Saturday, July 12, 2014
Lo que la vida me robó, ep. 173, Fri. 7/11/14: We'll see our grandchildren building castles in the sand...Kayn aynhoreh.*
She sits on the hard bed of the holding cell in the municipal building. She hears the clanking of the cell door, and then she sees the uniformed naval officer who will escort her to prison. It is Dimitrio Mendoza -- her half-brother. She rises, allows herself to be handcuffed and led out to the white van. It is only when the van arrives at its destination and she is about to enter the prison that she breaks down and weeps.
"Don't give me a penny of that money." The memory of Gaudy's gravelly voice echoes in weepy Fabiola's head. It was enough to have Fabiola close to her... Fabiola wasn't alone anymore...
Labels: robo
José Luis staggers into his study, still smashed, but with the presence of mind to take the gun out of his pants lest he end up like Pedro No Nuts.
I was unfamiliar with Kayn aynhoreh, so thank you! I hope that some of our favorite villains (Adolfo and EZ) murmer it frequently and with fervor.
"(How did they get together so fast? Is this a fairytale flash mob?)" made me laugh. What an image that invoked! "But it is the old priest Anselmo who prevails, entering the testosterone-charged field of battle armed only with his Bible and his rosary" and "The Ostensibly Good Guys Gather to Toast to Love, though the Patio and the Padre know that a couple of the guests have fake ID's" were sublime.
While I am relieved Monse is safe (for the moment), I must say I wished we had been able to linger a bit longer on the scene of "Gaudy" being surrounded by those she loves (diamonds and gold). It did appear that while she may not have been wearing haute couture, her outfit would not have made Bill Blackwell's worst dressed list. The sated, satisfied smile that played on her lips made me wonder if there was even a trace of regret. We were not privvy, if that did indeed occur.
Everyone is under a cloud of illusion that life is wonderful and the future rosy. A false respite, a calm before the storm that all but Adolfo and EZ seem to be blissfully unaware of.
Has Dimitrio realized who the scorpion really is?
Adolfo continues to tug at my heartstrings. "Under the benign gaze of the image of the Virgen de Guadelupe on the wall, he kisses her. "It's perfect," he says. "It's beautiful." I want him to take that journey with Fina, heaven help me. Perhaps in this one instance, a fairytale may come true.
Madelaine, missing you and hope you return soon.
NovelaMaven, thank you for making me happy on this very fine Saturday.
Diana
Amid necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and brooches of precious stones, pearls and gold, and colorful shopping bags large and small sits Graciela Giacinti. (Would she mind if we called her Gaudy?)
Filthy, unkempt José Luis sits on the bedroom floor and drinks. He seems oblivious to the unmade bed, the empty bottles, the dirty clothes, the disorder.
["Well I guess we dodged a bullet when we opted out of Smell-o-Vision for the Patio," whispers Jarifa.]
We now know that Gracie really is in Italy and had nothing to do with Pedro hiding out. It pains me to think this, but I now think that it was Mad Dog Alvarez who hid Pedro and planted those scorpions. His obsession has driven him fully to the dark side. There is nothing worse than a military man on a rampage.
Adolfo made the show for me last night with his confession to Padre Anselmo (at least Adolfito knew the protocol of a confession) and his wistful planning with Josefina. Sad.
Now that there has been some happy time for Montse /Ale, PBN/Víctor, who is going to be the first to reappear and stir the pot: Graciela or Pedro?
Jarifa
You've written another masterpiece! Thanks for teaching us Yiddish too! I especially enjoy when you highlight impossible grammar constructions and recognize its difficulty:
"Montserrat is lolling on the beach . . . as this MONSTROUS SENTENCE rolls effortlessly from her mouth"
Great stuff for grammar nerds like me! (I take Spanish lessons over Skype with a teacher in Madrid. We study monstrous grammar structures, but, believe me, they don't roll effortlessly off my tongue!)
I'm still sad the writers have turned JL into such an ogre. I was on his side up to the point he went to jail. I guess 7 years in the slammer will make a monster of anyone. Still, JL doesn't have to be this desperate. Once he cleans up and stops drinking, he might realize Montserrat is not the only woman in town. As chief of police, he has some potential in the dating pool. Right now, blabbering over all of her "lies," (she told him at the beginning that she would never love him like Ale) he just seems pathetic.
Thanks again, Novela Maven!
Monserrat was how old when MDA met her, 18? I'm not sure what their age difference is supposed to be but MDA seems to have forgotten that that's way too young to make a permanent declaration of love.
He is in no position to talk about other people lying when he deliberately concealed the truth about Alejandro being alive from her. He also seems very unaware that living with a woman who hates him won't give him any satisfaction.
Would she mind if we called her Gaudy?
It's a rather low balcony, as fairy tale balconies go...[Yeah, what the heck was all that about? Montse could have climbed out any time. And discreetly, without all those pistol shots and testosterone explosions!]
fairytale flash mob [inspired, NovelaMaven, inspired]
He lowers his pistol but not his animus
..takes the gun out of his pants lest he end up like Pedro No Nuts
...ostensible good guys...Padre knows that a couple of the guests have fake ID's [pure comic genius]
and this!
your juxtaposition of Refugio cuddling his baby and José Luis NURSING his bottle [at last! an explanation for why men in telenovelas always deal with emotional distress by drinking. Whew, Life is finally explained.]
Victor and Nadia's INSIPID theme song [thank goodness you mentioned that. HATE that theme song. Guess that's one of the reasons I find their romance and syrupy love babble so annoying]
Finally...the big question. First, Padre Anselmo tells Fabiola what her mom did to her was UNFORGIVABLE. A few seconds later he's telling her she HAS TO FORGIVE HER MOM. Now c'mon Padre...I'm a big fan of forgiveness too. But you can't have it both ways. I just found that particular script juxtaposition very strange.
Of course I always love your grammar nerd explanations. And long for the day when I can spout a sentence like that without taking 5 minutes to grind it out. And while I'm wishing, sure would like to rock a bikini the way that Angelique Boyer does.
And would also like to rock a recap the way you do. But for now, I'll settle for just enjoying it with total delight.
