Saturday, September 21, 2013

La Tempestad, Cap. 40, September 20, 2013: Gavel-to-Gavel Coverage: The Trial


Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested.
The Trial, by Franz Kafka (the opening line) 

The courtroom fills with a mix of the malevolent -- the hags, the harpies, the gangsters -- and the well-meaning -- the fisherman, the weeping women, the man of the cloth.  Hernán insinuates himself into the ranks of the Damianistas, (the groom's side).  He is Hernán Haskell and he is there to help.

Ursula, in a short, button-straining red dress that does not quite contain her exuberant cleavage, trips in on Delfina's arm, Mayuya trailing in their wake.   She eyeballs Hernán from her side of the room, (the bride's side).

Scrawny Valdivia tells the crowd to be seated: Damián is being led into the courtroom. 

The notes of the theme song swell. Dam and Marina lock eyes. Sigh.

Dam, his chiseled chest (or what we can see of it) bathed in sweat, takes his place at the defense table beside José.

Ursula takes the full measure of Dam the Man and decides she likes what she sees.  [Take a number, sister.]  Then she notices Hernán and she's no longer sure which flavor she prefers.  One thing she knows -- she's going to have dessert.

Ciudad de México
Magdalena's doctor gives Mercedes the green light to leave the hospital to attend to her urgent business.  After all, while Mags is detoxing, she is going to be sedated.  And besides, she is in very good hands.

Hernán isn't blind to Ursula's splashy presence and makes a mental note to find out who she is.

All rise for the entrance of Judge Rogelio Saldana!  He takes his place at the bench where he now presides over the trial of one Damián Fabre accused by Fulgencio Salazar of the first degree murder of his daughter, Esthercita Salazar.  THWAP goes the gavel.  Let the Prosecutor procede!

Fulge seems to puff himself up to double his normal bulk for his opening statement:  The beautiful, sweet Esthercita, his only child, was cruelly murdered by Damián Fabré and his accomplice, Marina Reverte!

Gasp!  No one expected Fulgencio's mudpie to reach Marina!  Certainly not Dam, who cries out in protest:  That's not true!  Don't you dare use her name!

THWAP THWAP THWAP goes the gavel.  Silencio!  The Marinistas appear horrified.  Fulgencio looks pleased with himself.

Now Dam is called to the stand and sworn in.  [A few days in a cell haven't robbed him of his old swagger.  Will that play well with the jury?   I don't know, but it works for me.] 

Fulgencio's first question:
"Is it true that you and Marina Reverte were lovers while you were still married to my daughter?"

Perry José Mason objects:  There is no evidence to show that DamFab and Marina had an adulterous relationship (una relación de amasiato).

The objection is sustained.  WOO HOO for the Damianistas!

Fulge smirks. Let José swing at the easy ones -- he's just getting warmed up: 
Did Dam have an affair with Marina while he was married to Fulge's daughter?  

Dam admits he loved Marina before he married Esthercita but denies any relación de amasiato.

[The hags and harpies are hanging on every word now.]

Dam respected Miss Salazar while she was his wife.  "Wasn't 'Miss Salazar' 'Mrs. Fabré' at that point?" asks Fulgencio, seemingly puzzled.

"She was never Mrs. Fabré," answers DamHonest, "because the marriage was never consummated."

Before their marriage, he tells the court, they were intimate only once and that was after they had both had too much to drink.

Fulge is incensed. Dam is calling his daughter a slut!  

José Mason is on his feet in a flash:  The prosecutor is putting words in the mouth of the accused.  And everyone knows it was Esthercita herself who provoked Damián.  Or has Fulgencio forgotten about her public declaration in the town square?

Poor Delfina covers her face with her hand.  The courtroom erupts again.  "Silencio," bellows Fulgencio, seeming to forget momentarily that he is not the judge here.  "Everyone also remembers how Dam ran to his boat and Marina Reverte right after the wedding vows, leaving Esthercita to face ridicule."

José Mason says his client had a true Fish Emergency -- a thing Fulge should understand since the fishery supports almost half the population of his town.

Fulgencio scoffs at this explanation. Isn't it true that DamPicaflor really ran off to La Tempestad to be with Marina Reverte?

And how does DamLiar respond?  Like this:
Ese amor ya no existe.  Yo ya no amo a la señorita Reverte.
(That love no longer exists.  I don't love Miss Reverte anymore.)

[I'm not sure how this helps anyone but Hernán.  Oh well.]

Never mind that -- Fulge has a witness to Dam and Marina's adulterous love --

Chaos -- THWAP! THWAP! Silencio!  Orden!  THWAP!

-- and with her testimony he will show how Dam rigged the sailboat with explosives in order to murder Esthercita and pursue his romance with Marina.

Ay ay ay.  Dam has had it.  He leaps up from the witness box and tries to reach Fulgencio.  José helps the cops hold him back and Lara gets him in a chokehold.  The Damianistas are beside themselves.  Eusebia clutches her chest.  But Fulgencio looks as if he got exactly the reaction he was hoping for.

Recess!
Hernán Haskell offers to get cool drinks for the ladies.  Ursula, leading with flapping fan and bouncing boobies, follows Hernán to the aguas table.  They introduce themselves and exchange a kiss on the cheek with more heat than one might expect, even in Veracruz.  It's even got its own music, this kiss. And the sound of two sociopaths coming together is prettier than one might imagine.  As Ursula walks back to Aunt Delfie, Hernán seems to enjoy the view of the back forty.

