Caray, Caray!

¡Gracias por la página, Jean! ¡No veo la hora de nuestra novela loca!

[Thanks for the page, Jean! I can't wait for our crazy novela!]
 

This is a good place as any to stick Week 10 of the Wisdom of the Dragon, no?

THE WISDOM OF THE DRAGON
Subtitled: I Do Not Have to Make This Up

WEEK TEN – Mon Sep 8

A Rich Dragon can still have damsel problems.

A Rich Dragon will have more friends than enemies, maybe.

A Dragon might be embarrassed to learn his mother plays the CELLO.

A Dragon can even fool viewers with what he knows and when did he know it. (Thank you, Sen. Howard Baker, Jr.)

A Rich Dragon has to learn to hold back his sarcasm; doing otherwise is not endearing.

A Dragon who refuses to hear someone out now will have bigger apologies to make in the future. (I think this might happen, but I can’t be sure yet.)

A Dragon only thinks he has no gene for sensitivity.

A Dragon is hard to kill.

A Dragon is not easily mollified by words of brotherly love.

Steam is better than flames under certain circumstances.

A Dragon can hear everything if the door is open.

Sometimes a dragon can’t think of a rationally intelligent reply when challenged to explain his advanced-knowledge abilities.

If a dragon must choose between Queen#1 or Queen#2, he will have to choose the wrong one for the right reasons.

A Dragon will find it difficult to investigate himself.

A Dragon with only partial information is not a happy camper.

A Dragon must continue to practice instant arrivals to be with his damsel.

A Dragon will promise his damsel anything, even a fake wedding, fake ID and a life on the lam, to be with her.

A Dragon always knows more than he seems to know.

A Dragon never knows when any given moment is a final good-bye.

Sometimes a dragon must do what he’s told to do even when it tears a dragon family apart.

A Dragon is really good at One-Upmanship.



 

Wonderful, Anita! (Though I might quibble with you about how a Dragon would react to his mother, the cellist: I think he'd be proud of her!)

"A Dragon only thinks he has no gene for sensitivity."

I know, right? A Dragon OOZES sensitivity no matter how hard he tries to conceal it!
 

Thank you for getting our page started, Jean.

Anita - YES! Great place to put #10 WoD. :-D
 

Thanks, Jean!!! I'm excited to see tonight's episode!
 

I don't know MV--Our Dragon seems more like an aficionado of Enrique Iglesias type of music than Bach or Vivaldi.

But there is a cross-over possibility....check out this guy on Wikipedia: Ennio Bolognini (1893–1979) was born in Buenos Aires and was a cellist, composer and conductor. He founded the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra.
 

Anita,

MV --c'est moi?

Ennio sounds like he was quite a guy. That a cellist should be so complex or so diversified -- or so brilliant -- does not surprise me. Some of my best friends...

:)
 

Oui, c'est vous, NM (I just rushed my fingers a bit.) Waiting for my tea water to boil....watching reruns of LQNPA. Rogelio is just toooooo good.

En que me meti....This Brussels bit with all the heavies around our pale, slim, fit curly-headed Dragon doesn't bode well for my recap. Maybe he'll have killed them all by Friday. HA.

Don't like where Vic is going right now.
 

Lunes Part 1

Airplane Hanger
(Scene goes back and forth between Reina and Victor and Navier and Juanco)

Reina sadly watches as Navier’s plane leaves.
Juanco is on the plane with Navier and asks him if he noticed that Reina appeared. He knows she was there Navier says but prefers not to see her.

Victor tells Reina that Navier was on the plane and that he told him that Reina was on the way but he left anyway.

Navier couldn’t stand to see her eyes-the pain and disillusionment in them. That woman loves you like crazy, Juanco says. You guys will always be linked!

Victor tells her that he is on the way to claim Big O’s fortune in Europe. He would rather have money than you.

While on the plane Navier tells Juanco how she is the most important person and can’t understand what he has done for her.

Reina doesn’t want to be there anymore. Victor tells her to wait.

Juanco wants an explanation-what is going on-he was saying goodbye this morning and then he got a phone call. Did he really want revenge? Yes that is what she has to think-that this was all for revenge-Nicolas revenge and that he really hates her.

Victor wants to know who did Reina come to say good-bye to? Javier Bolivar or Nicolas Nunez?!?!?!?!

Susana
Laz and Susanna are in the Dr’s office-he left Greta with the Dr. Susana gets a phone call. (or a voicemail?) It’s Juancho-Time heals all wounds and time makes one forget. He is leaving and hopes that over time they will forget about each other.

Esmith and FELS
FELS is typing away. Smith enters. He tells her that OBD has confided in him-the transaction will occur at the bridal shop Of course she has confided in him. They engage in some banter. FELS says he will tae OBD to Navier’s old apartment. FELS hates that Smith won't look at him and doesn’t really here him and is always a meter(?) away. A meter and half to be exact. He gets closer-how far are we know?

Estefy’s House
Estefy is back in the diamond vault yelling at someone on the phone. DO it know and do it well!! Greta then calls from Greta. She is asking for forgiveness over her behavior. There is nothing to forgive. Greta says that she has felt something (a tickle) in her arm ( you mean besides what she has been feeling when she uses her fingers to operate her wheels chair controls) Laz comes in asking if she is ready for therapy.

Airplane Hanger
Victor asks if Reina knew that Javier was Nicolas and that the other guy was an imposter? Yes, He is Nicolas Nunez. The man you and I supposedly wanted to kill. Supposedly no! He was the man YOU wanted to kill. Well he got his revenge-in his own way he killed me! Reina walks away.

Cut to Juanco and Nicolas who are two sad dudes on that plane-how depressing.

Estefy’s House
Lopez 2.0 brings Estfy bad news. Nothing can be bad now that her daughter wants to speak with her! Seeing Lopez face-she asks him what the news is (Kind of a funny scene). The woman that she hired can’t do the job-she is scared. She wants her to find somebody else. But bring that woman here-she committed to a job-she can’t back out like that.


 

Lunes Part 2

Smith and FELS
Smith chastises FELS for not telling her that Estfy was the QOD. He didn’t tell her because he didn’t trust her fully. Navier knew though but we have to see how he reacts now-he is inheriting all of Big O’s businesses-the legit and the criminal. Esmith trusts her son. FELS doesn’t trust anyone-not even himself.

Airplane
Back on the plane Juancho is checking out the stewardess. Navier is on the laptop listening to Big O’s last video.

Connie’s House
Christian wants to tell Connie the truth about Camila. She drove him crazy. She was a girl! No she wasn’t-in her age yes but not in her appearance. And Reina? Nothing ever happened between them. Because of you or her? Because of her!

De Rosa House
Reina, Victor, and Izzy are back home. Victor tells her they have to speak at some point. Izzy leaves them alone. What do you want to know? Reina asks. Everything. Fine-I will tell you everything if that’s what you want. Hopefully you will leave me alone. Today I was going to runaway with Javier Bolivar or Nicolas Nunez-however you want to call him.

Reina doesn’t care what Victor does to her-throw her out- separate. She was stupid-she believed in this love story when all he wanted was his revenge. Reina tells him that she is going to pick up Clarita at Connie’s house and he can throw them out if he wants. Get it through your skull! Victor warns. She will never leave his side especially now that he knows that Javier caused so much damage to his daughter Camila. Oh Victor you know that he wasn’t’ responsible for that AND Camila wasn’t your daughter! Victor had told her not to betray him-now she is going to meet the real Victor De Rosas!

Connie’s House
Christian and Connie doesn’t understand how he lusted after Camila when he saw her grow up-how perverted. He was you BF’s daughter! That was in the past. I am a good man-I am not going to hurt you. I love you. Connie loves him too but isn’t in love with you. She love Izzy! He is upset and leaves.

Airplane
Back on the plane, Juanco asks Navier how long is he going to be away. He is not sure. Maybe he will never come back.

De Rosa House
Victor and Izzy are in the study. Victor is furious-they treated us like we were idiots! Javier and Navier made fun of us. They better be prepared-especially Reina.

Reina starts to dial a number and stops. She goes to the door and discovers it’s locked inside. Reina lost Navier and now she is going to lose something else. I never loved Clarita but know that I know she is my brother’s kid-I HATE HER! She is going to disappear!

Izzy (who seems to have grown a conscience due to the love of a good woman) tells Victor: With all due respect, don’t count on me! I have my limits. Kids and animals. You put conditions? No but I can’t kill a girl that I saw grow up. I resign and hands in his gun. Victor grabs the gun and points it at him. Listen to what I have to say or I’ll kill you myself!

Estefy’s House
Estefy is putting some drops into a cup. Lopez 2.0 brings in a woman. She tells Estefy that she is sorry she couldn’t do the job but she got really scared. Don’t worry, Estefy says. You have gone through worse! Like abandoning your children, 5 and 7, to run after a man who later dumped you. Estefy gives her the cup and she drinks it! Estefy mentions how her youngest son is very ill and reveals that she knows the woman poisoned her father. They are interrupted by the maid who says Greta is there.

Connie’s House
Susana asks Connie where Juancho is. Connie lobbies for Juanco saying what a good guy he is. She also mentioned that they almost kissed when they were 15. Susanna leaves sad


 

Lunes Part 3

De Rosa House
Reina bangs on the door and tells Asuncion to open the door or she will throw herself out of the window. Victor arrives and asks what is wrong? You locked me in! You've lost your freedom. You are sick physically and mentally. You might end up losing your daughter. Victor threatens Reina and Clarita-she would be better off without a mother. She needs to understand that he is the one in charge!

Airplane
Navier is still listening to Big O’s video taking about maps and money-a lot of it illegal. In his veins travel the blood of a secret agent and that of a trafficker! Who does he take after? Is he going after justice and lose everything or will he be a trafficker and be the king of them all!
Juancho wants to know what all the mystery is about.

Estefy’s House
The woman is passing out in front of Laz and Greta. Don’t worry she has low blood pressure! Lopez 2.0 leads her out of the room. Greta asks for Estfy’s forgiveness (didn’t she do this over the phone?)

De Rosa House
Victor is on the phone with Izzy wanting to know if he has Clarita. Once he gets her make sure he follows his orders!

Connie’s House
Clarita is with Connie showing her a dragon picture and tells her a story that (of course) mirrors the story of the novela. Clarita is getting a feeling that something bad is going to happen.
Izzy arrives looking sad. Connie tells him that she broke it off with Christian. He kisses her gently and tells her that he doesn’t deserve her. Connie gives him a message to give Reina. Please help her-she is like my sister.!Izzy takes Clarita- (OMG what is he going to do?)

De Rosa House
Reina writes in her journal to her daughter. She is crying and hopes that Clarita will walk through the door.

Esmith’s Office
Rocky enters Smith’s office. Can I trust you? Of course! I need to know everything about our boss-FELS!

GROSS OBD
OBD is taken to Navier’s old apt-she does not like it too much. They can’t be seen in public right now! (Does anyone want to be seen with her in public?)She makes him a proposition-why don’t they keep the diamonds-its 50 million dollars. They can be theirs!

Estefy’s House
The woman has died-about an hour and half ago. She figured but she couldn’t throw her daughter out. She needs Lopez 2.0 to find another woman-who has the same characteristics of Reina. What is she up to?

Esmith’s Office
Smith is on the computer. Very interesting. FELDS father worked for the FBI and ended up in Spain accused of being corrupt and was arrested. She doesn’t think that FELS is very proud of that fact. If he is honest , he will be very ashamed. If not, he could be tempted to follow his footsteps. It would be great to see his arrogant butt behind bars!

