Caray, Caray!

Good Morning Y'all. Working on the recap, please comment away while I do that. It will be up by this evening.
 

I'll be out this evening so I'll post something right now.

I wonder whether Alejandro decided not to bother over the stolen money because he thinks they can finally be rid of Dimwit and Adolfo. I think this is a mistake as well as a possible mistaken assumption. Angelica has Dimwit's number, but do Monserrat and Alejandro know that?

Anyway, unless they get violently interrupted, JL will explain the whole rotten story to Angelica at the top of Monday's episode.
 

Madelaine, I absolutely love your title. Thanks in advance for the recap.

I did not like the avance. Could Dimitri actually be successful at something other than swindling and spending money? I sure hope not.

Jarifa
 

Mads, thank you for TWO earworms, LOL! I love Chaka Khan, queen of funk, and all her songs with Rufus remind me of my "formative years" so to speak. Good memories.

Off to watch the episode...
 

Madelaine, welcome back! Great title. Looking forward to your recap.

So romantic for JL and Angélica to get to know each other better through him hiding out in her bedroom.

Pithed at Nadia. Foolish of her to taunt Pedro about being gay and plain thoughtless to give up Esme.

 

Oh Madeline, girl you have snagged one of my all time faves from back in the day when my figure was a Coca-Cola instead of a Faygo bottle! The lyrics are just perfect!

Ayy Jose Luis! Where did it all go wrong man? Once again engaged in a battle of wills, always someone urging, pleading with him to do something: talk to my dad, leave our daughter alone! stay away from our house! rot in this cell! let's get out of town! go! stay!

I look forward to the recap Madeline and thank you for the song. I don't call it an oldie: it's one of the about 4,000 on my ipod touch that has taken the place of radio!

Lila
 

Jarifa, what are you referring to in the previews?

Niecie, agree with you, Nadia is getting a little. .er. . cocky isn't she? Esme was giving her some vital information to use for herself, not to fling in Pricko's face! She's yanking his psycho chain big time with the sexual jabs and endangering not only Esme but Victor and herself.

Lila
 

Forgot to say Welcome Back Mads! You were missed.

Lila, "when my figure was a Coca-Cola instead of a Faygo bottle!", bwahahaha! Thank you for my first huge laugh of the day.

Just watched the episode and this is what I fear for the immediate future:
1) Virginia will spill the beans to Dimwit about JL/Antonio hiding in Angie's room.
2) Pedro will go after Esme thanks to Nadia's blabbing.
3) Ale will find out about JL's true identity now that he and Montse are happy at last.
4) I'm sure I'll think of something else to dread.

I watched online so did not see the avance, but it sounds like Dimwit is up to no good yet again.
 

Sylvia! You are welcome! And omg, I think your top 3 may definitely happen! Don't novelas usually have at least one major separation with the intrusion of another love interest for one of them? Since they're already married and the "love interest" was living on their estate how could this play out? Or, maybe I shouldn't ask. I'll wait for the recap.

Lila
 

Madelaine, I am also eagerly looking forward to your recap. Great to have you back.

If we are to judge a book by its cover and a chapter by its title, I know we are in for a stellar recap.

Chaka Khan is amazing. On the rare occasions I hear "Ain't Nobody" now, I still want to get up and dance. One of the best songs. Ever. And Lila, you also made me laugh!

Niecie and Sylvia, I am also very worried for Nadia. I understand her hurt and anger but taunting Pedro is angering and tantalizing him. Who will bear the brunt of his anger? If not her - the lover of her life. She might be well to strategize on reigning in future vocal tirades.

Felt the Angie/JL chemistry and hope there is time for a love connection however brief it may be.

I will not be able to read the recap tonight but look forward to catching up.

Diana
 

Lila, well this is a long telenovela and there are too many bad ingredients in this recipe (I'm looking at you Maria!) for our final supper to be served up without lots of indigestion along the way. We've got Maria and JL/Ant just itching to break up our #1 couple, Dim just itching to do anything for a buck (plus I think he really wants to stick it to Montse any way he can), and Tia and little sis with big mouths to name just a few. So far the writers have thrown a few surprises at us so I'll not speculate too much (I'm almost always wrong anyway), I'll just sit back and enjoy the ride.
 

Thanks ,Mads, for the title. Gee, I , too, love me some Chaka Chaka...Chaka Khan, but I thought that " Midnight Train to Georgia" was done by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Am I confused ? Well, whoever sang it, your title took me right back to the multiplication dances.

I missed you , Mads..... welcome home.

Sylvia..I saw a preview of "Black Sails", the new cable drama about PIRATES, and they announced that there would be no parrots or peg legs...too bad for us...Mad Bess! shivering her timbers.
 

Welcome back Mads. Can't wait for the recap.

Susanlynn, Mads left us two song: "Midnight Train" by Gladys Knight and the Pips and "Sweet Thing" by Chaka Khan.
 

Karen..whoops..thanks for clearing that up !

 

Lila, in the last scene of the avance, Dimitri had JL at gunpoint.

Jarifa
 

I'm jumping right in after nearly a month's hiatus. Been doing a marathon catch-up with Robo and haven't finished this past week's episodes, nor the recaps and the comments--261 on Jan 3!

