Caray, Caray!

Here we go folks. Hard to believe we've stuck together for 18 difficult weeks and just as we thought all the lovers would end up happily ever after, it all implodes.

Recap schedule for Week 19:
Cap 88 - Mon Jan 26 - No one
Cap 89 - Tue Jan 27 - Lila
Cap 90 - Wed Jan 28 - No one
Cap 91 - Thu Jan 29 - Anita
Cap 92 - Fri Jan 30 - Vivi

Kelly--Could we persuade you to come forward on Wednesday for a short recap? I would ask for today, but it's probably too late. We'll gather to discuss the baby bomb later today, I'm sure.
 

Thanks, Anita!

Ah....it makes for such a lovely afternoon having QA to look forward to! A whole lotta people had their world rocked Friday and it's not over yet. Some of the rocking has the potential to be good, though!

Baby Bomb for Max (and Amaya!)
More upchucking from Amaya?
Flavia's wreck
"New" love interest for Juli?
A "not yet" from Juli to Jorge?
A warehouse full of soggy coffee beans!

And that ain't all! Ought to be good!

 

Oops. That was me above, Lila!
 

Hey all. I've gotten way behind. I watched last Thursday's episode and read Kelly's recap for Friday.

I hope I can keep up better this week. This is a show that, as good as it is, I always seem to put off watching.
 

Hey, Sara! Understood! Life's a blur!
 

Sure, I can step in for Wednesday. Gives me an excuse to skip the gym :). (I'd probably skip it anyway, but now I can pretend I have a reason).

Kelly
 

Thank you Kelly. I find recapping a convenient excuse for all kinds of obligations. But I'm glad it's down to once a week now.

Now if we could only get Sara back in the game!
 

I wish Anita! I'm trying to get down to recapping once a week. I do have a week off in March, so maybe then.
 

Sara--I understand completely. Will keep you in mind for March--which week would you be available and do you have a day you prefer?
 

Let me double check and get back to you.

BTW Constanza is an idiot living in a dream world.
 

Anita, I would like to take on Wednesday please.
 

And I'll take on Monday since I'm watcging it right now.
 

CorazonSalvaje--Thank you from our collective corazones.

You are welcome to do a recap of today's episode (Monday 1/26).

Wednesday is yours STARTING next week. Kelly got dibs on it for this week.

Since Vivi is just a guest recapper for this week, we still have a slot open for a regular recapper on Fridays. I can volunteer to switch to Fridays if you would like to do Thursdays.

Or maybe Kelly would switch to Thursdays, if there is a reason for you to need Wednesdays only.

Let's wait and let them weigh in with possible switcheroos.

So happy to have you back, CS!
 

That's just great....Now Amaya is in danger because of some bitter people!
 

Quiero Amarte on Monday, January 26, 2015

Connie lays in bed with het BFF worried about Max and being a single mother. Sal on the other hand thinks he has lost Connie forever. 

In the cantina, Cip lets Uli know the dirty deed is done (and another is to since Cipriano has to pee real bad.)

Ivan talks with his dad and his mom comes in.

Uli is pokering when everyone folds but Cip who was FOURRR Damas and then Uli bursts his bubble; Uli won and walks away triumphantly.

Connie and her BFF depart from Sal with hugs and wistful gazes.

Flavia bitches at his parents but kindly thanks Ivan for having saved her last night. 

Connie thanks Sal for everything and make her way out suitcase and all.
 

Flavia is on the phone with Mauro and says she is OK; Lucre and Cesar yuck up the sweetness of the conversation while Mauro says that she can ask them for anything she needs.

Eloisa and Juli talk about the elephant in the room that is her possible relationship with WhoreAssio and she assures her there isn't one and will assure him as well. Meanwhile, Jorge does the cliche, "Smash Everything in the Room Over Love," while saying WhoreAssio doesn't deserve Juliana.

Caro says she cried a 1000x last night so Amaya is makes her feel better; go take a bath so we can go shopping and I'm not leaving your side. If Jorge doesn't love you, he doesn't deserve ANY of your tears. You're gorgeous Caro, remember that always. 

Connie has met up with Max to let him know without further adieu(s) that she is expecting a kid and it's his!

Max is skeptical that it's his but Connie stands her ground that it is.

Lucre and Cesar talk their nefarious plots over their meal as usual and she says she isn't mad whatsoever.

Connie says that she never loved Sal as much as she loved Max and he intelligently asks for proof (he's not just taking her word for it.)

Amaya and Caro talk while driving about Max and Connie still being into him. A car plays bumper cars and while they're not stunned, I am at how it just drove away even when they asked it to stop.

More of Connie humping Max's leg.

Cesar is on speakerphone with Mr. Fonseca while Lucre is in the room. They talk about something coming off as gossip.

Before the commercial break, one more scene of Connie humping Max's leg saying ahe knows Max is with Amaya but he loved Connie at one point.
 

Cesar and Lucre spew their subtle venom all over the foyer and she states that she is never wrong.

Flavia is bitching herself out when Ivan and Mariana comes in; she requests he take her down bridal-style and he does which steams Mariana's clams (I won't lie, I'd bust Flavia's pretty red-lipsticked mouth and ugly long chin if Ivan were mine and she were playing that Carry Me BS.)

Amaya and Caro are at a body-shop asking for a rental and some talk later, it looks like Cesar's fradulence is being revealed slowly in a roundabout way (there was a rental FOR AMAYA and PAID BY CESAR in advance. Cosmic Coincidence right?)

Cesar and a guy (correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure he was hired to hit Amaya's car) meet up with something I didn't catch.

Caro is trying to get this straight; Cesar paid for the rental car for Amaya but how did he know her car would be hit? 

Max says he is going to be there for his kid no matter what (because that's what a man does.) It ends on Connie's face. (End-of-Capitulo)

Avance- Connie comes to see Amaya and most likely drop the ball that she is expecting Max's offspring. 
 

Thank you, CorazonSalvaje(;! Welcome back, indeed!

Well. I'm glad, and not surprised, Max told Connie just like it was: no falling for baby momma blackmail for him! I missed the previews. So Connie is going to see Amaya to try to plant the seeds of doubt and separation in Amaya's mind. Max told her upfront he was going to see Connie. I have no doubt he will talk to Amaya immediately about the baby to be!

PLEASE don't let Amaya and Max act out the whole trusting others before trusting one's mate thing. I get enough of THAT in La Gata!

Corazon on the guy who was talking to Cesar, that is his flunky, Negro who has picked up some VERY potent poison for Cesar. I believe it might be the same poison Lu used on Omar. Anita, please feel free to chime in! Anyway, Cesar was thinking to himself the other day how much easier things would be if Max was out of the way. He has been quietly admiring his mother's ability to eliminate his real bio dad (Omar) in a cool, calm and calculated way. He want's to eliminate Max the same way" emotion aside, just his objective in view: King of the Montesino Coffee Empire!

More later. Thanks again, Corazon!
 

Corazon--I'm not surprised you are confused. There were TWO separate accidents. Fortunately Lila went back and dissected the first accident for us.

First Accident: In that one, Cesar had pre-planned all the details. He'd arranged to damage Amaya's car, offer to take her to his very own body shop. They would give her a good price, but he gallantly offered to pay for it since he cause the accident. And best of all, they would give her a loaner. This is the first instance of her being indebted to him.

When she was involved in the hit and run today, the guy that hit her just drove off. She remembered the body shop where Cesar had taken her and figured they would give her a loaner car while hers was being repaired. The guy who was there was a different mechanic, not the "jefe" that Cesar had collaborated with. The new guy stated they NEVER give out loaners--their policy. So right away, Caro smells a rotten rat right away and Amaya sniffs it a little, unbelieving.

More later.

 

P.S. The older lady with the ribbons in her braids is not Ivan's mother, she's a valued housekeeper, not married to Hector, either. Hector's wife/Ivan's mother took off when he was very young and left Hector to raise Ivan by himself.
 

What was it Luce was saying about Mauro giving her some shares?

I have a devil of a time understanding Luce and Cesar.

I do like this show but sometimes the music is overpowering and I miss dialogue.
 

Thanks Corazon!

Sara- Last week Mauro gave Lucrazy shares in the company as a thanks to her new/accepting/nice attitude towards Amaya and the truth he recently revealed to her about Florencia. As we all know, Mauro is a soft touch.

Cesar certainly did not like hearing that Lucrazy has shares, as he wants as many as he can get for himself without sharing with anyone else. Unfortunately, I'm sure the two of them will probably ally at some point with their shares to cause havoc. Cesar now has the same number of shares as his siblings, plus the shares he bought/blackmailed from Manuel. I'm sure he will work to get his hot little hands on more as he tries to take over the "empire."
 

Corazon- Aaron/Negro was not driving the car during Amaya's first accident- it was Cesar himself. But Negro is Cesar's number 1 henchman and does everything for him- securing poisons (I believe they said this poison is ricin), embezzling, setting others up for embezzlement, spying, etc.
 

Thanks for the clarification, Vivi.

And did Geno and Manuel decide to attend the anniversary bash with their son "as a family" while said son was planning a heist of said party? Or did I misunderstand?
 

And I thought all the leg humping was hilarious!
 

Sara- You understood correctly. What fine kids Manuel makes, no?
 

Corazon- ITA about Flavia. I thought Mariana showed remarkable restraint when Flavia ordered Mariana's FIANCE to carry her in his arms to the car and take her to the doctor; refused to let Mariana accompany them; and then ordered Mariana to get her purse. I would have kicked her in the other ankle!
 

It was an awesome reveal for Amaya to find out that Cesar must have planned his accident with her, and then plotted to gain her trust with the repair shop and loaner car. If she didn't believe what everyone was saying to her about Cesar before, she surely believes it now.

And Juli has realized that she needs to make things clear to Whor that they can't be more than friends. Jorge is getting jealous over nothing. I don't think his tantrum was as bad as described. Just a phone toss onto a soft bed. No permanent damage done to anything (yet). :)
 

It was kinda funny when Connie was whining to Nora about how she still loves Max, Nora was looking like, "some of us can't get one man, and here you are messing over two!" That was an especially warm embrace Nora gave Sal. Did I hear someone say earlier that Nora's got a hankerin' for Sal?

And so much for my hoping that Flavia wouldn't be acting a bitch to Mariana. Ivan sooo does not have to carry her around! I'm with YOU Mariana!
 

Yes! Vivi! We were just talking about the crash and rescue operation Cesar pulled on her and that the mechanic knew all about it and BINGO! Amaya and Caro find out the truth! I LOVE how they don't make us wait til the last week to have these dirty tricks unmasked!


 

Oh, the thing Hector told Cesar about, that caused him and Lucrazy to bitch about the gossip, was Flavia's drunken crash into a tree the night before and likely breakup with Ulises. When Flavia called Mauro earlier, she only said she was moving out of Uli's and into Paraiso. Mauro figured she was having problems with Uli, but really only cared about her being in the family hacienda. He didn't pry for more info, and Flavia did not provide any additional info about what happened the night before.

Cesar has ordered Hector to tell him EVERYTHING that happens at the hacienda, and so he got on his case for not telling him the night before as soon it happened (something Ivan and Mariana urged him not to do). This has nothing to do with his concern for his sister. He simply likes to have the advantage over people to hold info/gossip over their heads.
 

Vivi, besides Amaya's parents & Dolores getting killed off, who else has been killed off in this TN's Body Count hit list?
 

Steve- You'll have to get confirmation from someone who has been watching this from the beginning, but I believe there are two other people that Lucrazy has killed- Omar (Cesar's bio father) and Emma (who she set up for Amaya's attempted murder).
 

That's right, Vivi:

Florencia
David
Omar
Emma
Delores

I have another suspsion, but nothing to substantiate it, so mum's the word!
 

Since Dolores' death, this novela has taken off without any signs of slowing down.

Little by little Amaya is discovering everything and the best part: she has not said one word or showed her hand.

Clearly at an advantage (thank god) I'm excited to see where they will take her revenge plot.

Constanza's baby can throw a wrench in the whole equation but I'm holding my breath to see what Amaya's reaction is since Max already told Constanza to take a hike (Yes!)
 

There is also the possibility that Lucrezia knocked off Juliana's mother and grandparents. No hint of this yet, but given Lu's casual ease in planning murders, I wouldn't be surprised.

I was kinda impressed that hungover and probably still drunk Flavia could still manage the energy to flirt with Ivan and harass Mariana. But I'm more impressed with Ivan's ability to tolerate her what must be toxic morning breath. I know it's impractical to show people brushing their teeth when they wake up, but at least give them gum. Blech.

Nora is an outstanding best friend. Too bad we can't get her and Caro together. They both deserve someone nice. Someone better than Sal. Save him for Flavia and they can both mature together.

I wouldn't mind taking on Fridays permanently. I'll still do Wed. this week until we get an updated list. THINGS ARE HAPPENING!

