Caray, Caray!

Thank you for getting the ball rolling, Sara! I'm not sure if my poll answers will show or not. I can take Thursday.
 

I took the poll too, and not sure if my results showed up.
 

For some reason when I added a second poll to the post, the code for "vote" and "view" went away on both. You can vote using the links. Sorry :-(
 

La Vecina, Monday 8/24/15, Part 1:

Cheo tells Merce and Juancho about his plans to propose to Sara, and asks for their help. Happy hugs all around. The response when Merce calls Simon to tell him, and to enlist his help, is not so effusive, but Simon agrees to make the arrangements for the engagement party at his apartment that evening. Simon passes the word on to Bruno, whose response is also subdued, and who sounds like Sara’s father when he says: “He’s not the man that I wanted for Sara, but he certainly does love her.” Simon and Bruno run into Antonio, who’s leaving for D.F., as they enter the apartment. Bruno throws in his face that Sara is going to marry Cheo, no joke. Anto is visibly crushed, but tries to talk himself into accepting that they are both moving on with their lives. Simon asks why Bruno did that. Bruno’s answer: “So that he could see what he lost for being a coward.” Well said, Bruno!

Ric calls Pedro and tells him the pump for the dye has been shipped and will be arriving in San Gaspar soon. Pedro is happy, so he says the next packet of money that comes to Ric will be bigger than the last. “You’ll be able to live like a king.” Ric smirks. (What is he doing with all his money?)

Padre Vicente and Fidel continue to bond in San Dionisio. They have yummy looking lunch on Padre’s patio, as Fidel explains that since the area doesn’t have police, the capital is allowing him to add it to his rounds. That’s how he’s been able to legitimize his visits. Unfortunately, the Bishop is still banning visits from Padre’s family, and if he had contact with them, the Bishop is liable to send him to Patagonia!

Tonio is greeted at the airport by a VERY content looking Isabel. She’s happy to see him, but seems pretty eager to know when he’s going back to San Gaspar. Her face falls a bit when Tonio says his time in San Gaspar will be coming to an end soon. The two have sushi in Tonio’s apartment, and she uses Sebastian coming over to do some work with Tonio as the perfect excuse to bow out of spending the night. She texts Slick Ric for a rendezvous. They meet at Los Olivos Restaurant, which seems pretty popular among their circle, so they are bound to get caught one day. Ric has a pout about feeling used and like a consolation prize, and wonders why Isa isn’t with Tonio. She smooths his feathers by seductively sucking on his fingers (in public, ewww!), and telling him he is her friend, her lover, and her confidant.

Cheo puts his proposal plan into action. He goes to a nice local restaurant and explains he will be bringing his girlfriend there at 8pm to propose. He asks the hostess to put the ring on the cherry on top of the slice of chocolate cake he KNOWS Sara will order, because she loves chocolate cake. He then very trustingly hands the ring over to the hostess. At Simon’s apartment, Simon, Bruno, Javi, Merce, Juancho, and Roque get the food and decorations ready for the party. (This is all a bit presumptuous, isn’t it? How do they know she’ll say yes?) At the restaurant, Rosa, who is also in on the plan, encourages Sara to leave work a bit early and head off to get coffee with Cheo, who has slicked back his curls for the occasion. Unfortunately, Sara is NOT craving chocolate cake tonight. Nope, she wants a whipped mango dessert and a frothy coffee drink. Cheo and the hostess panic. He orders the chocolate cake for himself, although he doesn’t like chocolate, then demands that Sara take a bite. She does, but wants no more. No ring is in sight. Cheo wonders if she ate it and does a mini internal freak-out, as he smashes the cake with his fork searching for the missing ring. The hostess then brings Sara’s mango dessert, which has a cherry on top, encircled by the ring. Cheo beams. Sara’s eyes go wide, and she gulps. Cheo pops the question. Wide eyed silence from Sara as we go into commercial break….

 

Monday, Part 2:

Sara’s silence continues, so Cheo begins the full court press: “Without you, I’m no one. You’re my reason for living (motor de vida).” Sara stops him, and tells him she can’t start a life with him if she’s hiding things from him. She admits to sleeping with Tonio when she went to D.F. Cheo loses it. He jumps up from his chair and starts yelling before he storms out of the restaurant: “You should have told me earlier instead of playing with my feelings! I never want to see you again in my life!” He goes to his car, starts crying, pounds on the steering wheel, and makes threats that Antonio will regret taking HIS woman. Sara sits weepily in the restaurant, thinking of Cheo’s recent efforts to woo her. The hostess wonders why she turned him down, since he obviously loves her. Sara grabs the ring and her purse and leaves.

Meanwhile, Antonio’s woman, Isabel, is being taken by another man (Ric) in a D.F. hotel. “You’ve bewitched me (me embrujaste),” says Ric. Their mating session is interrupted by Natalia calling Isa to find out where the heck she is, since she told Tonio she was going home to sleep, and he and Sebastian just showed up at their place. Isa thinks fast and tells Tonio that her father called when she left his place, and she’s with him. Tonio seems satisfied with that explanation and returns home. Isa and Ric go back to eating each other’s faces. Natalia tries to pick a fight with Sebastian about him putting Tonio above her, because she obviously loves making up with him. They head to the bedroom happily.

Laura sighting! She’s home reading a book, misses the restaurant and Padre Vicente, and is bored. Since she’s been a good girl these many weeks, Pedro gives her permission to go see Sara tomorrow. Laura is elated. He also says he’s taking her out to eat tonight, just the two of them. Laura is deflated.

At the apartment, the party is already in full swing, with Bruno’s musical friends playing their instruments. Juancho doesn’t know why all the fuss with proposals. When he finds the girl he wants to marry, he’ll hand her the ring and say. “Take it, and marry me.” Merce and Simon are not impressed with his romanticism. He asks how his father proposed to her, and she and Simon get teary as she explains how her dearly departed hubby surprised her with a fireworks display that read: “Merce, make me the happiest man in the world, and marry me.” Juancho is impressed.

Everyone starts buzzing excitedly around Sara when she arrives. They don’t notice how dejected she looks and ask where is Cheo. Sara starts to cry and says she and Cheo will not be getting married. She rushes to her room in tears and everyone starts to speculate about what happened. They are sure it has something to do with Antonio. Roque tries to call Cheo, who doesn’t pick up, and is sure he’s going after Tonio. They are all relieved that at least Tonio is safe for now since he’s out of town. Merce and Simon go talk to Sara. She reveals that she told Cheo about sleeping with Tonio. They both wonder why she would do something so stupid. She and Cheo were broken up at the time, and this is not something you tell the guy who just asked you to marry him! Sara says that she didn’t want secrets between them. Merce: “There are secrets, and then there are SECRETS.” Simon says what’s done is done.

Natalia sends a disheveled Sebastian home, after their quickie, and then calls Isa, who doesn’t pick up. Natalia calls Isa’s dad, who has not seen his daughter that evening. Natalia makes the excuse to him that lately Isa’s been working VERY late at the gallery. She hangs up and wonders what secret Isa is hiding.

Isa is lounging in bed with her secret lover. Ric wants to know where he stands, what she plans to do about Tonio, and what is their future. Isa says the future is so FAR away. When she knows what she’s decided, she’ll tell him. She runs her hand up his thigh as she tells him that all she knows, is that as of right this moment, she can’t live without him.
 

Monday, Part 3:

Juancho is pumping Merce and Simon for info and why Sara and Cheo split. Merce says simply that Sara’s not ready for marriage. (Really, she should just say, none of your business, you nosey brat!) Juancho doesn’t buy her answer and storms out to the balcony. Bruno doesn’t buy it either, and asks for the real truth. They tell him. He also does not believe that honesty was the best policy in this case.

Sara and Tonio are both in bed, wide awake and thinking of each other and the night they made love. Sara wishes it had just been a mistaken one night stand, but the truth is she can’t get Tonio out of her heart and she wishes she could. She should be thinking about poor Cheo, not him. She wonders why Tonio was such a coward. She’s determined to move on. Tonio admits to himself that the night they made love was the happiest of his life. He’s never made love with such passion before. But he’s with Isabel and she’s with Cheo, and that’s just how things are. He resigns himself.

The next morning, Roque and Bruno check in with each other. Neither has heard from Cheo and Roque has searched high and low in Progreso. He’s worried, but Bruno says bad news travels fast (if he were hurt/in trouble, they’d know by now).

Sara gives Merce the ring to return to Cheo. Merce oohs and aahs over it, then slips in on her finger and can’t get it off. She and Sara have a good, hearty and healing laugh about it. Once they get back to Progreso, Juancho continues to nag Merce about what happened. She finally tells him it’s not his business and forbids him from calling Cheo to ask about it and throw more logs on the flame. He mouths off and goes to his room, where he continues to try to call Cheo and then Roque. He pouts that now he’s going to be left alone with Sara and Meche, when Cheo was the only one who would take his side.

