Caray, Caray!

Welcome back Jean! Thanks for giving us a separate page!
 

Where's everybody? I've joined the Daniel has to die chorus. I'm tired of his maltreatment of suspects. The tattoos, wig and nose ring didn't help. When he tried to stuff the warrant into the Bolivian's mouth, I said that's enough, he has to die.

-El Señor EC
 

OK, boys & girls. Here we go:

Monday March 16 Episode #113 Part 1

BEBO'S SUITE IN THE 5-STAR HOTEL
Our guys spring open the doors & surround the Boliviano and his henchpeople. "We gotcha!" Bebo Gomez, their ringleader, protests that this is an abuse of authority; he's got diplomatic immunity, he wants to talk to his embassy, he's got a Bolivian passport; Dan says' "no worries, we've got your passport to jail right here," and shoves a piece of paper, which purports to be a judge's order, into Bebo's mouth. [I'm fairly certain from last episode that there was no time to obtain such.] "You'll pay," says el Rey de las Telas as they march him off to headquarters, where he protests that he wants his lawyer. Dan thinks their buddies at Interpol are going to like this. He continues to deny his prisoner any rights, no phone call, no lawyer. Leon questions his tactics. Ponce, still wearing the vinyl wig, says he's in charge here, they have to hold him a couple of days and our guys have to get back to work because they're certain Diablo's about to make his move to get hold of the drugs. "Ok boss, got it!" [they have clearly overstepped their legal bounds, including that fake judge's decree, ¿no crees?]


SOME OR OTHER HHH (they're all a blur at this point)
"You've lost your marbles; your plan doesn't make any sense," fumes Diablo to Lil. She says, "It's the only way we have to get at Ponce." She's referring to Lucia's kids. And she wants $$$$ to pull it off. Diablo lectures Lil about her obsession with Dan. Diablo gets mad when she tells him how his resbalosa santa , that slippery saint of his, is sleeping with Dan every night and laughing at him. This is more than he can take. "Do what you have to, you can have the money..." "It's a lot," she warns. Infiltrating the other side doesn't come cheap! but I assure you this timevamos a revantar!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT SOME LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Lil & Nuria discuss strategy over drinks with a woman dressed in red. I guess this gal, a "professional" acquaintance of Nuria's, is being hired to seduce Octavio and infiltrate the household over at Dan's. Lil complains that she isn't dressed appropriately for the job and wants her to change into something more suitable and also to affect the manners of her betters. This gal wants 20,000 (of the green!!!) to distract Octavio so they can go in and get hold of Lucia's kids. Nuria's jaw drops at the mention of this amount of dinero. For once Nuria is speechless. Lil doesn't bat an eye: "You'll have it." Nuria squawks: "this is the last time I get someone to do a job for you." Lil wants to make sure our new girl's got it straight; "don't you worry about a thing, that kid's gonna be putty in my hands"


 

Monday March 16 Episode #113 Part 2

DAN'S BACHELOR PAD 'N' DAYCARE CENTER
Octo's doing homework, distracted by parenthood, but more resolved than ever to try hard; he thought he wanted to go to university and study law, but he really wants to be a cop like uncle Dan.

Dan comes home. It's supper time. Octo goes off to leave them alone. "Wanna beer?" He's had a tough day (I'll say) and wants to relax alone with her. Smiles abound

Next morning, Memín & Roxana are doing some sort of flash cards game at the breakfast table when Dan breezes through on his way out the door. He stops for a moment to retrieve some important papers for work. Meanwhile, the kids are bored silly with this not-fun "game" that their teacher had recommended to improve their minds. Memín suggests "los dominados con el balon" and runs off to retrieve his ball from Dan's car so they can play. Roxi goes to the bathroom. Dan & Lucha all kissy & lovey-dovey; she'll be waiting for him in bed if he gets home late; he finally takes his leave and he gets into the car to go. Memín, still down there, does not reveal his presence, but hides behind the back seat. Dan drives off.

EL ALMACEN DE AFIAD
Lil & Gen & Diablo approach the AFIAD warehouse at night. Where's the Boliviano? It seems weird; he's not answering his phone. Diablo moves forward with a handful of henchmen: Vamonos. Gen pulls Lil back "Something stinks about this." Diablo enters alone. The place is COMPLETELY EMPTY!!. Outside, the AFIAD squad has arrived. Lil & Gen are waiting in the wings; Gen's insticts WERE right. "Now what do we do?"

Dan & his crew threaten Diablo; "come out with your hands up; there's no escape for you" (famous last words).

It doesn't take long before all the tables are turned and Lil, with Gen as backup, appears on the scene holding a gun to Memin's neck. (so much for Super-Memín). "Do what I say, or the kid's dead!" Dan loses this round; his guys don't put down their weapons, but he does. "What more do you want?" She's incredulous that he should ask: "You know perfectly well that I want YOU!" She keeps insisting and threatening Memín.

Inside the almacen, Diablo appraises the sitch; Diabla's got it all under control out there; good going.

A CLASSROOM
Octavio is studying. A new girl sits in the desk in front of him; shaking her curls, playing dumb & playing up to him for all she's worth (about $20,000, as a matter of fact). She needs a highlighter pen...and a study companion. Batting her eyebrows like a champ, she does her best to reel him in (she's a pro); she's wearing black, so they have something in common; she says she's recently lost her boyfriend, Jorge. They bond and Octavio's started to get goofy over his new "friend", the spy. Her performance pulls at his heartstrings and he opens up, telling her all about Vicki and the baby. The study hall closes; time's up. Spy girl invites Octo to dinner later; she programs her number into his phone.

 

Monday March 16 Episode #113 Part 3

LA MISERICORDIA
Gonzalo lies in his hospital bed, asleep. Abel keeps vigil; kissing his unconscious face. Sor Mili enters, "¿Qué haces aqui?" Abel splits, leaving Mili wondering what the heck is going on. (Is it possible she doesn't really know yet?)

MUCH LATER AT DAN'S DAYCARE CENTER
Roxana comes downstairs to where Lucha is unsucessfully trying to distract herself with a TV show; "What are you doing up sweetie?" "Mama, do you know where Memín went?" Why, what do mean? All Roxi knows is he went out to the car to fetch his ball and she hasn't seen him since. OMG! Lucha doesn't want to believe what she's imagining.

BACK AT EL ALMACEN DONDE LAS DROGAS NO ERAN
Out on the sidewalk, Dan is trying to persuade Lil to let go of the kid; she won't back down: "Drop your guns!" She's got a gun on the kid and Gen is right behind her with a gun pointed straight at Dan. She negotiates for Diablo to get out unharmed. Diablo emerges, angrily demanding of Lil to explain what's going on. She says "You know perfectly well; if you ever want to get that merchandise back, then shut the F*** up! I know esactly what I'm doing. Dan gives himself up and the rest of the squad is disarmed and sent packing.

Lil forces Dan into his car; she gets in back with Memín, still holding the gun to his neck. Dan is trying to stay calm. "Keep driving!"

THE HHH
Diablo bi*ches about the failed mission. Nuria greets him & wants to know what's Liliana done now, smirking at the news that she's with Ponce. Diablo has smoke coming out his ears while she paints her nails and laughs. Gen snarls in her general direction.

AFIAD
The squad is upset about leaving Dan & Memín with Lil holding them at gunpoint. She's clearly unbalanced and they're in a tough situation. What to do?

Meanwhile, she has taken them to:

ANOTHER HHH THAT LOOKS LIKE A STORAGE SHED
She forces Dan at gunpoint to fetch some rope and tie Memín to a chair. He tries to reassure the kid. Then she ties up Dan.

BACK AT DAN'S DAYCARE CENTER
Lucia, with absolutely no information at all is starting to wonder: Dan's been gone a while and no Memín, They've got to figure this out. She walks the baby around. Roxi wonders where Dan went. Octavio arrives home from school. "What's up?" "Memín & Dan are missing." "Why don't you call AFIAD?" (Duh!) So she does. Actually the one she calls is Marisela who is reluctant to answer her, so she hands her phone to Pablo. It's an awkward moment; what to say? He doesn't lie. The baby cries out as Lucha gasps silently. Lucha lies to Roxi. "Go to bed."
 

Monday March 16 Episode #113 Part 4

AT LILIANA'S HHH, SOME DARK CAVE WITH A LOT OF BAD FURNITURE
Memín has been working surreptitiously behind his back to loosen the ropes around his wrists; he's got them partially undone (our hopes rise). She's babbling on in a provocative way about their chances and their choices.

Meanwhile, Lil strikes Dan with her gun and draws blood. Unfortunately, she turns her attention to Memín whose ropes she tightens up again (our hopes are dashed). She hits the poor kid. Her phone rings; it's Diablo. they squabble — she's the boss now, running the show. She tells him she'll get back the merca in exchange for her hostages. He's got to play it her way. He's sure she'll cross him and blusters into the phone. She hangs up on him.

She threatens Dan in an increasingly psychotic way, seductive yet hostile; she has him pretty much where she wants him —all tied up. She uses Dan's phone to call Pablo; he talks, then she tells him her terms. Pablo has to check with his bosses. "You have until noon tomorrow." (She wants the drugs! The team has to save their boss.) Lil rummages through her capacious handbag and freaks out when she can't find what she's looking for. She runs off, in search of her fix, leaving our heroes tied up. Dan peptalks Memín, "Confíe en mí" If they ever get out of this, all Memín wants to know is if Dan will be his dad. He just wants a daddy to play futbol with him. He's a brave little soldier. [heartwarming heroic anthems play in the background]

AFIAD
Pablo can't convince his superiors in the suits to make a deal with the criminals. Yeah, they'll miss Ponce, and if the kids gets harmed, it would be a scandal, but we can't give official sanction to any negotiation with drug dealers. The suits give their final instructions: "Don't do anything that would compromise the prestige of this department. Keep a cool head" Pablo sighs in disgust & resignation. Pablo, talking to his loyal team says "We'll just have to fake it." They don't have any idea where Dan & Memín have been taken; are they still in the D.F. or far away out of town by now? Pablo has a hunch Lil is close by.