Kelly
 

Goodness--there's not much left to discuss from yesterday's episode, but here are a couple of my additions.

After Jorge's phone throwing scene (which he doesn't do nearly as well as Sergio Sendel), he realizes he can't ever tell Juliana he's in love with her and them immediately decides to fight for her to get her away from Whoracio.

Over Juliana's protests to Elo that she's still missing Franco and her life is so full, it will be *years* (her words) before she is ready to love again. Elo tells her she hopes love comes soon.

Roses must be really cheap in Mexico. After that flower arrangement came, Elo finally makes Juli see that Whoracio is becoming interested in her as mujer and not just gratitude. It's better to set him straight right now than to let it go on. She agrees to tell him.

About Max and Amaya in bed. WHEN will galans ever learn they can't say "nada ni nadie" will ever separate us. Maybe it will happen, but lordy, don't signal the viewers episodes in advance it happens. We like surprises, even if they are unhappy ones.

Consta does pull the poor me card on Max. She tells him she doesn't want to be a single mother. Max wants to know what she wants of him. She implores that she still loves him and this baby must be a signal for them to get back together to form a family. He's looking incredulous. He says NO to that idea. She claims it would be good for the baby and he could love her again the way he did before. (Consta you sound desperate--pardon me, you ARE desperate...to get back with Max.) I was so relieved when Max said impossible, he's in love with Amaya, he's with her now, they're planning to get married soon. He'll be a father to the baby, but not as her partner. The scene closes on Consta's consternation!

Yes, Vivi, it is ricin Cesar ordered and got from Aaron. I'll add it to my list of poisons being used willy-nilly in this tn.

I also enjoyed Luce & Cesar's table talk over how it was better to draw the flies with honey than with vinegar (my words). I could see immediately Cesar was no happy to hear she'd been given her own shares. No doubt he'll use it to his advantage.

Kelly--We've noted this before. Unless Lucrazy was everywhere, it's unlikely she killed Elena and Elena's parents. Juliana was an infant and it wasn't until she was 4 years old that Florencia came along. Luce was stuck on Omar at the time and Mauro wasn't seriously in the picture until Omar told her to take a hike when he found out she was pregnant with his baby. He told her to go pick on some rich guy, like Mauro. And that she did. I think the Carmonas were long gone at that point.

But there have been weirder things happen in tns that we don't know about until much later. If she did kill them, she had no certainty at the time Mauro would marry her. That's just my take.


 

Forgot to add a thank you, Kelly and CorazonSalvaje (can we shorten your screen name, please?) for agreeing to regular recapping.

We now have 4 out of 5 nights covered.

Will post it again on Monday, but starting NEXT week (Week 20) it will be:

Mon - No permanent recapper/space for any Guest Recapper
Tue - Lila
Wed - CorazonSalvaje
Thu - Anita
Fri - Kelly

For the rest of this week, it is:
Tue 1/27 - Lila
Wed 1/28 - Kelly
Thu 1/29 - Anita
Fri 1/30 - Vivi
 

Lila--Yes, Nora has had a soft spot in her heart for Sal and had known how he became enamored of Consta during the 5 years she and Max were separated. But she was willing to be his Best Lady Bud in order to have him confide in her and she give him good advice. She didn't want to come between the two of them if it would have worked out, but now she has a chance with him. If it were I, I'd think twice about his aggressive, possessive-obsessiveness before making a commitment to him. (Unless she thinks true love can change him--and when has that ever happened? Hmmm.)
 

Kelly--Ooops. You may be right after all. Juliana was about 4 when they were burying her mother and grandparents. I remember the scene now, in the rain. I thought Juli's mother died first of an illness and the grandparents were in some sort of accident. Again, Hmmmm.
 

Hey, folks, we forgot one more thing that Amaya is supposedly grateful to Cesar for. Remember he made it sound as though he was the one who made the suggestion she come to work at Nescafe for Mauro and Mauro agreed? LIAR, LIAR, it was Mauro's idea from the git-go.
 

Hey QA Peeps! Working on the recap! Be up soon!
 

Hello, Dear QA Peeps! Let’s gather around the fire and share our observations on this most enjoyable voyeurism into the lives of the Montesinos and Serranos, et. Al.! It was quite a busy day in the D.F. and El Paraiso!

Quick review of Negro delivering the ricin (recina) to Cesar who scolds him that he doesn’t need to question orders. Cesar also reminds Negro to make the business proposition to Whor, the acceptance of which will confirm for Cesar whether Whor diverted Amaya’s money to a Swiss bank account.

We see a bit of the review of Amaya and Caro talking to the mechanic at the shop which repaired her car the last time. Amaya and the mechanic both agree they won’t reveal this discussion to Cesar or the shop boss. The new bit is our two smart ladies coming to the conclusion that Cesar is NOT to be trusted. Amaya even quotes Max who told her Cesar NEVER does anything without recompense or something being in it for him. What they can’t figure out what Cesar wants out of Amaya.

While this discussion is going on, Max has met Connie and we continue with her breaking the news to him that she is going to have his baby. Max is very clear, he will give the baby his name and all the benefits that implies, love the baby and help her in any way. He will be the baby’s father but NOT her husband. Connie whines that she does not want to be a single mother, a theme we will hear over and over. Max says he is sorry, but he will not marry her. After Connie has left, Max thinks to himself that this is the last thing he expected and he wonders how Amaya is going to take it!

Cipriano is going around trying to borrow money after Uli beat his drawers off of him in poker the previous night. Baldo turns him down and he eventually goes begging for an advance to Uli, who floats him a few bills. Cip promptly loses most if not all of this in another poker game.

Mariana is fit to be tied over Flavia insisting that Ivan both carry her and go alone with her to attend her injured foot. Hortensia and Chelo commiserate with her, yah, they have to obey the Patrons. Chelo advises Mari not to get so upset over it: no te llenes el buche de piedritas!. Literally, I think, “don’t fill your belly with stones”; maybe the translation is “don’t get your panties all in a twist!”

In an unrelated scene the Directora of Mariana’s school calls her to tell her she has good news that she wants to tell Mariana in person. They will get together tomorrow or the day after.

In town after the clinic appointment, Ivan and Flavia (on crutches) run into Sal. To Flavia’s somewhat flippantly-toned question, “how’s it going with Connie?” Sal spills it. She left me because she’s expecting your brother’s baby!

Max goes over to Juliana’s where she, Mauro, Jorge and Elo are discussing the Flavia situation. Mauro wants to give Flavia time to fully tell them what happened. Max enters with a hang-dog face and demeanor. They ask what’s up and he drops the baby bomb – BB. Mauro interjects that “the story” is repeating itself but Max makes it clear he’s not going to repeat history: he told Connie he will take care of and love the baby, but he’s NOT going to marry her.

 

1-17-15 Pt. 2

After leaving the restaurant, Connie meets with Nora at an outdoor café. Connie tells Nora that Max doesn’t want to marry her. As painful as it is he loves Amaya more than he loved her, even to putting her ahead of his own child. Connie quickly corrects Nora’s misperception that Max refused to take care of the baby, quite the contrary: he agreed to take full charge economically and emotionally. Connie repeats tearfully that she does not want to be a single mother. There follows an intense back and forth between the two friends: Connie thinks she can appeal to Amaya to leave Max so she and Max can be a family with their baby. Connie thinks what she and Max had can be revived! Nora gently but firmly tries to convince her that she cannot make Max love her through pressure and blackmail! This is the 21st century and single parenting is common. Max has promised to be by her side to raise their baby, it just won’t be the kind of traditional relationship she wanted. Nora pleads with Connie to accept this reality as well as her responsibility in the situation. Connie wants to blame a simple birth control failure. Nora says no, it was bad decisions that got Connie in this situation.

Max is getting a parallel discussion with Mauro, Jorge, Juli and Elo. The bottom line is it is unfair to all concerned, including the baby, to marry the baby’s mother out of obligation and not love. Everyone supports Max’s decision. This support includes full recognition of the baby as the next generation of Montesinos and his or her portion of shares set aside for grandchildren. Juliana asks if Amaya knows. Max answers no, that he tried unsuccessfully to get her by phone.

Caro and Amaya are at another outdoor café. Amaya continues to comfort Caro, still reeling from Jorge’s breaking up with her. Max finally reaches her by phone to tell her he has something important to tell her, but in person. She agrees to call him when she arrives home.

Mauro walks the short way across to the MM. He reports that Juliana is not feeling well (which news I’m sure did Lu’s heart good) but more importantly he just found out that Max is going to have a child with Connie! Cesar walks up just in time to hear this. Their reaction: Lu is sure that this is a plan by Connie to get her paws on Montesino money and power and the baby probably isn’t Max’s at all. Mauro’s response. Perish the thought! Connie would never! Cesar thinks this means Max and Amaya will break up so Max can marry Connie. Mauro informs him of Max’s decision and Mauro’s insistence on bestowing the Montesino name AND shares on the little tyke! Cesar, of course, protests to which Mauro barks: Quein lleva mi sangre, Cesar, tiene derecho a todo! Whoever has my blood, has a right to everything!

Cesar and Lu exchange malignant, and pregnant, glances.

Finally the forensics expert has arrived to talk to Amaya. The remains are those of her mother. There are NO traces or any evidence to suggest that she was murdered. Amaya is crushed: this was her only hope of proving that Lucrecia murdered her mother! Resigned, Amaya tells the Forensic guy she will send the address of the Church to where the ashes will be sent. Florencia’s ashes will be interred in the family crypt. Now, it’s turn for Amaya to weep and be comforted by Caro. Pobrecita.

 

1-17-15 Pt. 3

The devilish duo makes their decisions: Lu prefers Amaya be with Max rather than with Cesar. She must convince Amaya NOT to leave Max over the baby or for any other reason. Lu decides she must form an alliance with Amaya to keep Cesar away from Amaya and to protect herself from Cesar!

Cesar decides he must hide is ricin (poison) in his apartment. He puts the package in a black gym bag. He thinks to himself that Amaya will surely break up with Max and HE will be her only option. He regards himself in a full length mirror: “Things are going very well for me. Now I just have to figure out how to get next to Amaya.”

In a satisfying interlude, Juli calls Whor and makes it very clear to him that she is not interested in being anything more than a friend to him. Whor gets pissed and sharply tells Vale to pack her crap, she’s going to her mom’s! Vale correctly gathers it’s got something to do with the conversation her dad just had with Juliana. Kinda funny how Whor thinks to himself with a look of disgust, “No es tu, soy yo.” It’s not you, it’s me!

Still waiting for Amaya’s call, Max and Jorge sit outside MM discussing the BB. Max is worried about Amaya’s reaction: Will she accept his position, will she accept him with a child? Jorge assures him Amaya will. He’s in this situation because Connie stood him up at the altar. This baby was conceived before he and Amaya began their relationship. Max hopes Amaya will understand and help him raise the baby. Jorge thinks she will!

In a crucial interchange between Amaya and Caro, Amaya laments that she has no proof to unmask Lucrecia before marrying Max. Caro thinks it’s not entirely hopeless: perhaps Lu will make a mistake and thus expose herself. Amaya feels she has a terrible dilemma. If she wants justice, she feels she has to give up Max. Amaya loves him but she can’t marry him deceptively nor does she want him to think she used him to trap his mother! Caro thinks she doesn’t have to give up Max, but tell him: he loves her so much he will understand. Amaya thinks if she does that, she will be deceiving herself into thinking that Max will help her send his own mother to prison, something she knows Max is incapable of. He would instead try to convince her NOT to do it because it is his mother. Caro says that Cesar, on the other hand, would cooperate fully. (I don’t like that Caro brought this up). Max is too noble, just and generous. Amaya sighs: Everything she loves about Max stops her from seeking vengeance for the murder of her parents.

Caro asks: Are you going to bet on Love, or Justice?

Max and Jorge have moved on to discussing how neither wants Whor anywhere near Juliana. Hey! Max has an idea! He wants Jorge to spend more time with Juliana to keep her away from that jerk. Not only that, Max grins, but in a perfect world he and Juliana would really come to understand each other and become a couple then, not only would Jorge be his friend, but his cuñado – brother in law (aka brother in love) as well!

This day’s not over yet:

 

1-27-15 Pt. 4

Ivan and Flavia arrive back at El P. Uli shows up and demands that Flavia pay for the damage to his SUV. Ivan doesn’t like the way Uli is talking to Flavia, she has to dismiss him so she can talk to Uli alone. She says she’s not paying one centavo. What Uli really wanted to do was undo his having been dumped by dumping on her: he is so glad she’s not living with him anymore so he won’t have to be exposed to her bitching and drunkenness. She never wants to see him again? Good, he has no interest in her whatsoever. He throws a mocking smirk over his shoulder and walks off. Flavia dissolves in tears, Ivan comforts her with an embrace just in time for Mariana to walk up. So, how was the clinic appointment, she asks?

