Caray, Caray!

Good Morning Y'all, please comment away. It will be awhile before this recap is up. So much happened this episode!
 

Oh Madelaine, thank you for the link. Karen Carpenter's voice has such a lovely, lyrical, haunting quality, even after all these years.

I'm eagerly awaiting your sure to be marvelous take on this pivotal episode. I won't comment now except to sadly note that the merciful hiatus from Juvie viciously biting into and greedily devouring fruit has sadly ended. Animals gnawing on rotting carcases have better manners surely! I have to say that Alberto is surely enjoying his chance to "chew the scenery" here (sorry, couldn't resist!).

Thank you in advance for what is to come. I look forward to your always helpful conversation translations.

Diana
 

I am not sure what happened between Montserrat and Alejandro. Did he rape his wife? Was the sex consensual?
 

Univison cut the most important bedroom scene. Montse resisted a little at first and then she not only succumbed but participated. Knowing this is essential for viewers to see that she is now into Ale. Univision chose to edit that out. I'm glad I actually watch the series on the internet first and then watch univision with english subtitles to check my understanding of the dialogue
 

There was no rape, this time they made it clear she was into it.
I would have liked to see more than just the brief kissing scene, though.
I watch online, too, but that's all I saw. Was there anything else that I missed?
A sure indicator that she liked it was her gleefulness the next morning, too.

Can't wait for the recap! These double episodes are such a treat, so much is happening!
 

That's where I usually watch, but maybe the video I chose had the shorter version.
It wasn't rape and that's a fact.

But Ale did think she was coming from being with JL - I found his eagerness to be with her when she was supposedly fresh out of another man's arms quite disturbing.
But then again, this is not your usual galan, lots of shades of grey in his character.
And the way he ripped open his shirt... talk about 50 shades of grey, huh?

 

I'm glad that uncut versions showed Monse being a participant, and that the morning after she was clearly blissed out, otherwise I would have to feel really guilty about enjoying that shirt ripping scene so much.

But seriously, Ale needs to learn to chill out and use his words, not his, uhm...sword, when he's upset. That note is going to be like a nuclear bomb on Monday. Hell, I'M scared for Monse!
 

Thanks for the lovely song Mads. And take your time. Lots to talk about in this one.
 

Thanks guys. I feel better that the sex was consensual.
 

I found his eagerness to be with her when she was supposedly fresh out of another man's arms quite disturbing.

Adriana Noel, ITA. But I'm so glad to hear that Montse got in to it, as I suspected since she reached over for him in bed the following morning. That was truly an idiot edit of a pivotal scene. It's great that I can come to Caray Caray to find out what really happened!
 

Thanks, Madelaine! Eagerly await the recap and the witty dissection of these episodes by all of you. I too figured by Montse's demeanor the next morning and her Mona Lisa smile that she was not brutally violated by Ale. I unabashedly enjoyed the shirt ripping off with buttons flying to reveal that gorgeously sculpted chest even before I knew Montse would be in afterglow the next morning. Why did they cut the rest of the scene? Dern it!

Anon at 10:31, I try to play that link but it never loads or plays! Is this on YT? Thanks!

Lila
 

Anonymous 10:31...Thanks for that site. Yes, it was made clear that Montserrat responded after initial resistance and was completely into it. Now why in the world would Univision cut that? Do they want us to be anti-Alejandro? Bizarre.
 

Lila...I don't have HD access on my computer so I couldn't play at the first screen shown. But if you scroll down the page, you will find more screens and there I was able to watch the uncut version of Capitulo 31.
 

Oh, ok JudyB. Let me give it a try. Thanks!

Lila
 

Uh, yeah. . .I'd say she got into it. :D

Lila
 

If anyone is surprised by Monserrat's morning-after scene, think of Scarlett in GWTW the morning after the night Rhett carried her up the stairs. That movie didn't show us anything of what happened in the bed.

There was previously a Scarlett/Rhett dynamic between Angelique and Sebastian in Teresa and this particular story exploits it to the limit.

This edit doesn't surprise me at all. Thanks to Univision's growing ratings they are becoming afraid of US censors. Telemundo is also afraid of them and both networks have censored perfectly valid scenes like this.
 

Not having any luck viewing this on the website but I appreciate all of the comments about what happened between Ale and Monte. To be honest, I'm still uneasy about what transpired - at least, how it started.

But, you summed up exactly what I am feeling Adriana Noel: "But then again, this is not your usual galan, lots of shades of grey in his character. And the way he ripped open his shirt... talk about 50 shades of grey, huh?"

Ummm, yes.

Diana
 

I don't understand why Univision felt the need to cut that scene... It wasn't such a big deal, all we saw was the two of them in bed, kissing. Yes, she was in her underwear and he was bare chested, but that was all.
I was expecting something more revealing, a true love scene, but I guess we only get those after the I love you's are exchanged?
Regardless, watching online is the way to go if we don't want to lose the good parts.
Did I read it in here that AB is not doing love scenes anymore? And was it yesterday? Am I that old as not to remember what happened 24 hours ago?

Anyway, I'm off to a dinner party, I'll catch up with all of you later!

 

The lovemaking scene I saw online showed Ale's upper torso atop Montse, who's still wearing a bra and is enthusiastically kissing him back. That's all. I don't have cable, but I've seen much lengthier and more suggestive scenes on TV. Since the love scenes in AR were legendary by the accounts of all who've seen it, it's a double shame that it looks like Univision will hamstring LQLVMR.
 

OMG!!! I can't believe they cut out the best scene in the novella so far. It was really HOT. Now I'm glad I'm watching the shows ahead online, I don't trust Univision anymore. If they cut out this scene which is pivotal to the story, what else are they going cut out.
 

Susanlynn,

When you see this, please email me! cypratt@yahoo.com

OMGosh!

Cynderella
 

Well, not to sound really Old School but I don't like the way they're changing the story.

