Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Lo que la vida me robó, ep. 110, Tues., 4/15/14: It's a zoo around here!
In which:
Adolfo gambles big and loses;
Ezequiel gambles big and wins;
Two people learn Pedro's secret;
Pedro finds out about Nadia's pregnancy;
And Refugio is set up to have the sexist stuffing knocked out of him.
Rats!
Pedro is about to leave for home when Adolfo stops him. He has to tell him something: "Ezequiel Basurto is hiding in your house. He has a pistol. And he wants to kill you." Pedro takes the information in coolly.
Lemmings
Nadia and Victor are together in their special house in the country. They talk dreamily about raising their child together. They snuggle in bed. Then they do a little more than snuggling.
The Mongoose
The light color of his clothing and the shiny star on his chest make it easy to see EZ in the dark. He sidles into Pedro's study, slaps the desk, and holding his gun aloft, settles into his boss's chair. The computer screen in front of him is alight and The Nadia and Victor Show is playing. EZ chuckles enviously at Victor's dumb luck. He cranks up the volume and listens:
Nadia assures Victor that there's no way Pedro will suspect she's pregnant because he thinks she's on the pill. Victor still doesn't understand why Pedro sent Nadia to him for stud services. Nadia chooses this precise moment -- as Basurto hangs on her every word -- to tell Victor about the motorcycle accident which took Pedro out of the ballgame at the tender age of twenty.
Ezequiel laughs softly and knowingly.
Baby Bears
Montserrat and Dimitrio are back at the Almonte house, bummed out because they reached the airport too late to stop Josefina. Montserrat brings Dim up to date about the conspiracy afoot to strip Alejandro of his inheritance. Somehow Fabiola and her lawyer Sandro are in cahoots with Pedro Medina and they are claiming that Alejandro isn't really Benjamín's son. Since a simple DNA blood test would show that Alejandro is the real deal, Dim thinks Pedro must have something up his sleeve. Who can help them find out what that is?
Adolfo is out -- he and Dim are no longer friends. But there is one possibility -- Mummy Dearest! After all, she is dating Sandro.
Big Cats
Panther in a Cage
José Luis Álvarez lies supine on the hard slab in his dark jail cell.
Domesticated Lion
Alejandre Almonte poses at the top of the stairs outside his seafront mansion, a soft breeze ruffling his light hair. It won't be easy to sleep tonight, he tells his mother, knowing that José Luis is in jail. Rosario reminds him that JL is there by choice. That is no comfort to Alejandro.
Basurto switches off the computer screen (The N & V Show grows tedious very quickly). He hears a noise. It's Pedro Medina, gun drawn and spoiling for a fight. "I was waiting for you, Licenciado," says EZ calmly, his own gun pointed at Medina's chest. Pedro seems offended. Was EZ really planning to kill him after all he has done for him?
EZ doesn't see things that way. He feels unappreciated. That's because he's worthless, Pedro tells him. Ouch. And EZ used to admire the licenciado so much.
All this time, the two men continue to aim their pistols at one another as they do a wary little pirouette around the room.
EZ says that when Pedro put a gun to his head (an unloaded gun, but EZ didn't know that) and forced him to pull the trigger, he was completely humiliated. Pedro smiles and brushes it off: it was just a test of loyalty. And he passed!
Oh yeah? Then what did it get him? Pedro passed right over him and made Adolfo his new right hand man!
Adolfo is much more efficient than he is, says Pedro.
This is too much for EZ, his face now red and glistening with sweat. "Come on -- he's a fool, a coward, a scared kid!" Adolfo can't even pull the trigger of a gun. It wasn't Adolfo who did the priest in -- it was EZ himself. Adolfo called him to finish the job.
Y si no hubiera llegado a tiempo, ese cura se hubiera largado con muchísima información que hubiera llevado a todos a la cárcel
(And if he hadn't arrived in time, the old priest would have escaped with enough information to send them all to jail.)
[A little gift for you, my fellow grammar geeks: If I hadn't (but I did), he would have (but he didn't)...that would have (but it didn't)]
"What about María?" asks Pedro. "Adolfo didn't shoot her either?"
More Rats.
Just to show us that EZ is speaking the truth, we cut to La Escondida where the unshot María continues to be, well, escondida. At the moment, she sits on a leopard-skin print chair in the dressing room at La Escondida and hugs a folder to her chest, a dreamy expression on her face. When she hears a knock at the door, she hides the folder in a closet. Then she opens the door to Adolfo.
"I did everything you told me to do," he says.
[So the set up was María's idea! Well she did tell us she likes a good cockfight.]
As instructed, Adolfo convinced Ezequiel to try to take out Pedro and then warned Pedro that EZ was lying in wait for him. Adolfo is on edge. If the plan doesn't go well, he knows he's the one who will be hung out to dry.
[Um, is there any way this plan could possibly go well for Adolfo?]
For María, it's worth the risk. Whether they answer to EZ or Pedro, their lives are not their own. She hopes they kill each other.
Is she ready to forgive Adolfo? No way. She reminds him that he shot her with the intention of killing her.
He reminds her that he risked his life stealing Benjamín's final will for her.
[Aha! That's what's in the folder!]
By the way, is she going to return it to Alejandro? "Of course not!" Now María reveals her strategy:
Without the will as proof, Alejandro will lose all his money; without his money, Montserrat will leave Alejandro; without Montserrat, Alejandro will turn to María and marry her. Once that happens, María will "find" the missing will, Alejandro will recover his inheritance, and he will be grateful to her forever and ever. QED.
Adolfo gives her an "are you nuts?" kind of look and shakes his head. [You know the look -- it's the one we've been giving Adolfo since this episode started.]
Cobra vs. Mongoose, Redux
As it happens, Adolfo's own psychological makeup is under discussion right now. "Adolfo doesn't have our sangre fría (sangfroid, cool, cold-bloodedness)," says EZ. "He's not a killer."
Pedro reminds EZ that he hasn't answered his question: what happened with María? "Dead," says EZ. He shot her and Adolfo took all the credit. And what did he get? Bupkis.
Pedro is prepared to admit he was wrong about Adolfo. That's not enough for EZ. He wants validation from Pedro.
[Apparently he hasn't heard: Pedro doesn't validate.]
Pedro seems to be getting tired of the game. They aren't going to kill each other tonight. It would be messy and the rug would get stained with blood. He thinks they can reach an agreement. But even with a gun pointed at his chest, he refuses to support EZ as the next Municipal President. He simply doesn't have the education, the prestige, or the name.
Si usted, licenciado, un hombre...(here EZ pauses, tilts his head to one side and looks down)...mutilado, pudo llegar tan lejos, ¿por qué yo no?
(If a...er...disabled man like you could go so far, why can't I?)
The male chorus of doom sounds in the background.
Pedro's face darkens. What the hell is Ezequiel talking about?
He's talking about his aha moment, licenciado!
EZ explains: Nadia and her lover were chatting -- he guesses they don't know they're performing for a camera -- and he heard her tell Victor about Pedro's unfortunate motorcycle accident. Then EZ remembered that Alejandro was the driver in a similar accident. And he got it! "The boy on the bike was you, licenciado!" That's why you hate Alejandro so much -- he crippled you as a man!"
(Alejandro es el culpable de que usted haya sido mutilado...como hombre.)
Alejandro, that destroyer of manhood,
joins his wife in their bedroom. They talk a bit about Dimitrio's troubles. Alejandro promises to help him stay on track. They kiss. Perhaps they indulge in other pleasures no longer part of Pedro's life.
But Pedro is not the only obsessive in our story.
In his dark cell, José Luis broods about Montserrat and Alejandro and scowls. (Actually, he broods about taunting Alejandro about Montserrat. Angélica who?)
You should never have listened to that conversation!
Surely Ezequiel Basurto understands that he can't be allowed to leave there alive now. But EZ merely chuckles and lowers his own weapon even as Pedro pushes the barrel of his gun against his forehead. He will never betray Pedro, he says, as long as Pedro doesn't betray him. And if he wants Alejandro destroyed, EZ is the man to do it.
But in return, he wants R-E-S-P-E-C-T (ooh ooh), friendship, the chance to BE someone, and a good 401K plan. Sure they could shoot each other and one of them might survive. But wouldn't it be better to kiss and make up? EZ promises he would protect Pedro's secret with his life.
