Caray, Caray!

NovelaMaven!!! I have been FAITHFULLY waiting for your recap. Now, I am off to read it!!

A million thank yous!!

Fatima :))
 

Poor Rosario! For once I agree with Alejandro. I'd like to see that bastard Benjamin Almante die again. Painfully.
 

Wow, what a recap! I was enthralled at the last scene, Rosario's story. How very tragic and unfair. GREAT job NovelaMaven. Thank you for your masterpiece.

I didn't see Rosario's transformation, but I do believe that "looking the part" can do wonders for self-esteem.

Gosh, I'm glad that Esme is OK. Sure wish I could see the sparks fly between her and Maria. Yes, BM's arrogance IS intact.

Even with all the heavy stuff going on in this episode, I must admit to enjoying your humor. I got a huge laugh out of "He is man of his word. (A sweaty, annoying, obsessive man of his word.)" So funny! Thank you for the laugh. And thank you for the grammar lessons.

"EZ Comes...EZ Goes", Bwahahahaaaa!

Great title. Don't even get me started on Kafka (hee).
 

Wow! NovelaMaven, you created a powerful recap of a powerful episode!

Liked some of your lighter touches on the outer edges of the action:
"the garbage man himself"
"armor is heavy" (she could have worn that suit to a bridge club luncheon)
"It's only episode 75, Ginnie. You'll understand when you're older."

Dimi's defense of Fina and his brushoff of Ginnie was amusing. The Dimi-Adolfo-Fina triangle is evolving in a fascinating way.

Rosario's confession was intense and gripping to hear. Her recreated scream was chilling. Ale's kneeling and embracing her protectively was touching. Also him putting nice shoes on her feet.

The young Benjamin was studly, but definitely cruel, selfish, evil.

 

Thank you, Novela Maven for an excellent recap of an excellent episode.

JL was looking pretty weasely today, and will be acting pretty weasely tomorrow when he shows up to talk to Montse. He needs to give it up already.

Great that they finally called the police about BM even if it turned out to be Basurto. Macario was right on with his suspicions about Basurto but Padre Anselmo was quite naive.

I liked how they presented Rosario's back story. Her makeover was great. The best was Montse calling her "Mama Rosario." Montse may finally have a "real mother", too.

Too funny with BM and Esme bith hiding out at the hacienda.

Jarifa


.
 

And I am slightly less embarrassed to be sitting at Dimi's table tonight.
 

NovelaMaven:

This is a wonderous jewel of a recap. It shines and sparkles with you wit and prose. Thank you so very much!

Poor Rosario. I felt such anguish for her, I had my tissue box and was crying right along with her. I am so glad that Ale has done all these things for his Mama, but I liked the way she was before. She is a salt of the earth woman and didn't need all the fancy frippery. I liked her just the way she was.

I am so very happy that Esme is okay and that she is far away on that hacienda. I hope BM doesn't do anything to her. It will take at least two weeks for Esme to fully recover. She looked so battered. I hope Pedro's anvil comes at him in spades!

JL needs to give up on Monse already. Since he's heard of the divorce now, he thinks she is free. He has no idea. I hope he is set straight tomorrow. He needs to get a clue and finally be with Angie and only Angie.

How funny was Dimmy? Is he jealous, or just angry that Addled dare to tread on his "territory"? I am curious to hear Addled's answer. Will he want to be paid for helping Fina keep up the jealousy or not? Does Addled have feelings for Fina? I can't wait to see where this triangle goes. Fina is sure enjoying herself.

I really liked the Padre this episode especially with this chisme talk, it was too funny, and Dominga and Mac looked so guilty! I was laughing.

I am kinda, sorta glad that EZ checked in with Lottie, but I don't like his ulterior motives. I do hope he picks up Maria. She needs some time in the carcel. She is spiraling downward and needs to be stopped with a quickness.
 

Oh, the actor playing the young Don Benny, is also a character on Mentir Para Vivir. He is better on that one, a really nice guy ; )
 

Does anyone know the name of the actor who played
the young Benjamin Almonte?
 

Perfect. Perfect in every sense of the word, NovelaMaven!

The preface was an appetizer for the main course and what a course it was!

I gotta tell ya that when I saw the title, the first thing that came to mind was one of my most fave symphonic works, "Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber" by Paul Hindemith. I literally heard the main musical theme in my mind as I read your story.

Rosario stole the show tonight and the way you wrote this for us was so incredibly good that I have read it three times now, NovelaMaven!!

Right now, I'd like to see JL just disappear. He does not deserve Angelica and she deserves SO MUCH more than this louse. Yes. He is a louse. So, when he finds out that Montserrat and Alejandro are back together, he'll just change his sad little attitude and run back to Angelica?!

Angelica, Tia Pru, and Robledo saved his sorry rear end. This is the best he can do?! Basta!

Fatima
 

That Jose Louis gets on my nerves. He is the biggest cad. Poor Angelica. She is near death and he can't even make her last days happy. I don't like him at all.

NM, thanks for your most enjoyable take on this episode.

Ann-NYC
 

That Jose Louis gets on my nerves. He is the biggest cad. Poor Angelica. She is near death and he can't even make her last days happy. I don't like him at all.

NM, thanks for your most enjoyable take on this episode.

Ann-NYC
 

Anon 12:24:

The actor playing the young Don Benjamin Almonte is Ignacio Casano.
 

Anonymous 12:24 am. I don't know his name but he played Mike in Mentir para Vivir. He was Jose Louis right hand man and working under cover. He's a real hunk!! You can get his name on the IMDB cast for MPR novela.

Ann-NYC
 

NovelaMaven thanks for the great recap. You captured Rosario's story so well and your continual busts on EZ made me giggle.

Dim telling Ginnie he is questioning his sexuality was so Dim; he's such a hot mess. And he and Adolfo fighting over Fina is one of the best stories.

Yeah JL has returned to his bad old self but I'm just waiting for Ale to snap again. His re-telling of Lauro's death and not taking responsibility for having Maria in the house was lame. He needs to do more than ask for forgiveness. As EJ said yesterday both men need a mental health profession muy pronto.

The actor playing young Benjamin, Ignacio Casano, is currently on MPV and yesterday his character "had" to take off his shirt so he could make it into a tourniquet. It was one of the only bright stops in a sad episode.
 

Thank You NovelaMaven,
Another excellent recap of a jam packed episode. There was a lot happening tonight and you captured it all with your awesome writing. Thank you once again.

The story of the night was Rosario. Her transformation and her background story all in one. I too cried as she re-told her tragic story to Ale and Montse. She came out a stronger woman, and I know she will be the strength that Ale needs right now and the mother that Montse has always wanted.

I was relieved that Ale didn't cover for BM when he was talking to Montse about Lauro's death. Even though he said he took full responsibility at least he let Montse know that BM was guilty too.