Hector discovers the flooded warehouse!

Mariana lets Ivan know she is not pleased with the little scene she happened upon: You did NOT have to hug her! It’s not your role to comfort her. Ivan tries to chide her for being insecure. Mariana insists she’s NOT insecure, she’s a realist: She knows that Flavia has always liked him and is always flirting with him. . .

. . .Hector interrupts with news of the flooded warehouse. He and Ivan take off!

Flavia is all nestled in her bed with visions of the snotty Uli and gallant Ivan dancing in her head: What a difference there is between the jerk Uli and the way cool (Buena onda) Ivan! She thinks to herself: Nothing would hurt Uli more than to see me with him! Whoo boy! This chick didn’t get the memo!

Ivan and Hector arrive to the disaster in the warehouse! The spigot was apparently blown off by water pressure! All hands on deck! They have to see if any of the coffee can be salvaged!

Meanwhile Efrain reports to Uli that El Deseo’s warehouses are at 80 per cent capacity, Cip’s warehouses are at 60. Uli wants more coffee bought. I won’t be offended if any one wants to fill in details here. I don’t do so good with the coffee stuff!

Mari, Hortensia and Chelo arrive to add their hands to the collective wringing. Hector wants to tell Cesar right away. Ivan thinks he, Ivan, is at fault for not being more vigilant and watching over the warehouses. Hector fears they will be sacked from El P!

Amaya is back home after a very trying day but she’s not done either. Lost in the grief and worry over her dilemma, another facet is about to be added. Amaya thinks to herself that she’s got to accept that her mother is now and angel, an angel in heaven who will help her make the right decision. The doorbell rings. It’s Connie. They offer each other chilly greetings. Amaya know Connie met with Max to tell him something. Connie truly misunderstands and thinks Amaya knows and then SHE drops the BB on Amaya. We get a quick cut away to Max, still waiting for Amaya’s call, walking in the garden and wondering about Amaya’s reaction. It is open-mouthed impactada! Amaya wants to know why she’s there, to try to get her to leave Max so she can have him.

No. I came to ask you and Max to take care of the baby. I don’t want to be a single mother. After I have the baby, I will give it to you two to raise. I only need you to swear that you will take care of it and love it as if it were your own.

Freeze on Amaya’s shocked face!

 

Okay, gang! There it is! Sorry it's so late. Gonna go grab a bite to eat and be back. Can't wait to hear y'all's reaction!

I am VERY afraid now not only for Max, but for Connie and her unborn baby. Cesar and Lu were NOT happy to hear the BB and yes, I think they are THAT vicious.

More later!
 

Oh. By the way, Jorge busted out in a big smile at Max's suggestion that he get closer to Juliana!
 

Thanks, Lila. This was a fantastic retelling of yesterday's events.

I think the writers were making it clear that it's not the baby news that may cause our lovers to separate, but instead Amaya's quest to throw Max's mama in jail for killing all her parental units. Max just baited a huge anvil declaring that nothing and no one will separate them, as Anita pointed out.

ITA that Cesar and Lu would sink as low as killing the baby (or Connie) in order to protect their company shares and interests. How interesting that Lu wants to now use Amaya as a tool to keep Connie and her babay away from Max, and to keep Amaya away from her precious Cesar.
 

Oh, and Jorge's smile when Max told him he'd want him as a BIL, was priceless. On obstacle/worry down, but the biggest one to go-- getting Juli to open herself up to love again.

I felt bad for Flavia after Uli dissed her this episode- he's really good at finding the right insult and tone to make people feel like carp (it's a gift). But then when she started thinking about using Ivan to make Uli jealous, I had some choice words for her myself. She had not one thought how using Ivan in this way would affect him, his fiance Mariana, or their relationship. Selfish much?
 

Crap not carp. Forgot how tablet doesn't think crap is a word.
 

Thanks for the wonderful recap, Lila! I still haven't had a chance to watch the episode. Your details keep me in the loop.

I am surprised at Connie, but I like this turn of events as it does not follow the usual trope. Another point for this show.
 

Thank you Vivi! You are absolutely right about what the writers are telegraphing to us, that's why I called attention to that conversation between Caro and Amaya at the cafe! IN the choice between love and justice, Amaya will choose justice for all the reasons she cited in that fateful conversation with Caro.

I don't know about you, Vivi and others but I was frankly surprised at Connie's proposal to Amaya, at her honesty that about how Max would care for the baby but not marry her because he didn't love her but loved Amaya and wanted to marry HER. This fits in with the writers making it clear that the separating factor is killer momma, not baby momma!

Yeah Vivi, Flavia knows how to extinguish pity for her, doesn't she!

I hope you can come back to the fireside today, Amiga! Thank you!
 

You are welcome, Sara! Thanks for stopping by. If I ever had to watch La Gata in my life, if that is something that was fated to happen, then watching QA at the same time is the recompense. What wonderful balance it provides and it has saved my love for telenovelas!
 

I think Amaya was holding out hope that her memories of her mother's murder were just nightmares- a figment of her imagination. But now having confirmation that she really did see Lucrazy kill her mother in cold blood and dump her body has added fuel to her desire for justice and vengeance. Frankly, I think her relationship with Max will now come third in her list of priorities-- the first being Val, and the second taking down Lu.
 

I am almost disappointed to hear that those are the remains of Florencia. I know the detective was tracking down someone in Guatemala. I guess it was too much to hope she was still alive.
 

Vivi, this is going to be a hard sell: ain't that much love in the world to want to be with man whose mother killed the woman who had to raise me because that same woman also killed my parents? Uh unhn! Sell it QA! Let's see what you got!
 

Just finished your wonderful recap, Lila and starting to read the comments, so this may have already been mentioned.

Perhaps Luce's desire to ally herself with Amaya is not necessarily permanent. She can still off her whenever she chooses, but she has a better chance by being "nice."

The other possibility is that Connie, Baby Max and Manuel still pose a threat to her plans to dominate the empresa.

The last, and most probable is that Amaya owns the Zona Estrella and Lucrecia wants it to stay in the family--at least until she and Cesar can get their hands on it.

More later.
 

Thank you, Anita! All your points are well-taken and I think spot on

Sara, I WAS disappointed that the remains are Flo's! Why would they do the whole Guatamala thing! This show has been so good, we'd forgive them some amnesia, even amnesia that suddenly resolved once she saw Mauro again! We have to accept it. I think they let Flo be dead so we would really see how strong is the love vs. justice dilemma that Amaya is in!

Oh, well!

Lila
 

Great comments, all. I'm not entirely convinced Connie really wants to hand over her baby to Amaya (although Max would be in the household). She doesn't know Valeria, who is a great kid, so is she just basing child-rearing practices on her love for Max and his love for her?

I don't know about you folks, but I hate it when the edge-of-your-seat avance scenes are delayed until the very last scene of the following day. I kept waiting for Connie to show up on Amaya's doorstep and was somewhat distracted by all the important information being divulged leading up to it.

Yep, Mariana is right. Ivan is going to be putty in Flavia's hands. His protestations of innocence and love for Mari will be for naught as she reels him in.

I wish Flavia would go after Sal, like she tried before.

Lila, there wasn't much else to the soggy coffee story, yet, or to Uli's complaint to Effer that Cip needed to buy more coffee. He still won't tell Effer why he needs so much coffee--and neither do we (although we suspect that he'll offer El P. his "extra" coffee at a very inflated price). Uli is out to be the biggest and most important coffee grower/producer in the region, so he has to bring El P. to its knees, by hook or by crook--and he's a crook.
 

Slight modification on Consta--her comment that she does not want to be a single mother--is not only true, but also just being a mother, Period.

Remember the conversation she was having with Nora before all this started and she and Max were still "happily" planning the wedding? Nora knew Max wanted children, but Consta didn't, at least not at this point in her career. Consta admitted to not having talked to Max about it yet.
 

Oh yes, Anita! Right! Connie doesn't want to be a mother and you know what? That's ok? I was surprised by her offer but now with the love vs. justice thing, will Amaya try to push Max to Connie for the good of the baby? For the love of her parents and her vow to get justice will she indeed renounce Max?

Anita. I have never liked previews. They give away too much IMHO. I DVR the show and watch later and my machine never gets the previews, which is fine with me!
 

*I meant, That's OK!
 

Lila--I can just see today's scenario, based on what you just said--Amaya pushes Max away and doesn't tell him why (she can't); she tells him Consta's baby needs his/her father; Max marries Consta and Amaya mopes for the next 30 episodes about how much she loves Max and now she's lost him. (Sure hope I'm wrong!)

I'm more than ready to watch the Jorge-Juliana romance develop.
 

I think it was pretty clear that Amaya is about to choose justice over love, and of course she can't tell Max why. Not sure that she'll have time to mope if she's busy trying to take down Lucrazy, but Max certainly will. Plus, he'll be totally confused about why Amaya has turned her back on him. Yup, a moping, confused, frustrated galan is what we'll have, and it won't be pretty.
 

Vivi and Anita, I guess it is inevitable that there's a long-term separation of the main couple and I think we're right this is about to happen. I hope we're wrong. I don't want to see Max marry Connie for ANY reason!
 

Vivi- I though carp might be a regional phrase. I'm quite frankly a little disappointed that it's not.

They haven't really had time to roast the coffee yet, so would the water be that bad? Shouldn't the pod or whatever it's in protect it? Shouldn't I be looking this up on the internet? May have to put that on the lunchtime to do list.

Kelly
 

Kelly, LOL! I guess it could be a regionalism, among fishermen or something. What the carp! :)
 

Kelly--I did several mini-discourses on coffee production over the past weeks. The last one was just last week (Week 18, near the top).

If you are interested in further information, I got most of my information from either Wikipedia (Coffee Production) or the National Coffee Association website (tab the Knowledge Bank, tab All About Coffee).

Moisture does matter whether the cherries are whole or the "seeds" are already hulled.

Vivi--I sure like the idea of a whole lot of carp!
 

Just watched my recording of today's episode, which I think should be titled "Business is Business". Really looking forward to your recap, Kelly.

Manuel reacted much better to the baby news than I thought. More later after the recap.
 

I have not finished watching but I have to make a catty and shallow comment. Caro needs to dump the over the shoulder satchel-esque purse with the muppet fur at the bottom. It looks like something my students would use. She's a grown up in a professional environment.

OK. Had to get it off my chest.
 

Hello, All,

I've been a bit AWOL with comments
although I have been watching all episodes.

First of all, thanks to Corazon Salvaje for stepping up to the plate at such short notice and for agreeing to assist our beloved and beleaguered recappers.

I especially liked this phrase,

"Cesar and Lucre spew their subtle venom all over the foyer and she states that she is never wrong."

I enjoyed your summary; you hit all major points. Many thanks.


Lila,

Just read your summary; you did a bang-up job as usual. Continued thanks for filling in so beautifully all the many details of this intriguing TN.

I am very disappointed that Florencia's remains have supposedly been found and find this matter of fact scene to be a tremendous let down. What type of DNA identification did Amaya provide, and why was this not done before? Why was this site just found? I thought the area had been scoured from top to bottom years ago?

How much remains were found? Would it be possible for Florencia to be in the manhole for a short amount of time and left a bunch of her hair there before being rescued by an observer on the way to Guatemala -- who had a good heart but did not want to get involved with local police?
Or, the person could have been a predator and kept her a prisoner in Guatemala for years.

Even if Amaya does not have her mother's remains, she still has enough reason to want vengeance:
the death of her father, the death of her madrina, and the two attempts on her life (of which she is now aware after today's episode).

Anita is probably right how this will all go down. Max can be a hot head at times as we know.

Yesterday and today's episodes mark a turning point in the TN:

1) with info learned about Cesar and the planned accident

2) the possibility of a romance between Jorge and Juliana. I am okay with this although I like Caro too. J & J go back a long way and have the basis of a beautiful friendship which can serve as a launching pad for a rewarding, long lasting romance.
He already fits in with those that count in the family. One day, Juliana will experience an epiphany, but if Jorge is about to declare his love now, I still think that she will not be quite ready.

Anita, thanks for researching everything you wanted to know about coffee but were too much out of the loop to ask. I must confess, I don't get into the details of these things although it is educational. I like to stick to the romances.

Many thanks, and all the best to All........
 

Hey Floridia! Ananya only recently had the flashback of seeing Lu smash her mother over the head and throw her down the manhole. In addition to the info she got from Mauro about the exact location of accident, she knew where to send the forensic investigator to look for the manhole/well and the body. Remains (restos) definitely means remains, and the investigator send they would send Amaya ashes, so I'm pretty sure they found a full skeleton down there and compared it to Amaya's DNA. Not much doubt there.
 

Just realized I typed Ananya. Ha! That's the name of one of my best friends. :)
 

Thanks, Vivi,

Very disappointing. It was such a joy to see Don Mauro acting like a school boy and ready to make a beeline for Guatemala to meet his beloved.