Isa returns home looking very satisfied. Natalia blows her excuse about being at her dad’s out of the water and demands an explanation. Isa confesses all about Ric being her lover and says Ric gives her everything Tonio doesn’t. She’s excited by the danger and loves the prohibited. Nat wonders what’s love got to do with it. Isa says they’re different kinds of love, what she feels for Tonio and Ric. Nat is not convinced, and thinks Isa needs to break it off with one of them. Isa is doing what she accused Tonio of doing. Is she doing it for revenge? Isa gets annoyed by Nat’s attitude and demands that Nat be her friend without judging her. Nat doesn’t look totally convinced.

Laura goes to the restaurant and is told by Rosa that Sara is out sick. She then goes to the apartment to see Sara, and Sara tells her everything. Laura also wonders why Sara told Cheo: “There are things too painful to mention.” Laura wonders if the real reason Sara told Cheo is because she wanted a pretext to break up with him, and is still very much in love with Tonio. If Cheo came back today, and asked her to marry him, would she accept?

Padre gets the help of Zigala to leave San Dionisio unnoticed. She will tell everyone he has a cold and can’t be disturbed. She even cracks a quarter smile. She must really like Padre V! Padre heads to San Gaspar to help out his struggling soccer team. As he enters his old residence, he sees the beautiful championship cup in the cabinet, the love at first sight effects music plays, he drops his satchel, makes his way to the cabinet, removes the cup, and lovingly kisses and embraces it. Ahhh, pure love!
 

Thank you Vivi! I'm giggling at that ending! I hope I can find time to watch the episode. I'm glad you've kept me up to date on the action.

I think Laura is right and Sara is just looking for an excuse to end things with Cheo.
 

5ft- I just saw your offer to do Thursday. Thank you!
 

Glad I could help, Sara. How was school?
 

Thanks Vivi for the vivid recap

On the one hand I'm not impressed with Cheo's reaction (really dude? just ugh)
On the other hand I think Laura is right that Sara purposely told Cheo hoping his reaction would get her out of her relationship with him.
Well it worked
And now nobody is happy

Except Padre Vincente - I too was giggling when he hugged the trophy - (the soccer trophy as his idol hah)

 

Hey sneaky! I'm not impressed with Cheo, period. Vivi was so right about how presumptuous he was being.

I had to laugh during the fin of Sombra tonight. There was a scene that mirrored a scene from today's La Vecina. But I guess La Vecina mirrored La Sombra since Sombra came first.
 

Sneaky2Shoes- Yep, Cheo's reaction was a sign that this is NOT a guy you want to be with long-term. Sure, it would have been fine if he was a bit hurt. But his near violent reaction, and then getting all territorial and calling Sara MI mujer, was a giant red flag.

I also agree with Laura about why Sara told Cheo. She knows in her heart that she does not love Cheo enough to marry him.

Sara- I feel like the Padre storylines in Sombra and La Vecina have been tracking, with La Vecina being the comedic version.
 

Oh wow. I hadn't thought of it that way, but yeah. The two Padre stories definitely seem similar. And I do love them both!
 

And yes, the proposal with dessert scenes were similar-- down to the smashing of the cake to look for the ring. :)
 

Thanks vivi! I was in and out during this episode so you filled in the details nicely.

Sneaky2shoes, haha yeah the only person ending up happy was the padre Vicente.

It was funny watching Cheo almost burst a vessel because Sara wasn't in the mood for chocolate cake. Shoulda taken it as a sign Cheo.

And watching javi & his dancing self is always entertaining. Hehehe, the way he danced from one end.of the room to the other at the surprise engagement party made me laugh

I think Antonio makes an interesting galan. They only one really getting in the way of being with Sara is himself. Yes he has a fiance but there's nothing stopping him from breaking up with her. Of course there's no saying what Isa would do to impede a breakup. I guess I compare him to all the other tn galans who go after the heroine, sometimes foolheartedly, but he's clinging to his routine even if he's more content than happy.

But I guess it's also part of the reason why Iike this tn. Two people trying to figure out their feelings for each other & what to do with them, with no cliche lies or misunderstandings in the way.

I wonder if Isa knows, assumes, or will ever find out about Antonio and Sara sleeping together.

jlk
 

jlk- So true. The only obstacle in the way of Sara and Tonio becoming a couple is Tonio, and his fear of upsetting the applecart.
 

Not that I find them being apart "refreshing", but I do find it more interesting to watch this kind of separation than one where the leads are being stupid and believing lies. This feels so much more realistic. Excellent point, jlk.
 

Vivi, thank you for the Monday recap :D

Bruno did come off paternal when it came to Sara possibly marrying Cheo. Do we still not really know what their relationship is?

"What is he doing with all his money?" Good question. I would have thought he'd have a good chunk of change by now, especially if he was used to living on just his Conatrol salary.

"This is all a bit presumptuous, isn’t it? How do they know she’ll say yes?" That really bothered me. I thought at least Simon would have asked that question or suggested they not get too excited.

"They head to the bedroom happily." With a little kick of his heels, at that! It was so funny!

Reeeeeeeally hated Cheo's reaction and the fact that everyone thinks it's a given that he'll go after Antonio...and this is the guy they were all excited about her marrying?

"He pouts that now he’s going to be left alone with Sara and Meche, when Cheo was the only one who would take his side." Maybe...maybe...maaaaaybe...I can cut Juancho some slack for thinking this is more important than whether his sister is happy and/or SAFE, because he lacks any serious life experience. The rest of them--no excuse!

I loved the conversation Laura had with Sara. She's very observant, and I like that even if she can't get away from Pedro, she's still trying to do as much good as she can for others...even if it's just asking Sara to examine her motivations and be honest with herself.

"Ahhh, pure love!" Ah, there is no greater love than the love of Padre Vicente for futbol :D

Sara, you're welcome! I'm glad you decided to cover this one and swept us all up in your enthusiasm. I'm hooked!

sneaky, I hope all the rampant unhappiness doesn't last long.

Vivi, that's a good point about the two Padres!

jlk, I love what you said about "no cliche lies or misunderstandings." It's a relief!
 

Kat- Thanks amiga, and I just love your whole comment.

When Bruno said that line it just sounded so funny. It sounded like it should have come from one of her uncles, instead of a guy around her age. I do love when tns portray friendships between unrelated men and women, with no sexual tension or romantic feelings. He clearly cares for Sara as a big brother would.
 

Vivi, maybe it just comes from years of being her uncle's business partner, and he thinks of her as something like his niece as well? I think "big brother" encompasses both the protectiveness and the pranking that Simon just sort of rolls his eyes at. I like him.
 

Sorry Diva, nopis I'm not cutting Juancho any slack, lack of experience or no, he's still a brat - I'm just glad at least we don't have to see too much of him


I agree with you guys that Tonio isn't a typical galan and I too like the story maybe because of that. Its not making me swoon, but it is making me smile and giggle and chuckle even in spite of the leads not being together


I just think its really funny that Isa seems more happy and accepting in her relationship with Tonio now that she's got a thing on the side - today she really reminded me of all the cheating male villains we see in tns when she was all 'oh yeah baby I totally can't live without you either, but we have to keep this a secret just for now' to Ric


 

Nopis I'm not cutting Juancho any slack, sorry Diva, I disagree, lack of experience or no, he's still a brat, and taking this whole thing waay too personally - I'm just glad at least we don't have to see too much of him


I agree with you guys that Tonio isn't a typical galan and I too like the story maybe because of that. Its not making me swoon, but it is making me smile and giggle and chuckle even in spite of the leads not being together


I just think its really funny that Isa seems more happy and accepting in her relationship with Tonio now that she's got a thing on the side - today she really reminded me of all the cheating male villains we see in tns when she was all 'oh yeah baby I totally can't live without you either, but we have to keep this a secret just for now' to Ric
 

oh my computer ( sigh) It told me it didn't post - sorry for the repeat
 

No worries sneaky! I'll take care of it layer. I double post sometimes too.
 

Later. Not layer.
 

Tuesday 8/25 Part 1

We’re at a party at Antonio’s house for the dads’ association. Antonio & Isa make chit chat like any other corporate couple. One of the guest asks Sr. Andrade & Sr. Cisneros if the new business partnership is for a stronger alliance between the two families since their kids are engaged. Cisneros replies it was purely for commercial interest. He believes they can make the business expand nationally, & Andrade adds that he’s honored to have Cisneros invest capital in his business. Emma goes to the couple & says she hopes the next reception is to announce the wedding between Tonio & Isa. That’s exactly what Antonio wanted to speak to Isa about but Isa had plans with her father earlier that night. Isa says they plan on continuing what they already agreed upon. Have the wedding after both of them finish with their projects. (i.e. art exposition & CONATROL). Emma is not going to waste her breathe to convince them otherwise, but doesn’t know why they plan on waiting so long. That’s easy Emma, they don’t really love each other. After confirming the info with Emma, a reporter takes some pictures of the perfect couple that are soon to be married.

