Monday, May 13, 2013
Corazón Indomable Cap. 1, 5/13/13: Our Galan is an Unemployed Bum, Who Just Proposed to Someone Else for Money, But He Sure is Lindo and Chulo
We start our tale with a flourish of accordions, trumpets and strings and zoom in on a beautiful river where two dark-haired lovelies are swimming and frolicking. They are our heroine Maricruz Olivares and her little sister Soledad, aka Solita. But very soon the music turns sinister, and a dark horse comes galloping to the shore with a menacing looking rider. He ogles the two young girls and talks to himself about how the two sisters are like wild animals, especially Maricruz. But Solita, the deaf-mute (sordomuda), is just like how he likes his women. One day she’ll be his! Eeewwww!!!!
Next we are transported to a lovely hacienda, where our galan Octavio Narváez has just driven up to the front door. Inside, his brother Miguel and sister-in-law Lucia argue about how much longer he and his brother will be at odds over what to do with the lands. Miguel seems to think he’ll be able to put off his little brother as easily as always. Lucia wonders why he doesn’t just sell the land already, and give his brother his part. Miguel doesn’t know what he’d do with his life without the land. And little brother Octavio would just burn through the cash quickly anyways, like he always does.
Outside, we learn the sinister rider is the Narváez ranch foreman, Eusebio, who’s quite a bit more docile and subservient when he speaks with Octavio, than when he was having his nasty thoughts about Solita. He helps the young master out with his obviously expensive saddle.
Lucia doesn’t understand her husband’s deep love for the land. He believes what his father used to say: A man is only powerful when he is the owner of the land he treads. “I would be worth nothing without this land!” Lucia points out that Octavio doesn’t think the same way. Miguel acknowledges that. All Octavio cares about is having enough cash to spend and burn. Octavio walks in, but doesn’t seem surprised or too bothered that they were speaking badly about him. The two brothers stare each other down.
Back at the shore of the river, the Olivares sisters are having a far better time together, drying themselves off after their swim. They head home to eat.
Lucia tries to make peace between the brothers by denying they were badmouthing Octavio. They were just commenting that he’s never liked ranch life. Octavio doesn’t deny it, and Miguel wonders what the hell he’s doing here at the ranch then? Octavio admits he has nowhere else to go. Miguel is of the mindset that you work for your supper, so if Octavio is going to live on the ranch, he better put his nose to the grindstone. Lucia paints on a smile and begs for peace. Octavio is not fooled by his sister-in-law’s sweet demeanor and calls her a saint in a tone that drips with irony.
Out in the orange groves, Maricruz and Solita catch their abuelo atop a ladder, precariously reaching for a few oranges to provide them with supper. Maricruz insists he come down, and then goes off with machete in hand to forage for food for the family. Solita wants to come too, but Maricruz tasks her with watching their grandfather.
Lucia, who is dressed like she’s going to Los Premios TV y Novelas, instead of hanging out in the living room of her ranch in the middle of the day, whines to Miguel about his brother hating her. He never approved of their marriage, nor has ever seen her as the true lady/mistress of the ranch. Miguel insists that Octavio is just a grouch by nature. He goes deep into thought, and emerges with a brilliant idea for how to get his brother in line—marry him off!
Cue accordion, trumpets and strings, and the lovely Maricruz walking among the orange groves and fields searching for food. She digs into the ground and manages to get a few potatoes that she quickly stuffs into her satchel. But then she gets distracted by a noise and a small dark figure in a nearby bush. It’s a little monkey, and Maricruz immediately realizes that it must be as unprotected and hungry as she and her family. She promises to get him something to eat too and goes back to digging up potatoes. Unfortunately, she is caught this time by a ranch-hand, Pancho, and his menacing dogs.
Lucia has the perfect candidate to marry off Octavio, Simona Iràzabal. Why is she perfect, you ask? She’s RICH!!! Miguel knows his brother well enough to know that he wouldn’t marry for money, but Lucia is determined to make this match happen.
Maricruz swears she’s not a thief. It was just a few potatoes, and they’re hungry. She begs him to gift them to her, and he agrees…as long as she gives him a kiss! He grabs her and tries to force himself on her! Meanwhile Solita is also facing dangers from an old lecher. Eusebio offers to “help” her collect firewood, and manages to touch her hands a little too long, giving all of Viewerville creepy vibes. Solita, however, is completely innocent and unaware of his true intentions towards her and waves good bye as she walks away. Maricruz is trying to get away, but her old lecher won’t let her go, even though she’s given back the potatoes. He grabs hold of her and tells her how much more he would like her if she wore better clothes (I just want her to wear longer dresses, or better yet, jeans!), as she fights and screams. Up rides her principe azul, Octavio, on his steed, and he orders Pancho to let the girl go! Caras impactadas, a full minute of meaningful stares, and Viewerville can be pretty sure it’s love at first sight for Octavio and Maricruz.
Not realizing that the love bug has already bitten her brother-in-law, Lucia plans to bring Simona to the hacienda for a casual meet and greet with Octavio. Even the most disinterested man can’t ignore a woman with a multi-million dollar checking account, even if she’s as plain as Simona. Miguel tells her to just give it up already. Octavio is a lost cause.
Pancho tries to justify his lecherous behavior by saying Maricruz was stealing the potatoes. Maricruz can’t deny it, but says it was because she and her family are hungry. Octavio gets off his horse and orders Pancho to give the potatoes to the girl, and gives him a stern look until he slinks off. His face softens and we see a smile on our galan’s face for the first time when he sees Maricruz smiling at him. Another minute of meaningful glances.
Simona really is a Plain Jane (when’s the makeover?), but she seems excited to hear that Octavio is back in town. Lucia invites her to an intimate meal the next day, since she considers Simona (and her millions) to be “like family”. Simona later tells her Nana Carmela that she’s hasn’t yet decided if she’ll go to the meal. Carmela thinks she needs to get out and enjoy herself. Plus, it would be rude to not go, as it’s in honor of Octavio. They used to get along so well when they were kids. He was the prince of her adolescent dreams! An impossible love.
Octavio gets on his knees to collect the potatoes and the two finally introduce themselves. He says his name, and she introduces herself as one of Don Ramiro’s granddaughters, Maricruz. They shake hands. He wonders if she lives nearby, and she admits she lives quite far away, near the river. He can’t believe she came all this way to steal some potatoes. She introduces him to the realities of hunger—you do what you have to do. Octavio wonders why she never just asked the folks up at the hacienda for food. Sure, she’s asked. And she was given curses and insults. Maricruz grabs the monkey and gets ready to leave, but Octavio insists on accompanying her home, to keep her safe. She says she’s perfectly capable of protecting herself—Pancho just caught her by surprise, otherwise she would have taken care of him with some rocks! However, she doesn’t protest Octavio coming along when he compliments her (saying any man would want to kiss her) and smiles at her.
Octavio must be thinking the same thing as Viewerville about Maricruz’s two sizes too small dress when he asks her if she always goes around “like that”. He’s also likely referring to her bare feet. Maricruz happily says, yep, always. He must not be from around here if he doesn’t know that. She’s shocked to learn he’s Miguel’s brother. They’re so different from each other! He explains he’s the black sheep of the family- he doesn’t like to work, there’s no real place for him, and he’s not welcomed. Maricruz can’t understand this. She’s never met a young man like Octavio before.
Octavio and Maricruz walk as far as the river, and the monkey rides the horse. So cute! He bids her farewell and tells her to take care of herself, calling her “linda” and stroking her cheek. She is surprised to be called linda. Octavio says that all girls her age are lindas/lovely. Youth and childhood are always lovely. Well in that case, Octavio is lindo too! They share a laugh. He thanks her for the spontaneous compliment (piropo). No girl has ever done that to him before. (Really Octavio? I can’t believe that one. Nor can I believe no one has ever told Maricruz how pretty she is!) He thanks her and hands her the potatoes and the monkey, as she blushes. He rides off with a, “Cuídate linda!”, leaving a lovesick Maricruz in his wake.
And now for a little comic relief… It’s La India Maria, whom I’ve only ever seen in those ads for classic Mexican comedic movies shown on weekends. She has a tussle with her donkey, and ends up on the ground, surrounded by spilled oranges.
Back at the hacienda, Lucia continues with her single-minded plan to marry off Octavio to Simona’s bank account. If they succeed, then they wouldn’t have to sell the ranch. Their money problems would be solved! Octavio walks in and this time is bugged that they continue to talk about him behind his back. He wants them to sell the ranch already so that he can get his money, which he’s sure will be sizeable. Miguel tells him he’s wrong. One day the ranch lands will be worth a lot, but right now they’re worth practically nothing. Then why is he so determined to hang on to them, wonders Octavio?