In Amor Real, Manual very slowly, very gently, albeit sexily, wooed Matilde. One particularly incandescent scene came to an abrupt end because she felt ashamed of responding to him so ardently when she "was still in love with Solis". But after talking to the priest, she understood that it was fine to feel desire for her husband and the scenes after that were sweet, hot, hot, hot and utterly memorable.

This is a different vibe altogether. The only sex Monserrat and Alejandro have had is Angry Sex. Forced Sex. Which was finally responded to, perhaps out of disillusionment with José Luis.

But totally different message. And an ugly one. Force yourself on your wife because you have the right. And she'll respond to your caveman tactics.

That was NOT at all the message in Amor Real.

Yes, I'm a hopeless romantic and want these two to live happily ever after...just because. But the way the writers are portraying the relationship progress is really icky.
 

Judy- Well, as we discovered that the only working women in this tn are maids and pole dancers/bookers, I would say NOTHING is this tn is sending the right message about male-female modern day dynamics, as they should be.

Last night when Monse asked Rosario why it was ok that Ale gets to go wherever he wants without notification, while she has to get a hall pass just to go to the bathroom, and Ro answered, because he's a man/el senor-- was the first time I felt the writers were aware of how ridiculous this all is. I'm still holding out hope that there'll be some women's empowerment message in all this at some point.
 

That's hookers, Tablet. Not bookers.
 

I like angry sex. Not the rape part, but if Alex would like to rip off his shirt and take me, I'd let him too.
 

Judy, thank you for stating so eloquently exactly how I feel the Ale/Monse storyline is being portrayed. The characters and the story frankly deserve better.

This is indeed a pale and inferior version of Amor Real where the main characters are concerned. The "romance" is indeed forced - without subtelty, compassion and worst of all, without kindness.

Ale's raging as to Monse's whereabouts last night was disturbing on many levels. I also want a happy ending but find Ale is constantly backsliding rather than trying to be the man and husband he should be.

Diana
 

Judy- Perhaps this version is sticking more to the original Bodas de Odio, than the more romantic Amor Real? The titles kind of say it all.
 

Could be, Vivi. And it would not surprise me that Carla Estrada would IMPROVE on the original.

As to Rosario saying, he doesn't have to give accounts because he is "el Señor", I thought that was more...because he's the boss. And naturally, from her point of view as a lifelong servant, that would make sense as an explanation of behavior.
But, from what I've read of Mexican culture, the man really is considered the boss. Women are not equal in any sense of the word. And physical force and financial power rule.

Anonymous 1:30--Thanks for keeping this light. Yes, I'm sure we'd all find a way to cooperate with the gorgeous Sebastian Rulli if he were so inclined. But ain't gonna happen.
 

Anon at 1:30 thank you! This is a novella, it is entertainment and carnality comes in all flavors and I'm loving what Ale is serving up. . .and it's only going to get better. Of course it's going to take a lot of wind out of his sails when he finds out Montse's lover has been all up in his house and his bidness. . .that's going to be ugly!

Lila
 

Judy- I thought Ro was making a distinction between man and boss, as she usually calls Ale el Patron when she's referring to him as the boss. Her use of Senor at that moment seemed like she was pointing to his maleness and status as Monse's husband and head of the household. But really, boss/husband/man probably all equal the same thing in this cultural context.
 

Despite the 19th century female roles, I still enjoyed seeing Ale ripping off his shirt, buttons and all. And Uni, I would have appreciated seeing his wife enjoy it too. What is up with the censors these days? I swear they get worse each year. As much as they edited Sortilegio at the time, we would have seen nothing had it aired now.
 

Madelaine, can't wair for your recap.

Ladies, thank goodness for all of you! I had seen a few scenes if this epi before it aired and knew the Uni scissors were out in full force when I watched this morning. Why did they mess with a pivitol scene? Damn you Uni! Thanks for the link, I will check it out later.

I liked the scene where Ale apologized. He seemed very sincere.
 

Your welcome, Lila

Cynderella
 

Anon 1:30 , I couldn`t agree more with you! If Alejandro ever feels like having his way with me in his hacienda, all I can say is "Yes please, one more time!"
So, how long was the sexy scene, anyway? I only saw them in bed kissing
 

It wasn't very long Adriana. There was more kissing, finally she stopped pushing against him and instead wrapped her arms around him and clearly kissed him back. Short scene. Pretty chaste. So what's up with the scissors.

Glad you're clearly feeling better and off to a party tonight, amiga.

Diana...not surprised we're having the same reaction. I just don't like the changes.Guess I'm strictly a Carla Estrada girl. Plus this sudden over-the-top romance, with 10,00 flowers, between Victor and Nadia seems absurd.
 

Anon 1:30 is me Cynderella.

Thanks. Adrianna.

He is so awesome. I usually don't like Rulli, but he is sooooo manly in this TN. Wow!
 

Not thinking it was rape,i mean Monse said thatBasicly she will only be thinking of JL every time Alejandro kisses her so she gave in to further insult him at the time.
 

And i like Rulli too but how manly was he in Amores?,never watched the telenovela..
 

Okay, Y'all part one is up. Still working on the rest and it will be up sometime this evening. Lo siento for the delay. Great comments!
 

NOTE TO ALL COMMENTERS

Do not put websites for viewing this TN in the comments. If you enjoy doing that, that's fine, but don't comment on it or put a website up. Televisa and Univision look for those sites all the time and shut them down, faster than you can blink an eye. If you want to share a site with someone please email them to each other. Do not put them in the comments thank you!
 

This version is following Bodas de Odio much more than Amor Real. In fact a lot of the dialogue is word for word. AR is one of my favorite novelas and I thought that the scenes between FC and AN were sizzling hot. I saw AR online, so I wonder if all the love scenes were edited on tv like they're doing here. AR was much more risqué in comparison. I love Sebastian Rulli in this role but they need to step up the love scenes between them if they want to make it as unforgettable as AR was.
 

