Caray, Caray!

Good Morning Y'all, the recap is up! Please enjoy!
 

Madelaine - Fab recap. A lot of convos going on and you handled the essence of all of it so beautifully. My favorites:

"Why couldn't he have tripped down those stairs? OK, I got distracted, back to the recap."

"Shut the front door, Irene!!!"

Bravo to Lili! I doubt if Miss Vickie with all her Meta Imagen bizness has ever heard a more persuasive pitch. I’m so glad Lili left behind the yelling and “la odio!!!” But, of course, Lili is wrong to try to direct her dad’s life. And Cris/Angel and Anibal/Vickie’s mom are not the same. I would have never taken to Cris if she were a passive victim like Vickie’s mom. Cris had spunk, spark, pride, action, and stubbornness to go along with the jealousy. And JA was no heartless philanderer like Anibal. JA was a good man caught up in a very difficult situation and ultimately chose Cris.

Interestingly, this brings to the fore Cris’s state of mind when she got atropelladoed. She was not weeping about JA and Vickie. She had been weeping (up a storm) about Cande lying to her all those years and having needlessly missed out on having a father. Right before she was struck though, she was imagining whether Anibal, Vickie, and Adriana - all seated in the Balvanera drawing room - would accept her. I wonder whether the truth of Cris’ death will figure in Lili’s forgiveness of her dad and Vickie.
 

Madeline, this is so well done and so hilarious.

While José Ángel and Roxana where standing at Crisina's grave discussing his sins and other recent events, I kept expecting a white bird to show up and in a couple of approving flaps of it's wings clear up the the whole uncomfortable situation.

Now it's looking more and more like a snail matter.

I wonder if Aníbal has been watching old episodes of Sanford and Son? He has certainly managed to take Fred's impending the Big One and elevate it to a whole 'nother level.

Maybe Nikki wasn't cut out to be a pizza waitress after all. I'm a bit disappointed.

I know that it's wrong of me, but the little tiffs and tussles between Nikki and Ratiana are just so delightful for me. They both put so much energy into it and I think the actresses are having a blast.

I was very impressed with Rupiana's lecture to Vikki. She hit all the right buttons. What a great guilt trip.

Carlos
 

Madelaine - Thank you for the recap! Another action-filled episode, too.

"Pau thinks that having all these secrets isn't a good thing and due to her own experience with them, it is better to tell all, cause with time it can hurt your soul."
Riiiight, Paula, yet you continue to lie to your children about your cancer? Argh!

Wow, Lili has sure turned into an overnight rich-bitch and wielding her power. She was already lured to the littler of the (well, Anibal's) gold, and now the title… er … family name and power of guilt-tripping those she wants to control.

Carlos - Sanford & Son ... good one and spot on. Too bad there Aunt Ester is not here to torture Anibal.

Nikki .... bless her heart. She is doing a better job than I could, which isn't saying much. My bet is she'll quit or get fired. (and of course my predictions or guesses nunca de nuncas come true. )

 

Oops. typo. should be "...lured to the glitter of ..."
 

Madelaine - thank you for a wonderful recap. So much going on and you covered beautifully!

Lili may not be Cris' birth daughter, but she certainly learned a lot from her about guilt and manipulation. Her "talks" with JA and Vicky hit all the right buttons, and she has effectively gotten her way. She has no compassion for her father and his happiness. Still has a lot of maturing to do.

The truth about Cris' death is known to KendHo and Espanto. Did Cande or Salsero find out about KendHo telling Cris that Anyballs was her father? I can't remember.

Besides the fact that Lili does genuinely like Anyballs, I think her main reason for staying at BV is to stick it to Nikki. Nikki has been insulting and condescending towards Lili since day one, and now that the girls are equal, Lili wants revenge.

I really felt for Nikki the waitress. She's having a time of it with the learning curve. I can remember waiting tables in college, and it's not an easy job. I have to admire her spunk tho. So funny when she said she'd end up not getting a paycheck but paying to work there. Who knows, maybe she could end up in restaurant management.

Carlos - Adriana - Bruna - does anyone really care? Where's Vicente?

Can Anyballs please come up with a plan to get FF out of our hair?

Barbara
 

Thanks for the recap Madeline.

News flash for the universe: Kids don't get to determine who their parents love. Get over it or get through it Lili, and don't let the Balvanera poison destroy you.
 

Barbara - Cristina told Kendra that Anyballs is her biological father. THAT is why Kendra had Cris killed off; Cris stood to get a chunk of the money she thinks FF is entitled to.
 

Thanks for the wonderful and funny recap, Mads.

I think I must have had something in my eye because when Frankie and Paula sat down on the piano bench together and started to play, my vision blurred a little and it was hard to see.

What did you say? You think I was crying? Nah.