Our Columbus Dispatch had a huge photo of Lebron and big headlines. On the front page no less. "The prodigal son comes home" was one of the quotes. Telenovelas and sports stories...not that far apart, after all. The "unforgivable" has been forgiven and all is well.
At episode 172 you mentioned there were 18 more episodes to go, approximately 190 episodes total.
Is this the correct total?
Masterful recap, can't say enough. Loved your fairytale motif; ' "Alejandro, mi amor," she simpers.' and 'Is this a fairytale flash mob?'
I noticed the odd view of the people by the pickup so the "trusty Tundra" could be seen better.
I thought (irrelevant, I know) it would have been a better TN if this whole scene was fighting over the Tundra rather than fighting over Monse. As it was my husband asked me if it was a Monty Python skit.
Ah, so that's what Gracie is, a compulsive spender. Pity. And she still can't dress elegantly. We know now she was never interested even a little in her children other than how they were useful to her. You called it, Urban. You couldn't have been more right on.
Loved, "["Well I guess we dodged a bullet when we opted out of Smell-o-Vision for the Patio," whispers Jarifa.]"
Judy B-I hate that theme song, too.
Gracie as a compulsive spender... that could be. She spends on things she would not be able to afford without fleecing men. They are her trophies. Makes me wonder if she has a safe deposit box with a lot more jewelry in it. Her taste has improved but not her attitude.
And i dont know why everyone calls Fabiola ugly,she is gorgeous but it doesnt mean a thing now sadly,i sorta wanted for JL and Fabiola to end together since both are a bunch of Perdedores.
I guess Padre Anselmo is on a Illuminating Journey,visiting troubled souls but soon he will find that he is sadly,wasting his time! Instead of going to a Illuminating Journey,he should go to a Fertilizing Journey to plant his chicken farm anew!
Oh The Tundra is now the White Horse ,hopefully it has an intergrated Anti
Medina Kool Aid!
I also think that her greed was her ugliest trait, up there with her drinking.
Ah yes, the telenovela as fairy tale. Rapunzel ??...no tower...that balcony was very low, and as Judyb stated , Mony could have just gotten herself over that balcony without the gunplay...but where is the drama in that scenario. Perhaps this novela is a version of Beauty and the Beast because JL has certainly become a beast. Snow White...Gaudy Gracie is definitely a wicked queen.
I appreciated the idiom . In Arabic, they say "Inshallah" or "mashallah." I can never remember which..meaning "Please, God, keep it so." My mother and grandmother always said "Knock on wood."
Thank you for playing along with me on this one. Let me tell you what I was thinking --
I saw the whole rescue part of the episode as a play within a play, very stylized and very deliberately like a fairy tale. I tried to capture that in those paragraphs that described the rescue itself.
As for the rest of the episode, I used the kayn aynhoreh motif to get at the whistling past the graveyard feel, the sense that all this happiness that people were celebrating was very fragile and fleeting.
I grew up hearing women invoke this magical formula all the time. The idea is that by boasting about your good fortune, you are courting disaster; you are inviting envy and malice and evil spirits. But if by chance, you or someone else should let something slip out that leaves you vulnerable, you can cover yourself with a quick kayn aynhoreh.
Emarie,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recap.
Thanks for reminding me about the spitting. I had forgotten that colorful (though as I recall, not obligatory) detail:)
And your husband sounds like a hoot!
Dear JudyB:
"First, Padre Anselmo tells Fabiola what her mom did to her was UNFORGIVABLE. A few seconds later he's telling her she HAS TO FORGIVE HER MOM. Now c'mon Padre."
I am SO glad you pointed that out. Hahahaha. But let's give the old guy his due -- he didn't hold back with his advice for Adolfo (although he was overly generous, I thought, in how he interpreted Adolfo's tears.)
I am, of course, thrilled that you found a few things to enjoy here. Thank you for your generous words.
Like Niece, I like Macario. I dont think his manner of speaking is babyish. I think its sing-song manner of speaking that many of the campesinos use. I always enjoy watching him. I loved when Dominga was encouraging Padre to scold him.
Susanlyn, with so many prayers going your way. Just take a day at a time, ask God for strength and Help. The situation will resolve, I have seen light shine through after giving up hope but still going through the motions THEN boom,....a breakthrough!!!
I want Adolfo to live happily ever after with Josie (even though she annoys me). Too bad Dim's gonna kill him when he discovers that he is the scorpion. What a shame. I like him.
sounded to me as though they may have been written with just a slight touch of jealously. A couple of examples---Montse looks
like she was poured into her pants, and Montse's pants appear to have been sprayed on. Well, there is no longer any reason to be concerned about Montserrat's
trendy pantalones. Why? Because last night we were treated and honored to be the first to observe Montse's latest beach wear fashions. Montse was seen modeling her latest bikini outfits and was looking nothing short of angelic I must say. I'm glad that I finally signed on to this novela. Better late than never they always say.
the gringo
Victoria, I'm as confused as you are about Dim's sudden epiphany that Pedro is not the Scorpion and look forward to the explanation.
OT - Judy and Daisynjay, I thought of you both yesterday amid the "news." Have either of you seen LBJ's letter on SI.com? It's worth a look.
Novela lover..that is good advice...a day at a time.
Once again I'm going to grumble and scold about the careless handling of firearms in this TN. The worst example (among several) last night was Alejandro firing his pistol skyward. I suppose he missed the day in school when gravity was discussed... what goes up ultimately comes down (at a remarkably dangerous rate of acceleration).
I really didn't see a lot of progress last night though I'm sure that Montserrat would consider being out from under JL's heavy thumb as significant progress, not to mention an incredible relief.
What really stood out for me last night was Adolfo's shameless selfishness. He wants him some Josefina and is willing to have it no matter what the ultimate price and risk is to her.
Carlos
I'm glad you got a few chuckles out of the recap.
I can't explain how Dimitrio knew that Pedro wasn't the Scorpion. I assumed that was a little teaser for us and that we would have to wait until the next time to learn what he was thinking. But maybe someone else out there has put two and two together...
