Caray, Caray!

Some scenes were combined for continuity......

Straight to the new stuff:

Dateline….Los Angeles

Orange Julius Giuliano is at a public phone, calling in an anonymous tip that Michael Johnson is hiding out at the Hotel West Side Park.  He must be apprehended because he’s very dangerous

Jalisco No te Rajes Bar

Maria asks Santos if his friend will be able to help him.  Santos explains his friend will send him a money order (giro) and he assures her he’ll pay her for the call.  She tells him not to bother, it can’t be more than 30 pesos.  El Coloso walks up to interrupt them and wonders what it will take for Santos to leave—will he have to sing him Las Colondrinas, or what?  When Santos doesn’t show signs of leaving, Coloso makes reference to another Mariachi standard, El Caballo Blanco, and says, “Just as I release the reins to El Caballo Blanco and let him go, you’ll leave now.” (ref to lyrics in the song).  Santos assures him he was just saying goodbye.  One of the other Mariachi tells Coloso to stop hassling Santos and just let him leave.  Santos says his goodbyes to the muchachos.  Maria wishes him luck and hopes his friend comes through with his promises.  Santos knows he will, he’s like a brother.  He leaves and stops at the mural of La Virgen de Guadalupe and crosses himself.  He turns and flashes a smile at Maria but I’m not sure she saw him.  He signs and leaves.  Maria watches him leave, thinking she’ll never see him again.

Hotel West Side Park

Coppers surround the building!  The comandante (name?) and his second in command arrive and they enter the hotel as OJGiuliano watches from across the street.  The unsuspecting Michael is on the phone in his room ordering that giro when, BOOM, cops are knocking on the door.  He runs to the bathroom and flushes the info with Santos’ data on it before they can get to him (smart boy).  As they cart him away, Comandante growls at his 2^nd in command and she stumbles away from him.  (Is she gonna be Mejia’s comic relief?)

Jalisco Bar

Santos reflects that he is now truly on his own.  He’s still bothered by that head injury and wonders where he’ll go now.  Maria joins him and they begin to chit chat.  She warns him not to wander past the bar, it isn’t a safe area.  He jokes he has nothing left for them to take and she says that will only make it worse because then the muggers will be angry.  She gets around to asking what he does in L.A.  He remembers Michael’s warning to reinvent himself and comes up with the story that he’s an auto mechanic and that he came here with a truck driver friend to deliver his load to Tepito.  He stayed on in D.F. to do some sightseeing when he was mugged.  The good thing is that he already has one night’s stay prepaid at the hotel.  She now understands his urgency to phone his friend.  He introduces himself to her as Jorge Alfredo Vargas (our first alias!) .  She likes the name Alfredo, it is a very musical name.  As they’re talking, she drops her keys and he stoops over to pick them up.  She notices his injury and sees it’s still bleeding.  Like the lost puppy he is, she asks him to come with her so she can patch him up.  He resists but she insists.  She lives only a few blocks away and can patch him up very quickly.  She couldn't sleep knowing he’s somewhere injured without another friend in the city but her.  He agrees and insists on carrying her little valise, saying that despite the circumstances of their meeting, he is still a caballero.  They leave and Pichi (Handlebars guy) has seen them walk off together.  Coloso and the rest of the Mariachi walk out together in civilian clothes.  (They’re talking a lot of jive in slang I don’t fully understand but I gather they’re talking about a card game maybe?)  Anyway, they turn to see Pichi standing there with his mouth and eyes wide open.  Pichi eventually tells Coloso that the new guy just left with Maria, carrying her valise no less, and they were headed in the direction of her home!  Coloso is none too happy to hear this. 

Los Angeles

Poor Michael.  They've got him in an interrogation room.  Comandante and his #2 discuss the situation.  Comandante doesn't believe Mike will talk.  She thinks his capture will at least take the heat off from their superiors and the media.  He knows they won’t let up until they've captured Santos Garza.  She figures Sherlock Holmes himself doesn't compare with a commandant as intelligent, clever (sagaz), and astute as he.  And surely he couldn't have been as handsome. (oh my)  He tells her to put her mind to her work and she suggests he look at his reflection. 

