Caray, Caray!

Oh no! Poor Sara. Technology is not always reliable.

Highlights:
- Diego continues to be jealous of Nat's attentions towards Rod-- who fakes being so hurt that he needs to go to the hospital after Diego punches him. Nat slaps Diego when he suggests that Nat misses Rod's attentions. Both Carmen and Alonso tell him he's being stupid and jealous. He spends the rest of the episode trying to follow Nat to find out who she's meeting with mysteriously.

- The mystery person is Karina, who meets with Nat to tell her that Brig is getting an abortion, and the baby daddy is Rod. Nat puts it together that Brig and Rod had something going since when they all thought Rod was Diego. But her main concern is stopping Brig from getting the abortion. She and Karina plan and plot, and Nat arrives just as Brig is about to get into the stirrups, and shoves Brig's shady doctor aside.
- Mara returns home with her mom. Paolo helps Mara move her stuff back home and her mom is a witch to him. Mara decides that she needs to break up with Paolo to avoid making her mom's health worse.

- Jaiba breaks up with Abdul when he says he put up the flyers. Late he catches her kissing Abdalah and he's ticked off at both of them, since he thought Abdalah was his friend. Abdalah is so devastated that Abdul hates him that he goes and gets really drunk. Later when he runs into Abdul, he calls him hijo. In his drunk mind he thinks he told Abdul that he's his daddy. Abdul puts his drink ex-amigo into a cab and sends him home.

 

Vivi I owe you big. I hate this. I'm SO sorry. I also missed the episode because I was packing and doing last minute things. And reading your highlights I see I missed a lot.

I think I'm going to cry.
 

Highlights Part 2:

- Abdul and Mali, both now homeless and jobless, find each other and proceed to have a number of very cute and tender scenes where: he accepts writing a recommendation letter so that she can get that job at the store; they give each other pep talks about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps (or platform heels for Mali); Mali shares the dilapidated abandoned building she's been living in with him (Abdul is too proud to return home); he starts a fire and buys them food; she tells him she never knew her father and her mother was an alcoholic who basically gave her to her comadre, Jaiba, who is not her aunt; and that Jaiba's real business is a madam and Mali and the girls are her hos. Abdul is shocked, but comforts Mali and supports her desire to not return to that life. The next day, Mali takes her letter of rec to the store and gets the job. Abdul gets a job at what looks like a mechanic's/car repair shop. Looks like Abdul and Mali might become a couple later on...

- After her pep talk from Irene, Carmen decides to go for it with El. She invites him for a romantic dinner at her apt, sends Lupita off to the movies with Angela (we need a guy for her), he brings a bouquet of flowers, and they start to get busy even before he's tasted her salsa (not a euphemism). Unfortunately, they are deterred by an accidental kick to the groin, Lupita's early arrival with a stomach ache, and a call from a very drunk and distraught Abdalah. The both go to see him and he babbles about telling Abdul the truth and cries about his son hating him. They all worry when Abdul still has shown up at home by the next day. There is some bit of jealousy about Abdalah and Kim.

- Morales makes a final play for Kim. She weakens at his kisses, but still decides to stay with El, since he has a higher position. He gives her a letter that we don't get to hear, but it seems to turn Kim into jelly. The police chief noticed that there's a little something something between Kim and Morales, but he denies it.

- Brig gets pampered by Carmen and Alberto, and tells her baby she can't let him/her ruin the sweet life she has-- he/she has to go. She looks up abortion clinics, tells Karina, gathers up jewelry to hock (she had shame enough not to hock Al's engagement ring), and wheedles money out of Al, all to pay for a cheap abortion in a shady clinic. She tells Karina.

(Yes, I know these highlights were out of order. Just writing it up as it came to me.)
 

Sara- No worries. This stuff happens all the time.
 

Just read part two. I missed so much!!! WAH!!!
 

I cannot believe Brat was going to get an abortion. Oh, wait. Yes I can.

Do we approve of Abdul and Mali? Are he and Angela completely off our pairings list?
 

There was some real chemistry between Abdul and Mali, and they were really sweet together this episode. I give this pairing my blessing. I'm still supporting a Angela-Alberto pairing. They're my fantasy team.
 

Fantasy Telenovela leagues. I like it.
 

In the first highlights it should read that both Irene and Alonso tell Diego he's being stupid and jealous. Typing too fast.
 