Diana,
Thanks for your kind words. I love the way you describe Graciela:
"The sated, satisfied smile that played on her lips made me wonder if there was even a trace of regret.
and your tart observation that she is now "surrounded by those she loves (diamonds and gold)"
She certainly showed no regret at that moment. But she is one of the more labile characters in the story and it wouldn't surprise me to learn that a moment after she posed for us, she had collapsed in convulsive sobs. (Or maybe not.)
Urban,
You are so right. Rosario should have been the queen and not merely one of the ladies-in-waiting.
Wow. Do you really think Mad Dog is functional enough to orchestrate something like hiding Pedro and planting scorpions? I'm going to be really surprised if that turns out to be the case. (Although I suppose he could have done those things BEFORE he went on his two-week Lost Weekend).
Jarifa,
My pleasure! I liked Adolfo's confession and "his wistful planning with Josefina" too, both as individual scenes and for their combined impact -- we know that if Adolfo wants to save his soul, he can't do so by escaping, no matter how well-intentioned the journey.
The only way I can see Gracie coming back to Aguazul is in an orange jump suit (or in an urn). Although I suppose if she burns through all the money or gets scammed big time...
Tracy H,
I love how you are able to look on the bright side, when it comes to José Luis:
"As chief of police, he has some potential in the dating pool.
(It doesn't hurt his prospects that he's the richest man in town.)
As Urban says, he is hardly in a position to complain about Montserrat's lies and yeah, it does make him look pathetic.
Countx,
I'm so glad you liked the fairy-tale within a tale.
You know, I've never said (or thought) that Fabiola was ugly, though her behavior surely is and her taste is often execrable. She is -- like nearly everyone else in telenovelaland -- very good-looking.
Susanlynn,
I love your evocative comments/journal entries. It sounds as if you not only have a gift for happiness, but are passing along to the little ones.
Yes, "knock on wood" is similar (though not nearly as much fun!)
Novella Lover,
I kind of like Macario myself. I suppose he and Dominga exaggerate the country bumpkin accent, but there are worse things. :)
But...if someone should happen to kill Josie, I wouldn't mind. She bugs me, but she makes him happy.
I agree it doesn't look good for Adolfo. If Dimitrio doesn't kill him, there are plenty of others to do the job.
gringo,
Thanks for the ode to Montserrat. Don't worry -- she has had very few bikini scenes, so you may have joined us at just the right time.
I'm not the one who wrote it, but I can assure you that the description of her "sprayed on pants," wasn't a criticism of the lady's figure, but a comment on the taste of the wardrobe department.
Karen,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate the kind words.
Carlos,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recap. Thank you so much for your generous words.
Of course you are right about the irresponsible approach to firearms. (On the other hand, I like the naivete of the actors and the production team. I'm rather glad none of them knows how to handle a gun.)
"What really stood out for me last night was Adolfo's shameless selfishness."
Sad but true. Sigh.
Maybe Pedro simply has some no-name stooge hiding him and planting the scorpions. As pathetic as JL has become, he's a leader and I can't see him becoming Pedro's errand boy. Plus, he works alone, as he told Maria.
How about that Ale, sneaking in to rescue Monse and then firing shots into the air to alert JL so they can mix it up some more?
Amelia is a wise woman. Surely she will do something to try to get JL to wake up.
Gringo - No doubt about it, Monse is a fabulous beauty with no bad angles. We just worry that some of her pants will cut off the circulation to her brain. Spandex has lots of give, but she's been testing the limits.
I'll have to watch this epi on fast forward later this weekend, if only to see the "rescue." I'm glad Monse and Ale are now living under the same roof-- I won't say reunited, since they'll spent more time together since he's back than most happily married people even want to spend with each other. I'm more happy for Fina and all the other friends and family who have been housing them, and giving them free places for their trysts.
I also must catch a glimpse of Gaudy surrounded by all the things she loves. I hope it's a short-lived happiness.
Forgiveness seemed to be the theme last night, and as Judy so wonderfully pointed out, seemed to be apropos in the headlines too yesterday. I was working at home yesterday when my phone alert went off from our local community, horns started beeping and people in the street were yelling. No, not a storm pending or an invasion of aliens. LeBron was "coming home." The store designing and selling the "Forgiveness" shirts shown on CNN is right down the street a block away, and I got the giggles watching the line form down the street all afternoon. Amazing what swallowing pride on both owner and player's part and the pull of home can do.
Maybe a lesson Fabs just can't seem to get and Adolfo will not allow himself to experience because of his own cowardice. I'm sorry, but as much as I enjoyed those scenes with Adolfo and each of his fellow actors, his sheer reluctance to DO anything about his plight just continues to bug me. So many steps along the way he had the means to walk away or change his life, and he didn't. Now he's in too deep and as Carlos said, his selfishness is evident to me in pulling Fina into this dangerous pit he's dug and it infuriates me to watch.
JL - I sometimes find it unsettling that in a character such as he and Maria, we are really looking at people who most likely suffer from some mental issue or early abuse that has not allowed them to look at relationships in a functional manner. There's a point in most TN's where the "evil" in these cases just becomes too sad to watch anymore. We are seeing a man now who needs help. Period. We never got the back story for him, so we'll never know why he is so obsessed that this one woman is it, no one else, and he'd rather kill then just move on. I'm no longer disgusted with him, I find him and Maria just almost heartbreaking in their inability to cope.
Considering what that poor boy went thru, I have no issue with Laurito having the cuddles with the folks the last couple weeks. Talk about needing a sense of security and safety. Or maybe that's Monse and Ale...whoever. Don't blame them in the least.
Off to watch some World Cup ( something on ESPN not Lebron!)
Daisynjay
Entertaining, Enlightening, Hilarious, and Impeccable as usual.
I always learn something from your recaps. Muchísimas gracias, indeed.
Welcome back, Gringo - my sympathetic companion from AV.
QEPD, Cristina Corona de Arriaga.