Gross OBD
OBD and FELS finished their romp. OBD reveals to FELS that Reina isn’t her sister-she isn’t even her half sister. Their fathers are different. She found out when her mother died-she left her a letter.

 

Lunes Part 4

De Rosa House
Reina wonders where Clarita is. Victor tells Reina that Clarita will not be arriving tonight or any one other night!!

Big O’s European House
Navier and Juancho arrive to Big O’s House. Juancho is amazed by it. The lights are not working-Juancho goes on about how the rich never pays their bills. But will pay for expensive suits. Navier knows something is up and tries to tell Juancho to be quiet but he keeps on going. A man greets them with a gun-Welcome to Belgium! They are surrounded by men with guns! They want the son of Big O. That’s me and Navier pulls some dragon moves and takes the gun away.

De Rosa House
Victor tells Reina to calm down. He knows it is upsetting to lose a love and a child in the same day. She starts crying. He is one top of her kissing her. She bits his lip. The more she fights, the more turned on her is. She grabs his throat-If you do something to my daughter I’ll kill you! The more you resist, the more years will pass before you see your daughter! I don’t forgive betrayal. Reina is left crying on the bed.

Laz is with Greta in her room. Greta hears Reina screaming: “He is a piece of crap. I hate you!”
Victor comes in. Reina is getting worse-she is off her rocker! He wants a psychiatrist to see her but she refuses. Laz wants to talk to Reina. If he wants to stay close to Greta, don’t butt in to where you are not called! Especially when it pertains to my wife! (Did Greta hear this or not)

Navier’s European Vacation
Navier asks the men what they want. They were sent to kill Navier. When Big O died, one of their own took his place. He doesn’t want another to meddle in that business. If he was Navier, he would leave and not get involved with the Mafia. Tell this “ new boss” that he has to follow his orders-there is only one boss and that’s me!! Navier exclaims.


 

Caroline - Thanks for the recap (and the snark). :-)

#SINGLE (!!!) I guess that was our comic relief, eh?

"Gross OBD", indeed. Eeeeewww.

Reina bit Victor's lip, and it was suddenly healed minutes later, when he talked to Greata & Laz. It's a miracle!

Izzy is now on the fence. To be or not to be (a bad guy, that is), That is the question.
 

Excellent, Caroline.

Doris-# SINGLE made me laugh too. :)

I'm starting to think Reina is an idiot. What in the world made her think that admitting she was about to run off with Navier would result in Vic magically letting her and Clara go? Really, Reina?!

I think the phone kibe was actually cut when she picked it up to use it. Where was her cell phone? Shouldn't FELS have some way of tracking her, and shouldn't he have given her a gun? She was throwing lots of threats around to kill Vic, but she never once picked up any of those heavy knick knacks in the room and try to smash his head in.
 

Line not kibe. What was tablet thinking?
 

Thanks, Caroline. Terrific job!

Doris, I agree: "Izzy is now on the fence. To be or not to be (a bad guy, that is), That is the question.".
And what did Victor say to Izzy that we didn't get to hear?

That Lopez 2.0 is pretty creepy -- or was I the only one who noticed how he was fondling the feet of Estefi's latest She had it coming so she's not a victim?

And Estefi turning on a dime from murderess to loving mama...

And Esmeeth turning the tables on FELS (and didn't Rocky look a little dubious when she turned to him for help? Or maybe he always looks that way)...
 

NovelaMaven- Yes, I noticed creepy Lopez 2.0 fondling the feet of the dead woman.

Rocky always looks dubious. I hope the writers show us that there was more going on behind the scenes with him, and surprise us.
 

Vivi, I am also hoping that Rocky surprises us. I really like the actor, though he seems to get stuck with thankless roles. I'd like to see him break out a little.
 

Erm, yes, I too noticed Lopez 2.0 fondling that girl's foot. Creepy.

Vivi, yes, I was wondering where was Reina's cellphone, too. Maybe the battery had run out. That girl needs a Mophie juice pack.

Hopefully, Rocky Balboa will live up to his namesake movie character and be our dark horse underdog who saves the day.
 

Great recap, Caroline, of a very grim episode. We seem to at the nadir of the story arc where all the couples are separated except Greta and Laz and they have their own problems.

I don't think amnesia Reina has ever realized just how evil Victor is. That is the only explanation for confessing all to him. It wouldn't surprise me if Reina ended up in some hell hole of a mental hospital - Vic has mentioned this a couple of times.

Did anyone notice that when Estefi got the call from Greta she was in her jewel room with two of the giant red diamonds in front of her? Que the hell? Did I forget something? How did she get two of the diamonds? Two are in the safe deposit box and Vic has the other two, right? Vic got both of them from Estefi. She gave him one in return for Greta's life and he took the other one from her after she stole it.

My guess as to why Estefi is searching for a Reina look alike is to have her impersonate Reina and get the other two diamonds out of the safe-deposit box.

On second thought, the two diamonds that Estefi had could be fakes that she is going to switch for the real diamonds in the safe deposit box.

So FELS and OBD had sex in the bedroom. It would have been fun to see tall FELS trying to do it with ODB on the short couch!


 

Doris said:
Izzy is now on the fence. To be or not to be (a bad guy, that is), That is the question.

Izzy is a bad guy - a cute sympathetic bad guy but one nonetheless. He has killed and tortured people. We don't know what Vic told him.

If Vic told him to kill Clarita, he is on the fence about whether to become a truly evil person and carry out Victor's orders or disobey him. We know he won't kill Clarita, of course. Vic could also have told Izzy to stash Clarita somewhere. Whatever he's going to do, Izzy is not happy about it.
 

OMG! Yes, Jean! I wondered that too and had the same, "What did I miss?" thought. How did Stefi get two of the red diamonds? Are they the ones Reina has in the safety deposit box, or the two Victor had? They might also be fakes, and the reason Stefi is looking for a Reina lookalike is because she wants fake Reina to go to the bank and switch out the diamonds. That's my best theory.
 

OK. Clearly I wrote my comment before I read the rest of yours. I just got so excited that you mentioned the two diamonds. LOL. Yes. We have the same theory about them.
 

Vivi: Two great Reinamaniacs with but a single thought!
 

Jean - re: Izzy .... You're right and that's what I meant. Izzy is at a point where he might want to change his life if he thinks he has a chance with Connie. It is very unlikely that he would harm Clarita but then he risks Victor's anger.
The whole Connie/Izzy relationship is doomed. My guess is that Izzy will end up dead before it is all over with.
 

Doris and Jean,

About Izzy --

We've already seen him defy his boss and live to tell the story.

Earlier, Victor ordered him to kill Connie; when he failed to do so, nothing much happened.

Izzy also interfered with Victor's plan to off himself by replacing his personal supply of poison with a sleeping potion. Victor was furious; but once again, nothing much happened.

I do agree that Izzy is unlikely to make it out of this novela alive. He is carrying too much Evil Baggage.
 

It seems to me that if Navier wanted to impress the Belgian mob - why Belgium? Why aren't they in Amsterdam, which I think is a big diamond cutting and trading place? Anyway, if he wanted to impress the locals, he should have arrived with a phalanx of big bodyguards wearing sunglasses, not one weedy guy in a T-shirt that says #Single. I know that the Dragon has amazing talents but he shouldn't have to beat up or disarm every mob guy in Belgium to show he is boss.
 

Most interesting, Caroline. There was a lot to digest this episode. Most of it stuck in my craw, but juarever. Thank you for making it through to the end.

The one thing that has me scratching my head now is this: OBD has now revealed to FELS that she and Reina are not related--they have different fathers. OK.

So, if Asuncion and "Special Hombre" produced Reina, HOW did Reina end up in the hands of Carmen and a man whom she thought of as her father and she adored and was kind to her and left her jewelry and a house, but then she had to work hard to keep the house??????????

It is most likely that Reina's "dad" already had her when he left Asuncion and married Carmen and Delfina was also already born, so it was a blended family, dysfunctional, but family.

To me, then, the mystery is why Asuncion and Reina were separated.

As to Vic's orders to Izzy (and ITA with NM's roundup of him countermanding his boss with no consequences):

When a villain/criminal uses the term to make someone "desaparecer," it usually means, rub them out, make them dead so they don't come back. But just as often the objectionable person *does* disappear, kidnapped, only to be kept alive and reappear later.

The term in the criminal world is clear. We've seen it happen in other tns (LaImp) I think it is used on us to confuse us and up the suspense. Of course we all know Clarita will come out of it ok, even if Izzy doesn't.

Poor Connie, maybe her fall back guy will still be around--or maybe she and Rocky will get together in the end. It's not that I'm one of those who needs to pair everyone up for the boda al final, but in this case, desperately seeking Connie needs to find someone, anyone, but someone deserving of her.
 

Jean,

Take a look at a few of the films of Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. You'll start to see Belgium differently -- a place lousy with criminals (though offhand, I can't recall any diamond thieves). [snort] Besides, everyone in Brussels speaks Mexican Spanish, right?

It was FELS who sent NN to Belgium all by his lonesome. If he had had his way, NN wouldn't even have had the one "weedy guy" with the novelty t-shirt. Maybe FELS set NN up as the fall guy. (In which case, NN was lucky to have "street-smart" Juanjo.)

Anita,

When OBD told FELS she and Reina weren't related, I figured it meant that Carmen had cheated on Reina's "special" father. I guess we'll find out (or at least, I hope we do).
 

My whole theory with Rocky went down the drain.
 

NovelaMaven- You mean there's crime in the "chocolate-making countries?" (no apologies to Donald Rumsfeld). LOL
 

Jean, the situation is worse than you might have imagined:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/un-orders-wonka-to-submit-to-chocolate-factory-ins,5/
 

Thanks Caroline for the recap & you too Anita for this weekly's wisdom!

So nice of Javier to admit that he is NN, and leave Reina with the fallout. Of course she should of denied, denied, denied. I really wonder what Vic has planned for Clara. I like how Laz isn't scared of Vic, but he can't do much since his priority is Greta.

I wonder why they showed the intersection of Stefy poisoning the woman & Greta's visit. She & Laz didn't suspect anything. Are they going to see a missing person flyer about the woman, and get suspicious?

Until ya'll pointed it out, I didn't even notice anything wrong about Stefy having two of the red diamonds, but just having to think about who's had them at what time gives me a headache.

jlk
 

I forgot to add that the way Vic was making Reina seem like a crazy person has me really worried about her future. Made me think about Victorian women and psychiatry.

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/broughttolife/themes/menalhealthandillness/womanandpsychiatry.aspx

I've read novels that deal or touch on this subject, and it still scares the crap out of me just thinking that things like this happened.

jlk
 

Caroline, thanks so much for the fine recap!

When I think of diamonds I also think of Antwerp, which is in Belgium. Maybe Brussels is the only Belgian city the telenovela writer had ever heard of.

I think Clara is stashed somewhere, maybe with Victor's abuela. I think Victor finds her more useful alive than dead. What he said to Izzy at the beginning about Clara becoming "disappeared" was probably in the heat of his rage over finding out Reina was going to leave him.

Last night Victor said that the more difficult Reina was the more time would pass without her seeing her child. He's probably planning on getting her to sleep with him in exchange for glimpses of Clara.

