Caray, Caray!

Gloria:

Thanks so much for this very fabulous recap. It was a pleasure to recap with you, and I hope you come back and recap another one soon.

Is the Gaudy table full? It must be right now. I didn't even blink an eye when she stood up and pushed away that wheelchair! Kudos to to MariCruz for calling it! So Gaudy gave money away! Was it the whole fortuna? As far as saving Monse, call me manipulated, but I really feel she actually has feeling for her kids, as NovelaMaven pointed out a while ago. Maybe she really does. We'll have to wait and see what she does next.

Monse was really not thinking. She could have had one of the Navy guys tail her without Peddy's goons knowing anything. And he's got some new goons I see. These didn't look like the usual goons. Now she's locked up and chained in this sort of dunking booth.

I hope Ale, JL and Dimi get to Monse in time. I guess Ale wanted a ride along. Maybe he's got a weapon underneath that vest. In that transmission, you can clearly tell it's a warehouse. Why didn't they try those first, instead of all those houses they went through?

Peddy has gotten away with far too much, I can't stand it! Where the heck are all the anvils slated for his butt? I can't wait for one of them to hit him.

Poor Sad Fina. I felt for her going around apologizing to Dimi and Esme. I am glad Esme set her straight. Now Dimi knows how Fina feels, as far as Dimi killing Fofito. I hope she talks to him again, and that Fina hangs out with Esme. Fina really needs someone like Esme right now.

Oh, and the poor Padre. I'm glad he stood up to Guady. Fix it yourself, right on Padre!

Thanks again Gloria for this splendid recap and for all the others you have done every other week and your pitch hitting for other recappers too.
 

Floridia:

I saw your comment about Fina yesterday as being untouched, when in fact Fina and Dimi did do the deed when they were married and also before Dimi got engaged to Monica. I don't think she ever did the deed with Fofito, but she did tell him that she and Dimi had done the deed and recently. Fofito didn't care as long as it was over with Dimi.
 

Where would the good citizens of AA be without their trustworthy Padre?
 

Gloria,
Thank you for this awesome recap. And gracias for all the recaps for the past 9 months. I like your precise writing and your asides. Always know that your contribution to this TN is appreciated.

So, we were all RIGHT! Gracie is a fake, fake, faker! I just hate that the Padre won't be able to say anything. That sucks! No spoiler, but from the looks of the avances, Gracie is going to shoot Vic. My guess is that she does this at Peddy's request.

I did like the scene with Fina and Dimi. Even though they are both hurting, I felt a sense of peace between them. I do think and hope their is a future for them as a couple. Only time will tell.

I too hope that the guys find Montse in time. The problem is that while the Marina and police are using all their resources to find Montse, Gracie is going to wreak havoc on the citizens of Aguazul. Particularly Nadia and Vic. And in the avances, it looked like Peddy was taking Romina from PBN's arms. Way to go Nadia! She preached to Montse about protecting her daughter Victoria, yet she didn't seem to put up much of a fight when Peddy was taking Romina from her arms. I might be wrong, but that's what it looked like to me. I'll have to go watch the avances again.

Anyway, can't wait for Montse and Dimi to find out about Gracie's miraculous recovery.

Madelaine, you're right! Peddy has gotten away with a lot. Enough already! Time for the anvils to start.

Thanks again Gloria!

Off to bed...hasta pronto!
 

Gloria, I really enjoyed your wonderful recap today as I have enjoyed all of them. Thanks.

I cannot believe: Montse would believe Pedro and just go without telling Ale; the kids are still out in school and not being tutored at home to better protect them; Ale is still telling Montse not to worry about Pedro (after only 2 weeks of not hearing from him) and Pedro calls; Macario us still acting like the jerk he evidently is with Kevin.

I liked: Padre Anselmo telling Graciela she was on her own; Josefina being the class act she always was and going to talk to Esme and Dimitrio.

I loved: Montse's colorful paisley print blouse. (I need a little levity already so it is time to refocus on fashion)

Jarifa
 

Thank you Gloria A. for your recap, excellent. Thank you for your recapping through this long, long story.
I loved, "Dumbass Montse" just what I was thinking. I guess it was too much for her little brain to handle.
I knew Pedro had really lost it when I saw all those paper dolls.
I think that water tank scene was done in an episode of Get Smart where Maxwell and 99 were in this water tank. I won't tell you what happened there because the old Get Smart reruns are still running, wouldn't want to give you a Get Smart spoiler.
Too bad that Monse didn't watch that episode or she'd know what to do.
 

Gracias, Gloria. This episode make me think of silent movies with the rapidly filling tank and Monse chained to the bottom so she would eventually not be able to keep her head above water.

She should not have answered the phone, but I doubt that Pedro would have left a voice mail. This only would have delayed the inevitable.

Macario needs a good swift kick in the head for the way he treats Kevin. I still suspect he resents the new responsibility of him and is hiding behind the "How do I know he's my son" question. It is so obvious that he is. Kudos to the casting department for finding this young actor.

Leftover from yesterday:

Carlos, with regard to Gracie's Victorian title, women acquire titles like that when they marry men who have them by birth or by royal decree. Besides which, it was many episodes before we knew that Gracie was the daughter of a seamstress. It must have been a huge, painful effort for her to act the part of a lady to get Lauro Mendoza.

More later.
 

Hectic day, but thank you Gloria for your wonderful recap to start my day with so much enjoyment. Your recaps have been so thoughtful through this show and so appreciate every one of them. So grateful we have you.

I can't even comment on Monse actions last night. They know what a maniac Pedro is and she goes off alone? Ok...that's it. I know we all have to clean exploded beanies off walls this morning.

So heartbreaking, and typical, of Fina to feel she personally needed to apologize and take on what Adolfo was. Bless her. I love the conversation with Dim. At least they have each other in their losses and each knows better than anyone how they feel. Maybe someday it will bring them together, but I think last night was all we get with them. It felt good though. I think for Dim, putting the pictures away wasn't that he forgot Monica, it was a way to move on and not dwell on the best. She's in his heart.