Carlos, I am in complete agreement with you re Adolfo. Even though he has demonstrated some compassion recently, he is a pathetically week yet vicious, egotistical, self pitying coward, and if he truly loves Josefina, he should have distanced himself from her long ago.... Written himself off as a lost cause, totally out of her league...... not to mention his colossal nerve for embracing and later chatting up his former best friend. He had ample opportunity to change his ways. Enough said.
On a lighter note, I would like to nominate Rosario for Most Improved in the personal wardrobe category.
Apparently, she is now choosing her own clothes and has broken away from all of the outfits laced with FRINGE which Montse had purchased for her on behalf of the big makeover.
Hello to All. Wishing you all well, and thank you for the
intriguing and informative chats.
For some reason I thought that Ale did not come back until the next day to retrieve his pet, until I saw that the Tundra still was fully loaded with her stuff.
I do not think that it's such a big deal that he fired two shots into the air to announce his arrival. After all, they do that very same thing in South Central LA every New Year's eve.
Did anyone notice that the ring Victor slipped on Nadia's finger was about a dozen sizes too big? Boy, she is skin and bones!
Finally, the fake orchestra. Most of the actors/musicians were not even touching their instruments. And where do you find a bassoon in Aguazul? At the local pawn shop?
Thanks for the nice words!
"How about that Ale, sneaking in to rescue Monse and then firing shots into the air to alert JL so they can mix it up some more?"
Hah! Yeah, well, as we've said before, it's not about his SAT scores...
Vivi,
Thank you! If you watch, careful not to FF through the gorgeous scenes on the beach and around the Almonte mansion. This was actually a visually rich episode even if the real narrative advance was over within the first five or ten minutes.
Daisynjay,
I appreciate your nice words and your always thoughtful perspective on things.
The distinction between MAD and BAD isn't an easy one, even in the real world. I agree that sometimes the most despicable characters (and real people) are worthy of compassion. And yes, it can become hard to watch.
I think the writers know this and pull back every now and then, keeping a character off-stage when we have become saturated. No Pedro Medina last night, very little Maria, lots of Padre Anselmo to balance out crazed JL. I don't think that's by chance.
And I don't begrudge little Laurito his cuddles either. (Too bad no one remembered to take off the kid's glasses last night.)
Florida,
Thanks so much!
"I would like to nominate Rosario for Most Improved in the personal wardrobe category."
Oh yes! I'm glad you mentioned that. I was noticing how much better she was looking these days -- comfortable, elegant and not dowdy and fussy in all that heavy fringed stuff.
anon 3:20, I'm convinced that Dimitrio still loves Josefina, but I'm no longer sure the writers will let them be together in the end.
Oxnard,
I'm not sure about the imaginary town of Aguazul, but I understand that the real city of Campeche has a symphony orchestra, La Orquesta Sinfónica de Campeche. I'm sure they'd provide a bassoon to a good cause -- especially if Rulli did the asking.
However, the writers felt that they needed to put a confrontation in there.
Now to Adolfo...
Considering what his rap sheet is now he would be doing Life Without Parole. That assumes nobody would kill him in prisons, which I can easily envision. According to villain hierarchy he will fall before Pedro so we may have another funeral in a week or two.
I loved the thought of a flashmob, maybe they have twitter and that's how they all found out where to be?
I can totally picture Refugio as a donkey...
Gringo, the very, very tight pants Montse wears bother me because 1) they cannot possibly be comfortable, 2) too-tight garments can cause infections in the nether regions and 3) dare I say it - there is a horrible thing called "camel toe". I won't expound, you can look it up if you want...
I really saddened that the writers have chosen to make JL such an ass. This TN would be so much better if JL at least tried to fill his life with something else, some other interest or passion. It's too bad they made Fabiola such a lush in the beginning because a budding romance between her and JL might have been a better use of both characters.
I have no idea how Dimitrio figured out that Pedro is not the Scorpion unless it was something he remembered from past conversations with Monica.
I agree with NovelaMaven that Dimitrio is still very much in love with Josefina but doesn't want to put it all out there again for fear of another painful rejection. I think that she is sending out timid signals about her continued love for him but in his current damaged state he is simply not even allowing himself to even hope.
If Fina does go off on a trip with Adolfo, I hope she I has the presence of mind to use contraception, but after he mentioned them having their own niño last night, she will probably get pregnant shortly before he is killed and then get together with Dimitrio in time for him to be a daddy to Adolfo's child giving him a chance to demonstrate his nobility. In any event, I see them ending up as a happy couple.
My preference for Adolfo is for him to team up with María (wearing a bright bandana tied in a stylish headband) as sort of a latter-day Bonnie and Clyde and ultimately meet their ends in a glorious hail of bullets... problems solved.
Carlos
I've not read the comments, either, but before I come back with my usual Crackpot Theories, I want to shout out to our Madelaine, amiga, I hope all is well in your life and that we are just temporarily missing you on the blog. This morning as I was headed out to work, I asked myself: "I wonder what wonderful earworm our Madelaine will have for us today!!??".
I hope you are doing well, amiga.
Fatima
Member, Crackpot Theorists™
" (How did they get together so fast? Is this a fairytale flash mob?)"
HOLY COW!!! I am DYING laughing at this, NovelaMaven!! Of course, this was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, but these had me going right from the start!! I don't know how you do it. Me, I would be giving our readers nothing but bullet points, but you have written two out of the ball park recaps in ONE WEEK! OY!
It was actually a bit of a jolt for me when we saw the Fairytale Flash Mob. I was wondering if something had happened and I had missed it, but I guess Fina called in the Fairies to let them know that Prince Charming had taken off in his Liver Chestnut Tundra to rescue his Fair Maiden.
MDJL really bothered me last night. So much so, that I had to quickly change channels. To me, a true man and a gentleman does not call ANY woman the names MDA or MDJL was calling Montserrat last night. I cannot tell you how it upset me to see this dirty, scruffy man with the pink lips saying those words.
I think MDA is in a time warp. Even though the flashbacks that were shown last night were of the Luna de Miel, MDA is stuck in time when Montserrat was a flighty, airhead 18 year old. I think MDA was such a nerd that he could not believe his good fortune at that time that someone so beautiful and light and airy, fairy as Montserrat would want to marry him. He can't forget it. What man in their right mind would expect someone who is now a woman to be held to her "promises" when she was 18?! What am I missing, folks?