I guess that means we'll have to settle for Eloisa, a substitute
wife all these years. The children will be happy about this relationship, but no doubt that Mauro was robbed of his dreams and
the passionate relationship he deserved.
 

Wed. ch. 90, part 1

Constanza wants to give up the baby to Max and Amaya! Raise your hand if you thought THIS would happen! This might be the first good decision Connie has made in a while. Or she’s just being selfish. Either way, the baby is probably better off. Amaya can’t understand how she can just give up her own child, regardless of the circumstances. Connie tells her it’s over with Sal, and she can’t give them what Max and Amaya can. But she can’t handle it. Max doesn’t know this plan yet, but Connie knows that he won’t ever love her. Not with Amaya in his life.

Max and Mauro talk business at the Montesino abode, details of which I miss, except that it’s nice he can have someone as trustworthy as Genoveva at the office. All if fine until Cesar comes in to tell them about the ruined coffee and Max’s ruined project if they can’t fix this. Mauro wants to set up a trip to go there, and Max tells him he doesn’t have to go. He and Cesar can take care of it. Then Cesar starts in about how he can take care of it alone like he does with EVERYTHING around here (said in that tone), and then the boys yell at each other about this until Mauro’s had enough. Basta! If anyone if in charge, he is!

Juliana is talking to Jorge and tells him that she told Horacio that she’s just not that into him. Jorge is glad! You know, for her. He starts to tell her what kind of guy Hor is, but Juli doesn’t need to hear it. It’s done. He wants to tell her something important, but then Max bursts in blabbing about the stupid coffee and how they have to leave right now. Darn it.

Amaya commiserates with Caro about the baby. Neither can believe all this. But at least, according to Caro, she’s not using the baby to get to Max.

Meanwhile, Connie and Nora are having their own talk about the same. I think Nora tells her that if she gives the baby to them, it’s theirs and she won’t ever be the mother. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this seems like the kind of good advice Nora would give. I think she wants Connie to think about this some more. Connie just needs to talk to her father.

Amaya and Caro go over the love for Max vs. revenge scenario. Amaya would rather let him go than involve him in her plan to send his mother to jail. The baby would be the perfect excuse to leave him. Caro is opposed to this plan. Amaya will be making a decision soon.

Connie shows up at daddy’s to tell him something very important. First she tells him that it’s over with Sal. But that’s not it. She’s pregnant from Max. Cara de carp de Manuel. She tells him what max said about taking care of the baby without marrying her. Big hug from Manuel.

Amaya runs into someone walking some dogs and admires them. Dog guy asks about her doggie. How did he know she had a dog? He was there when the car exploded and saved Chocolate. (Where are the dogs anyway? Haven’t seen them in a while). Then he mentions a woman who was also there. She was there when the ambulance arrived, and followed the other guy (Cesar) who saved Vale. She asks what the woman looked like and Amaya knows it was Lucrazy. Now she’s even more ticked off.

We check in with Sal. But I don’t know if anything happened because the video cut out.

Back to Amaya and Caro. Vale is home! And, unfortunately, Whoracio. But he doesn’t stay, just long enough to see Max come over. Everyone is semi-polite. Max tells her about the emergency at the finca, and Caro tries not to look at Jorge. Max explains that the baby happened pre-her, and doesn’t want anyone or anything to separate them.

Then Connie tells Manuel about her “pawn off the baby” plan. “What the carp are you talking about??”, says Manuel. Sort of. He’s not on board. And mentions he and Genoveva helping her. Que?? is what Connie's face says. Who the carp is she? He explains that they started a relationship when she left with Salvador. (Ha!) She knows that Geno is Max’s secretary, and then she’s told that he wants to marry Geno.

 

Wed, cap.90, part 2

Jorge and Caro chat, calmly, about the ending of the relationship. Caro is sad, Jorge is sorry, etc. Max has moved on to the situation at El Paraiso, how he needs to fix this. And as far as the baby goes, he’s not going to pressure her to do anything. If she doesn’t want to care for it, he’ll take care of it. He just wants to be with her. Smooch! But Amaya voice-overs about Lucrecia, so she’s not really in the moment.

Cesar takes his leave of Mauro, and Cesar gets a chance to grip to his mother about Max, Amaya, and how Mex is going to have the first grandchild. Cesar isn’t having that since the first needs to be from him and Amaya. (and they both ignored Alan?)

Cipriano is at the bar and hears the gossip about the ruined coffee. He fakes sympathy.

Cesar has suddenly appeared (they beamed to Chiapas), and he yells at Hector about the coffee. Cesar yells more at him and Ivan, and Max tries to calm things down. Mariana is in the kitchen talking to her friend and worried about her job since she and Ivan work for Max. Her friend (whose name I can’t remember but should, because all these best friends are truly the best) tells her not to worry; her sister owns la Zona Estrella. She’ll be fine.

Flavia will never go back to Uli and Max demands to know what he did. Cipriano calls Uli to let him know the gossip. Cesar is talking about needing to buy coffee from Uli since they have no choice. It’s business. Max is opposed because Flavia thinks Uli’s a patan. They argue about this for a bit. Like Vivi said, business is business according to Cesar. He’ll wait and let Max find another solution, but he’d better figure it out. If he can’t find one, Flavia tells him to talk to Ulises. Jorge thinks Cesar has a point in order to save the business. Max is still going to try to figure something else out first.

Cip is back home, drinking again, and then he yells at himself in the way Dolores would have. He whines as he does and feels sorry for himself.

Manuel has filled in Geno about Connie’s situation. He wants to convince Connie to keep his grandchild, and this gives him yet another excuse to put off the marriage. Again. He just wants a little more time. (20 years isn’t enough?)

Connie and Nora talk, and all I caught was Connie’s snippy attitude about that SECRETARY that’s going to be her step-mom. Even Nora is annoyed by her attitude. Geno, meanwhile, is REALLY annoyed. She threatens him that if he doesn’t step up, she’s going to tell. (Tell Connie about the two of them or tell her son about his father?)

Cip has bought more coffee from other fincas. But he doesn’t have the money yet to pay them. He promises to pay them tomorrow, but they don’t trust him. They don’t want to give him the coffee. Business is business. But Cip begs them not to sell to El Paraiso. They demand 10% more to hold the coffee for him. He agrees and will pay them tomorrow. If he doesn’t pay, they’re coming back for it.

Max has come to the conclusion that the only solution is to go to Uli, and he tells Flavia. He’s sorry but she thanks him for standing up for her to Cesar.

Max and Cesar go to Uli to talk. Uli says he has someone else who wants it, but there’s no contract yet. (He’s lying). He wants a 35% premium on the price. There’s some negotiating, and they come to 25%. And he wants them to fire Ivan. He blames the fight that Ivan had. That carphead is so full of carp.

Kelly

 

Anita- Thanks for the coffee/water info. My memory is terrible. If these shows are gong to be all educational like this, I'm going to need to start taking notes.

Kelly
 

Fabulous job, Kelly!

I think learning that Lu was behind the explosion that nearly killed her kid was the last straw for Amaya. That tipped the scales from love (Max) to vengeance. Poor Max was pleading about the baby problem and didn't even realize that THAT wasn't the problem. It's so much greater than he could imagine. Our boy is about to get dumped.

Manuel reacted way better to the single mama news than I thought. But he would have been a big old hypocrite had he reacted badly, since he let Geno be a single mom for 18 years, without giving his kid his last name or acknowledging him. But this situation is no excuse to postpone marrying Geno. She's waited long enough.

I think Alan is not counted as the first "Montesinos" grandchild in Cesar's mind because he will not pass on the Montesinos name, but instead his father's name.
 

The kid who plays Geno's son bulked up since this tn, and is playing a young lothario produce vendor in Que te Perdone, seducing women more than twice his age.
 

Oh, and I'm glad Max interrupted Jorge telling Juli about his feelings for her. It's too soon. I think it would have gone badly. I wished Max would have interrupted too when Jorge started babbling to poor Caro about this other woman who had come into his heart. TMI! Shut it, Jorge!
 

Thanks, Kelly for a terrific recap of another important episode!

I am more on board with Amaya choosing justice and she HAS to let Max go for that: if he is anything like his father, he would absolutely not believe any of what his mother has done. How would Amaya even start that conversation? Connie may not be using the baby to get Max but Amaya is going to use the baby to get rid of him.

I know this is a novela and a supposed romance is the central theme but this is the worse obstacle I have ever seen between the main couple! If Amaya chooses justice I just hope neither of them entertains the remotest possibility of interest in anyone else! No marriage to Connie for the baby for Max and let Amaya concentrate on unmasking Lucrazy!

Just as Juliana is not ready for love, Amaya isn't either. I hope Amaya will form a friendship with Juliana and Elo and not totally distance herself from the whole Montesinos household.

I hope somebody else listens to what Flavia said about the irony of Uli being the one who has to save the Montesino harvest! I know this is a crisis but once cooler heads prevail I hope smart cookies like Jorge will think about all the weird happenings since Uli took over took the neighboring finca! I wonder if Flavia told Max EVERYTHING Uli said about using her to secure a place among the high and monied society, etc. Uli's affront was more serious than ungentlemanly behavior towards Miss Montesinos!

And agree, Vivi, that the interruption of Jorge's declaration was a good thing. My gosh, it wasn't that long ago that Franco died! PLUS, with that damned depression spray, everything in life is going to look and feel weighty. She's a strong person though, and was able to put the Whor in his place!

Snotty little heffa, that Connie! How DARE she look down her nose at Geno. She can't carry Geno's pantyhose! I SO don't want Max to marry her and it seems out of character that he would do so, even if Amaya rejects him. Both he and Amaya have their respective plates full to the brim!

Hey, Floridia! Thank you, girl! Always enjoy your comments. Hope to see you back later today!

Thanks again so much Kelly!

 

Fabulous recap, Kelly! How the carp do I find the right words?

I haven't seen the episode, but again, the fabulous recap has kept me in the loop.

I know that eventually we want Max and Amaya together, but I think Amaya owes it to herself to get some closure on her childhood trama. As I viewer I also appreciate the somewhat original reason for keeping them apart. As you have all said, it's not the baby issue, it's the justice issue.
 

A BIG thank you, Kelly. This was a wonderful recarp and a prelude to today's episode (which I have to get busy with very soon).

Can't wait to find out if Uli comes through with the additional cash for Cippy. He'll be pretty pissed at having to pay 10% more over the amount he's already overpaying.

Cesar in that military-style jacket and attitude reminded me of some long-ago and far-away natsies (yes, it's an intentional typo).

Nora was trying to be persuasive to Consta about being able to handle a single-mother situation. She'd surely have the help of her father (YAY, he came through), Max would be there and motherhood is something to be desired. Consta would have none of that.

Consta is certainly a self-centered, "snotty little heffa," (thank you Lila) and selfish to boot. Did she NOT think Manuel would have some feeling for a first grandchild being handed over like a package of meat to a willing (in this case not too willing) buyer? As a proud grandmother, I would have reacted the same way, but I think I would have taken my daughter's needs and wants into consideration in a real heart-to-heart talk. I'm on Manuel's side here.

Contrast this with what happened over on DeQueTe, where the child was wrenched from her birth mother by her domineering father and handed to the maid to be raised--and this was a concession to Fausto The Bad who wanted to use the child to control the mother he still wanted to marry. The Dad wanted the child to just disappear.

I also loved Mauro's reaction to the baby news.

Luce and Cesar--not happy at all. Theirs is the dilemma that will play out in future episodes. Neither of them are interested in having that child to be born.

I feel sorry for Manuel. He has just as big a decision to make as Consta does. Geno did indeed give him an ultimatum. She either wanted to be given her place--marriage, ring, live as a couple--OR she was going to tell Consta about the long-standing relationship and her half-brother.

Loved how Amaya found out about the shadowy figure watching the conflagration of the exploded car and following Cesar's ambulance. She guessed right. Unfortunately, THERE'S NO PROOF. So far everything she has against Luce is based on what dear dead Dolores has told her, Amaya's own memories, whatever dead Emma could have told her and now, no other forensic evidence pointing to someone other than Flo down in the manhole.

I don't see any other outcome for Flo. The remains have been reduced to ashes and they are being sent to the family crypt.
 

Vivi--You really started something, carp!
 

LOL! Oh, carp!
 

Kelly--BTW, Mariana's BFF that works at El P. is the daughter of Chela, the housekeeper with the ribbons in her hair. She is required to carry the unwieldy name of, wait for it...Hortensia. (I'd disown Chelo if that were really my given name.)
 

ITA about Connie. I'm not even buying her fears about single motherhood. I think right now it's more about reeling from Max's rejection of her. But she's rich, has supportive friends and family, has a job that seems pretty flexible, and the father of her baby and his family are rich and supportive. You know she'll have a nanny/maid to help out too. There really isn't a lot to be afraid of, other than I think Connie can't be without a man in her life, AND she always wants to be #1 in the lives of the men around her. A baby would mean she would have to put her own needs/desires second, and the baby first.
 

