Caray, Caray!

Good Evening or Early Morning Y'all.

Eli is unable to do her recap this evening and so I put up this discussion page. Have at it Amiguis!
 

Eli,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
 

Eli:

se accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way.

Elna June
 

Eli, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Hang in there and know that your friends are thinking of you.

Mads, thank you for the discussion page. If Nadia is on the warpath and Esme gives EZ the chisme on Pedro then I am worried for Esme. We all know how Pedro takes out his fury.
 

Madelaine,

Thanks for putting up the discussion page.

I am not sure what to think of Nadia's visit to EZ. I don't think EZ is gay, but he might use the information that Nadia gave him to his advantage. Since Pedro told EZ that he could only dream of becoming the next Presidente Municipal, EZ might take what Nadia told him and use it against Pedro to take him down. Just a thought.

So happy to see our couple back together. Ale is willing to fight for Montses' love no matter what. And as it turns out, signing the divorce papers was the best thing Ale could have done. Now they can be together because they both freely choose to be together. Loved the scenes with Ale feeding and changing baby Laurito. Can't wait to see the look on BM's face when she finds out they're back together.

I am totally confused about Dimi. One minute I think he is beginning to redeem himself, the next he goes and does something stupid. Like last night, I thought he was going to tell Fina that he didn't want to leave, but then Graceless shows up and messes with his head. Even though Dimi has begun to stand up for himself against Graceless, she still has a big influence on his decisions, especially when it comes to money.

I fear that Tia Carlota will get hurt if she starts a relationship with EZ. I hope she is careful.

We had another timing scene tonight. Refugio walking up to Esme's house just as EZ steals a kiss from her. What luck! And she had quit her job for him too. What a pity!

Really sad seeing Angie passed out on the floor. I am glad that JL is going to pull through, but now I fear for Angie. I hope she has more time. She deserves it.

Off to bed...hasta pronto!
 

Eli...I am so sorry. As time goes by, there are many "empty chairs" in our hearts. But the love those people had for us, and us for them, is forever. Bodies come and go. But Love never dies.

We are with you,amiga, in sympathy and in friendship.
 

Eli, I am sorry to hear this. Will be thinking of you today; I know this is never easy.


 

Eli, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. May you find peace in your memories and from the love of those around you.

And my thanks for all the well-wishes yesterday. The stomach bug seems to be waning. Had a bit of a simple dinner successfully last night. Feeling a bit shaky still this morning, but think I'm on the upswing. Get to work from home which is a definite advantage today with severe weather today==only this time it's thunderstorms. What a winter.

Seems we are destined to have at least one couple in this TN suffering from Eavesdropping Syndrome. Why can't people just come around the blasted corner and confront the parties, maybe get an explanation. But noooooo. Poor Esme.

I don't trust Maria as far as I can throw her, which basically is nada. She'll pull something soon. My only hope is that stupido Ale doesn't fall for whatever it is. But...
Poor Angie. Bless her but I don't think she will be with us much longer. Leaving J-L a single, rich man. Wish we had another female in this to pair him up with but the triangle will most likely be center stage.

I know Dim can be infuriating, but O is playing him so brilliantly. Seeing that inner turmoil and how years under his mother's thumb has still left him scarred. We keep getting baby steps from him, but maybe one day he will let go one big slap to Graceless. The patio, normally not for violence, may smile a bit with understanding at that.

Daisynjay
 

Thanks, Mads; on with the comments:

We've seen DNA results being faked before, but how is Graceless going to do this now? I guess she's going to take the checque Alejandro just handed over that was meant to cover the recent medical expenses, etc., for the baby and gamble it against half of Alejandro's inheritance.

Unless I'm wrong she said that she is going for it all sooner or later. It would actually be better for Monse and Alejandro to remain divorced until the finale to protect the other half of his inheritance... and his life. She murdered Benjamin so she would have no qualms about murdering Alejandro.

If Benjamin was buried they could exhume the body for DNA and an autopsy is still possible but if the body was cremated they can't do anything. I also doubt that anyone aside from Graceless and Juventino knew the real cause of his death. Graceless would be too smart at this stage to commit confessional abuse and since we haven't seen her drunk she's unlikely to accidentally spill the frijoles that way.

Dimwit's biggest weakness is money. He doesn't work, he has no desire to work, so he scams money in one way or another. If Lauro hadn't had extended periods of deployment over the years he might have had an influence over him, but Dimwit has no sense of honor. I admit there have been times when I thought he was reforming but scenes like this and reminders of the vile crap he spewed at Monserrat when she was at her most vulnerable make me see redemption as impossible for him.

I am on the fence as to whether he has any potential as a killer. He helped frame JL for murder which would have killed him (figuratively) by taking away the next 30 years of his life, but would he be capable of killing Alejandro if Graceless ordered him to? Or will that make him slap her?

While this looks somewhat bizarre, I buy it as a fiction trope that the divorce was the magic spell to remove the curse on Monse and Alejandro's marriage. The marriage was tainted by Graceless' manipulation, lies, and greed that got the first round of money out of him, so the divorce took that away. They are now free to determine their own future free of her influence. In the real world I would advise them to have a lawyer pay Graceless' household bills directly for a year, sell the ranch/plantation, and move far away without a forwarding address. Maybe even change their names so she can't find them.
 

Eli...I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that i am sending out prayers and good thoughts to you.



