Caray, Caray!

APRIL FOOL!!!!

Penthouse del Perdición

Geronimo lets it be known that no way, no how is that “tipo” going to compete in the Big Race and stabs his desk to make the point clear.  He makes sure Aldo knows perfectly well there is to be no evidence.  Aldo assures him he knows how to do his job.

Empresa Ripoll

Chava and Sofia arrive at Ripoll.  Paco is there to meet them.  They walk in arm in arm and are greeted by Pato who informs Sofia everything is ready.  Dani also greets Paco very kindly and joins the group.  I feel as though we’re on the Yellow Brick Road.  Sofia=Dorothy, Paco=the wise scarecrow, Dani=the Tinman who’s found his heart, that leaves Chava=Toto.

Courthouse – feels like a white trench coat day

Aracely meets with Chava’s attorney.  She informs Irma via phone that the psych-test results are in.  Irma gets her vicious on and tells Aracely to get on it already!  Her son is in the balance!  Aracely doesn’t take too kindly to her outburst and tells her she’s on it and will call her later.  Yeesh, calmate!

Empresa Ripoll

Armando gets a call from the attorney with good news.  The psych-tests results are in their favor.  The attorney confirms Armando’s theory that Irma’s suicide attempts did her no good in the fight for Nandito.  Armie is overjoyed and satisfied he’s won the fight.  Now no one can take his son from him. 

In the large employee hall, Sofia takes the podium.  “This is a very important day for me and for everyone who works at Chocolates Ripoll.  I’ve asked you all here to give recognition to someone who’s contributions over the years has made this company what it is today.  This person has collaborated anonymously (is that what we call corporate thievery these days?).  But today, I think it is only right to toast someone who, with his goodwill and creativity, has made it possible for us to position ourselves as one of the best chocolate companies in the country.  I ask, therefore, that we give a great ovation to the original genius behind the formulas of Chocolates Ripoll, my father, Francisco Fernandez.”  Applause, applause, standing O headed by Chava.  A very humble Paco is overcome with tears and gratitude.  “Viva Don Paco!”  Everyone is happy and clapping.  Everyone that is, except our dastardly neighborhood villain, Patricio.  hisssssss

Wannabe Baby Mama

Silvana is at a baby boutique checking out the goods as she speaks with Christian, checking on the goings on at Casa Ripoll.  Christian reports Greta continues to have her dizzy spells, thanks to his delicious meals and gas lighting efforts.  Greta is convinced Octavio is visiting her from Beyond.  Sil isn’t happy the woman isn’t dead yet.  Christian tells her to have patience; it’ll happen with the right meds.  Sil thinks he likes it there and is suspicious that this is causing him to hold back.  Christian nervously defends himself.  He doesn’t want to raise suspicions and that’s why he’s given Greta small doses.  This will avoid detection if tests are conducted.  But that’s not why he called her. He’s called to see if she’s come through with that favor.  She confirms she has the money he requested.  He can come by for it any time he wants. 

Sil happily informs him she’s convinced Pato to come see her almost every day.  Chrisitan is certain it’s only  lust, not love.  But Silvana’s convinced it’s lurve.  He’s demonstrated it time and again.  And this love will bear fruit.  She’s certain.  She can feel it.  She confirms his worst suspicions that she wants to be preggers even though Pato has no idea she’s planning it.  She’s been keeping track of her fertile days and is certain she will soon be preggers!  This is no dream, a child will unite them FOR-E-VER!

Casa Ripoll

Greta is in bed, not feeling well, as Fausto administers her meds.  She’s convinced she’s not getting better because of Dani’s continued relationship with that thief and Sofia is still involved with that Chava.  See?  This is why she can’t end up with Paco.  She’s such a snob.  Fausto tells her nothing is going to change.  Dani will not leave Lucas, no matter what she tells her.  Sofia?  She’ll end up marrying Chava, for sure.  Greta assures him this possibility worries her the most.  Add to that Octavio’s presence.  Fausto reminds her Octavio IS DEAD!  He’s bloody demised!  Nope, she’s sure he hasn’t left.  Just today, she found one of his coffee cups that he was accustomed to leaving around the house!  Proof positive!  Plus, she can smell his scent everywhere!  She’s certain there is no doubt Octavio’s spirit has installed itself in this house to torment her for having forsaken those @&*% Unbreakable Vows!    

