Caray, Caray!

Thanks so much, NovelaMaven! I've sent my e-mail!!

I didn't have the time to comment on the old thread, but I had a general malaise all week-end as well. I blame this editing business.
 

Thanks, NovelaMaven. I've been bummed out, ever since reading that this is being chopped up like cole slaw. I will send Tmundo an email, too.
 

Okay... email sent to Tmundo a minute ago.

As for tonight's episode ... ding dong the witch is dead. So, she and BigDO are off the payroll. That will leave room in the budget for some new characters.

"Lazarus, rise and be well." LOL!
I've been waiting for something like that.
 

Part 1, lunes

De Rosas Mansion
Victor tells Navier that Reina has a rare and fatal blood disease. Navier seems really stricken by the news, but as soon as Victor walks away, he calls Rocky. "Reina's disease is fake, right?" Rocky confirms it is part of the boss's plan.

Bridal Workshop
Izzy shows up with an engagement ring for Connie and discovers that the worst cop in Vegas has beat him to the punch: Connie shows off the diamond she is already wearing on her ring finger.

Creepy, Scary Drug Place
Odious Bitch Miriam (OBM) phones someone and orders that person to bring her as much "you know what" as possible. She's leaving the country!

Somehow Lázaro and Juanjo have caught up with OBM in the Creepy Place. Laz says he's going to tell the police what she did to Greta.

Greta's Bedside
Greta thanks Estefi for saving her life. Estefi says if anything had happened to Greta, she'd never have forgiven herself. "You see me as a daughter, don't you?" asks Greta.

Creepy, scary drug place
OBM blames Laz for ... pretty much everything. Juanjo says she's the only one responsible and she deserves to be punished. Laz won't allow her to continue hurting Greta.

Greta's Bedside
"I would have loved having a daughter like you -- brave, decisive," Estefi tells her. Roman walks up to Greta and asks her to forgive him for what his mother did. Greta is very sweet to Roman. It's not his fault his mother is an Odious Bitch, she tells the kid.

Creepy Place -- Tears of the Crocodile
OBM rants. She gave Laz a child and he STILL doesn't love her. He points out she just tried to kill someone. And even though she's crying, it's clear she feels no guilt at all.

Bedside -- Tears of the Heart
"Why are you crying?" asks Roman. "Because my heart aches," says Greta.

Creepy place
"I'll never let you go," says OBM as she moves close to Laz, ostensibly to embrace him. She reaches in her pocket, pulls out a knife, and plunges it into Laz's belly. "Die, bastard," she whispers in his ear. Then she runs away leaving Laz to collapse into Juanjo's arms. "Call a doctor!" yells Juanjo.

The Study, De Rosas Mansion -- Big O Mocks
Everyone stares at the image of Big O on the small screen as he continues his mocking reading of his will:

Sara or Esmeeth or whatever your name is -- the only woman I ever loved -- I leave you the mansion in Mexico where we lived our secret love; I leave you my apartment in Acapulco where we spent a fugitive weekend together -- are you blushing? No more details in public, but WOW, Sara, WOW!

[Here the smarmy lawyer smirkingly interrupts to explain that Big O left some personal CD's to be viewed after the video.]

Susana -- Susy -- you get the Fifth Avenue apartment in New York. You were the ideal daughter-in-law. Too bad my idiot son never realized it.

Big O reads from a small diary:
I have a fortune to distribute...let's see: ten properties in London, a mansion in Switzerland, an estate in Antwerp (una finca en Amberes), three art galleries in Paris, apartments in New York, Miami, Rome, Madrid, London, Milan, Switzerland, a hacienda in the south of Argentina, a stud farm for horses in Buenos Aires, a collection of thirty exclusive cars...

...kids, manage things carefully, ok?

Three hotels in Las Vegas, one half of the De Rosas mansion, a private plane, yachts, three small planes.

My estate is worth more than $3 billion dollars.(tres mil miliones de dollares).

I own coffee plantations in Colombia and oil wells in Indonesia. I own a soccer team in Brazil. My chain of jewelry stores has branches all over the world -- so many I can't remember them all. The lawyers will tell you the rest.
 

Part 2

You're probably wondering who gets all this. Victor, I bet you expect it will be you; but you already have too much. [Big O chuckles wickedly.] No, I'm leaving it all to MY SON JAVIER BOLÍVAR.

Victor fumes. Esmeeth looks worried. So does Reina. Navier doesn't look happy.

[We get the song! Yay! Does that mean it's a full episode? Woo Hoo!]

Even from the grave, Big O continues to rub Victor's nose in it: Yes, Javier is my son -- he already knows that. And with the inheritance, he'll be able to do what he wants, even buy you out, Victor.

Big O addresses Javier directly: You have no idea how much power you have now!

Then Big O signs off -- Satan is waiting for him at the poker table...in hell! Ciao!

Navier sneaks a look at his big brother's sneering face.

Creepy Place
Laz asks Juanjo to look after Greta, Connie and Roman...

Bridal Workshop
"You're not getting married," says Izzy. "Am so!" says Connie. "Are not!" says Izzy. They'd probably go on, but just then Connie gets a call from Juanjo telling her that Laz has been stabbed. [Let's hope he called 911 first.]

The Study
The lawyer gives an envelope to both Victor and Navier. These are Big O's last words for his sons, he says. Vic asks the others to step out so he and his querido hermano can talk privately.

The smarmy lawyer, who knows which side HIS bread is buttered on, passes his card to Navier -- he is at his disposal -- and leaves the brothers alone, Victor glaring, Navier holding his injured ribs and looking quizzically at Victor.

Greta's bedside
Greta is getting worried. Why doesn't Laz answer his phone? Estefi calls again and Juanjo answers. By this time, the rescue squad is there. Whew! JuanJo tells her what happened -- Laz is unconscious and he's lost a lot of blood. They're taking him to the hospital.

Estefi tells Greta that Laz couldn't answer the phone because he was arguing with Miriam. Greta has a terrible sense of foreboding.

Living room
Reina (looking cute as a button in a flirty strapless mini-dress) and Susana talk about how the inheritance will affect Victor and Navier. Susana wonders -- if Navier already knew he was Big O's son, then he didn't come to the De Rosas home by chance. Then it occurs to Susana to ask the next question: WHO IS HIS MOTHER?

"I am," says Esmeeth quietly. Reina shrugs.

Study in Sarcasm
Victor claps. "Great poker game," he tells Navier. "You came here for my fortune and my wife and you ended up with everything. You really had me fooled -- taxi driver, stunt double, my right hand man. How you must have laughed at me!"

Navier tells Vic he only found out recently that he was Big O's son. Showing increasing confidence, he addresses Victor as tu; he sits down across the desk from his brother, mirroring the other man's carelessly crossed legs and comfortable slouch.

Victor doesn't care if they are brothers -- he wants Navier far away from him.

"Far away?" echoes Navier. "As in the other world?" Is their relationship going to change anything? Or will Victor have him thrown from a 15th floor window again? Vic doesn't have to answer -- Navier loves intrigue.

Navier exits the room and Victor is left alone, fuming.
 

Part 3

Living room

Reina remarks that Navier's life is going to change. He denies it. He's not like her. He's not motivated by money. And how ironic -- she left him because he was poor and now he's a billionaire. Ha! She just chose the wrong husband. Reina's eyes fill with tears: Navier knows she didn't choose her husband -- if she did so in the past, she's paying for that.

Estefi tells Navier about Laz. He's now in the hospital and in very serious condition.

Navier goes to see his friend Laz. Reina wants to go to Connie's side, but Victor holds her back. She's not going anywhere.

Esmeeth's apartment
Esmeeth plays a few mournful notes on a friggin' CELLO! -- Yes, Esmeeth is a cellist! -- when she gets a call from FELS as ELS. Rocky has told him about Navier's inheritance, he says. That should work in their favor. Has she found out anything about Fernando San Juan? Esmeeth says it's going well, though she can't wait for the mission to be over so she never has to see FSJ again. FELS looks cross. After the call, Esmeeth texts someone...