BACK AT AT LILIANA'S HHH
Lil returns in high spirits; bouncing about and sniffling rather tellingly. She pours some tequila and plops herself down straddling Dan's lap with her gorgeous gams. He says, "Let the kid go; you have me." "What are you a broken record?; I'm not going to! sniffle sniffle. With you I can get the drugs, sure, with this brat, I can destroy Lucia!" Back on his lap, all she wants to know is why he never loved her the way he loved you know who. Dan starts to plays along pretending to reciprocate her love. In her drug-enhanced high, she seems to be hearing what she wants. Tears of relieved joy! Memín is still there, all tied up watching this charade. (Is he smart enough to know what Dan's up to with his lies). Lil is squirming all over Dan's lap. She starts drinking and pouring tequila down Dan's throat.


 

Monday March 16 Episode #113 Part 5

THE OTHER HHH WHERE DIABLO & GENARO ARE HOLED UP
Diablo is determined to get that mercancía, which seems to have vanished into thin air. Gen thinks not: "Look, Lil's not dumb." It was a trick they pulled on us, but we're free. We should just get outta Dodge and save our skins. The ever-pragmatic Genaro has a point. But Diablo says,"Nos saco de Guatemala para meternos en Guatepeor.". Which is his way of saying he doesn't want to go from bad to worse. The ever-scheming Nuria listens behind a pillar. Diablo pulls a gun on Gen. Nuria watches.

DAN'S PAD
Lucha & Octavio keep watch over Roxana sleeping on the couch. Luch is fretful. They hear the doorbell, think it's Dan, but no—it's Chelo & Elena come to commiserate because Pablo told all.

AFIAD, THE FOLLOWING DAY
Rodriguez has the confiscatedmerca loaded onto a truck; listen boss, he tells Pablo, this is awful risky to Dan and the kid. Yeah, but we have no other choice, says Pab, the suits won't negotiate with the narcos. Ev thinks there's got to be a simpler, better way. Pab says don't worry about Memín, Dan will protect him (yuh!)

LILIANA'S HHH
Lil, her legs still wrapped around Dan's bound body gets weepy about the great love she's always had for him; "I'm not Lucha. You know I love you; we could have a happy marriage, I'd take such care of you..." She's babbling by now. He grins anxiously to himself. Memín, thankfully, appears have nodded off (unless he's playing possum). She tries, somewhat belatedly to clean the blood off Dan's forehead. He's still playing along. "I'll even give you all the children you want—real ones, not these hijos postizos (referring to Roxi & Memín), because I'm fertile (unlike, you know who). She's desperately bathetic...and dangerous. And this is where they leave us. ¡Hasta esta noche!

 

Thanks LXV

"they have clearly overstepped their legal bounds, including that fake judge's decree, ¿no crees?"
Yes, Daniel has to die!

"SOME OR OTHER HHH (they're all a blur at this point)"
I didn't realize Olegario & Liliana had a different hideouts.

Nuria squawks: "this is the last time I get someone to do a job for you."
Didn't the last guy end up dead?

"Lucha is unsucessfully trying to distract herself with a TV show"
So they do watch tv, or was she hoping there was a news broadcast about Daniel & Memin?

"Yeah, they'll miss Ponce..."
But I won't. He has to die.

-El Señor EC
 

the Miserables

woohoo, love reading your recaps lxv,
you covered everything so well.!

I guess they couldn't let out the news on BeBo or Olegario wouldn't go for the drugs.

I was thinking Lili took Daniel to the original HHH,
yes, close your eyes Memin, I'd ask for a blindfold myself.

 

Hey, I'm here!

Thank you, LXV, that was terrific! You caught the excitement and action of this one perfectly. Like El Señor, you seem particularly irritated with Danny. I will reveal myself for the curmudgeon that I really am when I confess that I was most irritated with Memin.

The AFIAD gang finally gets something right and the escuincle goes and gums up the works, putting everyone's lives in danger. Gah!

Lily was hiding out in the original HHH. Since it had already been raided, I guess she figured no one would look back. (But this opens the door to someone at AFIAD getting a brainstorm -- maybe Marisela? -- and intuiting where they are holed up.)

Didn't Genaro warn Olegario that Lily's plan to recover the merca was doomed because the police have a policy of never negotiating with criminals? Lily's strategy was quite brilliant, but as always, it is fatally flawed. If she weren't blinded by her feelings for the Chipmunk, she would have let the Devil do his thing.

I guess I overestimated Octavio's feelings for Adri, because I thought they would help him resist Lily's Mata Hari. Oh well.

Tonight's episode should be interesting.
 

"So they do watch tv, or was she hoping there was a news broadcast about Daniel & Memin?"

Yeah, Señor, that's what Lucha was hoping for. Remember that as soon as a newsworthy event relevant to the personal lives of the characters occurs, it is immediately covered on TV (NBC Telemundo, to be specific).
 

Excellent, LXV. You are so descriptive, and I needed you on this one. My eyes were squeezed shut most of the epi against Dan's police brutality and Lili's gun waving and abuse, especially against Super-Memin. Lili, no "tierra seca," she keeps herself well-hydrated..

Octo "wants to be a cop like uncle Dan." Hope Octo can become a cop that doesn't abuse suspects. With you El Señor EC.

General, I watch on regular TV and at the end of the epi, a screen appeared saying 5 more capítulos. They also said this was the última semana ????

Thanks again, LXV
 

Arggh
Forgot to sign, that was me at 11:51.

Clara
 

Gracias a todos for all the great comments. And for straightening out my misapprehensions about the various hideaways. One dump is as good as the next, I always say, but the idea of somebody (Marisela) placing Lily in her old haunts makes a lot of sense, plotwise.

NvMv : I have softened mildly about the Chipmunk, but do not approve of his high-handed & highly illegal tactics, regardless of what real police actually do in Mexico (or this country for that matter), and the genuine evil of the baddies in question. But I do forgive a kid, especially one who aspires to super-heroism. He got caught in the crossfire. I can't fault him. He may rise to the occasion and save the day yet (thereby reinstating his "super-heroe" status.) But yes, how frustrating to have that operation go south on us.

Lily's Mata Hari was worth the fee. That girl was nothing to look at particularly, but she sure reeled in our Octavio.

Clara I had to keep from choking on my coffee when I read your comment about Lily & the dry ground. Yes, she's well hydrated all right!

Looking forward to tonight! I'm a bit submerged with fussy clients right now as well as a neighborhood tragedy involving a funeral, but hope to be ready for next Monday & Tuesday. Meanwhile, thanks to NovelaMaven , Spanish Student and anybody else who can jump in and pinch hit for us. I'm counting on you all.






 

Thanks again, LXV, for another stellar recap. I'm still on for Friday but I can only comment on the final episode.

You guys are confirming my suspicions about Marisela. Will wait to see what happens.

I know Memin's only a kid but I was surprised he made the same mistake twice by hiding in the car. He could have said something to Dan but I guess the writers had other plans.

Spanish student
 

This is from memory and somewhat out of order. Please add corrections and fill in details, guys!

Will Lily have her way with the Chipmunk?

Martes, Parte 1

Daniel's argument is irrefutable: If Lily has a soft spot for children -- and she must if she is so anxious to bear Danny's babies -- then she should let Memín go. Lily allows herself to be persuaded. She unties Memín and sends him on his way with a warning to tell no one where she is holding Danny.

Memín doesn't go quietly. At first, he says he won't go without Daniel. Then he says he won't be able to find his way home. Danny tells him to go to the main street and figure it out from there.

Memín manages to find a police officer who recognizes him from a flyer the AFIAD gang are circulating.

After freeing Memín, Lily checks in with Genaro. He tells her she's a fool. The kid is a lince, literally a lynx, an eagle-eye, and he'll bring the cops to her door. She realizes she has made a mistake and has to get out of there, so she shleps Danny through a conveniently nearby forest. His hands are tied and she has a gun. Even so, it's kind of embarrassing for him that in a one-on-one struggle, he can't overpower her. The gun goes off and wounds him slightly in the foot. She pulls off his boot, checks the injury, and decides that he can still walk. She forces him to go forward, but leaves the boot behind. A clue!

Lily and Danny get to where she has her car parked (HHH #1?), and she forces him in. She drives one-handed while holding her gun on him with the other hand. They get to yet another HHH, this one a bit more rural and upscale. She ties Danny up and goes out for supplies.

The folks at AFIAD are trying to think like criminals, just as the boss has taught them to do. Carlos stops in and gives Mari and Ev a little lesson on psychopathy and sociopathy. People like Olegario and Liliana, he tells them, live in a bubble of arrogance, are incorrigible liars who come to believe their own lies, have no sense of right and wrong, are incapable of remorse and can't be reformed. All you can do is lock them up to protect the rest of us from them.

Indeed. Hopped-up Lily demonstrates her arrogance, entitlement and disregard for others when she sticks her gun under the window at the pharmacy and demands powerful sedatives, antibiotics and happy pills for men -- oh and also a first aid kit. What can the pharmacist do but oblige?

At HHH #2, Genaro repeats to Olegario that the AFIAD will never negotiate with Lily. Whatever they say will be a trick. They now know that the Bolivian has been arrested. They are trying to figure out what crazy Lily is going to do next. Nuria listens for a bit and then decides to go out for some air... or so she says.
 