Not sure I can deal with these last episodes if the kids are now in danger and used in Pedro's sick games. That's my limit on evil. Thanks in advance to the recappers who have to deal with that if it happens.

Daisynjay
 

Gloria, your perspective never fails to provide the facts so that while we are riveted to what you are saying, cannot wait to see what you have to say next. I've had the pleasure of reading your recaps for years and you consistently delight. Thank you so much.

"(Obviously stud man Ale has never seen a novela. You just jinxed yourself man)"; "Think he's drunk dialing?" and "What happens if someone points a gun at him? Flash his pearly whites? But he sure is pretty" were among my many favorites. This was a superb summary.

The pictures of his intended victims ratched Pedro's evil to a new low. There was something so devilish in his crazed desecration of the pictures, he truly is one of Satan's children. I wonder if the fact the camera angle seemed askew was on purpose? Monse was really the only picture that was clearly visible.

MariCruz, my sincere admiration for your spot on call regarding Graciela. I also applaud the Padre for telling Graciela she is on her own. Madelaine, I also wondered if her fortune is with the less than good doctor. It seems fitting that she loses the things most precious - her money and her children's love. Both will be out of her grasp shortly if there is any justice.

"So heartbreaking, and typical, of Fina to feel she personally needed to apologize and take on what Adolfo was". Yes, Daisy, so true and well stated. Fina and Dimitrio still have open wounds that I'm not sure time will ever heal. While I believe they were made to and should be together, they have so much to recover from before that can occur. They must first forgive themselves and that will be hard as they feel respective guilts and culpability for what occurred.

Jarifa, as you and others have noted, couldn't Monse have poked her head in the shower and announced that Peddy called?? And I laughed at your comment UA that he wouldn't leave a voice mail. Of course, everyone (JL, Dim and Ale) are falling right into Pedro's trap by leaving poor Nadia and Victoria unguarded and vulnerable. Yes, I did not mention Victor intentionally just because he is farily useless as well documented by his past actions.

Im tired of Pedro pulling the marionette strings. It would be nice if he were brought down tonight so we could concentrate on the future of the beloved characters we truly care about. Alas, I'm afraid we will only have the last 15 minutes on Friday night for closure if past TN procedures repeats itself.

Gloria, best to you and your family. Please return to recapping as son as you can!

Diana
 

I'm sure the child actors are fine, but in a story like this when there are children and a monster like Pedro you have to expect them to be in danger.

Which is the ultimate means of luring the parent into a trap.

It is now very obvious that Pedro would keep up this cat and mouse game indefinitely. He would even be able to do it from behind prison bars. I vote for a slow, painful death for him. The same one he would inflict on the three children.
 

Gloria- Your recaps are always wonderful and thoughtful, and this last one was no exception. Thank you.

I was happy to see Fina strong enough to make the rounds (making amends unnecessarily for Adolfo's actions) and visit those Adolfo had affected with his actions. But I wish Dim had worked up enough nerve to be the one to go to see her and offer her comfort, instead of staying away this whole time. I hope he heeds Monse's advice and begins to really live his life again. Putting the pictures away might have been the first step in that process, but it's hard to tell with Dim.

I'm not even going to talk about the perils of Monse. You would think with all these months and weeks knowing that Pedro would pull something like this, they would have all created some sort of plan to avoid this. Like having a discreet way of sending each other messages or a tracking device that they each must wear on themselves. Something! But these fools had no other plan except having a few Marines patrolling outside the school.
 

Yes we were all right,Gracie is a fake! May lighting hit her ,i have never seen such a hypicritical person in a novela,not only that but she is a master liar!.. Pedro is almost now on the level of Saw ,what a freak,not even Fevier was so disgusting ,he was actually funny to watch.I do credit Sergio Sendel for his marveleus performance though ,he deserves an Oscar for it! Geez even Hernan was not so bad..
 

What a marvelous recap, Gloria! "Dumbass Montse". Oh my yes, that says it all.

Gaudencia (for that IS her name)is sickening. She has been a phony, manipulative liar from the beginning and she was a PHONY, manipulative liar in front of the Padre. There was purpose in the way she only called him Anselmo, but the lying and the changing around of the story was getting sickening to hear. The lies about how she cared about Fabiola. ALL of her endless lies about how she views Montserrat. It is sickening and this reader refuses, absolutely REFUSES to believe that Gaudencia cares one whit for her children.

They are pawns in her game; pawns in her never ending con. Show me the money, because I will not ever believe that such a hideous excuse of a mother somehow love her children in her so called own way.

Best scene all night was Esme and Fina. I could watch both of these women all night long. I agree with gringo, Margarita Magana is really bring it home in this TN at this point as is Fina.

Gaudencia makes me sick. She can take her so called love and stuff it. I am so glad, SO glad that Padre threw it right back in her face as to how she abandoned and, in my view, destroyed Fabiola. Yep, that is love in action.

Fatima
 

Gloria, thank you thank you thank you, for this recap and all of those you gave to us over the past many months. I so enjoyed reading them. I had copied several lines to quote, but I see they were all mentioned by Diana, so I will save space and just say thank you.

I also need to thank UA for yesterday's splendid recap complete with all of those great screen caps. Again, I thank you for all of your hard work and want you to know how much I (and I'm sure all of us) appreciate you!

So I have a question: did I mishear or misunderstand? When Fina came to Dimi's door, I thought he said something about "I killed the man you loved" and she said “no… well yes but…” which I understood to mean “you didn’t kill THE man I love as I still love you Dim, but yes you did kill A man I loved.”

Gloria, you had this great line "(as if this BSC psychopath is just going to give it to him since he asked politely)" I kinda thought that Peddy took Montse as bait for the others, not necessarily to kill her. But then I guess BSC is BSC….

