Caray, Caray!

Reina

links for this week,

our Monday show should be the Monday show on the last link,
http://caraycaray.blogspot.com/2011/05/el-mundo-de-telemundo-week-of-may-16.html

and our Friday show should be the Friday show on another new link,
http://caraycaray.blogspot.com/2011/05/el-mundo-de-telemundo-week-of-may-23.html

"últimos capítulos"

our Monday show should be 53/63,
gran final, 17th of February ???

 

AVENIDA BRASIL Seg.-feira

I didn't see all of the two capitulos but this is what I saw.

Someone called Bettina's boyfriend, I don't know if Bettina called him or Nina did, but he comes to pick up Bettina from Nina's place. He isn't happy with this deception because this time Bettina got hurt. He takes her off, but Nilo is lurking outside and figures out what is going on. He now knows a lot.

Tomas finds out, by following Carlitos, that there is another woman in Carlitos' life. Now Tomas has seen all three of Carlos' women. Tomas is really pithed at Carlos.

MonaLisa finally accepts Silas' marriage proposal, I think.

Nilo goes to threaten Bettina and her boyfriend I think.

Mama Lucinda puts the smackdown on Nilo. I wonder if they have some type of romantic past.

Nilo gussies himself up, he actually has a suit, and dresses himself up and goes to Carmina's. Carmina is having a party. I think it is for Ivana. Nilo begs to be let in in front of everyone. The gate is locked. Tifon convinces Carmina to let him in. Nilo figures or figured out that Rita/Nina works for Carmina. Nilo now knows everything. What will he do?
 

REINA Lunes

Teresa wants to tell Teo she is preggers, but doesn't tell him. Things keep happening and I think she is hesitant to tell him.

Conejo thinks Teresa may be preggers. I don't know if Teresa told Conejo she was for sure or not. Teresa is sickened by a pastry that Conejo brings her and Conejo tells her all about her sister with the six or seven kids and how she threw up all the time during her pregnancies. Conejo is glad she never got preggers.

Teresa tells Oleg she is preggers and Oleg guesses it's Teo's. Oleg gives Teresa a Faberge egg that his grandfather got from Tsar Nicholas I think. I may have missed this, but were Oleg's family part of royalty before the revolution in Russia? This is one fabulous Faberge egg.

Teo is a scum. He's already boinking another woman and Juarez sees what's up. Teo ignores calls from Teresa as he does the deed with this woman.

Later, Teo makes it to the office and Dr. Ramos and Alberto inform Teresa that her ship has been boarded by the cops. Teresa correctly assumes there is a rat, and she thinks of Sanchez Godoy and the Pernas' as possible snitches. She calls Sanchez and confirms he didn't do it, or the Pernas' either. That just leaves a rat in the office somewhere. Teo looks uncomfortable.

Patty is hiding out at Veronica's and hears her on the phone with Willy. After Lupe/Veronica leaves Patty follows her to a hotel, where she sits at the bar and has a martini. Patty looks really bad. Dark sunken eyes, drugged out look. Veronica goes up to Willy's and tells him she admires him and blah, blah, and they walk downstairs and Patty confronts them. She realizes she does know Willy from Columbia and correctly guesses he's a cop. Then she guesses Veronica is too. Patty is completely destroyed.

Teresa keeps calling Patty and she isn't picking up.

Best part of the epi, and quite a surprise, Mercedes and Epifanio are having a convo in his office. She's griping about Ratas not being able to have more freedom. Epifanio thinks that Ratas is a loose cannon and can't be trusted out of his sight. Ratas was going to kill his opponent for office. Mercy doesn't believe this, her boy has a heart of gold, and besides he's Epifanio's SON after all. Que????? Seems Mercy and Epifanio had a wild night and Ratas was conceived. Ratas of course hears it all.

Deb:

Thanks so much for the links to the old recaps you always put up. Yes the finale of REINA is on February 17th.
 

NovelMaven and Jean:

I have never thanked you for putting up these discussions. Thank you so very much for doing this! It is very much appreciated : )
 

you are welcome, Madelaine. Thank YOU for doing the recapettes of Avenida Brasil.

AVENIDA BRASIL Seg.-feira

Thanks, Madelaine! Because of another snowstorm, we were let out of work early and I saw both episodes uninterrupted.

The party was for Ivana's birthday.

After an incredible song and dance, including making his proposal by a loudspeaker truck outside the beauty parlor, Silas does finally get Monalisa to agree to marry him.

Carmina is not very pleased at having all of Ivana's lowlife friends come to the party.

Nilo is very smart and crafty. When he sees Bettina, he realizes that she is the drug-addict with the nose-ring that Carmina described to him as Nina. He follows Bettina and her boyfriend, Valdo, to their place and talks his way in. Bettina doesn't want anything to do with him but Valdo is much less sympathetic.

Nilo is hanging around the entrance to Carmina's place when Carmina and Nina come home and he sees Nina in her maid's outfit.

Bettina goes to Mama Lucinda's place to warn her that Nilo now knows who Nina is. Lucinda doesn't want to warn Nina because she wants her to give up her plan of vengeance and get out of Carmina's house.

It's amazing how Nilo can clean himself up to try and crash the party for Ivana. [How did he know about the party?] He refers to himself as Carmina's "padrino" or godfather. Once he gets in, he compliments the food and suggests thanking the cook. Poor Nina runs to her room to hide but Nilo is waiting for her.

Also in this episode, Jorgito and Debora get closer.
 

Avenid Brasil

Every tn has a villain who is always at the right place at the right time. In this one it's Nilo. It's really quite annoying. I can't wait to see what happens to him in the end.

If Nina would just confide in Jorgito this novela would wrap up pretty quick. Guess that's why he needs to be kept out of the loop.

I'm still really enjoying the main storyline but wish there was less of Nilo. As far as the other characters go, I also could do without the Suelen storyline.

Josie
 

AVENIDA BRASIL, Terça-feira

Oi-Oi-Oi! Let's see: Veronica knows about Alexia and knows Noemia but doesn't know about Noemia. Noemia knows about Alexia and knows Veronica but doesn't know about Veronica. Alexia knows about Noemia and Veronica. Let the fun begin.

Yes, the Suelen storyline is another I could do without. Zzzz!

Nina has been a good influence on Tifón. Wait until she finds out that he was the one who ran over her father.