-The next morning while having breakfast at Antonio’s apartment, Isa & Tonio see the newspaper headlines announcing their engagement as the wedding of the year. Antonio is irritated because the reception was for the business association not their engagement. Isa can’t understand his annoyance. He hides behind the excuse that he doesn’t want his personal life in the newspaper, and calls his mother to demand an explanation. Emma responds that is was surely one of the reporters. But what’s the problem? It’s all true. Antonio is still annoyed.

-Of course Sara sees the same headlines, and silently cries big fat tears. She shows Simon the article, and he wonders why that is news. They already knew he was getting married. He gently questions her if she thought he would repent getting married & come running back to her arms. Sara berates herself for being a tonta & tries to get on with the day. We see her later tape a newspaper clipping of Antonio & Isa by her bed to remind her who is who. I have to admit, they look pretty happy in the newspaper photos.

-Isa gets a text from Rick written in a sarcasm font. “So wedding of the year? Congratulations!” She then has some nerve to call “Rita” with Antonio in the room to explain that it was all the reporters’ doing. They have no set date for the wedding. Rick demands that if she plans on getting married to say it to his face. They agree to meet. Antonio wonders why Rita questions Isa so much. Isa says that they made her an assistant at the gallery & believes they’re friends. In fact, there is an issue at the gallery that has to be resolved. Antonio says that he plans to finish what he’s working on quickly & was going to invite her to the movies. There’s nothing Isa wants to see, and says they should take the afternoon to work. Antonio wonders if she’s mad at him. Why would she be? In a lifeless voice she says they are a steady couple. Everything is always the same, nothing ever changes. Once she leave, all he cares about is whether Sara saw the article or not. He’s about to contact her but stops himself. What would he tell her? That he’s not married yet, but will be in the future? He tells himself that he needs to assume his responsibility to his engagement or break it off. No more dumbassery (my word not his).

-Vicente decides Halloween is to come early this year, and disguises himself as Farmer Joe to secretly watch his team in a futbol match. They’re not doing so hot, and he makes himself look like a craze fan when he gets in a verbal spat with Javi for screaming his input on what they need to do. The padre sends an anonymous note with written instructions on how the team can improve during their halftime huddle. Bruno decides it’s worth a shot, and something their Padre Vincente would do. This gives them immediate positive results.
 

Tuesday 8/25 Part 2
-Isa meets with an unhappy Ricky. She tells him not to pressure her. She doesn’t know what will happen in the future, so he can either take it or leave it. Rick knows he can’t really do anything. They both confess how they can’t live without each other. Let nookie time begin.

-Vicente is on his way back to his gothic novel, but happy that he was able to help his team. He lovingly talks to the trophy (which he has decided to take with him) about how if his team keeps playing like they are the trophy will soon be his. He understandably gets some weird looks. Just don’t make eye contact people.

-Padre Vicente’s assistant (name?) notices that the cup is missing. He calls Bruno & Javi over to help him on THE CASE OF THE MISSING TROPHY. They deduce that since nothing else was stolen, it was someone who only wanted to get their hands on the championship cup & couldn’t get it by winning. All thoughts lead to Fidel. But he’s chief of police, what can they do? Well apparently it means that they contact the mayor with their accusation. This leads to an oh-so-official investigation involving a lie detector, the mayor, Quintin, Fidel, Bruno, & Javi. It is confirmed that Fidel did not steal the trophy, but he did break into Padre Vicente’s house in the past (when he wanted the padre’s soccer notes). So on the mayor’s orders, it’s a one night stay in the pokey for Fidel. Quintin covers for him with Magda by saying he’s on some police assignment. Too bad nobody questioned him about oranges. Fidel orders Quintin to put out a reward for any info on the stolen trophy.

-Antonio decides to surprise Isa with a visit, and he’s waiting outside her apartment when she returns from her nookie fest. She just came back from the gallery after having coffee with the curator she tells him. Once inside he surprises her with a ring. Let’s stop postponing the wedding & get married right away. Isa seems genuinely & pleasantly surprised. Antonio gives a tight smile. Somebody contain these two before they explode with excitement.

-Rick gets visited by Pedro’s right hand man with another payment. Don Pedro wants to know about the dye & what they should do with it. Rick says they have to be careful, because it’s very toxic & he’ll give more details to him after the CONATROL meeting tomorrow.

-Vicente shows gothic boy (again name?) the trophy. The little boy is not impressed, says it looks more like a flower vase. El padre goes on to dreamily recall the first time he met la Jalibolera (?).
 

Tuesday 8/25

-Roque tries to make excuses for Cheo with their boss. He isn’t buying it. Merce later stumbles upon a drunken Cheo and takes him to his apartment. He locks himself in his room & is so unattractively crying & mopey. Sara comes over to calm him down. She finally gets him to open the door when she admits it was an error to sleep with Antonio. They hug. Ughh….

-CONATROL HQ meeting. Antonio gives an update on the San Gasper plant & the plans they have to stop the thieves involving the dye. Rick later calls Pedro that the dye is soon to be transported but it will be guarded via satellite. He will only have 15 min. to steal it before an alarm goes off.

-Cheo continues on the subject of Sara sleeping with Antonio. He’s the devil and he made a fool out of you. He planned this from the get go. Go on Cheo, beat a dead horse to the ground. And then go beat it again. It wasn’t like ya’ll were together, as Sara rightly points out. She had the right to do whatever she wanted. Caveman Cheo doesn’t see it that way. She was his, and he can never look at her the same way. He doesn’t even know if he ever wants to see her again. Ok, just know that it was never my intention to hurt you says Sara. Sara & Merce leave the ring before they go.

-Sebs gives Rick a copy of the dye plans, just as he requested. He plans to take advantage of what he has & give it to Pedro bit by bit.

-Isa drops Antonio off at the airport. She wishes Antonio would show more excitement about the wedding. They give each other romantic “take cares”, and Isa tries to instill some life into their relationship with a kiss. Antonio heads offs, and Isa stares at her ring. End of episode.

jlk
 

I think I got everything but feel free to add anything that I missed, especially about the CONATROL dye plans.

Sneaky2shoes, Isa definitely keeps that smile on her face with all that booty calling she's been doing. I wonder if her paintings are all sunshine & rainbows. Can't wait for it to explode in her face.

I do like how Bruno is part of the family even though there are no blood/marriage connections. Or least that we know of yet.

I was hoping that Bruno telling Antonio about Cheo's proposal would light a fire under him. I guess it did but in the wrong direction.

jlk
 

jlk- You got everything and your recap was good to the last drop. Loved all you asides about our exciting couple, Tonio and Isa. LOL! Why, Tonio, why?

I kind of love that Isa is so blatantly using Ric for sex. I don't think he expected to turn into her piece on the side. I think he intended for her to really fall in love with him, but that hasn't happened.

Cheo once again showed why he is NOT husband material when he kept harping about HIS woman daring to have sex with someone else while they were broken up. You never want to see me again? Good! The feeling is mutual.
 

Padre was hilarious. Atila's unimpressed response to the Jaibolera was priceless.
 

Delightful recap, jlk! Thank you! Your asides were hilarious. "Somebody contain these two before they explode with excitement." Can't wait to see that scene.

You and Denise are such naturals at this. I'm tickled that you're watching and recapping this for us. We are lucky ducks.

I'm just gobsmacked that Antonio gave Isa a ring. Sara seems to be avoiding a relationship and Tonio keeps insisting on trying to make his dysfunctional one work. GAH!
 

sneaky two shoes, Juancho is indeed a brat. He'll probably run out of slack the next time he opens his mouth. He's really good at reminding me about what a brat he is!

Ohhhhhh yeah, Isa's sudden happiness would be suspicious to Antonio if he were paying more attention!

jlk, thank you for the Tuesday recap!

"Antonio & Isa make chit chat like any other corporate couple." They did make a very pretty picture, with his tie coordinating with her skirt.

"Isa gets a text from Rick written in a sarcasm font." heh heh heh...sarcasm font? I have no idea what you mean. None whatsoever. The follow-up call to Rita was hilariously awkward, and good grief, the way she smiles every time he suggests getting together!

"No more dumbassery (my word not his)." It's a damn fine word.

"The padre sends an anonymous note with written instructions on how the team can improve during their halftime huddle." Poor Padre is going through such soccer withdrawal! I wish they'd just get him set up so he could coach the team via Skype. Uh, never mind...the bishop would really freak out if they did that!

"Too bad nobody questioned him about oranges." IKR?! They had him hooked up the machine and everything! What a waste!

"Somebody contain these two before they explode with excitement." Oh, yes, it was palpable. I could feel it in the living room of my oceanfront property here in Arizona.

"Rick says they have to be careful, because it’s very toxic...." Is it too much to hope that Pedro's guys blow themselves up or something?

"She finally gets him to open the door when she admits it was an error to sleep with Antonio. They hug. Ughh…." I have nothing to add, but to echo your ughh! And then it just kept getting worse. CaveCheo for sure! I hope this finally convinces her to never take him back ever again. And I don't buy that whole "I didn't want to break up with him, I just wanted to be honest" thing she told her mom. And she's right--he was going to find out eventually so might as well tell him and get it over with.

