Caray, Caray!

Oooh, I'm the first one! Thanks to all the wonderful recappers (Jean, Novela Maven, Caroline, Mauricio) for their recapping labor of love and to Anita for all her dragon wisdom. Extra thanks to Mauricio for posting the epis so we can watch them. They are going at breakneck speed, and I suspect I'd get get whiplash if I had to watch them on Tijeramundo!

I got a kick out of Victor musing about the improvement of having Connie sedated because she talked so much. Annon's Connie dialogue suggestion also had me ROTFL!

Don't know if folks are still pondering about Steffi's cheep (when she dissappeared after dispatching the entire hospital), but I seem to recall one of the recaps (possibly of a cut section) saying how Javier looked at his screen to see where she was and haivng it go blank. I suspect we're supposed to assume she found it and either removed or dissabled it (either baby bro taught her or she learned it from Navier via osmosis).

As for how she got Navier on the cross, I'm guessing it was MM who helped and took the pix (unless he was stuck in the Proyecto Jupiter lab). I suppose he could have used a pulley to get him up, and then Reina used it to get him off, but I'm probably just trying too hard to rationalize it. LOL!

Now I'm really wondering about the Stef pregnancy. It is possible that Reina had a psychotic break from the residual drugs in her system, but I'd say Stef just staged the whole fall down the stairs bit. She might have taken a smaller fall to minimize the risk, or she might have some frozen embryos on reserve, but she might have faked the pregnancy (wasn't there a drug that could fake the results, as per "En Otra Piel"?) or if it's ORBO's kid as others suggested, perhaps she wanted to lose it before Navier could find out it isn't his. Hard to think she'd risk it after mourning Greta all those years, but she is BSC after all!
 

I've noticed that MM also looks like the guy that killed Stef's family and shot Asuncion. Not sure if it will mean that he's related to the guy that did it or if it was him and Stef has been stringing him along to get even (though that might be pushing it even for her). I also suspect it was him and not Stef who left F/P/GELS's hanky at the scene. Probably making sure the Powers That Be don't try to give F/P/GELS his old job back if they manage to get rid of Navier.

Is it silly of me to hope that now that Vic has kidnapped Connie Izzy will finally narc on Vic? A girl can hope!

Must see TV (or online posting)!!!!
 

Episode 128 (second half of the show broadcast on Tuesday, Nov. 18)

Part 1 (Jean and I wrote this first part together)

Esmeeth's apartment, the next day
It feels a little chilly in here this morning
Reina joins Esmeeth at the breakfast table. Esmeeth seems a bit standoffish. She tells Reina that Navier called. He's at Victor's house with Estefania... because of what happened to her. "What happened to her?" asks Reina. "She says you pushed her." "And you believe her? That's why you're acting like this with me?" Esmeeth shrugs. "Javier is with her."

"Did something serious (fuerte) happen? Did she lose the baby?" persists Reina. Esmeeth tells her that the baby seems to be fine, but what happened was very grave and 'that woman' is capable of reporting Reina to the police.

Reina laughs bitterly. "She's going to report me? After she kidnapped my daughter and triggered a health crisis that almost killed her? Let her do it. I've done nothing to her and I'm not afraid of her. Just let her try it."

De Rosas Mansion, Estefi's Bedroom
Navier talks to Estefania while Cobra watches, slit-eyed, in the background. He tells her Reina isn't capable of doing a thing like that. Estefi doesn't care if he believes her or not -- she's going to file a complaint against Reina. "You have no proof. Nobody saw you."

"You're wrong," says Cobra, coming forward right on cue. I was there. I saw Reina push Estefi down the stairs."

De Rosas Mansion, A Study in Loyalty
Izzy enters, obviously upset. He is in shirtsleeves and his hair is tousled. He says he hasn't eaten or slept or even been able to breathe. He begs Victor to tell him what he did with Connie. "The same thing you did with Greta's baby," Victor sneers. Then he adds: "You could go to prison for stealing a baby and then abandoning it."

"Sir, it's me, Isidro, you loyal employee, your accomplice, your watchdog. I beg you, sir, what can I do to get Connie back?" Victor says since he is so moved, he'll tell Izzy what he can do -- he can pray!

The Bedroom -- The Witness is Impeached
"I was in the house last night and I saw everything," Cobra tells Navier. Really? Then why didn't she help Estefi? Cobra says she wasn't feeling well. What she saw was very upsetting, very violent. "Remember I'm pregnant too," she says, instinctively holding a protective hand on her belly. "I wanted to go upstairs and get Victor and then you arrived. I'm convinced that Reina was trying to kill Estefania."

Navier is unimpressed. He tells Alicia he knows all about her, that she is the Cobra, a paid assailant. He mentions several of her more notorious hits all over Latin America.

While back at the apartment --
"That woman is lying," Reina tells Esmeeth. "What I should do at this minute is go and confront her." Esmeeth advises her to leave things alone. Besides, Navier will be there any minute. He'll tell them how things are and whether Estefi's pregnancy is in jeopardy.

And in the Bedroom of Malice --
Navier tells the evil women that Reina could have done it because of all the evil that has been visited upon her. But no, it wouldn't be to their advantage to denounce her -- it wouldn't be good for them or for the health of their babies.

Navier leaves and the two evil women stare stupidly at each other.
 

Ep. 128 - Part 2

Esmeeth's apartment
Let's be honest -- who wouldn't want to throw her down the stairs?
"When I left her, she was perfectly fine," says Reina. "You left here angry," points out Esmeeth. "No," Reina corrects her. "I left furious. She hurt my daughter. Of course I want to kill her, I'd love to throw her down the stairs. If I didn't, it's because she's pregnant with Navier's child. That's the only reason. I would never harm her."

The Bedroom - Professional Courtesy
Cobra brings Estefi a glass of water. "It's not poisoned," she assures her. Estefi still can't believe that Cobra did her a favor. Cobra said she was doing herself a favor. She doesn't want Reina in the house, much less close to Victor. They have an enemy in common. "An enemy who doesn't hold a candle to us," says Estefi. Cobra agrees. But Reina is still a pest. "Maybe you're right. Maybe we should get together to get rid of that damn bitch." Cobra smiles.

Navier arrives at Esmeeth's doorstep. He and Reina look searchingly at each other.

PHoo Lab
Mauro looks down at Connie on her stretcher. "Who are you?" she asks. "Where am I? Who am I?" Mauro's smarmy features are suffused with satisfaction.

Study in Arrogance
Victor wants to know why Susana has come to see him. What is she asking him for? He ridicules her feelings for Juanjo and the difference in their ages (though the age difference between himself and Reina has never seemed to bother him.)
"I didn't come to ask you for anything," Susana tells him. "I'm here to DEMAND the return of Constanza Leiva." Victor laughs. "Connie Leiva -- your lover's friend?" She corrects him. Juanjo isn't her lover. He's her future husband. Victor snorts. He says he knows absolutely nothing about Connie Leiva. "Yes, you do know, and you're going to tell me. If you don't, I'll tell Lazaro that Greta is alive." Victor's face turns hard and dangerous.

Esmeeth's -- No, I didn't notice the eyes!
"Although you may not believe me, I'm relieved your child is okay," Reina tells Navier. "Why do you say that? I believe you." Reina shrugs slightly. "So she just needs to rest?" asks Esmeeth. "Yes," says Navier. "That's what the doctor said -- a few days of bed rest." Reina looks closely at Navier. She thinks he is still doubting her word. She repeats: "I didn't do anything to her!"

Esmeeth, not always the most tactful of women, does the tactful thing here. She leaves the apartment so these two can have some privacy.

Reina admits she and Estefi argued. She was furious because of the little 'gift' Estefi sent her. She gives Navier the envelope. He examines the doctored photos. He points out that his eyes are closed in every shot. She didn't notice. She was distracted by other details -- for example that he's NAKED and so is she. That's because Reina is blinded by jealousy, he tells her. Easy for him to say -- does he think it's easy for her to look at those photos? Or to know that that woman is carrying his child? It isn't. She's trying to deal with the frustration, the rage, the hatred she feels. Does he want to know why she went to see Estefi? She wanted to let off some steam (desahogarme) in front of her. But she didn't push her down the stairs.

"I believe you," Navier says softly. They join hands. "I won't let anyone separate us."
 

Ep. 128 - Part 3

Someone knocks on the door. Navier approaches cautiously, gun in hand. He looks through the peephole. It's Izzy, still in shirtsleeves, still looking frazzled. He knew he'd find Navier there. He has something important to say: "I know that Victor kidnapped Connie and I'm prepared to do ANYTHING to get her back."

Navier is dubious. He's not sure he can trust him. But Reina is ready to go along if it means saving Connie.
"Trust me!" says Izzy. "Victor betrayed me and now I'm ready to betray him. I can do it -- I can do away with Victor."

Navier doesn't doubt it. He knows almost all his secrets. "I know more than you can imagine, Bolívar."

"Why should I believe you're going to tell me those secrets?"

"That's very easy -- because the life of the woman I love is in danger and for Connie, I'd do anything; and I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to the sweetest and best person I've ever known in my life. Besides, you can tell when a person is lying or telling the truth, right? Look in my eyes. What do you see?"

"Desperation."

"Yes, I'm desperate. And I also feel very guilty. This is what happened. I went to Mr. De Rosas and I told him I wanted to resign so I could be with Connie. He made me believe that nothing would happen and everything would be fine. I believed in him, I believed he was going to let me go free. Well no. Afterwards, Connie disappeared (pasó lo que pasó /What happened, happened)."

"Obviously it's Victor," says Navier. "But I don't understand what Victor wants with Connie," says Reina. "What is he going to do with her? What do you suspect?"

"He's capable of anything," Izzy answers sadly.

Reina asks him if he is absolutely sure he wants to betray Victor. "You know it could cost you your life," adds Navier. "Are you ready to do it?"

A Study in Sadism
Victor laughs. He didn't think he'd live long enough to hear Susana threaten him. Susana tells him she is dead serious. She's convinced he was involved in Connie's disappearance.

"Shut up! You're not going to say anything or your future husband will end up hanging from a bridge -- or maybe cut in pieces... or with a knife in his back... no, burned alive is even better. Or with two shots in his legs, and left to bleed to death."

"Don't you dare threaten me again!" he says. "Why?" asks Susana defiantly. "What are you capable of doing?"

"Anything and everything" he says, punctuating his words with sharp pokes to her head -- "Including erasing all the memories from your mind. And doing the same to that imbecile Garcia. Is that clear?"

PHoo Lab -- Boo Hoo!
Connie moans and begs for help. Her head hurts so much. She's so confused. She doesn't recognize the place or remember who she is. Smarmy Mauro puts a reassuring hand on her arm and tells her everything is all right. "Can't you give me something for the pain?" asks Connie. "Can do," Mauro tells her.

As soon as he turns away, Connie kicks him HARD. He hits his head on the x-ray display box and falls to the floor. She rips out her IV and makes a run for it. Mauro gets up and pursues her.
 

Ep. 128 - Part 4

Moto Home
Moto leaves a phone message for Christian asking him to
get in touch with her. She can't just wait around for something to happen.

Laz is getting antsy too. He needs to do something to save his sister. Moto says there's nothing they CAN do.

The doorbell rings. It's Picasso. Laz is obviously not happy to see him but Moto asks for a few minutes alone with her ex. Laz agrees, though with ill grace.

And who can blame him? Listen to the next thing out of Picasso's mouth: "There's a spice here, a certain aroma of sexuality in this friendship." [Ewwww!] Fortunately, Moto stops him from taking this any further. She doesn't want to talk about herself -- she wants to talk about Connie Leiva. She knows Picasso can help her find her.

Navier and Reina listen attentively to Izzy's story:
"Connie is the most important thing for me," he begins. That's why he was ready to walk away from everything. He wanted to find a decent job and offer her a respectable life. But he's very worried -- worried that Connie may show up with the diamond mark on her neck.

Victor still has his Injecto-Death 3000. He was able to switch bracelets before he was arrested because Estefi warned him in advance.

Navier tells Izzy to keep talking. He wants to hear it all.

Izzy continues: "The Cobra stole all of Estefi's jewels. Estefi found out and was able to get them back, but not the three red diamonds."

Navier hasn't really heard anything useful yet. He tells Isidro that he needs to know more, something really important. Does Izzy get it? He needs something that leaves Victor without a way out!

Izzy hesitates and then says, as if with great difficulty: "Victor De Rosas is the Black Falcon."

De Rosas Study in Contrasts
Victor tells Susana to get out and never come back. Before she has a chance to leave, ORBO walks in. "Now we're all here," says Victor nastily. "My useless father and my useless ex-wife." ORBO begins to reproach Victor for the disrespectful way he has spoken to Susana. But Victor's phone rings and the teachable moment is gone.

The caller is Mauro and he reports to Victor that Connie has escaped. "You are an imbecile!" He hangs up and leaves the house grumbling "I have to do everything myself."

"He obviously got some bad news," ORBO remarks to Susana. "Maybe it's about Connie Leiva," she says. She starts to go after him but ORBO holds her back. "I don't know what you're going to do, but Victor is a very dangerous person -- and you should know that better than anyone."

Connie sprints past some lockers. Mauro trots after her.

Susana imagines Victor carrying out the threats he made to hurt Juanjo. She falls on the couch in a faint. "Susana!" says ORBO, alarmed.

The Coven -- Bonding
Cobra thinks Reina should die by decapitation; Estefi prefers drowning. "Well maybe we should burn her alive," suggests Cobra. Estefi rejects the idea -- there would be too much smoke and she has a lot of hair. Imagine the smell! No, it should be something a bit glamorous, something more poetic. "What do you think about a bathtub? -- white and bleeding out -- with blood, lots of red blood..." Cobra laughs delightedly. "Or maybe we could do a 'mix'..." Estefi's curiosity is piqued. "What do you mean, a 'mix'?"
Cobra explains: "A 'mix' -- a few stab wounds, some shots, we choke her -- a little of everything."

Estefi likes that idea. Cobra isn't surprised. "You know, Cobra, I really like you when you do your evil crap." Cobra giggles. "And I like you." Estefi marvels that though they have taken different paths, their objective is the same: to do away with Reina Ortiz.
 

Ep. 128 - Part 5

Esmeeth's apartment
Tell me something I don't already know.
Navier already knew that Victor was the Black Falcon. Izzy isn't helping Connie. It's all a lie. He's clearly still afraid of Victor.

Izzy stands and faces Navier. "I'm not afraid of anyone."

But he is, insists Navier. He fears for his life and he's afraid to say anything compromising. "And I can't do anything and Victor will go free and will do God knows what to Connie because you're not saying anything!"

Izzy finally cracks. HE HAS A SECRET LABORATORY!

Now he has Navier's attention! With who? Where?
"It's a secret lab where they test drugs -- new ones, strong ones..."

"What do you mean "strong"? What drugs? What do they do?"

"They can erase memories from the mind, like what happened with Reina."

"No," says Reina. "My memory loss was caused by an accident."

