Caray, Caray!

Good Early Morning Y'all

Please enjoy the recap ; )
 

Madelaine:
Thank you for providing us with such a detailed and well-written recap of a very very sad and heartrending episode. I haven't cried much throughout this novela but last night I was gushing a river.

The hurt in both Adolfo's eyes and those of Fina (for completely different reasons) was agonizing to watch. Now we will see the fallout of this reveal for all those affected. How sad gorgeous lashes made the immature choice of joining with CRAZY Peddy.

I've always thought that Mac was a true idiot missing some screws, but last night's storyline about the mix-up with the money was too much. Mac was just looking for an excuse to boot Kevin so he wouldn't have to face up to his responsibility for a one night stand.

Too bad more characters in this novela don't have the smarts or conviction that Esme has demonstrated. This episode was a perfect example of the maturity that Esme has shown throughout the novela. I admired her sticking to her guns about La Escondida. Your mate should take you, faults and all and not try to change you. Yes I know a great deal of you disagree. The actor who plays Esme has done a superb job in portraying a girl who falls in love with a fugitive; gives everything up to protect him; marries him; recovers her sense of self worth with the help of a friend (Angie helping to buy La Escondida) who shows Esme that her career choice isn't something to be ashamed of; and finally becomes a successful, loving mother and business woman.
 

Gracias, Madelaine.

The merde is hitting many fans now and Adolfo's end is near. I feel the worst for Nadia over this because of what she's been through. All thanks to Pedro who is ultimately responsible for her blindness as well as the permanent state of fear she lives in.

We know nothing of his backstory prior to "the accident that changed my life"; someone else here was the first to say that he likely had evil in him before that happened. It would take more than an accident of this nature to turn a normal person into the sort of monster that he is. We can conclude that he was already a narcissist because of riding at top speed when he was old enough to know better. This points to a pretty dysfunctional home life.

We know that he spent at least two years planning his revenge on the surgeon who amputated his male parts. Whether he actually did the deed himself is not explicitly stated, but I am now inclined to believe he didn't do it himself. He will physically beat those he wishes to intimidate -- mostly women -- but we have never seen him actually kill anyone. He made Pretty Boy Adolfo do that.

Pedro stated a few times that he would have preferred to die rather than to live as a eunuch. So why didn't he take his own life? This makes him as much of a coward as Pretty Boy Adolfo, who -- as Nadia's brother -- was the nearest male to him. Pretty Boy Adolfo had it all: Looks, personality, money (for a while), and a great appetite for life. He was a grifter but not a killer.

Pedro turned him into the killer he couldn't be and destroyed him in the process. Pretty Boy Adolfo became a deadly killer who died inside many times by now. The only peace he will know is when he dies himself.

Let that not be at Dimitrio's hand. Let it be JL who takes him out in the process of saving Dimitrio's life.
 

Urban
Did we decide that we had never seen Peddy actually kill anyone, just beat the heck out of them?
 

Mads, what a hoot of a recap, thank you for dishing the gossip this morning. Love your style.

Urban, I was thinking the exact same thing about Pedro last night, that the accident didn't turn him into a narcissistic sadistic sociopath. He forms no attachments, that is something that starts in early childhood. Anyway, he really is about the worst TN villain I have ever seen in my 5-6 years of watching TNs.
It doesn't really matter that he himself doesn't actually kill them. What he does is actually much worse, because he uses other persons weaknesses, and corrupts them while turning them into his weapon.
 

Yes. He has beaten several people but we have never seen him actually kill. He has ordered several murders and he is legally just as responsible for them as if he had shot the gun or wielded the knife.

Or planted the scorpions.
 

Madelaine, you consistently gave us food for thought. Sweet, savory, spicy. Your words always satisfied and delighted. You never failed to listen, to consider and to carefully repond to our questions and to add a new nugget to fuel our imagination and to add to our insight. Thank you amiga.

"What Would Esme Do, hereafter known as WWED, for the warning du jour"; "Mac is at the Sweet Shoppe and has a little can, you know the kind, that people stick dinero in for rainy days, sort of like my Grammy had" and the incredible "...but there is the stench of sulfer, not really, but you know, and that hideous voice..." were among my favorites.

I think JL is both of our favorite characters. While I rejoice at his apparant redemption, this morning I mourn Adolfo and the spiritual and physical reckoning yet to come.

Victoria, your "How sad gorgeous lashes made the immature choice of joining with CRAZY Peddy" and UA, your "Pretty Boy Adolfo had it all: Looks, personality, money (for a while), and a great appetite for life. He was a grifter but not a killer" were wonderful. Yes, truly tragic as Adolfo not only lost his soul but he ended up devastating the very people he tried to protect.

I am also cheering Esme for her courage, her strength and her resilience. I have been a huge fan of the actress since I first saw her in Guapos. She is unafraid to be raw and emotional which she has done consistently throughout this.

If Graciela is faking her illness which is now appears she is, could there be ANY possibility she has an ulterior motive that involves not her, but the happiness of her children?? Could she really want Monse to be happy and safe? Could she truly want Dimitrio and Fina together for the sake of her son's happiness? Am I being incredibly naieve once again??

"Mac looks like an idiot". Mac IS an idiot. Please writers, do not give this fool one more moment of screen time. Run Kevin Run. And take Dominga with you. Mac does not deserve either of you. Harrummph.

EMarie, your response to whether or not Pedro has killed was so insightful "What he does is actually much worse, because he uses other persons weaknesses, and corrupts them while turning them into his weapon". True. And to your question Victoria, I do not believe he has actually killed anyone by his own hand.

How will Dimitrio channel his fury? Will Fina be able to overcome her grief? And will she and Dimitrio find their way back to each other? Sigh.

I've gone on long enough...

Madelaine, thank you for everything. I'm still thinking of your Auntie and sending waves of hugs and affection your way.

Diana
 

My utmost thanks and admiration Mads for all your great recaps through this, yes, lonnnggg TN. You've brought us all hours of enjoyment.

Mac needs a good swap up the back of the head, hard. That is all.

Esme at least is leaving this TN maybe wiser and I can see her moving on well. Not sure now if Eric is part or not, maybe he was her means to an end to realize what she had done in her past, forgive herself and move on.

Now as for the rest:

PBN- realizing the brother you cherish is a cold-blooded killer, heartbreaking. But she has her hubby and her daughter to help her.

But Fina...Amazing job Foolfito that you managed to destroy the love of the two women you claimed to love both in one day. Couldn't have done better if you pulled the trigger. Nice move Padre because I think his refusal was the final push to make The Fool finally fess up to Fina.

Even in his final moment to confess to apparently the woman he looked at as his savior, he still took no ownership for his actions in full. He admitted it started with the money, but I still won't totally buy the Pedro made me do it he keeps spouting. I think that is how he justifies himself...the "I can't go to jail" to me is more telling than anything. Excuse the comparison, but he never had the balls to either fess up, run, or make a better life for himself when he had the chance. Now all that said, Valenica has played this role brilliantly.

As for Dim...my word, that last close up of facial expressions: disbelief, to hurt, to putting it all together, to betrayal, to hatred. This will not end pretty, and I still think it will be Dim taking his "friend" down. Hopefully, I pray, he won't go down himself doing it because that may be the last episode I watch. I don't see a Fina/Dim happy ending...both are too broken now. Only if they do a fast forward at the end.

And can I add...NO NO and NO. They are telegraphing the kids too much and so help me, if that's our final episodes with Pedro and the kids, I can't. I'll read the recaps, but I couldn't watch that. And shame on the writers if they go that route.

Daisynjay
 

Thank you Made for all of hour hardworking and all the recappers!!! Appreciate so much!!!!

So how boring have Montserrat and Ale become? Tired of hearing them express their love. Actually fast forwarded.

Kudos to Adolfo for telling Fina the truth even if he didn't take full responsibility. I feel sad bec if PBN had not been thought dead from the plane crash and stayed in Aguazul, I don't think Adolfo would have sunk so low. I think he felt like he had nothing else to live for so let himself go to the dark side completely.

Anyone else think Macario makes a horrible dad and glad he and Dom didn't get preggers?


 

Madelaine - Cute earworm. The guy saying the "karaoke singer" was actually better than Jewel was too funny. As for your recap, you knocked it out of the park again, capturing all of its emotion. I will miss your storytelling when LQLVMR ends.

Good to see Esme feeling stronger. Glad she's heading back to Aguazul without Erik, though in time he may be the one.

So the truth about Adolfo is finally out. I wished Ale as Galan No. 1 had sleuthed it out though. But then, with an idiot friend like Victor who keeps his trap shut and Ale and Monse never having a protracted conversation about the bad guys' operations and motivations, I guess Ale never had a chance. Instead, he's telling Monse for the umpteenth time that he doesn't care that he wasn't her first, oh well, fiddle-lee-dee.