I gotta say, though, that last night, I had some not quite anger at Montserrat. She bears part of the blame for creating the monster known as MDA. I don't think she had to marry him and especially NOT out of gratitude. Of course, MDA really took advantage of this like a fast break on the basketball court,but this is when Montserrat was a true airhead in agreeing to marry MDA.
Nonetheless, MDA was a sorry sight. Look at ALL that Angelica gave him and what has he done with it?!
Fatima
Member, Crackpot Theorists™
"I'm really saddened that the writers have chosen to make JL such an ass."
That's a respectable position and one shared by many on the Patio. But I will brace myself for a storm of nerfazos and dare to say that I think JL HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ASS -- right from the beginning when he was too spineless to talk to Lauro, one of the few fully decent souls in this story.
If JL survives, I could see him and Fabiola coming together, older, wiser, drier...
Urban, yes, definitely the writers wanted a confrontation and weren't at all subtle about the contrivances they used to get one.
Carlos,
"My preference for Adolfo is for him to team up with María (wearing a bright bandana tied in a stylish headband) as sort of a latter-day Bonnie and Clyde and ultimately meet their ends in a glorious hail of bullets... problems solved."
Snort!...Wait, it actually could happen that way. Stop by the Crackpot Theorists' Table and let's talk...
Fatima,
I am so relieved that you have finally gotten your priorities in order. Work Shrmerk -- your theoretical skills are needed in Aguazul!
I do like the way you let MDA have it. I'm a little easier on Montse than you are, though. She made a mistake in agreeing to marry JL, but one I think we ought to forgive her for.
I am so glad I made you laugh!
I remember it the way you do, but it seemed like those were just little set-backs. If JL had been a little more persistent, he could have made it happen. But it was something he was avoiding because he was so sure that Lauro would shoot him down, that he would find him an unworthy suitor for his daughter. (And as we now know, he would have been right.)
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your grammar lessons. I can go back to listen to the phrases on Hulu Plus which is very helpful to hear AND read it. Sticks in my head much better.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Fatima
Member, Grammar Nerds™
Alec never rob or stole her from him like JL likes to whine.
Once again you have outdone yourself. Thank you for the recap. Reading it was like watching the epi all over again, but much better. These were some of my favorite lines:
"She turns to the prince and wraps her arms around him, pressing her face to his remarkably developed chest."
"Filthy, unkempt José Luis sits on the bedroom floor and drinks. He seems oblivious to the unmade bed, the empty bottles, the dirty clothes, the disorder."
Even though there were guns involved, I thought Ale rescuing Montse was romantic. I am sure that Montse was totally turned on to see her galan come for her, that is until MDA stopped them. Has MDA reached the point of no return? He is reminding me of BM. I don't think he loves Montse as much as he is obsessed with her. I am finding it hard to see MDA redeemed. And if he follows through with his plan to make Ale and Montse's lives a living hell, then he is doomed for sure.
Thank goodness Ale has a degree. Gracie took all his dinero, but he can still run the factory and hacienda and support his family. Plus Montse still has her shop.
Did anyone ever notice that Montse never had a maid at her house when she lived with Rosario, Dimi and Laurito. I think it was mentioned in an episode, when Gracie was taking tea to MDA and Rosario told her to be careful because they didn't have a muchacha to clean up if she made a mess. I think this shows that Montse has matured. Anyway, sorry, I totally got off the subject there.
In regard to Laurito sleeping with his parents. I think he gets a pass. They have all been through a lot and Ale missed so much time with his son that he wants to make up for. Oh, and before I forget. NovelaMaven, I think you asked why they didn't take Laurito's glasses off while he was asleep. I think I remember seeing Ale put them on his face before he woke him up. I need to go back and look at that scene.
I almost felt sorry for Addie, but then I remembered how he's helped BM and lied to Fina and everyone else for that matter. I think it was Carlos that said Adolfo is selfish and I agree. I do think that he loves Fina, but not enough to be honest with her. He lacks the cajones to be truthful about who he really is. I hate the fact that Fina is going to be hurt again.
p.s. Is everyone up in Cleveland happy about LeBron returning?
Need sleep...hasta pronto!
Anyway, they now have the cash from the sale of that house to work with. They'll be OK financially even if they never get the $50MM back from Gracie, although it would be completely unjust for them not to.
One way or the other, Josefina is going to end up disappointed fairly soon. She will somehow have to find out about Adolfo. This is going to be very hard on her and could cause her to backslide. The fortunate thing is that her friends will not do what her family would have done if any of them were still around.
I've always been amused by Montse saying she's never cared about money. She lived in a gorgeous house growing up and she STILL lives in a gorgeous house! Can you imagine how much a house like she and José Luis live in must cost?!! You don't pay for that with a few cupcakes.
We don't know how much Alejandro paid her for the land she sold to him for his factory. We know that JL added money to that when his prison sentence began so she could buy a house and/or start a business. Yet somehow he isn't holding that over her head as he is with the promises made when she was a naive 19-year-old.
Another thing that occurred to me last night is that with Pedro disappearing like that you'd think there would be a major stir in the community. A governor disappears and we don't see news coverage or people reading the newspaper and speculating about it? You'd think that someone would be coming after EZ with a microphone and some questions.
Oh, well. Es no importa.
What an insightful comment. And utterly true! As one of the biggest JL supporters (until the attempted rape), I had high hopes for his redemption. But you are right, he squandered the love and devotion of Angelica and has left everything she gave him in the dust.
She and her memory deserved far more.
Diana
Monserrat's cafe has to be making money because she was doing well before JL got out of prison.
The pool is near the Almonte beach house, which had become their preferred residence. Victor and Nadia are currently in the hacienda.
Plus, the more I think about it, the more I am confused as to why Angelica thought JL and Fabiola would be good for each other. She said it more than once. I can't see it. Do you?