Izzy turns to Reina. "The accident helped, but you were already starting to lose your memory. It was exactly what he wanted -- he wanted you to remember absolutely nothing. And he wanted to have you in his hands forever."

Esmeeth enters the De Rosas living room as ORBO is handing Susana a drink. "Isn't it early to be drinking?" she says sarcastically. ORBO explains that Susana wasn't feeling well and she fainted. "I was arguing with Victor and he said some horrible things to me." "What things?" asks Esmeeth.

"I wanted to get information from him about Connie -- and he threatened me. He talked about the different ways he could kill Juanjo." ORBO turns to Esmeeth and tells her she has to DO something. Esmeeth sits beside Susana and asks her to tell her more. "Well," she says timidly, "he said something really strange -- he said he could erase my memories; and I had the feeling it wasn't just a figure of speech, but that he really can do it!"

Picasso and Moto continue their conversation in her apartment
Picasso assures her he will do everything he can. After what Moto told him, he believes everything points to Victor De Rosas. Moto agrees.

Picasso touches Moto's arm in what he intends to be a comforting gesture. "I'll help you!" he promises. Laz returns at that very moment and eyes the two suspiciously. "Are you going to be much longer?" Picasso tells him he was just leaving. Then he leans close to Moto and whispers: It's clear you two have fallen in love. Years ago I told you I owed you one. This is a good time to pay you back.

Once Picasso has left, Laz grouses about the rudeness of whispering secrets when other people are present. "It's obvious that there are still strong ties between you two." Moto thinks just the opposite is true -- but right now the important thing is that he is going to help us find his sister. "What does he owe you?"

"A few years ago..." begins Moto.
Flashback: A bare-chested Picasso is tied to a chair and several bad guys are beating him up. Moto, amped up on PHoo Juice whips all the bad guys herself and rescues Picasso.
"That's who you were?" asks Laz with astonishment. "That's who I was."
 

Ep. 128 - Part 6

PHoo Lab -- What PHoo Juice can do!
Mauro speaks breathlessly into the phone: "She's still here. She hasn't left the building."

We see Connie peering through a glass door, trying to hide. [It's transparent, sweetie. He can SEE you!] We hear Victor's voice on the phone: "Find her. I'm on my way."

Mauro seems to catch a glimpse of Connie. He fakes her out by walking in the opposite direction. She comes out of hiding. But Mauro has merely circled around. Now he grabs her from behind.

She fights back with amazing ferocity, slamming his head against the metal lockers and the hard wall again and again. He falls to the ground. She takes his cell phone. She runs for the exit!

Esmeeth's apartment
"Where is that lab?" asks Navier. Izzy really doesn't know. Victor didn't trust him with that information -- that's the truth. "Is there anything you remember? The geographical area? Any detail at all?" Izzy can't help him. He was never there. Navier wonders who else could be involved... "Victor can't be alone in this."

Izzy says he doesn't completely trust Navier. What if after all this, Navier doesn't do anything? Both Victor and his partner will be his enemies. So he's going to keep the name of the partner to himself.

Navier asks again: "Who is it? Is it Montalban? Is it Picasso? Or Estefania?"

"Let's concentrate on Connie," says Izzy. "All I can say is that Victor's partner is one of yours."

Victor drives up in time to see Connie running for her life.

"What Victor is doing has something to do with Project Hoopiter," says Navier. "That means that even if Connie isn't dead yet, he could be giving her a drug to make her lose her memory."

Victor aims his van at Connie. She stands right in front of the vehicle and raises her arms as if in horror. He doesn't run her over, but must knock into her, hard enough to make her fall to the ground, unconscious.

He gets out of his van, checks her pulse, and then gathers her limp body in his arms. He doesn't notice the cell phone fall out of her pocket.

Esmeeth's apartment
Reina confirms that there is a drug that causes memory loss -- that's what Victor was using on her. Navier thinks so too.

Navier tells Izzy he needs to accompany him to the CIA. Reina would like to go along -- Connie is her best friend! -- but Navier persuades her it's best to keep this between him and Izzy. He warns Izzy that they can't be seen together.

Privately, Reina asks Navier if he trusts Izzy. He has to, he tells her. If they want to get Connie back, they have no choice.

Moto Home
"I don't trust Picasso," says Laz. Moto says she has no one else who can help them. Laz didn't know she 'had' him. Moto asks him if he's jealous. But before he can answer, they get a phone call with wonderful news: The adoption has been approved. Agatha is theirs!

PHoo Lab
Victor enters the lab building and finds Mauro on the floor. He pushes Connie, now back on a stretcher, into the lab.

De Rosas Mansion, Estefi's Bedroom
Estefi leaves a voice mail for Mauro: "Mauro, it's me, Estefania. I need to see you right away. Call me!"

Flashback: Mauro and Estefi sit together in the back of a limo. She wanted to talk to him there because it is such an intimate space. She is Artemio Hidalgo's wife... His great friend, interrupts Mauro. Estefi knows. She hopes that doesn't mean they can't become intimately acquainted. It's a tempting offer, says Mauro, but at the moment he has things to do. He tries to leave. Stefi climbs on top of him. "Things more important than this?" she asks. Mauro seems to be reconsidering his options...
 

Ep. 128 - Part 7

Back to the Present:
Esmeeth appears with a stern warning for Estefi: "Don't think you can do whatever you want just because you're pregnant or because you have the Immunity Idol. I won't permit it!"

"How unpleasant (feo) that your (embryonic)grandson has to hear you threatening him," she replies. Just then a maid stops by to announce that she has a visitor. "Who?" Picasso steps forward. "Me."

Navier and Izzy arrive at the CIA together. Navier hopes Izzy isn't lying or it will cost him dearly. Izzy isn't lying. If he loses Connie, nothing in his life makes sense.

Navier tells an agent to clear the area. He doesn't want anyone to see them, especially Montalban and Picasso.

Navier asks if Christian is involved. Izzy doesn't think so. Although he hates to say it, Christian loves Connie and he wouldn't hurt her. Even so, he's always mixed up in shady stuff. (cosas raras) He's not what he seems. Navier wants details -- it could be important.

"Christian Palacios is in business with Big O. He protects narcotraficantes and criminals and asks them for a lot of money. He's not the humble cop we all think he is. That man is a millionaire for sure."

De Rosas Mansion
Christian tells ORBO to calm down. He knows he's not the real Big O, that is, Faux O, but he has to talk to his contacts. ORBO doesn't want to do it. Christian insists that it will help them find Connie faster. Finally ORBO says he'll do it, but he has to tell him everything. Christian warns ORBO not to double-cross him. He's only asking his help because he is desperate. Connie is the only thing that matters to him in this world. Does ORBO understand that?

Picasso asks Esmeeth not to go -- at least not before she understands that he only came to see Estefi for Connie's sake. Esmeeth tells him he can do whatever he likes. She leaves.

"Your relationship with that woman has no future," Estefi tells him. "But you know what? I'm glad."

Room of many screens and cheep thrills
Izzy watches as Navier sits at the magic screen tracing two phones -- Picasso's and Mauro's. Then he'll try to locate their cheeps and see if they are in the same place. He finds Picasso and his cheep in the De Rosas mansion, but can't locate Montalban. Maybe he inactivated his cheep. Ah, there's Montalban's cell -- it's in a strange place on the outskirts of town. Navier is going after him. Izzy wants to come along but N doesn't trust him.

Izzy takes a leap of faith:
"There's one more thing you should know: Victor De Rosas' accomplice in the lab is Mauro Montalban."

End of episode 128, (second part of the episode shown tuesday, 11/18)
 

Margarita, how lovely to see you back here among the Reinamaniacs!

I am delighted by your pulley theory -- it is almost too sensible for us!

I have no idea what to make of Estefi's pregnancy -- it would be best if it didn't really exist. But the writers have kind of painted us into a corner on that one. You never know though...

I agree that MM is the most likely person to have planted Picasso's hanky at the scene. If/when Estefi decides to hurt her little bro, she'll do it in a much more dramatic way, I suspect!
 

Fabulous recap, NovelaMaven, and on such short notice. My contribution was extremely minor!!

I especially liked,
We see Connie peering through a glass door, trying to hide. [It's transparent, sweetie. He can SEE you!] and

Esmeeth's -- No, I didn't notice the eyes!

I just loved the scene where Navier, instead of stupidly believing the malice of the other woman as so many novela galans do, asks the obvious question - If you saw Reina push Estefi down the stairs, why didn't you help her? Cobra's expression was priceless.

I also loved that little Connie, tanked up on Hoopiter Juice, was able to take MM out.

And who can blame him? Listen to the next thing out of Picasso's mouth: "There's a spice here, a certain aroma of sexuality in this friendship." [Ewwww!]

I keep wanting to like FELS. He seems to be a good guy but he just keeps making inappropriate remarks to Esmeeth and Moto.

I thought it was funny that Navier tells his agents to clear the area so that no one can see him with Izzy and then proceeds to interrogate him in the lobby of the CIA office where everyone can see them. Was some other novela using the interrogation room set that day?

Susana's naiveté about Vic's true character after living with him for 20 years and everything that has happened during the novela, is amazing.
 

Hi, I'm the Anon who left the post about Connie blathering on even in an amnesic state :) I've posted a couple of times under the name Clarita's Pencilcase, but now find that checking the 'Anonymous' option is the only way my posts appear. Sorry, I'm not trying to be mysterious!

Thanks to everyone who posts here, it is just as entertaining as the show itself!
 

NovelaMaven – Thank you for the recap and snark. Among my favs---
“the Bedroom of Malice”
“Room of many screens and cheep thrills” (the “cheep” thrills almost got past me!)

In the first scenes of this episode, what was the light green dress Reina was wearing? It looked like a cocktail party dress. Who wears a dress like that as everyday wear? Oh, wait, my beanie hat slipped off . . .

And while I’m on fashion commentary, what was up with DocMoto’s top??? Those armholes so low that her bra was showing. Big time. Dear Moto, that is not a fashion statement. That look is a fashion disaster.

My Crockpot Theory™ is that Izzy will kill Victor before this is over with. If he doesn’t go that far, he will be the key player in turning him in, as we saw last night. We know this because Izzy’s hairstyle has changed, and that always signals a new etapa for a character’s storyline. (it’s in the telenovela rules)

The part of Cobra was well cast. All pit vipers have triangular heads. Her high, sharp, angular cheekbones and narrow chin make her look just like a poisonous snake.

Clearly the PHooJuice gave Connie some kick-ass SuperPowerStrength.

Margarita – your pulley theory makes so much sense!
 

The part of Cobra was well cast. All pit vipers have triangular heads. Her high, sharp, angular cheekbones and narrow chin make her look just like a poisonous snake.

So true, Doris. Great observation!

Either we're going to have another time jump or Cobra and Estefi need to lose their babies.
 

Wonderful Collaboration, Jean & NovelaMaven. This way of recapping all makes sense, as long as we are familiar with the characters, their personalities, the settings and a bit of the stories. Otherwise, without the visuals, it would make utterly no sense at all. I'm up to speed, so thank you for lighting up my day.

FWIW on the Broadcast Version: I think TeleScrewedUpOurMundo actually tried to smush the two pre-empted episodes into the next two, so they could stay with the Dec 1 ending. Too bad. I'm glad we're doing it this way and I'm not going to pay attention to the daily broadcast version. What I plan to do is to save the episodes on my DVR and now I'll go back and watch what was broadcast last Monday and Tuesday.

Jean--You said, "I keep wanting to like FELS. He seems to be a good guy but he just keeps making inappropriate remarks to Esmeeth and Moto."

I'm in your corner. I keep thinking of FELS as still an overgrown boy. I give him the benefit of many doubts because he was a "superdotado" kid who went to university while still an adolescent. There have been studies of these young geniuses and their adjustment and socialization among students 5-10 years older than they are. They don't do very well in the social department.

Patricio grew tall, good-looking and had an overactive libido, but, also because of his childhood and growing up under an abusive father, has lumbered through his sexual life with pick-up or seduction lines he learned from movies, without having to or giving any love or commitment. One reason, I surmise, why Moto divorced him. Of course she was a bit austere in the emotional department herself. They didn't teach each other anything about love, bonding, sharing, or companionship. She's just learning that now with Laz.

Patricio thought all he had to do to conquer Smeeth was to use those same seductive powers that worked on others. She was hungry for physical intimacy, so that part worked. What hasn't worked is the follow-up in any couple's lives, what real life gives you.

He and Smeeth still treat each other like strangers at the office, sometimes competitively angry with each other, not trusting each other, hurting each other (well, he does most of the hurting--locking her up for 4 months) and then he wonders why Smeeth won't fall back into his arms at a single tender look and a sniff. Gaah, I don't want to go there.

My favorite headings: Room of many screens and cheep thrills and PHoo Lab -- What PHoo Juice can do!
 

To Clarita's Pencilcase--You can still post as Anonymous, but you can also SIGN your comment at the bottom, so we will know it is the same person. We'd love to hear more from you.

Try it, you'll like it and we will, too.
 

Thank you all so much!!!! You are awesome.
I'm way behind on episodes, but I wanted you to know I'm watching/reading along.
 

Anita: I stand in awe of your psychological evaluation of FELS. If the writers didn't write his character that way, they should have! I hope he makes it to the end. He has that self-sacrificing air about him though that suggests he will give his life to save Esmeeth or Moto.
 

And I'm in awe of all these smart and funny comments. Reinamaniacs truly do rock!

Jean, no hay de que! I am also intrigued by Susana's naiveté. I think Wanda D'Isidro has played this 'perennial ingenue' brilliantly. Susana has lived among monsters for many years but has often managed to bring out their human side -- until now, that is. Now the masks are off.

Clara's Pencilcase, some people on this blog have been commenting for years without taking on a google identity. As Anita says, all you have to do is sign the individual comment. (Like everyone else, I loved your amnesiac Connie voice!)

Doris, I'm glad you've taken up the banner of the Fashion Police. There was so much going on last night, that I didn't trust myself to linger on the costumes. But hell, yes, what was the deal with Reina's sparkly party dress at the breakfast table? As for Moto, I was intrigued by the pattern on the shirt which, from a distance, formed a heart but looked at more closely, seemed to consist of rib cages -- a deathly heart, in fact. (I couldn't hold back on Estefi's feathers though.)

I echo Jean's admiration of your Cobra observation. Excellent!
 

Anita, I enjoyed your very generous interpretation of Patricio. I still think a good tailor would do him a world of good (and I don't mean his BSC sister, la costurera!)

There is a peculiar affect to all the agents (Esmeeth, Navier, FELS, and even, to some extent, Rocky) -- they all feel a little Aspergerish, as if they are not quite ready to live in the real world. They don't seem to get how abrasive they can be.

Juanjo, Laz, Connie and Reina herself are the normals who are thrown into the world of EVIL CRAZIES and then come to know and depend on - and love - the emotionally stunted agents.

Of course MM is just a creepy old dude who snuck into the story from a 1980's Republican caucus or the board of a big HMO...