It's Chelo not Chela.

Hortensia means hydrangea. I'd rather be a Gardenia, Rosa, Violeta, or Camelia. Even though it's pretty, but rather showy, I could never be happy as a Hortensia.
 

Vivi--I think you nailed Connie. This sort of mimics Lucrecia's mothering style, don'tcha think?
 

Even Hydrangea is a better name than Hortensia. Poor girl.

But I don't feel the least bit sorry for Manuel. Doesn't matter that he has some troubles now, he brought it all on himself. If he had been honest a few episodes ago, he wouldn't have lost his shares in Mauro's company. And he should have lost Geno years ago. He deserves all the grief he's going to get and I'm looking forward to it.

Kelly
 

How did such a pretty flower end up with such an unwieldy name in both English and Spanish?

Yeah, that actress always ends up playing the nice BFF of the young/teen protagonist, and never seems to get a love life of her own. She was Luzma's BFF in Amor Bravio. It makes me wonder if her darker skin tone and mestizo/native features are what keep the casting director/writers from giving her characters more of their own lives.
 

Hi, Kelly,

Terrific recap with just the right amount of carp laced in. Thanks so much for a lively exposition.
The plot thickens on all fronts.

If anyone has the date of the flashback re the manhole incident,
please send it to me, and I will watch again. I remember seeing the beginning, but I think I dozed off at the critical point.

So just to sum up for me:
1. Amaya finally sees the exact spot where her mother was killed and dumped.
2. She gives DNA evidence to a
forensic expert, directs him to that location, and he finds the remains of her mother. Now she knows for certain that her mother is dead.

At any point, did Amaya see Lucrecia's birthmark in a flashback?

Perhaps the only way for Max to get on board is if Lulu tries to kill Connie's baby, and there are clues that lead to his mother.

Fortunately, Amaya now knows more about Cesar and will be extremely leery about future efforts to pursue her. She might go along with him though to try to get more info on Lu. This is all becoming very complicated and more dangereous for several people.

Good Ole Double Standard Manuel.
This man has no shame. His son without a doubt inherited that sneaky gene from him. How could Genoveva have tolerated his behavior for so many years?
She deserves so much better.

Connie remarked disgustedly that because of Geno's age, she could be Connie's older sister. Among other things, Connie frowns highly on that aspect of the relationship as well.

Thanks to all commenters for their informative dialogue.

All the best ..............
 

Kelly--Mine is a tn sorry. It doesn't last more than a few seconds!
 

Anita,

I was thinking similar thoughts about Cesar in that quasi military jacket. ..relentless, rigid, unyielding dictatorial stance.
 

Great observations and comments:

Fortunately, Amaya now knows more about Cesar and will be extremely leery about future efforts to pursue her. AMEN, Floridia! I am SO glad they let Amaya confirm Max's warnings about Cesar! Amaya really was NOT getting it and now she does!

I have made comments about wondering how in the world she can keep loving Max knowing that his mother is a MONSTER. I guess this is another theme, the offspring's innocence of the sins of the parents. That being said, some offspring are more likely to commit the parent's sins and that would be Cesar. As Amaya thinks about this unholy mess she will be able to retain her love for Max as she sees he is not like Cesar AT ALL. It may also help once it is revealed that Cesar does not have any of Mauro's blood!

When Lu "welcomed" her into the family and kissed her cheek, I thought poor Amaya was going to hurl on the spot! I understand Amaya more and more: she CANNOT tolerate the hypocrisy and injustice of feigning affection for Lu knowing that Lu killed all three of her parents, tried to kill her twice and even tried to kill Vale. I will totally understand when she lets Max go.

We will soon see if her upchucking the other day was emotion or if SHE has a little tyke on the way!
 

Floridia- I can't remember which episode it's in where Amaya finally has her final flashback. She tells Caro about it, describing how she saw Lu bash Flor's head in. We had only recently seen that same thing from Lu's point of view. But in Amaya's flashback we then also see little Amaya watching this all happen from a shallow spot in the water near the bank. She then describes how she saw Lu drag her mother and dump her in the well/hole (pozo), but other than the dragging, we the audience don't see the body dump.
 

And yes, she remembers the mark on Lu's hand in that final flashback.
 

Kelly--I meant to tell you many comments back, that the script writers don't always get the crop/production/manufacture/distribution right, so don't bother taking notes! I was just curious that's all since I love coffee and wanted to know more about how it ends up a little brown bean that tastes so good mixed with water.

Getting started on the recap now. What a great episode! It portends much intrigue in the future.
 

Flavia gained a lot of my respect today. Go girl!
 

Without further ado, here we go.

Recap for Thu Jan 29 (Cap 91) - Pt 1

NOTE: This was a Salvador (Yummy) Romero-free episode. He’s a busy guy, besides appearing in La Gata (or so says his credits) he has stayed up late to be in Que Te Perdone (although yours truly couldn’t find him on the cast list).

No Refrito. Refer to Kelly’s last few paragraphs for an excellent intro to today’s episode.

Uli and César Have a Deal – Max Doesn’t
Jorge and the Montesinos brothers have gone to see Ulises. He forces César and Max to fire Iván before he accepts any deal. He also ups the cost because he claims there is another buyer waiting for his coffee (—sorry, he can’t remember who it is, it’s a company up north somewhere and no, he doesn’t have a written contract, only an oral one.) If he breaks his promise a penalty of 35% will kick in. César is ready to deal and negotiates him down to 22% with Iván thrown in. Max and Jorge are sitting there astonished. Cece isn’t listening to them when they do speak up. Iván is collateral damage as far as Cece is concerned—he’s just an employee. Uli explains that the guy assaulted him and gave him an unprovoked beating and he’s not going to take that from anyone. It’s a sign of disrespect he won’t tolerate. Max wants him to separate business from his personal issues. Uli won’t budge. Cece is all business and he shakes Uli’s hand as a commitment. (Though I don’t like what he is doing, Cece is right, they don’t have time to find other suppliers.)

After César leaves, Max gets in Uli’s face and tells him he’d better not hurt nor disrespect Flavia or Uli will have to answer to him. Max gives him the eye and leaves. Uli thinks to himself that thanks to Flavia, he’s in a position to get everything he wanted. (I think he means Mariana here.)

Florencia is Finally Put to Rest
In a sad, yet tender moment, Amaya has put her mother’s ashes in a niche in a panteon in the city. Carolina is with her. Amaya may or may not move her mother’s ashes to San Benito (or Comitán). At least she won’t for the time being because, as Caro point out, everyone will know Florencia is really dead and not just disappeared. Amaya doesn’t want to risk Lucrecia’s knowing that her remains were found. Besides that, Amaya’s not so sure she wants Florencia to lie beside David. She would rather have her beside Mauro, her great love.

Whoracio Gives Juliana a Virtual Rejection
Ulises and Whoracio are masters of the turn the victim into the perpetrator. In this little scene, Juliana approaches the Whor to confirm that what she said to him yesterday won’t change their relationship at work.

He puts her down by saying that he was surprised she thought he was looking for anything other than being friendly for their children’s sakes. After the divorce he went through, the last thing he wants is a romantic entanglement. Juliana stays sweet and leaves. As she leaves the Whor says to himself, with a big smile on his face—estupida, what a prude, hypocrite (mojigata). You’ll see, nobody scorns me (me desprecia) like that and gets away with it.
 

Thu Jan 29 - Pt 2

Mauro is Up, Up, Up
Caro is in Amaya’s office. Amaya is worried that she hasn’t heard a word from Max about the emergency at the finca. Caro suggests they go see Mauro. As Amaya reaches the door of his office, she overhears Mauro in a super-animated conversation with his investigator, Licenciado Camión (or Carrión—anyway, the one who went to Guatemala alone). He can’t believe Florencia has been found. Lic. shares all he knows. He’s giddy with anticipation

When he hangs up, he realizes Amaya heard everything. He apologizes for not telling her ahead of time of the possibility that her mother is alive, but he didn’t want her to get her hopes up. She wants to know how they got this lead. Mauro says it was luck. It just came in an e-mail to the investigator. He doesn’t know the source. He’s so hyped up he wants the two of them to leave for Guatemala immediately.

He doesn’t understand Amaya’s understated reaction to the news (of course he doesn’t, poor soul). Amaya tries to bring him down a bit by introducing a little reality. She thinks it’s better to wait until definite confirmation before taking a flying leap to Guatemala. (The Licenciado was going to send pictures and so forth.) Mauro reluctantly agrees. He also wanted to talk about “the” baby, Max’s with Consta and hopes, fervently, that this news won’t be a problem for her and Max. Amaya has no answer and makes none.

Doctor Barrieta I Presume?
Eloisa has been talking to Lucio’s real lady-hypnotist-doctor. Regrettably, the last few sessions haven’t been successful. He’s built up some strong defenses for protection. She’s sure they’ll have a break-through soon.

Elo takes Lucio to a local café for an outing. They haven’t ordered yet, but Lucio needs to use the bathroom. She lets him go and sits there as our friend Dr. Barrieta is seated nearby. Elo turns and sees him; he sees her; then she gets up full of vinegar and calls him an impostor. The good doctor pushes Elo and she lands on the floor. He bolts while she yells to stop the imposter. The waiter wants to know what is going on, why did she call him an imposter. Mr. Humberto Reyes is a regular customer. Eloisa has an Ah-Ha moment when she learns he’s an actor.

Flavia Wants to Do Something to Ulises, But Won’t Call it Vengeance
Flavia asks Hector what will happen if Ulises doesn’t sell them his coffee. He explains they will have to look elsewhere to fulfill their commitments to the factory, maybe even in other countries. They are standing in the courtyard with Iván and Mariana when the fellows return from El Deseo, still arguing. César announces the terms to Hector, Iván, Flavia and Mariana. Iván thinks the penalty is excessive and Cece agrees, adding that it’s all Iván’s fault. He’s the one that went to El Deseo and assaulted Ulises. Iván replies that what he’s doing is punishment (escarmiento). He was defending Mariana for Uli’s grabbing her and forcibly kissing her at the hospital. Flavia questions Mariana if this was true. She says yes. Hmmm, Flavia says she didn’t want to believe what Juliana told her.

Ni modo, for trying to be a galán, Cece brusquely tells Iván he just lost his job and orders Iván to collect his things and get out. When Max objects to Cece’s methods, Cece says they ought to be glad he’s not going to send him jail. Cece is ready to leave. (No wonder this dude doesn’t have any friends his own age and has to pay for sex. Negro doesn’t count.) Flavia sees Uli in the light of day now, and agrees with Iván’s defending his girlfriend. Max is going to stay behind and talk to Iván. Iván accepts the responsibility for what happened. Max says it wasn’t his fault, it was an accident. He didn’t lose his job over the accident, but because of Uli. Flavia thinks Uli is garbage. Max and Jorge assure him that by the time of the next harvest, he’ll be back with them. In the meantime, they’ll help him get other work.
 

Thu Jan 29 - Pt 3

(Last section continued)

Later, Mariana is walking with Hector and Iván. She wants to go give Uli a piece of her mind. Iván tells her not to. They are surprised when Hector tells them he’s going to quit in solidarity with Iván. He grateful but talks him out of it. He assures him it’s temporary. He remembers a friend of his offering him the same type of work after he finished the university studies. She’s up in the northern part of the state. Mariana is upset. Iván is, too, because it means putting off their plans to get married for awhile.

Who is Behind the Cruel Joke?
Amaya and Carolina are still in the office talking about what Amaya just learned about César’s lies. She’s upset by how emotionally charged Mauro was over the latest lead. She had to restrain herself from telling Mauro that her mother was really dead. She can’t tell Mauro because she’d have no way to find out who is behind this and she’s sure it’s Lucrecia. Amaya explains to Caro that the most probable reason for Luce to do this is her perverse cruelty to get pleasure out of hurting Mauro by seeing him get his hopes up only to get them dashed again. This has been going on for years. Caro explodes—she’s not only an assassin, but a veritable demon. Amaya is very decided. This has gone on too long and she’s not going to take a single abomination more. She’s going to start by using her own methods on her.

Viewerville gets an Ah-Ha moment
Lucrecia meets with her smarmy investigator and Viewerville learns that she is indeed behind Mauro’s investigator thinking Florencia is in Guatemala. Her investigator said it was easy-peasy to send the investigator the false Guatemala connection to him by e-mail. He tells her he contracted a women to pass herself off as Florencia and to pass around that she has a daughter named Amaya. She then left the town and won’t ever come back. Mauro’s poor investigator will never connect with fake Florencia. Luce is satisfied with his work and dismisses him. She says to herself how Mauro will be kept on tenterhooks indefinitely. She’s very pleased.