Never play poker with EZ Basurto.
"Empty your gun," orders Pedro. EZ slips out the cartridge, as instructed. Pedro savors the moment of dominance and then announces that he will give EZ another chance. EZ snaps the cartridge back into his gun. As he is about to leave, he drops this bombshell on his boss: "By the way, your wife is pregnant with her lover's baby." Pedro's eyes widen behind his funhouse glasses. As soon as EZ is out the door, he settles in to watch the farewell episode of The Nadia and Victor Show.
Who needs enemies?
Refugio visits José Luis in jail, reminds him that while he molders in a wretched hole, Alejandro frolics in the sunshine (and does other stuff) with Montserrat.
The judge has decided on JL's sentence, Refugio informs him: he will have to serve seven years! JL flinches, but instantly affects indifference: the time will pass quickly.
He sends his love to Esme. He's sorry he can't be with her at her big re-opening at the club tonight (or any night for the next seven years).
Montserrat and Dim have come to the Mendoza house to ask for Graciela's help.
Graciela rants, lies and calumniates, and even gives herself some head pokes while Montserrat and Carlota exchange weary looks. But in the end, to keep Dimitrio from walking out the door that very instant, she says she wants to help. She will lie -- with great pleasure -- and testify that Ben was lucid when she spoke to him on the last day of his life.
She also agrees to sound out her amiguito Sandro to find out what Pedro Medina is up to. She'll do it just for Dimitrio! Does he have a little kiss for her?
The Fox comforts the Vulture
Fedoraless Fabiola is surprised to find Sandro back in his old hotel room. He shrugs. Where else could he go with Tomás and Josefina gone and their house up for sale?
Fabiola is worried that Alejandro suspects something and he might kick her out of the house.
[What? He hasn't done that yet?]
Sandro laughs. When this is all over, he assures her, Alejandro and his bunch will be the ones who have to leave the house.
During this conversation, Sandro gets a phone call from Graciela and agrees to swing by her place and take her out to dine. He admits to Fabiola -- who has used the moment to open a bottle and pour herself a glass of wine -- that he does have a thing for Gracie. Si supiera quien eres... she says. (If she (only) knew who you are...)
The Cobra and the Old Goat
The bent judge tells Pedro what he was hoping to hear: by all accounts, the experts were able to tell that the (fake) will is ...fake! (The written report is still pending.) The DNA testing is still in the works. Benjamín's body is being exhumed so his DNA can be compared with Alejandro's.
The judge wants to question two more witnesses -- María Zamudio and Dominga Herrera -- who were servants at the hacienda when Ben died. Pedro explains that María left Aguazul some time ago, but he'll have Dominga in front of him within the hour.
As for the most important witness, Padre Anselmo, Pedro explains that he lives way out in the country. He promises to send someone for him in the morning.
A loyal, scrappy terrier
True to his word, Pedro has corralled Dominga. And now she sits nervously just outside the judge's chambers. Macario tries his best to reassure her, but she knows what Rosario went through and fears the worst.
Once inside the judge's chambers, she prattles nervously. She wants the judge to know that Alejandro is an honest man (un hombre de ley) -- a good man and a fair one. She answers his questions openly:
Alejandro lived in a little jacal with his grandfather. When his grandfather died, he moved into the servants' quarters and worked on the hacienda. Benjamín Almonte never singled him out for special treatment until his final illness. And then he wanted only Alejandro to take care of him.
Dominga heard rumors about Benjamín abusing women on his hacienda, but she herself never had a problem with him.
She knew about Ben's lover, the woman who came to visit once a month, year after year.
"She's referring to Graciela Mendoza Giacinti," adds Pedro helpfully -- because he has been in the room all through the interview, apparently enjoying himself immensely.
The judge declares that he would very much like to talk to Graciela Mendoza.
The Fox and the Mother Grizzly Bear
This time Sandro's sweet-talk isn't getting him very far. He and Graciela sit at a restaurant table by a window overlooking the sea (if you don't count the several lanes of traffic between them and the actual waterfront). She says she's uncomfortable seeing him. After all, he's the attorney for someone who's trying to take her son-in-law's inheritance away. Her poor daughter is terrified about what might happen with her husband.
Sandro understands. He explains that if Alejandro is an impostor, then Montserrat is married to a man who doesn't exist, and her son has no right to the name 'Almonte.'
Graciela wants to know why Sandro seems so sure he is going to win. He must have some proof... He's in the process of getting some, he says.
He must stand to gain a hefty commission, says Graciela bluntly. He doesn't deny it. Why else would he take the trouble to come to Miami with Fabiola?
She still doesn't understand why he's so sure the judgment will go in his favor. He says he's a man who isn't accustomed to losing. Well Graciela can't allow the inheritance to be taken from her family. And she's not accustomed to losing either.
"Tomás Valverde was right," says Sandro with an appreciative smile. He said she was a woman who turns a profit on her own children (una mujer que lucra con sus propios hijos). She married them both to money. When Dimitrio's marriage didn't work out, she made a profit on his divorce.
Graciela warns Sandro not to offend her. He doesn't want her as an enemy.
Now Sandro is really turned on:
Me gusta que no tengas escrúpulos porque yo tampoco los tengo.
(I like it that you're so unscrupulous. Me too!)
Graciela nods. She can see that.
This makes Sandro even hotter. He's determined to have Graciela Mendoza Giacinti in his arms.
The Walrus and the Squirrel
Captain Robledo reassures Refugio -- he isn't upset about the flyers for the grand reopening of La Escondida that have been circulating around the base. On the contrary, he admires Esmeralda and wishes her well. If he didn't have another obligation, he'd be there tonight himself. [Really?] But here's the official reason he sent for Refugio: he wants him to welcome lieutenant Rentería who will be taking over the duties of José Luis and will be his new superior.
The Newlyweds face professional challenges
At the Antro...
María watches surreptitiously as Zulema and Esmeralda are coaching a couple of new pole stars in their art. Esme is a bundle of nerves. Zulema tells her all is well -- tonight the club will be full of men with lots of money, not to mention hunky Refugio.
While at the Navy Base...
Refugio is puzzled. He is looking for his new lieutenant but all he finds is some girl. The girl introduces herself. She is la teniente Rentería. Mónica Rentería.
¿Tú? gasps Refugio stupidly. [Poor Mónica.]
Don't cry for me, Argentina -- I'll neeeeever see you.
A lovely basket of flowers sits on a table in the garden. Nadia is delighted. Then she hears Pedro's voice behind her. "Those flowers are for you, love," he says. "I know you're pregnant."
Avances:
An episode dedicated to Carlos -- María's gonna be a pole star too!
Labels: robo
Comments:
I wonder if Victor shriveled when he he finally found out that he had gotten beat up by a Soprano (No, not Tony.)
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Great work. I think the writers are determined to give us major cases of whiplash. Nothing about this episode made any sense.
EZ and Adolfo must be adrenaline junkies because they continue to use the cattle prod on Pedro. They both know how cold and dangerous he is so it makes no sense that they didn't wipe him out. EZ could always find a way to blame it on the cartel.
Adolfo is a total dolt for handing that folder to Maria and falling in with her plan. She is a total head case for even thinking that poverty would bring Alejandro to her; she never stood a chance with him. And now she's also tempting fate according to the avances?
This sounds like it's turning into CI and I don't like this trend.
EZ and Adolfo must be adrenaline junkies because they continue to use the cattle prod on Pedro. They both know how cold and dangerous he is so it makes no sense that they didn't wipe him out. EZ could always find a way to blame it on the cartel.
Adolfo is a total dolt for handing that folder to Maria and falling in with her plan. She is a total head case for even thinking that poverty would bring Alejandro to her; she never stood a chance with him. And now she's also tempting fate according to the avances?
This sounds like it's turning into CI and I don't like this trend.
NovelaMaven!!
Once again, the section titles were sheer perfection!!
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi was on my mind. :))
As for the story, oy, probably best to just keep my thoughts to myself.
You are the best, NovelaMaven. I especially appreciate the grammar! Yippee!!
Fatima
Once again, the section titles were sheer perfection!!
