Caray, Caray!

Good evening, Robo stalwarts!

Tonight's recap is organized more thematically than chronologically so I could concentrate on what I felt was most important tonight.

I also left out a few scenes that felt like filler:

-Esmeralda seems to have found a site like ebay and is selling off duplicate wedding gifts and such to finance a bit of remodeling at La Escondida.

-Padre Anselmo gives Macario a talking-to about his seemingly dilatory attitude to marriage. Macario fesses up that he has saved every penny of his salary since he started working for Alejandro so he will have something worthwhile to offer Dominga. The padre tells him he's better hurry before someone else beats him to it.

Please chime in with additions or corrections.
 

Dear NovelaMaven, I certainly have no additions or corrections. I could only read the parts about Padre.

I have to tell you, this TN at this very moment is making me sick. Good grief, I KNOW it is just a TN (I don't need anyone to point that out, thank you), but this is so upsetting.

Yes. I am a certified empathic wimp. As someone said on one of Urban's weekend specials, if you can't take the heat, then get out.

What am I missing? Everything. Right?

Thank you dear NovelaMaven. Thank you. I will read the rest of what I am sure is another fantastic recap later.

Fatima
 

Dear Fatima:

This novela is taking us to some very dark places, and tonight's episode was especially bleak.

What are you missing? Not a thing. Your ability to empathize is somethng to be cherished. I love that about you.
 

Thank you, dear NovelaMaven. I appreciate your very kind words.

I'll see you in the morning.

Always,

Fatima
 

NovelaMaven:

This recap is your most superb! Full of gentle words and funny tidbits. You are a gem! Thank you so very much.

Ay, yi, yi, the poor Padre. Maybe he isn't dead, I know, I know, wishful thinking : ) I am that half full glass type of gal. I am crossing my fingers EZ really didn't do it.

I wish Lottie had told Graceless off. I was thinking, before Lottie came into the room, that this will be Graceless' fate, alone at table with absolutely no one around. I feel so sorry for the maid. Pobrectia!

Dimi is determined isn't he? I wonder how long he will stay outside of Fina's house.

Addled is no murderer it is clear to see, but I wonder what his next task from Peddy will be? His days may be numbered, just a guess.

I just knew Nadia wouldn't be able to go through with it. Now what are she and Victor going to do? I hope they have a really good plan.

I enjoyed Ale with his son, and the talc v ointment convo, too cute. It is rare in TN's to see Daddy's with their children in bassinets and carryalls. Such good bonding.

Poor JL, I think he really wants to go to the prison to get away from Monse. I wonder if he thinks this is the only way for him, once Angie goes into that great beyond. It's truly very sad when an honorable man won't accept the help that is offered. I hope Tia Pru helps him anyways.

Thanks again, NovelaMaven for this awesome recap, you rock!

 

Aw, thanks so much, Mads.

"Ay, yi, yi, the poor Padre. Maybe he isn't dead, I know, I know, wishful thinking

Wishful thinking or not, I was wondering the very same thing. They cut away from EZ and the padre quite abruptly. Then at the end, EZ showed up with a box big enough to hold a dozen crispy cremes. I'm not sure I care to know what it really contains.
 

Novela Maven, I enjoyed your recap. "Seriously, dude, doesn't Montserrat own a cellphone." was the best! How would a woman like Montse ever be away from her cell phone? Thanks.

The best scene of the night: Dimitrio just standing and staring at Josefina's house.

The worst scene of the night: the box with "proof" of Padre Anselmo's murder.

The only person to come out ahead in this episode: Carlota who had one glass of wine but suddenly had two when Ezequiel was called away by Adolfo. (Had to look for something funny in this episode:) )

Seriously, I am having a hard time really liking or caring about any of the characters right now except for Angelica and her godmother. Guess that is the result of adding senseless extensions to make more advertising $$$.

Jarifa
 

Thanks, Jarifa!

I liked seeing Dimitrio staring at the house too. He almost looked like some kind of mystic. (Or maybe I mean some kind of dog.)

Speaking of cellphones, I've just remembered -- Montse does (or DID) have one. (When she and Alejandro were estranged, buttinsky Graciela texted Alejandro in Montse's name.) So yeah, even if Angie is too weak to speak on the phone, Pru could have called Montse directly.

I have my reservations about the turn the story is taking, but I do think that the actors playing Padre Anselmo, Adolfo and Basurto turned in some impressive performances tonight.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Didn't I read that Pedro wanted proofed the padre was dead? His head would be the only way of proving it beyond any doubt.

Fatima, YOU ARE NOT WIMP!!!
 

*proof*
 

Novela Maven, I sure agree that those performances were truly outstanding.

Jarifa
 

NM, wonderful as always. Such a bleak episode, which admittedly I turned away from now and then. Baseball seemed a much more relaxing way to spend the evening.

There did seem to be such a concentration on the buildup to the "killing" of the Padre for this episode. It is strange that we didn't see the actual shooting, but my dreadful thought is they will give us a scene with one of the favorite means of "proof" by drug lords...a body part. So help me....

Adolfo's "pardon" rings hallow to me and at this point his pure intent is as bad as actually pulling the trigger. Here's the thing, the stupid idiot got a big check for Maria's "killing", why the blazes didn't he just get out of dodge? Pedro's reach is not that far it seems. Must not have been much a stellar student in school. Well, then look at Nadia...severe lack of reasoning ability must run in the family.

