped you so much, and this is how you repay me. I'll just pack my bags. You obviously don't care for me at all. He goes on like this for about a half hour, with Miranda begging and begging, until finally they get to talking about their parents. Miranda says I don't know anything about your family. Please tell me.

JP then proceeds to make up a sob story (total lie). Holding back weeps, he tells Mir both his parents got killed in a car accident when he was little. And he was an only child. So he had to raise himself alone. No one had any love for him, that's why he care's so much about the baby Miranda's expecting. Well, Miranda REALLY feels bad now, and hugs JP, who "forgives" her, and isn't leaving. Hah!

Gonzalo has decided to get to the bottom of the drug thing, and sleeps on the floor in the Maximo house. In the morning, he surprises Nena, who almost starts screaming, but he calms her down. He tells her she is the most beautiful woman in the world, and she doesn't deserve what her husband is doing. He says her husband has a lover (she knew this). By this time, though, Andrés is spying, and pulls out a gun, almost ready to shoot. Gonzo also hints that Andrés might be doing illegal stuff. He then gets carried away, and KISSES Nena. At first she returns the kiss, then pulls back and slaps him. Get out, she yells. After he leaves, Andrés comes out of his hiding place.
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 2

Nena squeaks out, you never answered my question about that lipstick on your collar. I could forgive lots, but never a betrayal. "YOU'RE the traitor!" roars Andrés. I saw you kissing our son's friend! You'll be sorry. He then PUNCHES her in the stomach, over and over, throws her to the ground, and KICKS her repeatedly! He then orders his beaten and scarred wife to her room, and don't you forget who's the MAN around here!!!!

He then calls Victor, I found our patsy. Apparently they want to kill Manuel, but blame it on somebody. That somebody will be Gonzalo. Victor follows Gonzalo, who is later accosted by.....Cassius, whom we haven't seen in weeks! Turns out his Dad had him removed from Cervantes. But he's here with 4 of his cousins from New York, and they're going to teach Gonzo a lesson. Besides, he took Kung Fu lessons.

Gonzalo reaches for his gun, but Cassius disarms him with a karate move, and throws him to the ground. All the guys proceed to STOMP him bloody, Cassius replaying in his mind all the humiliations from Gonzo, in the bathroom, the paintball thing, being put into the clothes dryer, etc. Victor reports this to Andrés who laughs, saying let him get a beating, just make sure he doesn't die. Vic obeys.

Gonzo then goes back to Javier's place. Vic comes in w/o being noticed, knocks out Javy, then knocks out Gonzalo. He has rubber gloves on to avoid fingerprints. He frees Henry, who is half dead, and tells his helper to see if he can revive Henry. Vic then takes a gun, puts it in Gonzo's hands, gets his fingerprints all over it, and puts it in a plastic bag, then in his pocket.

Manuel has spent the night with Mau, and they've really bonded. It's morning now, and Manuel goes outside to stretch his legs. He's leaving to go on the boat today, has told Mau he may stop the boat job, wants to be with his family. Mau is inside the trailer doing something. Outside, Carmen calls Manuel, and the two really appear to be connecting, she forgives him, and finally all their problems may be solved.

Or not. Victor holds a gun to Manuel's head, Manny saying take me, but don't hurt my son. He then tries to escape, but Victor shoots him in the chest, KILLING him with the gun with Gonzo's fingerprints at the scene, and splits. Oh nooooooooo!
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE

Thanks, Jean, great recap of an exciting episode.

I could have screamed with frustration when they killed off Perla before she could tell Sammy about Miguel being her father. She's actually going to be delighted with that news.

I sure hope there's some dire punishment ahead for Despicable Dad. His behavior to Perla was probably the rottenest we've seen. He told her the grandchild was alive, I suppose, because he believed she was going to die. But to then tell a dying woman he NEVER loved her. Karma is surely out there waiting for him!

I guess we're meant to believe that Gloria had the Rat make that phone call because she hates JM. However, she hadn't said that when she gave him false hope and a cell phone. So I was thinking: What? Why does Gloria want JM and Ángela to continue to worry about the Rat?

You know, someone here said they thought they saw Gloria's "interest" in the Reptile early on. I never saw that. She kept giving her these piercing looks, but I thought it was because she suspected her all along of being a baddie.

I wonder if the Reptile is going to tell Vicente about her switch hitting.

One thing is for sure: assuming the Rat recovers, he's going to be a seriously vengeful Rat. I suppose Gloria got the briefcase of money?
 

