Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Qué Pobres, Wednesday 1/29/14 (#18): The VICTIM Returns to the Scene of the Crime

Chuy asks, why so much fuss over a beat-up old brush? "Because it was Mom's." Chuy feels cheap!

The RPs retreat to their penthouse apartment to whine self-righteously. Mati scolds them: you're not living up to your pedigree.

Mati wanders around absently, looking for something that she's not sure what it is.

Chuy tells his kids not to be rude his old friend Aurelio's daughter-in-law and her family. JT protests: "But they're hiding..." Lupe interrupts him, preserving MA's big secret for just a tiny bit longer.

In the VIP skybox, the RPs continue to vent. They are full of complaints about these strangers who have been harboring them and feeding them, so far at their own expense. Frida is upset because the Menchacas are "carnivores" and after all, this is their grandfather's house. MA begs them again to just stay out of the Menchacas' way.

Saul smuggles MA onto the RP/Conceptos/Grupo Imperio/Televisa campus. MA hides in the backseat of the car while Saul stalls for time talking to the guard (who won't let him through the gate) until more cars pull up behind him. Then the guard has to let Saul through the gate so that the other cars can get through and he can turn around and get out.

MA hops out of the car and sneaks into Ahole's office. He swipes every potential piece of evidence he can find.

Back in Italy, Frida explains the family's financial situation to Mati.

Vilma shows up to work and notices that Ahole's office door is open. MA hides under the desk. Vilma takes the framed photo of Ahole and Mini from the desk, covers up Mini, and kisses Ahole's face. Ugh, sad. Then she calls one of the secretaries, Melina, and yells at her for leaving Ahole's door open. Melina sasses back: it's not her job to keep Ahole's office locked up. That's Vilma's job.

Today's special: chicken soup. Carmelita brings a live chicken to the kitchen. Then she and Lupe realize they need more supplies. They leave the chicken behind, and Frida "rescues" it. She takes the chicken to the roof and names her "Penthesilea," after a queen of the Amazons who accidentally killed her sister Hippolyta (former queen of the Amazons, and Wonder Woman's mother in a slightly different mythology). Stricken with grief and remorse, Penthesilea picked a fight with Achilles and lost. She begged Achilles to spare her life, but he laughed and killed her anyway. Then Achilles was struck with remorse, but that didn't do Penthesilea any good.

Honestly, that seems like a lot to put on a chicken. I would have called her "Soupy."

Vilma locks Ahole's office and leaves. MA is locked inside. (How many offices have doors that need a key to open from the inside??) Saul is still waiting for him outside. He can't help.

Carmela and Lupe look for the chicken. Mati is amused that she's not the only person who's looking for something.

MA escapes from the locked office by (apparently) jumping out a window on the opposite side of the building from Saul. Saul is arguing with the guard and now Vilma as well, insisting that he must speak with Alejo and no one else. It's an inane argument calculated to kill time while MA makes his way around the building to Saul's car.

In the car, MA tells Saul he's not hopeful about the stuff he gathered from the office. Saul says they can't go back for more, either, because now Vilma's suspicious of him. But he'll analyze what MA did get.

Saul says it's too dangerous for MA to hide out in his apartment, but he's willing to put up the rest of MA's family. He wants to help. Or he can give them some money and MA can take it as a loan. MA tells Saul, "You couldn't afford my family for a week. Anyway, on top of helping me, you need to continue working for your paying clients." So, all the RPs will continue to live with the Menchacas because... um... MA has decided that Saul can't make a living with MA's family in his apartment. Which might actually be true, but any sane person would let Saul give it a try...

JT finds Frida and the Wonder-Chicken on the balcony. JT tells Frida the chicken is for their customers. Frida tries to save it by throwing it over the balcony. No no, Frida! They're fryers, not flyers! Wonder-Chicken lands right on AS's head, claws tangling in her hair. Penthesilea also does that thing that most animals do when they're scared: she craps herself. In AS's hair.

Carmelita grabs the chicken and we hear an off-camera crrrrrack. (I could go on with the Greek mythology references, but I'm getting tired.) AS panics and thinks she needs an ambulance.

AS goes into the bathroom to clean herself up. Chicken poop has dripped onto her jacket. She looks at the Menchacas' soap and cries even harder. That soap won't fix her hair.