D.F.

Maria and “Alfredo” end up walking through a sort of walk of fame of Ranchera music.  Santos isn’t familiar with them and she points out two:  Lola la Grande (Lola Beltran), and her favorite, Jose Alfredo (Jimenez).  She explains he wrote her favorite song, Que Bonito Amor, and she sings a few bars.  She tells him her stage name Perla isn't her real name, it’s the name given her hometown, Guadalajara (birthplace of Mariachi).  Her given name is Maria Mendoza.  “Maria, just like La Virgen,” he says “a beautiful name, just like you.”

They finally arrive at her home.   They stop briefly at the top of the stairs to cross themselves in front of the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe. 

He hesitates at the doorstop, not wanting to be a bother but she insists and of course he comes in.  She leaves him alone and he checks out the family photos as mariachi music plays.  When he gets to the enshrined Mariachi traje, we hear a bit of Pedro Infante singing Amorcito Corazon.  Maria explains the suit belonged to her late father.  We learn he was killed at a serenade.  She says he sang so beautifully.  He understands now where she got her artistic streak.  They stare at each other intensely but before anything can happen, she remembers she forgot to bring the alcohol and escapes to the other room. He’s standing in the living room alone when he suddenly hears mama’s voice calling for Maria. Amalia sleepily walks into the room and finds herself face to face with a stranger in her living room!  “What are you doing in my house!?”

Mysogynist Bar Somewhere in D.F.

The mariachi are drinking and playing some dice game.  Coloso is still seething over Maria going with the new guy.  They all begin to tease him and tell him to chill.  He wonders how they would feel if some guy took off with their woman.  One (name?) responds saying, “I don’t have just one woman and to make life easier, I only go around with married women.  Besides, I don’t remember Maria giving you the go ahead to call her your woman!”  Coloso is sure he will eventually win her heart.  He knows he needs to give the soup more “seasoning” but heck he hasn't had enough time.  Susano (trumpet guy) laughs, saying he’s been trying for over a year and nothing!  Someone says she has a way of attracting men without encouraging them.  Susano thinks this new guy may have something.  He noticed Maria may have been attracted to him.  Don’t know the name of the guy who picks up on the soup analogy, saying that to make a better sopa de ganilla, you have to have the right ingredients.  That to get a woman you must treat her right, even if she might be a bit damaged (ugh) as he caresses his guitar where it’s been taped.  He says one must know what song to sing to them.  Bottom line, he has a lot of “Viejas” because he knows how to win them over.  Coloso repeats he will make Maria his and he will destroy anyone who comes between them.

Back at Maria’s Depa

Amalia continues to scream at Alfredo.  Maria finally reappears and explains everything.  Amalia apologizes and gets into Florence Nightingale mode along with her daughter to take care of him. 

Los Mariachi Locos

Now Susano, that guy who’s name I don’t know, and Coloso are in his truck.  (Are those Mariachi bobbleheads?  I must have them) They continue to tease him, saying he couldn't possibly think that Ruben was his only rival.  Coloso starts to call Maria but the nameless guy stops him, saying it’s way too late to be calling her home and waking the whole family.  Coloso refuses to give up Maria.  If he didn't give her up to that Ruben, no way he’s gonna let her go to that penniless new guy.  Nameless Guy tells him it’s too late, he’s lost her already. 