You're taking too big a risk, Comandante!
Robles has to put his life in Lázaro's hands, he tells his men.  It's the only way to get Fulgencio and Hernán to let down their guard.

Nereo gives Lázaro a loaded gun and warns him that he will be watching.  And if Laz gets caught by the federales?  Well then he'll be royally screwed, won't he?

Robles is counting on his men to carry on the investigation without him.  Yes, they have some evidence, but it isn't enough to put the bastards in jail.

Nereo reminds Laz that he is on his own.  And he reflects that if Laz fails to kill Robles, he himself will have to kill Laz -- which would be no big deal.
  
For want of a tank of fuel...
Mercedes can't get to R-Lay-Dee with the PROOF OF DAM'S INNOCENCE!  Man, who's in charge of helicopter fueling around here???

Marina approaches Dam's cell, her face stained with tears.  She wants him to look her in the eye and tell her he doesn't love her.  She can't believe he could be so cruel, that his feelings for her could change from one moment to the next.  He turns away from her, saying they've had this conversation before and he's sick of it. [No freakin' comment.]  He is all "usted" and "señorita".  Marina finally leaves, wounded, calling him the worst swine (canalla).  The theme song swells:
Hoy tengo ganas de ti
Hoy tengo ganas de ti

Only when she is gone does he show his tears.

José takes advantage of the recess to phone Mercedes with an update.  This trial is a sticky wicket.  Mercedes has the report from the divers who examined the remains of the sailboat and it proves that DamFab is innocent.  But this evidence can't be presented in electronic form.  She has to bring the original documents to court.  Oh wow -- what if she can't get there in time???

Hernán notices that Marina emerges from the jail crying. That's got to be good news for him, right?

Can Laz pull it off?
Comandante Robles arrives at the appointed meeting place and asks Laz why he wanted to see him.  Lázaro's answer is a cold-blooded single shot to the chest.  Nereo skulks in the background, watching, as Robles falls to the ground [like a felled, um, oak]

Court is back in session and May-coo-coo is the star witness for the prosecution.  She testifies that Dam and Esthercita had an argument before they left on the sailboat.  Esthercita was mad because Dam told her he didn't love her and they were going to get a divorce. Fulgencio asks: Did she find it odd that Dam was taking Esthercita on a honeymoon when he didn't love her?  May-coo-coo hesitates…

Laz points his gun at Robles's head as he lies supine, motionless; we notice that the Comandante's eyelids flutter slightly.

[I am not unaware of the recent lay/lie, prone/supine, apostrophe comments that have been flying about the blog lately.  (I was especially troubled to realize that the Apostrophe Police have been patrolling all along.)  Do you see me whimpering in the corner?  Huh?]

Fulgencio presses until May-coo-coo admits that yes, the loveless honeymoon seemed odd.
[Heads are bobbing in agreement all over the Patio, which rarely finds itself on the same page as Mayuya].

And she admits that Esthercita was jealous of Marina, so jealous that she refused to divorce Damián just to keep him and Marina apart.

Now Fulgencio says he is going to repeat words that Mayuya said on another occasion; she is to interrupt him if the statement is untrue.

José Mason is like "Say what?  Is this guy for real?"  But the judge seems to be getting into the R-Lay-Dee spirit and overrules the objection.  So Fulgencio says:
Capitán Fabre held out their sea-faring honeymoon as a chance for them to get back together.  She trusted him, unaware that the night before, he had planted explosives on the boat with the intention of murdering her.

Marina stands up and calls out:  That's a lie!  Damián never deceived Esthercita!  She's the one who hoped for a reconciliation on the trip!

SILENCIO! thunders the judge.  He will have to arrest her if she can't control herself!  Dam tries to come to her aid and is restrained.

SILENCIO!!!

Hernán speaks up in Marina's defense and begs the judge for leniency.  The judge raises an eyebrow as if to say "Who is this jerk?"  "Yes, judge, please," chimes in Bea.  Hernán promises it won't happen again.  Meanwhile José is trying to keep Dam from, er, breaking bad.  

The judge decides to give Marina another chance.  This infuriates Fulgencio.  "Your Honor, you can't let them make a circus of this court," says the Ringmaster.  "Remove that woman from the courtroom!"

Hernán encourages Fulgencio to keep his cool in order to avoid, um, bigger problems.
[Staccato violin notes sound.  We have learned to hear them as ominous.]

And speaking of ominous...
Lázaro is covering Robles with dried palm fronds.  Nereo approaches and points his gun at Robles's inert form, then at Laz himself.  Aw, he's just having some fun.  Welcome to the big leagues, kid!

Mercedes says goodbye to Magdalena.  (She gets away with doing so because Mags is still unconscious. (Or so it appears. I hope she turns out to be listening on the sly.))  Mercedes has to deliver evidence exonerating a good man.  She'll be back soon.  She kisses her brow, blesses her and leaves.

Laz tells Jaz he did what he had to do -- he shot Comandante Robles!

Perry José Mason gets a crack at Mayuya now.  She testifies that Esthercita spent the night with Dam on La Tempestad of her own free will; later she said she had been raped.  When Fulge heard about the incident, he had Dam arrested.  Only when Dam was about to be sent off to prison, did Esthercita tell the truth -- she yelled it really -- in the town square.

José gets Mayuya to acknowledge that DamFab had no motive to kill Esthercita, that he married her to protect her honor.

