Caray, Caray!

Bajo. Is there a Bajo el mismo cielo episode tonight? I'm getting conflicting messages depending on which listing I look at.
 

Thanks for getting us started, Jean!

BAJO

SpanProf, my ATT-Uverse channel guide says there's a program tonight. Is there something else going on that you know of?
 

Bajo. Yes, thanks, Jean! Just that the online Bajo el mismo cielo site doesn't have Monday, August 31 marked as a day with an episode. Online Tv Guide and Chicago telemundo do, however. I guess I'll just turn on the tv at 8 tonight and see.
 

Bajo

My DirecTV guide shows 2 hours of El Señor tonight and tomorrow night Tierra de Reyes at Bajo's regular time. I have no idea what's going on. Sometimes when ratings are low they move a show to the daytime or even the midnight hour.

Why in the world would they show a novela that already finished in Bajo's hour? So Tuesday night, really 12 AM Wednesday they show the first recording of Bajo this week that my DirecTV guide shows, and the rest of the week is the same, a midnight showing. This is going to make recapping impossible.

So, are they going to put La Biblia in its place? They've been promoting that. But I thought it would be coming after Avenida Brasil.

So apparently once more my tastes are contrary to the average Spanish language television audience. When I was watching Reina de Corazones they cut big chunks out of it to speed it on its way for, I think, Tierra de Reyes a refrito.

I haven't looked forward to next week because I'm so disgusted.

I just got back from Santa Cruz Shakespeare, so was gone all weekend. Thanks, Deb, for the terrific recap.

And, SpanProf, Gracie was told by her boss that if she didn't resign she'd lose her nursing license for having sex with an inmate, not just get fired for it.

Anyway, if anyone hears anything about what's going on with Bajo el Mismo Cielo, let me know. I can't believe this scheduling is just a Bay Area in California thing.
 

Bajo. Thanks, Novelera! Losing a nursing license for unethical conduct sounds plausible. Evidently it wasn't just an idle threat. The somewhat longer-term Telemundo Bajo schedule shows that Bajo won't be on tonight or tomorrow, but is supposed to resume Wednesday. I was thinking grand finales of El Senor and/or Avenida Brasil?
 

Preciosa perla... monday, epi 1

wow, a period piece, (1930's and '40's) model T's, and stockings, and cabarets, and dirty factories.

the story starts high in the Himalayas, Franz and friends have reached the summit, and while rappelling down Manfred has cut the rope, Franz falls but ends up hurt on a ledge, Manfred ?? is chosen to go after him, and in doing so is swept away with an avalanche, as well as everyone.

Franz survives and makes his way down far enough to be recovered by some Tibetan monks, and taken to the monastery, while recovering, the top monk (Ananda Rinpoche) talks to him about reincarnation and destiny, and later about futbol.

(cute scenes where Franz teaches the monks to play futbol).

Manfred also survives and returns to Brasil thinking he is the only survivor, and takes Franz's place as director of the factory.

the monks later find the other two bodies, Eurico Passos (Franz's best friend who talked of his love for Amelia) and their guide, Franz returns with his ashes.

Franz's father (who was Nilo in "Avenida Brasil") hears that Franz is alive, Manfred's world crashes, and on a rainy night Franz and Amelia (a worker at the factory) meet and look into each others eyes, bling!!! and they later become good friends.

Lama Sonan, who has been meditating in a cave for some time now, (with long hair and beard) is recovered by Ananda (bathed and shaved) to listen to Brasil play in the world cup on a radio sent to them by Franz, what? goaalll and all the monks yell, but wait it's the other team, oh, and Brasil loses, and somewhere along the way Ananda has become still, Lama Sonan realizes why he was called back.

Amelia and Franz continue to bond, Manfred continues to scheme.

Franz tries not to go to far with Amelia, Eurico was his friend, Amelia confesses he was only a friend to her, she loves Franz, and he loves her, they get a room, (sizzle, this is slow hot love making) they vow their love, para siempre.

the consciousness of Ananda leaves his body, where Sonan remembers Ananda gave him the job to care for him as a young person in the next life.

and in the after glow, Amelia dreams, she is met by a small dancing asian girl (young rita in Avenida Brasil) with an elephant, and as she dances around she disappears and the elephant hands Amelia a basket with an oyster, inside a pearl.