In their shack, Maricruz asks her abuelo if she looks more like her mother or father, and if her mother was linda. “Yes. She was as lovely as a flower.” “But she died.” Abuelo Ramiro says her mother was daring/spirited (entrona) like Maricruz is. “But my father is alive, isn’t he Abuelo?” Ahh, uhm…
On to other uncomfortable family conversations... “The Narváez are NOTHING without our land! And you are also a Narváez.” Octavio wonders if their last name is what gives them the right to lord over these lands. Yup! Well, Octavio disagrees. He believes everything in life is relative. Miguel can’t believe his ears, and wonders if their mother was boinking the milkman and produced Octavio. All Octavio would get are just a few pesos from selling the land. And what happens after he wastes that money? Octavio doesn’t know, and doesn’t care. He needs money NOW, to live on. Miguel tells him he can live here, on the ranch. Lucia jumps on that idea a little too eagerly. After all, there are a lot of RICH girls around…Octavio knows where she’s going with this, and exactly who she’s thinking about. Nope. Octavio wants to hold on to his freedom. He orders Miguel to find him his money, because he wants to bounce out of the hacienda as quickly as possible. Their family last name is not important to him, and he sure as heck isn’t going to wait around 100 years for the lands to gain value.
Maricruz wants to meet her father. Abuelo Ramiro changes the subject to the delicious potatoes. Abuelo is not pleased that she stole them (how else was she to get them with no money?), but Maricruz is more concerned about keeping him, who at his age is getting too old for work, healthy; and keeping deaf-mute Solita, who has grown up so fast, well-fed. Abuelo thinks Solita was abandoned because of her condition. It saddened him and Maricruz’s mother so much when they found her that they brought her back with them. They named her Soledad because they found her all alone. But now she is a sister for Maricruz. Maricruz swears that she will always care for and protect Solita, as well as her abuelo. She would give her life for them. (If she weren’t the protagonist, this would be an anvil alert.) Maricruz starts to blush again and admits that she met a well-dressed, cute (chulo) young man that day.
Lucia follows Octavio outside and tells him about the “intimate” dinner tomorrow. He’s not fooled, and sees right through her plan to marry him off to Simona’s millions. She thinks it’s better that those millions end up in his pocket, than given to some charity or orphanage (assuming Simona’s fate is to die alone and childless). “Don’t be stubborn. Think about it…$$$...Simona’s been in love with you since you were kids. Marry Simona.” Over at her house, Simona decides to attend the dinner, with much trepidation.
Octavio says it’s a crying shame his brother isn’t single, because he’d much prefer Simona as a sister-in-law! Lucia isn’t fazed, and like a dog with a bone continues to follow Octavio and harp on him about marrying $imona. She tries the guilt card. His brother loves this land so much that selling it would be like a knife through his heart. Octavio takes off the gloves and tells her not to be a hypocrite. The real reason she wants to hold on to the lands is so that she can continue to play the mistress of a big ranch. She doesn’t see what’s so wrong with that. Well Octavio sees plenty wrong with the pittance Miguel sends him each month from the ranch earnings, which he can’t live off of. (OK. Let me interrupt for a second here to send this very important message to our galan…GET A JOB! GET A JOB! GET A JOB!) He wants money NOW, and half of this ranch belongs to him! Es mio!
Abuelo is worried about Maricruz hanging out with strange young men, who these days are just looking for any chance to take advantage of young girls like Maricruz and Solita. Maricruz swears Octavio isn’t like that; she can tell he’s good. She says his name, and Abuelo immediately knows who she’s talking about. The unreliable, fly-by-night (tarambana) brother of Don Miguel. He’s not worth it! Maricruz disagrees. He’s a good person, and cute to boot.
The next day, Maricruz takes a bucket bath outside, with Solita’s help, as she daydreams about Octavio. She chats with her monkey as she gets out of the tub and tells him she will call him Octavio, as she found him the same day she met Octavio el Chulo. I think I will call the monkey Moctavio, so as not to cause confusion. Moctavio seems to like the name. Maricruz then tells her little sis Solita how much she wishes she could hear her so that she could tell her about the muchacho she met.
Los Hermanos Narváez are also out and about together. Miguel wants to show Octavio some land he’s planning to plant sugar cane on. He is sure this will earn them mucho dinero. Octavio thinks this is just another of Miguel’s many plans that will end in failure. Miguel claims he wants success too, but Octavio can’t understand why he accepts having so little. The two walk off to the fields, as Lucia observes them from an upper terrace. “Octavio must disappear off the face of this earth!” Uh oh!
The lands Miguel shows Octavio are near pastures, where Maricruz is hanging out with some cows. She starts yelling “Joven Octavio!” until she gets his attention and he turns around, but then she immediately gets shy and self-conscious when he waves back. Miguel wonders how he knows the “river wilding” and Octavio explains that he saved her from one of Miguel’s horny peons. Miguel mentions how Maricruz is the only one providing for her geriatric grandfather and deaf-mute sister. Octavio demands that his brother order the workers to let Maricruz take the food she needs, and if Miguel doesn’t like it, then he can deduct it from Octavio’s earnings from the land. At least for as long as he’s at the ranch; after that, he’ll figure something else out. Miguel seems to feel his little brother’s preoccupation is due to how pretty Maricruz is. Octavio claims he doesn’t see her that way (as a woman), and walks off to speak to her.
Maricruz’s heart is about to jump out of her chest, but she greets the two brothers. Octavio tells her she can come to their ranch every day and take the food and milk that she needs. She accepts, but doesn’t want their foreman or peons to bug her. Octavio agrees, but Miguel is clearly annoyed. He makes sly remarks in his brother’s ear about how good looking she is—what her body would look like well-dressed and perfumed, and her eyes. Eeeewwww!!!! Octavio ignores him and continues to speak respectfully to Maricruz, and then walks away. She seems disappointed that their second encounter ended so abruptly.
At the hacienda, Octavio tells the head maid Ofelia to inform the rest of the kitchen staff that they are to give Maricruz food and milk. Ofelia is NOT happy with this and voices her outrage to Miguel. She calls Maricruz a thief. Miguel doesn’t disagree, but tells Ofelia to do as Octavio says. Maria, La India, listens in and is certain that Ofelia will give nothing but tortillas to the poor girl.
Maricruz speaks with Moctavio. She is sure that Octavio must be mad at her, despite having just given her permission to go to the ranch for food. She’s excited though by the prospect of seeing him each day when she goes to the hacienda.
At the “intimate” meal, Lucia finds an excuse for her and Miguel to leave the table and leave Octavio and $imona alone. Simona says they did so in order for them to revisit old times, because she has no new stories to share, like he does from all the places he’s traveled as a pilot. He wonders why she never travels. He did it all the time for work, until he quit. “Where could a woman travel, alone?” He says she could meet someone while traveling, but she’s not interested in meeting a fortune hunter (cazador de fortunas). Oh, Simona honey. You don’t have to travel to meet one of those! He thinks she must have potential beaus (pretendientes) keeping her around. She firmly denies having any. “And what if I offered you one, Simona?” Ruh, roh?!
Simona begs Octavio not to make fun of her. Octavio points out that it’s what his brother and sister-in-law want. She knows. At times he feels like if he weren’t so bohemian and free-spirited, he would just… He trails off and goes to sit next to Simona. He looks her in the eye and asks if she would accept, if he were to ask her to marry him. (This will not go down in the Hall of Fame of most romantic, heart-felt proposals.)
While Simona ponders that out of the blue question, outside Maricruz and Moctavio have climbed up into a tree, to better stalk Moctavio’s namesake (tocayo).
Octavio is playing some primo mind games with Simona and says her hesitation means she doesn’t love him as much as she did when they were kids. He starts to get up, and she pulls him back. “Although I know you don’t love me, I’ll marry you.” She’s been in love with him since she was little. Octavio says he doesn’t deserve her love and affection. Simona knows the real deal. She’ll marry him in order to save his lands. Who knows, he may just end up loving the lands. Octavio doubts it. He will never be able to put down roots (raices) here. He needs to constantly be on the move. He’s always been this way; it’s in his nature. They both know this is what Lucia and Miguel want, but Octavio doesn’t want them to completely get their way. He seems to have a plan.
Maricruz watches from high up in the tree and giggles as Maria struggles with her donkey. She falls out of the tree and onto poor Maria just as she’s finally gotten the donkey to get a move on. The two get up limping. Maricruz explains who she is and why she’s there. The two women make fast friends.
Octavio and Simona come out to the pool, where Miguel and Lucia are just killing time. He asks if Miguel passed on his orders about helping the river girl, which makes Lucia raise a questioning, well-plucked eyebrow. “Are you speaking about the savage? But she’s a shameless thief.” “Yes. But as of today, she’s my brother’s protegida.”