Hospital
Navier, still clutching his sore ribs, has joined Juanjo in the waiting room. He gets Esmeeth's text: I need to see you as soon as possible.

Izzy is about to take Connie to get something to eat -- she's not feeling well -- but Christian muscles him aside. Navier tells Izzy his boss must be needing him -- he always needs his lap dog when he's feeling depressed. [Money really brings out the sarcasm in our boy. He and Victor are sounding a lot alike at this point.]

A doctor comes out wearing the standard telenovela funereal expression on his face. What? In the next scene, Navier and Juanjo are looking down at Laz in his hospital bed. He's unconscious and seems to have an IV, but he doesn't even have an oxygen cannula in his nose. So he's either fine or they've taken him to the worst hospital in Las Vegas.

Navier gives unconscious Laz a pep talk and tells him about the inheritance, which is exciting news to Juanjo. The visit is almost over when Laz awakens and says: "I expected to hear them say Lázaro, levántate y anda" (Lazarus, arise (from the dead) and go forth).

[Okay, I bet he's been saving that line all his life.]

Greta's Bedroom
Greta continues to freak out over Lázaro's silence. Susana decides to tell her the truth: Miriam attacked him and he is in the hospital in bad shape.

Creepy Place
Estefi, now unrecognizable because she is wearing a cap, comes looking for Miriam. Two dancers from West Side Story point in Miriam's direction and then leap away. Miriam is crouched down against a wooden post. Her face is streaked with tears.

Victor's Bedroom
Just as Navier had predicted, Victor is bellowing on the phone for Izzy to call him. Reina joins Victor and expresses her concern for him. Susana says she's taking Greta to see Laz in the hospital. She also lets slip that Esmeeth is Navier's mother. AHA! It's clear to Victor -- the CIA sent Navier to the De Rosas house!

Esmeeth's apartment -- or Sharper than a serpent's tooth
Navier arrives, tells Esmeeth about the attack on Laz and says he's in a hurry to get back to his friend in the hospital. However he's there to discuss another matter, he says. He's worried about Esmeeth's own son and his right to the inheritance. Doesn't that concern her?
No.
"But it's only fair," says Navier.
No.
"The money could change his life -- half of my money or a third?"
"Money doesn't matter to my son."
"Because your son inherited everything...because I'm your son."
 

Part 4

"How long have you known?"
"You taught me to look beyond what my eyes could see, to read every gesture, to listen to silences, to understand meaning beyond words spoken, the timbre of the voice when a person lies, the sweat -- it was easy. I never believed the story about your son. I knew it as soon as you told me I was Big O's son."

She wants desperately to explain. He refuses to listen. She will always be Esmeeth to him -- his boss and his mentor, nothing more.

Victor's bedroom
Reina says Navier couldn't have been sent by the CIA because he doesn't even know that Esmeeth is his mother. "And how do you know so much about Bolivar's life?" asks Victor. "Esmeeth told me," says Reina. "She's the one who helped me run away."

You're gonna love it, I swear
Estefi sidles up to OBM, prepares a needle and syringe and generously offers to share it. OBM declines at first, but then can't resist. Necesito algo fuerte "You'll love it," Estefi assures her. "It's make you fly -- it'll take you to heaven." Miriam inserts the needle in her vein, injects the drug, and waits expectantly for nirvana. Her eyes go dull...

Victor's bedroom
Reina tells Victor she wanted to get away because she feared for Clara's life. Why didn't she come to him for help? Because she was afraid of him too -- and of his father. He is offended. "I. am. not. my. father." Reina told Esmeeth about the body in the garden, didn't she?

"You lied to me," retorts Reina. "You told me I was a murderer. What else have you lied about? Why should I trust you? You used my memory loss to destroy me psychologically -- but you won't do it again."

"If you want me to believe that you love me, you'll never again stop me from leaving this house. I'm not your prisoner -- and I'm not your slave."

Reina walks out leaving Victor alone and fuming. Again. He is not having a good day.

Hospital
Connie yammers on until Laz finally tells her to be quiet. Greta rolls in with Susana. "I'm not going to die," Laz tells them. "Because of you, Greta, and Román, and my sister, and my friends -- and even you, Susana."

One Less Odious Bitch
Estefi kicks Miriam over and she falls to the ground, dead of an overdose. "This is for my daughter."

Esmeeth's apartment -- the genetics of kindness
Navier won't listen to her story. It won't change his life, his lonely years in an orphanage. Esmeeth begs him -- why is he so hard on her? That's the way he is, he tells her. Did he get that from her or from Daddy? He figures he doesn't have a gene for sensitivity. All he wanted was to set the truth out there: she knows, he knows -- "Now let's pretend we never had this conversation."

She reaches to touch him. He catches her hands and pushes her away. Leaving her distraught, he heads for the door, opens it, and finds FELS on the threshold.
 

Part 5

FELS is surprised to see Navier there, he says. He didn't know they were friends. "Javier isn't my friend," says Esmeeth, "he's my son."

Creepy Place
We're back in West Side Story again. Christian dances in with some cops while Estefi slips away into the shadows. Christian finds Miriam's body. Nothing escapes him!

Esmeeth's apartment
FELS invites Navier to stay for dinner and a glass of wine. He wants to hear the mother-son story. Navier excuses himself -- he has a friend in the hospital. He wishes FELS and Esmeeth luck in their ... friendship. "Who said we were friends?" asks FELS. "Well good luck with whatever you have!" Navier leaves, slamming the door behind him.

Esmeeth sinks down on the couch, her head in her hands, her mascara smeared on her face. She tells FELS it has been a tough day -- Big O's will, Navier's refusal to listen to her. Navier's rejection is too much for her ... but why is she saying that to FELS? She tells him to leave. She wants to be alone.

He sits beside her on the couch and puts his arms around her. She leans into him and weeps. "Just for tonight," he says, "you won't be Esmeeth and I won't be...er...who I am."

Hospital
Susana and Juanjo go to see Laz. Connie tells Reina that Laz is out of danger, though still in a lot of pain. Connie mentions her engagement to Christian. Reina begs her to reconsider: she's in love with Izzy and nothing is worse than marrying without love.

Connie gets a call from Christian: Miriam is dead of an overdose!

Esmeeth's apartment
FELS shouldn't have stayed, Esmeeth tells him. She doesn't feel like doing anything. And she wonders what he is really after. He says it's simple: she's a beautiful woman and he enjoys being in her presence. She wants to talk about that deal he mentioned before. The question, he says, is whether she is willing to betray her people. She's willing to do anything, she says.
 

NovelaMaven – Thank you for the recap!

I suppose one could title this episode:
Victor deRosas and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Sub-title: ‘In which Victor did not inherit everything, he has a new-found blood brother, and his wife stands up to him.’
Juan Soler does “seething” very well!

”Two dancers from West Side Story point in Miriam's direction..”
LOL

My LOL moment last night was Esmeeth playing the cello. Perhaps a nod from the writers to Dr. House? Sherlock Holmes?

It was nice to see Reina confront Victor about his lies re: the bodies out in the yard.
 

When Victor mentioned the properties to be inherited, my CC3s in English said "Switzerland" but my ears heard Suecia. I replayed it, and it still sounded like Su-e-ci-a, instead of Su-i-sa.
Only reason I honed in on that is that we have friends who live in Suecia (Sweden) and I had to learn to say it properly.

Did my ears fail me last night???
Is my brain still reeling from that ghastly rodent-Kia-techno"Bailando" commercial on Friday night?

If anyone hasn't watched yet, please listen and let me know what you think.
 

Super recap, NovelaMaven!!
I watched the Mexican version, too and at least this capitulo was not edited at all. Woohoo!!

If Vic asks Estefi if Miriam suffered like she did when he killed the Putz, she is going to have to say no. I was hoping that there would be more suffering in her passing but at least she can't heave any more paralyzed women into swimming pools and be so rotten to her son.