Emarie I loved your line "I knew Pedro had really lost it when I saw all those paper dolls."

Did the water tank make anyone think of the Divergent series?

So we at the Gracie's faking table have been officially vindicated! The one thing I don't get about ANY of these dodo brains is why they think that complying with ANY of Peddy's demands will make him go away. Only one thing will make him stop. A great big ACME anvil! I'm with Diana wishing that they would kill him off tonight and give us a few days to finish on a happily ever after note.

Hasta luego! I'm sitting in the jury assembly room waiting to see if I'll get picked, so for once I believe I'm going to get to follow and read all of your comments and plan to go back and read yesterday's as well.

Rebecca
 

Rebecca, YES! We at the "Graciela is Faking It" table have been vindicated!!

Fatima
 

Gloria,

Thanks for your brilliant work on the recap. It was thorough and entertaining. Like other commenters, I loved "you just jinxed yourself man" and "dumbass Montse is waiting for Pedro." That last line describes her perfectly. Why would she confront a madman all alone? (However, I did think the goon who took her to Pedro was very polite to her as he pointed out the house where Pedro was.)

I too was sickened by Pedro's threats against the children. Why do telenovela writers think that kidnapping and threatening to harm little children is entertainment? I don't like to see or hear the little kids screaming on the screen. It's disturbing. (Of course, it's also disturbing to see the adults screaming and crying on the television, but that goes with the telenovela territory.) As Urban said, the child actors are probably fine and have a great career awaiting them in Mexican television (the little actress that plays Victoria is a real star!), but I would prefer for the children not to be involved in the acts of revenge of the madman.

The scene with Pedro crossing off pictures of his victims reminded me of Veronica in PEAM doing the same thing. It wasn't very original. Maybe psycho killers all have the same modus operandi.

Thanks again, Gloria! The team of recappers for this telenovela was spectacular!
 

Dear Gloria,

Thank you for this and for all the wonderful recaps you've written for this Wild and Crazy show. It's been a pleasure being on the team with you.

My friend Diana has already noted my favorite lines, so let me just say I always enjoy your clear and straight-shooting style and your trademark deadpan asides; last night's recap was no exception.

As for the episode itself, I enjoyed Fina's scenes with Dim and Esmeralda, and I thought the unmasking of Gaudencia was well-done. (A shout-out to Maricruz and the Crackpot Theorists!) But the central conceit of Montse in the Dunk Tank was so absurd that I actually felt sorry for AB. She's turned in some brilliant work in this novela, and I really thought she deserved better from the writers.

As you pointed out, Gloria, Alejandro just looked plain silly, milling around with the armed SWAT team. Oy. This Perils of Montserrat crap can't end soon enough for me.
 

A clear sign Monse was going to be in danger-- she was wearing jeans. Sensible blue jeans too, and not those pink or white ones she has.

AuntyAnn- I surely hope the actors aren't holding on so tightly to a real baby that it looks like there's a life or death struggle going on to get hold of the child! In any case, it looks like tonight's episode is going to be crazy.
 

Like others I wish writers would unfold most of the story before the last 15 minutes and then 2 minutes of "happily ever after".

Wouldn't it be great to have at least 2 episodes (after more than 150+) of the fairytale!
 

I can't take much more and have begun to hate every stupid character, except Padre Anselmo.

I want Monse to drown, pronto. I hope they do not get to that stupid woman in time. So this is what Pedro had asked his men if the water level worked!

And Gracie is now up the creek without the proverbial paddle. Dimitrio should shoot her; matricide is indicated.

The writers really made this last week totally stupid including the over-acting on the part of the navy and police force with their pistols and sub-machine guns looking for one man, Pedro, who seems technologically light years ahead of the military and civilian forces. A TV feed of Monse drowning. Indeed.

Please, please let this end.

 

Gloria, thank you for this recap and all of your recaps.

"Welcome to Pedro's circus" - indeed it is a circus.

Montserrat really knows nothing about being strategic, cunning or manipulative (although you would think she had a trick or two from Gracie). Yet, she goes to "talk" with a psychopath. Really?? It's no wonder Gracie is having a fit. I really want to know how Gracie thought she was going to successfully pull off this whole "I'm terminally ill and dying routine" and expect her kids to still love her when the truth comes out. She is a psycho in her own way to me.

Personally, the conversation between Dim and Josefina left me feeling hopeful about the two of them. Perhaps, I am grasping at straws but I need a little hope at the moment.

Caryn
 

Looks like we all would like to help push down that anvil to Gaudy Girl. That whole conversation with the Padre reminded me of what we saw with Adolfo prior to his doom. It served as a purposeful set-up by the writers, just in case anyone was fuzzy out there, that Gaudy has NOT changed. Her focus has always been herself and what SHE wants. She lies, she manipulates, and if someone wants to make an argument that in some convoluted backhanded way she loves her children, I think they can attest that even that is, and always has been, conditional on making HER feel the love back or doing as she wishes. She's beyond redemption.

I have to say, I've loved the way the writers have projected the Padre. He is consoling, loving, but do not mess with him and try to pull the wool over his eyes. He has everyone's number. Definitely not window dressing or a hand wringer in this TN.

I know these scenes with AB are so stupid ( water tank?) but my heart especially goes out to her knowing she was filming that craziness while dealing with her own loss. Kudos to her.

Daisynjay
 

Ah Gloria...You have been a trooper throughout all this, and reading your recaps, I always feel like I'm watching this with a good pal,and we're exchanging reactions as the story unfolds.

Favorite lines:

"(Obviously stud man Ale has never seen a novela. You just jinxed yourself man)."

"(What happens if someone points a gun at him? Flash his pearly whites? But he sure is pretty.)"

But most of all, I related when you said: "This whole conversation [between Montse and Pedro] sickened me."