Anywhooo. These are generalities that may have been mentioned earlier, but for me:

This telenovela has been updated carefully and tightly (although many tn clichés are in evidence--i.e. doors closed/open for secrets). I'm really into it.
The dialog has been sensible and believable.
The location shots exquisite.
The interiors appropriate and interesting.
The costume dept. is doing a great job (I adored Fina's wedding dress and headdress)
The characters well drawn and well acted, including the ones that are over the top (I'm looking at Graciela and Refugio).
The classical guitar riffs enhance the plot and the musical score in general is appropriate and only occasionally interferes with dialog or action.

Too bad I can't warm up to Angelique Boyer. Luis Roberto Guzman was not the best choice for her teenage love interest. But I'm registering hot, hot when it comes to Sebastian Rulli (yumm, yumm).

 

This is NOT a Spoiler, but I've been thinking alot about Gracie and all her trips to see Don Benny. I did read all the speculation that Montse could or why she could not be Don Benny's. But, does anyone think that not Montse, but Dimwit is the product of Ben 'n Gracie? He certainly has no feelings of concern for anyone else except himself.

I can't see Gracie having a close friend that she would share her relationship with Benny with. I'll tolerate it if it merely a tn convention so we don't have to hear Graciela talking out loud to herself, it doesn't ring true otherwise. Same with JL/Ant having a sidekick.

The more I see Fina on screen, the more it makes me think of a young Frida Kahlo.

Why on earth do I see a rather handsome young man under those Dimwitty bangs, even though I can't get past his character? I hope Osvaldo gets a romantic role sometime in the future.

 

Looking forward to your recap Mad.

Angelica's bedroom is becoming as busy as Monse's bedroom.
Not a spoiler, but I think Monse and Ale getting along so, so well now is a typical TN anvil waiting to happen. I will venture to guess that it means Ale will soon find out Antonio is JL and will of course assume the worse of Monse.
 

Good Afternoon Y'all, I finally got the recap up, it didn't take as long as I thought. Sorry for the length, but these characters can talk! Thanks for the welcome back, Y'all I have missed y'all too and am glad to be back! Enjoy the recap.
 

Anita, you forgot to mention the awesome accordion riffs. (And no I'm not kidding. I love accordion music.)

Dimwitty/Osvaldo has amazing eyes.
 

Wonderful, ffunny, and witty.

Maria: Dimwit already killed once so, a second time should be easy.


 

Mads, thank you for the fabulous recap. I also thought of an old film noir movie the way EZ was shining his flashlight in poor Macario's face. Speaking of which, could Macario have looked any more guilty? Dude definitely does NOT have a poker face.

I'm sorry to hear about Dimwit pointing a gun at JL/Ant, for Angelica's sake more than anyone else's.
 

Thanks Ms. Mads...you're always full of music and sass. A perfect combination to brighten a drippy,soggy, rainy gray day in Ohio. Bless you, crazy lady.

"Oh, just get to the besos for pity's sake! Ale thinks it was both their faults. Quit with the blame..." My sentiments exactly Mads. Besos, Besos, Besos!!!!!! And then some Criterion Behavior, for pity's sakes!

Took us forever to get there (well, took THEM forever to get there, and my chronic telenovela anxiety is telling me the joy and sizzle will be short-lived. But at least we'll get to see a replay of it on the next episode!

Lila...thanks for the Coke bottle, Faygo bottle word picture. You are a riot!
 

Oh, and great songs...ones you can sing the words to without devolving into profanity and vulgarity. Am I sounding like an Old Croc? you betcha!
 

Thanks Madelaine, and what a stellar recap it is. Well done. Actually, it may be just as well that María missed this episode... she really needs to rethink her strategies.

Speaking of rethinking strategies, what in the world was Nadia thinking? She certainly hanged Esmeralda out to dry and I doubt that she did herself and Victor any favors. Maybe she has a plan or maybe her family really is powerful. Too bad that her brother is so useless. The best she could hope for from him is for him to toss a plush toy at Pedro.

So are we finally headed for some steamy consensual coupling in this next episode? I was hoping for a more traditional TN experience with lots of candles, rose petals
copiously scattered, Champagne, and chocolate dipped strawberries. Maybe Rosario has anticipated this and set the scene.

Carlos
 

Thank you Madelaine and well worth the wait! I've kinda said my piece and await all y'alls brilliant commentary.

JudyB, no ma'am you do not sound like an Old Croc: I too love music where even when lust is expressed the artist respects the listener's intelligence and creativity enough to let them come up with their own mental images without the need to be explicit and vulgar.

Ok, off the soapbox!

:D Lila
 

I just got to last week's recap and comments to learn Dimwit's origins have been discussed thoroughly. Even if he were Don Benny's spawn, Graciela could never put him up for heir-apparent (I actually typed hair-apparent..sorry Dimwit). Her problem is Lauro and their social position. She could never bring herself to admit to such an indiscretion.

I seem to have read somewhere that young (and old) lotharios of old (and not in the now 95% infallible, protection days) preferred affairs with married women in case the women did get pregnant (I guess that would be if no serving wenches were available).

According to some reveal-all expose shows, it is not a surprise it still happens that way.
 

thanks,Mads, for that thorough retelling,

Is it just me, or has Dim had some tweeting done on his unibrow ? He also seems to have pushed those bangs to one side and is looking better.
 

Sorry... My arch nemesis Ipad changed tweezing to tweeting. Geez
 

Good Evening Y'all and thanks for all your kind words.