"He plans to take advantage of what he has & give it to Pedro bit by bit." That's the kind of independent thinking that usually leads to death at the hands of crime bosses. Go for it, Ric!

Vivi, "I kind of love that Isa is so blatantly using Ric for sex. I don't think he expected to turn into her piece on the side." You know what, when you put it that way...go for it Isa! Also, I applaud your entire third paragraph up there.

Sara, until he whipped that ring out, I hadn't even thought about the fact that they were originally scheduled to get married in, what, another month? And he hadn't given her a ring already?
 

Thanks for your excellent recaps, Vivi and jlk! What a treat.

So seeing how upset Cheo is at Sara's revelation, we must assume that he himself is as pure as the driven snow, right?
 

Vivi: Haha yeah Isa doesn't seem to want anything from Rick except a good time. & they both seem to enjoy the little game they have going on. Don't like what's she doing but if Antonio showed her any kind of attention, physical & emotional, don't think it would be as hard for her to let go of good time Rick.

Sara: Yeah I never saw myself recapping but I'm glad that I'm able to help with this tn. Always appreciated the recapping you, Vivi, Diva, & other recappers have done for past tns :)

Diva: That's the kind of independent thinking that usually leads to death at the hands of crime bosses I know right! & I think that especially today Rick showed he's not ready for the big leagues. I thought that at any moment he was going to pee his pants from fright.

Denise: Thks! So true about Cheo. I wish Sara could really see what loser boyfriend material he is. At least with her. They have too much drama history. She's needs to wipe the slate clean with someone new.

And today's episode was brought to us by the word TOXICO. Wonder what ramifications will result. Despite the sober note the episode ended in, I'm going to go with a frivolous question: Did anyone else find Antonio cute? adorable? in his safety gear? I just find his serious dorkiness endearing :D

jlk
 

Denise, that's a good question. I know Che wasn't above flirting while lying about not having a girlfriend. I can't decide whether he would have gone farther than that or not. Before he was dating Sara? Pfft! I'm sure he would have had sex. I'm guessing he and Sara had sex--maybe not with an great frequency, since they both have other people living with them, but she never said she was a virgin, and I don't think Cheo was her one and only even before Antonio. This is all conjecture, based mostly on things people *didn't* say rather than anything they did say.

jlk, I haven't seen today's episode yet, but I'm about to watch, so I will pay extra-close attention to Antonio in his safety gear to evaluate his exact level of cuteness. For science.
 

jlk-I am a big fan of Jose Diego Corvarrubias just for that dorkiness. I wasn't as happy with him in DQTQTQ, but he is a cutie here. I didn't see all of it, but I thought he was cute in UFCS, too.

I'm just getting home and needing to eat and watch Muchacha italiana. I'll have something up tonight or tomorrow morning. Feel free to keep discussing and be sure to lower the expectations on my recap ;-)
 

Diva - "For science." Hahaha.
 

Omigosh, jlk, you were not kidding! About TOXICO or the safety gear. If I'd been playing the TOXICO drinking game, I would have been rendered toxico!

Dear Antonio: please hire me to handle security for your next attempt. I really have no experience whatsoever, but I do have an overactive imagination and have watched lots of spy movies. Call me. I promise to focus on the shipment and not get distracted by how cute you look in your safety overalls and your eyewear...OK, maybe I can't really promise that, but I promise to try.

Why no security on the truck? In theory, nobody knew except people who they thought could be trusted, but once the truck is on the road, you never know, right? There are plenty of reasons it could be handy to have some cars following or scouting the route ahead, and to have multiple routes planned so that the minute anybody gets the feeling something is wrong, they switch.
 

I'm worried about Fidel and the first cops on the scene. They breathed in a lot of TOXIC smoke.

They have GOT to know this was an inside job. Very few people knew the route and time for the dye delivery. Looking forward to seeing Ric sweat some more.
 

Yeah, he was freaking out! I'm not sure he's really cut out for a life of crime. And I'm going to laugh my ass off when he finally answers that call from Pedro.
 

Pedro is not going to be happy with him.
 

Pedro losing his temper is going to rival the flames that went up from that burning TOXIC tank!
 

Wednesday 8/26 Highlights Parte 1
You know the drill. It’s very brief. Very skeletal. Fill in as needed. Cable was being a punk last night so I’m doing this quickly before I get ready for work. Sorry. :-(

Let me just start with the minor events.
Quintin is hard at work trying to find the Jaibolera.

Meanwhile in San Dionosio, Atila cracks a smile and admires the trophy with his friends.

Business at El Molcajete is slow. Sara is worried. Merce tells her everything will work out and encourages her to talk to Pedro. Sara says that her dealings with Pedro have been friendly, but she doesn’t want to ask for favors. Laura later encourages her to try to reinstate the agreement with Conatrol, but Sara doesn’t want to ask Antonio for help.

Cheo is officially a *expletive*. You do NOT talk about your girlfriend’s sex life to her little punk brother. Especially when that little punk brother is a loose cannon.

Antonio and Sara run into each other in the parking lot (don’t they always?) Sara gives him a hard time about his engagement. He tries to throw it in her face that she’s marrying Cheo. She informs him that she’s not marrying Cheo and that Cheo knows that she slept with Antonio. Sara says sleeping together was just a mistake. Antonio just puts on his sour puss face and doesn’t respond. So she takes that to mean that he thinks so too. Sara tells Antonio to be happy with his bruja of a girlfriend. I don’t think she means “witch”

Juancho the punk brother skips classes and goes to Antonio’ s apartment and punches him in the face. Antonio doesn’t punch him back….but he should have (I’m petty.) Simon and Sara hear the kerfuffle and go check on it. They are shocked to find out it’s Juancho and Antonio and that Juancho is there to defend her. Sara calls Cheo. Cheo wants to talk to Juancho and he racks up another a-hole point from me. “Act like I’m yelling at you, but GOOD JOB!” Grrr. Juancho plays the contrite child and hands the phone back to Sara. Simon will take Juancho back to Progreso and Sara goes to talk to Antonio. All I remember from her conversation with Anto is that Anto said that their sleeping together was the most beautiful mistake of his life.

Isa has it bad for Ric. Natalia almost convinces her to leave Ric alone. Isa makes excuses when he calls, but later in the episode she makes a booty call. I found it hilarious because it was in the middle of Operation Toxico and Ric was busy peeing his pants with fear.
 

Wednesday 8/26 Highlights Parte 2
Operation TÓXICO
This was quite exciting!

So Ric is keeping Pedro abreast off all the goings on at Conatrol. The toxic dye is being delivered today and it’s transport is a high security operation. The truck has satellite tracking on it. Pedro’s men will only have 15 minutes to get the tank containing the toxic dye.

As soon as the truck with the toxic dye leaves for San Gaspar, Ric calls Pedro.

In the DF, Ric watches the satellite progress of the toxic dye. Antonio does the same in San Gaspar.

Pedro’s men stop the truck transporting the toxic dye. They tie up the Conatrol drivers and leave them on the side of the road. Pedro’s men take the tank containing the toxic material and drive away. The Conatrol drivers manage to untie themselves and get back to the highway. Bruno just happens to be driving his truck for the crop deliveries (not toxic.) The Conatrol drivers stop him and he calls the police.

Ah! But we see on the computer screen that there are now TWO trackers and they are going in opposite directions! Unbeknownst to Ric, Antonio had a tracker put on the truck AND the tank containing the toxic liquid. Quintin is on the trail of the truck. Fidel goes for the toxic tank.

Ric informs Pedro that something is wrong. Pedro threatens him. In the middle of all this, Isa calls. She wants her Ric and she wants it now. She whines about Conatrol being more important (honestly? She’s calling during business hours. Does she not understand the concept of JOB?) Ric finally agrees to meet her that evening in the usual hotel.

Quintin catches up with the truck, but it’s been abandoned.

Fidel spies the toxic tank. A chase ensues (note: there is no traffic on the highway) and the toxic transport goes over a barranca (ravine) and explodes into a fiery ball of CGI flames that knocks Fidel on his back. He recovers and tells Quintin to inform Antonio. Antonio instructs Quintin to tell Fidel to stay away from the scene of the crash. The fumes are toxic. He also warns them not to try and put out the flames with water. Antonio is on his way. My question: Did no one think to tell the nearby community? Or did I miss that?

Lic Uribe is informed of the robbery and toxic explosion. He calls a meeting of the directors (but was it more like dept heads?) Pedro gets the request to see Lic Uribe. He sweats bullets.

Antonio arrives in his protective gear. He *is* quite precious!

 

OH CRAP!! I forgot!!!

Simon threatens to send Juancho to Padre V in San Dionisio....and boy I hope that actually happens!
 