Of course, the mental institution plot point is definitely still in play since Victor is covering his bases telling Greta and Laz that Reina has had some sort of breakdown. I'm pretty sure Laz knows better, but I don't know where they'll go with that. I like to think he'll find a way to see her.
 

Thank you Caroline!! I had some comprehension issues last night and I really needed your clear recap!

...not one weedy guy in a T-shirt that says #Single.

Confession: I can quit watching the show anytime I want. What I can't quit is the comments/Reinamaniacs! The above comment is just an example of why I think Reinamaniacs rule

Now for my confusion: How does Vic know Clarita is Navier's? Doesn't that mean Reina knows? Why didn't she tell Navier?
 

Sara - We have to make some assumptions here.

In her pre-amnesia state, Reina told Vic she was pregnant by her only true love (meaning she had only been "with" this guy and no one else), who was dead.

Vic probably already knew who it was when he went to the church to "run into" Reina accidentally on purpose, since he had ordered NN killed because of Camila. I think I remember him saying he wanted to finish avenging Camila's suicide by ruining Reina's life, too.

He told Izzy to find out everything there was to know about Reina's past--he would take care of the future. Reina herself probably revealed more to him between then and when she accepted the job at Camilee's and he showered her with gifts for her baby.

Reina knew pre-amnesia who Clara's father was. But now, no.
 

I can't quit--watching or sharing with other Reinamaniacs.
 

Seems to me the reason Victor wanted to ruin Reina's life back when, is that she was the reason NN left Camila and supposedly (still back then) was the reason Camila offed herself.

Only have a little time left to get dinner on the table and finish up by 8. See you all tomorrow, right here.
 

Thanks Anita! I was having a brain fart.
 

Tuesday, Part 1

The Belgians Waffle

The Dragon holds the Belgies at bay while a reluctant Juanjo searches them for weapons and phones.

Back in mob HQ an old bald guy waits for the news that the upstart from Las Vegas has been taken down. His younger, pony-tailed associate thinks Baldy is making a mistake: Big O's son deserves respect.

Baldy gets a call from the Dragon inviting him to his house. He knows where it is, right?

The penny drops

As he and Nicolás shoo away the gangsters at gunpoint, it occurs to Juanjo to wonder if Big O might have been involved in something turbio (shady). The Dragon smiles at his naive friend. "Juanjo, Big O was a diamond trafficker ... and now I'm going to be the trafficker."

Then Nicolás explains to the somewhat shocked Juanjo that the Belgian Baddies have to think he's a criminal. What about NN's brother Victor? He's even worse than Big O, NN tells him.

A nervous OBD presents for duty in Victor's study.
He sniffs her, notes the bags under her eyes -- she should get more sleep -- slobbers over her hand, and slips a huge ring on her finger (zircons, I'm betting); then he propels her out the door: it's show time!

Lázaro makes his way to Reina's room, despite Victor's warning to keep away from her.
"Where's Clarita?" Reina asks desperately. But Victor, who has followed Laz into the room, is the one who answers: she's on her way to a boarding school in Washington. Reina is, of course, beside herself.

Laz speaks up: Victor is doing the same thing he did to Greta, and he's making a mother and a daughter suffer. Is Victor moved? Nah. He fires Laz on the spot.

How desperate is Susana?
So desperate that she visits Estefi because she needs someone to talk to. Her man is gone and it's her own fault. Not only does she love Juanjo, she thinks she's pregnant, though she's not sure. She is too embarrassed to go to her doctor. And what will she say to her daughter? Estefi tells her to buck up: she should be happy and proud! Estefi has offered her a drink to toast the occasion; now Susana wants another. Estefi cuts her off. She wishes she were pregnant with the child of the man she loves. Victor? No, Javier. Estefi sends Susana home to rest and promises to take her to her own gynecologist the following day.

Let's hope Reina has a Plan
Laz wants to call the police. Reina stops him. She thinks it would make things worse for her daughter. Asunción and Greta join them. Laz tells Greta that Victor has just fired him -- "because he was trying to help me," interjects Reina. She explains that Victor has sent Clara away to boarding school in Washington just to hurt Reina herself. Laz says Victor can fire him but he can't separate him and Greta.

Izzy paces in the kitchen. He remembers Clara begging him to call her mommy and telling him she didn't want to go on the plane alone...

Izzy's phone rings. It's Connie. He doesn't answer.

You're a monster!
"How could you do that to Clarita?" Greta asks her father. He tells her not to be so dramatic. He dismisses Reina's anguish too. Clara will be strong! No, says Greta, Ella se va a derrumbar, como yo (she's going to fall down/collapse, like me). "A boarding school steals your childhood -- it's not a place for a child." Reina begs him to change his mind, even getting down on her knees. Victor turns a deaf ear to both women.
 

Part 2

OBD and the African Businessman

The African opens a case and shows rows of gems to OBD. FELS, Rocky and Esmeeth watch on the magic screen in CIA HQ. "Look, there's your girlfriend," says Esmeeth, as if she were 15 going on 50. "She's not my girlfriend," answers FELS in kind. He's heard she's been digging into his past and his family. He invites Esmeeth to ask him whatever she wants to know; he'd be glad to tell her anything -- especially about his lovers.

The Reina Look-Alike Contest is languishing for lack of Contestants
Lopez 2.0 gets no sympathy from his boss. How hard could it be to find another Reina? She is so ordinary! It's the job itself, Lopez tries to tell Estefi.

Greta phones and Estefi immediately switches to loving mommy mode. Estefi isn't expecting the favor Greta asks of her: "Let me stay with you. Get me out of this house -- please!"

The FELS and OBD Show
"We did it, darling!" says OBD as she welcomes FELS to the Atelier. "We got the diamonds!"

"I swear I didn't tell him," says Rocky, his eyes fixed on the magic screen. "Oh shut it," says Esmeeth. "I have to listen."

They watch as OBD and FELS swap spit and they hear OBD's breathless fantasy about going far away together -- they'll have a life of luxury, money and sex. "And you know what I want? I want you to give me a bath like you did that time..."

"He gave her a bath?" says Rocky. Esmeeth narrows her eyes and nods knowingly.

"I'd like nothing better," says the treacherous FELS. "But it's not going to happen. I work for the CIA -- either cooperate with me or you go to jail."

Esmeeth almost smiles.

You're as Healthy as I am! (which, when you think about it, isn't saying much)
Victor marches Reina back to the bedroom. He understands it's hard to lose a lover and a daughter on the same day. She tells him she'll never forgive him for what he has done. He doesn't want her forgiveness: he wants her to suffer just as he did when he found out Javier Bolívar and Nicolás Núñez were the same person. And he just found out something else: Reina isn't sick!

[Kia rodents. They're late tonight! Techno theme song. Enrique, they'll never replace you.]
 

Part 3

Juan Soler chews some scenery and twirls his imaginary moustache
One of the employees squealed that Reina was faking her illness, says Victor. Good thing they didn't bother the big important doctor. But the best thing of all is that Victor's brother turned out to be a real de Rosas - Reina was Seduced and Abandoned! Maybe NN himself engineered the attacks on Reina so he could look like a hero. It was brilliant! And now Reina is left with Victor as her only company. Poor Reina. This room is going to be her cell.

It was all a lie -- even your kisses

FELS has no sympathy for OBD. She wasn't in love with him. She was only trying to get back at Victor. Now her only out is handing over Victor to FELS this very night.

Big O's House in Brussels
NN passes a gun to Juanjo. Then Juanjo opens the door to old Baldy and Ponytail. Ponytail says he was a great admirer of Big O. Baldy sets out his case: he spent years in Big O's shadow; he put up with a lot of crap to get where he is now and he's not budging. Let NN keep all the legal holdings...

NN says he wants it ALL. Neither one is willing to give in. "Sorry, but it ends here and now," says Baldy, pulling a gun on NN. Meanwhile Juanjo pulls out his gun and aims it at Baldy.

OH MAN! Before anyone can say a word, Ponytail pulls out HIS gun and shoots Baldy in the head. Dead. "Sorry, but it was him or you." [Perdón, pero era él o usted As usual, ISBIS because in Spanish you don't have to worry about choosing between the grammatically correct but idiomatically absurd "It was he or you" and the grammatically incorrect but idiomatically more acceptable "It was him or you."]. Anyway...Ponytail was faithful to Big O and now he will be faithful to NN.
 

Part 4

A History Lesson
Victor notices that Izzy is a bit distracted. "Wake up!" he says. He wants him to stay close to Reina to make sure no one comes near her. Tomorrow he's having bars put on her room. "Bars?" echoes Izzy incredulously. That's what he said. In antiquity, adulterous queens were punished more severely -- at least Reina hasn't been decapitated.

Come on Down!
OBD calls Victor and tells him it's all ready. Ven. He heads off to the Atelier.

Rocky is amazed at how everything is going FELS's way. It ain't over 'til it's over, Esmeeth reminds him sourly. But Rocky continues to rhapsodize: All those years of work and FELS does it in a few days by conquering the lover -- everyone falls at his feet, even the toughest ones!

By the way, has Esmeeth heard anything about Bolívar? Nothing. But then she'd be the last person he'd call...

Psychological Torture
Izzy brings a tray to Reina. She begs him to let her escape. He says he can't. He tells her Clara must be on her way to Washington with one of their people. She was scared. "Of course she was scared," says Reina. "She doesn't understand what's going on." "Unfortunately," says Izzy, "she does understand. The boss sent her a letter. She thinks you abandoned her because you don't remember her."

Reina is devastated.

My father is a monster, part 2
Estefi comes to rescue Greta from the de Rosas House of Horror. (Wait until Greta gets a load of the Hidalgo-Pérez House of Horror).

Laz sits at a local bar and mourns the departure of his buds over a Bud Light. A guy tries to interest him a bike race. Laz turns him down.

Diamonds in the Blood
Ponytail offers to dispose of Baldy's body. "I owe you one," says NN. Big O and Ponytail were close. Ponytail warns NN that he's have to work to get people's trust gradually. But NN will have to be very careful -- there are traffickers, terrorists, people you have to watch out for. It's a job for brave men. "Then it's a job for me," says the Dragon with just the right touch of bravado. Ponytail doesn't doubt it. The Dragon will be the capo, the patrón, the king -- just like his father, he has diamonds in his blood.

Victor would never hurt me!
OBD feels so USED by FELS. He has destroyed her dream. (Apparently, compared to FELS, Victor is looking good right now.) They hear a car approach. The lights dim. FELS hides. "Victor, is that you?" We see an arm holding a gun. The gunman fires and OBD falls. Then FELS and the unknown gunman exchange fire. The gunman is on the ground. FELS crouches in a corner. Is he hurt?

CIA Humor is like CIA Fashion: very Dark
Rocky and Esmeeth enter, turn on the lights, and see OBD lying on the floor, shot in the heart; beside her lies a stranger. FELS has been grazed by a bullet. He tells Esmeeth he's fine. "A shame I couldn't get rid of you this time," she says. "You must be very sad," he says. "Disappointed is the word," she answers with a chuckle.

FELS doesn't know how Victor found out about the plan. He failed. And now OBD is dead. Esmeeth tells him he should be happy he's alive. Is she happy? Yes. Very. (Aw, Esmeeth.)
 

Part 5

Reina writes her sorrows in a journal.
She remembers Love Amid the Tulle™ (Thanks, Sara!). She hears a knock and sees a letter slipped under the door. It's from Asunción: I can't open the door. What do you need?

Reina writes back: Call Esmeeth and tell her what happened. She'll help me.