I too am a huge fan of Chaka Khan, I saw her once in concert and she was fab, to say the least!

About Nadia, girl's got avocadoes, I must say. In all her misery the last couple of episodes I think she has come up with a plan. This is just my theory, not a spoiler, but I think Nadia has come up with a brilliant plan, if Pedro makes her life miserable, she will ensure his is too, by "outing" him so to speak. The upper crust in Aguazul are very snotty, look at Gracie and Tomas for example. Can you see Pedro trying to deal with that? He has lost his right hand man, doesn't know whether to trust EZ and so he is now between a rock and a hard place. He'll have to tow the line or else, in my opinion. I also think her family is very powerful and would do something to Pedro if they knew the truth. That's my theory and I'm stickin' to it!
 

Anita:

I am so glad you are back lady! I have missed you muchly as has everyone else : )
 

Dear Mads,
Welcome back and thanks for another fabulous recap. The title was very funny and hooked me from the start. Like JudyB, I loved your plea for the Patio:

"Oh, just get to the besos for pity's sake! Ale thinks it was both their faults. Quit with the blame game, besos, we on the Patio want besos!"

Still, I loved all of your description of that scene between Ale and Montse on the couch--you got so much great detail in. I read it twice to savor the sweet things they said to each other. It was a pleasure to see both them feeling the love, and the advance from the next episode looks promising.

Carlos, I laughed out loud at your wonderfully-phrased comment/query about this: "So are we finally headed for some steamy consensual coupling in this next episode? I was hoping for a more traditional TN experience...."


Mads, I also enjoyed your description of all the scenes J-L and Angie--great to see THEM feeling some love, too. And I hope you're right about Nadia having a plan because I was worried after that scene that she was doing something dangerous by confronting Pedro with the truth so openly and taunting him something that is a source of shame for him. He's capable of doing anything awful to keep her quiet. And poor Esme! I worried a lot for her since she doesn't have a powerful family to protect her, only Refugio and her own smarts, of course. I hope that will be enough.

Thanks, again, Mads! It was a stellar recap of a very satisfying episode.



 

Really a FAB recap, Madelaine!!!! I loved it!

Anita, I have thought the same thing about Fina looking Frieda Kahloish. I think that every time she is in a scene. :))0

JudyB, I'm like you. All of this kissing and hugging has me worried in that some huge anvil is going to fall and we are going to take 10 steps backwards. It's gotta happen sometime. The question is when. It almost seems too early for Ale and Montserrat to be finally getting alone.

Someone, somewhere is bound to ruin this between the love birds and (NO SPOILER as I don't even know where to find them!)my money is on that stupid Dimwit.

I hope Macario "outs" Rosario really soon. Ale is going to need all the friends he can get.

Fatima
 

In trying to catch up with real life, my TN life is running way behind. Thanks to UA for Wednesday's wonderful retelling, to Elna June for Thursday's lyrical literary masterpiece, and to Madelaine for Friday's sass and substance.

The action here is non-stop and the comments are brilliant. For a couple of dimwits, both Dimi and Adolfo have lovely eyes. Too bad their character isn't the same quality.

Carlos made me laugh with Nadia's useless brother only being able to "toss a plush toy at Pedro." If he did, I don't think Pedro would find it amusing. Pedro with his steely eyes (and less steely other parts?) doesn't seem to be amused by anything.

I do worry about Nadia throwing Esme under the bus. Pedro would take her out in a heartbeat. Maybe Refugio will have to rescue her.
 

Madelaine,
Thanks so much for the recap. It was funny, witty, entertaining and descriptive. ITA with you about the besos. I especially liked this line, "Oh, just get to the besos for pity's sake!"

I have to say that I am not sure what to think of JL going to hide at Angie's house. On the one hand he knows she will help him because she says she is in love with him, but on the other hand he is compromising her and her family's safety. Should he be taking advantage of her generosity? Is he "using" her get away from the authorities? Even though I don't necessarily want JL to go to prison (because he did save Ale's life 3 times), I don't want him taking advantage of Angie either. She is a very sweet girl and even though she knows that JL is in love with Montse, I have a feeling she would do anything for him, maybe even more than Montse ever did for him. All in all, they do look kind of cute together.

Dimibrow always seems to be in the right place at the right time. First he gets away from Fina's brother, then he blackmails Montse after seeing JL at the hacienda, he gets free room and board at Ale's and now at Angie's, he gets a load of cash without having to 'steal' it directly from Ale, and let's not forget the free drinks at the fair, Now he almost discovered JL hiding in Angie's room. He can be a real pest sometimes, and from the look of the avances he could be the one to spill all the frijoles.

ITA with everyone that said Nadia's got some avocadoes. Boy does she, and I think that she might be acting on pure impulse when she confronted Pedro. Let's hope that for her and Victor's sake I am wrong. I really hope that they have a plan, because I don't think that you can go against a person like Pedro without thinking things through. I really like this couple. I hope neither of them gets hurt.

JudyB: ITA when you said "Took us forever to get there (well, took THEM forever to get there..." It sure did take them forever. I think the whole patio (including the Ale table) has been waiting for the besos, besos, besos. Ale was so caring and sweet, telling Montse that if he had known she loved another, with a broken heart, he would not have married her, but still helped her family financially. What a guy! And to top it off, he is tall, handsome, sexy, and has a hot body. He looks like he smells good too! I have patiently been waiting at the Ale table for the romance to start, and I can't wait to see where it is going. The bedroom perhaps?

