Caray, Caray!

Patricio, Alone with his thoughts

“That  old ‘Zorro’ did all this on purpose to bury me, and I fell in his trap like an imbecile.  And now I’m gonna have to pay for his crimes.  ¡Maldita sea!”

Casa de Armando

Nandito prays while we hear “Ave Maria” in the background as Armando looks on.  Oh brother. 

Penthouse del Perdición – Dulliver grows a pair

Geronimo wonders when Oliver left the office.  Oliver explains he went to see Dani and then stopped by to see his mother.  He’s happy to say she’s no longer drinking and is in a support group.  Geronimo immediately pounces – She’s not to be trusted.  Isadora’s will power is very weak.  Well, Oliver has a lot of confidence in her.  He sensed a great determination on her part never to drink again.  Geronimo scoffs and admires his optimisim.  But this is not Isa’s first attempt at sobriety.  She’ll soon break her resolve and return to drinking with more gusto!  Oliver finally stands up to his dad, “From this point on, when you speak of my mother, you do it in a more respectful tone.  Even though you are separated, I hoped we could be a family.  Nothing would make me happier than to see my parents live in harmony.”  But Dad thinks that’s impossible.  He’ll always see Isadora as a sick person, a parasite who lives only on what he gives her.  She doesn’t inspire any respect in him. 

Lugar de Cuco – The neighbors gather to support the Ripolls

Greta addresses her new neighbors who have all come to Cuco’s in a show of support. She’s grateful for their continued love for her family.  Matias stands up and says Alexa is one of them and they care for her.  He tells Greta they’re here for her and her family for whatever they need.  Everyone agrees.  Paco and Chava walk in with a letter for Sofia.  She doesn’t want to read it and asks him to open it.  According to the black box, the pilot reported a problem with the electrical and navigation systems.  The jet then lost altitude and communication with the tower was lost.  The pilot indicated he had lost control of the jet which then plunged into the water in pieces.  The crew and passengers are now reported missing.  Due to the time that has passed, the rescue effort is now suspended.  The news is met with a collective gasp as the family begins to absorb it.  Armando cries.  Sofia throws herself into Chava’s arms, “My sister is dead!”  Greta cries on Paco’s shoulders.  Everyone cries and comes over to give the family their condolences.  Nandito has run off crying.  Armando catches up to him and tries to explain.  Nandito won’t listen.  He prayed to baby Jesus but He didn’t listen!  Greta accepts condolences from Miguelina and even Lucas.  Fausto is beside himself with grief.  Armando tells Greta he shares in her grief because Alexa was and will continue to be the love of his life. She renewed his dreams and hopes, someone who showed him how to love with all his heart.  He breaks down and takes Nandito away, leaving Greta, Sofia, Dani, and Fausto in a group hug.

Meanwhile, somewhere in tropical waters, Hasta jumps the shark!

We hear calypso music and see a canoe rowing through the water by a native fisherman, Nancú.  Oh no, they didn’t! He hauls his canoe ashore and sets about his day, carrying in his catch and what does he see?  Gasp!  Is that a woman on the shore?  He rushes out to her and finds Alexa, unconscious with a huge gash in her leg.  She’s clutching a seat cushion so I guess those things really do float!

Nancú carries her back to his grandmother in his village.  His grandmother is doubtful anything can be done but the fisherman pleads with her she must be able to do domething.

Oficinas Peralta

Geronimo finds Regina watching the news report about the jet crash.  He acts as though this is such sad and terrible news, “It’s so sad that a woman as talented as Alexa should have died under such tragic circumstances.” tsk tsk.  He asks Regina to send a floral arrangement to the family, conveying his condolences.  Regina is sure Armando must be devastated.

Casa de Armando

Armando does his best to console his distraught son.  Nandito says he no longer loves Baby Jesus.  Armando tells him the pain causes him to say things that aren’t right.  Nandito has to accept that God decides when someone has to leave this earth.  Nandito is inconsolable.  He wants to see Alexa (gee, I don’t recall him being this upset after his mother left!)  Armando says he wants the same thing.  He knows Nandito will see her in his dreams.  He suggests they remember Alexa every day.  They’ll think about all the good times they had.  If they keep remembering her smile, her shenanigans, and her manner of speaking, she’ll be alive.  He’s sure she’s listening to them now and must be so sad to see Nandito crying.  “As long as she remains in our hearts, Alexa will never die.  So when you miss her, just tell her you love her.”  Nandito hugs his father and tells him he loves him.  Armando tells him he loves him too and he’s his reason for living. 

Meanwhile, back at that hut….

Grandma is busy mashing up herbs for the prostrate Alexa.  She places the mixture on her open wound as the drums beat out a steady rhythm.  Granny performs a cleansing with bunches of herbs as she circles Alexa.

The family mourns

At Casa Chava, Alexa’s photo has been given a place of honor next to Lupe’s at the altar.  Sofia speaks to her sister, saying how much she’ll miss her. “You’ve left an enormous void.  We will miss your impulsive manner, your sincerity, and that passion you had for life.  I still can’t accept that you’re no longer here, my dear hermanita.”  Chava joins her as she cries.   