The proceedings are interrupted briefly so the insufferable Hernán can take a call on his cell.

José asks the jury to consider: A man who risks everything to save a lady's reputation -- is he likely to be a murderer?
[Is that really the best you've got, José?  Hurry it up, Mercedes!]

Hernán gets the good news: Laz came through!  He killed Robles and left the body as a message for the other federales.  "One less problem," smiles Hernán.

If Hernán only knew
The federales find their chief, confirm that he is alive, thanks to his bullet-proof vest.  They weren't in on the details of the plan -- Robles thought that would be too risky.  But Laz came through for them and now Hernán and Fulgencio have to believe that the comandante is dead.  The deputies will spread the word in town.  And Robles will stay away for a while.  They'll keep in contact and continue to work on locating Lucía's sister and identifying the head of the organization...

…Who happens to be a dirty old man with an eye for soul-free beauty.   
Macario is impressed at what a quick study in feminine wiles Hada has turned out to be.  Ernesto thinks she's a knockout in the lacy, low-cut pale pink gown.  Perhaps Mac can show her how to be a perfect hostess.  Then she'll really knock everyone's socks off at their get-together.

"You know what would make me look more beautiful?  If I had a ruby ring…"  [Oh Hada, you little scamp!]  Ernesto has jewels of every kind.  Mac will find what she wants.

Ick Alert! (Thanks, Mads)
Hada snuggles up to Ernesto.  She'll reward him tonight for treating her so well.  He nuzzles her shoulder and runs his old man hand over the bare skin of back.

Fulgencio calls the Harbormaster to the stand.  He tells how Marina had the honeymoon sailboat called back into port.  He thought she needed to speak to Captain Fabré about a serious problem.  But when he arrived, they just hugged and kissed and went outside together.  He couldn't hear their conversation, just a few isolated phrases:  "The captain said he'd be back from his trip soon and then nothing and no one would be able to keep them apart."

Avances:
Will Mercedes get the precious evidence to court in time to save DamFab?

Labels:


Comments:
NovelaMaven, fabulous, you really caught the spirit of the "trial" with your wit and adroit metaphors. I particularly liked:
Hernán insinuates himself into the ranks of the Damianistas...
No one expected Fulgencio's mudpie to reach Marina!
Perry José Mason objects...
"...you can't let them make a circus of this court," says the Ringmaster...
So funny, and so easy to read, and the characters easy to recognize. Perfect!

 

And, double-thanks for passing out beanies and nerf objects for us, here on the patio...you are making the TN much more enjoyable!
 

Ursula takes the full measure of Dam the Man and decides she likes what she sees. [Take a number, sister.] Then she notices Hernán and she's no longer sure which flavor she prefers. One thing she knows -- she's going to have dessert.
Now that's the NovelaMaven I've come to know and love. Takes sight at the target and SCORES!

ElnaJune, yesterday was a disaster. Full to the brim with must do's and must see's and I was quite under the weather to boot. Still am, alas, but later in the week intend to go back and enjoy your recap. For now too bleary-eyed to even note all of NovelaMaven's gems, but "this too shall pass".

Even bleary-eyed, I didn't miss "Fulgencia draws himself up to twice his normal bulk..., a True Fish Emergency..., view of the back forty..., who's this jerk anyway...and...the insufferable Hernán..."

So much to enjoy and savor on this rainy Saturday with a head cold. Ack!

Thanks for doing a lot more for me this morning than a cup of coffee, NovelaMaven. May get to see this later or not, but you brought it to life with your recap.
 

NovelaMavenMaiden:

I just like that name ; ) Thanks so very much for this wonderful, superb recap! I really liked your reference to Franz Kafka and Perry Mason, Fully is no Hamilton Burger is he?

What a sham of a trial. The father of the victim is the prosecutor, que, que, what????? Course he runs the town so juareva! I liked how he was leading Maycucu on the witness stand and also the Harbor Master, shame on him!

I am so liking Jose Mason, who is trying his best to defend DamProtector and DamDenier. I had to laugh when Herny stood up to object, really???

So Ursula thinks she can have dinner and dessert? I think Marina is gonna be some tough competition for her. Maybe Herny will get interested in Ursula and forget about Marina, yeah, like that is gonna happen!

I hope Mercy makes it to the trial on time. The poor woman has so much on her plate at the moment.

So glad the Commandante survived his "hit" and will still be working behind the scenes. I liked how he mentioned the head of the organization and then the scene changed to ole Pervy Ernie, poor Hada, although I have to say she did initiate that one. Still very ICK worthy!

Can't wait to see what happens when the trial resumes on Monday!
 

Good morning NovelaMaven, Emarie and Judy...

NovelaMaven: This ranks awith the best among your recaps - it began with, sustained and ended with a brillant blending of smooth writing, perfect comments and wry humor. You are amazing.

"mix of the malevolent", "exuberant clevage" and "she's no longer sure of which flavor she prefers" were but a few of my favorite tasty tidbits.

Was it just me or was Valdivia (right name?) screaming when he was swearing in Dam and May?

Hernan's solicitious and fawning over Eusebia was nauseating. I believe you (and/or Carlos) pointed this out yesterday and I am surprised she didn't flinch at his touch and bade him to crawl back into the shadows from whence he came.

So is the intelligent Jose up to competing against the blustering, santimonious, blistering Fulgencio? All show and posturing on Fully's part, seeming to be quite effective Mercedes beter be prepared to pull a magical rabbit out of her hat or the outcome appears grim.