I have got to get some sleep...hasta pronto!
 

Madelaine, you did it again! Another fun, engaging recap. Love the way you sling the action. Your "get to the besos already!" was a hoot.

Pedro went out of his way to make Nadia feel worthless a while back when he said she wasn't desirable at all. If he were gay, I think he would treat his beard (i.e., Nadia) kinder. I'm no expert, but I don't think he's gay. I think he has a sexual dysfunction that makes him feel worthless and to make himself feel better he needs to make Nadia feel worthless.

Love JL and Angie together. So glad he didn't come out of the closet when Montse visited - I see that as a sign that he realizes that tie is over.

So many subtle things going on with Angie. At one point, JL casually puts his hand on her shoulder as he's talking and for a brief moment you can see the "Ufh!!!" in her face but she continues listening as if nothing is exploding inside of her. So cute.

Like others, I fear for Esme. And where is Refugio?
 

I'm guessing that Refugio may try to cross the border into the US. He has a worse crime to answer for than JL does and I'm guessing he has no family left behind. Esmeralda is all he has.

One must hope that she is thinking a few steps ahead as well. She comes off as smarter than any of those guys. If she survives to the end of the story I would like to see her do better in life.
 

My earlier comment was directed at Jarifa. I think my IPad translated and made it Maria.
 

Mads- I'm so glad you're back to give us one of your trademark sparkling recaps.

It's all been said already, so no need to repeat. My favorite parts of the episode were the sweet moments between Ale and Monse, and JL and Angie.

I wonder where Refugio found to hide out, while JL is getting cuddled and well fed in Angie's room? Unfortunately, JL is also pretty much trapped right now. And Dim is going to make it even more difficult to escape.

But the character I'm most worried about is Esme. I applauded Nadia's daring, but she totally threw Esme under the bus. I do enjoy how her new found avocadoes totally perplex Pedro. He has no idea what to do with this mouthy, strong-willed young woman. It's clear that smacking her around like he did before, won't work anymore.
 

Mads, how nice to have you back! This is such a fun, detailed recap. Get to the besos, indeed! Thank you for another wonderful job!

Pedro is a sadistic bully y punto. His sexual orientation is beside the point. But given the poisonous machismo of Aguazul, he can't allow his wife or anyone else to question his manhood in public. This is not going to end well.

We can admire Nadia for confronting Pedro, but her naming Esmeralda made me gasp. She did, as la Paloma and others have said, throw Esme under the bus...which reminds me of an idiom the writers seem fond of:

echar (a alguien) de cabeza meaning to betray someone, to rat someone out. This is what Angelica accuses Dim of doing after he reveals to Joaquin that JL/Antonio and Angie are friends:

¿Porqué me echaste de cabeza con mis papas?
(Why did you rat me out to my parents?)

We've seen it in other contexts too.

Lila,
When Coke bottles turn into Faygo bottles -- you are a hoot!

Anita,
Welcome home!
 

Susanlynn,

I've been noticing that Dim has been more presentable lately. New do, definitely. Haven't looked that closely at his face to tell about the brows. (He is so vile, I tend to look away when he is on screen.)
 

Madeline, so sorry to be late. Another carefully considered, thoughtful wonderful summary. "Not there, sucks to be Addled", "Merry Men", “Not even a hug is seen, just a draping over the shoulder of an arm and I'll see you again, and they seperate, may the force be with them” and "Dimwit is a true idiota!" were my favorites.

So many great comments have already been made I will simply say I am most worried about Esme (due to Nadia's searing but secret spilling spiel), and Refugio.

My favorite couple might be Angie and JL. I've never seen the actress before but she is amazing. As you all know, I have been a JL fan from the beginning and really like the friendship that may be blossoming into something more.

I think Dimwit did become suspicious when he saw the huge meal Angie was bringing to her room - likely in contrast to the small meal she would likely consume based on her health and delicate frame. Sylvia, the actor does indeed have beautiful eyes...

Anita, so glad you are back! Enjoyed all your comments, particularly “The more I see Fina on screen, the more it makes me think of a young Frida Kahlo”. Very true!

Madelaine, another marvelous treat. Thank you!

Diana
 

Aunty Ann, I have to say that I am not sure what to think of JL going to hide at Angie's house. On the one hand he knows she will help him because she says she is in love with him, but on the other hand he is compromising her and her family's safety. Should he be taking advantage of her generosity? Is he "using" her get away from the authorities? Even though I don't necessarily want JL to go to prison (because he did save Ale's life 3 times), I don't want him taking advantage of Angie either. She is a very sweet girl and even though she knows that JL is in love with Montse, I have a feeling she would do anything for him, maybe even more than Montse ever did for him. All in all, they do look kind of cute together.

You made an interesting point. Isn't JL once again being selfish?! Yes Angie is choosing to get involve but he should know better not to let her help him. She's risking getting in trouble unnecessarily just because she's in love with him/she's dying. He already has Refugio, Montserrat and now another person involve with his problems. He should man up and turn himself in and try to prove his innocence.

I unlike some don't get care for Angie. I don't know if it's the actress/character but I'm not feeling her. The only good thing is she keeps JL away from Montserrat.