On a lighter note, I had to laugh during the rescue scene between Prince and Princess. Montse had some massive wedge shoes on her tiny little feet. Just think if they had to RUN from JL! They'd never make it to the Liver Chestnut Tundra!!!
Fatima,
Member, Crackpot Theorists™
Here's a piece in today's Sunday NY Times that might interest you. It's about how Univision and The World Cup and more generally, about Spanish language programming. It's worth a look, guys.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/business/media/biggest-scorer-in-world-cup-maybe-univision.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0
Just think, WE are part of The Univision Phenomenon!
Does that mean I am now a "fenomena"?!?
(I hope I spelled that correctly).
Fatima
Member,Crackpot Theorists™
Member,The Univision Phenomenon (not yet trademarked)
I watched a little with my Mexican yerno and it was a blast -- but that might have had more to do with the company present than the network. He was telling me exactly what this article says: that lots of his non-Hispanic friends were watching on Uni because the enthusiasm of the commentators was so much fun, even if they couldn't understand exactly what they were saying.
[*a genius, someone extraodinary or exceptional, an ace!]
AuntyAnn,
Thank you for the great comment. As you see, hawk-eyed Vivi has checked the Family Bed scene and verified that you are correct. Whew. I am relieved that Laurito's parents didn't let the hard plastic of his glasses dig into the tender flesh of his little face during the night. :)
And speaking of not having a muchacha to pick up after you, I'm reminded of how the beautiful Mendoza mansion rapidly turned into a pocilga when Gaudy was living there on her own.
I am so glad you enjoyed the futbol with your yerno. It must have been so much fun.
Interestingly, NPR did a similar story a few days into the World Cup. They interviewed an American of Hispanic descent (that is how the interviewee described himself). The guy had been watching Univision and had called to complain to Uni that he didn't like some of the words used by the commentators. He then said he told them that American Hispanics find some of the colorful descriptors used by the commentators as "offensive".
Holy Cow! I've been going nuts watching the footballers and I never heard anything offensive (of course, they talk so fast, I am probably missing it all) from the commentators. If anything, they are some of the most well informed commentators I have ever heard.
Anyway, the interviewee specifically objected to the use of the word "Moreno" to describe the darker skinned footballers. I totally missed the boat on that one. My Spanish teacher said the interviewee was a wee bit off base. I have no idea, honestly. All I know is that I love the sheer joy that comes out of the words of those commentators.
Fatima
Member,Crackpot Theorists™
Member, The Univision Phenomenon (not yet trademarked)
NM I truly enjoyed your fairy tale description of the rescue. It was romantic, even though the princess' tower was not as high as is the norm. My personal fave was this part: "The princess pipes up: "I don't love you, Ogre, and I never will! Shoot us if you must. I'll gladly die in the arms of my prince!" She turns to the prince and wraps her arms around him, pressing her face to his remarkably developed chest." Fantastic!
I also thought how funny they were when they made it to the Tundra and instead of hurrying off in case MDJL changed his mind yet again, they stop to talk and kiss. Plus wouldn't it have been gracious of them to offer Padre, Mac and Vic a ride home at least? Lol!
Anyhow as others have noted, it seemed like everyone is about to have their happy endings but all the really bad guys have yet to have their anvils come down on them, so we know this happiness won't last.
I'm still a sucker for Adolfo too, but I don't see him making it to the end. The longer Fina is with him, the more in danger she is. No spoiler here, just my wishful thinking. Perhaps Fina will be in danger, and that will wake up Dim's true feelings for her. Then we can see them reunited.
As for JL, I think he is definitely becoming more and more unhinged. Forget about Ale and Montse for a second, he claims to love Laurito but doesn't hesitate from threatning both of his parents with killing them and making their lives miserable. That would only bring misery to Laurito's life as well.
Maricruz
When I was visiting friends in Brazil back in the 60's, I would hear people in the street referring to me as a "gringo". It didn't sound particularly friendly; but it didn't sounds quite offensive either. Neutral I guess.
I am late to the patio weekend party so all of the great lines from Friday night's episode have already been mentioned but I did especially like "steed of steel and fairytale flash mob." The padre's comment was also a real winner---the old priest enters the testosterone charged field of battle armed only with his Bible and his rosary.
No gunfight at the OK Corral or a showdown in Aguazul, JL was out gunned so he gave up the fight. Good thing for him because 3 to 1
isn't very good odds. Will he try to get Montserrat back at some later time? I don't think that we, Montse, or Ale is done with him yet.
Emarie---Good point, the TN should have had the fight over the Tundra than over Montse.
Susanlynn---funny thing, I was thinking about you and your situation Thursday and you mentioned it in Friday's comments.
Please stay positive, we are all with you.
Hi Florida.
Oxnard Huero---Where do they find a bassoon in Aguazul? I'm still laughing.
Aunty Ann---Love or obsession? Good point. I vote for obsession.
Carlos---Gun lessons 101 What goes up ultimately comes down. You
should email a few Arab Middle East newspapers with an explanation. Celebrations with guns being fired in the air is a common practice in the Middle East.
Carlos again---Adolfo y Maria as a modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Now that's good.
the gringo
The footballers are driving me crazy! Really good action, but at 48 minutes still zero-zero Germany/Argentina. Messi looking darn good!
Fatima
Member, Crackpot Theorists™
Member, The Univision Phenomenon™
(I decided to trade mark it!)
Moreno is not considered offensive. It is used two different ways.
Since hispanics are different complexions, generally when describing their appearances they could be "blonde, fair skinned" called gueros, gueras, or rubios. Think prince, princess
If they are Brunetteor or darker complexion they are "morenos or morenas." Think of tall dark and handsome." Think JL
Now if someone is really dark skinned they are called "prieto or prieta." There are song nice songs about "prietas". Does not equate to less attractive just emphasizing that they are really dark. Monica is or was morena, but also prieta.
Morenos is also used for people of black race. It is not a negative racial term.
Perlados or perlada usually mean not rubios, morenos, or prietos, but fair with darker skin like Fabs or Dominga.