Fabulous job, Sara! Operation Toxico was very exciting. Toxic substances are being transported along highways around the world all the time. That's why they have special signs on the truck. You'd have to inform every town along the highway between DF and San Gaspar, if you were going to try to issue some warning.

I was SO mad when Cheo told Juancho Sara's personal/sex life business. So inappropriate!

I'd love to see Juancho in San Dionisio.
 

Sara, you're amazing.

"Isa has it bad for Ric. Natalia almost convinces her to leave Ric alone. Isa makes excuses when he calls, but later in the episode she makes a booty call. I found it hilarious because it was in the middle of Operation Toxico and Ric was busy peeing his pants with fear." This was the best scene! The actor was fantastic.

Could Cheo be any more annoying?
 

Unfortunately I think Cheo could be more annoying. He's mentioned before that if the restaurant fails Sara might come running back to San Gaspar. I hate to think what would happen if he knew that she's struggling. Will he start sabotaging her business? That could really put her in danger. Or am I being an alarmist?
 

Thanks Vivi and Denise!

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed hoping Juancho gets sent to Padre V. Is that wrong of me?

I can't even with Cheo. What was he thinking telling Juancho about Sara and Antonio? That's her little brother!
 

Sara, thank you for the Wednesday recap! Was your cable being more or less of a punk than Juancho?

"Atila cracks a smile and admires the trophy with his friends." It's the power of futbol :D

"You do NOT talk about your girlfriend’s sex life to her little punk brother." Ugh! And his insistence that Juancho has a "right" to know? No. No he doesn't. I can't even think of a horrible enough word for Cheo! And Juancho...totally ran out of that slack I cut him the other day.

"Anto said that their sleeping together was the most beautiful mistake of his life." I didn't want to like that, but I did.

"Later in the episode she makes a booty call. I found it hilarious because it was in the middle of Operation Toxico and Ric was busy peeing his pants with fear." Word! Did Ric not realize he's on-call 24/7? With both Isa and Pedro? "She whines about Conatrol being more important." I was waiting for that one. She did it to Antonio often enough.

"Did no one think to tell the nearby community?" That whole "community relations" department...going to have their hands full.

Vivi, that's true, anyone living near a route that's approved for hauling toxic materials knows about it already, even if they don't know what's being hauled or when. I don't know if Mexico does the same thing the US does, where you mark the truck, you use pre-approved roads, and as long as you don't deviate, there's nothing special you have to do. I also don't know if the tanker was still on a road where toxic materials are allowed, once they started driving it off in the other direction.

Denise: "Could Cheo be any more annoying?" Yes. And Sara, no, I don't think you're being alarmist, because he did have that thought that he would screw up the restaurant if he had to. I'm just not sure if he would do it now to be vindictive or if he only wanted to do it to get Sara out of San Gaspar so he could have her all to himself *barf*
 

thanks jlk and sara for the tues and weds recaps

I agree with everybody else about Cheo
I can't believe Cheo being all 'you have a right to know what happened' No! He! Does! Not!!!
I blame Cheo more than Juancho. Juancho is just annoying Cheo is a menace.

Someone needs to hit Cheo hard...

With something heavy...

Like a truck.




Vivi I'm worried about Fidel too - that was the first thing I thought about- that stuff is toxic you shouldn't be breathing the smoke!
Here's hoping he's ok
 

"Like a truck"

HAHAHAHA!
 

I laughed when Antonio told Sara that he wasn't pleased to have to be on the lookout for her "orangutan" of a boyfriend. Cheo is kinda furry.
 

La Vecina #48 Th 8/27/15 Part 1 of 4

The signal has disappeared and Pedro's starting to sweat. What's a crime boss to do when it all goes wrong?

Ric is summoned to the board room, where Uribe tells him that the dye was stolen, it went up in flames, and there's now a toxic spill. Antonio is going to head up…the cleanup efforts? The entire San Gaspar plant is on high alert. They've cancelled their usual "bombeo" (pumping). It's hit the fan. And there's a lot of it. And it's a really big fan. The company is at risk of not meeting some commitments to their investors (?). Their whole plan to stop the thefts is kaput. And it takes forever to get more of that dye. Uribe is convinced that their enemy is in San Gaspar and is very dangerous. Sebastian is worried about the ecological impact.

Pedro heads home and tells Laura they're leaving for Campeche. Now. She'll be just as bored there, since he's sure to be dealing with business stuff. Their argument is interrupted by Anselmo bringing Pedro his phone. Ric was trying to call, finally, with the news that the tanker blew up. Pedro still wants to leave town, but now he's amused--this saves him the trouble of burying the tank. "And no witnesses!" Uh, except for the drivers?

Antonion calls Uribe. It's not pretty. The water supply is now contaminated. They're getting the word out to the communities. Uribe tells him to do what he has to do to get it cleaned up. Ric seems offended that Sebastian's main concern is the environment. "What about the damage to the company! Our image!" Uribe is more worried about the people than the company. Take that, Ric! He asks Ric and Sebastian to stay when he dismisses the other suits. They know the most about Antonio's plan, so they need to help come up with a solution. Ric's phone rings and he turns down another booty call from Isa.

Fidel calls Quintin to tell him they have to coordinate with the feds and get the word out that people and cattle (?) need to avoid bodies of water and any fishing activities need to stop. There's a crew from Conatrol that needs to be allowed access to the town's reservoir (?) for testing and someone needs to go pick up the bodies from the crash site.

Bruno is telling Simon about running (almost literally) into the drivers of the truck when Sara comes in wondering what's going on with all the cops running around. Bruno now fills her in. The concern is that the spill might reach the "ciénaga" (swamp) nearby. "Has anybody heard from Antonio?" Ay, Sara! They decide to turn on the news.

Natalia is also watching the news, when Isa comes home, fuming (heh!) about Ric's excuses that remind her of Antonio's. Except this time, it's true. Isa tries calling Antonio, but of course, he's not answering.

Antonio reassures some farmers/ranchers that Conatrol knows it screwed up and they're going to fix it. They're even shipping in clean water for them. Gutierrez gives Antonio the bad news that the water is showing high levels of contaminant and there are already reports of fish dying in one of the lakes. Antonio is crushed. Rafa reminds him to call Uribe. Might as well spread the bad news.

Sara hears on the radio that the whole swamp is blocked off and everyone's blaming Conatrol. She runs over to Antonio's apartment, but of course, he hasn't even been home. She tries to call.

 

La Vecina #48 Th 8/27/15 Part 2 of 4

Ric is still furious about their "image." Uriba takes a call from Antonio and yeah…it's not good. He's promised everyone they're going to take care of it. They're still studying the best cleanup method. Conatrol and the local and federal authorities are all working together to do what they can. Uribe wants to call a press conference so they'll quit saying it's all Conatrol's fault. He's heading to San Gaspar by helicopter (fancy schmancy!) and he'll meet him there at noon. Rafa wants to send Antonio home and Antonio's too tired to argue. Which I would think also makes him too tired to drive, but ok.

Quintin has a report for Fidel. There is zero usable evidence. Fake plates, guns with the serial numbers filed off, a burned cell phone. There are fingerprints on the legit Conatrol truck, but since those trucks change drivers so frequently, it's not likely they'll get anything useful from there either. Fidel's sure this was the doing of the gasoline thieves. They found a pit dug near the swamp to bury the tanker in. Uh, so it could leach out slowly into the water supply with no warning? Nice going, Pedro!

Laura reads about the disaster. Pedro shrugs it off with "these things happen." His boss calls and Pedro reassures him that the cops are nowhere near anything to do with their operation. In fact, this is convenient for them, that the cops are tied up elsewhere. Oh, Pedro…when you meet your deserved end, I'm going to laugh and laugh….

Antonio pulls his car over to see three missed calls from Isa. He calls her and explains it wasn't the company's fault…and no, it's not San Gaspar's fault, either! She seems worried that he's risking his life and his career. He's not in the mood to argue right now. When his phone chirps again it's an encouraging message from Sara "Everything is going to be fine. You'll fix it. Just stay calm." Well, Antonio may be confused, but I know who I'd rather be dating.

Uribe tells his secretary to please cancel all his appointments and make sure all the important people attend his press conference.

Antonio's almost falling over by the time he gets home. One look at Sara's face, and she breathes his name, and he runs straight into her arms for one of those passionate, endless hugs.

Antonio's parents can't reach him, so Ema tries Isa. The news is really making everything sound like a total shit show. Antonio's dad wants to trust in him, but Ema wants to harass him by phone. Papa says if he's not calling, it's because he's busy…duh! And the last thing he needs right now is his MOTHER chewing him out. She's worried about him getting blamed and fired and Isa's father's reaction. WHAT?! Antonio's dad and I are on the same page. What the hell does Guillermo have to do with any of this? He tells her once again they need to support their son before he storms out of the room.

Up in Antonio's apartment, Sara offers to fix Antonio something to eat while he takes a shower.

