Caray, Caray!

Good Morning Y'all. What a very sad episode this was. I have set up a Capitana Monica table for those of you that wish to remember her. I give kudos to these writers and the actress for portraying this character with all of her flaws and her dedication to duty, to lead her guys front and center and not just giving the order and staying behind. I have to say this is the most realistic depiction of a woman in the military character I have ever seen on any program. I will miss her.
 

The pickings on Univision will get slim once this telenovela ends. Is anyone going to watch Telemundo’s “Reina de Corazones” starting on July 7th? It features an Enrique Iglesias song (I adore him and his father). I didn’t watch “En Otra Piel” and don’t know if it turned out to be good or not? Any suggestions from the audience? I’m new to TNs.

I really wish Caray, Caray had a place where the recappers and bloggers could list their favorite novelas, this would be a gigantic help to all us newcomers who could watch the recommendations on YouTube.

Just a guess, but I think Gracie is too smart not to figure out a way to save both Fabs and Monse.
Is it just my imagination or has Gracie’s wardrobe deteriorated over the episodes? I seem to remember her wearing much more lovely clothing at the beginning. Also, I think the set designers of this novela are horrible, as I’ve noticed the same style of adornments at different scenes. The chairs and bureau in Monse’s original bedroom at Gracie/Carlota’s house are of the same fabric as Refugio and Esmeralda’s dining room chairs.
I watched the TV up close and noticed how EZ’s jaw kept clenching and clenching. I also noticed how Adolfo’s hand was shaking uncontrollably when he was holding the gun after shooting Monica. I guess there is no coming back for pobre Aldofo. Who’s going down? Pedro, EZ, or Adolfo....
 

Sorry forgot to ask, what will happen if Ale gets back his name and fortune? Will he and Monse be husband and wife and her marriage to MDJL be considered invalid. I know some of you have said that Ale was declared dead, but would that make a difference if he gets his name back? I believe Laurito then would be an Almonte. What's your opinion?

I don't understand this quamire.
 

Sorry to keep posting, can't help myself.

Madelaine thanks so much for the earworm "Dust in the Wind". I'm of that generation and remember so well the blue tuxedos and laced shirts! What a retro look!
 

Loved that anti-domestic violence (on women) poster that was prominently displayed behind Maria as she was brought in to her cell, right after she got "the look" from Medina. Thumbs up for this one, set designer (though I agree with Victoria that some of the furnishings could use freshening up a bit - or a lot).
 

"Listen your pipeline to Dios dried up a long time ago, and don't try the Virgincita either. You might want to try that guy downstairs, ya know the fire breathing one."

Ah, that's our MADS talking! Graciela is indeed a very conflicted character. Most of the time she seems to consider God as a Celestial Bellhop, there to do her orders (as is most every other human in her orbit). But last night, she really seemed to want to listen to God...or the Virgencita. Take your pick. After all, she stayed in the chapel all night praying. That's some serious advice-seeking posture there.

Learning that Fabiola is her long-lost daughter seems to have caused a small fissure in that rock-hard heart. Granted it's still all about Dinero. But Graciela truly believes there is no happiness without it...lots of it...so I'm ready to believe there's some maternal tenderness involved in her relentless quest to tap her children into the Big Money Pipeline.

Like Victoria, I was mesmerized by EZ's pulsing, clench-unclench jaw. The actor does this during tense scenes but I find it very realistic. A primitive reaction. Makes me think of Suarez, that Uruguayan soccer player, who still bites opponents like an enraged toddler. Oh my!

"...scurrying like a cockroach" was a perfect description of Adolfo's flight. Horrible scene. Monica was never my favorite character, but I was horrified by her fate. The camera lingered cruelly over her sculpted face, all animation stilled by the bullet through her forehead.

On the furniture question, Televisa studios are doggedly frugal, recycling furniture from scene to scene and telenovela to telenovela. Clothing also. The famous pear robe is an example. As is the flaming pink and emerald sheath dress.

MADS--I will save the earworms for later in the day, as a special treat. Call Me Maybe is a great dance tune. I don't know the other one but will look forward to listening later.

Thanks as always for your crackerjack tell-it-like-it-is recap. It is wonderful that you can bring your background in the military to these stories. We learn so much on this blog. Have a great day, amiga mia, and rest up after this!
 

Goo work, Mads. This is a pivotal episode. My faves:

My eyes, My eyes, good heavens why doesn't lightening strike this woman already? Graceless is in the chapel praying the rosary and wanting Dios' help. Listen your pipeline to Dios dried up a long time ago, and don't try the Virgincita either. You might want to try that guy downstairs, ya know the fire breathing one. 

Monica is chasing the guy in the white suit, that would be Addled, and he is scurrying like a cockaroach to get away from her. He sees her and hides. He runs again and finds he is like in a Raid Roach Motel, once you check in, you can't check out, so to speak. 

This is true: Adolfo's path to redemption now has a police barrier from the gods. I just hope Dimitrio doesn't end up having to kill him later because that would kill him inside. He has come such a long way that I would hate to see him end up with PTSD from that.

It also bothered me that the strongest female in this story is now dead despite that being in the line of duty.

What is this BS of Gracie's about having to sacrifice one of her daughters? This has to be a guilt trip she's trying to lay on Macario (who saved the worthless Fabiola by bringing her to Amelia). She has no reason to sacrifice either of them when she can lay the entire blame on the dead Sandho. There was no eyewitness to Fabiola stealing the original will.

Of course, Fabiola needs to pay for that. Although she didn't do anything illegal when she cruelly threw Monse and her family out of the Almonte beach house she needs to pay for that, too. Not to mention her willingness to blame Monserrat for Sandho's death. If she tries to report that and Monse gets arrested what will Gracie do then? She knows the truth.

Actually, she could discharge her debt to Pedro by telling him she has the evidence against Maria.
 

Madelaine, I loved the recap especially the part starting with "My eyes . . ." describing goofy Graciela praying in her chapel. Thanks for the recap and setting up the Captain Mónica table. : )

I loved this episode with all of the action from the mission to Graciela and Macario to that crazy MA in a jail cell to Pedro throwing another tantrum, etc.

Well, as several of you called it, it looks like Padre Anselmo could be alive and well if he did not die of old age in these seven years.

Although I do not like Adolfo, I did feel pity for him thinking how unfortunate he was to ever meet Pedro who turned him into the killer he has become. Looks like PBN could lose her brother before this is done.

As for Graciela, I do not believe her "maternal" blathering for one minute. She is just thinking how to position herself for her own maximum material gain.

Jarifa


 

If Gracie now thinks that she can choose on the basis of which of her daughters is likely to love her more, she's gravely mistaken that either of them has any reason to.

She threw Fabiola away as an infant. Fabiola then lost the parents she did get and got no love from Benjamin who disinherited her when she ended up becoming the loser she is. Gracie has probably abused Monserrat emotionally from the day she first said "No!" because that's what narcissistic mothers do. We've all heard the insults she's heaped on her from the first dozen episodes on.

Neither one of them is likely to love her and Monserrat will certainly not obey her. She's going to be thrown under the bus for that one.

And the ultimate shock could be that Fabiola and Maria were switched by accident in the convent. Since it's now likely that Padre Anselmo is alive he would be the only one who would know this.
 

Madelaine: Thank you for the lighthearted yet careful recounting of last night's grim events. Your ear worms were excellent choices as always.