P.S. Let's all remember that Kendra -- not Vikki, not Arriaga, not even loose-lipped Paula -- is responsible for Cristina's death. Just wait til the snails tell Ratiana! She'll have a lot of groveling to do.
 

Doris - thank you. So it was Paula who told Cris about Anyballs? And only KendHo and Espanto know that Cris knew about her father before she died? Didn't Paula tell Cande after Cris' death that she had spilled the beans. You know I remember watching those episodes, but I'm getting fuzzy on some of the details.

Barbara
 

Thank you Madelaine---You sure helped me a lot. There was a lot of serious conversations last night
Now I understand---again, thank you

Nikki at work---Yes, she was really
working this time--frazzled and not doing very good "but" that can be expected as she is completely new to this line of work [or any work for that matter] and the restaurant was crowded, quite busy.
Nikki was doing her best, that was
obvious.
One more thing---Just because I haven't been on the Nikki cheerleading squad, That doesn't mean that I am not fair concerning her. It's going to take her a while
to get in the swing of things at the pizza shop but I do want her to succeed. Since she has never worked for anything in her pampered life, a little work experience and self reliance will be good for her and help her build
self confidence and character. So I say, Go Nikki, keep at it, you're bound to get better. Maybe
manager at some point in the future
Who knows?

Niece in MD.--- Cris had spunk, spark, pride, action and stubborness to go along with the jealously. I liked her spunk, spark and pride and I must add she
was fearless. Cris was not afraid to confront the "rich" Balvanara woman who she suspected as "playing
around" [rightly so I might add] with her husband. Well they were both playing around, Vikki ana JA. Yes she was a fighter and I admire her for that. I miss you Cris.

Carlos---Yeah right, Anibal and Fred Sanford, they must have gone to the same school because they both learned how to play the "Big One" masterfully.

The cat fight---between Nikki and Lili was very well done, OMG! that was some fight but I am holding out for a love fest just as great before the end of the series. It has to come, it just must.
the gringo
 

Barbara - Yes, yes, and yes. Paula and Cande do not know that Cristina told Kendra, though.
 

I know Lili is wrong, but she's only 18 and just had two big shocks. Vickie is 40-something and had refused to meet Anibal's woman for the past 20 years, forcing him to keep Paula in the shadows. Gotta love the poetry of this moment.
 

Thanks,Madelaine. I also missed this episode. just got home an hour ago. I appreciate your excellent recap. By the way, do we know for sure that VIncente will appear? I am getting impatient.
 

Thanks for the recap Mads. Skillful and more interesting than the episode itself. I liked the "shut the front door, Irene" line, too.

NovelaMaven-I had some vision issues during the SAME scene! Weird, huh?

Carlos-Sanford and Son. Spot on observation. Too bad his family hasn't caught on...and shame on that doctor, too. (But I guess he's thinking of all the hospital could do with Anyball's donation.)

Doris-I was also surprised at the whiplash inducing speed at which Lili accepted the role as new nieta in town.
 

Good Evening Y'all

To Susanlynn Mi Amiga:

Patience is a virture my friend, I'm joshing you, no offense intended, but Vincente, the snails tell me is coming soon. That's all I will say, my lips are sealed.

Gringo:

I wasn't trying to offend you about Lili. Nikki is doing the best she can, and I admire her for that. I want Lili to be the sweet Disney princess she used to be, kind to everyone, no matter what, and now she kinda has switched with Nikki a bit. I really liked Lili in the beginning, and now, meh, not so much.
 

Great job Mads! We continue to get too much Anibal. It looks like he will be causing trouble for Carlos again, because he did not like hearing that another of his daughters has gotten involved with him again. Wonder what Anibal ordered his henchies to do? Maybe Carlos should also get a bodyguard.

Speaking of…why is Nikki going around without a bodyguard? Do they think the danger has passed? Just because she’s living in the hood (and I really don’t think that apartment is tiny or horrible), doesn’t mean she’s no longer a target for kidnappers, who would know that she is still the daughter and granddaughter of millionaires.

I have not seen any evidence of Lili being a gold digger as she is being accused of here. Wanting to stake one’s claim in a family and demand your “proper place” doesn’t mean she’s after Don Anibal’s dollars (she even liked the old goat long before she knew he was her gramps). This is about legitimacy, a legitimacy her mother was denied in life. And it’s also about being seen as, and treated as, an equal with Nikki—a person who from the beginning has made it a point to put her down and treat her as lower than herself. She wants to rub her equal status in Nikki’s face. Is it wrong? Yep. But is she a gold-digger? That’s not the way I would describe it. Until I see her asking Anibal for his Amex, or demanding her own, then I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt.