Wow, Vivi, that was quick! And impressively concise, you hit all the main points. Sara, I'm sorry! I hate when the technology fails me, and with such poor timing too!

Rodrigo's an insidious little booger. Can the Shin Kicking Club visit him next? And not contain their kicks to the shins? I don't know what Natalia was expecting when she expressed no reservations about Rod's being back in charge of the work he already screwed up. She said clearly that for the good of the company, and the interest of time, they shouldn't fight Vicente's decision, but I'm not surprised Diego acted the way he did, don't know why she is. I wish they had added a scene in which they worked it out without Irene having to intervene. That said, Diego's being an idiot.

On the flip side, I was glad that Carmen and El show slight signs of maturity. When Carmen went to find out what happened with Abdul, El didn't blow as I expected him to and later when he was about to jump on the jealousy train again, Carmen pointed out that they have to "close circles" (i.e. Kimberly) otherwise their relationship will never work.

I'm surprised Karina told Nat what was up with Brat, but I'm SO GLAD she clarified that the baby's Rodrigo's. And I was happy to see Nat brushed right over the affair in favor of worrying about her sister and potential sobrino/a. (Though I can't wait to see the fall out later...). Now I'm actually curious to see how this plays out: do you guys think tomorrow things will be explained, or will Diego get the absolute wrong idea about why Nat's in an abortion clinic? (Why do I even ask, it's a tn. Sigh...) And will Brat manipulate everything and everyone involved?

Looks like the fortune tellers were right: Abdul + Mali = THANK YOU! When you've got nothing, but you're willing to share, and you'll sleep outside until you can put a roof over your head and pull each other up when you're all the way down and not judge a book by her prostitute past, THAT'S a good (foundation for a) relationship. Brigette shall I take notes for you? Diego?

Ay yi yi, I gotta get to bed!


 

On second thought, I'm surprised that Carmen was so willing to go all the way with El without his having broken things off with Kim. They were def caught up on the passion, but I'm surprised she didn't put the brakes all the way on and say that all that goodness would come AFTER El manned up to his fiancee.

Now that an Abdul/Mali pairing seems set to go, I think the Alberto/Angela ship will be coming in soon, so I'm starting to wonder about Karina. She def went super nuts for a little bit, but she's just unbearably lonely and always has been. Now that she's back on a road to recovery, I hope there's someone for her.
 

I'm hoping Angela ends up with the boy who works at La Fonda who isn't Abdul or Paolo. His name is Tony right?
 

Wow, Vivi, how to step up in a pinch 101. Sara, a millennium from now humanity will believe the devil was a cable company.

I didn't think this thing would end in an abortion clinic so appreciate the twist.

Diego is stupid but I understand his confusion about Nat's continued support of Rod, just wonder after the dust settles at the health clinic what will her continued relationship be with Rod. She jumped really quick to blaming Brat for going after Diego (true) and continuing with Rod after she knew the truth. Will she be jealous and confront Rod when she believed he wanted her?

Despite wanting to, I like El & Carmen when they act like adults.

Poor Mali, all the other girls in the TN better shut up. Fatherless, abandoned by an alcoholic mother, handed to a relative that allows a predator to scoop the girl up and turn her out, willing to live in an abandoned building with only the clothes on her back and nothing to eat in an effort to change her life.

 

Oh Sara, I'm so sorry. You sound hyper-responsible (like me) and I would go absolutely nuts if I thought something was going to screw up my recap (like the universe would implode or something). But see, we have Vivi, of the incredible memory (was school a breeze for you, Vivi?) to save us when technology fails.

Thanks Vivi. And as always, I want you to donate your brain to science when the time comes, 'cause dang it, your recall ability is unbelievable.

To anyone new to this blog, whenever we have a question about what happened in the past, in a telenovela, even 4 or 5 years in the past, Vivi always knows. Me...well, yesterday is already forgotten.

But I DO remember Carmen's smokin' hot dress and I was certainly optimistic about their love-making last night. Alas! On the other hand, her trying to cover up El's foot (after she rolled him up in the covers and dumped him off the bed to hide him from Lupita) was hysterical. As was Angela's complicit grin.

FINALLY, I am sick of every single male in this story getting drunk as a way to handle an emotional set-back. What a message!
 

Forgot to mention my favorite line: "...they start to get busy, even before he's tasted her salsa (not a euphemism).