I definitely think that Dimi was jealous at seeing Fina and Addled kissing. It was as if he acted out of instinct when he punched Addled. He is falling for Fina but refuses to admit it to himself, let alone anyone else.

Glad to see that Esme is alive. If Esme somehow finds out about the attempted kidnapping, I hope she rats out BM and lets everyone know where to find her. Then maybe BM will get some kind of punishment. But I doubt that will happen because then Esme would have to say where she had been hiding out. Wishful thinking...

I just love Macario. He is so refreshing and honest. I just love how he tells it like it is. He doesn't tip toe around anyone. I think Dominga and Mac make a good couple. I hope they find happiness together.

It seems like JL is annoying everyone more and more everyday. His insistence and obsession with Montse is becoming tiresome. I was so happy when Angie told JL that Montse didn't get divorced because of him. Someone needed to say that to his face. What I did not like was the fake smile JL put on to try and change the subject as he spoon fed his dying wife.

Off to bed...hasta pronto!
 

Im suprised that i didnt see the flashbacks,they must have cut them,i watch every episode online,i will try watching the episode again this is astonishing..Wonderful recap by the way.
 

Nevermind that i rewatched the episode and i found them.That was so depressing,Young Benny was such a MALDITO,I wish he was not dead so Ale would just beat him to death countless times, that is the only thing he deserves,his death for all he did was just too easy,he deserved that Juvie spit/slap in the first episodes so much,i would have given him a medal!
 

Always such a fascinating mix of literary culture, grammar information and wicked humor. On Wednesday, I don't have to go into work early so I can really savor a NovelaMaven recap. What a treat.

Some of my favorite lines:

"the armor of a well to do matron"

"this mature Cinderella who is his mother" [awesome, NovelaMaven!]

"It's only episode 75, Ginnie. You'll understand when you're older."

Haven't seen this yet, but it sounded as if you were disturbed by Rosario's updated wardrobe. However, I'm a fan of "When in Rome..." and so while she's in Agua Azul, and especially when she's around Graciela, she needs that armor. But I hope, for the sake of her comfort, that when she's at the hacienda, she'll go back to those lovely loose dresses and sandals. As someone whose feet were ruined by wearing heels practically non-stop for a decade, I'd hate to see anyone else suffer that torture!

Looking forward to watching this later on Hulu with my fellow empath Fátima! I imagine we'll both cringe and weep during Rosario's flashback.
 

PS It's bitter cold here and we're expecting more snow over the weekend, but I understand Detroit has the highest Misery Index for the Midwest. Are any of our commenters from that area? I know Lila is in Michigan...
 

NM,such a wonderful recap. I was curious how you would approach the transformation evening, and this was stellar.

I see the symbolism of Rosario's change. I'm glad they didn't go overboard in her clothing. Elegant, understated, actually the look Graceless could take some lessons from to garner some respect. She often walked and talked to people very much like Fina: head down, bent, looking slightly down and up to talk to people as if she felt she was beneath them. Ale's aim is to make her feel equal to anyone and often it is "clothes make the man". He's not the least bit ashamed of her, but wants her to feel proud of herself, and I don't think she does. The Cinderella moment of taking that last bit of clothing that she had been ridiculed on, her sandals, wasn't lost on her or us. Made me tear up too.

Love they also added her telling Ale the whole story of his birth. Hopefully the writers let this family be for awhile==two episodes at least. In Buddhism, if you lived a bad life, you come back in your next life, animal or human, and have to work your way back up to gain nirvana. I'm guessing Benny has come back as a slug...he has a really long road up the salvation ladder.

"It's only episode 75, Ginnie. You'll understand when you're older.]" Lord, I love Dim. I'm with you Sylvia. Save me a chair. I may not always love what he does yet, but gees how can you not enjoy this guy and actor. Poor guy is all over the place. Talk about someone who has no clue who he really is, poster child. Lots of real growing up to do. And did I enjoy that slug to Adolfo's face, yep. He's been scummy lately and I think he's using Fina for the bucks.

Would have rooted for Refugio to do the same thing to JL. I hope he gets one rude awakening soon and sees Monse and Ale happy. And good for Angie with the slam that Mr. Sweaty Ego wasn't the reason for the divorce. Then she should have poured the hot soup over him.

Daisynjay
 

NM- This recap did a superb job of telling Rosario's story. Reading it was as moving as watching it last night. And I appreciate the light touch you gave the other character stories.

Glad to see "Mike" from MPV show up, even as the bastard Ben. I was hoping that Ale would see the parallels between his ragey, rapey, murderous behavior when a woman disappointed him, and his father's. I guess Lauro was lucky that Jacinto ended up being the sacrificial lamb, instead of him. Hopefully, the writers will soon have Ale making the connection and reflecting on his own behavior. Karen- I too thought he glossed over his role in Lauro's death.

The Dim-Fina relationship is definitely entertaining. However I would enjoy it more if she were actually being pursued by someone who really did think she was beautiful and wonderful, and wanted to be with her.
 

NovelaMaven: Beautiful title.

Your lyrical words and soothing tone did indeed alleviate the painful sting of last night's sad and haunting rendition of Rosario's past. I thought "Why should her appearance continue to telegraph messages about race and class that make her more vulnerable than she needs to be?" was perfect.

So many wonderful lines included "malignant growl" and "He seems irrationally offended by the aura of intimacy between these two campesinos".

Excellent observation that "But then Angélica can't resist bringing Montserrat into their bedroom". Yes, it is as though she and JL are torturing themselves and each other due to the uncertainty and volatility of the Ale/Monse relationship and its direct affect on theirs. "Angélica replies with a certain sharpness: "She didn't divorce him because of you, you know." Of course she is right, but oh dear...

Sylvia, I am with you at Dimi's table drinking strong, hot coffee this morning. I have very high hopes for him, I hope he does not let Fina (and us) down...Vivi, I do suspect that Dim and Adolfo do indeed want to be with Fina. I agree AuntyAnn, Dim is in denial. The love is not quite there yet, but I expect it will bloom shortly.

Wonderful comments all!

NovelaMaven, thank you for this marvelous, carefully crafted summary. As usual, you have made my day!

Diana
 

Diana- I also believe that Dim and Addled are attracted to Fina, and this started long ago. But I want her to be pursued by someone who has no ulterior motives, and doesn't have to dig deep to see her beauty and her value. Even if a reformed and redeemed Dim ends up being her end game, she deserves to be adored by someone unconditionally, and Dim should have better competition than Addled.
 

Thanks so much, Novekamaven, for yet another smart and sassy recap. When I read the title, I tried to think butterflies instead of Kafka, whose writing disturbs me,

I loved sweet Rosario's transfirmation/metamorphosis. She looked beautiful, especially when Prince Charming put on her glass slippers..okay, leather heels. . I was surprised that we got a flashback of her sad past , including Magic Mike from MPV as evil young Ben.