Saul drops MA off at the Menchaca home. MA watches him drive away and marvels at Saul's generosity. Saul only makes a fraction of what MA used to.

MA comes home to chaos. All of the RPs except Mati are in an uproar. The Menchacas are angry at Frida for stealing the chicken. MA apologizes to the Menchacas. Frida apologizes to MA.

Frida and JT chat on the roof/balcony. She tells him she wanted to rescue the chicken because animals are peaceful. Her intentions were good, but she keeps screwing up. JT admires her for believing in something. He thinks it's cool to have dreams. He has a dream too: he wants to make enough money with his music to support his family.

Labels:


Comments:
To answer someone's question from a while ago, Quiero Amarte comes after Mentir Para Vivir and I would love to be a part of that recapping team.
 

What made me laugh:

MA sliding off the plastc covered chair.

MA sneaking into Editorial Ruiz Palacios and getting locked in Alejo's office. When he kept rearranging the desk and cabinet where he found the keys he reminded me of Mr. Monk. I sure hope Saul finds something useful to exonerate MA in the materials he took from Alejo's office.

Vilma kissing a photo of Alejo while covering up the image of Minerva in the photo.

The whole chicken caper ending with AS with the chicken droppings on her head.

MA doing a financial analysis (in his head while standing in the street) of Saul from his upper class point of view after Saul has been kind enough to offer him help with his apt. and some money which MA turned down. He should have taken him up on the cash at least because as was mentioned by many yesterday, his clothes could walk by themselves.

The honeymoon in LosCabos where things were getting old very quickly for Minerva.

What was cute:

Frida and Jose Tizoc sharing their dreams. Could a young romance be brrewing.

Jarifa


 

Julie:

No worries amiga, take your time!

Jarifa:

I agree with your whole comment. That scene with the chicken was so funny, with the chicken landing on AS's head. I was surprised Carmelita took care of the chicken right there in front of everyone. Frida really did look like she wanted to hurl. I think Tizoc is taking another look at her, and finding her fine, so to speak.

MA was very funny with the financial analysis. I too wish he had taken Saul up on his offer. Did you see the stains on his suit? It will be standing up on it's own.

Funny how Ahole and Mini are honeymooning where Adolfo is.

I really thought MA would be caught and that was close. I was laughing at Saul calling security first Coronel then General too funny. It didn't impress the guy. I wish MA had had different clothes when he went to Editorial RP cause he stuck out like a sore thumb with his ball cap and suit.

Can't wait to see what it information he got when he took all that stuff from the office.
 

Oh, and Vilma's car. I see them around where I live all the time. Even with little wind up keys on the back for decoration. They remind me of pregnant roller skates : )
 

Corazon Salvaje:

If you want to recap anything you have to email our Blog Mom at:

caray@mappamundi.com

Just let her know what you want to recap.
 

The worst best scene of the night was the death of the chicken. The attack on As was great. Carmelita's quick execution and sound effect really shocked me and my reaction was similar to Frida's. I'm vegetarian, too. I feel for the girl. I thought it was very sweet that Tizoc took her feelings seriously and didn't try to make fun of them.

Math carries her purse around everywhere. It's funny. Can I assume the item she's looking for will be important?
 

Grrr. That should be Mati.

I thought MA falling off the chair was funny...the first time. I'm getting used to Camil's physical shtick, but I find him funniest when he is more subtle. The chair thing from Tuesday was overplayed. Last night's was funny but didnt need to be repeated.

Still loving Menchaaaca and Guadaluuupe.

I didnt completely catch the line but Leo started interrupting MA with some Spanglish twaddle and MA said he was the only one talking? Anyhoo he delivered the line in a funny way.

AS and Leo are the only holdouts. They just dont get it. Were we supposed to feel bad for AS in the bathroom. I didnt. I guess I'm coldhearted.
 

I agree that the slipping down the chair covered in plastic was a bit too much, especially only one ep after the stumbling with the chair in the fonda area.