So funny! Thanks for starting off my day with a good laugh!
 

Sara, so sorry you were having technical difficulties!

Vivi, thank you for the excellent summry. You always have such an amazing eye for detail. You remember and carefully, (delightfully) note all the important facts.

I'll just echo what Judy said: "But see, we have Vivi, of the incredible memory (was school a breeze for you, Vivi?) to save us when technology fails". Yes. Thank heavens.

"Morales makes a final play for Kim. She weakens at his kisses, but still decides to stay with El, since he has a higher position. He gives her a letter that we don't get to hear, but it seems to turn Kim into jelly" was my favorite. "...and they start to get busy even before he's tasted her salsa (not a euphemism) made me laugh out loud.

Love Kim and Morales. Get it together girl - wake up, smell the coffee and eat the cake (per Kat)...

Loved the interaction between Abdul and Mally. But wait, she is supposed to be with Alberto! Sigh. Actually, I like the couple together - but what about poor Angela?

tofie, "I like El & Carmen when they act like adults". Me too. Disappointed yet another romantic rendezvous was thwarted. Sigh.

Vivi, I've reserved a table at 4 for high tea, cake (courtesy of Morales) and Lupita is coming. Please join me. Other patio denizens are welcome.

I'm hoping Brig will turn the corner and become a loving daughter, sister and mother. I can't imagine a better reason for redemption than becoming a mother.

Sara, hope everything gets fixed for you quickly!

Vivi, you are the best.

Diana
 

Judy- Thanks, amiga. :) She made such a big deal about making sure there was salsa on the table because El loves it, and then not even one taste. Of course, once he saw that hot dress she was wearing, all thoughts of food went out of his head.

HellaShelle and Tofie- I also liked seeing El and Carmen working gogether and keeping the jealousy to a minimum. They both also said out loud that they love each other, which is progress for them. Carmen was right that El needs to close his circle with Kim. Will he man up tonight?

ITA. If Abdul and Mali can build a life from scratch together, and he can accept her prostitute past, then they would be a solid couple.
 

Diana- I will be there on time and ready for our date with Lupita. Maybe we can keep her occupied long enough for El and Carmen to make some more progress. I am sure Lupita would approve once she knew the reason why she needs to give them space. :)

Anyone else notice that Mali had lost the blue extensions by the next morning? It was like the physical manifestation of her being reborn and on a new path.
 

Vivi: "Anyone else notice that Mali had lost the blue extensions by the next morning?"

Ummm. Nope.

Just another delicious detail.

And your comment "It was like the physical manifestation of her being reborn and on a new path" just reinforces our opinions that nothing escapes you and that as always, you put it in perfect perspective.

Diana
 

I noticed the disappearing extensions Vivi and here is a storyline and character worth rooting for. Some of these others, though a little battered and bruised drive their lives into a ditch each chance they get. This girl is trying to get out from the cesspool in which she was born and came to the realization on her own. She's not whining, crying, boozing, floozing or stomping her feet in a huff. She didn't even tell Abdul she was homeless and hungry.

 

Tofie- I loved her positive attitude too. Telling Abdul that the place she was staying in gave her a great view of the stars (because it has no roof!), and not complaining about her circumstances.
 

Well said, Tofie, I definitely got a wonderful cozy vibe from that little wienie roast (not a euphemism). Seeing them enjoying that campfire, Mali being totally honest about her past (there ARE some adults in this story, I guess) and her eagerness to do a good job at the tienda--all that was a real bright note amidst the mess that is Caprico and all its denizens right now.
 

ditto
 

Can someone shed some light on Vicente for me? Last night, he turned over the reins to Rod, took the opportunity to get a dig in on Nat, and then twisted the knife in Diego by repeating that Rod is Caprico's VP and even before his accident had more vision than Diego. With all his blustering about family unity, he takes every opportunity to break his apart. Once upon a time, I thought Rosa might drive him back to sanity (if he was ever there in the first place), and that maybe they'd have a romance, but now I don't want him to be happy (that's mean, I know. Anyone think he can be redeemed or have some thoughts on why he's a madman?

Also, what do you think happened to Diego and Rod's parents? I assume they died (together, in a car or plane crash, as per tn custom), but maybe I just missed the eppy with that explanation?
 