As for her conversation with Vicky, I think she spoke from the heart. She told Vicky exactly how she felt, without hatred or anger or drama. As has been pointed out, in over 20 years Vicky (who was a grown woman when her mother died) had not been able to forgive the woman her father was with when her mother died. This is either a moment for her to realize she has been wrong all these years to place judgment on her father and his mistress for something that wasn’t her business (his marriage to her mother), or to stick to her long-held principals and agree with Lili that her relationship with JA can’t be. The first option would be a learning moment for Vicky (admitting her own errors all these years). The second would be tragic for her and JA, but it would be in standing with the values she has held up till now. In either case, I think she understands where Lili is coming from perfectly.

 

Niece:

I so agree with you about Lili trying to direct her Papa's life. She doesn't have the right to do that. She needs to take a big, deep breath, and take in every thing else that has happened recently and take some time. You are also right about the crying Cris' was doing about Cande not telling her about Anyballs' being her Papa. I wonder if Anyballs had known, way back when, if he would have ever hooked up with Pau.

Carlos:

It's funny but I also thought of that dove! Where was it when it was needed, lol. Ah, well, it was probably needed elsewhere. Spot on about Fred Sanford and the big one, lol. Anyballs really is a jackanapes! Oh, and Lili you are so right, she knew just what buttons to push.

Doris:

So true about Pau not telling the family about her cancer. I think initially she didn't say anything, cause she didn't want Frankie to come back to her out of pity. I think she should be honest with them and spill the beans. I think they'd forgive her.

Barbara:

You said it well about Nikki. She was always condescending to people, especially Lili from the get go. She was rude and obnoxious, except for when Cris died. Then I think we got a peek about who she could be if she tried. I am wanting Nikki to become that peek we saw. One can hope ; )

Dona Gringuita:

So true what you said. I don't want the Balvanera poison to do damage to our sweet Disney Lili. I want her back!

NovelaMaven:

You were not alone with the misty fuzzy screen, I was right there with you and Ms Sara. That was such a sweet, joyful scene, I hope we get to see a bit more, before we have to say goodbye to the Pau.
 

Gringo:

I too am looking for a future, forgive and forget with Nikki and Lili. They would be such good friends I think, they could could look beyond the jealousy and hate. I am hoping for a reconciliation with them : )
 

Lili continues to be kind and friendly with the Balvanera staff. Something that even now, Nikki does not do (as we saw with her recent haughty attitudue with Polita and Jean Marie).

I don't need Lili to go back to being the naive, sweet as apple pie, country girl she once was. She isn't that person anymore, and with good reason. She lost her home; she lost her mother; she fell in love twice and had her heart broken twice; her loving parents' marriage fell apart; her dad took up with a woman her mother couldn't stand withins a few months of her mother's deathl and now she finds out her familial background is based on lies and she's really part of a family where she has been working as a servant. I say, cut this 18 year old a break and let her go through the growing pains and the drama that comes with it. Yes, it's painful for us to watch, but she's experiencing a lot of pain. We know even worse is to come when she finds out her beloved parents aren't her real parents.
 

Vivi:

Amiga, I feel we are always butting heads about Lili. I see what you are talking about, about Lili and Ms Vikki, but Lili did use the guilt card and quite effectively and also with her Papa Angel, and I don't think she has the right to run her Papa's life. Deep down, and this is only me, I have a feeling that since she can't have Frankie, and yes, I think she is still obsessed with him, she doesn't want Angel to have the forbidden to her either. Except for that big hug with Jean Marie and Polita, have we seen her smile lately? Why isn't she angry at her Abue Cande and her Abue Anyballs? They were the ones that kept this secret. Ms Vikki and Angel had no idea. Now Angel should have told Lili awhile ago about Ms Vikki and himself, but if she would think about it, she did tell him that it would be hard for her to accept another woman in his life. I think even after she found out she was a Balvanera, Adri would have been ok, but not Ms Vikki. I wish she would be silent long enough to listen. She keeps cutting Angel off and will not let him fully explain about the troubles in his and Cris' marriage. Yes, there was a lot of jealousy, on Cris' part, about assumptions in the beginning, but it didn't ratchet up until Cris started working for Kendho, who put the infidelity idea in Cris' head and kept at her. I don't think that Lili knows all the facts, and until she does she will be unmovable. She is assuming like her Mama and this will cause her more pain.
 

Oh, and I agree that Lili is not a golddigger, far from it. She does love to be on the same plane as Nikki, and she wants Nikki to know it. Nikki is just pithed cause she's jealous. Plus, there is the jealousy thing over Frankie.

I also don't like the fact that Anyballs gave Lili the greenhouse and didn't tell her the truth. I don't think he ever would have either, but FF took care of that. Who knew FF would be such a catalyst? FF isn't liking the fact that Anyballs is giving Lili recognition either. He didn't expect this outcome at all. I think he expected Ms Vikki to break it off with Angel, Angel to whisk Lili off, never to be heard from again. FF did this for his own advantage and boy did it backfire. I can't wait for the anvils for Anyballs, FF and Kendho. They so deserve them and then some.
 

Thanks for the recap Madeline!

