Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Lo Que La Vida Me Robó, #111, 4-16-2014: The Grand Re-Opening of La Escondida; María discovers a new career; Nadia realizes she and Victor have been Pedro's private porn stars.

Dear Caray Caray Friends,
I had to do this one quickly today.  There must be a million typos, but I think I got most of the major points and even some details.  Let me know if I missed something important.  
Best to you all!  Enjoy!  
Julia R.

Lo refrito:  Captain Robledo tells Refugio he should be proud of Esmeralda's hard work and intelligence and also tells him he has a new lieutenant to report to;  Esmeralda trains her new dancers while María looks on; Pedro has sent Nadia flowers to congratulate her on her pregnancy.  This is not a good thing given the fact that this means he KNOWS about her pregnancy.

Naval Base, Agua Azul:  ATTENTION CAPTAIN ROBLEDO:  FRATERNIZATION ALERT!
Refugio meets his new boss, Lieutenant Rentería.  He is surprised to discover that said boss is a woman, and she quickly upbraids him for his insolence and attitude.  He apologizes and insists that he's not machista, it's just that he's not used to seeing many women in the naval base.  She informs him that she worked hard to merit her position and earned it through discipline, bravery, but most of all intelligence.  She wonders if he thinks intelligence and beauty are incompatible--and by the way, does HE think she's pretty?   Does he ever--with all due respect, he adds.  Finally, she dismisses him and tells him to wait for her in the office and help her with her work.  She reminds him to salute her when he forgets, and he leaves, but afterwards she is smiling to herself, and it's clear these two have some serious chemistry.



Back to Nadia and Pedro:  Pedro tells Nadia to pack her bags, that he's taking her on a trip for some days to a quiet place.  She wonders where and when they'll return, and he tells her they'll be gone until the baby is born and then come back to Aqua Azul.  Also he's taken away her phone and the house phone is disconnected, so she won't try to contact anyone, especially Victor, and he's not allowing her to go out of the house.  She wonders what will happen to Victor, and begs Pedro not to hurt him, swearing she'll leave Victor.  He appreciates her sacrifice but says the problem is Victor is that she didn't do what Pedro asked and told Victor about her pregnancy.  Pedro knows that Victor won't stay out of HER life, especially know that he knows she's expecting a child.  Pedro tells Nadia not to worry, that he'll take care of everything--she just has to pack her bags since they're going tonight.  He's in her space, acting all touchy-feeling and even kissing her, but even this kind of physicality is always an act of menace and domination for Pedro, and Nadia is afraid.

Alejandro's Study, Beach House Almonte:  Victor hands Alejandro the accounts from the factory they have in town, and they discuss how well the business has been doing under Victor's administration.  Alejandro is grateful and says it's a pity Victor is leaving since it won't be easy to find such a great manager.  Victor says thanks, but he has to go.  Every day the delay is more dangerous for them, and it will be especially so if Pedro finds out that Nadia is pregnant.  Everything is ready for him and Nadia to leave for Guatemala and then head on to Argentina.  Alejandro says to keep in touch.  Also, Alejandro is thinking that because he and Montserrat never had a honeymoon, they will come to visit Nadia and Victor when their baby is born in Argentina!  Victor is thrilled.

At this, Macario comes running in excited about the grand re-opening of La Escondida under Esmeralda's management and ownership.  He wants them all to go to the party to celebrate.  Alejandro says he's happy for Esme, but doesn't really want to go since he doesn't really like those type of places since only Montse does it for him (he didn't say the second part, but we can assume since he has always been a one-woman guy).  Vic and Mac tell him to come on and get with the spirit, that they need to support Esme, and seemingly because of this AND wanting to be in on the fun with Vic and Mac, Alejandro agrees to go.

At the La Escondida,  Cinderella/María is sick of cleaning.  She sits on a sofa, head-scarf-clad, and scowls.  Esme enters gives her grief for not working--the grand opening is tonight and there are bathrooms to clean pronto.  María claims she's not a slave and deserves a rest.  Esme reminds María that she is doing her a favor by hiding her, and if she (María) doesn't like it she can just leave, but what will happen when Pedro knows she's alive.  María backs off and says she'll get back to work.

Esme then tells María to be careful tonight, to not go out into the bar, and to STAY HIDDEN.  No one should see her.  She seems to feel the need to caution María especially when María realizes that Alejandro is invited, and Esme doesn't want María to get some idea in her head about talking to him and doing something stupid.  But it's clear that from the smile on her face that María is already making a plan to do just that.

Meanwhile at the naval base, all the sailors are in the locker room and also excited about the grand re-opening of La Escondida.  One of the jerkier ones can't stop from insulting Refugio, though, saying how he can't wait to see Cabo Solares' woman dance--he wonders if he can get a "private" show.  At this, Refugio goes berserk and pounds the guy to a pulp, while his new friend and ally DIM holds the others at bay and even gets in a few punches of his own.