Hey, Maggie! Thanks for stopping by and letting us know you are reading! We like the reassurance that there are still a few of us out there! :D
 

Wow! Thanks so much for the terrific tag team recap! And it's great to hear some commenters we haven't heard from for a while.

I was so sad about Susana playing her trump card to try to free Connie only to be shot down by Victor's ghastly threats to Juanjo.

OK, OK, telenovelas are not at all realistic, but isn't it a criminal act to openly threaten to kill someone? If we added up Victor's death threats, he'd be put away for 10 years at least!

I maintain some residual affection for FELS. And, Anita, that was a brilliant analysis of him!

I'm finding it a bit difficult to comment lately. SO NOT COMPLAINING! But, when the recap is about what I just saw the night before, insights come a bit easier.
 

Novelera, so glad you enjoyed the recap!

I've been trying to watch the episodes pretty much as we are recapping them, but when I do get ahead of myself, I try to think of it as a sort of book club or class.

Maybe you loved the book and stayed up all night reading until the end, but the class is still on an earlier chapter. You can still join in the discussion -- all you have to do is quickly review the part the class is up to.

(And if you ARE sneaking a peek ahead, jot down your insights and share them when we catch up to you! I'd hate to lose them!)
 

Oh, NM--This was priceless:
"Of course MM is just a creepy old dude who snuck into the story from a 1980's Republican caucus or the board of a big HMO." Maybe not an HMO (they are the humble brother of BC&BS). He'd be more at home on the board of a big name pharmaceutical company.
 

MM is most likely an Omega Theta Pi alum.

;-)
 

Thanks,all!
FELS irritates me too. Why is he always unbuttoning and re-buttoning his ill-fitting suit jacket?
Great comment re the casting for Cobra. She is indeed perfect. Little Victor Jnr is going to be a double-psychopath, that's for sure.
I'm interested to see where the Christian story leads. He seems so, well... dumb. Not sure I'm buying him being some sort of criminal mastermind.
Susannah just annoys me, really.
Drinking game: take a large sip whenever Susanah or Reina flip their hair. You'll be so wasted by the time the Enrique Iglesias song comes on that it all just might start to make sense.

Clarita's Pencil-case
 

NovelaMaven - The heart-shaped ribcage on DocMoto's tee did not go unnoticed. They were simply upstaged by the bra.

I forget who commented that her clothes are getting skimpier every week, and I had not paid attention until I read that. (Thank you.... I think.LOL) And it's true! My brain is ruined now, because it always reminds me of Sigourney Weaver's chracter in Galaxy Quest, and how her outfit got more torn and more revealing(!) as the movie went on.
 

Doris: I loved Galaxy Quest:

Sigourney Weaver: Look, I have ONE job on this lousy ship. It's STUPID, but I'm gonna do it, OKAY?
 

Clarita's Pencil-case
There is much to annoy in this telenovela, that's for sure. Everybody acts out of character sometimes. About the buttoning and unbuttoning--actually Javier did it, too when he was wearing a jacket in the office and so does Victor when he's in his despacho.

We all came to the conclusion the wardrobe dept. was either short of funds--or overspent on sparkly gowns one wears at breakfast or Stefi's diamond collection.

The two men probably had to choose between jackets several sizes too small or too large. If they are aware of what shows off their "masculine beauty" the best, it would be too small (see Wm. Levy, Gabriel Soto, Eduardo Yáñez), but in this case, we would agree, it looks a little ridiculous on these two.
 

Tuesday, Ep. 129, Part 1 (First half of the broadcast from Wednesday, November 19)

Moto Home - I Need More PHoo Juice!
Reina comes looking for Moto. She knows how they can find Connie, but only if Moto helps her recover her memory. She needs the DRUG! Only Moto can get it for her. Will she do it? Connie's life is at stake!

He is The Very Model of a Modern Metrosexual
Navier's white Kia sedan pulls up to an industrial site. He checks the GPS on his phone, looks around and spots an iPhone on the ground.

"I already told you that's impossible," says Moto. But there's something she doesn't know, says Reina. Her memory loss didn't start with her accident, though the accident may have accelerated the process. In fact, she has just learned that Victor was giving her a drug to make her lose her memory.

How does Reina know that? She tells them about Izzy and how, in his desperation to find Connie, he was willing to tell Navier some of Victor's secrets. "Victor has a secret lab where they experiment with drugs -- I never knew it, but I was one of his subjects!"

Boing!
Laz can't believe this story. It sounds like something out of a horror flick (una película de terror). Moto assures him soberly that what Reina is saying isn't crazy talk (un disparate). "Now I understand what happened to you when Julio César Blanco gave you that drug," she says. "It was like a boomerang effect -- that's why you started to remember things!"

"And if I take the drug again, I may remember more things," says Reina. "If I remember where the lab is, we can find Connie."

Mild-mannered Seamstress Goes Ape! More at 7!
Connie is once again laid out on the stretcher, with Victor standing on one side and a flunky in a blue lab coat on the other. Mauro staggers into the room, beaten-up and confused. "What happened?" "It seems the drug has had its effect," observes Victor slyly as he strokes Connie's hair. "Our sweet seamstress turned into a wild animal capable of slapping you silly." It's a good thing Victor got there in time, huh?

Mother, Please, I'd Rather Do it Myself
We see Navier outside the building. He gets a call from Esmeeth. She wants to know where he is and what is happening. He has no time for her now. He's going to take care of things himself. If he needs reinforcements, he'll ask for them. He ends the call abruptly, takes out his gun and moves cautiously toward the building.

"The drug has taken effect," (surtió efecto) Victor repeats. Connie overpowered a man like Mauro, a trained intelligence agent. "Is she dead?" asks Mauro hopefully, the bruises blooming nicely on his Reagan-era face. She is not. They'll have to see how she reacts when she wakes up.

So who ISN'T Looking for Connie Leiva?

Patricio Picasso visits Estefania to ask for her help in finding Connie. He's sure she can wheedle the information out of Victor. He reminds her of all the times he has helped her. Now it's time for her to return the favor.

Susana tried to pressure Victor into talking about Connie, but instead, he ended up threatening her. Now she's scared to death. Juanjo wants to know what Susana was holding over Victor's head. She can't tell him -- he's better off not knowing.

We see Navier in the entry hall to the building. He is getting ever closer to the lab...
 

Jean--- that is our favorite line in the Galaxy Quest movie!
 

Ep. 129, Part 2

Yes, they became Fierce Gladiators -- but they kept forgetting where they left their swords... or even what a sword was for!
Inside the lab itself, Mauro tells Victor that the CIA wanted just this HULK EFFECT for its agents -- superior strength that could turn even the weakest agent into a deadly weapon. Memory loss was just a side effect that later became an effect he was looking for. That they were both looking for, corrects Victor.

Did anyone bring the earplugs?
Navier moves in on his target. He opens a fuse box and pulls several levers. Lights begin flashing in the lab. Connie wakes up and starts screaming. "Someone's inside!" says Mauro. He puts a gag in Connie's mouth, but she keeps shrieking anyway. Navier follows Connie's screams down the murky corridors.

Mauro and Victor lie in wait in the shadows. Navier finally reaches Connie. As Navier removes the gag and tries to reassure her, Victor pounces on him from behind and clubs him. THWAP! Navier falls. Connie keeps shrieking. "Shut up!" says Victor through gritted teeth. WHAM! He knocks her out too.

Moto Home -- Pssst... I Can Get You the PHoo Juice!
"I was in that lab," Reina tells Moto. She remembers it. She doesn't know exactly where it was, but she's sure a little more PHoo Juice will jog her memory. But Moto shoots down the idea. The drugs are under quadruple lock and key and nobody can get to them. Laz thinks they will find another was to rescue Connie. "Jackie is right," he says. Reina can't expose herself to that risk.

Baby Agatha starts to bawl. Laz goes to check on her. In his absence, Moto tells Reina that what she is about to say is strictly between the two of them: "I'll get you that drug."

Cell, CIA -- I'm Doing it For My Connie
Esmeeth tries to work Izzy from another angle. First she needles him about his long-time loyalty to Victor and questions whether his willingness to help them is sincere. Then she mixes it up a little. "What do you know about the list of agents?" she asks. He tells her it's online, but access to it requires a password -- a password Izzy doesn't know. "We're trusting you," she says. "But if you betray us, Victor De Rosas is going to find out you're cooperating with us, and I doubt you'll get out of this alive." Izzy tells her that his life doesn't matter -- the only life that matters to him is Connie's.

Lab -- The Dragon Who Knew Too Much
"He has to be killed," says Mauro. (Hay que matarlo) "You can't kill him," says Victor with a petulant note in his voice as he prepares an injection. But Mauro insists: "He found us out! There's no option. I'm sorry, Victor, but I can't let him live."

When did Navier regain consciousness? Who knows? But now he springs into action, grabbing Mauro's gun and handily overpowering him. Sadly, Victor manages to give Navier one of those dreadful Telemundo neck injections. Navier falls back, unconscious.

Kitchen, De Rosas Mansion -- Where Subplots Are Always Simmering
Estefi, in the feathery white dressing gown of a porno star between takes, leaves a voicemail for Montalban: "Mauro, I'm worried. You always answer my messages immediately. We have to stop seeing each other for a while. We were very unwise to meet in Victor's Sex Pad and Film Studio."

Cobra walks in and asks Estefi if she has heard from Victor. She's been trying to call him and he doesn't answer. Estefi has no idea where he might be -- she's not keeping tabs on him. Cobra is glad to hear that.
 

Ep. 129, Part 3

Exit Cobra and enter ORBO. "Today I was talking to that police officer Palacios," he tells Estefi. "He wants me to meet with some people and I don't know who they are." "Don't worry," she says, "I can tell you -- I know perfectly well what unites Faux O and Christian Palacios. As I told you before -- I know everything... well, almost everything."

Did YOU Get the PHoo Juice? Did YOU Do What I Said?
Reina arrives at the morgue where Moto is awaiting her with the drug that may help her recover her memory. "Did you do everything I told you to do?" asks Moto.

Lab -- The Slow Clap That Feels Like a Slap
Now Navier is lying on the stretcher. Mauro is still kvetching. "We can't keep him here, alive." "Of course we can," says Victor. "We can make him follow in Reina's footsteps. We can make him forget completely that he was here with us." Navier gasps awake, raises his head, and desperately struggles against the chains that hold him to the table. "You should never have meddled in something that was none of your business. Now look where you ended up."

"You can't deny that he's a great agent," says Mauro. Victor agrees. He's very proud of him. That's why he became the director of the CIA, says Mauro. "A round of applause for Javier Bolívar!" "You won't get away with this! (Esto no se va a quedar así), says Navier weakly. "You're in no position to play the brave one," Mauro tells him. "I'd take it down a notch if I were you," says Victor (yo que tú le bajaría un cambio).

Navier asks where Connie is. "She's just behind that door," answers Victor. "Let her go," pleads Navier. "She hasn't done anything wrong (ella no tiene la culpa de nada). Victor is unmoved. He never liked Connie and her motor mouth. And then Izzy went and fell in love with her and left Victor without a bodyguard! There's no chance she'll get out of there. Navier, valiant Dragon that he is, offers to trade his own life for Connie's.

The Morgue -- Ready?
Reina is anxious to get started. "Come on Jackie, I need the drug right away. Don't look at me like that -- I'm not an addict." Moto isn't sure she's doing the right thing. It's so risky. Reina doesn't care. She needs to remember. She needs to help Connie.

"If Bolívar finds out, he'll kill me," says Moto. Reina says he won't find out. He will, Moto corrects her, because she herself is going to tell him. But that will be later. "Right now, I'm going to inject the first dose..."

And meanwhile...This Beggar's Description
Christian tells Laz and Juanjo he's doing everything he can to find Connie. Then Christian gets a phone call. We hear him say: "Yes, send the units. I'm on my way right now." Christian tells the guys that a panhandler (un pordiosero, por + Dios + -ero, suffix of agent like -er in English) saw a woman answering Connie's description. She was running away and there was some kind of accident. Christian has to go. Laz and Juanjo want to go with him but he won't allow it. There could be a shoot-out. If they try to follow him, he'll have them locked up.
 

Ep. 129, Part 4

So TWCILV is Connected!
Estefi tells ORBO that Christian was a sort of intermediary between Faux O, the police and the drug dealers. "An intermediary?" repeats ORBO skeptically. Estefi explains: he would turn a blind eye to certain areas, he would give erroneous information to the police, he would even arrange for investigative reports to go missing in exchange for money. "He did him a lot of favors," says ORBO. "Well they were partners," says Estefi, "and Faux O was extremely generous to him." Estefi speculates that Christian wants ORBO to try to get information from those people about Connie. They may have access to places that no one else does.

And how does Estefanía know that? Is Christian HER accomplice? Has he been protecting HER?

Lab -- The Dragon's Words Draw Blood
Victor points out that Navier is in no position to negotiate. How can he trade his life for Connie's when Victor already has both of them? Navier holds his head as if in pain but snarks on bravely. "What's the problem, Victor? Are you afraid of me when I'm free? I can understand it -- you haven't been trained. But YOU, Montalban -- I never thought you'd be so scared of me." MM says what he feels is respect, not fear. He always knew Navier was a valuable agent.

"What are you and your partner planning to do with Project Hoopiter? With Factor M, the drug that causes memory loss?"

Victor is all smiles. "Ah, I see you found out. Let me introduce you to my partner in this venture." He gestures in Mauro's direction. "In this venture and in the matter of women," says Navier, "because the two of you are sharing Estefanía in your Sex Pad and Film Studio, bro." Victor's smile fades. "Did you know," continues Navier, "that your partner and Estefanía are lovers? Maybe he's the chosen one and you were just a distraction for her." Victor's face darkens with fury. Mauro turns away. "Don't tell me you didn't know! Maybe Isidro Castillo is the only man you can really trust, hmm?" Mauro shifts uneasily as if to avoid Victor's death ray stare.

CIA, Cell
Izzy angers Esmeeth when he refuses to tell her where Navier has gone and says that what he and Navier discussed was strictly confidential. She taunts him. "You like to follow orders, don't you? You were always Victor's lapdog and now it looks like you're Bolívar's. Get out!"

Izzy protests. "Ma'am, I'm not making this up..." "OUT! Navier sent me an email with instructions to set you free. If I need you, I'll call you -- if you still want to cooperate." After what happened to Connie, nothing will be the same for him, he tells her. His loyalty to Victor is gone forever -- just so she knows.

Business are Business
Victor asks Mauro about his relationship with Estefanía. It's just business, Mauro tells him, old stuff that goes back to Artemio Hidalgo's time. So what Navier said isn't true? No, Navier just wants to turn them against each other.

Hey, Victor and Mauro are going to be millionaires! [Excuse me, smarmy Mauro, but Victor is already a bazillionaire.] "Everyone is going to want this drug -- the CIA, the FBI. You know how much we're going to make by erasing memories? Don't worry about Estefanía!"

"I'll decide what I want to worry about. I just hope you don't double-cross me. You may be a scientist, but I'm the one with the money. And money is what moves the world. You know that, right?"
 