Empresa Ripoll – Hasn’t she ever heard of a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Marisol bumps into Pato in the hallway.  She apologizes and he asks her to please call him Patricio when they’re not working.  eeeeeeeewww!  He pulls out a teddy bear with an attached note reading, “You’re beautiful” and asks if this looks familiar.  “Is it you?” she asks.  He just smiles wickedly.  bwa-ha-ha

He tells her she shouldn’t misinterpret the gesture.  “Let’s just say I don’t like seeing you so sad, crying in the hallways.  I know what it’s like to love someone with all your being and end up losing the race.  Never mind finding out that person never loved you and is now with someone else.  (ouch)  So, it was just a way to make your day better.  I hope I succeeded.”  Marisol is embarrassed that he saw her crying but she agrees the breakup was awful.  He succeeded in making her happy.  Here she was thinking she had an anonymous admirer.  “Well, yes you do,” he says.  “You’re very beautiful, you know?”  He winks at her and walks away.  Marisol is confused and muy impactada.  hmmmmm, young girl, very vulnerable, it’s the perfect formula for an older handsome man to have his way with her.  Run away, Marisol, Run away!

In Sofia’s office,  Sofia gives Paco a document indicating that from this day forward his name will be noted as the creator of the original formulas of Chocolates Ripoll and only he will have that honor.  He protests but she says she had to do this.  Furthermore, a contract will be drawn up, giving the company the rights to the formulas for a price he deems appropriate.  Paco agrees that of course he’ll hand over the rights.  What’s important to him is to help her.  Chava, of course, has to chime in, saying this will come as a relief to Sofia.  She thanks her dad and he gives her a big ol’ daddy bear hug.  He thanks her for the recognition and tells everyone in the room, Chava, Dani, Matias, that this means more him than the money.

Everyone but Chava leaves and Sofia announces she has something else to tell him.  She wants him to be the new Maestro Chocolatero of Chocolates Ripoll!  Paco is speechless.  He doesn’t want to make waves.  Sofia rejects this objection.  His formulas have always been the foundation of the company and are what continue to sustain it.   Chava chimes in as usual, saying Paco would be the answer to all of Sofia’s worries.  Sofia needs new clients and export.  She needs his genius and creativity.  Sofia feels he can continue with all those dreams he left pending in his youth.  Paco is unsure that after all these years he has the capacity to continue this work.  Chava encourages him to accept.  Sofia asks him to visualize creating new formulas that will dominate the market with new flavors and textures.  She pleads him to join her.  He tearfully accepts.  Bear hug!  aw, I want one of his bear hugs.

She thinks the first thing they should do is take a tour of the plant.  Chava finally leaves them alone.  Paco can only stare at his daughter and reflect on the turns one’s life takes.  He never expected they would be here together under these circumstances.  Sofia suggests they enjoy it then.  They leave her office arm in arm.  They meet Dani and Sofia tells her about Paco’s new position.  Dani is very supportive, Neta.  Paco thinks he’ll be very happy working there.

Alexa and Paolo continue filming.  Dani calls her with the company gossip.  Lucas, another guy who doesn’t seem to do any work, seems to be the only one who realizes Paco’s new position may put Matias out of a job.  ooopsie!

Sofia brings Paco to the lab.  She tells Matias he’s done a bangup job but under the circumstances she surely hopes he won’t mind her father taking over the job.  Wow, Sofia, great way to demote somebody.  She graciously offers that Matias’ salary will not change.  Paco, being the gentleman that he is, suggests maybe they should have asked Matias first.  Matias is humble to a fault (he’ll never get anywhere) is privileged to be working with the True Master. 

Pato reports Paco’s new position to Geronimo.  Due to his creativity he can continue to deliver new creations, elevating Chocolate Ripoll to new heights.  Gerry’s not worried about Paco.  He sees him as someone who’s finished.  He just doesn’t visualize Paco as the creative genius who will revolutionize the Chocolate industry.  He tells Pato to chillax.  This man, Paco, doesn’t represent any danger.  Let the man amuse himself, invent something.  Gerry doesn’t care.  In whatever case, Sofia’s and Paco’s joy will be short-lived.

Hospital – Egads, he’s still alive!

Of course, Chava is a good candidate as a donor to the waste of oxygen that is Javier.  Javier objects but Chava insists despite the dangers to himself.  Javier continues to object, saying he doesn’t want to be responsible for Chava missing The Race.  No worries, as soon as the race is over, Chava will be right there to save Javier’s life.  This, Viewerville, is hospital script #1235a, unearthed and dusted off by these writers in order to provide more filler. 

Chava encourages his father, saying before you know it, they’ll be singing at the bar together.  Javier wheezes and coughs.  Oh, just kill him off already.  Javier prays that Chava will come in first in that race.  ok, whatever.

Empresa Ripoll

Paco gets to work and my Chocolate cravings kick in!  Sofia watches on and thanks La Virgencita most profoundly for this gift.

