Caray, Caray!

Friends:

I cannot invite you to enjoy the recap—This episode is too awful to be able to write an enjoyable recap.

For the tender hearts; I cannot recommend that you watch this episode—it is so dark and horrible. Sadism, suicide and nightmares a a near miss at death for our beloved Angelica.

We are really in the dregs of this TN right now.

I tried to make the recap lighter than the capitulo.

I need Esme to make me a cup of soothing camomile tea.

Elna June
 

Elna June, Oh my, what a perfect title for tonight's episode. And what an ear worm. I had Camille Saint-Saëns' song playing in my ear throughout the entire recap. Well done! And the ear worm is still there. Eeeks. You did not invite me to enjoy the recap, yet I savored it nevertheless.

Elna June, why do you seem to get the most Poe-like of episodes? Pedro getting one man to commit suicide and trying to get another to do the same? How diabolical! I'm surprised that Pedro hasn't bricked someone up behind a wall! I think EZ is as crazy as Pedro and this might be Pedro's undoing. Well I can hope, can't I? At least Joaquin left clues for Ale in Les Miserables.

And Angie showing up to visit dad only to find he has committed suicide? Yes, the times are very dark indeed. No wonder DEATH is in nearly all your titles. All I can hope is that soon, Death Takes a Holiday.

Super recap amiga! I'm amazed that you were still able to find humor amongst all the doom and gloom. Not sure what made me laught the most, but it might have been "It is a little loose at the bottom, the better to conceal a flask, I suppose." Indeed!
 

Dear Elna June:

The episode may be dismal, but your prose, as always, is luminous. The title and headings are exquisitely apt.

I confess that I was also delighted to see you also noticed a couple of things that shook me out of my funk as I was watching the nightmarish events unfold:

"Alejandro looks very fetching in his khaki prison duds. Naturally they have been tailored to fit his manly form. He looks FABULOUS."

Yes indeed. The Aguazul Reclusorio has a gem of a tailor, that's all I can say.

And then:

"Ale is helpless and his big WHITE teeth take up most of the screen as he screams and swears at Jose Luis."

Oh yes. The BIG WHITE TEETH are getting out of control!

Thank you so much for the care and craft that you put into this recap; and thank you especially for posting so early so we have plenty of time to savor it and talk about this episode. How lucky we are to have you on this team.

So do we dare hope that the good guys are going to score a few points? I sure hope so.
 

I second that emotion, SO GLAD EJ is on this team. EJ, you handle these Very Dark capitulos so well.

Take heart, I'm sure the good guys will score some points. Eventually. It's in the script, right? Right?
 

Wonderful job with recap, Elna June, especially with this sad episode :(

Cap'n Sharkbait
I think after tonight, after what Pedro made EZ do, it makes me think that EZ is just about to turn on Pedro, I know I would, bastard seems to have no limits, I mean didn't he spy on his wife with Victor in that house they're staying in? >.< (Nadia is not too smart, is she?)

And why is JL allowing Montserrat to believe that he is against her and Alejandro? He is helping him right? So why let Montse think different? Is it to let Pedro think that JL is on his side in some way or is this to make Pedro think at least JL won't stand on his way against Ale, and therefore stay ALIVE?

Also seeing how this episode went, I wonder if the letter Joaquin wrote will be in jeopardy somehow, I want to see the good guys start to win here man! :( *sigh* I think we are in for the long haul.

And something else has been bothering me, I see how Pedro is so determined to sink Alejandro, is he that desperate for his lands? ALL for the drug trafficking? Why do I get the feeling there is something else behind this? I am sure with Pedro's money he can find some other place suitable for more of his "business", right? So why so determined against Alejandro? Hmm...
Whoo, that was long lol, but this novela is dragging me in.

Veronica
 

Thank you, Elna, for your excellent retelling of a dark and stormy episode. As my dad used to say..You are a sport to take one for the team and rehash this doom.

meh

Well, spring has officially sprung in the real world, and perhaps we will receive a bit of lightness in this novela soon...or not. Ale's glowing teeth are not enough to lift my spirits.

Well, we have an early start to our day.
 

Thank you EJ for your recap, loved your critique of the prison fashion scene.
So Fab was flirting with Dimitrio who is her half brother although no one but, well Amalia, knows it, am I correct? And Fab is also Monse's half sister. She has only begun to be annoying, I think.
If I were EZ I would plot my secret mutiny and revenge. Anyone working for that man's days are numbered. Fofito will meet a bad end, I think.
 

I wondered how last night's event would be recapped, but I should have known it would be in the best of hands. EJ, what a masterful job of giving us the horrid facts of last night but instilling some lightness to ease the retelling.

The last two nights have been frustrating. We definitely turned a very dark corner, as if we didn't have the ugliness before. These writers are not afraid to just bring out the worst in humankind. The character of Pedro is one of the worst, vilest villains I have seen in TN's. I think what makes him especially difficult to watch is the pure pleasure he takes in his sadistic behavior and actions. That is no result of an injury gone wrong. There had to be some of this in his behavior prior to that and it imploded at that point. Now that said, in the hands of another actor, this writing could have been a disaster, but Sergio is having a field day with this part.

As for the actions of last night...I would say poor Joaquin, but you do reap what you sow and at least at the end he did the right thing. And if EZ doesn't rethink his position with said nutjob---he knows so much, he has that ability to take him down. If not overtly then slipping facts to someone else. Wish Carlotta was out of his snair---but I wonder if at some point, she could actually make him do something positive before he too feels his doom. (He's a murderer, his anvil grew three sizes that day.)

I'll be so sorry to see Angie go, but her refusal for treatment pretty much seals she will exit soon.

And I reallllyyyy don't like Fabs. If everyone isn't on to her soon, they will be. She better not mess with Dim, I'll hurt her.