I hope neither Dim or JL kill Adolfo. JL has already had enough darkness in his life and for all Dim's smarts, he's fragile (he won't even admit to himself that he's in love with Fina). Plus a quick death is too good for Adolfo. Pedro did not "make" Adolfo. Adolfo had choices every step of the way. After Maria and again after Monica, he could've chosen to flee, turn himself in, or off himself. Instead, he escalated, killing Refugio, something I can't forgive.

The only good thing about the Macario oops-I-thought-the-kid-stole-my-money storyline is that hopefully I get to see Dominga smack him upside the head repeatedly.
 

Madelaine, amiga, I can't believe this is your last recap! I know it sounds crazy,but I feel sad. I feel sad at our little community ending. We know it's temporary for the run of the TN, but what a community it has been. Funny, we all want to get to the end, but we don't want the story to end. Such a Puzzlement.

Before I say anything else, elna june, I just finished reading the comments from yesterday. It is NEVER too much TMI. Dear amiga, my tears flowed freely when I read of your suffering with the migraines. I briefly saw you lying down in such pain, but it was brief. You are a shining star who brings so much light to all around you. I envision you today restful and calm and without ANY pain. Please, let us know how you are doing.

Victoria Gomez, I was likewise saddened to read that you are bedridden. Please don't feel trapped. I hope you get to go outside and enjoy the beauty of your North Carolina. I hope you continue to reach out to all of us here on the blog. We have so enjoyed you in this community.

So much sadness last night. So hard to bear. I don't know if I can explain it, but Adolfo was frightening to me in the scene with the Padre. The black glistening hair against the backdrop of the white suit was, for a brief moment, almost evil. His eyes when the Padre told him he would not marry him in the church were frightening to me. Adolfo's beauty had become ugly and it was frightening.

To the very end, Adolfo has not accepted his responsibility in anything. We know that his karma is just around the corner.

I agree that Fina and Dim are too broken now to reach out to anyone. These are two sensitive souls (even though Dim started out as an utter jerk). It could take them years to recover for the grief over so many things.

In the convo between Adolfo and Dim when Adolfo told Dim about the daily roses. Dim shot back that he knew about the roses and assumed he Adolfo was still trying to fleece Fina out of her money. I loved the way he said it!

In the PBN and Adolfo convo, for the BRIEFEST of moments, I thought PBN just might get her sight back, but her other senses came to her rescue and she knew before he said it that her brother was a killer.

Victor danced his way out of why he kept the Alacran identity secret for so long, but I thought Alejandro was going to give him a good punch.

As for Macario, enough of this wimpy excuse of a man. Dominga and Kevin deserve better.

As luck would have it, I have to be away this coming week for work. I hope and pray that my hotel TV will have Univision, but I am not counting on it. I will be waiting daily for the wonderful recaps.

Such sadness, no? So much sadness about what could have been.

Fatima
 

If your brother has openly vowed to kill the person that killed the love of his life, and the murderer is a homicidal maniac...wouldn't you fear for your brother's life and his reaction to learning the identity of the homicidal maniac? I would be afraid for my brother. ..1. Because he's in a rage and I wouldn't want him to confront a hit man. 2. Because a killer kill people.

Dimi is the last person that I would have told.

She is an idiot. Cynderella
 

Thanks for the recap Mads. Cynderella.


 

Thanks for the recap! I agree MAC is an idiot.
I felt sad but at the same time angry with Fofito.
Velen
 

Good Morning Mads!

I haven't seen the capitulo yet, but I want to comment before I head out of town. I am flying off this morning to see my parents who live out of state.

Re: Pedro--ITA with emarie:

"It doesn't really matter that he himself doesn't actually kill them. What he does is actually much worse, because he uses other persons weaknesses, and corrupts them while turning them into his weapon."

Wonderful comment, emarie.

I also loved Daisynjay's comment regarding the dreadful character of Adolfo:
"Even in his final moment to confess to apparently the woman he looked at as his savior, he still took no ownership for his actions in full. He admitted it started with the money, but I still won't totally buy the Pedro made me do it he keeps spouting. I think that is how he justifies himself...the "I can't go to jail" to me is more telling than anything."

Wow. What she said.

Isn't it funny that we will cut an handsome/lovely character so much more slack than we would for someone less attractive? I have been consistently surprised by how long Adolfo retained a fan base on the Patio. The guy is a stone cold killer, regardless of lash length. I think that some folks love the actor and that colored their view of the character. Adolfo is a depraved killer, with a teeny-tiny conscience. He has done NOTHING, IMHO, to deserve my sympathy. The fact that he knows he does wrong and doesn't change his behavior makes him even worse in my eyes. End of Adolfo rant. Smile.

EJ
 

The fact that Peddy continuously pats girls/women on the head, makes him the worst villain I've ever seen!!!

Not to mention his irritating stutter.
 

Thanks for this excellent recap, Madelaine, and for all those that have preceded it. I've so enjoyed having you as one of our guides through the long months of this TN which has been uneven at times (especially since the plane crash), but your recaps have been consistently entertaining, informative, insightful, and witty. What a gift you have.

I've especially enjoyed and appreciated your stalwart defense and unabashed affection for the often unlovable and scruffy (not to mention annoyingly whiny) José Luis. I have also appreciated your understanding and tolerance for my own fondness and affection for the tragically under-appreciated and universally despised María.

Far and away the most affecting scene for me last night was between Josefina and Adolfo. It was heart-breaking and powerful, but oh so crucially necessary. Fortunately, the delicately beautiful Fina has demonstrated time after time that she is a resilient and resourceful survivor.

Daisynjay,

Regarding Adolfo, I'm with you:

"...I still won't totally buy the Pedro made me do it he keeps spouting."

Yes, he made his choices with eyes wide open.

Carvivlie,

"So how boring have Montserrat and Ale become? Tired of hearing them express their love."

That whirring sound you hear is my recorder fast forwarding in unison with yours.

Carlos
 

There is something else that I would like to do. I resign from my position as Head of the Alex table. As you all know throughout the year I have been his loyal defender. I will go to my grave believing that his feelings and reactions to the whole JL/Montserrat deception was normal. I am stepping away because I am disappointed about the way he has handled the whole "there's a deranged man stalking me and my family so I'm gonna get some nookie" episodes. Sell your property and move your family out of the country! Don't leave your kidnapped mother in the house when goons are walking around! Why does your kid still go to school? A man is threatening Laurito's life! I've heard that men have sex in order to relieve stress, but now is not the time to take off your shirt and show us how hot, fertile and virile you are. Ok. I take that back. Anytime is a great time for you to take off your shirt, but you have to think of other things right now. CYNDERELLA
 

Oh Fatima:

I've seen the ending and beg you not to miss it!
Don't worry I won't post any spoilers at all. Hate those things.
 

Elna June,

"Isn't it funny that we will cut an handsome/lovely character so much more slack than we would for someone less attractive?"

Yes, and I'll freely admit that María's incredible beauty influenced my support for her immeasurably, but in addition, she really did seem (to me at least) like such a sweet barefoot innocent when we first met her. I imagine that the Adolfistas still see and wistfully adore the foppish ne'er-do-well he once was and not the soulless assassin he has become.

Carlos
 

Elna June,

I meant to add to my last comment that I'm glad that you are feeling good enough to fly and wish you a safe, uneventful, migraine-free flight.

Carlos
 

Mads, thanks for the wonderfully fun earworm with Jewel. Also, thanks for your excellent and comprehensive recap today. I loved your WWED. So original, so funny!

Worst advice/consolation was Ale to Montse after her nightmare about Medina coming to collect Victoria: he told her to stop being upset and to calm down because it would all be A-okay: it had been two months since they had seen/heard from Pedro. Like two months is any time to a man who has spent decades planning /carrying out his revenge. Really?

For me, all the Adolfo scenes stole the show last night. What a pathetic soul and wasted life! Will Dimitrio put him out of his misery?

Jarifa
 

Actually, I think Adolfo's Armani makeover made him better-looking, just as Dimitrio's military one did for him.

As for Alejandro, keep the current haircut; it's perfect.

Until he killed Monica I was hoping that Adolfo would redeem himself somehow. Had he not killed her I would have so let him off the hook for killing Pedro (had he succeeded). What we don't know (because it wasn't the subject of this series) was the real domino effect of that killing. Who would have taken over the cartel and what might he have done to Pedro's killer?

Adolfo wasn't good at long-term planning and shooting Pedro was opportunistic. Adolfo would have needed to guarantee Pedro's death, then get the hell out of Aguazul immediately to another country. New identity and maybe plastic surgery for good measure. But that would have meant losing Fina.
 

"Isn't it funny that we will cut an handsome/lovely character so much more slack than we would for someone less attractive?"