So our Navier is a billionaire. Ha ha! But even money can't help his relationship with his Mom. You were right NovelaMaven that he figured it out when Esmeeth told him the very dubious story of the two sons of Big O. And Nav does own half the DeRosas mansion so I guess he could live there if he wanted to...

Great line from Laz! He probably has been waiting to use that all his life.

Did Navier tell Vic that he fell 15 stories onto that van and walked away?? I hope he was exaggerating for dramatic effect because if not, there would be more than one Lazarus around here!
 

I still haven't watched and I've only perused recap and comments.

So good to hear this ep wasn't edited!!

I've got my planning period today, so I'm hoping to read the recap this afternoon!

Off to get ready!

Thanks for filling in for Caroline, NovelaMaven.
 

Jean - I don't remember a "15 story" fall in the English CC3s, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there. ;-) I was pausing my recording and doing laundry while watching.
 

Doris: Tell you what we think about techno Kia rodents or Suecia versus Suiza? ;-)

As far as real estate in Europa, there were both:
"una mansion in Suiza" and
"apartamentos en.. Suecia"

I can't believe I would have preferred the rodents-working-out Kia commercial to the techno- Bailando-rodent Kia commercial but I do - by a whisker! They're both horrible. Enrique Iglesias is sure making out great on this song!
 

When Vic says that he wants Navier far wasy, Nav asks if he means that he wants Nav in "another world." Then Nav asks

"o te van a volver a dar ganas de tirarme de un piso quince?"

"...or you are going to go back to wanting to throw me off the 15th floor..."

I guess that doesn't necessarily mean that Nav was thrown off the 15th floor before. He could have used that number for dramatic effect.

I guess we won't see Navier in "humble servant mode" again unless it's with El Supremo.


 

Thanks Jean ... I missed that piso quince. (why I don't recap)


Egads, I have not seen the Rodent-working-out commercial. Usually I FFWD--> thru the commercials.
 

Thanks NovelaMaven!

Yay!!!! We got a full episode tonight.

I think this is the first time Estefi kills with her own hands rather than being responsible for someone's death like the other times.

I loved the "Lazaro levante y anda" line. Yes, I too think he was waiting to say that all his life.

I also hoped that JJ called 911 before calling Connie. You never know with these novela characters.

I loved Dead O's video will.
 

Excellent, NovelMaven! And you got a full episode too! Maybe the editors at Telemundo realized there was no way to chop such a pivotal episode and still leave it comprehensible. And there was a lot!

Navier is now RICH, and he and Smith's relationship is out of the closet to everyone, including themselves. Plus, Reina FINALLY stands up to Victor and points out his non-loving behavior. I think the game has totally changed now. Thanks for dying Big O!

I wanted to kick Navier in the shins for throwing his new wealth in Reina's face and accusing her of going back to Victor because Victor has money, when he KNOWS she's on a mission from FELS, AND he just got off the phone with Rocky about it. HELLO! It made his speech to Smith about his perfect human lie detector skills later much weaker, since he obviously can't tell if Reina is lying or telling the truth.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in this new phase.

And yay! Miriam is dead. Good riddance. Now, how about Delfina...
 

stellar recap NovelaMaven!

I was enchanted by Miriam's new playground, the "Creepy, Scary Drug Place", the fire barrels with red smoke drifting upwards, "West Side Story" dancers flittering about, Miriam lies dead, as a choreographed Christian, gun and flashlight in hand, flows onto the scene with his band of cops, and Estefi steps behind a shadow.

once again Estefi kills without killing.

I too loved Esmeeth playing the cello.

and Navier, was making the rounds, after Victor he got on to Reina, so you married a rich guy instead of me, then on to his mom, no forgiveness there, but so much love trying to leak through, and I think superSupremo was surprised at the door because he didn't want his cover blown and Navier is supposed to be busy, off somewhere so that he can work on his mom.

 

I loved how Reina finally stood up to Victor. As I mentioned at the time, Victor was an idiot to tell Reina that she had murdered someone and that the body was buried in the Garden. Maybe someone as evil as Victor couldn't imagine that Reina would confess this to the police but it was really stupid to tell her that the body was buried in the garden when Victor had actually buried someone in the garden that couldn't possibly have been murdered by Reina. Why wouldn't he say that the body was buried somewhere in the desert.

Navier was really nice with his Laz and Juanjo but he sure was mean to Reina and Esmeeth.
 

Sorry about the Suiza (Switzerland) vs Suecia (Sweden) mix-up. I knew, even as I was writing the words, that there was a better than even chance I was confusing them, but I was too lazy to stop and make sure I was getting it right. Besides, I figured you'd be so dazzled and grateful that I heard haras (stud farm) when the demons of the CC's tried to get me to hear áreas that you'd overlook it. Not a chance. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Deb,

"once again Estefi kills without killing."

Yes! She came closer than ever to getting her hands manchadas de sangre, and is certainly guilty of murder in a legal sense, but she once again "stage-managed" a death. [What a fabulous character, this Estefanía Pérez Hidalgo!]
 

When Dead O said he had a soccer team in Brazil I wondered if it was the same team that lost to Germany. LOL
 

Awesome recap, NovelaMaven. Many thanks!

Loved your describing the West Side Story choreography in the scene with the two "dancers" and again when Christian and his men make their silly ballet-like entrance to the murder scene.

I'm not sure what to make of Esmeeth playing the cello. Or, rather, not playing it, since she seems to have no idea what to do with her left hand.

Like everyone else, I loved Lázaro's line in the hospital. That was my favorite. My second favorite was FELS' "Just for tonight, you won't be Esmeeth and I won't be...er...who I am."
 

"Just for tonight, you won't be Esmeeth and I won't be...er...who I am."
And I am still wondering just who he is.
 

THANKS NOVELA MAVEN for covering!! I am alive BUT barely!! I don't know where this cold came from but it has hit me full force. I'm just know getting to watch the episode now.
 

Caroline,

You're so welcome. Anytime! You poor thing -- your cold sounds miserable. I hope you have plenty of chicken soup and good sources of Vitamin C to help you push through. [Thank goodness for Vitamin (D)ragon, no?]
 

Thks for the recap NovelaMaven, so so funny! loved your headings like : Study in Sarcasm & Esmeeth's apartment -- the genetics of kindness

Talk about Octavio going out with a bang, but I got to say his video was fun to watch. I also found the lawyer entertaining. He could of been some bland lawyer, but like how they added his smarmy quality.

I also loved how Javier shed his humble servant mode, and gave snarky attitude to Victor. But I don't know why he was pissed with Reina, he KNOWS she didn't want to go back to Victor.

I suppose one could title this episode:
Victor deRosas and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Sub-title: ‘In which Victor did not inherit everything, he has a new-found blood brother, and his wife stands up to him.’
Doris, LOL!

Hope you feel better Caroline!

jlk
 

Martes, part 1

Who's the Cat and Who's the Mouse?
Esmeeth tells FELS she's in. What about her "exceptionally gifted" (superdotado) boss? Is she willing to do him dirty? She is. He betrayed her. What she's doing is payback.

Hospital Scene in which Navier compares Reina to Miriam

Navier is back in the hospital. (The way he is holding his side, he looks as if he should be in a bed next to Lázaro's.)

He's not surprised by the news of Miriam's death. "That poor woman was unbalanced (desequilibrada). What a shame -- a young woman with a beautiful child. Some people don't appreciate what they have."

Reina knows an indirecto when she hears one. "You know I had to go back to Victor," she says sadly. "Out of fear?" Reina doesn't answer the question. "I had to do it," she repeats, "but it doesn't change my feelings for you."

Has Navier looked at the CD Big O left him? He has. Things are different now, says Reina. Navier's a powerful man. He can do whatever he wants. And what does she want him to do? "I want you to get me out of this hell and take me with away with you."

A Study in Resentment
Victor and Izzy are pondering the provenance of the name Bolívar when Estefi calls with the not so sad news of OBM's death. Then she congratulates Victor -- she assumes Big O named him his universal heir. He tells her about his little brother Javier's good fortune.

