Qué Bonito Amor #13 (Mex 19-20.1) Wednesday 5/1/13

Note: Until we start getting standard episodes, I will dispense with the usual divisions of review, present, and preview.

Capitulo 19: The Consequences of Amor, Part 1

JNTR: To the sound of our dear Don Chente singing the title song, Maria walks down the lighted pathway through the club, up the stairs, and to the roof where she finds another rose and the shawl draped over the gramophone that probably once belonged to Quentin Collins. We hear an old record playing that is implied is that of Maria's father. She turns around to see Jorge Alfredo take off the sombrero on the approach. They kiss to the sound of a couple singing “Qué Bonito Amor” and this begins to feel like a Hollywood romance from the 60s. We see that the next Norman Bates Susanito is the one dropping the rose petals on them. Jorge Alfredo suddenly pulls back his right hand and he is bleeding from a splinter. Susanito teases him that working as a cargador would do that. Maria tells him he didn't have to make this sacrifice for her. However, he is not concerned with what it takes to show his love.

Garza Mansion: Justo demands to know what proof the police have. Commandante Derecho and Curtis tell him they have photos of Santos living it up in Mexico City. They know where to find him and won't rest until they get him. [Since we don't see the photo we wonder how this man is so sure.]

Rooftop: Jorge Alfredo should be writing The Playboy Advisor column; he is asking Maria if she knows what it does to him each time he looks at her. Something about the wings of a thousand doves. [How many men watch these programs to learn lines like this? Enquiring minds want to know.] Maria says that all she can do is love him. More love talk, including Maria's not asking any questions she should be asking, but telling him that he can always talk to her about it. He looks away from her for a second, finally telling her to teach him to forgive what he must and to love so that can follow all the pain. Movie poster kiss. New song begins.

Club Room: The new song must have teleported them to this room, because the lighted signs on the stage are behind them. Oscar and the others arrive dressed to perform (Oscar in black with red accents and the other guys in red with silver embroidery) and Oscar applauds sarcastically until Jorge Alfredo turns around to hear “We have an appointment” which Maria immediately interprets as their next cockfight, but Oscar tells her no te preocupes because it's to provide a serenata with the band. Fernando comments on it, for which Oscar decides to exclude him this time. Jorge Alfredo is not alright with this and protests but Fernando tells him it's not worth the trouble; he'll take the opportunity to provide one of his own that evening. He takes his guitar and departs. As he gets out the front door he checks his tweeting cell phone, confirming he has a booty call private engagement for the evening.

L.A. Jail: The evil trio of Giuliano, Bruno, and Arnold sit at a table in the visitors' room. [Bruno and Arnold are probably relieved to not be near a mirror; not everyone can wear tangerine.] Giuliano tells them that he will be before the authorities in the morning with the fake evidence; Bruno comments that this is excellent news. Giuliano [who thinks he's Michael Corleone] tells Bruno quite coldly that he has it in his hands to insure that things will go back to the way they were before. Bruno, however, does not think so; nothing will be the same again. All he wants is to get Wendy back [which he deserves] and take her far away from this nightmare. Giuliano tells him he can... if he denounces Santos. Bruno comments that this is betraying his best friend, something he had never done before. As he sits there with crocodile tears and anguish, Giuliano nods silently to Arnold.

Lawn of Semi-Suburban House: Oscar asks the client what kind of song he wants and is told to do something romantic, so his wife won't leave him. [This client is as drunk as the previous one; what gives here?] Susanito guesses that the couple had a fight and he's looking for forgiveness. Oscar dismisses Jorge Alfredo and tells the guys to play “Ella.” All the guys play and sing. As their voices carry up to the second floor Fernando opens a window, looks out, and realizes he is busted! Jorge Alfredo checks that Oscar isn't watching, takes a few steps closer to the spot directly below the window and stage-whispers “What is going on?” Fernando is relieved as he drops his jacket, tie, and whatever else before climbing out the window and wondering whether he will break his fool neck jumping down. He starts a quick confession he doesn't complete as he jumps down and exits in one piece as Jorge Alfredo turns back to rejoin the others as they finish the song. They look up to see if the client's wife opens the window. No immediate reaction, but Oscar is confident there will be; this song never fails. Lo and behold she does come down in a crimson robe, smiling, and embraces her husband. As they kiss the band plays their little victory call.