Cheo gloats over the news and that Antonio will probably get fired. Roque's all "Fine, you'll get rid of him…but what about all these people affected by the disaster!" Damn right, Roque! Ew…Cheo considers that acceptable collateral damage. He swears he might deign to date Sara again, but only if she begs. [Insert furious recapper face here.] #IjustcantevenwithCheo #thereisnotruckbigenough

Antonio can't resist lying down on his bed.
 

La Vecina #48 Th 8/27/15 Part 3 of 4

19 towns have been affected so far. They all get their water from the San Mateo dam, which is now contaminated. Rafa is having them post guards at all the contaminated wells or ponds they find. Gutierrez radios that there are some community members down at the mouth of the swamp wanting to help with cleanup. They just need safety gear and stuff. Rafa will send some down. He's glad they're not being hostile like they were earlier. Rafa gets radioed again and now they're up to 20.

Fidel explains to Magda that Conatrol is having water brought in. She says that's the least they can do. Lucio radios Fidel with an update and Fidel says he's on his way over. Magda insists he finish his breakfast first and take a packed lunch with him. He gets the call about the press conference and heads out the door, stopping only to brush his teeth.

Simon and Bruno and two of the farmers all agree they have to do something to help out. Simon suggests taking food to the volunteers working on the cleanup. They'll ask around and get some crops donated and Simon can use the truck to take them over. So they'll know that in San Gaspar, they look out for each other. It occurs to me that if Pedro wanted to cover his ass and look like a concerned member of the community, he's missing an opportunity here. Oh, well…too damn bad!

Marina fields calls from reporters about the press conference. She's working the land line and her cell phone…like a boss! Antonio is lost…again…and Rafa needs him to have some up-to-date numbers. Now Marina is going to try to find Antonio, but the phone won't stop ringing. She tells security not to tell the reporters anything or let them in until it's time for the press conference.

Sara finishes Antonio's meal and then, thankfully, goes into his room and sees him sleeping. She tries to wake him up gently and gets a scorching kiss for her trouble. He's mildly surprised when he wakes up fully and realizes she's there. He moves in for another kiss, but Sara says he's got just enough time to make it to that press conference. "Uh, thanks…what a way to wake up…I don't know if I dreamed it or if it really happened, but…I kissed you!" Sara says he dreamed it and he needs to hurry up. And then she contemplates where Antonio's kisses rate on the Scoville scale.

Merce is trying to reach Sara, but she's not at the restaurant. Rosa seems worried.

Antonio is impressed with his lunch, but Sara admits she stole a few things from Simon's place. He asks her to tell him what the news is saying. "They're showing the burning tanker, the colorant in the water, the dead fish…and they're blaming it all on Conatrol." Antonio is pissed…this is all the fault of the gasoline thieves! Sara says she's scared, she did mean what she said in the message but…Antonio says it's serious, but he's staying calm. He gulps down a few more bites of food before he has to grab his jacket and run.

Security at Conatrol have their hands full telling the press to just WAIT!

Sara has cleaned up by the time Antonio is ready to go. His cell phone battery is dead and he just misses a call from Marina.

She and Rafa are worried and Uribe is on his way. The Governor, the Secretary of the Environment, the Mayor, and Fidel. She'll let him know when Antonio arrives.

 

La Vecina #48 Th 8/27/15 Part 4 of 4

Sara wishes Antonio luck and he can't resist resting his forehead against hers for a moment before he gets in his car to go. Except his car is out of gas. So Sara is going to drive him. She warns him to hold on tight because she's going to have to speed to get him there on time!

Marina brings the Governor, Secretary of the Environment, Mayor, and Fidel into the conference room. As she's leaving to get water, Uribe's helicopter arrives and Marina says she'll have to be the one to greet him.

Isa is watching the news, where she sees all the important people drive into the plant.

Uribe is alarmed to see that Antonio isn't there. Marina has to admit she doesn't know where he is. Sebastian and Ricardo came with Uribe. Uribe says they can't wait and Ric will have to take Antonio's place at the press conference. This elicits a rather shrieky "NO!" from me. Marina has all the info ready that Uribe asked for and she lets him know who's waiting in the conference room. He's going to give Antonio a few more minutes to arrive.

Sara has to drive Antonio through the crowd…and Isa sees him sitting in the passenger seat of Sara's jeep. On national TV! The reporters are accusing him of hiding and not assuming responsibility. Sara tells them to back off and let him make his statement! And then she claims to be his personal assistant. She begs them to stop with the unfounded accusations and offer their support. All their questions will be answered at the press conference…now please, let them through!

Isa fumes worse than the tanker!
Merce is completely confused!
Rosa wonders what's going to happen with the restaurant!
Laura asks Pedro if he understands what Sara's doing there!
Pedro has no clue, but he thinks Antonio and Sara are together.
Antonio's parents are baffled that he's with HER again!
Cheo's boss tells Cheo to go watch the press conference and smirks.

In the conference room, we hear that the count of affected towns is now up to 24. Uribe is firm in insisting that they will provide water to EVERYONE who needs it. Marina announces Antonio's arrival and Uribe tells her she can let the reporters in now.

Cheo sees Sara's moment of glory outside the Conatrol gates. His boss is having a field day with this…and for some reason still thinks Sara is his "girlfriend."

Antonio demands that Sara come inside with him so the reporters don't eat her alive. He says she can go after they start the press conference. Sara gives him a kiss on the cheek for luck..and since he's really going to need it, she figures she'll give him another one…which Uribe is the only one of the conference room crew to see. Sara walks over to greet him and shake his hand and says "hi" to Ric and Sebastian as well. She explains that she was just dropping Antonio off. Marina tells Antonio the new data is on his desk and he thanks her and escorts Sara inside. Ohhh, there is going to be no way to explain this. Inside, Sara gets an angry call from Cheo and Antonio gets an angry call from Isabel. Sara tells Cheo off and Antonio tells Isabel off. Well, in fairness, Antonio is kind of busy for now. Regional disaster trumps an angry Isa.

Outside, in front of Marina's desk, Sara is still telling Cheo to stop acting like a caveman and ends up hanging up on him. Antonio emerges from his office and asks Sara again to wait until they start the press conference. Marina sighs that there's nothing more beautiful than love :D She tells Sara she can pull up a chair and they'll watch the press conference on her monitor.

Uribe warns Antonio that once this press conference is over…they have to talk.
 

sneaky two shoes, your truck comment was on my mind today. Every time I think Cheo can't get any worse!
 

Gracias, Diva! Beautiful recap.

"Everything is going to be fine. You'll fix it. Just stay calm." Well, Antonio may be confused, but I know who I'd rather be dating." Oh yeah - quite the contrast with Isabel.
 

Thank you so much, Diva!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read this!

Many thanks to everyone!!! I am enjoying this show so much.
 

Wonderful recap, Kat! This was a stressful episode. I felt Tonio's stress, and I'm so glad he had those moments of love and peace with Sara to fortify him. He's going to need them! I don't understand why he hasn't broken up with Isa and declared his love to Sara yet.

Cheo can go jump in a contaminated lake!
 

Kat- I'm glad you pointed out that Pedro's original plan would have poisoned everyone slowly and secretly. This very public crash is a blessing in disguise.
 

Thank you, Denise! it kind of made me miss the old Isabel who was way too calm. She was even stressing Ric out today!

sara, thank you for getting it started!

Thank you, Vivi! Yes, it was all very tense, and...what do you do?! Every time someone turned around there were reports of more and more contamination! That's just scary. But he's been handling it well from the beginning, so I think Pedro is inadvertently making him look good.

I guess there's no guarantee that the dye would have leaked, but those tankers aren't designed to hold it and be buried underground for long periods of time.
 

I would hope the Conatrol higher ups would want to keep, and promote, an employee that does so well under pressure, like Tonio. Nothing about this horrible accident was his fault, and they better not try to make him a scapegoat.
 

Thanks Sara & Diva for wed & thurs recap!

Really enjoyed this episode & Diva you had me laughing throughout your recap. These were some of my fav lines

Oh, Pedro…when you meet your deserved end, I'm going to laugh and laugh….

Well, Antonio may be confused, but I know who I'd rather be dating.

#IjustcantevenwithCheo #thereisnotruckbigenough

& there were so many cute Tonio & Sara moments. These writers sure know how to tease us. You're so right about their passionate, endless hugs. Now that's hugging done right. And of course Uribe caught Sara's lingering good luck kiss, hope he doesn't think Tonio was slacking off. Like you said Vivi, they better not make him into a scapegoat.

Now if only they had somebody in community relations working for them......Too bad Sara has her hands full with the restaurant or I would assume this would be a opportunity for her to jump in as a CONATROL employee.

Sometimes I actually do feel a bit bad for Isabel becuase Antonio really doesn't give her any emotional affection. But then I see her act like it's the Isabel show & I'm like "oh wait, now I remember...no more pity for you"

jlk
 

jlk- That is such a good point about now being a good time for Conatrol-SG to have someone in that public relations position they cut. It could have really served them well, and frankly they should have thought that having someone in public relations should have been a priority when these gas thefts started and escalated, and then escalated to attempts against their execs. There should have already been sympathetic stories in the local media about these attacks and thefts on the company, their product, and their staff, to put this accident into context.
 