The MA doing financial analysis and comparisons with Saul's 'status' was a bit nasty IMO. I did not see that coming at all. Actually expected MA to have grown a bit more in the humility/empathy department by now. Take the offer and shut up.
In hispanic countries we have a saying 'a caballo regalado no se le mira el colmillo' (if you are given a horse for free, don't start evaluating its teeth). Besides, given his current situation, MA would be the least qualified to make any social / financial level/rank comparisons...
Yes, Carm executing the chicken right then and there was a bit graphic. (And I was not a 'first timer', I did see my aunt do the same thing when I was just a little girl, but still).
I like Jose Tizoc and Frida's romance... cute.
Still giggling at MA saying 'Guadaluuuupe' and 'Menchaaaaaca'...
Giggle that MA goes out of his way to 'scare' Saul everytime he gets a ride in Saul's car...
Also giggle every time Saul ends a conversation with what he would write in a letter or memo... stte of 'quedo de usted, atentamente, Saul ....'... funny cause its unexpected / not the norm. But it does speak as to how 'straight' and serious Saul can be (and AA).

 

thanks for the comments!
I have to rewatch Vilma's car.
I noticed how MA rearranged the chairs and desk stuff and thought about Monk too.
I love how Granny Mati can say anything to AS and Leo... and get away with it without a whine from them.
MA needs to grow up and try to swallow his pride and accept the help from Saul. He is innocent from the fraud, but so are AS, Leo, Frida and Grandma Mati. IF Saul offers better living space for them, take it! if not for you, for their sake.
 

Oh Marta, I wish my comprehension was at your level (which will never happen not being a native speaker.) I've NEVER heard Saul's memo endings. Did he say it last night? If he did I'll go back and listen very carefully. Sounds funny.

I completely agree with you comments about Saul's offer. MA is the one in trouble. Not his family. If anything, their disappearing with him make them look like they knew about the fraud/had a hand in it.

 

I'm so sorry I didn't get to watch any of this beyond the first commercial break. :(

I eventually managed to put up notes for episode 4, so eventually I will see this one and put up notes for it too; but that won't be today. Bummer.
 

No se preocupe, Julie! I appreciate your posting a header. This is a terrible time slot. We all appreciate the work y'all are putting into this.
 

Sara,
that is how he said farewell to the nurse at the home where Grandma was (LOL!) and also how he ended his conversation with Vilma once he saw MA sneak out behind them. It is too funny, especially with the LFMB character AA used to play, so self absorbed as a businessman, so it is funnier for him to do a 180 on that aspect here as a lawyer.
 

Thanks, Marta! I'll go back and watch it today.

I have never seen LFMB. I should probably fix that.
 

Watching MA refuse Saul's offer shows just the kind of stiff necked pride that drove MA to go off to London to make his own way. None of the RRP"s have the lest touch of graciousness except maybe Frieda and Mati.

The over done chair thing is exactly what often annoys me with JC. I never understand why people i.e. directors or actors think if something is funny the first time it will be funny the second, third and on and on. Newsflash - it isn't. And why don't the RP's just take the plastic off the furniture in the first place.

Laughed my head off with the chicken pooping AS's lacquered hair. And, Leo whispering about it to MA when he wanted to know what was going on. That snap of the chicken's neck was a little more subtle then the stories my father told me about his grandmother wringing their necks.

If they weren't such useless snobs i'd almost feel sorry for the RP's. Frieda, Leo and AS have no marketable skills. They have no choice but to sit around in the VIP shack bitching and moaning about their unfair fate, thanks to MA, and going on about the nacos. Leo remains clueless but I think the hard reality set in for AS in that solo bathroom scene.

During the Frieda and JT little dream talk I half expected little pink and red hearts to float across the screen. Thank God the directors skipped that goofyness.
 

Yes, Sara, you really should see LFMB. It is based on what is IMHO one of the two greatest TN's ever. And other than its 50-episode extension (a travesty), it sticks very close to the original script, hasta almost verbatim in the early caps. And Jaime Camil is absolutely magical in his role.

If you check the 2010 rebroadcast recaps (at this link) instead of the original recaps, you'll find what I call a "Spanish Lesson." I know you're working on your Spanish; you may find it very helpful. It worked for me!

 

Haven't seen this epi yet, as per uzh, but ni modo. Even just from reading the comments, I almost feel like I've seen it!