Sonan digs through the ashes of Ananda's cremation and pulls out a pearl, just like the one in Amelia's dream.

a month later,

in what has been a secret romance, Franz asks Amelia to marry him, but they are seen by Amelia's brother Mundo who knows that going with the son of the owner can come to NO good, punches Franz and drags off Amelia...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joia_Rara

(I posted this on last weeks page not seeing this one, anyone interested?)
 

Bajo.

Well, it's on! My DirecTV guide says El Senor for two hours! So I set the DVR to record it even though it's too dumb to know what's on.

I'm beat from my two days away and I have a friend coming over in half an hour. So I won't be able to do a recap tonight.


 

Bajo

And the reason I can tell it's on at 6:10 pm CA time is that DirecTV gives me the East Coast feeds of both Telemundo and Uni, so I can record the shows at 6:00, but usually watch them later.

Don't know what's up with the schedules!
 

Yep, it's on! Even though the information at the top of the screen says it's not. Weird.
 

Bajo. Whoa! Adela is now in a very messy and dangerous situation. I presume if she walks in on Luis and Carlos with the newly-arrived Rodrigo, they'll have sense enough to call her Mati. And Rudolfo most definitely doesn't deserve 2 such classy women! Btw, I can't believe that doctor would let such obvious gang members threaten him even indirectly without calling the police--though maybe he fears retaliation on the hospital.
 

Bajo

I'll do the recap,

no Bajo tomorrow.
 

Bajo el mismo cielo... monday, epi 24
part 1

Adela apologizes, she promised she would not come back into Carlos' life, (Carlos looks like she should be in his life forever), she tried and tried but this was the only job she could find, she also reminds him they agreed to control themselves, yes Carlos says (if I have to)

Adela goes into the house, Felicia is in his face, fire in her eyes (she should have let Willy kill her), you betrayed me, blah, blah, blah, Felicia spills on how Maria told her that Carlos loves Mati, I thought it was just a fling, but it's not is it, she takes off, Carlos follows, let me explain, and the chase is on, Carlos finally drives in front of her, as she tries to go around he stands in front of her, ok we'll talk.


Carlos tells her, I have not betrayed you, the only thing I did not tell you was that she was back, we only work at the same place, nothing has happened since she came back, nothing will happen, it's just something that can't happen, I really want to make a go of this with you, Felicia calms a bit.

mister Jacob tells his wife he hired Mati, who was victim to those who prey on undocumented, Deborah is feeling a bit like one of those evil people, doesn't want to push her luck, so goes along with rehiring her.

Ramona thinks Mati is after her job, Adela gives her one of her looks.

Deborah tells Mati, ok, but there are conditions, you don't live here and you work only when I need you. Since Carlos disappeared Mati offers to do his work.

Rodrigo and Jay search Laura's place, Rodrigo does some quick thinking and zooms in on Laura's personal stuff in the freezer, but no current pics of Adela, they head back to the clubhouse where the homies have rounded up one of Laura's friends, they beat her senseless but she doesn't know anything, someone carts her away.

Laura is having bad withdrawals, Santiago shows up looking for Juana, he had a relative that went through this, takes her to the hospital.

Juana serves a meal to her patron, he asks that she sit and eat with him, his family is in Philadelphia, hers is in Mexico, but she turns down the offer, (and what is that look we keep seeing in his eyes)

Felicia drops in on brother Cristóbal, tells her Mati is back in town, he reminds her Carlos is a man of his word, if he says nothing happened, then nothing happened, but she wants him to go after the girl, she fired those shots in his house, well ok he says , but if Carlos says he fired the shots I'll have to arrest him and being undocumented, well... (quick thinking Cristóbal), so Felicia says to forget it.

Carlos gets back and runs into Mati, Luis shows up and sees Mati is back, putting our family in danger again? I'm a grown man Carlos puts in, I can take care of myself, and I think it is here where it comes out that Rodrigo is out, Adela goes into a little temporary insanity, as Carlos is happy that his son will be coming home, she stomps off reminding them to not tell anyone her real name.

(it seems Adela is stuck in L.A. to care for her mother and to get the money for her rehab)

 

Bajo el mismo cielo... monday, epi 24
part 2

Chabela shows up at the Frontera bar, this time a guy is working there, she undoes another button on her blouse, explaining she wants to see Rudolfo about a record contract, and gets his address, showing up on Rudolfo's doorstep while the whole family is there, ut oh, it looks like to me that Chabela gets it and was going to bow out when Rudolfo sees her and starts in on how she's a door-to-door salesman and he told her to never come back and pretty much trashes her, wow, so she leaves, but Alex had run in and hugged Rudolfo before he kicked them out, Maria reminded him he is just a kid, and apologizes to Chabela for her husband and says she will buy something from her next time.