I liked when Tifón and Monalisa were reminiscing. I hope those two end up together.

I'm eagerly awaiting more of Max and Carmina's backstory. I love how this novela is keeping me hooked.

Até amanhã! I'll be home watching in real time while the snow piles up outside.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL, General

I just read that Isis Valverde (Suelen) was in a car accident on Friday. Here is the link:

http://www.jb.com.br/cultura/noticias/2014/01/31/atriz-isis-valverde-sofre-acidente-de-carro-e-e-internada-no-rio/

OK, it's in Portuguese but if you know enough Spanish you can figure it out.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Terca-feira

Part 1:

Nilo is in Nina's room at Carmina's and Nina is so afraid Nilo will out her to Carmina. She offers him money which he laughs off cause he thinks Carmina probably pays her squat. Ivana saves the day and gets him to leave.

Max and Carmina want Nilo out of there. He'll cause trouble for them.

Janiana and her son Lucio are serving at the party. Lucio sees a piece of jewelry sitting on a table, I think it was a ring and he jacks it.

Nilo is eating and drinking as usual and tells Carmina he has a bombshell to tell her. Carmina hauls him off to her office, she just knows it's about Rita. He wants money of course, and Nina interrupts and he asks what is your name again? Taunting her of course. When they are alone Nina tells him she doesn't want Carmina to find out who she really is. She tells Nilo to meet her at her place manana for a chat. Carmina also told Nilo to come by tomorrow for some moola.

I too liked Monalisa and Tifon talking about their past. Monalisa thinks that Tifon married Carmina out of obligation and that he doesn't love her.

Ivana notices the ring is missing and Nilo is blamed and escorted out of the party by security.

Debora and Jorgito talk about Nina/Rita what else is new. She knows that Rita/Nina and Jorgito have known each other since they were kids. They end up getting busy in the kitchen.

Nina serves breakfast in bed to Carmina. Carmina didn't like Nilo at the party and is worried about this being about Rita again. Nina tries to tell her to lay off Rita. Rita is a drug addict and done with Jorgito so what's the problem? Carmina is just obsessed with the Rita problem and really wants that info from Nilo. After Car goes, Nina is so frustrated she breaks a ballerina statue with her bare hands.

Carmina goes to Nilo at Tiradero and offers him money for that info on Rita. She offers 3 mil, he wants at least 30 mil. They haggle and he agrees to 12 mil.

Carmina comes back home and Nina is panicked thinking Nilo gave her away. All Carmina wants is to know what's for dinner. It's salmon. Nina asks for time off to see her sick Mama.

Mama Lucinda goes to Nilo and accuses him of blackmailing both Carmina and Nina.

Nina meets with Bettina and is worried Nilo will out her. I think Nilo went and talked to Bettina and said he can talk to the cops and get her for extortion? Nina has either given Bettina a good bit of money or bought some things for Bettina's place. Nina tells her she is having panic attacks.

Max wants that money from Carmina she promised him. She has taken 12 mil out of the safe to give to Nilo for that info. Tifon comes in and she says it's to pay for that remodel of the beach house.

Carmina is waiting for Nilo to show up. Where is Nilo? He's at Nina's enjoying a wonderful dinner with drinks. He wants 60 mil to keep his mouth shut. Nina bribes him with a massage and tells him to stay at her place and he can sleep in her bed. She'll get the money to him. He is most grateful. It will only be 30 mil though. They made some type of deal about half now and half later.

Meanwhile, Carmina witches to Max about she's tired of Nilo always going against her and Jorgito.

Alexia and Carlitos have dinner. She is marrying Rui and doesn't want to be one of Carlitos' women. He begs and pleads, she's done.

Noemia and Veronica are plotting revenge against Alexia. Too bad they don't know they are married to the same guy. Funny how all three women know each other, but not about Carlitos, as Sue 455 pointed out.

Nina comes to see Mama Lucinda and wants some of that ransom money to pay Nilo with. Mama Lucinda at first tells her no way, but gives in. Nina takes some of the money and Mama Lucinda takes the rest and hides it.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Terca-feira

Part 2:

Lucinda reminds Nina this money is Tifon's. Mama Lucinda also wants to know where Nilo is? He is at her place. So Mama Lucinda ends up giving her the money and hiding the rest.

Veronica and Noemia plot on the phone and Veronica has come up with the perfect plan.

Veronica ties Carlitos up and plays dominatrix with him and whips him good. It's her fantasy. Next morning he has welts and whines how much he hurts. Veronica is laughing cause Carlitos is in pain.

Debora+sandwich+Jorgito and another busy scene in the kitchen.

Nina is late getting back to Carmina's and ZeZe has stepped in to serve Carmina. She isn't happy cause nothing is done as Nina does it. Carmina dismisses ZeZe back to the kitchen when Nina comes in with Carmina's proper breakfast. Carmina witches to Nina about Nilo never showing up. Carmina is so afraid that Nilo will next spill the beans about Rita to Jorgito, the true version.

Monalisa and Olenka talk about Monalisa marrying Silas and Iran is going to meet Suelen at a hotel. He likes her lots. Iran I think has to find her. So they all follow Iran out and Diogenes and his crew of guys do too. I guess she moved out of Diogenes' place. Both groups meet up at the same place.

Nilo is working the kids and Carmina comes. He waited years for Carmina and Max to give him bennies like they got. She wants him to give up his resentment, she has lots of moola, gives him the 12 mil and wants that info on Rita. He wants more money, 12 mil isn't enough. Carmina is living in hell she says. They argue, Carmina leaves. Mama Lucinda has seen and thinks Nilo gave Nina up. He tells Mama Lucinda not to worry, Nina is now his friend.

Jorgito goes to Carmina's to pack his stuff up, cause he's going back to his apartment. Tifon and Jorgito talk about soccer. Carmina is going to give Nilo more money she tells Max to tell all about Rita. Max thinks she is obsessed with Rita. Carmina says that Rita knows all about her sordid past and what if that comes out? Max feels Carmina is paranoid and Rita doesn't have concrete proof of anything.

Nina and Bettina talk as they are putting stuff up in Bettina's apartment. Nina is worried that eventually Carmina will tell Jorgito all about her past as Rita but Carmina's version of it. Nina hopes he doesn't believe a word. Bettina tells her to be calm.