Actually, I think it was brilliant casting by the production team in hiring Valencia for the part. Of course, as much as I've enjoyed him in other TN's, I did not expect him to hit this role out of the park as he has done. But in the context of the character, the fact he is handsome, a real charmer, and a smooth talker is what endears him to anyone. Somehow his antics are overlooked because he's thought of as a somewhat aimless lothario. And he used that to the hilt. Smooth talking was nothing but being a prolific liar. He pulled a very conscientious fraud on everyone...and to the end tried to use his boyish charms and smooth talking to make excuses.

To some extent, there was more to detest in his character than Pedro since Pedro is up front in being a totally evil idiot. But as you say, we wanted to believe there was hope because someone that "sweet and lost" just had to come out ok in the end. I have wondered as he frequently refused to change when the chances were there, if there wasn't something about this life and person he became he rather found thrilling until he came back to bite him in the end (just like EZ).

Daisynjay
 

Anon, the good guys winning yet ?
 

Yowza, what a fantabulous recap Madelaine! And this was quite an episode. You sure deserved to get a great epi with lots of good dialogue for a change of pace. Gotta say I was super impressed with most of the acting. Fina, Fofito and Esme really hit it out of the park.

Y'all make some interesting and insightful comments regarding Adolfo. Daisynjay, I think you really hit it on the head with "Somehow his antics are overlooked because he's thought of as a somewhat aimless lothario. And he used that to the hilt." Yep, he sure did, which makes him pretty darn cunning, no? I like the comments comparing him with Pedro. Regardless of who was the "worse" of the two, together they make a pretty toxic duo. More or less a perfect storm of egregiousness.

Anyhoo, I sure enjoyed the big reveal and the great scenes that went along with it.

Normally I find the shortened love scenes (between Ale and Mose) a bit annoying; last night the edits were a blessed relief.

Madelaine, a huge thank you for sticking with this very long telenovela and giving us your unique, hilarious and joyful perspective week after week.
 

Dear Mads,

How nice to read your take on events in Blue Water as you lead us down to path to -- redemption? resolution? relief? -- with a song. Thank you for this and for all your delightful, upbeat recaps as well as for your hard work as team leader here.

And how nice to see that Graciela is looking pretty much the way she did at the beginning of the story, except for her mobile red throne. (So I guess Rosario kept her observations to herself.)

Why do we think Graciela cares about Josefina marrying Adolfo? Does she really see Fina as Dimitrio's happiness? Or is she still after the Valverde fortune? (I don't think concern for Fina herself is a possible motivation.)
 

Madelaine,

Thank you for this fantastic recap and for every single one you have given us. There is so much work and dedication involved.

1. Loved the earmworn. A young member of my family does Karaoke, and I forwarded it on to him.

2. Agree with

a. All those who think the love scenes were stilted and boring

b. that ...Fofito cannot blame Pedro for what he has become. He started out as a worthless creep and progressed on to thug and cold-blooded assassin. He showed some kindness to Maria, but it was always about Adolpho - he recognized beauty and goodness and wanted it all - he was willing to drag others' souls down with him for his own sake - but bold enough to embrace both Dim and Esme after he had killed their loved ones.

c. that Margarita M. did a fantastic job

d. that it will be difficult for
Dim and Fina to move on from these tragic circumstances ....


Has anyone in this story been left unscathed? AguaAzul will be one giant support group.

This has been really harsh. Why did they have to kill Roblero? At least Carlotta could have found some happiness.

Forgot to say that I was very pleased that Gracie tried to prevent the wedding. I was cheering for her. With her, you never know what her motive is, but I was believing that she finally wants her son to be happy.

Notice that Fina did not say that she did not love Dimitrio. She sidestepped that point as usual.
She said that he does not love her.
She did, however, profess her love for Adolpho. After all, she has been hanging on the vine for a long time...at least nine years.
She was anxious to be in a permanent loving relationship for the long haul. So sad.

Victoria, thank you for your insightful comments. Sending you smiles. Wishing you and all of us better novelas in the future. Enough Already!

Thanks to all commenters for their intelligent quips and humor.


 

Floridia, I like you and others, wondered what Gracie's motive was in warning Josefina. She claimed it was her last chance to make Dim happy. While not altogether discounting that, knowing her I am more inclined to go with Novela Maven's theory. She wants to get her hands on the Valverde fortune.
 

OT:
About to go on a gigantic telenovela hiatus.

LQLVMR is ending, being replaced with Hasta el Fin del Mundo - No thanks, don't like Fernandez or Gil, can barely tolerate deSousa.

QPTR is about done, being replaced by La Malquerida (??) - definitely can't stand to watch waterworks Ruffo and Ariadne's snotty sneers are thoroughly off-putting, so nix to this one too, I don't think the galan is worth wasting my time.

DQTQTQ also on its last legs, to be replaced with ... La Gata(??) ... after Corazon Indomable, NO ... JUST NO!

Finally, I've given the Silvia Navarro/Jorge Salinas one a few weeks, though comedies are not my thing and Osorio productions even less, but I've had enough of cartoonish buffoonery and a screeching, high-heel running-to-answer-the-door Ana and nerd bullying, so I'm done with that one.
 

Thank you for the recap Mads, I loved WWED,lol.

Ugh, okay, I don't understand what Gracielas con is, why would she fake being ill? Is it so that people will feel badly for her and listen as she tries to repair the damage she caused? Why is she trying to get Dimi and Fina back together, if she always hated her?

I hate the character of Pedro Medina-he has no balls and no depth! I need my villans to be fleshed out! There was a novela years ago, I think it was "te sigo amando"-the villan was a rat bastard but he got under my skin as a kid because while he was evil I could kinda/sorta understand his motives, not so with Pedro. Where did he come from, does he have family, what were his goal and ambitions?! Tell me writers, tell me!!!!

I fear that Dimi will kill Adolfo, many moons ago there was an episode where Adolfo asked Dim if he would put a friend in jail and Dim said that he would, I think with the death of Monica and Refugio we have gone beyond jail and are going straight to death at the hands of a friend.
 

oh and Macairo is a fool, he was so awful to that wonderful boy, how can Kevin forgive him?
 

In order to secure my place at the Crackpot Theorists table, I'm going with Maria jumping out of the bushes to gun down Adolfo! Dim then shoots her and Pedro of course gets away.
 

Eli and Elna June. Thanks you for your recaps this week. Thursday and Friday were were very busy days for me at work and life at home was busy too. EJ, sorry to hear about your migraine issues. I get them too so I was surprised to see that you were able to give us so much info.

Madelaine, thanks for this recap. What a night!

I am glad the Padre put his foot down with Adolfo last night. Poor Josefina. Better to be in pain now then to marry the Scorpion and feel the massive sting later.

Dim was quite scary looking at the close of the show. I hope he doesn't make a tragic error and kill his former friend.

Carvivlie, I like your theory. LOL! For some reason I still keep waiting for Maria to pop up out of nowhere. The fact there was no funeral or anything has irked me a little. Did Pedro leave her in a ditch somewhere or did he revive her with antidote and tuck her away to use again later?

Caryn

 

I don't think Gaudy fully understands that Fina is not the easily fooled and shy woman she once knew. I'm guessing that now that she screwed up and Rosario may be on to her, if she's kicked out of Ale/Monse's place and Ale wants his money back in full, she's hoping if Fina is married to Dim, she can sponge off them since the Valverde fortune will keep her nice and comfy.

Daisynjay
 

Dimitrio is the only one of the Mendozas who has no real financial assets. Gracie has the money that rightfully belongs to Alejandro, Monse and Alejandro have three businesses between the two of them that make money and two valuable pieces of real estate, Carlota has the family home and whatever was in EZ's bank accounts. Gracie has no home in her own name and who knows how much of that $50MM she spent on jewelry. Pedro has been after her for money as well.

She's looking for somebody's protection and a new meal ticket. Josefina not only has the money she had when she was married to Dimitrio, he inherited her brother's money.

What is making me scratch my head is why Rosario seems to have said nothing about her faking it and two weeks have gone by since the discovery. Maybe she thought that Monse and Alejandro don't need that distraction for the moment.

 

OOPs, that's "SHE inherited her brother's money."

I also wanted to slap Macario for accusing Kevin of stealing the money. He doesn't deserve this kid.

I know I'm getting a hell of an episode for Monday. Can't wait to get back from the movies later.
 

Shouldn't the padre have told BOTH Adolfo and Josefina way before this that he couldn't marry them in the church instead of just Adolfo THE DAY OF? He could've said,"Let him explain why." Or at the very least, make it a condition for Adolfo to tell her first and then he would marry them (not that he would tell her OR that she would still marry him after that) - but at least don't spring it on HER on her wedding day.
 