Bless Dim. Fina give him a chance to explain at least. And Ale and the baby. I go with the baby and stud is sexy, though short sleeve and a deep open collar could have been a welcome costume alternative.

Sorry-the whole Nadia preggers bit just doesn't interest me at all. Wonder if we will see these two off the show for awhile. Her ok, bummer on Victor. And someone please tell me why JL can't just grant a poor dying woman's wish and let Monse come see Angie. Tell Ale to get a grip if he gets pissed. And I agree about the cell phone. First thing I thought of last night.

Thankfully, I have my son coming in for a visit for a few days. Good excuse to miss a few episodes, but I'll check in with our brilliant recappers to see what I missed.

Daisynjay
 

Haven't seen this yet, but wanted to check the recap to see what happened to Padre Anselmo (I know, it's JUST a story, but still....)

Thanks goodness you can still make me laugh while recounting the worst of horrors. Your opening sentence was a bombshell....

"Pedro Medina has the winsome Argüelle siblings, Nadia and Adolfo, in his nutcracker, and he is squeezing hard:"

What a crackerjack way to start off a gripping tale.

Some other treasured lines:

He keeps vigil at the back door, an activity he has a flair for.

Macario, perhaps in response to Carlos' repeated censure...

Montserrat holds her mouth in a permanent moue of disapproval, as if she is silently practicing her French vowels [okay, I admit, this is my favorite!]

and then the final image of Graciela reduced to insulting random strangers at the mall, now that she has run out of victims at home.

Just another outstanding NovelaMaven recap, full of wit and humor and unforgettable images.

Fatima, let me join Nanette in saying you are not a wimp. I often jokingly refer to myself that way also. But the simple fact is some people do not have the ability to "distance" themselves from others' pain, even when that pain is fictional. That was a sensitivity you were born with. I'm sure you use it for good when you listen empathetically to your friends. And I'm sure they treasure your ability to really listen and to care.

With all these danged extensions, we're clearly going to have a lot more dark days and in the past, I have sometimes waited until the last few weeks to return to a telenovela. At least with these stories, we have the opportunity to opt out; not so with real life challenges. So relax and let the turbulence churn on while you skip the actual episodes and just hang with the patio. Eventually there will be a happy ending; but, as in life, some beloved characters will be missing from the celebration. So it goes.
 

Oh, and I forgot the wonderfully ambiguous heading:

Padre Anselmo Goes Home

My heart sank when I read that. But you're right...we don't know FOR SURE. If Maria can rise from the ashes like a phoenix, maybe the good Padre will also.
 

NovelaMaven: When I watched the dreary, upsetting, agonizing events last night, I kept wondering how on earth you were going to capture this.

You treated one of the most appalling scenes I have ever seen with dignity and grace: "It could have ended differently, says Ezequiel with something akin to, but not quite, regret; but now the padre knows too much".

Yet, you chose to lift us from despair's grasping clutches with perfect pockets of wit including
"Graciela is running out of victims. What's next? Insulting random strangers at the mall?", "
winsome Argüelle siblings" and "He's not interested in saving his soul. He wants to save his hide". Thank you!

Fatima, I was also watching behind splayed hands. The writers were toying with us, torturing us by stringing out the dear padre's fate. Every second seemed like an hour. Like you Madelaine, I want him alive, I fear for the worst.

What is in the box?? Like you and Jarifa, I scarely dare to imagine. Yes, Nanette, I also thought what you uttered about what would constitute proof positive for Pedro. The thought is unbearable.

"Others believe a baby is the sexiest accessory a man can affect.]". Yes! Why is it Rulli, Levy and Yanez are at their hawtness when accompanied by a tiny tyke?? Huge sigh.

I also loved Dimitrio standing vigil - let's hope Fina follows her heart rather than her brother's incessent ranting and raving...

I cling to what our Judy has declared: "Eventually there will be a happy ending; but, as in life, some beloved characters will be missing from the celebration." Wise words indeed.

NovelaMaven, it is often darkest before the dawn. I so appreciate your infusing some light into the abyss. Another positively outstanding recap.

Diana
 

Great work, NovelaMaven. This is a dark episode, but I don't think the padre is dead. Great point, JudyB, about the heading.

My guess is that the box contains a beef heart from a recent slaughter. Remember that EZ can't take Pedro down without Maria and he's not one to hedge his bets by eliminating a valuable witness with different evidence. If he's as smart as he thinks he is he put the padre in witness protection (drove him to a monastery) until he arrests Pedro.

Remember that in AB even Leoncerdo cringed at the idea of murdering a priest.

We need to wonder whether EZ isn't a federale who went undercover or a member of a rival drug gang. I'm wondering about that right now. The writers have set up so many possibilities here that we could debate for the next two dozen episodes.

I predicted in the opening episode that Graceless wrote her own Karmageddon at Benjamin's deathbed and this episode makes that very likely.
 

Thanks, Novela Maven, for a great breakfast read. The sun is shining , and your recap was a good start to my day.

So...what's in that box ? I am guessing (hoping) that EZ did not kill the good padre. So..what's in the box ?...his Bible?...his collar ?..his watch?