Hospital of Broken Trust
"Why are you looking at me like that? You, me, Clara -- safe together somewhere far from here..." Navier stares at Reina coldly. He'll have to think about it, he says.

He goes to see Laz and offers his condolences on Miriam's death. Laz is sad for Román -- he'll have to grow up without a mother. Greta offers to be a mother for the little boy.

A Study in Murderous Rage
Now more than ever, Victor wants to get rid of Bolívar. "That guy is tough to kill," says Izzy carelessly. "Must be the De Rosas blood." Victor's glare shuts him up quickly. Victor wants Bolívar DISAPPEARED, DEAD, NOT BREATHING. He wants him BURNED so he can spread his ashes over Big O's grave.

"You got it, boss." Izzy starts to walk out but Victor calls him back: "If you fail, you die."

Outside Over There
As Navier walks toward his white Kia with no evidence of pain (Was he faking before? Or is this just the stoicism of a Dragon?), a masked thug conks him with a tire iron [ouch!] and a couple of others force him into the back of a black van which is surely not a Kia.

Lázaro's Hospital Room of Misplaced Blame

Greta greets Estefi coldly. She is angry that Estefi lied to her when Laz was attacked. Estefi was just trying to protect her, she says. "You're not my mom," huffs Greta.

On hearing the "news" of Miriam's death, Estefi doesn't even try to feign regret. Román is better off without her; there are some women don't deserve to be mothers and others who do -- more than anyone can imagine.

Now Juanjo leads Román into the room. The kid won't go to his daddy; he's mad because he blames Greta for his mom's death.

Love
While Reina and Connie discuss their telenovela-like love lives and their decisions to follow their hearts (Connie has taken Reina's advice and just texted Izzy)...

The goons are leading Navier into a nasty warehouse. One of their number -- Izzy -- stands apart and reads a text: Hi Isidro. If you really love me, come to the atelier now. Connie. . Izzy says he has to go. Now. He tells the others to take care of the job.
 

Part 2

The Dragon resists. He kicks the goons away with his powerful legs and then fights all three at once. But they overpower him and succeed in chaining his arms to a crossed beam. "The boss wants you to suffer," says one of them. They pound him again and again...

Two Visions: one in White and one in Black
Reina appears in a wedding gown and veil. Aguanta, (hang in there) mi amor. Resiste. she whispers as she strokes his face gently. Their lips meet...

Navier is awakened by a rough voice telling him his end has come. But suddenly three shots ring out. The thugs are down. The rescuer? Victor! His wrists unchained, Navier drops to the ground. Victor crouches down in front of him and smirks.

[Commercial break: The Kia rodents break out of the lab and are on the open road. Woo hoo!]

"Don't die, Bolívar! Wake up! You have to live so I can hate you every single day of your life." Victor shakes Navier. "You have to live so we can fight over money and power -- and over Reina." Navier opens his eyes and lifts his bloodied head. Eso es, says Victor, smiling.

CIA office
FELS tells Reina that Navier's inheritance changes their mission. Now she is not only to spy on Victor, she is to spy on Navier as well.

Family Drama
Victor finds a phone in the pocket of one of the three men he killed to save Navier. He's going to call the police. Why did he rescue his brother? He's family!

Flashback of sardonic Big O on the small screen, the private CD:
"Victor, Victor, Victor. You'd be dying to kill me -- if I weren't already dead. You're probably thinking about how to eliminate your brother."

Victor talks back to the image on the screen: "The only thing I think about is killing Bolívar."

"But that would be very bad," continues Big O, "so I've taken precautions. If anything happens to Javier, he may go to heaven, but you will go to hell itself -- prison! Someone has evidence against you -- bank accounts, money trails, transactions, even witnesses ready to testify. There's information about the Reina de Diamantes and evidence of your murders -- enough to lock you up for life. So Victor, take care of your brother. You see, in the end, you're not useless -- I know you're going to protect him with your life.

Victor gnashes his teeth in frustration and hatred; then he looks at his watch and dashes out the door...

Back in the killing ground... Victor smiles. "You're my brother, my blood. Of course I saved you." The Dragon is far from mollified. We can almost see the flames shooting out of his eyes.

More Family Drama
Laz explains to Román that his mother died because of her illness, her addiction to drugs, despite everyone's attempts to help her. Román clings to his hostility towards Greta. His mom didn't like her and neither does he. Greta speaks from her heart: she loves Román; and in spite of everything his mom did to hurt them, no one wanted her to die.

A backdrop of wedding gowns
Connie: Will you marry me?
Izzy: If I'm still alive...

After ignoring his eternally ringing phone as long as he dares, Izzy answers. Of course, it's Victor. And of course, he is fuming. He tells Izzy to go back to the house and say nothing to anyone until he (Victor) calls.

Izzy tells Connie he has to go. She protests. His boss mistreats him. He should quit! He says: There are some jobs you just can't quit. Ever.
 

Part 3

West Side Story Redux
Officer Krupke (aka Christian) shows up at the killing ground. Victor says the dead men tried to kill Bolívar. It was crazy. He found this anonymous message on his windshield -- unfortunately he destroyed it -- and he got to this place as soon as he could. It was their lives or the life of his dear brother Javier. (Dear brother Javier has steam coming out of all orifices as he listens.)

CIA
Reina protests to FELS that Navier is an innocent man and would never become involved in anything dirty. She CAN'T spy on him! FELS insists that inheriting $3 billion changes a person.

Esmeeth's Apartment -- the Gentleman Caller
She is dressed for an evening out. FELS arrives and hands her a set of car keys. He has texted an address to her. She is to go there and exchange keys with a tall dark man in a gray suit. The diamonds are in her car; the money is in his. All she has to do is verify the transaction.

Is he that sure of her? No, he's that sure of the mission and of himself. He's confident she'll come back with the money...and that she'll want to spend the night with him. He puts on a great show of passion, as does she. But the camera shows the detachment in their faces.

Estefi's Mansion
Navier tells Estefi how Victor rescued him from an attempt on his life. She doesn't get it. Neither does he; but he's sure there's an explanation.

De Rosas Mansion
Izzy startles Asunción when he asks her if she has heard of any tragedies close by. Huh? Has she heard anything about Navier? Huh??? Reina hears this and wants to know why Izzy is asking. He was just wondering...

Reina is worried. She hasn't heard from Victor all day and Navier isn't answering his phone. Something's afoot.

Leiva House
Laz is home from the hospital and still hurting. He, Juanjo and Connie chew over Navier's recent fortunes and misfortunes. Juanjo is a little worried because Navier didn't show up at the hospital as he said he would.

Estefi's Mansion and Sanatorium
Estefi settles the wounded Navier into bed with her usual exhausting intensity. She promises to be everything he needs her to be.

Esmeeth and the Mission
She opens the case in the trunk of the car and sees rows of what appear to be yellow pills but I guess are supposed to be jewels or gold.

What happens when you don't have a V-chip on your set
Clarita turns on the TV in Victor's bedroom and finds herself staring at her grandpa as he begins his charming apostrophe: "Victor, Victor, Victor. You'd be dying to kill me -- if I weren't already dead." Reina comes in at this point and hears "abuelito" discussing Victor's likely thoughts of fratricide.

Victor calls on Estefi and learns that Navier got there first
As Navier eavesdrops, Victor admits that he ordered Navier's murder. Estefi knows that it was Victor himself who rescued Navier. "So Navier is here? He came running into your arms?" Does that bother Victor? Apparently it does. He should have killed that bastard, but he had no choice.

Estefi is confused. Did Victor put out a hit on him or did he rescue him? "A little of both," he says. "Take good care of my brother -- it's in both our interests for him to stay healthy."
 

Part 4

Navier steps out of the shadows and admits to Estefi that he heard everything. He's not surprised -- he knew Victor had ordered the hit. What he doesn't understand is why the hell he saved him...

More exciting than a telenovela
Reina turns off the CD over Clara's protests. (How much did she hear?) Izzy enters the room and challenges their presence. Reina puts him in his place, much to Clara's delight.