 

UA I love the thought of Ale and Monse disappearing without forwarding address, I offer my house here in Tz as Graceless wont even bother to look that far, btw it will also protect Ale from from Maria as he surely needs protection from her manipulation.

Kana
 

I was surprised to Ale do a sudden turn around after his crazy dancing in the streets. Que? He and Mony are all missy and lovey dovey again. what? It has been a terrible, awful, very bad week for Malria.

EZ seems to be all over the place stirring lots of plot pots and pursuing both Esme and Tia. I am worried about both women getting hurt.

and what is up with Pedro ? Do NOT vote for Pedro. What a mystery he is.
 

Eli, prayers and healing (virtual) hugs are coming your way. Judy's eloquent "As time goes by, there are many "empty chairs" in our hearts" was lovely and bears repeating. God bless.

Daisy and Judy, hope you both are feeling better! Daisy, glad your stomach appears to be settling a bit. Sincere wishes for a full recovery quickly.

Madelaine, thank you for posting your excellent summary, capturing all the highlights perfectly.

Laughed out loud at "BM whines a perdoname at Rosy again. She even sneaks in a tear." Indeed she did! Also thought "They are in seventh heaven, but are we?" was great.

I'm still in a fog regarding last night's events. After wandering the streets in a vengeful haze, hitting an innocent bystander, Ale collects himself to return home,cool and composed to conduct business as usual. Then, in a NY minute, he asks Nadia for her opinon (and unbelievable, actually listens) and decides to reconcile with Monse.

I'm not complaining but this is just not what I was expecting!

Just as Ale calms down, Refugio flies into a snit, although I cannot blame him, given what he saw. Sigh.

Tia's face was beaming when she saw the orchids! Oh dear...Please writers, we need a good back-up galan when the truth about EZ is revealed.

Sylvia, as usual you have provided an important detail to consider. Nadia is treading into very dangerous waters. Yes, Esme might indeed be the recipient of Pedro's wrath when news reaches him. I also thought EZ had to restrain himself from attacking Nadia during their conversation.

daisy "I know Dim can be infuriating, but O is playing him so brilliantly". Yes, he is one of the more interesting characters presently - clearly conflicted and frustrated, I look forward to what he will do next. I think he will be redeemed AuntyAnn. He has done terrible things but I hold out hope as I do for him and Fina.

And Angie. Wake up JL! The real love of your life is still here. Return the love she has given you so unselfishly. Given her condition, you likely have little time left. Make the most of it or you will soon be inconsolable, mourning yet another loss of love.

Diana


 

Eli I am sorry for your loss, may you find peace in this difficult time
 

UHoh..it is a little rally and I am not completely awake. Missing should be kissing. I as surprised to SEE ale do....sorry. I am hurrying .
 

early
 

Eli I am so sorry for your loss and pray for comfort and solace to you and all your family!

Just want to join the fray before work! So being slapped and jerked around and suffering emotional abuse at Pedro's hands is not enough for a divorce or to destroy his public persona hunh? So Nadia is going to the "he's gay" angle?

Anybody else feel that breaking crazy in the streets interlude kinda spoiled this reconciliation? I guess that's my answer to the "are you happy now?" question. The name of this episode could also have been Psych! Ok, Ok, we know it's not going to last but I've gotten so used to Ale as raging bull the happy scenes with Montse and baby almost looked silly! But I'm going to watch 'em again anyhoo! Hee Hee!

Gracie and Dimmie: two whores! Umph. Umph. Umph. That's all I can say. I know Fina will continue plugging away at her plan to win Dimmie over.

I'm not that into Fuggie and Es-messy but that old seeing your beloved in a forced kiss trick was still annoying. Funny how the offended lover never notices how their beloved is struggling to break the clench. Sheesh!

Lila
 

Lila, Nadia should definitely divorce Pedro over the abuse, but here she is finding the reason behind the abuse, or so she thinks.

Of course she is setting herself up for more abuse in her quest for evidence that Pedro is gay. That she is getting Victor involved also puts him at risk if he becomes indiscreet in any way.

Basurto is a wild card in all this and he could be another Pedro. His manner reads to me like he is in the closet himself. He's never been married and we have no idea whether he has boinked anyone at all. He's looking to chase Carlota for the same reason Pedro married Nadia. Esmeralda's disclosure to him could get her in trouble in the long term.

Her rejection of him is going to create her next round of grief and Refugio's hasty retreat will not help that at all.
 

Dear Eli,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you and yours in this sad moment.

Best to you,
Julia R
 

Eli,

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope our love and support here offer you a measure of comfort during this difficult time for you.

Carlos
 

Eli, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

UA you said it "Esmeralda's disclosure to him could get her in trouble in the long term." I could not believe that Esme was telling Basurto all about her business with Pedro. After the beating you would have thought she would have gotten the message and left town or at least kept her mouth shut about Pedro. She is either just plain stupid or has a death wish. Yikes!

Nadia should also quit playing psychiatrist and detective with Pedro. She is another one that knows what Pedro is capable of but keeps playing with fire.
So, I can also say she is either just plain stupid or has a death wish. I am real tired of Esme and Nadia.

Josefina was better for a moment when she offered Dimi his freedom. But the moment ended when he finally took her up on the deal and went home with mommy dearest. Josefina's character is just tedious.

I liked Rosario's reaction to BM when she apologized again and asked her not to ask Ale to ask her to leave. Rosario said she wouldn't but added: If you have any shame, you know what you should do.
Too bad BM will probably not take that advice. I wonder what her next plan will be.

Quite an enjoyable episode.