On Location

Alexa enters her trailer for a wardrobe change and finds Armando waiting for her.  Oh no, he’s turning into a stalker!  He apologizes and reminds her he loves her very much and everything is else is just stuff.  He tells her the good news about the custody battle.  He’s sure he’s won the fight. 

They’re both happy with this outcome.  He couldn’t bear to be apart from her anymore.  She promises that now that Nandito will be with them, she’s going to win him over again.  She’ll even get him a new pet.  Vale?  Armie is agreeable to whatever she wants.  smoochies.  They’re interrupted by the wardrobe  lady, who quickly steps back out and blurts it out to Paolo that Alexa has company.

Armando and Alexa continue to smooch.  He asks her to come to the race and cheer them on.  He’ll dedicate his efforts to her.  kiss, kiss, kiss, smooch, slurp, etc.  Adios, adios.  Armando leaves.  Paolo watches him leave the trailer and he does not look happy.  No sir. 

Casa de Pot and Kettle– Irma at her best

Irma is incensed at the results of those cochino psych tests!  She demands a do over.  What would a mugre psychologist know about whether or not she can take care of her own son?  Watch out!  Shaken Attorney Syndrome.  She shakes Aracely and begs her to do something!  Aracely recommends Irma undergo some therapy in order to gain some sympathy from the judge.  Irma refuses of course and Aracely thinks they can appeal.  But honestly things don’t look very good.  Irma spits out, “Well, that psychologist and that damned judge can just go to hell!”  I love Crazy Irma. 

Hospital

Lupe cries and urges Chava to reconsider being the donor.  He tells her to take it easy, everything will turn out ok.  To make her feel better, he gives her the good news about Paco.

Oficina de Pato – My, what big dientes you have!

Marisol arrives to deliver some copies.  She was happy to step in for his secretary who didn’t have the time to deliver them herself.  Besides, Marisol wanted to return his kindness over the past few days.  Pato bears all his teeth in his wolfish smile, saying his secretary isn’t all that efficient.  Hey, what if Marisol were his secretary?  “Oh pshaw, even Silvana didn’t accept my application because I hadn’t finished Prepa.  But I’ve finished now.”  Pato says she should consider it then, she should request the change.  Marisol isn’t so sure she’d like being a secretary after all.  All that typing (mecanografía) and computer skills.  Not to mention her English isn’t so hot.  Well, Pato thinks she’s a very intelligent young lady and can easily pick up these skills.  Marisol isn’t making this too easy for Pato.  She’s not sure because she’d have to take some courses which cost money that she doesn’t have because her dad is in the hospital.  Oh, Pato’s very sorry to hear about her dad.  What if he paid for her courses?  hmmmmm?

In the next scene Marisol is now seated on the couch, clutching a pillow.  She thinks it’s odd that out of nowhere he gives her the teddy bears to cheer her up and now he wants to pay for her English courses? QTH dude?  He sets her straight.  If she thinks there are ulterior motives behind his offer, she’s mistaken.  Possibly not, but she finds it strange he’s so nice to her when there is nothing but animosity between him and her brother.  Pato frankly doesn’t understand why Chava hates him so.  Why, he even stepped aside when Chava started up with Sofia.  The only reason he’s still here is to help Chocolates Ripoll recover.  He only wants the best for her.  He sees her as a valuable asset.  Marisol is still suspicious.  He pours on the compliments, repeating she is an intelligent, ambitious, decisive woman.  AND she has initiative.  Is he wrong? He forgot spunk. Well, she admits she does have some of those qualities.  Pato explains that, despite his relationship with Chava, he likes Marisol.  Doesn’t she agree he has sufficient reason to support her?  Marisol is giving in.  He reminds her to call him Patricio, at least when they’re alone.  She smiles and agrees.  She’s hooked!   He tells her to at least think about his proposition and she leaves.  The wolf bears his teeth again.  creepy.

On Location

Paolo’s waiting outside Alexa’s trailer.  She notices right away something’s up.  He tells her he saw her “ex” leaving her trailer.  He thought they were over.  Alexa explains that the problems that were keeping them apart are slowly going away.  “Are you so obsessed over that guy that you don’t realize there are other men near you who would do anything to make you happy?” he asks.  He doesn’t wait for an answer and walks away.