"Listen your pipeline to Dios dried up a long time ago, and don't try the Virgincita either. You might want to try that guy downstairs, ya know the fire breathing one" was one of my favorites (echoing Judy and UA). Also enjoyed "...but that being said there are more secrets and lies coming out like a leak in a dinghy so to speak, and it's not a pinhole leak either". I thought the recap was stellar.

As I highly respect your opinion, "this is the most realistic depiction of a woman in the military character I have ever seen on any program" has elevated Monica to that position - I will join you at her table. The first round of drinks are on me.

Judy, your noting Graciela is experiencing "a small fissure in that rock-hard heart" was spot on. My thought was she would save Monse but perhaps she can save both daughters. She is indeed intelligent enough as Victoria noted.

Madelaine, Adolfo is now dead to me as well. The lingering hope for his salvation has dissipated. May God have mercy on him...

As we saw EZ secure the hand (that was supposed to the priest's) from the coroner, I have a faint hope the padre is alive and well. While Pedro may indeed have some unpleasant shocks ahead, EZ's days on this earth may be quickly drawing to a close. He may indeed be Adolfo's next victim.

Thank you Madelaine. It is indeed a "sad day on our Patio of Disillusionment".

Diana
 

Urban, I am beginning to wonder what Graciela's anvil is going to be. Will she be left alone? Impoverished on the streets?

Jarifa
 

I have several ideas about what Gracie's Karmageddon should be; I've been vacillating on two of them.

With 32 episodes to go I think the Karmageddon discussion will be posted in about two weeks. I suspect she will be the last to fall.
 

This episode needed the expert hands of our Mads. Just wonderfully told. And your chosen earworm--I saw Kansas back in the day and it brought a wonderful memory for me of my college days, so thanks for that little gift.

Found it an interesting editing job to put the whining and manipulation scenes by our non-favorite femmes while watching the operation and death of one of the stronger women. I thought this episode was one of the most carefully and expertly shot set of scenes in the whole TN. Camera and lighting especially great.

" My eyes, My eyes, good heavens why doesn't lightening strike this woman already? "

Honestly, Gracie hasn't a clue what it takes to be a mother. She seems to think she can't try to think of a way to help all her children? Well, of course not, because to her that means who gets the cash. Just stupid and yes, that lightning bolt from on-high is well overdue. And she didn't want Macs advice, I think she wanted to rub it in he helped create the mess since he helped hide Fabs. She shouldn't worry--none of her kids will want to deal with her in the end.

Which leads me to Padre A. I am firmly convinced now he is alive somewhere. That morque was cleaner than clean, and I think it was intended not to show a covered body on a table. Gave me hope we may see that dear man surface soon? Why else is EZ musing about that particular moment? And may I say, one of the best of the beautifully shot scenes: EZ, the whiskey, the shadows, his facial reactions and the flashbacks.

I want to feel for Adolfo, but he had a moment. He could have turned himself in and ended this charade he's in and in doing so stopped all the madness and Pedro. But he didn't and to make sure he once again could cowardly run away, he shot Monica. He lost me at that moment. I don't see him any longer making it out of this in one piece, but maybe he'll have a chance to go out in a blaze of glory saving someone for once.

Not ever a huge fan of Monica's, I admit, but she went out a hero and did make our Dim happy, so I raise a glass to her as having to be one of our TN casualties so the predictable couples can live another day. Hate that writers feel they have to kill the rival. Salut Capitana!

Daisynjay




 

I'm hoping she is the only sacrificial lamb for this tale and that she took the place of the one I was expecting.

Daisy, you are spot-on: None of Gracie's children will want anything to do with her in the end. Of this much I am certain. She has committed too many crimes against all of them.

I suspect also that Adolfo will go out in a blaze of glory, whether it's saving a life or bringing Pedro down. However, as Pedro's principle victim I think Alejandro deserves the privilege of taking Pedro out.
 

Thanks, Mads, for your excellent recap of a sad episode. Fofo is now doomed sure sure despite his beautiful, soulful eyes. He will probably sacrifice himself to save his sister and niece from the wrath of crazy Ped. Both Ped and Ez are going down.

I am surprised that they showed Monica getting shot in the previews. talk about a SPOILER.

Anyone who watched Highlander: the TV series may remember that they played Kansas's "Dust in the WInd" when Duncan was mourning Tessa's death. Such a mournful tune. It really squeezes your heart.
 

Ah, Highlander! What a galan Adrian Paul was in that series. He was about the only native-English speaking actor who could begin to compete with our favorite Mexicans, Argentines, etc.

Did you know he can act in French and Italian, too?

Back to our story...

I went into shock when Adolfo shot Monica. It was a relief to see that he did, too.
 

Dear Madelaine, my eyes, my own eyes had such a beautiful read this morning!

Anon@0349, that shot of Pedro with the No Violence against Women framed behind his head was PERFECT! It wasn't some measly little poster, either. Excellent PSA from the set dresser; excellent.

Daisynjay, I so agree with you that some of these scenes were so expertly shot. The one with EZ Basura drinking in the shadows would be PERFECT for Urban's next Noir Recap. I was fascinated by EZ's facial responses when Peddy was manhandling him. He had just the right facial flushing;his right eye got a little smaller almost to the point that it seemed to close, and you could see the facial muscles on the left side of his face doing a rapid fire fast twitch movement. Alexis Ayala was stunning in that scene. I don't think I heard one word Sergio Sendel said as I was mesmerized by Ayala's face.

I am glad that the writers FINALLY (in the few TNs that I have watched) given us a woman coming from a position of strength. Rigid Monica was not my fave, but she certainly was in marked contrast to the other women especially in terms of holding a job with much responsibility. She wasn't much of a think outside the box kind of person, but she led the assault on El Alacran with much strength.

That scene was stunning from Monica's stunned realization as to who El Alacran was to the slow motion of Adolfo's handsome face in disbelief of what he had done. I think Adolfo has done so many bad things that it is now instinct for him to run away.

The scene that utterly sickened me, however, was Graciela playing her mind games on Macario. Thankfully, Macario handled this one better than the last face to face confrontation with Graciela, but Graciela's phoniness was making me sick. I could be way off base here, but she wanted her "bebe" dead. She is angry at Macario because he did NOT finish off the deed.

I know that we vacillate between Graciela being a horrific mother and then showing some hints of softening up. For me, her softening up is nothing more than an act.

That mother wanted her child dead. I believe she actively tried to kill that child. For that, she should rot in Hell for the rest of eternity.

Thank you, dear Madelaine. This was a powerful episode. What a job well done, amiga!!

Fatima
 

Thanks for this well-done, carefully crafted recap, Madelaine. Just the right brushstrokes of humor to leaven this shockingly alarming, dolorous episode. I wish that Univision had not telegraphed the shooting of Monica with the truly spoiler advances which lessened significantly the dramatic impact of that awful event.

Turns out that María is quite the archivist. Doesn't she get some points for preserving not only the will, but a copy of Joaquin's confession as well?... Thought not... OK then... Next!

Padre Anselmo is definitely alive. We would not have been treated to that lengthy flashback (with additional scenes) if not. Alas, looks like his hand will remain intact... so much for the spectacle of a Padre Hook. The mystery remains... where the heck has he been? I can't imagine him cooperating with EZ all those years.