Mendoza Apartment: Maria listens to another old record on the gramophone as she studies, but then thinks of Jorge Alfredo. [Note: Even if this unit could play a late 80s recording it wouldn't sound like this.] She hears Jorge Alfredo's words as she picks up the rose he gave her and smiles.

Suburban Street: Fernando sits on the curb, leaning on his guitar as Jorge Alfredo catches up with him, laughing. Fernando is a little embarrassed because he feels like a fool. On some level he must realize that this would happen sooner or later. He suggests they get a bite to eat; he knows a good place. Jorge Alfredo hands him his tie and suggests he spruce himself up first. They exit.

Cantina: Jairo and Oscar are having a drink and Jairo tries telling him that Maria may have a moral debt to him, but she will never love him. She may feel all the gratitude in the world, but that isn't love. Oscar isn't ready to hear this, saying he will never find a better woman than Maria. Jairo tells him there are lots of fish in the sea and he can catch many. Oscar responds that he knows, but that night long ago [Cue Brief Silent Flashback in Near-Monochrome] when they were in the hospital and Maria was crying in his arms he knew he loved her. He intends to keep trying and won't let El Pochito [¡Salud!] interfere.

Diner: Fernando and Jorge Alfredo catch a post-midnight snack after the narrow escape. Fernando asks whether Jorge Alfredo was previously single or engaged, but Jorge Alfredo is distracted by the presence of The L.A. Times being read by a man at the next table. Finally he turns back to him and Fernando says “You're hiding something.” Jorge Alfredo says that's it's a question of honor, a family thing. Fernando realizes there is more to it, commenting that it has to be something very serious if it's bigger than amor. When Jorge Alfredo doesn't respond to this, he excuses himself to go to the restroom, then gets up and leaves the table. Jorge Alfredo asks the other man's permission to look at the newspaper, gets it, then immediately finds his photo and an article saying that Santos Martinez de la Garza is hiding out in Mexico City. He quickly and deftly tears out the page and folds it, returns the rest of the paper, and pockets the folded page just as Fernando returns and sits down. We are now asking ourselves who the hell the serenata client was because several guys who resemble henchmen enter. Fernando seems to recognize them and the leader of this nasty trio says something about having to remind him to stay away from their boss's wife. He takes out a dagger and brings it down to demonstrate this. We don't see where it lands yet, but Jorge Alfredo looks up, shocked. The guy his cut Fernando's hand and comments about giving him another chance to save his hands... and his life. He hands Fernando's guitar case to one of the other guys and Fernando tries to get it back. Obviously this guy is out for blood. Jorge Alfredo does some quick thinking while he observes this, then gets up to excuse himself because this has nothing to do with him as their target is a complete stranger. He excuses himself, basically telling Fernando that's life and this is his bad luck. He exits. [Ay, dios mio, is this our pesadilla?]

Oscar's Apartment: He sits on the couch, strumming his guitar as he thinks of the earlier events just before leaving the club. One of his songs is heard as he laments the lack of Maria's love.

Diner: Jorge Alfredo has not disappointed the flies on the wall after all; he breaks a chair over the gangster's back. Fernando punches out the other guy and several punches later a female patron breaks something over one of the evil ones' heads as our two mariachis make their getaway to get a cab. One of the gangsters staggers toward the door, but is held back by the other patrons.

Cab: The driver asks them where they're going and Fernando finally tells him “Plaza Garibaldi.” They talk about possibly having to lie low for a few days.