Corazon Valiente:
Jean, Hombre, Novelera et al: Thanks for helpful comments! I think we now have three missing children: Lucas; Ofelia's son by Dario, and Miguel's third child with his girlfriend. Whew! Also--what if Gloria is Isabel's SISTER? Ah-haaaaa, that might explain why she hates JM.
J in Oregon
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE

Gloria could be Isabel's sister. The only thing is that JM and Isabel were probably married between 12 and 13 years. I think they said at one point that Issie was pregnant and that's why they got married. I think they've said Génesis is 12.

Also JM and Isabel and the Reptile were classmates in high school.

Would it be possible for JM NEVER to have seen Isabel's sister -- not at their wedding? Not while they were in high school? Seems odd, but if that's the way the writers go, I'm sure they'll have a reason for it.
 

atsovit freldrWow! A couple of socko episodios! I am fast-forwarding through many of the conversations between Angela and JM -- me cansa -- but there were sure some surprises in the past two episodios. I can hardly wait to find out who dug Luis out of his grave. Yikes.

I have to say that I was disgusted with that long Macy's product placement thing. I have noticed other product placements, but nothing like as outrageous as those Macy's ones!

Anciana
 

Corazón Valiente - jueves Part 1

At the funeral for Perla, Ángela and Sammy reaffirm their bond, "Una es la corazón, la otra es al mente, los dos somos una sola," "One is the heart, one is the mind, together we are one."

Ofélia tells Darío that their son doesn't want anything to do with him. Darío doesn't care. He wants to go find their son and he wants Ofélia to go with him. She refuses saying that she has to stay with the Reptile. Darío doesn't understand: "Your left your son to stay with Fernanda?"

MS = the "mysterious stranger" who is helping the Rat. We can tell it is a man. He knows who the Reptile and Gloria are but when the Rat asks how, he says, "menos averigua Dios y perdona," which is the equivalent of, "ask me no questions and I'll you no lies."

Gloria tells the Reptile that she has a plan to separate JM and Ángela.

All through this episode, Sammy tells Willy to leave her alone; she never wants to see him again. He betrayed her trust and even though she loves him, she doesn't want him around. Willy, looking like a cute hurt puppy, won't leave and keeps asking for her forgiveness.

JM offers Sam a job as Emma's bodyguard since now that they are novios, it is not appropriate for Peralta to be Emma's bodyguard. She accepts. [I guess these rich folks stopped at a Subway on the way home from the funeral because a Subway bag and cup are prominently on display in this scene.]

Bernie advises Estela not to tell Sam who her biological father is.

Sam goes to see Darío. Sam starts off in a somewhat reconciling tone but Darío isn't budging from his position that he did the right thing taking Sam's baby. He ends up saying that he will disinherit her so she can see how life is without the money she scorns but has become accustomed to having.

The Rat asks MS for a phone to call his friend who is holding a letter for him. MS says that the Reptile and Gloria buried the Rat alive. He was going to move the body somewhere else [why?] when he realized that the Rat was alive. The Rat says that all he wants now is to get vengeance on "ellas" (>1 female: Gloria, the Reptile and Ángela?) “y el” (and him - presumably JM).
 

Corazón Valiente - jueves Part 2


Gloria finally comes back to JM’s house. [Why isn’t he wondering where the heck his bodyguard has been all this time?] She tells JM and Ángela that now the police believe that the Rat hasn’t left LA. She has a plan to eliminate the threat from the Rat. Her first idea, rejected by JM, is that Ángela leave JM forever or at least for a while. Her next idea is to persuadego with JM to a business party and pretend to be his fiancé to convince the Rat that JM and Ángela have split. [Tighten your beanies here folks – we know that the Rat is jealous of JM being with his wife but Gloria told everyone that the Rat’s motive for killing JM’s parents and wife had to do with JM’s father. So why would appearing to break up with Ángela make the Rat go away?] Eventually, JM and Ángela agree to this plan.

Ángela asks Estela to come over. She tells her mother that she is convinced that Miguel is Sam’s father. Estela denies it. Sam arrives and Ángela repeats her belief. Estela tells them that Miguel never would have betrayed her. Sam is not convinced. Miguel might not have wanted to betray Estela but Sam says that her mother had no such scruples. It would also explain the ending of Perla’s and Estella’s friendship. Ángela said that what Estela says doesn’t matter. A DNA test will reveal the truth. Estela offers to help them get the test done at the hospital where she works.