My take on Graciela is that as twisted as she may be, she is sincere. It's one thing to pray vociferously in public for show but whom is she trying to impress by this prolonged (like all night) display of piety? She never intended for Fabiola to perish (sorry Fatima) and although she may truly be incapable of genuine love, it's the one thing she craves desperately.

I think she actually was hoping for some wisdom from Macario although probably even more she wanted someone to share her guilt. Of course opinions vary.

The obvious solution to her dilemma would be to give Alejandro the will, collect the entire fortune per their deal, and then distribute it amongst her children as she sees fit. As for the exchange of wills, lay all the blame on Sandro, he's not likely to complain. To tidy up and tie up loose ends, kill Pedro and María (yikes, did I just say that?). EZ seems like he'll be happy as long as he has his Carlota.

Carlos
 

The warehouse scene was obviously disturbing but very authentic. Well done!

Heck, that could have been Ziva from NCIS lying on the warehouse floor.

There must have been cameras in that warehouse, right?

All of the Monica haters must be happy. It seems that a strong, intelligent woman (yes, she had her flaws) tends to cause so much resentment in other women.
 

I'm happy that Moronica is dead. She was a silly woman. Adolfo did me a favor. I was sick of watching her.
 

Thank you for the recap Mads.
 

Macario never fails to demonstrate his uselessness so it would not surprise me a bit if he doesn't go straight to Alejandro to inform him that Graciela currently is holding that will.

Carlos
 

Actually, he should. Alejandro would call the judge and Gracie would be caught by surprise.
 

Madelaine, you are so right on "there are more secrets and lies coming out like a leak in a dinghy so to speak, and it's not a pinhole leak either."

First off, like Jarifa said: "it looks like Padre Anselmo could be alive and well if he did not die of old age in these seven years." Yes, I think we can safely say he is alive somewhere, perhaps in the convent where Gracie had her baby?

EZ didn't kill him, he told him specifically that even he couldn't kill a priest and led him away to his car. Could we be seeing Padre Anselmo reappear in the next few episodes and help bring down Pedro? It looks like the ball is now rolling, with Maria's testimony to the judge, JL finding Joaquin's note, that would be the next step, along with exhuming Ben and doing the dna test on Ale again.

As for Monica's death, although I did not like her for Dim, I'm sorry she had to go, and much more by Adolfo's hand. Good observation on his hand shaking Victora Gomez. Although its no excuse, I don't think he gave it any thought before shooting her. It was like a reflex, who knows what kind of training he endured in Monterrey, to make him into the killer he became, starting off the show so weakly. He certainly doesn't deserve Fina!

As for Gracia, I feel like she suffered when she lost Fabiola, based on the scene where she found the hair to do the dna test, and she was crying in her room by herself. I think she loves her kids in her own way, but the desire for money is stronger than her. Like Victoria and Diana pointed out, she is smart enough to figure a way to save both Monse and Fabiola, but she doesn't want to risk losing the money.

Maricruz
 

I'm not absolutely sure that Graciela wanted that baby dead. She has said several times. (I know, I know - her words are not to be believed) that she thought the baby died naturally & MAY have asked 'a cardio to dispose of the body to cover her tracks after the fact.
 

Thank you Madelaine! This was a stunning episode. I guess my theory about JL and Monica living happily ever after has been shot - literally. Oxnard, I disagree. I have no problem with strong, intelligent women. I liked Monica, that's why I wanted to see her and JL together. It's the vapid dimwits (like Montserrat and Carlota) that I have a problem with.

I agree with Fatima that Gracie was playing mind games with Macario. I just wish he'd man-up and tell Gracie to go fly a kite. Who she "helps" is her own problem. Macario was an employee of Benjamin's and was just following orders when the baby "died". I notice Gracie doesn't pull this crap with Amelia who also knew of the baby's "death". I think Gracie's real problem is that she's a bully. Whoever gets the money will hold the power over Gracie, she'll be dependent upon them and won't be able to bully them. But for Gracie there's always the "I'm your-mother" guilt card.


 

Moronica accepted Dimi's marriage proposal after she'd just caught him with another female. I don't think he had the time to take a shower yet. I'm sure he still smelled like Josefina. Then she makes love to him. We still hadn't seen him wash the stank of Josefina off of him. She was annoying!
 

I am perfectly fine with those who feel that Graciela did not want that child dead. Graciela is a phony pure and simple. I know and understand why so many say that Graciela has demonstrated so much love to her family and children. Sorry, folks. For me, someone saying that in her own twisted way Graciela is showing love is just hard for me to digest. Perhaps, as things roll along, I will come to see and understand this point more than I am understanding it now.

Cynderella, I always love the way you come direct to the point. No wishy, washy woman, you! That is what I love about you.

Oxnard,speaking for myself, I didn't "hate" Monica. I can't tell you how many times my male colleagues have told me that I am "strong" with such utter disdain. Works both ways. I can easily see why someone like Esme (who, I am sure, did not have Monica's education) would never warm up to Monica. If someone like Monica had my back, there would be no probs IRL, but for this TN, she didn't fit in for ME.

What I don't want is to see Fina and Dim back together because of Monica's death. That just does not seem right. I would much rather see each one with a different person, but with only 32 episodes left, I doubt that will happen.

Fatima
 

xlnt, I very much agree with you that Graciela is a bully and then some. :))She was bullying Macario. I too, wished he had manned up and told her to make her own decision. She just loves using that chapel of hers to act like she is the Queen of Spain.

Not.

Fatima
 

Mads, I loved your recap from the "sad day on the patio of disillusionment", the "avocadoless Peddy" right through the lost pipeline of Gracie to your high action scenes with the scurrying of the cockroach, er Alacron, to your hurling at Carlie's mention of Gracie's motherliness. A masterpiece, I enjoyed every word.
Noted comments:
Victoria Gomez: "Is it just my imagination or has Gracie’s wardrobe deteriorated over the episodes?"
You mean like her dresser scarfs and tablecloths draped over her clothes were of higher quality? Maybe, but I haven't noticed myself. I did see her wearing more inappropriately short cowboy skirts earlier in the show, and sometimes her clothes bordered on elegance. We have enjoyed chortling over her wardrobe through the whole story.

Like you, and Judy B, DaisynJay and Fatima, I also noticed the clenching and unclenching of EZ's jaw, and like ?? noticed it was a beautifully shot scene. Yeah, I have to face it, he's toast.

Just want to say something, and BELIEVE ME, it is trivial, but I have always thought of anvils as the thing that hovers over happy characters-like Monse and Ale early in the show saying nothing will stand between us; that created the obvious anvil hanging over their heads, the pie cart, if you will.
IMHO, karmageddon is what happens to bad people and usually not until the end.
Doesn't matter anyway what we call it, it looks like it's happening soon.
I am so excited about Padre Anselmo appearing! Hope it's true!!
 

To clarify my comments above: I KNOW why it is said that Graciela is showing love. I do not understand that point given what I see now (and all I see is a phony). Perhaps, my line of thinking will evolve. One can only hope. :)

Fatima
 

Madelaine - You are so careful with our feelings. Your intro and and recap hit all the right spots for this sad episode.

What a shame about Monica. I was hoping Thursday's preview was somebody's nightmare. I liked the fact that there was a strong woman in a "man's world" in Aguazul, to contrast with the "helpless" women held in captivity.

Interesting to see how Monica's death will/will not affect Esme and Fina. I got the feeling that Esme believed Monica that nothing happened with Refugio.