Mansion Mendoza:  Gracie and Carlotta are talking about the situation with Alejandro.  Carlotta insists that even if Ale is illegitimate, he's still the son of Don Benjamin and heir to his fortune.  Gracie says that this is another blow to all the Mendozas:  now everyone will know that Ale is a bastard and that his mother was just a peasant.  She says she kept Montse from marrying that former loser J-L but now it looks like Alejandro could be turned out onto the street.

At this Montse, walks in.  She's heard everything, but is too used to Gracie to bother to get upset about what she says.  Besides, she just really wants to know what Gracie found out from Sandro.  Gracie says it's not good news.  Pedro is determined to prove that Alejandro is an impostor as an Almonte.  Montse protests that there are wills, but Gracie says that maybe the wills are fake and that they should start thinking about the possibility that Alejandro tricked them all.  Montse says Ale isn't like this, and Gracie counters by suggesting that maybe it was Alejandro who was fooled into thinking he was an Almonte by Rosario.

Having heard enough Monte says, thanks for nothing, Mamá!  She says goodbye to Carlotta but refuses to say goodbye to Gracie, which peeves Gracie.  Carlotta says Montse came for help, but Gracie just added to her anguish.  Gracie just says Montse should think of herself and her child, and that they all better be prepared for the crazy that's coming.

Pedro's Office:  Pedro is also talking to Sandro about the current state of affairs in their plans to ruin Alejandro and take his inheritance.  Sandro wants to know when the wills be declared false--Pedro says tomorrow.  Sandro says he hopes Pedro destroyed the originals and Pedro lies and says, of course, and tells Sandro not to worry.  Sandro wonders if there are any other possible witnesses, and Pedro says only Graciela is left.  Sandro is surprised and not very happy to learn that Gracie was the lover of Benjamin Almonte for many years and was also peeved when she lost what she thought was her right to the inheritance.  This is the reason that she sold her daughter to Alejandro, to try to recover her part of the money.  

Home of Esme and Refugio:  Refugio and DIM recover from their fight with a couple of beers and celebrate their victory, as Refugio thanks Dim for his help.  DIM says he hopes Refugio is ready for tonight--he is far too easily to provoke when it comes to Esme, but DIM comments it's fun to do it.  But Refugio informs him that Esme is the boss and isn't going to dance.  They talk about how they first met in the same place and hated each other and reflect than now that things are different and that they're almost like friends.  Imagine!  DIM wants to know if Refugio has seen J-L, and Refugio says he saw J-L just today.  What did he say, Dim asks, and Refugio wonders why he wants to know--is it for Montse?  He tells DIM J-L said nothing, and DIM says it's better like this.

Pedro's Office:  EZ enters commenting that Pedro asked him to come.  Pedro says, yes, he's worried because he lost an important document.  The Almonte will, right?  says EZ.  Pedro wants to know how EZ knows this also if he knows where it is.  EZ tells him Adolfo took it to use against Pedro if he needed to.  EZ wants to know if Pedro wants him (EZ) to get the wills back, but Pedro says he'll take care of it.

Pedro also tells EZ that at the first sign of an mistake or something wrong, he wants EZ to shut down Esme's business.  He never forgets the wrong people did to him and makes everyone pay back sooner or later.

EZ wonders what Pedro will do to Alfie, and Pedro says it's his own business.  In the meantime, he wants EZ to take care of something else: he wants EZ to make sure that Victor has what seems like a little accident.

Garden of Pedro and Nadia's Mansion:  Victor hides behind some bushes, hoping to see Nadia.  He sees Adolfo instead and calls him over.  He begs Adolfo to get Nadia for him--please, please!  Victor can't reach her on her phone.  He needs to be sure she's okay.  Alfie calls Victor and imbecile and tells him to get lost.  Victor begs--Nadia is hurting and doesn't Alfie want his own sister's happiness?  Alfie again just tells Victor to leave since it will hurt Nadia worse if Victor is killed at Nadia's front door.

Back to Refugio and DIM where the male bonding continues--maybe it's not quite as good for Refugio as it was with J-L or for DIM as it was with Adolfo, but they are clearly growing to like each other.  Has DIM had news of Josefina?  Refugio wonders.  DIM says no and Refugio comments that he knows DIM misses her, even though DIM won't admit it to Refugio in the moment.  Esme comes in and wonders why they're both all beaten-up looking?  Refugio lies and says it was an operation they were on for work that didn't go quite like they thought it would.

DIM leaves them and says he'll see them tonight at the La Escondida.  Refugio and Esme kiss, and insecure Refugio has to make Esme promise yet again that she's not going to dance.  She promises him, of course not--she's already told him this many times!  He says, okay, okay, and that he loves her.

"Wear a long skirt!"  he urges as she goes to change for the opening celebration.

A big full moon shines for the Grand Re-Opening of the NEW La Escondida.  All the men in Agua Azul are there, but we'll head for the table of Mac, Vic, and Alejandro, drinking tequila and watching the show.  One of the woman is dancing near them, and Mac, especially, is loving it.  Victor, though, is pensive and concerned about Nadia since he can't reach her.  Alejandro tells him not to worry--all will work out and very soon Vic and Nadia will be together far away from Agua Azul.  