Judy, hope you feel better as the day progresses and that you recover quickly.

NovelaMaven, it's beautiful and sunny here. The air is crisp and fresh as was your wonderful recap.

Diana
 

Madelaine: Our comments crossed.

"Fully is no Hamilton Burger is he?" HA! Great line and no, he sure isn't...;)

Diana
 

Speaking of Perry Mason, I believe he won every case except one (I bet our Vivi will be able to confirm or deny that. She knows everything!)

So, let's hope the winning streak continues and that "Perry Jose Mason" has an (almost) unblemished record when all is said and done.

Diana
 

Novela Maven, I am in complete awe my friend. Honestly, I thought last night's episode was a bit of a yawner. But your recap is DamFascinating, DamFabulous and DamFunny. It was even, dare I say it, Kafkaesque! Yowza, only our dear NM would, or could, channel Kafka for a recap and turn it into a masterpiece.

I almost fell off my chair for: "[like a felled, um, oak]". Oh good, very good!

Oopsie: "(I was especially troubled to realize that the Apostrophe Police have been patrolling all along.)" Snort! No, I was only dressed like the AP for the costume party. Hee.

Cesar Evora was born to play the courtroom, what with all that blowhardish bluster.

"Exuberant cleavage", NM please say I can use this sometime?

Diana, yes Valdivia was yelling, lol! It was very weird, but there were numerous que raro moments in last night's episode, I thought.

NM, thank you for the gift of so many laughs this morning. I will re-read the recap again later and laugh all over again.
 

JudyB, so sorry to hear you are under the weather. Colds suck! And rainy outside too, makes it sound gloomy. I hope you are able to snuggle up with a good book or an old movie and escape for a while.
 

Good morning, all. I should be doing laundry and cleaning, but I have to say hello to all my buds here. I have not had time to read your recap , NovelamavenMaiden. I am saving it for a little later... . Like my older daughter would "save" algebra problems for after dinner. I want to to savor it after I get some chores behind me.

I am watching "The Parent Trap"...The good, original one with Brian Keith, Maureen O'Hara, and Hayley Mills and thinking about our LT's twins.

Ursullied is quite a piece of work. Who knew that the writers would insert someone who could outEster Ester and Outcucu Maycucu. She almost licked her lips when her gaze fell on DamScraggly and Hernie. Let's see where that leads. And she has traded in her artfully faded jeggings for a dress so short it might show the good china.

Judyb...Sorrybabout your head cold..bummer. Hub and I are dealing with allergies living here in Pollen Valley. well, it started out sunny here, but it looks like the sky is getting gray and maybe will we have rain soon. no ense hanging my laundry out to dry.
 

OK, now we are getting into true Mejia form, I knew it wouldn't take long. The accuser is the prosecutor, ¡¿Qué what!? makes sense to me??

Fully?! that same sweet girl the whole town railed & graffited about?, screaming drunkenly the truth in front of everyone.

Maybe José could bring up, why would Dam blow himself up? How many days before he dragged himself on shore & spent in the hospital?

I haven't seen WL in a commercial lately.
 

Good morning to all on this fair autumnal day! And thank you for being so kind in your comments.

Emarie:
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recap. Do have fun with your nerfazos. During El Tal (the absolute limbo bar of novelas (How low can you go?), I think it was Doris who invented a special machine to launch the nerf objects at the TV -- the lanchanerfazos. If you don't have one yet, I believe The Storm Cellar™ may still have a few in stock.

JudyB:
Ay ay ay. A rainy Saturday with a head cold. Wishing you sunshine and rapid recovery, my friend. If you have to miss an episode, this might be the one to skip. I wonder though -- it might be fun to turn off the sound and watch it for the visuals. The reaction shots were a hoot and I didn't have the energy to do them justice in the recap.

Mads:
"Fully is no Hamilton Burger is he?"
No he is not. Hah! And this trial is like none I've ever seen before. ¡Ya basta! Let's hope they wrap it up on Monday! (I kept hoping Mercedes would arrive last night at the eleventh hour.)
 

Good morning, Diana!

It was Carlos who remarked on Eusebia's nonchalant reaction to Hernán's touch. I am also surprised "she didn't flinch".

Hernán's whole toadying presence was especially disturbing to us because WE KNOW. We know Hernán plotted to blow up the sailboat and intended to murder both Esthercita and DamFab. Grrrrrr.

"So is the intelligent Jose up to competing against the blustering, santimonious, blistering Fulgencio?"

Great question. In a more perfect world, perhaps. But in R-Lay-Dee, he is going to need that elusive PROOF.

About Perry Mason losing a case...
I felt a little better that I couldn't answer your question when I read that Sonia Sotomayor, a big Perry fan, couldn't either. (Though you're right -- Vivi probably can tell you right off the top of her head.)

You can check it out here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106666458

Sylvia:

I hope I get the episode in which Eusebia transforms Hernán into a cockroach (or, okay, a fiddler crab). That one I can call... The Metamorphosis.

I would love to see a snapshot of your AP costume some time. (Though it is the Comma Commandos who strike fear in my heart. They have infiltrated my very home and have attacked me for my loosey-goosey approach. There are rules, they say. There are rules.)

Exuberant cleavage is all yours. Oh wait... Ah, you know what I mean.

Thank you for getting the "felled oak" joke*. It was one that I probably should have resisted but just couldn't.