Martes, Parte 2

Soraya, Lily's whoring spy, has managed to insinuate herself into Octavio's life. First she calls him and meets him for coffee, and then she wangles an invitation to his place to see his daughter. As he is telling her his sad story, Soraya looks as if she might actually regret that she took this job. But later on, in the apartment, she seems to throw herself into the challenge.

Adriana shows up with Santi in arms, is stung by Soraya's presence, and leaves quickly.

Chelo has a tearful moment as she looks at Vicky's photo, perhaps thinking how life goes on and Octavio is learning to live without her beloved daughter. Octavio comforts her.

Meanwhile Soraya, who has made a show of cooing over mini-Vicky in front of Octavio, thinking she is unobserved, expresses her disgust at being left alone with the baby and her stinky diaper. But Roxy catches her. And Roxy knows a bad girl when she sees one.

Lucha et al are informed of Memín's safe return. Lucha is reluctant to allow Memín to put himself at risk by helping the police find Lily, but she finally agrees. She continues to agonize over Daniel. She refuses to consider the possibility that he might not make it, and she puts her fingers in her ears when they try to tell her what El Señor EC has written.

Elena visits Marina and they talk about Lily's using Daniel to hurt Lucha. Blah blah blah.

Carlos and Deya go to the mall for a movie. Deya sweet-talks him into looking for some baby clothes first. (Is this scene going somewhere?)

Pablo and the guys get to HHH #1 and realize they just missed Lily and Daniel -- and we know Lily almost got caught when she returned to pick up her coke. They follow her trail (who knows how) and find the spot where Danny's bloody boot was left behind. They are closing in.

Meanwhile, Genaro and Olegario are trying to figure out which of their many HHH's Lily has chosen.

Back in the woodsy HHH, hopped-up Lil is splashing alcohol on Danny's bloody foot. YOWZA!! She takes a handful of pills and shoves them in his mouth. She tells them they are for pain. Does he swallow them? (I wouldn't!) She waits expectantly for the pills to take effect. "Are you feeling anything yet? Huh?"

Will Lily salir con la suya? Tune in tomorrow and find out.
 

NovelaMaven Thank you SO MUCH for jumping into the breach with your stellar recap! You have a knack for characterizing these scenes so compactly. Drug-addled Lil has made a few mistakes there, but it amazes me she's still got Dan under her control. Pretty Keystone Cops, that scene where she drives off in her flamboyant red car with Pablo right on her heels, not even seeing her get away. And "a conveniently nearby forest" LOL (Did we hear Memín say he had found his way home from Cuernavaca?)

Did Soraya seem to recognize the name of Cesar Mondragon? and Daniel Ponce?

"And Roxy knows a bad girl when she sees one." Yup!

And DID Dan swallow the pills? I kept looking at his chipmunk cheeks hoping he was putting them to good use. I hope we don't have to watch much more of Liliana's bumping and grinding on Danny's lap. You'd think he'd have slipped those ropes off his wrists by now.


 

Hola LXV! Thanks!

"Pretty Keystone Cops, that scene where she drives off in her flamboyant red car with Pablo right on her heels, not even seeing her get away."

Bingo!

"Did Soraya seem to recognize the name of Cesar Mondragon? and Daniel Ponce?"

She definitely did, and her eyes widened with what seemed to be genuine surprise. She was impressed. She also seemed shocked to hear that Liliana had murdered César and Vicky. I had the feeling that she had signed on for a scam but had no idea of the deep doodoo she had gotten herself into until that moment, and I was hopeful that she would come clean with Octavio. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it's going that way.

"(Did we hear Memín say he had found his way home from Cuernavaca?)"

I didn't hear that. I think all the action took place in and on the outskirts of the city, though maybe he mentioned Cuernavaca...
 

NvMv : " I was hopeful that she would come clean with Octavio. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it's going that way." Not likely with $20K in the offing. I'm sure she did not collect that money up front. But we'll see what kind of a slick operator she really is when all heck breaks loose.
 

NovelaMaven, thanks for a tidy recap!
"Even so, it's kind of embarrassing for him that in a one-on-one struggle, he can't overpower her."
This whole story arch has been frustrating. First I can't believe that an operation by an armed team was foiled just because she held a gun to a kid's head. And when she was driving them to the hideout. They were not tied up yet. Memin was in the back seat. Daniel was in the front seat. Whe was pointing the gun at Daniel while driving. He couldn't disarm her then? Well, he has always let her have her way throughout this novela.

IXV
"And DID Dan swallow the pills? I kept looking at his chipmunk cheeks hoping he was putting them to good use."
I kept waiting for him to spit them out when she turned her back! But I guess he did swallow whatever it was.

I think I might be able to do Thursday night's episode. Thursday night, I will know for sure what my Friday will be like.

-El Señor EC
 

Just checked back on the webcast, and yes, Memin was found the police in Cuernavaca. So they've got their HHH's spread pretty far afield. That could be a couple hours' drive depending on traffic and depending on where. And there's a large national park between Cuernavaca and the southernmost part of the D.F., so perhaps that's where Dan sustained the gunshot wound to his foot. But Pablo distinctly said they were waiting because he was on la carretera de Cuernavaca. And Luch & El expressed surprise that Lil would have taken him so far away. (I've never been to Mexico, this is all from searching the web)
 

Good detective work, LXV! I completely missed the Cuernavaca connection! Thanks.
 

El Señor EC,

It would be great if you could do Thursday. Just let us know before the episode is aired, ok? Thanks!
 

Well, of course, it's actually Cuernavaca Florida.
 

Good catch LXV! That Cuernavaca foot patrol cop might win the award for Best Police Work in our TN for the immediate match of Memin to the flyer pic.

I thought Octavio was pretty savvy. He handled himself well when he was kidnapped. But boy, is he gullible name dropping and spilling all to Soraya.

And now poor Roxy is burdened again with "bruja" knowledge.

NovelaMaven, your "shorty" brought it all to life! Thank you.

Clara
 

My pleasure, Clara!

Sadly, there aren't too many contenders for Best Police Work, are there?

"And now poor Roxy is burdened again with "bruja" knowledge."

Yup. Do we think Lucha will believe her or will her concerns be attributed to a childish imagination and brushed away?
 

Thanks, NovelaMaven!

"Carlos and Deya go to the mall for a movie. Deya sweet-talks him into looking for some baby clothes first. (Is this scene going somewhere?)" I don't think it did, except to show these two out on a date.

Soraya may be two-faced but she hasn't really done anything yet. I'm guessing that Roxi will overhear a conversation between Soraya and Lili, or maybe she'll catch her snooping around. At least we know that someone is watching her.

I was also waiting for Dan to spit the pills out but no. (Of course a savvy pharmacist wouldn't give the a strong sedative, Viagra, and a first aid kit to a woman brandishing a gun. Sounds like a recipe for an assault to me, and I would have substituted mild pain killers instead.)

spanish student



 

thanks so much NovelaMaven for another wonderful recap!

I thought Octavio was winning Soraya over, she's good, how did Nuria describe her to Lili, as a prostitute that could sell herself as a virgin, or something like that.

maybe the cop still had an older flyer from before when they were looking for Memin.

oh yea, I did see a promo for the 2 hour gran final.

 

Part of that going to the movies in the mall scene was an appalling discussion about the merits of Carl's taste in movies versus Deya's. He's got that missionary zeal to inculcate sophisticated culture into his sweet little sexpot. I hope she stands up for herself against his snobbery.
 

spanish student and deb, thanks for the kind words!

spanish student,
You obviously know how to keep your cool in a crisis. I suspect that I would have given Lily whatever she wanted, though I would have alerted the police as soon as she left. She is hardly inconspicuous.

deb,the AFIAD people were saying they had put out flyers for Dan & Memín, but yeah, maybe he still had an old one:)

LXV,
Carlos really gets to you, doesn't he? I'm not that annoyed by his pretentiousness. It's a weakness and we know where it comes from. And we also know that Deya can give as good as she gets. Besides, I still have a soft spot for Carlos from the beginning of the story, when he was so kind to Lucha even though Dan was acting like a hanging judge.
 

NvMv
"Carlos really gets to you, doesn't he?" I'm afraid he does; but I'll get over it. I realize Deya's no prize, but his only interest in her seems to be sex. (I guess you've got to start somewhere) I guarantee you she has no interest in improving her intellect. Oh well; there's always a chance they'll find some middle ground to keep them going after the thrill is gone; and they'll both be better for it.
 

NovelaMaven, I based my comment on the fact that Lili seemed awfully nervous at the pharmacy and even stuttered over the names of the drugs...so I wouldn't expect her to know if they're fake. And yes, I would have contacted the police immediately after she left.

RE: Carlos/Deya, I have to admit I wasn't too happy with Deya's reaction. She waited so long for a date then she suddenly decides to shop for the baby (she's still not showing). It could be insecurity or just her lack of interest in Carlos' tastes. I'm still hoping the writers separate these two as a couple. Carlos and Marina (if she lives) seem to share not only a profession but a certain type of lifestyle... likewise for Deya and the orderly.
 

spanish student,

I don't disagree with you about the pharmacist. I just don't think I would be able to think that clearly if a crazy woman were waving a gun in my direction.
:)
 

Yes, and I forgot to mention that I agree with you! :o)

Sorry if this has already been discussed, but last night I saw the preview for Avenida Brazil starting April 6th. According to Wiki there are 160 episodes in syndication. So... will El Jardinero replace Avenida Brasil or another novela (Tierra, perhaps)?

spanish student
 

spanish student,

Whatever happened to El Jardinero?

deb seems to be the person who is most in tune with what is happening on Telemundo. Maybe she will have some light to shed on this. I know what you know -- they have announced Avenida Brasil and are mum about El Jardinero. Out of curiosity, I took a look at Telemundo's website today, and there is not a word about El Jardinero, but plenty about Avenida Brasil.