DIM comes in and greets Mac, Vic, and Ale, and Ale invites him to sit down, but DIM goes to talk to his new buddy Refugio first.  DIM congratulates him, saying the re-opening is a huge success.  Refugio says, yes, that Esme wanted to take the strip club to another level of refinement (in this case, it seems to mean mostly a new lot of strippers who are at least now under 40) and it seems to be working, though a quick aside to say I was happy to see that more mature stripper with the red hair, STILL has a starring role in the dance program.  She did a great cartwheel to open the show!

Back at Ale's table, Sandro comes up to bait Ale, and they exchanged some unpleasantries about both being at the bar tonight.  Sandro asks if he can join them, and Ale tells him to get lost.

In another corner of the bar, María has disregarded Esme's advice and is not staying hidden in the dressing room.  She gazes and Alejandro across the crowded room and whispers, "Mi amor!"

Nadia and Pedro's House:  An anxious and desperate Nadia is crying to Adolfo about being a prisoner in her own house.  Adolfo tells her to stop it since he told her as soon as she started going out with Victor is would end like this.  Nadia says Adolfo doesn't understand anything--she is pregnant by Victor.  What's more, Pedro planned the whole thing and now wants to raise the child as his.  Now that he knows he's going to kill Victor, and she can't do anything to warn him or protect him.

Adolfo is surprised and even affected by this news.  He says he's truly sorry for Nadia.  He wants to know how it all came to pass, and she tells him about the house where she and Victor would meet.  Alfie makes the connection then, and he tells her that he came across Pedro watching video on his computer of what had to be that same house.  Pedro had security camera installed without their knowing it and has been recording Nadia and Victor in secret!  That's how Pedro found out about the pregnancy and everything else.

Nadia begs Adolfo to help her, but he says he can't do anything.  She pleads--she is his sister!  Doesn't he care for her?  He says, of course, but still can't do anything.  She says she's desperate and to please just let her borrow his phone to make a call.  That's all she will ask.  Adolfo finally concedes and gives it to her, but only after she promises she will never tell Pedro what he did.  Given Nadia's track record at keeping secrets from Pedro, I would say this is not a good deal for Adolfo.  

Nadia calls Victor.

Just at that moment in La Escondida, a small group of attractive and scantily-clad women are gyrating around poles.  The critical mass of sexiness has distracted Victor from his worries about Nadia and, of course, he doesn't notice his cell phone ringing.

Esme barges into a dressing room of La Escondida, telling another dancer to finish getting ready--she's on in five minutes!  The dancer claims she's doing her best, but to lay off since Esme is just making her nervous.  Luckily for her María is also in the room to provide moral and practical support, telling the dancer where her shoes are and also that she's slow and to hurry it up.  María has also put her limited power as the La Escondida service worker to good use and has done something to the dancer's shoe.  Rushing out, the dancer slips, falls, and screams that her ankle is hurt.  She can't dance.  What will they do?  Esme tells the dancer with the red hair to go on, but she says she can't since the men have seen enough of her already.  She tells Esme she has to go instead.  

In Beach House Almonte, Montse tries to reassure Dominga, who is anxious about Mac being at the La Esdonida grand re-opening, not to worry--Ale and Victor will watch out for Mac.  Dominga vows she'll wallop Mac if he does anything with the women and wonders if Montse is jealous.  But Montse says, no, she knows that Alejandro only has eyes for her.

The phone rings for Montse.  It's Nadia, crying, feeling desperate, and saying she's trying to reach Victor, but he won't answer.

Back at La Escondida, the male patrons are getting impatient, whistling in protest and complaining about the delay in the evening's dancing program.  Esme has gotten ready and is prepared to go out.  She says her husband is going to kills her and wants the other dancer to go out to get Refugio so Esme can explain the circumstances, but the dancer tells Esme the patrons are impatient and to get out on stage now.  At that moment, another dancer enters and wonders who the new girl dancing now could be.  The others look at each other in surprise then an idea comes to them at the same time.  Could it be…?

Yes, it is!  On the pole-studded stage, María has appeared in a black corset, hot pants, high black boots, a Mardi Gras mask, and blonde wig.  (Maybe she's hoping that it's not that Ale loves Montse but that he happens to prefer blondes and that this change of hair color will finally convince him to be with María?)  Anyway, she spots Alejandro immediately, and he sees her, too, though he seems suspicious of her from the start.  She is oblivious to the other patrons and dancing only for him.   She writhes and gyrates on a table in front of him.  He seems curious about what's happening but doesn't exactly seem into the dance or her--even as a blonde and even when he doesn't know who she is.

Back on the phone, Montse wants Nadia to tell her what is happening.  Nadia tells her about how Pedro is keeping her prisoner--Adolfo is standing guard, and Pedro has stationed his gorillas at the door--and what's more Pedro knows about all their plans since he was taping her and Victor at their love shack.  She's scared about what will happen and needs to find Victor pronto, but he won't answer his phone.  Montse explains about the men all being at the grand opening of La Escondida, but says she will locate them and help Nadia escape.   Nadia says hurry because Pedro could return at any moment.

