Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Refugio Para el Amor #77 Tue 7/24/12 You're Only As Sick As The Secrets You Keep

Well, if secrets make us sick, clearly we have a lot of very ill people in this fascinating love story..

  Violeta has kept the secret of her employment from her mother.  Mother Magda has kept the secret of Violeta's parentage from both her and Don Aquiles.  Paz has kept the secret of Luciana's parentage from both her and Licenciado Linares. So has Mati. Rosaura has kept the secret of giving away Luciana as a baby from...well...everyone except Padre Honesto. Maximino is keeping secret the framing of Linares, his silent partnering of the Inferno and his sadistic affair with Vicky, Vicky is keeping her affair a secret from her worried papa,  Gala and Julie have kept secret the fact that they only want Rodrigo for his bank account. Jana is keeping secrets from herself....that she's really in love with Lorenzo, not her official novio, Brigida is keeping secret her  vicious monetary dealings with Gala and Julie.  Both Luciana and Rodrigo are keeping secret from themselves and each other that they're still madly in love and really want to be together.

All these secrets are eating away at hearts and souls, corrupting motives, destroying peace of mind, betraying integrity  and blighting caracters.  So hang on tight as we watch some of these secrets worm their way to light,  while others still remain hidden....and quietly poisonous.

I'm going to consolidate the scenes for (hopefully) brevity as Melinama wants us to scale down the length of these.

THE BARRIO

The barrio plans for the tacos de canasta business is going swimmingly.  We see the posse stocking up at the colorful mercado, having their fortunes read by the “pajaritos de suerte” (suerte can mean luck, but also fate, chance or providence).   Estelita's granddaughter hears that she's going to get a good surprise (mom coming back?), Lorenzo: that love is on the way (Jana?) and Ariche: that he will soon get to know or meet up with (“conocer”) the sky. (I'm in a cold sweat thinking he's going to meet his Maker but actually he just goes on an exciting plane ride with Rodrigo).  Then it's off to home where all the females gather around the table to chop, peel and prepare the veggies while the boys go off to see about the bicycle tire, and Marianita, quickly bored with it all, goes out to play.  Paz throws a small hyperventilating hissy fit when she learns Lorenzo plans to stay in Mexico City to “probar suerte” (try to make his way) but that soon passes.  She's got other things to worry about; namely her own date with destiny revealing the truth about Luciana to Licenciado Linares.

No, Paz hasn't told him yet.  She had the chance for a face to face truth telling when he walked in the door earlier, but she lost her nerve.  And in the meantime, she seems to be having heart palpitations every time she thinks of the confrontation and the possible “desprecio”(disdain, scorn, contempt) that Luciana could feel for her, finding out Mama Paz has lied to her all these years about her true origins. (Yep, Rosalena, your diabolical Fear Fest had its effect.) At episode's end, she finally gets up the nerve to call Linares and request an urgent meeting.  But no, she can't tell him over the phone.  So we're left to bite our nails, wondering what will happen to torpedo this important meeting.  For sure, it will be something!

So what secret did come to light?  Violeta's.  Magda and she have a big Come to Jesus meeting the next day with Magda proclaiming it's not so much the degrading work as the fact as the engaño (deception) and las mentiras (lies) that Violeta's been spinning all these years.  Lots of perdoname's and what kind of mother have I been, and no's youse the best, and more perdoname's until finally they come to affectionate peace with each other and heartfelt hugs are exchanged. (Have we already mentioned that Violeta respectfully addresses her mom as “usted” while Magda uses the “tu” form when talking to her daughter?) Paz walks in and sees the happy ending and seems to be wondering if her own High Noon meeting with Linares and then Luciana will turn out as well.  Key reveal: Violeta assures her mother that though some of the girls do a few other things in addition to waiting tables, she NEVER has.  She's still the good girl mama raised in the Het Het pueblo. Key reveal for Magda: She's no saint and really shouldn't judge Violeta.  (Glad that's settled.)

THE BUSINESS WORLD

Rodrigo is continuing with his business plan involving saving money on the cost of plane fuel  by using “biocombustibles”(biofuel)--in spite of the fact that Boss Dad Maximino hasn't given his approval.  His two buds, as well as Oscar and Pato are all for it.  Maximino, when he learns of it, is totally against.  Rodrigo is the son and employee, Max is the papa and the boss.  If he wants to go rogue, he can leave the company. (What happened to our understanding, sympathetic father?)

 And while he's on a tear during this episode, Max also humiliates Vicky-- keeping her at his feet while he sneers into his drink, demanding that she give up her work if it conflicts with his whims of a nooner-only-sooner or any other shagtime he wants.  When she pleadingly bleats that she needs to work during normal hours, he knees her in the jaw and  slams out saying that he's through with her.  She creeps back to work and I just hope she realizes how lucky she is to be shot of that old fiend.  Nicole rags on her about the purported excuse to leave to see about her ailing father, but doesn't look convinced.  Methinks Vicky might lose both work and Osito in one fell swoop.