Downstairs, Izzy tries to contact Victor. Connie calls him and starts babbling. He listens for a few seconds. Then he says: "You're too much for me, Connie," and hangs up on her.

Remind me why we're mad at each other
Laz comes home just after Connie's phone call. She remembers that they aren't speaking to each other, though she can't recall why. "Because you bad-mouthed Greta and I bad-mouthed Christian and Izzy." Then Laz is twice as bad because he trashed two people. No. What about Miriam? Oh. Then they're even.

Laz tells her his troubles. Then he asks her if she knows who took Clara. Isidro, she says. Laz tells her what Victor is doing to Reina and Clara. "That guy Isidro is a worm and he works for a monster."

Meet Creepy Lopez 2.0 and Yolanda!
Estefi introduces Greta to her house and her little friends. She is ready to do EVERYTHING for her. Greta deflates Estefi somewhat when she tells her she'll only need her help for a short time; and she already has a mother. Estefi tries to put a brave face on it -- it will be like having two moms.

It could have been worse or Victor's Catechism
Victor tells Izzy that OBD tried to betray him "with a man whose name was mentioned in this recording -- you can listen to it." Izzy takes the device Victor hands him and asks: ¿Y Delfina, señor?
"How does everybody who betrays me end up?"
"Dead, sir."
"That's how she ended up."

The Hunger Strike
Reina tosses away the breakfast tray that Victor brings her. She hasn't changed her clothes and apparently has stopped eating. Victor tells her she looks very thin and it's not becoming.
"I want to see my daughter."
"It all depends on you."
"I WANT TO SEE MY DAUGHTER."

The Forensic Lab at the CIA

Esmeeth learns there's a new forensic pathologist in town, the comely Dr. Montoya. Dr. Montoya explains that a microphone was found in OBD's ring. (Aha! That's how Victor knew!).

FELS joins the women and Esmeeth introduces Dr. Montoya. "Hi Jackie!" says FELS. "You two know each other?" asks Esmeeth, surprised. "She's my ex-wife."
 

oops...There's a mistake in Part 5:

OBD tried to betray him "with a man whose name was NEVER mentioned in this recording
 

The Belgians waffle..

The title prize is back in your court, my dear.

Outstanding recap, NovelaMaven. Things have gone completely wacky in Reina land. I don't even know where to start.
 

Things have indeed gotten wacky, but I love it! Can't wait for tonight.

The recap was marvelous! I have to second Jean's admiration for "The Belgians Waffle".

Did FELS say ex-mujer or just mujer? I didn't have my captions on.
 

Ex mujer, I believe.

I've seen that actress before but I can't remember in what novela.
 

Thanks, Jean. 8 is near my bedtime so sometimes I'm drifting by the end.
 

A third vote for the Belgians Waffle! :)

I am just going to have to record the show after Reina too so that I don't miss these endings. FELS's ex-wife! Well, this should be interesting.

Reina needs to pull herself together, and wake up to the fact that Vic is evil. No amount of pleading and crying and yelling is going to touch his cold heart. It only pleases him. She didn't even throw that tray at him. Navier and the CIA really just dropped her in a big pile of doo doo, and it's time for her to realize her Dragon isn't coming to save her this time. Time to be her own savior.
 

NovelaMaven - Thank you for the recap and the snark, AND the wonderful section titles. The Belgians Waffle was my fav, too! LOL

How many days has Reina been locked up in her room? From Vic's end of the convo, it sounded like it's been a few days. If so, that dress ought to be ripe by now.

My LOL moment last night was the look on Rocky's face and him saying "He bathed her?" LOL!

YAY!!! The OBD is dead! Good riddance to cheap slutty rubbish.
Is someone keeping track of the body count?
 

loved your recap NovelaMaven,
it was perfect!

the new actress is Maritza Bustamante (Jacqueline 'Jackie' Montoya), I haven't seen her for a while, she looks a bit different with her curly locks pulled back.

so what is this horrible life Reina would have been condemned to if Nicolas would have stayed?

 

Arrgh! I have always been able to access the Caray Caray blog on my work computer but now I can't so I have to use my iPad, which is not that fun. Fortunately, I have a keyboard for it.

I saw the actress playing FELS ex, Maritza Bustamente, in La Fantasma de Elena and she was also in Relaciones Peligrosas.

I wondered at the "bathing," too. FELS has a few sex kinks maybe.

So now we see that the "superdotado" is just as incompetent at setting up an operation as Esmeeth was. Apparently nobody was monitoring the outside of Reina's atelier who would have seen this stranger arrive and come in. No one was watching Vic's house to report that he had or in this case, had not, left to go to the rendezvous. All the agents were just watching the magic screen until the thing went bad.

OBD's death is no great loss but who is Vic going to use for these transactions now?
 

Marvellous recap, NovelaMaven. I've just returned from a trip, and the only thing that has saved me have been the recaps. And even then, with a novela this loca, sometimes I think you just had to be there. :-)

Another vote for the Belgian waffles.
 

Thank you for the nice words, my fellow Reinamaniacs. Se hace lo que se puede :-)

Vivi:

"Navier and the CIA really just dropped [Reina] in a big pile of doo doo"

Yup - specifically FELS. Where the devil is he now that Reina needs him? Which brings me to Deb's question:

"so what is this horrible life Reina would have been condemned to if Nicolas would have stayed?"

FELS threatened to arrest Reina for possession of stolen diamonds. (Remember how he raided the Atelier a year before Reina married Victor and "found" a huge cache of jewels hidden there?) FELS told NN that Reina would rot in jail and Clara would grow up motherless unless NN knuckled under.
 

Reading from the bottom up, Jean, your comment caught my eye---..who is Vic going to use for these transactions now? TeeHee, what a double-entendre we have here.

NM-off to read the recap now.

 

Doris,

"How many days has Reina been locked up in her room? From Vic's end of the convo, it sounded like it's been a few days. If so, that dress ought to be ripe by now."

I thought it was just overnight. Victor said he heard Reina was rejecting "breakfasts." I suspect that a few people brought her trays (Asuncion and Izzy, say), although Victor's was the only who she threw over.

Even so, after all the sweat and tears (the blood is perhaps yet to come) of the last 24 hours, I don't doubt the dress is plenty ripe. :D
 

Jean,

"Arrgh! I have always been able to access the Caray Caray blog on my work computer but now I can't so I have to use my iPad, which is not that fun."

Bummer. And yet we soldier on! Hee Hee.

Yes, Maritza B is one of the Telemundo regulars but I wouldn't have been able to put a name on her. Thanks, Deb and Jean.

Juanita,

Welcome back to the land of the locos! So glad you enjoyed this morning's Belgians Waffle.
 

Not sure why Reina didn't change into something more comfortable. She's locked in her own bedroom (with a working bathroom), after all!
 

Vivi,

"Not sure why Reina didn't change into something more comfortable. She's locked in her own bedroom (with a working bathroom), after all!"

I can actually buy into that. When people are under great emotional stress, personal grooming often goes by the wayside. All Reina's energy is sapped by her grief.
 

NovelaMaven- I guess so. But I would have gone into fight or flight mode in that situation (locked up by a madman who took my kid) and would have wanted to get out of that constraining pencil skirt and high heels, and into something where I could be nimble and quick.
 

Vivi, that's because you're a strong and healthy person. So is our Reina, but at the moment she is crippled by her despair. I'm sure we'll see her rise again (but I wouldn't count on her losing the stoopid shoes -- I think they're in the fine print in every Telemundo contract.)
 

How much do we want to wager that FELS bathed the skank ho before the mattress dance?
 

NovelaMav--Super, super recap. The Belgians Waffle can't be topped.

I think Izzy, if he lives long enough, will be a key in all this. He and Asuncion at the De Rosas and Smeeth, Rocky et al. at the CIA. I don't think they know yet what Victor has in store for Reina. If they have the house under surveillance they will surely know when they see the bars going up on Reina's room. (Any similarity to Rogelio putting bars on Ana Paula's room is purely coincidental--riiight.)

Clever of Victor to put a microphone in the ring. I wondered why he would stop and give her a ring when they were about to collect millions of dollars' worth of them.

Doris--I actually started a body count. Will report on my research in a bit.
 

Sometimes the recap gods are kind. All I'm saying is that if you were already looking forward to tonight's episode, you won't be disappointed.
 

Jean, Should we be thanking the gods in advance?

BODY COUNT
Divided by characters we have come to know or have seen in any episodes and ones offed offstage or in fights! (This is harder to do because a lot have been thugs in fights-will add all those folks later.)

All the following did NOT die of natural causes.

Our Fairly important Characters

1. Camila (we saw her briefly) - suicide

2. Artemio Hidalgo, Andres’ dad (we saw him briefly) – heart attack brought on by poison

3. Lopez 1.0 and wife (we didn’t really see her) – by someone on Victor’s payroll

4. Andres Hidalgo – heart attack brought on by poison administered by Frank M.

5. Betina (Greta’s nurse-traitor) – knifed by Frank M.

6. Carmen – shot in her car with a gun held by a gloved man’s hand

7. Frank Merino (or was it Marino) – goes down in a shoot-out with Navier and Smeeth (but is he DEAD, dead)

8. Damián, The Putz – poisoned by Victor with virus-venom put in his IV

7. El Maestro (Old Leonard Nimoy) – killed by Big O.

8. Octavio, Big O himself – shot in the temple with a bullet that doesn’t match the gun left at the sight.

9. Miriam, Roman’s mother & Laz’ “mujer” – overdose of something she injected, given to her by Stefi

10. The first Reina look-alike hired by Stefi who chickened out of the “job” – poisoned by coffee prepared by Stefi

11. Delfina Ortiz (aka Odious Bitch Delfina) – shot in the heart by someone on Victor’s payroll.

12. The Big Belgian Waffle (self-appointed heir to Big O’s Belgian wing of his cartel after Big O went to that big diamond in the sky) – by Fiel to Big O. Ponytail guy in the back of the head.

(Not exhaustive--will keep gleaning. The minor characters, but central to the story are fun to find.)
 

Nice work, Anita! Do you realize that Estefania is the only surviving BAD GIRL? Surely that opens the door to a new Cruella Deville...
 

Other minor characters in the body count ---

The woman who was supposed to give Victor the crown by InjectoDeath 3000

The model in the fashion show by poison on bouquet handle

Someone Victor gave InjectoDeath3000 after mattress dance in his warehouse and Stefy witnessed it

There was some random guy shot & killed and I can't remember who he was, most likely a bad guy or double agent

 

NovelaMaven, that recap was SO good. Chiming in on The Belgians Waffle! Terrific.

Did everyone notice how badly Juanjo's hand was shaking as he held the gun on Overweight Mafioso? That guy is doomed. I've seen him in four or five Telemundo novelas and he's always an extreme baddie and usually gets killed off soon.

Pablo Azar has been very good in this. His comedy chops are good!

OK, this thing is getting very dark. If Clarita has to stay at the boarding school for weeks on end, I'm NOT going to be a happy camper.

And I'm SO over El Supremo. He screwed up the take-down of Victor, big time. By the way, did Victor take the diamonds? If so, I missed it. And even if Victor took Reina's cell phone, her not answering if he called, I repeat IF he called, should have alerted our genius guy that something was up with the woman whose happy life with the man she loves he just demolished.

I'm kind of surprised Victor is going for straight revenge. I thought he'd try to use time with Clara to get Reina to have sex with him.