Casa de Maria

Alfredo is in a lot of pain.  He takes off his jacket and notices Maria’s little sis Isa watching him with her doll.  She comes out and introduces herself to him.  Meanwhile Amalia scolds Maria for bringing him here so late at night.  She’s barely met him.  Amalia wonders why he’s here, what brings him here.  Maria explains he has no one here and his friend will send him money and then he’ll return to the U.S.  Amalia feels sorry for him.  They continue their first aid work.  Amalia leaves the room and Maria goes to put alcohol on his wounds.  Isa offers to hold his hand because it’s going to hurt.  She doesn't see when Maria drops something.  Alfredo and Maria both bend over to pick it up and they end up face to face almost in a kiss!  They break away and look at each other trying to understand what almost just happened.  Isa picks up the phone and it’s Coloso – she blabs that her sister’s friend is here.  Coloso demands to know if it’s Alfredo.  Isa asks and Alfredo is alarmed to think someone may know he’s here.  Maria tries to calm him down, saying no one could possible know he’s here.  Meanwhile, Coloso tells his buddies he’s going to go protect his territory!

Amalia wonders why Coloso would come over at this hour.  Isa explains it’s because he’s Maria’s novio.  Maria immediately refutes that idea.  He’s not her novio and he only insists he’s going to marry her because he’s stubborn.  Amalia thinks it may be time for Alfredo to leave.  He tells her he’s no coward and he’s not about to leave when Coloso is on his way there.  Maria also thinks its best for him to leave and offers to get him a taxi.  Alfredo refuses to leave before Coloso arrives.

Coloso is in his tricked out truck.  He can’t believe that pocho is at Maria’s house and at this hour!  The guys tell him to give it up already, he’s lost.  Coloso vehemently disagrees, saying el Coloso de Apodaca never loses! 

Back at Maria’s, Amalia tells Alfredo this has nothing to do with his bravery,  she simply doesn't want a scandal to occur in her house.   Maria explains people won’t understand why he was there at such a late hour.  Many of her neighbors are Mariachi that work with her.  He understands she’s protecting her honor.  Now he feels even worse for having come at such a late hour.  Amalia explains her daughter is noble and only wanted to help.  He will be eternally grateful for her help.  He apologizes again and turns to leave.  Maria insists on calling a cab for him and then gives him her number on a heart-shaped post-it.  She wants him to call her when he arrives at his hotel.  He resists but she persists, saying she somehow feels responsible for him. 

She walks him outside and he again thanks her profusely for all her help.  She’s been like his guardian angel and he’ll never forget it.  He hopes one day life will allow him to return the favor.  She asks if they’ll see each other again.  He’d like to but his future in Los Angeles is very uncertain at this time.  They finally part, his hand holding hers for a few seconds before finally parting.  She watches him walk away and they wave at each other.  As he disappears from view, she suddenly runs down the stairs.  Outside, Alfredo lets a very unhappy cab driver go since he doesn't have the fare.  Maria comes outside in time to see the cab turn the corner and she of course thinks he’s in it.

Coloso arrives in his over the top cursi truck.  She immediately lays into him.  What business does he have coming over here at this hour and raising such a fuss?  He asks her not to get all “gorilla” on him  (engorila – love this new word!) when she knows it’s just his jealousy.  She tells him that is not her fault.  He reminds how what he feels for her and that he doesn't like having rivals.  She says his only rival is his heart who is deceiving him.  Besides, Alfredo won’t be his rival.  He’s going back to L.A. tomorrow.  He’s bugged  to think she’s bothered by el Pocho’s leaving.  Nameless Guy tells him chill already, Pocho’s leaving.  Coloso finally says goodnight to her but she brings him back to tell him this will be the last time he will come to her house at this hour to raise a ruckus.  She warns him not to come looking for her…..cuz he’ll find her!  She goes back inside and Nameless Guy chides him for making her angry.  He tells him all “Viejas” are like that. 

Fancy Hotel de Lujo

Alfredo finally returns to his room looking for Don Rigo but he’s not there.  Don Rigo’s left him a note thanking him for his friendship.  Alfredo then pulls out the note from Maria and remembers how beautiful and sweet she is.  If only he could find a girl like her in L.A.  He starts to call her as promised but it’s already 4:00am.  He doesn’t want to call her at this hour and plops himself on the bed.  Across the moonlit sky, Maria is lying on the couch thinking it’s too bad Alfredo has to leave.  She would have liked to have known him better.  Split screen shows the star-crossed lovers thinking of each other as Chente croons “Que Bonito Amor”.  Alfredo picks up the phone again and again he doesn't call her.  Maria thinks back on the kiss that almost was.