But hey, there's always time for more domination games.Back at work after the Vicky beatdown,  Maximino grabs Aldo roughly in the hallway, reminds him not to “pasarte de listo conmigo” (get too clever with me, try to get away with something) because you don't know what I'm capable of when people bother me!   But I'm going to test you, Maximino continues, I'm going to take you to the Inferno with me tonight and I want you to pay close attention to what I want you to do.

THE HIGH RENT SKANK WORLD

Rosalena, Julie and Gala are having a Tea and Scheme party on the veranda.  Julie's mouth, as usual, looks like a bloody scar. Like she just feasted on raw flesh. Rosalena is her usual pale, monotone , beige-on-beige, cool ,demented self.  Gala...impeccable, but heavily made up.  They're trying to get their stories straight on the going-off-to-Columbia gambit to try and snare Rodrigo back when Julie can't resist dropping the news that they know about Rosaura's betrayal of Linares (and Luciana).  Gleefully thinking they have her by the short hairs, Rosaura cooly informs them that she's glad they know she's capable of anything if someone gets in her way (si alguien se interpone en mi camino) so then they realize that if they drop the dime on her, she's capable of saying that the whole Luciana humiliation in the library was engineered by Julie and Gala.  She was only there as an innocent but concerned mother.  Pow! Zap! And Checkmate!  Nice to see the gruesome twosome momentarily defeated.  Back to being under Rosa's thumb for our scheming duo.

INCIDENTALS, AND DIFFERENCES IN PHILOSOPHY

 Earlier, Rosalena, on her endless mission to control the universe, starts in on Connie about her weekend romance plans with Oscar.  How can she...a woman of a “certain age”, and a mother, even consider going off on a juicy weekend like some oversexed adolescent!!!??  I mean, look in the mirror sis!  Look at your body!  You're going to let him see THAT!!??? We both know Men prefer Young Women. Connie looks appropriately deflated and manages to whimper that Rosa has really wounded her.  I know, Rosalena blissfully acknowledges, forgive me. The truth hurts. And, dirty work done, she breezes off.

With that painful “truth” in mind, Connie later sees Melissa walking on air, first, because she's on her last chapter of the thesis, and because her mentor is the oh-so-wonderful Licenciado Linares.  Now there's a May-December pairing for sure.

So no suprise that when Oscar calls later, champing at the bit to leave on the weekend with Connie, she hesitantly says, “But first we have to talk.” (Trust me, those are words no man wants to hear.)

These very painful scenes, and their aftermath (particularly for us women of a “certain age”) were prefaced by Connie elaborating to Rosa her philosophy of parenting.  To wit, she lets her adult children live their lives, and she lives hers.  “Asi de simple”.  Clearly, she and her sister are polar opposites.  But Rosie remains convinced that she's the  one taking the High Moral Road.  (another secret she's keeping from herself.)

THE LIGHTER SIDE

Back in the pueblo del norte, Procopio and his other funeral home buddy are speculating on the expected demise of the local Padre Serafin.  He needs to die soon so the funeral home, and Procopio's funeral wreath (“coronas”) concession can finally have some business!  Otherwise, they'll be soldiering on   “con una mano  atrás y otra  delante” (without a peso to their name)  Later, the metiche female duo gloat to the chubby clothing seller (I've forgotten her name...ah, it's Luchita, thanks jlk) that she's probably lost her deal with Procopio (“se durmió el gallo”) because he's about to do land office business with those self-same funeral wreaths.  The Padre for sure is bound for heaven soon.

CUPID TAKES A PLANE RIDE

Well, sure.  We all know Cupids fly, right?  So it's only fitting that Ariche gets his plane ride with Rodrigo.  He gamely tries to get Luciana to come along—a threesome would be so nice!  But she has studying to do for her prepa exam.  And Rodrigo is already looking daggers at her because he came upon her and Linares looking friendly and assumed the worst.  She manages to throw a dagger herself, assuring Rod that yesssss, Licenciado Linares has always been very loving with her.  A Very Good Man. (Take that!  And then some....)

So, off to the friendly skies of Rodrigo's business plane. The ride goes off without incident, in spite of my worries about Ariche's “suerte”.  His stomach is up in his throat, he's giddy with nervousness, but assures Rodgrigo that he's “muy valiente” just like him.(yes, Vivi, your word did come back) And they both decide Ariche is going to be an airline captain himself when he grows up (if he works hard and really makes the effort, of course).  PSA for education and hard work.