At Depa Ripoll, Fausto tells Lucas and Dani they can’t remain in this negative state forever.  Even though it’s difficult to accept, Alexa has died.  Dani refuses to accept it. She knows Alexa is not dead.  She must return!  Fausto cries and says they would all like to have that hope but unfortunately, “No puede ser.”  Lucas thinks Dani has a point.  They should remain positive.  It’s better than giving up.  Dani refuses to dress in mourning because for her, Alexa is still alive.  They can all think what they want.  Lucas agrees and says they need to believe in miracles.  Fausto says if he were 30 years younger, he’d think the same, but unfortunately he’s not. 

At church, Greta prays for her daughter.  Her pain is so great that she feels it in her soul. “Why didn’t you take me?  Alexa had so many plans, so many dreams.  She had a man who loved her.  She had Nandito’s affection who she loved like a son.  She had her life ahead of her.  I can’t accept it.”

Back at that hut….

Grandma continues her work.  “Spiritual Mother, don’t let this child who came from the sea die.  Heal her soul and her body.”  As granny continues her chanting, a young native girl saunters in, appropriately clad to reveal just enough.  She tells Nancú she heard he had come back carrying this girl in his arms.  Why did he bring this stranger here?  Nancú takes her out of the hut as granny continues chanting to Spiritual Mother over Alexa.

Outside, the girl scolds Nancú.  As the head of the island, he shouldn’t allow that stranger to remain.  She’ll only bring disgrace to the village (aldea).  He knows the laws and says if she had arrived of her own accord, he would have sent her back to the “big island” but The Sea brought that woman here.  She’s in bad shape and may not survive.  Well, native girl thinks people like that deserve to be in the realm of the dead.  Granny continues her healing work.

Requiem for a Starlet

Paco and Greta stand outside the church as others are arriving.  Greta cries over the pain of a parent losing a child.  She prays God grants Alexa peace and helps her overcome this immense suffering.  Paco tells her God hears our prayers but she must now think of Sofia and Dani.  She still has two marvelous daughters who need her and there are many who love her and are ready to support her.  He assures her she can count on him for anything.  He’ll always be there by her side.  Poor Greta.  All she can do is weep.

Back at the Depa Ripoll, Dani tells Lucas, “Everyone may think I’m crazy but I don’t care.  I’m going to wait for Alexa to return one day.”  Lucas gets a call from the studio, reminding him he has an appointment.  She tells him it’s ok for him to go.  He can’t forget about his work.  Lucas is really grateful she’s with him and that despite everything, she watches out for him.  She explains it’s because she’s hopelessly in love with him.  *smoochies*  Fausto looks on and encourages Lucas to meet his obligations.  Life must go on.

Penitentiary

Patricio receives his prison duds and is processed. He winces as a cell gate clangs shut.  He’s fingerprinted.  He is now officially a prisoner.

Oh wow!  He’s in the same prison as Cristian!  Silvana is visiting with him and through her tears, tells him the painful news that Peralta turned on his most loyal servant and obliged Patricio to take the blame for the fire and the murder!  Cristian can’t believe it!  Silvana cries that Patricio’s going to spend years in jail for crimes he didn’t commit!  Silvana is beside herself.  She can’t believe things would turn out this way after everything that’s happened.  She’s fought so much for this love, ever since she met him at the factory.  She agreed to be his lover even though he was Sofia’s bf.  She put up with being exiled, his dalliance with Marisol, everything!  Cristian notes it was all for nothing.  Sofia says she became his wife and assumed they would be together and move somewhere far away.  She’s lost without him.  Cristian, supposedly the looney one, tries to reason with her, saying Patricio’s not the only man out there.  “For me, he is!” says Silvana.  “I need Patricio more than life itself.  But now I realize I have nothing.  All our dreams are gone forever!  I feel lost without him!”  waaaaaaaah!  Cristian gets up from his chair, and goes over to hug his sister.  Silvana doesn’t know what she’ll do!  waaaaaah!

Elsewhere in the prison, Patricio showers.  He’s alone, for now.  Boy, you can’t keep a rat-bastard down.  He says Peralta shouldn’t be doing a victory dance just yet.  “Peralta thinks he’s had his victory, but soon I’ll have mine!  I will destroy you, Geronimo Peralta.”  ruh-roh, we see a group of men arrive, carrying weapons. 

Oficina Peralta

The Número Uno rat-bastard meets with his son who’s brought a report ahead of schedule.  Geronimo praises him for the great job he’s doing and knows Oliver will do well when he eventually takes over the enterprise.  Oliver can only hope to live up to Geronimo’s expectations.  Ollie turns down his father’s offer of lunch saying he has other plans.  Then he lowers the boom --  he’s going to move back in with mums!  Gerry is not pleased!  Oliver feels he’s neglected his relationship with his mother and frankly misses her very much.  Gerry, of course, disagrees with Ollie’s decision.  Oliver says he misses his mother’s affection and she his.  He hopes this doesn’t cause a problem between him and Geronimo.  Gerry promises it won’t.  Great, then Oliver will pack his things and move immediately.  Perfect, says Geronimo.  He turns away from Oliver as we see the darkness come over his face.