Maricruz and Moctavio continue their walk around the ranch and chat about how different and lovely Octavio is. By the pool, Lucia takes Octavio aside wondering about his interest in the savage. Octavio makes it clear he has no amorous intentions-- he likes his women older and educated. Miguel and Lucia feel that Maricruz isn’t even at the level of one of their peons. Octavio thinks they all, Simona included, should be ashamed that they live so close to Maricruz, and yet have never taken it upon themselves to look out for her and take her under their wings. Simona sputters about not knowing, but Lucia breaks in to claim that family has raised Maricruz and her sister like little animals.
The real animal in human form, Eusebio, is taking the opportunity to harass Maricruz when he finds her on the hacienda. He yells that she is prohibited from coming there, and flails his whip around to emphasize his words. “For my patrones you are trash! And they don’t want trash on their land!” Maricruz stands her ground and says Octavio gave her permission. Eusebio doesn’t believe her and they continue to argue loudly. Eusebio raises his whip, ready to strike her. Their argument brings Octavio, Miguel, Lucia and Simona running, as they could hear the argument from the pool. Eusebio is brought up to speed on Octavio’s instructions about the daily meals for Maricruz and her family. Miguel and Lucia insist that the food be brought out to the stables for Maricruz to fetch, but Octavio insists that she be able to go to the house. Lucia can’t believe he would want someone so lacking in manners (I guess defending yourself against a man who’s about to whip you is considered bad manners) to step foot in their house. Octavio points out that she was likely not taught proper etiquette, but Lucia feels you learn these things on your own. He ignores Lucia’s demand that they head back to the terrace, and insists on accompanying Maricruz to get the food. He excuses himself to Simona and then demands that Eusebio show them where in the stables he plans to leave the food for Maricruz.
Maria has made her own mission of mercy and leaves a basket of hot tortillas, chicharones, and chile verde (yum!) in front of the empty shack of Maricruz’s family, just before Ramon and Solita return.
I don’t like the remote look of the stables, but Octavio and Maricruz seem to think it’s ok. Octavio claps his hands and orders a reluctant Eusebio to go get that food for Maricruz, while Maricruz makes faces at him behind Octavio’s back. Moctavio heartily approves of Octavio’s gallant behavior and jumps into his arms. Maricruz also shows her approval by giving her hero a smile from ear to ear. It’s definitely love!
Labels: Indomable
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Vivi, Thank you. I just finished watching Carazon! My Spanish is so poor that I was wondering why Miguel had such an attitude. I figured that he's the bad man :-)
Permalink posted by 
: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 8:14:00 PM EDT
: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 8:14:00 PM EDT
I was all set to watch this one, but now I don't know, starting with the potato scene. The girl had a machete with her. A freakin' machete! She had plenty of time to go get it and could have taken care of the dogs and the rapist! This wouldn't have given Octavio to rescue her of course, but did she need it really? Because, you know, a MACHETE!
I may have to wait for some of those other listed, although it would be nice to have something to counter all the drug dealing and torture of El Cielo.
It gets better, right?
Kelly
I may have to wait for some of those other listed, although it would be nice to have something to counter all the drug dealing and torture of El Cielo.
It gets better, right?
Kelly
Permalink posted by : Monday, May 13, 2013 at 8:19:00 PM EDT
: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 8:19:00 PM EDT
I love "Moctavio" for the monkey. Otherwise things would get confusing.
I agree with all your "EWWWs" Eww-sebio is a supercreeper. Ick.
Octavio is kind of a douche right now. Your GET A JOB aside was perfect.
I think this one is going to require some wearing o' the beanie, but I think it will be good mind fluff. I'll watch it for the next couple of weeks and see.
I agree with all your "EWWWs" Eww-sebio is a supercreeper. Ick.
Octavio is kind of a douche right now. Your GET A JOB aside was perfect.
I think this one is going to require some wearing o' the beanie, but I think it will be good mind fluff. I'll watch it for the next couple of weeks and see.
It is hard to believe, but it will be better. Very soon.
I agree, that Octavio is better get a job. But this lands are his, so he can do what he wants with them. May be it's not so good, but he has all his rights to do so.
Alegria
I agree, that Octavio is better get a job. But this lands are his, so he can do what he wants with them. May be it's not so good, but he has all his rights to do so.
Alegria
Permalink posted by : Monday, May 13, 2013 at 8:44:00 PM EDT
: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 8:44:00 PM EDT
I am watching PEAM like an alcoholic, saying to myself, just for today! And when is over, I might not watch anything for a big while!
I watched a little bit of this today and thought we needed another bingo card that reads:
Protagonist has dirt in her face in all the right places and yet her make up is flawless... she could also be in bed after surgery and she surely will look fabulous! All heroines look great no matter what!
I watched a little bit of this today and thought we needed another bingo card that reads:
Protagonist has dirt in her face in all the right places and yet her make up is flawless... she could also be in bed after surgery and she surely will look fabulous! All heroines look great no matter what!
Permalink posted by : Monday, May 13, 2013 at 9:11:00 PM EDT
: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 9:11:00 PM EDT
Vivi thank you so much for this recap; I've missed them. I had nice laughs with your suggestions (Octavio get a job) and your observation that its hard to believe no one has told either of our protagonists about their attractiveness.
Though this section is the set up and seeing Rene as a bad guy is amusing after being such a good guy in AB, I look forward to the next phase w/Cesar as a good guy.
Though this section is the set up and seeing Rene as a bad guy is amusing after being such a good guy in AB, I look forward to the next phase w/Cesar as a good guy.
I hope they include a product placement for whatever detergent she uses. That dress is awfully white considering she lives in dirt.
Not a big fan of Ana Brenda, but maybe it was the lqnpa story I didn't like because I would like to stick around for Cesar Evora. But only if we see some improvement. Or Rodolfo from AB.
Kelly
Not a big fan of Ana Brenda, but maybe it was the lqnpa story I didn't like because I would like to stick around for Cesar Evora. But only if we see some improvement. Or Rodolfo from AB.
Kelly
Permalink posted by : Monday, May 13, 2013 at 9:55:00 PM EDT
: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 9:55:00 PM EDT
Kelly- To be fair, she had left the machete stuck in the earth a few feet away from where the peon grabbed her. She should have thrown the potatoes at his head though! Not sure if she was all talk when she told Octavio that she wasn’t really worried/didn’t need rescuing because she can take care of herself. In any case, I think she was more impressed by Octavio’s chulo-ness than his “rescue” of her.
Chisinmiami- I find myself actually agreeing with Miguel on a few points. Selling the ranch just so Octavio can have some quick cash to waste, is a bad idea. And if he’s going to just hang around the ranch, he needs to DO something, like WORK. But I hated how he was playing the serpent whispering about Maricruz in Octavio’s ear. That was gross.
Sara- I love that name for Eusebio—Eww-sebio is perfect!
This is a VERY old fashioned kind of telenovela, so I think we should expect clichés, lots of them. Beanies will be required; I think especially when Maricruz gets her new secret identity. Unless extensive plastic surgery in involved, I don’t see how people would believe she’s a different person. (I have the same problem with La Patrona on Telemundo, but am still enjoying that tn.) So far, I think everyone is playing their roles really well and not over the top, which is very good.
Alegria- I often wonder what happens in families where joint ownership of land is involved, especially working lands like ranches or farms, when one person does not want to continue being a farmer/rancher. I think the only way to resolve this situation is for Miguel to find enough cash to buy out Octavio’s part of the ranch.
Pablo- I think it would be REALLY hard to make Ana Brenda look ugly. She’s just a really pretty girl. But, you’re right that most heroines are never shown looking truly rough. Silvia Navarro is one of the exceptions that I’ve seen who lets it all hang out in her crying scenes—no makeup, veins popping, puffy, red eyes, runny nose—the whole bit.
Karen- I’m also enjoying seeing gooder than good “Mariano” morph into shady Miguel; and looking forward to badder than bad “Dionisio” morph into Maricruz’s good long lost papa.
Chisinmiami- I find myself actually agreeing with Miguel on a few points. Selling the ranch just so Octavio can have some quick cash to waste, is a bad idea. And if he’s going to just hang around the ranch, he needs to DO something, like WORK. But I hated how he was playing the serpent whispering about Maricruz in Octavio’s ear. That was gross.
Sara- I love that name for Eusebio—Eww-sebio is perfect!
This is a VERY old fashioned kind of telenovela, so I think we should expect clichés, lots of them. Beanies will be required; I think especially when Maricruz gets her new secret identity. Unless extensive plastic surgery in involved, I don’t see how people would believe she’s a different person. (I have the same problem with La Patrona on Telemundo, but am still enjoying that tn.) So far, I think everyone is playing their roles really well and not over the top, which is very good.
Alegria- I often wonder what happens in families where joint ownership of land is involved, especially working lands like ranches or farms, when one person does not want to continue being a farmer/rancher. I think the only way to resolve this situation is for Miguel to find enough cash to buy out Octavio’s part of the ranch.