Monymony was pretty clever naming the baby. Perhaps she is more than a pretty little face. Now that she has managed to save the baby, how will VIk be protected?

I agree, Fatima, this novela is becoming painful to watch. I surf in and out.
 

Victor should be able to get Nadia and himself out of the country and out of Pedro's reach. The smart thing would be to use their real passports to go to the US, get fake ones made there, and then go to Argentina or Europe.

However, who wants to bet that one or the other of them will slip and say something in the love nest bugged by Eunuch Medina?

Getting back to Monserrat and Tia Prudencia, cell phone fail is very common among novela writers.
 

P.s. I loved your pointing out that Gracie is running out of victims to spit her venom at and that she might have to resort to insulting random strangers at the mall. HAHA. May I Invite all of The Patio when meeting up with some petulant, rude, grumpy stranger at the mall (or anywhere else) to smile and murmur "Hello, Gracie." It will be our little secret. Teehee ...however...Be prepared to be asked "HEY, Why are YOU smiling ? what's so funny?" you don't have to tell...It's an inside joke.nhehheh

Love, Susanlynn, off to give a test on pronouns and teach a chapter on the importance of grandmothers...Later, Gators


 

"..like she is silently practicing her French vowels."! Hilarious, NM!

What a perfect episode for you to recap. Some of these dark episodes are so hard to make sense of and you did it justice in your inimitable style.

The ring! Is this a redux of our earlier "ring of death"? If so, I can only hope it is making it's way to Pedro NoNuts (genius, NM) finger. I get a sense Pedro could be going down sooner rather than later. It seems like EZ is being set up to be the new Pedro, complete with trophy wife Carlotta playing the role of Nadia. I hope so. Pedro gets sooooo much screen time and I'm sick of him. I know this is the least of his crimes but for Godsakes, what kind of government employee sits at his desk drinking hard liquor all day?!?!

I digress. Great recap NM, como siempre. And for all patio denizens white knuckling through this dark tn with me, I appreciate your support!


 

Great job NovelaMaven, the wit you inserted into the recap helped lighten the mood, and had me laughing in spite of myself "Pedro Medina has the winsome Argüelle siblings, Nadia and Adolfo, in his nutcracker, and he is squeezing hard, Adolfo uses his lifeline, Graciela dines alone with only the serving girl to insult" Brilliant!

Last night's episode had me on the edge of my seat! I kept hoping Adolfo wouldn't pull the trigger and let the poor Padre go but he bumbled everything up and involved EZ too late in the situation.

Speaking of EZ, did you all notice how quickly he got to where Adolfo was out in the middle of nowhere? He must have been driving like a speed demon! Unfortunately, I do think Padre is dead. I can't see EZ hiding him out to take Pedro down later because that would mean bringing down EZ as well. And not wanting to see what is in the box, I have a suspicion it could be the poor priest's hand. I thought I heard EZ saying something about putting the ring on. I guess we'll find out tonight.

Maricruz
 

Thanks for a wonderful recap of a very dark episode. I feel like this show has turned a corner with the death of the Padre and what I can only assume is his head in that box. I have no sympathy for Adolfo now and couldn't agree more with your title to this post.

I do love the bit of humor you were able to stick in with Graceless going to the mall for more victims!

This show needs an upside real quick because I can't stomach another, what did someone say, 18 weeks of this dark, dark TN.
 

The recap is so much better than the actual episode.
It's yet another sign of poor writing when cell phones are suddenly forgotten in telenovelas once they no longer serve the shaky plot the way the writers would like.

Nadia is so dumb. If she had half a brain she'd go up to Medina, tell him she's pregnant, and that if he so much as thinks of harming Victor, the baby won't see the light of day. It's cold, but Pedro needs that baby. It's leverage.


 

Dear amiga, JudyB, you said "Eventually there will be a happy ending; but, as in life, some beloved characters will be missing from the celebration. So it goes.

This part is always so hard for me because I feel it so much. The feelings sometimes happen without warning before my boundary wall is up and in place. I try, but it is difficult.

Thank you, JudyB and Nanette for your kind words. That is so very nice of both of you. :))

Diana, re the writers toying with us. I really felt it last night and it made me more than a wee bit angry.

Susanlynn, I am so glad that you will be enjoying some much needed sunshine today!

NovelaMaven, you never cease to amaze me. The form and style of this recap, from the perfect title to the superb "Padre Anselmo Goes Home" was your finest amongst the MANY fine recaps you have written.

What a treasure you are to this wonderful group of Caraymates.

Fatima, Bunker Bound once again.
 

I have to say that I really hate when a novela turns dark and the writers insert levity as a random "antidote." It compromises the emotional effectmof the story and by extension the overall quality of the series.

We're in a dark place for a while; I accept this.

I also accept the possibility that the writers haven't yet decided on whether Padre Anselmo is dead or alive.
 

Urban, you've given me some hope this morning.

Thank you.

Fatima
 

Dear NovelaMaven,

Thanks so much for another wonderful recap. So funny and insightful, and I especially couldn't stop laughing at the image of Gracie hanging out at the local Agua Azul food court at the mall harassing and haranguing strangers.

I enjoyed seeing Victor poolside, but he was looking like he needed some SPF 30+ pronto.