This episode was very interesting. I am so glad that Esme is safe. I never suspected that she would be hiding out at Ale's hacienda. Malria is still acting like she is Ale's queen bee. I hope that Esme can use her spunky self and not let Malria push her around. Malria seems to be savoring the fact that Esme is banged up and weakened. She has found someone weak to prey on.

Dim seems to be falling for his wife. I am not sure if Adolfito has fallen under her spell , too,or he is just doing what comes naturally to a grifter and trying to fleece our gentle little lamb. The guy does take fashion risks. He has the color blocking down. Wow..bright green shirt with yellow pants. If he added a red hat, he could be mistaken fir a stoplight. I can just see what would happen if I tried to get hub to wear the color combo.

Well, off to work. it is snowing AGAIN. Sigh
 

So sorry to be remiss in failing to state I share everyone's joy that Esme is alive (although still battered and bruised so not quite well).

Thankfully, she is more than a match for the evil Maria in their uneasy alliance of silence.

And yes Susanlynn, Adolfo's fashion pairings are quite remarkable. While his choices would not be my taste, there can be little dispute they are certainly bright!

Diana
 

Great work, NovelaMaven. I got in late so I didn't get to read this until this morning.

I saw the Mexican version and Univision edited the flashback to exclude the brutal shot of Benjamin grabbing the young Rosario and throwing her against the front of the desk to rape her from behind. That is what made her scream in the telling. I dearly hope that this brutal scene doesn't curse Ignacio Casano's career by making him a permanent villain (unless, of course, that is what he wants).

Others have pointed out my favorite lines, including the aside to Virginia. She is naive and needs to realize that Dimwit will never be reliable for anything except his obsession with easy money and his own ability to avoid responsibility.

If Alejandro and Monserrat don't find out about Maria tonight I will be severely disappointed in both Macario and Dominga. And the padre whose greatest talent in this episode was for understatement.

Rosario does need this armor against Graciela. She also still might need to learn to read and write. She no longer needs to feel inferior to anyone and yes, she can be the mother Monserrat also never had.
 

Diana....I must admit that Adolfito's colorful outfits are cheering me up as I look out at the snow and gray sky almost every day. He has been inspiring me to chose brighter cheerier clothes from my own closet each
 

I love Rosario. The actress (who played the Tia in Amor Real) is doing a remarkable job in this role. Ana Martin (who played Rosario in AR) is a hard act to follow.
 

I also think the placement of this episode is crucial in its emphasis of the contrasts between Graceless and Rosario.

Graceless hid in a convent to protect her own rep while Rosario was arrested on false charges she had no ability to disprove. Only if the entire area knew that Benjamin was an evil dude could her rep not be permanently sullied.

None of their children were conceived in love, but Rosario did the loving thing to protect her son when he was born while Graceless disposed of the first baby and grossly mishandled the "legitimate" ones. I'm sure she had nannies as well as Carlota when they were babies and that at least prevented Monserrat from becoming more like Graceless herself.

Padre Anselmo is privy to most of both women's secrets.

The detail about the expensive heeled shoes also made me think of the Quinenera ceremony where a parent presents them to mark the transition between childhood and adulthood. Rosario likely never had such an event in her youth, one of the big things that life stole from her.
 

Graciela is a great manipulator,she feels no emotions ,has no other affection then money and herself,her baby was a disturbance to money,her one and true love. She wants to be supported for life and will do whatever to maintain that even sell her daughter,her son for money and when the source of her money is gone ,she finds an another source,its a never ending cycle for her.
 

Dear NovelaMaven,

Another fantastic recap--I was so excited to be able to read it this morning! Thanks for the very thoughtful and sensitive rendering of Rosario's story. I LOVED how you put in brown, too, to echo the sepia tone of the flashback. So cool!

As always, THANKS SO MUCH for all the careful transciption of the Spanish. I learn so much about the most idiomatic way to say things from your careful attention the characters' exact lines:

Pardon my need to get a little geeky here:

For example, when you noted Alejandro said "para volverlo matar con mis propias manos," for "so I could kill him again with my own hands" I was really intrigued by the way Alejandro used "volver" here.

I've seen this use of "volver" before, but I so often forget and doubt I'd remember to use it on my own. I'd probably say "para matarlo de nuevo" or something like that which would probably not be nearly as idiomatic or correct.

So, just to say, at this point in my Spanish language study (just shy of two years but I've been serious) I really appreciate this attention you always pay to these very important details of language.

And this is on top of giving me a beautifully and smartly written recap of a great episode!

Thanks again!
 

Thank you NovelaMaven. I watched this without sound as I had a phone call last night so I especially appreciate this wonderful recap of an episode in which the touching transformation and rebonding of Ale, Mama and Montse outweighed the yucky antics of Malria and Graceless. Your retelling will also help when I rewatch it with sound.

So glad Maria is out of the house. With the rampant abuse of women it is fitting that Alejandro set up a shelter! Ha! A Maria/Esme face off. . can't wait to hear that!

Glad as well that Fina really does have Aldofo's number and re Dimmie, hey, that's one area where you just can't budge people: they likes what they likes.

JL, for crying out loud! He's becoming a sweaty pain in the arse again! I hope Montse sets him straight right in front of Ale. What an idiot he is!

On Friday we were wondering where our voices of reason were and so happy to see several of them have appeared and take positions that many of you discuss here in the blog: Padre, Macario, Dominga. I hope Angie confides in her Tia Prudencia about JL: he's going to hasten Angie to her grave!

Thank you again, NM, the recap was simply divine!

Lila
 

Buenos días! Thanks for the fabulous comments and kind words.

Dear Julia Rold:

I blush to admit that I see an error in something you quote:

para volverlo matar con mis propias manos

The construction should be "para volver a + infinitive"
You need the "a" in writing even if it gets elided in real speech. So I should have written "para volverlo a matar" regardless of what I heard.

Actually, a couple of years ago, there was a very good novela called "Para volver a amar." (To love again). Maybe that will help both of us to remember to say "a" :D

I'm so glad you enjoyed the recap.
 

We got another tidbit about Graceless' past too last night. When Benny was on the phone yelling at Graceless about marrying Lauro, he so didn't want that. Benny seemed to be doing very well at that point in time, as far as financially. So I wonder if Benny did want to marry her, but she married Lauro instead. Interesting...........
 

Reading comments, Hi! JudyB, saw you mention Detroit's Misery Index... I'm in Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor which is about 40 miles west of Detroit. Anywho. . .what is the Misery Index? It's been cold but mostly sunny the roads are finally clear down to pavement (and potholes) though I think we're getting a storm over the weekend but hey, it's been about two weeks without a snowstorm so I'm good!