SO WHAT DID WE LEARN TONIGHT?
1)Oscar and Connie have the same philosophy.  Oscar wants Maximino to let Rodrigo have his head. If his proposed business venture is a loss, well, it won't be a big loss.  Let him try.  Connie's philosophy with her children is the same.  Let them make their own decisions (Melissa/Linares? Aldo/Vicky?) and their own mistakes.  And learn from them.  Oscar and Connie are the Modern Caring Liberals. And clearly meant for each other.
2)Maximino and Rosalena also have the same philosophy.  Control those around you, take vengeance on those who cross you, and never ever forgive a betrayal.  They're the False Uprights, guarding their power and prestige at any cost.  And basically bitter and unhappy.
3)Julie and Gala are consummate schemers, but so far haven't been terribly successful.  Both are divorced.  Both want more money than they have, and both are endlessly envious.  And unsuccessful in relationships.
4)The barrio folks have had their ups and downs, their personal losses, and their misunderstandings.  But all of them value family above all else and are ready to forgive and start over, in order to safeguard and maintain relationships.  And work together so that all can be moderately successful, in spite of their lack of education and financial backing.
5)Luciana and Licenciado Linares are both capable of everlasting love; and both are drawn to each other (el llamado de la sangre! The call of the blood) and seem to blossom in each other's presence. Furthermore, Linares is accumulating further proof that he wasn't in the country when those criminal money transfers were made.  So another secret is on its way to reveal.
6)And Rodgrigo...well, he's still a dunce.  But there's hope, readers, there's hope!

PREVIEWS:

Rosalena is on her knees begging Rodrigo's forgiveness.  And it seems to work.  Looks like the big dinner with Rodrigo in attendance and Gala springing her plot, is going to happen. Aaaarrrgh!

DICHO OF THE DAY

A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando. (lit. Praying to God while hitting with the mallet.) fig. God helps him who helps himself.
A phrase that typlifies the work ethic of our barrio folks.  Whether it's making pottery in the pueblo, hawking clothes and baubles from China, or flogging tacos in Mexico City, the humble folks are willing to pull themselves up by their bootsraps in order to make a go of it.  They can't...and won't coast on family connections.

Labels:


Comments:
Sorry folks. Forgot to put the Refugio heading before the title. Though it's tagged. Will see if I can go back and add that.
 

Done! Whew.
 

Wow Judy! This is the Judy B recap I know, love, and have missed so much. Complete with dicho and pithy insight. Well done amiga!

Loved the way you consolidated and drew comparisons between characters.

I'm glad Vio and Magda made their peace, and that Vio has joined in pushing Paz to tell Luci and Claudio the truth. Let's see if Paz can get through it without fainting.

Loved Luci sticking it to Rod and talking up how great Claudio is. Luci and Claudio have developed a really nice relationship. It was sweet seeing them together in the apt when he showed her the picture of Aurora.

I'm glad Lorenzo told Paz that he's not going back, and both Claudio and Estelita said they would look out for him. I think he should be fine.

Finally, Rosa. She was at her best/worst. Loved the way she coldly put Gala and Julie in their place. Hated the way she made Connie doubt her attractiveness. B!tch.

Oh and Max! Now we see the limits that his kids can push. Don't disobey him at work, or else you become his enemy.
 

Yay! Judy is back recapping. We missed you, girl! Loved it, nice and concise, just the way I like them. Thanks musho.
 

Thanks "musho" to you too Emilia. I love that part of the norteño accent.

Vivi, I was quaking in my boots trying to manage the new blogger format (luckily my adult son was there to give me some tips)but when the paragraphs first mooshed all together, we were both non-plussed. Fix it though.

Agree with you about Rosa. She is a stone-cold bitch, but when her venom is aimed at Gala and Julie, it's hard not to cheer her on!
 

You did great Judy! You'll be a pro in no time.
 

awesome recap! was feeling the same way about the plane ride, thought the writers were going to create an accident to bring the mad lovebirds together.

also liked your comparison on the oscar/connie & max/rosa pairings, ITA.

the lady's name is luchita (i think). I'm usually not a fan of the "funny" side characters like those 2 metiches sisters (man are they annoying), but I actually like luchita (& propio) they make me laugh

even though rosa is such a cold fish, did like her turning the tables on gala/julie (now if we could only harness that attitude for good...). it kind of reminded me of paula from la usurpadora. she was such a cold-centered crazy, but sometimes it was actually kind of entertaining to see her get her diva on.

jlk
 

Wow, Judyb; great recap, pleasantly read, and thanks for the dichos at the end! ITA, the theme is Toxic verses non-toxic families and their secrets.
 

Good morning jlk and Emarie. It's fun to get up in the morning and find new comments.

@jlk...I never saw La Usurpadora (I only discovered telenovelas a few years ago) but it must have been a doozy. People refer to it often on this site.