I agree that Izzy is going to turn on Victor one of these days. But I still don't want Connie with him.
 

Doris--I'm no where near done. All the minor characters come in later. Hang in there.
 

Thank you Anita! I like when folks kind of summarize the action. I really just let it all wash over me, but I enjoy the Wisdom, Body-count and Mystery lists.
 

Novelera--I am LOVING Pablo Azar!!! I want to see him in more things!!
 

Sara-Pablo Azar IS in everything! I swear, almost every time I've caught a bit of a Telemundo th I'm not even watching, a Columbian tn, or even a US made Univision tn (El Talisman), he's in it. I bet if you did a Wikipedia search, the list of his tns would be really long. And I think he's been playing a guy in his 20s or a teen for the last decade.
 

Aha! I just looked him up and realized why I've seen him in Columbian, Mexican, and US tns. He's Mexican and married to a Columbian actress. Makes sense now.
 

Pablo Azar was in the original version of En Otra Piel, El Cuerpo de Deseo. He played the equivalent of Gabriel's character - equally goofy.

I agree that he has been great in Reina. Funny but touching, too.
 

Pablo Azar was in Bella Calamidades and I liked him in that.
 

Thank you for the great recap, NovelaMaven. I too vote for the Belgian waffles! You do know how to turn a phrase.

FELS, on the other hand, is heartless. Javier is right " es un robot".

Penny

 

Miércoles – Parte Uno

CIA Headquarters
Dr. Montoya tells Esmeeth and FELS that the fact that she is FELS' ex-wife has no inportance and won't affect her job at all. Esmeeth asks about the ring with the microphone. FELS says that he didn't notice it – his bad. OBD wasn't wearing it before – he has a photographic memory. It's clear that Vic knew something, says Esmeeth. FELS admits that maybe Vic knew his identity. Esmeeth leaves and FELS says that he isn't happy she is there. “I know,” says Dr. Montoya.

It was only 3 payments of $19.95 on QVC - DeRosas mansion
Vic tells Reina that this is first day that she can leave her “cell.” He puts a bracelet on her that monitors her 24/7. It has a camera and a microphone. Vic tells Reina that she will be a good obedient wife. Every bad thing that she does will make Clarita stay longer at the boarding school. The bracelet has GPS, too so that he will know where she is every minute of the day. Vic says that his little brother is very far away and he hates her as much as he, Vic, wants her. Reina offers Vic the red diamonds in exchange for her and Clarita's freedom.

Brussels
Some guys are sitting around a table. Pony-tail guy comes in and introduces Navier as Big O's son. Nav sits down and says that no one had better cheat him. He wants to know what is going on. He is in charge.

Estefi's mansion
Estefi's new best friend, Susana, has come over with a home pregnancy test. Susana wants to take Greta away. Estefi begs her not to. Greta comes in. She says that she doesn't want anything and nothing will make her happy. “Not even me?” asks Laz. Greta smiles.

There's a lot you don't know, Connie - DeRosas Mansion
Connie asks Isidro what he did with Clarita. He replies that he just followed orders and took her to the airport. “You separated a mother and child?” says Connie, “what kind of orders are those? What kind of person are you? I don't feel that I know you.”

Estefi's Mansion
Susana is holding the pregancy test stick. She imagines herself big with child, Juanjo coming in and asking why she didn't tell him. “Because you left and I didn't think you wanted to be the father of my child, “ she says. “I would do anything with you, my love,” he repies. Back to the present, Estefi comes in and says that they are going to the doctor. Susana says that she took the test and she is pregnant. They embrace.

DeRosas Mansion
Esmeeth comes to see Vic. Reina is there. She tells them that OBD is dead. She was involved in a diamond transaction. Victor says that he never imagined that she was involved in anything like that. Esmeeth says that phone records show that OBD called Vic right before she was killed. Vic claims that she wanted him to go to the atelier with her. Esmeeth says that Vic has to come in for questioning. He was OBD's lover. He is a suspect.

You might remember me as Fernando San Juan, suave diamond trafficker - CIA Headquarters
Victor is in the interrogation room. FELS comes in and introduces himself as Patricio Picasso, Head of Intelligence. He is going to interrogate Vic. Vic appears surprised.

 

Miércoles – Parte Dos

De Rosas Mansion
Connie tells Reina that they have to do something - go to Washington, look for Clara. Reina says that she isn't going to do anything. She is staying her with her husband. It's no use to insist.

SIX MONTHS LATER

We got a whole lot of frequent flier miles, too - Somewhere...
Voice over of Navier saying that he has learned much more about diamond trafficking from doing it than from books. We see dots move over a map of Europe and Asia. He says that he can do anything. It's time to return...

Employee of the Month is Javier Bolivar! - CIA Headquarters
We see Navier come in and be met by FELS and a whole group of other people. FELS congratulates him on doing a brilliant job. Many heads will fall but the mission isn't over. The objectives are Vic and Estefi. What is the plan, asks our grim, efficient hero. “The end of every love story – a wedding. You are going to marry Estefania Perez Hidalgo. Cara de sorpresa de Navier. “You can't be serious,” says Nav. “Since when have I ever not been serious, agent,” replies FELS. He says that he knows that Nav has been in contact with Estefi by phone and email. “That woman would die for you.” In Spanish, “se muere por sus huesos,” “she's dying for your bones.” We can't miss the opportunity to have a direct contact to her operations. “Propose to her today,” says FELS, “That is an order. The fact that you are in love with Reina Ortiz is irrelevant to this mission. Is that clear?”

DeRosas Mansion
Reina is sewing but not wedding dresses. Vic comes in with a bunch of roses and wishes her happy birthday. Reina says that she has nothing to celebrate. There are young girl's dresses all over the room. Vic says that her designs are getting better and better. He is sure that when Clara comes she will love them. “When is she coming?” demands Reina. Vic says that a make up artist and a hairdresser are coming to make Reina beautiful for the party he is giving her tonight. Reina says that she isn't going to a birthday party. She has nothing to celebrate. Vic says that she is going to go. She's been a good and submissive wife. He is going to give her a present. It isn't someone who went to Europe and is having wild parties and sex. Nor is it a person who hasn't tried to contact her in 6 months. It's not his brother. His surprise will be waiting at the party.

Did you bring me a present back from your trip to Europe? - CIA Headquarters
Navier comes in to Esmeeth's office. “You're back!” she says. “Very perceptive, Esmeeth.” replies Nav. “No hello or kiss?” asks Esmeeth. “Creo que no corresponde,” “I don't believe that's appropriate,” says Navier. He was looking for Rocky anyway. Esmeeth says that his time away was hard for her. She missed him very much. “Sorry,” says Nav, “I'm not prepared for emotional scenes. The last six months were like a non-stop action movie. “Los empalagosos no está para mi, me cae mal en este momento.” “Sickeningly sweet stuff is not for me, I don't like it right now.” Esmeeth wants to know if Nav is back for good to work with them. “The boss didn't tell you?” says Navier, “I'm going to get married.”

Did you want milk and sugar with your fake giant red diamond? - Estefi's Mansion
Estefi fondles one of the red diamonds. She is glad to have it back. A security guy of Vic's stole it. The guy who brought it wants to be paid. Stefi examines it to make sure that it is genuine. It's a fake. No one can fool the Queen of Diamonds. She makes the guy swallow the fake diamond! Lopez 2.0 hauls him off.




 

Miércoles – Parte Tres

Look who's holding a cup of coffee! It's Greta! So far it's just arms. She has been very happy with Estefi. Laz is so happy that she can touch and caress him.

CIA Headquarters
Dr. Montoya brings FELS a report. He tells her that before he wasn't happy that she was there but now he likes having her work under him. She hasn't mixed business with pleasure. She say that she won't do that but she thinks that FELS does it with others.

You never even came to Parents' Night - DeRosas Mansion
Vic leads Reina to the living room with her eyes closed. When she opens them, Clarita is there. Reina kisses her. She is so happy to see her. “Y yo te odio, Reina,” says little Clara and runs away. Reina follows and asks why she is acting this way. She shows her all the clothes she made for her. Clara says that her father told her the truth that Reina abadoned her because she had lost her memory and didn't love her. Reina says that Clara has to believe that she loves her. Clara says that she will never forgive her.

I guess I need to get a “mother of the groom dress” - CIA Headquarters
Esmeeth tells Nav that he shouldn't have to marry Estefi as part of his job. Incredulous, Nav asks if she is telling him to rebel. “Yes,” says Esmeeth. Thanks to you the CIA knows the names of more diamond traffickers than ever before. You're rich. You don't need this job. Retire.” “¿Puedo?” “I can?” asks Navier feigning surprise, “The boss doesn't have the same opinion. He threatened to send me or Reina to jail if I didn't cooperate.” “Poor Reina,” says Esmeeth, “she's already a prisoner.

It was cubic zirconia - DeRosas Mansion
Vic tells Izzy for our benefit that he had the fake diamond made to fool Estefi and stop her from trying to get the other one. He had his suspicions. He went to the bank with Reina. She was completely surprised that the diamonds were gone – we see this in flashback. He knows Reina didn't take them out of the bank herself, he monitored her on the GPS. He is sure that it was Estefi. Now they each have 2 of the red diamonds. One of them will have to have all 4 to end the curse.

Reina is pounding on the door. Vic hides his diamonds. Reina demands that he give her back her daughter's love or she will kill him. Reina says that she put up with this prison for six months. She gave up her whole life for her daughter. Vic replies that he will give her back her daughter's life for a price. He hasn't put a finger on her for six months. If she becomes a real wife, he will give her back her daughter's love. He will be waiting for her in his bed after the party and “si lleve un moño de regalo, mucho mejor,” “if you put a bow on, even better.”

Am I the only one who can get things done around here? - CIA Headquarters
Esmeeth tells Nav that no one, not even the boss could get access to Reina. She tells him that Reina can't go out, she doesn't have a phone. She can't even visit her daughter's boarding school in Washington. “¿Cómo?” asks Nav. “How come nobody told me?” Esmeeth replies that they didn't want to worry him. “Don't you realize that he is threatening her?” says Nav. Smith replies that they knew that but there was nothing they could do. Victor is too smart. He has an alibi. Nav says sarcastically that Victor seems to be smarter than all of the agents, especially you, Esmeeth. Rocky comes in. They have a man hug. He says that they need to talk.

 

Miércoles - Parte cuatro

They say that kissing is good therapy - Estefi's Mansion
Laz and Greta necking are necking on the couch. She gets a call. She doesn't take it. She doesn't want to go to Reina's birthday party. Laz asks why she hasn't spoken to her mother since they moved into Estefi's place. He says that he knows that Susana hasn't done anything to her. Greta replies that there are things you don't forget. Flashback to Victor sending Greta to a school in London and Susana not doing anything to stop it. Vic gives a speech about how she needs to go to the best school to be strong so that she won't end her life because of unrequited love like her sister. Greta tells her mother that she will never forgive her. Back to present. Greta says that is her mother. She loves her but what happened with Clara brought it all back how she was alone. Laz tells her that she is not alone. He asks her to forgive Susana or is it that she can't forgive Susana because of the pregnancy test she found.

Estefi is on the phone. She says that she wants a spectacular dress to outshine Reina at her birthday party. Lopez 2.0 comes in and tells her that the job is done. Estefi says that she knows that Vic is behind all this. He needs all four diamonds by the end of the year to end the curse. The curse that only a “maldita” person like herself can avoid.