[*The joke, in case anyone is wondering, is that roble is the Spanish word for 'oak tree.' And of course 'Robles' is the surname of the federale shot by Lázaro.]
 

NovelaMaven,
Que bien, so enjoyable: I adore the alliteration, the exuberant cleavage, the "felled oak", all of it!
I liked seeing Maycucu tell the truth, much as she didn't want to...
I love the Damianistas in the background (Lolo/Bagre:-)) following every word, gesturing, and ready to leap at any injustice.

Ursula and Hernan together seems perfect to me. And then, they move to an island somewhere and stop bothering us. But, that won't happen just yet.

I'm not impatient or anything (well, perhaps a little/or a lot) but I am really curious when we will see M&M together? And, Mercedes too. O.k., it's a ways off. It's a quirky thing I have...

I AM impatient to see DamDumb (at the moment) wise up and admit to Marina his absurd mentira. But that too is a ways off.....
thanks everybody! Ana
 

Thanks for the link NovelaMaven! And "toadying presence" was the pefect description of Hernan.

Susanlynn: "Ursullied" was great!

ana, I am also missing the D&M romance which is the heart and soul of this story. Those passionate kisses seem to be fading into a distant memory.

Sigh...

Diana
 

Susanlynn:

I love your description of "Ursullied" as "someone who could outEster Ester and Outcucu Maycucu". Have fun with "The Parent Trap"!

Variopinta:

We knew the job was dangerous when we took it. :D

"Maybe José could bring up, why would Dam blow himself up? How many days before he dragged himself on shore & spent in the hospital?"

Excellent advice to counsel for the defense. Don't you wish they could hear us yelling from the Patio?

Ana:

Thank you for the nice words.

"I AM impatient to see DamDumb (at the moment) wise up and admit to Marina his absurd mentira. But that too is a ways off....."

Maybe not. Isn't that the Harlequin Romance we all bought tickets for? But we might have to dine out on flashbacks while we are waiting for the real deal.

And yes, definitely, bring on M&M (and M!) and let's see what the new girl can do. [Unlike some of my crankier tablemates on the Patio, I'm enjoying XN's low-key performance so far.]
 

NM thank you so much for another wonderful recap. Your observations of Ursula were funny and fitting for our new treacherous meanie. I can see she and Herny hooking up very soon but we know that will not stop his obsession w/Marina as Mads noted. And thanks for sharing the joke.

Judy - I hope you feel better. Take advantage of the rainy day and use Sylvia's suggestions of nap, book or movie.

Diana - ITA w/you about Herny fawning over Eusebia was sickening. Carlos said it best, perhaps her radar was down. Or perhaps she knows he's evil and wants the sociopath to let down his guard.

Susanlynn - I hope the rain removes the pollen and you & your hubby don't suffer any longer.

Variopinta - I must admit that though this is Mejia, I am shocked the TN hasn't truly gone off the rails....yet. It must be the influence of Monica Miguel.

Ana - yes I too want to see the sisters together. However we know when that happens all types of mess will break loose.

 

Karen
Maybe the viewers could advise Mejia
to leave Monica Miguel alone so this could remain watchable.
 

okay...I am trying to be good. I have finished several loads of laundry and halfheartedly done some chores. To reward myself, I decided to begin NMM's recap. I got as far as the preface and first paragraph. ...the malevolent and the well meaning....priceless....The groom's sude...ha. As for Kafka, Metamorphosis gave me nightmares for quite a while...Ewww. we could only wish Hernan Haskell and AWFulperson such a fate.

Karen..Thanks. Still no rain here, but maybe it will help ease our sneezes. I am thankful for Claritan this time of year..itchy eyes, itchy nose season.
 

...only on the second paragraph..."buttonstraining blouse...exuberant cleavage"...you've got to love the plethora of adjectives we have to express ourselves in English......bride's side...HA
 

NovelaMaven (not Maiden!) I am at work and keep laughing at your brilliant recap with so many things you noticed with the sharp eye. Ursula contemplating dessert menu, "toading presence," "exuberant cleavage."

I should stop snorting so loud. I need to concentrate.

Then I scroll down reading comments and Susanlynn breaks all my defenses with "someone who could outEster Ester and Outcucu Maycucu."

Stick a fork in me, I am done. HAHAHAHA.


 

NovelaMaven - Loved the courtroom/wedding setup. I laughed from top to bottom, but "Jose Mason says his client had a true Fish Emergency" brought tears to my eyes.

I could feel the heat between Hernan and Ursula, but somehow I don't think she's going to be into his violin playing.


 

I just finished the recap, and there were too many treasures to list. Novela Maven, thanks for all the tricks and the treats. What a great break from my Saturday chores. Can I blame you for not getting done what I should have done ??? Your funny recap and Hayley Mills led me astray.

vita...Glad you liked my little funny. Novelamaven's wit always inspires me.

Now, I REALLY have to get busy...and not in the good getting busy way...grumblegrumblegrumble.
 

Niecie...Do you think that Hernie and Ursulliedn will eventually fiddle around????...Sorry...I couldn't restrain myself...I am weak. Now, I fear that I am attempting to avoid chores in any way I can...including bad puns.
 

Gosh, NM, you are funny!

The midpie hitting Marina, "she leads with her fan and bouncing boobies" and I especially loved:

José asks the jury to consider: A man who risks everything to save a lady's reputation -- is he likely to be a murderer?
[Is that really the best you've got, José?  Hurry it up, Mercedes!]