Jarifa

 

So sorry for your loss Eli! And many thanks Madelaine for your recap.

I'm suffering from a severe case of whiplash and my beanie exploded, and I didn't even realize I was wearing one! Methinks there was a personality transplant. How we went from psychotic breakdown to calm, cool, reasoned, mature listening smiling man in just one day I will never understand. I welcomed the divorce as a much needed closure on a horrible beginning and a chance to start fresh, but it boggles my mind that it all worked out in the blink of an eye.

Signed - Dazed and Confused wearing a neck brace.
 

ITA UA and others who don't want Tia involved with EZ. I don't know, EZs vibe is kinda like Aldofito's: when he's cooing and wooing it looks sincere but you know in their heart is monetary gain in Aldofito's case and political ambition in EZ's case. I have to err on the side of caution and ask the ladies to RUN!

EZ was so funny last night as he gushed almost girlishly about all of Pedro's qualities: "He's my Heeeeero!" and his face WAS priceless when he saw where Nadia was landing! Why can't they get someone worthy for Tia! I see as much chance of EZ reforming as Dimmie. But I guess we have enough episodes. EZ will probably be part of the body count though.

Lila
 

Eli, sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
 

Audrey: "I'm suffering from a severe case of whiplash and my beanie exploded, and I didn't even realize I was wearing one! Methinks there was a personality transplant." Well said.

Also, I thought it was hysterical that the scene of changing little Lauro's diaper was blurred. Those censors...

Diana
 

Eli: We are all thinking of you at this time.

Mads: Thanks for doing this for us. I think that Nadia was reckless in going to Victor and accusing Pedro of being gay based upon something she thought she saw, but really didn't see.

As to Basurto, I definitely don't think so. He put moves on Esme and has his eye on Carlota for ambition. Who knows? It might work out. But, he has done so many evil deeds that would kill her if she found out.

Aha! is all I have to say about the hugs and kisses shared by Ale and Montserrat.
 

Eli, there are many people here who are thinking of you and carrying you in their thoughts.

I hope you print out the so very wise JudyB's thoughts and carry it with you.

Fatima
 

I am so sorry for your loss, Eli. Please know that I am thinking of you.
 

Eli, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort and peace in this difficult time.

Que que what!!?? Ale does a sudden about face, all is well and happy? At least he did interact with the baby. I'm finding I care more about the secondary characters for the time being.
 

Astute observations from Diana and Urban A:

"I also thought EZ had to restrain himself from attacking Nadia during their conversation." Eeks! Really? So things are looking creepy for both Esme and Nadia? Yuck.

And then "Her rejection of him is going to create her next round of grief and Refugio's hasty retreat will not help that at all." Yep, things are looking worse and worse for Esme.
 

The idea of Refugio as the child of Graceless is interesting. They've never stated his age, but since he looks enough like he could be related to Monse, what about a baby switch scenario? He got switched with Dimwit in the hospital and Refugio is the true full brother of Monserrat?

If we buy the idea of personality being genetic (I don't), that would make a ton of sense. He's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier but he's honorable, not a snob, and loyal to his friends.

BTW, since US hospitals now take DNA from babies and parents to make sure they don't accidentally send the wrong baby home with a mother, I hope Mexican hospitals are doing the same. That would eliminate this cliche within a few years.
 

To Eli--It's hard to lose a loved one. That empty chair Judy mentioned can always be filled with wonderful memories. We are here for you.


Audrey-of-the-neck-brace. I hear you, amiga.

I think the writers had decided that Ale had to sign the divorce papers in order to "clean the slate," and start over. How to do it, how to do it. I can just see them (at least 3) hunched over their tablets (e-ones or legal pads) and throwing out ideas. They were stumped because Ale had refused to sign the divorce papers a couple of episodes ago.

Oh, ok easy-peasy. He has to get MAD as heck and isn't going to take it any more. Hmmm, let's see what we have in the trope archives. Eureka, we've got it. Listening at a door and hearing an inappropriate compromising conversation, then go off the deep end. We've seen him break stuff at the mansion. The budget can't take it. Great! We have a street scene. Just one guy gets a theater-punch and we're DONE.

Then the director pops his head in and says, we've got to get on with the reconciliation. Baby is growing too fast to be a newborn. Can't waste any time keeping these two apart. Hurry, Angie has to die in the next episode and we can't have everyone unhappy.

Solution--Ale regains his senses in a couple of hours after signing the divorce papers and is all family-man ready for love and diapers.

Voila, fait acompli (sorry for the French, it fit).
 

Anita, so funny! Hats (and beanies) are off to you for your version of the, ahem, "brain"storming session of the writers. Thank you for this morning's laugh.
 

So sorry to hear of a loss in the family, Eli. My sympathies.

Nadia is dumb to have gone to EZ, who I think is clearly deeply closeted, to tell him point blank exactly what she thinks at the same time as she is planning to spy on her husband! Great way to set herself up, along with Victor, for fatal events. These two characters -- Victor and Nadia -- are two of the novela's real weak spots. Terrible writing for both of them -- feel for the actors.

Who knows what Dimi is up to at this point? He seemed ready to tell Josefina he wanted to stay because he has true feelings for her and wants to change. I'm hoping that he is now leaving not in order to take advantage of possible Dom Benjamin money but because he's decided it's time to grow up, get a job, and prove himself to his wife. Not likely but would be nice. I love how the actor has been able to show us transformations taking place by the look on his face and the expression in his eyes.