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi was on my mind. :))
As for the story, oy, probably best to just keep my thoughts to myself.
You are the best, NovelaMaven. I especially appreciate the grammar! Yippee!!
Fatima
Permalink posted by 
: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:20:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:20:00 PM EDT
Fabulous recap! Far more entertaining than this novela.
I LOVED Graciela vs. Sandro. What a pair of snakes those two are.
I'm so sick of JL. He had an amazing wife, fell in love with her, but the whole time couldn't let go of Montserrat. Why have him fall in love with Angie at all?
Victor is a dead man. EZ is sure to tell Pedro about the plan. Just kill him and Nadia already.
Adolfo is an idiot. STOP HELPING MARIA!
The concept of laws is just comical in Aguazul.
One grammatical note: it's se hubiera largado.
I LOVED Graciela vs. Sandro. What a pair of snakes those two are.
I'm so sick of JL. He had an amazing wife, fell in love with her, but the whole time couldn't let go of Montserrat. Why have him fall in love with Angie at all?
Victor is a dead man. EZ is sure to tell Pedro about the plan. Just kill him and Nadia already.
Adolfo is an idiot. STOP HELPING MARIA!
The concept of laws is just comical in Aguazul.
One grammatical note: it's se hubiera largado.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:26:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:26:00 PM EDT
Loved your animal themed recap! It was so creative and enjoyable.
When watching tonight I realized that how I feel about this show is how I feel about another one of my favorites Dallas. I really don't like most of the characters but the goofy bizarre plot has me hooked.
Pole dancing in Maria's future? Isn't she supposed to be in hiding to save her life? If she takes that kind of chance maybe she is really harebrained Nadia's sister. LOL
Loved Ezequiel telling Pedro that he knew he was "un hombre mutilado" as well as telling him that Nadia was pregnant. For once, Pedro was out of the loop.
Glad to hear old Benjamin was being exhumed.
Jarifa
When watching tonight I realized that how I feel about this show is how I feel about another one of my favorites Dallas. I really don't like most of the characters but the goofy bizarre plot has me hooked.
Pole dancing in Maria's future? Isn't she supposed to be in hiding to save her life? If she takes that kind of chance maybe she is really harebrained Nadia's sister. LOL
Loved Ezequiel telling Pedro that he knew he was "un hombre mutilado" as well as telling him that Nadia was pregnant. For once, Pedro was out of the loop.
Glad to hear old Benjamin was being exhumed.
Jarifa
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:43:00 PM EDT
: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 11:43:00 PM EDT
Thank you, NovelaMaven! Your animal fables painted a sheen of entertainment over our mostly shoddy characters. Great reading!
Now that Angela has exited the life of AguaAzul, we have a female navy officer on the scene. Hmmm--could she possibly develop into a romantic interest for someone?
Thanks for the grammar highlights, too. We need to maintain our legitimate interest in learning the language. It's a good thing we're not trying to learn legal procedures.
When they exhume Don Benjamin, I wonder if they'll discover he died from poisoning? Maybe he wanted Alejandro to take care of him in his last days because he didn't trust Juventino or some of the others.
Now that Angela has exited the life of AguaAzul, we have a female navy officer on the scene. Hmmm--could she possibly develop into a romantic interest for someone?
Thanks for the grammar highlights, too. We need to maintain our legitimate interest in learning the language. It's a good thing we're not trying to learn legal procedures.
When they exhume Don Benjamin, I wonder if they'll discover he died from poisoning? Maybe he wanted Alejandro to take care of him in his last days because he didn't trust Juventino or some of the others.
NovelaMaven:
Thanks so very much for this splendiferous recap! I love the headers, so cool ; )
Ay, yi, yi, what a pair that Sandho and Graceless, a match made in hell I must say! I wonder who will take out who first?????
It has been five days now since the Padre "disappeared" and no one has sought him???? I guess they are having too many personal problems and don't need the Padre's advice on some of them.
Addled and BM another match made in hell, I fear for Addled, cause his life expectancy is growing shorter all the time. I too think that Carlos will really appreciate tonight's epi ; )
I am so liking the female LT. I just hope she is not a dark horse on the side of evil. I want her to continue JL's fab work.
I am sick and tired of Monse and Ale. They are boring me, it's the same old, same old with them. Get a new attorney, fight for yourself and your wife and child and quit obsessing about that poor JL who is sitting in prison to save your butt yet again. Okay, okay, rant over. Jus' sayin'.
I am so liking El Capitan and I hope we see more of him. I hope Dimi also finds his way and stays strong and doesn't backslide.
As far as BM's plan goes she is truly living in fantasy land. I really want to see exactly how she will pull this one off.
Thanks again, NovelaMaven for this most perfect recap.
Thanks so very much for this splendiferous recap! I love the headers, so cool ; )
Ay, yi, yi, what a pair that Sandho and Graceless, a match made in hell I must say! I wonder who will take out who first?????
It has been five days now since the Padre "disappeared" and no one has sought him???? I guess they are having too many personal problems and don't need the Padre's advice on some of them.
Addled and BM another match made in hell, I fear for Addled, cause his life expectancy is growing shorter all the time. I too think that Carlos will really appreciate tonight's epi ; )
I am so liking the female LT. I just hope she is not a dark horse on the side of evil. I want her to continue JL's fab work.
I am sick and tired of Monse and Ale. They are boring me, it's the same old, same old with them. Get a new attorney, fight for yourself and your wife and child and quit obsessing about that poor JL who is sitting in prison to save your butt yet again. Okay, okay, rant over. Jus' sayin'.
I am so liking El Capitan and I hope we see more of him. I hope Dimi also finds his way and stays strong and doesn't backslide.
As far as BM's plan goes she is truly living in fantasy land. I really want to see exactly how she will pull this one off.
Thanks again, NovelaMaven for this most perfect recap.
NovelaMaven, thank you for your animal themed recap. Thinking of our crazed characters as animals was quite fun. And your parenthetical comments were gems. I'll just note a few: "Um, is there any way this plan could possibly go well for Adolfo?" Regarding Fabs "What? He hasn't done that yet?" And the Captain going to Esme's opening, "Really."
Though UA is right and characters seem to be altering personalities, I'm happy that EZ knows about Pedro's problem and why he's after Ale. I still think they may knock one another off.
Refugio is often a dunce but his reaction to the LT was ridiculous. And I say poor Refugio as his foolishness is about to get him in serious hot water w/his new boss.
Jarifa, ITA w/you when comparing this tn w/Dallas though I think I like a few more characters on Dallas than I do here.
Though UA is right and characters seem to be altering personalities, I'm happy that EZ knows about Pedro's problem and why he's after Ale. I still think they may knock one another off.
Refugio is often a dunce but his reaction to the LT was ridiculous. And I say poor Refugio as his foolishness is about to get him in serious hot water w/his new boss.
Jarifa, ITA w/you when comparing this tn w/Dallas though I think I like a few more characters on Dallas than I do here.
You outdid yourself here, NoveaMaven.
My favorite treats with breakfast this morning:
"the Nadia and Victor Show is playing". Hysterical.
Was that the pluperfect form of those verbs?
"So the set up was María's idea! Well she did tell us she likes a good cockfight." good insight! Did anyone else see her 'disguise'? Like that is going to fool anyone, at all??
"Sangre Fria". Thank you for the new term. Not sure if it has application at my place of employment. At least I hope it never does!
"The male chorus of doom sounds in the background." My husband and I always giggle when that music comes up, it is so funny and overdone. Why hasn't SNL done a parody already of a TN?
Well, as far as comparing any TN to Dallas, Pedro makes JR look like a Sunday School teacher. (Which is another point I could have made during last week's discussion, I guess. )
My favorite treats with breakfast this morning:
"the Nadia and Victor Show is playing". Hysterical.
Was that the pluperfect form of those verbs?
"So the set up was María's idea! Well she did tell us she likes a good cockfight." good insight! Did anyone else see her 'disguise'? Like that is going to fool anyone, at all??
"Sangre Fria". Thank you for the new term. Not sure if it has application at my place of employment. At least I hope it never does!
"The male chorus of doom sounds in the background." My husband and I always giggle when that music comes up, it is so funny and overdone. Why hasn't SNL done a parody already of a TN?