In Adolfo's house, Pedro is rummaging through boxes and briefcases full of papers (does Alfie suddenly have a notary business on the side or something to have so many official-looking documents?) looking for the originals of Benjamin Almonte's wills that Adolfo stole from Victor's safe. He can't find them.  Upset Pedro throws the papers and hurls the briefcase, vowing Adolfo will regret what he did.

Back at La Escondida,  María continues trying to bust sexy moves for Alejandro, and he continues to look suspicious about the identity of the mysterious blonde.  She grabs his hand, and he goes along with her while she forces him to sit in a large leather chair to the side of the stage and does a lap dance for him.  He looks on with some discomfort while she performs a series of mostly inelegant-looking acrobatic moves on the arms of the chair, though I'd sure give her an "A" for enthusiasm and effort.  Still, the dance seems to be a big hit with all the male patrons, so what do I know?

Esme sees María and says to the other dancer that they have to stop María, though the other dancer remarks that María is doing an amazing job.  But Esme says Alejandro knows María and will figure out who she is.  María has leaned in and seems to be trying to kiss Alejandro when suddenly Esme interrupts the party and forces María to leave the stage.  Alejandro takes note of this and walks away quickly, too, returning to his old table with Vic and Mac, though he still has that same curious look on his face that he's sustained throughout the scene.

Happy to see a real pro like Esmeralda back on stage, the patrons chant her name, and she begins to dance, much to the outrage of Refugio who gets up and walks out of La Escondida.  Esme takes note of his retreat and looks a little worried, but she seems determined to do what she needs to do to make her opening night a big success.

That shoe still dropping slowly for him, hard-thinking Ale gets up from his table and goes in search of the blonde dancer.  

In Pedro's Office with the sculpture of the large hands on the desk, Nadia endures the embarrassment of watching herself and Victor as the unwitting performers in Pedro's personal stash of sex tapes.  She is horrified and despises Pedro even more.  Adolfo tells her to stop watching, but she has come to another crucial scene.  This time it's of her and Victor discussing the suicide note that Joaquín left and that María stole from Padre Anselmo.  It contains a lot of crucial evidence--proclaims Alejandro's innocence, names Pedro as Joaquín's real associate in crime, and also blames Pedro for what happened with the narcos.  It would put Pedro away for ever and allow Victor and Nadia to be together.

Nadia realizes that Pedro, in addition to being a creepy voyeur, has heard and continues to hear everything she and Victor discuss, and that this information is what Pedro's using to try to destroy Alejandro.

In the backstage area of La Escondida, Alejandro is looking for the blonde dancer that I hope by now he has figured out is María.  He sees another dancer and asks if she knows where he can find the blonde girl.  She asks why does he want to know, and he says only to talk and gives her some money for the information.  She tells him which door, though not without calling him handsome and propositioning him.  He politely declines.

Alejandro enters the dressing room and sees the blonde dancer standing on the opposite side of the room with her back to him.  

"Aren't you going to say anything?" he asks.  "It's you, isn't it?  Why won't you show your face to me, María?"

She turns around and reveals what seems to be her latest logic in her continued efforts to seduce him:  "I knew you were going to like me better as a blonde."

End of episode

Avances:  Alejandro continues with his confrontation of María in the dressing room, and she declares her love for him yet again.  Montse goes to save Nadia and ends up giving Pedro a big whack on the back of the head.  

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Comments:
Thanks, Julia, for a fabulous recap of a stagnant sort of episode. This was a clearly a time where the recap was much more enjoyable than the episode.

The only person who had a good day in this one was BM with her saving the day at La Escondida and getting Ale alone in her dressing room. Will he tell Montse? It would only seem proper considering his continual harassment of Montse about JL. What is good for the goose . . .

Looks like Pedro has plans to take Nadia on a different sort of getaway than that she had planned with Victor. The promo looked good with Montse clocking Pedro a good one in the head. Is she the only one in Aguazul that might stand up to Pedro? Pretty pathetic.

The best scene was when Pedro stole a move from Graciela's playbook and thumped Nadia on the head.
Somebody should had thumped her on the head a long time ago to wake her up before she got pregnant.

Jarifa
 

Thanks, Julia, for another very fine recap.

Not much to really enjoy here, especially the Nadia situation. No fun to watch Nadia watching Pedro's private tapes.

Even if Fofito were taller, he'd still be in way over his head here.

I did enjoy the semi-bonding between Dimi and Refu. Good job of tag-teaming the obnoxious guys.

Agree with Julia R's assessment of Maria's terpsichorian moves: "she performs a series of mostly inelegant-looking acrobatic moves on the arms of the chair, though I'd sure give her an "A" for enthusiasm and effort."

I look forward to Montse bashing Pedro on the head with a bird sculpture (?). Sometimes the simple ways are the best.
 