One career Dimi might pursue is couples counseling! He's been really great in getting through to both Ale weeks ago and to his sister, giving them good advice calmly and sympathetically in a way they could both hear! Dr. Dimitrio awaits you in his despacho of great counsel, learned the extra-hard and sleazy way!

I gather that Ale's odd street stumbling, hallucination punch-out scene was meant to show us his finally hitting rock-bottom on the jealousy front. It was pretty funny ... Let's hope both of these lovebirds do really get it together at this stage. That stuff was starting to get old.

Hoping that Rosario's inevitable make-over allows us to still see her in those beautiful campesina dresses every once in awhile. Gorgeous embroidery -- would love to have a closet full of those.

That is one cute baby for sure. Or probably one of two super cute babies since they have to use twins, right? Remember, actors, to support the back of the infant's head at all times!
 

Anita, You nailed it, amiga!

Fatima
 

Actually, thanks for reminding me to comment on the baby. That baby has a very expressive face for one that young. Very good casting because he's playing the child of two characters with very strong personalities.

While I was breakfasting I thought about the theme of Disposability that's running through our villain list. Everyone who saw Mi Pecado remembers that DC's toxic mother repeatedly said "Everyone is replaceable" when threatening her servants. Although that phrase hasn't come out of Graceless' mouth yet she thinks the same way:

-- Exact details pending on the baby she gave birth to in the convent.
-- She murdered Benjamin when he outlived his usefulness to her as a lover and when she saw a potential financial payoff
-- She has little use for Monserrat except as a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder.
-- She helped frame JL for a crime he didn't commit and used her position as Lauro's wife to get him transferred to Mexico City's stockade to keep him away from Monserrat
-- She is losing patience with her golden child, Dimwit, because he can't get money out of his wealthy wife.
-- She entertained the idea of someone murdering Alejandro so his fortune could fall into her hands (she thinks).

Pedro disposes of anyone who can get in the way of his illegal income or political ambitions.

Dimwit is ready to walk out on Josefina when she fails to produce the cash he needs for his Peter Pan lifestyle. Whether he is willing to kill is still unknown.

Juventino killed anyone who got in the way of his greed.

Loreto was willing to do all Pedro's dirty work -- including murder -- to advance himself.

Basurto seems willing to do the same.

Benjamin killed Rosario's fiance and framed her for his death, thereby disposing of her and her baby.

Maria hasn't killed anyone yet, but we know she will try again.
 

Anita - your scenario wold make sense, except that given the following episode, it would be so much simpler and make even more sense for Ale to sign the divorce papers as a true act of remorse rather than an act of rage. Are they that desperate to trick the viewers? Maybe.
 

Good Morning Y'all:

Eli keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and I too am sorry to hear of your loss.

I join all of you about EZ and this info he has on Pedro not liking the ladies. He seemed like he was fawning and preening when he was telling Nadia how he just idolizes Pedro. And then running right to Esme. I think he will use that info he got about Pedro too. I worry for Esme and Nadia too and throw in Victor also. But Victor is smart. Remember that video he took of Monse and JL right after her wedding to Ale and they didn't see him?

I too don't like that the Tia is going to go out with EZ. The orchids were beautiful though.

When BM was perdonmeing Rosy again, I didn't catch what Rosy said. I hope it was she better mind her p's and q's! Better yet I hope Rosy throws her out of the house.
 

Mads, This is how I understood it:

María apologizes privately to Rosario and begs her not to squeal to Alejandro about her bad behavior. She's afraid he'll kick her out, and she has nowhere else to go. Rosario won't say anything, but María knows perfectly well what she ought to do.
 

Eli - My prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.

Loved the dialogue between JL and Angie. He scolds her for not taking care of herself and she gives it right back to him about not taking care of himself. And giving up his hospital bed for her was so darn cute. Don’t know how long these two will last, so I guess I’ll just enjoy them together while I can.

I understand Nadia's willingness to do anything to be rid of Pedro [though with her parents' wealth and influence, she should have been able to get it done by now]. But at the same time, I am bothered by the TN not having a voice to deliver a message of tolerance. Out of context, Nadia's words could be construed as anti-gay and leave one there's not growing tolerance in Mexico. Interestingly, Zacatecas state has an openly gay mayor and same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico City. So maybe, if Pedro weren't such a monster, he could get elected to higher office whatever his orientation [though I don't think he's gay].
 

NovelaMaven:

Thanks so much for that. No wonder BM looked a mite squeamish afterwards. Now she knows Rosy has her number.
 

If Nadia can find evidence that Pedro is gay she could get her marriage annulled, both civilly and religiously, on grounds of fraud. That would be the reason for her attitude.

However, I don't think Pedro is gay, as I've previously said. Ezekiel probably is, though, and if I'm right this will create a major conflict between them that can lead to both their downfalls.
 

urban...yikes,,What a band of cutthroats we we have here. Depressing, but they keep us watching. And so it is in novelas , the good versus the bad.

I am fascinated by Gracie. She seems completely joyless with no apparent interests except acquiring money without actually working for it and decking herself out in horrible costumes that make her look like Madonna on a particularly bad day. She seems to have no idea about the concept of aging gracefully and dressing elegantly and tastefully. Tia was probably a big influence on Mony. Tia always looks lovely and elegant. Insteadr of feeling sorry for herself about her single status, Tira tries to be happy and help those around her. As Milton and Novelamaven pointed out, we do make our world a heaven or a hell. Attitude and gratitude are the keys. There are lessons to be learned from telenovelas.
 

