Caray, Caray!

Thank you, Sara and Vivi for volunteering for the week of Dec 22.

Mon Dec 22 - Anita
Tue Dec 23 - Lila
Wed Dec 24 - Sara
I'm going to assume there will be special programming on the 25th
Fri Dec 26 - Vivi
 

I'm looking forward to the week! This show never disappoints me.

I meant to say last week that I couldn't believe how saddened I was by Franco's death. We had barely seen him, but the way they did the flashbacks and stuff was so touching. I was very upset to see him go.

Question: Does anyone know if the theme song is available anywhere? I couldn't find it on iTunes. Heck. I wish this one had a soundtrack album.
 

Thank you, Anita! Hey Sara, surprised I-Tunes doesn't have it! I saw this title on Amazon: Temas De La Telenovela : Quiero Amarte *Imported* But the item is no longer available!

Anita, how could I have missed this: "Nora, who has a secret longing for Salvador. . ."!!

I like Nora and I wondered if she wasn't doing the falling in love with your friend just like Sal did with Connie! Wow!
 

Anita- Great wasy to start off! Loved the questions about who's getting mended hearts and broken hearts. :)
 

I love this tn! It is definitely better than any of the ones that are on in prime time, for sure! Too bad they don't switch time slots with one of them. This is the ONLY tn I'm following regularly.
 

Anon1:21 said:
"It is definitely better than any of the ones that are on in prime time, for sure!"

So true. I am following La Gata only because I am recapping it.

I assumed this would follow Mentir Para Vivir when it ended, but that wasn't the case and I still don't know why Univision put this in the afternoon.

I think it would be great if this switched to prime time, BUT I do sort of enjoy having it waiting for me when I get home. ;-)

 

Uni probably didn't think the leads would be a big enough draw for an American audience. Although La Gata is dreck, Maite with Daniel (fresh off of CI) were probably more bankable. I'm shocked and happy that they kept La Malquerida on in prime time and didn't switch it to midnight. As for Hastsa--Amor, Pedro Fernandez was a big draw to many loyal fans of his music. I know I really liked him in Hasta--Dinero. And Majorie was coming off a high exposure villain role, so I understand why they put that one in primetime. I like Hasta, buy find it dull. I can miss 4 out of five days, and pick up almost exactly where I left off-- plot wise and character development wise.
 

Monday, 12-8 Pt. 1

We have a brief review of the end of Lu’s conversation with Emma. Emma vows that she won’t allow Amaya to make up with her ex-husband: he’s HER Whor! Lu thinks to herself this jealousy serves her purposes. After they end the call Lu resolves to get the pistol out of Emma’s apartment!

This same evening Mauro comes into the kitchen, Hortensia lets him know Amaya came to see her lands today. Mauro is sorry he missed her but he reiterates that Amaya is to be made welcome whenever she comes to El P.

The next morning Flavia is all spiffed up and ready for her date with Ulises. Lu questions where’s she’s going and tries to object. Mauro doesn’t mind, Flavia leaves and Mauro squelches any attempts on Lu’s part to argue about it.

Ivan’s in a good mood when he enters the kitchen. He, Chelo and Hortensia [need a nick name for her] talk about his showing Flavia around El P. He shares that she’s not such a bad sort afterall. When Hortensia mentions that Flavia caught Ulises eye, Ivan is relieved by this as it means Ulises will leave Marianna alone. Ivan’s mood flattens somewhat when Hortensia mentions that with Flavia leaving soon, Ulises will be back to bugging his “beloved.”

Well, it’s time for Cesar to give mommy the results of his investigation. He and Lu go into the study. Apparently he’s drafted a written report which he gives to Lu. He states that Hector cleared up all his doubts and Lu pats herself on the back for the accuracy of her sixth sense: She knew that Amaya and Mauro were not having an affair like Mauro and her mother did. Cesar asks if she’s sure about the affair between Mauro and Flo. Lu is absolutely sure, there was even a child. This wipes the smirk off Cesar’s face and is momentarily alarmed. A child? Where is it? Well, fortunately for them both, Lu says, the child died shortly after birth. Lu gloats that Mauro has no idea she knows the whole story of him and Flo.

Cesar sits back, relieved. He’s curious as to what she’s going to do with the information, maybe use it to expose and discredit “mi Papa” in the eyes of everyone? No, For now she will be satisfied if Amaya is just outside the emotional lives of Max and Mauro. She does not want her near. She can’t stand her, she reminds her so much of her mother. They discuss how they feel safe that soon Max will be marrying Connie, that it’s clear that Max prefers Connie to Amaya. Lu fairly shutters: It would be horrible to have her son marry Florencia’s daughter! Cesar reassures her, she can breathe easy: Amaya is neither Max nor Mauro’s lover. For now, shoots back Lu. This woman is a a latent danger, Lu says. After she married Mauro, Florencia continued to sleep with him!
Lu vows she’s NOT going to let Amaya give her the same headache as her mother.

Flashback to the river the day of the Great Accidents. Flo is asking Lu to help her. Lu tries to push Flo’s head under the water. Flo pulls Lu in. They fight. Lu hits her head on bank, Flo swims away calling for Amaya.

Lucrecia thinks to herself: I have to be more precise this time. I cannot trust the results to destiny!
 

12-8 Pt. 2

Meanwhile over at the cantina, Ulises has paid Cip his first earnings for the dirty coffee dealing by letting Cip win the whole pot in a rigged poker game. Ulises “graciously” concedes defeat and leaves. One of the players grins that Cip has won in one poker game what he would have made in a whole coffee season. He asks Cip if he’s going to buy a hectare of land and become a small coffee grower. Nah. Cip’s gots plans for this moolah, they’ll all see! He buys a round of drinks for the house!

Well it’s a beautiful morning and everyone goes about the pleasurable business of enjoying the day. Amaya, Marianna and Vale have taken Delores out to celebrate her birthday. Amaya is so happy that she can take care of Delores, she wants her to cut back on working and relax more. Delores is reluctant but then accepts with thanks.

Max and Amaya are out in the town square, enjoying a stroll. Max tells Connie he likes her more like this, relaxed and not so tense, angry or expressing jealousy. [I am spared a kiss. Those lips belong to Amaya].

Amaya, Marianna and Vale sing (Las Mañanitas) happy birthday to Delores. Her wish is that The Almighty help her find the truth so that justice can be done! The shower her with gifts: a golden, lacy locket of The Virgin, a beautiful colorful shawl made by Dona Chelo. Vale gets a text and excuses herself to go the bathroom.

Back at the Finca, Hector shares his stress at having been made to tell Cesar everything that happened when Mauro came looking for Max after Max’s return from Italy. It was clear that neither Max nor Mauro had given him any of these details. Cesar was looking for information that he could leverage somehow, for power. Hector says he’s got a bad taste in his mouth and he feels like a gossip!

So, Flavia makes her way over to Ulises. She’s leaving tomorrow so they also get down to some pleasurable business. He fixes her a whiskey. Takes off her fedora and they kiss.


Mauro, Lu, Cesar, Jorge, Juliana, Alan and Manuel are relaxing in the living room. Juliana is unsmiling, though seems peaceful. That’s a cue for Lu to attack. She wants to know what Juliana’s plans are. Mauro tries to deflect the question and chastises Lu for asking. Juliana says that’s okay, it makes no sense to put off a decision, the pain of the loss of Franco will always be in her heart and she will always miss him. Jorge agrees with Mauro that there is no rush. Cesar also feigns concern and support for a slow return to work. Manuel adds that when his wife died he found staying busy helped him. That is just what Juliana wants to do. Well. This has just been too positive for Lucrecia so she has to sniff that Juliana doesn’t need to work, her son needs her now more than ever and besides, one way or another working mothers damage their children. We hear an outcry from the men as the scene shifts to another display of cynicism and hypocrisy.

 

12-8 Pt. 3

Whor arrives at the square with three huge bouquets of flowers one for Amaya, Delores and Mariana. In the background Connie and Max are watching. Connie asks who it is and is told it’s Amaya’s husband. Whor tries to stroke her face, Amaya pulls away and looks at Max. Amaya looks disgusted and frustrated; Max looks jealous and angry. Connie is smiling!

Back to the Montesino living room everyone rallies around Juliana. Manuel and Mauro disagrees with her damning statement about working mothers. Lucio offers his and Eloisa’s help with Alan who also speaks in support of his mom working. Lu looks horrified at this profuse display of love. It’s not going to be as easy as she thought to marginalize and torment Juliana!

Whor ramps up his bs and Amaya shoots it down. Their faces are tense, their body language moreso. . .but Connie sees nothing but luuuurve. Oh, what a romantic husband, she gushes, they make such a cute couple, they look so happy together. Max and I have had enough, he leads Connie away.

Here are those two crazy kids, Ulises and Flavia. It’s uncertain how much time has passed. They have another drink on the patio. Flavia invites him to Max’s wedding. He hesitates a bit, then accepts. They are sitting down now. Ulises possessively caresses her thigh. She wants to know what he thinks about Marianna. Me and her? We don’t go together. What I want is right in front of me. Slob swap.

Whor keeps pressing his case that he’s changed. Amaya doesn’t believe him. She lets him know that she is aware that this interest in winning her back is because she is now a partner with the Montesinos and has come into money. Did he forget he accused her of having a lover? Oh, he’s willing to forgive her. FORGIVE ME! What a cynic you are, I don’t need your pardon! She wants no part of him. With him she lost her dignity and almost lost herself. She tells him to stop manipulating her and trying to blackmail her or she is going to have to tell Vale exactly why she stopped loving him. She’ll tell Vale about all his cheating and that he was on the verge of physically abusing her.

None of this kept Whor from following Amaya, Vale and Delores to Delores’s home. Awww, he wants to spend the night! NOPE. It ain’t happening! He gets it through his head and leaves. After he leaves Mari notes that Max and Connie were in the square when Whor brought the flowers and oh, you should have seen Max’s face. Delores dismisses this: what Max does with his life is his problem! [Yeah, but we heard the QA theme in the background!] Amaya looks sad, pensive.

It is night now and at this same moment Max is telling Jorge about the scene in the square. Max realizes that he has got to stop idealizing Amaya, that it’s not healthy for anybody. Jorge aggress: Unrequited love is hard, it hurts but he’s got to get past it, he’s got to move on.

 

12-8 Pt. 4

Hmmm, this little flower scene is the talk of El Paraiso. Connie tells her dad, Manuel. Manuel doesn’t think that Amaya will take Whor back. Connie is glad that Max saw them. Manuel doesn’t like it that Connie is so insecure about Max’s love for her. Connie knows that Max felt something for Amaya but he was so lovely with her, so attentive that today, she feels more certain of his love.

Salvador’s face is tinted blue by his laptop screen as he composes an email to Connie. He needs to talk to her. He’s got proof that Max is cheating on her with Amaya and he cannot let her get married. He’s found the cabins where Max and Amaya spent the night. He tells her he’s in town, the name of the hotel where he is and that he wants to meet with her to share his proof.

Manuel and Connie continue as Connie’s phone dings. She glances at it. Manuel is glad she feels this way and further, he thinks Max is incapable of cheating on her. Connie assures daddy that she is certain of this or else she wouldn’t marry Max because as daddy well knows, she will not put up with infidelity! [don don DON!] Daddy leaves. Connie sees it’s an email from Salvador. She thinks to herself : if I’m telling Max to distance himself from Amaya, I have to do the same with Salvador. She throws the phone on the bed.

Back at Delores’s, Amaya goes with Val for a bedtime story. Cip comes back from the cantina clutching his handbag full of his winnings and reeking of booze. Marianna fusses at him for forgetting Delores’s birthday and not getting her anything. Too tipsy and high with his sachet full of money to get angry, he wishes her a malodorous happy birthday and goes off to bed.

It’s hard to keep track of what meal these folks have had. Earlier in the day Lu had a martini when I thought it was breakfast time. She has another one and everyone else has wine. Lucio wants to see Vale again. This leads to the mention that Vale’s dad is Horacio Espinoza who happens to work at Nescafe. Small world, isn’t it? Max says he will take Lucio to soccer practice sometimes so he can see Vale. Connie, once again attached at Max’s hip and attentively stroking his knee, visibly tenses. Flavia returns from her hot date and is greeted with an insult by Lu.

Ulises is chilling out when his henchman [I forget his name] returns. He informs Ulises that he has leased the warehouse. Ulises reminds him to keep him informed on the activities of Cip and Marianna.

Mauro, loving Patriarch that he is individually thanks everyone for their support of his daughter. Everyone smiles and nods in acknowledgement of his gratitude. Lu looks nauseated and Cesar, bored.

Let’s not end with that. Juliana and Alan have gone to bed. Juliana cradles her sleeping son in her arms and pledges her heart and soul to ease his grief and make him happy as that beautiful song of never-ending love plays in the background! [Sigh! Gotta find that!]

 

Thanks, Lila!!!!

I love the scenes of the supportive family, but why do they put up with Lu and Cesar's crap??

Here's some info I found about the music in this:

http://notinovelas.com/tag/quiero-amarte/

Here's a link to Dios despues de Dios (the Juliana and Franco theme.) by Carlos Macias. It's gorgeous. It's just gorgeous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htixiSsSfcc
 

Sara! Thanks, girl! I hope the "album" for this becomes available again through Amazon! Beautiful music!
 

Me too!

(ugh! I'm not a robot!)
 

Great recap, Lila! I also loved the way the family rallied around Juli when Lu tried to make her feel bad about working. Really, why do they put up with Lu and Cesar? Ok, Cesar is a sibling and he works in the company. But why does Mauro stay married to Lu? I think it's clear that none of his kids would be broken up about a divorce.

Whor and Cip continue to disgust me more each episode. Blech!

True story- Just this weekend I bought chia seeds at the organic market and looked up recipes for agua fresca de chia-- what Max was drinking and explaining to Connie was the official drink of Chiapas. As you can guess, Chiapas is named for the chia seed that was sacred to the people's there for thousands of years. It's a super food, super rich in omega 3s. I made my agua fresca with pureed strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, chia, and Meltzer water. It's delicious. And yes, chia seeds are what chia pets are made from. :)
 

Seltzer water. Not Meltzer, tablet. Whatever that is.
 

Thank you Vivi! Great story and thank you for that colorful detail. Man, how educational are novelas!

One thing I had noted and then forgot to put in the recap was that Vale busted that this was not a spontaneous act of affection. Of course, we knew it wasn't and so did our friends Amaya, Delores and Mariana. That is so like a kid to do that! I'm hoping will commit a similar indiscretion about the divorce directly to Max or to Alan and Lucio!
 

Since there are some gaps in my knowledge: did Mau and Lu have a church wedding?

I noticed when Max and Cons were comparing their aguas frescas Max had a speaking cadence and mannerisms similar to Lucio. Not in a mean way, but like how siblings can be similar. I wonder if it was intentional on CdlF's part. It was a nice detail.
 

Hi, Sara

Don't remember them covering any details about Mau and Lu's wedding, just that it happened and was out of obligation.

That's a cute detail about the cadence of Max's speech. I did kinda notice that! That CAN happen with sibs, sometimes even parents unconsciously and sometimes it is occasionally done deliberately with affection!

:D
 

(so tired of proving I'm not a robot)

I only ask about the wedding because I was thinking is it was a church wedding then maybe that's why Mau sticks around. Also, is he blind to how mean Lu is to the kids?

Whor makes me sick. Can't wait til he's out of the picture.
 

You probably know that Mau had a serious, debilitating depression after the death of Florencia and David, but seriously, how long could that have lasted? I guess there's grades of recovery and he must have recovered enough to throw himself into all things coffee but trusted that Lu was taking care of the family. We know that Lu ran roughshod over Juliana and drove her away. Cesar, of course, was and is her shining star. It appears Max, Flavia and Lucio formed a supportive alliance with Tia Elo being an important nurturer.

Short answer, yes, he is blind to how mean he is to the kids. When he reconciled with Juliana and she told him about how much of a b*tch Lu was to her, it seemed new to him. At least to me.

He also seemed surprised about the animosity between Cesar and Max, Cesar and Juliana or that Cesar would have been capable of cancelling Juliana's plane tickets. And Mau himself told Max that Lu didn't know about his love for Florencia and that they had intended to marry. So, Max is blind about the dynamics in his own home. I think between the depression, throwing himself into La Finca, Nescafe and obsessing over Florencia (Manuel was right) he's missed a lot. JMO.


 

I can't wait for Mauro's awakening. His cluelessness about Lucrazy is almost painful.
 

*he is blind to how mean SHE is to the kids
 

Good morning everyone!

Lila--Wonderful recounting of the episode. I read it late last night before watching the episode. I don't usually do that. It's like knowing how the story turns out before you read it.

Knowing Lucrecia, she would have wanted a church wedding with all the trappings, along with the civil ceremony to secure her future as the legitimate Mrs. Montesinos. This is Mexico, after all.

Sara--Mauro and Florencia, in a pre-death flashback, agreed they were staying with their respective spouses for their children's sakes. Once grown, I think Mauro feels tied to Luce because of Lucio. Flavia is not quite launched, Cesar and Max still circling the mansion and working at Nescafe, and Eloisa living in the house. Mauro probably dislikes change as much as many his age. A divorce at this point is a HUGE change. He's the one who would have to move out and he's gotten accustomed to the way things are and avoids Luce as much as possible, except at night. That would be one place to start--get himself a separate bedroom.

Vivi--Interesting background on the Chia - Chiapas story.

On thing that needs clarification, though. It's a small thing, but may give folks the wrong impression of Florencia. Lila said of the conversation between Cesar and Lu about Amaya, "This woman is a latent danger, Lu says. After she married Mauro, Florencia continued to sleep with him!"

She meant that figuratively. Her words were something like, "ever after we were married (Lu & Mauro) she (Flo) was always between us in our bed," meaning Florencia always came between them as Lu tried to get Mauro to love her.

Ok, on to working on today's episode

This new robot proving is getting annoying.
 

Good morning Anita! Thank you! Interesting about Lu's statement about Flo sleeping with Mau. I actually thought Lu meant it figuratively and she really thought they were carrying on a current, extramarital affair. Lu thought the worse of Flo and thinks the worse of Amaya. Flor was a "Mujer suela" and she thinks Amaya is the same and that neither would let anything like marriage stop them from their wanton ways. In another flashback scene Lu was yelling at Flo that she, Flo was having an affair with her husband, screaming "how long has it being going on!?" I think Lu meant exactly that because she believes it and to slander Amaya and her (she hopes) late mother, Flo.