I agree that not showing Padre's dead body seems to mean he's not really dead. I did wonder where Basurto would get the body part that I assumed was in the box as proof, though I guess as Police Commissioner, he could just get something at the morgue. To me, the box seemed too small to have a head inside, especially Padre Anselmo's. That guy has a large head!

Thanks again, NovelaMaven. You are such a fantastic writer.


 

Since this part of the series is new story material the writers may not have decided whether Padre Anselmo is dead or alive and are weighing the options. Their decision may be based on whether Eric del Castillo wants to continue with the series (no, I haven't heard or read anything) or they are weighing the options based on how each possibility would impact the story.

However, I don't think they could keep us waiting too long without destroying the pace of the story.

I'm watching these for two decades so I'm wise to the tricks. That's why we need to listen carefully to dialogue and note what is and isn't shared with us visually.

The cell phone thing is a real issue because EZ used the GPS in his to locate Adolfo in this episode so where are everybody else's?
 

NovelaMaven, once more you strike the perfect balance for us in describing last night's events. You captured all the pertinent details once again rewarding us with your thoughtful clever eloquence. This line which on the surface sounds so simple brilliantly relates the gravity and complexity of the situation:

"Adolfo's red convertible heads down a dusty road to nowhere."

and then you conclude with this:

"Perdón he says softly to no one."

Wow, you certainly have the ability to lend such power to so very few words.

Carlos
 

Beautifully stated Carlos!

Totally agree.

Diana
 

Carlos, thank you for your so perfectly stated comments to our NovelaMaven.

A huge thank you for using "my" fave toilet and bathroom cleaner, COMET as your avatar.

A perfect choice, indeed. :))

Fatima
 

Carlos, forgot to add, love the avatar of my cleaner, but MINUS the slogan.

:))

Fatima
 

NM- I didn’t see the episode, but you have painted a beautifully detailed picture of all the dark and depressing events. Thank you.

I’m glad Nadia didn’t go through with the abortion, because she would not have been able to live peacefully with that decision. But I fear for that child because neither Nadia nor Victor are the sharpest tools in the drawer. And although Monse was clever in getting Nadia to back out of the abortion, her planning and strategizing skills are as non-existent as Nadia’s. What now, ladies?

I’m not surprised Addie couldn’t pull the trigger without a gun to his own head. But he didn’t do Padre any favors by calling Basurto in. Urban- I hope you’re right that the writers haven’t decided if they want Padre dead or alive yet, and are leaving the possibility open. We can always hope until we see a body.

I don’t mind when a tn gets dark. I just hate when it gets dark, AND the protagonists and their friends are still being dumb and gullible idiots.
 

Your last line says it all, Vivi.

Jarifa
 

NovelaMaven – This episode was all over the place in tone, from the dark and macabre to the sweet innocent, but you rendered a superb recap of it all. Thanks for translating casa de cambio, cause I thought EZ was telling Carlota he was going home to change his clothes. :> My favorites:

Adolfo uses his lifeline

But Dimitrio doesn't leave the Valverde property. He keeps vigil at the back door, an activity he has a flair for.

EZ was right - Adolfo should've alerted him first so he could come up with a plan to hide the Padre and turn the tables on Pedro. I’m with all who say the Padre is alive. I think the box holds the Padre's Bible and that EZ is playing with Adolfo's head the way Pedro plays with his. I'm thinking EZ realizes the good Padre's influence with the poor could help him politically and spun some yarn to the Padre about how he's duping Pedro into thinking he's his hit man and secretly has the "hits" in hiding, like Maria. Plus, that box is too small and thin for a fresh body part.

Victor does have a plan, for Ale to get him a private plane so he and Nadia can flee the country. Works for me. At least we wouldn't have to see Mr. Peepers watch them get it on.

I wish somebody would slap JL. Let Angie talk to Monse. His issues with Monse are "his," not Angie's. I hope Monse brings the baby with her for Angie to see. Funny how the baby was happy with Ale, but started crying when Victor touched him.
 

Good morning guys! Thanks to everyone for the lovely comments.

I'm glad to see that Mads and I are not the only ones hoping that Padre Anselmo got a reprieve last night. Maybe Urban is right -- not even the writers know what his fate will be. Let's hope the box contains a clerical collar, a pectoral cross and maybe a lock of white hair.

Daisynjay:

"Here's the thing, the stupid idiot got a big check for Maria's "killing", why the blazes didn't he just get out of dodge?"

Excellent point. For the first -- what -- 50 episodes, all Adolfo wanted was enough money to get back to Brazil and party. Now he's had all the joy juice squeezed out of him and he's looking more like his cuñado every day.

JudyB:

Thank you so much. As always, I glow when you approve of something I've written. I'm particularly glad you enjoyed the ambiguity of "Padre Anselmo Goes Home." I wanted to leave his fate open, just as the writers did, without forcing my own interpretation on anyone.

Diana:

I'm glad you found something to smile at in some of the lighter moments of the recap and of the episode itself. I'm a firm believer in whistling through the graveyard myself.

I agree completely with Judy's philosophical take:
"Eventually there will be a happy ending; but, as in life, some beloved characters will be missing from the celebration."

Urban:

I love your speculation that Basurto is a federal working undercover. (That writers would have to dance backwards more skillfully than Ginger Rogers did -- in heels! -- for that to happen; but if they reimagined Amelia, why not Basurto?)