Daisynjay
 

Elna June, what a great recap. Loved the title, subtitles and everything in between. Good laughs.

Fabiola in another UGLY hat; again in the house.

Did Ale ever tell Montse that his lawyer told him to not hand over the originals of the documents only copies to Fabiola?

Another problem as already mentioned: Ale hanging on to Joaquin's letter exonerating him and it not getting "lost."

So how much longer can Pedro continue his reign of terror? He has to slip up sooner or later. How long will it take Ale to get the letter out of the jail and into his lawyer's hands?

Jarifa




 

Gracias, Elna June. We are now in the doldrums of this series and I hope it doesn't last too long.

Love your comments about concealing the flask. That does, however, point to the fact that Sandro will soon have to find out about her recent benders and he will not be pleased. Here is hoping that they will fight loud enough that eavesdropping will require no effort on anyone's part.

I could have brained Macario during this episode; he talks way too much and in front of the wrong people.

As to Dimitrio I think he will end up surprising us again. He looked last night like he suspects Fabiola of something and Monserrat was seriously ticked off at her bad timing, to put it mildly.
 

Elna June: Yes the episode was heartbreaking. But when you ask us not to enjoy the recap, that my friend, is an impossibility. You related the events in their terrible totality yet with kindness and compassion. I can only imagine how difficult it was to create this, so thank you for a throughtful, insightful summary.

"Houses of Living Death" indeed. You lightened our hearts with "It is a little loose at the bottom, the better to conceal a flask, I suppose" and "And I have to tell you that “Tia Carlota walks in, all chirrupy, full of vim and vigor after her energizing kiss with EZ Basurto—whom we know to be a low down, no-good sadist”. Thank you for taking our minds off the grim events, if only for a moment.

"Angie tells Amalia that JL is now in love with her. Big L love" made my eyes mist. I am such a romantic fool!

Carlos pointed out yesterday that EZ could kill Pedro should he insult Carlota. I strongly suspect Pedro may indeed die by EZ’s hand as evidenced by his goading EZ with the gun and the dooming phrase “Let his be a lesson to you Ezekiel. To me, your life has no value”. A mad man who taunts should take great care that the recipient is not of similar ilk.

Sylvia, yes "All I can hope is that soon, Death Takes a Holiday". We shall hope!

A few minutes of Dimitrio was like the sun peeking through the clouds. Agree daisy, if Fab tries to hurt him, she's toast!

At least Adolfo had the good grace to look embarrassed when he dropped Virginia off. What a terrible day for the family. And lovely Angelica at least (finally) has the knowledge JL truly loves her. How long have we been wating? And Isabel Camil has been a revelation here. She has hit every note perfectly.

Shut.Up. Macario. Sigh. I think he is the REAL Gossip Girl of LQLVMR.

Wishing mercy on the remaining Arechiga family.

Thank you Elna June for handling this with dignity and feeling. We could not ask for anything more!

Diana
 

I think last night Ezekiel had a light bulb moment about Pedro. He should have turned in his badge and walked out. Or did he spend all that bribe money from Angelica already?

However, that wouldn't have prevented Pedro from finding someone else to kill him because he does know too much. I completely agree that EZB will likely be the one to take Pedro out in the finale or the episode before. He's in the best position to do that.

Before that happens, though, I'd love for him to find out about Pedro's little problem. Imagine the look on his face!

Smart move on Joaquin's part to leave that note in the book. I was actually wondering if he was going to underline words in the book itself, but that would have taken too long and who knows who might have been intelligent enough to figure that one out.
 

Good Morning! Thank you EJ, haven't had the pleasure yet of your (I know) wooonderful recap! Boy, am I glad I waited until this morning to watch this! I'm at the part where Pedro makes the idiot Basura put the gun to his head. The both of 'em are a couple of sick sonzofbeeches! Damn! Can't wait for this ep to be over!

Lila
 

Dear Elna June,

As always, thanks so much for a beautifully written recap. It was a sad, nearly unredeeming, unremitting episode, so thanks so much for doing it with such care and attention to detail.

Your rendition of Ale's final conversation with Joaquín in prison was gripping, and I also loved your description of Pedro and Basurto's disturbing exchange. I hate Basurto, but even seeing him being humiliated by Pedro was too much for me.

I was grateful, too, that you also gave me a few reasons to laugh--your noticing Alejandro's perfectly tailored prison uniform was the best!

Like others, I also have been wondering what anvil awaits Pedro. Mere death will not do. I think the only way to cause Pedro real pain is for him to be humiliated publicly FIRST in front of those whose approval he is desperate to gain--the bigger politicos, etc. It will be interesting to see what the writers can dream up. I say it has to be something like public exposure of his lack of 'manhood' and also becoming an object of ridicule in the national media followed by a gruesome demise at the hands of narcos. Those guys know brutal.

Thanks again, dear Elna June! Your writing is always amazing and wonderful.
 

Elna June, in the midst of what I find to be an incredibly painful story, you bring us beauty with your writing. How can we ever thank you enough?

For me, the story is just getting to be too much on several levels. On the one hand, I am tired of seeing women behave stupidly and on the other hand, the violence from both men and women and the depravity is almost becoming the story itself.

How can this level of depravity continue so that this TN ends in July or August? Are the writers to come up with still more violence?

I'm on the verge of cancelling the Hulu Plus subscription. Yes, the acting is good. Yes, I like seeing these actors in action, but the story is losing me. Sordid scene day after day. What is the point, writers? How are you going to maintain an honest story line?

Sorry, today, I am just fed up and women behaving stupidly just gets on my last nerve.