Pablo- I think it would be REALLY hard to make Ana Brenda look ugly. She’s just a really pretty girl. But, you’re right that most heroines are never shown looking truly rough. Silvia Navarro is one of the exceptions that I’ve seen who lets it all hang out in her crying scenes—no makeup, veins popping, puffy, red eyes, runny nose—the whole bit.
Karen- I’m also enjoying seeing gooder than good “Mariano” morph into shady Miguel; and looking forward to badder than bad “Dionisio” morph into Maricruz’s good long lost papa.
Thanks so much, Vivi. It's always so hard to write up the first episode. But you managed it masterfully, and with great flair!
I'm on the fence about this one. I need to see a bit more before deciding.
I'm on the fence about this one. I need to see a bit more before deciding.
Vivi, thanks for a great kickoff recap! Even if CI is corny, I'm waiting for more goodies: hi-jinks from Moctavio, comic bits from La India Maria, the appearance of the Arabian Prince.
If Lucia had a speck of noblesse oblige, she could go ahead and take Maricruz and Simona to the spa for a day of pampering and makeovers. Then she could open up her overstuffed closet and share a few dresses. Oh well, I guess they're on their own.
La Paloma
If Lucia had a speck of noblesse oblige, she could go ahead and take Maricruz and Simona to the spa for a day of pampering and makeovers. Then she could open up her overstuffed closet and share a few dresses. Oh well, I guess they're on their own.
La Paloma
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 12:25:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 12:25:00 AM EDT
Vivi:
Thanks for this wonderful recap. I have so missed your recaps : )
I love the nickname you gave the monkey, Moctavio, lol. Perfect fit. Also like Sara's name for Eusebio, EWWW-sebio.
I find this TN charming. I love the monkey, Maria and Maricruz is so sweet and naïve in ways, for i.e. Octavio. But I think the love bug has hit them for sure.
EWWW-sebio better neva touch Solecita.
I'm glad Octavio insisted on feeding Maricruz and her family. Even though he doesn't have a job, I liked what you said in your aside to him, he at least is looking out for her. I don't like that Lucia and Miguel look down on Maricruz and her family.
I like Abeulo Romero. This actor is ninety something in real life and he is very spry for his age. And still acting. I like how he cares for his two girls.
I too agree about Ana Brenda. Even if they made her hair look like a hot mess, she is still very pretty. Can't wait for tomorrow to see the further adventures of Maricruz.
Thanks for this wonderful recap. I have so missed your recaps : )
I love the nickname you gave the monkey, Moctavio, lol. Perfect fit. Also like Sara's name for Eusebio, EWWW-sebio.
I find this TN charming. I love the monkey, Maria and Maricruz is so sweet and naïve in ways, for i.e. Octavio. But I think the love bug has hit them for sure.
EWWW-sebio better neva touch Solecita.
I'm glad Octavio insisted on feeding Maricruz and her family. Even though he doesn't have a job, I liked what you said in your aside to him, he at least is looking out for her. I don't like that Lucia and Miguel look down on Maricruz and her family.
I like Abeulo Romero. This actor is ninety something in real life and he is very spry for his age. And still acting. I like how he cares for his two girls.
I too agree about Ana Brenda. Even if they made her hair look like a hot mess, she is still very pretty. Can't wait for tomorrow to see the further adventures of Maricruz.
Thank you for your great, insighful recap.
First of all, I have to say this is the first tn I watch where Ana Brenda is the heroine; I didn't care much about her until now, but I have to say, I find her very pretty and likable. Her galan is not that bad either, I'm curious to see how he deals with his first protagonico. They do make a fine pair.
The tn seems pretty traditional so far, I'm not sure if it will hold my interest for a long time, but I'm willing to give it a chance.
I found Octavio very unlikable for more than half the show; when he kept saying he demands to have his money or else, all I could think of was: why don't you just get a job (when you "screamed" it in the recap I was right along with you, Vivi). I kept thinking that he is just another good for nothing handsome face, but then he mentioned he used to be a pilot, so I think there is something more to this story (did someone die in one of his planes, maybe someone he loved?). I totally agree with his brother, Miguel: you don't just sell the land your father left you so you can have money to burn for a while. His wife is another story, though, I bet most problems will come from her.
When I saw $imona (great nickname) all I could think of was: so this tn will have not one, but two makeovers? Not that Maricruz really needs one...a little soap on her face and a comb on her hair and she is good to go.
I could see that Maricruz is totally infatuated with Octavio, but I think he only sees her like a "pobre diabla" that needs his help, at least for now. I liked the fact that he was upfront with Simona about his sister-in-law's plans, but I was totally turned off by the fact that she was willing to marry him either way. How much longer will women be portrayed like this on TV?
Some final thoughts after watching the first epy:
- Maricruz needs to wear longer dresses - or overalls, maybe those could keep horny peons away
- Octavio should have to learn a thing or two about ranches, it's obvious that despite his best efforts, Miguel is not very good at it
- I wonder how do Lucia's fancy clothes look if she dressed like this around the house
- Would it be that impossible for Maricruz to try and get a real job, instead of stealing? I know she is doing it to save her family from starvation and she has little to no education, but stealing is stealing
- Does Lucia have a thing for Octavio?
First of all, I have to say this is the first tn I watch where Ana Brenda is the heroine; I didn't care much about her until now, but I have to say, I find her very pretty and likable. Her galan is not that bad either, I'm curious to see how he deals with his first protagonico. They do make a fine pair.
The tn seems pretty traditional so far, I'm not sure if it will hold my interest for a long time, but I'm willing to give it a chance.
I found Octavio very unlikable for more than half the show; when he kept saying he demands to have his money or else, all I could think of was: why don't you just get a job (when you "screamed" it in the recap I was right along with you, Vivi). I kept thinking that he is just another good for nothing handsome face, but then he mentioned he used to be a pilot, so I think there is something more to this story (did someone die in one of his planes, maybe someone he loved?). I totally agree with his brother, Miguel: you don't just sell the land your father left you so you can have money to burn for a while. His wife is another story, though, I bet most problems will come from her.
When I saw $imona (great nickname) all I could think of was: so this tn will have not one, but two makeovers? Not that Maricruz really needs one...a little soap on her face and a comb on her hair and she is good to go.
I could see that Maricruz is totally infatuated with Octavio, but I think he only sees her like a "pobre diabla" that needs his help, at least for now. I liked the fact that he was upfront with Simona about his sister-in-law's plans, but I was totally turned off by the fact that she was willing to marry him either way. How much longer will women be portrayed like this on TV?
Some final thoughts after watching the first epy:
- Maricruz needs to wear longer dresses - or overalls, maybe those could keep horny peons away
- Octavio should have to learn a thing or two about ranches, it's obvious that despite his best efforts, Miguel is not very good at it
- I wonder how do Lucia's fancy clothes look if she dressed like this around the house
- Would it be that impossible for Maricruz to try and get a real job, instead of stealing? I know she is doing it to save her family from starvation and she has little to no education, but stealing is stealing
- Does Lucia have a thing for Octavio?
I didn't watch this, but it sounds interesting. I too like the name $imona. It's a keeper. Thanks for the recap Vivi.
Brilliant Vivi. Thanks for the detail to get us started.
So we have another TN where the galan is a total dweeb but we know he will change because of the love of a simple, good woman. Bingo! I always need to take some deep breaths during these setup episodes ( except Abismo where the kids were better than anything!). Right now watching Octo walking around in her perfect white mini is enough to implode the beanie, but whatever.
I'll give this one a go if only to keep seeing Moctavio ( too funny). I'm in lurvvv with the monkey.
Daisy
So we have another TN where the galan is a total dweeb but we know he will change because of the love of a simple, good woman. Bingo! I always need to take some deep breaths during these setup episodes ( except Abismo where the kids were better than anything!). Right now watching Octo walking around in her perfect white mini is enough to implode the beanie, but whatever.
I'll give this one a go if only to keep seeing Moctavio ( too funny). I'm in lurvvv with the monkey.
Daisy
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:52:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:52:00 AM EDT
Vivi, that was perfect! You didn't miss a trick!
Not sure if I'm going to stick with this one, but it looks like a bingo-player's dream. We've already had "sueltame" and "no me toques." Plenty of stock characters: wicked sis-in-law, libidinous capataz. And there's a very tempting-looking staircase in the background for those plot-turning tumbles...
Not sure if I'm going to stick with this one, but it looks like a bingo-player's dream. We've already had "sueltame" and "no me toques." Plenty of stock characters: wicked sis-in-law, libidinous capataz. And there's a very tempting-looking staircase in the background for those plot-turning tumbles...
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:30:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:30:00 AM EDT
Not to mention the most classic line ever NOT to make it onto a bingo card: TU NO SABES DE LO QUE SOY CAPAZ. Guess it won't fit.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:31:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:31:00 AM EDT
Vivi in DC, yes, you are right. Lets see if Miguel think the same way.
I only want to say that Octavio can sell the land and give all the money to the charity. Or whatever he wants to do. It's unfair to depend on brother's desire to become a farmer. If tomorrow Lusia and Miguel will change their minds about land, they will sell it. And that is all.