:D Lila
 

Dear NovelMaven,

Thanks for taking the time to think even more about this. It's an interesting construction, and I hope I can remember to use the "a" between the infinitives.

But, in general, the correct use of these verb + preposition combos is really tough for me now.
I'm not always sure when I need an extra "a" or a "de" after some particular verb. Prepositions are often the hardest part of learning a language in general since they don't often translate well.

You're the best! Thanks again!
 

Yellow + Green = Poster Child for John Deere. :)

My dear JudyB, I will be watching this later today, so that should give Hulu more than enough time for us to sit down and watch this. Gotta tell ya that the tears came when I read Rosario's story as written by our wonderful NovelaMaven.

I wish Alejandro would take the time to SIT DOWN with Maria and tell her the TRUTH. He needs to apologize for using her in his anger. He needs to make clear that there is nothing between them and will be nothing romantic between them.

The Whore Maria can then go away and think up her evil plans elsewhere. While I agree that Alejandro has used BM for his own purposes, BM has WILLINGLY gone along with his plan. She has AGREED to much of this. BOTH of them were involved in their deception and use of each other.

The one thing that really bothers me is how and why he allowed The Whore Maria to share his bed for all this time. Honestly, if I were Montserrat, I don't think I could let this slide so easily. That part really does bother me.

Fatima
 

Madelaine, I don't see Benjamin as having wanted to marry Graceless. No doubt he was doing well enough financially, but that wasn't what it was about.

He didn't want any responsibility, especially emotional responsibility. He was incapable of any emotion except greed and lust and the more both of these were at others' expense the better. He was just angry that Graceless appeared to be brushing him off for a wealthier and better-connected man.
 

ITA Fatima. Sleeping together, sharing a bed even platonically is very intimate. It doesn't make sense that he would agree to that: during the separation from Montse he was especially contemptuous of Maria's mere presence, he recoiled from her touch and looked at her with disdain. Childhood memories aside, how could she stand the negative vibrations he gives out when he's around her! That would be big of him to tell the truth but she's so crazy it would be live him whispering sweet nothings!

Good for Montse standing up and now please somebody tell her and Ale about Maria's kidnapping attempt!

Lila
 

Hola Ms. Lila. The headline read Winter's bad, but it's worse in poor Detroit. then "a new winter-misery index confirms what many Americans in the Midwest and East know in their all-too-chilled bones. This has been one of the harshest winters of our lives. And taking a particular pounding is Detroit." and so on...

The winter misery index is compiled using daily high and low temperatures and daily and accumulated snowfall.

And of the two dozen cities studies, Detroit is the only one in the middle of its harshest winter since 1950.

Of course other places are terrible...but I guess they are often terrible in the Winter.

And the index, is created by a guy names Boustead-- who used to live in Detroit but now lives in Omaha, Neb. Officially I guess it is called the Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index. But that's just scientific high falutin' for Misery!
 

*it would be like him whispering sweet nothings!

Lila


 

Fatima:
You are so very kind. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words.

I confess I wasn't thinking of Hindemith (though now, of course, I will have to listen to the piece). Like our friend Sylvia, I'm more of a Kafka girl myself. :)

Maddy:
Have you commented here before? Welcome! And I'm sure you'll find that a lot of people share your feelings about Benjamin Almonte.

Cap'n Sylvia:
I'm always happy to see you here. I saw -- and was tickled pink by -- your comment last night, but was too frazzled to reply coherently. I would be careful about sitting at Dim's table, if I were you. (Did you know that The Patio now has several rolling office-type chairs just for cases like this? EZ comes…EZ goes.)

La Paloma:
Thank you so much. I meant to tell you how much I liked your comment (yesterday?) about the literary device of the social climber who befriends someone above her station.

And yes, the evolution of Dim-Addled-Fina triangle is quite fascinating. I love that these secondary plot lines don't feel like filler (as they so often do in novelas.)

Jarifa:
"Weasely" is such a good word to describe JL about now. I can't blame him for feeling rage towards Alejandro -- he DID try to kill him, after all, and nearly succeeded. But yeah -- ya basta!

Mads:
Thanks so much. I'm glad to hear you say that you liked Rosario the way she was before. (In my opinion, Dominga is now wearing the most beautiful outfits of all the women.)

And yes, the point was really stressed last night that it was GRACIELA who walked out on BEN to marry LAURO. Of course we still don't know if Ben would have married Graciela. (I suspect not. He probably just wanted to own her.)

Ann-NYC:
How nice to see you around here. (The last time was when Sweet William was paddling his kayak. Sigh). Thanks for the kind words!

Karen:
I agree that Alejandro has a long way to go. [I guess we'll need those gazillion episodes after all.] Montserrat was a lot more tolerant of his rather self-serving re-telling of Lauro's death than I was.

Even though the story is shot in a city large enough to have some good mental health resources, I suppose the narrative location -- the fictional Aguazul -- is a rather small place with limited access to professional therapists. We may have to chip in and send EJ down there on a field trip. [As I recall, she had previously volunteered to work closely with Alejandro.]

AuntyAnn:
I'm glad you mentioned JL's fake smile. YES! It just set my teeth on edge!

And yes, Macario is becoming more and more important as the Truth Teller. He may be the only one bold enough (or foolish enough) to tell it like it is -- not only to Alejandro, but also to Padre Anselmo. Go, Macario!

Demetrios:
I also thought the flashbacks were depressing, but they were also quite powerful and well-integrated into the story. Yes, it looks like Benjamín deserved what he got at the end, although Juventino turned out to be just as bad -- if not worse than -- his patrón.
 

Thanks JudyB! that's an interesting factoid! Well, no wonder I'm so happy and don't think it's that bad: worse winter since 1950. . .I wasn't born yet! Yay! I reserve the right to complain later though!

:D Lila


 

Fatima, I will try to answer your question about the Why.

Alejandro's original motive for inviting Maria to his bed was a figurative slap in the face to Monserrat. He couldn't do what Benjamin did to Rosario or Pedro to Esmeralda and may have realized on some unconscious level that this would be worse. He wasn't seeing the ultimate consequences of this.

When he tried to boink Maria he couldn't. Whether he lost a stiffie or didn't get one in the first place he seemed to have backed off because the whole thing felt wrong. He is not like Benjamin who basically mast-----ed in a vagina 99% of the time.

However, once in this situation, getting out of it wasn't so easy for him. He feels more guilt than he should about Maria since he is not responsible for how she feels about him and he had nothing to do with the sad events of her life, such as her father's murder.

Since we didn't get to see a whole six-month period of his life with her, how do we know he actually spent those nights next to her in bed? For all we know he could have gotten up after failing to fall asleep and ended up sleeping on some couch... every night. We know nothing happened on that trip to the unknown destination from the look on her face when they returned.