I felt acutely ill the whole time watching this episode. Pedro's description of the long, slow painful death of Montse's children, and with them knowing she had failed to protect them, just made me want to vomit.

The writers have shown they're really good at ramping up the sadism in this. I wish there were no counterparts in the real world but there are, alas. And finding reminders in this form of "entertainment" is crazy. I'm ready to swear off 9pm shows forever, after this.

But not your recaps Gloria. Hope you will eventually take up the task again. But know that you are very busy with your day job and your family (which is a 24-hour job!). So thanks so much for sharing your talent and your bi-lingual skills with us, sweet lady.
 

Gloria A.

Terrific recap - very detailed with just the right touch of humor.
Thank you for all of the time you have spent with this loooong novela.

Madelaine,

I should have made myself clearer.

I knew that Dim and Fina had been intimate. I am hoping she was "untouched" physically by Adolfo,
although he did worse damage to her mind, heart, and psyche.

I think the conversation between Dim and Fina will help pave the way for their future. They are both in the same boat and understand each other. Apparently Dim has made great strides in just two weeks.


Naive, me I'm the only one, along with her children, who fell for Graciela's subterfuge. Things are about to get super ugly and violent now.

All the best to all....
 

You're not the only one, Floridia. Until Graciela mysteriously moved from wheelchair to bed a few episodes ago, I was totally buying into it. Color me an easy touch. Not the first time either. It's a wonder I still don't believe in Santa Claus.
 

Gaudy Gracie deserves to lose her children. In a real sense she has lost them to Rosario. Rosario is the one they bring their troubles to. That says it all.

Gracie's faking won't last long with only three hours to go. We're guaranteed great consequences.
 

Thank you for all of your hard work and excellent recaps!!!!!

Nice to know Montse hasn't changed and is still making bad decisions.

High five to the Gracie is Faking It table!

The advances for tonight's episode scare me. Gracie shooting Victor? Isn't one child now fatherless enough for this TN, but now about to make it two? Does Nadia really need to lose another person she loves?

I have to work late so I might have to wait until tomorrow to see it. Must admit, after Adolfo's killing, I'm kinda spent emotionally. I cared so little while watching Montse struggle in the water.
 

Nobody ever heard of Caller ID? If a psycho calls, DON'T ANSWER!! I always look at my Caller ID and if it's not someone I know or if it's from a "Private caller" or "Not available" - I DON'T ANSWER. I thus avoid all those marketing calls. DUH!
 

Poor Monse. Wearing those jeans that look like they were painted on her now with all of that water shrinking them further.

The poor dear might suffocate first.
 

Good morning, all. Gloria , thanks so much for this recap of a head scratching episode and for all the dedication you have consistently shown in recapping this novela.

I am starting to feel like I did at the end of Para Siempre...JUST. MAKE. IT. STOP. ALEADY. Again we are smack in the middle of The Wizard of Oz with folks who need a brain, a heart, or some nerve. Sooo frustrating. Now, Grrrrrr is back on her feet literally and figuratively and shooting Vic. Groan. Mony, try kicking those glass walls because tugging on those massive chains does not seem to be working. I am ready for the end of this tale. Fin and Dim seem destined for a happy ending together with a bun in the oven after their travels down this long and winding road. We know that The Golden Pair have to have a happily ever after probably with another bun in the oven....ours, yours, and another ours for sure.

JL will most likely perish saving Mony. Gracie will either go to jail or die.


In Carlos's words, I have had enough of this story.......NEXT.

OT....If you want to see an excellent movie...or you are a Francophile as I am or a foodie...or you adore dark, limpid eyes with long eye lashes as I know some of you do ...then run do not walk to see "The 100 foot Journey. ". It is a beautiful, uplifting movie set in France starring the wonderful Helen Mirren as a restaurateur . Lots of beautiful food and scenes of the French countryside where I have always dreamed of going. The young lead actor is an Indian man with the most beautiful soulful eyes. I left the theater feeing refreshed and positive....and hungry. I loved it.
 

Gloria – Terrific recap of all the action. I’m still in awe of how you can pack it all in so deftly. It’s been a pleasure getting your recaps week after week.

But the central conceit of Montse in the Dunk Tank was so absurd that I actually felt sorry for AB. She's turned in some brilliant work in this novela, and I really thought she deserved better from the writers.

NovelaMaven, ITA. Monse has grown from inexperienced teenager to a wife and mother who has weathered severe crises over the years. Though she still isn’t the sharpest tool in the deck, the writers were simply lazy having her yelping in a dunk tank.

Did anyone else notice the little Juventino figurine that’s on a table or something facing Monse’s dunk tank? Or maybe the figurine is supposed to be Ale?

Jarifa, I too liked Monse’s paisley blouse. Rosario wore a cute one too.

My guess is Rosario never spilled the beans about Graciela because she believes Monse and Dim should love their mother even if it’s built on a lie. But, judging from the previews, Rosario has widely overlooked how low Graciela will go to get what she wants.
 

I don't get all the hate for Monserrat.

She frustrates me sometimes because I know better about women like Gracie, but we need to remember that many people desperately want their parents to love them. There are a number of parents on this board who can't fathom that some people just don't love their children or that their "love" takes a back seat to any combination of the 7 deadly sins.

I've wondered many times why they didn't all just get out of the country, but Pedro would find them no matter where they go. The only reason it took so long for Victor and Nadia to be found in Buenos Aires was because Pedro thought them dead.

I was also wondering why Rosario never said anything about Gracie faking it. Maybe because she didn't actually see her get up and walk and was concerned that Monse and Dimitrio wouldn't believe it. They certainly wouldn't want to believe that now.
 

Gloria, bless you my dear for recapping this difficult episode and making it so enjoyable for the reader. I have always admired your succinct, detailed style with your occasional zingers thrown in. Your title is absolutely perfect. It really felt like we were watching a circus last night. Pedro was the ringmaster and almost all the others were the clowns.