Susanlynn:

"May I Invite all of The Patio when meeting up with some petulant, rude, grumpy stranger at the mall (or anywhere else) to smile and murmur "Hello, Gracie."

Sooooo funny. Of course it depends on where you live. I wouldn't try it in, say, Texas. [snort]

Katy:

Nice to see you here today! And thanks for reminding us of that earlier totemic ring:

"The ring! Is this a redux of our earlier "ring of death"?"

As for Pedro NoNuts, I STOLE IT from Eli -- it is her clever brain that deserves the credit!

I also adore your image of "all patio denizens white knuckling through this dark tn with me." Mr. Maven may leave the room when the familiar strains sound -- ♪♪Qué más quieres de mí ♪♪ -- but I know I'm not alone!
 

Bingo Vivi!! I want just one of our major characters to get movin', call some bluffs and get over themselves and their petty jealousies so the bad guys can be forced to take some steps back in their plans.

So can we take Mac's comments about how the manor and properties have been ignored and let go ( I mean Ale was in jail) as perhaps a hint that all is not well on the financial front? Could we have a situation that by the time Fabs lays her hands on the inheritance, it's pretty well washed up? Or the property might need to be sold to maintain failing whatever it is they do there?

daisynjay
 

Oh, how I hope Padre A is not dead. I am really hoping that EZ is just making Adolfo believe that the Padre is dead because he now knows Adolfo will spill the beans if he knows the truth.

I agree with others that our protagonists need to get their acts together - put their thinking caps on get it together!

Caryn
 

Maricruz:

"Speaking of EZ, did you all notice how quickly he got to where Adolfo was out in the middle of nowhere? He must have been driving like a speed demon!"

I imagine he was driving a Toyota Tundra. Those things are like magic carpets -- or so I hear. :)

About the ring and the box -- I admit I was prepositionally challenged. I couldn't quite decide if Basurto was telling Adolfo to put the ring on the box, or on what was in the box. Or just in the box? With the box? (I'm starting to feel positively Seussian. And will you put in in the box?)
Yikes. I'll stop now.

Carvivlie:

Thanks for your nice comment. I have a feeling that the upside of this novela -- from now until the end -- will be visible in small moments and an occasional episode that focuses on something joyful. [What's that you say? Like real life?]

Anon 9:50:

I like your idea for Nadia. It's too bad she couldn't go to you for advice instead of to Montse. She has been the queen of bad decisions from the very start of this novela, hasn't she?

Fatima:

Once again, thank you so much. As I said above, it does feel a little safer this morning. I plan to come out of The Bunker and enjoy the fragile spring sunshine today.

Dear Julia Rold:

I hope you will play Susanlynn's game -- the next time you bump into a rude stranger at Quincy Market, smile and say "Hello Gracie!"

(I had the same thought as you about the size of the padre's head. I was hoping someone else would point it out.) :D

Carlos:

Your comment is so extraordinarily generous that I am willing to overlook your avatar (though only for today).

Seriously, I'm so glad you appreciated the deliberate minimalist approach to the recap today. It was an episode where I felt 'more' would surely have been 'less.' Thank you so much for your careful reading and your thoughtful comment.


Vivi:

"I don’t mind when a tn gets dark. I just hate when it gets dark, AND the protagonists and their friends are still being dumb and gullible idiots."

Well said. My own version of the sentiment would be slightly different though:

I don't mind WELL-WRITTEN dumb and gullible characters trying to come to terms with evil characters and eventually realizing that the evil ones are playing by a different set of rules.

Niecie:

"EZ was right - Adolfo should've alerted him first so he could come up with a plan to hide the Padre and turn the tables on Pedro."

Yes! EZ is turning out to be far shrewder than we gave him credit for. Meanwhile, Adolfo seems to have upped the dosage on his STOOPID pills. (I would love it if EZ turned out to be a good guy, at least, for Carlota's sake!)

Caryn:

Oh how I wish The Patio could take up a "Thinking Cap" collection and send the proceeds to some of our sillier characters. :)

Nanette:

I'm glad to see you on the Patio. In spite of what you said yesterday, you don't appear Listless at all. :)
 

It was quick, but Adolfo peeked in the box and that is when he sat down (continued his self serving crying) and said "perdon". That told me that the good Padre is certainly gone.
 

Dear Novela Maven:

First, thank you for giving us so much pleasure in reading your recaps. You write so beautifully that you almost make murder and chaos seem reasonable. If you write it I will read it.

It seems that the Robo writers have a scorched earth policy. I am aghast at the happenings of last night.

I came by late at night and read the marvelous recap and then was too stunned to even write a note. Lo siento.

And here I was worried a few days ago about Urban Anthropologist catching Angelica's death!

Thematic recaps are a great idea when there is SO much filler dross in the story.

Fatima: I am here with you, JudyB, et alia in total solidarity. You are most certainly NOT too sensitive. The story right now is nauseating. I share your queasiness and dismay.

I echo NM's earlier feedback to you; empathy is a character trait to be cherished. Persons who demonstrate the quality reflect a higher level of awareness of our interconnectedness.