HellaShelle- I am starting to have serious doubts about Grumps' sanity. Not because he continues to be a jerk to Irene and Diego, while pampering Rod (that seems to be the family dynamic from way back), but because he is actively turning a blind eye as Rod drags the company down and loses them/him MONEY. Now, THAT'S unbelievable. I have no sympathy for him, but I'll support you, Judy, and others as you hold out for redemption for the old goat.

There was brief mention of Diego's and Rod's parents dying when they were very young, but not a lot of detail.


 

...but now I don't want him to be happy (that's mean, I know.

Gee. I want him DEAD. I think you are ok HellaShelle. You are kinder than I.
 

Rodrigo has Vincente convinced the triple threat of Nat, Irene & Diego could at some point wrest control of the company from him and it better to be in league together to the bitter end if required. Rod has thought bubbled he plans to get rid of the old goat once they get control.

I see nothing redeemable in the old coot. He hates women, married for money, lies, berates and connives.
 

HellaShelle- I actually was almost as annoyed with Nat as Diego was after that scene you described where Grumps praised Rod and tears Diego down. If Nat were really sensitive, after witnessing that she should have really made an effort to calm Diego down and show her unfailing support for him. And not even mention Rod's name at all, or show any bit of sympathy for him. She should have just shut up and let Diego vent about Grumps supporting Rod. Sure, it might not have been productive for the business, but it's what Diego needed in that moment. He did not need his fiance reacting to his being verbally torn down by his abuelo by basically saying the old man is right.
 

Tofie- I wonder how bad it will have to get at the company before Rosa opens her mouth and shows someone (Irene, Diego, Alberto) the real will?
 

Vivi, thanks for bringing that up and it is just insane the attention Nat gives Rod (she was rubbing his shoulders when he was in the hospital the same way she rubs Diego) and all she does is have that stupid blank look on her face when Diego over reacts. Like why on earth would he do something like that? To me it looked like a few times Irene wondered what Nat was doing, though she supported her, but did attempt to talk Diego down off the ledge. I still think deep down Nat is confused about her feelings for Rod and Diego just a spectator as she works through this. Diego was, after all, the one Rod tried to kill and bed his gf. Doesn't help when Nat is complicit in knocking off the scab.
 

Don't know what Rosa's tipping point is. The profit for the inaugural fashion line is gone at best and Vincente said if it fails it could sink the company. It will have to be before Rod gains total control because the will names him as one beneficiary. I can't recall if she knows Nat is Irene's daughter because that should be a trigger.
 

Sara, sorry for your tech failure. I always enjoy your take on things.

Vivi: What a memory! Thanks for stepping up to the plate (and I don't even like sports).

Abdul and Mali were so sweet last night. JudyB, liked your "wienie roast, not a euphemism."

As to the coming attractions, if I were Nat I would tell Rod the following:

1) A pistol? Don't you have a shotgun?
2) Do it in the bathtub; it's easier to clean up.
3) Make sure your aim is exact; we wouldn't want you just gravely injured and in a coma.

David
 

I'm actually surprised that the writers haven't elaborated on that given the relationship b/w Vicente and Irene. In my mind, I've been waiting for this backstory, a classic tn standby: V and Eugenia had V.Jr. and were going for baby no. 2, when Eugie discovered V had a lover on the side after walking in on them. In her haste, she trips, falls, miscarries and in the aftermath, she can't have more children. Eugie is griefstricken and so angry she wants to strike V from her life entirely-out of marriage, out of Caprico. V, mired in guilt and serious concern for his money, business, family name, scandal (all of his usual priorities), swears undying fidelity from here on out and agrees to an adoption, even though we all know he's hyperobsessed with bloodlines. Enter Irene, who's (1) not of his blood and (2) a girl (somehow I think that would be a thing with him.) Eugie, believing V and with a desire to give her adopted daughter a traditional nuclear fam, drops the divorce...but also maybe changes her will to leave everything to her kids. Eng Chapter 1.