"Dumbass Montse" indeed! Hard to believe we have come this far and the girl still does not use her head. Well, almost none of them do in fact. ITA with Vivi: "You would think with all these months and weeks knowing that Pedro would pull something like this, they would have all created some sort of plan to avoid this." Wouldn't you though?

I think Macario is not a bad man, but he needs to grow up. He probably feels that he has been usurped as Dominga's Numero Uno what with all the attention she is giving Kevin. I think it is petty jealousy that is making him act like such a jerk. Dude, grow up and try to be a good dad!
 

Floridia, you are not alone at all! I thought Graciela was truly ill. First, because seemed so devastated by Fabiola's passing (another lie I now assume); secondly, because her doctor seemed so sincere but thirdly, because she played the dying mother role to the hilt.

I'd like to think that you, Judy and I (and others who felt similarly) just weren't prepared to accept the depths to which she would sink. We knew she was bad, but just not to the degree she is.

Diana
 

UA, good point about some people desperately wanting their parents to love them. I have not experienced that personally, but have certainly seen that it can be deep desire that lasts a lifetime. You are a sensitive soul.

Gaudencia sure has spun herself into a complicated web. Sheesh, what a charade! Even though I felt she was a big faker I was still sickened by her scene last night. I would have preferred that she was not faking it. I really don't see her having any sort of epiphany at the end and I'm not holding my breath for it. Thank goodness Rosario is in the family!
 

My problem with Macario is that he has no paternal instincts. Here is a young boy who just lost his mother and has no other family and is looking for his father. Even if he wasn't mine my heart would go out to him and I would want to take care of him. I don't know but maybe the acting has something to do with it. Maybe if the actor was better at showing depth of feeling while barking, we would see his struggle. But the actor only shows one emotion at a time. No depth there.
 

Note to all,

JudyB, Thanks for raising my self esteem.

One basic reason I was fooled by Gracie is that the writers didn't let us in on the secret ahead of time as they often do, and I was thinking that the first doctor had given her some bad news.

Who can remember what the first doctor told her? Perhaps he simply told her that they were going to do the scan, and then they showed her in the machine.

Possibly, after her talk and before she had the test, she latched onto the greedy doctor and made the deal. Can anyone explain how this all went down?

Susanlynn, I agree with you and others how horrible and ridiculous this has been. Such a waste of talent. Actors, please strike!
Yes, Please Make it Stop.

Thanks for the movie recommendation. I plan to see it next week.

Is there any future hope for intelligent, captivating novelas?
The actors are excellent, and yes, I love the Padre and love to see older, non facelift people working.
 

Diana,

Thank you for the heartfelt spin you put on my gullibility.

All the best .....
 

Dear Gloria:

Your final recap for Robo was really great. Thank you so much for all the work you put in to give us wonderfully clear writing and translations with your wry humor thrown in to add a little levity. It has been a real pleasure to recap with you on this fine team.

I could not watch last night after Pedro started with the evil threats to Montse's children. That was disgusting.

And I must second Novela Maven's comment about putting Angelique in the dunk tank instead of tying her to a railroad track. Really? Really? The actress certainly does deserve better than this ham-handed peril accompanied by sadistic threats. I HATED this action and story.

I am utterly sick of Pedro and his cartoonish evil acts. Basta ya.

Thanks again Gloria, for this fine recap. I hope we get another chance to be on a recapping team together.

Elna June
 

Urban:

I left you a late post of appreciation for yesterday's fine recap.

Terrific effort!

Thank you so much for your dedication and hard work.

Elna June
 

This is my first time commenting, but I felt compelled to thank all of the recappers for sticking with this at times soul-sucking and at times utterly ridiculous novela. I have been a lurker for quite some time (cue the male chorus of doom), but wanted to express my appreciation for all of the excellent synopses and comments from the Caray community. This story has tried my patience and I even gave up watching it at one point. As we near the end, I feel a level of indifference that has me laughing at everything Pedro does. I know he is evil and manipulative, but the character has really ascended to over the top ridiculous. The rocking chair? The photo cutouts? At this point, I only care about what happens to Dimitrio and Josefina (and maybe Esme), but couldn't care less about the rest. I beanie salute you Robo recappers and look forward to future recaps from you all!

Estrella
 

Thank you for the recap! What an episode! Too much drama!

First, surprise surprise (NOT!): Gracie was faking it. I didn't believe one word of her freak out over Montse. At first I was surprised that she agreed to talk to Padre A. and then when she told him she wanted to confess. BUT I wasn't surprised by her confession. I literally was talking to her through my TV like "Stand up!".

Pedro is crazy. Period. He's putting our 3 leading men on a scavenger hunt/wild goose chase. I wonder how he got those cut outs of everybody. That was kind of creepy.

I really enjoyed the scene with Dim and Fina. I do hope they get back together. They both are suffering because of Adolfito. Esme is too. I think she should give Eric a chance.

Tonight's episode looks even more crazy. I hope Victor doesn't die.
--TF
 

Floridia,

Count me as one of the naive ones who was willing to give Gracie the benefit of the doubt. The funny thing is that I had detailed the reasons why I thought she was faking:

--We never saw the doctor give Graciela the diagnosis; rather, we saw the doctor give the diagnosis to her children.
--Even though the doctor told Dimitrio he could get a second opinion, he said the diagnosis was obvious (with the clear implication that a second diagnosis would be a waste of time and money)
--Graciela's secondary gain from her collapse and hospitalization was obvious; it was a powerful motivation to create a dramatic and fatal illness that would keep her children at her side. (Remember that they were prepared to leave her to her own resources once she had been stabilized)
--Telenovela doctors (and lawyers and Indian Chiefs) are alas, only too susceptible to bribes. It would have been easy for the doctor (and there was just the one) to substitute another patient's scan for Gracie's and make the fake diagnosis from that.