Rodrigo goes into quick thinking mode again, and says Laura was hurt check EVERY hospital, and the homies find her doctor, just as Santiago brings her in, get me out of here Laura tells him, as the Colonia guy is telling the doc who won't give out patient info, to be careful, as he is crushing his hand.

Luis is quietly doing some yard work when Susy walks up, he doesn't have much to say, did you run out of lies she asks, we met 4 times, the beach, driveway, the dinner club, and when you kissed me, explain, Luis quietly says, I didn't want you to see me like this, the son of your gardener, what I don't like, Susy says, is someone who lies, and she walks away into the house and cries, Adela asks if she can help, are you working here again, Susy asks?

Felicia goes home and rants to Greicy, Mati is putting everyone at risk, even Rodrigo, he wants to change right, what happens when he's around that criminal Mati. Greicy looks like she wants to help.

ok, Rodrigo decides, we go to east L.A. and I take care of my family and Adela at the same time, but Jay throws in, it's a big place, how will you find her, Rod says because you are coming with me since you know her face.

Adela and Juana meet up after work for the bus ride home, Adela is freaking with Rod on the loose, will he make good on his threats to her, and lets Juana go on alone, she has something to do.

stalker Chabela and son wait behind a car until Maria leaves the house on her way to work.

Carlos and Luis are snacking on some vitamin T , tacos, tortillas, tomatoes, tamales,,, when there is a knock at the door, the long lost son (Rodrigo) has returned home...

 

Bajo. Great recap, Deb! I thought Ramona's reaction to Adela's return was hilarious, but nothing Adela can't handle. Felicia is most definitely shooting herself in the foot with her reaction to Adela's return, ranting at Carlos, slandering her to Cristóbal, to Greicy and to anyone who will listen. Way to not show class, Felicia! Also, with that offer by Adela to bag the leaves while Carlos is away briefly, Deborah seems to notice how smart and practical she is.
 

Bajo
Gracias deb

I just know that Juana is going to be mistaken for Adela & killed. Can't see any other reason for her to be in the story.
 

BAJO

Thanks so much, Deb, for a terrific, detailed two-part recap. Talk about dedication to the cause!

Rodrigo came through as a brutal torturer in this episode - difficult to watch, and then in full compartmentalized mode, he turned on the charm to Greicy and later to dear old Dad as he arrived home...an intensely prodigal son...with at least one heinous crime in mind.

Felicia wouldn't stop forcing the issue until usually honest Carlos professed his true love for Adela. I think he referred to the love as a thorn in his heart, an impossible love. I think he was worried that she might kick out Greicy.

Susy told Luis that she could not believe that he was ashamed of his father, and that the only person he should be ashamed of was himself. I hope he felt like dirt.

Susy seems to cry easily in contrast to the tough Adela who has much more to cry about.

Greicy probably will find comfort and love eventually with Felicia's brother as was
mentioned a few episodes back.


Many thanks, again, Deb

Chat later ....
 

BAJO

SpanProf,

Just read your comment on last week's post about E.G. Robinson.
It reminded me a little bit of an O'Henry story entitled, A Retrieved Reformation or the Safecracker (it has 2 titles).
 

BAJO

According to Telemundo, there will be no Bajo tonight (Tuesday, Sept. 1). In the part last night following the episode (the part where there usually are avanzas), there was a rather humorous message saying "When El Señor de los Cielos wants two hours, he gets it" (I think the wording was something like "there's no argument). It went on to say Bajo would be back on Wednesday.
 

BAJO

Deb, I love your recaps, and this was no exception. Many thanks!

Wow, that car chase with Felicia and Carlos was insane. I kept expecting one or the other of them would crash, or run someone over, or.... I am not surprised that Feli zoomed away, but I was surprised that Carlos followed her as he did. And then stood in front of her car, which she stopped just in time. I could easily imagine Carlos following Mati like that, but following Felicia?

I guess self-protection is what passes for a conscience in Deborah. When Jacob goes on about what a difficult time Mati and other undocumented people have had, Deborah remembers slapping Ramona and tells Jacob OK, I support you.

Wow, Cristóbal is one fast-thinking hombre. I loved the way he deflected Felicia's insistence on his arresting Mati by pointing out that if Carlos says he fired the shots he might have to arrest Carlos, and since Carlos is undocumented....