Max goes to Tiradero to see Nilo. He notices Nilo now has video games, good food and drink and new clothes. He doesn't like how Nilo is blowing the money. Nilo reminds Max this is Carmina's money, it's actually Tifon's but no matter. Nilo always only wanted Max's love and support. He never got that, not even a hug. He wants one from Max now. Nilo tells him to open his arms, come on now. Nilo is pithed and smacks Max, which ensues in a fist fight. Mama Lucinda breaks it up and runs Max off. Mama Lucinda asks if he talked about Nina. She's still Nilo's friend.

Carmina comes into Jorgito's room as he is packing. She asks him about Rita. He says oh, you know Rita? End of capitulos!
 

REINA Martes

What an episode!

Teo is a dirt bag! He is trying to blame Paty as the mole. It must have been her! Teresa though is really thinking. The more Teo talks the more Teresa doesn't seem to believe him. I like what Oleg told Teresa. Look at everyone in the organization, then you will find out.

Ratas thinks he can pull the wool over Epifanio's eyes by saying he's going to be a good son. Then Epifanio thinking back on that convo with Batman. I am glad Epifanio doesn't believe a word that Ratas says. Even though he is calling him Ramiero. I laughed at Ratas in a suit.

Poor Paty. She faked being asleep as Willy and Veronica were talking about how they can't take her out of the country. Patty wakes up, her and Veronica fight over the gun, Paty runs out and gets in her car with Veronica jumping in. Veronica tells Paty it was her job to fake being in love with Paty to draw her in, when in fact she actually fell in love with Paty. Paty calls her a liar, they fight for the wheel of the car, it goes over a cliff and both are thrown from it and the car explodes. Later, the paramedics say one has survived the crash. We don't know which one yet.

Flores meets Teo in person and Juarez sees. Juarez knows it for sure now that Teo is the rat. After Flores leaves Teo and he have a confrontation and a gun fight. We don't see if anyone is dead/wounded. Teo used the gun that Teresa gave him.

There was a mention, I don't know if it was last night, or Monday, but Juarez actually thought it was Teo and Paty as moles. Interesting that Juarez would think Paty was involved.

I think Ratas is going to screw over Epifanio big time, unless somehow Epifanio gets rid of Ratas.

Who survived Paty or Veronica?

Oleg and Teresa have such chemistry. They are such great friends and just have that chemistry. It's too bad she didn't meet him at the right time. It would have been interesting to see what would have developed between them.

I am curious to see if Teo or Juarez is dead after this gun fight. If they aren't what will happen next? Will Teo run? I bet Juarez will get some type of revenge if he is alive. Teo is so done. I don't think that even Flores intervention will help.


 

AVENIDA BRASIL Terca-feira

I am really curious about the backstory of Nilo and Mama Lucinda. She really patched him up after that fistfight with Max.

I too am curious about Max and Carmina's back story too. Especially about Jorgito. Why is he having memories of a nice family bringing him up when he was very little, and I'd really like to know how he wound up at Tiradero. That scene that showed surprised me. This scene was last week sometime.

I could do without the Suelen and her story, unless there is some type of revelation about her, like her backstory with that guy that is demanding money from her. She sure is going through the men she knows. Leandro for one. And Iran for the other.
 

REINA Lunes

Madelaine, thanks much for the mini-recap. It filled in my gaps. My recorder is still acting up, but I'm actually glad I missed most of Patty hitting the skids.

Well, Eugenia did have the right idea about Teo being better dead. It hurts that Teresa can't see through him. Maybe his being of the Spanish upper crust {cough} has floored her? Teresa seemed overwhelmed when she was in his home the other day. I can just see that louse using the fact that he's her baby's daddy to save his sorry a$$.

Always wondered what Oleg did for female companionship. Based on Juarez teasing him, Oleg has a different woman all the time (if I heard correctly). But as Oleg said, he's not like "Don Juan" Teo who has falsely acted out true love for a main squeeze while boinking others.

Unbelievable that in 28 years Ratas has never overhead his bio-parents talking about their little secret. I find it amusing that Epi isn’t emotional about Ratas in the least. Who cares if he's the only varon, if he's nuts.
 

Avenida Brasil

Thanks for the great recap, Madelaine. Lucio stole a watch - a birthday present to Ivana from Muricy, I think.

It was clever of Nina to realize that Nilo wanted affection and some respect as much as money. I keep thinking that the people who live at the landfill must smell really bad and that the smell would cling to the clothes of anyone who event just went there, like Carmina.

So is Nilo going to live in Nina's apartment in Copacabana and she is going to move to a different apartment?

So Nina doesn't know that Tifón was responsible for her father's death? Tifón is such a nice guy.

I guess Silas has gotten himself into a pickle by pretending to have a fatal disease to get close to Monalisa. She will certainly be annoyed when she finds out about that.
 

Reina
I have so appreciated the links to the old recaps, sure saves a lot of searching & misses, tks deb
 

REINA Miercoles

Paty survived the crash and Vero did not. Willy was beside himself and Teresa actually identified the body. Willy was in the next room so she couldn't see him. Paty is in a coma and Teresa goes to the hospital.

Teo and Juarez are still having that little stand off, I thought Juarez was trying to draw him out, but he's asking Teo for money. More gunfire ensues and Juarez is dead. Teo calls Flores to get him out of this jam, which Flores does.

Flores also got in Teresa's face when she asked how it was that the head of the Drug Enforcement Division is out investigating car accidents. He used some flimsy excuse. He also said he seized her ship and she doesn't know what he is talking about, wink, wink. He so wants the goods on her.

Teresa and Teo go see Paty in the hospital and Teo is really worried Paty is gonna wake up and tell all. He isn't for sure if Paty knows he's the mole or not, and he's sweating blood. Teresa did say Paty has been looking for death for a long time. It was sad.

Ratas goes on with his plan of assassinating his Papa Epifanio's rival for President. He goes to see some guy named Popeye, too funny. Popeye doesn't like the plan it has more holes than funnel cake does. Popeye doesn't think this plan will work cause of the security. Ratas wants a quick hit. He assures Popeye if he dies, he'll give the money to his Jefe.

Teresa has a shot of tequila at home that Pote brings her. She is very sad and distressed about Paty and wants to be alone. Pote leaves her as she sits and thinks.

Paty wakes up from her coma and is all alone with the nurse. Willy comes to see her and he has the scarf that Paty bought Vero in Morocco. He is trying to guilt Paty into turning against Teresa. Good luck with that!