--and then I allowed myself to be swept up in the tide of sentiment. Suckers 'R Us, anyone?
:D
 

Estrella,

Welcome! So glad you decided to break the ice by commenting today.

"As we near the end, I feel a level of indifference that has me laughing at everything Pedro does. I know he is evil and manipulative, but the character has really ascended to over the top ridiculous."

Yes! I feel the same way (which is actually something of a relief, allowing a bit of distance.)
 

NovelaMaven,

Thanks. Even with all that rationale, you were willing to fall for the con. Very funny.

I guess the moral is, "Always get a second opinion ...if you can find an honest one, that is."
 

Gloria, your recaps are always so entertaining, and your last one was no exception. I love your sense of humor, it definitely helps lighten the mood of this over the top, sadistic story. I usually hate when the shows I like are almost over, but this one, at the rate its going will have all the good guys dead and Pedro as the last man standing, if it keeps going in this direction. I am so glad we only have 3 more episodes to go!

Cheers to my fellow Crackpot Theorists and members of the "Graciela is faking it" table!!! When she stood up in front of the Padre last night, I was waving my hands in the air and saying "I was right, I was right!" My husband just looked at me like I was crazy. Lol! I'll be bringing some mojitos and ceviche to the table tonight to celebrate our seeing through Gaudy. Of course, everyone is welcome to stop by :-)

My favorite scene was Dimi and Fina last night, I am hoping that this is the opening they need to seek each other out.

Least favorite was Pedro describing what he would do to the kids if Montse didn't show up. Along with the rest of you, my stomach churned in utter disgust at how evil this man is. He is a monster and I hope his anvil is extremely painful!!!

Gotta run to an appointment, but will continue reading the comments later.

Maricruz

 

Pedro reminded me of the Joker a bit,he is not entirely the Joker but i think he shares some traits with him..I think even The Joker would get chills ! He never really killed anyone himself but i find him perfectly capable. I have never seen someone as crazy like him ever since Demetrio from La Madrastra and Hernan. Oh and Fernando Escandon was a nutcase too!
 

Gloria thanks for this great recap. Loved your description of our not to bright Montse. UA its not hate for Montse, its being utterly flabbergasted by her actions w/Pedro. Psychopaths are the ultimate lying liars who lie.

Not sure if I'll watch tonight as there seem to be no stopping Pedro.
 

Welcome Estrella! ITA w/your comments about the characters. Here's to Dim, Fina, and Esme having a good ending considering the horrors all have been through.
 

Estrella, so glad you decided to comment. This is a great group to watch with. And get a load of Maricruz, she started the "Graciela is faking it!" table and she's bringing the mojitos and ceviche! Sounds like a pot luck to me.

Maricruz, I think your avatar shows what a fun person you are.
 

Gloria, thank you so much for all your hard work on this TN. Love the title, it is spot on!

I loved Padre Anselmo telling Gracie to suck it up and deal with it. At one point he even put his hand up in the air in a very "talk to the hand, lady" gesture. Too funny. The most appropriate punishment Gracie could possibly get would be to be stuck poor, alone and penniless in the tin shack where she grew u, forced to scrounge for cans and bottles to recycle for money to eat.

Pedro really has become the circus master. I actually laughed at his cut-out dolls! It looked like the other side of the desk had a big flowchart with all his dastardly plans for revenge.

It got a little Austin Powers-ish with the countdown clock and the dunk tank. What?! No sharks (or sea bass) with frickin' laser beams on their heads?? I was disappointed...

I couldn't believe Dim, Ale, JL, the police and navy all ran into the same building at the same time. Did it never occur to any of them that Pedro might have had the building wired to explode and killed them all?

One thing that threw me: Dimitrio saw the bread on the table and concluded that Montse was being held at the bakery. But when Montse arrived wherever she is she didn't recognize the location. She asked Pedro's goon, "Where are we?" Wouldn't she have recognized the bakery? It's painted bright pink. And how would Pedro set up all this elaborate dunk tank nonsense in the bakery's basement without anyone noticing?

 

Floridia:

Mea culpa! I should have know what you meant about Fina and Addled. It's very true and you know, I wonder if she was saving herself for the wedding night too. I'm glad now that she never did anything with Addled.

Estrella:

Welcome! I am glad you came out of lurkdom and joined the rest of us, as we imapatiently wait for the end.

Urban:

I don't think it's hate for Monse so much as frustration and not using her brain. I really think she should have gone straight to Ale or called Dimi, something! She knows how evil Peddy is. But then again, if her children are in danger she's going to face the danger. I just wish she'd had some backup.
 

Gloria, thanks so much for your thorough and entertaining recap. It helped us breathe evenly as Pedro reveled in his dastardly deeds.

We owe a round of drinks to the "Gracie Was Faking It" table on the patio. I was so thankful to the padre when he wheeled her out of the room to give Rosario and Carlota a break. And then to have her reveal the big con to him! He's had to suffer a lot in this TN!

I liked Dim and Fina's convo and hug at the end. As time stitches up the raw edges of their trials, maybe there's hope for those two.

I couldn't believe Montse (dumbass, YES!) left the house without some kind of contact with her family. I was wishing she'd put on sensible shoes before she left, but it doesn't matter so much when she's in the tank. Made me think of Jack and Rose trapped on the lower levels of Titanic. Hmmm...is that tank fastened down? Could it be rocked and tipped? Only solution I can think.
 

Yes Monse acted so dumb,in real life nobody in right mind would contact the criminal alone.Unless the culprit has contacts on the police,the best solution would be to contact them or the Navy to try locating the perpetrator.Monse,JL,Ale and Dim could have at least set up a trap to bait Pedro.I wonder why the Monicas crime scene was not an restricted area ,atleast put some troops there for extra measure,criminals sometimes return to the crime scene to satisfy themselves,some get sexual pleasure from visiting past crime scenes.It was an opportunity way too good to pass up and they failed at it..
 