Well, as far as comparing any TN to Dallas, Pedro makes JR look like a Sunday School teacher. (Which is another point I could have made during last week's discussion, I guess. )
Another clever stunner, NovelaMaven. Loved the animal theme, the parenthetical comments, like [Apparently he hasn't heard: Pedro doesn't validate.]for instance, and of course the grammar lesson. I'm still at the very basic level, conversation-wise, but one day I hope I'll be able to throw in all those fancy possibilities. One can only dream!
Haven't seen this yet but it certainly promises to be interesting. Thanks!
Haven't seen this yet but it certainly promises to be interesting. Thanks!
Brilliance as always NM. Much better than the episode itself. I know these actors are giving it their all, which does help in continuing to watch, but the actual characters are starting to be just one big group of numb-skulls with just a very few exceptions. Not sure Urban if this is going into the dark side of CI, I hold out hope, but I do agree the plots and same old same old on "feelings" is getting old.
JL for one--really. You just scattered your dear wife's ashes and already it's back to the crap with Monse. I agree with Vivi from yesterday, contrived plot point because a sane man worth his salt would have given up on Monse long ago. Do we see a slippery slope of JL descending to something outside of sanity and light?
The whole EZ/Pedo/Adolfo/Maria band of bandits...so sick of this gang. I kept pleading "just shoot already". And this was Maria's idea and Adolfo fell for it? From his looks last night, he KNOWS Maria is one tick away from a loon, so why do this? Boy, you can tell he and Nadia are siblings.
Ok, so who do we think the new woman will be hooked up with?
Daisynjay
JL for one--really. You just scattered your dear wife's ashes and already it's back to the crap with Monse. I agree with Vivi from yesterday, contrived plot point because a sane man worth his salt would have given up on Monse long ago. Do we see a slippery slope of JL descending to something outside of sanity and light?
The whole EZ/Pedo/Adolfo/Maria band of bandits...so sick of this gang. I kept pleading "just shoot already". And this was Maria's idea and Adolfo fell for it? From his looks last night, he KNOWS Maria is one tick away from a loon, so why do this? Boy, you can tell he and Nadia are siblings.
Ok, so who do we think the new woman will be hooked up with?
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 7:09:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 7:09:00 AM EDT
La Paloma, I'm wondering if they will find a way to spin that into a murder accusation with Alejandro being back in the slammer again. That would be too much.
We know who did it and that the poisoning was over a long time period, but Graceless would only laugh at Alejandro being a 3-time jailbird and Monserrat standing by him.
I neglected to mention this previously but Maria dancing in the club definitely puts her life at risk. However, this is probably part of her twisted plan because of her even more twisted delusion that Alejandro really loves her.
I really underestimated EZ; I thought if he were the one to find out about Pedro's lack of hombria he would keep that to himself to use later. Alas....
We know who did it and that the poisoning was over a long time period, but Graceless would only laugh at Alejandro being a 3-time jailbird and Monserrat standing by him.
I neglected to mention this previously but Maria dancing in the club definitely puts her life at risk. However, this is probably part of her twisted plan because of her even more twisted delusion that Alejandro really loves her.
I really underestimated EZ; I thought if he were the one to find out about Pedro's lack of hombria he would keep that to himself to use later. Alas....
NovelaMaven: Wonderful title! I so admire the way you masterfully weave the story threads with not only with your words, but your perfectly modulated tone. This was inspiring.
"Rats! Lemmings The Mongoose" and all of your animal references were great fun.
"José Luis Álvarez lies supine on the hard slab in his dark jail cell", "wary little pirouette" and "The male chorus of doom sounds in the background.\" were wonderful. "Refugio visits José Luis in jail, reminds him that while he molders in a wretched hole, Alejandro frolics in the sunshine" was sublime.
I must give credit to Adolfo for treading where no man should. No sane man of course. Inserting himself between two crazed killers is not good for his longevity. Unless Pedro has some other use for him, he will likely dispatch him for the lies he has spewed the dear padre.
Interesting that EZ did not reveal Maria lives. He obviously is going to keep his cards close to the vest so to speak.
EZ's downfall may be that he has an ego which Pedro's insensitivity can penetrate all too easily. Pedro's downfall is that he has no emotions.
Putting my money on Gracie. Sandho has no chance!
LaPaloma, I was also thinking Lt. Mónica Rentería was brought in to spice things up. Can we dare to hope that JL will survive and that the Lt. might be another chance at love? Daisy, I'm still peeved at his Monse obsession but overall still have fondness for the character.
Madelaine, the fact that no one has noticed the good padre is missing is very frustrating. ITA!
Carlos, I think you are in for a treat tonight as I suspect Maria will be putting on quite a show. From the little I saw in the preview, she looks great as a blonde.
NovelaMaven, thank you for making me forget the icy sleet outside. Your marvelous recap was indeed shelter from this storm.
Diana
"Rats! Lemmings The Mongoose" and all of your animal references were great fun.
"José Luis Álvarez lies supine on the hard slab in his dark jail cell", "wary little pirouette" and "The male chorus of doom sounds in the background.\" were wonderful. "Refugio visits José Luis in jail, reminds him that while he molders in a wretched hole, Alejandro frolics in the sunshine" was sublime.
I must give credit to Adolfo for treading where no man should. No sane man of course. Inserting himself between two crazed killers is not good for his longevity. Unless Pedro has some other use for him, he will likely dispatch him for the lies he has spewed the dear padre.
Interesting that EZ did not reveal Maria lives. He obviously is going to keep his cards close to the vest so to speak.
EZ's downfall may be that he has an ego which Pedro's insensitivity can penetrate all too easily. Pedro's downfall is that he has no emotions.
Putting my money on Gracie. Sandho has no chance!
LaPaloma, I was also thinking Lt. Mónica Rentería was brought in to spice things up. Can we dare to hope that JL will survive and that the Lt. might be another chance at love? Daisy, I'm still peeved at his Monse obsession but overall still have fondness for the character.
Madelaine, the fact that no one has noticed the good padre is missing is very frustrating. ITA!
Carlos, I think you are in for a treat tonight as I suspect Maria will be putting on quite a show. From the little I saw in the preview, she looks great as a blonde.
NovelaMaven, thank you for making me forget the icy sleet outside. Your marvelous recap was indeed shelter from this storm.
Diana
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 7:52:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 7:52:00 AM EDT
Please, peeps, nobody has any reason to think the padre is missing in action. As far as any of the good guys know he is in his technologically deficient shack tending to his flock. It will take the current housekeeper or Macario's assistant to call and ask why he is still in town for anyone to know that anything isn't right here.
Sandho truly doesn't stand a chance against Graceless. She is so cold she would take out an insurance policy on her own children and kill them for the payoff.
Sandho truly doesn't stand a chance against Graceless. She is so cold she would take out an insurance policy on her own children and kill them for the payoff.
JudyB had to check in again to see if you saw my note from night before last.
"The Goldfinch" won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction!
Fatima
"The Goldfinch" won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction!
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 8:50:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 8:50:00 AM EDT
Thanks, gang, for letting me be OT for just a brief moment.
Fatima
Fatima
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 8:51:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 8:51:00 AM EDT
Dearest NovelaMaven,
Mil gracias for this marvelous recap! I loved the animal theme, your many wonderful asides, and the great grammar lessons. My favorite lines/observations had to be these:
Alejandro, that destroyer of manhood,
AND
But Pedro is not the only obsessive in our story.
In his dark cell, José Luis broods about Montserrat and Alejandro and scowls. (Actually, he broods about taunting Alejandro about Montserrat. Angélica who?)
So, so funny!
I didn't even get to watch this episode since I had an evening thing at work. It all sounds like a downer, though I'd like to see Basurto and Pedro's little dance.
Thanks again, NovelMaven. I have no doubt your recap is better than the episode itself
Mil gracias for this marvelous recap! I loved the animal theme, your many wonderful asides, and the great grammar lessons. My favorite lines/observations had to be these:
Alejandro, that destroyer of manhood,
AND
But Pedro is not the only obsessive in our story.
In his dark cell, José Luis broods about Montserrat and Alejandro and scowls. (Actually, he broods about taunting Alejandro about Montserrat. Angélica who?)