 

If JL gets captured he won't be able to prove his innocence because 1) he isn't- he killed Loreto; and 2) the cops and the government are corrupt and will do whatever they want to avenge the death of equally corrupt Loreto. JL knows perfectly well how corrupt Loreto and that he worked directly for the municipal president. He doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of o getting off. And that's just the Loreto problem. Once it's proven that he's not Antonio, but instead JL, he will doubly be in trouble. He might as well put the noose around his own neck. So it's either certain torture at the hands of the authorities and imprisonment, or try to escape. I don't blame him for doing all he can to get free.
 

I'm still plowing through the 261 comments from last week. Holy Torrone! (A tasty reminder from my just completed Granada-Barcelona trip.)

Diana--The actress playing Angie, Illithya Manzanilla, played Arely (we called her Spare Girl) in Cuando me Enamoro. She was technically Agustin's main squeeze until he became obsessed with Renata--thus becoming the Spare Girl. We loved her because her venganza was spoiling Agustin's wine. That pithed him off.

All the recappers from December 23d on have been absolutely top drawer (and we expect no less, but the sacrifices were enormous). The nuances and detailed descriptions have been great. The comments eye opening. I don't think a tn (at least any I've been reading about on Caray) has ever generated this much discussion. I want to sit down on the Patio and get a load off, but it's hard to choose a table that I can identify with 100%.

The Women
1) I like feisty, not bland women, so it can't be Nadia. She spends too much time agonizing and crying. I feel sorry for her being married to Pedro. She's young, too, and didn't know how to properly handle an affair. She should have been more secretive about it. Victor was not much help in that department--a cart of flowers? Puleeze.

2)Montse also spends too much time agonizing and crying. She has some feistiness to her, but she is also young and incapable of handling her predicament. I feel sorry for her and until she changes out of fashion shoes and tight sheaths, I can't warm up to her as a City Girl who has moved to the country.

3)I don't like evil or bitchy women, even if feisty, so I can't sit down with Graciela or Maria.

4)Dominga is not visible enough, although she probably has a lot of secrets I could listen to happily.

5) Tia Carlotta seems to be a befuddled sounding board for Montse and I'd get tired of her too quickly.

6) Rosario is playing the poor me, I'm a victim game and I did enough of that when I was in junior high school. She has a reason to feel the victim (I didn't). I just don't want to be constantly reminded of it at her table.

7) Now Angie seems like a promising gal that could fill a table. Too bad it seems like she won't last long enough to be happy, unless they can get her to St. Jude's Hospital before she turns 18. But on the short term, I can sit at an Angie table (as long as her silly sister goes somewhere else).

I'll get to the men later.

I can't wait to catch up to Madelaine's tour de force from Friday (maybe by Monday or Tuesday).

 

Thank you Anita! I didn't see Cuando me Enamoro but I look forward to seeing Illithya Manzanilla in other roles. I like everything about her character. She's kind, sweet and strong. An unbeatable combination.

I agree with your assessment that she doesn't appear to have much time (unless a miracle or miracle cure occurs) so we must enjoy her while we can.

Diana
 

Mads thanks for this recap. Chaka Khan is one of the few people I've seen in concert and she was great!

Welcome back Anita! Thanks for the info on Illithya Manzanilla as well.

Like others have mentioned, I feel for Nadia but I wish she had not thrown Esme under the bus. I hope Esme and Victor get out of this alive.
 

Thanks Mads, I so appreciate the details since I have not been able to find the time to see the episodes. I'm with you Diane, I feel for JL. Prior to this episode I felt as If this were his story, he did this all for love and only seemed to get into deeper trouble for all his efforts. Now everyone has gone on with their life, including Montserrat, and he has none, except a life of trouble. For that reason I was happy to hear that the actor was able to convey JLs plight after the Loreto incident. He is a victim of a love lost and unrecoverable. I'm glad Guzman was able to rescue
his character, even if only in a small way.
Yola
 

Good Morning Y'all and thanks for all your kind words.

Urban:

I too think Ale is very happy to see the backs of Dimwit and Addled. You are right about Angie too, she does have his number. I just hope Amelia isn't going to push Dimwit on her.

Lila:

I like what you said about poor JL. He does have mala suerte doesn't he? I really like all he has done for Ale. I liked that Faygo bottle/Coca cola bottle thingy too. You gave me a smile : )

Anita:

Welcome back and thanks for your analysis on this TN. I too really like the writing in this one and the actors are doing a great job here. As far as Dimwit/Gracie/Don Benny go, we will have to wait and see I guess.

Pasofino:

It's true about Dimwit. He has killed already. But he is a dimwit, and had his Mama's backing and I really think that is the only reason why he hasn't been caught. I think at some point, he will be caught by his own dimwittedness so to speak.

Cap'n:

I liked all your points. I agree with all of them, especially number four! I always find something to dread too ; ) Mac definitely doesn't have a poker face. Poor guy was sweating bullets and looked so guilty. I think he was rather surprised by the hat, lol. Sure that's mine he says.


 

It looks like this TN will end earlier than previously thought. Televisa has announced that it will end in May in Mexico. So depending how far behind we are by then, it could be a June ending for us, and not July.
 

JudyB:

It has taken them forever for the besos hasn't it? I was so happy they are finally getting along, but in TN land, that can't last long can it? But no worries, we slog thru the drek to get to the good stuff, don't we? I am glad I brightened your day : ) Oh, and you are not an old Croc! I too enjoy music I can hear the words to.