Of course we all know this is not true. The had been lovers but were never intimate again. I see the figurative thing though and fully believe Lu would kill to prevent something she doesn't want to happen just as she's plotting to kill Amaya now to prevent her from "taking" Max, Mauro or the ZE.

Also, Anita and all, did you notice that Flo swam away after the fight with Lu? Lu then thought that she will be more precise this time and not leave the results to fate/chance/destiny.

Maybe Flo is out there somewhere? Hey! Maybe she's in Italy?
 

* In another flashback scene Lu was yelling at Flo that she, Flo was having an affair with her husband, screaming "how long has it being going on!?"

Flo was in the river begging for Lu to help her in that flashback. Above sentence is even more awkward than usual!
 

Oh boy, maybe I should get a robot to post for me! Here is what I meant above:

*I actually thought Lu meant it literally

I felt she was trying to trash both Amaya and her mother. Even if at the time she knew they weren't sleeping together (though I think she did) Lu was sitting in the study plotting with her spawn and this would fit so perfectly that she would spew this lie about Flo.
 

Anita said:
"Knowing Lucrecia, she would have wanted a church wedding with all the trappings, along with the civil ceremony to secure her future as the legitimate Mrs. Montesinos."

I had a similar thought.

Thanks for the clarification on Lu's line about Flo and Mau.

Now about Flavia...
I don't know how I feel about her. In the early episodes that I saw (1-14) she seemed to go after anything male. She seems flighty to me, but she IS very kind to Lucio and her family (except Lu and Cesar.) However, I can totally see her being rude/witchy to Mariana. My question to those who have seen more than I: Should I like Flavia?
 

Sara- As in real life, perhaps we can like parts of Flavia and dislike other parts.

From what I've seen of her non-likeable parts-- her attitude with men and women she feels are rivals (e.g. Mariana), she seems to really be insecure. Even when she's in fresa mode, bragging to her city girlfriends, she seems insecure. She is great with her siblings, minus Cesar, so I going to say that she is a work in progress and I'm pulling for her to improve.
 

Anita and I discussed this sometime back. I think this speaks to the writer's skill that we are torn about whether to like her. She is VERY protective of Max and threatened Connie and Sal to stay away from each other or they would have to deal with her. But she seemed to like Amaya. If Flavia heard Amaya had feelings for Max before learning that Max also has feelings for Amaya, she would threaten her too! Flavia does NOT like Connie because she heard Sal tell Connie that he was in love with her. Sal is about to make some kind of scene and declare his feelings for Connie to a wider audience. I thus think Flavia will become an ally of Max and Amaya. I will really like her then!

I'm afraid she's going to be bitchy to Marianna because Uli is NOT going to stop pursuing Mari. AND, if Flavia continues with her plan to just toy with Ivan which also hurts Mari, then I'll really dislike her!
 

There ya go, Vivi! Yes. I'd like her to improve as well. Be nice if she and Uli could really fall for each other and then let her conflict be the slow realization that Uli is a no-goodnick who is willing to use foul means to compete with El P and the Montesinos. But maybe that's boring!
 

Lila--You and I are both right about Lu's continuing to believe Mauro was being unfaithful to her after her marriage. She also planted that idea into David, who reacted more violently. However, what she said to Cesar was just an expression of how she was not able to rid Mauro of his fantasy for Florencia.

Yes, MA'AM, I did see Flo drift/swim away from a wet and muddy Luce. Her head was still above water and she was calling out for Amaya. Now we know why Luce needed a change of clothing from Amparo.

Cip's drinking buddy is Baldomero. (They used that name for the priest in Amor Bravio. I wish the writers would find other names to use instead of re-using others so soon.)

BTW, does anyone know who the actor is AND the priest's name in this one? The one Dolores consults so frequently.
 

Lila--Maybe Flavia's role will be to uncover Uli's underhanded competition with El P. I'm dreaming when I say Flavia and Mariana could team up as detectives to put together what each will find out--Mari with Cip and Flavia with Uli.
 

Hey, I like that but it does seem like a dream!

Yah, Baldomero, I could've gone back to look at my own recap! Just a plain ole Pedro would be nice!

Wonder when they're gonna get back to Geno and her mystery son, José. I wonder how old he is, undergrad or grad school and if he'll become a romantic interest for anyone?
 

I think the Flavia conundrum is why I like this show. It seems character driven with a nice side serving of plot.

I can handle lots of plot with one dimensional but likeable characters (with at least one villain.)

I can handle great characters with a slow plot (again, most must be likeable. I think that's why I dumped La Malquerida...not enough likeable characters.)

I cannot handle no plot and one dimensional and stupid characters (three guesses which show I mean.)

QA has so, so many people I like that even if it wasn't a fast moving plot I would be happy.

And you all have been so helpful about Flavia. For the most part I liked her, but every once in a while she rubbed me wrong. I like the idea of her being a work in progress.
 

69++ \
Lila,

I was MIA on a long weekend visiting my daughters and their children.

I caught up on Friday's episode and only skimmed Monday's looking for intriguing romantic scenes but found none.

Thank you for filling me in on the details and producing such quality work for us to absorb and enjoy.

Anita, thanks for asking if I'd like to do Highlights. I feel honored, however, I can unequivocally state that I cannot find the time to do them and even if I had the time, I could never do them as well as what is being offered consistently in this forum.

I admire the dedication of ALL RECAPPERS who take on this challenge. Shamefully, I am a freeloader in this regard. I am very glad to see that you have been filling up slots for the good of the order.

Have fun in Boston when you go.
Lucky you! I grew up in Milton, a lovely suburb, 8 miles south of the city and lived in a coastal town, Cohasset, for 10 years before moving to Florida many years ago. I went back for my high school reunion in October.

Anita & Lila, You are both good at predictions. As I write, today's show is being broadcast, but I will not watch it until tonight. I took a peek at it though and did not like what I saw
near the beginning. I know I must have patience. All will turn out well in the end, but in the meantime, not so good and very frustrating for viewers.

I just rejoined my Spanish book club at the local library. I am trying to become as proficient in Spanish as I can be, and reading is a big part of that process.
This month's book is a short one.
112 pages, La fiesta en la madriguera. The narrator is a boy about 10 years old, so it is fairly easy to read. I use my Kindle for this with a downloaded Spanish/English dictionary.

Frankly, I was disappointed with Don Mauro in his conversation with Manuel....although Max had advised him earlier to butt out of his personal life. I guess he too believes that Amaya is married.

Padre Hipólito is played by Javier Herranz who has appeared in other novelas and other dramas shown on daytime TV. I am not familiar with his work but consider him very lackluster in this role.

Thanks again for all of your efforts.

All the Best!
 

Hi, Floridia, welcome back! I'm about to watch my recording of todays. I bet I can guess what you saw but won't hazard a guess on the outcome.

Also, what does this mean?

69++ \
 

Floridia,
I think the people who take the time to comment on the recaps for the most important part of Caray. You are not a freeloader.
 

That should be "are the most important."
 

Floridia--No need to feel lacking in any way. I don't have time to read in Spanish, so you are one up on me. Just glad you are watching and can comment. What Sara said--it makes our efforts feel worthwhile.

About conflicted characters--Max should be right up there at the top. I want his waffling and Amaya's waffling to be over soon--but alas, I fear that will not be for a long, long time.

Ok, back to deciphering the action and the Spanish from today's episode into presentable English. The recap will probably be up late.
 

Oh, Floridia--My son & family are out west in Acton. He works in Natick and commutes. I had an aunt and uncle who lived in Newton for most of their lives until they moved to Ft. Meyers for the rest of their time on earth. I like Boston. I don't like cold weather. The Mid-Atlantic suits me just fine.
 

Ulises' sidekick is Efrain.
 

Put the dunce cap on me, please.
What I wrote about Don Mauro made no sense. I was thinking about it at the grocery store. Manuel had just told him that Amaya was a free woman and asked him not to reveal that info to Max. And then I wrote,
"I guess he too believes Amaya is married."

I am very disappointed in him because he knows exactly how Max feels about Amaya. As a dutiful father, who has suffered much from an unhappy marriage, he should rush to reveal the news...especially with all the
unusual coincidences involved.

He just turned into a wishy washy person for me; as many have said, he is clueless in several areas.
BTW, what ever happened to his vociferous insistence upon divorcing Lulu? Did her speech at the hospital change his mind?

Lila, those numbers mean absolutely nothing; I don't know where they originated.

Thanks to all for the vote of confidence for remaining a commenter instead of converting to a recapper. I still, however, feel as I stated.
Recappers perform a great service and diversion. They really brighten up our lives, give us different perspectives on characters and their actions --
ALL IN ALL GREAT FUN!

I really enjoy the older actors -
Mauro and Manuel make a great pair.


Many thanks,


 

Recap for Tue Dec 9 (Cap 56) – Part 1

Dolores’ home
Amaya is up in the middle of the night. She leans over her sleeping daughter then rises seemingly lost in thought. At the same time, Max is also awake in his bedroom at the finca, looking out. There is a knock at the door. It’s Constanza, dressed in white nightgown and robe, looking lovely. She wants to tell Max how content she is to be by his side, to be getting married and wants to spend the night with him. After all, it’s not the first time they’d been together at El Paraíso. Max has said nothing. She reaches up to kiss him, the music swells…and [OK, I can’t see Max refusing such a delectable package, but I’m glad I didn’t have to watch them coupling.]

Thank goodness Sal isn’t driving
Sal is sitting in front of his computer, but he’s texting and drinking. He’s still trying to get Constanza to respond.

Silence on the way to the airport
The Montesinos are being driven there by Hector. No one is talking, each lost in thought. Mauro is facing away, looking out the window. There are some smiles—ones between Max and Consta, but then he looks out the window and his favorite moment with Amaya at the cabaña is conjured up. He shuts it off quickly and turns back toward the family members.

Lucrecia, meanwhile, is being bothered by her 30-year-old demon murder. It flashes her back to jumping into David’s car beside the river and taking off, wet and muddy, as the police arrive. She’s back to the present, feeling smug about her careful planning to do away with the whole Serrano family. No one will ever know. She knows she’s not finished yet.

At the airport Max and Mauro are talking while waiting to board the Montesinos private plane. Mauro has a heavy heart over all the memories. They had to pass the scene of the car accident (both Florencia’s and Amaya’s) and the airport scene where David died. Either Luce was eavesdropping or she’s still in mid-flashback. It finds her wiping down the steering wheel, in order to leave the car exactly as David had left it and subsequently buying the dry robe from Amparo.

César sees his mother’s distress. She just wants to be gone from this place. Mauro comes up to them. Cece lies and tells him how Lucrecia was saying how proud she was of Mauro, reminding Cece of the great enterprise Mauro began here. Mauro says he couldn’t have done it without Cece’s help. César says he’s proud to be a Montesinos.

Amaya is up early
Dolores/Neena is up even earlier. First she wants to know if Amaya remembers whether the car that was following them the day of the Great Accidents was driven by a man or a woman. Amaya says the glare of the glass prevented her from seeing the driver. Then Neena wants to know what she thinks of Max’s mother. Amaya admits there’s something about her that doesn’t sit well. She’s cold, aloof, and a bit scary. Neena tells her she wants her to stay away from her.

 

Tue Dec 9 - Part 2

At long last, Neena begins to tell Amaya the story of the great love that existed between Mauro and Florencia. Amaya gulps and does a double take—como? She wants to know why she’s telling her this now. It’s primarily because of her current and future relationship with the Montesinos family. Neena spells out the love story to her, step by step (as we’ve already heard). They had to renounce any possibility of happiness and separated when Lucrecia showed up pregnant with César.

That clarifies so much for Amaya. She understands now why Flo asked Mauro for help. Because of the great love they had for each other, she knew she could count on him unconditionally. Neena says actually their love had nothing to do with it. Mauro was the only one who, financially, would be able to buy her lands right away. Flo wanted to be able to get herself and Amaya as far away from David as possible.

How is it Neena knows all this when she wasn’t around then? Mauro told her, just recently. Amaya wants to know if they continued to love each other as deeply. Amaya is not going to judge her mother, she just wants to know. Neena says Flo cared for Amaya’s father a lot, but the love of her life was Mauro. Amaya wants to know if her father knew about them and if so, why did they get married. Right around the time Mauro was getting married to Lucrecia, Florencia found out she was pregnant with Mauro’s child. Amaya wants to know what happened to the child?

Uneventful plane trip back to Mexico City
It is extremely quiet on board. Max gets up to go to the bathroom. César moves over to sit with Constanza. She asks about Horacio at Nescafé. Cece figures what she is getting at. Horacio’s showing up with flowers in the plaza was very convenient for her, right? Yes, Connie admits. She doesn’t want to lose Max and his close association with Amaya worries her. She tells César she’s jealous and, imagining the worst, Max and Amaya might start something and his believing she’s happily married to Horacio is to her advantage. That’s why she doesn’t want Max to know Amaya is divorced. César tells her to relax, Max could never be serious about anyone else but her.

No Montesino-Martinez baby
[Neena must have told her what happened to the infant while we were in the airplane with the Montesinos.] Amaya can’t believe she and the Montesinos had a half-brother in common. Amaya wants to know if Lucrecia knew about this great love and the baby they were expecting. Neena says she doesn’t think so, but she might have sensed it and resented Mauro for it. Amaya knows what that is like; she speaks from experience. The same might have been with her father. Although her mother was never unfaithful, her heart always belonged to Don Mauro. Neena is sure Mauro was never able to love Luce the way he did Flo. That’s one big reason for Amaya to stay away from Lucrecia and the Montesinos. Lucrecia wouldn’t be too pleased to have the daughter of her husband’s great love anywhere near her.

Unfortunately that won’t be possible at this time. Besides becoming an associate of the coffee project, she has two campaigns going with them. But she is going to find out whether Lucrecia did or did not know of Mauro’s feelings for Florencia.

Full Moon Over Mexico

Montesinos Mansion – Mauro’s bedroom
Mauro, there alone, has felt Florencia close to him all day. It’s a bittersweet emotion he’s feeling. Wanting her close, he feels the pain, knowing the next day he’ll be signing the contract with Amaya, just as he did with Florencia. He sees the parallel in Max’s life with his own. As the date for Max’s wedding to Constanza approaches, it means Max can’t marry Amaya, just as he couldn’t marry Florencia. Though he could never make her his wife, he has Florencia embedded in his skin, in his soul. Mauro feels the emptiness within him.
 

Tue Dec 9 - Part 3

Next Morning at Nescafé
Cesar gives Horacio new orders. When his step-sister Juliana starts work, he is to get close to her, show her the ropes about the export business. [Cece calls her hermanastra, not media-hermana, hmmm, he’d better be more careful in the future if he doesn’t want anyone to find out the truth about his origin.] Cesar has him sit down and asks him how it went in Chiapas. He knows he was there, he was seen with his ex-wife and family. Has he been successful in winning over his ex? Whoracio hedges, but he declares little by little he’s making progress; he never loses.

Horacio leaves the office. Cesar is full of devilish mirth telling himself how mistaken Whoracio is. Amaya is deceiving him—with, of all people, his own brother Max. He’s not going to let Horacio get back together with Amaya, though, because he’s going to make sure Whoracio never gets to manage Amaya’s lands, because César intends to do that himself. Hee hee, César is already planning to get rid of him—he’s about ready to bite the dust.

Luce plays Cat Burglar [giving cats a bad name everywhere]
In a decidedly inelegant, red, off the shoulder top, ringed with ruffled roses [inappropriate for a bony, conservative woman her age, I say], Luce has let herself in to Emma’s apartment. She’s on the phone with Emma. Emma doesn’t have time to chat. Luce has plenty to chat about, especially about Horacio. He’s been lying to her. They should meet for coffee. Emma wants the story right then. Luce walks around Emma’s apartment, into the bedroom, opens the bottom drawer, all the while inciting the jealousy and loathing in Emma by recounting, not Whoracio’s visitation with Valeria, but a full-blown encounter in public with his ex-wife and daughter, carrying bouquets of flowers as if he were wooing her again, with the intention of a reconciliation. As Luce calmly wraps up the gun again, we hear Emma vowing revenge on Amaya. Nobody makes a fool out of her.

Signing ceremony
Everyone is dressed in formal business clothes while Max is super casual in shocking pink pants, tennis shoes and a short-sleeved, light pink t-shirt. [C’mon, wardrobe, we get the point, he’s a pampered, suburban country boy at heart. For an important business meeting like this, a pale pink dress shirt and dark pants, cordovan loafers and ok, no tie, would be more acceptable. Let’s see what you do for his wedding day. A nice Charro suit borrowed from the Amor Bravío closet would certainly make me swoon.]

Jorge is semi-casual with his vest open down the front of his dress shirt. Oh, and in case anyone has missed it, Amaya and Max keeping stealing glances at each other. When they finish, everybody jumps up to go someplace else. Max leaves abruptly, while Jorge stays behind to welcome Amaya to the new business association they have. As he makes pleasantries with her, Max comes back in and grabs Jorge, says they have to hurry and yanks him through the door, without saying another word to Amaya, nor looking at her. Amaya wants a few minutes of Mauro’s time before he has to go.
 

Tue Dec 9 - Part 4

Mauro and Amaya have “The Talk”
Mauro is all smiles until she tells him she knows all about the great love between him and her mother. Mauro tells Amaya he loved Florencia sincerely and profoundly. Amaya wants to know who else knew about their being in love. No one, except later on he told Manuel. Did anyone suspect, Amaya wants to know. Lucrecia? No, he’s pretty sure she didn’t. Recently he told Juliana and Max, but Max was never going to say anything to Amaya since they didn’t know how much she had been told. Amaya tells him she also knows about the son they had. This part of the conversation is heart wrenching for Mauro. Had he lived, the child would have been the living proof of their love. They are both tearing up. Amaya is also feeling the emotion.

Amaya would have been pleased to know she and Mauro’s children had a half-brother between them. Mauro says that for that brother, for that great love, he hopes, maybe, some day, she will come to see him as a father. He continues to tell her that after the Great Accidents, he moved heaven and earth to find the two of them. Amaya says she knows his and David’s friendship ended over his jealousies with respect to Mauro. He assures her David’s jealousy was unfounded. He says that not for his sake, but for Florencia’s. David knew about their love beforehand, but there was nothing ever between them after he married Lucrecia and Florencia married David.

He returned to the finca that one last time, when Amaya was about 4 years old. He found Florencia and told her he still loved her as strongly as he had before and he wasn’t happy in his marriage. If she felt the same way, he wanted to have another chance to be with her. She rejected the idea. She was never unfaithful to David.

Amaya is sad to know her mother was not happy with David. But she knows she was happy loving Mauro. The tears are streaming down Mauro’s face.