Chapter 2: V sends V.Jr on a business trip. Their dad didn't want to go because he had planned to take his wife on a vacation since he'd been running himself into the ground for Caprico, but V forced it because he's all "money over everything." To compromise, V.Jr's wife said she'd go with him and they'd extend the trip for a long weekend vacay. V calls to cut their plans short and forces them home with typical V BS about being responsible and something about V.Jr. seeing his projects through and needing to sign stuff and whatever. Plane crashes, V.Jr. and wife both die. Now, actually guilty and heartbroken over the death of his heir, V blames the crash on the planned vacation, swearing that if V.Jr. had never tried to take a long deserved honeymoon, it never would have happened. He turns even more to work and resents Irene more than ever now that his blood heir is gone. His whole focus becomes Caprico as he tries to force meaning into the company for which his son unknowingly gave his life. Furious with her hubby and knowing that he doesn't know how to care about people, Eugie revises the will to ensure that V.Jr's inheritance won't revert back to V. V finds out, orders Rosa to destroy the evidence and spends the rest of his life trying to control everything about everyone forever.
 

Tofie- I would have understood Nat's attention to Rod after he got punched out if they were the only two humans around for miles, and no one else was around to care for him. But he had a company of people, the paramedics, and his aunt and brother there to make sure he didn't die or suffer brain damage, so why did she feel the need to be by his side every step of the way? Yeah, I think Irene was also confused and I hope she says something to Nat about it, just like she pointed out to Diego that he was behaving like a jealous a**.
 

HellaShelle- I LOVE your imagined back story! What a great imagination you have. I say we just go with that story, until we find out otherwise.
 

Could Nat still feel some guilt for Rod's initial Braun injury and coma?
 

Um. Brain injury. Not Braun.
 

@ Vivi and tofie: yeah, I'm confused about Nat's attentions as well. I mean, the man tried to rape her twice, kept her love in a coma for two months and tried to kill him, and now she knows he had an affair with her sister. And yet, from the avances, she rushes to his side without calling Diego/Irene/Vicente to tell them he's suicidal (I assume she didn't call them because his obvious ploy to get her into a hotel room won't work if she already told his family where he was and why). I know she's big on giving seond (third, fourth...eleven hundredth) chances, but girlfriend's got to get harder on this point, sheesh!
 

Sara- I guess guilt is as good an excuse as any. And since you missed it, but probably guessed by now, the previews show Rod pretending to plan to commit suicide at the end of a handgun, calling Nat, and her rushing to his hotel room to stop him.

David- I love your advice for what Nat should tell him when she catches him with the gun to his head.
 

Sara - good point! she does still feel guilty about that I'm sure b/c the man did lose 2 years of his life. She prob thinks he's got some brain damage that makes him a homicidal lunatic, unlike Irene and Diego who know this is just an escalation of his jealousy towards Diego. Even Alonso pointed out that it's not just wanting what Diego has, but wanting to be the only child, rather than a twin. Much like Brig not just being jealous of Nat, but wanting Nat out of the family, i.e. not recognized as a Garcia PaBuena). Besides which, Rod does look EXACTLY like the man Nat luuuuuuuuuurvs, so I'm sure that doesn't help. Plus, she has a lot of experience giving ppl the benefit of the doubt (Brat) and defending those who have bad reps (Carmen) and is living proof of people giving someone a chance (her own adoption, and the rumors about her being Carm and Papa J's kid).
 

Rod gets the TLC and Diego another slap. Don't recall Nat slapping Rod only hugs, kisses, pampering, midnight calls, sleepless nights musing over a belated apology and now a swing vote. What happens when Nat finds out about Irene and is upset? Does she then head over to the dark side and square off against Diego & Irene? Will she be more upset with Diego than with Rod when Diego misunderstands her trip to the abortion clinic? Does she try and win Rod's affection when she always assumed she had him in the bag forever pursuing only her?
 

No I didn't see that preview Vivi. Yikes! Why does Nat let herself get so manipulated?
 

What in heck does Nat have to feel guilty about. The guy tried to rape her and thankfully was stopped. I think she knows the dude wants her and she likes the possibility of a reformed bad boy boy friend. She knows Diego isn't going anywhere so she wants to see where this all goes. If Nat should feel guilty about someone it is what initially happened with Andre. He had to flee and hide and upon his return she used him to make Rod ostensibly leave her alone. It's way past her being naive or guilty, her continued rush to him is because she wants too.
 

I'm so sorry Sara - I frequently have tech issues myself and know how annoying they can be.

Thank you Vivi for filling in. You really did hit the high points. I'm relieved that Nat knows Brat's bebe is Rod's. If she doesn't go through with the abortion at least she can't try to pass it off as Diego's. Go Karina, redemption awaits!

OK but I'm very disappointed in Nat. Can't believe she is still sucked into Rod's drama. Why can't our galana be more intelligent?