The following morning, Alfredo wakes up with a huge smile on his face.  He gets up, still in pain and realizes it’s already 11:30am!!  The giro from Michael must surely be there by now. 

Well, uh, back in L.A. in some jail cell, Michael is distraught that he wasn't able to get that giro out to Santos.

In D.F., Alfredo/Santos finds out from the front desk there is no giro.  Darn!  He goes up the business center of the hotel.  In the lobby some old guy has recognized him as Santos Garza!  He has vowed vengeance and asks the front desk to get the police ASAP!  Santos is considering telling his mother where he is but knows he can’t send it via his e-mail.  He’ll have to create a new one.  Back in L.A., Mom is crying while holding her iPad.  She gets a message saying her “angelito” is ok and that she’ll soon receive a message. 

Casa de Maria

Maria’s worried.  She waited by the phone all night.  She knows something bad must have happened to him.  Amalia’s concerned she’s so taken with this stranger.  She doesn't blame her.  He’s educated, handsome, and charming.  But he arrived at that bar out of nowhere.  Bottom line, she knows nothing about him.  Maria’s accepted that as soon as he receives that giro from his friend, he’ll be gone.  She doubts he’ll call her before he leaves. 

Hotel

Alfredo/Santos is still at the hotel wondering why Michael didn't send that money.  He notices a news item about Michael, saying he was arrested in connection with the Garza Cars case.  (and he’s a dentist, hmm).  Now he’s determined to get back to L.A. to help his friend. 

Casa de Maria

Maria is falling asleep at the table.  She looks at the unringing phone.  Amalia speaks frankly to her daughter.  Since when does she care so much for a stranger?  She thinks it’s mostly because Maria just wants to see him again.  Maria admits this is true.  Amalia thinks Alfredo must be a man of the world, a professional.  Maria laughs at this and gives her the auto mechanic story and that he came to D.F. only to help a trucker friend.  Amalia is shocked.  Alfredo a trucker? 

******then my feed was interrupted by the breaking news in Waco.  I hope this isn’t anything more than a tragic accident.  I don’t know how much more we can take.  Anyway, my broadcast was interrupted for a few minutes and I don’t know how much I missed*****

Hotel

Santos/Alfredo is trying to get onto an elevator but he’s interrupted by some clown (literally) with birthday balloons and now he has to wait for another elevator.  Downstairs in the lobby the police have arrived, guns drawn, and are on their way up.  When they finally get there, they see the clown and then enter Santos' empty room.  I’m surprised they don’t shoot each other, they’re all standing there waving their guns around! 

Santos has made it outside and his heart skips a beat when a bellhop yells for another guest to stop – he’s left his credit card at the front desk.  Santos continues on his way.  He arrives at a park and thinks how everyone’s lives have been ruined.  Michael, Bruno and Arnold are in jail, his dad’s political career is in shambles, his sister’s wedding cancelled and his mother is devastated.  Everyone he loves has been impacted. 

He continues walking and again he has a heart stopping moment when a patrol car stops and the cops walk right past him to arrest a purse snatcher.  Whew!  He pulls out the heart-shaped note and thinks about calling Maria but he knows this would only put her in danger as well.  He finds some money in his pocket and walks on. 

Jalisco Bar

Maria is preparing for her performance but is deep in thought about Alfredo.  She just hopes he’s ok.  There’s a knock on the door!  She rushes to answer but it’s only one of the barmaids coming to tell her it’s almost time for her performance.  Maria says a silent prayer then rushes out to perform her song.

Santos/Alfredo is outside walking near the bar and is thinking of her as she sings a song (sorry don’t know the name of this one) that speaks to denying one’s past love.  “If anyone should ask about your past, it’s best not to mention me.  Tell them you've never cried.”  Basically, letting someone go.  Needless to say, she’s in tears by the end of the song.  Love the music in this TN!!!