Thank you, jlk! Uribe saw the kiss, but missed seeing Sara on TV. I wonder if his tune will change when he finds out she defused the situation. I suppose if she went to work for Conatrol, she could hire someone to take her place at the restaurant? And then her salary would help fill in the gaps when the restaurant isn't making enough? I don't know if that would work, but I'm for anything that screws up Pedro's plans!

Vivi, I think Antonio is turning himself into the guy you call when things go wrong vs. someone they want to just put in charge of a plant and leave him there for years. I like your PR plan. It seems so weird that they didn't do that. Even if there's no SG PR person, Conatrol as a whole must have one! But it's just Uribe, Ric and Sebastian coming from headquarters and it doesn't seem like PR is either Ric or Sebastian's job.
 

Gracias 5ft, informative & muy funny

Vivi, loved "Cheo can go jump in a contaminated lake!"just take Isa & Ric with him

I am enjoying this so much, but have such a hard time with the time, either forgetting or not being home in time. So, the recaps are much appreciated.

This TN must not have been popular in Mex to have this time slot.

2 best young actresses Pimentel & Livia Brito.


 

Thank you, Variopinta! It's too bad they make so many decisions based on ratings. I think this show would do well in the early part of the evening.
 

This replaced Sombra. It's doing OK. But all of the TNs are tanking right now.
 

FINALLY! I got a chance to read this recap! Delicious from part one to part four. Thank you!


 

Yay! Thank you, Sara :)
 

I'm so behind in everything....
 

La Vecina, Friday, 8/28 Part 1

We begin in the “rueda de prensa” (press conference) where Antonio and Fidel explain the events that led up to the spilling of the toxic chemical, Cetrocal, in the waterways of several pueblos. In the outer office Sara looks pleased at Anto’s performance. She takes her leave of Marina and leaves this message for Antonio: “que se lo tome con calma” (Don’t stress out.)

Sara arrives at El Molcajete and Rosa greets her with, “How zit going, Miss Personal Assistant of Eng. Andrade?” They go to another room to listen to the rest of the press conference. El Ingeniero Uribe assures the reporters that Conatrol will spare no expense until the crisis is over and “la gente” can go about their business as they normally would.

As Antonio’s parents listen to the broadcast, a reporter brings up the subject of the two “atentados” (attempts to harm) against their son. They are shocked to hear this for the first time. Eduardo has some kind of spell. He can’t get air.

A reporter suggests that due to the fact that the “malhechores” (bad guys) were so well coordinated in their operation, could it be possible that the information “se había filtrado” (leaked). The “leaker” is sitting a couple of rows back, doing his best to look innocent. The reporter suggests that Conatrol pulled this stunt as a way to get insurance money. Uribe points out how ridiculous this would be.

Laura is impressed with how adeptly Antonio is handling the situation. She comments on his impressive character and his capabilities. Pedro is less impressed. “He’s just naîve.” Pedro decides for Laura that she doesn’t want to watch more, and he turns off the tele.

Uribe, Antonio, Slick Ric (Diva, was that your term or was it Vivi’s?) Sebas and other nameless committee members are in a post conference meeting. Antonio will stay longer in S.G.. They no longer have the “recursos” (resources) for another dye job at this point, so why not go with the original idea of a community outreach? (I’m thinking Sara needs to dust off her résumé – Am I right?) Ric thought bubbles, “I’m going to make sure you stay here for life?”

Doctor says that Eduardo’s blood pressure ain’t lookin so good. Get some tests done, rest, don’t let anything upset you. (Uh huh, like that’s possible.)
Ema: “This was a warning. You must gets those tests.”
Ed: “Not a word of this to Antonio. We musn’t worry him.”

Uribe alone with Anto now: “What’s up with you arriving with your amiga?”
Anto: “My car had no gas. She gave me a ride.” (Does anyone here believe that Antonio would just run out of gas?) Anyway...
Uribe: “This is not a pretext?”
Anto: “No, and if there is anything amiss in the carrying out of my duties, just tell me.”
Uribe: “No. Actually, you’ve exceeded my expectations.”

Sara wants to dial Anto’s number but she resists.

Back at Conatrol offices, everybody takes their leave.
In Próspero Cheo is asking for yet another leave from his work. His boss reminds him of all of his other escapades and that there will be no more. Cheo says he wants to chew up the “ingeniero.”

In Anto’s apt., Sebas catches on that Sara was in there before giving Antonio a ride to the plant. Anto does not let Sebas draw any wrong conclusions. “Sara has been nothing but ‘solidaria’ (steadfast friend) in many ways. Isabel, on the other hand...not so much.”
Sebas: “Isabel is just jealous. You wouldn’t know what that feeling is.”
Anto: “Actually, for Sara I have felt it.”



 

Diva thanks for the Thurs recap it filled in so much stuff I just didn't understand.


Glad you guys liked the truck bit - it seemed apropos given Cheo's job and yeah there is no truck big enough


I'm impressed with how seriously this show is taking the crash, I kinda expected it to be, well there was a crash and now its over, but consequences wow. I like it but yikes for the farmers in the area.


Denise I like part 1, and when I can get back over here (probably tomorrow or the nxt day)I'm sure I'll enjoy the rest, you're really good at this

- it is kinda funny that someone who works at a gas plant would run out of gas, but he was driving all over the place, and distracted by the disaster,so I'm giving him a pass

 

La Vecina, Friday Part 2

After our “intro” song – I can never FF through it, I love it – Ricardo receives a call from a furious Isabel. What’s the deal with Antonio!!!, she wants to know.
Ric: “If she drove him to the plant, you can imagine the rest!”

Ric receives another call – it’s from Pedro. Things turned out better than we planned! BUWAHAH! Everybody’s dumber than we thought!

Anto y Sebas discuss possible candidates for the community liaison position. Aside from Sara, who was already rejected, who could do it?
Rafa? No, Anto needs him at the plant. He is his “mano derecha.” Phone rings. Antonio’s dad wants to know how he is doing. And why didn’t he tell them about the “atentados”? Promise me you’ll leave that job if you’re ever in danger. I’m so proud of you. I love you.”

Bruno, Simón and Sara make plans to pass out the goods that Bruno has collected for the pueblerinos affected by the spill.

Sara chats with Sebas about the days events while Antonio gets some sleep. Sebas admits to Sara that she ended up helping Anto. Phone rings. It’s Isabel, but Sebas brushes her off because Anto is sleeping. Sara starts to say good-by when Sebas stops her to tell her that, even though it might not seem like it sometimes, he thinks she is good for Antonio.

Uribe, Antonio, Sebas, Ric and others tour the damaged area. They notice many “lugareños” (locals) heading towards something. They follow. It’s Bruno’s traveling food pantry! And there is Sara with another cheerful wave for Antonio and Uribe! They are impressed.

In the girl’s apartment Isabel is pithed! She is furious that she has been replaced by the “golfa” (um, easy girl) Sara. And Ricardo wouldn’t even help her! Natalia: “I can’t believe you asked Ric in this situation.”

Bruno, Simón, Sara and the gang from Conatrol pat themselves on the back effusively for the great job they’re doing. Yummy looks between Sara and Antonio.

Cheo’s boss sarcastically applauds him for arriving at work on time for once. Cheo says, “Whatever” which does not please his boss at all. Boss assigns him the task of determining which insurance policy would be the best for the dealership. (The boss has a lot more confidence in Cheo that we do, I’m thinking.)

Conatrol group is out by a lake. They discuss the difficulties in remedying the problem of the contamination. Uribe reasserts his commitment to do whatever is needed for as long as it takes. (I kind of need a beanie here, but I like this idealized corporate scenario.)


 

La Vecina, Friday Part 3

El Padre Vicente shows up at the food pantry truck to help – with Lazlo and Atila in tow. Lazlo is not carrying a scythe. Sara is showing her organizing chops.

Sebastian gets nominated to head the Community Support Department. He is thrilled. Oh wait – no he’s not. Rafa witnesses Sebas and Anto mock wrestling, and he thbinks hmmm. I’m not sure what the hmmmm is, but he definitely thinks it.

Bruno breaks it to el Padre about the theft of the Jaiblolero. El Padre thought bubbles, “Oh shiz”, or whatever the priestly equivalent is. He hadn’t thought of that!

Back at the truck the “lugareños” have prepared a meal for the volunteers.

Atila has overheard the conversation about the theft of the Jaibolera. When he asks el Padre Vicente about this, our padrecito starts to invent a story about two trophies and how the whole thing must be kept a secret.

As Sara and Antonio enjoy the buffet together, a reportero snaps pix and uploads these onto his news website. Isabel flips. She tells Natalia that she doesn’ t care if Antonio has a roll in the hay with her. What she is not going to allow is for Sara to WIN!!

