Caray, Caray!

I haven't watched it yet, (waiting for hubby to wake up), but your title is so intriguing that I can't wait to see it.
 

Jardinera -- Your title captures the highlights! Looking forward to the recap and -- though it's going to be painful -- the series of crises that will precipitate the final resolutions and couplings. Lots of possibilities being set up by our writers for the ways in which our duos and potential duos will settle down.

Many thanks in advance.

TL
 

I have a terrible sense of foreboding about Leoncerdo breaking out of prison, which would mean that Luzma is still not rid of him.

Daniel leaving LMQ will -- of course -- leave it open for El Diablo to do all his evil.

However, anything he wants to do to Iago is OK with me.

More later; I have an opera matinee broadcast to go to, so I have to get ready.
 

These are the points in these stories where it all feels so discouraging that I don't want to watch.

The group here always talks about "TN rules". Looking back when I watched Cuando Me Enamoro, there was a point where I could not stand the hero, Geronimo. He made me feel so frustrated that he would not listen to the truth. I guess the "TN rule" is popping up again in that I came pretty close last night to not liking Dan.

I understand why he "cannot" tell the truth where Miriam is concerned, but there was a subtle change in him last night in his interaction with Miriam that is now bothering me. In fact, it is bothering me very much.

Jardinera has described it just right: "Dan Decides to Dodge and Ditches La Malquerida". He's become the artful Dodger which makes me not trust him very much right now. Are you just a pretty face, Dan? I guess only time will tell.

I also don't know which was more sickening. To see the horrible and delusional Leoncerdo or to see Dio continue to score win after win after win.

As for Miriam, I just wish that these otherwise excellent writers had made her so called fragility more believable. I see nothing fragile about her...nothing.

Then there is Abe. No one, except Camila, has really called this guy to task on his huge lies; no one. He's like a broken record when he continues to tell Dan AND Camila that his sister cannot suffer any more. If this guy doesn't get his karma, then I will be hugely disappointed in these writers.

Fatima
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Good title Jardinera. Looking forward to the recap.

Looks like we are for sure heading towards a breakup of our main couple, and Dan might give it the old college try with Miriam. In the long run, this might not be a bad thing for clarifying everyone's feelings.

Fatima- I don't think we are supposed to by Miriam's fragility because she's NOT fragile. She herself has said she feels stronger and more healthy every day-- a natural progression for her post-coma. The doctor looked like he was going to give her a total clean bill of health--- until Dionisio intervened last night. I'm sure he is blackmailing the doctor to say that Miriam is gravely ill, to force Dan to stay with her.

Actually, Dio has not won over and over again. He has lost and messed up over and over again-- which is why he doesn't have MQ. But that doesn't mean that he hasn't been able to cause all kinds of problems for everyone, especially Dan and Cam, in the process.

My real worry is the HUGE anvil hanging over Luzma as everyone keeps saying that now she can begin her life again from scratch, while Leo is obsessing about her and the (now dead) baby in jail. A jail break is for sure in the making, and Luzma looks to be Leo's primary target again.
 

Vivi in DC, I would agree that Dio has blackmailed the doctor in to not giving Miriam a clean bill. As everyone already knows, Dio's goal is the conquest of Camila. So, what he did to the doctor last night was beyond obvious.

Dio may not have won La MQ, but speaking for myself, even in his mess ups, he wins by continuing his machinations.

Fatima
 

Meant to add that, yes, Leo is a huge, huge anvil for Luzma and probably the most worrisome anvil going right now.

Fatima
 

Fatima, even though I didn't see CME I think you have a valid point and I agree with your comment 100%. I also feel that Dio has had win after win because he has done so much dirty work without getting caught. He's a winner because he's slick enough to not involve himself or leave behind any evidence that can convict him.

Instead of seeing the fact that his scheme to get the Malquierda as a loss on his part, I'm calling it a win since he didn't get busted.

There's 2 ways to look at his wins or losses just as there are some of us who will see the glass as half full when others view it as half empty.
 

ITA, Fatima and Foxy. The fact that Dio hasn't been stopped yet is seen by me as a huge win.

Fatima, I've been disillusioned with Dan for quite awhile now....probably hours after Miriam came back from the dead.
 

I get that Dio's gotten away with a lot of stuff. He wouldn't be a villain otherwise. As he and Isa are our main villains, we can't expect that they would be locked up in jail already with the key thrown away. Otherwise the tn would have ended already.

But they have been thwarted over and over again, which is unsual in tns. They haven't had a streak of non-stop wins, but instead the good guys have managed at many points to stay a step ahead of them or to throw a wrench into their plans. This is unusual in a tn. Most times the good guys are clueless about the bad guys and their plans, up till the end. This difference in AB has been very satisfying to me. So although I want the good guys to FINALLY be able to pin something on Dio (and Isa), I enjoy the times when they are able to derail his plans or when we get to see him lose his cool in total frustration because things aren't going his way. :)
 

It's also very unusual that so many of our villains would have been killed off or jailed so early on (Bruno, Julian, Al, Xi, and Leo in jail). Isa and Dio are really the last men standing, in a sense (with Leo lurking in the wings to cause fresh trouble for everyone, including Isa and Dio).
 

Yes, I agree that Dio and Isa are the Boris and Natasha of novelas (you have to be old enough to remember Rocky and Bullwinkle to get that one), but they have left a rather wide path of destruction and tragedy in the wake of their incompetence.

That, the loathsome Leo, Luzma's pregnancy itself, Daniel in this impossible situation, the uncertainty about so many relationships (even Vivi and Rafa!) -- all bringing us to a kind of nadir, I think. I have to agree, Fatima, that it's not feeling quite as exciting and hopeful. We badly need to hear the engines rev up for the final set of events that will yield some resolutions.

Gotta run to pick up the dog at the groomer. Real life makes the novelas seem pretty exciting!
 

The fact that Leoncio is still alive virtually guarantees a jailbreak. I'm actually rather looking forward to it in fact. I think we all are anticipating an awful ending for Isadora... well... Leoncio brings along an incredible hatred of Isadora as well as a particularly awesome (dare I say unspeakable?) brand of awful.

Carlos


 

Even though Iza deserves everything coming to her, I cringe thinking of Leonicio getting hold of her. I cant's imagine what he would have in mind with Luzma & the baby is dead.

Dante is still in love with Miriam, so maybe that's where that's going.
 

can't
 

I'm with you, Carlos. I'm actually looking forward to a meeting of Leo and Isadora. Could prove very costly to her, given what she did to him.

I don't think he'll hurt Luzma. That would be just too much for any TN to expect us to deal with.
 

Foxy, Marta in NY, and Traveling Lady, thank you for acknowledging my comments. That was very kind of you!

Vivi in DC, yes, I understand that if Dio were caught now that would be the end of the story. I might be a newbie, but I understand that point.I don't question it. I "get" it. An example of where I'd like to see more of Dio getting some push back now versus at the very end is in his treatment of Agustina. I almost loathe the Agustina character,but how Dio treats her is so demeaning that I often find myself wishing that she'd step up and put a stop to it. Instead, his treatment of her just gets worse.

Carlos, like your thoughts about Leo and Hissadora. This is a very violent man who will confront a very violent woman. I think it's going to be quite nasty.

Fatima
 

A corruptible physician...you could have knocked me over with a feather.

Carlos
 

Fatima- ITA with wanting to see Gussy finally stand up to Dio and refuse to take any more. That's probably one of the most frustrating things Dio has been able to get away with because Gussy is letting him get away with this bad treatment of her. She has the power to put a stop to it, but she refuses to admit that she was wrong, wrong, wrong about him.
 

Jardinera-- Ooh! Great part one. Thanks so much for the explanation on the herb that Isa bought.

That Abe just makes me want to punch him in his arrogant nose.
 

Vivi in DC, yes,absolutely agree with your comments about Agustina. It is painful to watch a woman being treated this way.

Fatima
 

Great Part I, Jardinera. My favorite line:

"Abe and Dio say their adieus. Keep me informed, says Dio. Back atcha, Abe replies in kind. They exchange expressions full of hidden subtext.

A perfect description. Dionysio seemed a little too smug... do you suppose that he even realizes yet that they are engaged in a game of cat and mouse?

You made me smile with:

"Two words, Rafa: therapy sessions."