Flores is talking to Teo and tells him Willy is trying to turn Paty. Even Teo says good luck with that. Paty is loyal to a fault to Teresa and will never turn.

Willy thinks about who he has lost so far in his career, first his son and now Vero. He really liked Vero.

Flores reminds Teresa of who she has lost, Santiago, Fatima and Mohammed. Everyone really close to her. I don't know if he mentioned El Guero, but she also lost her BFF Brenda, Chino and the kids.

Juarez's wife called Oleg looking for him, he hasn't seen him. Flores is going to put out that Juarez was found dead of a heart attack in some hooker's hotel room. Yeah, that's gonna work.

Can't wait to find out what happens next. So much is going on, how will they resolve all these stories? It will be interesting to see.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Quarta-feira

I didn't get to watch all of this today, but caught bits and pieces.

Jorgito wants to know how Carmina knows Rita? I didn't hear what she said. Jorgito is a bit puzzled, cause he knows how his Moms is. Defeat everyone.

Jorgito corners Nina in the laundry room and wants to know how Carmina is allowing Nina/Rita to still work there, when she knows who she is and their past and what just went down with the breakup and Nina is still working there. Nina doesn't know what he's talking about and he is pressing her. Jorgito still wants to know if she came back for him. She is saved by Tifon who says he has a surprise for Nina. It's a vegetable/herb garden, he even bought the seeds. It will be organic, not like at the markets with the pesticides, etc. Right outside the kitchen. How sweet this guy is. Nina loves the idea and she will plant it.

Leleco sees Adauto with Suelen and runs to Muricy at MonaLisa's beauty parlour and tells her all about it. Muricy goes to see for herself.

Veronica and Noemia hatch a plan to ruin Alexia's cupcake bidness as revenge for her trying to steal "their" husband(s).

Silas is caught by Iran lifting weights and Iran is worried he will have an infarto, but Silas confesses his little game to Iran about faking having heart problems to get MonaLisa to commit.

Jorgito goes in search for answers and goes to Nina's where he sees Nilo, who has installed himself in Nina's apartment, dressed like a biker dude and Bettina is also there. There is a picture of Bettina on the table and Jorgito wants to know what Bettina and Nilo are doing there. Nina finally comes out and shoves him out the door, without answering any of his questions.

Lucinda and Nilo had a conversation and he wants to take that money and live in a apartment and share it with Lucinda. Hmmmmmmm......she isn't willing though. They have got to have a past. They just act like old lovers sometimes. I wonder.

It's interesting that Nina holds so many cards to bury Carmina. Nina with her past as Carmina's step daughter, how Carmina stole that money of Genesio's and dumped Nina at Tiradero and her affair with Max all these years, her lies about Genesio being an abuser who beat her. Carmina is so afraid this will all come out and she'll be toast.

Carmina's fear is two fold. Being outed as Rita's stepmother and Jorgito finding out that Rita was her stepdaughter and had Max dump her at Tiradero. Jorgito would never forgive Carmina for all the lies, but he wouldn't exactly forgive Rita/Nina either. Carmina never wants the whole true Rita story to come out. Max could give a rat's patoot. He thinks it's a tempest in a teapot. Interesting.

Oh, and when Jorgito came to Nina's place she hugged Nilo and told Jorgito she had forgiven him and they were now pals. He really had a hard time buying that!
 

REINA GENERAL

Niece:

You are so right about Epifanio and Mercy. How was it that Ratas never overheard his before, or suspected even? Ratas does have a love/hate relationship with Epifanio. You are right too about Epifanio not giving a hoot about Ratas. Ratas is crazy. I think deep down Ratas wants what Epifanio has. He wants to BE Epifanio.

I know Oleg is a bad guy, as is Pote, but I so like the two of them. They are true to themselves and don't turn on a dime like Teo does. Teo thinks he's all that and a bag of chips. Oleg really liked Juarez and that was his link to the inside for information. Now that link is gone. I'd hate to be in Teo's shoes when Oleg finds out exactly what happened to Juarez. I think Teo is a Dead Man Walking, so to speak.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Quinta-feira
Part I

This episode is all about Carmina and Jorgito's fact finding mission on Rita.

Carmina is under the impression that "Rita" has gone far, far away, but just in case she sends ZeZe over to Jorigto's to spy on him. He goes and ZeZe reports back to Carmina to tell her where. Carmina follows Jorgito.

Jorgito wants to know what is going on and since Nina won't tell him the reason Bettina is impersonating "Rita" he goes to Mama Lucinda first, of course she won't tell him that's for Rita/Nina to tell, but Nina really loves Jorgito. He is mad and goes. Next, he goes to Bettina's boyfriend, Baldo I think, who works at a gas station. Baldo won't tell him either that's for Nina to tell. He finds out where Bettina really works, at an Art Museum and he goes there, but Carmina follows and sees "Rita" and Jorgito, but Bettina sees Carmina and Jorgito and Bettina "disappear" and Carmina can't find them. He also asks Bettina why she is impersonating "Rita" she won't tell him either, it's Nina's story to tell.

Suelen really has some avocadoes. She tells everyone she is not doing anything with Aduato. The guys rough Aduato up but he declares his innocence and even cries. So Suelen goes to Carmina's and tells Muricy to her face, nothing going on with Aduato and it's her loss. Later, Muricy goes to Aduato's but he has moved out. She is quite upset.

Noemia's and Veronica's plan of revenge against Alexia is put into motion. Some type of pepper is added to Alexia's cupcakes and a girl has gotten sick. She had to go to the hospital. End of cupcake biz, but Rui tells her it isn't the end of the world. Open another biz. Veronica tells Alexia that Carlitos has a veneral disease and gave it to Veronica. Alexia privately freaks out while Veronica is laughing it up. Veronica throws Carlitos out for having an affair with Alexia. Too bad she doesn't know about Noemia. Carlitos goes to Alexia's for comfort and shelter. Alexia does know about both Veronica and Noemia. She lets Carlitos sleep on the couch and let's him stay. We also find out that Carlitos is Paloma's Papa, that would be Alexia's daughter. Paloma doesn't know.

Carmina goes to "Rita's" place and it looks like she's moved out. Nina planned this I think to have Carmina think she moved. Max meets her there and Max thinks she has gone, far, far away, Carmina not so much. They end up doing the nasty in Nina's apartment.