So who knows? Maybe they decided that after all this time watching him as El Diablo Marrero, we weren't ready for Gabriel Porras as the hero in El Jardinero. Or maybe the production isn't moving along as smoothly or quickly as they anticipated.

It is surprising that Telemundo would repeat Avenida Brasil in a primetime slot so soon after running it during the day. On the other hand, people who have seen AB rave about it; apparently it is a very good novela, something quite special. Even so, if they don't get the audience they expect, Telemundo would not be above pulling AB and replacing it with...El Jardinero? Something else?
 

Thanks, NovelaMaven. Perhaps Porras was busy filming Los Mis. Either way I'll have to wait for El Jardinero. Hopefully AB will be a hit for Telemundo prime time.

Spanish student
 

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Miércoles, parte 1

Ay ay ay, I'm so anxious! There are so many things that could go wrong, so much evil, so much danger...

That's your idea of foreplay?
Daniel must have used those chipmunk cheeks to store the pills because he isn't responding to Lily as expected. THWAP! She slams him for his failure. And then she gets right back on that horse and tries again. ¡Suéltame! cries our diminutive hero. Now Lily grabs her gun and threatens to blow them both away.

But Lily is not the only bruja in the story
Nuria happens upon Carlos and Deya in the mall. She is absolutely incensed at Deya's good fortune.

Coffee Talk at the AFIAD
Marisela tells Pablo about Carlos's visit and the insights he shared on psychopathy. Pablo thinks Carlos can help them. He also thinks Daniel is lucky to be at Liliana's mercy rather than Olegario's since her obsession with him may protect him. Somewhat.

Coffee Talk at the Casa Duran
"Sadly, my sister is sick in her head and her soul," Elena tells her mother gently. "She's a psychopath," says Consuelo somewhat less gently. Both sisters agree that Lily has done great harm and must pay the price. Fernanda doesn't want to hear it, not about her pobre hija. Perhaps, she suggests, it is she, Fernanda, who made Lily that way.

Love or Death
Lily holds the gun against Daniel's neck. "Love me or I'll kill you." Danny convinces her that they can be together again, but first they need to rest. They are both SO tired.

And this shmata?
Carlos has bought a surprise for Deya: her first maternity dress! She is dubious at first, but finally touched. She kisses Carlos. Nuria, every inch a Disney witch, burns with malice and envy as she watches. She cannot bear Deya's happiness.

Batching it
El Diablo angrily pulls down the yellow crime scene tape in the current HHH. "If the cops have Lily, do you think she'll talk?" Before Genaro can answer, his phone rings. It's Liliana. She has Danny and she'll hand him over the next day, she says. The Diablo grabs the phone and orders her to bring him his prisoner NOW. She's too drunk to drive, she says, and ends the call. The Diablo tosses the phone in the air and Genaro catches it neatly, but Lily is gone.

A girl can change her mind
Lily tells Dan the game has changed. She's going to hand him over to El Diablo. It didn't have to be like this, but his coldness, his distance forced her to it.

As she talks, Daniel works to loosen the rope that ties his hands behind his back.

"If you had loved me," she whispers, "we could have been so happy." Yo te quiero, Daniel tells her. But he is so tired -- they both are -- and they need to rest. He begs her to lie down. Tomorrow they can be together. Her eyes fill with tears. Te amo, Daniel. She curls up on the bed.

He continues to work on the ropes, straining to loosen them.
 

Miércoles, Parte 2

My life has been good, but since I met you, it's been much better
Gonzalo makes this declaration to Abel in his hospital room. The two men prepare themselves for the uncertainty that is to come and bolster each other's spirits. They embrace.

High anxiety at the breakfast table
Lucha tries to keep things normal for Octavio and the children, but everyone is on edge. "What if the witch throws Daniel off a roof?" Lucha promises them that Danny will return safe and sound. And they all have to carry on with their duties of school and work.

Don't cry for me, Abelito!
"If I die, I don't want you to weep for me," Gonzalo tells Abel. "You can't control my emotions," Abel replies. But he promises that when Gonzalo gets out of the hospital, he's going to throw him a big party (un pachangón). And Gonzo smilingly promises to come back and jalarte las patas (literally, pull your legs) if it goes the other way.

Carlos and Marina stop by to wish Gonzalo luck. So do a couple of nurses, who bring the best wishes of the whole nursing staff.

Ufff. I have a splitting headache!
A curious camera angle lines up a mounted fish on the wall with Lily still curled up on her side, her black leather-clad bottom shining in the daylight. She holds her head and groans. Then she realizes she has lost something. She bounds out of bed.

"Daniel -- where are you?" Her prisoner is gone -- and so are her gun and her cellphone.

Outside, Dan is limping slowly away from the house as he tries to get a signal on the phone. Lily opens the door, sees him, and grabs a stout piece of wood.

She catches him unawares -- why doesn't he pay attention? -- knocks him unconscious, grabs the gun and phone, runs to her inconspicuous red convertible and drives away, leaving him sprawled on the ground.

Lily speeds along the road with no clear destination in mind. What is she going to do? She picks up her phone to call Genaro and discovers that the battery is dead.
 

Miércoles, Parte 3

Slopping the pigs
Nuria marches into the current HHH and throws a bag of take-out on the table for Genaro and Olegario. She is harta (fed up) that stupid girls get all the breaks while she doesn't get what she thinks she deserves.

Just then her phone rings and she hurries to answer it. It's Soraya and she's looking for Lily. Nuria explains that Lily isn't around, but says she'd like to meet with her for a little chat. She arouses Olegario's suspicions by her vague answer when he asks her who called. Genaro offers to follow her -- with his sandwich, of course.

It's okay sir, I'm Commander Danny
Daniel has recovered from his latest assault and has managed to limp his way onto the road. He stops a car and identifies himself to the driver. The man gives him a lift and lends him his phone. [Vaguely martial music swells in the background. The forces of good are on the march!]

A happy day at the AFIAD
"Hey," says Pablo with a grin, "Daniel called and he's okay!" Pablo heads out to meet him, leaving Marisela and Evaristo in charge.

Genaro lurks and listens
He sees Nuria and Soraya at a café. Soraya reproaches Nuria for setting her up with Crazy-Killer-Addict Lily. Nuria stuffs cake into her piehole nonchalantly. So what? Soraya's making good money. By the way, does Soraya have a couple of friends who can do a little job for her? She wants to play a little trick on someone who is acting all "nice" and needs to be put in her place. Her name? Deyanira Paredes.

Genaro shakes his head in disgust. [And for once, I am in complete sympathy with him.]

She saw the rose in a garden
Deya brings a (possibly pilfered) long-stemmed red rose to the chapel as an offering to the Virgin. She meets Sor Milagros there and tells her how grateful she is for all she has been given.

Now what do I do?
Lily drives along in a panic. If she shows up at the HHH without Daniel, Olegario is going to kill her.

Genaro reports back to the Devil
He tells Olegario about Nuria's plan to punish another "gata" for rising above Nuria herself. The girl she met with is the one Liliana hired to get close to Octavio.

More good wishes for a good man
Ignacio joins Abel in Gonzalo's room. He has come to offer his support, now and always. Gonzalo is a special human being who has given hope to so many and saved so many lives, including mini-Vicky's, Lucha's and Ignacio's.

Former rivals share a pew
Lucha enters the chapel and finds Marina sitting there. Neither woman has heard any news of Daniel, but Lucha is sure that he is well. "How do you know?" "I don't know," answers Lucha, "but I have a lot of faith."

Going under the knife
Abel chokes back tears as Gonzalo is wheeled away on a stretcher. Ignacio comforts Abel. "He's going to come through the surgery just fine, son." Father and son embrace. Dios aprieta pero no ahorca (i.e. God challenges us, but is merciful.)
 

Miércoles, Parte 4

He should be here by now!
Just as Carlos's nerves are getting the better of him and Pablo is trying to reassure him, Daniel is delivered to the rendezvous point by the good samaritan who picked him up on the road. Daniel needs to see Lucía!

The chapel
Marina is called away. Lucía sits and prays for Daniel. (Aloud, of course.) She knows he is alive because she feels it in her heart. As she is praying for his safe return, he walks in with a happy smile on his little chipmunk face. She flies happily into his arms. Pablo and Carlos turn away discreetly.

Marina appears at the entrance to the chapel in time to see them kiss. She does not look happy.

The ward
Lucha attends to Dan's sore foot. Then she heads back to work (though it is hard to imagine that she ever does anything but tend to her own loved ones) and Pablo comes to debrief Dan about his latest adventures.

Parenthood
Adriana arrives at the AFIAD desperate for a baby-sitter. She has an important presentation and there is no one to leave Santi with. How about it, baby daddy? Evaristo tries to beg off. It is Marisela who steps forward. "Of course we can take care of him!" Adri passes along the diaper bag and leaves Ev and Mari cooing over little Santi.

Psychopath, phone home
Ignacio returns to the fonda after his visit to Gonzalo. Fernanda's dyspeptic commentary ("I don't like that man at all!") is cut short by a phone call. It is her wayward daughter. We hear her stage whisper into the phone: "Didn't I make it clear that I want nothing to do with you?...Okay, I'm on my way." Fernanda hastily unties her apron and heads out the door to take care of some "urgent" paperwork. Ignacio looks skeptical.

No news is no news
Abel cools his heels in the Misericordia hallway.