I disagree. I think one word is sufficient:

Aarón

Carlos


 

It's funny that although Rafa and Viviana don't fascinate me, and I have been known to skip over their scenes, I like the fact that they've just gotten some big romantic scenes, including the spectacular balloon ride, as well as a new problem between them. I think it's the "fairness" thing--I hate it when some characters are obviously just there to be confidantes and support for the main couple, and especially when such characters get paired up without much fuss or drama.

And I'm also happy that they seem to be building up Dante's love for Miriam, even if they're using the well-worn trope, "there's this woman I'm in love with, but I can't tell her." They may give us something interesting to watch here, rather than just setting up a perfunctory fallback for Miriam at the end.

I'm feeling sympathetic to both Augustina and Rocio, and let me explain why. Augustina is not a bad person--her flaws are strong prejudices and wishful thinking, both of which lead her to act and think often stupidly and sometimes unkindly. (And the writing and the acting convey these nuances very well--does anyone else remember that genuine smile on her face when she saw Camila come back from her honeymoon so happy?) Yes, she's an annoying busybody, and yes, she's way overstretching herself in telling people to leave the Malquerida, and yes, she takes freeloading on her daughter for granted, but she's far from being a villain. I find I'm more furious at Dionisio for how he treats her than for any of his crimes.

And Rocio is not so terribly bad either. She was unfaithful to her husband at one point, decades ago at a stage where they were separated and having problems. She kept her child's paternity secret--a sin which is apparently pretty common in real life. She opposed Pablo's relationship with Luzma for very bad reasons--self-interest and social prejudice--but she took no active steps to interfere, unlike many evil parents in TNs. And, finally, she told a stupid lie, defaming a dead man, to protect herself. It seems that in her relations with her family she's been shallow but loving. "Deserve's got nothing to do with it," but she didn't deserve to have her whole marriage cancelled out, her home no longer hers, and her husband of more than 40 years (how old IS Mariano?) buying expensive cars for a new Mrs. Albarran, all within a dozen days.
 

I too am ready for some action beyond the love triangle. I am rooting for a jailbreak or something. I am disliking Mir and her constant whine about Chili and her cloying hands all over both Dan and Abe.
In fact, I am almost feeling the need to miss a night or two to let some other action besides the this triangle happen.
I was glad last night that they reran the Vivi marriage proposal at the beginning. When 5 ft mentioned it in her recap, I realized I missed it. I think my local news came on too early and cut it. I am thinking her hesitancy might have something to do with her desire to adopt Ramon.

Cindy
 

Jar--Pt I is excellent. Can't wait for Pt II.

>> They argue then about who will use the bathroom first. ...At least we didn't have to watch them do anything else.

Teresa is strategizing like a lawyer.

Mir whines. Por favor, send her over to Amores Verdaderos to keep PauToo company.

I posted a comment very, very late last night, and some of these points bear repeating (just in case some of you missed it, forgive me).

We all agree, for different reasons, that Daniel is not behaving as he did before Miriam appeared. Not in top form, even physically. He's a little more hunched over, but still wearing his Charro suit. I guess Mir has stopped bugging him about it. I wonder if he will continue to wear it when he moves to town. Bummer.

The decision was a hard one to make, but Dan took his cue from Camila about not wanting to see him daily because she's too apt to give him away. (Remember when he made a couple of booboos back in the day and called her mi amor and used tu infront of other people?). Then, in addition, Miriam comments on Gussie's feelings about no more fresh linens for them.

Separating is not going to resolve anything. I fear that not seeing Camila on a daily basis will have Dan moving closer to Mir and not seeing Dan on a daily basis will have Cam moving closer to Mariano.

As for Mariano--I don't think he's ever stepped over the line of appropriateness. He's told Camila several times he wants to be more than friends and thinks there is a possibility for them...however, he is intrusive (the phone calls, text messages, invitations to meals, given her a shoulder to cry on, etc.)...and a bit boring, but he's never forced his affections on her. I bow to you Mariano, but please, stay out of Camila's life until she and Dan have resolved their "little" problem.

Last night would have been the perfect opening (or was it night before) for Dan to start explaining to Mir that he has actually known Camila longer than she thinks and begin to tell the story, as Carolina stated so eloquently.

It is interesting that we have stopped putting Abe into the "villain" category, even though we know what his motivation is. He was speaking from his and his sister's point of view to Cam, but he's failed to take his own advice and put himself in Camila's place to think it out. It's not Camila who needs to step aside for his sister's sake.

In the end, I think the writers are achieving exactly what they want and where they want us to be--seeing Dan in a different light and he's not living up to our expectations, nor Camila's.

BTW--Dan did something *inexcusable* last night. I would have left an angry note on his windshield, had the garage not been empty--he straddled two parking places. I hate it when I see that, in this crowded metro parkingland, grrrrr.

Carlos--what do you want Aaron to do? Conduct the sessions or woo her himself?


 

I saw your comments last night, Anita. Excellent thoughts.

Abe is kind of a milquetoast villain to me. I don't like his sanctimonious attitude. He meant to harm Dan. He meant to ruin Dan's life for some pretty stupid reasons.

As Jardinera said (Thank you, Jardinera for a great part 1!!), I'd like to hack off his little pointing finger. This Abe Jerk has a heckufa lot of nerve and I'm still not buying what he is selling.

He went over to the Dark Side once. He can sure has heck do it again.

Fatima
 

...brother..."sure as HECK do it again". My pointy finger was temporarily out of whack.

Just got back from a great Zumba class. There was a new woman in the class today. She looked just like Agustina right down to the haircut!! I kid you not! I had to stop myself from staring too much. :)

Fatima
 

Fatima--
A milquetoast villain? That's a new one, and a good one. I guess we would have to put Alonso in that category, no? He was pretty powerless against Hissy, in any case. And that licenciado Salomon who, probably smartly, took off. They all put self-interest before doing the right thing.

Now, it seems, we'll have to put the good doctor in that group (sorry Carlos). The good doctor is going to put self-interests and his career before the harm he could do to his patient.
 

Dionisio is underestimating Daniel's ties to Camila, if he thinks that his little plan to infect the toros with a virus will keep him from coming back to the rancho to help.

Besides, it takes a day or two for the virus to develop, figure out what it is, get the antidote, inoculate, etc. Dan will be very busy at the rancho with Cam. Maybe Mir and Dante will have a little more face time (I hope) and check out Aculco's parks.

I betcha Mariano comes over to help out with the virus. Dan isn't going to like that very much.
 

Thanks for part 1, Jardinera. Looking forward to the rest.

My heart went out to Rafa. Viv, Rafa is nothing like your ex. Give him a chance.

I love that there's an herb that can get your man to do what you want,lol. I need to get some of that.

I'm hoping that the doctor stays true and doesn't do what Dion wants. There must be 1 doctor that can't be bribed in Telenovelaland.

The avances showed the virus bad guy as the same actor who played a bad guy in La Fuerza del Destino.
 

Anita,

I think Vivi's problem is that she was and is in love with Aarón. If you recall it was Aarón's little talk with Vivi that helped her clarify her feelings about Rafael in the first place convincing her to choose him. Then her response was sort of, "Oh, I suppose you are right." At the time I doubted that was how she truly felt and I still do.

Now what I'm not certain about is why Aarón did that because I think that he loves her himself. Maybe he's just more unselfish and noble than any of the other men in this TN.

and as for:

"Now, it seems, we'll have to put the good doctor in that group (sorry Carlos)."

Well, it's not like that sort of thing hasn't happened before.

Carlos


 

cathyx,

"There must be 1 doctor that can't be bribed in Telenovelaland."

Thanks.

Carlos
 

Anita, Yes, I would put Alonso in the milquetoast villain category, too.

Did Aaron flirt with Natalia or was I imagining that?

Fatima
 

“Out in the bullshitter critters’ corral …” LOL!

I did enjoy seeing the reappearance of Dr. Camila’s “Tackle Box of Miracle Cures for Man & Beast”. It’s been weeks since we’ve glimpsed it.

If the lovely little house party is breaking up and that is going to be our last dine and squirm scene, I have to say I was not disappointed, as they truly delivered with plenty of squirming, and tossing us some bonus scowling, whining, gossip and passive aggressive subterfuge. Gosh, I’m going to miss these charming get-togethers.

Loved, loved, loved Camila’s stink eye stare down of that doofus Abe. “I only wish for your kindest sentiments since my sister is a good woman and doesn’t deserve to spill another tear.” And Camila does? Right. Gotcha. And just how many tears have we seen Miriam spill anyhow? I can’t think of a single one, while our poor Camila has cried a river. I guess self-centered cluelessness runs in that family, and clearly he hasn’t seen Camila deliver her left hook.