I vote the Padre is most definitely alive. In his flashback, EZ told Padre Anselmo that even he (EZ) had problems with killing a cura. My guess is EZ is paying some poor family to take care of the Padre and keep him heavily drugged so he won't leave them. Maybe he told the family the Padre has Alzheimer's.

Yay, Maria made a copy of the suicide note. But poor thing sure has weird thoughts on the best place to hide things.

I've given Ale low marks in the "woo" category, but I thought Ale hiding behind a tree and phoning Monse and letting her know he could see she was wearing a skirt was kinda cute. Maybe next time he'll call and do straight-up phone sex.

Adolfo has always put himself first. I'm not even sure he wouldn't shoot Fina if he had to.
 

I think I realized that Adolfo was not going to have a good end when he put Padre Anselmo in danger, he had a chance to save himself then and instead he was okay with letting the Padre die, he has always been all about himself-sure, he might love Victoria and Nadia, and even Josefina, but at the end of the day his love for these women is not enough to redeem him
 

I think the only reason anyone thinks that Gracie loves her children is that it's what mothers are supposed to do. What Gracie wants is for her children to love her and she fails to understand why they have turned away from her.

Trust me; I lived through that one.

She wants her children to love her because that would make them the sort of fools who would continue to take her abuse. She could continue to exploit them.

She is angry that Dimitrio grew up despite her infantilization of him and she can't stand that Monserrat is capable of loving and being loved by a man. That makes Monserrat a normal and worthy woman, not a whore like her mother. That is what Gracie can't take.
 

The possibilities for where the Padre could be a few and made to happen with EZ's "help": he's in a remote, poor area with no communication ability except for occasional deliveries of supplies or food, he's with a monastic order which remains secluded and no traveling outside the confines of the property(still several orders globally like this), or he has been a "hostage" somewhere where he is prevented by goons from leaving. I'm sort of opting for the 2nd, but I'm fascinated when and why he will surface. EZ has something up his sleeve, but can't quite work it out yet.

You know Carlos, wouldn't Maria if life had given her a better viewpoint and start, she would have made one keen investigative reporter or private detective?

Daisynjay
 

Thank you for the wonderful recap. I would quote my favorite lines, but would be repeating many commenters. How you brought levity to such a downer capitulo was brilliant.

I didn't hate Monica, I just never warmed to her--and I don't think it had anything to do with her strength. She was 180 degrees different than Fina, even the new improved Fina that seems to have found her own strength. But what made me so sad was Adolfo's decision. I know this is wrong, but I would have preferred that he sacrificed himself. Killing Monica proved that he is a weak, WEAK man. Any of us who thought or had hopes of better from him, were dashed. I don't see how he comes out of this as anything but a villian.

I know we've all been speculating about who will be the last to fall. I'm beginning to worry that with all is crazy-- "If you go to Ale I'll kill us all" that it could be the three of them working it out last...
I hope JL remembers the OLD JL before it comes to that.

Rebecca
 

Madelaine, thanks for a great recap. I love how you say you're going to go easy on Ale fans and then proceed to say Ale is hiding behind a tree(which he actually was). Too funny!!

Cynderella, you never have a problem telling it like it is. I never liked "Moronica" (haha) either. RIP. I still hope for a happy ending for Dim & Fina.
 

Looks like Mónica's wake will be the place to be for all of our conflicted characters. Should be fun.

Jarifa
 

"Fina in a fine fettle." I liked that, Madelaine. Good recap. I'm upset. I have been thinking Adolfo has gone from the least interesting to the most interesting character on the show. And I was hoping for redemption. I even began preferring him with Josefina instead of Dimitrio. But clearly now he's going to meet a bad end. I agree with others, it will probably be during a selfless act. I still feel bad for the guy.
 

Madelaine,
Thanks for the awesome recap. It's always fun to read them, and I look forward to them.

Here are some of my favorites:
"My eyes, My eyes, good heavens why doesn't lightening strike this woman already?"

"So Graceless instead of asking WWJD, she asks Mac for advice."

I knew Padre A was alive. I knew someone was going to have to come and testify the TRUTH to the judge. I think that Padre A being alive will bring a lot of truths forward. Including the attempt on Montse's life by BM. I just hope he makes an appearance soon. I am curious to see where he's been. Maybe he's been keeping track of everyone from afar. Who knows? I am just glad that he is alive.

Madelaine, you asked for a correction on that scene with Peddy and Addled, and the millions that Peddy was worried about. Peddy is pithed because he says they lost millions with the drug bust. And he blames EZ. Also, BM lied to the judge about Joaquin's letter. She told the judge that the Padre had it and gave it to her (BM) for safe keeping because the Padre had always trusted her. That's a bunch of BS, because we all know that she stole that letter from Padre A. That pouty look on BM's face was sickening. She was playing the innocent victim in front of that judge. I can't stand her. NEXT!

I can't believe they killed Monica. She was not my favorite character, but I wasn't expecting her death. Was this the only way the writers could split Monica and Dimi? Seriously? I want Dimi and Fina to end up together, but now with Monica's death, if Dimi and Fina do get back together, it's going to seem like Dimi is settling. Like he wanted Monica, but she's dead so I guess I'll take Fina. I don't know how to feel about this. I am confused.

I have the feeling that Gracie is going to help Fabby and NOT give the will to Montse and Ale. Gracie knows that it will take a lot to win back Montse's love, so she's going to take Fabby's side and hide the fact that Fabby stole the original will.

On a side note, I don't know what to think of the new TN with Sylvia Navarro and Jorge Salinas. I really love SN, but I am not a big fan of JS. Sorry ladies, I know a lot of you like him. If I do watch, it will only be to join you all in all the great discussions we have. That I am hooked on.

Off to bed...hasta pronto!
 

Gracie will throw anyone under the bus for money. That is what she did in the first place when she broke up Monse and the man now known as Mad Dog Alvarez. I suspect she was more than angry when Monse fell in love with Alejandro because the concept of "love" just isn't in her repertoire.

If Fabiola turns out to be her lost daughter this will royally tick off Monse and Dimitrio, both of whom have endured insults from that drunken sow. They should press charges about the theft of Benjamin's will. I'm also not so sure Fabiola would be happy about Gracie being her egg donor either.
 

Mads, thanks so much for the fine recap. I appreciate your concern for our feelings and the light touch you manage to bring to the enterprise, despite the central tragedy.

Urban, there was a scene in episode 162 that gave voice to your opinion about Graciela:

Dimitrio warns Alejandro not to trust his mother. Ale thinks that this time he can, that getting her hands on Ben's estate has always been a personal challenge for her. And besides, his father (Benjamin) was probably the only man she ever loved..

Dimitrio disagrees. He knows his mother never loved Lauro, but he believes her true passion in life has always been MONEY.

You and Dimitrio may be right about Graciela and her men, but I believe that she DOES feel a strong emotion for her children. You may be reluctant to call it "love" but it is clearly not indifference. You don't pass a private, all-night prayer vigil FAKING a crisis of conscience (as Carlos has already pointed out).

After watching this episode, I also realized that Graciela DOES have a legitimate grievance against Amelia (and Macario and Ben) for telling her that her daughter was dead. Fatima, to add to what Carlos wrote, there is no evidence that Graciela tried to kill the baby; as I see it, she told Padre Anselmo she had done so just to make him squirm -- she knew his lips were sealed and he couldn't repeat what she said to anyone. She was acting out, like the adolescent she actually was at the time.