On the job training
It's Evaristo's turn to change Santi's diaper.

The ward
Dan thinks Lily would have killed him if he had not escaped when he did. And she is using drugs very heavily. Carlos says she fits the profile of a psychopath. She is a danger to herself and everyone else. It is urgent that they find her. Dan asks Carlos if he can prepare a psychological profile of Lily. Pablo agrees it would help the police catch her. Carlos accepts the challenge. In fact, he's delighted. Squee! He's always been intrigued by criminal profiling. He scurries off to get started.
 

Miércoles, Parte 5

Short scenes around Misericordia

Daniel is worried about Lucha's safety. He doesn't want to leave the hospital until her shift is over. Pablo says he has someone protecting Lucha. Dan needs to go home and rest.

Adriana stops by the hospital to see Abel. She needs him to unlock some files for her presentation. She is apologetic about bothering him at a time like this and tries to offer comfort and reassurance.

Deya brings Abel a cup of calming telenovela tea (though at first Sor Milagros thinks it is for her). Deya explains that Abel is upset because of his, er, his... His friend, interjects Milagros. Deya walks away and Milagros is left looking a bit uncertain. She lifts her eyes in prayer and admits that she doesn't know what to do, but she knows that "we are all your children." Que salga Gonzalito de esto, ¿sí?

Carlos comes to take Deya to lunch. He wants to be sure she is eating a healthy diet.

Targets
Lucha and the kids sit on a bench in what looks like a public park. The kids are eating ice cream cones and chatting about what they are studying in school. No one wears a "Kick Me" sign, but man, they seem so exposed. Pablo's guy is there to look after them -- but what could he really do if they were attacked? Anyway, Lucha gives the kids the good news -- Daniel has returned safe and sound.

Nuria's Revenge
Carlos is lecturing Deya about her eating habits when some tipo walks in out of nowhere, plants a kiss on Deya's cheek, and announces with a mean grin that he is her favorite client. Carlos stands up and lunges at the intruder. Deya tries to keep the men apart.

My daughter, right or wrong
Fernanda meets Lily at an outdoor café. Lily says Daniel Ponce is trying to kill her. She begs Fernanda to let her hide in the family home.

So are you the new pimp?
"Where did you leave Roque?" taunts the malevolent, grinning stranger. Carlos lunges again and screams at him to get out. Deya pulls him away. "I don't even know him," she sobs to Carlos. "Don't lie," says the stranger. "I'm your best customer...Fridays in my car... the queen of the streets...I always said I'd get you out of there and you used to say 'as long as it's to a 5 star hotel."

The damage is done. Carlos walks away. Deya hurries after him, calling to him.

Soraya's friend phones in his report: mission accomplished.

We have to stop meeting like this
Soraya contrives to bump into Octavio. Literally. Her books fall to the ground and he helps her pick them up. He accepts her invitation to a French film festival (though he admits he is an action movie kind of guy). They go off hand in hand on their way to his apartment so he can check on mini-Vicky and take a quick shower.

You're my only hope!
Lily begs. Fernanda says Ignacio would turn her in and so would her siblings. They all say she killed Vicky. Lily swears on Fernanda's life that it isn't so. It was an accident. Vicky slipped and Lily couldn't save her. "You have to believe me -- I didn't kill her."

End of Episode
 

Thank you thank you thank you! What a rollicking read! And since I missed the first 15 minutes, completely indispensable.

I loved that interesting little comic touch with Genaro catching the flipped phone; so many "theatrical" references in this production.

"her inconspicuous red convertible" — such drollerie! we are the lucky readers!...and those section headings ("slopping the pigs," "And this shmata?" "No news is no news")

and the pilfered rose! (You pay for stems like those!)

and the vocab; already pasted into my list; including that tricky proverb!

pobre de Marina...why does she keep torturing herself. I thought she had already conceded defeat in the Dan department. Just don't look, already.

So Carlos is off and running on his second career as a criminal profiler! He's going to have to rise above his own caste prejudices if he wants to see inside their devious minds. He sure fell for the bait in Nuria's scheme to unseat her parvenue rival.

"No one wears a "Kick Me" sign, but..." Yeah, what's with that? I should think they would have police escorts to & from and spend all their time indoors while this is happening.

And Fernanda, the Enabler, is setting herself up for tragedy. I wonder if her great love for Ignacio will save her from the precipice or if she's just another fallen angel.
 

"Nuria, every inch a Disney witch, burns with malice and envy" Brilliant, esp. since I missed this part. I can see the whole scene in your writing!
 

Thanks so much, LXV. Lord willin' and the crick don't rise, this should be my last Miserable recap.

So Carlos is falling to your expectations, isn't he?

"He sure fell for the bait in Nuria's scheme to unseat her parvenue rival."

He did. Could it be that they will not head off to the Ark together after all?
 

"Lord willin' and the crick don't rise..."—¡Ojala! although I will miss your bright, sparkling wit, energy & team spirit!! Hasta la proxima

From what I reckon, it's El Señor EC tonight (unless we hear otherwise; Spanish student tomorrow night and me on Monday; then for Tuesday night's final we'll have El Señor & myself in parallel (unless anybody else wants to take a whack at any or all of it—for a trifecta!)

Do we know yet what the hours are? I'm assuming 8-10PM.

As for Carlos, I wish him well, but he's got an awful lot'o baggage for a therapist. I hope he's in supervision or at the very least seeing someone himself. (I would never go to a shrink who wasn't doing their own therapy; the better ones do.) Although, the situation was incendiary; I can't fault him for snap judgement; it was designed to provoke. It's what he does now that interests me more. I had thought that the two of them (Carlos & Deya) would find common ground, if both could overcome previous injuries (Carlos his deprived upbringing & Deya her sordid girlhood). But it seems their needs and agendas are too self-centered. We shall see.
 

Thank you NovelaMaven. Always so well written.

"A curious camera angle lines up a mounted fish on the wall with Lily still curled up on her side, her black leather-clad bottom shining in the daylight." Wow, you catch all the details.
So, Liliana goes to sleep, Daniel unties himself, takes her gun and phone, and just leaves her there to make a phone call? He has no desire to ever arrest her or do her any harm. He could have at least shoot her in the foot. She is the only criminal or suspect he doesn't treat roughly.

"The damage is done. Carlos walks away. Deya hurries after him, calling to him." Both of them handled this just wrong. The correct way to handle this is to simply and calmly say that yes, Deyanira used to be a prostitute, but she has moved on. She is now with me, and we're going to have a family. Do you have any other insults you would like to share. The mission is only accomplished because they are trying to pretend that her past never happened, that her past clients would have forgotten about her.

-El Señor EC
 

Señor EC,
I know I got carried away with that description. It's just that someone obviously went to a great deal of trouble to set it up so I figured it deserved to be acknowledged.

It didn't even occur to me that Danny should have done something to Lily to immobilize her or render her harmless. I was just so fascinated by his complete lack of awareness of danger or instinct of self-preservation. But of course, you are right. Where is the abusive, head-smashing policía when you need him?

LXV,
I do hope there is a próxima when we can recap together. I am so delighted that you chose this venue and this show to make the move from astute commenter to full-fledged recapper. (Such a funny word, full-fledged ... fledged, ready to fly, to fledge - to supply a arrow with feathers...related to Dutch vlug, quick, agile -- just like your soaring prose.)

I think our little group of recappers and commenters has shown that you don't need a cast of thousands for a satisfying recap experience. All you need are a handful of kindred souls and the sense that at least one other person is reading what you have written.

I look forward to reading The Rest of the Story over the next few days.
 

Ay, uy, oy Novela Maven! That was brilliant, one of your very best, IMHO.
You must keep a list of perfect phrases to insert, cuz I can't imagine you can just crank them out under time pressure. Gracias!

LXV highlighted my faves, "Nuria, every inch a Disney witch," and the shamta/bata, as well as the dicho.

You called it NovelaMaven, the simple trip to the mall went somewhere, it morphed into something that might keep the comic relief couple off the Ark even with the bebe en camino. That sleazy tipo was very effective, even though as El Señor EC says, situation easily could have been defused. Writers are still having fun with Deya/Carlos.

Thanks so much, NovelaMaven, for this and all of your stellar recaps.

Clara
 

NvMv
"full-fledged ... just like your soaring prose" Stop! before I blush to death! I too, look forward to another time. It ain't quite over yet, but it's been fun, and I have you to thank for encouragement & support.
 

Wonderful recap, NovelaMaven...and it completes a long list of excellent recaps! Thank you for sharing your time and talent!

I agree with El Senor that things could have been handled differently with Deya and Carlos. Problem is their relationship has never been stable enough to address it. And this isn't the first time Carlos defended her against the insults/advances of a former client, although this time the client was fake. And since she was a former "street" hooker, these type of scenes could easily happen again. So they'll have to follow El Senor’s advice or find a common ground to raise their child separately. Personally I thought she was happier with Neno.

The writers elevated Carlos' status to a "profiler" however it didn't feel necessary. The detectives know Lili, Genaro, & Oleg very well... their methods, hideouts, strengths and weaknesses. He didn't really add much to the discussion other than psychological jargon.

Soraya’s already as annoying as Ivanna (what happened to her anyway?). Can’t believe Octavio fell for that hand-holding move. With time running out, Soraya should either do the right thing or prepare to suffer the "known" consequences. (Likewise for Nuria.)

I was just getting used to Ignacio forgiving Fernanda... but now it's evident that she hasn't changed a bit. So I'm back to wondering if they'll be together in the end. I hope not.

Spanish student

p.s. I’m recapping tomorrow.
 

Aw Clara,

What a generous and thoughtful comment! Thanks so much!