Thank you, Madelaine for this first installment and the one to come! What a trooper with these double recaps! I admit to also being surprised that what Tomas wants is for Dimwit to marry Fina for real? I thought I'd missed something too. Was there an edit in there? And if Dimwit marries Fina, how is Tomas going to keep him from the money? Poor Fina seems like some people I am related to and others I work with who are on the Autism spectrum, coming out more on the Asperger's side. I know her brother loves her and is looking out for her but she needs someone close to her who is as sharp as he is yet empathic and less harsh. Pobrecita.

Don't like Esme trying to get JL and Montse back together. I generally like her but she needs to go back to climbing poles.

And Nadia giving advice on Montse's marital relationship and shaming her about sleeping in a separate room from Ale. Did I hear that right? I can't imagine that psychopath Pedro deigning to share a bed with Nadia!

Lastly, don't men have pervo-meters to tell when another man is consumed by base desires and has no boundaries? Now this perv is supposed to watch both Montse and Nadia? Sheesh! Thanks again, Madelaine!

Lila
 

Madelaine, thank you for your great recap. I don't know how you guys are doing double episodes. Yikes!

I really had wished that "Dimwit" (thank you Madelaine) would have really suffered at the hands of Tomas. He is such a nasty weasely slug; truly Gracie's son. I am hoping for an anvil personally inscribed for him before the end of this.

Thanks to all who filled us in on Ales's latest lovemaking venture with his wife. We only knew from her self satisfied perky demeanor the next day that she had enjoyed it. What I don't get is that Univision (as all networks) is worried about ratings but does such a sloppy job in editing their own work that cost plenty to produce in the first place. If they want to be so Puritanical at least leave enough in for a viewer to follow the plot.

Juvie got creepier last night when he had on his purple shirt and raised his arms and there were huge sweat stains at his armpits. Gross!!!

Ale's true character came out when he apologized to Montse for calling her a prostituta etc. the night before after he found out who really was at the choza. This particular incident (without her having told Ale the truth about JL) could come back and bite her big time. When the truth does come out Ale could feel like a real chump.

Maria deserved a slap on the hand for grabbing Ale to dance while he was trying to convince Montse to dance with Montse.

I was happy Montse saw JL kissing Angelica. There was no excuse for JL's behavior. She should know he is a slug, too.

On to Monday!

Jarifa
 

Did anyone else think it was kind of funny when Maria yanks Ale's arm so he can dance with her and he grimaces in pain? That was well acted on Rulli's part. He deserved it though for constantly letting her run roughshod over him.













































 

Mads thanks for the recap.

I haven't been able to view these episodes yet so can someone tell me if the Montse/Ale encounter is from these episodes? We aren't talking about their first time are we? Thanks in advance.
 

What was up with JL kissing Angelica? For a man who is risking life and limb to take his "one true love" and run away, he sure acted stupid. And it wasn't just Angie kissing him, either. He was all into the kiss, caressing her face too! Jerk! I hope Montse won't fall for whatever flimsy excuse he comes up with.
 

Karen- We're talking about what happened in these episodes. The first rape remains as ambiguous as ever. Although this instance also started out with aggression, it quickly became consensual.
 

Madelaine: Thank you for the wonderful recap, replete with embedded vocabulary, excellent insight and always fun comments: "JL is coming back from the river, I'm assuming, but he is still sweaty as evah, jus' sayin':" and "Tomas is harshing poor Josie's mellow" were among my many favorites.

Esme is a force of nature amidst the turmoil, the voice of truth, reason and sensibility. Rightfully suspecting Monse is in love with both men, she urges her to choose. Esme loves Rodrigo but her job is her job and is separate and apart from her personal life. A true modern woman in a story with so many words and actions from a bygone era.

Tomas' behavior and callous treatment of his sister is puzzling. Carlos you mentioned a day or so ago that you believe he loves his sister and while I agree, could he be just a bit quieter and softer toward Josie who is now heartbroken? I am glad Lauro knows and will force the little worm Dimwit to do the right thing. Of course, I say that only with the hope and expectation (no spoiler) that he will indeed grow to love Josie - as we do.

Wonder how long Gracie's luck will hold out and her affair remain a secret?

Madelaine, thank you for your double duty - it was a fine and interesting recap - loved the embedded vocabulary.

Diana
 

Tomas probably assumes that they Did the Deed and his response is so 19th-century, as the original story would dictate.

One wonders what their parents were like that Josefina is the way she is.
 

Madelaine - Great Part 1. You've drawn all these characters so well, like you've known them for years.

I have no problem with JL kissing Angelica. She asked for it as a favor for helping him and he obliged [cause this is a TN and someone must catch this pity kiss]. He easily could've taken it further cause Angelica is daring and into him. Instead, after the kiss, they simply sit and talk as friends. After being on the run and Montse (as is her right) pushing him away, it must've been nice to have a willing woman in his arms. Maybe he was even thinking of Montse during the kiss.

I don't know what to think about Ale and Montse. The sex was consensual, but this Angry Sex should've turned into afterglow snuggles. I would've liked to see him ask Montse if she wanted a glass a water or a sandwich or something afterward. I need more woo.

I must've fallen asleep while Victor fell for Nadia. Maybe there was something in that wine she threw in his face.
 

And Lauro thought his Dimwit son was starting to be responsible with the "negocios" with Adolfito and even gave him extra money. He actually believed he was an actual buisnessman.
"laughs in a corner"

Tomas is the voice of reason,if i was in the same position i would be pretty pissed off too but why would he want Dimmy to marry Fina,for real,social position so they wont be exposed to further mockery?
 

Perhaps.

We're still very much in Bodas de Odio territory in the sense that the writers are probably following the book as closely as possible.

If this were truly a modern story, Tomas would threaten Adolfo and Dimwit with fraud charges if they didn't disappear. Lauro would have to arrange for Dimwit to disappear for a while and nobody would have to know about the fake marriage because not a lot of time has gone by. He would have to force him into the Navy to do this in view of his own financial situation.