It is unlikely that she would have openly acknowledged the baby since that would have meant losing Lauro (who was determined to buy new, not used). But maybe she would have farmed the kid out and watched from afar. She could have played Lady Bountiful and taken the girl in at a later date, probably with good-hearted Lauro's full approval.

Even after Fabiola's adoptive parents died and the girl was left alone, Amelia (and Macario and Ben) kept silent. As Graciela said, they had no right to make that decision. As for Fabiola, the results of their actions were life-blighting.
------
A small addition (and thanks AuntyAnn, for fleshing out the Pedro/Adolfo conversation):

Graciela visited Maria to threaten her: If Maria said anything about Graciela's role in Benjamin's death, she would produce the gun, and disguise Maria used to kill Sandro and Maria would rot in jail.

Maria took the threat seriously and carefully avoiding blaming Graciela for the poisoning.

By the way, is there a statute of limitations on attempted kidnaping and assault? Why didn't anyone charge Maria with attacking Carlota and snatching Lauro, a crime that was witnessed by several people?

But yes, bravo for making the photocopy of Joaquin's note, Maria, and for keeping it safe through your years on the street. (The Patio speculated about the existence of such a copy, though it seemed unlikely that Maria had found a Kinko's open at that hour. Apparently, in Aguazul, they never sleep.)
 

NM and UA, Graciela can be a narcissistic mom, can be utterly selfish, and still have strong emotional attachments to her children, these aren't mutually exclusive. As we have discussed before her children are extensions of herself, and therefore have no real rights to self determination in the mind of a narcissistic mother.
She may start to appear as a sacrificial and devoted mother by the end of the story as she moves circumstances around to create advantages for her offspring, as she must do because, as extensions of herself, they must be protected. It is love, self-love.

Whether the writers are savvy to this or not, or they just think all mothers have a little good in them somewhere remains to be seen.

Case in point: Mommy Dearest. Let's for a moment assume that Christina Crawford was truthful and unbiased in the movie version of this story. Did Joan love her children? I think of the scene when she played the role of her daughter in a soap opera when her daughter had her appendix out. Did it badly, as I recall. Classic.
 

Good Afternoon Y'all and thank you so very much for all your kind words.

Victoria Gomez :

In real life if a person disappears and they are gone from five to seven years they are presumed to be dead. Especially if there is an investigation and there is no trace of them anywhere. Now in this TN that went out the window. Monse would have been considered Ale's widow, but since his fortune and name were taken away, it was as if he didn't exist so that is why Monse uses her maiden name.

In real life, if a husband or wife remarries, after the other husband or wife has been presumed dead or declared dead, the remarriage is the only legal marriage. It doesn't matter that the previous spouse didn't get a divorce. So in real life, even if Ale came back, Monse's marriage to JL would be the legal one. Evidentally in this TN, if Ale gets his name back then Monse's marriage to JL would not be legal but her marriage to Ale would be. I hope this answers your question.
 

Anon 3:49 :

Good catch. I didn't see that. How interesting this PSA, yes? Because of all the domestic abuse going on.

JudyB :

I laughed at your Celestial Bellhop comment. I will have to "borrow" that from you! So apropos. I think maybe she has some feelings for her children, but I'm conflicted. But there is that Big Money Pipeline too, hmmmm........

Urban :

I think Addled already has PTSD. He had the signs of it after he couldn't kill BM and again when he couldn't kill the Padre. It seemed to leave him when he killed that guy up North, but I think it's come back now that he killed the Capitana. How can he look Dimi in the face and Fina too, come to think of it. We'll have to see.

Jarifa :

I too feel sorry for Addled. I really liked his mischevious self when this first started. It was hard to be mad at him, but now well, I don't see much hope for him.


 

NovelaMavenI would agree that Graciela does not show indifference to her children. However, I am definitely reluctant to call her interest in her children "love".

I will have to respectfully disagree with you and Carlos re The Prayer Vigil. I took one look at her face and the words I shouted out to the TV were: "You faker!". In that instantaneous flash of her face, I saw moving lips and the face of a true phony. The eyes said it all.

When one is praying for that amount of time with such fervor, it is almost physically draining. Graciela was NOT drained. In fact, she came at Macario in full voice with full force.

Re possibly trying to kill the baby. Ok. I missed the boat on that and will defer to you on that point. However, I believe that Graciela is a religious phony who has probably never experienced a crisis of conscience nor do I believe that she experienced a crisis of conscience during her prayer vigil. She was simply working on The Plan.

Of course, there is always room for my thinking to evolve. One can only hope. :)

Fatima
 

Diana :

Diana, thanks so much Amiga for joining me at the Monica table and I will have a Bloody Mary. I really think the Padre is alive, cause they would have shown his body in the morgue, I would think. It seems he just had the guy pick a hand. I also join you on Addled. I liked him so much, but now not so much. I'm thinking if he had let Monica take him into custody, tried to get immunity and given up Peddy, he may not have had to do much time. I wonder why he didn't?

DaisynJay :

You are so right about the filming of this episode. It went quickly but in the important parts it slowed down so you could see all the details. I think that's why I'm so upset that they killed a strong woman. She didn't whine and cry, she did. That's why I liked her so much. She owned up to her mistakes and that's really rare, first to Dimi and then to Esme. I join you in your toast to the Capitana!

Susanlynn :

I can't understand why UNI did that either. It kind of took the umppff out of this epi. I remember when Una Famila Con Suerte was on, they showed a promo of a wedding we didn't see for three months. Go figure.
 

Madelaine, I share your frustration and disappointment with Monica's death. She was not a fave character of mine, but I saw no reason why she had to go. She brought another side of a female character that we have not seen in too many TN. It would have been better if she had stayed.

You bring up a really excellent point which I've been thinking about re Adolfo. If Adolfo is really intent on bringing down Pedro, he missed his chance. As you say, if he had turned himself in and become a witness for the state, he could have helped SO many people. Adolfo is a lost boy and a lost child. Fina represents stability to him; a stability he probably never had a child. What a waste of a man.

Fatima
 

At 48 minutes in, Mexico just scored against the Netherlands! They are playing so well against an incredible Dutch team! I am so excited!!

Fatima
 

Fatima :

I think seeing Addled shocked and slowed Monica's reaction time and increased Addled's. It's a shame she didn't have backup, they were all on the floor at that point. I still can't get over how Addled shoots that gun, like a gang banger, the aim would be way wide, as Urban mentioned before. It's better to hold it in two hands, and yes, I've had weapons training.

Carlos :

Surprise! I actually agree with you about Maria, being a great archivist. Who knew? She did keep that will, and in a place that was amazing to me, right in the open. I bet people, like Graceless saw it everyday and never really noticed it. Same with that confession of Joaquin's. Amazing. As someone said, or was it you? Maria would have made a great P.I. or a cop.
 

Guys, I didn't like Adolfo's killing of Monica either. He is indeed such a sad figure. He started off this show swindling and being rather lazy, but there was something likable about him. Besides having those gorgeous eyelashes, he seemed less inclined to hurt others as Dim did, during his worst moments.

He fell into Pedro's clutches looking for easy money, but although he was perceived as somewhat weak, he was strong enough to resist the orders to kill others. Only when it was his life or Maria's did he point and shoot, but he has always felt bad for that and that's why he keeps protecting Maria.