You know I go back and forth on Carlos and Deya, but if they part ways, I don't want it to be on account of Nuria's dirty tricks. (A Disney witch is still a witch!)
 

Spanish student,

I really appreciate your words. I'm so glad you've enjoyed my recaps -- and I look forward to reading your recap of Friday's show this weekend.

"Soraya’s already as annoying as Ivanna"

Hahaha! She really is! Even her hair is annoying. Poor Octavio. I guess he isn't used to beating off the ladies with a stick, so he's an easy mark.

Hey, maybe Dr. Carlos will come up with some insight in his profile that will be CRUCIAL to capturing the bad guys. (Or not.) You have to admit that he's trying to loosen up -- the other day, he told Marisela that she didn't have to keep calling him "Doctor."

"Personally I thought [Deya] was happier with Neno."

I thought so too.

I don't see how things can end well for Fernanda. Maybe her blood will be on Lily's hands.
 

El Señor EC

I apologize if I missed your comment, but have you said whether you are able to recap tonight? It would be nice to know before the show starts.

Thanks!
 

NovelaMaven, yes, I can recap tonight's show. Sorry I couldn't let you know earlier. I've been at the theatre since mid-afternoon. Just got home.

-El Señor EC
 

Los Miserables
Capítulo 116, parte 1 de 5

At some cafe, Liliana continues to beg Fernanda to believe that she did not kill Vicky. Fernanda tells her to trust in the justice system. Liliana won't turn herself in because Daniel believes she killed Cesar, which she did, with Genaro's help.

At the Misericordia, Deyanira runs after Carlos. She swears she doesn't know who that guy was or why he would say such things about her. And I don't see why it matters whether he was a client or not, they need to learn how to deal with her past.

Fernanda returns to the house/restaurant, and Ignacio wants to know where she was. She tries lying to his face when he says he knows she went to see Liliana. Ignacio will not hide Liliana because she is a criminal. Meanwhile, Liliana sneaks into the house.

Daniel returns home, and Consuelo dumps baby Vicky (with a mohawk) on him, so she can go.

Upstairs in the attic, we didn't know existed, Liliana is resting when she hears Helena and Pablo enter. She eavesdrop as they talk with Ignacio about marriage. Liliana hates everyone because they are happy and she is not.

Octavio comes home with the young seductress. It appears they are alone. Octavio doesn't want to move too fast. She uses the same word, fresa, as Vicky. Octavio finds baby Vicky in the bedroom. Um... where is Daniel?

No one notices Genaro sitting in the restaurant drinking a beer while Ignacio is looking for a bottle of wine to celebrate Helena and Pablo's hundredth engagement and when Fernanda drops a tray because life is a disaster.

The little seductress goes into the bathroom, where she thinks Octavio is taking a shower, and undresses, only to surprise and to be surprised by Daniel.

-El Señor EC
 

Los Miserables
Capítulo 116, parte 2 de 5

But she liked what she saw. Meanwhile Octavio is holding baby Vicky, telling her that everything he does is for her. Back in the living room, the kids and Lucia burst in before Daniel and the little seductress, I don’t know her name, could tell Octavio what happened. Daniel gives her a look that let's Lucia know something isn't right.

Back at the restaurant, Fernanda falls apart and Genaro figures out that Liliana, who continues to spy on Helena and Pablo, is hiding out there. Upstairs in the house, Pablena hears a noise in the attic. Helena thinks it is a rat. Pablo thinks it was to loud to be a rat, but Nachito bursts in before Pablo could investigate. Two scenes in a row, we have kids bursting in before the adults could deal with issues.

Adrian has returned to AFIAD to pick up Santiago. Rodriguez tells her how great it was to play daddy for the day, moves in to take some of the credit.

Back at Daniel's apartment, the kids are excited to see Daniel, excited that la bruja mala didn't kill him. After Octavio introduces his friend, Daniel tells Lucia what happened.

Los Miserables
Capítulo 116, parte 3 de 5

Whatever concerns Daniel and Lucia may have had about the fast moving seductress, were forgotten as they got caught up in their own little flirtation.

Do people really drink like this? Olegario is drinking as he thinks back to the time he drugged Lucia. He wishes that he had raped her then. Genaro enters and takes the bottle from Olegario. Olegario takes it back and continues drinking. Genaro tells him that he knows where Liliana is.

Fernanada, the criminal enabler, brings come chile con carne for Liliana, but Liliana is insulted that she brought her water to drink. Malagradecida!

Abel is waiting in the Misericordia for news about Gonzalo's operation. He asks the chubby doctor. The operation was a success – as always, but they don't know yet what damage may have been done to his brain. He may have some speech problems, but have faith.

The little seductress, asks Daniel to pardon her for what happened and tries to get informal, tutear. But Daniel prefers to keep things formal, usted, and asks her if this is the kind of thing she usually does. I think he knows what a prostitute smells like.

At Deyanira's place, Carlos complements her on the improvement of her cooking and ability to learn new things. Another client shows up. Why does she open the door without checking to see who it is first?

Daniel and the little seductress have a tense discussion about her intentions. When Octavio asks what's going on, she gets pissy and says that Daniel thinks she's easy, but she is a lady, then she storms out. Daniel tells him that he has a bad feeling about this girl. Now Octavio is mad at Daniel.

-El Señor EC
 

Los Miserables
Capítulo 116, parte 4 de 5

Thankfully, Lucia comes and interrupts Daniel and Octavio.

Deyanira is struggling with the brut. Carlos comes to the rescue and drives the brut away. Deyanira doesn't know why this is happening. Carlos says he believes her and kisses her.

At the hideout, Nuria and Genaro talk about the stupidity of Liliana and Olegario. Nuria suggest that it may be time to abandon them.

Lucia tells Daniel that he shouldn't meddle in Octavio's life and let him date who he wants to date. Then they get lost in their own flirtation. The next morning, Daniel tells Octavio he's sorry. Ocatavio is about to admit something when the phone rings and he leaves.

At la casa Duran, Lucia dumps lil Vicky on Consuelo, while los escuinles run rampant through the house. Fernanda is shocked to see them. Lucia knows something is up.

Octavio goes to the little seductress' apartment to clear things up, but she immediately launches into a kiss.

Los Miserables
Capítulo 116, parte 5 de 5

It worked, as Octavio struggles to remember why he's there. She is very aggressive, tells him when he decides what he wants, she is in the bedroom.

As Lucia is leaving, Ignacio asks her to pick up some medicine for him. Fernanda tells Lucia she shouldn't leave, but gets defensive when Ignacio asks her why.

Ok, maybe it is not an attic, just a room used for storage. But it was never there before. The kids complain to Ignacio that they are hearing noises.

Daniel returns to AFIAD, for the first time since he got away from Liliana. They have been investigating Radamez's stuff and discovered that some of the bodegas are owned by Liliana. Daniel suggests searching under Nuria's and Genaro's names for other locations.

I have no idea what Helena and the kids are talking about, but Fernanda thinks they should be playing cards instead of running around.

Fatigue must be setting in, because I don't understand what Carlos and Deyanira are saying as they stand outside her apartment, while Nuria jealously watches from inside a taxi.

The kids are bored of playing cards, when they hear a noise. They run to investigate, because they are not afraid of ghosts.

End of Capítulo.

-El Señor EC
 

El Señor EC You rock; this was a great read!

"baby Vicky (with a mohawk)" I noticed that mohawk and wondered if I were writing this recap would I mention it. So glad you did.

This sentence wins hands down for elegance, economy, impact and overall "getting the picture": "No one notices Genaro sitting in the restaurant drinking a beer while Ignacio is looking for a bottle of wine to celebrate Helena and Pablo's hundredth engagement and when Fernanda drops a tray because life is a disaster." Pretty much sums it up; what I want to know: is Genaro wearing some sort of cloak of invisibility? Pablo's just in the next room. That's what i love about telenovelas: the head-scratching incongruities, particularly towards the end of the run, when they have to resolve plot threads (or not) before the final.

Did you mean to say Leon moves in to take some of the credit, because I have a hunch she did all the work.

"...she brought her water to drink." Yes, and what did she do with that water, but waste it in a fit of pique. How's she going to fuel all those tears if she doesn't keep herself hydrated?

I loved that "jumping ship" conversation between the rats in the hideout; and speaking of rats in hideouts, this show has had more than one instance of mirroring: Diablo's remembered ravishing of the drugged Lucha followed by the bedroom romp of the "other" D&L in Dan's apartment.

I get the feeling Genaro's looking to team up with whoever is left standing. Hard to figure who that's gonna be,

Carlos has suddenly become a pretty much stand-up guy, contrary to my previous expectations. He offers Deya a ride to work, but she elects to hoof it (she thinks walking will be good for the bebe, but in this case, she's wrong).

Thanks again!
 

Well played, Señor EC! I'm a big fan of your deadpan wit and economy of style.

So for now (but not for long, I bet), Liliana is like a cranky and noisy ghost in the attic...

I wonder if Octavio will think twice about Zorraya now that he has seen her more professionally dressed and has heard her refer to his beloved Vicky dismissively -- and for the second time -- as la muertita, Zorraya's seduction attempts make no sense anyway. Her job is to insinuate herself into the Familia Ponce-Duran and it would be far easier to do that in the role of niña de familia.

There was a lot of talk last night about the hard rain that was gonna fall.

-Nachito's soccer match had been cancelled because the rains were predicted and the fields were muddy from rain the night before. The kids and Nacho had been planning to go to the game, so their disappointment added to their antsiness.

-When Lucha insisted on going out immediately for Ignacio's meds, Ig tried to press an umbrella on her. The umbrella got passed back and forth as Ig, Lucha, and Fernanda pressed their separate agendas, but eventually Lucha headed out un-brellaed.