Fatima
 

Fatima, I totally agree! I would like to see some of these characters, especially the women, use their heads. The only Clever going on here is coming straight from our recappers. Even Pedro is not particularly clever, he's just sadistic with a knack for knowing how far to push people. However, I trust he pushed EZB too far last night. At least Joaquin showed a touch of smarts by hiding his note in the book, although that was a crap shoot too, more desperate than clever.
 

Excellent comments, Cap'n Sharkbait with which I am in total agreement!

Fatima :)
 

Okay, Elna June, finished the recap. Thank you so much for this detailed recap of a dark and demented episode. Man o man! I think I'm going to have to watch the next morning from here on out. All of these actors are great: the leering, sneering laughter of JL (tho' a dream sequence) and Pedro and the screams, sobs and wailing of Ale, Angie, JL and poor Virginia are too much to go to bed on. Sheesh!

It never pays to be too much of a bastard when you're a bad guy. Carlos, you theorize Maria might help bring Pedro down, I think we might be able to add Basura to that list. I don't think he'll necessarily work with Maria but that old blow your own head off thing struck a nerve with EZ. Oh, Pedro, playing with the only pistol he's got! Who's using Vivi's rubric to tally up satan's score!

Oh that heffa Fabi! I almost felt sorry for her yesterday when she found out she was adopted. That didn't last very long. People need to learn how to go outside or far far away like into the en suite to talk. Rude, shamless people! Jeezopete! Any way, let me see what the rest of y'all have to say. Looks like the bad asses are gonna have the run of the joint for a while.

Lila
 

Veronica:

"And why is JL allowing Montserrat to believe that he is against her and Alejandro? He is helping him right?"

Yes, definitely, JL is still helping Alejandro. But he (JL) is still having trouble controlling his feelings for Montserrat. He wants to be able to concentrate 100% on Angelica right now. It is easier to do that if Montserrat sees him as the enemy. [It's probably not a bad idea strategically either, with all the problems everyone has keeping secrets and all the lurkers like Fabiola straining to hear private conversations.]

Fatima and Sylvia,

I also find this novela heading in grotesque directions I never expected. "Depravity" is the right word to describe it all. I'm having some serious doubts about it myself.

That wasn't the first time Pedro humiliated EZ. Remember his reaction when the little man confided his political aspirations to his boss? In the face of Pedro's disdain, EZ looked dangerously offended. But that time, EZ used the "feedback" and decided to remedy his problem by climbing the social ladder. That's when he started courting Carlota.

This time, as you say, Pedro has pushed EZ too far. Will the dog have a chance to turn on its master before the master puts it down?

Diana:

"At least Adolfo had the good grace to look embarrassed when he dropped Virginia off."

Yes, I noticed that too. Adolfo KNOWS. He has some sort of vestigial conscience, but it isn't doing him or anyone else any good because he is so weak.

Daisynjay:
Oh god yes, Fabiola is hideous. And she is certainly not fooling any of the good guys. She has only made one conquest -- Maria! What a toxic and explosive combination they could make.
 

I have to admire how EZ Beserko is able to separate his personal from his professional life.

He can go from savagely beating a suspect to sweet talking (successfully) Carlota in the blink of an eye!
 

Fatima, I totally feel you with our little drama:

Yes, the acting is good. Yes, I like seeing these actors in action, but the story is losing me. Sordid scene day after day. What is the point, writers? How are you going to maintain an honest story line?

This is my stance which I sometimes drive straight into the ground. How 'bout romance, break up to make up and such and okay, throw in some lying, cheating and a little stealing but sadism, killing folk like popping pimples, can do without the voyeurism too.

Agree with you from yesterday JudyB I can't watch people being beaten bloody, see the feet of a corpse dangling or hear the sickening crunch of a knife blade slicing through a torso, the wails, moans, screams and snot-filled sobbing of people in shock and grief and then just tell my husband, "good night honey", turn over and count fluffy white sheep!

This should be A Clockwork Orange, Mexico Edition not Agua Azul or at least Agua Oscuro. Haysoocreesto!

You did a great job EJ. Good thing we have this place in cyberspace to carry on about this!

Lila
 

Thanks for this most excellent recap of a rather disturbing episode. I'm sure that it wasn't a very pleasant task, but your descriptive talents laid it all out there for us most effectively.

Pedro simply cannot sustain a viable personal relationship and that will be his ultimate undoing. Surely, this latest emasculating gesture toward Zeke will fester.

Once again Rosario disappointed me. Immediately upon learning that Joaquín killed himself, she blurted out,

"Now what will happen to my Alejandro?"

Not a word about Joaquín's poor family.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... Macario is useless and more of a liability than an asset. Had he been doing his job as capataz this whole drug thing would have never happened. Remember? It was María who discovered the illicit cultivation.

Carlos
 

Fatima, please don't leave! We are all awaiting the dawn that must spring from this eternal darkness. Stay and seek empathy and support from your recappers and commenters.

NovelaMaven's "I also find this novela heading in grotesque directions I never expected" is a sage commentary on how we are all feeling.

Carlos, "Macario is useless and more of a liability than an asset." Exactly and exacerbated by the fact he is now totally annoying. Enough with his mewling and far too loose lips.

I am disappointed in Rosario as well. As others have pointed out, she didn't survive in prison by endlessly wringing her hands and sobbing. Get a grip and channel that energy into a constructive way to help your son.

Hoping Fina graces our screens tonight! That is the least these writers should do for us.

Diana
 

Fatima--Sounds like you are in need of a break. I have taken them from time to time, just checking on the comments, continuing to relate to the good folks on the line, but skipping the horrendous doings of the telenovela. Eventually I come back, when I see that things are on an upswing.

EJ you're a trooper. loved the comment on khaki prison duds--"naturally they have been tailored to fit his manly frame."

and "Carlota--all chirrupy...after her energizing kiss with EZ..."