I will say this about Lili, who knew she'd be the biggest topic of discussion for so many episodes? lol.

Anyway, she's probably the most Balvanera of the Balvaneras now, she was born from one, she was raised by another and a third one wants to marry her father, which would turn her into her stepmother. I agree with Vivi, she is not a goldigger, she is just a teenage girl who is resenting the woman her father fell in love over her mother, who's now become her untouchable idol after her premature death and can by the way stick it to her old bully that they are finally in the same category in the class system.

Nikki is learning the difficulties of being a waitress. I gotta give it to her, that's the one job I'd run away from. It's not easy at all. It reminds me of a movie I saw a couple of months ago, Nosotros Los Nobles where the fresa princess who lost her money and had to adjust to a poorer life becoming a waitress, that seems to be the chosen job for their type.

I hate the name Bruna, first Joan Constantín and now Bruna. That's just wrong, who would do this to their children? WHY?

Jarocha





 

About Pau telling Cris she was a Balvanera. I think she told Cris, partly out of revenge against Anyballs but also partly because she wanted Cris to have her rightful place in that family. In a way, I wish that Pau had had Anyballs there when she told Cris. Maybe they could have stopped Cris from running off the way she did, to go and tell Kendho. I blame Kendho for Cris' death and only Kendho. Yes, Pau was a catalyst and blames herself, but Kendho is the one that made sure she was killed before she ever got to enjoy being a Balvanera. Angel and Lili also don't know about Kendho manipulating Cris the way she did. Kendho did it to break Angel and Cris up so he would take up with Ms Vikki. Kendho got everything she wanted and then some. Kendho deserves the biggest anvil there is!
 

Jarocha,

Yes, Lili is a true Balvanera isn't she? I didn't quite think of it that way, but you are right. I'm with you about the names too. Bruna and Joan Constantine, why couldn't they have been some other name? I like Joan Constantine's orginal name, Carlos Gonzales. I wonder if Bruna is some sort of stage name, lol.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Mads- I totally agree that Lili has overstepped her bounds. She should stay out of her father's love life, just like Vicky and Adri should have stayed out of Anibal's, not matter how much of a womanizer and philanderer he was. JA needs to man up and put his foot down with Lili, and show her who's the parent. The problem is, he DOES feel guilt about the whole situation. That guilt is not allowing him to feel that his and Vicky's relationship is above board and correct. More than Lili's objections, he needs to overcome his own feelings about how he and Cris ended, and he and Vicky began. Once he does that, he'll be able to stand up to Lili, and better explain the situation to her.
 

Vivi:

I totally agree with your comment. You always say things better than I can : ) About Nikki not having a bodyguard, I think that Anyballs pays for all the bodyguards and has cut off all funds for Nikki's. Ms Vikki could get her one, but I think they all think that Frankie is enough, cause he is a bodyguard. Maybe the Balvaneras also think, since Nikki has no more funds from them she would be relatively safe, but that isn't always the case. Someone could still try to kidnap Nikki and hold her for ransom.
 

KendaHo took advantage and orchestrated some things, but JA's reaction to Vickie getting shot is what made Cris realize how deep his feelings were for Vickie (he went beserk, wouldn't come home for weeks even when Vickie was recovering, didn't return Cris's calls, etc.). That's what cut Cris to the wick.
 

Hey Sara, I think Adriana may be on to her father's faking The Big One. (Either that or she just doesn't give a fig.)

One of the things that I love about this novela is that, in spite of some really affecting moments and the occasional scene that is played as straight drama, there is a brilliant thread of farce interwoven throughout.

Almost everything Aníbal or Nelson Brizz or Espanto or even Kendra does has an element of the ridiculous.

(Check out the way Aníbal stalks in and out of scenes, arms swinging, head bend slightly forward, his whole body stiff and leaning slightly to the side. It is classic Old Guy on a Mission Lurching. It is pure gold.)

Joan Constantín wears ascots just so we (and Arriaga) can mock them. Roy makes us giggle with his tennis metaphors (not to mention his hair).

We could analyze the comedic schtick of every character -- but then the comment would be longer than the recap :D
 

Niece:

What you say is true. I do remember that and that was the first time the Angel told Ms Vikki he loved her. But they still didn't do anything, and he wanted Cris to leave town with him afterwards but she wouldn't. As Angel was leaving town and saying goodbye to Ms Vikki, they were saying goodbye for good. Yes, I agree with everyone that Angel loved Ms Vikki in his heart, but they never did anything until Cris died, in the physical sense, except for that kiss. Angel was confused for a long time before Cris died about his feelings. He didn't really want to acknowledge them. I think he tried his best to remain faithful to Cris. I really feel for them now, cause the relationship ended up hurting Lili, who really doesn't know the whole story.
 

OK, I understand why the Ballsvaneras have their conversations personal conversations in the foyer. Everyone has signed a confidentiality agreement. However, why Salsero and Polita decided to THAT discussion in the hallway, I will never know.