That ride to the airport with Dan and Abe must have been a jolly old time. Too bad we didn’t get to see it. Anita, I notice how Dan hogged two spaces, too. He’s sinking like a stone in my estimation, I tell you. :)

The Leo-Isa match up is a bit like the Dio-Yago one. It’s a win-win whatever happens.

UtahDesert, I see things the same as you. I am sympathetic to the foolish characters, like Gussy, Nat, even Rocio (though that rape lie pissed me off), as opposed to the evil ones, like Dio, Isa, and Leo. I might have to put Yago in their group too, if he keeps it up.

But I see Gussy as an abused woman. I see her foolishness and her mistakes, but it is hard for me to blame the victim. I am more angry at Dio for abusing someone who is essentially kindhearted.

Aaron may love Vivi, but he loves his brother more. I feel sorry for Rafa, too, yet somehow, he gives off this loser vibe to me. Maybe because he’s so nervous. I would be happy to see him end up with Vivi, but maybe it’s still too far to the end to have them be simply happy. We need some drama to pass the time.

 

Fatima, I imagined Aaron flirted with Nat, too.

I didn't think anything of him asking her to dance at Pablo-Luzma'a wedding, but now I am starting to wonder.

I hope Nat ends up with a good man and not Yago. If not Rodolfo, maybe it'll be Aaron.
 

Hi, y'all. thanks for waiting and for showing up!
======
Welcome: UtahDesert!
=======
Carlos, you are always a step ahead of me! LOL! I am afraid you and your "ilk" (pardon the possible pun?) in these telenovelas are always to be misused and abused. Might as well grin and bear it.
============
Carolina: a weekend without your fabulous rants is like a beach without sunshine. LOL! ITSA!!


 

Sorry for the typo's. All fixed now I think.

 

Great second half. I love your paragraph with Caye and Mariano and Yago talking. So funny. Caye doesn't have time to waste with Isa. He's not getting any younger.

I laughed at the mention of the dirty window of the truck. I thought the same thing.

Why is Osvaldo going so slow with the fingerprints and the phone logs. Get to work buddy. Peoples lives are at stake.
 

It's too early to post a Karmageddon discussion on this series; that will have to wait about three weeks. However, I'm in favor of Leoncerdo going after Hissadora.

Anvil Alerts:

Leoncerdo's possible escape poses a danger to Luzma (bad) and to Hissadora (good)

Dr Valtierra being blackmailed into a lie traps Daniel and messes with the doctor's head

The virus could bankrupt Camila

Dionisio has it in for Iago (likely to be some comic relief, so good) but if Iago caves that won't be good for Natalia

Hissadora's Witch's Brew could kill Cayetonto

Augustina's involvement in the investment fraud can land her in la carcel

Miriam could still overhear something before being forced out of LMQ; consequences unlikely to be good

Separation of Daniel and Camila will make it harder for them to get back together no matter what happens with Miriam and Mariano

The fingerprints and the phone logs need to be useful. Ayer.

Carlos, there have been uncorruptable doctors in Televisa tales, even ones who aren't the stories' heroes. The one who kept patching up the Reyes brothers in FELS is one. He was played by Ricardo Vera, who plays Comandante Juarez here.

 

Thanks for the fabulous recap, Jardinera. I could feel your frustration with the loser behavior, but your characterizations are hilarious!

Abe's behavior confirms my feelings for him, which have never changed. I think he's ruthless, out for himself (and dear sis), and to hell with the rest of the world. He had better come up with something really good on Dio and maybe, just maybe, he can redeem himself.

I feel bad for Rafa too, but I think Vivi is in love with him. I think it has to do with her horrible marriage to Bruno in part, but she may also be feeling that she can't give Rafa any biological children so that's hard for her. She also wants to adopt Roman so she's confundida right now.

I still don't see how Cami is messing up. I think she's in an intolerable situation. If Daniel can't see that the Fair Maid Miriam can't handle the truth given how strong she's coming off, then he's lying to himself. I don't fully believe him when he says Miriam is his past.


 

Don't forget the doctor in Abismo de Pasion. He was incorruptible.
 

Didn't the Orange Crush get him to do -- or not do -- something in the beginning, though?
 

He cheated on his wife, but I think he was otherwise clean.
 

Jar--I read part 2 very very slowly. I didn't want it to end.

I urge you to find some other scatalogical nickname for Yago. I don't want him in the same category as Rogelio, el principe de los douche bolsas. There's no comparison. (Although, never having seen him in anything I checked out Juan Diego Covarrubias 'images.' Kudos to make-up dept. for making him as scroungy-looking as they have.)

As to Miriam: >>this Ms. Cheery-Dearie crap is driving me BSC!!<<
Me, too, but poor Miriam, she's clueless, even more clueless than Gussie. She thinks everything is merry sunshine.

That 'hider in the bushes' the other night was probably a big red herring. More likely it was a perfect spot for the camera and the director.

Cami, your heart is breaking, but don't take it out of Dan. That was mean spirited of you, telling him you couldn't wait for him to get back before hooking up with Mariano. You'll end up being the one driving the wedge inbetween the two of you.

Carlos--I remember Aaron's advice to Vivi. We all thought she was too easily led to believe she was in love with Raf and not with Aa. I understand now. She's forgotten his lesson on love and mirrors. She needs to go have another talk with Aaron.


 

UA--How about a tema on doctores incorruptibles?
 

Jardinera thanks for your recap.

Fatima and Vivi - I vacillate between what you both stated. I'm not completely sad b/c this TN has give us mini-victories for the good guys. But I do dread Leo escaping; if he wouldn't both Luzma I'd be OK w/his reunion w/Isa as she is horrible and about to kill Cayetonto. And I want something to stick on Dio. He's like one of those Teflon-Don's from a mafia film - nothing sticks.

Though Cayetonto is showing us where Iago gets his own jerkiness from, his potential death is sad to me if only for his sons. If the writers take him out, I hope they have him realize before his death who Isa is - like poor Al's view of her pushing him off the cliff in the car.

And Fatima ITA w/your take on Abe. He is so self-serving and trying to be righteous but never forgiving or patient. I hope he does find info on Dio and be forced to realize his own wretchedness in this entire affair.

Cathyx - our good doctor from AdP may have not been bribed but did manage to fall for very bad women (and commit adultery in the process);)
 

I see I was right about Vivi not being stunned because she was happy with the proposal.

Carlos: corrupt doctor. I think this is the first obvious TN cliché in this show?

Has anyone else noticed that Dio’s and Gussie’s bedroom was dark. Dark headboard, dark bedclothes, dark sleepwear. Compare it to Cam’s with her green and white bedclothes and pink and/or flowery pjs.

“If, in fact, Cam has no romantic feelings for Mariano, then she wants her to stop unintentionally encouraging him [darse pie= give standing/to cause to, give rise to]. Mariano can be getting confused because of those crossed signals. He may have turned Teresa down because he still thinks he has a chance with Camila.”—I like that Teresa realizes what Viewerville suspects. She also makes a curious statement about how love doesn’t come easy for her, which might be why she’s been so analytical about her approach to this situation. I find it refreshing.

UT: ” she takes freeloading on her daughter for granted,”—I don’t think she’s freeloading. She does run the household. But I agree with everything else you said about Gussie. And also Rocio.

Carlos: You might be right about Vivi and Aaron. I still can’t seem to see Vivi and Rafa together without thinking that they seem more like brother and sister doing something not right for brothers and sisters. That would be a big shakeup. Since it isn’t likely we’ll have it with Cam/Dan/Miriam, I’m all for it happening with this couple. But we need someone for Rafa.

Carolina: “But I see Gussy as an abused woman. I see her foolishness and her mistakes, but it is hard for me to blame the victim. I am more angry at Dio for abusing someone who is essentially kindhearted.—I totally agree with you.