Max and Jorge have left the building
Max is a bit steamed. He wonders what Amaya had to say to his dad. Jorge suggests he ask her. Yes, and see if she tells me. Jorge notices the edge in his voice and says he thought he was a little distant with her. Max says he was. When he looked at her all he could see was Amaya with her husband in Chiapas.

Jorge, exasperated finally says, look, if he can’t love her, he must avoid her, show her his indifference. Max says Amaya will never be “indifferent” to him. It’s so much like the story of her mother and his father. They each lived their own lives, but his father could never forget her.

Whoracio hears a Whoosh
The whoosh comes with a good hard slap to the face from Emma. So, what’s her problem? He’d better not be playing with her. They argue loudly enough to be overheard by Genoveva and an office companion [this might be Nuria] as they are walking by. They stop dead in their tracks. He has the perfect answer to her accusation that he was in Chiapas. Yes, he went there because Vale was taken without his permission and he went to get her and the only person he gave flowers to was his mother-in-law. Whoever was giving her this information was wrong. They are still arguing about their supposed intimate relationship while Genoveva and Nuria are transfixed outside the door in silence, listening. Emma threatens the Whor with not just firing him, but killing him, too. Too late, he tells her to lower her voice. Emma marches out, fury undiminished.

Constanza at the bridal salon
Consta is getting a last minute fitting of her wedding dress. She’s retelling Nora her feelings of jealousy and how providential it was for Max to see Amaya with her husband in Chiapas. Nora says that’s a good sign because it lays to rest her ambivalent feelings for Sal. And speaking of Salvador (Yummy) Romero, Consta tells Nora that Sal texted her. Nora knows, because he sent her the same one. She saved it but hasn’t opened it. Consta deleted hers. Nora wonders if it’s important. Connie says Nora can open it and read it if she wants to but she doesn’t want to know what’s in it.
 

Tue Dec 9 - Part 5

Alan & Juliana visit their new house
While they are there, Max and Jorge arrive. She’ll have a chance to meet Amaya now that she’ll be at Nescafé. Juliana would like to work part-time, as Amaya does. They don’t see that as a problem. Jorge tells Alan that Max is helping coach a soccer team and he’s sure he can add him to the roster.

Mariana and Iván are not sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g, yet
They are totally comfortable with each other, each eating an apple out on a hillside, in the sunshine and fresh country air. Mariana knows next week starts the busy coffee picking season. The coming weekend of Max’s wedding will be the last slack time Iván will have. He and his dad are leaving for the festivities on Friday. Iván wants to know what Mariana wanted to talk to him about. She fumbles around for the right words and finally says she’s willing to give being his novia a try, that is if he still wants to. Iván looks away momentarily, teasing her, pretending he’s changed his mind, but says of course he does, taking her face in his hands and gives her a quick, happy kiss. Mariana, showing her gumption, tells him if he ever wants to break up with her, he’s to tell her. She doesn’t want to be strung along or deceived. She doesn’t want to get hurt. He promises it will never be intentional. She warns him if he does, she’s going to punch him. He laughs, then finishes his sentence, that if there ever are misunderstandings, afterwards they are to clear things up between them. It’s his intention to make her very happy. He takes her hands in his. Mari is glowing with happiness, so is Iván. Then they give each other their first real kiss, chaste, but meaningful. [By chaste I only mean they weren’t eating each other’s faces in their haste to get to the undressing part and arrive at home plate.]

Cip pays the agent (or owner) of the unused coffee warehouse a six-month advance. He’ll pay the rest later and if things work out, he’ll rent it for another year. [Remember, Efer made all the arrangements by phone, so this guy is meeting Cip for the first time.] They go off to sign the contract.

Amparo comes with a helper to pick up the dishes Dolores has fixed. She has time to chat a bit. Dolores wants to know whether Amparo is absolutely sure it was Mauro Montesinos’ wife that came that day to buy her robe that day 30 years ago. Amparo swears it was. Dolly just want there to be no doubts about it in her mind. Amparo says she never forgot her face. Besides, that woman wore a very distinctive ring. She also had a large brown birthmark (lunar) on her left hand and so does Mrs. Montesinos now. Amparo is still puzzled as to why all this mystery surrounding Lucrecia’s identity. Dolly just wants to make sure now that Amaya is going to be close to the Montesinos family, she want to make sure she isn’t ridiculed.

Fake Doctor-Hypnotist comes to give Lucio another session. Elo tells him Lucio is in the kitchen, but to go upstairs to Lucio’s room. She finds Lucio. He doesn’t want to see this doctor. He’ll be alright without him. He doesn’t like him. He’s not a good person. He’s bad. He begs Elo to help him.

Luce is back home in her bedroom. She now realizes why going back to the finca was so emotional for Mauro—the scenes of the Great Accidents. No one will ever know what happened by the river, nor that she was the one who planned and executed the murders of Amaya’s father and mother. She now has to do the same with Amaya and her daughter, saying this as she fondles the revolver and her face is freeze framed.

 

Thanks for the recaps, Lila and Anita.

Connie sees it’s an email from Salvador. She thinks to herself : if I’m telling Max to distance himself from Amaya, I have to do the same with Salvador. She throws the phone on the bed.

Finally! Something vaguely redeeming about Constanza. I still find her behavior and motivations beanie-worthy, but this is hopeful.

I do hope you two recapers will get enough support to carry on.

Vivi: You're pulling double duty on La Malquerida? Is that a one off thing or weekly? I thought that show had a corps of commenters befitting its late-prime time slot.

I peek in LM from time to time but find it hard to get involved. Other than Ale, Uli, Chris, and Hector (who seems more a plot device than a person), it is really hard to find anyone to root for. I will be very disappointed if Acacia ends up a happily ever after protagonista at the end. SOOOO undeserving. That said, it does seem interesting, and the plot turns have surprised me from time to time, in a good way.

Here, other than Lucrecia, who seems written in the great tradition of over the top, evil, controlling telenovela moms, most of the characters seem reasonably plausible and well drawn. Of course, Lu's really perpetrating her mayhem for herself, not her spawn.

And I've also previously whined about Constanza's lack of consistency. And I'm still not sure that the trauma of the great secret and his mother's threats really explains Lucio's situation, nor how that repression relates to whatever congenital issues he may also have.

But, other than that, and it really is a short list for a TN, the evil scum are plausible evil scum with recognizable motives and, and the good guys aren't complete dolts.

So amazed that Dolores has put so much together so soon. As has been previously noted, however, it sure seems like very unhealthy knowledge. Since Dolores doesn't seem like much of a writer, perhaps the Padre will eventually be convinced to speak up rather than watch and wait?

Chris in FL


 

Thank you Anita! Very fine, very fine indeed. Ahhh! We're moving along nicely.

How long before Connie is preggers, or faking it?

Just as I predicted Emma had a loud blow out with the Whor but I didn't predict on who would over hear it. Let's see, Geno is Max's secretary but she doesn't know anything about Max and Amaya so what if she just happens to mention the argument to him. That doesn't make sense, I know. Did the word "divorce" or "ex wife" or actually get shouted in the confrontation?

Also, I am struck by the sharp contrast in the tone of the discussion of the great love and late baby Mauro between Lu and Cesar compared with that of Mauro and Amaya. Mocking and bitter versus tender and loving. Cesar and Lu reaffirmed their plot to get rid of Amaya while Mauro and Amaya bonded on a level that will aid her and Max's future union. Well done.

Ivan and Marianna! Yay! Cute!

Lots of other things I could comment on, bout time for work.

Hey Chris in FL! Good to see ya! Let's all chat some more. Later!


 

Chris- Mads and Gloria were recapping La Malquerida by themselves. I stepped in to help two nights a week after Mads fell ill. I love the show, so different than other tns, and will add a few more people to your list of people to root for: Arturo, German Andres, Itzel. No, Acacia doesn't deserve a happily ever after and I really don't think she'll get one.

As for our our show here, I was not happy that Max and Cons are getting it on, just for the possible baby-making possibilities. And this producer is not against a very real baby or two (twins in CME) complicating the relationship of the protags.

Emma is a nut. What does she see in Whor?
 

Lila,

Excellent as always. Was not at all happy about the late night rendezvous between Max and Const. Tonight's episode looks exciting. When will Lulu make another attempt on Amaya's life? I am thinking that if she critically injured her before the wedding, Don Mauro and Max might want to postpone the wedding to spend time with her ...nurture her back to health. Max then learns of the divorce, he and Amaya gradually bond, make future plans, and then
Connie throws her pregnancy bombshell -- which by then could be Salvador's offspring. Just raving on, but you all gave me these ideas the other day. I can see this is going to go on a long time before there will be any happiness between A & M.

Vivi, meant to tell you that I will look for Chia seeds at the local health food store sometime this week. Thanks for the tip.

Kudos again to you, Lila, for a
comprehensive recap.

All the best to all.

 

Good morning All--
Whew! Yesterday's recap was a toughie for me. So much conversation that seemed important, setting up future behavior and action, it felt necessary. So sorry to make you wade through it all (again).

No character gets away without conflict in either love or evil deeds in any tn. I fear for Ivan and Mariana. He is so sincere wanting to have a different kind of relationship with her, based on mutual trust and understanding. He wants to make her happy, but is also a realist--sometimes he might hurt her unintentionally. He wants them to be able to talk about it and clear things up between them. That's something we would like in all our protagonists. I hope our hot-headed, impulsive, but smart Mariana will remember that when times get tough.

Vivi--I'm sure the baby-making thing is going to be more than a possibility. It'll be a probability.

Chris--I think the Padre is there as a sounding board for Dolores. It's hard to know how long he's been there, but he certainly seems to know a lot of the backstory. Dolores may surprise us yet. She's be written as an abused traditional homebody, wife of a gambler and alcoholic, getting by with hard work and starting a family with a four-year old child who wasn't even hers--and a big secret to keep amid a disintegrating marriage and threats against her family.

I see her as pretty brave and less one-dimensional than at the beginning. I hope her bout with kidney stones don't take her out of the picture too early. Amaya needs that rock to lean on.

Lila--I've forgotten about Luce's remarks. When did that happen? If she knew about Mauro's baby that didn't live, it must have been in a recent revelation. Mauro told Amaya Luce never knew about his profound feelings for Flo (even though Luce had known for a long time, but kept it to herself). I do remember one of their famous bedroom arguments when I thought Mauro was going to have another heart attack and he brought up the "D" word. Luce definitely knows how to go on the attack.

Also, Geno knows Horacio works for Nescafe and Amaya for Max. She works for Max, so she might have enough of a relationship with Max to tell him about the argument--it's juicy gossip even if she doesn't know about Max and Amaya. Great Wait and See Moment!

We're still waiting for the Who Will Tell Max That Amaya is Divorced scene. Can't wait. It'll probably be After this looming, dooming wedding.
 

THank you so much Anita! I was unable to watch with as much attention as the episode deserved and I am glad you filled in all the conversation. It did seem like an important episode.

I am often moved to tears by this show and I think it's because the actors are really good, sincere and believable criers.

I loved Mariana telling Ivan if he messed up she'd hit him. Haha!
 

Hi, Floridia. Thank you but Anita did the latest recap on Tuesday, 12-9 but I do agree with you all that Max and Connie shacking up at El P. was dismaying. :( Realistic though. It almost even smacked of "so there!" boinking.

And Anita with this: "Lila--I've forgotten about Luce's remarks. When did that happen?" what were you referring to? I'll look back through my comments in the meantime.

Lila
 

ANITA, ANITA, ANITA,

I realize that I gave Lila credit for the recap when this time it was yours. You're both doing an excellent job, but FAIR IS FAIR, and once again it was your time to shine -- which you did brilliantly.

There certainly were deep, important conversations to report from yesterday's episode, and you made everything very clear to me.

Re the Boston area, I have several friends in Newton and went to school in Newton as well. I have a good friend from Natick and Sudbury who just moved to Wayland.
All of the towns are beautiful.
My family was partial to the South Shore. One of the reasons we moved to Florida was to get away from the cold. Like you, I still don't like it.

Thanks again, Anita, for your continued dedication to this
lovely novela.
 

Lila,

We crossed paths. I just realized the error of my ways.

You are right; the coupling was realistic -- not like the one-woman man in Destilando Amor. There really wasn't any way for Max to get out of Connie's proposal -- other than
use the headache excuse -- which would not have worked, and from the conversation, we know that they have been intimate before, so there was no reason to wait until the wedding...and there was the added reason of seeing Amaya with Horatio again...leading him to believe Amaya is a hopeless cause.

I am hoping that she finally talks to Sal, and in her anger, she sleeps with Sal, and the baby will be his...same scenario as the Cesar equation.

Thanks for your commitment to this
terrific TN.
 

Yeah, the who will spill the divorce beans is a fun little speculation.

If Sal can't get Connie to read his email, would he be so bold as to stop the wedding?

Nice chemistry between Juliana and Jorge. I know he's being a friend in his offer of support but the opening credits more than hint at something more. I've decided that Geno's son, José, will be a wonderful, principled hottie who will be a love interest for Carolina.

Lila
 

I'm blanking. Who is Carolina?
 

Amaya's bestie. Long dark hair. I think they share an office at Nescafe.
 

Oh yeah yeah yeah. Now I remember. Duh.
 

Oh yeah yeah yeah. Now I remember. Duh.
 

Wednesday 12-10-14 Pt. 1

[I apologize in advance for being off with the time flow in these events – some things felt a bit choppy. Corrections always welcome!]

In the overlap we catch the end of Delores’ excuse to Amparo as to why she is asking if Amparo is sure that the woman who was wet and muddy and bought her jacket that day of the Great Accidents is Lucrecia Montesinos. Knowing that her friend is chismoso, Delores claims she’s just trying to keep Amaya from being held in disdain by the high and mighty Montesinos.

We also see Lucio nearly begging Eloisa not to make him see the fake psychiatrist and we see Lu in her bedroom caressing Emma’s stolen pistol, reviewing her successful elimination of Florencia and David and vowing to also get rid of Amaya and Vale.

In Amaya and Caro’s shared office at Nescafe, Amaya has returned from making the partnership with the Montesinos official. She remarks that Max was distant but she had a deeply personal and touching talk with Mauro about his relationship with her Mom, but she doesn’t want to talk about that now. Caro informs her she’s got everything almost ready for Amaya’s presentation of the 3 in 1 and the corporate publicity campaigns tomorrow. We enjoy a little light girl talk as Caro shares that she and “el vecino”, Jorge have been exchanging texts. Amaya and Caro agree they go well together. Well, speaking of people who DON’T go together Amaya wants Whor to take Vale for the weekend. She does not want to be in Mexico City the day Max marries.

Lu has completed her private moment with the pistol. She puts it under a false bottom in the drawer of her night stand.

Ivan and Mari are sitting outside in the sunshine as bright as their smiles. He can’t believe she’s his novia! He’s going to fully win her over, make her fall in love with him. He wants to talk to her parents, to make sure they know he’s serious. At first she says no, she makes her own decisions. Ivan wants her to feel sure, safe and loved with him. She beams and says ok. He marvels at her beauty, they kiss.

Over at El Deseo Ulises is buying his tickets for his date with Flavia at Max’s wedding. Efrain enters to report that Cipriano has paid for six months rent of the warehouse. Well done. He wants Efrain to keep his eye on Cip, and Mariana. Efrain leaves. Efrain, ever full of himself thinks: Just because he now has Flavia doesn’t mean he’s forgotten Marianna, on the contrary, every day he wants her even more.

Flavia is also thinking, and talking about Ulises to her friend [anyone know her name?] as they stroll through the university campus. Flavia says she was treated like a queen at his finca. . . and they kissed and almost everything! Her friend thinks this guy is a better match for her, not her brother’s friends. Ewww! And now he’s going to meet the family? That means a guy really likes a girl! Yeah, brags Flavia, I’ve got him eating out of my hand! OMG squeals her friend!

 

12-10-14 Pt. 2

At the Montesino Mansion Mauaro is returning from work while Max, Jorge, Juliana and Alan are back from looking at Juliana’s new house. Eloisa greets them. She is worried about Lucio. He doesn’t want to do his therapy; he doesn’t like the new Dr. She thinks he was doing better with the psychologist he was working with. Lu enters and blames this on all of them because they insisted the hypnosis would help him. They ignore her. Eloisa thinks there’s bad chemistry between Lucio and the Dr. Maybe he needs to get used to him. Chemistry is bad. Max says Lucio is very sensitive and doesn’t open up easily to just anyone. Jorge says Lucio knows them all better than they know him. Mauro says it’s too early to decide. He wants to talk to the Dr. and says he’ll make an appointment to meet him in his office. Lu quickly volunteers to go as well and successfully dissuades Mauro from the office visit, insisting they can talk just as freely here in the house. [Remember friends, the “Doctor” doesn’t have an office. . .he’s an actor Lu hired to trick the family and keep them from employing a real hypnotist to get behind the reasons behind Lucio’s “broken heart.”] Fine. Mauro says he wants to talk to the Dr. the next time he comes to the house. He’s here now, Elo informs him. Then Mauro will talk to him when he comes downstairs. Max asserts that if this doesn’t work they will look for a new Dr. because what matters is that Lucio gets help to get past the fears and bad reactions that cause him such stress. Lu looks like she has gas.

Fake Dr. is with Lucio in his room, Lucio blows the Dr. off. Fake Doc gives up and starts fooling with his cell phone. Lucio retreats behind his easel. Alan opens the door, he and Lucio signal to each other. Not sure what this means. Alan seems to see something on the FD’s screen. Alan closes the door and leaves.

Over at Amaya’s apartment Whoracio has arrived to pick up Amaya for school. He has a box of chocolates for her. She tells him he’s wasting his time trying to reconcile with her. She calmly asks him to please sit down. She gets right to the point. She plans to travel this weekend and wants him to take Val Saturday and Sunday. Whor answers yes, of course, with pleasure. Secondly she has set an appointment for the next day to finalize the divorce. She will email him the address. She proposes the schedule for the shared custody: they will alternate weekends and holidays and discuss vacations at a later time. He agrees. Amaya remains cool and even in her tone. She is glad he is taken this attitude; it makes it easier for everyone. She is glad they will not fight over money as she is able to take care of her own and Vale’s needs. Whoracio seems defeated but as Amaya gets up to go get Vale Whor springs over to her and takes her face in his hands. He starts whispering desperately that she should give him another chance. Amaya remains cool, unmoved, not even giving in to anger: It’s over, our time has passed.