Cynderella

P.S. Thanks for the recap Marta!
 

NovelaMaven- That is exactly the appeal of this tn. It doesn't take itself seriously AT ALL, and it's good at weaving in the comedic elements without it seeming jarring or out of place (Mejia). I would add Odette to the list of comedic (cartoonish) villains that add to the charm of this tn. Once you accept that about this tn, then you can get sucked in. Some folks gave up before that became clear. Now I never ask myself anymore about Kendra's (seriously flawed) motives for all her machinations. I don’t even need my beanie anymore to accept it. :)
 

Cynderella,

That wasn't a conversation. That was Polita shooting off her mouth which is a random, explosive event and can happen anywhere, any time and is probably a side effect of all that helium she sucks up before she bounds onto the set.
 

Vivi:

" I don’t even need my beanie anymore to accept it."

Can there be a more ringing endorsement of any telenovela???

HAHAHAHA
 

NovelaMaven:

You are so right about the comedy. There are so many funny things to comment on.

Anyballs does look stiff doesn't he? I had to laugh when he was trying to strangle FF, like that was eva gonna happen!

And Kendho with her face shifting. So tearful one minute, so BSC the next, so smiling in your face the next.

And the FF with the drink and the truthiness coming out and him standing on the setee or whateva that thing was, lol. I like to think of him as the Pompous Ass, lol.

Jean Marie, Polita, and Joan are the best for the comedy. I like the looks of their faces they make me laugh, along with Tomi's facial expressions.

Cande too with the doe eyed look. I can't count how many times I roll my eyes when she is on screen. All the lovey dovey she does with Anyballs is too funny.

The best though is Adri giving Anyballs hell, pointing her finger and he is foreva clutching his chest.

I wonder if the actors crack up when they do some of their scenes and I have the feeling there is a bunch of ad libbing going on : )
 

Madelaine - I agree with all you said on JA. In the end, I don't think Cris believed he had physically cheated, but she knew he was in love with Vickie and she had too much pride/fear to say "yes" to getting back with him when he asked her to in KendHo's apartment.
 

There was no point in getting back together with JA once she knew he was in love with Vicky (not just having something physical, even if they were). Cris saw the writing on the wall. JA was just deluding himself when he made that offer for them to run back to the country together. It would never have worked because his heart now belonged to another woman and Cris knew that.
 

Madelaine, hats off to an excellent recap. I am also in agreement with you regarding the discussion of Lilliana. You have detailed her exactly.
Vivi, I do not agree with Nikki being mean to Polita et al. If I remember right, I don't think that Polita and Nikki has ever talked or cleared that big lie that Polita said on the phone and nor has she ever explained why she was in Guzmancito's bed when Nikki saw her there. in other words, she is also jealous of Polita snagging her Guzmancito. Nikki, for all her rich haughtiness, is also insecure during that time due to her bulimia. With Jean Marie, Nikki is nice to him though due to his control of her diet, Nikki tends to ignore him. But we've seen her being so nice to Tomasina quite a few times almost like a nana.
Remember that Nikki was raised as a rich girl and her contact with the househelps are few except to ask for food, and other things at home. whereas, the closeness of Jeanmarie and Polita to Liliana is due to they're co-workers at the B mansion. I hate to say it(now that she is a Balvanera) Liliana was hired as the gardener and so the camaraderie existed among them.
Hey but on the other hand I have seen from the beginning a very spoiled daughter Liliana storming the B mansion yelling and screaming for her father to go home. Her father's worksite and her father's employers' home!! She is supposed to be a sweet country lass and a loving daughter.
I hope the assumption regarding JA and VIkie's relationship gets cleared up so that Liliana can fully accept her father's right to be happy again.
Oh and when JA and Liliana confronted each other at the graveyard, Isn't it that JA asked her if she wanted the wealth and luxury that the Balvanera's name come with and she said she wanted that her mom gets the recognition she deserves and that why did Vickie enjoyed all this wealth and name and her mother did not. Why could she not say I want recognition for me and my mom as a true Balvanera and carry that name with pride, not the wealth it entails to.
Doesn't that speak of greed and jealousy not Pride of belonging to a name which is going to end up for her to seek revenge for her mom and herself?
 

Lili is not a gold digger per se. But she IS materialistic now that she's a Balvanera "con todos los derechos." Besides, Anibal is just giving her things to goad Nikki into giving up Guzman and coming back home. He will NEVER "give her her proper place" because he knows she's Adriana's daughter, whom he previously referred to as "esa bastarda" to the Godfather. Indeed, he was ready to "give" her to Guzman, who isn't good enough for Nicole. Now he's going to do everything possible to have her end up with Roy. Plus, Ratiana needs to respect OPP (Other People's Property) and lay off Guzman. He's not Nikki's property, true, but he IS her man. Even if he were to grow tired of Nikki and leave her, he would NEVER see Lili as anything but a little sister or good friend. Punto. Give up, Enanita.
 