It occurs to me that if the Menchacas owe money to the Ruizpalacios for the building, and the Ruizpalacios need a place to stay and have no money, they could work out an official business arrangement so that it's less imposition/favor and beneficial to both parties. Like, each day that the RPs stay there and are fed equals so much money off the balance. That way they could even rearrange things to everyone's greater comfort, and the RPs could even negotiate for some blankets and such. Although I still think they must have some of their own in that heap of stuff they haven't bothered to make use of.

Of course, in order to come to an agreement like that, they would all have to admit that the interlopers aren't leaving anytime soon, but Lupita and MA are getting on much more friendly terms, so maybe they won't be quite so opposed as they may have been at first.

Going back to the previous episode, I really cracked up at the wedding, with Ahole posing for "romantic" pictures with a BRIDESMAID behind Minerva's back. And the wedding night, or should I say the after-wedding minute, was just hysterically funny. Mini needn't have bothered with a medical procedure.
 

I think that the chicken poop incident may be a turning point for AS, at least to some degree. When she had no alternative but to use the naco soap, I think it STARTED to force her to recognize that her world has changed.

About the exchange between Leo and MA. I think that Leo inserted something in English, then translated it into Spanish. MA snapped at him, "You're not the only one who speaks English here."

I liked the part, I forget who MA was talking to, maybe Saul. He talked about Guadaluuuuuupe Menchaaaaaaaca and continued the sentence in a dreamy voice. Then he caught himself, realized he wasn't talking about her anymore, and switched back to his normal diction. Hilarious!

About Camil rearranging the desk. He does something like that at least once in most of his TNs. Camil is notoriously obsessive compulsive - he'll freely admit it. In particular he has a mania for order, which creates difficulties for both himself and for the people in his life. Including his coworkers (ahem). And so I think the director inserts those scenes to razz him about his quirks that his coworkers have to deal with.

About the slipping-off-the-chair schtick. There is a gimmick, most often used in children's shows, where you set up a repetitive gag, and the audience learns to expect it. There is a sort of suspense built up, because you just know it's coming. And a satisfaction when it happens. Like Fibber McGee's closet. Or Rocky the Squirrel asking, "That voice! Where have I heard that voice before?" and Bullwinkle answers something stupid. Or when Sergio Sendel would throw the phone in Destilando Amor (or when he DIDN'T in MEPS). I think that Televisa believes that their audience likes the humorous use of that gimmick. Do they? Yo no sé. But that's why I think they repeated the gag.
 

I think Frida's idea of working at a Call Center is pretty good. Though I still wonder about her age and I think they ask for a high school diploma for that but Leo could get that job if she can't. Of course, that would mean he'd have to try and get a job.

I wonder how nervous Silvia Pasquel must have been for that chicken stunt.

Jarocha

 

Ms Pasquel was definitely a trooper for this episode!
 

Decie, totally agree on:
Leo remains clueless but I think the hard reality set in for AS in that solo bathroom scene.
definitely AS finally 'got it' that she is not the queen bee anymore... and she has noone that HAS to follow her orders in order to keep their job... she has no power cushion anymore. And that really takes the footing off from under her.
 

Julia- I have also been thinking that the RP’s could negotiate better accommodations and food, in exchange for reducing the bill for what the Menchacas have left to pay on the house. But you’re right—neither family wants to admit that this is more than a temporary situation. Heck! MA won’t even secure himself a second set of clothing! Notice how there’s a new stain on his jacket each day. I wanted to hit him when he turned down Saul’s offer of help.

Tizok was very sweet to Frida when she was traumatized by the chicken’s fate. I like how they shared their mutual dreams. But I thought the whole chicken sequence was hilarious—especially when it landed on AS’s head and the aftermath.

 

How is he even getting all those stains? He's so deeply in denial, he won't even take off his tie to sleep. Please, please, please get a change of clothes, MA. Even if you have to get them from a charity donations bin. Or at least wash those clothes!
 

Reading on JC's obsession with order and cleanliness, it must be real hard for him to wear clothes stained like that... but i guess if they told him what they stained them with, he would be ok.
 

Vivi and Julie

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk - even thinking about doing something logical. LOL. I thought the exact same thing, work off the house debt by providing services to the RP's which they would also have to give a little and pitch in. It's so obvious to us and so not even on the horizon for them.
 

More than a week later, the "recap" is done... thanks for your patience :-)
 

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