Ep. 129, Part 5

Morgue -- So Do it already!
Reina's IV is in place. Moto holds the syringe. "I'm ready," says Reina. But Moto can't do it -- not without telling Navier. She's scared the drug could destroy Reina's mind, or even kill her. Navier would never forgive Moto and she'd never forgive herself. Besides, Reina has her daughter to think about. But it's for her daughter that she has to remember -- and for Connie and for Navier! She has to save them! She has to help them!

Moto is going to call Navier. Reina is unhappy. She knows Navier will tell her not to do it.

Lab -- Is there an evil doctor in the house?
"You won't accomplish anything," says Navier. His people are going to come looking for him. Mauro suddenly remembers about the cheep. "You have to kill him!" Victor says once again that he can't kill Navier. "You love me that much, bro?" says Navier, at a disadvantage, perhaps, but still cracking wise. "No, I HATE you that much. I have a future much worse than death in mind for you."

Victor tells Mauro to remove Navier's cheep. He has already destroyed his phone. Mauro waves a cheepfinder over Navier until it beeps. "It's in his eye!" Mauro takes out a pair of surgical forceps. Victor holds Navier's face still as Mauro delicately plucks the tiny cheep from the corner of Navier's left eye.

De Rosas Kitchen, Simmering Subplots Redux
Izzy tells Cobra he wants to talk to Estefanía. Why? Does he want Estefi's help in finding Connie? "What makes you think I'm going to tell you?" he asks the snake. "If you go against Victor," she says matter-of-factly, "he'll kill you." "That's if I don't kill him first."

Ah-Choo!
Estefi flounces in on her stream of white feathers and over-long extensions and warns Izzy not to tempt fate.

CIA office -- The Gifted Boy Who Cried Wolf
Picasso gazes out at the night cityscape. When Esmeeth walks in, he tells her he needs to talk to her. She is dismissive. She has no time for his explanations. Besides, she doesn't believe him. He's going to explain himself to her anyway -- the colleague he respects and the woman he loves. "¡Qué cínico eres!" (What a shameless liar you are!) she retorts. "You've been backing Estefi in all her craziness for years!" "Not anymore," says Picasso. He admits he helped her before, but he that's in the past. If Estefanía has an accomplice in the CIA now, it's not him.

Esmeeth advises him to take some vacation time. She doesn't trust him and she doubts that anyone else does either. She asks him to leave her alone now. She has to locate Navier. She turns to her computer screen. Picasso is walking out the door when he hears Esmeeth says aloud, "I can't find that cheep!" "Allow me," he says. He scans the screen rapidly. "I'm not finding it," he says.

Morgue -- It's About Time!
"I'll have to do it without Navier's authorization," says Moto. She will begin with the smallest possible dose.

Reina and Navier -- It's Time for your PHoo Juice!

Lab
Mauro says he's going to the CIA offices. It's the only way he can find out what's happening and whether they are looking for Navier. Victor asks Mauro to give Navier a dose of Factor M before he goes. He wants to see how his body reacts to their marvelous drug.

Morgue
"Breathe," says Moto. "Just do it!" urges Reina. (No incrementalist, she!) She braces herself as Moto injects the drug.
 

Ep. 129, Part 6

Lab
Victor warns Mauro once more -- he doesn't want Navier to die. Mauro says it's just the first dose, but it is very strong. He tells Victor to be careful. (Cuídate) "Careful of him?" he says mockingly, looking at Navier. "I don't think it'll be necessary." Mauro leaves for the CIA.

Morgue
Moto wants to know how Reina feels. "Fine," she says. But her chest is heaving in a Hulk-like fashion. She admits she is a tad agitated. Moto tries to soothe her, assuring her she has the medication to use if things go badly. Reina grabs her head and winces. She has a terrible headache.

Lab
"Come on, little bro, resist! You're just the one to test this drug! If I manage to erase your memory, I'll become the most powerful man in the world." Navier looks up and says softly: "You'll never do it, Victor -- never."

De Rosas Mansion: I've Got a Secret!
Estefi finds it quite strange that Izzy wants to talk to her alone. He says it's about Connie Leiva. She mocks his innocence in thinking that SHE might help him. She is the only one who can get it out of Victor, says Izzy. Why should she? Why? Because he has information about Estefi's daughter GRETA -- he knows something she can't imagine!

Juanjo's place: I've Got a Secret Too!
Susana rocks a baby stroller back and forth. Juanjo says Navier isn't answering his phone. They haven't heard anything since he left. "Maybe it has something to do with Connie," she says.

"Tell me the truth," Juanjo says. "We're going to be married and I think I have the right to know everything about you. What is this secret you know about Victor De Rosas?" "It's private," she answers. "It's just between him and me." "Maybe it will help us find Connie!" Susana loses patience. She tells him to stop asking -- it is something personal, something to do with GRETA.

Is he the Worst Cop in Las Vegas -- or Just the Most Dishonest?
Christian returns to Moto's place. Laz wants to know what he found out about Connie. Is she dead or alive? Christian says he doesn't know. They couldn't find out anything. The panhandler's story led nowhere. "So we're back where we started?" Unfortunately, they are. There was something about an abandoned factory, but it turned out to be empty. Laz begs Christian to use whatever means he has -- good or bad -- to find Connie.

Laz steps out of the room for a moment. Christian's phone rings. He clears his throat and speaks in a low voice: "It's me, Palacios. Where can we meet with Octavio? I want to ask you guys for a favor."

Morgue: Mauro is in the Building!
Reina grimaces and holds her head. She arches her back off the bed. She rejects the sedative Moto offers for the pain. She thinks she REMEMBERS something. "What?"

Before Reina can answer, smarmy Mauro walks in. He tells Moto he just found out that some drug samples are missing from the lab. He hopes it's not what he thinks and that she's not experimenting with this young lady. Reina stares at him.
 

Ep. 129, Part 7

A War Between Brothers
"So I'm never going to accomplish it, little brother," repeats Victor, seemingly amused. "Never!" says Navier. "Just as you never got Reina's love or your father's respect or your daughters' affection or your lovers' fidelity." "Just keeping talking, bro. I'm the one who's going to end up enjoying Reina -- and I'm the one who's going to kill my father again. I'm the one who will honor my daughters' memory..." Victor has been drawing up more drug and now prepares to inject it into Navier's IV bag. He completes his thought: "...and I'm the one who's going to keep partying with my lovers." He stabs the needle into the port in the bag. "If this dose doesn't erase your memory, I swear it will make your brain explode!" Navier breathes heavily and stares at Victor.

Get Ready to Be Surprised!
"You don't know me very well," says Estefanía. "Not much in life surprises me -- in fact, NOTHING surprises me." What could Izzy possibly know about Greta that SHE doesn't already know?

"A lot." And he'll tell her if she agrees to help him. She doubts they'll ever come to an agreement.

"It's something that will take your breath away," he says. "NOTHING surprises me," she repeats.

"Not even knowing that when Greta was in a coma, she had a baby?"

¡Eso no puede ser!
Estefi reacts with disbelief and anger. Izzy is just making it up to get information about Connie. He insists it is true. She can confirm his story with the doctor. Victor wanted to hide it from the first moment he learned his daughter was expecting Lázaro Leiva's baby. He wanted nothing to do with that man. That's why he concealed it.

"And the pregnancy? How is it possible that..."

"It continued while she was in a coma and while we watched her from behind the glass window. And when it was time for her to give birth, Victor asked me to take care of the creature because he hated it. I'm not lying to you, señora."

"And the baby? Where is that baby?"

Izzy clicks his tongue. That's something he won't tell her. He won't even say if it's a boy or girl -- though he knows everything.

By Appointment Only -- Unless You're Dead
Mauro tells Moto that Reina shouldn't be there at this hour. It's not a place for visitors, unless they happen to be dead. Obviously, the young lady is very much alive.

"No thanks to you, sir!" says Reina contemptuously. (Muy a su pesar/ very much in spite of you.)

Why is Mauro so upset by what Moto is doing? He and Victor also gave her the drug. Yes, she remembers him perfectly. He had her in a clinic or a lab. "You made me part of Project Hoopiter -- you and Victor De Rosas!"

"Señora, you were given a drug that is making you delirious (desvariada). So think." He wags his finger at Moto. "The use of that substance is prohibited. I don't know if the boss Javier Bolívar knows about this."
 

Ep. 129, Part 8

You Talk Too Much!
Once he is gone, Moto tells Reina she talked too much. Reina says it was the truth. Even so, it was a truth that will complicate the situation. What else does Reina remember? Just a little -- she needs more PHooJuice. Moto refuses. She knows Montalban will tell Navier what they've done and that will be the end of her, but she doesn't care. She swears that MM is going to pay for what he did to Reina. Moto leaves the room.

Remember!
Navier lies on the stretcher and repeats over and over: "Soy Javier Bolívar."

"Look at how strong and resistant you are!" says Victor. "Anyone else would have fainted by now, but not you! Maybe you need another dose."

Navier sees a vision of Reina dressed in white, a white veil around her head, almost like a halo. "You can't forget me," she says. "Don't forget me."

Victor tells the attendants to take care of Navier. He reminds them he wants him kept alive. They push his stretcher away.

He betrayed us both!
Estefanía will find out everything about Connie, but if this is a trick... It's not. "Did you touch your daughter when she was behind that glass? Why do you think she was isolated in that hospital? And what about that strange operation she had that they never told you or Susana about? It was a cesarean section, Señora."

Estefanía has to sit down.

"So I find my Connie," continues Izzy, "and you find your baby."

"I'll never forgive Victor if it's true that he did that."

"We're in the same boat." says Izzy. "He betrayed both of us; and both of us will get our revenge."

End of capítulo 129.

Tomorrow, look for capítulo 130, (the second half of the broadcast from Wed, Nov. 19)
 

Thank you NovelaMaven. I can't wait to read your recap. This episode has rolled OFF Mauricio's Reinamaniacs blog page, so it cannot be watched. Wah!!!!!
 

NovelaMaven - I just got through reading your recap. Thank you!!! Great snark, too. ;-)
So much happened and I would be lost without it, since this episode is no longer on Mauricio's page. I think he loaded so many new episodes that this one fell off the page. Now I know to watch ahead!
 

Um... yes.... another new avatar. Tiaras R fun.
 

Super, super recap, NovelaMaven!

I loved:

Lab -- The Slow Clap That Feels Like a Slap

Mild-mannered Seamstress Goes Ape! More at 7!

De Rosas Kitchen, Simmering Subplots Redux

The obvious question is why Navier didn't tell anyone where he was or ask for backup.
 

Folks: You can watch the episodes on YouTube - just search the name and the Mexican episode number and you'll find them. The video is not great but the audio is ok.
 

Thanks Jean. I found it on YouTube and was able to watch. Hooray!
 

Great, Doris. I hope you'll post some comments on NovelaMaven's great recap!
 

Don't want anyone to think I haven't read today's most excellent installment of RdC. This is by far a better way to "watch" this novela. Thank you, NovelaMaven for pinch-hitting on capitulo 129.

I'm having a hard time finding inspiration for the Dragon's wisdoms. I can't tell if it's resentment toward TeleChopItUpMundo or just getting tired of what started out being a tightly written, exceptionally well acted, literary gem, but is no more.

Victor dressed always in the same black outfit is overly tiresome. Does he ever get his outfit laundered? I enjoyed his little sideline as a baseball hatted sicario. At least Smeeth changes her tops occasionally.

I do like Izzy's new hairdo. But maybe he can no longer afford the pomade now that he's off Victor's payroll and on the govt's.

How many more bodies to count before this is over. Let me count the ways, too.

I guess I'm just kvetching because of the snow and generally nasty weather. Maybe tomorrow the sun will shine. Let's raise a toast to all the turkeys who died for us (of course I'm talking about telenovelas....yaaa).

Again, shame on Telemundo. Can you hear us? Shame on you. I hope the replacement tanks.

Ok, rant over.
Doris--Tiaras R Fun, great!

Brilliant writing again, NM.
Here are my fave lines:

Estefi flounces in on her stream of white feathers and over-long extensions and warns Izzy not to tempt fate.

Hey, Victor and Mauro are going to be millionaires! [Excuse me, smarmy Mauro, but Victor is already a bazillionaire.]

It's not a place for visitors, unless they happen to be dead.

Can't wait for installment 130, truly.
 

My lovely Reinamaniacs -- and especially the bejeweled Doris, the epigrammatic Anita and Jean, my partner in crime --

While I love your comments to pieces, don't think you are obligated (The Care and Feeding of Recappers notwithstanding). At this point, I am just really into this project. I will continue to give it my best, but I do understand that we are all a little confused and finding it hard to dip a toe into the narrative stream.

It's not supposed to be HARD to watch a telenovela, right?
 

Reina Peeps! So sorry to be so silent. I have not watched the mutilated version for many days, but am reading the fabulous recaps each day. Thanks everyone!

Like Anita, I'm not really feeling our crazy little show right now. I don't know if that's a result of the chop, or if the story has lost its spark, or both. But I'm in it till the bitter end!
 

Capitulo 130 – Broadcast Wednesday, November 19 (second half)
Parte Uno

The Perfect Subject -PHoo lab -
Vic comes in to where Connie is handcuffed to a stretcher. She doesn’t know where she is or who he is or what’s going on… Vic laughs says that she will never shut up. It’s in her DNA. No drug can change that. She demands that he let her go. Vic says that he loves it that she is so weak-minded. She is perfect for their study. He tells her that this is just the beginning.

Inside voices, please - CIA headquarters – Operations Room
MM comes storming in followed by Dra Moto. He feigns outrage and says that he is going to take up what she did with Navier. What she has done is a crime. He will report her to Washington. She could have driven that poor woman crazy. She should know the danger. She will pay dearly for doing this. FELS comes in and tells MM to lower his voice and reminds him that he is speaking to a lady.

Excedrin Headache #23 – can’t remember - CIA headquarters – Morgue
Reina pulls out her IV. She rummages around on the table and finds the vial of the PHoo juice. She clutches her head in pain.

CIA headquarters – Operations Room
FELS tells MM that he needs to talk to him. There are some things that don’t add up. MM says that he doesn’t have anything to talk to FELS about. FELS replies that he does so or does he want FELS to call Washington?

A Spoonful of Sugar helps the Phoo stuff go down - CIA headquarters – Morgue
Holding her head, Reina repeats, “I have to remember,” over and over. She opens the vial of PHoo stuff and drinks it. It tastes awful.

MM is the Mole - CIA headquarters – Operations Room
FELS tells MM to wait for him in his office. He agrees. As he leaves, Esmeeth comes in. She asks what is happening with MM. FELS turns to Moto as she leaves and thanks her. He says that all the evidence seems to indicate that MM is the mole.

This PHoo stuff makes me like my mom - PHoo lab -
Navier is handcuffed to the stretcher, hooked up to various machines. He is having visions under the influence of the PHoo drugs he has been given. He sees Esmeeth and imagines that she really was there for him as his mother – she took him to action movies, he told her about his girlfriends, his classes in school. He doesn’t use the formal usted with her. He doesn’t call her Esmeeth; he calls her mamá.