Julia R:

Thanks so very much for this fantastic recap. This is the best on the fly recap I have ever read. Thank you so very much!

Padre has now been missing 6 days. I am keeping count.

I agree Julia, BM's moves weren't all that. I had to laugh at the moves on the chair with Ale in it. Still she thinks Ale is into to her.

Peddy is very dangerous. Poor Fofito I think his use by date is dwindling.

I am really liking Lt Monica! I like the way she gave Refugio what for and to his credit, the whole time she chewed him a new one, he kept his eyes on her eyes and not elsewhere. I really like what she told him too. I just hope Refugio doesn't cheat, cause I really like Esme and she doesn't deserve that.

I wonder what Graceless is going to say to the judge. This should be very interesting.

I am surprised that Addled actually cares for Nadia and told her about the spy cameras in the that house. Too bad he didn't know or didn't tell her before hand. Nadia really has been clueless to not think of how far Peddy would go. I can't wait to see Monse bop him on the head.

I am still wondering what EZ is really up to. Will he really cooperate in shutting Esme down if need be? This should be interesting too.

Thanks again Julia for this fabulous recap : )
 

Holy Cow, Julia! (I know, yet another "holy cow"!), I can't believe this was written on the fly. I have never seen so much detail for something written on the fly!

You rock!

I cannot say the same for the story.

Thank you, Julia!!!

Fatima
 

"Poor Fofito I think his use by date is dwindling."

Madelaine!!! Perfecto!!

Fatima
 

Oh, I forgot one more thing. If Peddy is planning on going away with Nadia during her pregnancy, how in the heck is he gonna run his little fiefdom of Agua Azul, carrier pigeon, remote control cameras, EZ maybe????? I want to see what this foolproof plan he has is. Really he has so many irons in the fire, ya know, bumping people off, controlling everyone including his pregnant wife, grabbing Ale's inheritance. How will he do this osmosis? Jus' sayin'.
 

Thanks, JuliaR. For that detailed recap of a bizarre episode.

Wow..I was right about Malria eventually taking a twirl around that pole. Esme knows how to work it...Malria.....not so much. Another career path at a dead end for her. Watching her smarm and wriggle all over DimAle was annoying.

Nadia is putting everyone around her in danger. The previews were surprising. Did Mony take Ped out or just stun him for a moment?
 

This was fantastic Julia! How you put this together so quickly...I'm in awe.

All I'll say is "oi". I cracked up during the episode more than anything else. The "new and improved" club--yeah right. Though watching Mac was hysterical. I almost got the feeling that some of that was ad lib because SR was having a hoot himself watching him. Is this a common form of acceptable male entertainment south of the border? Sort of cracks me up that a stripper club seems to be acceptable to all ranks and wealth of the town, even the military is ok with it. Okey dokey then.

And everything Nadia. Just why? This character just annoys the blazes out of me and almost wish Victor could find someone else. But we're stuck with them I'm sure. I agree-she is pulling everyone into her problems. Does she NOT know how to drive or call a cab for the airport. Take a suitcase, get out of dodge. My head implodes over this whole plot.

As for the other romance....er, bromance. Watching Dim and Refugio was wonderful. Poor JL, he's been replaced already? Isn't love fickle.
And Refugio getting jealous and pissed at Esme dancing, while a hot new boss is waiting at the naval base....set up for busted couple if I ever saw one. At least for awhile?

I realized last night how much I HAVEN'T missed seeing Maria go through her "Mi Amor" tirades and craziness.

Daisynjay
 

Julia, beyond impressive. This was fantastic. I so enjoy your detailed, interesting summaries.

“Back to Refugio and DIM where the male bonding continues--maybe it's not quite as good for Refugio as it was with J-L or for DIM as it was with Adolfo” and “Esme wanted to take the strip club to another level of refinement (in this case, it seems to mean mostly a new lot of strippers who are at least now under 40)” were excellent and among my many favorites.

Fatima, I'm not sure if you saw the episode but if so, I hope you took heart as Sebastian Rulli lit up the screen several times with his fabulous smile! He must have forgotten that the character he portrays does not possess the joy that he as the actor does. Anyway, this is off topic but worth mentioning.

“and it's clear these two have some serious chemistry”. Yes, but no! Lt. Monica is supposed to meet JL and have chemistry with HIM, not Refugio. Ack. Madelaine, I am worried that this might mean a widening rift in Refugio's and Esme's relationship. That said, Refugio must learn to accept that Esme is a grown woman and if she decided to dance or not, it's her decision and he needs to support her.

I feel rather ashamed to admit that I can't conjure up the sympathy I should have for Victor's situation. Of course I want he and Nadia to be unscathed but I am too busy worrying about the padre and where Fina is and how will she get back with Dimitrio. Shallow? Selfish? Both?

LaPaloma, still chuckling at "Even if Fofito were taller, he'd still be in way over his head here". I know he has done terrible things and made really bad decisions but I have a soft spot for the actor. “Poor JL, he's been replaced already? Isn't love fickle” was also great daisy.