And I saw the actress playing Luchita (thanks for the name) playing a comic role on Guapos and she was fabulous. I think her skills made that character work.

Procopio gains our sympathy as any poor little downtrodden guy, with a "can do"attitude would. He's a keeper.

@Emarie...glad you liked the dicho. I love proverbs and idiomatic sayings, they seem to be the heart and soul of a language.
 

Judy, your wise words emanated seamlessly, riding the current throughout this summary, strong and insightful. The ebb and flow was perfect.

Welcome back amiga! How we've missed your amazing recaps. You stepped back in and delighted us from beginning to end...

So many poignant phrases: "All these secrets are eating away at hearts and souls, corrupting motives, destroying peace of mind, betraying integrity and blighting caracters", "small hyperventilating hissy fit", "diabollical fear fest" and "False Uprights" were a few of my favorites. The embedded vocabulary and dicho were excellent.

Vivi, I was also happy Vio and Magda (the magnificent) wasted no time reconciling. And that Vio immediately revealed she knows Linares is Luci's father. Paz desperately needed to be pushed and the Vio/Magda combination was too strong to resist. The call's been made, the date is set, the truth cannot be far away.

It was interesting that Max is "he who must be obeyed". In all things apparantly. He will not be over-ruled or outmaneuvered, even by his supposedly adored children. What's next? Snarling at Pato?? Which of course would mean total damnation in my book!

And Vicky...We can only hope that Max stays true to his word and leaves the poor girl alone. She has suffered enough.

Hope Connie throws caution (and Rosa's poisonous words) to the wind and goes for the gusto with Oscar. I fear if she doesn't the loathsome Julie will ensure he not alone for long.

Judy, thanks again!

Diana
 

Yay, JudyB - what a delight to get to read one of your recaps again! I'm so glad you joined the Refugio team!

OMG! I missed the bit where Max had Vicky at her feet and then kneed her in the jaw! I did see where he was ranting about being unquestioningly obeyed at the office. The man is insane, and very scary! Arrrrrgh! Poor kids to have such loco parents.
 

Good morning Diana and Audrey. Yes, it's good to be back, once I got over my computer phobia (I approach blogging like someone trying to dismantle a ticking time bomb).

@Diana...I too hope Rosa didn't completely discourage Connie. A few years ago, a 70-year-old widow friend fell in love with a handsome charming widower (seriously! he looked like Paul Newman) and she was scared to death of how she would look and "be" during intimate moments. All went well and they were blissfully and happily married until he died of a heart attack two years later.

I'm so glad she didn't let self-doubt make her bypass that time of joy and happiness...even if it turned out to be very brief.

@Audrey..I missed the knee shove the first time around because I was madly scribbling notes (you know how THAT is). But when I watched it in real time, I saw the additional ugly gesture. Lordy! he was at his most loathsome last night. And Vicky was...literally...in doormat position. I hope this is her definitive wake-up call.
 

She aims, she shoots, she SCORES!! So great to read a wonderful Judy recap. I really loved your character comparisons!

Seems like they are painting Max to less and less as a conflicted person. To have him sniping and belittling Rod, and heavens, over the use of a smart, bio-friendly alternative, well, the Lorax just scored him a big Zero. He's also getting more abusive with Vic and Aldo. The anvil is getting bigger and meaner.

And Heaven help me, but enjoyed watching Mrs. LooneyTune herself wiping the smirks off the Boobsy-Twin's faces. But unforgiveable what she did to Connie--gees, why do these people listen to these nut jobs when they know what they are like? Argh!

Can I say how much I appreciate the way Luci is being written in this TN? (The writers over at Abismo could take note. ) She takes no guff, and how she lets Dumbass have it whenever he tries to strut his arrogant stuff just makes me so happy. Plus she hasn't sat around weeping and moaning, she went back to studying, helps with friends and family, lord, a heroine to really cheer for!!
 

Hi Daisynjay...like you, I'm puzzled by the sudden turnaround in Maximino's character. Thought the writers were being really intelligent portraying him as multi-faceted but last night he was Totally Evil. As Diana noted, if he slams down Pato, we know he's over the line.

Agree with you about the sweet and strong Lucinda. She sticks up for herself without being petty or vengeful. And she has a very restful, pure face, seemingly devoid of make-up (though I'm sure she is wearing some...just doesn't look like it!). If any one could play a saintly character in a Biblical epic, it would be this gal. And yes, no endless caterwauling like our fake-eyelashed, fake-boobed Elisa.

Yikes, "the Bobbsey Twins" for Julie and Gala! Perfect
 

JudyB,
oh wow.. loved the quotes and sayings...