CIA headquarters – Morgue
Reina forces herself to drink the rest of the PHoo stuff.

Maybe he just doesn’t want to talk to his mother - CIA headquarters – Operations Room
Esmeeth tells FELS that something’s up with Navier. He doesn’t answer her calls and they can’t get a fix on his cheeep.

PHoo lab -
Now Navier speaks to a vision of Clarita. He says that he isn’t afraid to leave. He tells her not to forget him. He wants her to remember the stories they made together and the dragons. He saved her life and she saved him.

CIA headquarters – Operations Room
Esmeeth tells FELS that she is sure that Navier is in danger. If anything happens to him, she will kill MM, she will kill Victor, she will kill everyone involved.

PHoo lab -
Finally, Navier has a vision of Reina in a wedding dress. “My love,” he tells her, “you are my love, my life, my everything. Forgive me but I have to leave you now. You know, I don’t want to leave but you see I’ve come to the end. Forgive me for all I couldn’t do nor will do…”

Navier won’t like this – good thing he’s MIA - CIA headquarters – Morgue
Moto comes in and finds Reina unconscious on the floor and the empty vial.

PHoo lab -
Vic looks through the window of a door at Navier. Navier looks back defiantly.
 

Capitulo 130 – Parte Dos

CIA headquarters – Morgue
Laz comes in and asks what happened. Moto replies that if what she thinks happened, happened, Navier will never forgive her. Laz lifts Reina on to the bed. Moto says that they have to act right now or it will end right here with an autopsy.

Juanjo’s house
Juanjo says that Greta is dead. Susana doesn’t want to talk about that. She says that she is afraid for Connie, for everyone. She feels that they are surrounded by enemies.

I’ve come back from the dead to find Connie Leiva - De Rosas Mansion
ORBO sits at Victor’s desk in his study while Christián brings in two guys. ORBO (pretending to be Octavio) tells the guys that he has asked them to come to ask them a favor. He wants to get in contact with Constanza Leiva. This is important to him. He has confidence in them and they have confidence in him. They know that he is generous and powerful – powerful enough to come back from the dead.

No You Confess - CIA headquarters – Chief’s office
FELS urges MM to confess. MM comes back with bad things that FELS has done – thing he did when he discovered his father was a swindler, protecting the Queen of Diamonds and other things. MM says that he could report these things to Washington. FELS gets a call about Reina.

Wake up sleepyhead or I’ll cut your head off - De Rosas Mansion – Vic’s bedroom
Next morning. Vic is sleeping in his bed with the black sheets and in his black pjs. All of a sudden, there is a knife against his throat and Estefi has him in a head lock. She sweetly sings part of Las Mañanitas (the traditional Mexican birthday song) to him, “Despierta, Victor, despierta, mira que ya ameneció, ya los pajaros cantan … (“Wake up Victor, wake up, look how the day has dawned and the birds are singing…” “¿y dónde está el bebé de mi hija?…” “and where is my daughter’s baby?” she finishes in a much harsher tone. “I want you to tell me everything, everything about her pregnancy and her baby or your lindo cabecito and body will be separated forever.”

The report of my death was an exaggeration - PHoo lab -
An apparently unconscious Navier is brought into the lab where MM is. MM tells him that he is sorry but it is time for him to die. Then, MM notices that Navier isn’t breathing. He checks the pulse in Nav’s neck and concludes that Navier has in fact, already died. He takes out his keys and unlocks the shackles and handcuffs. As he unlocks the last one, the supposedly dead Navier attacks him. Pretty good trick.

I watched a lesson on beheading on YouTube - De Rosas Mansion – Vic’s bedroom
Estefi tells Vic that she has researched exactly where to make a cut that would be lethal and his pretty head would be in her hands. Vic says that she wouldn’t do that to him. Estefi replies that they are talking about her daughter’s baby and not to try her.

PHoo lab -
Navier forces MM to the floor but by the time Navier has gotten off the stretcher and pulled out his IV, MM has his gun out and aimed at him.

Ask nicely and I’ll lie nicely - De Rosas Mansion – Vic’s bedroom
Vic tells Estefi that maybe if she asked nicely… She tells him to talk. Vic says that Greta was pregnant but lost the baby. Estefi says that she isn’t afraid of blood so if he wants it that way... She presses the knife harder. “Take it easy, take it easy,” says Vic.

Dragons don’t make good experimental drug volunteers - PHoo lab -
MM holds Navier at gunpoint. He says that he isn’t like Navier’s brother. “I want you dead.” He tells Navier that it is surprising how quickly the drug took effect. Navier says that he is stronger and he hasn’t lost his memory. “I’m not a very good volunteer, don’t you think.”
 

Capitulo 130 – Parte Tres

Victor always thinks of others first - De Rosas Mansion – Vic’s bedroom
Vic tells Estefi that the baby was an error and he was just trying to find a solution for that error. He says that Greta needed to recover first. If she had known about the existence of that baby, she would probably end up in prison. “Forgive me if I preferred to think of our daughter rather than that baby.

You are messing up our data - PHoo lab -
MM tells Navier that he is amazingly strong but not to worry – he doesn’t want to experiment on Navier any more. He wants him dead because he is too dangerous to live. “Think it about it carefully,” Navier tells MM, “if you kill me, Victor will kill you.” MM smiles and cocks the pistol.

De Rosas Mansion – Vic’s bedroom
“Two more questions,” says Estefi, “Where is that baby and where is Connie Leiva?” “Connie Leiva doesn’t exist anymore,” says Vic, “and neither does the baby.” “You killed them?” Estefi asks and her recoil in horror is enough for Victor to overpower her and put the knife to her throat. “How the tables have turned,” says Vic.

Unless you have the powers of a Dragon, don’t try this if someone is holding you at gunpoint - PHoo lab -
MM is holding his gun to Navier’s forehead and Nav just reaches up, grabs the gun, and knocks MM down. He appears to take MM’s gun but not his phone?

The bottle clearly says, “do not drink” - CIA Headquarters – Morgue
Reina is unconscious on a bed surrounded by Dra Moto, FELS, Esmeeth and Laz. She takes a breath, says “Javier” and sits up. “Finally,” says Dra Moto in relief. Reina asked what happened. Moto says that she drank the rest of the drug but fortunately it doesn’t have the same effect when drunk as when injected. FELS tells Moto that they have to talk. Reina says that it is all her fault and they shouldn’t tell Navier. “Speaking of Navier,” asks Reina, “where is he?” Esmeeth tells her that he is missing. Reina exclaims this is why she needs to remember. She is sure that the key to all this is her memory. She tells FELS that she doesn’t know why but she thinks that he knows the same thing that she does.

I thought the police didn’t have any enemies - De Rosas Mansion – kitchen
Christián tells Cobra that he is going crazy – he can’t eat or sleep with worry about Connie. Cobra tells him that Izzy was there the previous day but he doesn’t know anything. Christián concludes that Connie was kidnapped by one of his enemies. Estefi comes in and lets him know that it was Victor. She is trying to find out where Connie is. Cobra notices that Estefi is sad. She says it is nothing. She sends a text to Susana saying that they have to meet and that it’s about Greta.

Lost in the PHoo lab -
Navier has freed Connie and is trying to find the way out of lab. Connie is afraid. Navier tries to reassure her. He says that he wants to help her and that they are in this together. While they are running around the corridors, MM has gotten on his feet and is staggering after them. Vic shows up and asks what is going on. MM tells him that they escaped and he doesn’t know where they are. “As usual, I have to do everything,” says Vic.

Juanjo’s house
Susana gets the text from Estefi. JJ asks what is going on. Susana tells him that she got a text from Estefi and she has to go meet her. JJ says that Estefi is not her friend – she’s a killer and dangerous. He tells Susana to stay away from her.

How much do you love me,sis? - De Rosas Mansion – kitchen
Christián tells Cobra that he knows that she has the diamonds and she has told him a thousand times that she would do anything for him. Cobra agrees. Christián is her brother. Christián asks her to exchange the diamonds for information on Connie. He can’t live without her. He would pay a fortune to get her back. In comes Izzy. He suggests that he and Christián bury their rivalry and work together to find Connie.
 

Capitulo 130 – Parte Cuatro

CIA headquarters
FELS tells Dra Moto that he is sure that MM is the traitor. He will have to move forward carefully because MM knows a lot about him – what he mentioned already and more. Moto asks what he is going to do. FELS says that maybe the solution to this problem is on the margin of the law. Moto asks if she can help him.

DeRosas Mansion
Desperate to find Navier, Reina has convinced Esmeeth to come with her to see Estefi. Estefi comes in and calls Reina the Queen of Assassins. Reina asks where Navier is. Estefi replies that she doesn’t know. Reina doesn’t believe her and goes for her. Esmeeth pulls her back and says that Estefi is telling the truth. Estefi tells Reina that if Navier dies, it is her fault.

Some People are Hard to Rescue - PHoo lab -
Navier and Connie get to the door to the outside. Connie screams that they will kill her. She doesn’t know how he convinced her to go with him. “Let’s go!” says Navier. Connie says that she can’t. She doesn’t know who she is or what her name is or who he is. Navier tells her his name and says that she has to find Reina Ortiz at the Reina de Corazones Atelier. He gives her his wallet with one of Reina’s cards in it and pushes her out the door. [Wasn’t he going to escape too?] We’ll never know because no sooner is Connie gone than Vic shoots Navier in the back with a tranquilizer dart. I guess they have tranquilizer guns at the lab in case the “volunteers” who are not chained up get out of control or in case the lab is attacked by lions. Vic sends MM after Connie and tells Navier, who is writhing on the floor, not to try anything or he’ll shoot him in the head with the tranquilizer gun and paralyze his brain.

The way I love someone is a little unusual - DeRosas Mansion
Estefi tells Reina that she would never harm Navier because she loves him. [I guess gassing and crucifying him doesn’t count as harm in her book.] She is carrying his baby. She says that if Navier is in danger it is because of Reina. He has been in danger since he got together with Reina [she neglects to mention that most of the danger was because of things she did]. Reina replies that she will find Navier. Navier won’t die because of her or anybody. “From your lips to God’s ears,” says Estefi, “that is, if He’s listening.” Esmeeth tells Reina that they can’t do anything here and should leave. Reina tells Estefi to talk to Victor. If she cares so much about Navier, she should do something to help him.

Outside of PHoo Lab
Connie runs and hides. MM follows and calls for her to come out, “here kitty, kitty,” he calls.

I guess sisterly love doesn’t rank above diamonds - De Rosas Mansion – kitchen
Cobra tells Christián and Izzy that they are both fools. “That woman isn’t worth a tenth of what the diamonds are.” She doesn’t understand what they see in her. She isn’t going to contribute any part of her diamonds to get Connie back. She tells Christián that there are a lot of other women out there who deserve him. Izzy tells Christián that he is going to find Connie even if that means people die. “Does that include Victor de Rosas?” asks Christián. “He’s the first one I would kill,” replies Izzy.

Back to Square One or Stretcher One - PHoo lab -
Navier is chained up on the stretcher again. Victor orders the PHoo flunkey to get a strong sedative for Navier. He wants him very calm. Vic calls Navier an imbecile but admits a grudging respect for his force of will. He is going to take care of that, too, though. Their father prevented him from killing Navier but not from destroying him. He tells Navier to be patient. He promises to get rid of every single one of Navier’s memories and in particular his memories of Reina, Victor’s Reina. Navier replies that won’t be easy. There are some things that have nothing to do with memory such as the senses like touch and smell. Vic gave Reina the drug but he couldn’t prevent her from coming back to him.
 

Capitulo 130 – Parte Cinco

You actually made a non-offensive personal remark! - CIA headquarters
FELS tells Moto that he doesn’t want to involve her in his problems. He will handle it alone. Moto says that it is personal with her and MM. FELS replies that it is also personal between him and Moto. He won’t allow her to expose herself. Her infant daughter has lost her biological mother; she can’t lose Moto. Moto is reduced to stuttering so surprised is she at this aspect of FELS. He reminds her of how he was when they first fell in love but she hastens to add that she no longer feels the same way about him. FELS puts his hand on Moto’s cheek and says something I couldn’t catch. Then he is back to business. He has the number of MM’s room at the hotel, not Victor’s suite. MM can’t imagine that they have this information. He got it from Washington using his influence. Moto asks what the plan is. “Mata á Montalbán,” “Kill Montalbán,” replies FELS. Moto asks to go with him.

Outside of PHoo Lab
MM fakes Connie out again and grabs her when she comes out of hiding.

Secrets are very important - Juanjo’s house
Juanjo can’t believe that Susana is going to see Estefi. She replies that it is about something very important. “More important than “lo nuestro?” “what we have?” Susana says that it is something super personal between her and Estefi that she can’t talk about. “More secrets!” laments Juanjo. First Victor and now this. How many secrets does she have? She leaves.

Outside of PHoo Lab
Connie and MM struggle and a shot is fired…

I thought if something happened to Navier, she was going to kill Victor - Esmeeth’s Apartment
Esmeeth comes back with Reina. She asks if Reina wants to rest. Reina says that she wants to keep looking for Navier but she doesn’t know where. Asunción comes out. Esmeeth tells her that Reina isn’t feeling well. She should take care of Reina and not let her leave. Reina asks Esmeeth to find Connie and Navier “sanos y salvos,” “safe and sound.” Esmeeth replies that she will do what she can. She feels like she killed Navier when she abandoned him in that church and now he has to come back because if something happens to him now, she will kill herself.

It’s Connie 2 – MM 0 - PHoo lab -
Victor tells the PHoo flunkey to keep Navier well sedated. He doesn’t want any more surprises. He should give Navier a double dose of the PHoo juice. His brother is very strong, too strong. Navier says something ending in “más” that I couldn’t catch that causes Victor to tell the flunkey to triple the dose. MM comes limping in. Victor helps him to a chair and calls Dr. Toledo [I thought he killed Dr. Toledo a few episodes back. Maybe he calls all his flunkeys, Dr. Toledo]. MM tells Vic that Connie escaped.

Outside of PHoo Lab
Connie pauses in her flight to remember what Navier told her to do and to look at the card in his wallet. She continues.

Esmeeth’s Apartment
ORBO comes in. He has come to see Esmeeth. He can’t reach her and he has important things to tell her. Reina asks if the information will help find Connie or Navier. ORBO doesn’t know. Reina asks what the information concerns. “Christián Palacios,” replies ORBO.

Prism! Where is that baby? - DeRosas Mansion
Susana has come to see Estefi. She asks if Greta is ok. Estefi assures her that she is. She tells Susana about the pregnancy. Susana replies that is impossible. Estefi assures that it is possible. Greta had a C-section. The baby was born. “No puede ser,” cries Susana, “where is the baby?” Estefi tells her that she doesn’t know where the baby is. It seems that the baby is dead. Victor had it killed. And from the inky shadows Izzy appears, “the baby is not dead.” he says, “I know where it is.”
 