But perhaps the best was your quip about Alejandros "big WHITE teeth" completely filling up the frame.

I have been astounded to notice, in recent episodes, how large, LARGE, LARGE in width his mouth is. Lordy, he is a dentist and endodontist's dream. You could get in there with a bazooka and do the drilling work. Yikes! I have full lips but a very small mouth in width, so visits to the dentist are miserable for both me and the doc. But I bet they are all smiles when Rulli walks in the office (oh heck! for other reasons too!)

Anyway, me and my bud Lila will be watching this in the bright light of day from now on. Need other good things to run interference with the depravity and darkness. Like, HOPEFULLY, seeing Carlos' Bayor Bears beat the bejesus out of their opponent today! Go Bears. Carlos, I loved hearing the story about Isaiah and his one blind eye and how he overcame and inspired. He's my new love now that Aaron Craft is off my TV screen (although still in my heart).
 

Carlos...You are so right about Macario. CI taught us all what happens when one is not "cultivating one's own garden" -(Candide). If Macario had been doing his job as capataz , he would have discovered the illicit operation on Ale's property.

I agree that this novela has taken a terrible and gruesome turn. AR was never this brutal and depressing. I surf in and out if it right now.

You can tell that Adolfo knows that he did a very bad thing to Virginia. His conscience will get the better of him. Maybe he will end up with Virginia....if Pedro does not have someone kill him.

Perhaps spring will lift our spirits after the long, cold, dim winter, and maybe the writers will shine a little light on the darkness that they have cast this show into recently. I just bought some new clothes for the warm weather, and I am going to try to clean up the backyard and patio if the weekend is warm enough. And so, onward into the spring.
 

Judy B. you are making me laugh this a.m. with your "bazooka" comment re: Ale's mouth. You have such a way with words!

Jarifa
 

Well, I give you that Carlos. I though Macario was gonna be a straight-talking and sharp arrow in Ale's quiver. That IS absolutely unbelievable that as capataz he did not discover the funny weeds. Being the late capataz's daughter I guess she did learn a thing or two. Maria could've been a less cartoonish and more serious competitor for Montse had they played up this angle of her character. Of course, they would have to write Ale as having more than brotherly love for Maria. Agree again, Rosario's role could've been richer too. What a downer she'd be for Ale if she could visit him. Sheesh!

As to how will this be dragged on to August I fear the dreaded re-pursuit of Montse by JL after Angie's death and maybe they will let Alejandro be locked up in the pokey for a while to make it even more angsty!

Oh joy! Despite the prediction of a snow storm on Tuesday, at least it's Spring!

Lila
 

Elna June:

Thank you so much for this most superb recap and for taking one for the team for this very Poe like capitulo as the Cap'n noted.

Could Pedro be more evil? I have to say that SS is really bringing it. He has never played a character so evil as this one.

I too want to see the good guys advance with getting back at these evil ones. I don't like the evil ones winning all the time.

Fablush is sure pushing the issue isn't she? By now everyone, but everyone knows she wants that inheritance.

I wonder why Capitan Robledo is out of the country? I hope he has gone to get some help with this drug trafficking investigation. Maybe he is following the money. One can hope ; )

Thanks again EJ, for this fantastic recap.
 

Well, thanks Jarifa. Now will you join me in rooting for Baylor? Go Bears! Go Carlos!
 

It's always hard to pin down the timing of events in these things, but when Maria discovered the road that had never existed before, she was in hiding at the hacienda. Macario and Dominga were in Aguazul with Alejandro.

It is possible that the the road was bulldozed after the convenient departure of the capataz. The sowing of the lands was very recent.

I actually think Macario has a very sharp eye, despite his very big mouth. He may not be much of a thinker, but he notices and he isn't easily fooled. If anything, he is hypervigilant -- something these frequently overly trusting characters need.

In the Department of It's All About Me--

I was a little miffed at how JL kept whining about his pain and that he never expected it to be so bad. First he said it to Angie and then to Amelia. It was an understandable sentiment but would have been better expressed to Refugio or Esmeralda.
 

Sure will, since I have no team to root for.

Jarifa
 

Judy, thanks for your support of Baylor and especially Isaiah Austin. It is incredible that he is so successful in a sport in which reliable depth perception is almost essential. Other Bears to keep an eye on today are Cory Jefferson and of course Brady Heslip, our marksman.

Susanlynn,

I have a lot of hope for Adolfo. He showed a lot of courage in defying Zeke's order to kill that guy.

Could someone make us a list of Pedro's friends? I thought not... and that may be his number one problem.

Carlos
 

Hola amigos:

I feel like the theme song for the show should be a dirge. I can see Chopin himself, playing for us;

"Pray for the dead and the dead will pray for you."

Nice. Glad to hear it.

All of your comments this morning are greatly appreciated. I can hardly believe anyone would read the recap, let alone appreciate it.

Sylvia: You are right! I do seem to get teh really black epis in whatever show I am recapping. Luck of the Irish, I guess.

I think that Pedro pulling more inspiration from Poe is not our of the question. The man is a depraved sadist.

On Fabiola and her drug of choice, I suspect her flask is never very far from her hand. I think the writers are giving us a picture of a woman who is just ruined. If she was not so venal it would be even more sad.

Novela Maven:

" The Aguazul Reclusorio has a gem of a tailor, that's all I can say." Oh, dear Maven, you know how to crack me up.

RE; Alejandro's White Teeth—I am reminded of a line from the now ancient history movie, 'Romancing The Stone'. One of the bad guys seemed obsessed with the teeth of crocodiles. He would look at teh reptile, get a far away look in his eye and say, "Oh,man, look at those choppers!"