 

Reina

Does anyone know how the ratings have been, as a rerun? Will primetime reruns become a regular? I really enjoyed this one the first time. This time around, not as much, except for the pivoting episodes, because I already knew what was gonna happen. However, It is fun to rediscover things you had forgotten but nothing like watching a new tn.

Josie
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Qinta-feira

Part II

Nina and Tifon have a nice little chat about balloons and marriage.

Carmina comes to see Jorgito about his meeting "Rita" at that museum. Carmina says "Rita" is a ho, wants money for Carmina and tells Jorgito that "Rita" killed some one, it's a long old history, but she won't say anything more. Jorgito also mentioned something about his real Mama being a ho and dropping him off in Tiradero. He is pithed and tells her to go.

Carlitos tells Alexia to come with him to face Veronica. Meanwhile, Noemia and Veronica have a chat and Noemia tells her that Carlitos will come crawling back like Du Du did.

Nina is at Bettina's and is trying to calm Bettina down, however Bettina has had quite enough of posing as "Rita". Nina offers her more money, but Bettina can't take anymore. Jorgito comes and wants the truth about why Bettina is posing as "Rita", Nina says she'll tell him and off they go.

Nina and Jorgito go to Jorgito's place, he locks the door, and won't let her out. He wants to know the truth, why is Bettina posing as her, did she know Carmina before she started working for her. Nina knows darn well Carmina is Jorgito's step mother and what is Nina hiding? He won't let her go until she is honest with him and he even shoves her. Finally she tells Jorgito that Carmina had her sent to Tiradero.

Carmina and Max are at the country house doing the deed, and she isn't up for it. She's still obsessed with "Rita". Jorgito broke his promise to her by seeing "Rita" again. She tells Max all about where Rita works. Max still thinks its a tempest in a teapot. Carmina is worried. What if Rita knew about them back in the day and suspects it's still going on? Carmina could lose Tifon and all those bennies that go with Tifon. She needs to be alone to think. Max goes.

What is Carmina going to do now? Will Rita tell her life story to Jorgito?
 

Avenida: I am losing patience with Nina/Rita and her stupid revenge. So far whatever her plan is sucks.
La Reina: I am enjoying the show as much as the first time. The ratings are very good for a rerun. I have no numbers.
 

Anon 2:57:

I think that Rita never planned this out really well. She never expected to see Patata again. She just wanted revenge on Carmina. Now Patata is a stumbling block since she's learned that Jorgito/Patata is Carmina's son. It's funny that Carmina and Rita/Nina have sort of bonded over Jorgito. Rita/Nina still wants that revenge for what happened to her when she was a girl, and now her plan is out of control. She really hasn't had time to rethink it. She needs some alone time now to figure out what to do next. There are a lot of people in on her little secret. Mama Lucinda, Nilo, Bettina, and Baldo. All of them know why Rita/Nina is doing this. Jorgito only knows the half of it and not the whole story. That's what he is trying to figure out. Why Carmina seems to hate Rita so much, when she barely knows her (he thinks) and why Rita/Nina really came back to Brasil and working for Carmina. This will be interesting as it goes on to have him figure out the real reason she came back and the good fortune she had into "bumping" into Jorgito/Patata again.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL

Madelaine, you are super awesome for putting up these recaps, it really is appreciated!


ITA Madelaine about how funny it is that Nina & Carmina have bonded over Jorgito. Now it's like a tug of war with him in the middle. What I like about Jorgito is that he's smart, he asks the right questions, and he goes and seeks out what's true. For example, when Carmina was trying to convince Jorgito that Rita did something bad to her a long time ago involving someone who died, Jorgito said he wanted dates and facts. It's interesting to see how both Carmina & Nina scramble to come out on top.

Not only does Nina want revenge, or as she says "justice", but also to save Tifon (who I agree is super sweet!) & his family so what Carmina(&Max) did to Nina's dad doesn't happen again. What Nina is looking/waiting for is proof to show what Carmina&Max are up to, because she says no one will believe her otherwise.

Also, the way that Carmina was chasing Betania makes me fear that some harm may come to her if she keeps on pretending to be Rita.

Josie, Nilo totally is that annoying villain that's always where you don't want him. He's a loose cannonball, but it was kind of funny to see how he's trying to go around all cool with his sunglasses & chain necklace. Sidenote: why is it that a lot of guys have chain necklaces in this tn? Not a fan....

on the other storylines:

I feel bad for Alexia that she's taking the burnt of the consequences for Carlitos having 2 families, when she keeps telling him no to being the third. He must really be rolling in some money to be able to support two well off families & wanting to take on a third. It's cute to see "uncle" carlitos & paloma bond, despite it making Alexia crazy.

I concur with ya'll about having less Suelen. But it was nice to see a different side to her in trying to cheer Aduato up and defending him. & I'm glad Muricy & Leleco aren't my parents, but I do find their antics pretty funny.

whew....there's always so much to say about this tn, & never time to do it!

jlk
 

AVENIDA BRASIL, Quinta-feira

Somehow I don't think Jorgito is going to hear the truth just yet. I'll be very surprised if Nina does tell him. She has lied about so many things I don't know how she keeps all of her lies straight!

Tifón and Nina were talking about marriage and...the soccer ball. He said that everything he is and has is due to the soccer ball. Nina is correct that he suffers from low self-esteem. I like how she has made him aspire to be more educated. He seems to enjoy literature. I forgot to see which book of Freud's he was reading the other night! (I read The Interpretation of Dreams many years ago and it's really a hard book to understand.) Tifón is becoming infatuated with Nina and this is really going to complicate things. I do hope he will end up with Monalisa.

How many more episodes before all three of Carlos' women find out that they are in a relationship with the same man?
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Quinta-feira

JLK:

Thanks so much for what I missed. I missed the part about someone died, I thought Carm was saying Rita killed someone. I am glad that isn't the case. I also agree about what you said about Alexia. The poor thing is bearing the brunt, but she does know about the other two wives, Veronica and Noemia. I can't wait until Veronica finds out her bestie Noemia is also cheating with her husband and that Tomas is Carlitos. There is so much to say with this TN isn't there? I am really liking this TN. It is so different from the usual fare.

Sue 455:

Thank you so much for the added info. I am still learning and am glad you gave me more info. I agree that Tifon is staring to fall for Nina. Isn't that something? I too like the fact he is learning. He reads the most interesting books.