Love your scenario Anita. Whatever made them do it, for one episode anyway, it was nice to see Ale smiling and quit the moping. Personally, I think it was the talk with Nadia. He suddenly is getting his head on straight and she's the one coming up with the lamebrain ideas to ruin her evil hubby. A case of mental transference if I ever saw one. Maybe they left out the Vulcan mind-meld scene.

I always love the sob-story from the worthless whomever trying to plead they have nowhere to go, what would they do. Oh I don't know...here's a novel idea. GET A JOB! Amazing how it enables you to get a place, buy your own food, quit being a parasite on someone else. For someone born on a ranch, Maria seems to be rather incapable of being useful in anything.

Daisynjay
 

Robo brainstorm session is fun-ny Anita and sounds about right!

Susanlynn agree on Gracie. She was surely a very beautiful young woman and maybe she's trying to freeze a certain look she had back in the eighties that worked for her or something. I'm sure she doesn't care what others think of her "luke."

Daisynjay that's so true it seems Ale and Nadia did a brain switcheroo!

If Ale and Montse are going to get together, let them stay together and be a united force against Maria though why he would continue to let her live in the house is beyond me. Looking forward to seeing Rosario bloom and with her wise eyes in the house none of Maria's eeeevil plans will come to fruition.

Lila
 

Thanks Mad for your mini-cap. Really, very complete and even has sass.
ITA with those who were amused by EZ's convo with Nadia. I can see why she thinks this, but some variation of Victor's explanation is more plausible. If Pedro were gay he could still manage sex with her to get her pregnant. I think he will turn out to be damaged in some way.
As for Refugio, this wouldn't be a TN if someone wasn't getting all pissy at someone.
 

Madalaine -- Haven't seen it since last night but what Rosario said in a nutshell to Maria was basically a whatevs on the forgive me front and I sharp note that if she had any "verguenza" (any shame) she would pack her bags and get the hell out. It was pretty great. Short but sweet. I sometimes forget that Rosy spent a long time in prison and knows how to draw blood.
 

Anita so ITA! I often wonder what the mental processes of the writers to come up with such lame plot twists. Here they go to an awful lot of trouble to show that Ale can't get the vision of JL and Monserrat together out of his head and two seconds later he is no longer insane and is ready to forgive??
The problem is that we lost our cable for the last 10 minutes of the show last night, melting snow and road salt, but it sounds like even if I had not lost that time it still wouldn't make sense. Oh well.
 

So sorry for your loss, Eli. So many that I know are going through this, my family included, I wish for inner strength and peace for you,
 

Eli, sending good thoughts your way!

I feel like I missed an episode. Ale rages for a billion episodes, including the previous, and one conversation with Nadia and he turns sensible and empathetic?! Can I book an appt with Nadia? LOL

I've always gotten a bit of a gay vibe off of EZ. I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of this he is coming out and trying to seduce Pedro for his own crazy ambition.

Next epi Montse needs to be throwing BM out of the house!
 

Not to be a pain but I think Ale has been softening towards Montse for quite a long time now. It's just that anytime he was ready to cave and make an effort, there would be that extra knock on the door, or little phone call, or chance meeting, incinerated letter, and he'd be off to the races again because he's in need of some major therapy.

Same with Montse but less so because she's not as messed up -- she's been ready to make-up for awhile but, again, soapy soap, little things would happen that would cause her to get angry all over again. It was definitely a bit abrupt -- and totally funny -- "Alejandro just signed the divorce papers. This is the happiest day of my life!" Staggering through the streets, assaulting folk, NOT get arrested -- again -- and coming home to Mama.

All of them -- Rosie, Padre, Macario, Victor, Dimi, Jose Luis!, and Nadia have been working him over to get him to see straight -- and every time either Maria or Graciela or bad timing would make a mess of it. Not to mention what Pedro, EZ, and Angie's father did to mess with the poor man's head.

At any rate, I'm glad it's over ... It was starting to get on my nerves and there's enough misery in this world. Whew.

Now we'll go through this agony with Dimi and Josie. "I ... " Knock knock! Ai ai ai.

If EZ hurts Carlotta in any real way, I want to see him strung up.

And, yeah, I agree that the implied anti-gay thing is troublesome to me. Whether these two are both in the closet or not. It makes me feel uncomfortable and sad for the novela.
 

I really laughed at the Jaccuzi scene and when Nadia seen Extreme Basura in the water naked,it was just priceless ,Nadia asking if Scorpion King and EZ had a relation and EZ was like "No ,my bosses phone dropped in the water and i have to pick it up! " Im sure the actors were laughing hard at that scene


 

I will be surprised if the writers write EZ as gay. EZs's look on his face was total surprise that she was even thinking this.
If they want someone to be Gay, they write them so obviously that no Gaydar is required. Remember the cook in Amor Verdaderos?
 

EZ is just a leech dog,wanting to upsurp the seat of the Municpality and possibly Guvernith and for that he would need to off Pedro so it will be quite interesting on how all ends.
 

Oh, Emarie:

How I miss Jean Marie and especially Balzac! There was food abuse in that TN too. Remember the cake under the bed? I wonder if they ever cleaned under Nikki's bed and found it?
 

Eli, so sorry to hear of your loss.