Will a torrential rain play into the story tonight? (Those Mexican rains can really impress, seeming to come out of nowhere and just overwhelming the drains in moments. Umbrellas are just a joke in the face of such downpours.)
 

Thanks, El Senor! Your sidebar comments were dead on, especially "Liliana hates everyone because they are happy and she is not." That pretty much sums her up. She's alone and miserable.

Evaristo, Adrianna, and Marisela appear to be working things out. That's good, because I was put off by his initial refusal to babysit his child. Fortunately Marisela showed a little compassion for Adrianna.

At least Carlos realized that there was something strange about the sudden appearance of Deya's "clients".

I guess we'll have to wait and see which body part does the thinking for Octavio tonight. Poor thing was getting turned on and turned off at the same time.

spanish student
 

OMG, NovelaMaven, I completely missed all the talk about the rain! And an umbrella too? I must have been asleep. Well, I did get up at 6am instead of my usual 11am.

LXV, Maricela may have done most of the baby watching, but Everisto was trying to impress Adriana. Maricela put an end to that.

"This sentence wins hands down for elegance, economy, impact and overall 'getting the picture.'" Thanks for the compliment, although I must admit I only wrote it that way because I was having trouble summarizing what they were saying.

-El Señor EC
 

"Zorraya"has got two enemies already: Dan & Roxana. She'd better play her cards a little smarter if she ever wants to see that 20K (which doesn't appear too likely as her employer is currently holed up like a rat in the attic. But spanish student described Octavio's dilemma perfectly. His eyes were bugging out of his head all the while being bugged by that sense of "I know I shouldn't be doing this." His defiance is getting in the way of his better judgement.

 

El Señor EC, thanks for fighting through fatigue to deliver a recap with your trademark wit.

The "attic we did not know existed" or room for storage is where someone said they keep "tiliches," = trinkets, a new word for me. Pobre de Lili, no liquor stash it seems.

Genaro and Nuria teaming up? A while back we were wondering which of the two would be next to go.

Odd that stress on the heavy rainstorm. Maybe Lucha uses the umbrella as a weapon?

NvMv, Zorraya! Another good one.

Thanks again El Señor EC, and good luck with your theater production.

Clara



 

Oh yes, Señor, te deseo mucha suerte!

Clara, thanks for reminding us of tiliches. That was a new one for me too. And since we're on the subject of interesting words/expressions used last night, my favorite:

Esa niña me da mala espina I have a bad feeling about that girl, that girl makes me uneasy. (Danny about Zorraya)

Y usted con tanto colmillo And you, so long in the tooth (Zorraya to Danny)

And of course
aguacero A cloudburst, a brief but very heavy rain.
 

Los Miserables
Capitulo 117 – Parte 1 / 3

{Not a good day for recapping - the pause and rewind buttons on my remote refused to work. I tried to multitask -- watch the scenes, read the subtitles, and type as much as I could without getting lost – but I know I missed a lot of details, key dialogue, and scenes may be out of order. So feel free to add and/or correct.}

Casa Duran
The kids are set to enter Lili’s hideout in the attack when Fernanda panics and rushes them away. She chastises the kids and prohibits them from leaving the restaurant. They later tell both Abel and Helena about the ghostly sound they heard but neither of them takes it seriously. When Lucha returns, Abel fills her in. She finds it odd since Fernanda never had a problem with the girls playing in the attack when they were young. She doesn’t waste any time checking out the “ghost”. She opens the door and finds Lili with a gun pointed at her.

Misericordia, Sor. Milagros’office
Clueless Nuria sashays into Sor. Milgros’office and tries to dish the dirt on Deya but Deya overhears and confronts her. A girl fight ensues. Milagros, forever the referee, puts an end to it and bans Nuria from the hospital. Deya confesses her “troubled past” and lets Milagros know how much she appreciates her. Milagros notes that Deya was as troubled as Mary Magdalene but Jesus loved her anyway.

Casa Duran
“Let it be known I didn’t go looking for you to kill you. You came to me on your own.” says Lili as she ushers Lucha downstairs at gunpoint. Abel and Chelo try to calm Lili but she only wants to kill Lucha…for ruining her life, etc., etc. Fernanda intervenes and tries to disarm her. Lili reminds Fernanda that Lucha is “their” enemy and they’ve always wanted her dead. But Fernanda admits that she was wrong and blames herself for Lili’s hatred. She tries again to disarm her but it goes off. Fernanda is shot. Lili stands frozen in shock while Nurse Lucha rushes to Fernanda’s side.

Ignacio was just about to confront Genaro, who failed at being unnoticed and unrecognized in the restaurant, when he hears the gunshot. He and the kids run to the house and find Fernanda wounded on the floor.
He grabs Lili, calls his daughter a murderer and threatens to call the police. Genaro appears wielding his gun and tries to help Lili escape but she’s distraught and doesn’t want to leave Fernanda. Lucha tells him to just take Lili away so they can get Fernanda to a hospital.

spanish student
 

Los Miserables
Capitulo 117 - Parte 2 / 3

Casa Duran
The kids find AFIAD’s number in the phone book and call Dan to tell him what happened.

Helena and Pablo are strolling down the street like lovebirds when Pablo notices Lili and Genaro driving away from the house. Before he can shoot, Nachito runs out and tells them what happened. Inside the house, Lucha helps the paramedics take Fernanda to the hospital.

In the car
Lili is rightfully distraught and confused. She thinks Fernanda is dead and now feels totally alone. Genaro once again professes his love and support to deaf ears.

Misericordia
Ignacio, Helena and Pablo are waiting in the hospital lobby. Lucha comes out with the bad news--Fernanda is fighting for her life. Poor Ignacio loses it and has some angry words for the Lord. Sor. Milagros tries to intervene to no avail. He’s in no mood for her “holy” council. One of the doctors (not Mallorca this time) has more bad news …Fernanda has only a few hours to live.

Lucha asks Deya to babysit the kids at Casa Duran so Chelo can come to the hospital to be with Fernanda. When Deya and Carlos arrive, Carlos observes how motherly she is with Lil Vicky and seems pleased.

Unfortunately Lil Vicki’s Papa, Octavio, has fallen for Zorraya’s suggestive moves. They’re both naked in her bed.

spanish student
 

Los Miserables
Capitulo 117 - Parte 3 / 3

The HHH
Nuria is packing her suitcase and foolishly talking aloud to herself about getting out of dodge when Diablo overhears and threatens to kill her. Lili and Genaro arrive and Genaro shares the latest news. Diablo insults Lili for losing two hostages AND shooting her mother. Genaro reminds Diabo about his foolishness with Lucha, but Diablo puts him in his place. (I’m wondering how long before Genaro gets fed up with the insults and betrays one or both of them.)

Misericordia, Gonzalo’s hospital room
Abel turns to the unconscious Gonzalo for comfort. He wants him to get better so he(Abel) can finally have some happiness. Gonzalo hears him and moves his hand.

AFIAD
Marisela and Evaristo now have the locations of the hideouts listed under Nuria and Genaro. The two go out alone in search of the diablos. (I’m wondering how 2 armed detectives will fare against 3 armed asesinos + Nuria.)

Misericordia
Chelo arrives at the hospital and Lucha tells her the dire news about Fernanda. Neno appears at the exact moment and embraces her.

Misericordia, Fernanda's room
Ignacio says what he thinks are his last words to the “unconscious” Fernanda – he loves her, and won’t be able to go on without her. Upon hearing this, she responds and tells him that she can now die in peace. She tells him to be happy and asks to see her children, starting with Helena…and Pablo. She apologizes to Helena for not getting closer to her and for ruining her life, and then she asks Pablo for forgiveness. Pablo comforts her by letting her know he’s not living in the past and that he’ll take good care of Helena.

Chelo is in the lobby remembering everyone she’s lost – Vicky, Gaston, and now her mother. Once again Neno is by her side to comfort "Chelito".

Lili calls Chelo to ask about Fernanda. Chelo lets her know that, thanks to her, their mother is dying.

spanish student
 

spanish student : Thanks for heroism in the face of equipment failure. You're a champ. And you turned out a terrific recap nonetheless!

All I can think is Lili was going to have to bust out of there sooner rather than later; her drug habit must be gnawing at her by now. And I had been harboring a presentimiento about Fernanda's safety since she got herself involved in this escapade. This is her anvil, sad to say. She'll have the sweet knowledge of her family's forgiveness as she passes out of the plot.

Sor Milagros has certainly filled her predecessor's ample shoes. She's really rolling with all the punches, Gay Gonzalo, Mag-deya-lena, babies out of wedlock, attempted murder in the capilla...

"Genaro, who failed at being unnoticed and unrecognized" And this was in full disguise with sunglasses and a cap. The day before, he just sat there for 5 hours and nobody even said "boo".

That was cute with the kids looking up the AFIAD number in the phone book—and it actually worked!

Why does anybody pay Diablo any mind any more? He's so lost it. "I’m wondering how long before Genaro gets fed up..." Y a mi tambien. Genaro has some kind of basic personal code (as odious as it may be) but he doesn't give in to his weaknesses (yet). I'm expecting some final crisis with rejection by Lili will tear his staunch character to shreds. And it won't be pretty.

As for "Zorraya’s suggestive moves" I was a bit dismayed, but not surprised. I hope the scales fall soon from Octavio's eyes now that he's gotten "that" out of his system.

 

Spanish student

Wonderful job, technical difficulties and all! (Pressure brings out the best in some people -- maybe you are one of them?)

"Clueless Nuria sashays into Sor. Milgros’office and tries to dish the dirt on Deya"

What a grand description. She DID sashay, didn't she?