Manuel and Genoveva are having dinner. Geno tells Manuel about the scandalous fight between Whoracio and Emma. I think Manuel compares he and Geno’s relationship favorably with this apparent mess. He and Geno were discrete. He asks who is this younger man Emma is involved with. The ex-husband of Amaya, he asks? Geno doesn’t know Amaya but says Emma was plenty enraged, even to threatening to kill Amaya. Max stares at Geno in wide-eyed surprise!

 

12-10-14 Pt. 3

Also enjoying dinner on the eve of their nuptials are Max and Connie. They banter about his planned bachelor party. She jokes that she’s going to lock Max up and not let him see anybody because he’s hers! [This is only half in jest]

Mari has now returned home. She and Delores are in their colorful, homey kitchen. Mari’s news that she and Ivan are novios is greeted with great glee! Delores is thrilled to see her daughter so happy and likes that he wants to come and meet her. Delores likes the idea: a fine young man with good old-fashioned values! At the same moment Ivan is sharing the happy news with Chelo, Hortensia and Hector. At first Hector sternly repeats his line that he disapproves of a workplace romance but then he softens and smiles, he thinks it’ll be fine!

We’re now at Nescafe. Amaya presents her publicity campaign for Mauro, Max, Jorge and Manuel. Amaya smoothly delivers the product profile and sales pitch as she projects the colorful slides that Luico helped design. Three in One is the complete drink, the perfect flavor, aroma. Arrancate con todo with Nescafe Tres en Uno! [Help please with translation!] Mauro is effusive in his praise! What a great campaign for a great product for the Mexican family! Mauro also congratulates Max. Jorge also congratulates her. Max is silent.

We are whisked to the church where Connie and Max are to be married tomorrow. Connie is accompanied by Nora, making final wedding preparations. Nora answers a text from Sal: Connie is in the church picking out flowers. Yes, she is still going to marry. Sal throws his phone! Oblivious, Connie is on cloud nine.

Now we see the happy groom at his Despedida de Soltero (Goodbye to Bachelorhood) party. Jorge is the only friend we recognize. They are all bathed in the blue hue of the bar lights toasting Max before he goes to the slaughter. Cesar arrives. Max didn’t think he was coming. Oh, he wouldn’t miss the Despedida de Soltero of his only brother. Jorge asks isn’t Lucio his brother. Well, but he doesn’t count, he will never marry. Max tries to deflect his annoyance by asking if Cesar will ever marry. Cesar seems to already have a few spirits. He heartily joins the toast while happily vowing that HE will never marry!

Back at Nescafe, Amaya presents her corporate campaign to Mauro and Manuel. The slogan will be “Despierta a la vida.” Amaya explains that she remembered something he said one day and thought it made an excellent slogan as this is what a good cup of coffee can do. Mauro regards Amaya with unabashed pride. Manuel notes this with a puzzled look but again, remains silent.

 

12-10-14 Pt. 4

We have a number of brief scenes:

Amaya and Whoracio sign the papers to finalize the divorce.

Jorge and Caro out at a restaurant enjoying one another’s company.

Mauro singing the praises of Amaya’s creative genius to Cesar who looks silently at Mauro, his evil mind ticking as he holds a spherical glass paperweight.

Next we are outside Amaya’s new home when Max and Lucio appear carrying Amaya’s first little doggie, Chocolate. Val is ecstatic! Amaya steadily looks at Max. Max gives Amaya a slow-mo cheek kiss and we hear the familiar strains of the Quiero Amarte theme song. [That’s all you’re getting folks!]

A nasty little encounter between Whoracio and Emma. She is still super pissed! Looking on Geno and Nuria don’t hide their curiosity, Whor calls them a name. (Lavaderas? Washer women? Gossipy washerwomen maybe?)

Cesar and Amaya at her new house. Perhaps he brought her some papers to sign? He tells her Connie told him Whoracio was in Chiapas this weekend. He asks about the reconciliation with Whoracio. No, he was there for Vale, not for her. Cesar asks if she’s interested in anyone. Amaya answers no, she has no one. Cesar says neither does he and gives her his attempt at a smoldering “come hiter” look. Maya looks weirded out.

Brief scene at the soccer field with Jorge introducing Alan to Max’s coaching colleague.

Amaya is at the dealership buying a car. Maybe not the latest model, but it’s new to her!

Connie and Max talk about the wedding day finally arriving after five years.

Amaya, now home alone in a cute, white, silky short jammies sits on her bed and cries. She can’t believe Max is going to marry tomorrow. Should she go or not? Does she or does she not have the right to fight for her happiness? She picks up her phone and texts:

Max, I have been fighting against my real feelings. I don’t want to destroy what you have with Constanza, it doesn’t seem justice. She has asked me not to tell you I am divorced and I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to impose myself between the two of you. Besides, I am so grateful to Don Manuel for all he has done for me and I can’t betray him. But I feel like a coward for not fighting for the love I feel for you. Max, I love you too and don’t want to lose you.

Please don’t marry!

Amaya throws the phone down and at the same moment Max, tossing and turning in his bed, opens his eyes wider. We enter his thoughts:

Connie, in her bridal gown, walks into Max’s open arms, they lie on the bed as Connie tells him it is the happiest day of her life. They kiss. Connie asks Max to tell her he loves her. I love you, he says but the bride on the bed has turned to Amaya. I love you Amaya. Amaya answers, and I love you and I want to make love to you today and every day of my life. They share a deep soulful kiss that certainly looks like a prelude to that love making. The theme song serenades and caresses them.

 

12-10-14 Pt. 5

Max has texted Amaya but this must be one he sent after his hot fantasy, not in answer, of course, to her unsent text:

I’m outside your house and I’m not leaving til you come out. I don’t want to provoke a scandal with your husband so come out and if you don’t I’m going to knock until you let me in.

She texts no and that he must be crazy and within moments he rings the bell then knocks on her door. It’s Max! He’s come to make one last attempt because tomorrow he is to marry and it will be too late for them. “Please. Please, tell me it’s possible that we can have a relationship.” He enfolds her in his arms, they close their eyes, lost in the mutual love and warmth of the embrace.

Amaya breaks away first. Please, Max, seriously, please, go and make your life and let me make mine. Are you sure? You want to stay with a man who doesn’t make you happy, who doesn’t provoke anything in you? She begs him to please stay away from her, she has her daughter and her job, he has a novia whom he has to respect. Max’s face is a mixture of confusion, surprise, disbelief and just the mildest mix of anger and pain. [Way back when Max first admitted his feelings for Amaya and she left the cabins without saying goodbye to him, along with the overwhelming attraction was a frustration and anger with himself for feeling so vulnerable and helpless. He’d never experienced this with a woman before. He must feel that way now. He’s used to women melting from the sheer force of his charms]. Max leaves. Amaya cries against the closed door.

In her darkened bedroom, sitting on the floor Connie is shedding some tears as well. Looking at pictures of herself and her mom, she cries about how much she misses her, especially at the time of her wedding. She prays that her mother will help her to form a good marriage and she needs help clearing up her doubts about Salvador. [How did you all interpret this?]

It is the morning of the wedding and Max is trying to wash Amaya out of his hair. Water cascades down his ripped biceps and chiseled torso as he runs his hands through his hair. He thinks to himself that he is an imbecile. Love is for two and if Amaya doesn’t love him the way he loves her then he will make a life with Connie: She loves him and won’t break his heart.

Whor comes to pick up Vale. She comes out with two dogs and explains to him one is Taco and one is her lost dog, Chocolate, that Max found. Hmmm, Max, goes Whor. They leave, Amaya looks sadly pensive.

 

12-10-14 Pt. 6

It's the morning of the wedding at Connie's home. Connie is fully decked out in her wedding dress. [I’m not good with wardrobe descriptions. Have at it friends]. She is a happy bride and tearfully thanks Nora for being with her on this day. Daddy calls.

Max and Juliana share a similar moment. He is grateful that with all that’s going on with her now she is there for him on his special day.

Manuel is misty-eyed. He gives Connie a pearl on a delicate gold chain which her mother wore when they were married. Even though she’s going to marry the man she loves and leave this house, they will always be together.

Mauro has joined Max and Juliana. He greets Max with a kiss and the three share a group hug. Cesar passes by the room and glares in at them, unsmiling.

Manuel tells Connie she and Max will have a good marriage. Connie agrees, she has left all doubt behind and she trusts their love one hundred percent. Manuel will wait with Max for Connie at the church. They cry and hug.

Ah. Is this Amaya in her new car? What’s on the radio? “Quiero Amarte!” Quick switch to Connie in her vintage white limo. [Again, any car buffs can weigh in on what kind of car it is]. Oh my goodness! Sal is flagging down the limo! It pulls over. He needs to talk with her. She asks the driver to leave. You can’t marry Max. Please, I love Max, I’m going to marry him and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. He tells her he has proof of Max’s infidelity. He and Amaya spent the night in some cabins when he had just returned from Italy while you were planning your wedding. All this time he has been deceiving you with this woman!

Freeze on Connie’s stricken face!


 

* Efrain, ever full of himself

should read Ulises, ever full of himself. . .
 

Where is everybody?

:(
 

I'm here! I'm trying to figure out how to get to the comments from the school computer (my eyes aren't good enough for phone reading), but I can't get the feed on chrome and the sidebar isn't showing up on IE.
 

Found the thread!

I think "arrancate con todo" is like "start everything with..."

Now back to reading.

(Thanks for the info about fake Doc. Somehow I missed that he was an actor.)
 

Thanks Sara! Can't wait to discuss this with y'all!

Lila
 

Thanks for this Lila!! I can't wait to see what happens today! Will Cons and Max marry?
 

You know Sara, it doesn't look like it. I don't know if you get previews but I try not to mention them in the recaps. I think they reveal too much!

I was kind of thrown by Amaya even thinking about sending Max that text. We know they are desperately in love with each other but they had been so distant and cool throughout the day. I loved that she did it though, even if she didn't send it. He sensed it and came to her house to try one. more. time. Loved that!! I think our wonderful story is being choppily edited like they've done so many others. Hate that!

I can't wait for today either. I kinda feel sorry for Connie but in her tearful conversation with her mother she thanked her or asked for her help in clarifying her feelings for Salvador. That made me feel better about her situation. Yeah. It's gonna be good!
 

My recording usually cuts off right when the avances start. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

I am soooooooooooo frustrated by Amaya. Max keeps letting her know he' s there and willing. But I guess I can understand her not wanting to break up a relationship.

On the other hand, why the hell is Max getting married? If he feels so strongly about another woman, that should be a BIG warning sign. Is he an idiot?

Are they editing? Gosh I hope not. I hope it's just the original editing. I don't want Uni to be editing. What's the point on an afternoon show??

:-(
 

Lila- I'm here too! I actually watched ahead to this episode, since I knew I would be out yesterday evening. Great recap of an episode that led up to an exciting end!

Will the wedding happen, or won't it? That Sal is bold, and a bit obsessed.

Is Cesar trying to woo Amaya, in his strange, slimey way? I hope Amaya keeps him at a distance now that she might have picked up on that vibe. Loved seeing Whor all docile and obedient while trying to get on Amaya's good side, and loved seeing Amaya stay so cool and strong when dealing with him.
 

Sara- You expressed exactly how I feel about Max marrying Connie. If you feel so strongly about another woman, it doesn't matter if she's reciprocating or not, then you have no business getting married.
 

Hi, Lila,

Finally arrived.
First, I looked up arrancar in SpanishDict. com which I use every day and have as part of my Favorites, I learned that verb as "pull up or root out," but it has several meanings as do many verbs.

In this case, I'd say it means, "Get moving, get going, start up or boot up." It is used when speaking of "booting up" one's computer.

More in a few minutes .......
 

Hi Vivi! Thanks, girl!

Is Cesar trying to woo Amaya, in his strange, slimey way?

That was so funny! Amaya was looking like, "okaaaay/ewww!" What a jerk Cesar is! She needs to keep a distance from all the Montesinos like her Nina told her.

Well, of course we don't want her to keep her distance from Max and I share your frustration Sara. Max was looking at her like she was an alien or something. Here he was willing to give everything up for her on the eve of her wedding, he pressed her to is heart so she could feel how it was pounding for her. . .and she said "No." Que? Que? What?

But, I understand Amaya's perspective. She is as principled as her Mother and as much as she wants Max getting him this way would provoke a HUGE scandal and make life even more difficult for her and Vale.

Though, as we may see today, that's probably going to happen anyway!
 

Thanks Floridia! There were so many meanings I kinda thought it meant what you have suggested, and like, "jump start your morning/life/whatever!"

Sara and Vivi you are soooo right! He doesn't have to marry. He tried to break up with Connie once. He feels guilty I think, like he's been stringing her along for 5 years. Plus, even though he dissolved the partnership with Manuel, there Manny is everyday at his work place, top executive and best friend of his dad AND he's got that appendage, Connie, hanging on him, whining and begging him to marry her. Max just does not have that spark when he's with Connie. Even that chaste embrace last night with Amaya has more fire than their kisses!


 

Yep, Floridia has it exactly right. People also use arrancar when they are talking about starting up a car or motor. It sounds a lot like saying crank up. I'm sure arrancar and crank probably come from the same Latin root.
 

Like I said at 9:43 "Start everything with Nescafe 3 in 1."
 

More like: "Start up, fully charged with Nescafe." Colloquial speech is always fun to try to translate into colloquial speech in another language.
 

Thanks Sara, Vivi and Floridia! Got it! I just need now to familiarize myself with the Spanish keyboard. I think it's something I can do within Word. I'll work on that because arrancate had an accent on the second a!




 

Yes yes yes "start up, fully charged", but most ads would simply say "start up" . Not just colloquial speech but language particular to a "genre" if you will.
 

Lila, you can enable an international keyboard so you can do accents.

Arráncate. (but that was with my phone)
 

Thanks, Sara. Will fiddle with my desktop when I get home!
 

Lila,

Thanks again. Filled with details and terrific references and descriptions: por ejemplo:

It is the morning of the wedding and Max is trying to wash Amaya out of his hair. Water cascades down his ripped biceps and chiseled torso as he runs his hands through his hair.

Yes, this chapter was frustrating, and yes, Salvador was bold enough to try to block the wedding -- although a bit crazy in this manner.

I have mostly given up trying to make predictions, but I will venture forth just one more.
I think José would be better for Flavia because I would expect him to be too young for Caro. I like Jorge and Caro; perhaps a new person will be brought in for Juliana at the appropriate time.

Even though we might all want to run off with Max, Amaya is acting in a mature, sensible manner with the interest of her child and career above all. At one time, she had strong feelings for Horacio and they have gone up in smoke. She needs to be cautious at this stage of her life.

In some ways, this novela reminds me of Destilando Amor. Instead of agave plantations and promotions, we have a similar thing with the coffee. Although Gaviota was an uneducated agave worker, she worked hard to overcome her humble origins and became a crucial member of the team with her intelligence and creativity -- similar to that of Amaya. We also have the element of a double cross by a family member.

Tonight's episode promises high drama.

Thanks again, Lila

All the best ......

 

Thank you, Floridia!

Excellent point about Jose! He would be a bit young for Caro. Agree about Amaya's response. And oh yes, high drama in the afternoon is assured! Our lovers are going to really go through the wringer before they're together!
 

Sara,

I noted that you commented early on the "start up" thing. My investigation simply expanded the view. I love nuances. I really like "start up, fully charged."

One of my teachers of Spanish who is from Spain always gave us Spanish definitions of unfamiliar Spanish words. She didn't bother with English definitions much...unless there was an exception. She wanted us to have a rich vocabulary of synonyms.
The more definitions of words we have at our disposal, the better equipped we are to understand the intricacies of the language. I love that idea.

I have never modified my keyboard; I figure that it would take too much time. I think I tried it a few years back to no avail. I simply use the Alt key. If it is easy, I would like to do it.

Eagerly awaiting today's episode.
Enjoy all comments. Thanks to everyone -- especially Lila today.
 

As much as I hate it, I have to admit that I am often squicked out by the pairing of a younger man with an older woman. It's a double standard, I know. I can't help it. That's why I kind of hope your prediction is right, Floridia.

Also, is Jorge a giant? He seems to tower over everyone!

I loved your points about Amaya, Floridia! I am enjoying the thoughtful comments as much as the show. They really add an excellent layer to what I'm seeing.
 

Lila,

Love it! Instead of HIGH NOON, we have high drama in the afternoon.

Yesterday, I changed my schedule to watch early around 5 pm. I couldn't wait, and I attended to other important duties in the evening. I am more of a night owl, night worker anyway.

Chat later ...
 

Floridia,
I would love to give my students defintions in Spanish. Unfortunately sophomores don't appreciate that kind of help. They tend to want to slash your tires. LOL.

I really like having the international keyboard enabled. It makes accenting so much faster.

Here's a link

http://symbolcodes.tlt.psu.edu/accents/fullint.html
 

Oh yes! The Alt key! Let me look that up!


 

Wow! Thanks, Sara!
 

Sara,

I thought you were a student not a teacher. I am a retired English teacher aka (Language Arts) and also a Media specialist, running the library. One year in an early year of teaching, one of my middle school students assured me that her mother would come up to school on the last day and beat me up. I didn't say anything to anyone; I just hoped for the best. The mother never showed up, and I learned that the whole thing was a bluff. In this day and age, things are different.
More caution required.

Re the TALL thing, I am six feet and married a man five feet ten.
My height never bothered him. We ended up with a large family of TALLS. Whenever we walked into a restaurant together, heads would keep staring until the last of my children had passed by. Now we have the same thing going with the grandchildren. Re Jorge, he seems just normal to me. I didn't want to mention it earlier, but C de la F appears rather short...at least for me, but I am willing to make an exception for him. Most women fit nicely with his stature.


Re the age thing, I realize that it is a stereotype. Ideally, people should mate with the one most compatible no matter what the age or height. Mature men can handle this. Unfortunately many men look for the young babes when their wives age. I know it is despicable but often the case.

With men usually dying first, it makes more sense for a woman to marry a younger man.
 

Sara,

I meant to tell you that I took a class at an Honors college after I retired. It was that teacher who gave the synonyms in Spanish.
 

Actually it was his towering over C de la F that made me notice his height. I wonder why I didn't think C de la F was short? Guess it's just my perspective. I come from a rather short family--Most of the males coming in around 5'9"

I guess one reason I'm not a fan of the hot young stud with the older female is because I'm a teacher and I have a daughter in her mid 20's . I have yet to come in contact with a younger man who isn't really a man-child. But I guess if one is wanting something a little frivilous, go for it. Emma seems to want a more serious relationship and Whor is typical man-child.

Now in Jorge's case he seems very mature so while Caro may be older, I could probably watch them together without being squicked out.