Izzy, now alone in the bedroom, answers his phone. It's Connie. She's going to break up with Christian. Izzy thinks that is great news.

Leiva Family Drama
Laz tells Connie that Román is very sad. [Duh...his mother just died, dude.] Laz is worried. Connie asks him what worries him -- that he'll have to choose between his son and Greta?

Greta's bedside
Greta tells Susana that she feels her relationship with Laz is doomed because Román will never accept her as his mother. She can't do the things normal people can do; she rejects Susana's talk of faith and therapeutic possibilities.

Esmeeth's Apartment
Rocky tells FELS he heard about Navier and Victor. FELS is on top of it, he says, and Navier is where he needs to be: in Estefi's house.

Flashback:
Bruised, bare-chested Navier (drink) sits on an exam table. FELS enters the room wearing a lab coat. [Um. Dr. San Juan, I presume?] He knows what happened. He's continuing to investigate but he already knows the attackers were professional hitmen. Navier tells him not to bother -- Victor was behind the attempt.

FELS also wants to talk about Navier's place in the organization, in view of his changed circumstances. As for Esmeeth, nothing is different: FELS will take charge of her and Navier will continue with Estefi.

Back to the present:
Oh, okay, that was supposed to stand for what FELS told Rocky. I get it.

"And Esmeeth?" FELS says that if she comes back with the diamonds, they'll know she is a trust-worthy agent. If she comes back with the money, she'll have made the same mistake she made when she fell in love with Big O.

"Excuse me, but what are you accusing her of? Of having fallen in love?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm accusing her of confiscating a shipment of jewels and gold that was never heard of again."
[That sounds terrible. If you can make more sense of it, have at:
La culpo de hacerse apropiado de un cargamento de oro y diamantes del que nunca más se supo.]

"It's a mystery. If she succumbs, it won't be her first time."

I wouldn't eat here. Would you?
Esmeeth walks toward a man seated alone at a table in an otherwise empty restaurant. She sets her case beside the table and sits down opposite the man. He pulls a similar case out from under the table. The exchange is made.

Honey, I'm home!
When Reina asks Victor where he's been all day, he tells her to cut the crap. He knows she wasn't worried about him. If she wants the truth, that's what he'll give her. He lied to manipulate her and hold on to her. She has never realized how much he loves her but...

But?

Reina talked, the garden was dug up, and his mother's body was found. He found out that it was his father who had murdered her. He learned that the man he had buried was Susana's rapist and the biological father of his daughter Camila. The death blow (la estocada final) was when Big O confessed that Navier was his brother -- and incidentally, (dicho sea de paso) the love of Reina's life. "I had to save that fool's life -- he was beaten, abused, chained up, half-dead..."

"What hospital is he in?"

"He's not in a hospital. He went running into the arms of the woman he loves -- Estefanía Pérez Hidalgo."
 

Part 5

Estefi and Navier have a Heart to Heart
She dabs his sore face with a large ice bag and marvels at all he has had to survive. He asks her how she managed through her own ordeals in life. "My happy childhood memories sustained me -- my parents, my brother. I traveled, I had everything I wanted, beautiful birthdays -- until everything ended on that fatal night."

Her little brother was adopted and she never heard from him again. She hopes he is happy.

Was she happy with that pain weighing her down? (este dolor a cuestas).

She admits that she wasn't. But now she has her daughter and Navier -- sort of. But what about Navier -- how does he feel? They haven't talked about his inheritance or about being Big O's son...

"Or of Esmeeth," says Navier, "who is my mother."

Esmeeth's Apartment
"We're rich!" cries Esmeeth as she hurries into the arms of FELS. Now they can do whatever they want. Where in the world does he want to make love to her? She wraps her arms around him. He jokes that he can't breathe. She says she'll never let him breathe again -- at least not as a free man.

Esmeeth's gun is pressed against FELS's (rather small) head. Pase, she calls out. Two agents enter and put FELS in handcuffs. [So I guess Esmeeth passed the test, huh?]
 

what a great recap NovelaMaven!

I think Isidro was sweating bullets when Victor ordered him back home, and don't leave, not knowing if Navier was alive or dead.

and interesting when Victor was telling Reina about Navier's new wounds, not that he had any lingering affects from his 15 story fall, but when he said Navier ran to Estefi's, wow, you could just see that knife turn in Reina's gut.

I don't like the way superSupremo has been messing with the Dragon family, I hope Esmeeth nailed him good.


 

NovelaMaven - Thank you for the recap and snark!

That whole scene with Victor “saving” Navier had me cara de impactada, like, QTH? Good thing we were shown BDO’s CD-rom message to Victor for some ‘splainin’.

”What happens when you don't have a V-chip on your set”
Good one, NM! LOL

I was confused by that whole gold/diamonds deal and FELS' remark re: what Esmeeth would return with. And then she returns with a gun to FELS' head. Whatevs. It was a long day, I was exhausted, so I just did that pear half in jello...


 

Super, estellar recap, NovelaMaven. I loved your section titles. This capitulo also was not edited from the Mexican version.

I'll have to update The Perils of the Dragon. Maybe we can explain his sudden suspicions of Reina's motives in returning to Victor to a traumatic brain injury since he sure got whacked on the head a lot in the past few days.

You asked about what FELS says to Rocky about Esmeeth [BTW - I guess Rocky isn't FELS' confidant and right hand guy as he was with Esmeeth. We hardly ever see him any more.}

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm accusing her of confiscating a shipment of jewels and gold that was never heard of again."
[That sounds terrible. If you can make more sense of it, have at:
La culpo de hacerse apropiado de un cargamento de oro y diamantes del que nunca más se supo.]

We recall that FELS told Navier, I believe, that there were some questions about Esmeeth loyalty because of discrepancies or something like that that had happened in the past. I'm guessing that this mysterious disappearance of diamonds and gold is such a discrepancy. Esmeeth supposedly had it when she was investigating Big O but then it disappeared and was never found.



 

I have a few questions about what went down with Esmeeth and FELS - intermittent beanie failure, I gueess.

First, I assume that Esmeeth is going to learn Fernando San Juan's true identity pronto.

The scenario that makes the most sense is that Esmeeth told FELS what she was going to do and he authorized her to make the arrest and then he is going to tell her who he really is.

If he didn't know, how did Esmeeth who as far as everyone in the CIA is concerned was fired, get agents to come and arrest their boss!!

 

Superb recap, NovelaMaven!

Jean- "If he didn't know, how did Esmeeth who as far as everyone in the CIA is concerned was fired, get agents to come and arrest their boss!!"

Well, of Smith didn't even know who her boss is, how would these underlings know either?

I continue to be annoyed with Navier's pissy attitude with Reina. Get a grip, dude. Yet, he hasn't shown the least bit of emotion to learn that Stefi is the Queen of Diamonds. And if she could dupe him about that, maybe he should start thinking that a lot of other things she has told him (like the original lies about Reina) might not be true.

I was so happy to see Smith point a gun to FELS and have him arrested. Maybe now he'll be forced to stop the game playing and just let her do her job. She's going to be so ticked off when she learns he's El Supremo.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Vivi said:

Well, if Smith didn't even know who her boss is, how would these underlings know either?

Since Esmeeth took her stuff and left the CIA, FELS moved into her office. Reina came to see him there. I have never been in an organization that didn't know all about who was in the boss's office and I'm sure the CIA is no exception.

I agree that Esmeeth is going to be really pi**ed off when she finds out the Fernando is El Supremo. If all this is because FELS has the hots for Esmeeth, it will backfire big time - at least for a while.


 

Maybe these underlings are from a different office? Who knows? This tn doesn't put its stock in logic. :)
 

Marvellous recap, NovelaMaven! I loved the detail, the snark, and the very useful Spanish.

I won't repeat what others have already said. One additional thing that surprised me was Reina's talking to Navier about how rich and powerful he now is and then asking him to run away with her and Clara. Didn't she remember that he's accused her of dropping him when he was poor? She's playing right into the lie Estefy has told him.