Capitulo 130 – Parte Seis

Will Navier go back to slicking his hair down again? - PHoo lab -
MM is brought into the lab in a wheelchair. Navier is unconscious on the stretcher. Victor suggests that MM rest but MM says that the doctor fixed him up. They discuss Connie. Victor says that Connie is out there and she could mess up all their plans. MM tells him to relax. She doesn’t remember anything. “For now,” replies Victor, “but if she doesn’t get more treatments, she will remember. MM asks if there is news about their “invitado de honor.” Vic says that they will have to wait until he wakes up. On cue, Navier stirs. “Camila no, Camila no,” he murmurs. MM asks who Camila is. Victor explains that she was his daughter who was in love with Navier, or rather with Nicolás Núñez. Navier opens his eyes and looks around in confusion and fear. “¿Dónde estoy?¿Ustedes quiénes son?” “Where am I? Who are you?” “Don’t play the fool with me,” says Victor. Navier pulls on the chain attaching him to the stretcher, “Who are you?” he asks Victor. “Victor, your brother,” replies Vic. “I don’t have a brother, señor. I don’t have a family. I was abandoned in a church. I don’t know who my parents were.” MM asks Navier what his name is. “Nicolás,” replies Navier, “Nicolás Núñez.”He looks around. “Why am I here? What is this place? Why am I handcuffed to this bed? I swear I don’t know you. Please let me go, señor.”

A Union of evil - Esmeeth’s Apartment
Reina tells ORBO that a CIA agent will take him to Esmeeth so that he can tell her what he told Reina about Christián Palacios and any other things he has to communicate. ORBO tells Reina and Asunción that Christián is risking his life for Connie. He really loves her. What is dangerous is his union with Estefi. “What union?” asks Reina. ORBO replies that they take care of each other, protect each other. They are allies and are united in ways that we don’t know and can’t even imagine.

I have standards. I don’t kill newborns - DeRosas Mansion
Estefi tells Izzy to talk and with no lies. Izzy replies that he doesn’t lie. “The person who always lies is Victor. He hates that baby. That’s why he gave it to me to kill, to make it disappear forever.” Ever the Pollyanna, Susana says that she can’t believe that Victor would go so far as to have his own granddaughter killed. “Señora,” says Izzy “Victor is a monster. I think you know that.” “Enough,” says Estefi, “We’re not here to talk about what we know about Victor.” She says to Izzy, “if you didn’t kill the baby, where is it?” Izzy reiterates that he has his limits – no children or animals. He may live on the margin of the law [you are well outside the margin of the law, Izzy] but he would never, never, kill a newborn. The baby is in a very good place.

No good news - Juanjo’s house
Juanjo has been babysitting Agatha who appears to be about 6 months old now. Laz comes to pick her up. We get an appearance by Román. JJ asks Laz how things are going. “Not too good,” replies Laz. “the Dragon has disappeared.” JJ asks about his cheeep but Laz says that it appears to have been deactivated. There’s no news about Connie either. Everyone, the CIA, the police, his prison friends, everyone is looking for her but nothing so far.

I’m sorry. We can’t give out personal information about our employees - Reina de Corazones Atelier
Connie approaches a woman sweeping outside the Atelier. [How did she get there? It must be far from the PHoo Lab and does Connie remember the streets in Las Vegas when she doesn’t remember Reina, whom she grew up with?] She says that she is looking for Reina Ortiz. The woman calls Connie by name and says that Reina doesn’t come there any more. She notices that Connie is hurt and asks if she was mugged. Connie says that she needs to talk to Reina Ortiz. The woman says that Reina must be at home. Connie says that she was in a little accident and she can’t remember where Reina lives. Could this woman give her Reina’s address? The woman offers to get Reina’s phone number.
 

Capitulo 130 – Parte Siete

Victor’s not buying - PHoo lab -
Navier has been sedated again. MM tells Victor that he is fascinated by the effect of the drug. Vic says that they have to wait. MM is sure that Navier isn’t lying. Vic says that he doesn’t trust him. Navier knows full well what he would have to do to make them believe that the drug worked. MM asks why Victor doesn’t believe. He knows what the drug does. “Yes,” says Victor, “but this is a very strange result.” He wants the results of the treatment to be more certain. He says that not enough time has passed for Navier to forget 10 years of his life. He doesn’t believe him.

You leave your cooler of evil drugs in your hotel room where the maid can find it? - MM’s hotel room
FELS and Moto warily advance into MM’s hotel room with flashlights. They determine that no one is home and start to search. [For some reason they don’t just turn on the lights but it looks more dramatic, even if it less efficient, to search by flashlight.] They find a cooler with a whole bunch of drug vials in it.

I have a collect call from Amnesia Victim for Reina Ortiz. Will you accept? - Esmeeth’s Apartment
Reina has made Clarita something to eat. Clarita, who is the only one who gets psychic communication from Navier, says that she is sad and she doesn’t know why. She says that Reina has to take care of herself. “The child takes care of the mama?” says Reina. “It should be the other way around.” Asunción comes in followed by Christián. He says that he is desperate and supposes that Reina is too. He needs to talk to her. The phone rings. Connie asks for Reina Ortiz. “Connie?” says Reina, impactada.

Let me repeat that – REINA ORTIZ is gravely injured - PHoo lab -
Navier is trying to undo his fetters. “Don’t bother,” says MM, “you won’t succeed.” “¿Qué quiere de mi?” “What do you want with me?” asks Navier. “To study you.” replies MM. Vic is watching through the window of a door. MM tells Navier that he volunteered to be part of an experiment. Navier doesn’t understand. MM asks Navier to tell him something about himself. “Like what?” asks Navier, bewildered. “What do you do?” asks MM. “I am a valet parking at a casino,” answers Navier, “Listen, I need to work. I can’t stay here unless this is for money.” MM limps over to Victor. He says that it appears that Navier has forgotten a portion of his life. He tells Vic that they are succeeding. Vic doesn’t believe it at all. Victor raises his voice and says that he has to go. There has been a terrible accident. He doesn’t know if MM knows her but Reina Ortiz was involved in the accident. There is no reaction from Navier who is fiddling with the IV in his arm.

[So, is this a brilliant piece of acting by the Dragon to convince Vic and MM that he is the sweet, innocent valet parking who conquered Reina’s heart or has Navier really lost 10 years of his memories so that he doesn’t even know that he missed the real estate bubble in Las Vegas where even a humble valet parking could make a fortune flipping houses? Tune in on Friday for Capítulo 131!]
 

Whoa! This is amazing, Jean! I will stop by tomorrow between courses to sing your praises as you deserve, but THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! So smart and funny!
 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

I had to slip away from the kitchen for just a moment to get my Jean fix...

Vic laughs says that [Connie] will never shut up. It’s in her DNA. No drug can change that.
But remember folks, you heard it here first from Clara's Pencilcase :)

Wake up sleepyhead or I’ll cut your head off
P.S. This whole scene and your wonderful description of it are campy horror 'instant classics'!

Ask nicely and I’ll lie nicely
Snort!

You actually made a non-offensive personal remark!
Hah! No wonder Moto could scarcely recognize him!

So how did Connie get to the Bridal Atelier? Well, she did have the Reina de Corazones business card with the address, and she also had Navier's wallet, maybe with a little cash. Let's assume she grabbed a cab. Factor M destroys autobiographical memories, not motor memories, or knowledge in general -- she may not know the streets of Las Vegas, but she still knows how people get from one place to another in cities,*

(*Personal communication, M.Montalban, MD 2014)
 

Vivi -- we're always glad to see you here. Hope you're enjoying the day with those you care about!
 

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Reinamaniacs. Don't fill up on too much PHoo Juice. It makes you CRAAAAZy.

Jean--You and your fellow recappers deliver a chapter a night to us. Now that you are released from the constraints of following action we just saw, you offer us scene settings and character movement. It's asking a lot of you, but we so appreciate it.

I always scan the captions in bold first. It's like reading the comic pages before the front page. Then I settle down to a good read.

NovelaMaven--I've never been called epigrammatic before. Usually I'm too wordy and long-winded, both in speech and writing. Professors and friends alike have advised me to...GET TO THE POINT. Chastened, I try, but I fail.

NM--You give MM too much credit for his medical analysis of Connie's abilities to navigate.

Now I get to settle down and read Jean's masterpiece. Cheers for now.
 

Hells Bells, Anita -- if The Wisdom of the Dragon isn't epigrammatic, I'll eat my Horatian socks!

As for credit to MM, I try to keep it honest here.
:D
 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Y’ALL!
I am blissed out on great food and company, and the monster Creme Brulee-in-a-glass-pie-dish was a hit with the family. Best fun was watching my suegro use his MAPP blowtorch to burn the sugar! It took <5 minutes, where my dinky little torch would have taken >20 minutes. The man has got all sorts of cool toys!!!


NovelaMaven -- Thank you for the #129 recap and great section titles. My faves are:
”Lab -- Is there an evil doctor in the house?”
”Kitchen, De Rosas Mansion -- Where Subplots Are Always Simmering”

Jean – Thank you for the #130 recap and great section titles. I really don’t know know yáll come up with these!
My favs are:
”Excedrin Headache #23 – can’t remember - CIA headquarters – Morgue”
and the Twainism ”The report of my death was an exaggeration - PHoo lab –“

”Vic laughs says that she will never shut up. It’s in her DNA. No drug can change that.”
So true! LOL


Perhaps this telenovela should have been called “The Guy With the Dragon Tattoo.”

I am sticking with this until the end!
I have watched far worse circos!!
At least this one is fun and watchable!!!
 

Ooops.... Said suegro and meant cuñado!
 

Ok, back with some additional comments. So glad we had the night off.

Jean--Fave lines:
.."and from the inky shadows Izzy appears."
Are you a secret Car Talk buff? ....inky shadows, indeed. How many times have we heard either Tom (RIP) or Ray start out one of their puzzlers with, "out of the inky shadows." Let's keep those inky shadows alive here on Caray!

Also loved, and how true, Ever the Pollyanna, Susana...

This was the best aside ever [For some reason they don’t just turn on the lights but it looks more dramatic, even if it less efficient, to search by flashlight.]

A close second was Victor calling for Dr. Toledo, [I thought he killed Dr. Toledo a few episodes back. Maybe he calls all his flunkeys, Dr. Toledo].
According to my Body Count, Dr. Toledo was killed by Victor with his Injecto-Death 3000 for letting one of the volunteers die. It can only be explained as you did, or possibly it's his brother. But most probably the explanation is that Juan Soler forgot he'd already killed him.

Here's a thought for the day--by way of recapper Julie in an late episode of Fuego en La Sangre (FELS, but not our FELS):
“I never really thought of recapping as being similar to technical writing until just this moment, but both jobs require you to interpret something that's confusing, and then explain it in a less confusing way. And it helps if the source material makes sense!” [Which it wasn't in FELS, everyone agreed.]

This is still true today with Reina, no?



 

Thanks for the great comment, Anita. You made my day! Yes, the inky shadows was a Car Talk reference. Loved those guys.

Doris got the Twain quote: the report of my death was an exaggeration.

I threw one more in there, Prism! Where is that baby? is from Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest, and in particular, Dame Edith Evans' stentorian voice as Lady Bracknell in the 1952 film of the play.

I loved the FELS quote about writing recaps. That's really true.

I'm so glad your confirmed that Vic already killed a Dr. Toledo. Continuity problem but funny.
 

Jean, I meant to ask you about the "Prism" reference. Thanks for explaining it -- that's hilarious!

Anita, I like Julie's comment very much. (Now watch me get carried away and start writing 'sic' after every other line in my recaps!) :)

Doris, cuñado or suegro, the guy knows his way around a creme brulee! Yum!
 

NM--Maybe you should be writing 'sick' after every other line. It's gotten to that, I fear.

Jean--I got the Twainism, but not the Importance of Being Earnest 'Prism-ism,' even though I have the wonderful DVD version of the movie with Rupert Everett and Colin Firth (which I play occasionally after tiring of my 100th watching of his Pride and Prejudice).
 

Capitulo 131 – US Broadcast pre-empted on Thursday, 11/20 and shown on Friday 11/21 (first 20 minutes – this was a 3-fer)

Parte Uno

PHoo lab – This is SO tragic
Victor lays it on thick in his attempt to test if Navier has really lost his memory. He says that Reina is not expected to survive. “This is a very tragic way to end her life.” Navier appears oblivious.

Esmeeth’s Apartment – A Call from Confused Connie
“Connie, is that you? Are you ok? Where are you?” asks Reina. Connie replies that she wants to speak to Reina Ortiz. “Yo soy Reina. Yo soy Reina. ʕDónde estás?” “I am Reina, I am Reina. Where are you?” Connie says that she has been told that she is in Reina’s house and it’s a big one. Reina asks Connie what is the matter. She replies that she doesn’t know. Reina tells her to stay put. She will be right there. Reina calls Asunción and tells her that Connie has turned up. “Finally!” says Asunción. “Now we just need Navier,” says Reina.

DeRosas Mansion
Connie hangs up and thanks the maid who lent her the phone. She says that they told her to wait there.

MM’s hotel room – Why are you asking if I trust you?
FELS and Moto are searching for a connection with Victor and the location of the lab. FELS says that he will takes samples of the drugs they found to the lab – that is, if Moto trusts him. She says that she trusts him – otherwise she wouldn’t be there.

PHoo lab – You are lacking subtlety here, Victor
Victor comes right out and asks Navier if he knows Reina Ortiz. Navier replies that he is very sorry about what happened to her but he doesn’t know who she is.
MM’s hotel room Moto finds some info on a Dr. Toledo. She will check him out.

PHoo lab – He’s too smart to lose his memory
Victor calls for Dr. Toledo and tells Navier that they will talk later. Navier replies that he doesn’t have anything to talk to Vic about. He wants to leave. His buddy Juan Jose Garcia will come get him. Vic tells Dr. Toledo to up the dose. MM asks if Vic still has doubts. Vic replies that he doesn’t believe one word. Navier is very smart, too smart. They will continue with the treatment until they are sure Navier has completely lost his memory and that this isn’t part of his plan.

DeRosas Kitchen – A cold-blooded welcome
Connie is waiting in the kitchen when in slithers the gravid Cobra. “You finally appeared,” says Cobra nastily. “Are you Reina Ortiz?” asks Connie. “What? Are you an idiot?” says Cobra, “I’m your sister in law, Alicia. All the men are looking for you and you ask for Reina Ortiz.” “Connie says that she doesn’t know anything except that they told her that this is Reina’s house. “ Cobra tells her that this is not and never will be Reina’s house.

CIA headquarters – The CIA gives posthumous medals
ORBO tells Esmeeth that Christián is implicated in diamond trafficking and he gives protection to associates of Faux O and Estefi. “Este hombre es corrupto.” “That man is corrupt.” Esmeeth says that they need proof. Would ORBO help the CIA get it? It would be very dangerous. She will give him the details later. ORBO wants to help. He doesn’t care about the risks. It is like life gave him a second chance to achieve something.
 