I admit that I've seen some older guy/younger girl relationships in TNs that also creeped me out.
 

Lila--I'm just starting to read your recap from yesterday. It will be a good read with lunch. Will comment a little later.
 

Lila--you did a fantastic job with the recap.

Have to recheck my DVR for a cute comment Max made about batchelorhood.

Juliana is probably older even than Carolina, so Jose probably won't be a prospect for her. But this is definitely a wait and see novela!

Be back in a tick (RIP, Madelaine).

This is completely OT, but fits in with the Older Woman-Younger Man pairing. Recently my friends and I went to see the Cosby Art Exhibit at the Smithsonian. One of the artists featured that we were especially moved by was Elizabeth Catlett [b.1915] (do check out her website at: http://elizabethcatlett.net/ ). She was a bit of a rebel in her younger years, went to live in Mexico, comes into the artistic circle of Diego Rivera and meets and marries a much younger man, Francisco Mora [b.1922], also an artist. As late as 1962 she was declared an undesirable alien of the U.S., renounced her citizenship and became a citizen of Mexico.

 

Floridia--I got what you were saying about Juliana wrong--if she can't be with Jorge, she will need a new character to appear, who is NOT Jose.

Also, FWIW, Destilando Amor was a remake of Cuando Seas Mia (a take off on an older version, Café con Aroma de Mujer) - and was actually about coffee and its production. It also had action taking place in the countryside and intrigue taking place in the offices and boardrooms of a family owned cafetalera. I'm almost all the way through it, so a lot of the terms were already familiar to me. The leads are my favorite, Silvia Navarro and Sergio Basanez, who is perfect in that tn.
 

Hi, Anita! Where'd you find Café con Aroma de Mujer? If you don't want to blow your source, please email me. I remember raving about a site with some folks on a board once about wonderful, full length, multi-language, full length novelas and tv shows and it may not have been the only factor but it was promptly taken down! :(
 

It was Cuando Seas Mia that features Silvia and Sergio. I was lucky enough to stumble on it when it was being broadcast on a cable channel and I saved all the episodes and am watching them one-by-one.

Café con Aroma de Mujer was Guy Ecker's breakout role, but I didn't look for it.

I started watching Destilando Amor on You-Tub AFTER I'd started Cuando Seas Mia and I did not like Big Ed in the lead. The posting was very fuzzy anyway.

About Max' comment to Constanza about his Despedida de Soltero. He was kidding around with her, but his deadpan delivery reminded me of Andres/Daniel's response to a suggestive comment Camila made in Amor Bravio. She said something that could have suggested they sleep together when she had told him she wanted to do things right and get her divorce first. He knew what she meant, but how he answered was cute.

Now, to Consta and Max' interplay, he says to her, "Batchelorhood is the thing you only lose once in your life -- well, something else, too, but batchelorhood, once." It makes me wonder if it was his own ad-lib contribution the director liked or if the writers had him say it.

ON TO THE WEDDING - TO BE OR NOT TO BE. Answers at 4, recap this evening. See you all then.
 

Anita,

Fascinating about the two coffee novelas. Which version are you now watching? I'll wait and see if you name the source. Did you see DA, and if so, how do these others compare? DA is one of my favorites.

I love the combination of the growers' struggles and the boardroom shenanigans.


Thanks for that info.....


 

Cuando seas mía is in Hulu... For now.
 

Anita, okay - no further response needed on the novela.

Weren't they also talking about the possibility of there being "strippers" at the bachelor party or did I imagine that?
 

Floridia--Yes, he said if she kept him locked in what would he tell the strippers. She says, there would be strippers? She wants to know how many. Oh, maybe Veinte (Twenty seems to be a favorite number for all kinds of situations.)
 

Thanks, Anita

I always say that I am going to watch and listen a second time but rarely do so.
 

Floridia--
I do recommend Cuando Seas Mia (with the coffee) if you like Silvia Navarro. She is her usual effervescent, energetic self and talks too fast but I can't get enough of her. Like most novelas, it starts out a little slow, setting up the characters and their relationships.
Good luck!

 

Folks--We are now over 100 comments. If you use the link to reach the recap page and there don't seem to be any comments for a long time, click on "Post Your Comment," and you'll find all the missing comments after the cut off (which actually is closer to 200, as I recall). Perhaps this won't happen, but just be advised.
 

Thanks for that bachelor party banter, I heard that but skipped over it. That was cute. Maybe it was an ad lib, it seemed so natural.

Okay, on to watch today's show!
 

Just finished watching. It's a hum dinger!
 

Lila, thanks again for another lovely recap. I don't know what to make of Connie's reflections on her situation with her mother's photos. That degree of self-awareness doesn't seem to jibe with the monomaniacal pursuit of Max.

I suppose that it may just be a reminder scene that despite her monomaniacal pursuit of Max that there are feeling for Sal in there somewhere. So that a renewal of the relationship with Sal after the wedding with Max, if it goes forward, won't seem to be coming out of nowhere?

Sara: Whoracio is a typical man-child? Ack. Typical? He's a more than a little worse than the typical young-ish man. If you really find him typical of men at any age, you have my condolences for the typical men in your life.

So, if 3 in 1 is a real Nescafe product, are they using the real artwork from the Mexican marketing campaign? Wonder how the professional graphic artists feel about their work being attributed to some of Lucio's sketches. If not, seems odd to miss the chance to get a bit of extra exposure for their real campaign.

Chris in FL
 

Ah, the dangers of cut and paste. Oh, well, I guess it still makes as much sense as it ever did, regardless of the redundancy.
 

Chris- um. You are assuming a lot about the people in my life based on a comment I made about a character is a show. And honestly it really pisses me off.

No need to get personal.
 

Hey, Chris, thanks for stopping by. And thanks to the pace of this show that my question about Connie's feelings for Sal will be cleared up as soon as you watch today's show!

Hmm, I think their marketing campaign is pretty effective. I drink Taster's Choice and I'm going to look for 3 in 1, try just 1 cup: food sensitivities keep me away from most processed foods and beverages. I bet others will try it too!

Come on back tomorrow Chris and all, I know Anita's gonna have a great recap of a great episode!
 

Sí, sí, let's save our condolences for the characters on the show. Right now, it is Mauro, Max and Amaya who deserve a group hug from us. Connie, too, but she needs a hug from her daddy and maybe Nora, not us. As Max said, it was her decision to stop the wedding and then not listen to him. But, if she's completely lost confidence in him, it would be to no avail.

It is indeed a humdinger of an episode. There were 39 scene changes (in 40 min.) if one does not count the various conversations taking place in the church vestry. Yikes! Hope my poor skills are up to interpreting the best parts. Chau, see you all in a few hours.

 

WOW!

What an episode! I really like Max's rationale about this. Looking forward to Anita's recap.
 

Recap for Thu Dec 11 (Cap 58) – Part 1

Salvador Pleads his Case
He has stopped the bridal coach to confront Constanza with what he has found out from his investigation. He leans through the window and tells her. She can’t believe Max cheated on her with Amaya and lied to her about it.

Consta thinks Sal is inventing all this to keep her from marrying Max. He says she ought to know him better than that, he wouldn’t be telling her any of this without proof. If she wants to go ahead an marry Max, she should do it, but not deluded by Max. He shows Consta the “proof” he has. The registration of Max and Amaya at the two cabañas and the word of the receptionist that she knows they spent the night in the same cabin. Consta still doesn’t believe him, somehow Sal must have made the girl say those things to hurt her. Max couldn’t have done this to her. He pleads for her to believe him. He wouldn’t say these things if they weren’t true. He would never want to hurt her like this.

Consta is sure of Max. He looked her straight in the eyes and told her nothing had happened between him and this “tipa” (so-and-so). He swore they hadn’t slept together. Sal points out there could be no other reason for them to be in the same cabin if they didn’t want to “be together.” Consta seems more riddled with self-doubt with every word out of Sal’s mouth.

Consta wants to know why he’s doing this to her, now? Sal tells her how he tried to reach her many times, many ways and she ignored him. Consta thought he was just going to talk about “them” and how Sal felt about her. She didn’t want him filling her full of doubts. So what is she supposed to do now? Sal feels Max should be stopped from cheating and lying to her any longer, but tells her she should do what her heart and conscience dictate. How can he ask that. He’s just shattered all her dreams. She wants to know what he’s going to do. It’s her decision, he stresses. He and Max go way back, but he loves her. He takes her hands through the window and kisses them.

He tells Connie he’s going back to Chiapas, teach in the university, as planned. He had this fantasy of a life together with her, getting married, having children, but those are perhaps not her dreams. He warns her if she does go ahead and marry Max, they will never never see each other again. This rattles Constanza. He ends by saying, if she doesn’t, there will always be room in his heart for her. His heart is hers.

All the Montesinos Arrive at the Church on Time
Manuel is already there. He tells the gathering crowd of Montesinos that Consta wanted to arrive alone, but to have her father and Max waiting to receive her. Max is a little nervous about all the changes in his life, but he’s ok. He excuses himself. Eloisa asks Manuel about all the preparations. He admits he did nothing at all, Consta did it. Lucrecia pipes up with a most inappropriate remark that since it was her son’s wedding, she didn’t have to do a thing either. She was saved. There is general laughter, led by Luce. Elo says, just wait until Flavia gets married. Ah, of course that will be very different.

Juliana takes the opportunity to irritate her stepmother by pointing out the obvious—even with Flavia, Lucrecia won’t be doing anything, Eloisa will be making all the wedding arrangements. Lucrecia doesn’t like to be put down in public, but keeps her mouth shut. [I’m sure she’s keeping a tally chalking up the times Juliana disses her for future use.] Now there is awkward silence.

Amaya Drives Away from the Wedding
She is leaving behind thoughts of the wedding and her fantasies of the good times and the painful times she and Max shared together. The theme song, Quiero Amarte, accompanies her in her sadness.
 

Thu Dec 11 - Part 2

The Devil Wears Red, Lots of Red
Still outside, on the church steps, Lucrecia, in some see-through, red lacy number worn over a black camisole and slip, touches up her red lipstick while César holds her purse. She’s happy with the way things are turning out. With Max married to Constanza, it keeps him away from Amaya for ever. (César takes one of her breath-mints and sticks it in his mouth.) César doesn’t want her to be so hard on Amaya. He came to appreciate all her qualities while he was selling her the new house. Luce stops him in mid-laudatory sentence. She hopes he’s not interested in her. He could see how much it upset her when Max took up with her. Think what it would do to her if her most beloved son now took up with her. No, no, he just can’t do that. Not to worry, says Cece, he likes being single, but there are certain advantages to pairing off with her, like managing her lands. She’s already smitten with Max and Mauro. Luce still doesn’t see it. Think about it, that would give him something he’s desired all his life—the admiration of and attention from his father.

César continues with his praise for Amaya’s talents, beauty, while Lucrecia’s brow furrows more deeply. Why is he saying all this. He knows Luce can’t stand her. Cece says it’s only to show her he’s keeping up on everything regarding Amaya.

José’s Timing is Off
Genoveva’s son, José arrives at Geno’s apartment earlier than Geno was expecting. She’s just leaving for Max’s wedding. She is so elated to see him she changes her plans in order to stay home with José and fix him a proper Mexican meal.

Genoveva Won’t Get to the Church on Time
She calls Manny to tell him she’s not coming to the boda. At first he’s a bit pithed because she had insisted on being invited. She tells him it’s because José has arrived—nuestro hijo. [Yes, we heard that right—OUR son.] On the other end, Manuel looks around hoping no one could hear her through the cell phone.

The Devil in Red Talks to Her Leopard Skin Patsy
Lucrecia is setting Emma [dressed from head to toe in a leopard print except for a tight under-the-breast bodice] up to fall for her “mis planes.” Luce delights in Emma’s description of the scene she caused at the office. It’s such a scandal! Does this mean they’re finished? Not precisely. They’ve decided to take a break. Luce knows her. Her anger will pass and she’ll get back together with him in the end. She’s not so sure about that. She didn’t believe his story of why he went to Chiapas. Lucrecia tells her not to let this opportunity pass her by. She needs to find out for sure if he lied. She has a brilliant idea. Invite Amaya to her apartment, using any excuse—starting a new relationship with Horacio, wanting to have a good relationship with her daughter—and ask her. Then call Luce right away so they can get together and gossip.

Unemployed Cipriano is a Late Riser Now
Dolores is already mopping the floor. She tells Cip all about Mariana. When he hears her novio is Iván from El Paraíso, he’s fulminates that that relationship won’t get them out of poverty. She needed to attach herself to someone important – like Don Ulises. Dolores thinks he’s too powerful and she only cares that it is somebody that will make Mariana happy.

Mariana Swallowed Some Butterflies
Mariana is telling Hortensia and Veronica about Iván and their first kisses. Hortensia tells her how Iván was all gaga over Mari when he was telling her and Chelo about Mari becoming his novia. She’s told her mother, but not her father. She wants to wait until Iván gets back from Mexico City so he, personally, can tell her father. Everything is working out for her now, Iván, she can work at El P., finish her studies, and not have to do things she doesn’t want to do, like work for Ulises at El Deseo. She didn’t like the way he looked at her. He’s some rich guy and she’s just a country girl.
 

Thu Dec 11 - Part 3

Hector and Iván Arrive at the Church Just In Time
Flavia walks Uli up to them to greet them. She’s rubbing Uli’s arm possessively as she explains that Uli doesn’t know Max, but he is there as her date. They walk away to meet Lucrecia. Iván is sure that with Ulises and Flavia together, he will leave Mari alone and everyone can live in peace. [You’d better not get too complacent, my cutie-pie.]

They find Luce with Max. Uli introduces himself to Max, who acknowledges knowing and liking his uncle (who died and left Uli the sole heir to El Deseo). Max welcomes him to the world of coffee and hopes he likes it as much as they do. Yes, Uli says, patting Flavia’s arm, he thinks he already is. They excuse themselves so Flavia can introduce him to Tia Eloisa and her brother Lucio.

The Red Devil looks just as evil in the sunshine as in shadow. She tells Max that Uli is just a guy with no class passing himself off as someone of high social status when he’s nothing but a crude nouveau riche. [If he weren’t an antagonista here, I’d say, dressed in a suit, he’s every inch an eligible young man for Flavia.] She repeats the derogatory term, naco, several times—naco! [Naco is someone with no class. In my dictionary ‘naco’ is literally defined as a piece of black chewing tobacco. Now that’s funny.] Max excuses himself to go find out what has happened to Constanza.

By the Lake, By the Beautiful Lake
Amaya arrives at the hotel in Valle de Bravo to check in. [Check it out on Google maps. It’s by a huge lake, west of Toluca.] She asks for no phone calls unless it is from Valeria Espinoza or Carolina Rivera. They’ll block all calls and advise her personally. She pauses by the staircase railing thinking that by now Max is married and she’s lost him forever. [Well, when you examine the facts, she never had him and to him it seemed she never wanted him. Ay, Amaya, you dunce. You should have let him decide what to do with these feelings he had for you.]

Constanza Doesn’t Arrive at the Church at All
The priest wants them to hurry things up. Where is the bride? Nora assures them she left in plenty of time. He gives them five more minutes. Manuel wants to go look for her. Jorge thinks it’s better that he stay and Jorge will go look. Cece urges them all to wait. He’s never seen a bride more anxious to get married than Consta.

Manuel gets the news from Connie why she is late and why she isn’t coming. Manuel turns to Max, who is asking what happened. Manuel says, as if he needs to ask and lights into him. He lays out the whole “sordid” story in front of everyone. Nothing Max says in his own defense works with an aggrieved father for his daughter’s pain. She has proof of his fickleness. Max doesn’t know what evidence she has, but when he and Amaya were in Chiapas, nothing happened between them. Their voices are raised and everyone around is pretending not to hear, but with all ears glued to what the two men are saying.

Max seems to have the last word when he says if Constanza doesn’t want to get married, that’s her right, but if it is because of this, she’s in error. Back to Manuel who says no, the error was in Constanza believing him. Finally Mauro steps in to defend his son. Manuel has known Max since he was a boy. He’s incapable of doing something like this. Manuel and Max continue to volley the accusation back and forth, until Manuel comes up with an accusation Max can’t deny, that of never having been interested in Amaya. Manuel walks away. Mauro wants to follow, but Max holds him back. Being a reasonable, rational being, he tells his father he will go and talk to Consta on his own. If she doesn’t believe him, there’s no more he can do.

Does the Bridal Shop Take Returns (Slightly Used)?
Connie returns home and dissolves into tears. She hates him. Why did he do this to her? Why is this happening? Then she remembers all the signs he gave her and she dismissed.
 

Thu Dec 11 - Part 4

Max is Suspended From the Game of Marriage
Manny calls Geno to tell her of the public disgrace. He was so hot under the collar he wanted to lay a few punches on Max. Geno tells him to calm down and maybe they should get together right away. He agrees and asks her to meet him at their regular clandestine location in a public place at an outdoor restaurant [Way to go Manuel, best way to keep this thing under wraps, no?] José walks in on Geno saying Manuel’s name. Yes, he remembers him, her jefe’s best friend. She explains about the “boda interrumptus” because the groom had a lover on the side. [Careful, Geno, you are on a slippery slope and will find yourself in the same public hole as Amaya.] José wants to know why Manuel called her. They have gotten to be good friends.

Sad Sack Sal
Salvador is at the airport ticketing counter. He buys one ticket to Tuxtla, Chiapas.

The Priest’s Timer Rang; Bride Did Not Arrive; Wedding Off; He Wants To Go Disrobe
Several conversations are running over the Max-Amaya scandal, beginning with Eloisa and Mauro. She doesn’t understand what kind of evidence Consta would have of something that happened months ago. She then volunteers in lieu of Mauro, to tell all the invitees the wedding is off. Juliana does, too, telling Mauro that things happen for some reason and a marriage without trust has no future. [I thought I heard Juliana say a marriage without trust can’t be controlled, but it didn’t make sense. Someone correct me, please.]

There are more conversations among the ones staying behind. Lucio is upset, Flavia tries to calm him down. In the background, Iván is watching Uli. Uli is looking back, thinking what an imbecile the guy is. Luce starts in on Mauro letting him know what a scandal this is and they will be the laughing stock in front of all their acquaintances. [The self-centered b*tch doesn’t stop to think how this might be affecting Max or Constanza, for heaven’s sake.] Mauro scowls at her, that is the least important thing. On the contrary, says Luce, they have a sterling reputation to maintain and this will ruin it. It’s all Amaya’s fault and she never wants to see her again in her life. Jorge and Carolina compare notes. They are both reassured nothing happened between Amaya and Max the night in Chiapas. Jorge thinks Max and Constanza need to talk this out. Carolina wonders about that, though. Constanza was so jealous of Amaya’s relationship with Max that she probably believes he was unfaithful to her.