Regardless of what we don't know, I would suggest to Monserrat that she toss out the mattresses and buy new, and have the room exorcised first.
 

I need to clarify something in the above, which is that Alejandro couldn't have brutalized Monserrat and tossed her in the slammer for something she didn't do. He was long past that stage of anger by then. This does not excuse the manner of his first sexual contact with her, but I believe he learned from that. Had he repeated this behavior and compounded it with another form of revenge he would have not been able to live with himself.

Benjamin did worse in that he used Graceless' rejection as the excuse for what he did to Rosario, although I think he had in mind to entrap her anyway. He was a destroyer because he reveled in the misery of others. That isn't who Alejandro is and part of his misery is probably that he feared becoming this way.

Alejandro can be said to have taken advantage of Maria's feelings for him, but she was no kid. She had been repeatedly told before that he didn't feel this way about her. She knows him long enough so that she should have been able to read him at the time he told her she was coming back to the hacienda.

However, she is now one who revels in the misery of others. We still can't exclude the possibility of her being Graceless' child because she is just like her only with a reverse snobbery.

Now I've got to go out and get a bite to eat. I've got a long day ahead of me.
 

JudyB:
You know how I bask in your approval -- thank you! You will certainly need a hankie when you watch the episode. [I suspected you would be cheering for the make-over!]

How cold is it? I am wearing doubles of everything. Brrrrrr.

Daisynjay:
I really like your comparison of Rosario's posture and body language to Fina's. If her new clothes help her to stand tall and engage others as an equal, then they are worth every penny.

What I liked about Rosario's recital was how she managed to be absolutely honest about what she had suffered while still giving Alejandro the assurance that he was loved and wanted.

Vivi:
So glad you enjoyed the recap. I see you share my skepticism about Dim. He has a long way to go, this 30 year old mama's boy, before he is worthy of Fina.

Diana:
Thank you for the lovely words, amiga.

"Yes, it is as though [Angelica] and JL are torturing themselves"

That's exactly it! JL is behaving badly, but -- forgive me for saying this -- so is Angélica. She just can't stop picking at that scab. Of course he has the greater moral obligation here. He needs to step up his game!

Susanlynn:
I was thinking butterflies AND Kafka!

And I was also surprised -- and relieved -- to see Esmeralda at the hacienda. Actually, that really speaks well of Alejandro -- she must have called him (when Refugio was playing hard to get) and he must have agreed immediately to shelter her. One point for our guero.

Urban:
I'm so glad you reminded us of Rosario's illiteracy. Now that's a make-over we would all cheer for!

I didn't realize that shoe thing was part of the quince tradition. Then that must have resonated with the Mexican audience. Thanks so much for pointing it out.

Lila:
"With the rampant abuse of women it is fitting that Alejandro set up a shelter!"

You said it!

I would love to have Auntie Pru on the scene again. (I suppose it depends on her contract with Televisa, huh?)

I'm so happy you liked the recap.

Julia R:
Prepositions are the devil's own work. (There is simply no other explanation.)
 

Novela Maven:

I have to run out this morning ASAP but I wanted to post a warm appreciation for this GREAT recap.

I have not yet seen the episode, but your description of Rosario's tale were heartbreaking.

I sorry to hear of Jose Luis' continuing obsession with Montserrat. Ack. I am in agreement with those who want him to man up and shut up his whinging. I am not in favor of the triangle being revived. Give Jose Luis something else to do—like fight Pedro's criminal organization. That could replace the conflict of the war that was a context for the original story.

Glad Angie gave him a dose of reality. If Montserrat gets re-married soon then he will not be able to sustain his (absurd)fantasy for long.

I look forward to seeing the capitulo and commenting more when I return.

Thank you, Novela Maven, for putting so much into your recaps. I always enjoy how you take such care in re-constructing the story, your humor
and sharp wit and your grammar lessons.

It is truly a pleasure to be on a recapping team with you.

With appreciation,

Elna June

 

Im getting tired of Jose Luis,his complaining and whining bores me and yes he should help Ale against the antics of Pedro and co perhaps they even turn out best friends! You know the strangness i almost shot you to death and the months after they share a cup of beer as buenos mejores amigos xD
 

I've seen the shoe thing in other novelas in quince scenes. Usually the girl's mother takes away the flat little-girl shoes and presents shoes with heels that she puts on her daughter's feet.

Here we have a blended metaphor with a handsome son who takes away the shoes of a servant and presents shoes fit for a queen. I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in any viewing household.
 

NovelaMaven "Prepositions are the devil's own work. (There is simply no other explanation.)" Yes, yes, and YES!!! You must listen to the Hindemith work. My fave recording is the 1990 version with Hindemith conducting Die Berliner Philharmoniker. It is on the Deutsche Grammophon label.

Urban I really appreciate your observations and thoughtful comments re Alejandro sharing a bed with The Whore Maria. Good food for thought. Thank you!

Fatima
 

And i have been seeing the ratings for Quero Amarte it seems the telenovela is flopping hard which is quite sad since i liked Christian De La Fuente in Amor Bravio and now QA is being a flop.
 

NovelaMaven, as much as I like the Berliner Philharmoniker version of the Hindemith, my absolute fave is with Bernstein and New York. Unfortunately, this is only on vinyl which I was able to snag in a very nice vinyl record store. I love the sound of the horn (French) section of New York which is in distinct contrast to that of Berlin.

Fatima
 

Demetrios, I was really hoping that the Christian de la Fuente TN would do well as I really like the guy.

Fatima
 

I'm seriously upset with the writers for making Angie's last days upsetting for her. She's the best person in this TN and deserves to have a happy rest of her short life.

I wish someone would tell JL that Ale and Mons are getting remarried.

Hey, JL, if you can't be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're with.
 

I wonder who Jose Luis will end up in the end after Angie dies,he will inevitably return to his sweaty self trying to futily get Monse back.It will probably have to be some new character,he will be a lonely soul after Angie dies amd that might put him out of control.
 

After Angie dies, JL should just be reassigned somewhere else and leave the tn. That is, unless he suddenly gets infused with common sense and decency and becomes top military dog and cleans up the Basuras (Basurto and Pedro)!

And people are still handling Maria with kid gloves. Even though the incident was reported, no one is really acting as if it were a crime. Padre Anselmo wants Maria stopped so she can no longer commit "tonterias." Umm, excuse me, Padre, a knock on the head with a rock and taking an infant is not just a little "foolishness" - it is a felony crime!
 