Anonymous 3:53 This is kind of like asking a a religious person about their views on gay marriage. Why set them up to answer honestly, when you already know the answer and why they feel the way that they do. A GOOD priest or even an atheist magistrate would find it difficult to join a innocent woman to a hit man. Padre has asked him to confess several times, but Adolfo refuses to do so. It can't possibly come as a surprise to him that the padre wants nothing to do with that ceremony. Gnite chin
 

Josefina had a substantial amount of money that was left to her by her parents, in addition to that I assume she got money when her brother died, it's kinda sad but I never realized that she has no one in the world, she's like JL but at least he has Romina.
 

Madelaine, as usual, your recap shines and adds some much needed humor to this long and dark TN:

"Mac is at the Sweet Shoppe and has a little can, you know the kind, that people stick dinero in for rainy days, sort of like my Grammy had"

"Ale likes it that he is the only love of her life. She loves his body, natch, and he is her true love."

"but there is the stench of sulfer, not really, but you know, and that hideous voice right behind Monse that tells her it's time to pay up. Why can't Peddy die already? How dare he?" along with, when Pedro calls, "why didn't Monse tell him he had the wrong number or hang up or tell him to die.?"

Thank you for such hard work and dedication on your recaps, Mads!

My DVR cut off the last minute or two when Montse told Dimi about Fofito being the Alacran. I need to go to Hulu and watch his reaction, as it seems it has caused quite a stir here on the patio! I do hope Dimi is able to control the anger he feels and puts Adolfo under arrest.

I feel for all these characters, so much devastation in their lives, that Dimi does not need the added burden of Adolfo's blood on his hands. I truly want to see him and Fina happy.

And while I still think Gaudy is faking it, she threw me off a bit when she visited Fina. I thought, perhaps after thinking it over for a couple of months, she truly wants to see her kids happy. But it is Gaudy, so there must be something else she wants.

As for Adolfo, like Urban and many of you, I too hoped he would be redeemed, not only because of the eyelashes, but because initially he got into the business, not knowing what it was really about. Then when he found out, it was too late. Thinking his sister was dead, and Fina gone, I don't think he saw a future for himself, and went along with Pedro's plan, ultimately hoping to get revenge on him. Up until returning to Aguazul, he seems to have only killed narcos and bad people like Maria's pimp, but once he bloodied his hands with Monica's blood, there was no escape. She was one of the good guys, along with Robledo and Regugio. Wouldn't it be just if he ends up in jail before Pedro, and once Pedro goes down, Fofito makes Pedro's life a living hell in jail?

Maricruz


 

Great episode last night. This story is ending strongly.

Let's see, what is left to resolve?

Both Fofo and Pedro have to die, and Kevin has to come back and kick Macario in the nuts.

And, finally, Rosario has to pull a Leon Klinghoffer-type stunt and shove Graciela down the stairs or into the pool.

That will be bliss to this huero.
 

Urban, you are so good with the lists (and you, too, Nanette!!)so I was hoping you could tell us what do Montserrat and Dimitrio still not know about their mother?

I am losing track of all of her cons, but I just know that you could list them much more quickly than I could think of them.

I, too, was wondering about Rosario, but I suspect she is saving her "reveal" for just the right moment. Gaudencia surely didn't look too worried to me last night when she was giving Finita the "business".

Fatima
 

Oxnard,

I know that you absolutely did not mean it that way, but please be careful with your wording.

Leon Klinghoffer was a totally helpless, innocent victim. I have never forgotten the story of what happened to him. His fate made a huge impression on me. He was the victim of a terrorist atrocity and his name cannot be demeaned by putting him into the same position or category as Graciela.

All the best.
 

OT: I was checking out Buzzfeed the other day, and I ran into a video that shows a very young Osvaldo Benavides, our Dimi, playing Maria la del Bario's son, Nandito. Just thought I'd share, as we started out disliking Dimi's character, and now he is one of the main guys we are rooting for, since his transformation from swindler to good brother/navy captain. Check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piFFNUAhy4A

Maricruz
 

Floridia, seriously he told a joke. It was poor taste, but it was a joke. They were just words. Find something else to get crusade about like starving children or 300 children girls getting kidnapped for wanting to read. He told a joke.
 

this tn was 196 capitulos the 196th capitulo was aired like 2 hours and a half in mexico that would mean this tn should finish on thursday and be 2 hours and half....do you guys think they will split up the episode and show the first half on thursday and the second half on friday..or what?
 

Sorry, Floridia.

That incident was almost 30 years ago; I did not expect the reference to be that raw to some.

Thanks for letting me know your feelings. I understand and respect what you conveyed.
 

Oxnard,

Thanks for your response.... made with great taste. As I said,I know you meant no ill will.
 

What do Monse and Dimitrio still not know about their mother? That she was the mastermind behind the murder of Benjamin Almonte.

That will be devastating news when it finally comes out and Gracie will have to confess it to someone because I think that Maria was the only other person who knew and she didn't tell anyone.
 

Urban, doesnt Pedro know abt Gracie? For some reason I thought it came out when they and Sandro were working together to invalidate the will.
 

Thanks, Mads, for yet another fabulous retelling. I always love your bright and breezy style, and you and I both love tunes.

I did not see the last two episodes, so I was especially appreciative of the recaps.

If someone is creating t-shirts , mine should read "Susanlynn is never right." However, I will ale some guesses. I think that Fofo will die saving someone (Fina, Nadia, Vick) from Peddy. I know that most people think that death is too easy for Pedro, so the posse (JL, Dim, Ale) will capture him and put I him in prison for life where he will be tormented endlessly. I am not sure what Grrr's endgame is...maybe she just enjoys messing with people in general. Everyone needs a hobby. Grr seems to get pleasure from inflicting hurtful words on others. She really wants to move people around like chess pieces....especially her children. It is sad and pathetic...a totally wasted life. I think that SHE thinks she loves her children. Grrrrrr is a user and abuser, and I do not think that she can change even if she wants to,..and I do not think she wants to change. Someone should have shared these wise words with Grr a long time ago " Enjoy your Popsicle before it melts." Simple and true advice. Grrr just does not like people. She thinks that everyone else is stupid and that she has to point that out to them every chance she gets. On a positive note, she seems to have given up the head poke that used to accompany her insults and accusations. Progress. I have no idea what her fate will be. ...but her Popsicle has melted and now she is left holding that sticky stick. Que lastima.

Let's give a standing ovation to our wonderful recappers who each had a unique way of telling a story. I will miss this community of recappers and commenters , but I am hoping that some of us will meet again to watch a new novela. I will not watch Hasta because none of the leads appeals to me, but I may give the other new novelas a try. I need to find at least one novela to keep my place on the patio.

(((Elna June))..so sorry to hear about your migraines. My late mother-in-law Madeline used to get them, but she gave up wine, cheese, coffee, and chocolate and stopped getting them. I tutored a woman from Russia who got them, and I told her about an article that I read recommending taking magnesium. She was very pleased that it helped her. I hope that you get relief from your meds. So sorry. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for relief from the pain and sending good vibrations westward))))))))))))

Susanlynn, down the shore
 

Madelaine,

Add me to the many of us thanking you for all you the recaps you have done these many months. Your earworms and your sense of humor have lit up many a dark capitulo and it has been appreciated by all.

EJ that was such a funny line: The guy is a stone cold killer, regardless of lash length.

Can someone help me out with this one? The night that Gracie moved from her chair to the bed, didn’t she ask Rosie to bring her something? I thought she KNEW Rosie was coming back. That she MEANT for some wacko Gaudy reason for Rosie to discover her secret.

Cynderella that was a funny comment about Ale: now is not the time to take off your shirt and show us how hot, fertile and virile you are. Ok. I take that back. Anytime is a great time for you to take off your shirt, but you have to think of other things right now.

Dim and Fin, in my opinion, likely will find each other again (especially since it’s tnland). I’m sure she’ll be traumatized, but in truth, she has long acknowledged to herself and others (just not G) that she loves both men. Now she’ll hopefully realize she only knew one of them and can go back to him. I, like Floridia, noticed that Fina did not actually say she didn’t love Dim.

Carvivilie while I really can’t see your theory happening, I love it so much that I want the seat next to you at the Crackpot Table in hopes that I can clink glasses with you if it happens.

UA, I totally agree with you—why hasn’t Rosie said anything?! I can only think it’s the silliness of TN’s and that they are asking us (once again) to suspend our belief. C’mon, that would be the first thing I did after leaving the room!

Susanlynn this was hysterical “ I am not sure what Grrr's endgame is...maybe she just enjoys messing with people in general. Everyone needs a hobby”

I'm worried about Dim and would love some reassurance from the patio that the writers will NOT let him die!

Like many of you have already said, as ready as I am for the end of the novela I have so enjoyed the recaps and comments that I will truly be sad when it's over. Not only am I amazed by the wit I find on this blog, but I also learn from so many of you every time I visit. And not just Spanish! So let me also thank all the commenters too!