Thought Maria's dance rather robotic and unemotional. I did laugh that Macario seemed to be enjoying himself immensely at the opening and was glad Dominga will likely be spared the news.

I'm afraid for Adolfo and will be cheering Monse on but Jarifa, you said it best "Is she the only one in Aguazul that might stand up to Pedro? Pretty pathetic."

Julia, this was terrific!

Diana
 

Julia, keep writing them on the fly because this was excellent! You called it on all points!

Really don't know where this story is going, I hope they have interesting plot twists instead of the same old tired ones. The whole feeling of the story has changed, along with the cast-weird. I wonder why the writers are doing this. It's like the beginning of the story was written by one set of people and then they got dismissed and a whole new group of writers have put new people out there.
Yeah, Maria was the worst dancer, ugh.
I am excited to see Monse bop Pedro on the head (from the advances) wish it could stick.
 

Excellent recap, Julia. I had a call and watched this on mute, so this filled me in on anything I missed nicely.

Did Pedro have guards on the door? Is there a reason Nadia stayed in the house once he cut the phones and took her cell phone? I really hope Monse smacks him hard enough for both of them to get the check out of there tonight.

I don't find it hard to believe that military guys and farm/hacienda workers are going to a strip club. I do find it hard to believe that a hacienda owner would go with his workers and that as military commander would consider going and allow the club to be openly advertised on base. But that's supposed to be attributed to the power of Esme and her ability to make friends in low and high places.

I know Refugio should respect Esme's work, but they agreed she'd just be the boss lady and wouldn't be dancing anymore. She just broke their agreement in the worst way-- in front of all the men he works with. Unless a man is a pimp, I don't know one who would want their woman shaking her bon bon in front of all the men he knows.
 

Vivi, you sure hit it on the head with the Esme-Refugio situation. She can't be that stupid, can she?

Jarifa
 

Good work, Julia. You caught all the important stuff.

Vivi, there are guards outside. Nadia described them as gorillas. I didn't predict this on the forum, but it occurred to me.

The confrontation between Alejandro and Maria should be interesting. He knows she stole the suicide note and should be on his guard. He should also demand to know why she stole the note.

If Monse can knock Pedro out long enough to help Nadia escape more power to her. That's more productive than a catfight with Maria. However, it will have dire consequences if she doesn't kill him in the process.


 

Thanks Urban. Then I don't see what else Nadia should have been doing, other than using her only lifeline, her brother, to try to get word to Victor to warn him, and to ponder a way out for herself. At least she knows Pedro wants her alive for the baby. Victor has the target on his back right now. Unfortunately, her brother is rather useless. He's the one who should be calling their parents right now, and figuring a way to get his sister out.
 

Diana,

I will be waiting to see SR's mega watt smile later today. I can't wait! There is going to be a lot of FF, today. I'm pretty darn sure of it.

I'm still kinda, sorta scratching my head as to how the writers are going to keep this going into August. I think 100 capitulos is a nice round number that the writers should keep in mind.

Fatima
 

Ok, count me in too on not catching that Nadia has the Goon Squad hanging outside the house. All the more she and Victor shouldn't have lingered around once deciding to leave. Ah well. One good try would have been to fake an illness or miscarriage and at least have Pedro force to take her to a hospital. Maybe there, they could conjure some escape or something.
But even if Monse is successful in getting Nadia away, I hope to the heavens they don't stash her somewhere local like EZ's brilliant Maria plan. Airport, tickets, Victor, leave. And if Adolfo was smart, the new uncle should go with them, but I don't see the brain cells kicking in to realize that.

Daisynjay
 

Fabulous, recap, Julia,

You have spared me the agony of watching this convoluted, dragged out novela.

As we suspected, once there is a happy couple (E & R), trouble must again loom large for them.

I don't know if anyone has yet commented that Victor aka
Alejandro Ávila will be one of the stars in the musical Amar y Querer which will debut in Mexico at the Teatro Blanquita on May 2nd.
Ninel Conde will play the lead feminine role. José José's son wrote the musical. It is not about the life of his father. It is merely a tribute to him where many songs he made famous will be sung.
The musical is about the lives and loves of several couples (similar in that sense to Volver a Amar)
José's voice has been improving, and he will narrate the production.
I don't know if the musical will go on the road after its performance in Mexico City.

Thanks again. All Recappers' accounts indeed better than the show. Enjoy all comments.
 

Thanks Julia, this is a very well-written and quite polished recap. Thanks for taking the valuable time to provide it for us. I enjoyed it very much.

I wish that we had some before and after photos to show us all the changes in La Escondida. I noticed some rather large porcelain jugs (begging for a brawl at some later date) and of course the large strategically placed comfy chair. No doubt the floors are squeaky clean and the toilets sparkle. I'm sure that el Capitán Robledo would have been very comfortable had he elected to attend.

From what I saw last night, Macario definitely needs to get out more.

On one point I agree with most of the rest of you about María... she needs to cross pole dancing off her list of career aspirations.