I too think that Jorgito will not get the truth out of Nina. She'll come up with some other story. I can't see her telling him the truth this soon. He is very smart and has gone to the source for into. Carmina never took the time to find out what happened to Rita, out of sight, out of mind, she could care less, or she would have found out much more by now. I too can't figure out how Nina keeps all of her lies straight! She hasn't messed up once so far.

The writers are moving so fast with this Carlitos story, it shouldn't be long before they find out about each other, and then let the real revenge begin. I wonder if they'll try to get revenge on each other, or Carlitos as a team? That would be interesting.
 

REINA Jueves

We are definitely winding down. As in the body count grows.

Paty begs Teresa to get her out of the hospital. She'd rather recuperate at home. Teresa is very reluctant, but Paty does such a good job of begging, Teresa gives in. She mentions Veronica and Teresa wants to know who that is. Paty says she'll tell her at home.

Oleg must not have believed the story Flores put out about Juarez, cause he goes to the cemetery and digs up Juarez to check if he really died of a heart attack. Oleg's men find the bullet wound. Now Oleg knows it wasn't a heart attack.

Ratas' plan worked, who knew! Popeye shoots the candidate, I don't know if he is still alive or not the candidate that is, but Ratas also returns fire against Popeye. Popeye is dead. Later, Mercy tries to tell Epifanio about the candidate, she turns on the TV and they both see Ratas returning fire and Mercy says my baby is a hero! Epifanio gets a call from the sitting President for a meet in his office the next day.

Ratas and Batman have a meeting and Ratas tells Batman he is talking to the son of the next President of Mexico, Batman thinks he's off his rocker.

Paty is at home with Teresa, and they think back about their time in prison, when they got out. Patty tells her all about Veronica/Lupe being DEA and Willy is the same. I forgot to add yesterday that Flores wants to charge Paty with homicide for the cocaine and booze in the car, and the killing of Veronica. Teresa is just floored. She had no idea. Later, Teresa goes to make Paty some food, she finds Paty dead in the bathtub full of blood, Paty has killed herself. Teresa gets right in tub with her and says now she is all alone. She never got the chance to tell Paty she is preggers. This whole scene was sad.

Later, Teresa calls Teo to come over. He does and starts asking pointed questions about what Paty said before she died. Teresa is very suspicious of him. He is digging his own grave.

Flores finds out Paty is dead, as does Willy. Now they will have to rely solely on Teo. Willy even touched Teresa's picture on the wall very sadly. Flores was also affected by Paty's death.

So now we have Epifanio meeting with the President, Teresa with no support from anyone she can trust except Pote and Oleg. She has a traitor in her company, Epifanio has a out of control son to deal with. Where will this go?
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Sexta-feira

Part I

What a surprise this capitulo was. Jorgito is still on his fact finding mission. He is still in that locked room with Rita and she fesses up to all of her story. How Carmina was her stepmother and all the things she did. Stealing her Papa's money, having a lover, Carmina having her sent to Tiradero. He accuses her of wanting venganza, she wants justice for all the wrongs done to her by Carmina. He doesn't believe her. Carmina may be many things but she wouldn't do that. He tells her to get out of his and his family's lives. He throws her out, she goes.

Next up is Tifon. He talks to his Papa about Carmina. Tifon explains about the car accident, accidently running Genesio down and what Genesio said to him when he was dying. Tifon I think got the message Genesio was trying to tell him wrong. Anyhoo, Tifon knows nothing of a step daughter. She was gone when Tifon married Carmina. Now Jorgito has to think. Could what Rita told him be true?

Next up is Carmina. He wants a chat with her. She says that yes, she was living with Genesio, she didn't mention she was married, I don't think. She says that yes, there was a step daughter, but Genesio was the one that took her to Tiradero to be rid of her. She claims Genesio beat both her and Rita, he was an alcoholic. Jorgito wants to know why Carmina never went to look for Rita after Genesio died. She claims she did, but Rita had already been adopted by another family and besides that is how she adopted Jorgito. There was such a connection. Jorgito is still not believing Carmina either. He's got to think of all he's learned.

There is a game of darts going on and Rita/Nina comes in thinking one of them called her. Jorgito says he hears Tifon's cell phone and he gets Nina alone and wants her out. She's not going. She wants to keep this job. They argue some more and Jorgito doesn't out her.

Same with Carmina, when Jorgito was arguing with her, Rita steps in saying she heard her name. Jorgito is on the point of outing Rita/Nina when Carmina tells him to stop bullying Nina and to go. He does without saying anything.

Alexia and Carlitos go to Veronica's and there Alexia says their relationship was just a fling nothing serious and you are so welcome to him. Alexia leaves and Veronica takes Carlitos back. Go figure.

Leandro follows Suelen around to see where she goes. Suelen boinks Lucio too.
 

AVENDIA BRASIL Sexta-feira

Part II

Nina cries in her bathroom, Agatha sees her and wants to know what's wrong. Nothing she tells her grown up stuff.

Leleco and his jealousy. He sees clothes strewn all over Tessalia's place, like in men's clothes, thinks she is boinking someone else and rushes the bedroom but it's her brother and his girl. Leleco is an idiot!

Tifon reflects on his life and takes a walk and thinks about Genesio. He goes to a restaurant/hotel with the guys and they have a great time. He spends the night at the hotel, which freaks Carmina out.

Mama Lucinda is on the hunt for Nilo. He is living in a nice hotel with that money from Nina. Mama Lucinda finds him at the hotel and she wants to know what is going on with Nina. She has been looking for her but can't find her. Nilo fills her in on the whole story Rita told.

Next Jorgito goes to see Mama Lucinda and wants to know which version of the stories is true. Carmina's or Rita's? Actually Mama Lucinda tries to tell him to ask Nilo, he was there when Rita was dropped off. He knows more than she does. She also confirmed the part where Carmina came to look for Rita, but she'd already been adopted. Now Jorgito thinks that Rita is crazy out for venganza and what she said was only partly true. He is pithed. I think Mama Lucinda tells him to let it be. He goes.

Carmina is in a rage. She thinks maybe Jorgito told Tifon, Rita's version of the story. She needs to think, and has Nina give her a foot massage.

Max calls Ivana ugly and she is very hurt. She goes to the kitchen and Nina soothes her and tells her she has tons of personality and is a good person. Never mind Max!