Nanette
 

Highpoints:

Mariano does not believe Nat is lying.
Caye insists on a DNA test because he won’t deny his grandson. He also insists Yago do right by Nat.
Mariano calls Yago a coward (stating the obvious).
Isa gets more digs in at Rocio. She’s a master at it.
Abe tells Dan he doesn’t trust Dio and is playing along with him.
Tolentino asks Irene out.
Ileana tells Rodolfo about Nat (HP because I want him to know now, not later).
Rodolfo doesn’t react to Ileana’s rant.
Teresa is being honest about her plans to Dante--refreshing in a TN.
Pablo stands up for Nat with Yago.
Rodolfo decks Yago and comforts Nat.
Amanda and Rodolfo tell Nat—AGAIN—that Yago doesn’t love her (and that everyone tried to tell her that).
NG is there for our Luz and takes her to the hospital.
Rocio will be able to speak again.
Eleuterio, who I was disliking a little last week, has given Rodolfo extremely good, wise and mature advice. I like him again.
Os makes an old-fashioned romantic gesture (sigh!—just in time for Valentine’s Day).
Dante finally meets up with Miriam.
Dante feels Dan out about his feelings for Miriam.
Cam gives Mariano the info that Eleuterio overheard.
Gussie spills the beans to Dio. Watch out Yago.
Dan ignores Gussie’s rudeness and tells Dante he’s staying with them.
NG steps up to help our Luz.
Hipolito flirts with Piedad, then proposes, then asks if they can be novios.
Dorothea’s cute cheer.
Vivi wants to adopt Roman (not so sure Rafa’s on board, though—qualified HP).
Dan supports Nat.
Gussie was sweet to Piedad when giving her news and seems genuinely upset.
Pablo and Cam comfort our Luz.
New Girl gets the job!
Dio puts the fear of God into Yago.
Our Luz will be all right—physically.
NG gets it that Pablo adores his wife.
Caye agrees with Dio that Yago must take responsibility.
Caye threatens Yago he’ll stop supporting him if he doesn’t man up.
Refugio remembers seeing Dio with Isa at the hotel.
Pablo sweetly talks to Luz about her guilt for not loving the baby.
Nice mother/daughter moment between Piedad and Luz.
Ileana talks Yago out of fearing his dad and Dio (I want Yago to pay).
Dorotea and Eleuterio try to comfort Rodolfo.
Miriam’s suspicions keep growing.
Dan admits to Dante the passion for Miriam is gone.
Vivi and Rafa’s cute morning romp.
Rafa proposes to Vivi.
Very cute baby/Dan scene. She’s adorable.
Teresa has a plan to talk to Cam about Mariano (I think that would be an interesting convo).
Isa buys a drug that is going to make Caye more stupid about her than he already is--which is saying a lot and should be fun to watch.
Watching Cam side step Abe’s arm (SN is a master at the subtle bits of business).
Dante tells Miriam he loves her without telling Miriam he loves her.
Luz and Pablo will be able to have kids.
Yago blows Ileana off (isn’t it about time she makes her exit-she seems superfluous)?
Nana tells Mariano about seeing Isa and Dio together at the hotel.
 

Anita, did you miss The Healers? A couple of pictures are missing, but it's a good representation.
 

Low Points:

Yago denies he’s the father of Nat’s baby.
Ileana calls Nat a slut.
Dio and Isa get it on. Ewww moment.
Rocio has a stroke (she didn’t deserve that).
Nat continues to be in denial.
Abe witnesses Dan’s jealousy regarding Cam and is not happy.
Yago is a d**k to Nat.
Abe tries to guilt Dan into staying with Miriam.
Nat tries to blame Os for her “losing” Yago.
Everyone leaves a high-risk pregnancy woman on her own.
Rocio is paralyzed on her right side.
Our Luz is in distress!!!
Yago, uncharacteristically, thinks of himself.
Ileana has feelings for Yago?! OK. Whatever.
Gussie is rude to Dante. How out of character.
Gussie is rude about Nat and gets the stink-eye from Dio.
The baby is dead. Poor Luz, I think she was starting to want the baby, which is why this is a low point and not a high point, because I really believe this is best for her in the long run.
Luz thinks she’s to blame for losing the baby.
Caye plans on abandoning his family during their multitude of crises.
Dio plans to force Nat into a miserable life with Yago.
Yago continues to deny paternity. DNA test dude. Seriously.
Gussie is excessively rude to Miriam.
Cam does not tell Dan our Luz is in trouble.
Dan threatens Mariano.
Rodolfo is sad that Nat doesn’t love him.
Dan lied to Cam about her mother.
Dan continues to keep Miriam in the dark.
Cam is leading Mariano on—intentionally or unintentionally?
Someone eavesdrops on Dan and Dante’s convo.
Miriam wants to leave LMQ.
Dan tells Miriam he remembers their good relationship.
Vivi isn’t completely onboard (no pun intended) with the proposal.
Cam almost gets injured by a bull and yells at one of her workers.
Abe continues to minimize his blame for this horrific mess HE’s put everyone in.
Yago is a douche bag (though I think Jar was being too kind in describing him).
Dio blackmails Miriam’s doctor to put false info in her file (TN cliché alert-disappointed).
Leo thinks the baby will be a boy and Luz will be his and Viewerville thinks he’s about to make a prison escape (here’s hoping he doesn’t use Aaron to accomplish it) and we are all afraid for Luz, but hope he gets to Isa.
Dan tells Cam he’s leaving LMQ.
 

Anita: I also liked Dick-wad, since Dildo Bag-ems, altho' a close second, just didn't have the same kind of X-rated umph behind it.
 

I watched the Viv-Rafa love scene on line, and it was steamy and long. If that's an indication of how they feel about each other, then I think they're in love. I think Viv just has cold feet.
 

The lowest of lowpoints for me: Gussie is excessively rude to Miriam.
Abe continues to minimize his blame for this horrific mess HE’s put everyone in.
Dio blackmails Miriam’s doctor to put false info in her file and

Dan tells Cam he’s leaving LMQ.
 

Augustina is not freeloading, Don Daniel left her an income.
 

Don Daniel did leave Gussie an allowance, but that does not entitle her to live at LMQ if she is going to be a problem to Camila.
 

Somehow I think the one freeloading is Dio.
 

Jar: Dio is definitely the one freeloading.
 

ita, Dio is the freeloader, along with Isadora. that's how they survive.
 

Nanette, great list of low points. There's only one on the list that was a high point for me ...
"Abe witnesses Dan’s jealousy regarding Cam and is not happy". Oh, and I'm not ready for Leo to take Isa out of the picture before she gets the ranch (although temporary just to teach Cayo a lesson). I'm enjoying her charming Cayetano.
Now on to the highpoints :-)
 

Karen, thank you, too, for acknowledging my comments. That was very kind of you!

I agree with you and think it will be sad if Cayetonto is bumped off. He deserves something for having been so horrible to Rocio (NOT excusing Rocio for anything here). Someone said earlier (I'm sorry, I can't find who said it in order to give you proper credit) that after 40 years of marriage, Rocio didn't deserve the heavy handed approach to the divorce. I would agree. I was surprised at how quickly the divorce happened. 40 years up in smoke just like that and Rocio didn't seem to have much of a say in what should be her fair share.

Caye is a dope, that's for sure, but I don't think he deserves to be taken out by the reptilian Hissadora. Just doesn't seem right.

Carolina, Ok...I'm glad I wasn't imagining that little flirty moment with Aaron and Natalia. It came out of nowhere, but it was cute!

Jardinera, agree with your choice of low points.

All in all, a pretty good story. I left La Que No Podia Amar right at the very beginning. That was one Debby Downer of a novela. I couldn't take it. It was downright depressing.

Fatima
 

My pointy finger is still giving me probs.

Meant to say that Caye deserves something more than a slap on the hand for what he is doing with the Reptile known as Hissadora, but he doesn't deserve to be bumped off.

Fatima
 

Foxy: I put that about Abe seeing Dan's jealousy on the low points list because I figured that once Abe actually saw evidence of how much Dan loved Cam and he would begin to cause more probs between them. As happened with his little talks to both Cam and Dan before leaving for Chile.

I agree that Leo going after Isa is a highpoint that I'm willing to wait for so Isa can work some more damage on Caye.
 

Fatima: I agree re: Caye not deserving to be bumped off. But eating a whole humble pie when this is all over, I'm all for.
 

How about Nat for Aaron and NG for Rodolfo?
 

Nanette, funny that you mention Rodolfo. I've been wondering what is going to happen to him in the love life department. I would hate for him to be seen as "second best". The guy is just too darn cute for that and I think Natalia is too clueless to see what she has been missing all along. I think if Yago Blago (as in Blagojevich)were to all of a sudden become a decent human being (a stretch, I know!), Natalia would come running.

NG and Rodolfo? Hmmm...it's a thought...