Adolfo's parents would have to be contacted and informed.

However, because Tomas likely thinks they already did The Deed he is concerned about His Sister's Honor. Really, the whole big deal about virginity is so ridiculous, especially when it doesn't look like anyone really knows yet about the fake marriage.
 

Thanks Mads for a great part 1 and part 2! The downside to these double headers is all the info that comes flying at us at lightning speed. You filled in all the gaps!

Did anyone catch what JL told Ale in the avances? Something like "I'm in love with _______ ". I can't imagine he told Ale he was in love with Montsy. Maybe Angie?

I don't understand why Ale is keeping Gracie's affair a secret. It seems to me that he owes Gracie nothing and I doubt Montsy will care after the way her mother has treated her. It Wil make me mad if Ale gives Pervie the capstan job for such a weak reason.

Thanks again, Mads.
 

Katy
Because of Lauro,imagine him finding the dirty secret out especially with his fragile health..It could cause his death and Monse would hate him for it.
 

Thanks, Mad for the recap. Trying to keep up with the story, very hard to find time to watch 2 hrs a night of TN and then read recap of the 2 hrs. Your recap was refreshing as usual.
Does anyone know how long they intend to keep the 2 hours going? I assume until they have another TN starting in one of the timeslots.
 

Madelaine - Just finished Part 2. You went far beyond the Call of Duty to give us a fab recap. Hope you get some rest.

I don't remember exactly the words used in that note, but perhaps there were no names used in it?
 

Thanks for the excellent part 2, Mads. I'm holding my breath till Monday to see Ale's reaction and how Monse gets out of this. I'm sure he will totally forget the promise he just made to trust her.
 

Emarie- Que Pobres Tan Ricos starts in the 10pm slot on Jan 6th. Has there ever been a 10pm comedy before?
 

And Pedro keeps getting creepier and creppier by each passing capitulos..His creepiest role by so far.
 

Emarie, Jan. 6, "Que pobres tan ricos" starts at 9:00central/10:00 eastern. I cannot wait!

Jarifa
 

Thanks so much for Part I and II, Mads. These double headers take a long time to watch and a long time to write! You did a terrific job.

The scene that really cracked me up was Juventino with the cigarette hanging out of his mouth, bothering Montserrat, and then when Victor? (I've forgotten who) comes up and asks what's going on? he just shrugs and says "Gotta light?" So smooth. So funny. Loved it. Could have been an ad lib. The actor is so cool.
 

What is bugging me is why Monserrat isn't ratting out Juventino's creepy handling of her. Doesn't she get enough of a bad vibe from that to realize she needs to get rid of this guy?

Alejandro doesn't trust him for completely different reasons; this would be more than enough to get rid of him.
 

Urban
Because Alejandro would probably used the opportunity trying to drill info on JL and since he doesnt trust Monse yet why would he believe on her word?
 

Thanks so much Madelaine. Just getting to your masterpiece today after being under the weather yesterday with a migraine. Definitely picked me up.

Love all the comments and insight into this TN everyone's been offering. I'm enjoying this one after the disaster that was CI and the MEH that was Manda. Let's hope this maintains a higher interest level.

Without seeing the cutting room floor scene, it was easy to get that Monse enjoyed her evening with her hubby, but I do wish they would now park the he-man routine with Ale. ( Though the short ripping was a rather nice delayed Christmas gift --just sayin').

What I did find questioning was JL's kiss of Angie. I could get maybe a short, sweet kiss in response to her request, but that kiss was no little "oh here's a peck to tide you over". I have to agree with others that it seemed to go on a little too long and with a heck of lot more "something" for a man supposedly dying for the love of his life.

And my apologies to Carlos since I know he thinks she's redeemable, but my severe dislike of Maria grows by the day. She's pissed at Victor now? So I guess all men must find her irresistible or she's out for revenge? This woman's ego knows no bounds. Sure Gracie isn't HER mother?

So, now I wouldn't mind Dimwit having to marry Josie with the idea she goes through a major transformation, Tomas prevents him getting access to her money ( maybe an allowance only?), she smartens up and makes his life miserable. Then at some point, maybe he actually realizes what he has in her and turns his life around? Not seen the originals, so not sure where this had gone in those versions with these two.

Daisynjay
 

Daisy: De acuerdo. There is nothing about Maria that is redeemable. Unless - when she finds out that Uncle Juve killed her father, she might just go to Purgatory instead of Hell if she does the right thing. She is merciless with Montsy, Rosario and anyone else she can browbeat or insult out of the earshot of Ale. I hope we have the satisfaction of seeing him catch her at work.
 

And i thought SHUTUPROSY was annoying ,Maria is 100x more insorportable. They should invent a new holiday,Slap The Maria Day.

Neccesary equipment:
10 x ducktape so she wont cry for Alejandro to help
A Lasso( Rogelio Montero production)
Simphonic Orchester
to rape her ears

Reccomended invited people:

Rosario
Monse
Pedro
Chuck Norris
Bruce Lee
Steven Seagal




 

Ale HAS seen Maria be rude to Rosario, Montse and Dominga. He just seems to ignore it, since what he has seen hasn't been to the extent of nastiness that she has with them when he's not around. But even if he hadn't seen anything, she talks to him about "those people" as if she were better than them and he doesn't even seem to notice. He has a HUGE blind spot when it comes to Maria, that's for sure.
 

Dear Mads:

Thank you so much for this sensational recap. What a challenge to capture all the mischief and shifting allegiances, but you definitely rose to the occasion. Your hard work is very much appreciated.

At this point we may need "8 x 10 color glossies with circles and arrows on the back of each one" to keep it all straight in our heads. (Lucky for us we have Vivi.)

So far the brotherly bonds (Alejandro and Victor, José Luis and Refugio, Dimitrio and Adolfo) seem the strongest ones. All the romantic couplings are like unstable chemical compounds with molecules on a continuous loop of attract and repel in response to every environment shift.