At the Bootleg Bodega
Uli has come to Cippy’s bodega to let him know he needs the costales (bags of green coffee beans) moved to El Deseo that very night so they can go from his finca to El Paraiso. He gives Cippy the balance of what he owes for his “job” at El P. Cippy says there is only one problemita. Cippy says he has to pay the men extra because they wanted to sell to El P. Uli tells him to take it out of the money he’s paying him now for the job he did at El P. Actually, Cip will need more than that: to pay for the bags he got lately. Uli catches him in that lie. Cip had told him he’d already bought and paid for those bags of coffee and was just waiting for delivery. Cip protests his innocence, but Uli has him by the short and curlies.

Cip finally admits that yes, he lost some of his money at cards, but is sure he’ll make it back. Uli won’t give him an advance, but offers him a loan—as long as he gets something to secure the loan. Cip can’t believe he’d do that. No guarantee backing it—no loan. Uli suggests he use the title to his house. Cip doesn’t want to do it. His house is worth a lot more than the money he’s asking for. Uli throws in some more money and Cip is sold (down the river). There is a little double entendre exchanged when Cip swears he has nothing else as valuable as his house and Uli says he does indeed have “cosas de más valor,” meaning Mariana, but it goes right over Cip’s head. He unwillingly agrees to Uli’s terms.
 

Thu Jan 29 - Pt 4

Lucrecia Asks Amaya Out on a Date
Caro picks up the phone for a call to Amaya—from Luce. Amaya puts her on speaker phone so Caro can hear. Luce does not implicate herself at all, it’s an innocent invitation to lunch. She really wants to talk to her. Amaya explains that it’s complicated because Vale has to be picked up from school, taken to soccer practice. Lu tells her she should get Juliana to help—she’s been willing in the past to give her a hand with Vale. After she hangs up, Amaya explodes to Caro. She can’t believe the effrontery. She’s too polite to call her a mojigata. Caro volunteers to do Vale duty if Juliana can’t, but she urges Amaya to keep the date and start recording everything Luce says.

Amaya does indeed to go Juli and she’s delighted to help. Juli muses that she really likes Amaya even though they haven’t had much of a chance to interact. Amaya feels the same way. They agree that each of them is trustworthy. Juliana does immediately correct Amaya when Amaya calls Luce Juliana’s mother and warns her to keep away from Lucrecia. During their chat, Amaya learns that it was NOT César’s idea to hire Amaya at Nescafé. Juli has no idea why César would say so. Unfortunately she doesn’t share that it was actually her idea to hire Amaya. She also warns her not to trust César, he’s just like his mother.

Memo to Whoracio. Always Check Morningstar Before You Invest
Whoracio catches up to Aaron/Negro. He’s had a sudden interest in the earlier proposition, if it’s still available. Negro says yes, depending on how much he can invest. If he’d had the resources, he would have gone solo, but he couldn’t. Whoracio shows him an amount on his calculator-phone (which Viewerville doesn’t get to see). Negro is very pleased. That will do. Whoracio says, not in jest, that he hopes this investment will make them millionaires.

Flavia Steps up to the Plate
In a complete role reversal, Flavia offers to actually work as the substitute manager for Iván. She does have an ulterior motive, which Max sees as vengeance against Uli, but she swears it’s not. She wants to prove her worth and not go home labeled a “lussar” (un perdedor en ingles). Max assures her she’s not a “lussar.” She readily admits she may not have all the knowledge nor the experience, but she’s not dumb, can learn quickly, will be loyal and Hector can be her mentor. She wants to try. Furthermore, they won’t have to fire anybody when Iván comes back to El P. Jorge, who had originally volunteered but Max turned him down, asks Max to consider it. Flavia begs Max to say yes.

Amaya is in 100% for Vengeance
Amaya is back in the office telling Caro about her convo with Juli. She can’t believe César has been lying to her all these times. And for what? Caro wonders if it’s to gain her approval and trust. Amaya said he already had that. Whatever, it is not likely to be with good intentions.


Mauro interrupts this tête-a-tête. He’s there to tell Amaya things at the finca have been resolved. César is coming back tonight alone, but Max will probably be back in the morning. He also tells her they are going to open a new account and replace all the money Emma stole from her (most everybody assumes it was Emma—except César, of course) since the investigation will probably be lengthy.

Before he leaves, Caro mentions that everything he requested for the Las Vegas Convention is ready for him. He doesn’t want it since he’s not going to go. Mauro tells Caro to send it to Cece since he will be going. Then in a stroke of genius (he believes), he invites both of the ladies to accompany Cece and help him with whatever he needs. After he leaves, Caro is very excited to go to Las Vegas, but Amaya isn’t. Not after what she now knows. Besides, Whoracio is going and she has no one to leave Vale with.
 

Thu Jan 29 - Pt 5

Eloisa shares her information
Vale and Alan have arrived at Juli’s home. They go off to play. Juli admits she’s not been feeling well and is going to go see a doctor. Elo will go with her. Elo tells Juli how she “bumped” into Doctor Barrieta and who he turned out to be. Juli is convinced Luce is behind this because the rest of the Montesinos don’t know any folks in that business. They agree he should be reported to the authorities. Juli wants it revealed that Luce has had everything to do with keeping Lucio quiet about something.

The Two Abuelo’s Have a Chat
The conversation ranges over financial security for the new Montesinos’ grandchild, which both abuelos swear the child will have. (Well, Manuel wants to be the kid’s Tio, as he’s been with Max.) Mauro plans to give the new baby shares in the business, as he has provided for Alan. The talk turns to Genoveva and Manuel’s plans. Mauro wants to know how long this has been going on. Manuel changes the subject. Manuel asks Mauro how it’s going with Amaya and the hunt for Florencia. Mauro is over the moon with the certainty (he thinks) that she’s been found and soon he will have her in his arms again.

Constanza Entertains Thoughts of Murder for One Hot Second or Two
Constanza and Nora are walking across campus and Nora congratulates her on having things for the conference organized. Consta feels sick and nearly collapses. Nora is quick to help her. Consta really doesn’t want this baby.

The Spider Meets the Fly (But Which is Which) and The Hornet Joins Them
Amaya arrives at the restaurant for her luncheon date with Luce. Luce’s words drip with honey. She’s disappointed that Max’s first baby is going to be with Consta, but she wants Amaya to know that she is backing Amaya 100%. She can count on it. What she said at the board meeting about welcoming her into the family was 100% true. Before they can get into any deeper conversation and to avoid our having to watch Amaya retch, César shows up and wants to know what they are doing there.


Vocabulario
Un/a mojigato/a, n. – Hypocrite, bigot, prude (take your choice), as used by Whoracio to describe Juliana.

Despreciar – Scorns, rejects, disdains (this is a very useful verb in telenovelas often in the reflexive just the way Whoracio used it). Example: Nadie me desprecia (and gets away with it). This is basically what Whoracio says about Juliana.

Un atrevimiento, n. – Daring, effrontery, audacity. Example: No te atreves decirme eso (don’t you dare tell me that). This comes from the reflexive verb atreverse, to dare, risk.

Un escarmiento, n. – A warning, admonition, punishment. Iván thinks this is what Uli was doing by telling the Montesinos they had to fire him.

Revaltidar – Sorry, I don’t think I heard this correctly. Help! Amaya was saying that she was going to revaltidar (which doesn’t exist in my dictionary) or revalidar (which means to confirm or ratify). It doesn’t make sense if she’s going to use this to expose Lucrecia. That’s why I translated it as Use Her Methods Against Her (or turn the tables on her).

Un chueco – Bow-legged is the literal translation. It has come to mean anybody who’s a trickster of cheater. Hector called Uli un tipo chueco. (Uli was helping Cippy to win at poker by jugando chueco, remember?)

 

Hello,

I have been silently lurking.
I appreciate all of the recappers, and I like the novela. I don't usually comment unless I see something questionable.

A couple of days ago someone made a remark about Flavia's chin. I don't remember, nor do I care to look back to check. I thought that there is a TN policy that prohibits making remarks about the actor's physical characteristics -- with the exception of saying something like .... he is exceptionally handsome or a great kisser, etc, etc. I thought that we are to comment only on the actor's ability. Thanks for clearing this up.
 

Sorry about the poor editing. Under "Who's Behind the Cruel Joke," Amaya and Carolina are still in the office talking about what Amaya just learned about César’s lies. That should be Lucrecia's or better yet, just omit the sentence.
 

Clarifying--If someone did, we missed it. If it was particularly offensive someone would have mentioned it (as one of us did some time ago when we described Uli as a bean pole).

It is an unwritten courtesy of CarayCaray we respect, though, not a TN policy, to stick to the actors' portrayals and refrain from personal negative attacks on the actors themselves.

Also as a matter of courtesy, CarayCaray commenters also refrain from gossip about the actors' personal lives. We do like to inform each other on up coming work they will be engaged in.
 

Anita- Fabulous, detailed recap. I loved it.

I like how each episode something is learned by the good guys. Amaya discovers that Cesar lied about yet another thing, and Juli and Eloisa learn the real identity of the fake doc. Perhaps we need to put the women on the case of the stuff happening at the hacienda, because the men in this tn remain clueless and innocent about the possibility of foul play.

Mauro especially, is accepting things with his eyes firmly shut. I felt as bad as Amaya looked when he went on and on excitedly about seeing Flor again soon. Even worse when we got confirmation that Lu is behind the lie.

Glad to see Flavia step up and offer to be of use. Hopefully, this will help mature her.
 

I've got a busy day today and will be out late, so recap won't be up till tomorrow morning sometime. Looking forward to seeing what happens at Amaya's lunch with Lu, and now Cesar. Yikes!
 

Anita,


This is an admirable recap complete with headlines for each section. I always like vocabulary. I'm trying to add on and improve each day.

With regard to your question as to what Amaya told Caro, I think I only caught the last part where she said that she was going to start playing the same dirty game as Lucrecia using the same deck of cards (my interpretation - i.e. "las mismas cartas.")

I appreciate your dedication to help us understand more clearly what is transpiring.

I was glad to see things move along and am looking forward to a
strong alliance among all the
noble women as Vivi mentioned. They need to start sharing; they need their own mini convention.

 

Anita,

Going by what you said, Amaya may have said "reevaluar" which would have made sense. I didn't hear it.
 

Ahhh! Anita, what a treat this lovely, detailed recap is! Thank you, amiga! Wow!

Every episode is great and this was no exception. Haven't read comments yet, just want to react to this wonderful retelling. I must say Flavia surprised me with her non-bitchy understanding of Mariana and Ivan's plight AND her stepping up to say she wants to learn Ivan's job, be useful and make a contribution to the family. It's like she really is taking Max's words to heart back when he told her he feared she did not value herself as she should. Admirable move on her part! Now. The proof will be if she gives up her scheme to use Ivan to make Uli feel jealous or mortified. Surely she has seen the light now, right?

And, YES!! Just as I'd hoped in my recap of Tuesday, Amaya has met and instantly bonded with Juli and they had a wonderfully revealing conversation with the final low down on Cesar!! YESSS!

Love the vocab Anita! And on what Amaya said, I can't shed any light but I also took it as she was going to play Lu's game with her using the very same cards, or, like a saying from my husband's country: "pay her in her own coin."

Thank you, Anita! Back later!


 

Just read comments. So in agreement with Vivi on having the good guys keep getting revelations all along the way! I am so tired of the good guys being dummies, naive, or not using common sense and the baddies getting away with murder up until the last episode! Not very realistic, creative or entertaining!

I guess with Ivan gone Flavia will not have a chance to try to use Ivan. I hope she IS maturing!

Can't wait for today's ep!
 

Thank you for the recap Anita. The vocabulary was nice, too. So many words and so little time!!

Like everyone has said, it is so nice to see the good guys actually figure stuff out. I think you can have a good story that's interesting without making the good guys complete dopes. Too many TNs that I've seen use that ploy. I know that's kind of "the formula", but it gets old.

I know I'm beating a dead horse (It's what I do), but I like this show because it seems so different and doesn't fall back on all the usual tropes.

I am SO EXCITED about Flavia's decision. My opinion of her has been back and forth, but I hope that this time she is headed for some character refinement for good.
 

Sorry for wasting all this space, guys. Thank you Vivi for alerting me that I was putting my LG posts in the wrong place! DOH! Sorry!
 

Ulises the Greasy is sure pissing me off (Diego is such a handsome guy why are they doing this crap to his hair). I smell trouble brewing for Mariana.
 

It's 1:30am and I'm just getting home. And I'm up and out by 9:30. All of this to say that the recap won't be up till tomorrow evening. Sorry everyone. Feel free to start discussing. I hope it was a good episode.
 

Vivi--Life always interferes with telenovelas, doesn't it?

Take your time. I'll be out all day (Opera in HD and dinner), so I'd be waiting to savor your recarp tomorrow anyway.

Lila--I took care of your little posting problem permanently.
 