So how about our honest galan lying under oath (I don't love Marina)?! In TN law does protecting your woman trump perjury? And as you so aptly put it, NM, how does that lie help DamFramed's case?

Was anyone else terrified for the Mighty Oak when Nereo pointed that gun at him? I was so afraid he'd do that gangster thing where he fires a round into his chest for good measure.

Thank you again for this day brightener. You make so many people happy with your clever way with words!

Katy
 

Hola Karen!

So glad you stopped by today.

"I can see [Ursula] and Herny hooking up very soon but we know that will not stop his obsession w/Marina as Mads noted'

...Nor his trysts with the ladies in red, I imagine. Hmmm. I wonder what Ursus horribilis looks like in a jealous rage. Pretty horrible, I'm guessing.

Susanlynn:

Will Hernán and Ursula eventually FIDDLE around? hahaha. Hey, they already have their own musical motif. But see above.

Vita dear:

You must try to avoid snorting loudly at work. People will begin to talk. I am glad you enjoyed the recap but I can't take too much credit for the humor. There was just so much low-hanging fruit in this episode...

Niecie:

"I could feel the heat between Hernan and Ursula, but somehow I don't think she's going to be into his violin playing."

Yeah, exactly. Me, I'm guessing Ursula is more of an accordion and tuba girl. So far the vile vengeful violinist has exactly one fan (not counting himself) -- Beatriz!

Katy:

"Was anyone else terrified for the Mighty Oak when Nereo pointed that gun at him?"

Oh definitely, I was. I'm feeling a little better about Lázaro after last night but I did feel he was kind of a loose cannon. [I mean what kind of dude picks a fight with Lolo?]

As for the testimony at The Trial -- it was ALL smoke and mirrors! I suppose on Monday we'll see if a bunch of bribed/intimidated DamningLiars get put on the stand; and if Mercedes arrives in time with her precious proof of innocence.

Question for Legal Minds:
Is there a presumption of innocence in the Mexican judicial system? Does the state have to prove guilt or does the accused have to prove innocence?




 

This great NovelaMaven, your court reporting is perfection.

"Robles falls to the ground [like a felled, um, oak]"

It had to be said...

All those pretty colored drinks for sale and Hernán buys the ladies bottled water? Dork.

Remember how quickly Mercedes arrived after the fire? Now they can't even get the copter off the ground? Yikes!

I think my favorite scene were Valdivia shouting the oath at the witnesses. I cracked up at that.

I also chuckled at Lazaro covering Robles with those palm leaves. Good job kid.

Carlos
 

What is up with nobody fueling up that helicopter ???? Mercedes should have put Jose Mason in charge of helicopter refueling. My mother always used to say "If you want something done, ask a busy person"...right before she asked ME to do something for her.

Well, despite spending WAYYYYY too much time here in the Caraycaray lounge (too cool to be out on the patio), I did manage to get the laundry done. Now, I am hiding downstairs pretending to fold towels in the family room while Hub (my own personal Jose) vacuums the living room. ...Shhhhh. Does that make me a bad person ??? ??Rhetorical question, maties..no need to answer. ohh..gotta pick up a towel and start folding..the vacuum stopped. Then off to the grocery store for our Saturday night date....sad, verdad ??????
 

Carlos, my friend's ex hubby was a cop who thought it was very hilarious to yell "Do you swear to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you , God????" At people from time to time. ...l yes..he was a tool which is why he is her ex. Valdivia reminded me of him.
 

Carlos:

"All those pretty colored drinks for sale and Hernán buys the ladies bottled water? Dork."

But you notice that Ursula Horribilis bought herself an agua de jamaica. Does that make her way cooler than 'Nan?

And speaking of Ursula -- She is not the only bear in the cast. There is brawny Oso, he of the perpetual cut-offs. Two robust bears, a cave close by. Narrative possibilities abound.

Susanlynn:
"Then off to the grocery store for our Saturday night date....sad, verdad ??????"

It depends on the grocery store. If it's one with bouncy muzak and lots of tasting stations and clerks ready to find the fresh cilantro for you and tell you when the best salmon is coming in -- hey, why not?

If it's like the stores where I grew up where elbowing and shopping cart derby were competitive sports, then maybe you don't want to tell too many people where you hang out. They might not understand. :D
 

Sadly, it is the second type you described. However, the store is really empty on Saturday nights ...no lines...and we can "speed shop" for the week's necessities. Clean up in aisle 4.í
 

NovelaMaven,

"...Ursula Horribilis bought herself an agua de jamaica. Does that make her way cooler than 'Nan?"

Do bears sit in the woods?

Carlos
 

Too funny, Carlos.

Susanlynn
Well if it's good for you...

:)
 

At 1st I thought Laz covering up Robles was pretty ridiculous, but now I think it was pretty smart, it kept Nereo from making him shoot Robles again, perhaps in the head,. or checking to see if he was breathing.
 

Carlos...HA. ..."Do bears sit in the woods?"...good one.
 

Novelamaven..I think that they do play Muzak. I am so focused on getting out as fast as I can that I focus on my list, but sometimes , I dance, so...there might be music. However, I can't be 100% sure because I have been known to dance without music. ...because...wait for it.....I got the music in me. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Anyhoo, it's raining now, so I should have gone earlier.... juaever.
 

Variopinta - we can hope that if Meija uses fan opinion to change tns perhaps he'll listen to them regarding Ms. Miguel.

Carlos - unfortunately our Herny may never be cool to anyone but Bea.