So Estefy's brother is mentioned yet again. Surely he's going to turn up--unless he already has. If we didn't know that Esmeeth is Navier's mother, I'd half suspect that Navier turns out to be the lost brother--which would, presumably, put an end to Estefy's lust for him. Perhaps.

I'll be away for almost a week, starting tomorrow, and I won't be able to post (or to watch the show) while I'm away. With any luck, though, I'll be able to read the recaps. I can't imagine being away from this novela for even a few days.
 

We will miss your comments, Juanita. Have a safe trip.

Yes, I agree that Estefi's brother is soon to make an appearance. Navier, his friends, Laz and Juanjo are all too young to be the missing brother. Estefi looked to be around 10 when her parents were killed and she has a 20-year old daughter. Unless some new person turns up, I think the only possibilities are:
FELS, Rocky,Izzy and maybe Christian.
 

Dear Telemundo:

Just in case anyone in your place reads this blog, I wanted to thank you on behalf of Reinamaniacs everywhere for giving us the last two episodes intact.

We would be SO HAPPY if you kept it up. Please don't cut up this fabulous novela. Let us see the same episodes you have aired in Mexico.

Our coolers are filled with Dr. Pepper and Bud Light. We have been to the Kia dealer and high-fived the dancing rodents. What else can we do to make you understand how much we adore our favorite show?

Love,
NovelaMaven
 

Thanks for the great comments, folks. I'm sorry I wasn't around much yesterday and didn't have a chance to say it then.

A word about villains:

Estefanía Pérez Hidalgo and Victor De Rosas are two of the most brilliantly conceived, written and acted villains I've ever seen in a telenovela. There's no question that they've been very very bad, and they are no less lethal now than they were at the beginning of the story. But they are nuanced enough to evoke our sympathy. Their personal stories are tragic. We get the feeling that it didn't have to turn out this way. These demons are both fallen angels.

[Of course their expert delivery of the brilliantly written comic dialogue, not to mention their sex appeal -- especially their chemistry together -- don't hurt either.]

Even Izzy, a second tier villain, has us rooting for him. Go, Izzy! Be a better man for Connie!

The monochromatic villains like the Odious Bitches (the late Carmen and Miriam and the maybe soon to be late Delfina) and the late Putz are completely expendable. Does ANYONE really miss them? (Well, okay, little Román misses his mommy.)

What about Big O? Did his love for Esmeeth make us like him -- even a little?

And Christian? I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. What DID happen to his wife Mirta?

Fernando San Juan/El Supremo/Patricio Picasso -- I don't like this guy at all. He's playing everyone for a fool and messing with the Dragon family (thanks, Deb!). He may turn out to be technically one of the good guys, but he is still a creep.
 

Juanita,

Safe travels! We'll miss you!

Hey Anita,

Can you see us waving to you from the Patio? I think the Dragon is losing his way. He needs a new shot of Wisdom very soon. Hurry back!
 

I wonder what Big O said to Navier in his video? I couldn't stand Big O, except for when he was needling Victor, and we got a bonus dose of that with his will video and this last one to Vic. Nicely played, Big O.
 

Vivi, I'm also very curious about the video that Big O left for Navier. It was alluded to last night when Reina asked Navier if he had watched it and he said yes. I was tempted to cut the line from the recap because it felt like a non sequitur, but decided to leave it in because it was clearly meant to pique our interest.

I'd say look for another flashback.

Yeah, Big O was an unabashed SOB. At least he had the decency to keep his shirt on.
 

Wow, I caught up with two episodes last night. NovelaMaven, what a terrific pair of recaps! And what a very sharp group of commenters. By the time I get around to posting, I'm left in the shade by all the brilliance already up there.

I'm also not liking their having our Dragon behave like an adolescent dragon, accusing his true love of deserting him for Victor when he should know why she's doing it.

I also did not like the way he wouldn't let Esmeeth explain anything about the dire reasons she had for abandoning him.
 

Jean,

Thanks very much for putting that "La culpo de" passage in context for me. What you say makes a lot of sense.

Novelera,

You're very kind. I certainly agree about the quality of the comments and the smarts of the commenters around here.

"I'm also not liking their having our Dragon behave like an adolescent dragon"

Ah yes. I've heard that happens sometimes with adult Dragons who have been forced by circumstances to grow up too quickly: they sometimes regress to the teen years, the time when healthy Dragons are just learning to manage their fiery potential.
 

Jean, it's unlikely that Izzy would be Stefi's brother. Wasn't Izzys father one of the Halcón Negro gang? More onto jewel heists than running drugs, IIRC.
 

I am so behind, but I am hoping to be caught up eventually.

NovelaMaven - many thanks for your double duty.

I am pleased to read there have have been no edits recently.

THANK YOU TELEMUNDO
 

Doris: I was going purely by age. All we know is that the brother was adopted. He could have been adopted into a jewel thieving family. We know almost nothing about Izzy's background except that his father was in Halcon Negro gang. I don't think it is likely that Izzy is the brother. I think it's FELS but Izzy is a possibility.
 

Good point, Jean. I had not considered that Izzy could have been adopted. So that still keeps him as a contender.
 

For me, the section titles were the most fun part of a great recap, NovelaMaven. Thank you for the snark. And thank you Telemundo for giving us two unedited episodes. Keep up the good work.

Fellow Reinamaniacs, am I the only one thinking that one of the great mysteries yet to be explored is why Asuncion is the DeRoses housekeeper? It cannot be a coincidence. How did she get the job, when did you get the job, why did she get the job? Did she get it just to protect Reina or has she been there for an even longer time working on an additional agenda? Enquiring minds want to know........

Penny
 

Miércoles – Parte Uno
No editing in last night’s episode. Here is my speculation as to the future of Reina. The Mexican website shows that 95 episodes of Reina were made. Last night’s was #54. That leaves about 40 episodes or two months worth. It seems very unlikely to me that Telemundo is going to be able or want to promote a new novela in less time than that especially with two new novelas just starting. So my guess is that we will get to see the rest of Reina. It is too bad the production apparently was cut short because of bad ratings. We are at capitulo 140 for En Otra Piel!

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so my section titles have been inspired by NovelaMaven.


Esmeeth's apt – What was that secret code again?
FELS has been handcuffed by FBI agents. Esmeeth tells them to leave. She shows him the cameras that have recorded everything. “It was all a lie?” asks FELS. “It was a mission,” replies Esmeeth grimly. FELS congratulates her and says that her bosses will think that she did a great job especially in bed. Esmeeth slaps him. Then he gives her the secret id code. Cara de impactada and what does Esmeeth do? She slaps him again and says, “What was that code again? I didn't hear you?” Then she asks him to forgive her. She didn't know he was her boss. If she had known, she never would have hit him, caressed him, made love to him... “How fortunate that I didn't tell you before. Now get these handcuffs off me and get some ice for my face. It hurts. Pronto!”

Casa de Rosas – Did he send a card when he found out you were dying?
Vic and Reina are sitting at opposite ends of a long couch. Vic says that he can tell that it hurts Reina that Navier is with Estefi. He can see it in her face. She can't hide her jealousy that he is in the arms and bed of another. Does she know the difference between him and Nav? Navier likes and desires her but doesn't really love her like Vic does. He gives an example. Victor says that he told Navier that Reina was dying and he didn't care. He didn't move a muscle of his face. Has he called you? No? You are a sex adventure for him. I hope you enjoyed your sex with him because that is all you'll get for the rest of your life. The rest of your life you'll spend with me. Have a good day. A tear runs down Reina's cheek.

Christián & Connie

Now Christián is all happy and talking a mile a minute about how Connie has changed his life. He is so happy about their engagement. Connie is quiet. He has even found the perfect place for their honeymoon – Paris. Finally, Christián notices that motor mouth is quiet. He attributes it to what happened to Laz. Connie is not able to tell him that she is breaking it off. Christián leaves. Izzy comes in, “Did you break if off with?” he asks.