I've thought of this too Demetrios, and frankly with so many episodes to go in this newer version of an older tale, I half suspect they would have to pull in some new people to this show. It seems that everyone has their destined hookup except Angie's sister and honestly not a chance that could be logical. To keep perpetuating the idea of a triangle means that 1.) Ale has to get stupid again and push Monse to even think of hooking up with sweaty again 2.) no matter what is said to him, JL will be like a rabid dog that won't let go and begin to turn. Maybe not evil in the way of a BSC Maria, but out of frustration start becoming a darker character trying to get Ale to slip up,etc. Personally, though I'm not a JL fan, I wouldn't want to see that. But when these TN's start going the extra mile, the rewrites on some characters become mind-numbing.

If they even remotely think of a Maria/JL pairing I may need to...well, right now. Just no.

Daisynjay
 

I think the law was kind of behind these times,they thought if the kidnapping did not succed,everything was alright.And the police in Aguazul is corrupt and they will certaintly use Maria to ruin Alejandro some more.
 

DaisyNay Marias place is either in a manicomio or a hard recovery,i certaintly would NOT want JL and Maria together but sick choices happen and us viewers have to bear with them..
 

Fatima...Poster child for John Deere.....hahaha. Living in a rural area, john Deere is very popular.

Julia...my students have a hard time with prosit ions because English has so many. Almost, we have so many twos word verbs with special meanings . examples..put away, throw away, believe in, pick up, pick out, pick on, etc.

I have noticed that my Spanishspeaking students often use for to form an infinitive instead of to.

Liliah..Snow storm headed our way this weekend, too.
 

Prepositions.....also not almost...sorry..I haven 't had lunch so my brain is a little foggy..and careless.
 

I agree with Daisy. When Angie dies (and I'm still hoping for a miracle for her) JL should be transferred elsewhere.

He will have also something else to worry about, which is Joaquin wanting to kill him to get Angie's inheritance. There would be nothing wrong with Capitan Robledo transferring him to a new assignment where his past isn't known and where he is out of Pedro, Joaquin, and Basurto's reach.
 

Haven't read the recap or all the comments, so this may have already been discussed, but did Esme call Ale after he talked to Ref and said he'd help in any way he could (a couple of eps ago), or was Ale keeping Esme being at the hacienda a secret from Ref when they talked?
 

Fatima, I hope I won't disappoint you by confessing I am a bit of a dunce about music, particularly 20th century symphonic music. I found several versions of the Hindemith Metamorphosis of Themes on YouTube, including this one where Bernstein is conducting the Israel Philharmonic. I'm listening to it right now. Hmm. I may have to start admitting that not all great western classical music is over 200 years old. Thank you!
[Rueful smile]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCXeR2Lp2Tc
 

NovelaMaven: You did your usual stellar job. Thank you. I especially liked the way you captioned each section and printed the title/beginning in bold.


 

Dear Elna June:

Thank you so much, my dear. You know how much I enjoy being on a team with you and the rest of the Robo cappers and commenters.

I haven't seen either of the previous versions of this story, but I love the idea of José Luis engaging in a war against organized crime. That would be quite realistic -- or too realistic?

By the way, I have recorded a couple of episodes of a Colombian novela that Telemundo is running during the day, La Promesa. The JL actor is one of the main villains, and he is insanely good in the role. I suspect his particular genius as an actor is for villainy.

[While I like many of the actors in this novela and I am a huge fan of Colombian novelas in general, I don't think I have the stomach for this one: it is a very depressing story about the trafficking of women; and no matter how well it is done, you still feel as if someone has punched you in the gut after watching a show like this..]

Nanette:

"did Esme call Ale after he talked to Ref and said he'd help in any way he could (a couple of eps ago), or was Ale keeping Esme being at the hacienda a secret from Ref when they talked?'

This wasn't explicitly revealed on the show. My guess, however, is that at the time Refugio was asking Ale about Esmeralda, she was already safely on the hacienda. Alejandro couldn't say anything to Refugio because he had promised to keep her whereabouts a secret.

Pasofino:
Thanks so much -- I'm really glad you liked the recap! [It was a juicy one to write .]
 

Wow. Finally saw this. First of all, hysterical moment when Dimetrio quips that he's even doubting his sexual preference, in an attempt to fend off the sticking-like-glue Virginia.

And then the Rosario transformation and Remembrance of Things [abusos} Past scene. Oh my.

First of all, on a shallow level,I like the Chanel type suit they picked for her. I wore those type suits even in my not-so-matronly twenties. When you wanted to dress up and look ladylike, that's how you went...in the sixties, anyway.

The scene with Benjamin was awful (and for once I'm glad Univision heavily edited it). And surely this will lead Alejandro to reflect even further on his own failings. I hope that this will lead him to a clearer vision of where his own "fault lines" and to steer clear of them in the future.

As for the cruel downturn with Angelica and José Luis. I am so sorry. It was not like this in Amor Real. Another change I AM NOT liking.

The writers are ladling out suffering and hurt with a very free hand. Do they think we viewers have such saccharinely happy lives that we need to see some pain to balance things out?! Por favor!!!!
 

NovelaMaven, I like the idea of EZ Come EZ Go chairs at Dim's table. There might be a few at JL's old table which seems to be quite empty lately.
 

NovelMaven - Excellent recap. My favorite: "The police have been notified. Alas, in Aguazul, that means you get the garbage man himself, Ezequiel "Basura" Basurto"

Like everyone else, I'm sick of JL. Angie is picking a scab in asking JL about Montse, but I can understand her not wanting phony smiles in her last days. She's always been a straight-shooter. I just don’t want her to lose her mojo because of JL. She knows he’s in love with Montse. She has to ask herself if she can still be happy knowing that, because JL will not leave her.

ITA on the actress playing Rosario. I got chills listening to her tell her story. So glad she told both Ale and Montse together. I'm okay with her makeover, but Montse was a bit heavy-handed with the makeup.

Esme and Maria alone in the hacienda together. What hijinks will ensue with this odd couple?
 

NovelaMaven, muchísimas gracias! Loved your analysis of the metamorphosis theme. The subheadings are hilarious, too.

Rosario did look very polished in that outfit, but it looked like it would be stifling in the Campeche heat. Surely they could find her some duds in a more luxe and refined version of the comfortable, cool clothing she is used to. I loved those embroidered tops she wore and would like to see her find a happy medium.

I'm so relieved that Esme is safe and sound; well, on her way to being sound. I wonder if she called Ale, or if she called Victor and he only told Ale about it when they talked on the phone just as Montse was arriving.

JL needs a swift kick. He promised he would make Ange happy for the rest of her life. Now it's starting to seem like he had hoped she would die quicker.

Episodes like this are why I like Dim. He's a bad seed, but he's entertaining.
 

Novelamaven...the actor playing JL was the deliciously BSC villain Diego in Alborada. Have you seen it ? It is available in shortened form on DVD. It is my favorite novela.
 