I just knew Amaya would be stoic while she showed Max the door and dissolve into tears, boohooing how she had to eject the love of her life for his own good. It's sooo telenovela predictable.

No doubt she's in a dilemma, but please. She needs to talk to someone else besides Caro. She's such a good friend that she's going to support her regardless of what she does.

Anon at 11:16--We've all pretty much agreed that Diego is exceptionally handsome (or at least in my own mind he is). We can only hope he gets a galan role soon--he could handle it. He's done pretty well with Flavia, Caro and Juliana.
 

Take your time, Vivi! Your recap and our discussion will be good company during the mega snow fall we're supposed to get here in lower Michigan: 8 to 12 or so. I pray we don't lose power. So far we've been blessed not to lose power during these storms. Last year was a doozy for us but we had heat, lights and internet! YAAAAAY.

Anita, it was painful watching Amaya dump Max and even more painful how she intends to handle keeping him away for good. Sigh. Oh well, I'll wait for Vivi's recap to say more.

Oh, thanks Anita, for taking out those spaces!
 

Sorry all. It was a busy, but fun weekend!

Friday, 1/30/15 Episode, Part 1:

Cesar questions why Amaya and Lucrazy are dining together, and Amaya pulls her best fake smile and tells him that his mother has expresses her feelings of support for Amaya, in the face of the Constanza pregnancy reveal. Cesar tells them he’s fresh off the plane from Chiapas after HE resolved the coffee crisis. Max and Jorge stayed behind to deal with the details of the deal. Amaya’s phone rings, and she declares that must have invoked Max by talking about him, because it’s him calling. She excuses herself from the table to take his call, leaving Cesar and Lu alone. Cesar immediately takes Amaya’s seat and threatens Lu that if she’s playing dirty, he’ll make sure things end VERY badly for her.

Max is surprised that Lu has invited Amaya out to lunch. He doesn’t catch the edge in Amaya’s voice when she asks if that makes him happy—it does. He tells her Ivan will no longer be working with them, but that he’ll tell her the details of why when he returns tomorrow. That’s also when they’ll discuss Connie’s baby proposal.

Connie, having just had a bit of a dizzy spell, speaks to Nora about the what ifs of not having this baby. Nora wonders if she’s contemplating aborting the baby, but Connie claims she can’t/wouldn’t do that. BUT, if it just happened naturally…Nora tells her not even to think about it, because if it happened she would feel incredibly guilty. Connie has a panic attack about not wanting to be alone. She CAN’T be alone! Nora hugs and calms her, and says she can do it.

At a table in the line of sight of Lu and Amaya’s table, Cesar and Aaron/Negro talk about Whoracio’s change of mind about investing in the made up business Negro proposed to him. Cesar wonders what made Whor change him mind, and wants Negro to get the bank account number from which Whor will be transferring the money. Mauro calls Cesar and asks Cesar to accompany Amaya and Caro to the Las Vegas convention. Cesar eyes Amaya across the way, and happily agrees.

Amaya tells Lu how surprised Max was by Lu’s interest in her and Max. Lu claims she loves ALL her children the same and worries about all of them. It’s just that Cesar shows her the most care and consideration, and so of course she has more of an affinity with him. This b.s. is interrupted by a call from Fake Doc, on the run now that Eloisa has discovered him real identity. He wants Lu’s help. Lu excuses herself from the table to complete the call, and Amaya immediately checks that the recorder she put in her purse functioned! She listens with an earpiece and shakes her head. She puts the recorder back in her purse and waits for Lu’s return, while staring at Cesar. He lifts his wineglass to her in a toast, while thinking “You have to fall into my trap/clutches.” She raises her glass to him, with a tight fake smile on her face while thinking, “The two of you are just alike. You’re both disgusting.” Lu returns and is not happy to see the exchanged glances and smiles. Lu once again expresses her preference for Amaya over that tramp Connie. She can’t imagine the Montesinos without Amaya, she says, as she places the marked hand of the devil upon Amaya’s.

 

Part 2:
Eloisa, Juliana, Mauro, Lucio, and Alan dine together at Juli’s. The boys are sent away and Elo drops the fake doc bomb on Mauro—he’s an actor named Humberto Reyes. Mauro vows to bring the hammer of justice down on the jerk, and handle it personally when he gets back from Guatemala. Elo goes to get the info she printed on Humberto, and Juli asks about the Guatemala trip. Mauro tells her about the (fake) Florencia lead.

Val sits at the dining table, unable to finish her super and her horchata. She’s tired out from her first session with the child psychologist. Amaya thanks her for going willingly, and tells her they will be stronger and better for it. Val says all they did was talk and blah blah. Amaya hugs and kisses her, and reminds Val she can always talk to her about anything too. She sends Val off to bed, just as Caro arrives.

Amaya plays the secret recording for Caro. They listen as Cesar warns Lu about playing dirty, and reminds her that he wants Amaya for himself. “Amaya will be MY wife, and not Max’s. I want the woman that my brother loves. I want the Zona Estrella for myself. I want the admiration of my father. And you know that I’ll only get it by being the husband of the daughter of his great love.” Lucrazy repeats that she does not want this woman by his side, despite all the benefits. Seeing him, the light of her eyes, by Amaya’s side, destroys her. Cesar warns her not to become his enemy, because he would become crueler and more despicable that she!

Caro is impactada. Amaya points out that she now has the advantage over them, now that she knows their motives. Now she knows that Cesar and Lu are equally perverse. Caro wants to know what Amaya plans to do next, now that she knows all this. Amaya says nothing, but looks determined as we go into commercial break.

At the hacienda, Max, Flavia and Jorge dine, as Max wraps up an unsuccessful call trying to find a job for Ivan. Flavia promises to work hard to fill Ivan’s shoes until he comes back. Max thanks her and points out that Jorge is here to help her with anything she needs. Ivan and Hector enter, and Mariana comes in from the kitchen. Ivan’s amiga from university called him back and offered him the job as administrator of her finca in the north. He administrator fell ill and she needs a replacements right away. The only problem is that it’s 4 hours drive away. Mariana runs away crying, Ivan follows. She’s upset they’ll be separated. He points out that he can’t be without work and money coming in. He suggests they get married right now, and leave together for the north, as husband and wife. Mariana is pleased by the proposal, buy quickly comes to reality. She has to finish her studies, and honor her commitment to work for Max. She points out she only has a little while to go to finish her degree, and it wouldn’t be fair on Ivan to have to worry about the expenses of her studies. Ivan blames himself for the position they’re in. Mariana pulls herself and Ivan together, and points out that this is all temporary and that he’ll have a job waiting when he comes back. He promises that when that happens, they will NEVER be separated again. They exchange te amos and kisses.

 

Part 3:
Ulises arranges with one of Cipriano’s drinking/gambling buddies to cheat Cip at cards and leave him with nothing.

Night Musings: Connie holds her belly and thinks to herself that if Max were with her, everything would be different. Meanwhile, Max hopes that the baby won’t change things between him and Amaya. Amaya lies in bed and tries to decide between justice, or Max’s love. Either path would be painful. She asks God for a sign. She doesn’t want to make a mistake. Cesar is with a paid companion, and thinks about how he wants Amaya for himself.

The next morning, Amaya speaks to Mariana about the Ivan situation and invites Mariana to come to D.F. to live with her. She doesn’t like Mariana being all alone. Mariana says everyone at the hacienda is treating her like family, and she’s fine. She can’t wait for everything to get back to normal and for her and Ivan to get married.

Ivan gives Flavia a tutorial, as they walk (hobble in her case) through the bodega. He says Heriberto (the other young hot guy) will help her, as well as his father Hector. Flavia tells Ivan that she thinks it’s her fault Uli wanted his head, because she pointed out to him that Ivan is much more of a man than he is. Ivan tells her not to feel bad. In fact, he’s sure the reason Uli is doing all of this is to separate him from Mariana, since he’s always wanted her. (BINGO!) This is clearly a blow to Flavia’s ego. She admits that she made a mistake in believing in appearances and setting her sights on a jerk. From now on, she’s going after guys who are worth it—guys like him. She moves in for a kiss, and Ivan gently, but effectively blocks it. He tells her he is not the man for her. His heart already has an owner (Mariana).

Max manages to get into Amaya’s house by charming the departing maid, surprising Amaya who is still having breakfast, and clearly not ready to do what she decided last night. Max is all happy smiles and excited to see her. He has to ask for a kiss. She is clearly anxious and sits him down with a coffee. She begins to make chit chat by saying she just asked Mariana to come live with her. First red flag for Max. What do you mean live with you? You mean live with US. “No. No Max. There is no longer an us. I’m sorry, but I can’t take responsibility for your baby, nor can I marry you. I want us to end our relationship in this moment.” Needless to say, Max is impactado.

Max can’t believe what Amaya is telling him. She points out the obstacles—like Val and his baby. He points out the good things—like the happy acceptance of his father and even his mother. “Where is the brave Amaya? Where is the woman who swore to love me above all things and that she was capable of doing anything for me?!” Amaya swears she’s doing this for him, although he can’t see that right now. Max says that SHE is what’s best for him. Amaya points out that sometimes love isn’t enough. Max can’t see how any of these supposed obstacles are big enough to end their relationship.

 

Part 4:
Mauro’s suitcase is packed for Guatemala. He tells Lucrazy where he’s going, but since she knows why he’s going, she doesn’t pry for more info. He also asks her to come downstairs to speak to the lawyer about filing charges against Humberto Reyes, aka Fake Doc. He seems surprised by her lack of curiosity about the man’s real name and profession.

Max begins to beg. Amaya gets tough and tells him to stop. Max says he’s sure something else is behind this. Max makes an impassioned speech about how love conquers all and is our reason for living. He knows that she loves him as much as he loves her. She says that she thought she loved him too, but perhaps her love for him isn’t as strong as she thought. Ouch! Max refuses to accept it. He takes his leaves to allow her to see reason and reevaluate how much their relationship is worth. He’s going to pretend this conversation never happened. Amaya yells that it happened, and she has NOTHING to thinks about. He says she does, and that he’ll see her in the office. He takes her face in his hands, lays a tender kiss on her, and says, “I love you, and I’m not going to lose you.” Then he kisses her again and leaves. Amaya collapses on the couch and cries, begging Max to forgive her. She loves him so much and doesn’t want his mother to harm him. Max walks along the street, with Amaya’s harsh words of rejection ringing in his ears.

Lucrazy explains how she found and contacted Fake Doc to the lawyer, as Elo and Mauro listen on. She found his name and number in an ad and contacted him. He always had her contact him on his cell phone. No, she never suspected a thing. The lawyer takes his leave and says he will go right now to the police to press charges. Mauro tells him he’ll be out of town for a few days, and walks him out. Lu immediately rips into Elo for now telling HER first when she discovered Fake Doc. She reminds Elo that SHE is Lucio’s mother, not Elo, and that she is capable of fighting like a she-wolf for him. Elo questions, “Like a wolf? Or like a hyena?”

Negro and Whor talk about moving forward with the deal that will make them millionaires. Whor admits that his money is in a Swiss bank account. He smiles greedily and says amen, as he thinks about his impending wealth.

 

Part 5:
Flavia hobbles into the hacienda living room with a (giant) shot glass and a bottle of tequila. She pours herself a glass as she remembers Uli’s words about just marrying her for a few years to get what he wants. She’s taking her first sip when Jorge walks in and points out that it’s kind of early to be drinking. Flavia asks him why she has such sh*tty luck in love. He takes the shot glass out of her hand and points out that she simply hasn’t found the right man. She doesn’t think she’ll ever find him. Jorge says he always bets on love, and knows sooner or later love will arrive. But, in the meantime, we have to learn to be happy with ourselves. They way to do that is by doing things we enjoying, working with love, studying with dedication, and by giving to the world the things we ask from it. Jorge tells her that it seems to him that her desire/need to be loved is so great, that she readily and quickly accepts any scraps thrown her way, with no thought for if the person in a good person and truly deserves her. Flavia admits he could be right, and she’s going to find a solution for that right now. She’s never going to give her love to anyone again. Jorge tells her this isn’t the solution—she’ll just end up closed off and bitter. The solution is to love—the people around her, her family, her friends. Treat them as she would want them to treat her. He just asks that she take more care with whom she gives her heart. Flavia things that sounds pretty, but the best solution is to never open her heart to another man. She takes a swig of tequila.

Negro reports to Cesar about the Swiss account, and that Whor can get the money out in 8 days. Cesar is sure that if Whor has a Swiss account it’s to hide money he stole from Amaya’s or Emma’s account. Casar wants Negro to get the account number.

Amaya bawls to Caro in their office. Caro says that Max will have to accept the breakup eventually. She suggests that Amaya make up something else to convince Max that she’s for real about ending things. She needs to make up something that will make him hate her.

Max goes to see Juli and tells her that Amaya wants to break up.