I found the episode itself a bit choppy and thought there were a lot of loose ends from the day before. And what's the deal with EPAZOTE? Weren't they short on epazote a few weeks ago? You'd think they'd have their kitchen well supplied by now!

I was struck by the ensemble acting by the other family here, Olegario, Genaro, Nuria and sometimes Lily. At one point, Nuria was pantomiming or acting out with body language and facial expression what el Diablo was saying. I was just fascinated at how the actress used her physicality so brilliantly.

She does a similar thing when she bounces off Lily, playing at mini-Lily, but that is more obvious, though no less hilarious. She absolutely capitalizes on her size. The idea of Lily, shrunk down, coarsened, but just as aggrieved and, in her own way, entitled is just a stitch.

LXV
Mag-deya-lena -- Inspired!

"I hope the scales fall soon from Octavio's eyes now that he's gotten "that" out of his system."

I suppose. I have a hard time caring about Octavio. I am so unimpressed by the actor. As far as I'm concerned, he and Zorraya can hang out together and make prissy-mouth faces at each other: Chelo and Neno would do a much better job as parents to mini-Vicky anyway.

Technically, Genaro didn't go unnoticed the day before. One of the women working in the restaurant was aware of him sitting there hiding behind the menu and drinking five beers over a few hours, but she didn't say anything until he showed up the next day.
 

Novela Maven, you are absolutely correct about the server noticing him (who wouldn't, sitting there all afternoon) But I thought it odd that Ignacio would have recognized him in his disguised state, but not out in the open.

And I'm with you about Octavio. His range of expression seems to go from frowning to blowing bubbles like a fish.

One wonders why they don't have a patch of epazote out in the backyard or along the border. The stuff is a weed!

Cannot wait to see how the loyalties divide among our treacherous foursome!

Fernanda didn't die yet, did she? I'm not expecting a miracle, but just wanted to be sure I wasn't jumping the gun with her anvil.
 

the Miserables

I lost my internet connection last week, just getting caught up,

thanks so much NovelaMaven for your usual beyond stellar recap,
and -El Señor EC for your excellent one,

and to you spanish student,
you have a way of making recaps look so easy,
maybe it's the way you state things so simply, like
"Genaro once again professes his love and support (for Lili), to deaf ears."

Nuria is sure playing catch-up to the evil guys with her side hobby, wreck Deya's life.

I was enjoying watching Marisela and Evaristo on-the-job last night, they make a good team, he concentrating on their objective, her watching everything else.

I wasn't really getting how the planted rats totally wrecked their restaurant business, but I'm thinking that the owners killing each other won't even be noticed.

did the doctor say the bullet damaged her lung/liver/stomach, I imagine that Fernanda is staying in the Durán suite at the hospital.

lxv- and love how you can just throw it all together, like,
"Sor Milagros has certainly filled her predecessor's ample shoes. She's really rolling with all the punches, Gay Gonzalo, Mag-deya-lena, babies out of wedlock, attempted murder in the capilla..."

she has become such a lovable character.


 

deb: hilarious "I wasn't really getting how the planted rats totally wrecked their restaurant business, but I'm thinking that the owners killing each other won't even be noticed." Yup! I wondered that myself. "Hey, waiter, over here, I'd like to order." "Wait just a minute, I've got to take care of this bleeding body of my wife over here."


 

LXV,
As deb says, Fernanda is in rough shape. As of last night, though, she wasn't dead. Personally, I think her death (with redemption yet) would make for a pretty crappy anvil since the person it would hurt most -- Ignacio -- is arguably the most blameless person in the story.

The writers have taken pains to make her death seem inevitable. So who knows? Maybe it's not.

deb,

Welcome back (and with a signed excuse note! I understand. We had a brief apagón last night and my first thought was not for my freezer, but for my telenovelas.)

I also enjoyed Marisela and Evaristo last night. Was caring for Santi together a turning point for these two?

Rats vs Bloody Corpses -- I guess it's a toss-up, image-wise. :-) To be fair though, the restaurant and the family living quarters are in the same building, but they are somewhat separate. The family part is private and has its own entrance. That's why Fernanda was so anxious to get the kids to play cards in the restaurant -- she wanted them away from the family side of the building so they wouldn't discover Lily hiding in the attic. So we should credit Lily for being considerate enough to shoot up the family discreetly and in the privacy of the living quarters.
 

LXV, NovelaMaven, and deb...Thank you so much! I was so looking forward to "showing" and not "telling", but without the ability to review the scenes, I had no choice but to just "tell" the little I remembered.

I just want to add that in my rush to submit it i failed to be clear on two things. Yes, Fernanda could survive. If so, maybe this was a chance for her to come clean and ask for forgiveness, or just her karma/anvil in action.

Also, I should have said Genaro failed at being unnoticed (by the server) and unrecognized (by Ignacio). Thanks for catching that too.

I love your comments and keen observations. From Mag-Deya-lena to Nuria's pantomiming to the owner's killing each other...you guys sure know how to keep it interesting. :-)

Can't wait to see who lives, dies, goes to prison, get married, has children, etc. during the last 2 days.

Spanish student
 

Hello gang! Thanks for your well wishes. The show went smoothly. The audience found it funny, which is good, as it is a comedy. (I think it is boring.) 2 down, 5 more to go.

Just 2 more capitulos of our beloved telenovela. Spanish Student, thanks for your recap. So, where are we now?

Fernanda is dying a slow death, where she is awake and having conversations. The bullet must have had the same stuff that they injected into Radames. If Gonzalo was available, she'd be back at home by now.

Is Gonzalo making a miraculous recovery? Or was that simply an unconscious twitch of the hand?

Are Pablo and Helena on their way to happily ever after? Or will Ivana resurface to take revenge for failing to steal another woman's man?

Will Consuelo and the creepy nurse, who looks young enough to be her son, become a couple? Will a divorced Ramon show up to claim her?

Will someone (please) kill Marina and Daniel, so I can have closure?

Will Memin go back to being himself, instead of the crybaby they've turned him into?

Ok, that's enough.

-El Señor EC
 

El Señor EC : "Will someone (please) kill Marina and Daniel, so I can have closure?" Oh you poor thing! Marina's gonna end up in the convent, you just wait & see. Dan, I'm afraid you're outta luck on that one, they can't leave Lucha plantada at the altar now that she's actually engaged.

Another round with Ivana would be interesting. Both she and Ramón have been hanging out in the wings waiting for their last scene (or not).

I think in addition to the hand twitch we also saw a glimmer of movement beneath the eyelash of Gonzalo. So perhaps we can anticipate brain function at a higher level than just the vegetative we've been dreading. C'mon, isn't there going to be a big happy boda with multiple pairings on Tuesday night? Elena still hasn't had her church wedding.


 

spanish student, I enjoyed your recap. Sorry you had so much frustration, and thanks for "telling" it so well.

Me too waiting for former cop Genaro to betray his mates. LXV's idea about Lili's rejection pushing him over seems likely.

Is it too late to put Marisela with Chipmunk? Marisela had to convince Evaristo to put on his bulletproof vest. Right, the weather was too hot. Ev is lame.

Misericordia has a record of good outcomes [okay, except for Ignacio's druglord heart donor]. Fernanda hardly seemed like she had only a few hours to live. Harsh anvil for an enabler, and as NvMv said, for Ignacio's sake, hoping she makes it.

El Señor EC and the rest of you crackerjack commenters have noted so many issues that need resolution. So little time!

Clara
 

"...so many issues that need resolution. So little time!"

Of course we've been lulled into thinking in telenovela time. We have three broadcast hours left -- enough for Anna Karenina from start to finish and a highlight reel of War and Peace!. Let's hope they use the time well.

-Personally, I don't want to see Ivana ever again. Not ever.

-We are going to have to imagine that the chipmunk is not a chipmunk as, apparently, the writers have done.

-There must be a reason that Marina is still lurking at chapel doors and is still borderline churlish (i.e., a Sore Loser). If ever anyone needed redemption through heroic self-sacrifice...

-I rather like Neno, the orderly with the heart of gold, and I don't mind that he seems younger than Chelo. Did we hear that Fernanda and Ignacio have been married for 35 years? That means that Chelo is in her early thirties (Neno could be too).

-The writers seem to have forgotten that they have Gonzalo in a medically induced coma (they did the same thing with Lucha). Even so, it is encouraging to see our favorite (omniscient) doc likely to emerge as himself. When it is all over, maybe we can chip in and send the writers a bilingual dictionary of medical terms.
 

NovelaMaven, I nearly fell off the couch when Ignacio said they'd been married for 35 years.

"That means Chelo is in her early thirties." Chelo is an abuela. If Vicki was 18 when she died, QEPD, wouldn't Chelo have to be about 37-38?

Clara
 

Clara, I have a vague recollection that Chelo and Gastón had to get married because he got her pregnant. She may have been only 16 or so at the time. I wouldn't press too hard on the point, though. Ages never quite add up in these things.
 

Novela Maven! "We have three broadcast hours left -- enough for Anna Karenina from start to finish and a highlight reel of War and Peace!. Let's hope they use the time well." Thanks for that perspective. I'm suddenly feeling a bit daunted by all the plot resolution remaining on my (and El Señor's watch). But I am certain if between us we've missed one moment, all of you commenters will gather round to flesh it out for us.

I had forgotten Gonzalo was supposed to be in an induced coma—seems to be the treatment of choice at Misericordia.

And who else is going to be pregnant? There's not a lot of possibility besides Elena. Marina? No-o-o-o. And I hope not that zorra who seduced Octavio. I also hope we don't have to jump over a "Meses despues". I want this thing to go straight to a clean finish.