[Dios mío, please don't let my kids read the above. They would howl at my attempt at a chemistry metaphor.]

 

Good day dear Mads and thanks a million for your double-duty recap. I'm amazed how you kept up the snappy perky factor throughout. Nice job!

I love your original use of language: "Tomas is harshing poor Josie's mellow." He sure was, wasn't he? I wish Fina's bro was a bit more tender. Lila, very interesting comment about Fina's personality and how it relates to real people you know.

I love the Rulli shirt ripping, but I am very uncomfortable with the way Ale and Montse's lovemaking transpires. How does the song go? Try a Little Tenderness? I don't see the Angry Sex as the way to sustain a healthy, long term relationship. Not to mention I find it rather a turn-off.

The dance scene at the hacienda was hilarious. What, are we back in 7th grade again? Great acting on all parts I thought.

Speaking of great, Oh man, Juventino was sublimely over the top in his holey sock, sweaty pit scene last night. He is the king of the pervs.

Thanks again Mads. You absolutely rock!
 

Madelaine:
Each of these was an excellent recap-so detailed, so right on. Thank you.

I hope folks read your earlier post regarding off line viewing and commenting.

It is easy for people, in their enthusiasm, to get carried away into spoiler territory.

EJ
 

PLEASE READ:

FOLLOW UP TO MADELAINE"S EARLIER WARNING!

There are a number of comments in this thread that reference off-line viewing of the TNs.

PLEASE, if you want to discuss these things with members and others, contact one another privately and DO IT OFF THE BOARD. There are comments above that are perilously close to spoilers.

Your recappers spend MANY hours a week volunteering their time to bring you fine recaps of our beloved telenovelas.

The powers that be do NOT encourage on-line (except after-the-fact viewing at the Univision official site) viewing, period.

The powers that be have their reasons for this policy and, inevitably, when our posts here have many mentions of what someone saw online, we soon find that online shows have been wiped clean by the content owners.

Coincidence? Your long-time recappers do not think so.

Censorship is annoying, especially when the missing content effects our understanding of the story. I understand the desire to know what REALLY happened in the told story.

But discussing what has not yet been shown on television here in America, IS a spoiler. Without this info, we viewers are still able to wonder just how THIS version of the story will play itself out, and tension is maintained in the melodrama.

Please be mindful of these things as you post.

Thank you,

Elna June
 

One more point of clarification, if a capitulo was censored,as happened last night, it seems OK to me to discuss what was shown in the same cap in Mexico.

I am objecting to talking or hinting about a capitulo that we have not yet been shown in the US.

EJ
 

Victoria L:

I have removed your comment simply because it contained a spoiler of an upcoming scene. We don't do spoilers on this site. You can discuss what you are seeing on the American Broadcast and you can mention what happened in Mexico after it airs here. We pride ourselves on this spoiler free blog. Most of us would like to see the show as it airs and not what is to come. We'd rather have the suspense so to speak : )
 

Huzzah to the No Spoilers. It definitely makes the watching more fun.

I'd like to give a shout out to those who have seen Bodas de Odio and/or Amor Real for waiting until specific scenes and events occur in Loq Que La Vida before comparing them with their earlier counterparts. Thanks!
 

Thanks for this wonderful recap, Madelaine. So very well done. You must be at least a bit breathless if not exhausted after retelling two such action and emotion packed episodes with such detail and humor.

I'm going to stick by my assessment of Tomás as a loving but exasperated brother of Josefina. Don't forget, she has been his sister for her entire life, and as lovable as she is for us, I suspect that he has had his hands full looking after her all these years. I love how, for such a nebbish, he really brings the swagger and macho. He certainly has both Dimitrio and Alfonso quaking.

Poor María, her stock seems to drop with every episode. Before, she had Victor as a fall-back option but now with Nadia... not so much. Tomás deserves someone nice (OK...I realize that's not an adjective currently being applied to María) and wouldn't they make a cute (and lively) couple?

I really cringed with the beginning of that bedroom scene, but if Montserrat was ultimately OK with it, then who am I to complain? I really don't think it sends a good message if messages are even being sent with this TN.

I adore Angie. For someone who is dying, she certainly is vivacious... I just wish she'd chosen Refugio... (sorry Esme, but I'm guessing under the circumstances you wouldn't mind sharing).

I think there is a TN rule... if there is a choza, there will be a fire.

Carlos
 

Oy vey and bendito seja! Hot pink brassiere of I've had enough. Sometimes I wish this was an American novela where we get at least a few days of love and sex before the boom of doom descends but the show remains awesome. And thank you recappers who make it even better than better.

And I know it's a really really good story when all of a sudden I want characters whom I didn't much care about before to find some measure of felicidad -- Looking at you JL and candle bearing Angelica.
 

Madeline, thank you for the effort - as good as a tn might get, two episodes are very hard to recap.

Staying spoiler free is very hard, indeed, but I agree that we need to be more careful with what we write. I'm going to be extra careful, since I have the bad habit of watching episodes in advance. At least I don't remember AR good enough to blab something out about that sl.

I must be the only one not really digging Angie. I think she's a little over the top in her crush and willingness to help JL. Maybe being so sick makes her lose her inhibitions...
And JL sure took advantage of that, too, didn't he? There really was no need for that kiss fest in the chosa, right? (someone already mentioned this; who, who??)

Sylvia - I was wondering about that dance, too. It was so strange to have Victor and Nadia supposedly slow dance in the middle of the living room, with people standing right next to them. 7th garde, indeed, although I'm sure some 7th graders nowdays would laugh at them, too.
How about you go to a club, guys? Maybe Esmeralda can score you free tickets some place nice?

NovelaMaven - some great bromances, indeed; Refu & JL are truly great together, if only they could see what we see...

I don't get why Tomas is insistng with the marriage, either. If they have to follow the original script, they can still come up with better reasons, right?
Don't talk about saving Finita's virtue, when they haven't even slept together; threaten to throw the shmuck in jail - that will convince him to get married faster than any 19th century code of honour.
Tomas being kind of harsh to Finita might be another explanation for her falling so quickly for Dim. Loneliness makes us do crazy things.