Luce accepts Emma’s regrets for the public humiliation Luce has suffered. César catches up with Luce and notes how they were made part of a Roman Circus. She can’t stand being on everybody’s lips and Cece urges them to leave and go home. She certainly hopes Max will have nothing more to do with that woman, now that he is a free man. César doesn’t think it’s something to worry about. If it was just a fling, an impossible love loses it’s appeal when it becomes possible. If they were really in love, then it becomes a problem. She asks Cece to make sure Max and Amaya never get together. Jorge and Juliana talk about the strange turn of events. As Luce and César walk out, Luce renews her promise to herself to do away with Amaya as soon as possible without anyone suspecting.
 

Thu Dec 11 - Part 5

Don’t Come Ringing at the Door, Constanza is Not Answering
Max arrives at Consta’s. She won’t let him in. He doesn’t climb over the wall. Consta tells Celia not to open.

Amaya’s Not Answering Either
Caro tries to reach Amaya on her cell phone. She just leaves a message it’s Caro calling, but doesn’t tell her about the wedding fracaso. She tries the hotel number, but as it happens, the hotel phone line is out of order and it will take some time to repair. Amaya sadly walks the streets of her hideaway town. Seeing a bride and groom getting photographs taken in the plaza only makes her sadder.

Daddy Tries to Comfort His Dear Daughter
Manuel arrives at the restaurant where he is meeting Geno. He’s on the phone with Consta. He finds out how Max supposedly cheated on her. It was Salvador that showed her all the evidence. Sal always had doubts that Max and Amaya’s relationship was purely business. Max fooled not only her and her father, but also Mauro. Manuel says Max swore there was no intimacy, but of course Consta doesn’t believe Max. She doesn’t want to know anything of him ever again. Manuel wants to know if she’d like to go away somewhere with him, Europe, U.S. maybe. Constanza says she just wants to be alone for now. Now he wishes he had listened to her and dismissed Amaya when she asked him to. Now all she asks is that he will do that for her.

Constanza’s Still Not Answering; She’s Packing
Max is outside Consta’s gated property. He calls her on the house phone, hoping she’s listening and leaves a message, asking her to please listen to him, he wants her to know the truth. It falls on deaf ears.

The huge iron doors barricading Consta’s refuge from the world, slowly opens. Consta is in her white sports car. Max runs back to stop the car and begs her to listen to him. She hesitates for not even 15 seconds, looks at him and takes off.

Whoracio Pumps Vale for Information
He really wants to know about Amaya, but starts by asking her how Max found her doggie, Chocolate. He put up a reward, just like she had wanted Whoracio to do, but he said no. Well, Whoracio tells her he doesn’t play hero. He’s her father. Next Whoracio wants to know who she gets along with better, Max or César. Vale answers Max better. What about her mother, does she like Max or César better. Vale thinks it’s Max. They had such a good time in Chiapas when they went to visit her mother’s coffee fields. They are so big—Max’s are too, they are endless. She saw Max there and met his future wife. Ah, thinks Horacio to himself, so he has a novia and is getting married today! He grins with pleasure.
 

Thu Dec 11 - Part 6

Poor Max, Two Strikes and He’s Already Out
Max calls Jorge, who is still at the church to tell him Consta has fled. He’s outside Amaya’s, but she’s not answering the door or her cell. Sooner or later, Constanza will learn what she thinks are proofs are false. He tells Jorge he’s hurt, angry, deceived, frustrated, but at the same time, free, liberated. He didn’t like the way things happened, Constanza doesn’t trust him, but she made the decision without even discussing things with him. Who knows, if they had talked they might have reached the conclusion to separate. The relationship is finished. Their future is over.

Jorge wonders who went to Consta with that information? Who would want to separate them? Only one person, Salvador. Max waits in front of Amaya’s apartment to talk to her, but nobody answers. Jorge knows how he feels about Amaya and he doesn’t want her reputation to be damaged or hurt by all this. He wants to face her and her husband to lay out for them all that is going on. He doesn’t want any of them hurt by this slander.

One-Way Ticket Out of Town – For Two
Consta is at the airport getting ready to buy a plane ticket. She seems undecided. Pretty soon the announcement is heard for boarding the flight to Tuxtla. Sal is getting in line when he hears Consta call his name. He turns. Is it what he thinks it is? She didn’t get married? No, neither the church wedding, nor the civil ceremony. What is she going to do? Is she going to go away—of course, that’s why she’d be here, he realizes. She wants to go someplace, far away, to forget all that has happened, to start a new life with the only man who truly loves her, unconditionally, regardless of anything that may have happened before [that would be Max, I guess]. The realization slowly comes to Sal. She means him. But does she love him? Consta says she still doesn’t know. She was confused by her feelings, but all she knows now is that she wants to be with him, wants him to be with her. If that’s ok with him. They look at each other and he bends his head to kiss her. Freeze-frame on their kiss.

 

Fabulous, Anita

I will comment more tomorrow.
There is a possibility that Juliana said "lo tenga duro" with regard to a marriage without trust. It is an idiom which means will have it rough. I listened several times. It was very difficult to hear. That's all I could come up with.

Many thanks!
 

Sara,

I'm sorry. I was attempting to be "witty."

I did mean to say that you were setting a very, very low standard indeed for men, or man-children, by characterizing Horacio's behavior and attitudes as "typical."

I did not mean to cast any aspersions on you, or any man, or men, in your life, past, present, or future.

Since I, in fact, do know absolutely nothing about anyone in your life beyond the blog, nor about your relationships with anyone, it just didn't occur to me to think that my
"rhetorical flourish" might be taken to refer to any actual person or persons.

But, on re-reading, well, as I said, I'm sorry.

I can only say that I did not mean any actual reference to you or to your real life beyond the blog.

I have read that it is possible to retract one's own post, but I don't see a mechanism to do so. I know I can't "unsay" what I wrote, but for what it's worth, I authorize Anita to take down my initial post if you would like her to do so.

Chris in FL
 

WOW indeed! For the episode and the recap! Thank you Anita!!

Max sure did know his "friend" Sal, didn't he? A few eps ago Max sternly criticized Sal for his "pitiful" strategy to conquer Connie through tearing him down. Well, he's also torn down poor Amaya who has done everything in her power to prevent just this kind of situation. We know Max and Amaya will rise above this lie but boy, is she going to be blind-sided when she gets back to town!

Like how Juliana gets her digs in on Lu, who is so deserving Juli doesn't come off like a bitch!

Yep, José is THEIR son and even he doesn't know this. So Jose doesn't carry Manny's name and thus is not on his will and Connie gets everything. Is that the big secret?

Love your descriptions of the self-centered Red Devil. It's a wonder Mauro hasn't had a heart attack before now living with this shrew! "Make sure Max and Amaya never get together" Uuuuuf! She makes me so mad!

One thing, Anita, the Red Devil made a point to say that she would do away with Amaya as soon as possible without Cesar, specifically Cesar suspecting anything!

And now what I want most is for Sal to boink Connie ASAP so that they will accept the criatura as their own, not Max's. Just go away, the two of you, hasta nunca!

Of course, I'm sure that won't happen.

Loved it! Loved every minute of the episode and every word of your recap, Anita. What a great recap partner you are, your thorough, vivid retellings are very instructive for me as well as enjoyable!

Oh, this is going to generate some great conversations!!










 

Thank you, Anita. I liked this line:
"The Red Devil looks just as evil in the sunshine as in shadow."

Chris-I also apologize for being overly sensitive.
 

PS: Jose looks pretty young. I doubt he'll be paired with Caro. (Was that the same actor who played young DZ in La Fuerza del Destino?)

I was gobsmacked ....GOBSMACKED....when Geno said "NUESTRO" hijo.
 

Isn't that something, Sara? So Manny has this secret son whom I sure he is and has supported financially all his life but the kid has no idea who he is! So Geno has not only tolerated herself being kept off the the radar of the world but their son as well! Manny has strung her along in hopes of the future marriage and recognition of herself for a very long time. When he marries Geno the whole truth will have to come out. How will Jose take it? How will Connie take it? Interesting. Max has been like a son to him but we know that relationship is now in the toilet. Lots of dynamics to watch unfold!
 

Lila--Thanks for the correction. Of course, at all costs Luce must keep Cesar from suspecting her maldad. He is her ally and loyal son, but she doesn't want him to hold too much over her--one murder (Omar) is enough for him to know about.

After what Luce heard Cesar say about Amaya, she's aware that he would never forgive her if he knew she killed Amaya--she's not dumb.

I was thinking the same thing about Consta and Sal. This is such an ingenious story with the young couples echoing what the adults did 30 years ago. It's trying to figure out the differences that makes the story riveting.

Floridia--What you heard Juliana say makes sense. Thank you.

Uli has the money and power to crush Ivan, but Ivan has Mariana. I'm dying to know what Uli has up his sleeve. Does he think that pinning a fraud on Cip will have Mari running into his arms? Cip was useless anyway so Dolores and Mari would be as well off with him as without him.

Where will Jorge's affections take him? I do like both women, a lot. He's been around Juliana much longer and knows her and is willing to wait for her. He's attracted to Carolina, finds her fun and charming, they get along well, but this is just the beginning of what has to be a relationship based on how many times he can come to Mexico City. It's hard to get to know someone well on those terms. (Of course he will only be seeing Juliana those same times.)

Poor Amaya. What kind of storm is she coming home to. I hope Carolina is there for her. Mauro will want to know the whole story, too. He will protect her from Manuel's wrath, for her sake and for Max.

It will be interesting to know how he reacts. He didn't want Max to marry Consta if he had feelings for Amaya. He got his wish.

Max and Amaya will be kept apart for a long time because of their consciences. If they get together as soon as she gets back from Valle de Bravo, everyone will know what Sal said was true. Neither of them will want that.

 

Hi, Anita! I'm hoping that Max and Amaya will weather this storm together so we can get some well-played, substantial but hot love scenes interspersed in the eeevil. . .kind of like I remember the couple in Pasion!

I want to Amaya's face when she first sees Max whether he's the one who tells her about the wedding disaster or not. I want to see his face when she tells him she is divorced! I want one of those solid and passionate Maximiliano embraces with those muscular arms and that broad chest as he comforts her. **siiiiigh!** It's only fair: Connie is soothing her wounds with some lovin', Max and Amaya deserve it, too! So there!

 

Anita,

I think "futuro" is a much better choice for that phrase I gave you earlier (rhymes with duro). I see you have included that already.

I was not all surprised about the paternity of José because we were given a big clue a couple of weeks ago.

Connie made a wise choice invoking her mother's name and communicating with her before the wedding date. Perhaps she inspired her to reach her cancellation decision.

As we know, there are several people here who are unaware of reality.

1. a. Connie thinks her parents had an ideal marriage I wonder if her mother knew the truth, but just kept playing along for the ride. b. Connie got it wrong about Max.

2. Sad Sack Sal got it wrong about Max.

3. Mauro is completely in the dark with regard to what Lulu knows of his relationship with Florencia -- and much more.

4. The list goes on.

Manuel is a TOTAL Coward and afraid of his daughter. He needed to have a talk with her long ago.

Amaya will be happy that Max did not marry but will be devastated at the global scandal soon to ensue. I wonder if this will affect custody of Val. Horacio doesn't really care about custody that much, but he may use this misinformation as a weapon to gouge money out of Amaya.

Anita, terrific recap - much work. Really enjoyed your clever headings
for each event.

Chat later .....
 

Lila,

I want what you want.

1. I want Connie and Sal to do the deed so that she could be confused about the true father of her child.

2. I want to see all that you mentioned re Max and Amaya. It's only fair to us. Why waste all that beauty and talent on chaste living. Viewers are waiting.
 

Ooh, amiguis--I just realized why Jorge and Carolina are seeing each other. They do get along well. Even though they made each other swear for Jorge not to talk about Max and Carolina not to talk about Amaya--maybe it was just for that one date???

Amaya tells Carolina everything. Max tells Jorge everything.

They did tell each other what they knew about the Chiapas "incident."

They love their respective friends and are loyal to them.

Sooner or later Max will learn his feelings for Amaya are reciprocated, either through Jorge or from Amaya herself. Maybe Jorge and Carolina will be the ones to help keep their relationship quiet, at least for the time being.

 

Floridia--I completely left Horacio out of the scandal equation. Of course he will use it to his advantage.
 

Embellishment of Whoracio's apodo; WhoreAssio.
 

Oooo! Corazon! BAM!! And after today's show, that really fits!

Got a name for Sal?
 

QA Friday, 12-12-14 Pt. 1

Greetings QA friends! We have a brief overlap of Sal and Connie at the airport. Connie wants to go away and start a new life with Sal, the only man she knows that loves her despite everything. Sal can’t believe this is all real; he has Connie just like he always dreamed! They kiss, ignorant and uncaring about the carnage left in their wake.

Also ignorant but about to be clued in is Whoracio. Emma texts him, she’s got something very important to tell him. Whor tries to put her off, he’s with his daughter but Emma insists.

Sal and Connie don’t quite know what to do with this unplanned detour in their lives, she doesn’t want to return to Mexico City, nor be in Chiapas. She’ll go wherever he is and look for work there.

Emma continues to insist. It’s about his ex-wife and the bomb she just detonated. This gets Whor’s attention. He agrees to meet her.

Max is still outside Amaya’s apartment talking to Jorge on the cell. Jorge informs him Amaya has gone away for the weekend. He doesn’t know where she is but will ask Caro.

Sal asks Connie if she will forgive him but he couldn’t let her marry with her eyes closed. There’s no need for you to ask for forgiveness, she doesn’t know how long it will take her to recover but. . .Sal puts his finger to her lips. He will do all he can to help her through this bad moment and there’s no need to thank him. [Boy, I’m getting madder and madder at these two!]

Geno has arrived and finds Manuel fairly quaking with anger. It’s a bad time for Jose to have come home. With all that’s going on he needs her all to himself. He tells her Connie has left, he doesn’t know where just that she needed to get far away from here.

More professions of love from Sal and hopes that in time it will be mutual and they will build a life together as they were destined to do.

Manuel continues to ventilate with Geno: he thought Max was going to make this the happiest day of Connie’s life but instead she left their home with her heart broken into pieces. Geno can’t believe it either. She’s going to resign Monday. [Remember, she is Max’s Secretary whom he hired after Cesar lied on and fired her.] Manuel asks Geno to stay so that she can prove that the accusations against Max and Amaya are true and so that Mauro and Max can eat their words because neither he nor Connie deserves this betrayal. He wants her to be his ears and eyes at Nescafe and report back to him. She agrees.

Emma arrives and dives right in: Max didn’t marry because Connie has proof that he and Amaya, your ex-wife ARE lovers. The first expression on Whor’s face is a fleeting smile, then anger.

Caro is filling Jorge in on Amaya’s general whereabouts without giving specifics. She has gone to Valle de Bravo probably till Sunday night. Caro has left messages but Amaya must be busy. Jorge tells her Max urgently wants to talk to Amaya and her husband to tell them what has happened. Caro says that unfortunately the damage has already been done to Amaya’s reputation and the whole thing can only end badly. Nevertheless Jorge insists Max wants to squarely face her with the truth. Caro thinks to herself that she has promised Amaya not to tell where she is nor that she is divorced, there’s nothing she can do.

 

12-12-14 Pt. 2

Back to Whor and Emma who is only to glad to convince him that this is all true, or this wedding to a MONTESINOS would not have been cancelled! Whor is concerned that now he looks like an imbecile whose wife has put horns on him! No, you’re divorced; you come out of this with your dignity as a man who left his wife because SHE was unfaithful. Whor’s okay with that. Emma continues. Amaya’s reputation is on the ground which may affect her relationship with the Montesinos but certainly not her partnership with Max, her lover. Everything has now come to light and Amaya has a rich and powerful galan!

Jorge doesn’t make any headway with Caro. She only agrees to give Amaya the message from Max and see what she wants to do. Jorge calls Max right away and tells him Caro doesn’t know where Amaya is either and so he will just have to talk to her Monday. Max declines Jorge’s invitation to get something to eat. He’s fine; he needs to be alone to process all that has happened.

Whoracio KNEW she was putting the horns on him but never dreamed it was with HIM! Emma delivers her bottom line. So you see, after Max Montesinos you are of little value to your little ex-wife. If Whor knows what’s good for him, it’s best not to cause a scandal and it’s useless to try to reconcile with her. They can resume their relationship without concern for being careful of anything. Call me, maybe. Emma flounces away, triumphant!

Whor calls Amaya’s phone right away and gets her voice mail. There follows a very difficult to watch scene in which Whor takes his anger out on poor little Vale barking at her to tell him where her mother is. Vale does know she went to Valle de Bravo but doesn’t remember details on the hotel. I can’t take describing it in any more detail because this little actress is amazing and her fear and surprise is so real! He makes her pack up their things and they leave the park.

The unhappy family of the groom has arrived home: Mauro, Lu, Lucio, Juli, Alan, Eloisa and Cesar. Elo goes to make a light snack; Lu has a headache from the horror of the day’s events and goes off to her room followed, of course, by sonny boy. Lucio and Alan go off to change leaving Juli and Mauro in the living room.

Uli and Flavia arrive at a restaurant. Flavia has been calling Max without success. Uli suggest she try the house. He’s not there, she asks Tia Elo to call her cell if she hears from him. As they walk to their table we get Flavia’s take on the whole fiasco. She is steamed that Connie has humiliated her brother in this way! She thinks the whole Amaya and Max are lover’s thing is just a pretext for not having to marry Max. Why would she want to do that Uli asks. Because that would mean she’d have to give up Salvador which she doesn’t want to do. Who’s he? Max’s ex-best friend who is in love with Connie and I think she’s in love with him, too. [I don’t like Ulises but I have to say he’s being a good listener and his expression at this point is funny. I’m sure though he’s taking notes for what in this could be of use to him.] He smoothly works in a compliment to her beauty.

 

12-12-14 Pt. 3

Back at MM, Juliana asks if Mauro is all right. He is not. He cannot stop thinking about Max, how sad and disillusioned he must be. Connie’s attitude is absolutely unjustified. Max will be fine, Juli says and as a matter of fact, she thinks that Max and Connie never should have been getting married, that this is for the best. This gets Mauro’s attention. Love should be like madness, a feeling that is bigger than reason. One should deeply sense the presence of the beloved and understand why it’s worth it to be alive. She never saw that kind of passion between Max and Connie. No doubt thinking about his great love of Florencia, Mauro’s face spreads into the first genuine smile he’s had since the wedding disaster.