During the party, Gloria pretends to get info on the Rat. She brings JM to a room with a bed (are they in a hotel?). She tells JM that the Rat is watching from a building across the street and they have to pretend to have sex to convince him that JM doesn’t care about Ángela anymore. JM reasonably asks Gloria, “if you know where the Rat is, why don’t you just arrest him?” She gives him a bogus answer and starts taking off her and JM’s clothes. Of course, Gloria is having this filmed.

Cecilia calls DD. She conveniently makes it clear that she seduced Willy in return from money from DD. Willy is listening. He confronts Cecilia.

A letter is delivered to JM. Gloria steals it. Later, she opens it with the Reptile. It’s from Luis and I think it asks JM to look at who is buried at Gloria’s place. [I don’t think this was the letter that the Rat wrote in the bar implicating the Reptile in all the murders.]

MS gives the Rat some clothes and introduces himself as Lt. Manuel Flores. He says from now on the Rat will be known as Sgt Ramón Mendoza. [Telenovela logic says that this guy is Darío’s and Ofelia’s son. The fact that Darío repeatedly says during the episode that he wants to go see his son and then this guy appears usually means that he is the son Darío is talking about. It makes some sense that he is keeping an eye on the Reptile. He could blame her for taking his mother away from him.]

DD tells Estela that he will help her manipulate the DNA test so that Sam doesn’t find out who her father is.

Willy bursts into his Dad’s room (is he drunk?). He tells DD that he knows all about he paid Cecilia to do. He gets into a little tussle with DD who falls backwards and hits his head on a table. [Is it too much to hope that DD is dead? Probably.]
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 1

This was a heartwrenching episode, as Manuel, Mauricio's father, who never hurt a fly, was shot dead, and this devastated his family, and their friends. But we also learned that Andrés' plan was more diabolical than I thought.

The fact that the murder weapon has Gonzalo's fingerprints on it is not the main thing. Victor also stole Manuel's wallet and cellphone, to make it look like an ordinary robbery. He has his henchman order Javier to take the wallet, in a plastic bag, and plant it at Gonzalo's house. If he talks, or doesn't do it, he's dead. So Javy goes to Gonzo's house (Gonzo's not home of course, he's being held prisoner by Andrés and Victor), and greets Benita with a cheerful, hi, where's Gonzalo? Benita is worried, he hasn't been home in days. No prob, says Javy, and btw, can I use the bathroom? He goes back to Gonzo's room, tosses the wallet under Gonzo's bed w/o touching it, and leaves. Benita senses something is weird, looks in Gonzo's room, but doesn't see the wallet.

We later see Andrés beating Gonzalo some more, and out of his hearing, telling Victor, get him a fake passport, and send him back to Mexico. We'll make it look as if he killed Manuel, then fled the country. Brilliant!

At the Maximo house, Leo and Liz are still kissing, but Leo wants to check on his Mom. She's in her bedroom, and when he sees her, he instantly knows that Andrés has beaten her up. Again. He wants to file a spousal abuse complaint, but Nena says, no please, that would be much worse! Why would my friends say? Leo says I don't care about your friends, but okay, I won't file a complaint, I'll handle it like a man. Later, when Andrés comes home, Leo says, "Andrés, come with me into the study. I'd like to have a little chat with you." Andrés is outraged, you're calling me by my first name? We'll see what happens.

BTW, Henry is in a coma, thanks to the drugs Gonzo and Javy gave him (drugs manufactured by Andrés, of course).

Mau is holding his bloody father in his arms, Manuel can't really say anything, and dies. Mau's distraught, tries calling Miranda, but there's no answer. JP sees Miranda's cell buzzing on vibrate, puts it in his pocket (unknown to her!) and walks out of the house, saying he'll be back in a few hours. He actually meets Cortez, and says we've got to speed up the wedding. Fine, says Cortez, here's the marriage license, you can get married today! Let's just give Miranda a little scare, like the newspapers are ready to publish something, and she'll come right around!
 