Judy, our dinner party turned into dancing until 2 in the morning (the real kind, not Victor&Nadia style) - it's been a while, so I enjoyed it very much. Still sick... even if last night I felt just fine, almost cured. :)
 

Cap'n Sylvia, Great observation: the dance scene was very "seventh grade". Come to think of it most of the "women" in this novela--and many others-- are very "seventh grade".

Jarifa
 

Thanks Madelaine! Just finished part two of the recap! Phew! Double thanks, girl, that was a lot going on! So with Bitchy revealing JL's note to Ale is he going to go all ballistic again? Ale is my boy and I love him to death but he needs to calm down. Ale, sit "your woman" down and listen to what she has to say. Better yet, get out of that house where Bitchy is and take a real honeymoon trip and get to know your bride. Learn how to make love, not war. Anywho, Madelaine, thank you for this herculean effort done with such spark and humor. I know the misunderstandings have to run their course but I hope these two will have some chill time in between eruptions! Sheesh!

Lila
 

Good evening from "down the shore", as folks say in the northeast. After a three hour drive in heavy rain, we are happy to be in the parlor in front of the fire looking at an elaborate Victorian Christmas tree and sipping hot coco...It is sooo Amor Real.

Cynderella, I just emailed you.

I am with those who thought JL got a little too caught up in that "favor" he did for ailing Angie....WHAT ????

The actor playing Uncle pervie (HA..good one, Sylvia) is having a lot of fun with this despicable character. I loved the way he pragmatically folded over that Holley sock. HA I think that the way he and Maria devour fruit is indicative of their greedy natures and their frustrated carnal desires for Monymony and Ale respectively. . I am reminded of the food scene in Tom Jones. does anyone remember that one? The food was eaten with great gusto as a prelude to a noche de Amor.
 

I forgot to sat thanks to Mads for recapping two episodes. I appreciate your time and effort, especially over the holidays.
 

Madelaine: I didn't consider it to be a spoiler to say that there will be an upcoming love scene (without describing the scene) in a love story. I always thought it's expected for there to be romantic scenes between the 2 main protagonists. It was not my intention to spoil anyone's enjoyment of this tn. My sincerest apologies.
 

You are incredible, Madelaine! Please know that your huge efforts on this are so appreciated. Thank you SO much!

I don't like Maria. I'd like her to go away. She is nasty and especially hateful. She does not deserve what she has gotten from Alejandro.

I do not like Maria.

Refugio, when will you speak up?

Fatima
 

Good Evening everyone and thanks for all your kind words.

I loved the fact that JL knows he has the ability to move on, but chooses not to. I am really liking Angie, as Carlos says, that poor girl is dying but she sure has a zest for life. I like her and JL together. I am really hoping that there is some cure for Angie and she will live on.

Ale needs to reign himself in and what the hell is he doing having Juvie "watching" Monse? Is the guy insane? He doesn't trust Juvie with running the hacienda on a day to day basis, so why trust the wife to be watched by the Pervy guy?????

Speaking of the Perv how in the hell does he think he will benefit from making this fake charge against Ale not being the true heir? Does he really think Pedro would be handing it over? He is totally stupid! That hacienda would be driven into the ground in less than six months. I wonder what Pedro wants those lands for? What illegal activity is he into? We have thought of human trafficking, drug running what else is there? This has got to be nefarious for sure.

Maria, Ms Bitchy, needs a good comeuppance, sooner rather than later, I am so sick of her crap! She gets away with far too much. The way she grabbed Ale and told him to forget Monse? He should have run the Bitchy one right out of the house. To insult his wife to his face?

And speaking of Ale, why did he continue to dance with the Bitchy one? What an insult to Monse. Funny thing is when he ripped his shirt off, and then took Monse's shirt off, and then tossed Monse on that bed, he wasn't feeling any pain in that arm was he? He needs a good kick in the avocadoes the next time he favors Maria over Monse.

Now about that letter, it was addressed to Monse, from the voice over. Now did JL really address that letter to Monse, or perhaps the Bitchy one fiddled with that letter? The letter wasn't read before, so I don't know if that is the case. Just a guess on my part. The Bitchy one will do anything to get Ale no matter what she has to do. I am hoping it is easily explained away and that will be that.

As to the Avances, they like to fool us with those. It showed JL having a chat with Ale, but they showed something similar before that didn't happen.

It seems that with our main couple it is one step forward two steps back, especially by outside interference. I want one episode where they are loving to each other for the whole episode. Hmmmmm...................
 

Possibly to be used to grow marijuana, but I doubt it's a large enough tract of land to be really profitable in that.

It must be drugs. Easier to smuggle than slaves and probably a lot more profitable.

As to El Pervo, I doubt he would benefit at all from any fake charge against Alejandro's claim to the estate. Benjamin's will is legally binding and was done at his own request; no coersion was involved.

There is also DNA testing, which can disprove any charge by El Pervo, who is probably counting on Pedro's corrupt nature to make this all happen. What would be far more likely would be Pedro making false promises to El Pervo and then eliminating him when he has outlived his usefulness. At which point he would claim the property for himself.
 

Madelaine:
Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication. Your double recap was entertaining, funny and insightful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

ITA, I don't understand why Tomas wants Dimibrow to marry Fina for reals this time. I never watched AR or BDO, so I have nothing to compare it to.

Even though we did not get to see it, I am glad that the sex was for sure consensual between Montse and Ale. I would have loved Univision to let its' viewers enjoy this scene (from what I've read in the comments, it wasn't too risqué), but what can we do?

That is why I enjoy reading this blog. All of you fabulous re-cappers let us know what happened in the current episode, plus what we missed from it. ITA, it is okay to let us know of something we missed in an episode that has already aired. But telling us what will happen a week from now is indeed a spoiler. I, myself have looked on the internet when, for whatever reason, my TN does not get recorded (I can't watch it live; I work late). And it can really suck when you accidently see something you should not have seen.