Susanlynn - glad you are enjoying yourself and the music in you, ha!


 

Ay yay yay! Looks like I've been missing a fun party on the Patio today. What a perfect way to spend a rainy night, after being out in the rain all day!

NovelaMaven- This recap was so wonderfully colorful and descriptive, that I don't feel that I need to watch my recording now. Well, maybe to see Ursula and Hernan generate heat, and to see Fully bluster.

As for Perry Mason, the original was before my time, and I was still a kid when the Perry Mason movies in the 80s and 90s were on tv, so I can't help. But I have faith in Jose Mason! Even in this kangaroo court.

In Mexico, it's presumption of guilt. It's up to the defense to prove innocence. Mercedes better get there quick! Who was the dope who forgot to fuel the helicopter?
 

Carlos,
SNOT came out of my nose as I laughed at your comments:-). Thank you -(glad you all didn't have to see it)..."palm fronds--good job kid" OMG, hy.ster.i.cal!

and the shouting of the oath, by Valdivia (so effeminate, no?, I mean, Valdivia? why not, ValdiviO?
I don't get that, it gets me confused. Anyway, that WAS, unnecessarily.. emphatic!

And that damn helicopter. I mean, really??? No gas? Jose should be in charge.
Ana
 

Novela Maven:

This is quite simply one of your best recaps. Ever. Sheer genius.

I offer praise to the following:

Kafka Reference

'Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested.
The Trial, by Franz Kafka'

Setting the Scene

PP2 The "mix of the malevolent -- the hags, the harpies, the gangsters -- and the well-meaning -- the fisherman, the weeping women, the man of the cloth."

Ursus horribilis

"Ursula in a short, button=straining red dress..." and "the bride's side".

(Take a number, sister.)

"THWAP THWAP THWAP goes the gavel. Silencio! The Marinistas appear horrified. Fulgencio looks pleased with himself".

"Fulge seems to puff himself up to double his normal bulk for his opening statement.."

Novela Maven: You have set the scene perfectly, the mad characters are all assembled and the mock trial is, well, Kafka-esque. You know how much I admire your work but this is truly one of your best. I had to read it out loud to Mr. June, I so savored the words. When I read aloud these words;

"SILENCIO! thunders the judge. He will have to arrest her if she can't control herself!",

Mr. June kindly offered to arrest Marina. He said he would help Miss Universe control herself.He's a generous soul, that Mr. June.

I loved this wonderful piece of writing. You made me laugh, I grinned at your witticisms and I shook my head in wonder at the prose perfection.

Hermana, you are so GOOD.

With cheers of admiration,

Elna June
 

Judy B:

I am so sorry you are not well. Sending you kind wishes for easy breathing and clear eyes.

Abrazos,

Elna June
 

Hola Vivi!

Oh sure, the original black and white Perry's were way before your time. The thing is, though, they reran those suckers for years so I thought you might have had some experience with them. There was something about them -- so corny, so formulaic, so predictable even in their surprises. And the good guys always triumphed in the end. Gosh. What does that remind you of? :)

Thanks for answering my question about the Mexican legal system. If there is no presumption of innocence...uh oh. Hurry up, Mercedes!!!
 

Good evening, Elna June!

As always, you are far too kind. I am thrilled that you got a few laughs out of The Trial.

Last week we sang the praises of Mr. Mads; this week we get to admire the generosity of Mr. June. How very noble of him to offer to help the overwrought Miss Universe. [I'm not so sure about his plan to arrest her, however. Would she be bunking with DamFab? Or are there other accommodations available in the Comandancia?]

Anyway, you are a peach. As you know, praise from a fellow recapper is especially sweet. Thank you!
 

Wardrobe Update!

In the time DamFab's been relinquished to the Flashdance shirt (how many days has it been in telenovela land? Mauricio?):

Marina: Bright green tank dress (romp in the flower fields), hot pink shorts (hit in the head with a rock) and now the white, asymmetrical tennis skirt.

Hernan: Green jeans and now white pants (not to EVER be mistaken for wet, white pants). And there could be more I just stated paying attention to this.

Come on Wardrobe!!! Our guy is already down on his luck. He deserves a shower and a new shirt. I, for one, can not look at that goshawful mustard shirt one. more. night. Even if it is on WL!

And speaking of wardrobe, I hope Maggie at least has a different hair style (ponytail?) so we know when it's her. I was already fooled once after Marina got hit in the head with a rock and the next scene was the ICU with Maggie.
 

Katy- I think the reason I haven't looked at my recording of the episode yet is because I don't want to see that godawful shirt again. :)
 

HAHAHA Viv! It's like they found the exact color of his bad hair weave and made it into a shirt.
 

Kati- Maybe they used up all the hair that was left after they made his weave, to make that shirt. They didn't quite have enough left to make a collar...or to make it attractive.
 

Thanks Katy,

"...Green jeans and now white pants (not to EVER be mistaken for wet, white pants)."

You managed to crack me up this morning.

Carlos
 

Hee hee!

You people! Don't you recognize DamSuffering when you see it? He's wearing a HAIR SHIRT! (Though I suspect wardrobe has five or six, each freshly laundered and Calvin Klein scented).

And at a certain point in The Trial, DamInnocent was obviously as dry and fresh as a newly changed and powdered baby's bottom. Not so his tormentor, Fulge, who, trapped in his dark suit and jacket, was starting to 'glow' a bit.
 