The writers better have a real ending soon for La Jaiba. I want to see her business go DOWN!
 

I've been wondering if Abdul will end up with the business. All of the baby Daddys so far have left the kids with some sort of financial legacy (ie the apartment, a car.) I'm sort of hoping Abdallah buys Jaiba's business and Abdul makes it legit and dumps the brothel.
 

Paolo got more than a car. He got the money from the sale of the bowling alley and a college scholarship fund. And Lupita also got the fat bank account Chato opened for her. It would be cool if Abdalah bought La Jaiba Loca and gave it to Abdul (plus more since he's done really well for himself). But he can't turn it into a fonda. It's too close to Carmen's fonda and would suck business away. I wonder if it would be as popular if it remains a cantina, minus the brothel?
 

That's exactly what I was thinking Vivi. Abdul seems to have a head for business.

I knew Paolo got more. Just couldn't remember specifics.
 

Abdul could certainly make a success out of any business. I think it's the perfect solution. Of course, we'll have to get past his anger at Abdalah (when that's revealed) and his male pride about doing things himself.
 

Sorry, Sara, about your probs. Thanks Vivi for the recap. A clarification, please. Did Carmen actually ask El over for a dinner date? It seems like it since he brought flowers. But he's brought flowers before. Wasn't sure if she just asked him over or if she made it clear on the phone it was a date.

Nanette
 

Nanette- She made it clear it was a date.
 

Natalia acts as if the man she's in love with is Rodrigo and not Diego. She acts all caring and "forgive-y" with the smirky Rod while lashing out and being a total beeyotch to the supposedly "love of her life" - I can't stand her.
 

Sara so sorry to hear about your tech problems. Get this, my power had been out for the past 14 hours (its on now) and I was getting very concerned about tonight. We're supposed to have more thunderstorms tonight.

Thank Vivi for your recap. I really appreciate it since there was no power.

I'm praying for my patience w/Nat about being duped by Rod. While the guilt is consistent with her character, her constant giving him so much time and the benefit of the doubt is so unwise. This guy has tried to harm you and those you love. Forgive him but don't engage b/c its a scheme. As recappers here like to say about villains and nogoodniks, if his (or her) lips are moving he's lying.
 

Awwwww, Sara...I'm sorry! It's so frustrating when technology screws up! I remember missing the 2-hour premiere of Soy tu Dueña when I was supposed to recap it.

Vivi, thanks for putting up the highlights...and arranging them by topic, too...it was a lot of back and forth.

HellaShelle, I was watching the whole thing happen and couldn't figure out why Natalia was agreeing to let ROD fix the mess he'd made and get new fabric. How did she figure he'd do it faster than Diego could? Oh, wait, maybe he does everything faster than Diego...? I like your backstory. That would totally work.

I would be ok with Abdul and Mali...somehow now Angela and Alberto need to spend a lot of time together, because I don't know that they've interacted much at all. CorazonSalvaje, you're right...we've left out Toño. He's always so quiet I kind of forget he's there, poor boy!

JudyB, yes, once again someone gets drunk to solve their problems. Ugh!

I like Mali. I feel like I can root for her. I wasn't a fan when she was getting info out of Abdul, but she's really stepped up since then. I hope her new job goes well and none of the former clients shows up and screws it up for her! tofie, you make good points about her just dealing with her problems without whining. And Vivi, I noticed the extensions were gone, too!

I add my confused nodding to all the questions and comments about Nat's and Vicente's behavior. I blame the writers.
 

Abdul really shouldn't look down on Mali's sexual past when his own mom has 4 kids by 4 different daddies.

But I think he can and will overlook Mali's past. At least Mali got paid something for her troubles...

...unlike Stupid Brat, who is whoring herself for Rodrigo and getting ZIP in return. She could at least blackmail Grumps in exchange for keeping quiet. If you're going to be a ho, at least be a smart ho.
 

I don't think any of the ladies have anything to be ashamed of as far as their sexual pasts. The only one whose behavior I have a problem with is Brigitte's and it's only the lying and the using people that bothers me.
 

Thanks, Vivi, for the clarification.

Nat is driving me crazy. I get that she's a sympathetic soul and probably feels some guilt for what happened to Rod--not deserved, of course, but would be like her. But, as Karen said, forgive, but don't engage.
 

tofie - I don't know, I don't think that Nat's particularly attracted to Rod's bad boy behavior, I see it more like she actual buys his alleged desire to reform. It's almost like when they agreed to drop charges across the board, she actually did clear the slate.