Nanette
 

About gay characters in TNs, in Sortilegio, Marcelo Córdoba and Julián Gil played bi characters. I once saw an interview with Julián saying he was glad to break typical stereotypes in that TN. No idea where Pedro and EZ are headed, but EZ has been panting after Esme and she's had to get forceful to make him stop. Why she thinks he's "just a friend" is beyond me.
 

Y'know, I don't care if the reconciliation is contrived, abrupt and unbelievable. I just want to see some happy lovin' once again.

Also, these two essentially did not "date" before marriage. So now, finally they can. Hokey and unrealistic as the premise is, given the mental breakdown in the streets, I'M ALL FOR IT!

I remember once, during a particularly painful time of marital counselor, the counselor asked me what I wanted and I said "A lobotomy!!!" Really, I just wanted to be able to forget all the horrible stuff and get on with my life.
 

Ez might turn out to be PedroLite, but there will be time before we really find that out. What is completely making me angry is his and Pedro's attitude about women being possessions. While this accusation could be levied at all the men in this story these two are particularly guilty because they don't even pretend to love the women they look to possess. They may as well be mannequins or blow-up dolls.

I wonder whether the writers of this series ever read viewers' speculations about the characters and if they do, do they use the ideas they read?
 

EZ and Pedro are twisted creatures. Each loves power and control. But sexual orientation has nothing to do with it. EZ strikes me as hetero - and a rather pervy hetero at that. Pedro as neither - Pedro can barely stand to be touched period.

Nadia could get an annulment and divorce simply based on lack of a sexual relationship and her husband letting her know he had no intention of sleeping with her. Problem is, of course, corruption stands in the way of any legal solution.
 

Dinero talks, though, and Nadia's family has that.

Although it would not surprise me if her father (if he turns up) is played by Enrique Rocha or Juan Ferrara who then tells her "You fell in love with him and you will stay married to him and not disgrace this family."
 

Judyb...yes! when bad stuff has happened! it is sometimes best to just close the door on the past and move forward. . Accept..adjust..and allow yourself to move forward.
 

Lobotomy! LOL! I'm on the once every 5 years plan. Happy Aniversary, Bebe!

Pedro used Esmeralda as cover and obviously wants Nadia as his beard. With an "hijo" on top of all that.

EZ is doing the same thing. Well aware that Esme will never say yes to him -- although he can state he tried, repeatedly -- and possibly willing to attempt to marry Carlotta since this is what Pedro advised that he do. Marry into a familia fina.

Love the novela but was a let down by the last chapter. Would've been happier to see Ale work out his issues with Rosario over the course of a few more chapters and to see a less homophobic sorting out of issues on the Nadia-Pedro-Victor-EZ front.

It's just not perfecto. And Daniela Castro and the writers can also stop repeating"retrogada mental" as of yesterday.

Totally the kind of thing Graciela would say but it's enough already.

Through the doldrums now. Anxious for it to pick back up since it is really really pretty great.
 

Mads: thanks for the mini-recap.

So Victor does know about Pedro’s preggers plan?

I think Ros was meek at first because she thought Ale would be ashamed of her when he found out she was his mother. Once he assured her he wasn’t and showered her with love, she became a mother tiger. Gentle, but still a tiger. Better watch out, Maria.

Did Mons explain to Ale about the conversation he overheard?

I tuned into the last five minutes and was gobsmacked to see Ale and Mons together. Just had to FF to where they reconciled and in the process saw some truly cringe worthy old, tired TN cliches.

 

OK, now that Alejandro has his mom and he and Montserrat have confirmed their love for one another, it's high time that he clarify things once and for all between himself and María and send her on her way. She has been treated shabbily from the very beginning. Yes, Alejandro has told her a number of times that he considers her as a sister (which I'm convinced is actually the case) and yet he continues keeping her hopes alive by maintaining her as sort of a spare girl or plan B. María may be unpleasant and unstable but she clings to the hope that Alejandro will eventually come to his senses and finally recognize that she is his destiny. Both Alejandro and Montserrat have given her ample reason to hang on to that delusion.

I was a bit disappointed in Alejandro for telling Rosario that they need to get her properly dressed befitting her status and she disappointed me by saying "Whatever you say, son."

Dimitrio is slowly evolving but he's really a project. He managed to crack me up when he asked Josefina to help him pack. He's definitely Graciela's son.

Carlos
 

As far as we saw, Monse didn't explain the hospital room conversation to Alejandro on the assumption he wouldn't believe her. He might think he hallucinated it along with the street scenes.
 

Anita,

I loved your theory of the monkey writers coming up with that ridiculous street scene for my beloved Ale. That scene made no sense at all. It wasn't even needed. The viewers aren't stupid. We could assume that Ale would have been hurt and pithed after leaving the hospital. The monkey writers didn't have to add that idiotic scene. Maybe the 'real scene' is on the editing room floor. Anyway, I for one choose to forget about that scene. I deleted it like an unwanted email and have moved on. NEXT!

What we did find out last night was why Ale was at the hospital in the first place. He told Montse that he had been keeping in touch with the hospital to see what JL's progress was.

Back to work...hasta pronto!
 

Uh, NovelaMaven I'll be brave and say I don't get it.

o_O Lila
 

Dear Lila:

Oops. If you don't get it, then the joke wasn't very good. Sorry.

What I meant to say is that the writers were embroidering on a cinematic cliché -- the disappointed lover who sees his beloved everywhere he looks.

We have been looking at it very literally and imposing a "clinical" interpretation on what was just kind of an extended metaphor for how bummed out Alejandro was feeling after overhearing the conversation in the hospital.