I know someone mentioned that they were taking a break because they didn't want to watch anything they are currently showing. I agree with your take on MCET but I really like Silvia Navarro and Jorge Salinas and am going to switch over and try my first comedy!

Buenas Noches!
Rebecca

 

Thank you Madelaine. WOW! the Robo recappers are great. I like the way that you used the stench of sulfur in your recap, The Robo
recap team is 1st class--top quality -- super great-- the very best.

Before I forget---Pancho, thanks for your explanation of Poncho and Pancho. I thought that Pancho was spelled wrong, just a mistake
an a instead of an o. Now I know and now everyone knows why I chose the blogger name of gringo.

Some people have said that that they don't like side plots and fillers. I like them and view them as a welcome change of pace from the everyday grind. Such was the case with Esme and Eric. I have liked Esmeralda from day one
or at least early on after I first saw her. While I wouldn't be in favor of the occupation that she chose, I liked her free spirit, as well as her fighting spirit. Yes she made mistakes and was a little stubborn but she has learned from her past as was evident last night. She put Eric's dad straight and wouldn't back down. We saw her fighting spirit in action---you go girl!!!

Carvivlie---Maria jumps out of the bushes. Now that's a theory.

Question---Every night in the opening right after Maria is shown, we see a guy with black hair and dark eyes. He sports a large black mustache and has a sleazy look in his eyes. Help! Who is this guy? I haven't seen him in the novela.

In the previews for Monday we see Adolfo and Ale in a faceoff with guns drawn. I don't see Adolfo checking out Monday. Am I wrong?
Comments anyone?
the gringo














 

Gringo, that was her uncle, Juventino. He was paid by Graciela to administer the poison that killed Benjamin Almonte. He was also involved in some dirty business or other related to Pedro. He was killed by the corrupt police chief of that point in the story, Efrain Loreto, who was also in Pedro's pocket.

He was a perv who gave us all a major creep vibe. We have long speculated that he sexually used Maria beginning at some jailbait point in her life. However, they're both dead now so we will never know.
 

Mads-I love how light you made this heavy episode feel. I just watched last night and ffwd through Erik, Esme, Mac, and Monse and Ale's love scenes. I just wanted the get to the meat of the episode.

We got some great emotional scenes between Adolfo, Nadia, and Fina. I'm so glad the truth is finally out. Can't wait to see what Dim does.

Was it two months or two weeks that passed? I could have sworn I saw/heard months. In either case, I couldn't believe that: 1) Rosario hasn't told anyone about Gracie faking it, and 2) Monse and Ale are flitting around, with no guards, while a homicidal maniac is after them.
 

Good Morning Y'all,

Thank all of you so very much for all your kind words. I wanted to pop in here real quickly to tell y'all that. I will be back later to answer/comment. Y'all rock!
 

Vivi, how is the Dead Pool Hit List growing on this TN ?

Has it surpassed PSMA's Hit List?
 

Madelaine, thank you for all the outstanding work you have done for the recaps. You and the entire team have made watching the telenovela an even better experience. I appreciate all the time and care you took as well as the wonderful earworms you suggested! ¡Muchas gracias!

From this recap, I thought "WWED" was especially clever as well as the phrase, "suffused with rage." That exactly describes Dim's last expression. Bravo to Osvaldo Benavides whose face transformed from surprise, sadness, confusion, and finally rage once he learned the truth. It was an amazing display of emotions! That actor is brilliant! Thanks, Maricruz, for posting the link to his earlier role in "Maria La del Barrio." Boy, he had great 90's hair back then!

Poor Kevin! I don't understand why Macario had to chase him off like that. Better to sit down and talk calmly about the situation. The poor boy didn't deserve that!

I can't stand Adolfo, and I'm glad everybody knows what a monster he is. If I were Josefina, I would be afraid to be in the same room with him. What's stopping him from just murdering her now that his dreams of escape are destroyed?

If I were Montse, I'd tell Alejandro to shut up every time he says, "i know you've been with other men, but I'll be your last man." Why does he have to make her seem like a loose woman? By my count, she just had two boyfriends before her marriage to him. He needs to get over it. We don't live in the 19th century. Good grief! He's so obnoxious!

And they're both dumb for letting their guard down while Pedro is on the loose!

Thanks again, Madelaine!
 

Rebecca thanks for joining me at the CT table! Other than still hoping Maria pops up, I'm hoping that Gracie "miraculously" jumps out of her wheelchair to throw herself in front of a bullet intended for Dim or Montserrat. Proclaiming the love of her children gave her the strength before dying in their arms!
 

Carvivlie,if that happens (Gaudencia and what you propose above), I sure as heck hope Montserrat and Dimitrio know the FULL truth about their mother before that happens.

Frankly, if that scenario were to happen, we would all be a part of one huge con. Not a satisfying ending for me. ☹

Fatima
Member, Crackpot Theorists™
 

Carvivlie, while I would LOVE to see Gaudy do that, I think we have a much better chance of the return of Maria than a martyring Graciela. I'm actually quite curious to see what her motive is for faking the illness and hope we find out before she gets (well she'd BETTER get) her anvil. I kind of think there will be a showdown between Gracie and Peddy. Maybe Gracie could take him down, but then who would take her? So maybe the reverse? Maybe Peddy will take Gracie down, because it seems that from my limited (in comparison to many of you) knowledge of TN's that Ale should be the one to take down Peddy. ITA with all of you who feel that would be WAY to good for him, however. I'd like to see him ala Dionisio in Amor Bravio. Hmmmm one can hope?
Rebecca

 

Tracy H. ITA with your comments about Alejandro. He sure does sing that same boring tune over and over. But in fairness, Monse seems to love hearing it. What a bore. I think she only had one boyfriend before Alejandro, that one being JL. Was there another one? Or are we counting JL twice?

And yes, they are very dumb on so many levels.
 

Cap'n:

Before JL or Ale there was a guy named Sebastian, played by Osvaldo de Leon, who she was engaged to. He saw her kissing JL and it was all over. He was a richy rich and Gaudy was more than pissed. She never slept with Sebastian I don't think. She had been in convent school and when she left it she met JL.
 

Urban---Thanks. Yes that guy juventino really does look like a creep. I joined Robo too late but have always wondered about him.

When this one is all over and done, it looks like there will be a high death count. Too many bad guys, women too.

Madelaine---I signed in late last night and forgot about Jewel, that was a nice change of pace for
this serious and dark drama.
the gringo
 

Hello Y'all

Vicoria:

Thank you so much for your kind words. That scene was very painful between Fofito and Fina. I have to admit I cried along with Fina.

Urban:

Thank you kindly. You are so right the merde is hitting the fan. I'm glad you have Monday's Epi. Hasn't Peddy's life been all about revenge? I too wish they had shown his back story. I can't wait for his anvil, I hope many of them.

Emarie:

Thank you most kindly. I try to go for the hoot, cause this one is so dark and has been for a while now. I agree with you about Peddy, as a matter of fact, Peddy reminds me of a character named in an Agatha Cristie Poirot novel called "Curtain" and it is Poirot's last case, until they started writing new books. I wonder if one of the writers is a Cristie fan. The murderer in "Curtain" is almost like Peddy here. That murderer manipulated people and played on their weaknesses and phobias.

Diana:

Thank you most kindly and for the hugs! I so didn't want the writers to do this to Fofito. He was such a scalawag in the beginning I was hoping there would be a redemption but he's killed too many now. I wished he turned himself in before all the killing started and ratted out Peddy and EZ. I too hope there will be a way for Fina and and Dimi to find a way back to each other. One can hope : )

DaisynJay:

Thank you most kindly. I agree with you about the kids, enough of the threats to them! There are plenty of adults to go around that Peddy can mess with, forget about the kids! I am hoping Peddy's anvil is huge, mega huge!
 

Carvivlie:

Thank you most kindly. Oh, I agree with you about Ale and Monse, if I hadn't been recapping I would have FF>> myself : ) I too wonder about Fofito. He thought PBN was dead for so long and Fofito was out for revenge. I felt so sad for PBN.

Neice:

I laughed at that earworm, it was just too good to pass up : ) I too laughed at the guy that thought that "Karen" was better than Jewel, too funny. Thank you kindly.

I agree about Mac, he needs a rolling pin upside the head. Poor Kevin. I thought Mac was starting to accept him, but nopis. I want Mac to apologize and kiss Kevin's feet after what he's done.

Fatima:

Thank you most kindly. I too am sad about this ending. But the recappers will be around doing other recaps and commenting, so you'll still "see" us. This has been like a dream team of recappers I have to say and I felt privileged to recap with them. I hope when another really great TN comes along we can bring this team together again. I agree that this TN has been very dark for awhile, so I hope the payoff in the end is worth it one can hope : ) I hope you will be able to comment this week, while you are gone. I hope you are back for the finale, but I'm sure we will still be commenting on this one all weekend and into the next week. It happens ; )

Cynderella:

Thank you most kindly.