Victor and Izzy – I had to shoot you; my phone battery was dead.
Victor has told Izzy about Big O's blackmail message from beyond the grave. His hands are tied. He can't do anything to Navier. Izzy asks why Vic didn't just call the guys and tell them not to kill Navier. Why did he shoot them? Vic replies that he was in a hurry and didn't realize that his phone wasn't charged until he was in the car. What could he do? Izzy points out that he could have been one of those hooded (encapuchado) guys. Would Victor have shot him, too? Victor, “Yup.”

 

Miércoles – Parte Dos

Two Queens battle for a Dragon
Reina has scooted right over to Estefi's. No surprise. She tells Estefi that she wants to see Navier and that Estefi won't be able to stop her. “Up the stairs, last room in the back - in my bed,” replies Estefi sweetly.

Reina comes into the room where Navier is lying on Estefi’s blue satin bed doubtless ordered from Bordellos R Us. She says that she didn't expect to see him here. She can see that Estefi is taking good care of him. Estefi comes into the room and Navier asks “Les pido piedad. Estoy herido.” “Take pity on me – I'm hurt.”

Reina asks what other services does the nurse provide. “Everything that the patient needs,” replies Estefi, “I'm a specialist.” “That was your profession,” say Reina, “satisfying your clients, right? I see you have a pole (un tubo).” “Would you like me to teach to dance on it?” asks Estefi. Nav asks Estefi to leave them alone. Stefi says that he is asking a lot but she leaves. Nav gets up. Reina tells him that she doesn't know if she should hit him or kiss him. “But I want to make love,” says Navier [although the Spanish titles said “hacer algo,” “make something.” They kiss.

Susana comes into a bar...
She has a few too many and gets in a fight with two women who hit on JuanJo. A large brawl ensues and Susana and JJ escape from the bar. Susana is barefoot since she has thrown her expensive shoes at the girls in the bar. Susana imagines herself behind bars. JJ has never seen her like that. He says that he has lost his job but it was worth it.

But wait, there's more...
Vic tells Izzy to keep an eye out at Estefi's house. He knows that is where Reina went. Vic goes back to Big O's video. He didn't get to the end. Big O admits to killing Vic's mother and to killing Vic’s mentor, Old Nimoy. He always hated him.

If you can't be with the one you love, be with the slut you're with
OBD comes and in one second Vic has got her in her underwear – I'm sure she has special “tear-off” dresses made, - on the bed. Afterwards, OBD says that Victor obviously missed her and wanted her. “I just wanted to have sex and you're good at that. Get out. I have a lot to do,” says Mr. Sensitivity. OBD replies that she’ll always be there, if only for that.

Estefi’s bedroom - Lying can get complicated
Reina wants to take care of her wounded Dragon. But you are with your husband, says Nav. Yes and I can't tell you exactly why but you know it's not for love. He can't tell her why he's with Estefi either. Reina says that it's hard for her to trust him right now. Vic told her that Camila was not his daughter – she was the daughter of Susana’s rapist. Nav told her before that he knew that Camila wasn't his niece. How did he know? “I figured it out,” replies Nav. Reina, “Do you know anything more?” “Nothing that you should know,” says Navier. Reina: “Vic told me that he told you I was terminally ill. Why didn't you ask me about it?” Navier, “Because I knew it was a lie.” Reina: “How did you know?” Even the Dragon can’t think of anything to say to this.


 

Miércoles – Parte Tres

Reina concludes that Esmeeth sent Navier as a secret agent. Navier tells her that she has seen too many James Bond movies. Reina lets it slip that FELS ordered her to… Navier warns to be careful not to let Victor find out that she isn’t really sick. Reina says that at least she doesn't have to sleep with him. Navier replies that makes him feel better. Reina says that it doesn't make her feel better to know that he is sleeping in Estefi’s bed in this tacky mansion without even a guest room. Navier smirks – he likes it when she is jealous. Reina tells him that she needs an explanation that makes sense. Navier replies that he would like to tell her but he can’t. Reina ask about their trip? Should she get her hopes up? Once again there is silence. Reina says sadly that she understands. Navier says that she doesn’t understand anything. They kiss again.

Navier pulls back from kissing Reina. He says that out of respect for Estefi and her house he can’t continue. Reina replies that she seems to be the only one who isn’t getting any respect. She came here to beg for his love, without dignity. She is ashamed to be here. Navier says that he is ashamed, too. It upsets him to be powerless. He should hate her but he doesn’t. Her suffering should make him happy but it doesn’t. He unhappy and and dying in pain. He doesn’t know if they can go away together because he doesn’t know what is in store for him. But he swears that she will be the first to know.

Is Laz's house ADA compliant?
Laz comes to Greta's room. He asks her to move in with him. She says their love has an expiration date. She is sure that he will get tired of her. He makes an impassioned declaration of his love for her.

CIA Headquarters - You can take this job and shove it
Smith comes to CIA headquarters and tells FELS that she resigns. She says that FELS crossed every line. FELS replies that we don't have lines in this job. He says that he thought Esmeeth was a fighter. He didn’t think that she would give up the job she loves. Esmeeth replies that she gave up her son. She can give up anything. FELS tells her that an attempt on Navier’s life was made and they believe it was by Victor. Is she going to give up putting him behind bars?

Estefi’s house - the Joker arrives
Stefi is downstairs pacing and smoking. Reina comes in. Stefi says that was a long visit. She can see that Reina was crying but she was kissed too so she shouldn’t complain. The doorbell rings – it’s Victor. He calls Navier to join their party. He knows that Nav is always lurking around listening. Navier limps in.

Victor tells Navier that it is time for him to choose between two women. Which one will he take to his bed? They’ve both been in Victor’s bed and they each have their pro’s and cons. Navier says that it isn’t very gentlemanly of Vic to mention such things. Victor replies that it wasn’t very gentlemanly of Navier to sleep with his brother’s wife. Ba Boom.

He asks Navier which will it be – the Queen of Hearts or the Queen of Diamonds. Cara de impactada de Estefi at being called the Queen of Diamonds. Navier says, “I choose the Queen …. of Diamonds. The Queen of Hearts is your wife, my sister in law. Estefi says that she isn’t the Queen of Diamonds or any other queen. The only queen here is Reina Ortiz. Victor asks Reina what she is doing here. She replies that she has come to put an end to a story of love.

 

Miércoles – Parte Cuatro

Reina says that when she lost her memory she was confused and afraid. She met Victor and he told her that he was her husband and she felt pressured. Then she met Navier and he saved her life. Maybe she took that as a sign. She was confused but no more. Now she understands that Victor loves her profoundly, a love that is capable of anything – stalking, persecution, lying but all out of desperation. He did it all for love. She had to see it for herself and she no longer has doubts. She can now see his great love for her. He saved his rival’s life because of his love for her. He is going to love her like no one else before – in good times and bad, in sickness and in health. “Shall we go home, darling?” she finishes.


Back at the De Rosas Mansion, Reina continues her performance. She tells Victor that what she said at Estefi’s was true. She has realized how deeply Victor is in love with her. He knows that she doesn’t love him but she wants to. She wants to spend the rest of the time she has left with him. Victor replies that she won’t die. He won’t let her die. He will be at her side for the rest of the time that she has left.

Back at her mansion, Estefi tries to undermine her rival. She tells Navier that she has been in love with him since he was Nicolás Nuñez. She cried when she thought he was dead. She loves him unconditionally and with all her heart. She has never stopped loving him. She asks what is going on between him and Reina. Navier replies that things have changed. He loves Reina but she is his brother’s wife. Estefi asks whether Reina will choose Navier now that he is a billionaire. Would she love him that much if he were poor? [We know and Navier should remember all that times that Reina declared her love for Navier before she knew he was a billionaire.]

CIA Headquarters
Rocky catches Esmeeth in the hall and asks if she has patched things up with FELS and isn’t leaving. Esmeeth is angry at Rocky for not telling her about the latest attempt on Navier’s life. Rocky defends himself by saying that he was just following orders. He couldn’t disobey an order from his superior [conveniently forgetting that he did that several times when Esmeeth was his superior.] FELS shows up and chimes in agreement with Rocky. Rocky leaves and FELS asks Esmeeth if it was part of her mission when she licked her lips when she ate his paella. [Hostile work environment!! FELS is soooo disgusting.]