Okay. I'll shut up now.
 

Oh!!! Okay! Yah, there are lots of deep minds on this board, I don't claim to be one but sometimes it is best just to look at the surface of things -- WYSIWYG.

:D Lila
 

I got it and had a good laugh NM!
urban, ItA Urban at the attitude that women are property, "Mi Mujer" right along with mi perro and mi caballo.
 

Personally, Lila, I think you're one of the most insightful commenters on the board.

I am starting to think that WYSIWYG is exactly the right way to approach this story.

EMarie, bless you for making me feel like less of an asshat.
 

Move over, Malria. Next...Rosario gets the shopping spree and makeover from Ale now.
 

Wouldn't it be fun, if Graciela and Rosario did a little consuegral bonding by going on a mad shopping spree together... financed by Alejandro, of course. Imagine Graciela tittering as she watches Rosario teetering as she tries on some super high heels. Graciela could be such a positive fashion influence on Rosy. I can just picture the two of them giggling together over a couple Cosmopolitans as they triumphantly diss don Benny.

Carlos
 

When I was watching Nadia starting in with EZ "Beserko", asking him about his long-time bachelorhood, I thought that there is no way she's "going there".

I was wrong.

On the other hand, he was underwater a very long time looking for that phone.
 

Speaking of fashion, was Montserrat wearing pants last night, or just red paint?
 

Carlos...I have no words except for....YIKES.
 

I liked the smiling Ale and Montse. Good change up from all the drama. Keeps me interested.
Lovely Carlota also shining in this epi, good vibes all around.

Thanks and of course my sympathy to Eli.
 

EZ Basura may or may not be gay (I think probably not), but he's definitely stupid. Who dives underwater in a little hot tub to look for something instead of just feeling around with their hands and feet?
 

Julia..red paint. ..and again...YIKES...a very useful word when it comes to novelas.
 

Julia...I do not think that you have completely thought this one through. EZ was in a hot tub with Pedro. Not only would I not have gone under water, but I would NOT be doing any feeling around with my hands or feet..maybe a stick..maybe.
 

I think my two favorite Life Coaches may be called in very soon to counsel Ezekiel. Starting with that very good Jacuzzi Etiquette advice.
 

Okay, he should have asked Pedro to get out of the tub before he felt around. But he was already in the tub with Pedro...clearly EZ doesn't have our inhibitions. Regardless, though, it is a bad idea to turn your back on Pedro, or to stick your head underwater when he's around.
 

I bet that Nadia wished that it was an electric lamp that had fallen into that jacuzzi.

Anyway, we do not know if EZ eventually located Pedro's "device".
 

Nadia should have brought out the hair dryer for EZ. He seems brainless enough to use it in the tub, and clumsy enough to drop it. Two thugs down in one blow!
 

Oh, yes.

Jacuzzi and other hot tub etiquette dictates that participants wear bathing suits. Make of that what you will.
 

Point taken, Julia. This type of advice is exactly why you are getting those briefcases of money. EZ seems like the kind of guy who would do just about anything or anyone to get some power and some cash including being Pedro's puppy.

Speaking of old Marblemouth, I have no idea what his problem is. Low testosterone perhaps coupled with no moral compass.

I am missing Robo tonight. ... bummer.

Judyb.....Julia and I are just waiting for the call. We are ready, willing, and probably able to tell everybody what they should do. We know stuff.
 

Tomorrow night is Must-See TV!
 

Re: Hot Tub Etiquette:

This is a very regional matter and not at all consistent in terms of mores and expectations. Here in Northern California there are still a lot of "Go Naked or Go Home" folks when it comes to hot tubs gatherings in their personal homes and gardens.

Naturally it is a different matter in a public place. Bathing suits are all the thing.

But as to anybody having to feel around at all in the hot tub for anything; it would be not necessary without the stupid pump-destroying bubbles. My pool guy would punish me if I ever put bubble bath in the hot tub.

Just turn on the hot tub lights, turn down the pump, and the location of the phone would be immediately obvious.

Like Maria de Andrade, I am disappointed at the homophobic turn in the story with Nadia and Pedro. Pedro's rejection of her has genuinely wounded Nadia and she wants to blame it on somebody. OK, so he must be gay, right, if he didn't have sex with either Esme of Nadia.

There is another interpretation that is equally possible. There are any number of people out there in the world who cannot bear to be touched and, yes, do not like sex.

Pedro will be very hard for Nadia to blackmail if he is not cheating on her with anyone—other than perhaps himself.

It seems that most studies find that asexual people are not usually sexually mutilated either.

It is curious, as Emarie wrote, that if Pedro is supposed to be gay they have not directed him to play the part in an over-the-top foppish or queenish manner.

It seems that the Julian Gil and Marcelo Cordoba union (Sortelegio) was the only time I have ever seen a more balanced portrayal of a bi-sexual couple and they still had to make one of the guys eeevil.

I think the writers are toying with us. EZ Basurto and Pedro share one personality trait in common—they lust for power and would do almost anything to have it.

Elna June

 

I just wanted to say how sorry I am Eli. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Becky
 

Elna June, there is a book out there called Sex Lives of the Great Dictators which describes the various perversions and sadistic tendencies of its subjects. Many of them had some genital deformity and all of them were psych textbook cases. It was as though power became their trip as compensation.

I don't see homophobia in this plot turn, but a definite detour. Nadia and Victor aren't going to find out anything even if only because we're barely at the halfway mark of the series. The writers may not have figured out Pedro's problem yet and I think this is bad planning.