Capitulo 131 – Parte Dos

DeRosas Living Room – Don’t sew his lips shut
Estefi tells Susana that they have to force Izzy to tell them where the baby is - even torture him. Susana doesn’t think it is necessary to go that far. Estefi can’t believe that Victor would have done something like that to his own flesh and blood. Susana suggests that they tell Laz. He is the baby’s father; he should be told and he can help them. Estefi nixes that idea. She tells Susana not to tell Laz or anyone. What they have to do is find the baby and return it to the person should have it – the mother.

DeRosas kitchen Connie paces. She grabs an apple. Izzy comes in and is overjoyed to see her. Since she doesn’t know who he is, she is afraid. She slaps him but he grabs her.

PHoo lab – Paging Dr. Toledo
Navier is on his stretcher. “Am I sick,” he asks, “Am I in the hospital?” “I’m going crazy,” he screams. Dr. Toledo comes over and checks his vitals. Navier asks where he is. His breathing is agitated. The doctor checks his pulse and Navier grabs the doctor’s wrist while getting his neck locked between his powerful legs.

DeRosas Living Room – She’s baaaack!
Estefi tells Susana again that they have to make Izzy talk. She yells for him just as Reina and Christián come in. Annoyed, she asks, “You are here again?” Reina asks where Connie is. At that moment Izzy carries a screaming Connie into the room. Caras de impactadas de todos.

PHoo lab – I’ve been doing isometric exercises while chained up
Navier exerts his strength until, crack, he’s broken the doc’s neck. He gets the keys from the doc’s pocket starts to unlock the handcuffs.

DeRosas Living Room – I’m your true love – Well I’m your husband
Reina runs up and hugs Connie. Izzy says that he doesn’t know what happened. “Who cares?” asks Estefi exasperated. Connie pulls away from Reina and asks who she is. “I’m Reina.” Izzy says that he is her love. Christián says that he is her husband. “Forgive me, “ says Connie, “but I have no idea who all of you are. I don’t know you.”

CIA Headquarters – Don’t expect to see Dr Toledo in one of those Best Doctors in the US magazines
Dra Moto tells FELS that the now late Dr. Toledo doesn’t have a very good background – a couple of malpractice judgments, he hasn’t had a legitimate job in two years… FELS uses his great intellect to conclude that this doc must be working for Victor and MM. In marches Esmeeth who announces that Reina called – Connie Leiva has appeared – without any memories.

Estefi’s bedroom – Let’s conjugate fallar!
Estefi is speaking on the phone to an unknown person, “You need to do something. Listen very carefully to what I’m asking.” “No puedes fallar. Si tú no fallas y yo no falla, nuestro objectivo sera completo.” “You can’t fail. If you don’t fail and I don’t fail, our objective will be achieved.”

PHoo lab – the Dragon is stronger than triple doses of PHoo juice
Navier finishes unchaining himself and taking off the electrodes from his forehead. As we have guessed from his Dragon-like moves, he was faking losing his memory. Just so we get it, he says, “Se perfectamente que soy Bolívar y donde soy,” “I know perfectly well that I am Bolivar and where I am.” He rummages through the dead doctor’s pockets and takes his wallet. [What about his phone?] He also grabs some samples of PHoo juice.
 

Capitulo 131 – Parte Tres

Vic’s study – Isn’t Greta sort of in prison now?
Vic calls Dr Toledo but gets his voice mail. Estefi and Susana are waiting for him. They tell him that they know that Greta’s baby is alive. Victor assumes, correctly, that they’ve been talking to Izzy. Susana can’t believe Victor would order his granddaughter killed. “Ya basta!” says Vic, “this discussion is over.” Greta’s moms say that it isn’t over and tomorrow they are going to where Greta is and tell her everything. Victor replies that he has taken precautions against that. Greta is no longer where they think she is. “You’re a pig!” says Estefi. Susana says that Greta has the right to know the whole truth. Vic says that if Greta knows the whole truth, it will be the end of all their plans and Greta will go to prison for the rest of her life. “Is that what you want?” He tells them to stop with the stupidities and leave him in peace. Estefi says that she doubts very much that Vic will have peace. “Connie Leiva has turned up and she is with Reina Ortíz.

Esmeeth’s Apartment – You didn’t mention that you were held prisoner with a hunky guy
Reina tells Connie that she knows exactly what Connie is feeling because the same thing happened to her and she is fine. Connie just needs to relax, take a shower if she wants. Reina will take her to her house or anywhere. Connie says that she is so confused. Both Connie’s guys show up but they scare Connie and Reina chases them out.

Reina continues to try and comfort the weeping Connie. Reina asks Connie how she remembered her name. Connie replies that she didn’t remember it. A man asked her to look for Reina. “What man?” asks Reina. “Javier,” replies Connie. Cara de impactado de Reina. “Navier told you to find me? You were with him? Where is he?” Connie doesn’t know. She remembers that Navier gave her something and she fishes Navier’s wallet out of her pocket. Reina looks at in horror. She tells Connie that she has to help her find Navier. Connie says that she can’t remember. Reina begs her to make an effort but it’s no good.

There’s a knock at the door. It’s Dra Moto. Reina fills her in on the Navier information and says that she has to help Connie remember. Moto replies that she hopes that she can help Connie.

Moto gets a phone call. It’s Susana. She needs to meet with Moto urgently. Moto says that she can’t right now. Susana says that she will tell her over the phone. [How often does that happen on a novela? Usually characters insist that important information only be transmitted in person and then something happens so that the meeting never takes place.] Susana tells Moto that Greta gave birth when she was in a coma – Laz’s child.

PHoo Lab – Trick or Treat?
Navier is getting rid of the last of his fetters when he sees a figure in a robe and face-covering hood come into the outer room of the lab. [This person looks like they stopped at the PHoo lab on the way home from a Hallowe’en party. Why is this person not wearing the uniform identity-hiding facemask? Could it be because we’re not to see whether it is a man or a woman? ] Navier scurries back to the stretcher and pretends to be chained up again. The mystery person turns the lights out and comes into the room where Navier is.

Esmeeth’s Apartment
Laz has come to see his sister. Reina tells him that Connie doesn’t remember anything – just like she couldn’t remember anything after the accident. Laz goes to see Connie. Reina shows Navier’s wallet to Esmeeth and tells her that Navier was with Connie. She asks what it means. Are they trying to erase Navier’s memory as well?
 

Capitulo 131 – Parte Cuatro

De Rosas Mansion – kitchen – I’ll get their attention by shooting at them
Izzy tells Victor, “Apareció Connie. Está muy mal. No recuerde nada.” “Connie has appeared. She is in bad shape. She doesn’t remember anything. “ Victor pretends to be sorry and says, “Al menos apareció con vida, ¿verdad?” “At least she turned up alive, ”reminding Izzy of his promise that he wouldn’t kill Connie. Izzy accuses Vic of giving the memory-erasing drug to Connie. He reminds Vic of his many years of faithful service. He always guarded his secrets but that’s all over.

He pulls out a gun and says that now it’s going to be all over for Vic. Vic is cool. He asks Izzy what he is going to do, kill him? The gun is pressed to Victor’s chest but Izzy can’t pull the trigger. Vic laughs and knocks the gun out of Izzy’s hand. Vic and Izzy start fighting. Estefi comes in, picks up the gun and demands to know where Greta’s baby is. When no one pays any attention, she closes her eyes and fires.

PHoo Lab - Trick, I guess, for Dr. Toledo
Mystery person advances into the dark room with the flashlight. He/she walks up to the body of Dr Toledo and shoots it several times. Navier is no longer on the stretcher. He is hiding (sort of) in the alcoves between the beds. Mystery person shines the light around and it looks like he/she illuminates Navier.

Esmeeth’s Apartment - Reina to the Rescue
Esmeeth looks at Navier’s wallet and tells Reina what was already pretty obvious – that Proyecto Hoopiter is being revived, the drugs were tested on Connie, Navier was with Connie and helped her escape and that Navier is still there. Reina concludes that since Navier sent Connie to her, he wants her to rescue him and that is what she is going to do.

PHoo Lab
Mystery person leaves the lab and considerately turns the lights back on as he/she does so.

Esmeeth’s Apartment
Reina again says that she will save Navier but she doesn’t know how. Esmeeth says that she is concerned because Navier is the perfect candidate to experiment on with the drug. Reina asks why. “Because he is strong, intelligent and with a body prepared to defend itself. If the drug works on him, it will be a big success for the bad guys. (We see Navier looking down at doubly dead Dr Toledo.) Reina tells Emseeth that she has no idea where Navier is. If only she could remember but she is sure MM is involved. Esmeeth agrees but says that he isn’t working alone – Victor is involved. “Maybe they are working together,” says Reina. Esmeeth is sure that this is the case.

De Rosas Mansion - kitchen – You shot your dog
Estefi’s wild shot hit Izzy. He sinks to the floor. Victor asks what the h*ll she is she doing. Vic was just getting started. He wanted to beat Izzy to death, not have Estefi kill him. “I was your dog,” gasps Izzy, I was your accomplice, I was your slave. I gave you the best years of my life. The only thing I didn’t want to give you was Connie.” He slumps over, apparently dead.

Esmeeth’s Apartment – I’m from the Government and I’m here to help you
Dra Moto convinces Connie to take a sedative and tells her that she needs to come to CIA headquarters. Connie is reluctant. How does she know they won’t kill her? Moto assures Connie that they only want to help. Reina, desperate to find Navier, begs Connie to help them but she says that she can’t. Reina has Moto show Connie a picture of MM and she clutches her head in pain. Moto tells her that they will do everything in their power to help her.
 

Capitulo 131 – Parte Cinco

PHoo Lab – Will they put Collateral Damage on my tombstone?
Once again, Navier is running around the PHoo lab trying to escape. You’d think he would know it pretty well by now. He runs right into MM and a goon with guns. MM tells Navier that he won’t get away with escaping more than once. Ever defiant, Navier, tells MM that he won’t get away with being a traitor. MM admits that Victor was right. Navier is a really, really good liar. That must be why he’s the boss. “You are a traitor,” says Navier, “and you know how traitors end up.” MM replies that he is going to end up like he deserves – with all the glory. He is going to make Navier disappear and when his project is successful, all the dead bodies along the way will be forgotten, and even Navier’s death will be considered collateral damage.

De Rosas Mansion - kitchen – if you kill ‘em, you dispose of ‘em, that the rule in this house
Estefi, still holding the gun, tells Victor that now is not the time for mourning. They will give Izzy and nice funeral and that’s all. She demands to know where Greta’s baby is. Vic asks why she can’t keep her mouth shut. He just killed his right hand man. “He betrayed you!” yells Estefi. At that moment, Cobra comes in with a gun and Victor disarms Estefi. He tells Cobra that he could have handled this himself. Cobra sees Izzy on the floor and says, “a body and it wasn’t me.” She asks if Vic is ok. He is. She offers to take care of the body – her specialty – but Estefi says that she takes care of her own bodies.

PHoo lab – The Dragon is slipping here – this is the third time he’s been captured by Vic/MM
“So dead bodies are collateral damage,” says Navier. “I understand. In my training you made me understand.” MM says, “You have to disappear and Vic won’t be angry about it.” Nav grabs MM’s gun, holds MM by the neck and points the gun at the goon. MM orders the goon to put down his gun. Navier tells MM that if he dies, he will be waiting for MM and Vic in the hereafter with MM’s daughter. “Oh yes, I know about her” says Navier. An adolescent, rebellious who lives in luxury on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, she wants to be a model. The day I turn up dead so will she.” Navier says that MM hid her well but he knows all, absolutely all, of MM’s secrets. “Have you heard the expression, “el mundo es un pañuelo,” (it’s a small world). More goons appear behind Nav and take his gun. MM says, “it is a small world.” I am not alone. You are.”

CIA Headquarters – At least pretend to have some sympathy for my situation
Reina is in FELS’ office. She asks if there has been any progress. Has Connie remembered anything? FELS tells her that they have been doing the analysis all night but no results yet. She should have confidence in them. Reina says that she does have confidence but every hour that passes, is one less to get Navier back and she has a bad feeling in her gut that he might be dead. It’s terrible. “I imagine so,” says FELS with no feeling at all. “Really, you can imagine that?” says Reina. Her phone rings. She says to the unknown caller, “What is this? A trap?”

De Rosas Mansion – Estefi’s room – You always seem to have crummy henchmen, Estefi
Once again Estefi is talking on the phone to presumably the same mystery person as before. She says that she took care of poor Izzy herself, may he rest in peace. “About this night,” she says “there was a “before” and an “after.” They have to change their whole strategy and plan, everything. Now to the important part. Where is Navier? Where are they holding him?” She listens to the response and is angry. What! Why didn’t you kidnap him yourself? What the hell did you do? Why don’t you obey me? Why don’t you pay attention to what I say? You don’t know how difficult it was to find out where MM was. You were supposed to get him out of the laboratory. That was the order. He was to be my prisoner, only mine.
 

Capitulo 131 – Parte Seis

PHoo Lab – Guinea Pigs don’t like to hear about surprises
Victor looks down at Navier who is chained up again on an examination table. Unlike the gurney he was on before, this one is flat so that Navier has to hold up his head to talk to Victor. “And now what, Victor?” asks Navier. “You should thank me for not killing you,” says Vic. “That will never happen,” replies Navier, “thanking maggots (gusanos) isn’t my style.” “I might be a maggot,” says Vic, “but you are my guinea pig. I don’t know why but yesterday was very strange, wasn’t it? So I have a surprise for you.”

CIA headquarters – You’re wasted just doing autopsies
Dra Moto is in Connie’s room with FELS and Esmeeth. Connie is asleep. She says that they worked all night and have a preliminary report. The drug that was used on Connie was similar to that used in Proyecto Hoopiter, but it wasn’t the same. FELS asks her if she compared the drug used on Connie with what they found in MM’s room. Esmeeth asks if there isn’t some antidote, some drug that they could use to make Connie remember where Navier is. Moto says that is possible; she has made a drug cocktail that should reverse the effect of the first one.

There’s a knock at the door. It’s Laz. FELS tells him that they are working but he begs to know what is going on. Connie is his sister and he has lost his friend. FELS says that he is right. FELS gets a call and he and Esmeeth leave. Laz begs Connie to tell him that Connie will be all right, that the same thing won’t happen to her that happened to Reina, that she will wake up, that she will remember. He says that he can’t lose any more people that he cares about. Moto gives him a hug and we hear Susana’s voice in her mind – “she had a baby, Lazaro’s baby.” She tells Laz that she needs to go home and take a shower and be with Agatha. She wants to see Agatha, more than ever.

Dra Moto’s apartment – Dra Moto puts it together
Dra Moto tells Susana that she was very moved by the call last night. Susana thanks Moto and says that she knows that Moto is a good person and someone who can find out things in the CIA. Moto replies that she will do whatever she can but she needs more information. Susana tells Moto that all they know Is that Vic gave the baby to Izzy but Izzy won’t say what he did with the baby. Estefi has told Susana that Izzy went on a trip.