Empresa Ripoll

Dani and Lucas complain about how they miss WBB.  Dani suggests they start up WBB2!  Lucas is cool with that, except without Juancho, he’s too metalera pesadona (heavy metal – lol :).  Dani thinks he’d be cool as a solo artist at Cuco’s.  She’d be his number one fan.  Oliver has seen the PDA between them and walks up to them, “You should listen to her, Lucas.  You have a good future.  You’ve always been great at music and wanted to be singer since we were kids.”  Lucas is immediately suspicious but Oliver tells him he’s very serious.  He’s got nothing against them and even suggests he and Dani perform as a duo.  After Ollie leaves them, Lucas notes Ollie sure is strange, even giving him advice about his future.  Dani agrees Ollie is now a different person; more self assured, more manly.  Lucas is kinda jealous, saying all she needs to say is that Olllie looks more handsome.  Dani agrees but quickly says there are others who would go for him.  Lucas is sure she really hurt Ollie. duh, ya think?  Alexa is sure all the love Ollie felt for her is gone.  Maybe it was just a whim. 

Meanwhile, Ollie returns to his office talking to himself, “resist, resist!  That’s what dad says.  Stay indifferent and one day she’ll return to your side.”

Night falls on Empresa Ripoll

Chava has returned to walk Sofia home and maybe carry her books.  Sofia can’t wait to tell her mom about Paco agreeing to work at Ripoll.  She plans to tell her Chava helped her convince Paco.  Chava doesn’t think that’s such a hot idea.  He wants to win over Greta on his own merit.  He tells Sofia the good news about being accepted as a donor for Javier.  Sofia tries to fake thinking its’ good news but fails.  Chava doesn’t want her to worry.  He’s determined to help his jefe.  Sofia will pray for him and for Javier and that everything turns out well.  Chava says first things first.  They need to concentrate on tomorrow’s race.  They’re interrupted by Noemi announcing the arrival of Geronimo.  Chava only hopes he won’t invite himself to join them for dinner.  Geronimo comes bearing good news.  His “friend” is very interested.  Only he’s not sure when he can come meet her, or maybe she can travel to meet him?  Sofia is fine either way.  Chava encourages her by stating the obvious – this is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to help Chocolates Ripoll out of this mess.  Geronimo agrees and then asks if Chava is ready for The Big Race tomorrow.  Gerry is sure Chava will be successful, as is Sofia.  Chava hugs Sofia and gives her a peck on the cheek and Gerry looks on, barely containing his rage.

It’s a beautiful night in the neighborhood……

and Matias and Aracely are out walking.  Matias has just told her the news about Paco and his new position at Ripoll.  Not only that, but Sofia publicly acknowledged his contributions.  Aracely keeps her sourpuss face on even as Matias jokes with her that he wants her autograph as the famous Paco’s daughter.  She is not amused.

Casa de Chava

Lupe congratulates Paco on his new position.  He can’t believe his good fortune.  Lupe tells him about the news about Chava donating an organ, her concerns, Javier still alive, etc. etc.

Taller de Autos

Chava is actually working on Patotas with Armie.  They’re ready and rev up Patotas.  They tuck Patotas  in for the night.  Tomorrow is The Big Race!

On location

Paolo and Alexa shoot a love scene where Paolo’s character declares his love.  They share a kiss, “and cut!”  but they don’t stop kissing.  Once they finally stop, Paolo admits he wasn’t acting.  He really is in love with her.  yeah, like we didn’t see that coming.  I want whatever is in that Ripoll Chocolate; the Ripoll women all have men falling hopelessly in love with them!

Casa Ripoll

Sofia arrives and tells her mom the good news about her announcements regarding Paco and his new position.  Greta and Fausto are overjoyed.  She continues her announcements at dinner.  She toasts that with Paco at the helm, Chocolates Ripoll will soon resume their number one status in the market.  ¡Salud!  Greta starts to say how happy she is for Paco when they hear a crash in another room.  Fausto pleads with Greta not to start with her imaginations that Octavio is haunting the house.  He explains this silliness to the girls.  Alexa and Dani laugh at their mother.  bitches.  Greta assures them she feels Octavio’s spirit.  Sofia doesn’t laugh but suggests Greta may be imagining things.  Greta is sure Octavio has returned to punish her for breaking her Unbreakable Vow.  The maid walks in, apologizing for breaking Octavio’s French coffee press.  ooooooh, Greta fears Octavio will sure be pissed now! 

Doomed Motorcycle Ride

Chava and Armie leave the garage on the motorcycle as Geronimo’s goon Aldo looks on.  He follows them in his evil SUV de Doom.  He zooms up and tails them.  Armie thinks it may be a drunk and tells Chava to let him pass.  But the SUV de Doom stays on them, eventually swerving to push them off the road.  And SAS!  Both our galáns end up unconscious on the sidewalk.  Aldo gets out to confirm his kill but doesn’t check their pulse and drives off.  tan-tan-TAN!!!!  What will become of our heroes?  Will they live to compete in the Big Race?  And what of Javier, sitting in his pathetic little hospital bed, waiting for that donation?  Oh no!