Mads: Do you have any clue that makes you think that Padre Anselmo was not assassinated? We could make the inference based on what happened to Maria, but still. I was also so sad to hear him say that he had committed enough murders that one more will not make a difference. If he saved Anselmo, could this be all about EZ becoming a better man because of Carlota? It didn't work for Pedro but JL's character was sure shored up by the Angelic one.

Let us raise a cup of hot beverage to the idea that NM raised earlier; Eric del Castillo is on a much deserved Holiday, say in Mallorca. I love that place. If he has gone to the great Mallorca in the sky, then I will really miss him. Del Castillo is a sometimes hammy but delightful actor of the old school.

And Maven! You mention a dozen Krispy Kremes? OMG. I salivate at the mention of Krispy Kreme hot raised glazed doughnuts. Yes, you can call me Pavlov's doughnut eater. Grin. Sigh. We once had a Krisy Kreme here in Sonoma County. I think all of us organic, local farm-to-table devotees put them out of business. I, for one, mourn the loss. Doughnuts may not be food, but they are a delightful indulgence once in a while. Now the closest Krispy Kreme is 45 miles away.

Not that I don't make the occasional pilgrimage to KK, mind.

I am keeping to my dire threat of yesterday. Now that they have supposedly killed the Good Father, I will NEVER buy those butt-lifting leggings. How's that for voting with my pocketbook?

Thanks again, Maven. I get a smile on my face just writing to you.

EJ

 

Urban:
You are right!

"That's why we need to listen carefully to dialogue and note what is and isn't shared with us visually."

I'll take that as a command and obey.

Susanlynn:

I have been LOL since I read this comment.

""May I Invite all of The Patio when meeting up with some petulant, rude, grumpy stranger at the mall (or anywhere else) to smile and murmur "Hello, Gracie."

Helloooo, Gracie.I love it. I had occasion to use such a comment lately. I'll save it for next time.

And Maven: Yes, one really should be careful about repeating Susanlynn's inside joke in a place where concealed weapons are not uncommon. Tee hee hee. Titter. LOL.

OMG, that is funny, Susanlynn. Thanks for the gift of uproarious laughter this morning. THAT is why I love Caray Caray.

EJ



Sooooo funny. Of course it depends on where you live. I wouldn't try it in, say, Texas. [snort]
 

And I get a smile on my face when I see a letter from Elna June in my mailbox!

I have set aside my 'linear' thinking and logical expectations. My hope is that Eric del Castillo is vacationing someplace wonderful, but that he and Padre Anselmo will come back to us. It is too soon to be thinking of another Saint Anselmo. ¡Ya basta!

Krispy Kremes with k's. Yes. They were here briefly and then disappeared. I would have to borrow Victor's avioneta to fill a craving for one now. The good news is that Dunkin' Donuts is coming to town. And when they do, I may need to order several 'body shapers' regardless of what travesties the writers commit.

So you have already had occasion to "Helloooo Gracie" someone? I'm impressed. (Wouldn't it be great if the person you said it to got the joke? And why not? El mundo es un pañuelo -- ¿o no es así?

Carvivlie:

Good eye! I'll have to look back at that scene when I have a moment. (Though many alternative theories have been proposed on The Patio that would account for Adolfo's reaction to the contents of THE BOX.)
 

Great recap Novela. So clever. You had a hard one to do. Whoever gets Angie’s death will also have my sympathy. I admit that I can’t quite quit this one. Or just can’t quit this group.

Not getting this whole Pedro/Adolfo/Nadia thing. He’s just a legend in his own mind. Have I missed something? Is he well connected outside his little kingdom? Because, it seems to me, that Adolfo and Nadia could just move away and be fine. What am I missing? (Daisy—I see we think alike here).

Fatima: wanted to say more than what I did but I was commenting from my phone and that’s hard for me. The world needs the positive, loving energy that you give out. I know it’s hard on you, but every bit of good energy you send into the world contributes to its healing. As for novelas, didn’t you say this was your first? I’m pretty much a newbie—I think this is my sixth—but this is the darkest one I’ve ever seen.

I don’t like how Mons manipulated Nadia into not terminating her pregnancy. I felt it was cruel.
I didn’t see the ep so maybe it plays more sympathetically.

Urban: I would love to see EZ turn out to be an undercover cop for Tia’s sake.

JuliaR: I agree that the box is too small for Padre’s gigantor head. However, I still say if Pedro wanted proof positive, he shouldn’t accept anything other than a head. But, in his arrogance, he probably wouldn’t think that Alpo would defy him. Ooooh. That makes me feel better. I just hope EZ didn’t think he had to cut off one of Padre’s body parts to make it authentic. I’d hate to see the Padre without a hand or finger. That always creeps me out. Head’s not so much—go figure.

It would definitely put Alpo solidly in EZ’s pocket by making him think that EZ killed the Padre.

It looks like EZ confessed to being a killer in front of Alpo. I can see him doing that to make Alpo believe he was going to kill the priest, then when A left, told the priest the “I’m really a good guy trying to take down Pedro” story.

Carvivlie: “It was quick, but Adolfo peeked in the box and that is when he sat down (continued his self serving crying) and said "perdon". That told me that the good Padre is certainly gone.”--or so he thinks?!
 

Wow..I am back from school, and I enjoyed reading all the comments made while I was gone.