I couldn't agree more with you. Sometimes Monse doesn't think before she speaks. Monse and Ale, since the rift is repaired with JL, should have gone to him with this info.

Velen:

Thank you most kindly. I agree with you about being angry and sad at the same time with Fofito. There was so much he could have done. But no, he allied himself with Peddy, was out for revenge and now look where he is at.

EJ:

Thank you most kindly. I agree about Fofito and his good looks. I gave him a pass for the longest time cause he was so handsome and those eyelashes, sigh. But when he killed Monica that was his death knell for me. I couldn't take him anymore. There was so much he could have done but instead he focused on his revenge.

Carlos:

Thank you so very kindly. I too am with you about FF>> the Ale Monse scenes, but since I was recapping I couldn't do it. I am really hoping that Fina is strong after this revelation. I don't want her back sliding into having no self esteem again. I want her to take a cue from Esme. I wish they hadn't had Maria go to the dark side. I am glad the writers finally cut JL a break. Maria could have ended up as a great character if she had come to realize earlier on that Ale never loved her. She could have matured and been one of the good guys. I really wonder, as someone else had noted if Maria is really dead? Just cause Peddy says it, it isn't always so, hmmmmmmm.....




 

Cynderella,

I never thought I'd see the day! But I agree with you here. Ale should be focusing on those children, and besides he has been relieving his "stress" now for awhile. I think he is tired of running. I also think he doesn't want to interrupt the children's usual routine, but still, they are sitting ducks at school. Remember when Maria showed up at the school? Or if Peddy shows up with his goons? I never see a teacher there. They would be way better off at home with a tutor.

Jarifa:

Thank you most kindly. I just had to use WWED. I was so happy Esme did what she did. Maybe this is why Eric has been around. Esme is a catalyst for Eric to reconcile with his PaPa. I also think the reason he is around is that he doesn't want her to sink into riddled with guilt mode over what happened to Refug. He's been there and done that, and maybe now getting over that. Esme has been beating herself up about that.

Urban:

I wish that Fofito had gone to Admiral Robeldo, in the beginning when he was tasked with killing Maria. At that time he hadn't killed anyone, so he may have gotten immunity and turned on Peddy and EZ at the same time. Instead he went with Peddy's plan. After he killed Monica, it was way too late for him.

DaisynJay:

That was excellent what you said about Fofito and the actor that portrays him. I have to say I didn't expect Valencia to be so convincing and such an antihero in a way. The writers were very clever in writing Fofito the way they did.

Cap'n:

Thank you so very kindly. I too was happy with the shortened love scenes of Monse and Ale. I would have liked it if there had been more tension, not in a bad way, but it would have been better. Now it's so old hat. And Ale says the same stuff over and over. I like he and Monse but for heaven's sake, get a plan to vanquish Peddy for goodness sake!

NovelaMaven:

Thank you so very kindly. I wish I had thought of mobile red throne, I'm still laughing. Yes, she still looks the same doesn't she? I wish Rosy had ratted her out, but maybe Rosy is waiting for one of her children to catch her in the act. Now that would be priceless! Guady wouldn't be able to make excuses or talk her way out of that, one can hope! Can you just see Guady, it's a miracle!

Floridia:

Thank you most kindly. I agree about Fofito. I think in the beginning Fofito was just about peeing his pants everytime Peddy spoke to him. I just wish that Fofito had the avacadoes to talk to Dimi, before Fofito killed anyone and gotten immunity and turned Peddy and EZ in. Then I think he could have been redeemed. Instead he went with the program, stayed on Peddy's payroll and wanted revenge on Peddy. He really did this to himself.
 

I appreciate all the wonderful recaps and all the time this group puts into them. This recap is no exception.
I have to agree with ANONYMOUS that Padre should not have waited until the day of the wedding to spring this on Adolfo, out of respect to Josefina. Maybe the truth would have come to light sooner if Padre would have placed on them the same stipulations ahead of time.
 

We don't know how many deaths are attributable to Pretty Boy Arguelles -- AKA The Scorpion -- but I'd like to think that there were no "innocent" victims before Monica. That particular murder definitely sealed his fate.
 

Madelaine,

Thank you kindly for taking the time to address everyone. I have been totally Anti Eyelash Goon as soon as he pulled the trigger on Maria. If he were so noble and so sensitive, he should have shot himself at that point.

That was the time for him to weave a way to Salvation. That was his chance. Instead he dug himself in deeper with each step he took, viciously and brazenly conning his way into his alleged loved ones hearts and minds.

My antipathy for him goes way back before he killed Mónica. His motto: Adolpho First.
 

Conservative D.- The difference between this tn and Por Siempre is that in PSMA there were only two villains responsible for deaths. In this tn we have had: Pedro, Loreto, EZ, Juvie, Maria, Gracie, Sandro, and Adolpho, and even Don Ben in flashback! That's a heck of a lot of killers. And even the good guys have killed people! The death count is for sure higher in this tn with all those murderers on the loose, but the murder of Isabel's baby by Fernando, and his attempts to kill his own children, surpasses Pedro's evilness for me.
 

Wouldn't it be something if Maria WAS alive and ended up being the last Big Bad to be taken out?
 

Fernando Escandon of FELS probably had more murders to his credit than all the ones we've seen in this. He even threatened to kill his own son.

I'd have to look at his rap sheet to see if he exceeds Fernando of PSMA or Pedro. But Pedro is far more intelligent and that makes him more dangerous.
 

I'm in my hotel room and...I HAVE UNIVISION!!!!!

Unfortunately, I depart on Friday and will miss the Gran Final. Holy Cow.

Madelaine, thank you so much for addressing all of us directly. You know me. Just can't help but being sad at losing our group, but I will look for our wonderful friends on other TNs. I'm trying the "Hasta el Fin" because you are recapping.

Are any of our other recappers on Robo going to be recapping elsewhere? Urban, I know you will be at MCET, so I will follow that.

Anyway, just wanted to check in and say I can be with the group for the last 4 episodes. Yippee!!

Fatima
 

Anon 2:34:

It's a shame you are taking a hiatus. Do me a favor. Please, just look at Hasta and then comment on that after it starts. I want your impression, so to speak. Sometime who you think we not be very good, ends up being fantastic. I say this because I watched La Madrasta on the Uni Telenovela Channel. I used to not like Victoria Ruffo, but this one completely changed my mind. She didn't cry much during that novella. It had a great story line. I also hadn't seen Pedro Fernandez in anything until I saw the repeat of Dinero in late night. That too was wonderful and technically not a drama or a comedy. It was quite good and so was he. That's why I'm asking.

Eli:

Thank you most kindly. I so agree with you about Peddy, why couldn't they have made him more, I don't know, forceful shall we say? The man gets others to do his bidding he can't even lift a finger. What kind of villan is that?

Carvivlie:

You were the one that said it about Maria in the bushes! I am still laughing and that's a great crackpot theory!

Caryn:

Thank you so kindly. I'm with you and Carvivlie about Maria. We have never seen Maria's body. This is almost like deja vu with the Padre, hmmmmm.....

Anon 3:53 and Anon 4:11:

I can understand what you mean Anon 3:53, it seemed as if Padre waited until the last minute, but Anon 4:11 is right here. Padre has begged him not once, not twice, but the first time Fofito confessed to the Padre to turn himself in and especially after Fina and Fofito got engaged. Fofito wouldn't do it so Padre acted finally. The Padre didn't want to break the seal of the confessional. I know he told Fofito earlier in the week, that if he had to, he would break it. This way, Padre made sure that Fofito told on himself so to speak.

Maricruz:

Thank you most kindly. I like your Crackpot theory of Fofito going to jail first and then Peddy ends ups there too, making Peddy's life hell. He could tell all other guys in the prison about Peddy's little problem. Now that would be poetic justice.

Oxnard:

I'd rather that Gaudy out herself. As in getting out of that chair when Dimi comes in or Monse or Carly. Now that would be great and she'd be out on her rear. One can hope ; )


 

Susanlynn:

Thank you most kindly. I think you should join us at the Crackpot Theories table. I like your theories about the characters here. I like your T shirt idea too : ) Please look in on Hasta. I think it may have a lightness that appeals to you. The writers and producers are the same ones that did Amores Verdaderos. Jus' sayin' ; )

Rebecca:

Thank you most kindly. I too like Carvivlie's Crackpot theory. I too hope for Dimi and Fina to be together in the end. One can hope : ) As to your question about Rosy getting Guady something, it was tea. Too bad Rosy didn't come back in sooner, she would have caught Guady in the act!