Antonio returns to his apt.,beat. He lies down and then rejects a call from isabel.
Sara is at the door. As she enters and crosses the room, Antonio consumes her with his eyes. (Need to watch it again.)

Sebas arrives at the girls’ apartment. Lovey, lovey with Nat. Isabel enters the room and grills Sebas regarding the pix of Antonio and Sara. Isa rejects Sebas’ sanitized explanation, and he mini-explodes at her saying, “Who can understand women? If you tell them what they want to hear, they don’t believe you. If you tell them the truth, it’s worse.”

In Anto’s apt.. Sara is concerned that Isa might be upset by one of the photos.
Antonio tells her that Isa has nothing to be upset about. He says that he and Sara have the deepest friendship, that Sara saved his rear parts, that she showed herself to be infinitely capable, and that he would be forever grateful for her. Sara ends with a “That’s it?” expression on her face.

¡Ya!


 

Thank you, sneaky two shoes! There was a lot going on in that Thursday episode and people were just talktalktalktalktalk.

Denise, thank you for the Friday recap!

"They are shocked to hear this for the first time. Eduardo has some kind of spell. He can’t get air." Oh, my, that was tense! I get why Antonio didn't tell his parents about the other incidents but this was not a good way for them to find out!

"Pedro decides for Laura that she doesn’t want to watch more, and he turns off the tele." Ugh! Pedro can't die too soon.

I don't think I can take responsibility for Slick Ric. Must have been Vivi!

"I’m thinking Sara needs to dust off her résumé – Am I right?" Right there with you! And it'll be fun to see her making eyes at Antonio at the office and Marina laughing at the two of them.

"Promise me you’ll leave that job if you’re ever in danger. I’m so proud of you. I love you.” I love Antonio's dad.

"The boss has a lot more confidence in Cheo that we do, I’m thinking." I do not get that guy. First he scolds Cheo for spending so much time away from work, then he torments him by saying "Hey, look your girlfriend's on TV with that guy you hate" and laughing at him, then he's all "Hell, no, you can't have time off, you slacker!", now he wants him to look at insurance policies? Is he twins and I missed it?

"I kind of need a beanie here, but I like this idealized corporate scenario." Right? I wish they all behaved that way. I don't know how they're going to pay for it.

"Rafa witnesses Sebas and Anto mock wrestling, and he thbinks hmmm. I’m not sure what the hmmmm is, but he definitely thinks it." I think Rafa has a crush on Antonio, but he knows Antonio's not gay, but now he's wondering about Sebastian. Which should be neither here nor there because he's got Quique waiting at home for him--or at least I hope Quique's waiting at home for him and not sneaking around trying to spy on Rafa in all this contaminated muck!

I can't believe Padre Vicente lying to everybody about the Jaibolera! And then making up the story for Atila! I hope he at least tells Fidel he can stop looking for it. Fidel has much more important things to be worrying about right now!

Oh, sure, Antonio, you and Sara just have a "deep friendship." You and Simon need to form a club.
 

Thank you Denise! Like last weekend I have to do stupid exercise and grocery shopping. I'm using your recap and the Muchacha italiana recaps as my motivation/carrot again. I can't wait to read your recap!
 

Denise- you've rounded off the week of perfect recaps with more perfection. Thank you. I could not stop giggling at "Oh shiz, or whatever the priestly equivalent is."

And I never fast forward through the theme song either. I have to listen to it every time.
 

Luv you guys!
 

Denise- I luv you too. I can't tell you how much this group lightens my mood.
 

Denise great recap thanks a bunch
my fav bits were "
"The “leaker” is sitting a couple of rows back, doing his best to look innocent." hah "leaker" (IDK its just making me giggle, maybe I'm 12)

"Ric receives another call – it’s from Pedro. Things turned out better than we planned! BUWAHAH! Everybody’s dumber than we thought!" IKR even the press is figuring out there's a mole

"and he thinks hmmm. I’m not sure what the hmmmm is, but he definitely thinks it."
that part had me thinking hmm too trying to figure out how all this will shake out


Other thoughts

Sara better hope Rosa is good at her new job that she has no experience at and just started this week, because she's throwing her in at the deep end. - How many days has Rosa run the place without Sara so far?

It is seriously tacky to ask your lover to check up on your fiancee - come on Isa, you're supposed to be the classy one in this.


Padre V telling Atila to keep his secret was um - not cool


Diva said "Oh, sure, Antonio, you and Sara just have a "deep friendship." You and Simon need to form a club." ha good one


I had ambiguous feelings about Tonio's dad - probably because of No Creo but the scenes Fri made me like him so much - so, note to self; do not blame Antonio's dad for Jacinto's yuckyness.
 

I know what you mean, sneaky! It's hard for me to watch two such different characters from the same actor!

Ok, now I'm giggling at "leaker" too. Especially considering scared he was during Operation Tóxico. I'm 12 too!
 

sneaky two shoes, it feels like Sara has hardly been at the restaurant since Rosa got there. At the very least, she seems to have no concerns about coming in late or not being there at all.

Ha! "leaker" how did I miss that?
 

Thank you Denise, you recap was so fun to read!

Poor Sara's face when Antonio said how much their "friendship" means to him. Men are from Mars indeed.

so, note to self; do not blame Antonio's dad for Jacinto's yuckyness. Haha I know right. But since Antonio's dad doesn't seems to be a typical manipulative tn parent, he'll hopefully be supportive of Antonio when he eventually breaks up with Isa to be with Sara (i'm justing waiting on you writers..........) because no doubt the mom will be screaming bloody murder.

I kind of need a beanie here, but I like this idealized corporate scenario." Yep & I wonder if this is plot device to keep Antonio in San Gaspar longer, because I really hope we don't have the theft plot throughout the whole tn. I understand if the toppling of Pedro doesn't come until towards the latter part of this tn, but I hope they find some way to stop the thievery before then.

Sebas & Tonio both in San Gaspar! Cant wait to see what type of ruckus they'll cause.

jlk
 

Thanks jlk and Sneaky :-)
I'm lovin' sitting in a "room" with all of you guys, watching and enjoying the same gem of a telenovela.

The crisis is taking up a lot of air time, so I wonder when we're ever going to see Edwina and Simón and his rocket again.

One more thing. I don't actually know how the "beanie" metaphor came about. Can you guys get me up to speed on this?
 

From the Caray glossary that I am halfassedly working on:

beanie: (Definition by Lila)You refer to a beanie when you want to say the storyline or character or some other aspect of the novela is illogical, unrealistic, whacko, crazy. . . you get the idea. So we don the beanies as a protection against this kind of frustrating, maddening telenovela nonesense! see also-http://psg.mtu.edu/pub/pub/stearns/fun/afdb/afdb.html

 

Ah. Thanks, Sara.
 

I'm working on this week's post. If you want to recap next week, please let me know. :-)
 

Denise- So many great lines from your recap. The leaker made me giggle too. I think Slick Ric (feel free to use it any time) did leak a bit when he thought he had been caught a few episodes ago.

It's been over a month since Sara hired Rosa (remember the month that flew by and then Sara had to make her first payment), so I think she has the hang of things in the restaurant by now.

It was great seeing Sara show how valuable she is to Uribe. Maybe now he won't be so quick to have a fit anytime he hears Tonio has had any contact with her.
 

Thanks Vivi. I'm definitely adopting the term "Slick Ric."

Yes, it would be so nice if Uribe had a change of attitude towards Antonio's "asistente personal."

Sara - I'll sign up for a Friday recap again if that's okay.
 

Yup. Very ok. I'll put you down for Friday, Denise! Thank you!


 

Sara- This is going to be a busy week for me, so I can't commit to a recap. I leave for Brazil this Thursday.
 

Somehow "lousy week" and "leaving for Brazil" don't seem to jibe. Lol. No problems! Just travel safely and take a few pictures to share with Caray mates. Have fun and samba the night away!
 

Thanks, Sara. I'm really looking forward to it, but you know how it is before you go on vacation. By the way, I love that you managed to get Vito's stained glass in your avatar.
 

I understand Vivi!

I'm not sure that is exactly Vito's stained glass, but it sure is close.
 

Yikes, jlk, so true, Antonio's mom is going to freak out when he finally gets together with Sara and tells everyone about it. I think his dad will be cool, though.

Denise, I agree, it's more fun watching with "company" than alone :D

Sara, I can take a day next week. Thursday again if that works.

Vivi, I'm always in awe of your memory! Yes, Rosa's probably got the hang of things by now, especially since she seems to be Sara's one-and-only server. I know you're not leaving yet, but in case I forget to tell you later, I hope you have a fun and safe trip!
 

OMG!! I just looked up Ariane Pellicer (Ant's mom). She's the daughter of Pilar Pellicer...Rita from La Gata!

I wonder if there's a variation of 7 degrees of Kevin Bacon like 7 degrees of La Gata.

(Ok, Diva...I'll put you down for Thursday.)
 

Sara, that's hilarious! I think 7 degrees of La Gata would be pretty easy to do...if terrifying....