Madelaine,

Thanks for giving me a chance to explain better. As we have seen in this TN, bad communication messes people up BIG TIME!

Estrella,

Congratulations on joining the club. I love your name!

Let's hope we can have a delightful ending for Fina and Dimitrio. We all deserve it.
 

Ok Carlos, you're going to drag me down that long road again. I think that we probably won't agree on much ever. I would probably say let's try to save the limb and you would say, go ahead and amputate. I must say that I was surprised by your comment yesterday though. So---was it murder or was it self defense? The answer to your question is self defense. Captain
Dimitrio was chasing a killer and it was obvious that the killer Adolfo wasn't going to give up. Adolfo, the scorpion stood facing
Dimitrio with gun raised. Dimitrio did his job and took him out. Yes Adolfo took the clip out
of his gun but there was still one cartridge in the gun's chamber which could have been deadly if he had chosen to use it.
Captain Dimitrio shot first and followed up with a second shot which brought the scorpion down.

You stated that you thought that it was murder because Dimi had stated that he would kill the scorpion. Yes that's true but I think Florida pointed out that they tried to settle things first without weapons---remember fists were flying in the beginning. Think about it Carlos, if you raise a gun and point it at an officer, you're finished. Dimi fired one shot followed by a backup shot. If that had been an American cop, he would have emptied his whole clip into or at the aggressor.
the gringo
 

Gloria: awesome recap. Loved the title.

The bakery thing makes no sense to me.

I wonder how AB/SR feel about a TN where they're the leads, but are one of the most uninteresting couples in it.

Sylvia: I agree with you about Macario.

Susanlynn: That movie looks great. I love Helen Mirren. But the real draw for me is the Indian aspect.

Can't believe we still have a couple or so hours of bad things to happen. I'm so ready for the happy ending.

Nanette
 

Note to All,

It just occurred to me that if we were in the right age group, we could be having a Telenovela Baby now in real time. If anyone fits the bill, prizes could be awarded.
 

Ok let me see if I can figure out how the bakery fits into this.

It's where Dominga and Macario work, correct? If that's so then remember they're not there, only Kevin is. Somehow Pedro knows they're not there. I think he's just making Ale, Dim, and JL waste precious time. They know they only have a certain amount of time to save Montse. He probably has another screen set up there too so the boys can see how much time they have left.

As for where Montse really is, I don't think its some random place. There might be some significance to it. But what? Is it significant to her? Ale? Dim? JL? We shall find out!
--TF

 

Susanlynn, I can't wait to see that movie. After what you said I am even more eager to see it. I promised to go with my sister and a girlfriend so I am impatiently waiting for them to get back into town. I couldn't stand it so yesterday I popped into a matinee of the movie Chef. It was a very enjoyable movie and little did I know it starred one of the all time great sandwiches...The Cubano! Yum.
 

"It just occurred to me that if we were in the right age group, we could be having a Telenovela Baby now in real time. If anyone fits the bill, prizes could be awarded."

OMG! Floridia--I am mopping up the desk at work. Hysterical!

And to all waiting for happy endings...still going to hold to it: Don't think we will see "happy" just maybe "I made it through unscathed". Only way we get happy is if they give us one of those fast forward ten minute end of show runs with everyone years later. Somehow, not sure that fits with this one.

Welcome Estrella!!!

Daisynjay
 

You know it could be the bakery because someone called Dominga to tell her that something was up with Montse and to go to their house. Probably Pedro to get them out of the way. What he didn't count on was that they would leave Kevin there. Hope nothing happens to him.
 

Gloria---I most certainly want to join the chorus of praise on your recaps. I have enjoyed them and so a BIG thank you is on it's way.

Obviously stud man Ale has never seen a novela. You just jinxed yourself man.

What happens if someone points a gun at him? Flash his pearly whites? I add that he could take off his shirt and show them his manly chest.

Gloria---I know that this was not supposed to be funny but when I read---Dumbass Montse is waiting
for Pedro near the road when a car pulls up, I just couldn't stop laughing. That was an A+ After that all I could think was,
is it Montse the guys are thinking about when they tell dumb blonde jokes?

Erin Ashley---I am glad that you agree with me about Margarita Magana, she is really outstanding that's for sure. She was in the running for an Oscar the night before last.

I have often wondered what it would be like to be married to an actress. I mean that they are so
good at portraying emotion how would you know if they really meant something or if they were just acting?

Maricruz--- You're the winner, you nailed it. There in no doubt now. I admit that as I was seated
at the Gracie is faking it table, I had doubts. I mean, she fell twice and looked convincing but you as well as others weren't fooled. Kudos to you Maricruz.

Carlos---Now I have a question for you. Are you going to be watching your favorite "pussy galore" Marjorie de Sousa in Hasta
El Fin?
the gringo




 

Nanette...The movie is wonderful. Let me know what you think of it.

Have you ever seen "Bride and Prejudice?" I surfed into it on cable the other day. It is kind of an Indian take on "Pride and Prejudice".,

Also, we saw previews for the sequel to "The Best Marigold Hotel. " It looked good, but it isn't coming out until 2015. Hub and I love going to the movies, but sometimes it is hard to find one that we want to see. So many movies today are violent or horror .

I have had many students from India. One asked if he could say goodbye to me the way he said goodbye to his teachers in India. Then, he knelt and touched my foot. Recently, I saw someone doing this in a movie. There are so many different languages in India that my students from India can sometimes only communicate with each other in English. it is a fascinating culture.
My Indian female students all had arranged marriages. They often brought in photos of their elaborate wedding costumes and jewelry.
 

Carvivlie, well heck, if Kevin ends up being in charge of Montse's rescue then I am optimistic. That kid has a better head on his shoulders than most of the other characters.