NM and EJ..I am so glad that I gave you a few giggles because you have both given me so many. I like having secret code words with hub and close friends. Inside jokes are such fun.

As for Krispy Kremes, we used to have a few around here, but they have disappeared. Dunkin Donuts, on the other hand, are all over the place here. Now, I am craving a doughnut instead of this yogurt. The PA. Dutch make fastnachts for Lent. They use potatoes in the dough and deep fry them. Then, they are served with molasses. My mother and my friends ' mothers used to make them. Now, only a few local churches produce and sell them once a year at Lent.


Carlos, Judyb, and Fatima..I do not use Comet. Doesn't it scratch the porcelain? I use Lysol gel. This morning as I was cleaning a toilet , I wondered if I would from this point forward ALWAYS think of Maria when I performed this task. We do discuss diverse subjects on this forum, no?

 

Uhm...maybe if we hadn't already seen Basurto shoot someone dead in cold blood, I could believe the undercover story. But that shipped has sailed. And the way he sniffed and slobbered all over Esme and Maria doesn't convince me of his secret good guy status either. The ONLY reason he would spare Padre is if he saw some benefit in it for himself.
 

But there is such a benefit. He can corraborate the existence of the note and can testify to the authenticity of Don Benjamin's will. There is no other third party who can do that.
 

"Uhm...maybe if we hadn't already seen Basurto shoot someone dead in cold blood, I could believe the undercover story."--totally agree with you on that Vivi in DC. That is what I was thinking too, remembering how he's chased after Esme and his actions with Maria, when they made her overdose in the restaurant.He is definately a bad guy!
Maricruz
 

Susanlynn...I a big follower of Speed Cleaning and they recommend Comet (or some such product) for sinks, commodes and showers. Works for me.

My mom did not have much of a strategy for cleaning, other than yelling at my sister and me on Saturday mornings to just do it!(and it was a big house.) So, as an adult, I studied the Speed Cleaning Book like it was the Holy Grail to just finally get a handle on things. Otherwise, I simply went into a useless, unfocused teenaged sulk every time I needed to get out the vacuum or scrub brush.
 

A number of excellent reasons to cling to the hope that Padre Anselmo may have survived last night's episode have been mentioned already, not the least and perhaps most compelling is the fact that we didn't see it happen nor have we seen the body.

Elna June said,

"Del Castillo is a sometimes hammy..."

which is perhaps understated. I cannot imagine Eric Del Castillo foregoing a chance to die on screen gnawing the scenery as he goes. This gives me even more hope that the good padre has not yet sputtered his last words.

I certainly think that Zeke was capable (add to Vivi's list of his offenses mercilessly beating Barajas senseless) but it might well suit his purposes to keep Padre Anselmo alive.

I rather enjoyed the padre's little session with Adolfo, ending up by telling him that he was thirsty so go ahead and shoot him if he must but he was going to get a drink of water... now that's macho.

Carlos
 

Thanks so much for your recap of a very sad episode NovelaMaven. Your title gave me a big laugh as I enjoy your sense of humor.

Fatima, you are not alone w/your sensitivity and things have become quite dark. And as NM and Judy have noted you have a quite gift so don't let unfortunate plot twists make you feel inadequate. I think the levels of violence (in entertainment) we see daily often desensitizes us the pain and suffering of others.
 

Judyb: “. . . I simply went into a useless, unfocused teenaged sulk every time I needed to get out the vacuum or scrub brush.”—That is me!!! I’ll have to look into that book. I’m still trying to get a system going where I don’t completely blow my cleaning off every chance I can.
 

For me cleaning and scrubbing a bathroom is almost like a form of meditation and there's nothing quite like standing back admiring a sparkling toilet, tub, and sink, and boasting to oneself, Hey, look what I did!"

That said, I must admit that it's not something I do all that often.

Too bad that Mike isn't with us on this... he has fond memories of cleaning a women's restroom at a service station in San Angelo, Texas.

Carlos

 

Re: Josefina:

Help! I got overzealous in erasing my DVR and lost Monday's capitulo.

I am trying to remember what Josefina said to Tomas yesterday. My memory is that she said that SHE needed to change and deal with her fears and insecurities that she had experienced sine her parents died. Plus she also said that she NEEDED a change and wanted to go to the capital in no more than two days.

Is that correct? Does that bode well for Fina having a true transformaiton and not just a better outfit and hairdo?

And Carlos, yes, I understated Del Castillo's screen hogging skills. He is a master but I still love him. 83 and still working—you can't beat that!

Elna June
EJ
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

EJ... Betty White has Eric beat. I think that she is 92 or 93, and she is going strong on Hot in Cleveland. She is still funny, still sharp as a tack. Amazing. What genes.
 

NovelaMaven,
Wonderful, awesome recap! Thank you for recapping this dark episode. Your writing style made it easier for us to read about Padre's death. Although I have to say that I too am not convinced that he is dead. We didn't see EZ pull the trigger and there is no body. Except for the supposed body part in the box. If anything, I think the box contains perhaps a hand or finger. EZ did tell Fofito to put the ring on it, which leads me to my conclusion. Of course EZ maybe cut off Padre's finger and kept him alive. Or maybe the body part belongs to a stranger. I just hope that Padre A is still alive.