Hola amigas y amigos! Boy did I ever miss a rousing good time on the patio yesterday. Even though I was not in a position to comment I was able to enjoy everyone else's comments. I especially enjoyed Susanlynn's obvious attempts to avoid her chores. FIDDLE AROUND...Bwahahahaaa!! (Susanlynn, Were you talking about yourself?)

BTW, the original The Parent Trap is one of my fave all time movies.

Carlos, I, too, had a laugh at Lazaro "hiding" Robles under palm fronds and handfuls of leaves. Ah well, he played to his audience and Nereo seemed satisfied. (thank you variopinta)

It Never Rains In California...or does it? Sounds like a lot of you were getting wet yesterday. We also had our share of downpours and I was "fortunate" enough to be cycling from one end of the city to the other. I managed to reach my destination before the real rain started but forgot to cover my cushie bicycle seat with plastic. Talk about a wake up call for the return trip. Ayeeeee!! But today is a beautiful, although slightly chilly, day so hello Autumn. I can't wait to get back to sweaty R-Lay-Dee and the crayzee courtroom.
 

The judge in this trial does not seem to be able to keep order. He bangs the gavel and the crowd gets louder.
After his conviction, there should be many grounds for an appeal: false testimony, failure to keep order in the courtroom and, above all else, letting the accused look like a degenerate, filthy criminal at trial.
 

Good afternoon , everyone. it is a picture perfect fall day here. ..about 70 , sunshine, clear, blue sky, a slight breeze that is working hard to bring down more of the leaves in the woods that surround us on three sides. Hub and I just got back from a birthday party for our 6-year-old Janie. There's something about being with a bunch of 6-year-old girls that makes you feel as if everything is going to be all right. Now, Hub has rushed off to the local golf course , and I am finishing up that laundry. Sylvia, so you were out biking around while I was "fiddling around" avoiding my chores. I love The Parent Trap (original) and watch it every time it's shown. I also never miss watching the Gidget movies. Hey, I wanted to BE Gidget...I still do. Today, I have on The Thornbirds as I continue fiddling around and doing an occasional task. have a nice day, all.
 

Katy and Vivi and NM:
You girls had me in stiches regarding Damian's recent—and repetitive—attire. I hooted at the ideas that a) his shirt had been chosen to match his wig -
b) His shirt had actually been woven from his shed hair
c) Making it a HAIR SHIRT, perfecting for a suffering hero, down on his luck.

You all are too funny.

OK, one more wardrobe/costume note...As I was recapping the Magdalena scenes the other day, I noticed that costume/makeup had finally done something with her fingernails. They no longer looked like Marina's hands smeared with dirt and nastiness but costume/wardrobe had given her what appear to be nail wraps that made her hand look like it was infected with some horrid nail fungus. Serious yuk, people.

EJ
 

EJ- I commented on Magda's new nails the other day. Yes, someone in makeup finally realized how ridiculous Marina's perfect manicure looked on Dirty Maggie.
 

I think someone commented that Damwiggedout was going to eventually lose the bad wig due to popular demand. Has the multitalented Jose also been to Barber school. ?
 

OMG. I'm finally watching Thursday's episode. I can't believe Marina let Hernan get all up in her personal space like that-- kissing her hand, caressing her face! Blech!
 

I've noticed Hernan is a real space invader. He seems to be touchy/feely with almost everyone, the ladies anyway. How about when he met Ursula? Hand on waist, bends in for a kiss. Not that she seemed to mind, their conversation took place about 2" apart.
 

Silvia- Yeah. He does get all up in people's space. Just now getting to Friday's episode to see the meet a greet between him and Ursula.
 

Sylvia and Vivi:

Oh yes, definitely. Hernán is so calculated in everything he does. He invades personal space to establish dominance and he uses touch(mostly with women) to imply intimacy as well as dominance.

Eusebia, of course, is super touchy-feely but we never get the sense that she is acting in a calculated way. She, in fact, IS the elder, the alpha, the one who can choose the level of intimacy in any interaction.

What I love is how no one (or at least no woman) can seem to resist touching Damián.
 

VIvi:

I stepped on your earlier comment, my apologies. That's what I get for being away for a week!

As to Hernan, he is always all over Marina. I have decided that the demands of filming prevent actors from maintaining any 'normal' sense of personal space. Still, Hernie is a serious space invader—you are right.

EJ
 

They say that Americans like a personal space of about 2 feet around them. However, some cultures like to be closer in their interactions. I've had students who like to speak to me at a very close distance. It must look funny if one person is backing up as the other moves in closer.

I am watching the end of The Thornbirds in which a priest falls in love with a beautiful young woman and is torn between the church and the woman. Has this ever been a theme in a telenovela ? , I've never seen a novela with this plot line.
 

Susanlynn- In Triunfo del Amor (and the previous versions), the young soon to be priest is torn between love and the priesthood and has a fling with the girl he loves, which leads to her getting pregnant and to the rest of the drama. In En Nombre del Amor the new town priest finds out his first love did not die as he thought, and then decides to leave the priesthood in order to marry her. She's murdered before he can do so, but he does get to enjoy getting to know their daughter. Strangely enough, both of these women who tempted these men out of the priesthood were played by Victoria Ruffo. :)

I bet there are a bunch of tns with this theme.

 

Cap'n:

You gave me an earworm, lol. I like that song.

JudyB:

I too hope you are feeling better! Chicken soup with a touch of Tapatio (hot sauce) does wonders!
 

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