So, so funny!
I didn't even get to watch this episode since I had an evening thing at work. It all sounds like a downer, though I'd like to see Basurto and Pedro's little dance.
Thanks again, NovelMaven. I have no doubt your recap is better than the episode itself
NM- I absolutely love the animal theme. So perfectly suited for our characters.
I only popped into this episode for a bit after getting home late, but did get to see a some of the Pedro-Zeke dance. Can't believe no shots were fired, but surely Adolfo is toast now!
The person with the knowledge holds the power, and right now Basurto knows more than even Pedro-- he knows Maria's location; he knows about the fake will/Pedro's plot; he knows who took the real will from Pedro; he knows about Vic and Nadia and their pregnancy; he knows about Pedro's narco ties and other crimes; and he knows the biggest secret of all-- Pedro's "condition", who he believes caused it, and the reason for his vendetta against Ale. Is Pedro sure he wants to leave him living? I guess good henchies are hard to find in Agua Azul.
Perhaps it's not Monse who JL is obsessed with, but Ale instead? He just thinks it's Monse. When was the last time he had a fantasy/daydream/thoughts that were just about his sweet moments with Monse-- not about deceiving Ale; sticking it to Ale; arguing with Ale; plotting with Ale; etc.?
I only popped into this episode for a bit after getting home late, but did get to see a some of the Pedro-Zeke dance. Can't believe no shots were fired, but surely Adolfo is toast now!
The person with the knowledge holds the power, and right now Basurto knows more than even Pedro-- he knows Maria's location; he knows about the fake will/Pedro's plot; he knows who took the real will from Pedro; he knows about Vic and Nadia and their pregnancy; he knows about Pedro's narco ties and other crimes; and he knows the biggest secret of all-- Pedro's "condition", who he believes caused it, and the reason for his vendetta against Ale. Is Pedro sure he wants to leave him living? I guess good henchies are hard to find in Agua Azul.
Perhaps it's not Monse who JL is obsessed with, but Ale instead? He just thinks it's Monse. When was the last time he had a fantasy/daydream/thoughts that were just about his sweet moments with Monse-- not about deceiving Ale; sticking it to Ale; arguing with Ale; plotting with Ale; etc.?
I don't know, Vivi
JL is a sad case. He's a man without blood relations who would probably sell his soul for some and therefore doesn't know how to let go. If he thinks about it at all he envies Alejandro because despite having grown up poor Alejandro has hit a jackpot: Large inheritance, beautiful wife, healthy son, and a loving mother he thought he never had.
However, he also has the Suegra From Hell. That could cancel out the rest of it.
JL is going into self-pity mode now. First he lost Monserrat and then Angelica, so now he's taking the entire rap over the burned money. He's hiding from what is to come. It's entirely possible that this female officer is there to rescue him emotionally.
However, there is now the issue of the money he might inherit. Fabiolush and Graceless both have their eyes on it. He has both their numbers. He's safe from them as long as he's behind bars. He may know that on some unconscious level.
Something else occurred to me while writing that: Graceless seems to get as much or more pleasure from fleecing men out of money as she gets from spending it. Since this tale dwells more on the fleecing rather than the spending (We never see her shopping in expensive stores and she never pays her own restaurant bill) is it possible that she is acting out of some hostility in general toward wealthy men? Could that be because her own mother (a seamstress) was knocked up by a Dimitrio type 50+ years ago?
JL is a sad case. He's a man without blood relations who would probably sell his soul for some and therefore doesn't know how to let go. If he thinks about it at all he envies Alejandro because despite having grown up poor Alejandro has hit a jackpot: Large inheritance, beautiful wife, healthy son, and a loving mother he thought he never had.
However, he also has the Suegra From Hell. That could cancel out the rest of it.
JL is going into self-pity mode now. First he lost Monserrat and then Angelica, so now he's taking the entire rap over the burned money. He's hiding from what is to come. It's entirely possible that this female officer is there to rescue him emotionally.
However, there is now the issue of the money he might inherit. Fabiolush and Graceless both have their eyes on it. He has both their numbers. He's safe from them as long as he's behind bars. He may know that on some unconscious level.
Something else occurred to me while writing that: Graceless seems to get as much or more pleasure from fleecing men out of money as she gets from spending it. Since this tale dwells more on the fleecing rather than the spending (We never see her shopping in expensive stores and she never pays her own restaurant bill) is it possible that she is acting out of some hostility in general toward wealthy men? Could that be because her own mother (a seamstress) was knocked up by a Dimitrio type 50+ years ago?
Wow, NovelaMaven, am I ever flattered to have an NM recap dedicated to me. I so enjoyed your fresh retelling of last night's events. Once again you truly captured the mood and entertained us in such a clever way. You manage to wield words so deftly. Thanks.
Well, Guess those who were detecting a bromance brewing between Pedro and Zeke really weren't so far off the mark after all. Who would have guessed both would have emerged unscathed after that setup? All that was missing was some torrid makeup sex.
I'm sure it will come as a surprise to some, but I'm disappointed at María's apparent career move. I prefer her more as a fresh-faced country girl in a peasant dress and bare feet. In the avances she looked... how can I say this without drawing snorts and snickers?... slutty... there... do with it what you will, but I think you know what I mean.
I do like that María has a trump card in her possession and I adore that headscarf look... the blond wig... not so much.
I'm really looking forward to Gracie's interrogation. It should be eye-opening for that judge.
Gee, that last scene was like watching a National Geographic special as the deadly snake approaches the quivering defenseless bunny.
Carlos
Well, Guess those who were detecting a bromance brewing between Pedro and Zeke really weren't so far off the mark after all. Who would have guessed both would have emerged unscathed after that setup? All that was missing was some torrid makeup sex.
I'm sure it will come as a surprise to some, but I'm disappointed at María's apparent career move. I prefer her more as a fresh-faced country girl in a peasant dress and bare feet. In the avances she looked... how can I say this without drawing snorts and snickers?... slutty... there... do with it what you will, but I think you know what I mean.
I do like that María has a trump card in her possession and I adore that headscarf look... the blond wig... not so much.
I'm really looking forward to Gracie's interrogation. It should be eye-opening for that judge.
Gee, that last scene was like watching a National Geographic special as the deadly snake approaches the quivering defenseless bunny.
Carlos
True. I have to wonder whether Pedro is now intending to off Nadia after the baby is born and trade on the sympathy factor a widowed politician can work.
JL is a rich widower, and he now has a supportive suegra, young sister-in-law that could see him as a big brother, his late wife's godmother is a supportive and loving mother figure, and her brother is an understanding boss and good mentor/father-figure. He has a BFF who sticks with him through thick and thin, and his wife who is also a great friend to him. I would argue that he has just as much, if not MORE, going for him right now, and they were mostly blessing brought to him by Angie. If he really thinks that a young man in his 30s has nothing more to live for, even with all the blessings I just named, just because some teenage Barbie fell out of love with him and fell in love with an insecure rage monster, then he needs some serious help.
I would buy this JL sacrificing himself and going to jail storyline if the writers made it more about him being depressed after Angie's death, and less about whatever issues he has with Ale and Monse.
Excellent points on JL's family Vivi.
Always enjoy your insights.
Diana
Always enjoy your insights.
Diana
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 10:56:00 AM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 10:56:00 AM EDT
Excellent point, Vivi. JL may not see that. However, I wonder if Pedro's tentacles are still around the Arechiga women.
The problem with JL's depression is that if it's not about Monserrat he has no further reason to be in the story. The writers could keep him in the carcel until Pedro is fully exposed.
The problem with JL's depression is that if it's not about Monserrat he has no further reason to be in the story. The writers could keep him in the carcel until Pedro is fully exposed.
Keen observation Vivi, as always. Good points on JL. Again someone who may not see the forest for the trees as they say.
I still think there has to be some way, if we don't get a faast forward, to spring JL out of jail. He's worthless plot wise and if we just have to see him getting endless visitors and meandering through dream stages I'll be hitting the remote.
I frankly think it might be brilliant to use JL undercover. Spring him on some trumped up excuse and then have him portend to be sick of the system, turn from his good guy ways and start smoozing with the bad guys, all the while reporting back to his old boss. Would be interesting conflicts since no one can know and he will have a chance to do some real involvement in the plot. Otherwise, I agree with UA, what is he still around for?