Max seems to like Nina and either offers her a job or more pay. I don't know if he has figured out who she is.

Max and Carmina have a chat and she tells him what's been going on. He is afraid that he's been outed as Carmina's lover, but he's still safe. She wants to teach Rita a lesson she will never forget.

Nina and Carmina talk again and Nina tells Carmina she will be the one to teach Rita a lesson.

Oh, and I think it was also mentioned that Jorgito was twelve when Rita was dropped off in Tiradero. She was ten years old.

I may have missed some stuff. Please fill in.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Sexta-feira

I want to expand a bit on what Tifon told Jorgito. He told him that Genesio wanted him to help Carmina. So Tifon sought her out at his funeral. He told Carmina he had met Genesio and wanted to help her anyway he could. That's how he met Carmina he tells Jorgito. Tifon is still riddled with guilt about running over Genesio. He tells Jorgito he called an ambulance but not the cops. He says it was an accident and not on purpose. Jorgito believes him and tells him not to feel guilt.

Carmina also told Jorgito that Rita has always hated her and blamed her for things that weren't her fault. Jorgito seemed to take this with a grain of salt, but I think he still believes Carmina more than Rita.

Even if Jorgito were to talk to Nilo, I don't think Nilo would ever out Max. Max is his son after all and would protect him. Carmina maybe not, but Max surely. As a matter of fact, does Nilo even know who dropped Rita off at Tiradero all those years ago?

Oh, and Mama Lucinda also mentioned so many years had gone by to ask Nilo. She just didn't remember. Jorgito called her on that too. He says she never forgets a thing.
 

REINA Martes y Miércoles

I liked Juarez more than I realized. He was always so cool in his corruption. A shame that he’s offed by a nit like Teo.

One of my favorite moments in Reina is when Teresa is first assembling her team and Juarez comes in and sits down. It was a masterful stroke.

Madelaine, yep Ratas is so funny wearing a suit now that he knows Epifanio is his dad. Popeye is dumber than dumb to go with his plan.

No way will Patty rat out Teresa. First, she’s incapable of betraying Teresa. Second, she doesn't let herself get pushed around, not by the police or anybody else. No worries there.

Okay, I’m finally a full-on Flores hater. Setting up the story that Juarez [who knew he had a wife?] died with a prostitute. Surely this is to make Juarez, who was a much smarter cop than Flores, look ridiculous in death. Flores, Mr. Family Man {cough}, could care less about the impact on Juarez’s poor widow.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL, Sexta-feira

Thanks for doing recaps Madelaine. I don't know how you do 2 hours of AB and La Reina del Sur. I got burned out doing Marido en Alquiler and that was only one day per week.

Anyway, as I recall, Genesio only repeated Carmina's name as he lay dying. He wanted to say what he knew but he was too weak to speak very much. Tifón assumed that Carmina was an older woman who was going to be a widow so he wanted to help her because he felt so guilty about hitting Genesio. He left out the parts about pretending to be an old friend of Genesio so Carmina wouldn't find out that he caused his death. Or how Carmina played the needy card so well that she broke up Tifón and Monalisa.

I really liked that scene between Tifón and Jorgito. You could tell by the look on his face that Tifón was trying to convince himself that he is happy.

Carmina didn't go to the tiradero to look for Rita; she went to claim Patata. Lucinda didn't want to turn him over to his biological mother. Carmina asked about Rita in passing. Lucinda told her a family adopted her and Carmina said she hoped Rita would never be in their lives again. Let's hear it for On Demand!

Now that I've watched those scenes again, I think it's kind of strange that Carmina brought Patata back to the mansion and told Tifón, "This is Patata. He is going to live with us." It seems as though she didn't consult her husband about the adoption, she just went ahead and did it.

Back to the present: Max was coming on to Nina. Gross! For the record I thought Ivana's hair was cute. Didn't care for the dress though. I hope she finds happiness. I do agree with Max about the baby talk–it's nauseating.

Tessalia's brother is gay. He was with a girl because he knows that people in Divino would not accept him as he is.

Suelen's list of boinkees, so far: Diogenes, Leandro, Irán, and Lucio. Did I forget anyone?
 

Avenida Brasil

Thanks, so much, Madelaine and Sue455 for the recaps and comments.

Are you sure that Suelen has boinked all these guys? It looked to me like she was just a tease. Didn't Iran and Adauto admit to each other that they hadn't had sex with her?

Ivana is nice looking but her cutsie poo shtick with Max would drive me insane.
 

AVENIDA BRASIL Sexta-feira

Thanks so much Sue 455 and Jean and JLK so much for your comments and fill ins. I don't always get everything and I like Y'alls take on things. I usually watch AB when I am working out or doing housework. I so enjoy this one, I felt it should be recapped. It really isn't that hard to do. I usually do it after I've just seen it so I don't forget too much. I don't take notes, just listen and remember.

Sue 455:

I agree with what you said about Tifon and Genesio and what he was going to tell Tifon. He just never had the chance poor guy. Thanks about the stuff I missed. Wow, Max coming on to Nina, what a perro! Ugh!

Jean:

I too wondered if Suelen really boinked all those guys. When she was with Lucio in this capitulo she was dressed and not nakkid so to speak. I think the only one she has truly boinked is Leandro. I think she really loves him, in her way that is. She is like a gypsy that flits here and there.

I want to know who will Jorgito ultimately believe Rita or Carmina? Mama Lucinda really wasn't any help. I wonder if Jorgito will go to Nilo next. He won't give up until he knows every single thing. He can't stand Rita right now, poor thing. He doesn't like Carmina much either. I just hope he isn't buffaloed by her. She's done that and then some already.

I too don't like that bebe talk that Ivana does with Max, it does drive me crazy too, but I really like her joie de vivre. And she has great hair! She isn't ugly at all!
 

REINA Viernes

Suspicions, deceptions and lying liars that lie! Oleg hauls Teo in for a bit of a chat. Seems he wants to know where Teo was when Juarez was killed. Teo says he wasn't anywhere near Juarez and everyone knows he was with a hooker and had that infarto. Oleg gives him the news that he dug up Juarez and he died of a gun shot wound to the chest. Ruh, Roh!

The police question Teresa about Paty's suicide. Teo is there too. After the cop goes, Teo wants to know about Paty, what did she say? He is really pressing and Teresa is really looking at him. She is going, she wants to be alone. She goes on her yacht with Pote. She grieves for her friend Paty and has flashbacks of their past. She cries.