I hope this helps, I am 4th generation of mexican descent but have lived in DF, in 70's many of us started calling ourselves chicanos, even if we were not radical revolutionaries. After living in NYC, alot of latinos would ask what generation I was. Not so in Texas because alot of our ancestors were always here when Part of Texas was Mexico. Sorry hope this info didn't bore anyone too much. Like Gringo, I am amazed at how great recappers spin their stories, and all the gifted bloggers. I had posted that I suspected Amelia might be the BIg Scorpian. I know I was way off because she too kind, I would like to explain where that crazy thought came from. It came from vague memory of the movie "Traffic" with cookie making soccerr mom "Caterine Zeta Jones was cartel head. Thats all folks!'
I remember bristling at being called La Negra when I was living in Ecuador. They thought there was nothing wrong with it. I thought that if you know my name, you should call me by it; and if you don't know my name you should call me Miss. It made me feel objectified, and combined with the very real prejudice I experienced there, it made it all the harder to swallow it as a term of endearment, as everyone was trying to convince me it was. In any case, I gritted my teeth and bore it, but I can't say I ever became comfortable with it. I was happy to get back to a culture where the first identifier people used to address me was not my skin color.
I can understand why you were uncomfortable, that shoul have been reason eough for those folks to respect how you felt and absolutely called you by your name or miss.
Thx
Yes, I've noticed all the different and colorful glasses Laurito has worn. I'm assuming the producers thought a more sober style would make him look too serious, like a little professor. So they decided to go with whimsical. I think it was Daisynjay who told us a few days back that Laurito's hair and glasses are "in" with kids his age.
Hi Maricruz,
Happy anniversary! Did you know that 18 is a particularly auspicious number in Jewish tradition, often equated with the Hebrew phrase l'chaim (to life!)? I hope you and your husband had a lovely time.
You're not late. On weekends, the Patio Open House lasts all the way through Monday night.
Thank you so much for the nice words. I'm glad you liked the fairytale approach -- it was just so much low-hanging fruit. :)
Gringo,
Aw shucks. Thank you so much. As I said above to Maricruz, you're not late -- come on in and pull up a chair!
As for JL, "I don't think that we, Montse, or Ale is done with him yet.".
Nope, I don't think so either. Too many episodes to go. :D
Novella lover,
Great comment and contribution to the discussion that Fatima triggered when she told us about the NPR interviewee who found the word "moreno" offensive.
"Perlados or perlada usually mean not rubios, morenos, or prietos, but fair with darker skin like Fabs or Dominga."
That's new to me. Thanks.
And thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences on this topic.
The Brazilian businessman whom I tutored in June showed me a video of a hang gliding accident in Rio and a women was yelling what sounded like "Caray Caray" to me. I repeated it because I recognized it, and he told me that it was a VERY bad word in Brazil. He used to type in Brazilian swear words at a translating site on his tablet and get the English equivalent.
Also, I thought that the term Latino was favored over Hispanic , but now I hear and read both. Oriental has been replaced by Asian. One tries to be politically correct and sensitive, but sometimes It gets confusing.
Naima
Racial and ethnic groups: be appropriately specific and sensitive. Instead of Asian American or Hispanic America, describe by nation or region of origin (e.g. Chinese Americans, Mexican Americans)
Specificity seems to be the key.
Oh, and my female friend from Ecuador calls me La Gringa which I find charming.
All the best to you and your family.
Part of my message was left off.
Just this morning I found the above info in the APA Style Manual writing guide.
ITA, if I had the money, I would get a maid too. I have a house that's just under 3000 sq. ft. Three bathrooms, four bedrooms, etc. And working full time. Anyway, when I said Montse was mature, I guess I should have used more independent? In other words, she is not like her mother. Gracie needs someone to help keep her home. Her house needed a thorough cleaning when Carlotta bought it. And I know that Rosario helps a lot, but when those 7 years passed, I was just happy that Montse was out of her mother's house and working to support her family and not trying to sponge off someone. I know a lot of people on the patio often complain about the women in these TN's not working, but Montse proved that she could be a mature and responsible adult without Gracie's help. Besides, Gracie was broke at the time.
Also someone the other day mentioned where all the desserts come from at Montse's shop. When they first started showing the shop you could see a "kitchen" off to the side. It's right next to the room where the register is. I remember seeing Mac preparing a coffee in there. I think that Dominga bakes because I remember Montse telling her about how delicious her recipes were. I also remember Dominga telling Mac to get the bread out of the oven before it burned. So I know for sure they do have ovens.
I told her my slave ship story. Two different slave ships carrying two brothers leave the same village at the same time on the same day. One ship goes to North America (his kids speak English) and the other ship goes to South America (his kids speak Spanish). Why are we different? I don't get it. That confuses the heck out of me. I'm not trying to insult them.
Every time I see a Tundra ad on another channel, I snicker a little. I'm sure that's not what Toyota had in mind.
Merciless treatment of Poor Blind Nadia and Vapid Victor. I loved it, since I suffer from a sick sense of humor.
Susanlynn, I'm adding more good thoughts and prayers for your family situation. You're a strong defender for your daughter/grand children.
The padre acts like he's not well.
I think Ale wanted the confrontation with JL and that's why he did the shouting and shooting thing. It's so like him.
Why does Dimetrio have an evidence bag at his house?
Nanette
#174 will be posted this morning to hit the front page at 10PM. Not my best work, but it has extra pictures.
So MCET begins next week as a lead-in for the last weeks of this one. That will help its ratings. LQLVMR will be the one dark story in a sea of lighter stuff.
Happy Monday morning and thanks, as always, for the magnificent recap! I loved the fairy tale theme and all of your smart commentary and lyrical turns of phrases.
Some of my favorites:
"But it is the old priest Anselmo who prevails, entering the testosterone-charged field of battle armed only with his Bible and his rosary…."
"He lowers his pistol but not his animus"
"...as this MONSTROUS SENTENCE rolls effortlessly from her mouth."
"A Spiritual Journey for a Scorpion?"
Very wonderful and thanks for the transcriptions of the long Spanish phrases, too.
Looking forward to our viewing week!
Thanks again and best to you and all,
Julia R.