Daisynjay
I still think there has to be some way, if we don't get a faast forward, to spring JL out of jail. He's worthless plot wise and if we just have to see him getting endless visitors and meandering through dream stages I'll be hitting the remote.
I frankly think it might be brilliant to use JL undercover. Spring him on some trumped up excuse and then have him portend to be sick of the system, turn from his good guy ways and start smoozing with the bad guys, all the while reporting back to his old boss. Would be interesting conflicts since no one can know and he will have a chance to do some real involvement in the plot. Otherwise, I agree with UA, what is he still around for?
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 12:14:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 12:14:00 PM EDT
Hey Fatima...yes, I saw the good news about the Goldfinch. And not surprised. But remember...if you get it, don't drop it on your foot! It's a biggie.
Awesome recap! And thanks for the grammar lessons, always very much appreciated!!
Now that the judge is calling in Graciela, I guess now Pedro will call in his favor for getting Dim out of jail. The only saving grace is that Pedro doesn't know the true identity of Fabs, and Macario and Angelica's mother do. A dna test between the two of them can prove his inheritance.
I gave to much credit to Adolfo. I should have known the plan was Maria's. She is much smarter, but crazy delusional. She and JL should start an "obsessive love" group.
Now that the judge is calling in Graciela, I guess now Pedro will call in his favor for getting Dim out of jail. The only saving grace is that Pedro doesn't know the true identity of Fabs, and Macario and Angelica's mother do. A dna test between the two of them can prove his inheritance.
I gave to much credit to Adolfo. I should have known the plan was Maria's. She is much smarter, but crazy delusional. She and JL should start an "obsessive love" group.
Romy, I'm sorry but that WAS a spoiler so I deleted it.
Please remember:
WE ONLY DISCUSS WHAT WE HAVE ALL SEEN.
WE DON'T REFER TO WHAT HAS NOT YET HAPPENED, EVEN IN THE MOST GENERAL TERMS.
Thanks for understanding.
Please remember:
WE ONLY DISCUSS WHAT WE HAVE ALL SEEN.
WE DON'T REFER TO WHAT HAS NOT YET HAPPENED, EVEN IN THE MOST GENERAL TERMS.
Thanks for understanding.
Hi guys,
Thank you so much for your lovely comments today. I think we need to get the grammar stuff out of the way first, so here goes;
1. Thanks very much, anon, for pointing out that I had missed a "se" in this sentence, but I fixed it last night after I read your comment:
Y si no hubiera llegado a tiempo, ese cura se hubiera largado con muchísima información que hubiera llevado a todos a la cárcel.
Folks, the missing 'se' is important because it belongs to the verb, largar+se, the one we hear so often in the phrase: ¡Lárgate de mi casa!
With its 'reflexive' pronoun, it means 'leave' and is a synonym of 'irse.' 'Largar,' by itself, has other meanings which you can explore yourselves, if you are interested.
2. Emarie asked if this sentence includes a pluperfect subjunctive. The answer is yes, three actually:
si no hubiera llegado,
ese cura se hubiera largado
muchísima información que hubiera llevado a todos a la cárcel
How to pick them out of a crowd:
They are made up of the imperfect subjunctive of the helping verb 'haber' (hubiera, hubieras, hubiera, hubiéramos, hubieran -- and now and then, the 'hubiese' variant, just to keep us on our toes)
Plus the past participle of the main verb, in this case:
llegar --> hubiera llegado
largarse --> se hubiera largado
llevar --> hubiera llevado
I'll have to share my pluperfect subjunctive epiphany with you all at some other time. Right now I'm starting to bore myself (and that's saying something.)
Please let me know of any goof-ups in the above. I used to be pretty good at spotting my own typos, but not so much anymore.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments today. I think we need to get the grammar stuff out of the way first, so here goes;
1. Thanks very much, anon, for pointing out that I had missed a "se" in this sentence, but I fixed it last night after I read your comment:
Y si no hubiera llegado a tiempo, ese cura se hubiera largado con muchísima información que hubiera llevado a todos a la cárcel.
Folks, the missing 'se' is important because it belongs to the verb, largar+se, the one we hear so often in the phrase: ¡Lárgate de mi casa!
With its 'reflexive' pronoun, it means 'leave' and is a synonym of 'irse.' 'Largar,' by itself, has other meanings which you can explore yourselves, if you are interested.
2. Emarie asked if this sentence includes a pluperfect subjunctive. The answer is yes, three actually:
si no hubiera llegado,
ese cura se hubiera largado
muchísima información que hubiera llevado a todos a la cárcel
How to pick them out of a crowd:
They are made up of the imperfect subjunctive of the helping verb 'haber' (hubiera, hubieras, hubiera, hubiéramos, hubieran -- and now and then, the 'hubiese' variant, just to keep us on our toes)
Plus the past participle of the main verb, in this case:
llegar --> hubiera llegado
largarse --> se hubiera largado
llevar --> hubiera llevado
I'll have to share my pluperfect subjunctive epiphany with you all at some other time. Right now I'm starting to bore myself (and that's saying something.)
Please let me know of any goof-ups in the above. I used to be pretty good at spotting my own typos, but not so much anymore.
Novela Maven:
I LOVE the animal themed recap. You caught the essence of each character's personality.
I have to agree with Urban,
"Nothing about this episode made sense."
I could not make hide nor hair of the plot, there was no evidence presented to suggest there even WAS a plot.
Adolfo seems to exchange personalities with Dimitrio, EZ, Maria, Pedro and any other human wandering about.
He should take Josefina's excellent advice and go find himself.
The grammar lesson was, as always, most appreciated.
And Graciela v. Sandro—well, I for one can't predict the outcome of that dogfight. Surely enough fur will fly for Gricela's hair extensions to loosen.
As to EZ having Pedro by the, em, air, I was shocked that he revealed nearly his whole playbook (except for the shenanigans with Maria and Anselmo). EZ is truly willing to risk everything on a very bad hand.
So many people have died recently that the show has really lost any plot thread it may have been clinging to.
Yikes!
Against, congratulations, NM on doing a great job of recapping a capitulo that made no sense. Those episodes are the hardest to capture in translation, as meaning is missing.
Elna June
I LOVE the animal themed recap. You caught the essence of each character's personality.
I have to agree with Urban,
"Nothing about this episode made sense."
I could not make hide nor hair of the plot, there was no evidence presented to suggest there even WAS a plot.
Adolfo seems to exchange personalities with Dimitrio, EZ, Maria, Pedro and any other human wandering about.
He should take Josefina's excellent advice and go find himself.
The grammar lesson was, as always, most appreciated.
And Graciela v. Sandro—well, I for one can't predict the outcome of that dogfight. Surely enough fur will fly for Gricela's hair extensions to loosen.
As to EZ having Pedro by the, em, air, I was shocked that he revealed nearly his whole playbook (except for the shenanigans with Maria and Anselmo). EZ is truly willing to risk everything on a very bad hand.
So many people have died recently that the show has really lost any plot thread it may have been clinging to.
Yikes!
Against, congratulations, NM on doing a great job of recapping a capitulo that made no sense. Those episodes are the hardest to capture in translation, as meaning is missing.
Elna June
I wonder if Victor shriveled when he he finally found out that he had gotten beat up by a Soprano (No, not Tony.)
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 2:55:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 2:55:00 PM EDT
Urban:
I think the fact that we are so engaged in the story -- and have been since the beginning -- tells us that this is not another CI. I used to watch CI from time to time, waiting for it to morph into the something interesting. Instead it just got worse and worse. I never commented on it because, well, why kick a novela when it's down?
I agree that Adolfo is "a total dolt" for allowing María to manipulate him. I guess there's just something about the morena, huh? I don't know, I'm sure Carlos could explain it better.
Fatima, you are so kind. I can picture you standing back, appalled at the way the story is going, looking desperately for something nice to say. Fatima thought-bubbles: "I know! The section titles! And the grammar! That's the ticket!"
[snort]
You know I'm just teasing you, right? And Kipling's "The Jungle Book" wasn't far from my mind. You can read me like a...book.