Gringo:

Thank you kindly.

I wish you had joined us here in the beginning, you would have really liked Esme. The girl has all kinds of courage! She aided and abetted Refug and JL. It was funny when she told EZ, who thought she was hiding one of them out that Refug was her cousin. It was too funny. You would have loved it. As far as Fofito, I really don't know. Oh and by the way, you are not a pest. If you have a question please ask. Someone or I will answer it, no problem!

Vivi:

Thank you kindly. I didn't catch how much time had passed. Time jumps so much in this TN doesn't it? I have a Crackpot Theory about Rosy. The poor woman is taking care of the kids and cooking probably and waiting on Guady and it slipped her mind about Guady, jus' sayin' ; ) Ale and Monse I think are relying on Dimi and his men. I guess that's why they are flitting all over Aguazul, and besides Peddy baccck and phoning Monse for payment. She should have known.

Tracy H:

Thank you most kindly! I so agree with you about Ale constantly bringing up Monse's "men", there were only two before him, Sebastian, who she never slept with and JL. That was it. I wasn't as if she had a slew of them like you said. I guess he's stuck in the early twentieth century instead of the twenty first. She keeps reassuring him over and over, it's like a broken record! He should know this by now already! My advice to them: Focus on the Peddy!
 

Nanette:

Now that is a heck of a Crackpot Theory! I like it as far as Maria being the last Big Bad. We never saw her body, inquiring minds want to know, hmmmmm......
 

Fatima:

I am so glad you have Univison, in your hotel room, yay! At least you'll be able to watch four of them. You will get to see the finale on Hulu+ probably on Saturday sometime. No worries. I am so glad you will be checking out Hasta. I bet it will be fun! Thank you.
 

About Gaudy and her motivation. I have been thinking about that all weekend. Where is the money she stole from Fabs and Ale? Does she still have it? Did she give it to Peddy? Why is she living with Monse and Ale? My wild guess is to torture them or to get back into Dimi's good graces. Dimi still isn't on board with Guady I don't think. As far as Fina goes, maybe she is trying to right a wrong, but I have to say that may be when pigs can fly. Guady never cared for Fina and Fina knows this. As far as getting the Valverde money? That would depend on if Dimi and Fina do get back together in the end. We'll have to wait and see, but I don't think Fina or Dimi would ever let her have access to it. They have her number.
 

WOW---A lot of weekend comments and that's great but not much being said about the running gun battle that we are in for come Lunes noche. Will Ale shoot Adolfo
or will the Scorpion escape? I am always anxious for Monday whatever the novela is but this Monday is much watch tv.

Several have said that they don't like Ruffo's crying, I don't either but the new novela looks good to me. An outdoors novela farm, rancho---I'm a sucker for those. !0:00PM every night is going to kill me but I have to try
Count the gringo in on this one.

MAITE PERRONI La Gata, where are you???
the gringo
 

Madelaine,
As always another stellar recap. Throughout these past 9 months all of the Robo recappers have been outstandingly awesome. Night after night, delivering witty, funny, sad, and courageously creative recaps. My hats off to each and every one of you!

Best scenes of the night were Adolfo's confessions to PBN and Fina. Although I think Fofito forgot to tell Fina about his booty calls with BM. Plus I don't think we ever found out if Fina and Fofito slept together. Anyway, I am glad that Adolfo's secret identity is no more.

I also loved Dimi's face when he found out about el alacran. The actor was right on target, and without a spoken word.

Madelaine, you said, "Where is the money she stole from Fabs and Ale? Does she still have it? Did she give it to Peddy?" I have been wondering the same thing, then we had the scenes with Gracie trying to prevent Fina from marrying Adolfo. Hmmm. That made me really wonder. The following statement is only my theory, and nothing else. No spoiler, as I have NOT scene the end of this TN. I remembered that when Gracie came back from her trip to Italy, Peddy paid her a visit and asked her for money. She refused and that was the last we saw on the subject. So, apparently Peddy needed money. Since he was declared dead, I am guessing that he could not touch any of his accounts. And it has been over a year since that happened. My theory is that Gracie has been giving Peddy money, and lots of it. How else could he keep up with his payroll? Gracie probably spent a lot of it on her trip too, buying all those jewels. So she figures that she might be running too low on the cash flow and that is why she is trying to get Fina and Dimi back together. To get her hand on the Valverde fortune. Remember, Gracie's number 1 motivation is MONEY, not her children.

Cynderella,
Are you really resigning? Que? Who else is with me at the Ale table? I still think that Ale has done nothing wrong. I had been waiting for another love scene. As you said, anytime is a great time to take your shirt off. Hell, he can walk around all day without a shirt! And as far as protecting his family, he's trying to be positive and not freak out. The kids have security at the school now too. They were added after BM showed up unannounced. So, like Ale says, everything is gonna be okay.

Thanks again Madelaine!

back to laundry...hasta pronto!
 

***No spoiler, as I have NOT seen the end of this TN.
 

Urban
With FE of FELS he was especially terrible because I couldn't stand to watch him chewing on that big cigar!
 

Fatima:
After hanging in there all this time, do you have a way to watch the gran final on Hulu? Particularly before reading the recap, I highly stress watching the ending(s).
 

Madelaine and others:
About Ale's continual whining re Monse's other men (1 total and I think one time only at the river), we forget this is Latin America where the guys can do anything they want (before and after marriage) but their "mujer" must be and remain pure as snow! and don't tell me this is the 21st century because I know better from extended family and friends in Latin America.

Of course, I'm not denying a great deal of progress has been made and now this way of thinking may be, hopefully, the exception and not the norm.
 

Victoria:

Okay. I get it, but still it is the modern age. I think that has been what's bugged me about Ale all this time. He wanted to be the only one and now he is. I want him to let the past go and just move on with Monse and be happy.

Gringo:

I want Urban to tell you all about it on Monday. That avance they showed for Monday was way jumbled. They showed a number of things and so I'll wait until after Monday night's capitulo to discuss it. You can never count on this avances. They have done this with this TN for a while.
 

Madelaine:

With this macho line, do you think the writers are just sloppy, don't care that it is the 21st century, or are playing to the few male viewers?

I will miss this commuity so much when Robo ends. I am saving my thanks to everyone until the end. Being included in this wonderful blog has helped me so much this past year. The compassion and love expressed by my fellow bloggers have been so important to me.

I watched the ending just the other day almost by mistake so I take extra precaution not to post spoilers. This was the first novela or book for that matter where I skipped to the end and, of course, as I've known my whole life, this was mistake. I read profusely and continuously my whole life before my accident but now can't maintain the level of concentration necessary. I even read during "executive lounge breaks"--TMI.

Thus, novelas, and refreshing my Spanish, have been a Godsend. But I never ever read the ending before the beginning as some of my friends did. And with the advent of YouTube, I still don't practice this habit. Robo was the exception, and I will never do it again. Promise, with no fingers crossed!

Therefore I urge everyone to watch the Gran Final before reading the recap! Please!
 

I don't think Gracie gave Pedro any money. We would have been told that by now because her evil needs to escalate before the end. That's just how this stuff works.

Pedro most likely got his money from his underlings in the cartel. He could easily have told them that he faked his death for a large con. He could have easily prepared for such a possibility and tucked money away for it. I don't believe for one second that he had nothing when he approached Gracie. He's lied about everything else.

He most likely wanted to bankrupt her to prevent her ever being able to do anything to him. While I don't think she's so smart as to have figured that out on the spot she would certainly be smart enough to realize that giving him any money would have been a huge mistake.
 

Victoria:

I think the writers want Ale to be macho. He has been so very different compared to JL throughout in the way they approached Monse. I'll explain more about that after the finale. Good question Victoria.
 

Urban:

You make a good point about Peddy and Gaudy. Could it be, just a guess, that Guady has become afraid of Peddy and is wanting protection? I wonder, hmmmm.....
 

Possibly. Also I don't think she has ever lived completely alone.

We don't know when Gaudy Gracie's mother died. GG was likely to have been in her early-mid 20s when she married Lauro. After he died she had Carlota and Monserrat under the same roof and she continued to live in that mansion after Carlota and EZ bought it from her. Carlota would not allow her back after her hospital stay (and who could blame her?).

She could also pull the guilt trip of "How could you not let me move in with you when I'm dying? What would people say?"
 

Floridia, I just saw your comment... "anti eyelash goon". Oh my! ROFL! Eyelash Goon - that totally cracks me up! Thanks for that.

Caryn
 

Hey Madelaine:

SR is very, very macho in my book, and I'll look at him with or without a shirt anytime, no matter what he is saying!
 

By the way, I was just looking at the spreadsheet I prepared of the recommended novelas by Caray, Caray bloggers, and there are so many that I don't know where to begin!!!!!

Thanks to all who commented and sent in their recommendations. The list is so impressive.
 