Alegria
I only want to say that Octavio can sell the land and give all the money to the charity. Or whatever he wants to do. It's unfair to depend on brother's desire to become a farmer. If tomorrow Lusia and Miguel will change their minds about land, they will sell it. And that is all.
Alegria
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:36:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:36:00 AM EDT
Vivi-I'm flattered you like Eww-sebio. He really grosses me out. I fear we are going to have to suffer through at least one horrifying attack on Solecita.
Like NovelaMaven, I am on the fence after the first episode. I will continue to watch, though. It's a perfect time slot for me. (Because there are nights I can't even stay awake for AV.)
I agree with everyone about Ana Brenda Contreras' beauty. She's just gorgeous. I'm looking forward to the stage when she is a little less wild.
Oh! And I'm really looking forward to seeing Cesor Evora as a good guy.
PS: I'm I the only one having trouble seeing Elizabeth Alvarez as a villain?
Like NovelaMaven, I am on the fence after the first episode. I will continue to watch, though. It's a perfect time slot for me. (Because there are nights I can't even stay awake for AV.)
I agree with everyone about Ana Brenda Contreras' beauty. She's just gorgeous. I'm looking forward to the stage when she is a little less wild.
Oh! And I'm really looking forward to seeing Cesor Evora as a good guy.
PS: I'm I the only one having trouble seeing Elizabeth Alvarez as a villain?
Adriana-I forgot to comment on your comment. They *do* need to do something about Maricruz's costuming. It's really not very believable to me for some reason. It is quite clean for living in a hovel, though.
Sara, I am having NO trouble believing Elizabeth as a villain! But then I never found her very convincing as a 35-year-old virgin on Amorcito.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 8:22:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 8:22:00 AM EDT
Thanks for commenting everyone. I also wasn't bowled over by the first episode, but I liked it. I really like that the actors weren't made to overact their parts. I was especially worried about the heroine. I kept picturing Thalia (in all of her Maria roles), and Maite Peronni from Cuidado con el Angel, and how over the top (and annoying to me) those characters were. I really appreciate how Ana Brenda is playing this role.
Something about Elizabeth's eyebrows always reminded me of a villainess- sort of like an evil version of Maryanne from Gilligan's Island. Her voice is a bit too high pitched for a typical villainess, but it fits with Lucia who tries to fool everyone (including her husband) into thinking she's a good person, while she's having evil thoughts about taking Octavio out, permanently.
Thanks for the Bingo card reminder. I'm going to have to choose one and see how quickly I get through one with this tn.
I LOVE the monkey. I can't help it. I'm a sucker for monkeys. :) I do wonder about the challenges of working with one though. Did they only use one?
Something about Elizabeth's eyebrows always reminded me of a villainess- sort of like an evil version of Maryanne from Gilligan's Island. Her voice is a bit too high pitched for a typical villainess, but it fits with Lucia who tries to fool everyone (including her husband) into thinking she's a good person, while she's having evil thoughts about taking Octavio out, permanently.
Thanks for the Bingo card reminder. I'm going to have to choose one and see how quickly I get through one with this tn.
I LOVE the monkey. I can't help it. I'm a sucker for monkeys. :) I do wonder about the challenges of working with one though. Did they only use one?
Tks Vivi,
This TN is a little suspect, but the mentioning of Octavio being a pilot gives me sth to look forward to, !Ricardo Franco,Rodolfo from AB!
The scenes with Maria & the burro are funny, I think she needs to remove a few of those oranges.
This TN is a little suspect, but the mentioning of Octavio being a pilot gives me sth to look forward to, !Ricardo Franco,Rodolfo from AB!
The scenes with Maria & the burro are funny, I think she needs to remove a few of those oranges.
They used only one monkey. And it's a girl :)))
I'm not a fan of first 3 episodes, but others as for me much better.
Alegria
I'm not a fan of first 3 episodes, but others as for me much better.
Alegria
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 9:27:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 9:27:00 AM EDT
Vivi- I love MOctavio, too. While Octavio may seem like a jerk, Moctavio warmed right up to him. They say animals know the true nature of people so I'll give Octavio a pass for right now.
I will work harder to believe that Elizabeth is a villain.
I will work harder to believe that Elizabeth is a villain.
Thanks Vivi, what a great start to have you doing the opener. I'm with a few that I really hope this picks up and doesn't stay as such a cliched TN. If I have to watch Maricruz wave and look moony eyed at Octavio for too much longer, I will scream. She is acting like she's 14, but I suspect that they want to emphasize and exagerate the complete change she will go through from being the naive poor girl to the sophisticated rich woman later.
Moctavio, how about Monctavio? Get it?
I loved the $imona nickname. Why on earth would she still agree to marry Octavio after his very own description of what kind of guy he is and what she should expect from him as a husband? Can't settle down and loves to play the field. Yeah, I want to marry that.
Seeing Rene look exactly like he did in Amor Bravio playing a sickeningly sweet character to playing a dog in this one is a bit unsettling. I keep expecting him to be good. And I agree with you Vivi, I thought Miguel had some good points about keeping the hacienda and Octavio getting a job.
Moctavio, how about Monctavio? Get it?
I loved the $imona nickname. Why on earth would she still agree to marry Octavio after his very own description of what kind of guy he is and what she should expect from him as a husband? Can't settle down and loves to play the field. Yeah, I want to marry that.
Seeing Rene look exactly like he did in Amor Bravio playing a sickeningly sweet character to playing a dog in this one is a bit unsettling. I keep expecting him to be good. And I agree with you Vivi, I thought Miguel had some good points about keeping the hacienda and Octavio getting a job.
Miguel is like Bizarro Mariano. Mariano was sweet and noble. Miguel is shady and slimy. Mariano was a wiz at ranch management. Miguel is a complete failure. But they both believe in the importance of family holding on to and working the land together.
Octavio is a lazy, entitled rich boy. But he seems to be smart-- smart enough to see through Lucia- and he has a good heart. That's a good start.
I do think they have to show Maricruz being almost childlike in her innocence now, so that it will be even harder to recognize her later as the hardened, savy businesswoman (even though she will look exactly the same).
Octavio is a lazy, entitled rich boy. But he seems to be smart-- smart enough to see through Lucia- and he has a good heart. That's a good start.
I do think they have to show Maricruz being almost childlike in her innocence now, so that it will be even harder to recognize her later as the hardened, savy businesswoman (even though she will look exactly the same).
Cathyx- I considered Monctavio. :) But Moctavio covers mono, monkey, AND mock (as in faux Octavio).
Any speculations on who could be Soledad's parents? Perhaps she'll turn out to be the sister of Miguel and Octavio, or maybe even Miguel's daughter (by some poor girl)! He's old enough to be her father.
I do like that it isn't a secret within the family that Soledad was a foundling, and also that it isn't a secret that Maricruz's dad is alive out there somewhere. Although Abuelo won't give her any more info about him.
Any speculations on who could be Soledad's parents? Perhaps she'll turn out to be the sister of Miguel and Octavio, or maybe even Miguel's daughter (by some poor girl)! He's old enough to be her father.
I do like that it isn't a secret within the family that Soledad was a foundling, and also that it isn't a secret that Maricruz's dad is alive out there somewhere. Although Abuelo won't give her any more info about him.
"Miguel is like Bizarro Mariano."
Nice one, Vivi! I've been a fan of René Strickler for some time. His scowl can darken the screen and his smile can suffuse it with light and warmth. He has no trouble at all working either side of the street.
Sara, you've already see the good César Évora. Have you forgotten Dr. Sabelotodo (aka "the voice") in Triunfo?
This just in --
India Maria said NARAJAZO! Now we know what kind of nerfazos to order for watching this one!
Speaking of India Maria -- not precisely PC, right? What do we think? Does anyone care? Overthinking, right?
Nice one, Vivi! I've been a fan of René Strickler for some time. His scowl can darken the screen and his smile can suffuse it with light and warmth. He has no trouble at all working either side of the street.
Sara, you've already see the good César Évora. Have you forgotten Dr. Sabelotodo (aka "the voice") in Triunfo?
This just in --
India Maria said NARAJAZO! Now we know what kind of nerfazos to order for watching this one!
Speaking of India Maria -- not precisely PC, right? What do we think? Does anyone care? Overthinking, right?
Among the things I don't like in a TN (and my list is loooong), stands out ''characters that play themselves''.
I am glad Mrs Velasco is alive and well. I wish she had another sitcom just for herself, like she did with AY MARIA QUE PUNTERIA, but I don't like to see her here, as a part of something this ludicrous...
I love LA INDIA MARIA since her beginnings in SIEMPRE EN DOMINGO. For me, she is the best ''india'' out there and like Betty White, she should be more not picky, but careful with her choices.
But, whatever the reason, people get to that certain age where they start doing silly things...