For some reason that scene, repeated several times in the movie, always cracked me up.

Sylvia: Thanks so much for saying you are glad I am on the Team. Like everyone else has already said today, I am having my doubts about the dark turn recently taken in the novela. I was afraid this might happen.

Veronica! Thanks so much for you great comment. Yes, the novela sucks you in with the excellent performances and production values. It is just the content that has gone off the rails.

You pose a most excellent and perceptive question. Just WHY is Pedro so hell bent on destroying Alejandro? We know nothing of Pedro's deep background. I suspect that in the future the writers will eventually pull some motive for Pedro's vendetta against Ale.

Susanlynn: I am so sorry that the novela is getting you down. "Meh" is right. If it helps at all, please know that you are such a valuable member of out little community. You cheer ME up everyday, by just your presence.

Emarie: Great to see you. I love your idea of a plot turn. EZ could never lead a heroic revolt, he is too tainted to be a hero, but he could lead a revolt, nevertheless. Maybe Maria could help out. She too has given Pedro's Choice, "Suicide, or Else".

May the worm turn!

Daisynjay: Thanks so much for your (ALWAYS) insightful comments. Pedro IS one of the darkest villains I have seen, as well. We have had plenty of murdering sociopaths but Pedro also has real power and is gunning for more. Yikes!

I think Carlota's neediness has left her vulnerable to EZ in a way that is terrifying. He shares Pedro's sadistic tendencies and interest in abusing power. I think Carlota could be in real trouble if this romance continues.

Thanks again, to all who have commented.

EJ
 

Well the Baylor/Nebraska game has started and at least the Baylor uniforms are glorious.

Carlos
 

Carlos, a number of ex-pats are assembled up in the marina bar enjoying the game. March Madness is alive and well in La Paz. It appears to be a good excuse to enjoy a beer before noon.

EJ, wasn't it Danny deVito's character that was chopper-obsessed? I have always loved that movie. I was reminded of it again when we were watching La Tempestad, seeing how the villain Zolo from RTS is still typecast and was playing the villain Ernesto Contreras.
 

Elna June – Love the light wit you injected in this very dark episode:

Alejandro looks very fetching in his khaki prison duds. Naturally they have been tailored to fit his manly form. Yep, SR is narrower in the waist than standard issue.

Tia Carlota walks in, all chirrupy, full of vim and vigor after her energizing kiss with EZ Basurto…

So sad and real to see Arechiga’s women grieving so. Wondering if JL will become the patriarch of this family now. Amelia has almost too much to bear and Ginny has no friends.

I do like that Don Lauro appeared in Ale’s nightmare, cause Ale did earn some guilt there.

Yay, Joaquin, though dead, outfoxes Pedro, at least a bit. I hope eventually Ale can let Joaquin’s family know of his last good deed here and that he lied to protect them.

Still holding out for a miracle reprieve for Angie. Maybe the need to help Amelia and Ginny deal with Joaquin’s suicide will help in some way.

Agree Dim will wind up surprising us. He's been on the dark side with his mother and knows how baddies work.
 

Niecie and others hoping for a miracle, maybe the writers have read Dying to be Me by Anita Moorjani.

I've watched several interviews on YT and am reading the book now. Miracles do happen, or let's say, life and death are not quite what we think they are.

Lila

 

I'm wondering if Ale had anything to do with Pedro's
accident. His hatred goes too deep to be over just wanting
Ale's land.
 

Hi, Jarifa:

You made me smile with your comment on Fabi's hats. To me it seems such an obvious device to set her apart from everyone else.

What I cannot understand is why they all look so heavy and dark. Aren't they too much in the Campeche climate? I need to wear a hat outside to shade my eyes, but I would think just one good Panama hat could do the trick for that.

Have you also noticed the soft focus when the camera leans into Fabi. is that because the actress is older than her character? What do you think?

Urban Anthropologist: As always, dear Urban, you made several grat observations.

"That does, however, point to the fact that Sandro will soon have to find out about her recent benders and he will not be pleased. Here is hoping that they will fight loud enough that eavesdropping will require no effort on anyone's part."

ITA! And you said:

"As to Dimitrio I think he will end up surprising us again. He looked last night like he suspects Fabiola of something and Monserrat was seriously ticked off at her bad timing, to put it mildly."

From your lips to God's ears!

Thanks again, UA, for chiming in!

Diana: You are one of the kindest people I know. Thank you for your comments. If I can find a way to tell a dark story that is not offensive to those with the softest hearts on the Board—you, Fatima, Lila, JudyB and others, then I feel like I have done my job as a recapper.

You said:
"And Isabel Camil has been a revelation here. She has hit every note perfectly."

I could not agree more. Amalia is truning out to be a really good woman, and we saw last night that she cares deeply for Virginia as well as her Angelica. I still think these blows may send Virginia off on a dark path. The young woman's life has just been turned inside out.

Urban: I though Joaquin was very clever to use the book to write the suicide note. Now let us hope that Ale can keep it safe until he sees his lawyer. I wonder how long you can keep a person detained in Mexico without benefit of counsel.

Lila! You said re: Pedro and EZ:

"The both of 'em are a couple of sick sonzofbeeches! Damn! Can't wait for this ep to be over!"

Amen. sister! I look forward to seeing your take on this epi when you watch the whole thing. Thanks so much for commenting.

JuliaRold: Thank you for your kind words, 'Teamie'. Big smile. You write so well, Julia, that I am flattered that you found the recap to be well written. Big smile.

You said:
"I hate Basurto, but even seeing him being humiliated by Pedro was too much for me."

That was just a dreadful scene, wasn't it? What Pedro did to EZ was just soul destroying. I literally felt nauseated when EZ had the gun to his head, just as I did when Pedro served Maria the plate full of pills an no choices.