Fatima
 

In the context of a Mexican family, Gussie is no more a freeloader than Ana is. Multiple generations living together is the rule and to do otherwise without compelling reasons would be very strange. And no, having a mom who says and does stupid things sometimes is not a compelling reason. That actually is quite normal.

A piece of paper with someone's name on it that shows possession of a home does not mean the same thing in a Mexican family as it might in ours. The family being together is the most important thing and the ownership of a house is viewed much more collectively than in our culture.
 

What I don't understand is how easily Cayetano got the divorce. A divorce after a 40-year marriage with those kind of financial assets is much more drawn-out and messy in the US and one would think that with Carolina's description of family dynamics it would be much more difficult than that for Cayetano to divorce Rocio and take a lot more time.

Rodolfo does deserve better than to be second best, but I see this as a stepping stone in this actor's career. He'll move up eventually. There was a time when Pablo Montero was the second-best guy and now he always gets his girl; I see Ricardo Franco in that position now. I'd be surprised if he isn't cast as Pablo's younger brother in some future novela before he moves up to a more alpha position. He's got the right look and probably needs to work out a bit (hence the current lack of shirtless scenes).

I'm actually surprised that Ileana hasn't gotten closer to boinking Iago; they seem to have the love/hate relationship of the moment. However, that would be too neat a bow with about eight weeks to go in the series.
 

Jardinera- I enjoyed Part 2 just as much as part one. Wonderful job as always.

Not much to add to all the great comments. I just wonder why we can't accept Vivi's reasons for not wanting to get married at face value? She was really clear with Rafa. She had a nightmare first marriage, she swore she would NEVER get married again, and she doesn't feel that she needs a piece of paper to love and be faithful to him. Does there need to be anything more to this, like she doesn't love him or loves someone else? I've known people who have the same idea about marriage after only seeing their parents's crap marriage, much less living through their own.
 

Urban- Oh, Ricardo already has a great bod. It was shown off when he played the villain in Ni Contigo. This producer just seems to be stingy with the gratuitous shirtless scenes. Just like we only just last episode got to see the amazing bod Rafa has been hiding.
 

Jardinera,

Thank you! Witty, thorough and all together spot-on about the good, bad, and beanie-tightening moments.

However blind Mariano may choose to be about Camila, here's a guy who is stuck with way too many family problems as his father abandons ship. He's got his daughter, he feels responsible for Pablo and Luzma, he's got the Iago mess and his mother's fragile health. Easy to see how Camila has confidence in him a person, fellow-sufferer and person responsible for a business and its many dependents. I hope he finds true love by the end.

Cayetano does not deserve death, I agree, but his irresponsible attitude toward his entire family based on his considerable vanity should result in a lot of humble pie -- several large, large helpings! He and Abe can share the fork.

Cringing at thought of Leo on the loose.

Still giggling at Anita's funny comment about Dan's inexcusable behavior in straddling two parking places. This resident of viewerville heartily agrees.
 

Good morning, Vivi,

"I just wonder why we can't accept Vivi's reasons for not wanting to get married at face value?"

Well, let's see:

I was never convinced that Vivi actually preferred Rafa over Aarón in the first place...see my earlier comment about this...

After an apparently incredible night of cosas, Rafa launched one of the most elaborate proposal scenarios ever only to be... well you saw for yourself...

TNs place a high value in marriage, the Church places a high value on marriage, and if I'm not mistaken, Vivi is strongly considering adopting Román and being in a stable marriage might be a plus in that effort...

Vivi (and the writers) made it clear that Vivi has very strong feelings toward Aarón...

Vivi seems to have more sisterly affection (that night of cosas notwithstanding) toward Rafa...

Vivi encouraged Rafa's pursuit of Camila early on...

I think that Vivi's reasons are as much of a justification of her reaction to the proposal for herself as for Rafa.

Oh... and I prefer Aarón for Vivi.

Carlos


 

OK, didn't see Ni Contigo, so I just did a search... with excellent results; gracias, Vivi!

Also hope we continue to see Alex Sirvent (Rafael); he's also prime, and with such a great square jaw and vertical dimples.
 

Dr. Carlos (aka the Love Dr.)- Well, if YOU want Aaron and Vivi to be together, then I guess it must be. :) I still want her to have them both, but the writers seem to have rejected that idea.
 

O/T:You were discussing who would play opposite Wm. Levy in La Tempestad and the decision is made. "Acaba de confirmarse que su enamorada en el reparto de 'La Tempestad' será la ex Miss Universo (2010), Ximena Navarrete."

"It's just been confirmed that his ladylove in the cast of La Tempestad [The Storm/The Tempest] will be the ex-Miss Universe 2010, Ximena Navarrete."
 

If you do a Google search of Ricardo Franco you'll find a 100 ct list with pixes of the latest in the younger male stable of studs in Azteca and Televisa. Some recognizable faces and some of the newer ones are there. Nice eye candy. Yago's there along with Rodolfo.
 

Thnaks for the update Jardinera. More reasons not to watch that one if none of my fave actresses are going to be in it. But congrats to Ximena Navarrete for getting a lead role in a high profile tn so soon into her post-beauty queen career. I hope it's a boost for her career and not a career killer.
 

P.S. --Aaron's there also.
=========
Carlos may be on to something with the Vivi/Rafa/Aaron tricky triangle of luhhhvs. I don't think I've seen a TN, tho', where the gal BFF has a loving fling with the guy's BFF who doesn't end up marrying each other. Always a first time, I suppose. I'd personally like Aaron for Natalia, tho' it's a long-shot cuz he seems to be too "out there" for a small town, naive little gal like Natalia. However, Aaron does come across to me more and more, as well, as being rather sexually apathetic towards women in this role. Could be the direction, tho, if not the writing and story-line. Why would Aaron act as if he considered Vivi more like a sister otherwise and push her towards his brother?
 

ViviDC: I hope XN is a better actress than the last beauty queen they put in a lead role. What's her name from the last botched TN prior to Abysmal Passions?
 

I'll take back the word "freeloading" to describe what Augustina is doing. I certainly know the multigenerational Latin-American home, since I stayed a week last summer in the house inhabited by one of my sisters and her husband and her children, as well as my ex-stepmother and her husband and my one never-married sister. I have no idea who owns that house. In some ways my ex-stepmother seemed to be in charge, apparently as senior woman. But lines of authority seemed to be somewhat ambiguous, particularly regarding the servants. For example: "Don't let Aldo [my brother-in-law] know that Junior [el chofer] is here on Saturday [fixing something in the kitchen], because he'll want him to drive somewhere!"
 

Dunno, but is it time to begin thinking of suitable cosmic justice for the rotten characters in this tn? 8 wks to go?

**I'd like to see Cayetonto stroke out and stuck in a wheelchair in the same old-folks' home as Rocio, slobbering over his food, unable to even change his adult diapers by himself all after Issa has taken control of La BV and told him off and he's heard/seen Issa admitting to attempting to finish him off to boot.

**Yago deserves to come down with a debilitating SD along with Ill-y. They can get together because nobody else will want anything to do with either of them after that.

**Abe should get kicked off the police force, spend time in a prison where police are done in by those "they done in." Miriam will disown him of course for all the unnecessary grief he brought into everyone's life. He may bring down Dio and Issa in the end, but it won't be enough not to have to live with being socially shunned and cut off emotionally from the only thing he values in life--his sis's love.


 

Jardinera- That was Blanca Soto in El Talisman. She is very pretty, and she did well enough in Eva Luna because the tn was entertaining, but El Tal was SOOO bad that her acting limitations were made more obvious. We will be seeing her again soon once Por Ella Soy Eva ends. She is the lead in the upcoming comedy with Fernando Colugna-- Porque el Amor Manda. This is her first Televisa role-- the others were Uni. Jarocha says PEAM is doing well in Mexico. We'll have to wait and see if her acting has improved any.
 

Maybe "Freeloading" is the wrong choice of word. Would exploiting be better?
 

Vivi: Thanks! BS -- perfect initials. I won't be watching for three reasons: the hour, her, and I dislike their brand of comedies--especially seeing FC in one. Seems sacriligious to me! LOL! What are the others on the horizon?
 

Does anyone know if a TN has been scheduled to follow AB? This is the first TN I've followed from the start. I've seen some episodes of Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso, but it didn't hold my interest. That sums up my TN experience.
 

Jardinera, thanks for a stellar recounting of the doings of our rancho friends and enemies. The following, so true!