Best scenes of the night. Ale, Victor and Laurito. Love, love, love those scenes. Ale looked extremely sexy holding Laurito. And the arguement over the powder. LOL! We need more of these to get us through the dark times.

I am feeling sad for Dimi. I kind of hope that Fina sneaks out to talk with him. But I also think that if they spend some time apart, Dimi will only fall deeper in love with Fina, and fight and do whatever it takes to win her back.

JudyB, I hate cleaning! What's the name of that book?

Back to work...hasta pronto!
 

Elna June, I adore Eric Del C (in a manly sort of way of course) and he is one of my favorites. He was one of the first Spanish speaking actors that I could reliably understand. My point was that I can't imagine him saying this:

"Oh, my character is going to die but it's going to happen off screen without a dramatic death scene?... Sure, fine by me."

So Victor has spent his money on an airplane and now needs to borrow money from Alejandro to run away with Nadia to Argentina?... Sheer genius.

Carlos
 

EJ, this is -- loosely -- Monday's conversation between Josefina and Tomás:

Tomás: What are you doing here?
Josefina: I came here to say that I accept your conditions for returning my money. I'm going to divorce Dimitrio and I'm going to leave Aguazul forever.
T: Sis, you don't know how relieved I am to hear it. I knew that sooner or later you'd come to your senses.
J: But when, Tomás, when are we going?
T: It'll take me a couple of days to get everything arranged, ok?
J: But no more than two days, please. I want to leave Aguazul as soon as possible.
T: I understand, but you have to get divorced.
J: I know, but I don't necessarily have to be here physically for that. We can send a lawyer so Dimitrio can sign the papers.
T: Yes. I'm going ask Sandro to take care of your divorce. He won't refuse -- he's a friend of mine.
J: That sounds good.
T: Tell me, Josefina, what made you change your mind?
J: I'd rather you didn't ask me anything.
T: Okay, okay, I understand. You don't have to tell me. I imagine that good-for-nothing, that bastard, broke your heart again.
J: It's my fault, Tomás, it's my fault. It took me a long time to realize all the mistakes I made. Dimitrio is who he is. And I knew that from the beginning.
T: People don't change, Josefina. They don't change.
J: I need to change, Tomás. I need to heal all the wounds that I have inside, hammered into my soul -- since the day my parents died.
T: Yes, I understand, Finita. But you're not a little girl, darling.
J: Yes, but I can't keep living like this. I'm afraid of being alone, Tomás. I can't stand it, I'm so insecure, I feel ugly...
T: No, no, no
J: I feel worthless, a nothing...I need your help. The sadness is killing me.
T: I promise you that between the two of us, we'll get you all the help you need. You're not alone. You're with me. You have my love. You'll always have me. Always.
J: Thank you.

[No captions so working without a net. But I think this is it, más o menos.]
 

Nanette,
Yeah, it's hard to quit this one -- and this group. Thanks for your kind words!

I agree that Pedro seems to be just "a legend in his own mind." (The only person who really seemed to get that was the narcotraficante Barajas.)

Karen,
Thanks for stopping by. So glad the title made you laugh. Oy vey, such an episode.

AuntyAnn,
Thanks so much for the nice words. I thought of you during the baby daddy scenes. There was no way I could leave out the great talcum powder debate!

Putting the ring on...ugh. I'm still hoping for something symbolic.
 

Carlos: this cracked me up: "So Victor has spent his money on an airplane and now needs to borrow money from Alejandro to run away with Nadia to Argentina?... Sheer genius."
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

NovelaMaven, thank you for your great recap of this disastrous TN plot.
Loved, "He's not interested in saving his soul. He wants to save his hide."
" 'Don't break your diet, Carlotita!' Graciela calls out to her with merry malice."

I have no words for this story. Not happy with the way it is going; should have just read your recap and not watched it.
I don't agree Fofo is not a murderer; he is one, EZ was the weapon. Ugh, so much for redeeming him, the only way he'll be redeemed if at all would be one of those heroic deaths.

Nadia's preganncy-what crap is this? It's wrong to use birth control but OK to remove the resulting pregnancy? OK; she decides to keep it, good;
I know she had a dilemma but it was one of HER OWN MAKING.
Let's just say her problem solving skills are very limited!
 

Carlos, if I'm not mistaken, I think I heard Victor tell Ale something like "you now have a jet." Since he runs the factory in town, perhaps he bought it through company funds and its now a company asset? Now when Ale lends him the money, he is all set to go ;-)
 

Aunty Ann and Nanette...so glad to know there are others that hate cleaning. It's so associated in my mind with getting yelled at, that I knew I needed to "re-format" and this book helped me.

It's Speed Cleaning by Jeff Campbell. He started a cleaning service in San Francisco, I think, and did time-motion studies to come up with the most efficient means possible to clean a house. I have modified his instructions somewhat since my cleaning products kept falling off my apron, but on the whole I follow his method and it has helped save me considerable dithering and anguish.
 

JudyB,
Thanks for the info in the book. I'll look for it online or this weekend. I hate cleaning because it takes up so much of my time, but I also hate having a dirty house.

Carlos,
Anon is correct, Victor told Ale that he(Ale) now had a jet. I guess this means Ale has a quick getaway if the narcotraficantes come looking for him.

Back to work...hasta pronto!