I loved your doomsday solution for Pedro;

" I say it has to be something like public exposure of his lack of 'manhood' and also becoming an object of ridicule in the national media followed by a gruesome demise at the hands of narcos. Those guys know brutal."

Lila:

I am so glad you enjoyed the rest of the recap. "Dark and demented," indeed! You said:

"Who's using Vivi's rubric to tally up satan's score!"

Great question! I will have to pull that up from yesterday's comments and post it here to remind us of the things we are measuring. That should be a fun distraction for us while the novela is so dark. Thanks for reminding us of Vivi's excellent evaluation tool.

EJ

 

NovelaMaven,

I fault both Macario and Alejandro for their inattentiveness to what was going on back at the ranch. If Macario just had to be in Agua Azul, he should have at least designated someone to watch over things.

As for Sergio Sendel, his role as Sheriff Jack Green in Ramona was every bit as odious as Pedro, believe it or not. In fact, the two characters are very similar in their ruthless abuse of people as well as power.

Carlos
 

Novela Maven:

On Fofito's repressed conscience:

"Yes, I noticed that too. Adolfo KNOWS. He has some sort of vestigial conscience, but it isn't doing him or anyone else any good because he is so weak." So true. I have no hope for Fofito.

Oxnard: I have come to so look forward to your DRY wit. Are you British? Few can beat the British in their deadpan delivery of absurd ideas.

You said,
"I have to admire how EZ Beserko is able to separate his personal from his professional life.

"He can go from savagely beating a suspect to sweet talking (successfully) Carlota in the blink of an eye!"

Too true. the ability to completely 'compartmentalize' is something EZ has in common with many mobsters, Generals, politicians and CEOs. Big grin.

Carlos: I am delighted to see you. Thanks for your kind comments. You said:

"Once again Rosario disappointed me. Immediately upon learning that Joaquín killed himself, she blurted out,

"Now what will happen to my Alejandro?"

Not a word about Joaquín's poor family."

I can only agree with you. Rosario is completely stuc in her new identity as Ale's mom and Laurito's grandma. A little less myopic view from her would be welcome.

As to Macario...Well,I wanted to like him but I find him to actually be a huge pain. He is dangerous in his love of gossip. I also find his oleaginous sidling up to the rich to be very distasteful.

Oh, yeah, and, if he was gossiping less maybe he might have noticed the large marijuana grow on Ale's lands!

Good luck to Baylor and all of your teams. I have you and JudyB to thank for first introducing me to March Madness a number of years ago. I still cannot quite follow the whole thing, but at least I now know that it is important.

JudyB: I am so glad to see you in the middle of our telenovela's March Madness. I do not know how THE Ohio State University is faring, but I wish all of your teams well.

I have many family members who share your great interest in sport. I heard that one of them, who shall remain nameless, took a personal day today, so as not to miss any of the on-screen action. Shhh...We have to keep this a secret.

And this comment re: Ale's BIG WHITE TEETH made me laugh out loud,
"You could get in there with a bazooka and do the drilling work.

Hee hee hee...

EJ

 

Madelaine:

Thank you for your (always) kind comments. Last night's episode felt like a combo of Poe and a Sopranos episode. Really.

This was a great comment on something I forgot to recap.

"I wonder why Capitan Robledo is out of the country? I hope he has gone to get some help with this drug trafficking investigation. Maybe he is following the money. One can hope ; )"

Thanks for mentioning this plot point. It may turn out to be important.

Thanks again, Mads, for your comments.

NM: Too right on JL's insensitive comments! Good lord, did he think it would be easy to marry someone, become their lover and friend and then just have them die? Stupid, stupid.

Sylvia: Glad to hear that March Madness is alive and well in La Paz. What fun to sit with a bunch of ex-pats watching the game and drinking cervezas.

I think it was another character actor who was Danny DeVito's sidekick who always made that comment. I could easily be wrong though!

Hi, Niecie: I am so glad you saw a little light in the recap. Smile. Thanks for noticing.

You made two really good points:

"Yay, Joaquin, though dead, outfoxes Pedro, at least a bit. I hope eventually Ale can let Joaquin’s family know of his last good deed here and that he lied to protect them."

That is a great idea and could offer the other Arechigas some real comfort.
and

"Still holding out for a miracle reprieve for Angie. Maybe the need to help Amelia and Ginny deal with Joaquin’s suicide will help in some way."

Me too! Angelica and her Aunt Pru are my absolute favorite characters in the show. All cheer for a miracle for Angelica. The actress just lights up the screen and she and Guzman have GREAT chemistry.

Anon at 1:05:

Thanks for commenting. What an interesting speculation! I like it. I really like it!

EJ

Still holding out for a miracle reprieve for Angie. Maybe the need to help Amelia and Ginny deal with Joaquin’s suicide will help in some way.


 

Vivi:

I have taken the liberty of reposting your suggestion for the 'Eevil Quotient" measurement tool.

Here it is, folks:

"Perhaps we should come up with some sort of measurement for villain evilness. Like a 1-5 score (5 being most evil) in specific categories:

Murders committed by own hand:
Murders ordered or instigated:
Mistreatment of children:
Mistreatment of own/adopted children:
Treatment of animals:
Physically abusive of others:
Emotionally abusive:
Perversion level:
Level of greed/twisted ambition:

What else? We could then measure Pedro and our many villains against each other. Urban already has most of this data with her weekend villains posts."

Let's see how YOU guys rate the evildooers on this TN?

EJ
 

Ah yes, it was Ira, not Ralphie who loved those choppers! How could I forget that mustache?

I am not recommending NOT watching this TN, but I'm pretty sure I am less affected by the heinous actions because I am not getting a visual on them.
 