As for Nadia... at least she had the good sense to borrow Adolfo's cell phone. For a moment there, I thought that would never occur to her.

That was a nice shot to Pedro's head by Montse. Could coma and/or amnesia be in his future?

I'm more excited about seeing Graciela's interrogation by the judge than I was about seeing María's pole dance.

Carlos
 

It seems as though the writers forgot that Nadia and Adolfo have parents.

The lady officer looks like she will be the subject of misunderstanding between E & R, but I hope she will be JL's new love interest.
 

Carlos, the best thing that could happen now would be for Pedro to land in the hospital. The revelation of his empty toolbox would be the biggest step to some people putting two and two together about the accident.

EZ should out himself to Capitan Robledo as trying to bring Pedro down, but that would make things happen too fast for the pace these writers have to set.

More later.
 

Dear Julia Rold,

I guess you do well under pressure because this recap is absolutely terrific -- complete, witty and a great read. Thanks so much!

I had to chuckle at this --

"(does Alfie suddenly have a notary business on the side or something to have so many official-looking documents?)"

--because I was wondering about all those papers too.

I had the impression that Alejandro recognized Maria right away. (Oh, and I also loved seeing the actor grinning at Macario's antics).

I assumed that Ale had to catch Maria because she's Robledo's missing witness, the only one who can sink Pedro by testifying to the contents of Joaquin's suicide note exonerating Alejandro and incriminating Pedro.

It was a little silly that one of the girls who danced earlier didn't/couldn't step up when Maria's victim couldn't perform. (Or were they all in private rooms already? How far does this club go, anyway?) I felt bad for Refugio when Esme decided to hop up on the stage and grab a pole. I'm all for self-determination, but in this case, she simply let him down.

Teniente Monica disappointed me a little with her "Do you think I'm beautiful?" lines. I don't know how much chemistry there is between her and Refugio, but I do know Esme is going to be jealous when she finds out that her husband's new boss is a "I'm sexy and I know it" babe.
 

How about a complete change of personality for Pedro after the crack on the head? He could suddenly embrace his inner girl, proceed with the gender reassignment that was initiated by the barbed wire, take up pole dancing and go to work at La Escondida.

I suggest that Sergio Sendel be replaced by Azela Robinson in the role of Pedro. She has already proven herself as a talented exotic dancer in LldA. She/he could keep those nifty glasses so we can recognize her/him as Pedro.

I think it'd work.

Carlos
 

Carlos- Stop it!!! I am at work and can not be seen guffawing like a crazy woman in front of my computer. :)
 

You're a hoot, Carlos!
 

Julia thanks for your witty recap and your work last week as well.

Diana, you are not shallow not caring about silly Nadia. As Daisynjay noted, she is so inept and is bringing others down with her.

Carlos, you are so wrong and yet I laugh.
 

Ay yi yi, Carlos! I'll leave it at that.

Now, Julia, this was an excellent, incredibly detailed recap. On the fly? Well, you must be one terrific teacher, that's all I can say.

"He's in her space, acting all touchy-feeling and even kissing her, but even this kind of physicality is always an act of menace and domination for Pedro, and Nadia is afraid."

Excellent observation of how Sendel can turn even a gesture of seeming affection into something terrifying and obscene. The man is so gifted at portraying evil that I feel nauseous every time he comes on the screen.

On the other hand, though I know the character Macario annoys a lot of you, I have always liked him. And last night he was the star of the show for me--both at the house, persuading Alejandro and Victor to go to la Escondida, and then at the hoot n holler strip club itself. Thoroughly enjoyed the actor's performance.

Not a fan of Maria, but impressed by her knees. Mine just ached watching those deep knee bends.

And thanks Julia for noting the older dancer's Most Excellent Cartwheel. Very impressed was I, since I've never done one well.

Esme "having to dance" was very contrived. They could have sent anybody else back out there. Not looking forward to the next rift in the Refugio-Esme relationship.

DID I MENTION THAT I HATE EXTENSIONS?

BUT LOVED YOUR RECAP, JULIA.
 

Julia R - Terrific recap. Love "Pedro's private porn stars."

I'm siding with Refugio. Vivi, I agree Esme set him up as a laughingstock, after she promised him she wouldn't dance for others, much less the Navy. But Macario's enthusiasm was so cute.
 

Carlos, that is a scream!

While I like the idea of a confident female entering the tale I have serious issues with women who pull that "I'm sexy and I know it" act. In Monica's case it's totally out of line. You don't battle sexism with sex appeal as a weapon when the goal is to be taken seriously for your brains, courage, and initiative.

Esme should have sent Zulema out again and really read Maria the riot act.

Don't count on her being honest with Capitan Robledo if she gets that far. She might forget her fear of Pedro if all she wants is to separate Alejandro from Monserrat.
 

Julia, what a great recap. Loved so many of your lines: "Maybe she's hoping that it's not that Ale loves Montse but that he happens to prefer blondes", "does Alfie suddenly have a notary business on the side"

Favorite part was Mac at the club. He was having a blast and I couldn't stop lauging along with Ale. He was having more fun looking at Mac than at the girls!