For Nadia to find this situation disgusting is more about the fraud than about actual homosexuality. For a gay person to misrepresent him/herself to a person of the opposite sex and lead them into what they think will be a normal marriage is vile and completely unnecessary in the 21st century.

You could be right about Pedro being haphephobic, but there is much more going on that he has to be so vicious. I personally suspect he also hates people in general (a very bad thing in a politician) because his illegal business seems to involve drugs.
 

Elna June, your suggestion to turn down the pump and turn on the pump lights is sensible in normal circumstances, but did you notice that they had bubble bath in their tub? the suds were high up around their neck. Really weird.
 

Hello,
I'm back and I'm wondering if I'm the only one who is thinking that in fact Dimi has already changed. He does not seem to be on Graciela's team anymore and, even in his convo with her that interrupted he and Fina I thought he was saying "you're on your own you old bat!" I actually thought he was leaving Fina because somewhere down deep he had grown a bit of a conscience.... maybe wishful thinking on my part. I do think he is feeling something for her now but with all that's going on for him in TeleNovelaland he probably can't figure out what.
Becky

 

I agree, Becky. I think he wants to come back, not as a supplicant for Josefina's income, but as someone with his own money (albeit from a dubious inheritance)so that they're starting with a clean slate, much like Alejandro and Montserrat are trying to do.
 

It occurred to me last night that the E! Network's show "The Soup" might do something with that hot tub scene. I thought that program was on nightly, but it's a Wednesday thing, so the next installment of that show might feature it.
 

dear EJ...I must confess that I have only been in a hot tub once...wearing a swimsuit. My friend Genevieve cannot swim, so instead of a pool, she had a hot tub installed in her deck. All I remember is that it was in the autumn and a bit chilly. I had one cocktail in the hot tub and felt very sleepy. Getting out of the tub into the chilly evening was not pleasant. I prefer the pool.
 

Back in my younger years, the thing to do in the winter was to sit in the hot tub until you were too hot, then jump out and roll around in the snow, then get back in the hot tub. Repeat until you were a prune or thought of something better to do. It's quite invigorating. My cousins and sisters and I used to have the best time hanging out in the hot tub for hours and talking.
 

Yikes
 

That sounds very Swedish, Julia. As I understand it, there they roast and dehydrate themselves in a sauna for a while, and then go our and roll around in the snow. No wonder so many Scandinavians are depressed!

I actually went to some sort of public baths/sauna arrangement in Vienna, Austria when I was working there. ONCE. Seeing roomfuls of really depressing bodies was not my cup of tea.
 

Becky: I also didn't get the impression that Dim was glad to leave Fina. I'm fine with Dim taking his time evolving. One abrupt personality change a TN is enough for me (I'm looking at you Ale).
 

It's actually not depressing. It feels great. Have you ever done a polar bear swim? I did one time, on Thanksgiving morning when I was at school in upstate New York. I had a friend who had a house on the lakeshore and we went and jumped off the dock. It's pretty shocking, and you need someone there to pull you out because your limbs kind of seize up and it's hard to move, but once you warm up, you feel GREAT the rest of the day.

I would not recommend it to anyone in delicate health.
 

I actually like the really slow, painful evolution we are seeing in Dimitrio. I love a redemption story, but I hate it when the turnaround is too sudden and not believable. If Dim manages to turn into a decent human, I like to see him work on it and earn whatever good things he ends up with.
 

Do you think we could really hope that Dim is going to go out looking for a job?...instead of just waiting for Mom to suborn some laboratory to produce false DNA results?
 

Dimwit has never worked a day in his life and he has the idea he doesn't need to. Or that he's too good to work. He's looking for a fast peso and a cushy landing. If Graceless can make that happen he'll take it... and I could see him kicking her to the curb later.

However, I would fault him less for that than his laziness.
 

Judyb...hmmm...I am thinking that Viennese pastries are responsible for those bods.

Julia...Are you a Syracuse alum ?
 

You know...it might be worth having the depressing bod to eat Viennese pastry all the time.

No, Susanlynn, I went to Cornell. Just as icy; even more isolated!
 

Julia...we drive through Syracuse on the way to Toronto. Upstate NY is hilly and chilly...and you can drive for awhile before you can find a pastry...or a bathroom.
 

Viennese pastries and age, Susanlynn. When you're in your twenties, as I was at the time, all those aging overfed bodies are scarifying. One develops great humility with time and children!
 

I certainly agree that Dim is not leaving to do something that will make him deserve Fina. However, It did not look to me like he was exactly happy to be leaving her. I'm also not saying that Dim is even close to redemption. But, it looks to me like he's slowly heading in that direction--even if it's two steps back for one step forward. Still, he might never make it.
 

You guys are cracking me up with "Pedrolite" and "EZ Basura". I cannot stop laughing!!! Not a bad thing, actually and a very good endorphin release. :))

Fatima
 

Pedro's problem is that he is a pedrophile. He only loves himself, if even that.
 

Fatima....we all need a good endorphin release from time to time.

Julia.....yikes ....again
 

Susanlynn, I feel like I need to send you some fine European pastries to make up for all the times I am making you say "yikes".
 

Yes ...that would be nice. truth be told, it has been a slow , gray, chilly day here, and I have appreciated a little jolt from time to time.
 

Julia, I know about needing those endorphins, believe me!

I am very good in the European pastries area. :)) I will be sending you some virtual delights. :))

Fatima