Amaya and Whor both asks Cesar’s secretary to announce they each want to see him. As they wait, they discuss what will be done with Val since they both, and Caro, will be in Las Vegas for work. To his credit, Whor stops in mid-argument to ask what’s wrong with Amaya since he can tells she’s sad, been crying, and has swollen eyes (hinchado). Cesar’s secretary tells Amaya she can go in.

Juli is sure something serious must have happened to make Amaya decide this. Someone might be pressuring her—Connie or Lucrazy. Max doesn’t believe either could have anything to do with it, plus, Lu is supportive. Juli tells him he HAS to do all he can to find out the truth. Max thinks he should speak to Connie and Lu. Juli nixes that idea. He has to talk directly with Amaya and make her tell him the truth.

Amaya decides to use her most dangerous weapon-- Cesar. She tells him she can’t handle the Connie baby news and wants to break up with Max, but he won’t accept it. She needs a stronger reason to make Max accept her breaking up with him. Not to worry, Cesar says, he has the perfect reason and Max will have to leave her in peace. “And, what is this reason, Cesar?”

 

There it is folks, sorry about the typos. I really felt for poor Max. Talk about being blindsided! And if Amaya and Cesar use the reason I think they are going to use, Max is going to blow.

I loved Jorge's talk with Flavia. He was spot on. And I'm so glad that Ivan didn't let that kiss happen and was very clear with Flavia.

Not liking Mariana being left virtually alone, while Uli continues his plans.
 

Vivi-Let me be the first to congratulate you. Are you sure you didn't have the script in your hands? This was a terrific retelling, especially since there was so little action and so much emotional conversation.

Another Salvador-free episode. Poor Sal. Maybe Flavia will get in touch with him for some help. He teaches engineering, right? Maybe he can figure out how the "water pressure" caused the blow-out of the pipes in the coffee storage place. But, of course only in a tn where things have to be contrived, would you have water pipes threaded around a storage facility where beans need to be kept dry. Ay de mi.

Max is going to blow. It sounded like a whale, or a volcano, or a bad noreaster. It going to be fun to watch Amaya hold her nose as she cozies up to Cesar--who is nothing like Max in any way--just to make Max mad at her. Does she think that after justice is served she can say to Max, oh, I was just pretending the whole the time. By then it might be too late for her and Max has decided to marry Consta after all. If Cons weren't so needy and sefl-centered, I wouldn't mind seeing them together.
 

Vivi, thank you for that absolutely splendid recap that was so detailed it was like watching again! It would be a wonderful guide for a language learner to use towatch again! Perfect!

Well, I have to say I suspect the same thing as you, Vivi. I don't know. The thought of Amaya cozying up to Cesar will be so out of character I don't see how ANYbody, except Cesar and Lu will believe it! I just can't see it! Will she go as far as to pretend she's been intimate with him? Will she and Cesar work together to make Max think they are lovers? That doesn't make sense because what would THAT do to Val? If she can't stomach faking affection for Lu or feeling like she is enlisting Max to send his own mother to prison, how can she stomach acting love-dovey with Cesar? She had a chilly tone in her voice when Max expressed happiness that she and Lu were having lunch. Cesar is actually plotting with Lu to possess her (and her land) like an object and she can deal with THAT? I know she thinks she will double cross them but she's playing with fire!

I don't know. I must say this is the first time I've felt disenchanted about the next episode. Please, I don't want to be Debbie Downer but I feel so sorry for Max and feel this move on Amaya's part is not well thought out at all. Make Max hate her? Anita, like you said, feigning and alliance and possibly an intimate relationship with Cesar could make him decide he was wrong about her all along and decide to try his hand with the mother of his baby.

I know Max is going to investigate the real reason why Amaya is dumping him. Juli and perhaps Elo will be his partners in this. Max will probably uncover his mother's murdering ways on his own and I imagine a scenario where he finds this out just in time to prevent either Cesar or Lu from killing Amaya thus saving her life and their love.

THIS episode feels like a turning point for me. Let's just see what happens!
 

Thanks Anita and Lila. ITA with you both. It does feel like a turning point episode and things are about to get really dark, especially for Max who is clueless about what's really going on. How Amaya is going to keep up any kind of charade that she likes or is interested in Cesar is beyond me!
 

I'm with Max, it feels like a betrayal but the suddeness of it told him and Juli right away that something else must be up. I'm sure she will not really be intimate with Cesar and that's the puzzle. Cesar REALLY wants to make her his woman: why would he propose "acting like" they are lovers when that's what he really wants? He's going to be after her for a real relationship: how is she going to hold him at bay? What is Mauro going to think of her, and Juli and, like everybody?

How is she going to maintain a trustful and productive work relationship and partnership with Mauro and Max after this crazy move?

Ok. I need to take a nap or something. I'm overthinking this. We're getting our promised heavy snowfall, it's been going on since early this morning, continues all night and not due to stop til early tomorrow morning: I'll probably have to work from home a couple of days.

Anybody else getting slugged by "Linus" (according to the Weather Channel) be safe out there!
 

Oh, Lila. All the best with the snow storm. I hope you stay safe and warm, and that you are stocked up on all your favorite foods and keep power and internet.
 

Vivi,

Terrific recap and you devoted a huge amount of time for the good of the order. I rally appreciate this effort.

I don't like this turn of events in any way, shape, or form. It's a dangerous game and makes no sense.

The idea of Max learning about his mother on his own is a strong one,
but the idea of making Max hate Amaya is not a good strategy. Caro lost her marbles on this one as did Amaya.

If however, Amaya really wants Max to hate her, then she should just tell him what she suspects and what she knows. Let him take it from there ..... as outraged as he might be. She will have planted a seed of doubt, and he would eventually investigate.

Better yet ....my strategy would be to have Amaya meet with Jorge in private. He seems to be the Voice of Reason. Let him listen to the tape and have him figure out a way to prevent Max from blowing his stack and harming Cesar when he too hears the tape.

They should make a level-headed strategic plan. Put all heads together. When Don Mauro finds out, it might send him to an early urn where he will be comingled with Florencia.

Please explain how Amaya was able to record that conversation.

Enjoying all comments. Many thanks again, Vivi.

HAPPY SUPERBOWL!

All the best ..................
 

Happy Superbowl to you too, Floridia! And thank you for the fab comment. Yes, this plan is all kinds of dangerous and will cause heartache. I like all of your suggestions for how else Amaya can do this. But the problem with all of them is that they take the control out of Amaya's hands and puts it into someone else's hands. This is the woman who killed all of Amaya's parents and tried to kill her and her child. This is personal, and she wants to be the one to personally take her down. Had Lu just been a bad person she discovered had done harm to others, then I think this would have been Amaya's course of action. But this is too close to home/to the bone for her to separate her emotions of not just a desire for justice, but also for vengeance. There is always a cost for vengeance, and in this case it might be the love and admiration of Max and Mauro.

The way Amaya made the recording was by having a tape recorder running in her purse throughout the entire lunch, and leaving her purse hanging on the purse tree that sat between her and Lu. The crucial conversation happened when she got up to take Max's call.
 

Thanks for the reply, Vivi.

I get what you are saying, but I would prefer for Amaya to act as a Master Strategist enlisting the assistance of other experts in the overall plan....much like the President of a country taking down an arch villain. Too many people will be at least temporarily hurt in this plan. I could never stand practical jokes or April Fool's jokes because often people's feelings are hurt for a time.

It's similar, but less intense,
when people pretend to forget someone's birthday all day .. and then have a big surprise party that evening. In the meantime, the person has a crumby day because he/she thinks everyone forgot
the occasion.

Thanks for explaining the tape recording. I saw Amaya's hand in the purse, but couldn't figure out
what was going on. Luckily,
Cesar showed up and that both of them did not rummage through her purse - not at all beneath them.
 

Lila,

I'm with you. Don't like this turn of events at all. You mentioned several other reasons not to like it
in addition to hurting Max.

We are going to have to hope that Max remains firm in his conviction that Amaya truly loves him and that he will stop at nothing until he finds out what's behind her about face. He will need great strength and faith for this, and he must always keep in mind who the REAL AMAYA is. Can he maintain this commitment, or will he CAVE? This is a test and a tough one.
 

Lila, Good luck with the snow.
 

Hi, Floridia! Thanks for the well wishes. I'm sure we probably have 10 inches and it's supposed to snow all night with possibly up to five more. Hundreds of schools have already declared they will be closed tomorrow. This storm will probably be good for 2 or 3 snow day! Lots of happy kids all around.

Floridia, this show has constantly surprised me and this is the first truly unpleasant surprise. I too am glad that Max knows something is seriously wrong I like your point about if she wants him to hate her, let her tell him his suspicions and the other ways you suggested this could be handled. But I agree with Vivi too that this is deeply personal and Amaya has to avenge the murder of her family.

Do any of you think that Amaya intends truly to leave Max for good, that she's not thinking she will somehow get him back after Lu is unmasked? We know they will be together but is she really trying to leave him and HE, through his persistence and refusal to let her go, will save their love and win her back even after she exposes his monstrous mother?

I hope someone other than Caro knows that Amaya truly loves Max. Again, I'm counting on Juli to play a role here: she and Amaya have met and instinctively like each other. Maybe. . .

oh goodness! I'm going off the deep end again! It's just a novela!
 

Lila--
Amaya is most likely preparing herself for this to be the end of her relationship with Max. She hasn't thought it all out rationally into the future and probably hasn't considered the consequences. She just wants to unmask Lucrecia and get her condemned and sentenced.

If it takes a long time (like 70 more episodes) to unmask the demon, does Amaya really think Max will wait around for her? Being the persistent, one-woman at a time guy, he may throw himself head on (just finished watching the Superbowl) into "reconquering" her. I was going to say a patient guy, but we know he's a hot head with a short fuse. His "act first think later" may actually interfere or ruin Amaya's plans.

I have a feeling both he and Amaya will end up using Juli as a go-between. Max will tell her his secrets and Amaya will tell her hers. Maybe that's one way this will all get straightened out. If this gets dragged out, it will be Amaya talking to Juli and Max talking to Jorge and then we'll have to wait until Juli and Jorge start talking to each other!

I'm sure there will be some more murder attempts soon. Cesar has ricin. Who does he plan to use it on, Max? Not his mother, yet.

For Max to start believing his mother is more than a cold, contrary, loveless mother, some of her other misdeeds need to come to light, like what she did and is doing to Lucio and what she did to Eloisa. Again, Juli and Elo hold the key. Max also needs to learn of Cesar's lies to Amaya.

I wish Mauro wouldn't go to Guatemala, but it's too late now to stop him. He will surely be disappointed again. Maybe this time they'll do a little more investigating on how he (or the investigator) got that lead.

Unless Jorge sticks around El P., Mariana doesn't really have a protector. Flavia may turn on her and Hector reports to Cesar and the others have no power and influence. She'd better get back to school, pronto. She still needs to see the director who called her with good news.

Everybody commenting is right--it's definitely a turning point in the tn.

Continue to comment here, if anyone wishes. I'll put up the header for the week tomorrow around lunchtime. Chau amiguis.
 

Oh, and I'm sure Cipriano will bet the title to his house and come up empty handed. Wonder where he will end up living. Will Mariana feel sorry for him? I think not.
 

As much as I hate Amaya and Max splitting up (for now), I kinda like the idea of the heroine going after the bad guys aggressively. Normally the good guys are more on the defense so it's nice to see some offense for a change. (football terms in honor of the superbowl, since I missed it to see La Boheme instead).

Well Jorge just keeps getting better. (Touchdown! or something). I hope Flavia listens to him and backs off of Ivan.

Kelly
 

Good point, Kelly. I'm going to have to focus on that: a heroine going on the offensive!

Anita, thank you so much. Your observations have a strangely calming effect on me! You, Vivi and Floridia should hang out your shingle as novela therapists! Yes, Juli and Jorge are going to be key in getting our lovers back together. And yes, Max will have to learn of his Mom's other crimes. Mauro as well.

Okay. I feel better. Just please, novela gods, please don't let Amaya so much as kiss Cesar and if they pretend that she shagged him in Vegas, I'm going to need more therapy, guys!
 

Lila--We'll be here for you.

I'll have the new Post up soon. Got waylaid by laundry and dishes.
 

Thanks Anita! I'm looking forward to this week's episodes.

Vivi- thanks for the wonderful recap!
 

Hi to all,

I like the idea of a strong, assertive woman - but a highly rational one as well.

Las Vegas is full of temptations.
Let's hope that Max remains calm and does not let his imagination run wild. He knows that first and foremost Amaya is a mother and Val comes first. Cesar will want to start those tongues wagging with whatever innuendo he can come up with to put Max in a demoralized state.

If I were forced to be one of the women providing fringe benefits for Cesar in the darkest of scenarious,I would be thrilled when his attentions were diverted by phone calls or his own perverted thought process. These women, however, seem disappointed when he does not pay attention to them. Perhaps being a convincing actress is part of their job too. They dote on him.