Totally agree on the butterfly in stomach feeling at hearing Ariche’s note saying ‘conocer el cielo’.. cielo in Spanish is used for both sky and heavens, so I felt the same way… thinking he's going to meet his Maker… but was breathing relief when the plane ride was over.

So we're left to bite our nails, wondering what will happen to torpedo this important meeting. For sure, it will be something!
I am afraid of the same thing.

“biocomestibles”—(LOL!! Do you mean ‘bio-combustible’? [bio-fue] I am still not sure what that means… does that mean it is not petr-oil-based but maybe veg-based like there have been experimenting with corn oil?)

When you mention Rosa Elena as ‘Rosaura’ I have flashbacks of my high school evenings watching ‘Cristina Bazan’ where we had the evil dame Rosaura playing a very similar role with her daughter instead of son, but basically the same stuff…

Hated hated when Rosa put all that doubt in Connie’s head about her age and her physique… I think Connie is fine physically… and TOTALLY FINE personality-wise, something Rosa is NOT. Totally with Connie about philosophy of parenting … live and let live, no J ___!!
Oscar and Connie are the Modern Caring Liberals. And clearly meant for each other. AMEN TO THAT SISTER!
LOVED your other pairings/comparisons of the characters… yes the barrio/vecindad folks deserve good fortune with their new group venture tacos de canasta business.
And Rodrigo… I might have less hope than you right now with his jealousy rages every time he sees Luciana and Claudio together… boy will he be sorry when he finds out their real relationship.

Rosa and Max… these two are so out there sometimes they are surreal..

I think Max puts an exception to his usual positive parenting skills when it comes to the business and the sign of MOOLAH. so he does NOT act as a father in business matters... which totally puzzles his sons, but from Pato's lack of being so surprised and Rodrigo's worrying even before he got there, seems to be something he has done before with them.
ITA that at the end of the Max/Vicky scene, she was literally in the doormat position.

Previews don’t look very encouraging, do they? Rod will fall for it again… and again.
 

sorry meant [bio-fuel], not [bio-fue]
 

I hope Connie gets a light-bulb moment about Rosalena's remarks about her relationship with Oscar. They were so out of line and so obviously designed to make her miserable.

I am going to enjoy watching Rosalena's downfall.
 

'bio' usually means bio-originated so it boils down to flora and fauna (veg-based or animal-based) as compared to crude oil-based. Bio-fuel is supposed to be much better for the environment and easier to obtain, so probably cheaper after the initial set-up/conversion of the plane engines to use it instead of crude oil fuel.
 

initial set-up/conversion = the inversion (investment) Rod and Pato were talking about. Their conversation before Max got there was about it seems they will investment recovery much sooner than they anticipated, since the savings of using bio-fuel will be greater than intially anticipated.

This shows a difference in Rod/Pato's business logic compared to Max. Max is probably old-school (SHOW ME THE MONEY NOW!), put things to work right away and make money from the get go, even if long term profit is lower, rather than take a risk, invest a considerable amount up front in order to get more profit in the long run.
 

Whoa...sorry about the "comestible" instead of "combustible" goof. Thanks for catching it Marta, as well as the "Rosaura" (must have been thinking about the nasty tia in LQNPA). I'll see if I can go back in and correct that (without losing the whole recap. Still struggling with massive blogophobia.)

And good analysis of Max's Old School Business philosophy. It's worked for him so why should he change? Particularly not for a son, whom most self-made fathers view as inferior in business skills.

Maybe his overboard reaction is also indicative of creeping self-doubt...maybe he's not just "old school", he's old. Hence the strident put-downs of innovative ideas...and the need for younger and younger mistresses. (I'm sure Vicky is not his first.)
 

@Urban Anthropologist...I think there's a whole lot of us looking forward to Rosalena's downfall.

Connie has been kind and caring, while not always rubber-stamping Rosalena's evil deeds. To repay that with such a cruel and unnescessary personal attack is...oh no, can't say "unforgivable"...we know Connie can and will get past it. But it's just one more sign of Rosalena's ugly and aggressive character. She seems to be an Equal Opportunity Beast. I haven't seen her treat anyone nicely...not even Mati.
 

maybe he's not just "old school", he's old. Hence the strident put-downs of innovative ideas...and the need for younger and younger mistresses.
yup, totally agree there... also puts down Aldo's business ideas before even listening to them, so in that Max is consistent too.
 

She seems to be an Equal Opportunity Beast. I haven't seen her treat anyone nicely...not even Mati.
Good one! LOL! Even those faked/forced smiles to Gala/Julie last night were consistent with that EOB term. IF they don't fulfill their part of the 'deal' (RosaE will bring Rod home for the meeting, after that it is up to Gala to use her 'charm' to do the rest) i am afraid for Gala joining the target list of Rosa's.
 

If Rosalena wants to criticize someone for inappropriate behavior Julie is a far better target. She has no boundaries with Gala, which will come back to bite both of them on the tush eventually.
 