Before reading the, I know already, awesome recap and comments, just a bit of wishful thinking:

That first time JL and Angie made love after he said "te amo" she got pregnant.
 

Hey EJ, Jarifa and all...Carlos' Bears won! (Does this mean that his protegée Maria will also be redeemed?) EJ, Ohio State is already out of it. Beaten by one point in the first round.
 

I have been wondering why the writers are going so dark in this TN, and I wondered if part of it was the purposeful use of the drug trade as the underlying evil with the bad guys in this? There has been several articles I've read through the last year after some of the captures and deaths of the cartel and S. American drug lords that have occurred, and one fact that often sticks out to me is that there still is almost an adoration of these morons in some areas. Like Pedro, they take a position of power and to the folks in areas maybe all seems well and prosperous. But the reality is something else behind the scenes and there are innocent people who are hurt, killed or silenced when they dare to speak. Perhaps this is the writers/producers way to take this business down a few pegs and show the ugly reality that does exist.
Unfortunately, there have been those drug lords that mimic the character of Pedro horribly.

And Carlos, list their friends? That's something they can't afford to have. The former mayor of our community use to work for the FBI, and he jokingly said once at a meeting while talking about his years there that those type of people look at everyone as a potential enemy, even their own families. I remember he used the phrase "a friend is a luxury they can't afford to indulge in".

Maybe watching it from that perspective might help get through this ugliness. One big PSA.

Daisynjay
 

Elna June...my day and my comments have not been wasted if I have given you even a teaspoonful of cheer.

Well, the sun is shining brightly , and It almost feels like spring. I even washed Hub's jacket and hung it outside on the backyard wash line to dry. Spring is coming...even if the prediction is for some snow and temps back in the 30s next week.

I hope everyone enjoys tonight's episode (maybe something good will happen) . Have a wonderful weekend.

By the way, Hub is buds with several local high school teachers who told him that their little group takes the day off to watch March Madness.
 

Elna June, I hadn't noticed the soft focus on Fabiola. I will have to look for that. Thanks.

Jarifa
 

Hi Elna June, thanks for such a well written recap of such a dark and heavy episode. I agree with everyone else who thinks EZ will be Pedro's undoing. He goes around making enemies of all those who surround him, and by the looks EZ gives him, he looks like he is abiding his time to get back at him for all the humiliation, last night's incident probably being the last straw.
It's also sad, that Angie seems to be losing her battle with cancer, and that it is not until now that JL is finally realizing how much he loves her.
On the bright side, I LOLd at your:"Ale is helpless and his big WHITE teeth take up most of the screen as he screams and swears at Jose Luis." My hubby, came by as I was watching and also made a comment on how big and white his teeth were.
Finally, after lurking in the shadows for sometime, thanks to JudyB and Cap'n for your welcome late last night. And Judy, I'm a different Maricruz than the recapper you were referring to. I've only read, never recapped :-)
 

Nanette:

You are brilliant! Wonderful idea. Thanks for popping by.

JudyB, College basketball commentator and recapper extrodinaire, thanks for the update.

Go Baylor! (Ah, are the Cal Bears anywhere in the hunt? Stanford? Does not knowing the answer to this question make me a bad person?) Pardon me, for my ignorance is showing.

Hee hee.

Daisynjay: One big PSA, hmmm, an intriguing thought. The writers are trying to de-romanticize the narcotrafficantes. Good idea. They are often seen as Robin Hood kind of heroes in their own hometowns.

Susanlynn: I am so glad you have a little break in the weather. What you and others have lived to this year shouldn't happen to a polar bear.

I love that your hub knows others who take a personal day for March Madness. Big grin. It seems I am just now coming to understand the importance of this cultural phenomena. Better late than never, I guess.

EJ
 

Jarifa: Tell me if you agree with me! I thought I noticed the soft focus on her face again last night...

Maricruz:

Welcome, welcome to Caray Caray! WE just love it when folks begin to comment on the blog. We do not always agree with another here, but (politely expressed) opposing opinions are always welcome.

Soo, you think that EZ Basurto, Jr. Sadist-at-large is just biding his time before he offs Pedro? Interesting. You could be right. Zeke sure did not enjoy his rough hazing last night and he has watched Pedro move people in his orbit around like players on a chess board. Although he fully participated in Maria's staged suicide and knew about Joaquin's, I think that until last night he thought that he was Pedro's little friend and above it all.

Now, maybe he HAS changed his mind.

Again, glad to see you Maricruz.

EJ
 

Just had to stop reading the comments to note: the way this TN is going, I expect the anvils to be verrrryy interesting.
 

E.J.

"Oxnard: I have come to so look forward to your DRY wit. Are you British?"

No, I am from this side of the pond; mi ciudad natal es Providencia, estado de Rhode Island.

Nothing (except murder) in the behavior that I have seen from Pedro and EZ has much of an effect on me; after all, I did obtain (survive) a Catholic education from first grade through high school.

This soap is just a pleasant diversion.
 

Thank you for the awesome recap, I had to miss half the episode so the recap was a huge help. I like Sergio Sendel and have since I first saw him in "Dos mujeres un camino", I can't really hate Pedro that much because (1) he really sounds constipated (2)it's Sergo Sendel, aka the Spanish voice behind Diego, from Ice age,lol
 

Thank you EJ, for making this episode readable and palatable and somewhat enjoyable--like Carlota's exuberant entrances and exits but always a dollar short on the news.

Pedro was exceedingly pi$$ed that they could not find the "blame Ale" note in Joaquin's cell. It puzzled me because I was sure Pete had made Joe write one out in his own hand. He read it, but I guess it wasn't good enough and wanted him to write another one and leave it where the guards would find it. I was so afraid the note was going to go with the book when the guard took it from Ale.