Does anyone else think it's weird that Ale took on Benjamin Almonte's last name? Is that like some sort of requirement in Mexico or Telenovelaland in order to be recognized as his son and get the inheritance? Given that he knows what absolute total scum his father was, I would think he would prefer to dispense with that label and use his mother's family name only. Especially since he didn't know he was an Almonte until recently...why start introducing himself with a different name than the one he's been using his whole life? The only reason I can think of is that when Ben died and Ale inherited the estate, this was his way of announcing to people like Graceless that he is rich and powerful and to be taken seriously. But now that everyone knows who he is, I would think he would try to downplay the Almonte association as much as possible.
 

yes, Judyb...Kiki Edgar plated the Angie role with a different name, I think. She was a sweet, fragile character , and Adolfo (the JL character) was kind , faithful, and loving to her even though Matilde was always his ONETRUELOVE.

I haven't seen Chantal Andere who played the villainous housekeeper in AR in anything lately. is she still doing novelas ?
 

I think there is a name requirement about this and Alejandro would have to go through some major legal stuff now to ditch that name.

Which would also be ill-advised at this time with Dimwit about to claim 50% of the inheritance.
 

Chantal Andere was last in La Mujer de Vendeval.
 

Susanlynn- If you turn on Uni at around 3pm, you'll see Chantal playing the main villainess in Mujer del Vendaval. Before that, the last thing I saw her in was Sortilegio, playing the BSC alcoholic sister of William Levy, with incestuous feelings towards him.
 

JudyB, it was a nice enough suit, just completely inappropriate for a hot humid climate and a complete disconnect from her own style (though maybe that second point was the idea.)

Niecie, I also thought the make-up was a little heavy handed. It was surprising too because mostly the make-up on this show has been comparatively restrained.

I have confidence that Esme's street smarts will keep her safe from María. I doubt they'll be sitting down for tea together, though.

Sylvia,
You like the EZ Come, EZ Go chairs? They don't have to be exclusive to Dim's table, you know. There are a lot of people whose stars rise and fall from one night to the next. (Hey sweaty, I'm talking to you!)

Julia,
"Surely they could find her some duds in a more luxe and refined version of the comfortable, cool clothing she is used to. I loved those embroidered tops she wore and would like to see her find a happy medium."

That's what I was hoping for too. Remember those gorgeous blouses that Lolita used to wear in The Passion Pit? Something like that.

Susanlynn, No, I haven't seen Alborada. When it came out, I was just starting to learn Spanish and it was just too hard for me to follow. My loss, I guess (though I've never been a big Lucero fan).
 

Ah, Susanlynn, I don't know how you guys didn't get #1 in the weather misery index...I think you guys have gotten more snow than S.E. Michigan! Hang in there!

JudyB, I'm glad someone else feels this way: The writers are ladling out suffering and hurt with a very free hand. Do they think we viewers have such saccharinely happy lives that we need to see some pain to balance things out?! Por favor!!!! Somebody should tell them happy with a little less trauma gets excellent ratings too!

Lila




 

I'm happy the Patio now has EZ Come, EZ Go chairs. I hope they also spin.
 

NM- Unfortunately, Lolita was also a maid in Abismo, and that's the look they are trying to wean Rosario off of. To our foreign eyes, the detailed embroidery, handiwork, lovely stitching, and the cool, loose fit, seem the most ideal for tropical climes and quite lovely. Alas, in our tn world, that look just screams maid or indigena (which is looked down upon). Daniela Castro’s abusive mother character in Mi Pecado is the only rich/snobby tn character I have seen wear indigenous fabrics and accessories.
 

Oh yeah, those babies spin, Julia.
 

Vivi,

I not only agree with you, that was exactly my point when I wrote in the introduction to the recap:

"Perhaps we are sentimentalizing something that, in Rosario's world, is a stigma. Why should her appearance continue to telegraph messages about race and class that make her more vulnerable than she needs to be? "

[Sheesh. What kind of jerk quotes herself? Oh well, time for a spin in an EZ Come EZ Go chair. Wheeee!]
 

NM- See. I was just telegraphing your insightful thoughts. :)
 

I like Dominga's look in this episode. The blouse and skirt with the sash belt are gorgeous.
 

Vivi -- nice. [Hey, who needs a special chair to spin?]
:)
 

I completely agreed with what you said about the clothes and the stigma, NM. I think they look perfect for hot weather, but I don't live in their society where those clothes are the mark of a peon. So no matter how beautiful the embroidery is, I can see how it would be freeing and emboldening for Rosario to put them aside.

I just think they could have found her something more along the lines of what the other rich ladies (not Gracie; no tablecloths please) wear. Maybe like Carlota's clothes, loose tops and pants or skirts in beautiful light fabrics.
 

Rosario dressed up nice enough, but it's gonna take a lot of hard work and training for her to be able to hold her own in the octagon with the likes of that perra Graciela.

I predict Esme and Maria will team up as pole-dancing duo, then make a video that will go viral.
 

Oxnard H.: "I predict Esme and Maria will team up as pole-dancing duo, then make a video that will go viral."--too funny.

We're (SoCal) going to get some weather for the next few days--some much needed rain. Feeling for all of you in the danger zone--most of my family still lives in Indiana and they're getting hit hard this winter, too.
 

Judyb..my French teacher in college Madame Coulter used to wear that type of Chanel suit in varying pastel colors....and tie Oxford shoes. it was quite a luke.
 

I like Carlotta's style....pretty tops, skirts, slacks, dresses. Life is challenging. . I need to feel comfy to deal with the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Dressing should be easy. I also like Dominga's beautiful tops and skirts, but they would not exactly fit in here in the polar vortex of winter misery...thanks Judyb for naming it.
 

Did I read right, or is Mike from Mentir making an appearance?
I've been MIA for a while, but I try to read as much as I can. I'm still a few episodes behind, but as soon as I catch up, I hope I'll be able to be here every day again.

LOVE the EZ come, EZ go table. There are so many gray characters in this tn, that has to be the loudest table possible.
 

You are amazing, NovelaMaven. You always manage capture just the right mood for your recaps and seem to channel our very thoughts and reactions with your carefully chosen words. This:

"... in a reversal of what happens in nature, the fragile elegance of this pale moth folds itself into a sturdy enveloping cocoon. Why does Rosario have to change her image to assume her new role?"

Expresses my thought exactly and more eloquently than I could, but then you followup with:

"Perhaps we are sentimentalizing something that, in Rosario's world, is a stigma. Why should her appearance continue to telegraph messages about race and class that make her more vulnerable than she needs to be?"

Which expresses another valid opinion of her makeover.

UA,

"She also still might need to learn to read and write."

Yes, though I would say that she absolutely needs to learn to read and write in order to survive and compete in the world into which she has been thrust (and in the world from which she is emerging for that matter). Literacy is more important than ability to navigate in high-heeled shoes.