@UA...interesting observation. Julie does seem to be the Eminence Grise behind Gala's marriage plot. Every time the relationship hit a bump, our non-motherly mom bemoaned the need to keep financing her New York apartment. Clearly, she sees Gala as a cherished meal ticket more than a beloved daughter.
 

Okay...went back in with fear and trembling and fixed all those "Rosauras". Man, at least I was consistent. Called her the wrong name all the way through.

Also added in Luchita's name jlk. Thanks.
 

It's official Rosa has joined the uber bitch league. Could not believe that ego deflating beat down she gave Conny. I do wish the woman would have stood up for herself instead of meekly taking it and then probably preparing to back off on the trip with Oscar.

Dumb and Dumber are definitely not as smart as they think they are. Gagme has already gotten bored with investigating Claudio and Julie overplayed her hand so guess no blackmail is coming. Rosa is not only cold and nasty she is also cunning. When she made her counter threat of telling all to DimRod she effectively blocked any move the blonde bimbos can make. Checkmate indeed.

In direct contrast to Conny's spinelessness we have Luci and her backbone of steel. Love how every time Rod shows up with his face full of condemnation she cooly blasts him. I loved how she blessed Ariche before letting him go off to fly to the sky because at one time she would also have done the same for her OTL but instead she just walked away. She may have a wide stubborn streak but she is certainly not the usual weeping shrinking TN heroine.

I wonder what Max has up his sleeve in going to Infierno? Are Lastra and Ivan going to find themselves out of a job because of the Lorenzo fiasco and Max still has no idea of what happened to Luci. I dislike how Max treats Vicki but there is a surprising lack of violence against women in this story which is unsual for a novela.
u
Interesting to me to see how Paz is being propped up by Magda and Estralita and now Vi. All of them are telling her to spill the beans and that Luci will love her just as much as she always has. Every time Paz goes into one of her dithering spells they are right there telling her to do the right thing.

Really touching little scene when Claudio showed Luci the picture of her birth mother. Of course only Paz ands all of us know truth but it was sweet.
 

@Decie Girl...I too am wondering what Max is up to, dragging Aldo to the Inferno. But if it means that Lastra and Ivan lose their jobs, I'm all for it!

Agree with your delight over Lucia's
subtle strength. You're right.... the fact that she blessed Ariche but not Rodrigo, was another silky dagger in his unworthy (at present) heart.

Must quibble a bit about "surprising lack of violence" though. I know what you mean...there are usually a lot of scenes of men smacking women around and Max hasn't left any physical bruises...but the drugging and leaving Vicky handcuffed to the bed in the country chalet, not knowing when...or even IF he would come back, was violence of the worst kind. Both physical and mental. That scene for me was appalling...and worse than some of the cuffing around and black eyes we've seen given in other stories.
 

I actually thought Connie did pretty well by not lowering herself to Rosa's nasty tone, and by telling her what she was saying was hurtful and wrong. I think her fault came later when it was obvious that Rosa's words had gotten to her and she was reconsidering going away with Oscar. But Connie has likely endured a lifetime of her pretty/"perfect" sister shooting holes in her self esteem, and like most other women has some self doubt about dating a younger man. Rosa just knew her perfect point of weakness. I'm not going to be so hard on Connie for giving in to that self doubt a bit.
 

Judy B

I should clarify the violence remark it was insensitive. Max's drugging, cuffing, hair pulling and the jaw thing last night is violent and unacceptable. Far too many novelas routinely feature overt repeated vicious violent behavior against women. I can't count the number of times women have been slapped, beaten, drugged, raped and kicked around in Corazon Apasionato which is shown in the midday. The physical violence against women shocked me when i first began watching novelas and i guess over the years I somehow manage to block it out and there by wrongly shrugged off Max's violent behavior towards Vicki, which seems to be escalating. We could probably have a lengthy discussion about the types of violence and it's prevalence in novelas .
 

@Vivi..very nice advocating for Connie. She's a therapist's dream--not replying in kind but communicating clearly that the remarks were hurtful. (Not that teflon Rosalena paid any attention!)

How much younger is Oscar, by the way? They don't look that far apart in age to me, but didn't know if the story line had already made clear that there's a big difference, since I wasn't here at the start of the story.

I think most women, old enough to have stretch marks and approaching menopause, would have self-doubt dating any man, younger or older! We're constantly bombarded with pics and videos of perfect women, air-brushed and botoxed (and turns out those gals have self-doubt also)so Rosa's attack on Connie was even more vicious, considering.

But hey, Rosie wants Connie and kids to be part of her Family Fun planned weekend. So if self-esteem destruction is what's called for, she's at the ready.
 