Que bonitos los amores verdaderos cuando el amor manda al corazon indomable!
 

"And the FF with the drink and the truthiness coming out and him standing on the setee or whateva that thing was..."
I still play that scene back in my mind and laugh over him hopping off that bench. It was so subtle, and so hilarious. I wanted to give him a "10" and yell "he stuck the landing!"


Nikki has not had a bodyguard ever since she married Roy. At that point, I wondered "What's up with That?" (cue the SNL music...)
 

I don't see Lili as a gold digger. If she stops working hard at the nursery and instead starts goofing off and just buying bling, then I will worry about her. Lili was badly treated by Nikki and her rich buddies. Remember Nikki making her get down on her knees and Nabila shoving her into the pool? Lili wanting to throw her Balvanera status in Nikki's face doesn't help the family order, but it's normal after the past snubs she got.
 

In case anyone has noticed the absence of the caption pages, I lost everything in the Black Forest Fire and it will likely be months before I can get that going again.

I have missed a few weeks. Who is the Sabine Moussier character?
 

Gato Viejo:

Yes, we noticed the captions weren't working, but more than that we are so glad you are alright! Thanks so much for the info and hope you are doing well.

The Sabine Moussier actress is playing Bruna, an actress friend of Joan Constantine, that is going to play Victoria in the movie Joan is making of "Amores Verdaderos", lol.
 

I wanted to give him a "10" and yell "he stuck the landing!"

That *was* a great scene, Doris! I love your assessment of it.

NovelaMaven--I completely concur. This show has the perfect ratio of melodrama/subtle comedy.


 

Well, a quick note before I go to an oldies concert . I am with Vivi (and gringo). LIli is only a teenager, and every aspect of her life has been turned upside down in the last year (?). All change is stressful, and Lili is very young to have to deal with so many changes in such a short time. Lili has brought a question to my mind ...How much can one do to try to stop someone he/she loves from doing something ? At some time in life, everyone has to deal with watching someone he or she loves doing something the person does not approve of. the question is what is the best way to handle that situation ? It seems that with children, parents walk a tightrope. Sometimes ,the more a parent objects, the more the child is determined to do something.
 

Hola everyone, the gringo is back. I wanted to comment on Liliana but there is no way that I can compete
with Vivi's brilliant analysis, Madelaine, your counter comments arn't too shaby either. You guys intimidate me to no end. Niecie, Doris, Novela Maven,Anita---well, I can't name everyone but the Caray, Caray! crew is the very best period.

OK---Now I would like to say to those who believe that Lili is a gold digger, well you're way off base and should be tagged out.
Liliana was raised in the country but after her father got a job at B mansion, just by sheer luck, Liliana made an impression as to her knowledge of plants and was hired on as plant lady in charge of the greenhouse. From day one, Nikki treated her like dirt to be walked on. Nikki's
nose was so high in the air, I don't think that Nikki even knew what planet she was on. It was tough for Liliana but she held on.

Part two of the story---Lili loved
her mother or the women she thought was her mother. As time passed, she knew as did her mother Cris that something was going on between her dad and Ms. Vikki, this hurt both Cristina and Liliana deeply. Later after Cris was murdered Liliana finds out that both Cris and herself are Balvaneras. Now Lili wants the respect as being part of the family that neither she or her mother never had gotten before--especially from Nikki. That doesn't make her a gold digger. She didn't ask to be sent to horticulture school, she didn't ask for her own nursey or for a beautiful new truck and as Vivi said, she hasn't requested the use of a Balvanera credit card---NO!!
Lili is not a gold digger. and as far as Lili getting into her fathers love live business [she has no right] I say that she does have a right. As part of what she thinks is her family, being raised
by Cris and Jose Angel, she has every right to tell her father to respect her dead mother. How? By not marrying Cris's sister Vikki the woman that her mother despised. Whether her dad listens to her, that's another story but as part of the family, she has every right to tell her father the way she feels. What do you mean she doesn't have a right---she has every right.

Doris---LOL, He stuck the landing.
I chuckled at that also.

Novela Maven---comedic shtick. check out the way Anibal walks in and out of scenes, arms swinging, head slightly bent forward, his whole body stiff and leaning slightly to the side. It is classic Old Guy on a Mission Lurching. It is pure gold.---Yes I had noticed that very thing but dumb me, I thought it was because of the actors age. Wow! I said it earlier, you guys are great.
the gringo
 

Susanlynn and Gringo:

I agree with Vivi's previous statement she made about the Lili/JA situation. JA has to come to grips with his burgeoning guilt and Lili needs to understand she can't run her Papa's love life. JA really needs to deal with situation before he can sit Lili down and explain what happened. I am hoping they don't say things they will regret. I don't like the fact that every time JA gets in a bind with his personal life he likes to bolt. I wish he would stand his ground and fix the situation instead of running away. Maybe removing himself from the situation will serve to give him a clearer head.
 