She is one more reason why I won't watch this TN... sad!
I am glad Mrs Velasco is alive and well. I wish she had another sitcom just for herself, like she did with AY MARIA QUE PUNTERIA, but I don't like to see her here, as a part of something this ludicrous...
I love LA INDIA MARIA since her beginnings in SIEMPRE EN DOMINGO. For me, she is the best ''india'' out there and like Betty White, she should be more not picky, but careful with her choices.
But, whatever the reason, people get to that certain age where they start doing silly things...
She is one more reason why I won't watch this TN... sad!
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:14:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:14:00 AM EDT
NovelaMaven- I always have that thought about La India Maria when I see those ads for the slapstick movies she's in. However, from the bits I've seen and picked up about her "act", it's more about empowerment, about taking back the word "india/o" so that it’s NOT an insult, but instead a proud moniker.
Maria is "una india" and proud of it. Bt for much of Mexico's colonial and post-colonial history, most of its people have been ashamed of and/or hidden their Indian/Native American roots. Maria is shown to always have a good heart and a sense of humor. Although she is a comedic figure, she always seems to get the better of the rich (and non-Indian) folks. I think the character is quite subversive, although in a certain light she can also be seen as a stereotype (and therefore offensive to some). You see this quite often with African-American humor and comedians, and there is usually the same debate over whether they are breaking new ground with subversive humor, or just perpetuating stereotypes. It depends on your point of view. Since I am neither Mexican, not Indian/Native American, I'm going to wait for the opinion of someone who is. But I am guessing that even the opinion of a Mexican on this subject would depend on their race, social position, and even age.
Maria is "una india" and proud of it. Bt for much of Mexico's colonial and post-colonial history, most of its people have been ashamed of and/or hidden their Indian/Native American roots. Maria is shown to always have a good heart and a sense of humor. Although she is a comedic figure, she always seems to get the better of the rich (and non-Indian) folks. I think the character is quite subversive, although in a certain light she can also be seen as a stereotype (and therefore offensive to some). You see this quite often with African-American humor and comedians, and there is usually the same debate over whether they are breaking new ground with subversive humor, or just perpetuating stereotypes. It depends on your point of view. Since I am neither Mexican, not Indian/Native American, I'm going to wait for the opinion of someone who is. But I am guessing that even the opinion of a Mexican on this subject would depend on their race, social position, and even age.
María Elena Velasco's character comes from a time where people was not so ''easily offended'' and she has been the voice of the masahua indians (wrongfully called indians because of Columbus mistake, but that's another story).
I don't know if you're familiar with La Malinche, the woman who interpreted por Hernán Cortés in the 1500's. She had an affair and kids with him, went to Spain (like Pocahontas), and because of that, mexican people who prefers foreign to local are called ''malinchistas''.
México, if is not racist, it is somewhat malinchista. People can not stand this indias, called ''Marías'' who came out of their habitat to sell stuff on the streets of the big cities trying to survive...
La india María has made them more visible and they can not be ignored anymore. They also have ''needs''.
I love the character (and her voice inflexions), I know some masahua people who now live here in my neighborhood and they certainly are quite nice.
I still think that Mrs Velasco's character should have another name and not María Nicolasa Cruz. I wouldn't be surprised if she shows up with her donkey Filemón...
I don't know if you're familiar with La Malinche, the woman who interpreted por Hernán Cortés in the 1500's. She had an affair and kids with him, went to Spain (like Pocahontas), and because of that, mexican people who prefers foreign to local are called ''malinchistas''.
México, if is not racist, it is somewhat malinchista. People can not stand this indias, called ''Marías'' who came out of their habitat to sell stuff on the streets of the big cities trying to survive...
La india María has made them more visible and they can not be ignored anymore. They also have ''needs''.
I love the character (and her voice inflexions), I know some masahua people who now live here in my neighborhood and they certainly are quite nice.
I still think that Mrs Velasco's character should have another name and not María Nicolasa Cruz. I wouldn't be surprised if she shows up with her donkey Filemón...
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:38:00 AM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:38:00 AM EDT
Thanks, Vivi and Pablo, for weighing in on La India María. Interesting stuff. I continue to be uncomfortable with the idea of the character but realize it is my problem -- I'm not the intended audience here. When you peek in the window of another culture, you shouldn't complain about what you happen to see. (Well mostly, I guess. It's a matter of degree.)
Hahahaha!
''why don't we all get along?'' Right?
''why don't we all get along?'' Right?
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 12:02:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 12:02:00 PM EDT
Pablo
I love the story of La Malinche.
She was sold by her father to the Mayas then given to the Spanish after a being defeated in a battle. She supposedly was very beautiful & very good at language.
I love the story of La Malinche.
She was sold by her father to the Mayas then given to the Spanish after a being defeated in a battle. She supposedly was very beautiful & very good at language.
When you peek in the window of another culture, you shouldn't complain about what you happen to see.
I hear ya' Novela!
Pablo and Vivi-Thanks for the information. I did not like the India Maria schtick because it was well...schtick. It seemed a little out of place; like it served no purpose. I generally don't like "no purpose" comic relief in TNs.
I hear ya' Novela!
Pablo and Vivi-Thanks for the information. I did not like the India Maria schtick because it was well...schtick. It seemed a little out of place; like it served no purpose. I generally don't like "no purpose" comic relief in TNs.
Anybody knows where all this is taking place? Maybe there's a valid reason that María is there... or maybe they just wanted to have her there instead of other ''indias'' less gracious...
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:12:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:12:00 PM EDT
Hahahaha!
Anda muy desbalagada esa india!
She's way too far from her region... I am sure there's local Tamaulipecos there who could have had that place.
Anybody remembers who this character was in the Marimar version? Did exist or it has been made up for some reason? Was it Maricruz grandma but now with the invention of the deaf-mute character she had to be placed outside the hut?
Anybody remembers if URPEA had tarahumara indians as characters?
It would be interesting to see if TN are being inclusive for a reason or just to have ''gente pintoresca'' to appeal foreign TN watchers, that see them as comic relief.
I mean, one thing is the clothing and the food, and another the whole character dress in full regalia.
Anda muy desbalagada esa india!
She's way too far from her region... I am sure there's local Tamaulipecos there who could have had that place.
Anybody remembers who this character was in the Marimar version? Did exist or it has been made up for some reason? Was it Maricruz grandma but now with the invention of the deaf-mute character she had to be placed outside the hut?
Anybody remembers if URPEA had tarahumara indians as characters?
It would be interesting to see if TN are being inclusive for a reason or just to have ''gente pintoresca'' to appeal foreign TN watchers, that see them as comic relief.
I mean, one thing is the clothing and the food, and another the whole character dress in full regalia.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:23:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:23:00 PM EDT
Pablo- I don't remember an indian character in Marimar. The grandmother wasn't portrayed as being indian either. There WAS however a Black mammy-like character. I won't go into how offensive that particular character was to me. I tried to take off my Jamaican-American lenses to watch that. :)
What is URPEA?
Found this tidbit on Maria: http://www.visibleworld.net/genderandtechnoculture/jchavez/2ndpg.html
What is URPEA?
Found this tidbit on Maria: http://www.visibleworld.net/genderandtechnoculture/jchavez/2ndpg.html
India Maria had special appearance in this novela. In Marimar there was a woman called Corazon. It is not the same character, but very close to it.
Shame on me, but I didn't know about India Maria before a started to watch this novela. At first I didn't like her at all, but then I think the change a little her role and I liked it.
Alegria
Shame on me, but I didn't know about India Maria before a started to watch this novela. At first I didn't like her at all, but then I think the change a little her role and I liked it.
Alegria
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:35:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:35:00 PM EDT
Alegria- Yes, Corazon was the Black mammy character. I'm going to avoid commenting on that one. LOL!
Ahh!
Now I remember, Corazón (Julia Marichal, Kalimba's recently deceased aunt, right)...
Un refugio para el amor (URPEA), sorry...
So Marimar was located in Veracruz, or how does the black white magic woman presence can be explained? Right? I think I remember her reading the snails (shells)... maybe she was cuban living in México?
Now I remember, Corazón (Julia Marichal, Kalimba's recently deceased aunt, right)...
Un refugio para el amor (URPEA), sorry...
So Marimar was located in Veracruz, or how does the black white magic woman presence can be explained? Right? I think I remember her reading the snails (shells)... maybe she was cuban living in México?
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:42:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:42:00 PM EDT
Oh the Corazon character is...just...wow. Marimar was made in the 90's, right? Definitely an example of things you see when peeking into someone's cultural window.
I know we don't/shouldn't compare remakes, but I had issues with how incredibly "backwoods" some people in Marimar were...and I have the same issues with how "backwoods" Maricruz (and others) seem in this one too.
I know we don't/shouldn't compare remakes, but I had issues with how incredibly "backwoods" some people in Marimar were...and I have the same issues with how "backwoods" Maricruz (and others) seem in this one too.