Pedro sent him to the North to be trained as as killer. We didn't see any of this training, but I can only imagine how horrible it must have been and how they must have broken him to make him what he is today.

It may be easy to say, he should have struck a bargain to bring Pedro down, but we have to remember that Nadia and Victoria are still in Pedro's clutches and Fina's life has been threatened as well. So perhaps, he felt he needed to escape in order to keep those he loves safe. You could tell he was sorry for what he did to Monica, but in his mind, he had no choice.

I too wish Monica had made it, even if Dim had stayed with her. Perhaps Fina could have found love elsewhere. Now, as someone else has said before, if Dim does return to her, it will feel like she is just second choice, and she doesn't deserve that.

Maricruz
 

I disagree about Adolfo turning himself in. If Adolfo had turned himself in, the NCIS would have paraded him in front of the cameras and let the world know that they'd caught a high-ranking member of a cartel. This would have given Pedro time to kill everything and everybody Adolfo loves. His testimony would have taken down not only Pedro, but everyone in the organization and other organizations. This blood bath would not be pretty. It is better that Adolfo killed that idiot Moronica because it gave him another day to fight for his family and because I just couldn't stand her.
 

Cynderella, very interesting point of view. I like it.

Fatima
 

Guys, Mexico is playing so beautifully! Please forgive me for butting in with Futbol, but Mexico is on fire! Dos Santos goal at 48 minutes was beautiful with incredibly beautiful footwork.

Mexico's goalie, Guillermo Ochoa is incredible!!!

Ok. Will calm down now and keep quiet until it's over.

Fatima
 

Oxnard :

Great observation about the cameras in the warehouse, but I highly doubt there were, due to the criminal enterprise it was used for. Now the Navy may have filmed the op, they do wear cameras sometimes. Your observation about Monica was spot on too. I don't get why people thought she was rigid, I found her quite the contrary. With all her flaws she was very realistic.

Cynderella :

Now why am I not surprised you didn't like the Capitana? But then again I'm not the fan of Monse either, go figure.

Maricruz :

That is a really great observation about Graceless, the draw of the money for her is indeed strong.

Anon 12:54 :

You also made a great observation. You never know with Graceless, is she faking or is she for real, hmmmmmmm.........

xIntperuvian :

I so agree with you about Monse at least. The woman can't function, or never comes up with an idea someone doesn't give her first. Carly has just now started to put her foot down. This I admire in her, but Monse, blech. Now Monica would have been great with JL, I agree. They both had the same ethics and so would have been great together. It's a shame.
Graceless does bully a lot doesn't she and she also guilts. I don't like that she does that either.
 

Mexico lost. The Dutch won 2-1 in overtime. Still, Mexico played so well against a team that destroyed Spain.

Fatima
 

Mads, I don't like Monse either. Matter of fact, I don't like any of the women on this TN. There are simply degrees to my dislike. Some I dislike more than others. Moronica bugged the heck out of me because I really dislike so-called "strong" women who act silly over men.

Although, I don't like the other women, I can kinda sorta excuse the behavior of most of them. I can see the "why". Even Maria has valid reasons for being a homicidal hooker meth head maniac. Graciela was dirt poor and later mentally abused by a rapist.

Moronica decided to seduce a married man with a pregnant wife because she was upset that her boyfriend slept with his ex-wife. It's not like she's ugly or desperate. She's cute and she had access to and command over hundreds of men. Yet, she chooses to selfishly try to break up a family because she is hurt. She didn't stop the tryst. He did. Then, she is so desperate to have a man, she listens to some B.S. about Dimi having to screw his ex-wife to prove that he only loves her. Only a moronica could believe that! She's back in bed with him! I'm certain that she didn't make him wear a raincoat. She had to go!


 

Cynderella, I always appreciate your straightforward way of telling it like it is. :))

Fatima
 

Fatima :

The Queen of Spain! I am still laughing thanks so much!

Emarie :

I get you about the anvils but I have always thought of them for the villains of the piece and like mini piecarts for the good guys that are in danger. Really little bitty pie carts, just to alert them to the danger so to speak.

Niece :

I like your theories on where the Padre has been, lo these many years. I'm not an Ale fan, but I did agree with you about the hiding behind that tree. I thought that security guy would see him any minute. Too funny.

Eli :

I agree with you about Addled. I had such high hopes for him. He's so darn cute too, but Peddy set him on this path, and I guess he could never see his way out.

DaisynJay :

It was you that said that about Maria being a P.I. good thought and I also like your ideas about the Padre being in a enclosed monastery where he doesn't leave it. I hope he appears soon.

Carlos :

Oh, Carlos, I really laughed about no more Padre Hook. I was looking forward to it in a way, cause well, I have never seen a Padre with a hook, so to speak ; )

Rebecca :

I really don't think that JL will go that far. I have hope for him still, he is his almost normal self with everyone except Monse, Ale and Rosy. JL's problem is that he wants Monse to be as true to him as she is to Ale, and unfortunately, that will never happen. He needs to get more of a talking to from Amelia, Esme and maybe the Padre if he makes a return appearance.




 

Gracie isn't indifferent to her children. Any civil behavior she displays with them is strictly conditional. If she were completely indifferent nothing they did would matter.

Here is the problem: If Monse had become the greedy whore that Gracie is, that wouldn't have satisfied Gracie either. She would see that as a competition and sooner or later she would have had to admit defeat in said competition.

Does anyone remember the part when Sandho first met Monserrat? When I think of how he commented on her beauty it occurred to me that he might have had it in mind to pursue her as well. While his level of perversion is far below Pedro's it is extremely perverse to want to boink a mother and a daughter.
 

I am so far behind in this one there is no way that I can catch up but I would like to say that I agree with you Madelaine about Captain Monica last night. She was fearless in leading the raid. Too bad she didn't live to tell about it. After watching this sad scene I couldn't help but wonder what kind of anvil/fate awaits Adolfo in the next few weeks.
the gringo
 

Madelaine, amiga, I'm glad I made you laugh!

Urban, the look in Sandho's eyes when he first saw Montse told me that he was more than "interested" in her. I kind of miss his colorful clothes, but no one can wear colors like Gino over on DTQ.

Fatima
 

I guess we are going to be debating Graciela's "love" for her children a long time. Here's my take on it:

Most people sing. Some sing very badly. Harsh voice tone. Totally off-key. An assault to the ears.

Others sing like angels. A tone so pure, so sweet, it lifts the spirits of all who hear them.

Most of us fall somewhere in between-- alternating between generosity and selfishness, kindness and punitiveness, empathy and judgemental condemnation, wisdom and stupidity.

Graciela is at the low end of this spectrum but I think she does love her children...in her own way. Which yes, is selfish, controlling, murky...but passionate.

And as for the charge that she sees her children as "extensions of herself"--well they ARE extensions of herself and Ben, or of herself and Lauro. And also extensions of all their genetic forbears.

I think she'll fight tooth and nail for her children if need be, but her love is toxic...because she is toxic. But that toxic love is the best she can do.
 

Does anyone else think that in the next-to-last episode that bottle with Monse's wedding and engagement rings from Alejandro will wash up on the beach to be found by them or by the kids?
 

Urban: don't know how to go back to Weekend Discussion from my phone but wanted to clarify that I didn't mean it was necessary to post bloghers' comments next to each recommendation because there are so many, just a star rating would do.

No I don't think the bottle will wash back up. Too far fetched. But it's a TN so who knows.
 