Not sure if anyone has answered your question yet, Madelaine, about how Pedro will run the biz in town while going off with Nadia. I think he said he would be coming and going, so probably planning on leaving Nadia with his goons.

Carlos, I was reading the comments at the doctor's office and couldn't contain my laughter at your idea for Azela Robinson to take over for Pedro! "She/he could keep those nifty glasses so we can recognize her/him as Pedro." Hilarious!!!

And Urban, it does look like the writers forgot the Arguelles sibs have parents.Where the heck are they? Hope Adolfo steps up to the plate for his sister.

Maricruz
 

And once again, someone bops their head into my office with :"what the heck are you looking at?" You're killing any shred of professional attribute these people think I had Carlos. And lord, I can not get an image of Sergio as his "inner girl" dancing and sliding away at the pole out of my head. Sort of a Hedwig and the Angry Inch with glasses. My head hurts....

Daisynjay
 

HI, Julia Rold:

Your on-the-fly recap sure looked great to me! Thanks for doing this Julia, in the midst of your super busy schedule.

My schedule is super busy today too, so I haven't even read the comments yet. Still, I wanted to come by and appreciate your excellent work.

I loved the 'Fraternization Alert"! That made me smile and there isn't much to smile about in this telenovela right now.

But the situation where Lt Monica kept asking Refu if he found her pretty was absurd. ¿Que que?

It was just so inappropriate I did not know what to think. Can me oversensitive but it felt like incipient sexual harassment (on Lt. Monica's part) to me.

On top of that, Esme is just over the top. REally, Esmeralda? Your entire business plan would have collapsed if you did not do the bump and grind in front of the whole town? Give me a break. I cannot abide Refu but if my partner publicly broke a promise that was made to me, well, I would be furious.

I need to change my avatar to reflect a new TN beanie. I think I am going to need it for the rest of this show.

Thanks again, Julia.

Elna June
 

I thought Monica's behavior was inappropriate, of course. In this country she'd be sent to endless inservices about how to avoid sexual harassment.
 

OT, but relevant (I believe).

Word has just come that Gabriel Garcia Marquez has just passed away. He was 87.

Yes, I am sad

Fatima
 

Fatima- He is one of my favorite authors. I saw that he was hospitalized the other day, so this is not a shock. He has left an amazing body of work behind.
 

...but not sad in a "bad" way. Just sad that such a talented writer is gone.

Fatima
 

Vivi in DC,

Yes, Marquez left behind an amazing body of work. We were certainly blessed to have him.

Fatima
 


The club La Escondida looked exactly the same. How come?

Esme should have had Tabatha Coffey (that Australian hair salon turnaround specialist) come in to give her a few pointers. Plus it would be hilarious to hear all of the f- bombs coming from Tabatha’s mouth when having to deal with Maria’s non-stop insolence.

From an acting perspective, I liked the look of wonder/curiosity on Alejandro’s face when Maria first came out to dance. He never crossed the line to lechery, which impressed me.

 

Julia,
What a recap. It didn't miss a beat. You included all the details that were needed to summarize last night's capitulo. Your recap didn't seem to be written on the fly. On the contrary, it was just right. All of my favorite quotes have been mentioned, but I do have to agree with your analysis of BM's pole dancing adventure. Her moves on Ale while he sat on the chair were odd. I am no expert, she she looked very stiff. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't even think Carlos liked the wig or the dance. Ale looked like he was watching his sister dance. Question is, will Ale let the cat out of the bag.

Loved seeing Mac's reaction at the club, and Ale's reaction to watching Mac. Priceless!

I just love watching SR smile!

Finally, Nadia got a clue. Can't wait to see if Montse's hit on Peddy can help Nadia escape. But then what? I think Peddy would hunt Nadia and Victor down. Let's hope they can get out of the country quickly. So much more to say, but out of time.

Back to work...hasta pronto!
 

Urban- Your telenovio Jorge Salinas is looking pretty good right now. Here are some pics of him and Silvia Navarro in rehearsals for their upcoming tn, Mi Corazon es Tuyo, and at the press conference to present it:

http://bit.ly/1h84byK

http://bit.ly/1r3lnuZ
 

Wow Vivi, I love your new pic. Lookin' good!

Carlos
 

Aww! Thanks Carlos. Every time I put on a headband, I think of you. I'm serious!
 

Maria looks amazing as a blonde. For the first time, I viewed her as an extremely sensual and beautiful woman.
Shame on Esmerelda for breaking a promise to her hubby!
Strip clubs should only be frequented by SINGLE men! Married men, engaged men, men living with partners who are expecting or already have children should stay home and show their women respect!
 

Am I the only that leaves the room when Nadia comes in? Since Familia Con Suerte I would like to stuff an apple between her wall-to-wall teeth, although she probably likes cheese better. Thank the stars, Brazilian Pantanal is on other channel. Pedro Medina talks like his jaw was wired with cellulose. Help, get me out of here . . . !!!
 

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