Refugio did have a few Indian characters, and charcaters who embraced aspects of their indian heritage more than others, like the heroine. Her art dealer friend was also depicted as an indian with very close ties to her culture. I don't know what the tribe(s) were, but the depiction was very respectful, and didn't hit you over the head trying to give some kind of "message" about the indians. They did end the tn with a shaman leading a pledging ceremony between the two leads, instead of a typical Catholic Church wedding. They didn't go into details about the history behind the ceremony or explain the specific tribe's traditions they were depicting.
Sara- Just in the last few episodes- an old lady and her grandson who find badly injured Ivan and Camilo in the middle of nowhere, and nurse them until help comes.
Yes. I remember that. I think she is Mónica Miguel but this time I remember she gave a whole speech about this and that about her traditions and why she lived by the sea and why she was upset with the guy... something like that... she even had her face painted!!
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:27:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:27:00 PM EDT
"It would be interesting to see if TN are being inclusive for a reason or just to have ''gente pintoresca'' to appeal foreign TN watchers, that see them as comic relief."
Pablo- Believe me. The Maria character does NOT appeal to foreign tastes (at least not the U.S.), so her inclusion I'm pretty sure was done for the local Mexican market for nostalgic reasons.
Pablo- Believe me. The Maria character does NOT appeal to foreign tastes (at least not the U.S.), so her inclusion I'm pretty sure was done for the local Mexican market for nostalgic reasons.
Liked Ana Brenda, loved the monkey--though the old adage of not working with kids or animals is probably right on. When Vale shows up in PEAM, she's all I watch. When the monkey showed up in scenes here, she had my whole attention. Miguel doesn't seem to be that villainous, but I'm coming off of AB which had really bad people in it ;). Looking forward to seeing Cesar Evora play a good guy and looking forward to seeing Rodolfo (AB).
Thought the editing was not very smooth and give that girl a rubber band to tie back her hair. I really hate that hair in the face thing--though I understand why it's happening in this TN.
OT: anyone out there watching QBA? Has my boyfriend showed up yet--Alejandro Ruiz (Jacinto-MEPS, guy killed by sledge hammer-STuD), guy lynched--CME, the awesome P. Anselmo-AB)?
Nanette
Thought the editing was not very smooth and give that girl a rubber band to tie back her hair. I really hate that hair in the face thing--though I understand why it's happening in this TN.
OT: anyone out there watching QBA? Has my boyfriend showed up yet--Alejandro Ruiz (Jacinto-MEPS, guy killed by sledge hammer-STuD), guy lynched--CME, the awesome P. Anselmo-AB)?
Nanette
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:32:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:32:00 PM EDT
Pablo- Yes, the character was played by Monica Miguel. But they were up in a mountainous desert area, not the sea, and she was worried about the authorities accusing them of hurting the two blancos, but her grandson persisted in getting help and took off with one of the blancos to find help.
Vivi: I forgot to tell you how much I enjoyed your recap. Love when the recaps are very detailed, since I watch mostly for entertainment and not necessarily to learn Spanish.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:35:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:35:00 PM EDT
Thanks, it is my memory...
I am sure producers think and decide with their wallets. I can't come up with a reason for María Nicolasa to be in that TN. If it's a cameo, or if it's a homage to her career, or whatever reason, it is wrong.
For me, she is too big as to lend herself to a ridiculous TN remade ''n'' number of times.
She deserves better. But as I said, people get old and they do the most outrageous things. Whatever it is I don't like her there... I hope she doesn't stay til the end...
I am sure producers think and decide with their wallets. I can't come up with a reason for María Nicolasa to be in that TN. If it's a cameo, or if it's a homage to her career, or whatever reason, it is wrong.
For me, she is too big as to lend herself to a ridiculous TN remade ''n'' number of times.
She deserves better. But as I said, people get old and they do the most outrageous things. Whatever it is I don't like her there... I hope she doesn't stay til the end...
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:40:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:40:00 PM EDT
Thanks Nanette. As the first episode I felt it was important to give all the details. I am going to try to be less detailed as the show goes along, but it's hard for me. LOL! I pick up on all the details and I'm compelled to mention them. I do like to pick up on interesting words or words I seldom hear, like what grandpa called Octavio-- tarambana. Even Maricruz had to ask him to repeat it.
Hi Vivi---I didn't want to get involved with a 7:00 novela but Ana
Brenda, she's a goddess. How could I say no? Besides, the story looks good to me. Thank you for a super recap---It's the first recap of yours that I have read. I say again
it was super.
They have Ana Brenda paired up with a handsome guy, now it's as you said, if he can just get a job.
I probably will not comment much because I can't stay on the computer all morning but I will definitely stay on this one.
the gringo
Brenda, she's a goddess. How could I say no? Besides, the story looks good to me. Thank you for a super recap---It's the first recap of yours that I have read. I say again
it was super.
They have Ana Brenda paired up with a handsome guy, now it's as you said, if he can just get a job.
I probably will not comment much because I can't stay on the computer all morning but I will definitely stay on this one.
the gringo
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 3:03:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 3:03:00 PM EDT
Thanks Gringo. Hope you can drop by regularly. You and I have already shared a recapping journey together on Refugio. I really enjoyed your comments there and hope to see them here too. :)
Not my first Vivi recap. What a treat to be reading a Vivi recap once more. Good job.
I never judge a TN based on the first few episodes. If I did, I would have missed Gancho, LldA, and AV.
I fail to see a problem with the wild girls' outfits.
For me La India Maria is such a treat. An added bonus was that she prompted a phone call from my dear Spanish Profa Adriana who has moved to Austin, "¿La viste, Carlos?"
She was the subject of several of our early discussions of Mexican culture.
Carlos
I never judge a TN based on the first few episodes. If I did, I would have missed Gancho, LldA, and AV.
I fail to see a problem with the wild girls' outfits.
For me La India Maria is such a treat. An added bonus was that she prompted a phone call from my dear Spanish Profa Adriana who has moved to Austin, "¿La viste, Carlos?"
She was the subject of several of our early discussions of Mexican culture.
Carlos
Jarocha accidently left these comments over on the Amores Verdaderos post. I’m pasting them here:
-
Great recap Vivi!
This is the only episode I've seen of this show. And I saw it online because 4 pm shows are impossible for me to watch.
I kept thinking the same thing as you about Octavio. He needs to get a job. Sure, part of the Hacienda is his but I don't think he is entitled to ask his brother to sell their parents life work ust so he can have more money to spare. And really, I doubt he is not getting enough money to live there, even on a tight budget (for him anyway, I dount whatever he receives is not enough to live well).
I like the monkey too. According to Ana Brenda they get along and he had a bit of an attitude during the first weeks of shooting but later on he got used to the cast and crew.
I think Maricruz is supposed to be living in extreme poverty so she wouldn't be able to afford jeans but maybe some used long shorts would be more accurate. It would depend on how. Although skirts aren't uncommon but her rags do need to be filthier.
I don't know why La India María is here, that was odd. I do like her, as a Mexican, although I understand why it may hurt American sensitivities. I just always saw her movies as a kid and she's like Cantinflas to me, I never laughed at her but at the way other people were made fools by her. Kind of like the typical likeable naco in novelas (say, Beto in Gancho) they are stereotypes but you are supposed to like them and root for them when others look down on them and they represent a social class that is extremely looked down upon and made fun of here in Mexico.
Jarocha
Tue May 14, 04:21:00 PM EDT
-
I meant that Maricruz getting new clothes would depend on how close they are to a town and how connected this town is to merchants of second hand clothes.
Jarocha
Tue May 14, 04:25:00 PM EDT
-
Great recap Vivi!
This is the only episode I've seen of this show. And I saw it online because 4 pm shows are impossible for me to watch.
I kept thinking the same thing as you about Octavio. He needs to get a job. Sure, part of the Hacienda is his but I don't think he is entitled to ask his brother to sell their parents life work ust so he can have more money to spare. And really, I doubt he is not getting enough money to live there, even on a tight budget (for him anyway, I dount whatever he receives is not enough to live well).
I like the monkey too. According to Ana Brenda they get along and he had a bit of an attitude during the first weeks of shooting but later on he got used to the cast and crew.
I think Maricruz is supposed to be living in extreme poverty so she wouldn't be able to afford jeans but maybe some used long shorts would be more accurate. It would depend on how. Although skirts aren't uncommon but her rags do need to be filthier.
I don't know why La India María is here, that was odd. I do like her, as a Mexican, although I understand why it may hurt American sensitivities. I just always saw her movies as a kid and she's like Cantinflas to me, I never laughed at her but at the way other people were made fools by her. Kind of like the typical likeable naco in novelas (say, Beto in Gancho) they are stereotypes but you are supposed to like them and root for them when others look down on them and they represent a social class that is extremely looked down upon and made fun of here in Mexico.