Willy and Flores find out she went out on her yacht and disappeared. They wonder about her. They weren't able to get any info from Paty.

When Teresa comes back she assembles the whole office of Transer Naga and starts the questions. Everyone really looks her in the eyes but Teo. He is very shifty! They all deny being spies. Teresa tells them about Veronica being a DEA agent. Teo tries to blame all of this on Paty of course. Teresa isn't buying it. Dr. Ramos looked a bit shifty too, but he always does. Later, Teresa asks Teo if he has an amante, he denies it. Teresa says they are both adults no strings. He won't fess up and accuses Oleg of putting this in her ear, as Oleg is in love with her. She wants that payment made to the Columbians, which he hasn't done yet. He'll do it in a couple days.

Teo calls Willy in a panic. He thinks Teresa knows all about him turning.

Oleg pays some guy for some papers and later in his office, he looks at the papers and says he knew it all along about him. It's him, he says.

Willy gets a visit from an Ambassador from the State Department. He wants a chat with Willy. Later, Flores is introduced to him and they speak about Epifanio in Mexico. Willy is leaving Spain to go back to Mexico, because Epifanio has been selected as the candidate to run for President as the last one was gunned down and died. Also Flores says they now have enough to arrest Teresa for drug trafficking.

Epifanio accepts the candidacy for Pres. Ratas is over the moon his plan worked.

Willy and the Ambasador go to visit Teresa at TN and Willy announces he is from the DEA. Teresa sees them. Willy wants to know if she knew EL GUERO WAS A DEA AGENT ! Yes, she knew all these twelve years and never told anyone! She admits she read that agenda. Willy can't believe it. There were flashbacks of Teresa with Willy in the plane and also Teresa in the Church talking to Epifanio. So what do Willy and the Amabasador want? Tune in Monday to find out.
 

Hombre,Madeline & Novelamaven,

I have to confess that I have been a lurker for a long time, but I just wanted to thank you all for the re-caps and links to the previous discussions. This is my first time watching Reina. I have become tired of the Univision novelas with their trite clichés. I have seen one other narcononovela, Rosario Tijeras, and I loved it. To me it was a story about love and the many different forms it can take. Reina has superb acting. The only problem I have is the "patty " character as far as the story goes. In reality, she should have been eliminated earlier in the story, since she was a loose canon. (I'm thinking of the Joe Pesce character in Good Fellow and Fredo in the Godfather.)
 

Anon, she was a loose cannon, but if anyone had harmed Patty, they would have had to answer to Teresa.
+ the actress is fantastic, so I'm glad she lasted this long. In the book she died from pills, along with her usual ingested drugs.
 

REINA Jueves y Viernes

Madelaine, terrific detailing. El Guero working with the DEA? I didn't see that coming. Long ago, I couldn't believe Teresa didn't read that agenda but I put my beanie on and accepted it. Now it turns out she did read it.

Also shocked that Ratas had a clever plan. Now what will Epifanio do with him?

Patty's demise has been telegraphed for awhile, so I knew it was coming. Though her suicide is sad, I like that she went out on her own terms.

Fun to see Teo scared and on edge.
 

I want to thank you guys for discussing Reina del Sur and Avenida Brasil. Those are my favorite TN's right now. I think Reina is my all time favorite. I also got tired of the boring and very long Televisa novelas. I've officially switched channels.

Sue from Miami

 

REINA GENERAL

Anon 12:16:

This is my first time watching REINA too. I missed it the first time around because I didn't have Telemundo. I did like the Paty character. She really helped Teresa out and was very strong. I hated to see the way she spiraled out of control though. Welcome to Caray Caray!

Variopinta:

I read the book when it first came out, in English, and had forgotten a lot that was in the book. I wish they had used the death of Paty in the book for the TN instead of Paty committing suicide. It seems so unPatylike.

Neice:

El Guero as a DEA agent was in the book, but not revealed until the very end. I can't remember if it was revealed in the book that Teresa had read that agenda. I had a feeling she looked at it while waiting for Epifanio in that church. I still can't believe she had the avocadoes to ask for his help.

Willy seems to care about Teresa doesn't he? The way he touches her picture and talks to it, like he is talking to her. Flores on the other hand, can never hide his glee whenever he thinks he has finally gotten La Reina del Sur where he wants her. Willy always gives him that snide sly look, like yeah you think!

I agree with you about Paty, although I liked her ending in the book. But you are right, she went out on her own terms.

Sue in Miami:

Welcome to Caray Caray. I too like Reina it is very different from Televisia isn't it? It moves so fast and really no dead time to fill.

Avenida Brasil is a great novella. I have never seen a Brasilian Novella before. It is so fast moving. I looked up how many epis it is and it said 165 or so. It will be long so I always wonder what the writers have in store for Nina next. All her little secrets are coming out!
 

AVENIDA BRASIL

Tifon didn't spend the night at a hotel, Carmina didn't like that he was going to Silas' bar for whatever party/gathering they had going on. She's snobby like that, & probably didn't want him to run into Monalisa.

Yeah, Nilo knows that Max left Rita at the tiradero. But doubt he'll tell Jorgito that. I can't understand how Mama Luncinda let Jorgito think that Nina is as crazy as he believes now! That lady is sitting on a mountain load of information.

I thought that it was also strange how Carmina brought Jorgito without discussing it with Tifon, but just as a done deal. Probably the best thing she's done for him so far, they have a great father/son relationship.

Nina must have an ulcer now, all that stress, no wonder she was always throwing up.

jlk
 

AVENIDA BRASIL General

JLK:

Thanks so much about the hotel. I am mad at Mama Lucinda for not telling Jorgito more and you are so right about how now Jorgito thinks that poor Nina is a crazy loca. Mama Lucinda does have a ton of info. Nina told her her whole life story. Sue455 was wondering about the relationship Mama Lucinda and Carmina might have. I am beginning to wonder too.

I agree with you about Nina having an ulcer. All that stress is really getting to her. She keeps dropping dishes in the kitchen and sulking and listening at doors.

I don't understand something about Jorgito. If Carmina is in fact his bio Mom, when exactly did she have Jorgito and did she adopt him out? I still remember seeing that past he keeps remembering in flashbacks. Who told him his Mama was a ho and dropped him off at Tiradero? I want to see more of his backstory.