5ft Latina - With as many women as he's got, I'm sorry to say it doesn't look like Diego's particularly bad in between the sheets. I didn't pay full attention, but I don't think Nat thinks Rod could fix the problem faster than Deigo, just that trying to fight Rod's appointment to the task was going to waste more time than they had. To be honest, I fully and completely believed she was going to cite not wanting to try to beat down the wall that is Vicente as a reason, as I think that's a valid one in this particular battle. It's one thing to try to change his mind about her relationship with Diego - they have years for that. But if he would waste hours waiting for Rod before even making a decision when they have orders waiting and (as far as she knows) V has wanted Eskenda to go down from the beginning, well, would that really be worth their time?

I like Nat, but I do wish they'd make her motivations clearer. I get her trying with V - it's better for Diego if she gets along with his abuelo. I get her with Brig - it's better for her whole family if they get along. But Rod? Diego's certainly not asking her to try. I honestly don't think it's based on desire though.

 

Nat may soon be forced to vocalize her feelings for Rod. I can see Irene asking her. I'm not sure is I see desire there either, but she might be confused on some level considering she did spend 2 months with the guy, and walked down the aisle with him. During those two months, we even saw him getting a bit freaked out that this was turning into more than a game and he was developing some sort of feelings for her.

HellaShelle- I totally get why Nat thinks it's better to not rock the boat with Vicente and to just get on with the work. I just think she chose the absolutely wrong time method of saying it. Diego really did not need to hear what sounded like support for Rod right after Grumps insulted him like that.
 

*Wrong time and method.
 

The support to do it Rods way is one thing but riding in the ambulance and her bedside manner with him crosses a line. There were others that could have done the pampering and the look she gave Diego as they rolled Rod out in the gurney was one of in your face. I believe she is confused what she feels for Rod and I don't like Diego having to helplessly watch it unfold. What else does Rod have to do to finally run her off?
 

tofie - I didn't read the gurney look that way, but my dvr kept losing signal between the punch and the slap, so I missed a good chunk and it might have been garbled a bit there. Thanks for letting me know abt her bedside manner though, I'll def look up the eppy elsewhere to check it out.

Vivi - I like the idea of Irene asking Nat what's up. It would be a good mother-daugther moment for them and help the audience understand her refusal to ignore him. Now that you mention it, I am wondering if that 2 month gap didn't affect her more than I thought. She was pretty freaked after the truth came out and she spent two years thinking Diego pratically had a split personality disorder or something. Then when Diego woke up out of his coma, he had some screaming crazy moments with her too while still working through the drugs. Hmmm...I don't know.
 

Vicente has been wanting Eskenda to fail so he could prove that it was a bad idea all along. But then he told Rod when the "automotive crisis" hit that Eskenda was what was going to save their bacon. And now he's ignoring all the harm Rod did and insisting on keeping him involved.
 

About the 2 months that Rod was usurping Diego's identity...I know they got married during that time, but other than that, what I mostly remember is a LOT of fighting. Did they really have very many good times? He was pressuring her for sex, being a jerk about the catalog photos, torturing her about how he was going to get revenge on the people who put "his brother" in a coma...to echo tofie...What more does a guy have to do to get a girl to run screaming?
 

I suddenly had a vision of what this show could have been if Rod wasn't a murderous, embezzling, attempted rapist and really did get brainwashed as he was coming out of his coma and thought he was Diego. If Nat were torn between 2 brothers, both of whom were kind and decent...now THAT would be drama.

Nat feeling sorry for Rod despite all the crap he's pulled is just...confusing.
 

Sorry for your technical difficulties, Sara. You seem very responsible , but stuff happens. No worries.

I , too, am puzzled by Nat not staying FAR away from Rotten Rod. Get rid of Rod, Nat,

Vivi..Thank you for stepping up so speedyquick to give us a recap.

I am standing in line with those who like a Mal/Abdul pairing. I admire her trying to get a job and feel sorry for her sad past, I could see Big Al with Angela....or anyone other than Brat,

By the way, Brat's mouth always looks odd to me. Is she wearing those invisible braces ?
 

Kat- I actually thought at one time they were headed in that direction and agree that would have made it more interesting.