Jarocha
Tue May 14, 04:21:00 PM EDT
-
I meant that Maricruz getting new clothes would depend on how close they are to a town and how connected this town is to merchants of second hand clothes.
Jarocha
Tue May 14, 04:25:00 PM EDT
Thanks Vivi!
Sorry for the hassle of bringing here the comments. I should have done that after finishing my post there.
Jarocha
Sorry for the hassle of bringing here the comments. I should have done that after finishing my post there.
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:05:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:05:00 PM EDT
Carlos: this cracked me up. So you. "I fail to see a problem with the wild girls' outfits."
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:06:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:06:00 PM EDT
I live in San Diego and assume this TN was made in Mexico. Basically, I live pretty close to the border. We don't have wild Monkeys here and I'm pretty sure that they can't read (so they don't stop at the US border). Why is there a lone Monkey hanging out? Was that every explained?
Cynderella- Just found this on spider monkeys:
"The surroundings of Spider monkeys can be seen covering the Mexico region, where the genus Ateles in the Neotropics are seen to be most common. We can see them distributed from Tamaulipas (where our tn takes place) to the border with Guatemala. They are also found restricted to the Yucatan peninsula.
The geographical distribution of spider monkeys in Mexico is closely linked to the distribution of tropical wet forests. As a result of human activity, there has been a fast disappearance of these ecosystems, which has seen a decline in the population of spider monkeys in Mexico."
I'm guessing that since Maricruz mentioned that he was probably all alone like her sister, there's some destruction of natural habitat happening that's leaving orphaned monkeys around.
"The surroundings of Spider monkeys can be seen covering the Mexico region, where the genus Ateles in the Neotropics are seen to be most common. We can see them distributed from Tamaulipas (where our tn takes place) to the border with Guatemala. They are also found restricted to the Yucatan peninsula.
The geographical distribution of spider monkeys in Mexico is closely linked to the distribution of tropical wet forests. As a result of human activity, there has been a fast disappearance of these ecosystems, which has seen a decline in the population of spider monkeys in Mexico."
I'm guessing that since Maricruz mentioned that he was probably all alone like her sister, there's some destruction of natural habitat happening that's leaving orphaned monkeys around.
I'm guessing that since Maricruz mentioned that he was probably all alone like her sister, there's some destruction of natural habitat happening that's leaving orphaned monkeys around.
I'm in the minority I'm sure, but I would love for them to put a little "Save the wildlife" PSA into he show. Hee hee.
I'm in the minority I'm sure, but I would love for them to put a little "Save the wildlife" PSA into he show. Hee hee.
Sara: add me to the minority.
Also, I always cringe a little when I see animals in shows/movies filmed outside the US. I'm hoping Mexico has animal actor safety rules.
Also, I always cringe a little when I see animals in shows/movies filmed outside the US. I'm hoping Mexico has animal actor safety rules.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:54:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 5:54:00 PM EDT
That little monkey reminds me of my coon cat -- he used to drape himself over the back of my neck like that. We called it "playing mink stole."
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:01:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:01:00 PM EDT
LOL! This fan of Amor Bravio just noticed that the first name under "Actuaciones Estelares Juveniles is none other than...Isadora Gonzalez!
Got my beanie ready...
Got my beanie ready...
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:19:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:19:00 PM EDT
Re: the appearance of La India Maria. I had only a superficial idea of her character, but understand more now. I would like to see her in a costume NOT identical to her movie costumes, but that might not make whatever point they're trying to make.
I think I'll discard the beanie, put on an open-weave straw hat, and just let it all flow through me.
I think I'll discard the beanie, put on an open-weave straw hat, and just let it all flow through me.
I am sure you already know about the movie HUAPANGO, starring María Elena Velasco and directed by her son Ivan Lipkies. If you find it, you will enjoy the Othello version with mexican folcloric dances from the Huasteca region. Excellent! And you can see Mrs. Velasco without that india María costume.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:38:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:38:00 PM EDT
Blue Lass: My kitty Neo (who just died) used to jump on my back when I was bent over and sometimes when I was standing straight! That with his other antics earned him the nickname "Monkey". I called him that more than I did Neo (in fact, both he and Julie have numerous nicknames--I'm sure they forgot their real names). Still mourning him, so it's a little hard to see Moctavia. It's actually hard to write the word "monkey". Strange, I know. I'm getting better, but still miss him like mad.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:38:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:38:00 PM EDT
Sue- LOL! How funny. Isadora Gonzalez is the actress playing $imona. I don't think I've seen her in a tn before. I wonder if she watched AB and knows her name was made infamous?
I didn't know anything about India Maria. I thought the costume looked a little expensive for someone who's hard up.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:40:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:40:00 PM EDT
Just finally getting to this after a crazy day but great debut and no one better to start it off than you Vivi.
Interesting discussion, especially on cultural differences and what is, or isn't offensive and why.
As so often happens, the recap and the comments far surpass the silly, contrived story. You all can still spin gold out of dross I see.
Interesting discussion, especially on cultural differences and what is, or isn't offensive and why.
As so often happens, the recap and the comments far surpass the silly, contrived story. You all can still spin gold out of dross I see.
We could change the name of the blog to Rumpelstiltskin
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:50:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:50:00 PM EDT
Vivi--Your recap almost makes me want to watch CI. I'm already stretched with 3, boohoo. So far, I'd only watch for Daniel Arenas, he certainly cleaned up well after Amorcito Corazon!
I hope Ana Brenda cleans up as well sooooon.
The comments on what she was wearing was spot on. I think some of her wardrobe was left over from LQNPA. She should have been in raggedy pants and wearing huaraches made of twine or something.
Will we *evvaaa* see upper class women in casual clothing and flats at home or cafes in these tns? I think Silvia Navarro is the exception to the rule--with few or no hair extensions.
I may watch occasionally, or regularly, but I probably won't have time to comment.
As for the villains--I thought they just had their own conflicting agendas, but then I heard Luci say Octoguy needed to be wiped off the planeta. Cold. She's happy where she is and doesn't want to move, sell the hacienda *or* give BIL his share of the inheritance. Miguel is right, Octoguy would only run through his and then want more.
The comments comparing Mariano (AB) and Miguel (CI) were great.
As for "getting a job," if Octo is a pilot, don't they make pretty good money? Or did he get fired?
Guess this will be the last comment since the episode is already running in the east.
Chau, compañeros.
I hope Ana Brenda cleans up as well sooooon.
The comments on what she was wearing was spot on. I think some of her wardrobe was left over from LQNPA. She should have been in raggedy pants and wearing huaraches made of twine or something.
Will we *evvaaa* see upper class women in casual clothing and flats at home or cafes in these tns? I think Silvia Navarro is the exception to the rule--with few or no hair extensions.
I may watch occasionally, or regularly, but I probably won't have time to comment.
As for the villains--I thought they just had their own conflicting agendas, but then I heard Luci say Octoguy needed to be wiped off the planeta. Cold. She's happy where she is and doesn't want to move, sell the hacienda *or* give BIL his share of the inheritance. Miguel is right, Octoguy would only run through his and then want more.
The comments comparing Mariano (AB) and Miguel (CI) were great.
As for "getting a job," if Octo is a pilot, don't they make pretty good money? Or did he get fired?
Guess this will be the last comment since the episode is already running in the east.
Chau, compañeros.
Nanette, we lost our coon last October. He was an absolutely terrible cat, and we miss him like crazy.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 9:03:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 9:03:00 PM EDT
I'm 12 and in love with this show it's getting so good! Everday I watch it! Sometimes I miss it so I have watch it the next day off Hulu on my phone.
I am Mexican - American and my friends look up to me for spanish help. I can read and understand spanish very, very well. But, I am too nervous to speak it and I find it difficult to write. I have never taken a Spanish class. I believe I am doing very well in Spanish for my age (being an average American and only being spoke to in Spanish by my mother(she speaks spanish to me about 75% of the time) and sometimes her relatives and my brother). I will be starting middle school soon and many of my friends were accepted to rake spainish (I was not, due to the fact that I registered out of area to another school and got the left over classes).
I'm glad to know I'm not the only American watching this show.
though.. I am not one bit confused for as I said before.. I understand spanish very well.
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I am Mexican - American and my friends look up to me for spanish help. I can read and understand spanish very, very well. But, I am too nervous to speak it and I find it difficult to write. I have never taken a Spanish class. I believe I am doing very well in Spanish for my age (being an average American and only being spoke to in Spanish by my mother(she speaks spanish to me about 75% of the time) and sometimes her relatives and my brother). I will be starting middle school soon and many of my friends were accepted to rake spainish (I was not, due to the fact that I registered out of area to another school and got the left over classes).
I'm glad to know I'm not the only American watching this show.
though.. I am not one bit confused for as I said before.. I understand spanish very well.
Permalink posted by : Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 2:17:00 AM EDT
: Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 2:17:00 AM EDT
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