We sure saw Rodrigo in compartmentalized mode last night. I was interested to see that he kissed the phone immediately after (or perhaps at the end of) his conversation with Greicy. Since there's no one there to see him, there's nothing for him to gain by kissing the phone. That kiss perhaps more than anything else convinces me that he does care for Greicy, he's not just using her.


 

GENERAL
deb said...Preciosa perla... monday, epi 1
Deb--Yes, I'm interested in watching it. Mel Maia is now 11, but if she was that talented in Avenida, she ought to be good here (considering she is a main character).

 

Telemundo...

"In anticipation of Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States",

“D.C.: La Biblia Continúa” set to air sunday, sept 13, 8/7c, (12 one hour episodes) followed by,

“Francisco, El Jesuita" at 10/9c, "the only official and authorized biography of the Pope which chronicles the life and work of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope. "

"“Noticiero Telemundo” will have correspondents following the Pope's journey from the Vatican to Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Washington D.C., New York, La Sierra de Junípero, Philadelphia and the Curran-Fromhold prison."

http://www.nbcumv.com/news/anticipation-pope-francis’-visit-us-telemundo-premieres-“dc-la-biblia-continua”-and-“francisco?network=33144

 

Bajo

thanks all!

these recaps are complicated because there are so many little things in what is being said, so it really helps when you guys add on the details,

such as Floridia adding- "Susy told Luis that she could not believe that he was ashamed of his father, and that the only person he should be ashamed of was himself", before she walked away and sat down and cried.

as well as all the great comments by everyone that add the color, like Juanita's "that car chase with Felicia and Carlos was insane", and Variopinta's "I just know that Juana is going to be mistaken for Adela & killed", and SpanProf's "Way to not show class, Felicia!"


 

General...

I noticed this morning that the "Today" show on nbc has spanish captions on cc3.

 

@deb
I plan on watching Preciosa Perla. That recap sounds very intriguing!

~ Wee Rita
 

Bajo

Thanks so much, Deb. Terrific recap, as always.

Fire was awful last night. OK, he's smart. But he's evil. I guess he does care about Gracie. But that big, fake grin and "Hola, familia" SHOULD alert Carlos that something is up. But I doubt that it will. He was very cold and distant with him during the prison visits and now there's a big toothy smile?

So Santiago appears to have saved Laura from trying to get booze. I can't guess where they're going with whether or nor Laura survives.

I think it's more likely that Juana will have to leave her job when the grey-haired man makes a pass at her than that she'll be killed by La Colonia thinking she's Adela. And, didn't Fire say he'd be bringing Jay along for a positive identification?

Deborah has a tiny bit of conscience as she remembered slapping Ramona when Jacob was on his soapbox about abuse of undocumented workers. I actually think they're going to have her reform before this is over.

More "gotta keep the male and female protagonists apart" script writing. Carlos just HAD to chase Felicia, even though everyone in Novelaland was screaming: "No! No! She's not worth it, Carlos! Let her go!

I was very surprised Chabela just went quietly. I was expecting a major scene based on how huffy she was with Rodolfo in that restaurant scene.
 

Preciosa perla...

Anita- the first two hours were pretty spectacular, partially filmed in Nepal and Tibet, loved the old time Brasil, I'll record it today and maybe watch it tonight while Bajo is on vacation.

Mel Maia looks the same as in Avenida Brasil, really cute doing the asian dance with her elephant, but it looks like from the cast list there are other actors for later on.

I would really like it if Telemundo reserved an hour at night for world acclaimed novelas like "Avenida Brasil" that they are showing now, but they killed that one by showing it first during the day, of course reruns are ripe for spoilers. I don't know if I'll stick with this as 2 hours of dubbing loses me.

ah, ~ Wee Rita, or should I say wee Perla?
maybe not as now there might be a gender thing.

wow, nice old footage of brasil!

 

PERLA
I'll have to find those first two days on line somewhere. It's on from noon to 2, so I guess it's 2-hr. episodes all the way.
 

BAJO


Is Carlos completely naive? How does he think Rodrigo would be able to return
so quickly and easily with no money? Did he earn any money in prison to use as a
possible excuse?

Deb, I am working on my listening skills, so no captions. I need the recaps
to fill in crucial details, but at times I pick up things that are not mentioned in
the recap, so it makes me feel good that I am able to understand them, and then
I pass them on.