I dreamed I ran an underwear business in my Maidenform bra - Camille store
Well look who's running Vic's legit business? It's Susana. She briefs her workers about a new campaign. Estefi shows up. She was nearby picking up her dress for the party. Susana isn't sure she wants to go. Being able to work has helped her to forget about Greta being out of her life. Estefi says that Susana is young and beautiful but hasn't dated anyone else. Is she still carrying the torch for Juanjo? Susana replies that she hasn't heard a word from JJ in six months. Maybe he will never return.

Juanjo is back and European travel seems to have given him a fashion update. He surprises Connie at the atelier in a jaunty hat and sweater. She is having a wedding dress fitted but it's a client's. She asks Juanjo about what countries he visited. Juanjo says that he has heard from Laz about her boyfriends. Connie says that they are both losers. She'd rather be alone. In comes a diffident Izzy with the invite to the party for Reina.

♬ ♪♫They say it's your birthday We're gonna have a good time ♬♪♫ DeRosas Mansion
It's party time! Vic tells Ausncion that Reina must come down to the party. Estefi is there in a red dress. Victor admires it. She says that her dress is red like red diamonds.. She scolds Vic for trying to pass off a fake red diamond on her. Susana comes in. She does not seem to be showing at all. Connie arrives. Izzy approaches but Christian intercepts her. Finally Reina comes downstairs to applause. She hits the landing just as Nav arrives at the party. He formally wishes her a happy birthday and moves away.

 

Jean - Thank you for the recap, snark and excellent Section Titles. You and NovelaMaven must have attended the same SectionTitles Seminar. :-)

The fact that FELS missed OBD's ring is cause for suspicion, in spite of his so-called photographic memory. Those looks between his ex and him are filled with communication, too.

If Vic is so smart to put the QVC BraceletSpyingDevice-2000 (which at least IS fashionable looking) on Reina, couldn't he have put something with a camera in OBD's ring? So he'd have an image of the "contact" person?

I just HATE that Victor has poisoned Clarita against Reina. Victor must die!

So now we know why Estefy wanted a Reina look-alike .... to raid the Safe Deposit Box and steal the red diamonds. She must have forged Reina's signature, too.

My telenovela beanie hat was on so tight that I saw Greata drinking from that mug and didn't even give it a second thought until Laz mentioned her progress.

Well, the telenovela beanie hat stays on because FELS ordering Navier to marry Estefy is just waaay out of line.
 

Forgot to include that "You never even came to Parents' Night - DeRosas Mansion" was my favorite~!
 

thanks so much Jean!
you guys are doing such a fantastic job with this novela that I don't think I would ever be able to follow the twists and turns without your help. Thank you so much for the time and effort you are putting in.

would you like a little whiskey with your ruby? gulp!

so cool that Nicolas and Reina arrive at the landing at the same time (like a couple of magnets) and enter the party together, for a moment, (would they have anything to discuss?), I didn't think Victor knew he was in town, has Nicolas come to propose, to Estefi?

will the dragona be there?

and I'm hoping he will recognize Reina's bracelet?

 

Jean--Excellent reportaje. I am in awe of all of you recap goddesses and our one good god.

I can't believe I missed the tie-in of the missing red diamonds from the bank vault with Stefi's Reina-look-alike campaign. Surely we will see it in a future flashback (how's that for an oxymoron).

Your section headliners are so clever. My favs--Frequent Flyer miles; I Dreamed I Ran...Maidenform bra (boy, I can still remember those commercials--scandalous scanties); Do You Want Milk & Sugar--shoot, I loved them all and they really set up each section perfectly.

You all discussed Pablo Azar yesterday. Well, my heart belongs to Carlos Ferro, "smoldering eyes" or not. He has a cute wry sideways smile and a cute hang-dog expressive face, if nothing else. I would like to see him move up a notch and see if he's got the right stuff for a major role. Many moons ago, I said he'd been in Eva Luna, but spent most of the tn in jail for helping Alicia.

And, speaking of Eva Luna, I think Televisa shipped the house and furniture from the Eva Luna set to Brussels. I'm sure I recognized the interior of Don Julio Arismendi's home after he came back from the dead and was hiding out from Marcela. (The couch seemed to be the one in Marcela's mansion parlor.) But ni modo, our CIA Employee of the Month isn't going back to Brussels anytime soon (much to my relief).

Thank you, Reina writers for not making us get into all the international travel and Octavio's underworld businesses and keeping Reina and Nicolas apart for the next 30 episodes.
 

Jean- Most excellent! It seems our theory about why Stefi was looking for the Reina look-a-like was correct. To get the two red diamonds. Vic and Stefi are tied 2-2.

I'm a bit disappointed in Reina for bending to Vic's will these last 6 months with NO payoff. And I'm VERY disappointed in the CIA for doing nothing about her imprisonment. They're the fricking CIA! Well, now that Navier is back in town, we can finally get some movement. Maybe he can help with the Clara situation.

By the way, although I hate that Clara has come back a hateful brat, I'm happy they had her drop that baby voice she had been using to mimic a 7 year old, although she's clearly more like 10.
 

The Susana pregnancy thing is confusing. Apparently she WAS pregnant. But she's not anymore. She said the reason to Stefi, I think, but I didn't quite catch it.

Just how did Greta find Susana's pregnancy test when she could barely move at the time?
 

♬ ♪♫They say it's your birthday We're gonna have a good time ♬♪♫

...and it WAS a good time. First we got to watch a dynamite episode and then we got to read your SUPERB recounting of it, Jean. Thank you! The recapping gods WERE smiling.

While this episode was structured as if intact (it began with reminders of key scenes from the day before,it included the theme song and credits after the first commercial break, and there were no obvious choppy segues from one scene to the next), I had the feeling that a whole CHUNK of episodes had been cut and perhaps this pivotal one was partly reshot to accommodate the decision to shorten the novela.

It's unusual to introduce a character like Ponytail, set him up as Navier's ally, and then just forget about him.

It's odd to simply say that Navier did what he had to do and not show us a little of that (and a little of Juanjo's adventures too).

It's odd that we had no hint that Victor had offered Susana the management of Camille. Why did he do that anyway? And is Susana still pregnant? I couldn't tell.

It's odd that we didn't even have a glimpse of the Fake Reina Diamond Caper (which both Jean and Vivi called a couple of days ago). We go from Reina offering her banked diamonds in exchange for her freedom to "Six Months Later." Then we have to piece together how it happens that she is still under Victor's thumb.

This episode was kind of like the very first one with its back-and-forthness and its challenges to the viewer's memory. I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm just wondering.
 

I thought that Susana wasn't pregnant anymore either but I was watching carefully and I didn't see her tell Estefi why. I suppose Susana could have let the stick just fall out of her giant bag on the floor and Greta saw it. Who knows?
 

Vivi,

Did Susana tell Estefi she was no longer pregnant? I'll have to go back to the episode when I have a moment and listen for that. I completely missed it.

We've seen Clara behave like this before. Remember how the late unlamented OBD told her that Reina couldn't possibly love her because if she did, she would remember her? Clara BELIEVED OBD and it took a bit of talking to persuade her otherwise.

This business of her mother not remembering her is a sensitive button that the villains know how to push. Only this time, Clara has had six lonely months to ruminate. [To quote Jean, You never even came to Parents' Night.]
 

no Dragon pictures for Reina, that's for sure.

but, but, but, look I've been making dresses for you for 6 months.

 

Wonderful recap, Jean. Many thanks. It was delightful AND it cleared up a number of things I hadn't understood. Thanks too for translating some of the Spanish.

Your section titles were fantastic. I especially like the Maidenform bra (yes, I too remember the ads), Parents Night, and the "do you want milk and sugar with your fake giant red diamond?"

I am sure I saw Greta move more than her arms last night. As she was lying on the couch, suddenly she raised her left leg a bit. I assumed that was an error, but shortly after that she and Laz talked about the fact that she can now move her arms. So I guess the small leg movement isn't a huge gaffe. Apparently she's on her way to a full recovery.
 

You may be right, NovelaMaven, about the weird way the episode was put together. It definitely was not cut from the one that was shown in Mexico because that is what I watched before this one was broadcast. I was wrong before, though, Reina is not over in Mexico. They are up to capitulo 102. I don't like to check the website of the Mexican network too much because you can't avoid spoilers.

Speaking of the red diamonds, we did have that scene last week where Estefi had two red diamonds. This was while she was looking for Reina impersonators. We speculated that she had fake red diamonds to put in the safe deposit box but obviously that was not correct. I think it was just a continuity error or a relic of our assumed shortening of the novela.
 

One more thing. I was struck by how upset Navier was when he learned that Clara had been sent to an internado. That seemed to set him off even more than learning that Reina has been essentially a prisoner for the past six months. I wonder whether Navier's feelings for Clara will wind up helping to restore her love for Reina.
 

Susana had on a loose top during the business meeting at Camille, but she did not look 6 1/2 to 7 months pregnant at Reina's. I don't recall any mention of her no longer being pregnant. Did I miss something? Or a continuity fail at T'mundo?

That dress Connie wore to Reina's B'day party was the most horrendous design I've ever seen, for someone who works in the trade. Loved the color, hate the dress. Do not let her try out for Project Runway.
 

Someone who hasn't seen the episode yet will have to watch the scene where Stefi comes to see Susana at work carefully. I don't remember the exact words, but there was definitely some mention of Susana NOT being pregnant anymore. No idea what the reason is. Then confirmed when we saw Susana in her slinky dress at the party. I assume we'll get further explanation tonight.
 

When I looked closely, I found a bit of a mess:

7:00
Susana: [Holds pregnancy test box] I don't want to do it.
Estefania: If you don't want to, don't do it. I'll go to the doctor with you tomorrow. It's okay, take it easy...
S: Take it easy? How? With everything that's going on and with Greta. Yo quiero llevarmela. (I want to take her.)
E: Don't do that to me Susana -- for God's sake, I beg you. Don't take her away. It's a chance for me to be with her.

10:26
Susana puts a pregnancy test stick in her purse and imagines herself, hugely pregnant, telling Juanjo about the baby:
J: Why didn't you tell me?
S: Because you went away and I didn't think you wanted to be the father of my child.
J: I want it all with you.

Enter Estefania. She tells Susana that Greta is settled in happily with Laz; she is ready to go to the doctor with Susana.
E: You need to know right now whether or not you're pregnant.
S: I already did the test.
E: And?
S: I'm pregnant.
Estefi hugs her, thrilled at the news.
S: I'm expecting Juanjo's child.

There is no scene showing Greta finding or seeing the test or overhearing the results.

47:00
Greta tells Laz that Clara's exile to boarding school has stirred up all her old feelings about Susana and her failure to defend her. (Young Greta: Un animal hubiera hecho más que tú para proteger a su cria. An animal would have done more to protect its young.) She loves her mother but realizes her limitations. Laz urges her to forgive Susana. Is it really because of the past? Or is it that she can't forgive her for the pregnancy test she found?

53:00
Susana is shown as the executive at Camille. She is discussing a new line, Madres y Mujeres with a couple of assistants. We see photos of an obviously pregnant model showing off the new line. Susana is wearing a loosely draped top and the camera doesn't give us a good look at her middle.