"hemming and hawing—not the same as oohing and ahhing"

I have to agree with our Vivi. I take TN Vivi's reasons for the marriage hesitation at face value. Someone mentioned a while back that if Aaron and Vivi were to be a couple, it would cause too much sibling sadness, anger and resentment between him and Rafa.
 

Vivi,

"I still want her to have them both..."

So far that hasn't worked very well for Daniel.

Carlos
 

Thanks to all the recappers for such a great week!

UA, like so many others, I snickered over the Seinfeld comment. Paquita, Cayetansordo is genius and I laughed over Yucko's worry of a knuckle sandwich. It's been quite a few years since I heard that phrase. Mena, I giggled over Dan's reaction to the Luzma news, "Danny-On-The-Spot straightens his charro tie and rides out into the sunset." And Kat, LOL at your reference to Camila as wife #2 and especially your observation that someone in wardrobe must have it in for Miriam to stick her in pantyhose while wearing a nightgown.

I haven't had a chance to comment this week but I know the amount of work all the recappers do and it is much appreciated!

 

Carlos: LOL! When you comment, there's nothing left to say.
 

Marta and Jardinera- Por Ella Soy Eva (8pm) ends soon and will be replaced by PEAM. From the ads on Uni, it looks like AB (with 40 more caps to go) will be replaced by Que Bonito Amor. It's the Mejia remake of Hija de Mariachi. Corona de Lagrimas is a short tn (100 caps) so that won't end too long after AB ends. I don't know what will be replacing that though.
 

Carlos- I'm biased. I'm perfectly confident in Vivi's ability to handle two men. Dan's ability to handle two women?...not so much.
 

BTW: Thanks to all of you for your kind words--and for commenting, whether pro or con!! This site wouldn't be so active, tho', if it weren't for the talent of those who come before me the other four days of the week, and who make this tn so enjoyable!! Keep it up!!

 

Vivi: Thanks again. I saw QBA's synopsis and am looking forward to it. JS does dramedy quite well and I do love musicals. I like Danna Garcia as well, from her days at Telemundo. Keeping my fingers crossed.
 

I also like Dana Garcia, from Gancho, and from Alquien te Mira on Telemundo-- two very different roles. It will be cool to see her in yet another very different role. I also like the idea of the musical element of QBA. The only thing that makes me wary is the Mejia name attached.
 

According to Wiki
Corazón indomable will follow Lagrimas,with Ana Brenda & Daniel Arenas. Elizabet Alvarez & Rene Strickler are the villains. It's a remake of Marimar.

Lagrimas can't end soon enough.
 

Thanks so much, Vivi! What is PEAM?
 

Marta: Poque el Amor Manda= PEAM

Thanks Variopinta for the info on the Corona follow-on tn.
 

Thanks, Vivi:)
 

Mejia always has substandard writing and is too heavy-handed at comic relief. That is so awful when you realize he can put together an excellent cast and get good music into his productions.

Looking very forward to seeing JS and PM again, but I don't see that program needing the 10PM time slot.
 

UA--Of course I remember the Doctors now. These were the good guys. Maybe I should have suggested the corruptible ones.
 

As if poor Natalia didn't have enough negativity going on, suppose that Dionysio actually adores his daughter and that she is now the most precious thing in the world to him... could the writers use her as means of punishing him?

Nah...they wouldn't do that to us.

Carlos
 

Traveling Lady, you've made an excellent point/observation about Mariano. He is a man of substance. At this moment in her life, I can see why Camila, a woman of substance, is drawn to him if only for the stability he offers in spite of the many, yes, substantial problems he faces in his life.

Dan, to me at the moment, is Pretty Boy Floyd. Agree that so much of this is not of his doing, but it's those little half truths that keep bothering me. Right now, I'm not seeing his "substance".

Urban Anthropologist, I so agree about Alex Sirvent! I can't take my eyes off him when he is on screen. He's just so...manly...I like manly and he's not too pretty, either...just manly!!!

Question: I understand that Fernando Colunga has been considered a strong romantic male lead for a number of years. The fact that he is now going to do a comedy...does this mean that his career is changing? Is this a good or a bad thing that he is doing comedy? I know a man can't be a male romantic lead forever so was wondering if switching to comedy was standard career progression for male romantic leads.

Fatima
 

Corazón indomable also has Rodolfo, Ricardo Franco.

Mejia is ruining 2 TN's
La tempestad - Wm Levy & Ximena Navarrete

& Que bonita amor, Jorge Salinas, Pablo Montero

I don't know how he gets the good & established actors to work for him. A pay ck is a pay ck I guess.
They can always banish them to the midnight hour like the last Corazon Salvaje.

I heard he was also going to destroy Cuna de lobos.
 

Fatima--
FC has been working his way into comedy steadily. In the back door with his movie Ladron que Roba a Ladron. In the side door with his own play, Manos Quietas (apparently he gets all tied up--someone on Caray got to see the play in the US and commented) and most of us will agree that he had some great comedic lines in STuD, even though the rest of it was not even close to being a dramedy.
 

I don't think there is a guaranteed path for former romantic leads. Comedy is traditionally the refuge of average-looking and less-than-average looking men (think Arath de la Torre in UFCS). I personally think it depends on a couple of things:

Did his looks hold up?
What's his voice like?

A good subject for a retrospective on older actors. I will start a list.
 

FC will be 47 next month. They always want young females to play the romantic lead & it gets a little ridiculous to see that age difference. I think FC realizes this.

Remember the virginal Eduardo Yanez in FELS and at 50.
 

I like it when actors can be versatile and so drama/heartthrob as well as comedy. I'm looking forward to FC's efforts.

Both hunks Sebastain Rulli and Alex Sirvent were in Un Gancho al Corazon. SR wasn't so great at the comedy, but Alex did a great job playing the straight man next to Veronica Jaspeado's kooky Ximena.

Here are a few of Alex and Veronica's hilarious scenes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq2Q64nmUoU

Here, he has very different luck with a proposal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTiVSTxoUdw
 

And of course, when Ximena had Rolu branded: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhwa2XKQIFw

Makes me laugh every time. :)
 

Vivi,

Thanks for posting these clips. Very funny.

Alex was in Para volver a amar as well,very effective as a young gay man who marries a woman to avoid coming out. No humor there, but very well acted.
 

Urban Anthropologist, I'm tickled that, moi, the newbie, has given you an idea for your weekend topics!!
I love your weekend topics and enjoy the photos comments. Will be looking forward to this one!

Thank you all for the comments about male leads and their careers. As so many of them seem to hang on for quite a while (Cayetansordo comes to mind), it's interesting to see how they change things up for these men.

BTW, Paquita, I love the "Cayetansordo" moniker!! A good one. :))

Fatima
 

I think this topic will be one with interesting research because not many of us were watching novelas more than 20 years ago. While there are some old photos online I'm not sure what I will find. I'm hoping for at least 10 examples. If I can't find 10 men I will add some of the ladies.
 

Traveling Lady- Loved Alex in PVAA playing the sensitive closeted gay man, who everyone thought was a ladies man. That was such a sad and poignant storyline in that tn.
 

Yes, Vivi, I agree. There were many important messages and themes explored in PVAA, and in a very tender and captivating way.

Like so many of us vets (I am a TN viewer for 18 years now), I know that I'll find something that I enjoy after AB, but it may be a while before something so well written comes along.

There are many good Brazilian and Colombian novelas on line now, but watching without Caray, Caray isn't as much fun.

On the other hand, we still have nearly 40 episodes to go.
 

UD, I have quite a bit of exposure to multi-generational Mexican households, and your description cracked me up.

No, Jardinera, exploiting is NOT a better word than freeloading. *frownyface* :P

UA, I have posted before exactly what you are saying. There is no way a 40 year marriage unravels as fast as Cayotano and Rocio’s did. You’re right that all of their assets would make the divorce complex, as well. Also, it’s been my impression that the process in Mexico in general are much more drawn out than in the US and I don’t think they have no-fault divorce. So it makes no sense that it all happened so quickly other than Cayo made her a decent offer and Rocio was convinced to sign right away by Mariano. With her adultery, she could have lost everything in if it had gone to court because she would have been found to be at fault.