When Dimitrio pulled out the evidence bag from that drawer, my first thought was like yours. What in the heck was he doing with the evidence? With Robledo gone, we don't really know who is running the show.
It certainly can't be the Chief of Police as he seems permanently indisposed.
Fatima
Member,Crackpot Theorists™
The novela Las Vias del Amor had a situation like this only the victim was a younger man who was kept drugged for almost 15 years by his own mother (who could easily beat out Gracie for Worst Telenovela Toxic Mother). When he finally managed to escape and make it to a doctor he was told he suffered permanent damage. I don't remember if he survived to the end of the story.
Another thing here is who in hell is actually working in Aguazul's administration? We never see EZ in his office and JL doesn't look like he is in any condition to do anything. Dimitrio and Refugio are in civvies more than in uniform. What's going on in this town?
I mean Ale (almost immediately)after waking up from his coma runs out of the hospital at full sprint! Padre is drugged for 7 years and the only change he needs is a cane.
So stupid. Couldn't the writers have been more creative?
Urban, I'm definitely thinking along your lines of Aguazul being a Cuckoo's nest. There is no Governor for the state and it doesn't look like anyone cares. I would assume, there would be major news about all his corruption and mysterious disappearance/death. And someone replacing him.
Plus it looks like the drunk Chief of Police/MDA has not showered, shaved or left his house in 2 weeks and the only one to finally show up to look for him is Amelia.
Hopefully, there will be news soon of who will replace Adm. Robledo and Cpt. Monica at the naval base.
Maricruz
What it also did was allow Victor and Nadia a false sense of security in Argentina. Then one mistake because they needed money and Pedro is able to threaten their lives again.
I'm also not crazy about 7 years' difference between children with no sibs in between. I've seen what that's done to some of my friends and they all feel cheated about having older sibs who feel more like uncles and aunts.
The words "Moreno" and/or "Cafe con Leche" were always considered very offensive words. But it had more to do with social class than anything else, as the majority of high society in these countries are of European descent and, for the most part, fair skinned or "Caucasian".
I believe it was 1990 that the US Census Bureau changed the description of one's race to their ethniticy: thus the description of "Caucasion", "Latino", and "Black" no longer applied. They were replaced by "Non-Hispanic", "Hispanic", and "African American".
I remember this very well because I'm Caucasion (born in the US and very fair skinned with red hair) and am married to a "Latino", who I fondly refer to as "Potpourri"--Caucasion, but 1/4 French, 1/4 Italian, 1/4 North American, and 1/4 Dominican.
When the Census Bureau called our home for data, our whole household was considered "Hispanic". I got into a big argument with the Census guy, because I'm an "equal-opportunity" woman, and couldn't believe that our whole household was considered "Hispanic" even though three of four people (myself and two children) were born in the US. The census taker explained that as "head of household" my husband ruled!
From then on, I was so mad at the government that I told my kids to always check the box labelled "Hispanic" to take advantage of government programs and school grants for minorities. Call me crazy, I know.
But that does not stop him from getting up into everyone's business. He just sidles up to people and starts giving them unsolicited advice.
They also have not revealed where his staying, as far as I know. Maybe he can use Graciela's room.
La Paloma, I am so flattered to be mentioned in the same breath as my brilliant friend, Elna June.
We may be snickering at Tundras, but man oh man, are we ever conscious of them and their heroic potential... not that I would ever let something like that influence me...certainly not... :-)
Nanette
"Why does Dim have an evidence bag at home?"
I agree with everyone who has described the leadership vacuum at every level right now and the absence of anyone who can really be trusted. My take on this is that Dim is personally vested in tracking down Monica's killer -- the scorpion. If Robledo were still alive, if the crime didn't involve Dim personally, he would probably never have withheld evidence. But the way things stand, he feels the only one he can trust is himself.
Julia Rold
Thank you for your generous comment. You know it's a mutual admiration society, right?
Oxnard Huero
The padre is staying with Macario and Dominga. As for his "getting up into everyone's business," I thought of his character when I came across this phrase in a book review earlier today:
He was a man with a capacity for forgiveness so remarkable it verged on being a flaw...
Sara Gruen reviewing Elephant Company in the NYT 7/13/14.
Pedro has been missing for some time. When I think back on several novelas I have had similar
thoughts like, does any work ever get done in this office etc. I guess that's just the way novelas are. We just have to use a lot of imagination.
Another thing---think about how much alcohol is consumed in a short time. A half bottle of tequila in five minutes--QUE???
the gringo
the gringo
As for Aguazul the same thing must be happening abit on a smaller scale.I think there must be a small council who does the governors job while in his absence.We never seen EZ do any buisness with them though,he is too busy being a druglord :)
Thank you for giving us your inimitable version of a Fractured Fairy Tale.
I am sad to have the Party on the Patio this weekend. Alas, duty called and I answered.
This recap was delightful. I will now go to read comments (110)! Yah!
Elna June
"He was a man with a capacity for forgiveness so remarkable it verged on being a flaw...
Sara Gruen reviewing Elephant Company in the NYT 7/13/14".
I see padre Anselmo a bit differently. His sees his role as the moral standard bearer of Aguazul. I don't think that he forgives anyone but rather serves as the medium between the sinner whom he thinks needs forgiveness and God.
He is my favorite character on the soap. I just hope he has a vial of nitro pills on his person at all times.
We don't need another Lauro scene, where he lay dying as Ale was chewing him out.
That's a great point. I see Padre Anselmo as personally very quick to forgive, even a bit naive and overly trusting (when someone -- Adolfo, maybe, or EZ? -- asked him for forgiveness, his automatic response was "I forgave you a long time ago." And of course years ago he entrusted Joaquin's suicide note to Maria when he had good reason to know better.)
But you are so right that in his series of visits -- begun here and continued in ep. 174 -- he is acting as God's emissary, or as you put it, "the medium between the sinner whom he thinks needs forgiveness and God."
Hi Elna June,
Thanks so stopping by! I'm glad you enjoyed the fairytale. I hope you were in time for a shot of mescal -- I'm pretty sure they were still serving at the Macario table when you arrived.
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