ITA, with all of you who said that JL was really into that kiss with Angelica. No spoiler here, but I wish I could see a kiss like that between Ale and Montse.

My favorite scene was when Victor passed up Bitchy Maria to ask Nadia to dance. I LOL! She thinks she's all that. I can't stand Bitchy Maria. I pray for the day when Ale catches her being bitchy. No spoiler here, but I have watched enough TN to know that Bitchy Maria will get caught. So much more to say, but I have to get ready for a busy work week.

Can't wait for tomorrows epi...Hasta pronto!
 

Mads, I kinda agree with Victoria L. Over the weeks, several people have mentioned that Monse and Ale will eventually begin to mate like rabbits based on Amor Real. I have never seen Amor or Bodas before. I don't see the difference between the comments on those shows and Victoria mentioning that sex scenes were on the way. It's a given that sex scenes are on the way....right?

J
 

Thanks, Madelaine. That was a great recap; I appreciate all the work on your part to bring us an excellent summary.
One step forward and two steps back just about sums it up. Ale took care of that useful little hut, didn't he? No one will rendezvous there again.
 

Urban:

You could be right about growing weed on those lands. It makes sense, cause we haven't seen anything close to human trafficking like we did with La Tempestad or drug running either. It will be interesting to see exactly what Pedro is up to.

Victoria L:

It's okay, really. Just never mention if you've seen something ahead we haven't seen here yet. I so enjoy your comments.

Anon 12:53:

The commenters and recappers here that have seen Amor Real and/or Bodas de Odio are only commenting on things they saw on those two TNs as they occur with this one. They have not given any spoilers. All the recappers for this TN asked that commenters not comment about the previous versions ahead of time. They are only commenting on what has gone on in THIS TN so far, as far as the previous versions go. They haven't mentioned anything that hasn't happened here already. Of course we all know EVENTUALLY, that Ale and Monse will "mate like bunnies" but not when. We don't want to know ahead of time. We want to see that for ourselves. I have never seen Amor Real or Bodas de Odio. I want to watch them after this one is over to compare, so to speak. Some things in the previous versions haven't happened here, and also the previous two versions were period pieces and not set in the present day. I'm sure a lot has been changed in this TN to reflect that. A lot of comments have had to do with that, that some things are definitely not the same as the prior versions. Also that it isn't strictly following Amor Real or Bodas de Odio. When I read the previews for this TN it was supposed to be based strictly on Bodas de Odio, which was the original version, Amor Real was also a remake. Hope that answers your question.
 

OK, I understand what you are saying, but I didn't know that they would "mate like bunnies" because I have never seen nor heard of the other two TNs until it was mentioned in the comments. Hear me out. On some TNs, the lovers are kept apart until the last minute. Also, she declares her hate for him every other day. Base on that alone, I wouldn't think that she and he would be apart for a long while (at least) since her boyfriend is in the shed. Telling us that they get together and have sex a lot is a spoiler in my opinion because I would have never known that. It doesn't bother me, but I don't see the difference between what Victoria L said and what is in the comments. I mean no disrespect. I am just making an observation. I really don't care, knowing this doesn't prevent me from enjoying the show.
 

Considering that this version is based on Bodas de Odio more than Amor Real it's gonna be really dissapointing if they don't get it on as much as Manuel and Matilde did now. LOL
 

Mads thanks for the recap and doing double duty over the holidays. You are a trooper!

Vivi, thanks for the episode info. As Judy, Diana, Sylvia and others have lamented the angry sex with happy afterglow is beyond problematic with the already unfortunate portrayals of rape in tns.
 

Adriana...glad you could dance your virus away, at least temporarily. If I'm feeling punk, I find I can feel great while dancing in class, but once I get home, oh boy...it's back to bed again.

We love having you with us, Victoria L., and hope you'll keep commenting regularly. This is a virtual family room where we all watch the show together, and get even more enjoyment discussing it with each other. Sometimes it's hard to know what constitutes a spoiler, but I hope Madeleine's clarification helped.

And I'm sure we're all hoping for a loving future...but we simply don't know where or when for our main couple.


 

I wonder whether Pedro's criminal activities and El Pervo's more personal nastiness are going to be used to make a point about this (apologising for the length). This is disturbing stuff.

I also wonder whether the incidence of rape in Mexico (one every four minutes) reflects reported crime only, as one every 6 minutes in the US. In this article it gives an estimate of how under-reported it is believed to be and why.

Due to the relationship between gender-based crime and drug cartels it particularly disturbing that narco-themed novelas are so popular.
 

I agree with Anon Mon Dec 30, 02:23:00 about all the comparisons with AR and BDO. I understand the enthusiasm of novella vets and the fun and stimulation of comparing the story arcs, actor portrayals and treatment of issues such as sexual politics and marital relationships but it does spoil this one for me. It's dismaying to see a comment where a vet has found this story wanting because it's not like AR or BDO. Plus, I may want to watch those two novelas someday and these have definitely been spoiled by all the comments. So I try to just avoid those comments and stick to where people are discussing this particular story. That's the best anyone who feels this way can do if they want to enjoy watching this show in the cyber living room: we should not censure ourselves but also respect for some of us this storyline is new and we want to enjoy it that way.

Too Chicken to sign though I stand by my statement.
 

I too wonder what Pedro wants to do with the lands,doubt he is a farming soul unless he wants to smuggle something or just enjoy the luxury but since he already has a luxury house and a powerful position it makes zero sense,
 

"Too Chicken to Sign". Thanks for your input. I admit, I hadn't thought of ruining Amor Real for somebody by making the comparisons. But your point is valid. I will try and refrain from now on.

Please don't be "Too Chicken..." to sign your name. This is a friendly site and nobody's going to criticize you for stating a respectful, well thought out opinion. Actually,what you said was very helpful.
 