Victoria:

I'm still laughing about your comment about SR. My personal Telenovela Novio is EY, I don't care what he's in or if he takes his shirt off, just as long as he is on screen, sigh!
 

Madelaine:

I'll take EY, FC, and SR anyday, anytime!

I was one of the few who loved the newer version of Corazon Salvaje with EY. I've watched it 1/2 dozen times. Haven't seen the previous version with EP and EG.

So funny, because I'm just looking at the list of novelas to start watching next, and I immediately saw "Marielana" with EY and Lucia Mendez, but it's like 228 episodes! This may be too long for me.

Maybe better:
Amor Gitano
Los Plateados, or
La Traición

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm waiting for a guy to download "Zorro, La Espada y La Rosa" on DailyMotion with better video quality than on YouTube.
 

Aunty Ann:

Thank you very kindly. I do agree with you about Guady, from the very beginning of this TN she was all about the money. Her children have always been bargaining chips so to speak. I hope you got all your laundry done : )
 

Victoria:

I really enjoyed CS 2009 it was my very first TN. EY was what drew me in to watching : ) And Zorro, I loved that one. I missed it when it aired on Telemundo, I didn't have it at the time, so watched it on Youtube. What a fabulous TN. I wish it were in DVD, I so would have bought it.
 

Madelaine if you're an EZ like I am, please watch on YouTube or Hulu (not necessarily in order:

Guadalupe (Great music) with EZ and Adela Noriega

Destilando Amor (on Hulu also) with Angélica Rivera

and

La Verdad Oculta (great mystery and steamy love scenes) with Alejandra Barros and also stellar cast! Highly recommended by Caray, Caray Bloggers!

In these novelas EZ was at his best and most handsomeness. Much more so than in AV!

 

Mads thanks so much for your great recap and very funny earworm. You and the team have been great especially in light of the darkness of this tn.

My big question was about Gracie. What is her motivation? I have to agree w/Novela Maven and believe its just about money. I wonder how the writers will have things end for her. As Emaire noted, villains like Pedro and Adolfo have been so horrible I don't see how they will be punished at this point.
 

Karen:

Thank you kindly. I too wonder what Guady's ending will be. It better be good I have to say. If the writers let us down I will be pithed. After all the things she's done I hope the writers come up with something really unique for her.
 

Victoria:

After they moved CS 2009 to late night and when it was over. They replaced it with Destilando Amor and then La Verdad Oculta. They were both fabulous. I stayed up late each night to see them. I got Destilando Amor on DVD, they cut a lot of the secondary storylines, but left all the good Gaviota and Rodrigo things in. I tried to find La Verdad Oculta on DVD, but found out it has never been released. When I get to missing it I go to Youtube and watch it. I haven't seen Guadalupe but will look for it.
 

Madelaine:

Sorry to keep posting, but I really liked "Guadalupe". It has a great ending, but doesn't follow the normal tn plotline.
I watched it on YouTube.

With Robo ending soon, and I will not waste my time watching PF in "Hasta", YouTube is a great source, along with DailyMotion.

After ROBO ends, I'll post a website where one can watch telenovelas (past and current). Some of the telenovelas on this site are currently airing in Mexico and Spain.
 

Hi MADS...we were traveling and once back, got caught up in laundry, grocery shopping and all the tasks women do after a trip. But finally got a chance to sit down and enjoy your recap and that marvelous Jewel in disguise karaoke ear worm. What a fun video!

You have consistently been upbeat, entertaining, generous and creative in your recaps. You have such a unique voice. I know it's you about three words in.

Thanks so much for all you have done and will continue to do on CarayCaray. Your enthusiasm for these stories is amazing. Like your enthusiasm for life.

At present I'm feeling like that anonymous commenter--ready to take a break from telenovelas because nothing looks good. I'll finish up with DQTQTQ and then hang up my skates for a while.

But thanks, amiga mia, you are truly special.
 

JudyB:

Thank you so very kindly. I do love these stories. I am diving into Hasta to recap and will have a blast I think. Come on over sometime and take a gander.
 

Madelaine et al...

You ladies who are so into your soap stars ought to start a trading card collection line or something. Jeez!

Guys do not like being objectified either. We have feelings too, you know.

Just kidding! We love it.
 

Oxnard:

You know Carlos said the very same thing I think it was last year. You two really think alike and I know, sometimes we sound like star struck teenage girls but hey, it is what it is. We have to have a telenovio, that's what makes these things so much fun ; )
 

Victoria & Madelaine,

I too am a fan of Eduardo Y. He has staying power. Not only is he extremely handsome, but he is very funny. I loved both DA and LVO. I keep hoping the latter will return as a rerun and wish there were more TN's in that genre. I never thought of watching it on youtube. That's an idea.

I too will not be watching Univision for a while. Nothing appeals to me. Perhaps NovelaMaven can recommend something good on Telemundo.

All the Best
 

Ale does NOT keep telling Montse, "I haven't been your ONLY man." He keeps telling her, "I wasn't your FIRST, but I'll be your LAST." I think HE thinks he's being romantic and judging by her response (You're my one and only true love of my life), it's working.

It's (what he says) not romantic to me, but whatever floats your boat, Montse.
 

I think it's completely normal to want to be someone's last great love. That goes both ways.
 

Floridia

A few of us are very excited about Reina de Corazones. It started three weeks ago in the 8pm ET slot so you could catch up with it if you wanted to.

Here's a link to the Telemundo website with the first episode:

http://tinyurl.com/pgex8ya

Or you can find the episodes on YouTube fairly easily.

This is an original story, set in Las Vegas and filmed in Miami, that is more like a graphic novel than any other telenovela I've seen. The title role is played by Mexican actress Paola Nuñez, a new face to me. She is all the things a protagonista should be: sympathetic, funny, convincing, and drop-dead GORGEOUS.

Eugenio Siller is better than I've ever seen him as a sort of laconic superhero (The Dragon) who speaks in fortune cookie aphorisms.

Laura Flores is a revelation as Eugenio's boss, the tough-talking Agent Smith (or as we call her, Esmeeth) at the CIA.

And Juan Soler -- oh my! He is a master jewel thief (The Black Falcon), a bad, bad, boy. He is so good as a villain and as the major foil to Catherine Siachoque's "Reina de Diamontes." [If you don't know this actress's work, you are in for a treat -- she is a hoot and a half.)

The story is ridiculous -- a parody of a parody with a James Bond kind of vibe. It has an overt sexiness that you won't find on prudish Televisa.

Oh and the music is terrific -- you may not be able to resist getting up and moving to the beat when Enrique Iglesias sings the theme song, "Bailando." (Not to mention that we have a nice team of recappers covering the show, though our style is a bit more casual than we are used to over here on the univision side of the blog).

I absolutely LOVE this show.
 

Madelaine, enjoyed your recap and all the amusing and insightful comments.

I just don't think you can trust Gracie/Guady. She manipulates or puts down people to feel powerful. She loves her children because they are her best toys--the ones she created--and the most satisfying to play with.

I agree with the comment that Fofito's sparkling white suit is crying out for the shocking contrast of blood all over it.

Dimi looked absolutely steely-eyed and determined in the preview. He may be the one to kill Adolfo because he no longer has redeeming value (eyelashes or no eyelashes). Pedro was a rabid dog who bit him and infected him. It would be a mercy and an act of friendship for Dim to put him down. He couldn't/wouldn't change and he can't be allowed to infect the lives of those who loved him.
 

I am joining the line forming for Big Ed Yanez. When I saw him in DA, I recognized him from seeing him in American TV shows including a Dr. Quinn TV movie. He reminds me of my hubby. He has a wonderful smile and great shoulders. I liked him in CS , and I saw some episodes of Guadalupe on YouTube . I liked him paired with Adela Noriego, but I loved Adela and Fernando Colunga (my other telenovio) in Amor Real. I also enjoyed Big Ed and Adela in FELS even though it was not one of my favorite novelas.
 

Thanks, NovelaMaven,

For giving a detailed outline of
RdC. I confess I did see the first 2 episodes. I didn't want to watch 2 shows at once, so I didn't go back to it.

If you think it's that good, I'll give it another try after Robo. .

I really enjoyed La Patrona last year and especially Jorge LP.
I'd prefer something along those lines.

I'm also thinking of watching daytime one-hour shows to keep up my Spanish -- short term viewing instead of months of commitment.
I can record them and watch at my leisure.

I am curious as to how many viewers,not native speakers, use Spanish regularly or have friends native or not native speakers with whom they can converse frequently.

Thanks for your help and for all of your exquisite prose.


SusanLynn,

Lucky you for having such a handsome hubby!

All the best as usual.
 

La Paloma:

Thank you most kindly. I have to say that was a good thought about Dimi and Fofito. We'll have to see.