Urban, Yes, I am a romantic at heart and feel that the bottle will wash up. They made such a point about showing it, so I think it will happen.

Fatima
 

I've always believed the rings would wash up. I commented on the same thing when she threw them in.
 

Yay im back from my trip! So Peddy is getting crazier and he still did that beautiful shot for AguaTV for woman rights,damn so humanitarian!,EZ is gaining ground like the Loki he is,Adolfo lost himself even more to no redemption and JL and his Baraka( the guard) are still running the Big Brother Show,unsuccessfully of course,Refoolio got what he deserved,BM lost the will to the amazing Purple Panther and oh Padre Anselmo is probably sipping pills in a retirement home thinking " Screw you guys,i have much more peace here than in that Mugroso Aguazul but what about my adorable chickens ,hmm maybe the lighting hit them but the lighting missed the Purple Panther ,maybe i should deliver the divine judgment! ,nah my pills are so much better,Drugs forever!" Maybe when Padre A returns he will become the Presidente Municipal of Chickens.
 

Victoria L.

I too hope for a happy ending for Dimi and Fina.

Bill:

So happy you are here! A lot of us liked Addled too and were pulling for him. I too feel bad for him.

AuntyAnn :

Thank you so much for the added parts with Peddy and Addled and also the BM and DA Judge part. With Peddy it's hard because of the way he speaks and DA Judge and BM I truly missed it. Thank you so much! Oh, BM lied through her teeth, but isn't it ironic how she is being accused of a crime she really didn't commit? The poisoning of Don Benny.


 

NovelaMaven :

Thanks so much for what I missed with BM and Graceless. No wonder BM was so vague so to speak with DA Judge. About your question of Statue of Limitations on Attmepted Kidnapping. Kidnapping is so serious a crime there is no statue of limitations on it in real life as far as State Law and Federal Law. But since this is a TN, I doubt they will use the real life model.

Maricruz and Cynderella :

Now I see what you mean about Addled not turning himself in. Peddy has threatened people close to those that work for him and you are right Cynderella, they would have paraded Addled in front of the cameras. He wouldn't have been able to help, Nadia, Vicky or Fina.

Fatima :

Such enthusiasm for the soccer! It's okay though, cross your fingers and be ready for the US to play Belgium on Tuesday. That will be a tough game but our best player is back!

Cynderella :

Oh, I agree what she did was wrong, in reference to Refug and hurting Esme, but what I really admired about her was that she owned up to what she had done, went and talked to Esme and told her how it really was, now that takes Avocadoes, I must say. She did the wrong and admitted to it. You don't see many women doing that without a lot of crying and whining and justifying. She used Refug and I don't think she had any intention of breaking up Esme and Refug, but that was the end result and so wrong, you are right. As far as the rest of these women in this TN you are right about them too. Surprise, I actually agree with you.

 

Gringo :

I am so happy you are staying with this, and don't worry about what you missed! You can always just skim the recaps from before but there are alot flashbacks in the episodes, it will be easy for you to figure things out. If you need to know anything in particular just ask. We don't mind answering questions, no worries : )

Urban, Fatima, and Nanette :

I have been wondering about the rings that Monse tossed into the sea too. Since this is a romantic TN, so to speak, I think someone will eventually find them. They spent an awful lot of time on that heart wrenching scene, I think they will wash up at some point.


 

CountxAlacran :

So glad you are back. You have missed some things but you should be able to catch up pretty quickly. Peddy is still the same and the Padre? I hope he is in that monastery and will make an appearance soon.
 

Now to some of my own thoughts, there have been so many comments on Graceless and motherhood. I have to say I have been conflicted about her method of being a mother I must say. I have never known anyone in real life like this woman. Graceless may have some feelings about Fabs I think. I agree with NovelaMaven about Graceless being mad at Mac and Amelia for what they kept from her in reference to Fabs being alive. I also agree with NovelaMaven and Carlos about Graceless not killing Fabs. I think Graceless really saw the bebe stop breathing and she panicked and gave the bebe to Mac to bury. What I keep thinking about though, is that if this was a convent where unmarried girls went to have bebes, didn't they have a cemetery to bury their dead? What about stillborn births? I'll never understand why she gave Fabs to Mac. Also I find it hard to see how Graceless has any feelings for Monse, really! Graceless has sold Monse to two different men, for financial gain. What Mother does this to a daughter? I really believe if she truly loved Monse, Graceless wouldn't have done this. Graceless really benefitted from both of these "sales" and made Monse suffer. That's what I keep thinking about.
 

Madelaine, I confess, I love futbol! After the Dutch made their goal to tie, I could visually see that it hit the Mexicans hard. You could visually see and feel them losing their balance for a moment. I felt very sad for El Tri.They were SO close. One of the female commentators almost started to cry. Yesseree, Bob I understand. So, now, we have Tuesday and the US!

Demetrios, glad you are back. Hope you had a fun time. :)

Fatima
 

Now about Nadia's eyes. I know we have been speculating about her sight. It seems she didn't lose her sight right away but it was gradual. I have been thinking about it, and maybe she has detached retinas, but the doctors would have been able to reattach them, we never were told a diagnosis on what was wrong expect she gradually went blind. I wonder if she has hysterical blindness, it's been known to happen during stressful times. And maybe a shock will bring her sight back. Just a theory.
 

Madelaine, the question of WHY Graciela gave her child to Macario is something I have wondered for a long time. There is a piece to this puzzle that has been missing for a long time.

It's time for a flashback to the truth.

Fatima
 

Madelaine re hysterical blindness. Yes, you have a good theory and I suspect you might be correct.

Fatima
 

I can answer that.

Gracie is a narcissist. We have all agreed that everything she does is about herself and money. She had no qualms about selling her own body to two men she didn't love and she fails to understand why Monse isn't the same way. Everything is her way or the highway and Monserrat won't obey her.

Monserrat obeys her own heart. Admittedly this is not always the wisest or safest thing to do, but she is always true to her own feelings. Any lie she has ever told or any truth concealed was either in the interests of her own safety or someone else's feelings. She would never exploit another person as Gracie does.

Gracie, however, loves exploiting people. Possibly because of the humble origins she is ashamed of she seems to get off on her financial exploitation of men. In past episodes when Monserrat spoke of her love for Alejandro her responses all indicate that love is weakness.

Notice that she has no friends. That's because other women sense that she's a crocodile. She sees all other women as competition. On an unconscious level she is probably scared to death that they'll figure out she wasn't To The Manor Born.

Even we knew that from Day One.
 

My previous post was to Mads.

Fatime, she may have thought that the baby was dead. Macario might have been the first person she could have turned to.

She also had to cover up the entire pregnancy. She may have been hoping that Macario would say nothing and quietly disappear after.
 

Urban :

I like your ideas about Graceless but she used to have one friend Amelia. Now they can't stand each other. It's funny, I didn't like Amelia in the beginning of this TN. She seemed so snobbish and critical, but she's changed a lot since this TN began. I really like her character now. Now I see where Angie got her joie de vivre so to speak.

Fatima :

I too think there is something missing in the Mac and Graceless story. I have always felt that too. Since this TN is nearing the end, maybe we will finally find out what that is.
 