Too Chicken: This is a great blog. I've been on and off for years.

But, I agree - I don't like all the comparisons to prior versions, etc. So, like you, I just don't read them.
 

Also would like to mention that after racking my brain and trying to figure out where I've seen Montsy (aka the beautiful Angelique)before, the only thing I can think of is a living, breathing Bratz Doll.
 

Too Chicken To Sign and Anon 2:23:

Good Morning to you both. Now I understand the question about Amor Real and Bodas de Odio. I don't like comparisons either to tell you the truth. I would rather watch the version I am watching and then go back and compare later. As I've stated I have never seen either version either. In the beginning of this TN I had asked that those that had seen either one version or the other or both limit their comments about them. We had this problem with Que Bonito Amor, which was based on the very popular La Hija del Mariachi and also Corazon Salvaje 2009 with Corazon Salvaje 1993, even though Corazon Salvaje 2009 was a combination of two TNS Corazon Salvaje 1993 and Yo Compro Esa Mujer. I think when a TN is based on a very popular prior version people can't help themselves to compare both versions. It also seems that since both prior versions of these TNs were never recapped here, it was before Caray Caray that they both aired, they were never discussed here. This recapping team can ask commenters to limit the comparisons, cause frankly it isn't fair to the version now airing. I am also worried that someone will spill a spoiler from the prior versions. Thanks for your comments and please come back and comment again. As the wise Judy B said, this is a friendly community and we welcome all opinions. Thank you both for bringing this up.
 

"Too Chicken" and others, thank you for sharing your thoughts about spoiling the predecessors for you (Bodas de Odio y Amor Real). The rest of us will try to be respectful of ALL spoilers, not only for Lo Que La but also for BdO and AR. You don't have to worry about anyone ripping on you for sharing how you feel.

Susanlynn, I'm sure I copied Uncle Pervie from someone else. I can't remember who though. Let's just say collectively we are brilliant, hee!
 

I have a new nick for him, which will be in tonight's.
 

I don’t like the fact that Ale was going to take his wife by force again. He has a dangerously bad temper—burning down the choza out of jealously, let alone verbally, mentally and physically abusing his wife. This flawed galan is way more flawed than galan in my opinion.

I also don’t like how quickly they paired up Vic and Nadia. I would have liked to see that play out more slowly.

I’m also frustrated with the episode after episode where Ale and Mons are at odds, and when they do finally have some sort of meeting of the minds, we get maybe two scenes of them getting along and then the you-know-what hits the fan again. I get that we can’t have them totally together too soon, but please even it out a little.

Believe it or not, I still think this is really good novela, I’m just very frustrated with it right now.

Best storyline at the moment: Dim/Fina.

Nanette

Working on the HPLP list. Hope to have it posted today.
 

Nanette:
You said:

'I don’t like the fact that Ale was going to take his wife by force again. He has a dangerously bad temper—burning down the choza out of jealously, let alone verbally, mentally and physically abusing his wife. This flawed galan is way more flawed than galan in my opinion.'

ITA. Although I rather like Rulli as an actor, I find the character of Alejandro to be humorless and unsympathetic. If the writers want me to believe that Montse could fall in love with more than just his chiseled jaw, then they should give us something to like in Ale.

In addition to his terrible temper, and poor treatment of Montse, I am annoyed by his treatment of Maria. (Carlos has already mentioned this in a previous post.) Alejandro's casual indifference to Maria's feelings and his lack of boundaries with her makes their relationship super-toxic as well. He has no one to blame but himself if Maria continues to pursue him. She is a dreadful person and he should not allow her to continue hanging on him and feeding her fantasies.

EJ


 

Amen, Nanette and EJ!

He is still really nice to look at though. :)
 

What bothered me more about the fire is that Alejandro should have been thinking about how that fire could have spread a lot farther. That's something people who work in that environment can't let themselves forget.

Just an inconsistency that writers often don't think about.
 

UA: I thought the same thing. I almost described him as destructive partly because of that.

Forgot to thank Mads for the awesome recap. I'm finding it hard to watch, read recaps, comment and compile and post a HPLP list with the double eps. Can't even imagine what it might be like to recap one.
 

What is HPLP list?
 

High points, low points. Nanette is great at that.

On the fire in the choza, it was ridiculous to have candles in a choza like that to begin with. And going off gaily into the night leaving them burning!!!...an invitation to disaster. Just another beanie moment, even with Alejandro having a tantrum there.
 

A city girl like Angelica might not think of such things and I don't think we know Jose Luis' background.

BTW, Luis Xavier was also in Bodas de Odio, so he may hold a record for remakes, having been in all three versions.
 

I have been searching for words to describe how I view the relationship between Alejandro and Maria, but I think Elna June has hit the nail on the head: it is "super-toxic" and for all the reasons stated by Elna June.

Nanette, you made some excellent observations and comments re Ale which are very similar to what I have thought, but have not stated simply because I am always so late to comment on this TN.

I believe that those of you in the know have said that this will be a long TN. The very hard part for a newbie like me is to have to see characters like Maria get away with so much episode after episode.

It can get discouraging, let me tell you! I almost cringe when I see her because I think Maria is a hate filled person. She has no qualms about wanting someone to die so that she can have something. How do you change that into a redeemable person, I ask you?!

It's interesting how I can be so glued to "Mentir Para Vivir" , but find myself having to look away from some of the scenes in Robo.

I agree with JudyB, Nanette, and those of you who dislike the sexual relations coming out of anger. Heck, I'm no prude, but anger and rage filled sex just does not do it for me.

Also ITA with Nanette that the really fascinating relationship right now for me is Dimwit/Fina. There is nothing predictable about that relationship, for sure.

Fatima
 

And after all that I forgot to say...GREAT TITLE! I've always loved that song. Yay Bacharach and David!
 

I remember Luis Xavier from Rosa Diamante if anyone watched it..He starred as the evil father of the main male protangoist,Gerardo.