Carlos:

I too laughed at your plush toy comment. I am really hoping BM is rethinking her strategy and maybe moving on to a new guy. If Addled weren't such a putz, I could see her with him. I liked your description of the typical TN love scene. Maybe we will, who knows.

Susanlynn:

I will have to go back and see if Dimwit has been tweeting, er, tweezing, lol. I think your IPAD is right on, lol. Sometimes those spell checks are so funny as yours was here. I am so glad to be back.

Julia R:

That was a wonderful scene wasn't it of Monse and Ale on the couch. They seemed to be so much in tune with each other. I liked how they deeply stared into each others eyes, she caressing his face, he really listening to her and telling her how he really feels, sigh!

Fatima:

I too wonder who is going to throw a monkey wrench at Monse and Ale. Dimwit should realize that the gravy train will stop if he does that. His Moms would so not be pleased. But then again, dimwit is a well, Dimwit, so who knows. I really wish Rosy would just tell Ale who she really is already. He can use all the friends he can get you are so right.

La Paloma:

I really like Addled's eyes and I am soooo jealous of those eyelashes, no fair for a guy to have such pretty eyes! As far as Dimwit goes, I just can't look at him, he is so, I don't know, smarmy. At least Addled uses his charm ; )

AuntyAnn:

I think the reason that JL ended up going to Angie's is because he knows she is a true friend that will not betray him. I also think he has some feelings for her. He looks longingly at her. I'm not saying he is in love with her, but there is some type of feeling there. I don't think he is using her because he is starting to reveal himself to her. Angie already knows that JL is in love with Monse and now it looks as if he will be revealing more of himself to her. I am hoping they fall in love, for realz. They are so very cute together.

Neice:

You brought up a very good point about JL. He didn't come out of that closet did he? I too think he knows Monse is a lost cause now and it is time for him to live his own life. If he just didn't have all this mala suerte to get through first. I think that will give him the avocadoes he didn't have in the beginning of this TN, working through this mess to prove his innocence.

Vivi:

I too agree with what you said about Nadia, Pedro is flabbergasted and just didn't know what to say! The look on his face was priceless, but I think he can only go so far with her, as far as hurting her goes. If she shows any type of bruises I think her family will have his butt on a platter. It seems to me that she has the money in this duo, and he only married her for appearances and for her money. He's looking for prestige and he got that with Nadia. I fear that Vic and Esme may be collateral damage in his quest for revenge but we will have to see.

Karen:

I have seen Chaka Khan in concert with Rufus. They rocked the house! I too worry for Esme.

NovelaMaven:

Thanks so much for the idiom. I like that phrase. It's kind of like our phrase of "what were you thinking"? I really loved your analysis of Pedro, so spot on.

Diana:

You are never late amiga! I always look forward to your comments. I too like "Aint Nobody" by Chaka Khan, one of my favs too. Besides Monse and Ale, my fav couple is JL and Angie too. They seem to click don't they and have a connection, more than Monse and he had. I too hope it develops into something more. They both deserve some happiness.


 

GG23:

I like what you said about Angie doing anything she can for JL, she loves him that much. But, I think JL is staying away from Monse on his own. He could have gone back to the Hacienda Almonte, where he would have been safe, but chose to continue on instead. That is very telling for his character.

Vivi:

Agree with all you said about JL and his bid for freedom.

Yola:

I too agree with what you said about JL. He is moving on and I hope he finds some happiness after all this trouble.

Emarie:

So happy to see you here and I too agree about the TN anvil. They always do it at the point when the couple is happy when they drop the anvil. Agree about Angie's bedroom, it is like Monse's, lol. Too many people barging in and out.

Creeker 311:

Welcome to Caray Caray, and thanks for the info. Given that this TN started in October in Mexico that is still a good chunk of time, and it's good there won't be a long extention with filler.
 

Here are some of my thoughts on Refugio and Esme.

I bet I know where he's headed, don't you? Who does he turn to when he's in trouble?

Esme now is in a dangerous place, but the girl is very, very smart and I bet she's got something on Pedro herself other than the no sex with Pedro! I think Pedro figured out himself who told Nadia about the fooling the public scam. Nadia just confirmed it. I'd like to see the two girls team up and stick it to Pedro, now wouldn't that be something. In the meantime though, I think Esme can take care of herself.

There has been a big body count so far hasn't there.

1.) Don Benny by the hands of Juvie and Gracie.

2.) Bruno by Dimwit

3.) Gaspar by Juvie

4.) The real Antonio Olivares by Juvie and his men

5.) Juvie by Loreto.

Now the other two crimes Refugio killing the LT and JL killing Loreto were done in self defense. I have no doubt that if Refugio hadn't killed that LT, that the LT would have killed JL. We all know that Loreto for sure would have killed JL. It's interesting to me that the bad hats are getting anvils this early in the TN. I am not discounting Pedro here, but will he dirty his hands? We'll have to see if EZ becomes his next minion.

 

I have no doubt of that.

So this could be 120 instead of 140 more episodes? That's not so bad as long as they maintain the quality of the writing, which thus far is excellent.

Ezekiel will likely be Pedro's next right-hand man. He has the air of being ex-military, which means that he will blindly obey, which is something Pedro demands of anyone he knows.
 