By the way, why weren't we treated to Rosario's fledgling efforts to master those heels as we were with María? Would it have been as hilarious?

Now that she's been tarted up to look like Rosaura (LQNPA) will she develop an affinity for jewelry?

Maybe while they are alone together at the ranch, Esmeralda can teach María the finer points of pole dancing... everyone here thinks she needs a job... she's a natural.

Carlos
 

NovelaMaven...Alborada was the first novela I ever watched. I used to surf right past Univision, but then one day, I saw Fernando Colunga with long hair and sexy beard and mustache wearing period clothes and boots. He was riding a horse holding onto the reins with one hand. HELLO says I. What is this ? At the time, I understood about four words in Spanish, but I goggled the title and found Pratie Place and Melinama singlehandedly recapping the show. My mother had just passed away, and the show was a nice escape from reality. I hope they rerun it so that you can see it. Carla Estrada and Monica Miguel know how to make a novela. ..great characters, scenery, music, storyline.
 

Julia,

Yes, Carlota's style would be a good one to emulate. Lovely, appropriate for the climate, classy.

Oxnard Huero:

"Rosario dressed up nice enough, but it's gonna take a lot of hard work and training for her to be able to hold her own in the octagon with the likes of that perra Graciela."

I had to read that a couple of times. I kept thinking: Why does OH think Rosario and Gracie are going to France? Ohhhh, the OTHER octagon. Got it.
:D
 

As to Rosario's new shoes, I saw a little sign with this thought : The story of Cinderella proves that a new pair of shoes can change a girls's life.

To that point, I found a sale on size 5s this weekend and feel pretty transformed myself. Do not ask how many pairs I purchased...I need some transforming right now.
 

Carlos...you have life coach potential. For Maria, pole dancing would probably be a better fit than...say...customer service. I can just see her swirling and twirling and scowling.
 

Adriana Noel..Magic Mike was in a flashback. I do not know if we will see him again. He played a villain...a long gone dead villain.
 

Hi Adriana,

I haven't watched Mentir, but I gather that "Mike" is the actor who appeared here in a flashback as the young Benjamin Almonte, Alejandro's father.

BTW, those are EZ Come EZ Go CHAIRS. The beauty is that you can use them at ANY table.

Carlos,
You are very generous and I thank you. [It seems to me there is never a want of eloquence in the way you express your thoughts.]
 

Susanlynn, I had not recognized JL as our beloved crazy count Diego. He was spectacular... one of my favorite TN characters... ever. Too bad for JL Alejandro hasn't seen Alborada where he would have learned that the noble thing to do was fire into the air. Maybe JL remembered his previous duel as Diego and was anticipating just that.

Carlos
 

Carlos...Diego was the only character that I can remember who was seen using a chamber pot. Lovely. The actor really chewed up the scenery in that role,
 

Susanlynn,

I also clearly remember seeing Tia Isabel using a chamberpot... Yikes!

Carlos
 

Yes, you are right...Our beloved Mariana Carr was chatting with the governor's wife while they were both straddling the chamber pots. it looked like a pretty tricky business with those huge skirts and petticoats. That deserves a YIKES
 

I meant to mention this in my earlier comments but then it slipped my mind, but does anyone else see Ginnie as a María-in-waiting? She seems to have zeroed in on Dimitrio with a similar intensity and focus. As NM points out, "It's only episode 75," so there's plenty of time to perfect her obsession.

Carlos
 

Finally able to read the recap and rest of comments. Stellar job Novela. Can't wait to see the ep.

Alborada was repeated at the 10:00 hour a few years ago right before they started new TN programming during that slot. That was when Christina was still on Uni. I wanted to catch it so badly, but was in the middle of another one and, at that time, was stricter about my one TN at a time rule.

Carlos: hopefully Virgie just has raging teenage hormones and is not a fatal attraction waiting to happen.
 

EZ come EZ go CHAIRS... Got it!

I don't think young Benjamin will make another appearance, but I do hope I get to see the actor in another tn soon. So far it seems like Televisa is testing him, maybe he's taking acting classes, too. To be the galan that his Magic Mike pecs are worthy of he needs some acting training, in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, though, I'll take him either way.

I am a couple of episodes behind, but JL is already showing some of his sweaty old self, while still in the hospital.
How convenient that he would forget that he begged Montse for a a fake I love, but he did remember the declaration just fine.
 

question...is the EZ come Ez go a Lazyboy rocker/recliner ?
 

I have to jump on the Alborado bandwagon. Loved, loved, loved it. The historical detail was as good as the story and characters.
Now to today's comment: I was reading to see if anyone else was disturbed with Rosario's lipstick. I guess the comments about heavy makeup apply, but how about the fever blister and the fact that there were two distinct colors of lipstick - one in the mirror look and the end of the scene and the redder one the rest of the time. If I saw it right it seemns like a sloppy mistake.
And save a rolling chair for me--I can't take my eyes off Demetrio for some reason. I love the way he watches someone else talking with little mysterious humor glints in his eyes.
Awaiting the deluge in Southern California...

 

Molly C -- thanks for stopping by. (I DID notice the lipstick.)

ooh I just knew those EZ COME EZ GO chairs would make my fortune.

----

Challenge: Find the terrible pun in the above recap and win…admiration, applause, honor -- that is to say, absolutely nothing but the satisfaction of knowing that NM can't pull the wool over YOUR eyes.
 

Ok. I am really fried now. I am just now getting around to seeing last night's episode (work rears its ugly head from time to time) and I now cannot see it on Hulu, but have to see it (and pay for it after one week) on Hulu Plus!

I KNOW I have been watching this on regular Hulu. So, I have to pay to watch and it is still posted a day later.

I am FRIED!

Fatima
 

Would that be Transformational Gramma? I meant to mention that tricky little homophone/malaprop but totally forgot.
 

And I think it is a very GOOD pun. Not your fault that T Grammar is way up there (out there?). I never could wrap my head around it.
 

Cap'n Sylvia:

YES!!! It would indeed be Transformational Gramma! (and hell, nobody ever understood it; but it no longer matters since the gang has moved on.)

Since you already HAVE my admiration and applause and you have plenty of honor(s) and since NM has NEVER been able to pull the wool over your eyes…

…another prize is in order. There will be a White Russian waiting for you at Groaners™ (the bad pun bar on The Patio). Just roll on up in your EZ COME EZ GO chair and claim it. Unlimited refills!

[The Dude abides.]
 

Yikes girlfriend, you know me VERY well. I am so at the Bad Pun Bar, and thank you for the White Russian with refills. I'll be there in my bathrobe to indulge, enjoy the occasional acid flashback and avoid all aggression.
 

¡Eso!

[jejejejejeje]