Amen to that, Decie Girl. I too was shocked by the violence against women shown in these shows and perhaps am growing too used to it, as well. There seems to be a certain sadistic delight in showing women being victimized...whether by overbearing violent husbands, fathers, brothers, novios or lovers. I absolutely could not stomach Mujeres Asesinas for that reason.

Relieved to know we're on the same page as regards Vicky's treatment. And hope this truly is the end of her relationship with Max and that eventually she'll find happiness with our carefree Aldo (as soon as he grows up some more!)
 

Been thinking about Max and business. I don't think Max is old but he is domineering. Max is a self made man, he built that business from scratch with brains and apparently a bit of fraud thrown in for good measure. Men who become rich and powerful by pulling themselves up by their boot straps are not inclined to cede control even to their heir apparent. Their sense of self is tied up with their business and image and sharing it is both threatening to their sense of self and a loss of hard won control.

I don't think we will ever see Max acting harshly with Pato. Pato is his most beloved son just as Rod is Rosa's. In addition Rod as the older son represents the biggest threat to Max so even while he clearly loves him he is not going to give him control of any kind in the business.
 

@Decie Girl...good analysis. What would you say...Max is in his forties?...late 40's? And yes, for sure, domineering when it comes to business, his special bailiwick.

Hadn't thought about Rod being Rosa's favorite and Pato being Max's pet. Could indeed be.

I've seen Max be tender with each one of his children (but on personal matters, not business)and I've seen Rosa be cool and manipulative with all three.

Have we seen any genuine warmth or affection from her towards ANYBODY, come to think of it?

I've got to say again, I'm dazzled by this actress's skills. She was such an adorable, madcap ,artsy aunt in Llena de Amor, and here she's a Snow Queen monster. Laura Flores sure has the chops.
 

YEs Laura flores does have acting chops. i remember her as the almost angelic/saintly mother whom her dad had stripped her daughter from in Gotita de Amor
 

JudyB yeah you are back and haven't seem to have lost any of your recapping elegance. I also enjoyed your analysis of the characters. And you are so kind and patient w/blockheads. Rod being nice to Ariche doesn't win him point w/me b/c if you're mean to little A, your're a villain. How about showing compassion to the woman you'll be in love w/foreva?

Yes, Rosa is bad and torpedoing your sister and her self-esteem lowers the psycho another rung in Hades to me. Boo, Hiss.
 

Yep I think Max is in his late 40's as well making rod probably in his late 20 or very early 30's.

Have too much time on my hands and have been thinking about Rosa. We know from what Mati said that Rosa has always been jealous. Her snide attack on Conny is an indication of that. Conny has a career, she has a hot guy chasing her and what does Rosa have? A hubby who loves her which she doesn't believe but who cheats, kids that a grown up and moving away from her.

We have no indication that Rosa ever worked outside the house. Max worked to give her everything she wanted and probably more since Paz remembered them living in a smaller more charming house.

As Max's image is centered on his business Rosa's self esteem and image are in being the perfect mother and running a perfect house. Now that her kids are growing up and away from her her self worth is being diminished in her eyes. She can't control them anymore. You can see how she reacts with Jana's teen rebellions and how she rides her. Her children must be perfect in her eyes and the eyes of the world. She is losing her grip on them and there is nothing she can do to stop it.

You can see how she is trying to recreate the past by having cozy little dinners and planning an outing to the club "like when the children were younger". She was desperate to get rid of Luci, a major threat to her control over Rod and kept talking about how now things would be back to normal the way they had already been. Yep she is vile and hateful but rather pathetic as well - still have NO sympathy for her because of THE SECRET. Rosa is a self fulfilling prophecy.
 

JudyB,
I love your style! Thanks for the secrets survey, and embedded character analysis and comparisons.
Vicki, agree, it is really painful to watch Max make her cringe/squirm/grovel, and it's not heading in a good direction.
Rosa's comment, just mean!
Is Rosa older or younger than Connie? Hope Connie doesn't derail her plans; I think Connie's stronger than that.
Looking forward to more, JudyB!
Clara
 

JudyB---My first time to read one of your recaps---I loved it.

Your secrets list was great. Also, your "So What Did We Learn Tonight" was a winner.

And yes JudyB Zuria Vega could play a saint in a religious movie, she has the perfect angelic face. Many men would, myself included, would call her a goddess.
the gringo
 

Apropos of nothing Laura Flores middle name is Aurora.

Have never been a fan of hers since watching her years ago in a truly horrible novela when she was transitioning from singer to actress but she hitting it out of the ballpark as Rosa the Manipulator.
 

What fun to finally get back to the computer and find all these comments. The joy of recapping is it brings you into a deeper discussion with others who are watching the show.