Marianna runs to answer the phone at El P. It’s Ivan telling her about the “wedding bomb” or WB. Marianna defends Amaya’s innocence against the charges leveled by Connie. Ivan wanted her to hear it from him instead of from the wagging tongues in town. Marianna is going to try to contact Amaya right away so she can be ready to defend herself against these ugly lies. The conversation ends on a positive note. Ivan and Hector return home tomorrow and he will come by her house to look for her. Mariana’s face lights up. [Dang, this girl is pretty!]

Juliana and Mauro continue talking. Didn’t they love each other, Mauro asks? Juli believes they did but they idealized this love over the five years that they were separated. Juli never understood why Connie didn’t go to Italy to look for Max and marry him one or two years after her mother died. Well, offers Mauro, she didn’t want to leave Manuel. Ah, no, this is just a pretext. Julie says for her the saddest fate for her son would be to have him clinging to her skirts, that he never learned to fly. Juli thinks that Connie’s love for Max was never big enough to allow her to leave everything for him. The same thing is happening now: the gossip and the lack of trust in him are much greater than love. [Preach, sister!]

Mari calls Delores to tell her about the WB. Cip walks in just in time to hear it and receives this news with glee: He knew it! This scandal is in everybody’s mouth just like when Florencia ran away with her lover. Defend her all you want, Amaya is a slut just like her mother!

Whor and Vale are back at the apartment. Another painful, powerful and expertly executed scene (by both) in which Whor gets the information about the hotel and tells Vale he’s going to leave her alone. The poor thing is so scared it’s palpable. She almost begs him not to leave her. You’re not alone, you’re with the dogs! After he leaves, poor Vale clings to little Chocolate the Chihuahua. They both tremble. [I feel like crying!] Mari calls and Vale tells her she’s alone with Taco and Chocolate but she doesn’t ask for their help. Mari does encourage her to tell her if she can do anything for her. They hang up.

Amaya at a table for one toasts a silent goodbye to Max. Split screen shows Max leaving yet another message on Amaya’s cell.

Jorge and Caro are at her apartment. She can’t stop thinking of everything that has happened and the future of Amaya’s job and of hers. She’s sure that Manuel is not going to work with Amaya after this. Jorge agrees but doesn’t see why her job should be jeopardized. Caro can’t stay if Amaya goes, it would be like validating Connie’s lies. Caro will not feel comfortable staying anyway. Amaya is her best friend and that trumps everything. Jorge reminds her that Amaya is a partner in the 3 in 1 project but she isn’t. Well, Caro is sure she’s got a solid resume and she can get another job. Jorge is able to work this into a personal compliment that tweaks the intimacy meter: She is a great professional, a beautiful woman and he likes her conviction. She digs him, too. Personal space closes and we get our first kiss from this pair. [Niiiice!]


 

12-12-14 Pt. 4

Night is falling, Vale laments to the doggies that she doesn’t want to be alone. She picks up the cell to call the hotel; she gets a recording that the phone is out of service.

Jorge and Caro get to know each other better over appetizers and red wine. She talks about the ending of her relationship with the self-centered Ismael. She broke the engagement several months before the wedding date. It was very hard but once she realized he was trapped in his own little world she ended it and she felt liberated. She sometimes wonders what would have happened if they married. She doesn’t know if it was fear of marriage or of making a commitment that made her break up with him. [Hmmmm. . .Jorge and Juliana fans, take note!]

Our brave little Vale tries Amaya now and gets her voice mail. She leaves a message asking her to call her at home, her papa left her; she’s all alone and tried to get her on the hotel phone. She’s afraid. Vale knocks on the neighbor, Lupita’s door, no answer. She goes back into her apartment and gets either a paper or electronic tablet and sits at the dining table.

[I kind of missed the first part of the question but I think] Caro asks Jorge if he’s ever been in love. Well, he just hasn’t found the kind of person yet that he’d want to make a commitment to for life. He doesn’t know if he’s a coward and afraid of commitment or just a free soul that doesn’t want to be shackled. But yes, he’d bet on love, and wants a love that will come one day and turn his whole life around. Caro thinks this is the best bet of all. They kiss on this point of agreement. Deeply, earnestly and for a long time.

Uli and Flavia are doing a little silent conversing of their own as they wait for dinner to arrive. Ooops. It’s lips, not hips Uli! Flavia protests that this is a public place. The upshot is she is not going to be anybody’s passing fancy, or plaything, she wants something more formal, exclusive. Okay, yeah, that’s what I want too. Well, that takes care of the concern about being in a public place and the two kiss with gusto!

Manuel arrives and wants to talk privately with Mauro. They head for the study.

Aye! The ringing of Caro’s phone forces her and Jorge to break for air. It’s Vale! She asks Caro to please come to her house, her papa has left her alone, she hears noises and the neighbor is not at home. Caro asks where Whor is. Vale tells her he got the address to the hotel where her mama is and he probably went to look for her. Caro and Jorge take off to rescue Vale! [Thank Goodness!]

Manuel rips into Mauro that he is so disappointed in Max and in him. He went to the cabins where Max and Amaya were and didn’t tell him anything! Mauro doesn’t deny it. It didn’t mean anything. There was no intimacy between them! Manuel doesn’t want to hear it: he and Max have betrayed him and he’s never going to forgive them! From this point on, their friendship will never be the same. Manuel is going to put them all in their place. Mauro tries again. If he has offended Manuel and his daughter, he begs their pardon but they were in the cabins because Amaya had an accident. I know that! Shouts Manuel.

Caro and Jorge have arrived at Amaya’s apartment. Caro is so frustrated that she couldn’t get Amaya at the hotel to warn her that Whor is on his way with the gossip about the WB and to chew her out! Jorge doesn’t understand why Amaya’s divorce is a secret. Because Amaya didn’t want to tell because Connie insisted she not tell. [Okay, that’s part of it but Caro knows that Amaya herself did not want Max to know for her own reasons]. So Connie knew? Yes, she probably learned from her papa because Amaya got an express divorce a little bit after she went to work in Don Manuel’s agency.

 

Pt. 5

What? Jorge exclaims! This changes everything! If Max had known about this everything would have turned out differently. You know what? It’s about time Max learned the truth about all this! Jorge calls him. Caro finally knocks on the door and gives this little sweet heart a hug.

Manuel continues dressing Mauro down: their friendship is through, he doesn’t want to be near him Manuel says and looks Mauro up and down derisively, nor Max and he doesn’t want Amaya working in his agency: being fired is the least this “mujercita” deserves! (mujercita: a woman of little or no worth or where I come from, a heffa: it’s a baaad diminutive) Cesar is skulking outside the open door listening with a look of smug satisfaction on his face. Furthermore, his agency will not handle the corporate account or the account for Max’s 3 in 1 coffee. Is that your last word Mauro lamely asks? Yes! Because before you, or your family, or my agency is my love for my daughter and if you don’t understand THAT, that’s your problem, not mine. Manuel storms out.

Phew!

Caro comforts Vale and tries to allay her fears about Amaya not answering her phone. Jorge offers to distract her. They’re going to cook some pasta together since they’re all hungry!

Cesar goes running to mama while Mauro debriefs with Juliana. Papa, didn’t you tell Manuel about the big fight you and Max had at the cabins? [At first Mauro also thought that Max was engaging in a little hanky-panky with some chick he’d picked up in Chiapas and Mauro was going to rip him a new one for messing around on Connie.] Mauro says Manuel wasn’t listening to anything he had to say, he’s hurt, he feels betrayed. Juliana hopes with the passage of time Manuel can look at things with more clarity. Mauro is going to give it some time; he’s not going to let things end so easily. He’s very worried about Amaya: her reputation is level with the ground and it’s not going to be easy for her to get work. Juliana hadn’t thought of that but she agrees.

Mari and Delores worry about the aftermath of the WB on Amaya’s reputation. Delores sadly knows how this parallels what happened to Florencia. Well, Mari is going to help her fight the lies of Max’s novia for unlike the unfortunate Florencia Amaya is alive to defend herself! Delores prays.

Cip has the nerve to carry on about never trusting “Viejas.” (a jerk’s term for women). None of are any good: they’ll all put horns on ya. Baldomero calls him on it: his wife and daughter have impeccable character. Cip refuses to acknowledge this by saying he won’t “put his hands in the fire” (stick his neck out) for anybody. Not even Delores? Baldo asks. Nope, not for her how much less anybody else! [Jerk!] Cip slips and says he has to talk to some coffee growers. Baldo says, so you’re still working for Don Ulises! Cip recovers quickly and says he and Uli have nothing to do with each other. He’s got a little business on the side which will soon earn him some big bucks, just wait and see.

 

Pt. 6

We’re back with Juli and Mauro. Mauro talks about how Amaya knows what it’s like to live under the shadow of disdain and gossip. She grew up hearing the whole town talk ill of her mother, Florencia, for supposedly having left her husband, David, because she had a lover. Mauro’s ire re-fires! This was also a lie! He shouts, stabbing the air. Ah yes, says Juliana, it’s incredible how many times people talk just to be talking and aren’t concerned about the damage they do to others by judging them. Well, there must be something that can be done for Amaya’s reputation Mauro adds with sadness.

The fugitive lovers have arrived at their destination. I think they are in an apartment Sal has rented wherever they are [sorry, can someone help here] and he insists she stay there. Back to them in a minute.

Juliana has an idea! She suggests that Mauro open a small publicity agency [not department. . .curious] within Nescafe and Amaya can continue developing and managing the Corporate and 3 and 1 account as well as be the Director General of the agency! Mauro loves the idea and vows that he is going to protect Amaya as if she were his daughter. Mauro’s second genuine and heartfelt smile since the WB.

Sal and Connie are sitting on the bed. Sal is so excited. They’re going to go shopping tomorrow so she can put her personal stamp on the place. Connie is a little tense. They decide to go out to eat.

Amaya has returned to her hotel room and briefly reviews the list of messages that have been blowing up her phone. Meanwhile at the front desk Max has come to ask for Amaya who has changed into her jammies. She gets up to answer an insistent rap at her door. . .Whor bursts in. Where is he! Where is your lover, Maximiliano Montesinos. Whor flings the WB in her face. He thinks they’ve been having an affair all along right under their noses! “Am I right, or am I right.”

Amaya looks guilty and stunned all at once and. . .FREEZE!

 

Thanks, Lila! Thanks for the Caro/Jorge run down. We had a stranger cat come to our window and I didn't hear much over the screaming.

Another hum dinger episode. I hope Whor rots in hell.

How did Max end up in Valle del Bravo?

I love how chill Chocolate is and how spazzy Taco is.
 

Wait. I though Taco was the chihuahua. No? Because this is clearly the most important part of the show (when we don't have shower scenes, that is).

Kelly
 

I don't hear the dialogue in any scene with the dogs. The recaps are lifesavers in those cases.
 

I do have one question though. If Mauro sets up a publicity dept at Nescafe, won't that sort of confirm all the chismes that are about to start flying?

Being the simpleton that I am I must be missing something. Please illuminate.
 

Lila--Will have to read your recap tomorrow morning. I got home late (but not too late to watch the episode)last night and am out the door for today's MET Live in HD production of Die Meistersinger (6 hours!!!!!).

Sara - Of course you are correct. Don Mauro wants to protect Amaya as if she were his daughter. Don Manuel told him he's firing Amaya. Giving her a job as head of a new publicity department will surely start the tongues wagging. (Please, not tails--I wish Chocolate-the Chihuahua-had stayed lost. I don't have anything against the dog, it's just that it was Cesar that gave him to Vale.)

Amaya doesn't NEED a job to support herself and Vale now. She'll have a steady income, but she's creative, talented and wants to work. Carolina will probably come with her.

I enjoyed the scenes with Jorge and Carolina. They do go well together.

I fear for Sal & Consta, though. There's something terribly one-sided about the relationship at this moment. Consta needs to heal. She needs time. Sal's in a hurry to fulfill his fantasy right away and begin housekeeping.
 

You are welcome dear Sara! It WAS a great ep, wasn't it? CorazonSalvaje had a great name for him at the end of yesterday's thread: WhorAssio! I could knock his, Sal and Connie's heads together HARD! UUUUUf! Let Sal and Connie stay off the screen for a while, let him just knock her up and STFU!

Connie did tell Jorge that Amaya went to Valle del Bravo so he told Max and then Max probably has an Amaya homing system and found her? I don't think we're supposed to think too hard about that.

Hey Kelly! Taco is the spazzy, fuzzy dog. I don't know from nothing about breeds but that's the doggie Lucio snuck into the hospital to give Vale. When Lucio and Max found the Chihuahua that was lost on the day of the car explosion, she named him Chocolate. They are sooo cute!

Sarah to be honest this is the first time I truly understood the Manuel/Mauro connection. I had them all working at Nescafe. Now I understand that Manuel owns an Ad agency which perhaps is in the same building as Nescafe? Amaya was working for Manuel and was handling the Nescafe Corporate and Max's 3 in 1 Nescafe coffee product accounts. Separately, she is in a partnership with Max and Mauro in the cultivation of the coffee for 3 in 1 in her lands (within El P)which they lease from her.

I thought that Manuel was over the publicity department within Nescafe and Amaya worked in that department! Anyway....

I guess at this point, Sara, Mauro knows Max and Amaya ARE NOT and is going to continue on with his business in the light of what he knows is the truth, thus forming this ad agency within Nescafe which Amaya will head. This not only gives him the benefit of her expertise in handling the publicity campaigns AND she has employment and his protection which he vowed to provide.

Will Amaya want this? How is she going to react to all this?

Back to how did Max know where she was, I am not sure of the time flow. Maybe Max was on his way to Valle del Bravo and got the call on the way with information about the exact hotel AND that Amaya is divorced. If so, he's going to get to her room, see/hear Whor jacking her up and do a beat down on Whor!!! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!
 

Hi, Anita. I was composing my long post and see you also answered Sara's query about the publicity agency within Nescafe. We're on the same page!

I don't think things are so peachy either with Sal and Connie. You are so right. She is not feeling this. This match up is too soon. I just fear if they are not intimate and she becomes pregnant she's going to try to pull a Lucrecia on Max. I don't know how Salvador would allow that if he's alive though.

Ok, Ok, that's enough wild speculation!
 

Oh my. I had forgotten that Chocolate was from Cesar. Surely we can't blame the poor dog? He is far too well behaved a dog to have the taint of Cesar in him.

I really hope that despite not needing to work financially, Amaya will continue to work. As you said she is a creative and talented and the work is something that makes her feel valuable-something she never got from Whor (not that women need validation from men, but hopefully I'm sort of making sense.)

Which sort of makes me consider Cons. She seems to me to be someone who does need validation from a male. She stuck with daddy until it was time to marry Max and when that blew up she ran right to Sal. (She works, but her job seems almost peripheral.) She doesn't even seem to question Sal's motives. In fact she played right into him. I will go with Sal doesn't want her to make a mistake and marry the right guy, but really all he wanted was to get the girl. Not for the girl to be happy and do what was best for her. I find his wedding day shenanigans to utterly selfish.
 

*Mauro knows Max and Amaya ARE NOT lovers. . . .
 

And is Chocolate the same canine thespian from Mentir Para Vivir?
 

Yes Mauro knows the truth, but everyone else seems to be accepting Sal's info as true. Even Manuel thinks Mau knew. If Mau gives Amaya work, it will look like he approves of Max and Amaya being together.
 

Sure it will Sara and people will talk but Max doesn't care. He's going to run his business and life based on the truth, not on people's lies, gossip and judgement: remember, this is exactly what happened with Florencia. This is the lesson he's taken from that whole sad story. And, as Mariana said, Florencia wasn't around to defend herself so I think Amaya will have some strong support to help her stand in the light of what she knows is the truth, not cut and run in the face of lies and slander:

Mauro, Juliana, Delores, Marianna, Jorge, Caro, Flavia and most importantly Max know the truth and will support her and she herself knows the truth. Manuel has angrily assigned Geno spy duty which is good because she's going to be an unwitting ally of the truth as well. In the end Max and Amaya's fight will not only prove their innocence, but Florencia's AND will hang Lucrecia!
 

I'm not sure if I want Cons and Sal to do the deed or not. I can't imagine her pulling a Lucrezia she's made it pretty clear she doesn't want to marry Max.

But things could get cleared up and she could want Max again. I can see Max finally realizing he and Cons are not compatible and telling her so. Then I could see her pulling a Lucrezia.

If she and Sal do the deed she won't know who the father of the child is. What direction would that mean for the story?
 

I'm just rambling, Sara, I don't think "pulling a Lucrecia" is something these writers would do. One day when Mauro was having one of his many communions with the past he lamented that marrying out of obligation would not happen today as it was common back in the day.

If she is pregnant and there is no question it is Max's quite frankly I don't know. Maybe they won't even use a pregnancy.

Sara, I think a certain other show is coloring my perceptions! Yikes!
 

Thanks, Lila,

Wonderful, witty and chock full of information. Many questions and much speculation.

1. Re Amaya's new car. Did the writers edit something on this topic or did I miss it? The first thing I saw was that she was returning the keys to Caro after borrowing her car. Then after more papers were signed, we see Amaya buying a used car. What happened to her old car repaired at Cesar's expense? Hor. had his own car.
Was she forced to sell the car as part of the settlement. Also does Max know what her new car looks like? He could have seen it outside of her place the other night he barged in, but how would he know it was hers?

If he only knew the town where Amaya was spending the weekend,
I suppose he could cruise around hotels, lodges, etc. until he saw her car outside.

2. Connie is insecure. Additionally, I think that the pampered princess may tire quickly of Sal's humble lodgings. She couldn't wait to get out of that place and head for the restaurant. It was like, "Okay, what do we do now?"

3. That whole thing about not seeing Max for 5 years is totally weird. I like Juliana's comment on that stating that it was simply a PRETEXT using her father as an excuse. I wonder if she ever had an inkling of her father's infidelity. It almost seems as if she stayed around solely to prevent him from starting up a new relationship. She was honoring the memory of her mother, and by hook or by crook, her father was not going to be given the slightest opportunity to venture forth into new pastures. After five years, she finally gave him permission.
That's a long time for someone of Manny's age to wait. Many widowers of that age who were happily married find another wife in a year or less. Time is of the essence. He, however, is so guilt ridden that he is trapped in his own deceit.