“Is it a boy?” asks Moto. Susana replies that Izzy didn’t want to tell them that either. Moto says that she will investigate. Susana asks her to keep this between them. She doesn’t want Moto to tell anyone. She tells Moto that Victor threatened to kill Juanjo and if Laz finds out, who knows what might happen. Moto agrees not to say a word to anyone. Susana thanks her and says that if they find the baby, it will be a miracle and will be like having part of Greta. There’s a knock at the door, it’s Juanjo come to pick up Susana. Susana tells him that she came to see Agatha and bring her a little gift.

Moto flashes back to Izzy stopping by to see the baby and asking if the baby was her daughter. She asked him how he knew the baby was a girl and he says it is because she is wearing pink.
 

Capitulo 131 – Parte Ocho

De Rosas Mansion – No need to thank me, I didn’t kill him
Christián tells ORBO to stop pretending to be someone he isn’t because he could end up in serious problems. ORBO replies that he isn’t pretending to be someone else – he is Octavio deRosas. There’s a knock at the door and the Cobra comes in.

ORBO says that he will leave the brother and sister to chat in peace. He leaves. “Good news for you,” says Cobra. “Yes, yes, Connie has turned up…”replies Christian. Cobra interrupts, “Izzy is dead, murdered. You shouldn’t get involved, Christian. It’s not in your best interest.

CIA Headquarters - hospital – If Navier’s life depends on Connie’s memory, we’re in big trouble
Laz, Reina and FELS are in Connie’s room waiting for her to wake up. FELS says that they have to wait. Reina replies that she knows about waiting but right now Navier’s life depends on Connie. FELS says he wants to find Navier, too. Reina replies that she doesn’t know what he wants but they are in his hands.

Connie wakes up and has her memory back. FELS says that Dra Moto was right. Connie was only given a small dose. The last thing Connie remembers is being at home. Reina asks if Connie remembers anything else. She doesn’t. Esmeeth bursts in to say that they have found the secret hideout. “Let’s go,” says FELS. “I’m going,” says Reina. Esmeeth says that it is dangerous. “Me voy,” “I’m going,” says Reina firmly.

PHoo Lab - It’s a kind of vacation you don’t need your wallet for (NovelaMaven wrote most of this scene – thanks!)
Armed to the teeth, Picasso and Esmeeth enter the building where they believe they will find Navier. They are accompanied by a small number of uniformed agents.

The scene shifts to Navier lying on a stretcher. Victor looks down at him. He seems poised to inject something into an IV port in Navier's abdomen. (Navier has gotten a change of clothes. He’s now wearing a black shirt. We get the very dramatic music)

Reina joins the other agents. "What are you doing here?" hisses Picasso. "I told you to wait in the car."
Did he forget that she's an agent too? she asks. "Give me a gun."

Victor empties the contents of the syringe into the port. "You're going to be traveling to different places every day. You're lucky. In your mind, you'll be able to go anywhere in the world -- but only in your mind because your body is going to remain here.

Navier: At least I have a mind that can travel. I can't say the same for you, Victor. You have such a small mind, Victor.
Victor (laughs): That's true.
Navier: Really small. And very little courage. Why don't you show some guts and confront me 'mano a mano' without drugs, without IV's, without your Project Hoopiter backing you up?

The CIA team is still making its way through the shadowy building.

The CIA team realizes they are in a completely deserted facility.
Picasso: He escaped!
Esmeeth: Maldito!
Reina falls to her knees: Nooooooo!
 

"... in slithers the gravid cobra."

What a lovely phrase, how beautifully it falls off the tongue!

"I’m your true love – Well I’m your husband" -- funny when they said it, even funnier when you plucked this little blossom for us!

"Let’s conjugate fallar!" -- Yes, let's! tee hee

"Will they put Collateral Damage on my tombstone?"

And the cleverest line in this little bit at the end is one Jean wrote:
"It’s a kind of vacation you don’t need your wallet for"

Absolutely splendid recap, Jean. I know how much work it took to put it together because there was so little to work with in the televised version. By the way, I'm pretty sure this was a 4-fer.

I'm of two minds about Reina. I am beyond irritated that TeleMindless is making me work so hard to see the final chapters of the story so in that sense, I will be happy when it ends. But since Reina is the only telenovela I enjoy right now, I will be sorry to say goodbye to it. Oh well. We had some good conversations here, didn't we?

Hey Anita,

"Maybe you should be writing 'sick' after every other line"

Hahaha! Maybe I should!
 

Thanks so much for the nice words, NovelaMaven.

It is a lot of work to do a recap like this BUT it can be done in advance and it's short term - there's not six more months of this.

I also hated what Telemundo did to this novela. In some ways, though, it makes it easier because I won't be as sad when it does end than I might have been otherwise. I really fell for this novela in a way that I have only done once before (and I was betrayed in that one, too) and I don't like it. I'd rather have something that I enjoy watching but have little or no emotional commitment to. Maybe I should go back to Univisión novelas!

The best thing, as always, has been the gang on the Patio. We had a great time.
 

Jean – Thank you for the recap and the humor! In addition to the ones already mentioned, I loved:

”Connie is waiting in the kitchen when in slithers the gravid Cobra.” paints a great word picture.
”Don’t expect to see Dr Toledo in one of those Best Doctors in the US magazines” BwaHahahahahahahaaaa!!!
”De Rosas Mansion - kitchen – if you kill ‘em, you dispose of ‘em, that the rule in this house”
(More parental proverbs --- if you made the mess, then you clean it up.)


When Estefy was screaming across the house for ISIIIDDDRRRROOOO! it brought back memories of my parents saying, “No yelling in the house! Go find that person.”


What was up that grey shirt Laz was wearing??? He looked like he’d come from an audition for the current Hans and Franz TV commercials.


I hate that Izzy was just shot and allowed to lay there and die. Connie will be devastated . . . if she ever gets her memory back. ”I gave you the best years of my life.” sounded like a couple having marriage problems. Well, um, yeah.....


Dr. Toledo must have had a brother.



I agree about Tijeramundo’s treatment of this telenovela, and that it has removed any grieving/withdrawals I will have when we hit the Gran Fin.

Having to watch the episodes on my iPad has made it even more interesting. A couple of days ago, something went haywire (most likely I touched something on the extremely sensitive iPad screen) and landed on THIS YOUTUBE COMMERICAL. I was appalled, then transfixed, then ROFLOL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKLnhuzh9uY

Apparently I have been living under a rock and missing out on the funniest video on youtube.
 

Thanks, Doris.

You and I must have been under the same rock. I have never seen that video either and I guess it is a real product. I can't imagine how I have lived all this time without it!!


 

Jean - yes, it's real. I looked on amazon.com!
Their red, white & Poo video is a hoot, too.
 

Oh, and I want to say that I'm not a fan of bathroom humor, at all, but those two videos cracked me up. (no pun intended)
 

Doris,
They should be running those ads with the U.S. version of the final episodes... oh. I see. It doesn't take away THAT kind of stink. :D

Estefi's fishwife yell has been a running gag all along. YO-LAAAANNN-DA! LOOOOO-PEZ! A-SUN-CIOOOON! Now we have Connie's ear-splitting, chandelier-breaking shrieks that are enough to bring out my inner Victor (¡CÁLLATE!)
 

How about an Update to the Body Count, while we wait for Monday's recap. We've had a few more added since the last one.

60. Reina and Javier’s unborn child, a boy – miscarried at 5 months following the stress and trauma of Clarita’s kidnapping.

60. Lopez 2.0 – by gunshot from an almost FELS look-a-like, but turns out to be a Spanish thug sent by Stefi because Lopez was a traitor. (Lopez kidnapped Clarita on orders of Stefi, who wanted to take something precious away from Reina.) Instead of letting Clara go, the new guy demands a ransom from Javier, again, on orders from Stefi.

61. Two guards outside the warehouse where Clarita is being held – by gunshot, by Victor who is coming with Javier to save her.

61. At least 3 men, including the second sequester – dead by explosion and flames in the warehouse where Clarita had been held, in a joint operation by Victor in a baseball cap and Javier. (Who would have ever thought it possible.)

62. Anastasia Rodrigo, 45 – by strangulation and has multiple knife wounds, by unknown hand. A Red Diamond was found in her underwear. She has no connection to Victor or Stefi. She was brought to the morgue. FELS received the initial call about her. (FELS finds out she was Lopez 2.0’s lover—so what was Pilar, chopped liver?)

63. A bald guy, Cobra’s client – stabbed to death, by La Cobra (Lt. Rentería in disguise.) She tells him everything is fine even as she sidles into place and quickly stabs him to death. Meh. It couldn't be helped. She had to choose between baldy and Victor. And she chose Victor. [We did not see this in broadcast edition.]

64. Unkown child – died in an accident in Avilés, but her heart was donated to Clara for her transplant. Javier must go get the heart himself because bad weather has grounded the plane.

65. A nurse at the Florida Manicomio – killed by Stefi. [I don’t think we saw her do this on the broadcast, so we don’t know how.]

66. Osvaldo Pitra, alia Martiano, the hanging man, a friend of López 2.0 – by gunshot with a handgun with silencer, by Cobra. Izzy had been using him for baseball practice to try to get some information on the whereabouts of the Red Diamonds. Izzy accuses Cobra, he was present at the time; she killed him because Pitra DID reveal where the Red Diamonds are, but the Cobra is threatening Izzy with killing Connie if he reveals the location of the Red Diamonds. Cristián lets them both go—insufficient evidence (she wiped the place down before leaving).

67. A second nurse – by lethal legs, by Stefi, who had him in a vise-like grip between her legs (à la Izzy on the guillotine, early in the tn.)

68. Slimy director of the Florida Manicomio – by gunshot, by Stefi in the hallway of the facility as she is trying to escape with the Original Recipe Big 0. He calls out the alarm which brings the doctor running, thereby saving Susana from a rape-while-unconscious.

69. A guard who respons to the commotion – by gunshot, by Stefi in same hallway as above.
 

Body Count - Part 2

70. Three blue shirted attendants at the Florida Manicomio – by gunshot, by Stefi in the hallway of the facility as they respond to the alarm of an escaped patient. When Juanjo shows up, Stefi shoots to kill but only wounds him and she fires again and again, but the gun is empty (lucky Susana).

71. Emperatriz Picasso, the Madrid bookseller, adoptive sister of FELS, but became his lover long ago and now she hates him – by a knife to the chest, by Julius Cesar Blanco (#69 on the list of the 179 Ah-gentes del Servicio Secreto). He admitted it later. He subsequently sequestered Asunción and Reina in a warehouse to replicate some Proyecto Hoopiter lab experiments. He added FELS to the experiment. (P.S. They were all saved by Javier and Smeeth, working together.)

72. Julius César Blanco’s head appears, but not the rest of his body – by unknown hands, by unkown means. I think we can assume he’s dead. Temporarily we don’t know how or by whom. Javier is wondering, too.

73. According to Smeeth’s Body Count, the CIA has lost 30 of their secret ah-gentes (although they’ve saved 13) – by unkown hands, by unkown means. We are to presume that once they are outed, enemies of the USA in foreign countries are the ones behind the killings. We only know #22’s name, Hilda.

74. Yolanda, “Yoli,” Stefi’s dancing maid, and apparently a traitor who talked – by suffocation, by Stefi, who proceeds to sew her mouth shut before she is dead.

75. An unkown subject in Victor’s Phoo-Juice Human Memory Loss Laboratory – by an experiment gone wrong when the subject flatlines, by Victor’s assistants who are conducting the experiment. (Cap. 121)

76. The attending physician in Victor’s Proyecto Hoopiter Lab who let the unknown subject flatline – by the Injecto-Death 3000 Pulsera, by Victor. (Dr. Toledo’s name is NOT mentioned in the recap for Capitulo 121.)

77. Three unknown assassinations that Javier mentions confronting La Cobra, one in Guatemala, one in Salamanca, España, and one in Argentina – by unkown means, by La Cobra aka Alicia Palacios. (Cap 128)

78. The Real Dr. Toledo, in the Phoo Lab – first by powerful leg grip that cracked his neck, by Javier – again by several gunshot while lying on the floor, by a hooded, robed, flashlight holding, mystery person. (Cap. 131)
 

Shoot--I misnumbered (or forgot to renumber when I added some). The bottom line now should read 80.
 

Thanks Anita for keeping track of the bodies. So Estefi and Navier have killed with the leg lock.

We could list how many ways Estefi has killed people once she got going:

shooting (manicomio)
neck breaking by legs (manicomio)
suffocating (Yoli)
drug overdose (she didn't do it but provided the means)(Miriam)
Injecto-death poison (false QofD's Lopez did it but on her orders)
did she stab the guy and leave the playing card? If not, stabbing is coming up shortly.
Any others - somebody got left in a meat locker, that would be freezing, but did Estefi do it? I get mixed up.
 

Jean--I'll do a Census of Stefi's snuffing. One thing I can tell you, though, she did NOT actually kill Izzy with her leg lock. I was merely comparing the technique she and Javier used.

 

Oh, Jean, I just re-read your comment. Stefe used her legs in the Manicomio. Let me check that out, but I'm sure you're correct.
 

Pshaw, I couldn't even read my own typewriting. It's #67 on this list!
 

Didn't Stefi kill someone else with her leg lock, a couple months ago? Or maybe it was one of her moves but she didn't actually kill the person.
 

Stefi the Snuffer

The Moneylender found dead with poison in his possession (this was to throw suspicion off Victor, and, luckily, Lazaro at the same time)

Miriam was "assisted" to die with a self-administered overdose.

The first Reina Look-Alike, with poisoned coffee.

The Turncoat left to die after being forced to swallow the Red Diamond with a whiskey chaser, although Lopez 2.0 had to finish him off.

Dr. Matheson who was treating Greta was strangled by Stefi and finished off by Lopez 2.0, then they strung him up to make it look like suicide.

Rocky's brother with the knock-off Injecto-Death 3000.

Nurse at the Manicomio by lethal leg lock.

Rest of Manicomio carnage by gunshots.

Poor Yoli was suffocated.


We still don't know who offed the Card and Banner guy. We probably never will.

She pretty much has used different methods for each of her murders. Interesting.
 

Thanks, Anita, what memories! ;-)

I was thinking that Estefi had the false Queen of Diamonds killed at the party where everyone wore red dresses but I recall now that was Victor with the Injecto-Death 3000. Estefi justifies sending the woman to her death because she abandoned her children or something.
 

JEAN--ARE YOU AROUND TO PUT UP A NEW PAGE FOR REINA, OR ARE YOU AS DISILLUSIONED AS THE REST OF US ON WHERE TELLUSNOTMUNDO HAS GONE?

 

SINCE WE'RE YELLING...

ANITA, THIS IS MY WEEK AND I WILL PUT THE NEW PAGES UP RIGHT NOW!
 

Hii... Can you refer me to the Url or link to the recap after this...
Apologies for the late post