Casa Chava

Sofia and Marisol do womanly things as Chava paces.  He tells them Patricio has been transferred to the penitentiary where he will no longer be able to hurt anyone else.  The womenfolk heartily agree.  Chava goes on a tortilla run, leaving the women to talk.  Marisol hopes she doesn’t sound like a bad person, but she’s happy Patricio will spend years behind bars.  Sofia agrees.

Speaking of the rat-bastard –

Patricio tries to rid himself of the welcoming committee.  The head guy tells him to chill, they’re just here to welcome him.  They like to be friendly with the new guys.  Patricio acts tough and warns them not to mess with him.  They surround him, wanting to know what his face looks like under those bandages.  They rip them off and we see Patricio’s gnarled face for the first time.  EEK!  Two goons hold him down while the third makes as to bash him in with a metal pipe.  “Hold on there!”  A forth goon shows up.  He’s been assigned from the outside to protect Patricio.  He wants it known that whoever messes with Patricio, messes with him.  Once alone, he tells Patricio that Peralta has hired him to protect Patricio and keep an eye on him.  He promises he’ll be watching.

Oficinas Peralta

Geronimo is giving Aldo fresh instructions.  He gives Aldo duplicate keys to Isadora’s apartment.  He’s to give Morgana her walking papers along with the deets on her new job.  He’s also to leave the “package” in the place they agreed upon.  Aldo robotically obeys without question and leaves.  Peralta gets on the phone and calls Isadora, telling her he wants to see her in his office immediately.  Once he’s off the phone, “I want a powerful son, not one who is attached to his mother’s skirts!” 

Lucas in the studio, getting a makeover.

Casa de Chava

Chava returns with a bouquet of flowers  from …… Peralta.  Sofia tells him to throw them out.  She doesn’t want anything from that man in her house.  Outside, Chava  ends up handing them over to a neighbor who doesn’t want to see the beautiful flowers go to waste.  There’s probably a tarantula or poison or something in them!  Collateral damage.

Back in his office, Peralta continues his rant,

“Sofia, I already took your sister Alexa yesterday.  I’m going to keep taking your loved ones, one by one. The last, and most important one, will be Chava.  Once you’re out from under his shadow, you’ll be mine.”  what?  He’s interrupted by Isadora’s arrival.  She assumes, correctly, he’s summoned her because of Oliver’s decision to move in with her.  She announces she’s recovered her son’s affections.  Geronimo wastes no time.  He instructs her to tell Ollie she’s going on a trip.  There is no way he will allow his son to move back in with her.  He threatens her with stopping her monthly support if she doesn’t obey him.  She refuses to trade in her son for money!  Even if he stops supporting her, she will not give up her son!  Well, he won’t tolerate his son wasting his life alongside an alcoholic!  It’s not in her best interest to defy him.  Either she obey him, or end up in misery.  Isadora fights back, saying she will not go against her conscience or her son.  She’s outta here!  She wants to be home when Oliver arrives.  He slams the door behind her.

Isadora bumps into Regina in her rush to get out.  Isadora realizes she’s left her purse in Gerry’s office.  Before she can get there, we see Gerry on the phone with Aldo, telling him Isa’s on her way.  Aldo  confirms everything is ready.  Gerry tells Aldo to go ahead and call Doctor Santivañes.  He wants him to be the one to sign Isadora’s death certificate.  Isadora pops her head in just in time to hear this and quickly shuts the door as she leaves.  Gerry chases after her and catches up to her in the lobby, followed by another one of his minions, Aldo.2.   He hands over her purse and offers to take her home. 

Casa de Chava

Chava urges Sofia to eat but she doesn’t have much of an appetite and is feeling queasy.  Marisol quickly asks if it’s possible she’s preggers?  Sofia doesn’t think so.  Marisol and Chava are super excited and Marisol rushes off to buy an EPT.  Chava is happy just thinking of the possible blessed event.

Later, a nervous Chava awaits the news.  Sofia comes back in the room and announces she’s expecting a little Chava.  Group hug!  Sofia knows heaven is sending down this blessing on them.  Marisol is super happy.  They’re all happy to have some happy news at last.

Depa de Isadora

Aldo.2 takes one last look as Gerry arrives, dragging a screaming Isadora along!  Gerry half drags, half carries her into the apartment and Aldo.2 locks them in!  Isadora begs him not to kill her.  She starts screaming for help and rushes to the door but is unable to open it.  He opens a small box holding a syringe!  He rushes to Isadora and drags her away from the door, throwing her on the couch.  She continues to scream and tries to bargain with him, saying she’ll agree to see Oliver only once a month.  Gerry simply ignores her, saying it’s too late.  She reminds him she’s the mother of his son!  Nope, that won’t work either.  He tells her to shut up and says he will not permit her to contaminate his son with her rubbish (porquería).  She continues to beg him as he injects her with a lethal concoction that will bring on a heart attack.  He promises she won’t suffer.  She collapses to the floor and Geronimo is satisfied with a job well done.  “¡Hasta nunca!”