De Rosas Mansion – House of Cards
Reina asks Victor why he called Estefi the Queen of Diamonds. He replies that he was just making a play on words from poker cards – the Queen of Hearts; the Queen of Diamonds. Reina asks if it is true that Estefi is the biggest trafficker of stolen jewels in the world. Victor says that Estefi isn’t a trafficker. Reina says that Big O told her that she, Reina, was the Queen of Diamonds. Victor replies that Big O lied a lot. Reina leaves. Asunción brings Victor a note that pleases him.


 

Miércoles – Parte Cinco

Doll Room – Confessions of a Queen
Estefi is compulsively combing the hair of one her dolls. She tells the doll that Victor said things that he shouldn’t have. He put her at risk. She will definitely have to kill him now. [How many times have we heard that?] Navier comes in. He says that he didn’t believe Vic when he said that she was the Queen of Diamonds. He knows her. They hug.

Estefi tells navier that she is the Queen of Diamonds. She doesn’t know what he has been told about the QofD’s. Navier replies that he has been told some things but he only wants to know what she tells him. Estefi starts off by saying that she has always been unlucky. When her parents were killed and she lost her brother, she did whatever she had to do to survive. She was a stripper and then became an actress in erotic films. She spent more time naked than clothed. Navier admits that he has seen these films. Estefi says that she is so ashamed. Navier is so good and so transparent. Navier denies this. She continues that when Artemio died, she believed her luck was turning. She didn’t love him but he was a good man. After he died, she found out about his dirty business. She debated reporting it to law enforcement or taking it over. She avoids saying why she decided to take it over by changing the subject to Navier. She says that the same thing will happen to him. In addition to all of Big O’s legal businesses, he is going to inherit a multimillion dollar diamond trafficking business. What is he going to do? Report it or start running it? [How many diamond traffickers are out there? Estefi, Big O, Victor? Actually, diamonds are not that uncommon and the way prices are kept as high as they are is by a cartel that controls the number of diamonds on the market to keep the prices up.]

 

wow, thanks Jean!
such an amazing recap on so many different levels.

I don't know why Esmeeth quit slapping Supremo, a couple of more wouldn't have hurt, and what's with the secret code, especially if everyone already knows it so they will recognize it when he blurts it out, anyone could spit it out. (I'll have to memorize it in case I ever get arrested)

could someone make sure Victor's phone is charged up, wow, a masked Isidro sure was lucky to have left early.

the whole Susana/Juanjo bar fight cracked me up, starting with Susana claiming him as her own, and the hotties that were hitting on him, reminding her how OLD she was.

I'm loving how our HOT couple is being kept apart, by a hair, while the fire in their passion only rises, so gentlemanly of the Dragon to break it off in Estefi's mansion, ooo, after Reina came begging, and then Reina reaffirmed her vows with Victor in front of him, ooo, but our Prince did choose the Qof Diamonds, and after all she did turn down a drink and a Havana with Estefi, and a pole dance lesson, but Victor had no problem taking a few drags on Estefi's cigar, as the King of ....the realm.

interesting angle, Navier is now the boss of all of big O's illegal businesses, he is now the guy that he was investigating, maybe he should stop by the lawyers and get a better idea of his empire.

 

Excellent recap, Jean!

Did you notice Reina, Stefi and Victor were dressed in card deck colors? Victor all in black (his usual), Stefi all in red, and Reina all in white. Navier, in his gray, didn't clash with them. But now that he's inherited all of Big O's dirty businesses, will he start dressing like a crime boss too?

Thanks for detailing that conversation between Reina and Navier. Who do the two of them think they're kidding? They keep dancing around the subject, and Reina asked point blank, but they are both so obviously working undercover. So why even pretend they're not? Just to continue to cause confusion and heartache, I guess. :)

Uhm...so, Stefi just admitted point blank to being the QofD. Is there anything else Navier needs to arrest her?

Loved the bar fight. Ha!
 

Hi Vivi: I did not particularly notice how Reina, Estefi and Vic wore their card suit colors. I'll look again when I go home for lunch.

I agree- why can't Navier tell Reina that he is an agent except to continue the conflict between our lovers.

Deb: I don't think illegal businesses are inherited through probate. ;-) I suppose shady characters will start coming to Navier for instructions on what to do next. In fact, I can see Navier being ordered by FELS to pretend that he is taking over the illegal stuff so that it can be stopped. Of course, he won't be allowed to tell anyone, leading to misunderstandings...
 

Thank you for the absolutely fabulous recap, Jean. I hope you're right about the fate of our show -- full episodes that end with a total of 95. Ninety-five is plenty! It's the hamburger helper in the final quarter or third of most telenovelas that makes me question why I ever started watching.

What was that secret code again?

Did he send a card when he found out you were dying?

I had to shoot you; my phone battery was dead.

Susana comes into a bar...

You OWN the art of section titles, my friend!

And then there's this observation of yours:

FELS asks Esmeeth if it was part of her mission when she licked her lips when she ate his paella. [Hostile work environment!! FELS is soooo disgusting.]

Yes, FELS is a nasty piece of work!

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So lots of secrets are out now. Is there ANYONE who doesn't know that Estefi is the Q of D?

I loved Izzy's question to his boss: why didn't you call the guys and tell them to let Navier go? Is this going to be a turning point for Izzy? What will that do for his life expectancy?

I had the same thought as you did, Jean, about OBD's tear-away dresses. Did you notice how she walked right out into the hallway in her underwear? (I assume that was the door to the outside and not to the bathroom).
 

Penny,

I'm glad you enjoyed Tuesday's recap. I'm also glad you reminded us that there are, indeed, a number of mysteries surrounding Asunción and how she came to be the ama de llaves in the De Rosas house.

To add to the enigmas you mention, there is also the matter of that "special" man, Reina's father: Is he alive? Why did he abandon his wife and daughter and marry mean, crazy Carmen?
 

Thank you, Jean. I'm still very behind and so grateful for the recaps.

Thanks for the info about the Mexican broadcast and editing.
 

Excellent recap Jean! My favorite headings were: If you can't be with the one you love, be with the slut you're with & CIA Headquarters - You can take this job and shove it

Deb, I was hoping for a punch or two. I also like how they're keeping Reina/Javier apart. They're not together, but it's not a tedious separation. And they give us enough steamy kisses in between.

Vivi, love your observation about the deck of cards!

Uhm...so, Stefi just admitted point blank to being the QofD. Is there anything else Navier needs to arrest her? Remember, Stefi LOVES Javier, and has always & will always be there for him...*roll eyes*

Hopefully this is a turning point for Izzy, the dirt he could get on Victor...

Once again so enjoyed yesterday's episode, especially the interactions & conversations between our 4 leads. Still don't understand how this got bad ratings, but at least we're back to unedited episodes.

jlk
 

Thanks NovelaMaven and Jean for the terrific recaps! I had gotten behind on the show but I'm all caught up.

I'm glad we've been getting complete episode of this amazing show.

Can't wait until tonight.
 

Thanks all. I had fun with that one.

I checked out the red, white and black attire of our Queens and Victor with Navier in neutral grey. Good observation.

Even with a confession, you usually don't arrest someone without some evidence against them because they can always retract the confession.

I thought the whole thing with Victor, Reina, Estefi and Navier was very entertaining in this episode.

Will Victor's callousness cause Izzy to question his loyalty? Let's hope so.
 

Navier already found the crown and the diamond eyes doll in Stefi's possession, but at the time he bought her lie about just inheriting them from her husband.
 

Jean, thank you for the recap. I'm out of town and appreciate knowing what happened. I also enjoyed your section titles!

I had a white DragonMobile Kia sighting today, in downtown Salt Lake City. I feel safe. ;-)
 

ooh Doris! My heart be still. I'm sure you ARE safe.
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