Jarifa, although I'm not following Dallas in its latest version, I know just what you mean about getting hooked on "the goofy bizarre plot" even when the characters are mostly not that likable. Thanks for the nice words!
La Paloma, you cracked me up with this:
"It's a good thing we're not trying to learn legal procedures."
Interesting speculation about whether the real cause of Benjamín's death will come to light. It might not, if all they're looking at is DNA. But of course if they did find traces of poison, it would be used as evidence against Alejandro, as Urban points out. Oy vey.
Mads, I've also got my fingers crossed that Dim's change is for keeps. If it is, it opens the door to a future fresh start with Josefina.
I agree that the writers aren't giving the best lines to Montse and Ale right now. Maybe the actors are exhausted and need a little time to refuel. In the meantime, we've got old pros like Alexis Ayala to keep us awake.
Karen, yes, you're right. "Poor Refugio." The thing is, his reactions are always ridiculous. He is probably going to get "sensitized" the hard one. (I guess I still say "poor Monica" because there seem to be plenty of troglodytes on that base.)
Emarie, I hope I answered your grammar question.
You know, I think I've found "sangre fría" at the top levels of management in just about every organization I've worked for or been affiliated with.
It seems to me that SNL has done novela parodies, but not recently. Time to do them again!
Thank you so much, JudyB. I was amused by your reminding Fatima not to drop The Goldfinch on her foot. It reminded me of Ellen Degeneres' riff on the instructions on a shampoo bottle -- if you really need them, chances are 1) you can't read and/or 2) someone else is washing your hair. Tee hee.
...oof. yowww. Just dropped my Butt on my big toe. :)
Daisynjay, I always love reading your comments -- a sane, intelligent woman trying to do the impossible -- make sense out of the antics of a bunch of "numbskills" on the screen.
I'm intrigued by your question: Who DO we think Lt. Rentería will take to the ball? I rather like Diana's idea -- she looks like a good match for José Luis.
I think the fact that we are so engaged in the story -- and have been since the beginning -- tells us that this is not another CI. I used to watch CI from time to time, waiting for it to morph into the something interesting. Instead it just got worse and worse. I never commented on it because, well, why kick a novela when it's down?
I agree that Adolfo is "a total dolt" for allowing María to manipulate him. I guess there's just something about the morena, huh? I don't know, I'm sure Carlos could explain it better.
Fatima, you are so kind. I can picture you standing back, appalled at the way the story is going, looking desperately for something nice to say. Fatima thought-bubbles: "I know! The section titles! And the grammar! That's the ticket!"
[snort]
You know I'm just teasing you, right? And Kipling's "The Jungle Book" wasn't far from my mind. You can read me like a...book.
Jarifa, although I'm not following Dallas in its latest version, I know just what you mean about getting hooked on "the goofy bizarre plot" even when the characters are mostly not that likable. Thanks for the nice words!
La Paloma, you cracked me up with this:
"It's a good thing we're not trying to learn legal procedures."
Interesting speculation about whether the real cause of Benjamín's death will come to light. It might not, if all they're looking at is DNA. But of course if they did find traces of poison, it would be used as evidence against Alejandro, as Urban points out. Oy vey.
Mads, I've also got my fingers crossed that Dim's change is for keeps. If it is, it opens the door to a future fresh start with Josefina.
I agree that the writers aren't giving the best lines to Montse and Ale right now. Maybe the actors are exhausted and need a little time to refuel. In the meantime, we've got old pros like Alexis Ayala to keep us awake.
Karen, yes, you're right. "Poor Refugio." The thing is, his reactions are always ridiculous. He is probably going to get "sensitized" the hard one. (I guess I still say "poor Monica" because there seem to be plenty of troglodytes on that base.)
Emarie, I hope I answered your grammar question.
You know, I think I've found "sangre fría" at the top levels of management in just about every organization I've worked for or been affiliated with.
It seems to me that SNL has done novela parodies, but not recently. Time to do them again!
Thank you so much, JudyB. I was amused by your reminding Fatima not to drop The Goldfinch on her foot. It reminded me of Ellen Degeneres' riff on the instructions on a shampoo bottle -- if you really need them, chances are 1) you can't read and/or 2) someone else is washing your hair. Tee hee.
...oof. yowww. Just dropped my Butt on my big toe. :)
Daisynjay, I always love reading your comments -- a sane, intelligent woman trying to do the impossible -- make sense out of the antics of a bunch of "numbskills" on the screen.
I'm intrigued by your question: Who DO we think Lt. Rentería will take to the ball? I rather like Diana's idea -- she looks like a good match for José Luis.
Carlos: I remember the reaction to Miriam’s return in Amor Bravio. I also recall commenting quite a few times that SHE was NOT the other woman. However, in the case of Maria. I don’t believe she was ever an innocent. Even before Ale even knew Mons existed, Maria was obsessed with having him at any cost. Maria did try to kill a very pregnant Mons, so she does have a major anvil coming to her. What’s the worst thing that Fab’s done? Trying to bilk Ale out of his inheritance?
Maria in a blonde wig. Creepy. Because that’s so the main reason Ale loves Mons—her blonde hair.
I’m all for new lieutenant hooking up with JL.
Remember the Friends ep where they were all sitting around the TV watching a novela with two characters on the stairs fighting and they kept shouting to the screen “Push her down the stairs. Push her down the stairs.” And one of them did. Much cheering from the Friends gang.
OT: Fatima: if you don’t mind my asking, and please don’t hesitate to tell me you don’t want to answer, but what do you do to protect yourself from the negative energy that bombards you?
Nanette
Maria in a blonde wig. Creepy. Because that’s so the main reason Ale loves Mons—her blonde hair.
I’m all for new lieutenant hooking up with JL.
Remember the Friends ep where they were all sitting around the TV watching a novela with two characters on the stairs fighting and they kept shouting to the screen “Push her down the stairs. Push her down the stairs.” And one of them did. Much cheering from the Friends gang.
OT: Fatima: if you don’t mind my asking, and please don’t hesitate to tell me you don’t want to answer, but what do you do to protect yourself from the negative energy that bombards you?
Nanette
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 3:47:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 3:47:00 PM EDT
SNL did indeed do a telenovela parody a few years ago called "Besos y Lagrimas" with JLo, and then they did it again, same title, with Cristina Aguilera. For some reason SNL has pulled most of the vids off the web, but here's a sampling of the JLo one: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1952175810147
Diana, icy sleet? Blech. And I thought our little bit of snow was bad.
Thank you for your gracious comment. I'm glad you raise the issue of EZ's withholding information from Pedro while pretending to wear his heart on his sleeve. EZ's ego does make him vulnerable, but last night he seemed to use his vulnerability brilliantly.
Julia R, if you promise not to tell Elna June, I'll confide to you that I thought the episode was pretty good. I loved it that so many actors got their time in the spotlight. But it was kind of hard to get your arms around thematically. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Vivi, what a great comment! I love your analysis of information as power and how at this point, the balance of power is with Ezequiel. I also agree completely about JL's obsession with Montse. I tried to hint at that in my description of his thoughts -- he wasn't reliving his time with either of the women he "loved"; he was reliving flinging his deflowering of Montserrat in Alejandro's face.
I've always thought the most important relationships in this story tend to be between men: JL and Refugio, JL and Alejandro, EZ and Pedro, Dim and Adolfo. Who else?
Carlos, It is actually tonight's episode that I felt was dedicated to you. In a few hours, we'll see if Julia R. agrees. But I am always aware of you on The Patio when I write my recaps. In a sense, EVERY NM recap is dedicated to, as Mads would say, y'all.
I am glad to know you have your standards and do draw the line somewhere (if not at attempted murder, then at fashion crimes).
[What this show needs is a funny looking little dog with a double-entendre name. Heh heh.]
Carvivlie, Thanks for reminding us that Pedro still has Dimitrio's secret in his pocket and may use that to manipulate Graciela.
And thanks for remembering the SNL skit. Was it the one where her opening monologue was all about her generous trasero?
Elna June:
"Adolfo seems to exchange personalities with Dimitrio, EZ, Maria, Pedro and any other human wandering about."
I love this observation. He is so empty, so conditional, so situational. (And perhaps very soon, so dead?)