4. Earlier in the week, I was critical about wishy washy Mauro,
but he has fallen into my good graces again after yesterday's long conversation with Juliana.
This is my first time seeing this actor, and I am very impressed with him. He is not a matinee idol,but he is a fabulous actor.
I already pointed out who is father was and that he lived with Julio Aleman for years. His facial expressions are priceless and so very realistic for each occasion. The long conversation between him and Juliana was delightful. Those two have a perfect father/daughter relationship after all those years of separation.

5. Thanks for pointing out the nature of Manuel's position. I couldn't figure it out either, but he seemed to have individual sovereignty and be independently wealthy.

6. Lila, it had occurred to me as well that Sal might bite the dust, but I hope not. This sequence of parallels must come to an end and be resolved in a different manner.

7. The accusations of an alleged affair between A & M are lame.
Amaya had been in an accident and treated at a hospital. Even if they had been passionately in love at that time,restraint would have been needed. Amaya was still experiencing pain.

8. i recall that in STUD, the galan did not intend to marry the woman whom he thought to be carrying his child. He all but detested her.

9. Amaya has shown that she could stand up to Horacio and to Connie
and to Cip. She can brace herself for the worst -- except that she may soon be critically injured. Max will need to do a great deal of consoling and bonding with her -- and with Val.

10. It should be very easy for Max to bond with Val, and I hope that Horacio has completely cooked his goose with her. Now, she has a solid idea of just what a real scumbag her father is. This is good. His AWOL status should also prevent him from trying to get more custody. This too is very good.

Thank you so much, Lila, for all of this coverage for such an entertaining drama.

All the best...
 

Sara,

Are you recapping another show?
 

Floridia- I think "recapping" and "show" are really relative terms in terms of the "show" I am "reccapping."

Recapping means actually watching and reporting at least 95%-98% of what was on screen. What I do is play with my phone while the "show" is on and then I put up some bullets about the 4-5 salient events that took place for 2%-5% of the episode.

Sooo, then answer is yes. I am recapping La Gata.

How did I get into this mess you ask?

Well, earlier this year they moved Mentir Para Vivir to the 7/6 time slot. Everyone was sure that Quiero Amarte would be next. I kind of wanted to see it. So when DQTQTQ came up instead, I grabbed a slot thinking QA would be next. Then La Gata came next and Uni decided to put QA on in the afternoon.

I was robbed I tell ya. At least their are folks taking pity on the La Gata recappers and they are keeping us company.
 

Lila-I guess the writers wouldn't have Cons "pull a Lu", but there are a lot of parallels.

As Floridia noted though: "This sequence of parallels must come to an end and be resolved in a different manner."

I even wonder if Cons and Sal will still be with us until the end of this show.

Floridia-I know I've said it before, but I just love reading your comments.

Is it Monday yet?
 

Ugh. THERE are folks who take pity...
 

Hi, Floridia! Thank you and always so glad to have you join us on the patio. Re the questions, I'll weigh in and others can do so as well.

1. I wondered the same thing about Amaya's car. Maybe she traded it in towards the newer model she recently bought.

As to how Max could've known where she was, as noted above Max was told what town she was in. As Jorge and Caro arrived at Amaya's apartment to rescue Val Jorge finally leaned that Max didn't know about the divorce and it was a turning point: Caro finally decided to tell him the whole story including the name of the hotel where Amaya went and Jorge called him right away. I'm thinking Max got the call maybe just as he was arriving in Valle del Bravo.

2. Re Connie, I totally agree. I fear she could be wishy-washy about no more Max in my life and try to get her hooks back into him if she ends up pregnant. I think Sal could become (even more) dangerous (to Max) where Connie is concerned.

3. I like your take on Connie and yes, Juli's comments were very insightful. Sounds like Connie's insecurity again. So very normal. She didn't have the nerve to venture to Italy in pursuit of Max. I like your take on Connie, Manny and the guilt which lie behind his hiding his mistress and son! Princess will probably pitch a fit when she finds out she has to share daddy's affection. . .and money!

4. I agree, Amiga, I agree! Juliana is an excellent support for her father. We all know this was not always the case due to Lu's emotional abuse and Mauro's earlier emotional absence and the 20 year estrangement. They've healed those wounds and their relationship is marked by mutual love and respect. It's a very different relationship than that of Connie and Mannie. That's ok. We're all different!

5. Re Manuel's business. You're welcome. I was confused, too!

6. Sal is a little scary to me. It's subtle but he just is a whack job when it comes to Connie! You know how Juli said love is like a madness, bigger than reason? Well, that's not always a good thing and that's what I feel about Sal. We'll have to wait and see!

7. Yep.

8. It's sad but I've forgotten a lot of details of STuD!

9. Amaya ". . .may soon be critically injured." What do you mean Floridia? And yes we both want Max to do a whole lot of consoling and bonding with her and Val. Let them weather this storm together. What people think be damned!

10. Yeah, it looks like the Whor is about to try to use this affair lie to take Vale from Amaya, the only way he knows to hurt her. Just as Amaya warned Whor she was going to tell Vale the truth about why they split, now Whor is going to threaten the same thing. That's why we want the strong, loving support of Max to fortify Amaya's already strong character.

Thank you, Floridia, for always making our efforts feel worthwhile!

:D
 

Lila,

Re Amaya's injury, I'm talking about Lulu's attempt on her life soon to occur.

Chat later, and muchísimas gracias de nuevo.
 

My take on the car (and I wasn't paying close attention) was that insurance was reimbursing her after the explosion/destruction of the other car. But that's me imposing US procedure on a Mexican show! lol
 

Oh gosh, I hope Lu doesn't actually shoot her, even to wound!
 

Sara,

That sounds right about the car.
I had forgotten that the other one
was destroyed. Talk about paying attention.

Doesn't Lulu intend to shoot Maya to kill her?
 

Yes, Florida, she means to shoot to kill. We know she's not going to kill her, I don't even want her wounded. I don't know how it's going to play out. Scary!
 

I know this has been discussed, but do you all think Cesar is genuinely interested in Amaya? Is he a character that could be redeemed by the end of this thing? It really touches my heart that he has the hang up about not being a true member of the Montesinos family (I blame Lu.) How would he react to Amaya being critically wounded? What would happen if he found out his own mother was responsible?
 

Anita and Lila- Sorry for being SO late to the party. I just caught up on these two pivotal episodes. Wow! Thank you both.

Wedding called off. Amaya denounced as a home-wrecker/whore. Max denounced as a cheater and liar. Connie hooked up/shacked up/loved up with Sal. Manuel and Geno have a secret love child, who doesn't even know who his father is. Manuel determined to fire Amaya. Whor confronting Amaya about her "cheating" in her hotel room. Wow!

I was also struck by how well done the scenes with Val and Whor yelling at her were. Plus the scenes of Val scared and alone with the doggies-- spaz Taco, and calm Chocolate (who does look a lot like Tito from Mentir Para Vivir).

ITA that Sal's love seems to wander dangerously into the territory of crazy obsession. Connie is playing with fire running to his arms so quickly.

Manuel is a big old hypocrite! I can't believe Geno has been with him so long. He's been stringing her along for what looks like 2 decades. I believe their son is just back from boarding school (high school). Shame on Manuel, and shame on Geno for being such a doormat for so long. She and her son deserve better. Manuel seemed more annoyed than pleased that his son Jose was home. Jose, however, without even knowing what the real relationship is, good-naturedly teased his mom about Manuel liking her romantically (el quiere contigo). How will he react when he finds out the man who he thinks is just a friend and has a crush on his mom, is really his father? Manuel will have more than one angry child to deal with when the truth comes out.

Adriano Zendejas who plays Jose has been in many tns. He was the snotty son of David Zepeda's maid in Abismo; he was young David Zepeda in La Fuerza del Destino (http://i2.esmas.com/2011/04/13/202271/wallpaper-ivan.jpg); he was young Eduardo Yanez in Corazon Salvaje; and he was young Eugenio Siller in Mi Pecado; plus a ton of other tns that I didn't see and he's just 18. His sister is also a tn actress.
 

Thanks for the info on Tito and Adriano. I'm going to tell myself it's Tito.
 

I think Caro agreed to tell Max where Amaya was once she realized Whor had pried it out of Val.
 

Sara,

I think Cesar could be redeemed
since he saved Val's life. Until now he has been too obsessed with his own desire for power and his rightful place in the Montesino dynasty. He has had no time for women, but Amaya has touched his heart. Still, he adds fuel to the fire of his mother's hatred toward Amaya each time he reveals provocative information. In the end, he may bring his mother down but not before unleashing more havoc at the firm, etc. If Amaya is physically harmed by his mother,
he may begin his transformation.
On the other hand, his mother is crafting a clever strategy to blame Emma...and the TN is still young. Next!
 

Anita,

In between Telenovela comments,
here is part of an email I received this morning from a good friend who lives near me. This past summer she went to Germany and stayed in Bayreuth for 8 days where the operas are performed every other day.

" I attended the magnificent MET LIVE IN HD performance yesterday of "Die Meistersinger"...a 6-hour marathon but fully worth it. Two of the singers were especially memorable: Michael Volle as Hans Sachs and Johannes Martin Kränzle as Beckmesser. It is a comedy and these two were perfect in the lead roles!!!"

I imagine you too were enthralled with it.


And now back to business at hand -- life with the Montesinos. All the best.
 

Hi Vivi! You are welcome! Always glad to have you here on the patio whenever you can make it! This is just a bang-up show, man! Yes, there has been lots of action and you are right about Mannie! He was so scathing in his denunciation of Mauro and Max, just dripping with self-righteous indignation. I would love for Geno, Connie AND Jose to go off on him when THEIR truth is finally revealed.

I'm actually glad that he asked Connie to spy because she's going to find out the truth. She was prepared to quit Nescafe, and now she's going to seek to remain in Max's confidence to gain information, all she is going to get is the plain, unvarnished truth. Also seeing Amaya stand up for HER truth in the face of so much condemnation may have a profound affect on Geno and encourage her to also take a stand with Manny.

I'm making my way through comments. I'll see ya'll a little later this afternoon.
 

OT--Floridia--Yes, indeedie about The Meistersingers. All six hours were terrific. I've already goog-ledy-eyed Michael Volle. Check out how he got the prime HD spot in a NYTimes article.

Other OT -- I deleted a comment from a poster that had nothing to do with Quiero Amarte. Hope that was just a random posting.

I still haven't gone through all the QA comments for Friday's episode, yet. It generated some lively conversation. Boy Univision and Televisa know just how to get your heart rate up at the end and then leave you hanging there until Monday!

Will have more to say in a bit.
 

Hi, Anita!

Glad you had a great time at the Opera! Welcome back to our little drama!

Anon at 3:06 you are right! Caro finally told Max exactly where Amaya was when it became apparent keeping her location secret would do more harm than good to Amaya. Vale called for help revealing Whor had gotten hotel info from her and was on his way to find her. As they approached Vale's door the whole secret divorce thing came out and Jorge was like, OK, it's time Max learned the truth about what's going on. Thank goodness!
 

Anita,

Please remind me of the line-up for the upcoming week, December 15 through 19. Thanks!
 

Lila--First and foremost, what a wonderful, detailed recap that was. Loved every word--and some of your rhyming snarkisms: "lips not hips," Mauro's ire re-fires," Emma arrives and dives."

I also picked up on poor Amaya's table for one toast and Jorge and Caro's personal space closes. You are a good "visual" writer.

Now on to the important things--this is going to take a long time.

THE CAR - Cesar bumped into Amaya's car long ago and paid to have it repaired. That was Amaya's personal car. After Amaya got it back, it was the one she drove to see the new house. There is where the explosion took place.

The insurance agent told her it was totaled and she would be reimbursed. When she returned Caro's keys, it was because she was carless--no insurance check yet. When we see her signing the papers, she had the compensation check and she was going to buy "new" used car. That's the one she drove to Valle de Bravo.

SAL'S HIDEAWAY IN TUXTLA Sal took Consta to his hotel room (notice the bed is in full view of the door). At first she wanted to get her own room, but he talked her out of it. He said it didn't make sense, he already had rented an apartment, but hadn't moved in yet. He was supposed to have done it that very weekend (of Consta's wedding), but because of the WB, he hadn't yet. He wanted her to go with him to buy stuff for the new place, so she would feel it was her place, too (TOO FAST, SAL).

CONSTA'S JOB - She worked in Administration (not sure of her position there) at the university where Sal also taught. She had talked Max into dividing their time between the finca and Mexico City, so she could continue with her job. He had agreed. Since she had made arrangements for her honeymoon, she doesn't have to worry about having to report back right away.

THE CHIAPAS CONNECTION - She told Sal that she didn't want to be in Mexico City (he offered to return). He warned her that Max would be in Chiapas, but she said she could avoid him, since most of Max's time would be at the finca. She wanted to be wherever Sal was, which is in Tuxtla (which is a city in Chiapas).

THE FIVE YEAR GAP - Juliana is right about Consta's not putting Max first. Remember Nora also told Consta the same thing to her face, and Consta tried to deny it.

NESCAFE vs. MANUEL'S AD AGENCY - The Nescafe offices are not in the same building as Manuel's ad agency. We always see a factory shot when we go into Nescafe. Manuel's AA is in a regular downtown office building. Remember when Cesar arranged to have Max's idea for 3-in-1 shot down in the boardroom as a Nescafe product, Don Manuel stepped in and gave him the money for the start up. He even gave him space for offices in his suite. That's where Amaya and Max saw each other again for the first time.
 

Lila--Here is the schedule:

Week of Dec 15:
Mon Dec 15 Anita
Tue Dec 16 Anita
Wed Dec 17 Anita
Thu Dec 18 Lila
Fri Dec 19 Lila

 

Vivi--Thanks for stopping by. If you don't mind, I'm going to pluck words from your high-speed review of what went on for our next front page. You have a way to say so much in just a few words!

Sara--I think Cesar "thinks" he's only using Amaya in order to destroy Max, but he's not opposed to making it physical. We saw him with someone who looked like a call girl at the very beginning of the tn, so his problem with women is not physical. His problem with women is probably his mother. He's probably telling the truth about himself--that he has no interest in marriage.

He will also delight in competing with Max to get Amaya for himself--anything to best Max (the doggie was a "forward" backlash he wasn't expecting). I don't think there is a hair of genuine feeling for Amaya right now. As for Amaya, the only way she will look at Cesar now is if something terrible interferes with her and Max being able to be together any time soon.
 

Some smallish details--Did anyone notice when Luce walked in with the others after the WB, she took off her shoes because they hurt her feet, but then we see her resting on her bed with shoes on. I guess only WB shoes hurt.

I thought Hector and Ivan should have shown up dressed for a wedding and not for going into Comitan for supplies. We KNOW they are country folks, but even country folks, especially ones who are paid well to run a huge finca would have at least one suit or a jacket, shirt and tie.

Jorge had never been to Caro's apartment, had he? (Well, if he had, we didn't see it.) He was certainly familiar with where stuff was while she was making coffee. I liked the ease they have in each other's company. Neither are trying to impress the other one. In a way, I'm glad Vale interrupted. Their passion needs to build a little more. I hope Jorge stays in town longer to help Max, Mauro and Amaya.
 

About the custody issue--Didn't WhorAssio and Amaya just sign the agreement on visitation, etc? I know she signed it. I supposed these issues can be reopened if negative information comes to light regarding the behavior of one or the other. Does Amaya know who WhorAssio's squeeze is or just that he has one?


 

Awww, thank you for reading and appreciating my efforts!

Oh. My. God! I cannot believe that I, and some of my other friends, forgot that it was Amaya's car that exploded!! Sheesh! Thank goodness this is a community effort! Thank you, Anita!

Thanks again on where Sal and Connie were. I knew I was confused about that. Cool!

Thank you for all these other clarifications dear Anita. Re the Nescafe vs. Manuel's Ad Agency. Yes, I remember now! This is why I always ask for help in my recaps for details that have gotten fuzzy! I think I need to take notes on these vital points!

Re the schedule. Is it possible I could do Wednesday and Friday? I recap La Gata on Thursday. If not, I'll swing it, LG can probably do with a quick summary.

Thanks!

Lu's shoes. Didn't pick that up! Ha!

Yeah, I wondered at Hector and Ivan's attire as well. I don't think we'd forget who they are just because they're dressed up.

Jorge will certainly be a strong ally for Max, Mauro an Amaya.

And re custody, good point. I'm not sure how Amaya's behavior can now become an issue. Maybe it IS an issue that can be reopened.

I don't think Amaya knows who's Whor been messing around with though in the beginning of the show she read the damning text from Emma. The writers haven't made an issue out of her remembering or repeating that information that I can recall. The pretext for getting Amaya over to Emma's seems pretty flimsy. Would Amaya have agreed to go to Emma's house because she, Emma, is going to have contact with Vale because Emma's dating the Whore? That seems like a long shot, even longer now with Whor's hissy fit in the hotel room. It really is quite a wait and see!
 

Lila--We can switch so you take Wed & Fri. I wouldn't mind a breather in there, too.

It was Luce's brilliant strategy to get Amaya into Emma's apartment. Emma didn't seem so keen on it--after all, it was just Luce's goading her into finding out if Whoracio was deceiving her about why he was in Chiapas seeing Amaya.

It seems Emma doesn't care whether he lied or not, based on Friday's conversation in the park with the Whor. She wants their relationship to come out in the open now. Whoracio is still hedging.

Of course, I may mistake the writers' intentions and she could still ask Amaya to come for a visit (said the spider to the fly.)
 

Right, I know, it was Lu's feeding her the idea while they were still at the scene of the WB. Silly Emma thought it was a good idea and was willing to try it. I sure now with all that has happened this little ploy will fall through but Lu's so desperate to get rid of Amaya I think she'll quickly come up with another plan.

What I don't get is how this is supposed to work if Lu has stolen Emma's pistol?
 

Oh yes, and thanks. I'll do Wed and Fri!
 

I had a similar thought but I think Lu just wants to place Amaya in Emma's apartment and maybe hope for some yelling. Later Amaya ends up dead, police investigate, they start asking around and Lu drops some hints....

Am I making sense?
 

This Friday I watched and I have to say I like Caro because she is a good friend and took care of Valeria while WhorAssio went to disturb Amaya thus having left the little girl alone in his apartment.
 

You are but Lu's thinking doesn't. Oh well. It adds to the anticipation. . or dread! I really don't want Amaya to be hurt! Maybe all of Lu's plots will be foiled like the car explosion plan!
 

So right CorazonSalvaje(; Caro is a wonderful friend and a bigtime support to Amaya and Max!

Vale was killing me! She looked so scared! That little girl is a pro. Is this her first?
 

NOTICE EVERYONE--New Page is Going for Week 13 (Dec 15)

See you over there!