E: I love seeing you here, in charge of all this. I remember your face when Victor gave you the responsibility for this business; and look at you -- now you've become quite the executive.
S: It was a very 'special' moment in my life. I was feeling so disappointed (desilusionada). Although at first I was terrified at the possibility of being pregnant, after a while I had gotten used to the idea/ I was excited about the idea. (Ya me había hecho a la idea)
E: Well the important thing is that now you're healthy and working.
S: Yes, work conceals/covers a lot of things. (El trabajo tapa muchas cosas.) It keeps you from thinking -- especially about Greta's distance in the last few months. I remember when she saw the test that I, like a fool, left lying around with among my stuff. She never believed my explanation.
E: Susana, you're a beautiful young woman. You're free. All this time, you haven't gone out with anyone. Are you still waiting for Juanjo?
S: I haven't heard from Juanjo in six months, and maybe I'll never see him again.

59:29
Susana enters the party wearing a figure-hugging beige dress with a well-defined waist. She can't possibly be seven months pregnant.
-------------

I think there's a real disconnect here. There's no mention of a miscarriage or abortion. The theme of the new line at Camille suggests that Susana is thinking about pregnancy; her appearance in the office leaves the possibility open that she is still pregnant; but her appearance at the party seems to show that she is not.

I think they really dropped the ball. Or the baby. Or something.
 

NM--Dropping the baby, good one. I was also confused by the clothing. Susana's birthday gown couldn't have been hiding a 7 month pregnancy, although some women don't show much until the last couple of months. The dress was a little loose, but not that loose.
 

BTW, thank you so much for the word-for-word translation of the important stuff in that convo.

In your review, Susana never directly refers to a expecting a baby when talking about Greta reaction, only about the pregnancy TEST.

Hmmm. Surely we will know in a couple of hours what happened. These writers do love their flashbacks.
 

NovelaMaven - THANK YOU for checking on the pregnancy thing. Egads.....the story line was rather chopped, much like watching a 6-hr DVD version of a 12-months-long telenovela.


YIKES!!!
Driving home today, I had a Green Rodentia KIA vehicle sighting! I think KIA is taking over our city.
First the dragonmobile, now the rodentmobile. Eeeeeek!
 

Anita and Doris, you are welcome! I just had to clarify that for myself. I fear our show will not withstand close scrutiny in many ways. As you say, Anita, we're likely to get an explanatory flash-back.

Jean already pointed out the continuity goof concerning the two red diamonds. Estefi was shown with them before she could have recovered them. (We can turn ourselves into pretzels trying to explain that -- they were actually replicas, etc etc etc. But the fact is, it was the kind of inconsistency you get when you start slicing and dicing.)

Doris, you have far more Kia sightings in your life book than I do. On a good day, I might see a can or two of Dr. Pepper.
 

Thanks, NovelaMaven for the detail. I'm glad I didn't miss anything in my recap. As I'm on my way to the airport and won't be able to see the novela tonight, I already watched it online and yes, in a few hours you will know what happened.
 

No, Jean, you didn't miss a thing!

Safe travels, amiga!
 

Thanks Jean for another marvelous recap!

I can't believe 6 months passed without anybody being able to help Reina. She's at the mansion all the time with limited contact to the outside world, and nobody really bats an eye or is able to help???? (I must be channeling some of the Dragon's frustration). Of course, she probably wouldn't have accepted any help knowing she had a wifey cam, and that seeing her daughter depended on good behavior. (IDK why but typing it out makes it seem even more awful, I must be a good wife to see my daughter, ughhhhh)

NovelaMavan, thanks for the timeline on Susanna's pregnancy! Hopefully we'll see more of an explanation on tonight's episode.

Deb, I also like how they choreographed Reina & Javier's entrance to the party, yep just like magnets. It's always feels like a must-see episode, but I'm really looking forward to all of tonight's reunions. Did anyone notice the look on Vic's face when he saw how close Estefi and Susanna had become? Juan Soler is so subtle, but he face was like "ughhh now I have to deal with my two exes being friends?!" LOL

jlk

 

jlk--
Not only the two exes as friends, but with OBD's recent "unfortunate" demise, he has no one available for a quickie booty-call. I hope this doesn't lead to any pent-up violence toward Reina tonight.
 

Jean, the titles are hilarious. You didn't come to Parents Night!

Vivi I am with you. The CIA with all its resources couldn't spring Reina from the clutches of a private citizen ( even though he is rich). Pobre CIA. And why couldn't they see her with the magic screen? LOL.

Penny
 

NovelaMaven- Thanks for going back and giving us the details of the conversations. I think I latched on to the word "disappointed" in that conversation and the way Susana said it, and assumed it referred to the loss of her baby/end of her pregnancy.
 

Re Thursday's show:

That felt squished together -- anybody know for sure if the Telemundo scissors were out? (Or the T. machete, rather.)

Vivi, That makes sense. It was ambiguous.

I won't say anything more specific because I know that those of you on the west coast haven't seen the show yet, but I hated hated hated the way it ended.
 

Usually nothing shocks me in this novela anymore. But that shot of Rocky did it.
 

Jueves Part 1

Party Crashers

Navier crashes what was already a doomed to be miserable birthday bash. He has brought Reina a gift - not sure what it was exactly but looked to me like it was an expensive bracelet. Reina thanks him for the gift and puts it down.

"Darling look who it is" she tells Victor. She refers to Navier as cuñado [brother in law] and sarcastically thanks him for coming. "You'll have to tell me all about your European vacation" she tells him sarcastically. Sure thing! Why the three of them [Reina, Victor, & Navier] can have dinner together and he can tell them all about his vacation. Reina sarcastically says "that would be wonderful" and she excuses herself to go and greet the other guests. Victor sarcastically welcomes back his little bro.

JJ has crashed the birthday bash as well. JJ and Susana spot each other.

Perhaps A "Do Not Disturb" Sign Would Help?

Esmeeth chews out FELS telling him he has no right to manipulate Navier's life. "It is indispensible for him get married!" she tells him. FELS lets her know that he is the one who decides what is or isn't indespensible.

The chat then becomes shall we say intimate and definitely not professional like FELS claims to be.

FELS tells Esmeeth that she should be grateful that he's a professional [yeah right!] or else all their problems would be solved in bed.

Rocky interrupts with the news that Dr. Montoya is analyzing the corpse found at the zona de casinos [The Strip]. He realizes the tension in the room and asks if he was interrupting. Esmeeth storms out of the room. "You were interrupting" FELS tells Rocky. FELS is always being interrupted with Esmeeth. Especially by Rocky who seems to have the don [gift] of interrupting.

Our Only Happy Couple Of The Evening And Even They Had Their Issues

Laz and Greta have a romatinic night. It is their night. They deserve it after having fought for their love.

There are candles. There are flowers. There is dessert [No not that kind..at least not yet]. There is a toast to their love. There are smoochies.

Laz carries Greta to the bedroom. Greta would love to wrap her legs around him. She saw this in a movie [hmm..hopefully it wasn't one of Estefi's movies; no cards or letters please!]. Laz tells her she already has with her heart. He wants to take the initiative. He takes off his shirt. No bare chest is exposed. Instead we forced to look at what looks like a sweater vest [not sure why he's wearing that]. We do get a glimpse of his muscular arms though. I suppose that will have to do for now. Anyway, Greta tells him he could start with removing her shoes. More smoochies. Some are on the lips while there are others on the shoulder and the neck.

Greta tells Laz this is her first time. Laz takes a step back. He puts his shirt back on. She thought he'd be happy with the news. A feeling of responsibility has overwhelmed Laz. He's scared. It is because he loves her that he feels this way. She asks him what he is more afraid of - her virginity or her paralysis. He is scared of hurting her. He never loved anyone like he loves her. He apologizes but he can't do it. She asks him not to leave because she can't follow him. He leaves the room and heads back downstairs where we see him think.

Greta is left alone and thinks about making a phone call but doesn't make the call. Laz returns. He wants to make love. He wants to be her first and her last. More smoochies.

Is It Love Or Hate?

Reina and Asuncion enter the study. Reina is all out of breath. Her soul is leaving her body! She's trembling.

The diagnosis - Asuncion says it's love. Reina says it's hate.
 

Jueves Part 2

From Conniving Bastard To Loving Dad

Victor asks Izzy to get the 411 on Navier. When did he return? Where was he? What was he doing? Where does he live? Izzy is on it. Victor tells Izzy that he doesn't want Navier to be near his daughter. "Understood" says Izzy.

Clara comes into the room. Izzy pretends to leave but stands behind the door and eavesdrops. Clara doesn't want to go to the birthday bash. Victor pretends to be a loving father and tells Clara she doesn't have to attend the party. He tells Clara that he'll do what he can to get her out of the boarding school. Of course they will have to talk it over with Reina first.

Was The Red Diamond Part Of His Diet?

Esmeeth enters forensics as Dr. Montoya analyzes a corpse. A sheet coveniently covers up the corpse's naughty parts [No cards or letters please!]. Esmeeth tells Dr. Montoya the now dead man was found near The Strip. He had been stabbed but was still alive. They took charge of the case because the man was supposed to tell them something about the diamonds but didn't make it alive. Dr. Montoya shows Esmeeth the red diamond found in the corpse's abdonimal cavity.

A Dragon Never Forgets. Never.

Estefi enters the study and finds Navier there. She's upset with him because he hadn't been answering her calls or emails in over a month. He tells her he's been busy! She thinks perhaps his new life as a millionaire has made him forget all about her. He didn't forget. He's not like Reina. She thinks he has forgotten about her. He says he didn't forget. He remembers everything. Especially who she is! Dun Dun Dun.

Dos Hombres Un Camino

Connie whines to JJ about her shoes. She's not used to wearing high heels.

Connie tells JJ that Susana hasn't stopped looking at him.

JJ notices Chirstian and Izzy have been looking at Connie. He tells Connie that there are two people looking at her. Christian approaches Connie. She asks him what is new and he says nothing much just some arrests and criminals. He tells Connie that all this time he has been thinking about her.

Susana bumps into JJ.

From Birthday Bash To Slapfest

Navier sits alone in the study and has drink. Reina enters. He comments on the beautiful birthday bash and she tells him it's a dream the kind only her hubby could arrange. He takes the monitoring device [a watch] off her arm and he deactivates it. He tells her that she was a prisioner. She tells him that she was and it is all thanks to him. She slaps him. He asks if she'll continue to hit him because if that makes her feel better... as a matter of fact it does make her feel better so she goes in for round two and slaps him again. [Ouch!] She tells him that she'd kill him if she could. He knows she can't because she hasn't forgotten his kisses or his caresses. She insults him and tells him he is heartless. She tells him that he wooed her and made her think of marriage and escaping together. She tells him that he took her heaven only to abandon her in hell. Navier says that hell is where has been for years. Victor enters and comments on the touching reunion he is witnessing. He wonders who the reunion is with. Javier Bolivar? Nicolas Nuñez? Navier says it's with Navier De Rosas. That's right bro! Navier now has the De Rosas name.
 

Jueves Part 3

The Red Diamond And The Death Of The Man Must Be Linked...Duh FELS! Duh!

Dr. Montoya examines the red diamond under her microscope. Esmeeth wonders if the red diamond is the one from the exhibition. FELS enters. Dr. Montoya informs them that the red diamond is a fake. Esmeeth thinks perhaps the now dead man tried to sell the diamond and someone realized it was a fake. FELS says they made the man swallow the diamond and then tried to stab him to death but didn't make sure he was dead. FELS says that evidently the existence of the red diamond is linked to the man's death [duh!] Esmeeth says they know of two people interested in the diamonds - Estefi and Victor.