 

Sylvia...ah yes The Cubano when I meet my best friends for our monthly lunch out at "our, restaurant, I always get the same thing...a Cubano !!! Meanwhile, we are all talking and the waitress has to come back to the table three times before the other three have decided what to order. I like to keep life simple. ( I just had a great salad,,,baby spinach, blue cheese, pecans, dried cranberries, sliced pears with a lemon vinaigrette....yum)

I think that you will love this movie. Hub and I also saw some previews for some upcoming movies that actually look good. Sometimes , we want to go to the movies, but there is nothing we want to see.

Susanlynn, back to packing...again (I really hate packing) I won't be able to see this show after tonight, so I will be anxious to read the recaps.
 

Estrella:

What a beautiful name you have!

Welcome and thank you very much for commenting. We love when long time readers/lurkers step into the light!

Don't be a stranger!

Elna June
 

For a brief moment I believed Graciela's cancer was real. Nevertheless I still think she loves Montserrat and Dimitrio. She had no personal gain like money from that lie. Remember, for a person so vain and selfish like Graciela, staying in a wheelchair for a long time and neglect her look it's actually a big sacrifice. But as I 've said once before the right thing was to try to prove how sorry she feels with actions and not try to gain the others' pity.

From the beging of the telenovela I assumed that a sickness would be the perfect punishment for Graciela. Somehow I 'm happy that all this was fake because her end would be so predictable otherwise. Right now I believe that Graciela will end up like Barbara Mori in Rubi (2005). We 'll see.. 3 episodes left!!!

Billie
 

Thanks for everyone's good natured cheers on my Graciela is faking it theory, but got to give credit where credit is due. My mind fails me, perhaps someone can refresh it and let us know if it was Elna June, Mads or NovelaMaven who actually set up the Crackpot Theorists table, I just added to the wacky thoughts. And Fatima has been keeping an excellent tally on everyone who has joined in!

Cap'n Sylvia Sharkbait, thanks for liking my avatar. My kids took it of my hubby and I while vacatioing in Port St. Lucie last year.

Estrella, welcome! Hope to hear more of your comments, I like your take on Pedro now almost being ridiculous. I thought at times he seemed almost comical with his stuttering and constant constipation, but seeing his victim pictures just reminded me of Veronica from PEAM.

And for all of those thinking Maria may jump out from behind something, I think Pedro confirmed last night that she really is dead by checking her picture off the list.

Maricruz

 

He did have her head sent to Adolfo in a box. You can fake a hand, but not a head.

Pedro does remind me of The Joker i a way, except there is nothing funny here. I truly think the writers push the envelope a bit further every time. Remember that Veronica in PEAM was willing to kill her own child.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Thanks for another excellent recap, Gloria. I have really enjoyed your recaps and always look forward to them. You have such a refreshing sense of humor and always manage to keep the horrible and ridiculous presented to us in this TN in a proper perspective.

Gringo,

Thanks, you are always such good sport in sharing your thoughts on the interesting moral dilemmas and challenges we are presented with in these TNs. This time I was a bit surprised that you didn't side with my way of viewing the shooting of Adolfo by Dimitrio since Dimitrio did everything to insure the outcome. Don't forget he sent his backup to a different location and conked the police chief on the head to set the scene. I think that he fought hand to hand with Adolfo hoping to have the primitive satisfaction of killing him with his bare hands. Plus there was the fact that he had previously stated that arresting El Alacrán simply wasn't an option.

Florida,

Hey, I even laid out a slam-dunk case listing the reasons that it was almost impossible for Gracie to have been faking. I guess I completely underestimated her desperation to have her children's love and affection and overestimated her greed and vanity (thanks UA... it wasn't all about the money to her after all). I still contend that it was a very bad, ill-conceived plan.

Carlos
 

I should have put "happy" in quotes. I know it will probably be a bitterswet end. But it will be better than what's happening now.

Susanlynn: Bride and Prejudice is what got me interested in Bollywood. I was looking up Alexis Bledel on IMDb several years ago, just to see what she had been doing since Gilmore Girls and noticed B&P as one of her credits. Since I'm a big Jane Austen fan and have nearly every version of her work on film, I decide to check it out. I was entranced. I now have a nice little B-Wood collection, including a couple of versions of Jane Austen.

The touching of an elder's foot is a traditional sign of respect. I don't know if it's a Hindu thing or a cultural thing. The traditional weddings are days long from what I understand.

 

I completely agree with you about Gracie, Carlos. The padre laid that one out perfectly. No way was he going to enable her and he was spot on telling her that she painted herself into a corner.

As for Dimitrio, his desire to kill a dangerous criminal who had killed his fiancee is natural. It takes away from cool-headedness, which is not what law enforcement wants of its agents, but I think this is a special case. A narco enforcer isn't easy to arrest and probably difficult to maintain in prison. The horrible irony that it was his one-time best friend is what makes this situation a true tragedy for Dimitrio. Adolfo raised the gun and he had no choice.
 

Nanette..Hey, I loved Gilmore Girls, too !!! The actresses in that show have done very well for themselves. I was surprised when Alexis turned up in Mad Men.

There are so many different religions as well as languages in India. Have you seen the movie "Marigold?"

I was delighted to see that Richard Gere is in the "Best marigold Hotel, sequel. Yay, he is now a handsome silver fox.
 

Susanlynn: Yes, I've seen Marigold. It's in my, what I call, semi-Bollywood collection along with Bride and Prejudice and Monsoon Wedding.

I loved Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (own it--of course). I love it so much, I'm leery about a sequel. A lot of times sequels tarnish the charm of the original. I'll see it anyway--I won't be able to resist when the time comes, and glad to hear RG is going to be in it.
 

Nanette-I loved that movie too!
 

Montserrat's evil mother is the female version of Charles Logan.

 

Vivi, Pedro's sadistic-ness is the apple cart of evil.

I'd think even Feo of PSMA would be disgusted at Pedro's barbaric acts.

Where's Jack Bauer to save the day ?