Before I write a word of a recap, I always try to think about what just happened: was there a unifying narrative? how does it tie into the whole story? Some episodes are clearly dominated by theme (usually loss of some kind). Others, like this one, careen along in a a way that is often entertaining to watch but hard to capture. So I just threw up my hands and said "It's a zoo around here!" heehee.
Oxnard Huero, you're killing me with the castrati jokes. I'm touched by your continued concern for poor Victor's feelings. Perhaps you won't have to worry about him for very much longer.
Hey Vivi, thanks for the detective work. I guess whenever they have a good-looking latino or latina hosting, the writers churn out a novela parody. (That's probably not as easy as it sounds. It's hard to parody a form that is already kind of an over-the-top self parody.) Anyway, I'm going to check out your links when I get a chance. Thanks!
Nanette,
"Remember the Friends ep where they were all sitting around the TV watching a novela with two characters on the stairs fighting and they kept shouting to the screen “Push her down the stairs. Push her down the stairs.” And one of them did. Much cheering from the Friends gang."
Hey! That's us! That's us on The Patio!
Hahaha!
Thank you for your gracious comment. I'm glad you raise the issue of EZ's withholding information from Pedro while pretending to wear his heart on his sleeve. EZ's ego does make him vulnerable, but last night he seemed to use his vulnerability brilliantly.
Julia R, if you promise not to tell Elna June, I'll confide to you that I thought the episode was pretty good. I loved it that so many actors got their time in the spotlight. But it was kind of hard to get your arms around thematically. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Vivi, what a great comment! I love your analysis of information as power and how at this point, the balance of power is with Ezequiel. I also agree completely about JL's obsession with Montse. I tried to hint at that in my description of his thoughts -- he wasn't reliving his time with either of the women he "loved"; he was reliving flinging his deflowering of Montserrat in Alejandro's face.
I've always thought the most important relationships in this story tend to be between men: JL and Refugio, JL and Alejandro, EZ and Pedro, Dim and Adolfo. Who else?
Carlos, It is actually tonight's episode that I felt was dedicated to you. In a few hours, we'll see if Julia R. agrees. But I am always aware of you on The Patio when I write my recaps. In a sense, EVERY NM recap is dedicated to, as Mads would say, y'all.
I am glad to know you have your standards and do draw the line somewhere (if not at attempted murder, then at fashion crimes).
[What this show needs is a funny looking little dog with a double-entendre name. Heh heh.]
Carvivlie, Thanks for reminding us that Pedro still has Dimitrio's secret in his pocket and may use that to manipulate Graciela.
And thanks for remembering the SNL skit. Was it the one where her opening monologue was all about her generous trasero?
Elna June:
"Adolfo seems to exchange personalities with Dimitrio, EZ, Maria, Pedro and any other human wandering about."
I love this observation. He is so empty, so conditional, so situational. (And perhaps very soon, so dead?)
Before I write a word of a recap, I always try to think about what just happened: was there a unifying narrative? how does it tie into the whole story? Some episodes are clearly dominated by theme (usually loss of some kind). Others, like this one, careen along in a a way that is often entertaining to watch but hard to capture. So I just threw up my hands and said "It's a zoo around here!" heehee.
Oxnard Huero, you're killing me with the castrati jokes. I'm touched by your continued concern for poor Victor's feelings. Perhaps you won't have to worry about him for very much longer.
Hey Vivi, thanks for the detective work. I guess whenever they have a good-looking latino or latina hosting, the writers churn out a novela parody. (That's probably not as easy as it sounds. It's hard to parody a form that is already kind of an over-the-top self parody.) Anyway, I'm going to check out your links when I get a chance. Thanks!
Nanette,
"Remember the Friends ep where they were all sitting around the TV watching a novela with two characters on the stairs fighting and they kept shouting to the screen “Push her down the stairs. Push her down the stairs.” And one of them did. Much cheering from the Friends gang."
Hey! That's us! That's us on The Patio!
Hahaha!
Carlos, I forgot to thank you for picking up on and extending the National Geographic theme. Yes, that last scene had a 'nature, red in tooth and claw' kind of feel about it.
NovelaMaven - Love your animal kingdom theme. My favorites:
the motorcycle accident which took Pedro out of the ballgame
Basurto switches off the computer screen (The N & V Show grows tedious very quickly). Amen!
Apparently he hasn't heard: Pedro doesn't validate.
I have to give props to Victor. He just got the stuffing beat out of him, but is already back to studly duty. And the previews show him strolling into La Escondida. What exactly does it take for him to feel a since of urgency to flee the hell out of town?
the motorcycle accident which took Pedro out of the ballgame
Basurto switches off the computer screen (The N & V Show grows tedious very quickly). Amen!
Apparently he hasn't heard: Pedro doesn't validate.
I have to give props to Victor. He just got the stuffing beat out of him, but is already back to studly duty. And the previews show him strolling into La Escondida. What exactly does it take for him to feel a since of urgency to flee the hell out of town?
NovelaMaven, thanks for the grammar lesson, yes I see the pluperfect tense. Uses Haber + the infinitive?
It is sort of a I would have done it idea, right?
VIvi, thanks so much for the links to SNL spoofs, my husband and I had a good chuckle.
I think it is EZ who is toast-as well as Nadia, Nadia was told by Pedro that he'd kill her if she revealed the secret to anyone, and EZ is in danger just by knowing it.
I really can't figure out what they are doing; they seem to be turning over all the cast and yet they will continue this story through July?
It is sort of a I would have done it idea, right?
VIvi, thanks so much for the links to SNL spoofs, my husband and I had a good chuckle.
I think it is EZ who is toast-as well as Nadia, Nadia was told by Pedro that he'd kill her if she revealed the secret to anyone, and EZ is in danger just by knowing it.
I really can't figure out what they are doing; they seem to be turning over all the cast and yet they will continue this story through July?
The peek we got at the new improved La Escondida showed us that Esmeralda really went all out to class up the place. I'm sure that Capitán Robledo and his wife would feel very comfortable at this family place. I'll bet she's even added a kid's menu. To bad that Angelica didn't live long enough to see their dream come true.
Carlos
Carlos
Niecie, thanks! Yes, I like your observation about Victor. Rational fear can be life-saving when it spurs people to action -- intelligent action, that is. Now it's looking like it's too late. Ay ay ay.
Carlos, maybe there's a parrot in the new joint. That would class it up, right?
Emarie, the pluperfect subjunctive is made up of the IMPERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE OF HABER + THE PAST PARTICIPLE OF THE MAIN VERB.
si yo hubiera comido = if I had eaten
The exact meaning really depends on how it's used in a sentence.
It's easy to translate it when it's in the IF part of and IF ... THEN.... sentence. Then it means "If SOMEONE had X'd..."
But it can also occur in the THEN part of a sentence like this and mean something like "then SOMEONE/SOMETHING WOULD HAVE Y'd."
Those are only two of the many ways the construction can be used. The translation depends on the meaning of the whole thought, not just the two isolated words (hubiera llegado, etc).
I hope that makes some kind of sense. :)
Carlos, maybe there's a parrot in the new joint. That would class it up, right?
Emarie, the pluperfect subjunctive is made up of the IMPERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE OF HABER + THE PAST PARTICIPLE OF THE MAIN VERB.
si yo hubiera comido = if I had eaten
The exact meaning really depends on how it's used in a sentence.
It's easy to translate it when it's in the IF part of and IF ... THEN.... sentence. Then it means "If SOMEONE had X'd..."
But it can also occur in the THEN part of a sentence like this and mean something like "then SOMEONE/SOMETHING WOULD HAVE Y'd."
Those are only two of the many ways the construction can be used. The translation depends on the meaning of the whole thought, not just the two isolated words (hubiera llegado, etc).
I hope that makes some kind of sense. :)
NovelaMaven,
Gracias amiga. Awesome recap, and thanks for the fun theme. They are a bunch of animals. I am out of time, but I had to say I appreciate your work and dedication to the caraycaray community. Thank You!
Back to work...hasta pronto!
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Gracias amiga. Awesome recap, and thanks for the fun theme. They are a bunch of animals. I am out of time, but I had to say I appreciate your work and dedication to the caraycaray community. Thank You!
Back to work...hasta pronto!
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