OT: Adriana, saw my first ep of Cuando Seas Mia yesterday and it was a doozy. SN returns home to find long-haired guy married. How far are we in the story? Thanks.

Also, rumor that SN maybe doing a novela called Para Pasion de Amor.

Nanette
 

Hmmm... I'd love to know whom they'd be pairing her with. I'd like to see Diego Olivera as a hero.
 

On the Women's Patio Tables:
Forgive me, Esme. You are as feisty as they come. How could I have forgotten you. You have a sweet, innocent way of pulling the wool over the eyes of bad guys to get what you want and a sure way to get the guy you really want out of trouble and into your bed. I'd like to sit with you, as long as you aren't too busy.

 

UA--It would be sizzling to see SN paired up with Diego again. If you haven't watched the Azteca version of Montecristo, these two really had one hot love scene and several others. Silvia is not ashamed of showing a little flesh, either.

P.S. Diego would make a lovely bouncer/bodyguard--tall, dark, handsome, manly chest and long hair and as a bonus, wields a fencing sword expertly.
 

The Men's Patio Tables:

We have a lot of men in this tn, from Don Lauro who is practically comatose [except we know he reads books], to Padre Anselmo who has quite a temper for a Padre.

All the men are flawed, either loving or lusting after the wrong girl [Victor, JL, Juventino, Ale], killing someone [regardless of motive], obsessed, downright evil or indolent nit-wits.

So having put that out and there not being any tables for the true villains (Pedro, Loreto-q.e.p.[no]d., Juventino--whaaa? dead and buried before I could savor any more of his antics [was there even a funeral we could watch] or up-and-coming-shysters, there are none too many men I'd want to spend much time with.

Cynderella's requirements for the Ale Pure table would leave me fuera del juego. [Furthermore, I try not to sign pledges of any kind.] And I'm conflicted by his conflicted attitude and treatment of Montse, regardless of whether it's justified. [And ITA, his relationships with men are much better than his with women, for all the reasons given last week.

1) Refugio is too hot-headed and impetuous to want to sit down and engage in an intellectual discussion with his admirers.

2) Capt. Robledo, I'd offend him by nodding off while he's talking.

3) Don Joaquin, hmmm. He needs a shave, but might be interesting to listen to someone who talks out of both sides of his mouth.

4) Padre Anselmo, if I liked men of the cloth, I might sit down at his table, but I don't like being preached to about doing the right thing, according to his Catholic Godness or being forgiven for my sins so I can go out an sin again.

5) Macario, about the truest, most loyal man so far to come onto the scene. His flaw is shared by maybe millions of men of his background--entering the U.S. illegally to find work. Don't know if he and I would have enough to talk about, and I would have trouble understanding him at times.

6)Victor, he cured himself of his obsession with Maria by turning around and chasing a married [albeit unhappy] woman. He got her and now he's in a tight spot with her rightful hubby. Nah, as much as I like the actor and finally seeing him as a potential romantic lead, don't want to sit at his table.

7) Ale--for looks and charm he's the one. Is there a place at the Alternative Ale table for me to gaze upon his loveliness?

I just realized that with JL gone, Alejandro ONLY has Macario and Padre A on the Men's Team Ale.

 

Anita:

All Patio Tables are open to everyone. There are no pledges to be taken. We are a civilized bunch here, and you may wander tables as the mood suits you. You may even wear your brown paper bag, with the holes cut out, when you are disenchanted with Ale. I know I have mine on standby. I do like Esme's table also, girl's got avocadoes and then some ; )
 

Madelaine: Didn't Don Benjamin die of natural causes with Padre Anselmo present?

Maybe Graciela thought she had something to gain by his death, but, she didn't facilitate it. And, as far as Juventino goes (or went as is the case now), he was better off with Don Ben alive. No?
 

Pasofino:

It seemed as if Don Benny died of natural causes when in fact he really didn't. Gracie and Juvie cooked up a plan to hasten Don Benny's death, Juvie threatened her with knowing this previously, I don't know who provided the means i.e. pills, potion, etc. , but Gracie thought she would inherit Don Benny's wealth, once he died, and probably would have given Juvie some pittance or the run of the hacienda. As it turned out Don Benny did an end run around them and left the Hacienda Almonte to Ale, his illegitimate son.
 

Thanks, Mads:

Welcome back and thanks for the recap and earworm.

I have been out all weekend--sorry to be so late to the Patio.

Off to read comments now...

EJ

 

Sorry I'm so late with the list, I'm actually busy at work for once. I'm posting this without reading the comments or doing a thorough proofreading.


Week of January 6, 2014:

Highpoints:

Ale trusts Mons enough to give her a key to the money drawer (unless it’s a test—then that would be a low point).
Loreto keeps depending on Juvie.
Mons gets money from Nadia to pay Dim off.
Maria is not happy Rosario is back.
Rosario makes a point of calling Mons the lady of the house in front of Maria.
Rosario and Mons reunion.
JL calls Esme to help find Ref.
JL acknowledges that Ale is a good man (though Viewerville thinks differently at the moment).
Touching farewell scene between Mons and JL.
Mac pushes Rosario for the truth.
Maria gets punked by Alpo.
Ale apologizes to Rosario.
JL has Juvie by the throat.
Maria thinking she can get Mac fired is a hoot.
Another funny moment: Ale telling Mons he’s not an ogre.
Mons confides in Ale re: Dim.
Mons shuts Carlotta up so she can talk out her feelings.
Mons admits she’s in love with Ale.
The Carlotta/Mons scene.
Juvie is exposed.
Maria slaps Juvie.
Rosario comforting Maria (just like her to not let Maria’s horrible behavior get in the way).
Esme gets to see Ref.
Juvie dies.
Mons’ giving Ale a hug after the commotion.
Mons and Ale hug and kiss.
JL refuses to help Loreto unless his boyfriend is released.
Ref is released.
Mons misses and worries bout Ale.
Rosario’s smile because of it.
Mons sits with Ale at the dinner table.
Rosario smiles because of it.
Nadia gives it to Pedro.
Mons tells Ale she’s not unhappy.
Mons and Rosario decide to tell Ale that the money is missing.
Vic declares his love to Nadia.
JL unloads his gun.
JL shoots Loreto.
Mons fusses over Ale when he comes in out of the rain.
Vic tells Nadia the truth.
Sweet scene between Mons and Ale, including a kiss.
Mons tells Lottie some home truths about Dim.
JL tells Lottie some home truths about her family’s treatment of him.
Lottie is a good soul and appears to be remorseful.
Ale hides JL from the police.
Ale plots JL’s escape.
Ref sticks to JL.
Angie tells Dim off.
Lottie tells Alpo off.
Alpo threatens Maria
Mons tells Ale she’s afraid of his anger.
Ale believes Mons re: the stolen money.
Mons says her first “te amo”.
Ale promises that he and Mons will protect Angie from Dim.
Dim steals the money from Alpo.
Dim leaves the hacienda.
Maria free epi.
Mons truly loves Ale.
JL tells Angie the truth about the shooting.
Sweet Angie/JL going to bed scene.
JL and Angie get closer.
Mons takes Ale’s morning booze away and gets him coffee.
Dim turns on Alpo (hoping those two will be each other’s anvils if it’s not Fina).
Nadia gets right up in Pedro’s face.
Ale defends JL to Joaquin.
Ale and Mons plan a honeymoon, have a nice talk and a nicer kiss.
JL reveals to Angie who he really is.
 

Low Points:

Correction: it’s Alpo, not Dim, that overhears Ale gave Mons the key to the money drawer.
Ale wants the police to find JL and hand him over.
Maria and Alpo plot against Mons.
Ale’s better treatment of men than women slips a little with his treatment of Vic.
Vic is sad he lost Nadia.
Alpo slips and calls the capitaz “Jose Luis”.
Alpo steals the money from the money drawer.
Maria won’t let the JL slip go.
Maria tells Juvie about the JL slip.
Juvie tells Loreto about the JL slip.
Loreto takes Ref
Another “ewww!!!” moment: Alpo and Maria getting it on.
JL heartbroken (first time I’ve felt really sorry for him).
Mac is kind of hard on Rosario.
Vic and Nadia are sad.
Amelia invites the Dim into her home.
Poor Angie wants a final goodbye with Antonio.
JL agrees to kill Ale (though I’m pretty sure this is a trick).
Loreto is going to set up JL.
Loreto takes Benjamin’s ring off of Juvie (high point if it’s out of stupidity, low point if he’s going to use it to frame someone).
Ale wants to call in the navy.
Ref tells JL it’s kill or be killed re: Ale.
Ale wants Mons to prove her love.
Pedro is a d***.
Nadia stands in the rain calling for Victor.
Vic is in anguish.
Nadia humbles herself by asking Vic to pretend to love her.
Loreto shoots at Ale.
Mons finds the money drawer empty.
Virginia kisses Dim.
The police come for JL.
Dim is a d*** and tells on Angie.
Angie faints.
Maria tells Ale about the stolen money.
Dim is staying at Angie’s.
Mac’s truck is searched.
Poor Angie asks her mother if she thinks she’ll get better.
Ref and JL are forced to separate.
Tia is no help in the comforting department.
JL can’t escape.
Ginnie discovers JL.
Nadia puts Esme in Pedro’s crosshairs.
Angie skirts around the truth with JL re: her illness.
 

Since I haven't read the comments, I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but how can those people in Angie's room not SMELL JL? He had to be pretty ripe unless he had a shower that I missed.
 

Anita,

Only some of us are civilized in this forum. You are more than welcome to sit at their tables (EAAAB and Fair weather Superficial Fans aka FAF of Alejandro table). If you would like to sit at the Ride or Die table. You must sign the pledge. LOL :-)
 

Thanks for the recap Madelaine! Very cute!
 

Nanette, her window is open. I think that's why they can't smell him. He came in through the window. Remember?
 

Anita,

Rest assured. All the tables on The Patio are open for grazing. Civility is the only thing you are asked to pledge.
 

Novela Maven sits at an extremely civil table. Yawn. :-) She would love for you to join her.

Don't everyone jump on the Alex bandwagon now that we might see some Alex skin tonight!
 

Nanette:

We are on the same wavelength about JL and the oder so to speak, lol. I wondered about that too, but they did go through water, although that was dirty water. It's TN magic, I suppose : ) And thanks once again for the lists, I think they are awesome and good to go back to if anyone has missed any nights. They are immensely helpful and thank you!

Cynderella,

I have to agree with NovelaMaven, all tables are open to anyone and everyone, no pledge required only civility, brown paper bags for
Ale optional. What galan hasn't ever been picked on? It's natural ; )