I have often likened it to a "virtual family room" and as each commenter steps out of the shadows, I find, to my delight, that I have not been watching alone (my husband has no interest in Spanish) but with a number of thoughtful, intelligent caring friends. Good times.
 

@Karen..good to see you back. Did I dream this or are you recapping also now? I thought I saw your name somewhere on the page. Refresh my memory. And glad you got a chance to meet Vivi when you went to DC. I certainly enjoyed her trip photos
and stories.

@Decie Girl...Well I'm glad you have "time on your hands" because I really appreciate that analysis of Rosalena. It sounds spot on and I know if I didn't have my work outside the home, the gradual growing up and growing away of my children would have been even more painful and poignant than it was. Connie's successful career and blithe independence must really stick in her craw. And agree, if it weren't for the SECRET, I might have some sympathy for her.
 

@Gringo...thanks for that positive feedback. I like your moniker and have gotten a kick out of some of your comments on other lines. So you like Pinot Noir do you? Good man.

Glad to to know someone finds Zuria Vega as Ivory Soap lovely as I do. I'd seen her face in an afternoon telenovela ad and thought she looked rather blank and dazed. But in this one she really projects a peaceful, light-filled beauty that is truly arresting. Good choice for the character she's playing.
 

@Clara...muchas gracias. Nice to hear from you.

We've been nattering back and forth on whether Connie or Rosalena is the oldest. And I don't think we've come to a firm conclusion. The actress playing Connie looks a bit older (more crinkles around the eyes..but that's because she probably laughs more than Rosa!)...still, I just don't know. More votes anyone?
 

@Anonymous 2:52...Well, Aurora is a nice middle name. But with my memory for names!, not sure I'll remember it.

And do you remember the name of the telenovela you saw Laura Aurora Flores in?

As I said, I only started watching these about 6 years ago when I became interested in learning Spanish. She was in something then called Piel de Otoño and I could not, for the life of me, figure out what that title was supposed to mean. Or much else.

She started out as the bedraggled wife of a domineering, unfaithful husband and ended up in a hot romance (and gorgeous hair extensions and eye makeup) with an artist she met in Spain.

I only saw a few episodes, didn't know about the closed caption possibility, and didn't understand squat. But they sure transformed her from a beaten down mouse to a stunner.
 

@Marta...sorry amiga, your comment got lost. Gotita de Amor..when was that? Sounds dreadful. More abuse of women. But I could see Laura playing a saintly person. She does concerned moms a lot. But this is the first time I've seen her play somebody evil. And I'm impressed.

Got to run to work now. Won't be back for a while. Behave, children!
 

yes ma'm! gotita was around 2000.
 

make that 1998.
 

hmmm a little trivia...
Patricio is taller than Rodrigo, only by a hair...

and about Gabriel Soto (Rod)
Represented his country (Mexico) in the 1996 Mister World pageant, where he became the first runner-up.
 

So glad to hear the airplane landed! I was thinking cielo=heaven as soon as Ariche read his bird fortune but I missed the last bit of the show.

I was hoping that Connie would tell Rosa to suck it when Rosa was laying into her about her lack of morals. Connie is NOT the problem here. But she's a better person than I am, for now at least. hope she gets her chance to put her sister in her proper place since the boobsy twins won't be able to do it. Rosa made that clear. Maybe they were teasing us and the dinner party actually comes before Rosa's reckoning with Rod. We can hope.

Interesting that Vio used ud. with her mom. I noticed that when Paz was talking to Rosa that Rosa used tu and Paz used ud. Annoying as Paz deserves way more respect.

FYI. The US Nave is already testing biofuels made from algae (Operation Free supports this effort promoting it as national security). If Rod is planning something like this then he is way ahead of his father and should think about setting out on his own. He and Patricio make a good team. Oscar could provide some quiet support.

Kelly
 

Navy. Not sure what the naves are doing, but the Navy is testing biofuels.

Kelly
 

Thanks Marta...that was way before my time...watching time anyway. And I knew Soto had won some sort of weight lifting contest...he certainly has muscle definition.

@Kelly...gracias for the info about the US Navy testing biofuel...are you associated with the military or just a gal in the know about Operation Free and such. That's very interesting information and I had no idea our Rod was so bright and forward-thinking, business-wise that is.

Off to a neighborhood meeting. Will check back in later, but by then, the show will probably be on--or over.

Que tengan una my buena noche, todos, y gracias.
 

Kelly,
even when we goof off the spelling, we come up with funny comments... I was FINE with...
Nave. CUte!
 

Judy,
yes Rod and Pato are bright and forward-thinking, not to talk about environmentally conscious in their business decisions. I only wish Rod was just as bright, fair and open-minded in the heart matters as Pato is.
 

Well, let's just say he's batting .500. Sounds better. Remember, he's sure to come 'round for a happy ending SOMETIME.
 

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