Mendoza Apartment: Amalia can't sleep. She notices the gramophone and Maria tells her that Jorge Alfredo gave it to her. Amalia wonders how he got the money for it. Of course he worked for it and guess what? He paid our back rent, Maria tells her. “That means he loves me, I know it. This is how he shows it.” Amalia is still stubbornly suspicious. [Callese, metiche; Maria es un adulta.]

Jorge Alfredo's Apartment: After a few drinks Fernando is persistently asking Jorge Alfred again about the past that he never talks about. Jorge Alfredo tells him he has to go back, but says no more. Fernando is determined, however, saying they should talk man-to-man. He's sure he's deceiving Maria. Jorge Alfredo tells him “I love Maria; you've seen me suffer over her.” But he stands up and the folded newspaper page falls on the floor. He grabs it before Fernando can, brushing it off as nothing particularly important. Finally Fernando picks up his guitar to go home to catch a few zzz's. Jorge Alfredo gives him some cab money, which he refuses. He expresses his gratitude over the guitar and they share a last trago before Fernando leaves. Jorge Alfredo sits down on the bed and reads the article. Fernando returns long enough to retrieve his jacket and sombrero, then departs.

The Following Morning

Jorge Alfredo's Apartment: He wakes up to the sound of police sirens and the sight of the article. He becomes concerned about them looking for him.

Fernando's Apartment: As he looks out the window he remembers what he thought he saw, saying he has to find out what was in that newspaper.

Mendoza Apartment, Outside: Isabel hands Jorge Alfredo something (possibly her math homework so he can look at it) and he leaves.

Garza Mansion: Justo addresses Giuliano in a way that sounds like he might be a little suspicious of his willingness to think Santos guilty. He knows how the law works in the EEUU, so why did Giuliano recommend that Santos flee? Two hard pairs of eyes stare into each other.

Mendoza Apartment: Jorge Alfredo returns to escort Maria to the university, but is not pleased at seeing the Flowerzilla arrangement. He asks Isabel about this and she says they were given to Maria. He compares that to the two roses in the vase and clearly estos celos are activated again. Maria enters with her bag and before they exit Jorge Alfredo promises Isabel he will help her with her math. He takes Maria's bag and she senses that something is wrong. She correctly guesses that this is about the flowers and that he's jealous. He admits it and she tells him it's not Oscar's fault. They exit and we see that Mancia has been eavesdropping. After comments about “young people today” she declares “Las cartas no mientan” [TN cliché #15] and that Jorge Alfredo and Maria are made for each other.

University, Outside: Jorge Alfredo brusquely hands to bag to Maria with a “See you later”, which she doesn't allow to stand. They argue about Oscar, Maria protesting that the kiss Jorge Alfredo thought he saw was stolen. He asks her if she loves him(self) or not. She says that it isn't worth the trouble to love him if he will doubt her every time Oscar makes a move. She tells him to go. Trying to withhold his reaction to this he turns and walks away, but not fast enough for her not to catch him when she gets over her own fit of temper. Finally, he admits the jealousy he feels, even to being jealous of the sun when it shines on her face. They kiss and make up and she decides to cut class to show him the city. She wants to live their love fully. [We hope she's heard of Planned Parenthood.] They exit.

Garza Mansion: Giuliano says that what they've found can be interpreted different ways. However, while none of the individual things are serious, they all point to guilt with regard to the dirty money. Justo concedes that it all makes Santos look dishonest and he doesn't get it. Giuliano brings up that Santos was always very independent, he left home when young, and started his own business, and under those conditions it would be easy to go astray. [Really?  Most fathers would be proud of such a son.]  Justo shakes his head, saying “My son is not guilty. What proof do you have?” Giuliano mentions Commandante Derecho, but Justo interrupts saying “You're our lawyer and you're obligated to defend Santos. Up till now all you've done is bring up what Commandante Derecho says. Show that my son is innocent, or I will get another lawyer.” [Por fin, Justo, you are at last showing a bit of intelligence.]