One more thought---Not a spoiler, I don't know but I have to think as this novela winds down, I just don't think that we have seen the last of Odetta. I suspect that she
will reappear at some point to shake things up even more than they already are.

KendHo---I expect her to start a reign of terror soon. She has to, the once pretty super model has been quiet for too long. I expect her to start something that will lead to her downfall very soon now.
the gringo.
 

This TN still has so many secrets and plot lines and not much time left for resolution. I'm sure the writers are going to have to step up the action. And that should include Anyball's plan for FF's destruction, KendHo's "reign of terror" and Lucia's birth announcement - among many other pieces of the BV storylines.

Since Anyballs and KendHo are intricately involved in almost all of the plot scenarios, I fear they won't get their just desserts (anvils) for a long time.

Barbara
 

gringo,

"...the once pretty super model..."

Have I missed something? The last time I saw Kendra she was as drop dead gorgeous as ever.

"I just don't think that we have seen the last of Odetta."

Let's hope not. We have her place at her table on The Patio reserved and a fresh drink awaiting her return.

Carlos
 

One more thing. Did anyone else notice that they played the KendHo-Nelson sex music in a scene with Bruna? That music is usually my cue to cover my eyes, but when I peeked only Bruna was there.
 

"We have her place at her table on The Patio reserved and a fresh drink awaiting her return."

Indeed. And I just got my Odette wig back from Espanto, freshly shampooed and brushed out for the welcome home celebration.

Niecie:
Good catch! I didn't notice but it doesn't surprise me. Don't they list it in the credits as "Cue the Skank"? (But it goes by so quickly, I could be mistaken.
 

Carlos---A bad choice of words on my part. The ho turned super model is still drop dead georgeous.
the gringo
 

Don't they list it in the credits as "Cue the Skank"?

I think I've seen that, too. ;-)

(You're so funny!)
 

nyuk nyuk nyuk.
 

Madelaine: this was an amazing feast. A savory appetizer that made us wanting more: "Anyballs Has a Plan, Sha La La...", a scrumptious, hearty main course: "FF tells her to save it, cause now, are you ready Viewerville, he wants a ADN (DNA) test to prove that Mia is really his. Shut the front door, Irene!!!!!" and rich, decadent dessert: "Accomplished cause I think Lili is channeling her Abue's old-fashioned view of life, jus' sayin'".

Recipes full of humor, wit and always-amazing details.

I loved the recap and of course the comments were hilarious and so well stated. It's so obvious we are passionate about AV and the characters, love them or hate them. What a truly amazing, talented group this is.

Visits from Opalina and Vincente and the remaining truth about Lili's parentage must occur before the healing can begin.

I'm worried most now for Santino as Kendra's revenge will be cruel and swift. Will Carlos survive Anibal's wrath?

Madelaine, this was simply heaven.

Diana
 

Diana - I, too, am concerned for Santino but am holding out hope that Bea will not have to suffer yet another tragedy in her life by losing him. First Leo and all that life-on-hell he caused her, Guillo going missing for weeks? months?, and now she is going to lose her mother soon and doesn't even know it!
The writers can NOT kill of Salsero. That would be too cruel on her. Besides, he has worked so hard to redeem himself.
 

Couldn't agree with you more doris for exactly what you stated! But I had an uneasy feeling after their night together - that she might lose Santino but have a child...(pure speculation without basis and merit most likely)...

It WOULD be beyond cruel but the writers have not cut the poor girl a break whatsoever.

Good thing I'm always wrong! ;)

Diana
 

yikes...Would the writers be so cruel ? Would they really take Dances away from Bea after all she has suffered through ? Today's quote in the newspaper seems meant for the many flawed characters in this novela. " The only way you may correct the bad things in your past is to add better things to your future."
 

That quote was by Shiloh Morrison
 

I love that quote, Susanlynn!!

I'm hoping for the best for Bea and Santino
 

Hello, Y'all. I wanted to thank y'all for the great discussion of this episode.

I too agree about Betty and Salsa Dude, I don't want her to lose him. The poor woman has had way too much to deal with. I hope the writers don't do that to her. Salsa Dude does need to do a bit more reforming, he is on the right path.

We are so passionate about these characters aren't we? I can't help it, they draw me in and when they get in trouble I stick with them. Funny thing is I was on Lili's side in the beginning and couldn't stand Nikki, now it seems I am on the other side, lol. Same with Anyballs, I thought he would be a good ole Abue with a touch of the reprobate, boy was I wrong. He is truly evil. All the secrets and lies, and the more he lies the more he sticks his foot in it, so to speak.
 

sara C....I am glad you liked the quote. I collect quotes. Whenever I read one that I like, I write it down in my quote notebook. Just writing down positive ,meaningful thoughts seems to lift my spirits. .If I need a pick.me.up, I pull out my book of special quotes.