You Know Nothing

Victor tells Reina he doesn't like her going off with Navier. He thinks he'll be able to to find out what she was talking about with Navier by listening to the recording but surprise surprise she's not wearing the monitoring watch. He relizes that it was deactivated. She tells him she doesn't know what happened. He tells her that she knows nothing. Nothing. She didn't know anything about the red diamonds and now she doesn't know anything about the watch. He hopes that tonight she will know what a good wife has to do to make him happy. And he hopes she does it.

BFF Moment #1

Susana tells Estefi that she and JJ haven't spoken. Estefi comments on how handsome JJ is looking. "So much that it hurts" says Susana.

The Clara Situation

Navier asks Asuncion about Clara. Asuncion tells him Clara is back but something is not right because Clara doesn't love Reina. She tells Navier that this will hurt Reina. She excuses herself.

And When We Thought This Birthday Bash Couldn't Be Anymore Miserable.....Bam! We Have A Marriage Proposal

Navier approaches Estefi. She doesn't want to speak to him. She asks if he was with Reina. Did they kiss? Did he touch her? He asks her what he has to do so she can forgive him. She's not sure.

Navier knows what to do. He calls the attention of the other guests including Reina and Victor who have appeared on the scene.

He says some words about being far away for months and reuniting with his beloved family. A family that has welcomed him with open arms. Because as they all know he's Dead O's son. All this time he's been away has made him realize that he wants to be with his family. He says that there is a woman who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. Distance has made him love this woman more. A woman who is his place in the world because he wants to be where she is. He pulls out a ring and gets on his knees. He asks Estefi if she wants to marry him. Of course she accepts after saying some words about him being the man she's always dreamed of and him being the one who restored her will to live and yada yada. He puts the ring on her finger and kisses her hand. Reina deeply hurt by all of this calls for a round of applause.

It's My Party And I'll Scream If I Want To..Scream If I Want To..

The whole marriage proposal has deeply affected Reina. So much that when she enters the study she screams. She's raging mad. She hates Estefi and Navier! She would kill them if she had something to kill them with. Reina wonders why Navier wants to hurt her so much. Reina says she has to remain calm for Clara. Clara can't see her like this. Reina tells Connie that Clara hates her. She tells Connie that Victor made Clara believe that she had abandoned her. There are things that she hasn't told Connie because Victor had been monitoring her via the recording device on her arm but things will now change.

Asuncion interrupts. Time to cut the cake! Connie leaves.

Before Reina leaves to cut the cake, Asuncion wishes Reina peace and happiness on this special day. She hugs Reina and tells her that she wishes this from the bottom of her heart as if she were her mother.
 

Jueves Part 4

BFF Moment #2

JJ doesn't get the marriage proposal. Navier had spent all these months thinking about Reina and hardly spoke to Estefi. JJ doesn't think Navier should get married but Navier says he has made up his mind. Susana interrupts the BFF moment and tells them that it's time to cut the cake. Navier leaves. JJ asks Susana if she was able to forget him. She says she hasn't but she knows that he was able to forget her.

Make three wishes and blow out the candles!

Victor says some words before Reina blows out her candles.

"Esta son las mañanitas..."

Reina’s birthday wishes are her daughter’s love. She blows out the candles.

Connie takes a selfie of she Reina. [Really Connie? This isn't necessairly a birthday party that Reina will want to remember]

Victor Wants His Birthday Present But Hey He's Not The Birthday Boy!

Victor is the mood for some lovemaking. But before he chats with Reina about what a nice birthday bash it was except for the that whole marriage proposal which was of poor taste [have to agree with that one. how rude of our Dragon to propose on someone else's day] He asks Reina what she's capable of doing in order to get the love of her daughter back. Oh Reina is willing to love and tell her daughter she loves her everyday and she's willing to have patience until her daughter forgives her. She says all this as she seductively removes her robe. She tells Victor that there is one power she has over him and she plans on using it. She tells him that she'll never ever sleep with him. He will never have her.

Murderers And Pervs

FELS startles a sleeping Esmeeth. He seems to enjoy this a lot. He tells her to be more careful. It could have been a murderer or a perv. "Here?" she asks him. "Murderers are everywhere" he tells her. "What about pervs?" she asks him. She then changes the subject and asks if there is anything new. He sends her home to go and rest so she can be refreshed for tomorrow when Dr. Montoya gives them her report. She tells him that Dr. Montoya is very efficient. He tells her that Dr. Montoya is efficient working but not much as a wife. Esmeeth tells him that they make a nice pair. "A nicer pair then we make?" he asks. She says of course especially because of the age differences. He tells her that there were no differences in bed. Has she forgotten? She tells him that she forgets things she didn't like fast. He thought she enjoyed it a lot.

Dr. Montoya shows up. She tells them she won't have the results until tomorrow. FELS says that is what he was telling Esmeeth. He leaves.

Dr. Montaya advises Esmeeth to be careful with FELS because he's not trasnparent or trustworthy or a good person.

When Will These People Learn To Lock Their Doors?

Estefi catches Greta and Laz in bed together the following morning. She isn't mad they slept together. All she wants is Greta's happiness. Greta is the happiest woman ever!

More FELS and Esmeeth

FELS comes into Esmeeth's office and asks where Rocky is. Esmeeth hasn't seen him since last night. FELS needs him to investigate something. FELS knows who makes the perfect diamond replicas. It's Old Nimoy! But he's dead. FELS needs to know who is running the antique shop now and to whom he has given the perfect replica of the red diamond. Esmeeth is on it. She is about to leave and he asks for goodbye kiss. She asks if Dr. Montoya discovered what she has told him. Yes, it was Dr. Montoya. Esmeeth tells FELS that Dr. Montoya must be intelligent because after all she divorced him. FELS tells Esmeeth that intelligent woman are his type and there are some who can't leave him no matter how hard they try. Esmeeth leaves. FELS smirks. [He seems to be enjoying this game he has with Esmeeth ALOT]
 

Jueves Part 5
Navier Moves In

Victor tells Reina he's going out with Clara but Clara doesn't want to go out with Reina.

Navier arrives. He's moving in. He doesn't have to remind them that he owns the house too, does he? Victor welcomes him. Reina doesn't want Navier to move in. Navier tells them they are welcomed to move if they like. Victor says they aren't going nowhere. Reina will change her mind. Victor mentions that perhaps Reina doesn't want Navier to move in because she doesn't want anyone intruding on her newfound intimacy with Victor. Navier mentions that when he gets married he and Estefi will move in. Reina doesn't like this.

Flashback Moment

Estefi has the two red diamonds that once were in Reina's posession. She recalls how she snooped arround in Reina's room and came upon some document. Not sure exactly what that was. Anyway, her whole idea with finding a Reina look alike was so that the look alike could impersonate Reina and get the diamonds out of the security box at the bank. The look alike also knew how to forge Reina's signature.

Victor Shows His Little Bro His Room

Victor shows Navier to his room. He offers to give Navier the room he is using since after all he hardly sleeps there now that he spends more time in Reina's room. Navier is ok with this room. Victor leaves him to get settled in.

Rocky Knows It All

Navier receives a message from Rocky. Rocky knows who is behind the attacks on Reina and it's chilling. He's sure Navier has never heard such a thing.

Christian Wants A Second Chance

Christian visits Connie. He found her there because the bridal shop will open late due to the birthday bash last night. Christian wants Connie to give him a second chance. He knows he's made mistakes. He doesn't want for her to answer him now. He wants her to think about it. They kiss.

BFF Moment #3

Susana is at Camilee and leaves a voicemail for Estefi. She knows Estefi must be thrilled with her wedding preparations. She reminds Estefi that she has a friend. They could talk. She asks Estefi to call her.

Love Moment Well Sort Of

JJ shows up at Camilee. Susana says she was about to leave. She tells him that she is running Camilee now. He tells her that she's a real businesswoman now. She tells him that she found her place. It helps her not to think. He asks her if she thinks about him. She tells him that he left six months ago and she did what she could. She tells him that she tried to recover from her miscarriage. She tells him that when he left she was pregnant.

I'd Never Turn Down A 3D Movie

Clara is still mad at Reina and turns down going to see a 3D movie with Reina. She's off to see her friend. She tells Reina to go back to work.

Navier shows up. Dragona and Dragon are reunited. She knows he is her Tio Dragon and she was happy to hear that when Victor told her about it when he went to see her at the boarding school. Navier says he knows now why they cared about each other since they met.

Victor and Clara leave.

Reina asks Navier how he could be so cruel. Isn't it enough what he did? She asks him to look at her. She has lost everything. She doesn't even have the love of her daughter which is most important to her. She doesn't have his love either. She has nothing. What more does he want? He tells her that he wants a lot but they are condemned to never having anything ever again.

RIP Rocky

Reina finds Rocky's dead body at the bridal shop. His lips have been sewn shut.
 

Mauricio – You got a doozy of an episode! Thanks for the recap and section titles. (My fav is “It's My Party And I'll Scream If I Want To..Scream If I Want To..”)


I knew SOMETHING was going to happen at the bridal shop because the camera lingered too long on Reina hanging up those wedding dresses, but I did not see that one coming. ** Aaaaaack! I had cara de impactada.
I really, truly, seriously do not trust FELS. Especially after that.


So, Navier can easily remove the QVC BraceletSpyingDevice-2000 and deactivate it in less than a second. The abilities of a Dragon never cease to amaze me.


Calling Dr. Oz . . . Is there a doctor in the house? Medical Moment questions!

Inquiring minds want to know---

1.) Greata is still a paraplegic. Do we assume she has no feeling in her legs? Other parts below-the-waist? Is she capable of feeling anything while doing the mattress dance with Laz? I’m bumfuzzled by this.

2.) Shouldn’t the fake red diamond guy have choked to death on that big honkin’ red diamond? How did he live that long AND talk? People choke to death on much smaller things.



** as your resident sewing forista, I had to admire the evenly spaced, consistent length of the stitching across Rocky's mouth.
 

I have posted PAGE TWO for this week. I think we are going to need it!!

 

Mauricio--A lot of scenery got chewed last night, and you spit it out and put it all back together for us. Marvelous recap.

For a fairly depressing episode, we were treated to a lot of very smart dialog & repartee. I think the original writers are back from their break.

Mauricio--Javier De Rosas owns HALF the house. Remember early days when Big O showed up and insisted on his right to live there because Victor had never bought him out (nor did he probably want him to).

Since Javier used to live there, why didn't Victor offer him his first room back--sort of as a here is your old room in the servant's wing--just to needle Javier some more. It would have been a nice touch for the Dragon to refuse. Anyway, I don't really like his new suite. Too much dark furniture. But it's probably closer to Reina's.

The most touching, happy scene was the reunion of Javier and Clara. Reina watched intensly. So, La llamada de la sangre was just between an uncle and niece. Oh, if he only knew.

Got some great lines for the Wisdom column, but the removal of the QVC BraceletSpyingDevice-2000 and deactivating it was over the top.

Shoot, now I have to add another main character to the Body Count. Rocky was one I kind of came to expect to be around to be Smeeth's sounding board. She has no one left to strategize and swap office gossip with. Somehow I don't think she and the Lady Doctor, EX are going to become best buds.




 

Ooops, looks like I just missed the cutoff deadline.

Could we continue commenting on Thursday's episode here? It makes it so much easier and fun to go back and forth to the recap.
 

Comments for this episode are continuing on Page Two.