Urban :

I understand what you meant about Graceless hiding the pregnancy, but I always understood this convent Graceless went to was a home for unwed mothers, like they used to have back in the day for young women to go to, to hide a pregnancy. What if Graceless had had a stillborn bebe? There should have been a place to bury the bebe on the convent grounds. She could have just had Mac bury the bebe there. This is where I am confused. If the bebe were to be buried on the convent grounds, it still would have been a secret. Where supposedly was that box of rocks buried? In the local cemetery?
 

Im pretty much unsuprised by Gracie anymore ,even if she tells Fabiola that she is her mother Gracie wont change ,she will use her just like she used Monse and Dim for her own gain. She reminds me of Bernarda from La Otra. I guess Monse and Dim were born under the wrong roof,just imagine Rosario as their maternal mother things would have been so much better( Dim wouldnt be so greedy as he was in his prime) and i too am waiting for the sacred day until the accursed lighting hits the Witch.

I remember from Tormenta En El Paraiso,the mother of the main female villian,Maura Duran,Luisa was so evil that she was in the end,hit by lightning while Maura was punished by the stinging bees for her crimes against honey.

Oh and thanks Madelaine thanks for your wishes, glad to be back to this wonderful community!
 

Urban and Madelaine, what I don't understand is if she was supposed to be in a convent (and wasn't this convent in Italy?)and the convent was far away from home, what was Macario doing at the convent?

That is the part I do not understand. Maybe I am not remembering correctly, but the time Graciela was in Italy (supposedly) is the time she was really in the convent, is that correct or do I have my facts mixed up?

Fatima
 

Fatima :

Graceless wasn't in a convent in Italy. This convent was closer to home so to speak, like a couple three towns over. Graceless told people she went to Italy to think before her marriage to Lauro. That's where the confusion comes in. She never left Mexico and the Padre was also at this convent. He would have been the resident priest.
 

Madelaine and Fatima,

Hysterical blindness can be easily spotted right away even by someone who has little or no medical training because the pupillary light reflex would be present since the nerves involved are still intact... that is, when a light is shined into her eye, the pupil would reflexively constrict. Of course TN medicine and physiology often vary from the way things are in real life.

Carlos
 

Carlos :

Thanks about the info on hysterical blindness. You are so right about TN medicine. I thought maybe this would be a first for a TN. I'm surprised they didn't have Ale have prolonged amnesia ; )
 

Good morning everyone, hope you all had a nice weekend. Demetrios, welcome back!

As for Graciela and the convent, Madelaine is right. Graciela only told Lauro she was going to Italy to visit family. Instead she went to a nearby convent to hide her pregnancy. Like others, I think the baby stopped breathing on its own, but if I recall correctly, she didn't give the baby to Mac. She gave her to Amelia who was with her at the time. Amelia took the baby to Ben, and Ben planned the whole "rocks in a coffin" burial. Mac and Padre were the only ones that attended the funeral, and Ben gave the baby to his sister to raise. Only Mac and Amelia knew the baby was still alive, Padre believed he buried the real baby.

Maricruz
 

Madelaine, the bag of rocks was buried on Benjamin's property. That was how Graciela intended to stick it to him. That she bore his child and buried it on his property without him knowing about it. Think of how she might have almost gloated about that all those years.

But he had the last laugh if he knew that this was his child and it lived to become an adult.

Gracie is one cold customer.
 

Maricruz :

You are so right about Amelia, she was right there. Ben did give Fabs to his sister Anastasia to raise, so he knew about this bebe and he supported Fabs until just before he died. And Mac having to keep this secret all these years. I remember now that the Padre had no idea that bebe had lived, no wonder he was so shocked when she did the "confession" at the convent.

Urban :

Graceless is cold isn't she? Fits her character and she STILL had this long going affair with Benny. I wonder if she ever went to the "grave"? I doubt it though. I don't think she gave it a second thought until she found out the bebe lived.
 

Thank you so much for the wonderful recap!

Who needs the idiot double team of Ale and JL to bring down the trifecta of EZ/Adolfo/Pedro? They seem to be imploding quite well on their own.

No redemption for Adolfo or EZ from me but maybe they can both do some good before their inevitable deaths.
 

Carvivlie

Oh, I liked that term trifecta of Peddy/Ez/Addled and the bumbling duo of Ale and JL. Ale and JL would be a great duo to bring down that trifecta! If only each of them would let the personal issues go and get to work already! One can hope ; )
 

Mads, she never visited the grave. That came up in a past episode and she admitted she never had the courage.
 

Few thoughts on what’s been discussed.

I believe Gracie loves her children in her own way. Whether a person like her would do so in real life doesn’t really matter. It’s what the TN writers want her to be. I’m certain she was genuinely distraught when Mons was shot and that she instinctively stepped in front of Mons to protect her when Fab had a gun on them.

I don’t think Fina is second choice. Actually, from what I understand, Monica was the first real girlfriend Demetrio had after Fina, which would make Monica Transitional Girl. I believe that Deme loves both women. That he would have been happy married to Monica. That after he mourns her death his falling in love again, or admitting he still loves Fina, will come naturally. Fina won’t be a consolation prize.

Perhaps, there have been new technologies discovered in the last seven years to help Nadia. Maybe they just couldn’t’ afford an operation-though I would have thought that they would have mentioned that. Fina would have paid for it. Of course, Pedro doesn’t want her to see, so he won’t be looking into getting her help. I’m hoping that there is a way to restore Nadia’s sight, medically speaking or otherwise.

Welcome back Count A. We missed you.

Bummer about Mexico. I picked them to advance in our office pool. Flaco said they always clutch in situations like that.

Nanette
 

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Nanette :


Good point about Nadia and of course Peddy doesn't want her to see. I too think Fina would have paid for any operation, but I think at that point Ale was waking from his coma and they all came back to Agauzul.

Urban :

Thanks for that, I remember now. She did say that.
 

Madelaine, thanks for the recap and for your insights from military service.

There was so much great commentary on the characters that I won't duplicate. Adolfo's eyes were horror stricken after he shot Monica. If he wasn't already doomed, he must be now.

That pouty mouth Maria was wearing? That's the exact mouth one of my daughters used as a means of persuasion. I had to smile when I saw that.
 

Carlos, thank you for that information re hysterical blindness. It will be interesting to see how that clinical issue progresses or not. Thank you!

Madelaine and Maricruz, thank you for clarifying The Italy Trip. Looks like that was a red herring. Sometimes, so many lies are spun that it's hard to separate truth from fiction. :))

Fatima
 

I hope Nadia's sight comes back spontaneously, and she keeps it a secret from Peddy. Then she can catch him doing something without him knowing.

In RE to the rings in the bottle, I think a lot of time will pass, and perhaps Laurito and Victoria will find them. Then they can use them if they end up together. Just some thoughts.
 

Those a good thoughts, Aunty Ann!!

Fatima
 

AuntyAnn, the faking of blindness has been done before in Abrazame Muy Fuerte in a very clever way to beat an abusive husband/perv stepfather villain. However, since there is a housekeeper I doubt Pedro is careless enough despite Nadia being blind.
 

La Paloma

Maria does make that mouth quite often doesn't she? Like a pouty girl. My daughter did something similar when she was young ; )

AuntyAnn :

Now that would be clever about Nadia getting her sight back without anyone the wiser. Then she really could get the goods on ole Peddy. He is due for such a huge anvil already. He has gotten his way far too long.

Urban :

Very true Urban about the housekeeper but Susanna was working there when he was videoing Nadia and Victor, she just never had access to his office. It seems this is his private domain and no one dares go in there except Addled and Nadia that one time.