The other day, I saw in a preview of NO CREO, where the protagonist said,
"Te parece poco?" I know that expression because it is one of José José's songs.
So, I learn from many fronts.

Thanks again for your labors.
 

BAJO

Interesting question, Floridia, about how Carlos will explain Rodrigo's being able to return so quickly from Mexico. I suspect Carlos is so thrilled that he won't let himself wonder about this, at least not at first.

Thanks for mentioning "te parece poco." I didn't know this phrase, and thanks to you (and WordReference.com) now I do.
 

Preciosa perla... tuesday, hours 3 & 4,

lama Sonan is zeroing in on Franz as being his best hope of finding his reincarnated friend and master, Ananda.

ok, in this world of workers and patrons, apparently the sons of the patrons do not have an honorable reputation when it comes to sleeping with the worker girls, but Amelia knows better, she's in LOVE.

Franz has decided to announce their engagement and of course tells his best buddy Manfred (who has tried to kill him at least once) all of his plans and on the big night Manfred gets his mom (the housekeeper) to drug papa Earnest (formerly known as Nilo on AB) who collapses and of course Franz can't leave his side and sends Manfred off to let Amelia know what's happening and he almost does but Amelia collapses, yep, pregnant, and she's elated but her friend Gaia (who was just married) freaks when she tells her.

papa Earnest gets the idea life is short and is getting ready to jump his secretary Yolanda who he has the hots for, and not since his wife that was killed ?? (he's telling a friend) and prison isn't good enough for the guy that did it, he wants him dead, and we see him dying, comforted by his daughter Silvia, (formerly the sweet girlfriend of Jorgito in AB) who takes a job at Earnest's company, vowing to destroy everyone and everything.

Franz makes the first move and goes to see Amelia's father to ask for her hand, but her brother Mundo is like a mountain he always has to walk around, pop says ok if you get your father's ok, Amelia just glows, and Franz kicks his heels as he is leaving.

don Earnest buys Yolanda some expensive jewelry and has a knock-out dress delivered to her with a card asking her to come to a business dinner meeting, she does but it's only the two of them, Manfred shows up and spills about Amelia being pregnant, so don Earnest calls off the meeting of two and Yolanda is returned to her pension where she swishes through in an amazing dress and jewels, her novio Mundo the mountain isn't liking what he is seeing, but she says trust me.

Franz catches his dad at home and keeps trying to pop the question to his dad, Mundo pushes his way in and punches Earnest, the cops arrive and take him to jail.

Mundo being Amelia's brother is really queering Franz's plans, but he does talk to his dad about Amelia, Earnest will think about it, and also gets his dad to let Mundo out,

Manfred has his guy check out Silvia, and confronts her on her intentions.

don Earnest stops by to see Amelia, says he knows she pregnant, and gives her some options, none of them good...

 

BAJO

I know it's late, but I finally got a chance to catch up on Monday's episode and then treated myself to deb's wonderful recap. Thank you so much! You make it look so effortless, though I know that it's not.

So it struck me as I was watching that there is a parallel in the story we haven't discussed yet: Rodrigo and Rodolfo are both saddled with the Madonna/Whore dichotomy in their view of women.

-Rodolfo's love for María never wavered, but she is the wife and her place is on the altar with the virgencita. Remember how scandalized he was when she tried to put the spice back in their marriage by wearing something a bit more provocative than usual?

Chabela has been the "other," firmly on the whore side of the equation. Unfortunately, she doesn't know that – or at least she didn't know it until now.

-Rodrigo is perfectly comfortable cavorting with and abusing other women (why not? they're all whores) while keeping Gracie Lamb aside on his little altar.

What's remarkable is that Carlos isn't like this at all. It's no wonder that Felicia wants to hold onto him!
 

BAJO

Really interesting observation, NovelaMaven! Often when the men in the novelas see women this way, the novela sort of supports their view--it's easy to tell the virtuous women from the tramps. But I'm not sure what to make of Chabela. At first, she seemed to be a tramp, but her confrontation with Maria and Rodolfo at their house showed a more dignified side to her. And the presence of her young son also seems to run counter to the tramp model. Nonetheless, I agree with you that the two men, Rodrigo and Rodolfo, do seem to subscribe to this virgin/whore outlook.
 

PERLA
deb--Gracias for the recap. I have yet to watch the first 4 hours. I got thoroughly confused on the slit-view I found on YT for the first hour alone (lots of snow and goggles). I watched several of the trailers and was pleased to see so many AVENIDA graduates. This is going to be some story! It's on my DVR for scheduled recordings starting today, so when I catch up, I can help out with some highlights once in awhile--not promising, but will let the community know when.
 