I'm so glad the JL/Ale bit turned out to be a nightmare.

EZ should have turned the gun on Pedro, but that really would have cooked his goose, since it didn't fire.

Sadist is just one among the many labels we can pin on Pedro.

Glad Montse kept her cool re the documents, but for how long. The lawyer told Ale not to give her the originals. Who in his/her right mind would ever give a "stranger" who has designs on Ale's inheritance the original documents anyway? Ooops, probably Montse.

How horrid to make a man hang himself when he doesn't want to die. I don't even want to think about it. Sorry I said it, now I have to think about it.

Since I haven't read any of the comments except EJ's, the sentiments here are most probably duplicated down the line. I think I'll go for a cup of Earl Gray to sip while I read.
 

Hi, Eli:

Great to see you. You crack me up! So glad I could fill in the blanks for you when you missed half of an episode.

SS is constipated, LOL. I know you mentioneded that thought in your recap yesterday but I forgot to note how funny that was. Heavens, could that explain the tortured speaking through clenched teeth?

Anita: Great to see you, amiga. I am glad you found the recap enjoyable.

Like you, I scratched my head over the whole suicide note conundrum. I thought Pedro took the earlier note he made Joaquin write when he was in the interview room. Did I miss something?

If Montse gives the original wills to Fabi I am going to blow a gasket.

Could our Campeche Barbie be that stupid? I sure hope not. She makes faces at Fabi all the time so I think she may have her (unknown) half-sister's number.

So glad you came by today.It is very nice of folks to comment when we have had such a dark episode.

Thanks to all.

EJ



EJ
 

Lila - Thanks for the tip about Dying to be Me. I checked it out on Amazon.

Enjoyed reading all the comments. ITA on Rosario and Macario being of no help to Ale right now. I think Macario is blabby with Fabiola cause he's overjoyed that the dead baby he buried in secret with the Padre turned out to rocks and is very much alive today, swilling wine. He lights up when he sees Fab.
 

And I just reserved the book at the library. Thanks, Lila.
 

You ar welcome Niecie and JudyB, it really is a great read. Anita's own story, the statements by the Drs. and their absolute dumbfoundedness (is that a word?) at her recovery is breath taking and inspiring. Here's hoping such a miracle for our Angie!

Lila
 

You know, as Anon had mentioned, I think maybe Alejandro had something to do with the accident of Pedro, knowing Alejandro it would have to be an accident but Pedro wouldn't see it that way, obviously, this is just speculation but the motorcycle accident is the only reason I can see on why Pedro is so hellbent on hurting Ale
As for EZ, I think he may form an alliance with Maria and maybe even Adolfo in the near future after what Pedro did last night with the gun.
And Fabiola, seeing as how she asked about the will (and at such a bad time too) maybe she find a way a way to steal it? Because to me she seems like she is quite anxious to get the will, maybe she will destroy it with the help of her "lawyer" Salsero, I mean Sandro, lol :)
Salsero, Sandro, tomato, tomahto, eh, he will always be Salsero to me

Veronica
 

Elna June,
Late to the party, but wanted to say Gracias for recapping such a dark epi.

ITA, love that prisoner uniform on Ale. Of course he looks good in anything or nothing! Hehe...

Faby's got some nerve asking for the will. Loved the "bitch are you seriously asking me for some papers when my man is in jail" look that Montse gave to Faby. She needs to go!

Thank goodness Ale didn't wait til he was in jail for 5 years before he opened that book. Maybe he's seen "Shawshank Redemption".

Back to spring cleaning...hasta pronto!
 

EJ; add to the evil quotient being mean to your parents especially mother
 

Pedro is under the mistaken belief that he wields the power over anyone and every one that he requires for staying on top. He thinks his menacing manner will protect him and that he is feared.

Little does he know of the resentment that has been building in EZ. Wait until JL gets into the action. I don't think they fear Pedro. Victor will have a case against Pedro, too, once he finds out about the porn Pedro has been watching. Let's not forget Nadia. Her anger and resentment have popped out from time to time, but Pedro is convinced she's under control. Maria (we hope for Carlos' sake) will jump on the bandwagon, as well as Adolfito.

Let's hope for a joyous turn of events in our Watery Blue Town.
 

Aunty Ann--
The guards took the book away from Ale. The fact that he didn't put up a fuss conveys the information to us that he has the note guardado on his awesome persona.
 

Ah, but you are right. He thumbed through it as soon as he picked it up. I think he remembered Joaquin's words that this is a book that he should really, really look at.
 

Since the accident happened 20 years ago I don't think Alejandro had anything to do with it. I also somehow have the impression that Pedro isn't originally from Aguazul and had to marry someone from an important family there to have credibility with its citizens.

Pedro was royally pissed when Alejandro refused to sell him the property after whatever time he spent negotiating with Benjamin over it. Let's not also forget that Alejandro not only has a large inheritance he has a package of the type Pedro doesn't have and he seems to know how to use it (at least based on our spy cameras).

Pedro is also a sadist. If he can mentally torture someone like Joaquin or Alejandro that's how he gets his jollies.

Basurto isn't much better. I don't think anyone's pointed this out yet but based on the nature of the drug dealer's injury he's not going to be around long after Basurto's beatings. Anyone else notice the blood stains on his t-shirt under the khaki prison shirt?
 

UA,

I think that you are right. What I recall is that Bennie had actually agreed to sell that land and Alejandro not only reneged on the agreement but rejected an enriched offer. In retrospect, he might have been better off selling the land to Pedro. Since Pedro wanted it for his drug operation, had the sale gone through, he would probably be in jail by now.

Carlos
 

Perhaps, but i'm sure Pedro would have thought of another way to destroy him.