.Does anyone know the novela that is following AV. ?
 

Susanlynn:

It will be La Tempestad, starring William Levy ; )
 

I am really worried about Salsero. He's so vulnerable. He hasn't wanted Bea to find out about his past (or go to jail for his part in the attempted kidnappings and extortion), so he's kept quiet about KendHo's crimes. As soon as KendHo is threatened with exposure, she'll throw Salsero under the bus and blame him for everything she thinks FF will believe.

Barbara
 

I guess the only other person who knows about all the ho's evil deeds is Espanto. Might he rat her out if she betrays him ?
 

This was a weird weekend. So much sunshine and so much rain in our area. Sort of like AV--the sun starts to shine, then it clouds over, then we get sun, then it rains....pours, then there's the sun again.

Madelaine, You are up to your bestest again. My beanie's off to you.

Doris--the first thing I caught in the recaps was your little typo, for which you apologized--litter of the gold, but didn't need to. Somehow the litter part was right on. All of Anibal's kin are lined up trying to suck at Anibal's golden teats, or at least benefitting from them materially.

Anon at 4:41 yesterday - "Give up Enanita." Shame on you, but if you hadn't said it, I would have, haha.

About servant-children relationships in well-to-do families. I remember my own experience growing up in Uruguay, that small children (me included) always had closer relationships with the servidumbre. The parents were there, but somewhat remote and little distant--even the ones who had many children. It doesn't mean they didn't love them or care about them, it's just that their needs were more fundamental (dressing, eating, bathing, potty-training, etc.). They certainly had to trust the hired help to instill proper values (my 'segunda madre' did). By the time we reached school age and beyond, our parents were definitely engaged. My parents, being solidly middle-class, English-speaking gringos, were always hands on parents with me--as befitted their NA upbringing.

Don't know if this is helpful, or it starts another storm of protest, but there it is from my perspective.
 

I started the previous comment to point out that depending on how long Polita & Jean Marie had been employed, would have a lot to do with how Nikki treated them. It was obvious that Tomasina had been there since Vikki's early days.

We treated our one live-in maid almost like family (except she didn't eat with us). I'm afraid we spoiled her because when we left, she only wanted to work for Americans, which we were able to arrange that for her.

Nikki has never known poverty, lack of essentials, or even luxuries. She has always been treated with deference, which has made her feel entitled. Maybe she just never had lessons in inter-personal (inter-class) relations and her manner of talking to Polita and Lili stems from that--in addition to their being almost her same age. She's at sea on how to treat them. And, it's hard not to use a sharp tongue when you dislike someone, even for no reason you can put your finger on.

I've known youngsters and adults in my life that I don't like and don't know why. It's easier just to avoid them or minimize contact, but in this case, Nikki couldn't avoid Polita or Lili.
 

As much as we all like Salsero now, I think that we are in for some very difficult times as he is eventually forced to confront his past... and we all know that he will be.

He was an out and out bad guy when this all began. If I'm not mistaken, he was originally the brains behind all the bad things that occurred at the beginning of this show. I think the question is, how will he pay for his crimes? A noble death or prison? I'm guessing for our sake he will go out in a blaze of glory rather than face the humiliation of prison.

Other opinions may vary.

Carlos
 

Regarding Salsa Dude, I love the way he dances, lol.

I think he will be redeemed somehow. I don't think he will die, my own opinion, but I haven't always been right. He is slowly foiling every plot of Kendho's. He is on the road to redeeming himself, but he still has some way to go. I am waiting to see what else he will do on his road to redemption.

Anita:

I like what you put about servants in your comment. It is interesting. Tomi has been with the family since Ms Vikki and Adri were little. I think she was originally Pilar Balvanera Gil's right hand woman. At least that was the impression I got when this TN started. Pilar is Anyballs' dead wife and Vikki and Adri's Mama.
 

Is anyone watching this show with English captions on the Dish satellite network?

I used to watch these telenovelas with DirecTV and had no problem. I just switched to Dish (maybe because of all those innumerable Dish Latino commercials?) and noticed that there is a very noticeable lag before the English captions turn on. The lag can take almost 30 seconds. I did not notice this with DirecTV, or with English captions on English language shows on other satellite-broadcast channels.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems with lagging of the English closed captions? This also happens with Porque El Amor Manda and Que Bonito Amor programs. I don't speak or understand Spanish, so I depend on the closed captions.


 

Gobluefan - I have Dish and use CC with English captions to watch AV and other TNs. The captioning can be spotty, especially after commercials and if you switch to another channel. Univision can be irritating with the 30-60+ second delays, but Telemundo is horrible some nights. We're in Colorado.

Barbara