RELACIONES PELIGROSAS, Part 2

Mau also can't reach his mother. He then calls Olivia, who answers, and is shocked to hear that Manuel is dead. She rushes right over, comforts Mau, cordons off the area, and assures him they'll catch the killer "together". Back at the station, she asks Orlando if she can be on the case. Bad cop Pedro says what case, it's just a simple robbery. No, says Orlando, it could be revenge for infiltrating that drug ring. I want to speak to Olivia privately. When they go off, Pedro calls Victor, we may have a problem. (More and more, I'm thinking Olivia may be the key to the whole case, since, although she loves Mau, she actually is the only smart cop around, and I do think she wants to get justice. Hopefully, she'll unmask Pedro, and stop Victor and Andrés. But she may have to put her life on the line.

By this time, Joaco knows, Yesenia knows, and Joaco tells Patty, who tells Miranda. Miranda goes crazy, she HAS to call Mau, but where is her cellphone? She frantically looks all over the apartment, but it's gone.

Mau goes in person to tell his mother, who, before hearing, tells Mau how she was talking to Manuel on the phone, and got cut off, but they're really going to be happy now, they've reconciled. Unfortunately, Mau has to tell her the sad news. In a very powerful scene, Carmen's grief and anger are palpable, and when Sofía finds out, the three of them hug, Mau trying to provide the strength to support his mother and sister.

But little hints are coming out that, combined with Carmen's sadness, is a desire to blame Miranda for this. She caused it all!

Miranda is beside herself, not able to reach Mauricio. Finally she thinks back, where would Mauricio go if he were troubled? She goes down to that beach where they first met, and there he is. The two lock eyes, and the tremendous, magnetic pull of their desperate attraction sweeps them together with a love so powerful, we can feel it right through the tv screen!
 

CORAZÓN VALIENTE

Thanks, Jean. Great job! This plot is more full of holes than a leaky boat.

Hmmmm. I hadn't thought about the new character [one of the Hermanos del Monte and the gay brother in Más Sabe el Diablo] being Ofelia's son. What I was thinking is that he really is a cop and is with Internal Affairs trying to bring down Gloria. I suppose he could be both. But what would Ofelia gain telling people he's in Scotland and I believe DD said that to someone also.

We may have been saved from the tired TN plot device of having someone fake DNA results by the timely arrival of Willy. But then, when Willy calls Sam about "killing" his papí, she and Ángela probably won't go for the test.

And, yes, I doubt we'll be so lucky as to have seen the last of Despicable Dad.

Another confusing plot device. I never was clear about the letter Gloria grabbed. Gloria buried the Rat at her own property? And did they say the letter was from Luis? Why wouldn't they be surprised he could write a letter about his own burial location?
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

Jean, thanks for another superb recap. Yes, I wouldn't mind Bernardo's fall being fatal, but knowing this show, no way. There was lots of beanie tightening needed, as you pointed out. Why JM, supposedly an intelligent lawyer, would go along with Gloria's ridiculous farce is beyond me. But I sure did like Gloria's outfit!

They really make the men on this show appear stupid, especially JM and Willy. And if anyone ever figures something out, they're either dead (like Sol) or turn out to be bad (like Gloria). Sigh.

BTW, the new maid Tamara is played by Nuestra Belleza 2009 Greidys Gil. I think she also had a small role in Eva Luna. She's cute, but a little too chirpy in her acting. She needs to tone it down a bit to be more natural. Each time she comes on with a little line, it seems to break the mood for me, although I could be wrong.
 

Corazon Valiente

I agree with everyone it was a most confusing capitulo.

Why would JM fall for that "we have to make love" to trap him? That was just so weird.

Didn't it seem like "Dad" was moving slowly when he woke up. I wonder if the Reptile put something in his drink so she could get into his safe?

Definitely a weird episode.

But I love the new actor, am watching him now in Mas Sabe, he looks thinner here.
 

CORAZON VALIENTE:

I guess the "Lieutenant" could be a cop investigating Gloria but why would he ally with the Rat? As for Ofelia's son being in Scotland, it would totally be consistent with novela logic for him to suddenly decide that he had to come to LA to deal with family issues.

As you can tell, I didn't understand the letter Gloria grabbed either. Maybe it will be made clearer later what that was all about.

Two things I forgot. At the party, Vincente refused to do a favor for the Reptile and it seemed like he was getting over her.

Peralta told Emma that if they get together, he doesn't want any of the Arroyo money and he doesn't want Emma to have it either. She will have to live on what he earns.
 

Relaciones Pelagrosas - Anyone else think that JP and Miranda are half brother and sister?

Any bets on Ana being a surrogate mom for Santiago's and Julia's baby?
 

we need some more novelas like la bella ceci y el imprudente. my husband and I enjoy every morning watching the novela with the kids.