And to clarify, although traditional Mexican families typically will thoroughly discuss matters before making decisions, they are also hierarchical. There still is most definitely someone (or a group of people) in charge, who may or may not be the oldest member(s) of the family. Even though everyone is allowed to have their say, and elderly people are respected, indulged even, in the end, the person or group in charge makes the decision. However, typically the decisions are not unilateral. Cayetono pulled rank in divorcing Rocio and has shut down the input of his adult sons into his decisions regarding Isadora. I think that to the Mexican audience, that would alarm and portend even worse things than it might to us.

 

No-fault divorce in the US was designed originally for uncomplicated situations. Typical case scenario in mind being a couple who got married in college or just after, lives in a rented apartment, and has no children or major joint assets. Once property and children are a factor divorce gets more complex. And much uglier. It was certainly not meant for situations like the Albarrans'.

It doesn't sound like any responsible lawyer in Mexico would have made this divorce that simple. No judge should allow a divorce to happen that easily. As for adultery, that is rarely so simple as to be "stray once and lose everything."

Having written that, I'm sure that in the real world a judge would tell them to live apart for six months and try to work things out rather than to grant a divorce that would so severely punish either party.
 

Carolina- It does seem that Caye gave her a decent offer, as you mentioned. It didn't seem that Rocio was disappointed by the money Caye was offering or the house in Mexico City (which sounds like it's nice). She was more upset that he was playing games to keep her from getting a share of the ranch (which his father built up) and especially that he was using Isa to do it. She got nervous when Mariano mentioned that she could end up with nada if she took Caye to court over it and her adultery and pregnancy by another man came out. So it seems that she just signed and agreed to everything, so there was no need for all the legal fuss in front of a judge.
 

Vivi, Yes. You fleshed out exactly what I meant.
 

Some comments that I enjoyed this past week:

Myo's, "Miriam is only concerned about having sex with Dan--at least she's got her priorities straight"
Carolina's, "People ought just stay dead fer pete's sake, and we'd all have a lot fewer problems."


And Carolina, good point about where the heck did Caridad sleep while Dan hogged the only bed in the room? Maybe Dan will surprise us all and run off with Caridad and Agatha.

I loved Padre's expressions of aggravation and exasperation as he tried to convince his sister to back off the Mariano stalking.

I hope New Girl had blankets in the back seat of her car or at least has a good car detailer.

Like others, I enjoyed the questioning of Rodolfo by Eleuterio earlier this week re: contraception and Ro's feeling about his own shotgun wedding.

Maybe someone could fill me in about the public health aspect of serving (and perhaps preparing?) meals inside a cave? Bat guano as a condiment seems unappealing. But then I'm just not adventurous that way.

 

Carolina,

"No, Jardinera, exploiting is NOT a better word than freeloading. *frownyface* :P" LOL!
 

Vivi: Now I have to know. Did Rolu and Ximena get together at the end?
 

Nanette, that show is still going on, it's never ending. The leads are now old and have been replaced with younger actors.
 

UA, I think you are thinking of uncontested divorce, not no fault.

From Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divorce_in_the_United_States#No-fault_divorce

No-fault divorce
Under a no-fault divorce system the dissolution of a marriage does not require an allegation or proof of fault of either party. Since August 2010 (when New York Governor David Patterson signed no-fault into law), all fifty states of the United States have adopted no-fault divorce laws, with grounds for divorce including incompatibility, irreconcilable differences, and irremediable breakdown of the marriage.

At-fault divorce
Fault divorces used to be the only way to break a marriage, and people who had differences, but did not qualify as "at fault", only had the option to separate (and were prevented from legally remarrying).

Uncontested divorce
It is estimated that upwards of 95% of divorces in the US are "uncontested," because the two parties are able to come to an agreement (either with or without lawyers/mediators/collaborative counsel) about the property, children and support issues. When the parties can agree and present the court with a fair and equitable agreement, approval of the divorce is almost guaranteed. If the two parties cannot come to an agreement, they may ask the court to decide how to split property, deal with the custody of their children.

 

Cathyx- LOL!

Nanette- Yes. Rolu ended up falling for Ximena (how could he not?). These two were a wacky couple, and so fun to watch. He ends up physically hurt many times in the process, so he's always on crutches or in a wheelchair. At one point she actually ties him up to her bed and holds him prisoner for a bunch of days. In the process she totally charms him (or maybe it was Stockholm Syndrome?) and he falls in love. But by then she realizes that this is no way to make someone love you (duh!) and she sets him free, thinking he'll never love her. He then has to woo her to win her back.

Here's a little fan vid of them being happy together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzTucifDg4k
And here he is singing to her (an actual Alex Sirvent song that he wrote): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsv3Nx0WElo

 

Barbara- "Maybe Dan will surprise us all and run off with Caridad and Agatha."

LOL! When that scene came on again on Friday, I noticed that Caridad was folding blackets and sheets. I think the poor thing slept in the couch.


 

I'm all in favor of seeing Caridad run off with somebody. She seems very pleasant.
 

That's blankets. Who can we pair Caridad up with?
 

Barbara, glad to be able to entertain you. :) That cave restaurant is pretty well known. I had heard of it, though we didn't eat there.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g499421-d1209971-Reviews-La_Gruta-San_Juan_Teotihuacan_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html

And I don't even want to think about NewGirl's back seat situation. Ick.
 

Vivi, Caridad needs someone tall. The only untaken tall guy that I can think of is Dante, but I don't think he's going to run off with the help, is he?
 

Maybe Rodolfo, if Natalia doesn't want him.
 

Since they're both from Chile, I say Caridad ends up with Abe. A nurse marrying a cop is very normal in the US.
 

Caridad hasn't yet uttered a word, maybe she's nodded a couple of times. She's too minor of a character to get paired up with anyone.
 

Muchas gracias, Vivi, for the Alex Sirvent links. Guapisimo! For me, they don't make hombres hotter than him. Some really hilarious scenes as well. Thanks:)
 

I'm curious what Dion told Omar to do to Yago. Just threaten or beat him up? Or knife him? And will it work? I can see Yago then going to Nat and tell her that he doesn't like her sending her daddy to force him to marry.
 

Camila needs to learn how to deal with her workers when she's upset. Earlier in the novela she screamed at Eleuterio when he tried to help her up when she fell from her horse (after a fight with D'Andres). This time she screamed at the men when SHE was the one that almost let the injured bull out. Not cool, Cami.

Abe was just ridiculous laying that guilt trip on Cam about Miriam 'shedding a tear.' But then, he's a cop. He knows how to do that.

Dio getting to the doctor was disappointing, even if it was blackmail rather than corruption on the doctor's part. Hope it doesn't work (not holding out too much hope, though).

Why is it so difficult to get Dio's fingerprints? He leaves glasses, eating utensils, everything everywhere. Piedad, Dorotea, Camila, Dan, Abe, Dante - anyone can get them! Why does it have to be a document with his fingerprints? The fingerprints on the marriage certificate are under Hector Gutierrez. He's living as Dionisio Ferrer. If prints on a glass and those on the certificate match, how does that not prove he's one and the same?

UA - A Yucko/Bratgirl connection doesn't seem probable, because although it is love/hate on her part, on his it's just ick/ickier - he really can't stand her.

Soyyo
 

What if Yago makes a pact to marry Ileana in order to not marry Natalia. Maybe an agreement that they marry for 1 year.
 

Soyyo- I think the prints have to be taken by the police or be on an official document. Otherwise, how do they know that the prints are from some ranch hand who is the real Hector Gutierrez? How do the know that Amanda doesn't have Hector Gutierrez stashed away in the hostal somewhere as her secret live-in lover that she can get prints from? Not really, but you know what I mean. :)
 

Soyyo -- Hilarious comment about Dio's fingerprints. I mean his fingerprints are probably about the easiest to get, given he's got his nose in everything going on. LOL
 

Carolina, Thanks for the link about La Gruta. I think it would be fun to visit.

Soyyo, after being injured or certainly after you or your workers could have been killed, I think there is a rush of adrenaline that made the emotion in that scene very realistic. I'm pretty sure her staff understood it was the shock of the moment combined with the stress she's been under. IMHO
 

The way Cami will say something like "Dammit man! Could you make sure the bull is tied up!" Is the same way the guys talk to each other when they're frustrated about something. I think it's more noticable when she does it because she's a woman. But the ranch guys don't seem to take offense at all. If it were a woman she was speaking to, they likely would be hurt by it. But she never snaps at the women employees that way.
 

Vivi: thanks for the info. I'll have to check out more scenes tomorrow.

Cathyx: when I saw that last scene with Ileana and Yago, I thought that's what she was proposing (pun intended). I figured she would then reneg on her part of the bargain.
 