Mexico City: From an observation deck in a skyscraper Jorge Alfredo and Maria look out over the city. Love talk, besos, musica as they walk around the city into a carnival. She throws darts at a wall of balloons, eventually winning a large teddy bear. The spinning teacup ride [Ay, dios mio] and the other corny carnival stuff before walking through a field. She talks about her parents taking her there when she was a child. Fairy tales do exist. “Tu es mi princessa. Nobody will separate us.” [TN cliché #16 and anvil alert.] Besos.

Library: Fernando gets online and finds the translation of the article from the Times.

Field: Mas romance, mas besos.

Capitulo 20, Part 1. Crashing Down

Don Concho's Office: They appear to be going over bills and talking about employees. Jairo wants to talk to him, so Mirna leaves him alone after a growl or two.

Mendoza Apartment: Jorge Alfredo brings her home. “Qué bonitos ojos tienes”, etc. She doesn't want him to leave. He promises to return. She tells him her heart will hope for his return. He tells her he will be back later. Besos and she goes inside. We hear Oscar singing the theme song as they part. Amalia seems to have changed her tune, saying she is happy to see Maria in the glow of love. She recalls her own mother opposed her relationship with Pedro. Maria thinks Jorge Alfredo is worth any suffering.

Fernando's Apartment: He takes the printout of the internet page with him as he exits.

LA Jail: Derecho tries to grill Michael. [Considering that Michael is supposed to be a gringo, why is this not in English?]

Jorge Alfredo's Apartment: He thinks about Maria as he handles the teddy bear. Fernando knocks and is admitted. “You and I have to talk”. He hands him the envelope.

LA Jail: Michael tells him he was with Santos when the car was delivered. In a later conversation he said he doesn't trust Giuliano.

Jorge Alfredo's Apartment: He pulls out the page and Fernando demands to know if he is the man in the article.

Car: Mirna rides with Jairo and they talk about furniture.

Jorge Alfredo's Apartment: Santos admits to his real name and tells Fernando he's innocent. Fernando isn't buying it. Fernando tells him he will be quiet if he leaves and never returns to JNTR.  He must also stay away from Maria.

L.A. Jail: Michael continues to defend Santos. Why don't you interrogate Giuliano? Derecho says something about the papers regarding the car. He shows him a photo that he says means that Santos is living it up in Mexico City while Michael rots in a jail cell.

Santos' Apartment: Fernando is trying to lay down the law. He is to leave Maria in the cruelest way possible or he will turn him in to the police. Santos caves, saying he will return the traje and leave on La Bestia.

Park: Mirna is hanging with Jaira. She's cheating on Don Concho, who will not take this well at all. Booty call. [At least this guy's got a hot bod.]

Near-Full Moon

Mendoza Apartment: Maria puts on her makeup and Isabel teases her. Maria accuses her of eavesdropping.

Santos looks up at Maria's window sadly. Lagrimas.

Fernando shows up to escort Maria to the bar, claiming to be doing this as a favor to Jorge Alfredo, who isn't feeling well. He tells her not to worry. They leave.

Santos' Apartment: Santos looks at the printout, thinking about how much he loves Maria and how he can't live without her.

Ella

Me canse de rogarle
Me canse de decirle
Que yo sín ella
De pena muero

Ya no quiso escucharme
Si sus labios se abrieron
Fue pa' decirme
Ya no te quiero

Yo senti que mi vida
Se perdia en un abismo
Profundo y negro
Como mi suerte

Quise hallar el olvido
Al estilo Jalisco
Pero aquellos mariachis
Y aquel tequila
Me hicieron llorar

(INSTRUMENTAL)

Me canse de rogarle
Con el llanto en mis ojos
Alse mi copa
Y brinde con ella

No podia despreciarme
Era el ultimo brindis
De un bohemio
Con una reina

Los mariachis calliaron
De mis manos sín fuerza
Cayo mi copa
Sín darme cuenta

Ella quiso quedarse
Cuando vio mi tristeza
Pero ya estaba escrito
Que aquella noche
Perdiera su amor