Mejia is able to get the best casts because he is Televisa's head of production. It would seem he could get any writers he wanted, too.
Televisa must like his stuff better than the folks on this blog.
Mexican viewers, too, it seems.
Anyone know if the latest Corazon Salvaje was relegated to late nite in Mexico or just here?
But I'm going on broken Spanish reading online. I haven't actually seen much (any?) of his work, what is it about Mejia's work that so offends?

Chris in FL
 

Nanette, I thought the same thing during that scene. That's what made me think of it.
 

Soyyo, the guilt trip by Abe really bothered me, too. I remember that he laid one on Dan, too, right after he and Miriam arrived and Dan was not wanting to lie. Abe told him he would someday have to look into his daughter's eyes and tell her he killed her mom (paraphrasing from memory here). Nevermind that Dan could just as easily tell his daughter that if his uncle hadn't lied to him and then brought her mom to Mexico, she would have been fine.

Dan seems to have gotten more and more comfortable with the lying.
 

Chris, I've stated upthread that I find his obsession with comic relief offensive. He tries to put it into every novela he produces, including where it is seriously out of place. It is not only unnecessary to relieve every tense episode with a laugh, it takes away from the ability to have a meaningful discussion about the events in the story and their impact.

There are also scenes that could benefit from retakes and he doesn't do them.
 

Nanette- I forgot to thank you for the HPLP list. I am amazed you found as many HPs as you did with such a bummer of a week. I think my most fave moment was Agathan and Dan in bed. So cute!
 

Jardinera - Thanks. Loved this line on Cayetonto's goodbye with Mar and Yago: "tho' I think It's something more like Polonius's farewell to Laertes in reverse."

Sure hope Isadora doesn't bump off Cayetonto soon cause watching her avoid his amorous attempts will be far more fun.
 

Chris,
You don't even have to read a synopsis of a Mejia TN, just think of every TN cliche that you know & it will be in there, more than once.
 

Vivi: I was going to make a comment when I posted the lists that, surprisingly, there were more high points this week. Of course, the list is a bit subjective :)
 

Variopinta/UA/Chris in FL-- ITSA! re: Mejia cuz that's him in a nutshell. It's always a
"circo sin limites."
 

Between what's going on in AB right now, and the way the season of Downton Abbey ended last night, I'm in need of some Prozac...or some more Xime-Rolu scenes from Gancho. :)
 

Vivi: DA. Can you believe it?
 

Vivi & Nanette - OT:DA - No I can't believe it but I was blind-sided by poor Sybil as well.
 

OT/DA: I'm so glad that you do not mind any of us making a comment re Downton Abbey. Just had to commiserate as I was just so sad...so darn sad at this ending. Also feel like the good people of DA have been like a family you hate to leave.

Gosh darn it! I am DARN sad!!

Thanks for letting me tell someone.

Fatima
 

OT- Downton:

Nanette, Karen, Fatima-- glad to have someone else to cry with about that ending. There better be a LOT of things to add to Nanette's High Points list in AB this week, but I somehow doubt it.
 

OT: I have a wild theory about DA re: two characters, who are in a similar situation, developing a relationship. Lots of things against it, but can't seem to get it out of my head. Also, does this mean a return of a certain someone who made a brief appearance during the war and who will upset the apple cart big time. Or was that a plot point they decided wasn't working and just dropped? Don't want to be too spoilerish.
 

Oh and Vivi, too much pressure re: the list. I'll try my best, but will need a little help from the writers. ;)
 

OT (Non-DA folks please forgive us.):

Nanette- I know where you're going on both counts. No need for the mystery person from the WWI season to return now that we have a spare with the birth of the baby boy, who now moves from spare to heir. As for the two folks in similar circumstances...they are such different kind of people it would never work. But I see a good friendship continuing to develop based on their similar circumstances.

If we think Camila can be a bit harsh with people when her love life is in crapper, I'm sure Lady Mary, who's already a bit of a (self-admitted) b!tch, is going to be hell on wheels next season! Watch out!
 

OT - (I too apologize to AB folks)

Nanette - ITA w/Vivi that there is no reason to revive that thread. It will be interesting to see how those friendships develop though I feel that the guys trying to be friends, when one is in love, may not work.

Vivi - yes Lady Mary will be completely wretched and I currently am not fond of her. I dread to see what she will become... an upstairs O'Brien?
 

Vivi: I didn't think my theory would work for the reasons you stated, including the fact that LM will not take this situ well. But totally agree re: the friendship. I think there is a reason for the WWI person to return, considering the heir is a newborn. Easier to make his case now than when the person who was in his spot was well known, well liked and accepted.
 

To cheer us up, another tribute vid of the wacky Ximena: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=uBY4_n2enf4&NR=1
 

CRAZY WOMAN!!!
 

Read that there are 181 eps for AB. Is that because some of the eps were half-hour in Mexico?
 

Nanette- There will be 168 episodes of AB in the U.S. Yes, I think like many tns in Mexico, the first two weeks were just 1/2 hour.
 

Vivi: Thanks. OT again re: DA. Just read an article about character deaths over the course of the show, and reasons given for a couple of them were because the actors wanted to leave. I think you know which ones I mean.

I'm not looking forward to AB tonight and continuing this downer mood. Hope at least one good thing happnens on tonight's ep. Have never had an ep where there wasn't an entry in either the LP or HP lists. Too much to hope at this stage that the HP will spectacularly good, though.
 

We'll have to take HP crumbs, I'm fearing.
 

OT DA again: Vivi in DC, Nanette,and Karen, thank you for sharing the DA grief with me. I guess I was right when I worried last week about the anvil statement of: "I'll love you until my dying breath".

I hope we don't get any anvils tonight on AB.

Fatima
 

Fatima: I'm with you on the hoping no anvils tonight on AB. I'm like you when it comes to a show I really like which takes a turn like DA did. I have to discuss the you-know-what out of it, so I don't feel so bad.
 

Add me to the surprised mourners over Matthew...I still haven't recovered from the death of Lady Sybil.

Carlos
 

Nanette, I know what you mean about discussing a show to which we have become so attached.

Carlos, welcome to the DA Mourners Society!

Thank you AB members for allowing us this interruption for Downton Abbey.

CNN has an excellent convo with one of the producers/directors of DA (not Julian Fellowes) that is worth reading.

I'm sad, I tell you, I am darn sad and if Dan keeps making our Camila sadder, woe is me. :((

Fatima
 

For DA followers, now that it has ended, I can recomment a couple of commenters on Slate who have been following DA. They sort of have a two-way, one-way conversation about each episode.

Here is a shortened link

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts.html

If it won't land you on the page, just go to Slate and pick arts--you'll get there. The bloggers are June Thomas and Seth Stevenson (see sidebar for each week).
 

Thank you, Anita!

I so love so much of British programming because their actors are so incredibly good. I think that British casting is not interested in simply hiring actors for their looks, but truly for their acting. Some of the best British shows I have seen have male and female leads that would probably never make it in the US, but their incredible acting skills literally compel you to watch.

Fatima
 

Anita: Thanks!! I see that JT also discusses Archer. Yay!!!
 

O/T: DA --Okiedok, y'all. I'm only 1/2 way through the second season and really dislike seeing those spoilers here. Melinama doesn't really appreciate the off-topic discussions if they have nothing to do with the telenovela industry which is what we're here for. Please try to avoid those kinds of discussions in general, and in particular, please take pity on those of us who're in my predicament?

Thanks!
 

Sorry Jardinera. Totally my fault for starting the convo.
 

Sorry, Jar. But we were doing ok until Carlos spilled the beans. Just hinting at something tragic. It won't totally keep you from enjoying every bit of every scene.
 

Sorry Jar. I really should know better because I actually did a massive DA marathon a couple of weekends ago (Seasons 1, 2 through current 3) for the same reason.

 

Yikes, Jardinera. I'm so very sorry. Boy did I ever put my foot in it. Please forgive me.

Carlos
 

Jar--Okkie doakie--but we were discussing two highly rated foreign series and comparing them and their leads and the acting company, writing, directing........(I know, it's stretching it).
 

Anita: we get such great discussions about TNs from this group of people, sometimes it's too tempting not to discuss other "soap operas". However, we must resist. :)

Since we're all agreed we need something to smile about, here's hoping we get more baby/Dan moments.
 

Sorry for my role in the OTDA convo. Lesson learned.

Fatima