PERLA

Anita, you can watch the first 4 hours on the Telemundo site. They have it there.

http://now.telemundo.com/

deb, thank you for the recaps.
 

TELEMUNDO...

"Senora Acero 2", "premieres on September 22 at 10pm/9c."

"Sara has been in jail for five years without a sentence, when an attack on her teenaged son Salvador (Michel Duval) leaves her determined to escape from Puente Grande Prison. The attempt ends in tragedy and a 25-year jail term. Fate has other plans, however, and Sara’s best friend, Aracely (Litzy), discovers the key piece of evidence to set her free. From that moment on, her enemies will have to reckon with the fury of Señora Acero."

joining the cast include,

"Ana Lucía Domínguez, Rodrigo Guirao, Diego Soldano, Carla Hernández, Francisco Pakey Vázquez and Astrid Hernández, and young actors Michel Duval, Isabel Burr and Mauricio Henao."

http://www.nbcumv.com/news/season-two-telemundo’s-hit-super-series-“señora-acero”-premieres-september-22-10pm9c?network=33144
 

Bajo. I agree with Juanita, NovelaMaven. Excellent observation about Rudolfo and Rodrigo! Ironically, both Rudolfo's love interests are fine women and he doesn't deserve either one of them! Consorting with prostitutes would seem to be the least of Rodrigo's crimes--the torture of that prostitute was kind of a last straw for me, too. No matter how well he treats Greicy and his father, he probably is more evil than good.
 

PERLA
Mauricio--Gracias for the intel. Unfortunately something in my computer does not compute. Even though I have the latest Adobe everything loaded, I seem to get that nasty box on websites telling me I don't have the capability to see the videos and it tells me to download Adobe. (Even my IT son can't figure it out and he's tried several times.) Ay de mi. Guess it's re-runs of REINA de Corazones for me for awhile.

BTW, I've been editing the recaps and coordinating them with the episodes and adding details. I just can't forget that tn (and don't want to, either--still obsessed with FELS, Smeeth, Reina, Navier, Victor and Stefi)
 

BAJO


I agree that Chabela has me puzzled. Earlier, I too, thought she was a complete
Floozie, but now I don't know what to think. I was skeptical about the child
being Rudolfo's, but now it seems as if it really does belong to him. He's been leading her on for years, and you cannot blame her for wanting a family life for her son.

So, we have him juggling two women, and we have Carlos doing the same.


Juanita, here's a snippet from the song:

me muero de pena,
me corto las venas,

Si te parece poco
que haya dado la vuelta
más de quinientos grados
a mi forma de ser.

It's good one.

SpanProf. I agree with you about Rod and that brutal scene. I have turned against
him now. Some people think that torture is justified to obtain a noble goal.
I don't; but Rod's goal was to kill another woman. So double bad.


 

Preciosa perla... Wednesday, hours 5 & 6
part 1

Manfred is the bastard child of don Earnest, Silvia calls him on it, let's be socios, later he accepts, what do I need to do she asks.

don Earnest is being nice to his favorite son Franz, while behind is back has offered Amelia money to get out of his life, and insists Franz make a trip to Paris, right now, Franz only has time to write Amelia a letter, but hears her calling his name from the gate, (I think she came to tell him about the baby), where the guard won't let her in.

Franz runs to her, but Manfred has whisked her away.

Yolanda meets with Mundo in jail, she tells him she quit, they bond, she will help him in his fight for better conditions for workers (he's referred to as a communist), and alas, Ernest orders have come through and he is released, (the happy moments in this story make me want to jump up and shout too)

Ernest drops Franz off at the boat, met by Silvia who is also going.

Silvia has told Lola about an old novio she is going to Paris with, Lola thinks it's Manfred, nope, he tells her it's Franz, she runs to Amelia to let her know Franz is off with a new employee, Amelia is devastated, later receives Franz's letter, that originally talks of his dad's acceptance of their marriage, the wedding, and other mushy things, now says he's breaking it off, take the money Ernest is offering her, and never come looking for him. Amelia's whole world crashes.

Ernest talks to his other kids, Viktor ?? who wants to be a painter, Hilda ?? a singer, Ernest has nothing good to say about artists.

Mundo returns Ernest's dirty money.

Mundo is leaving, taking Amelia away to raise her baby, he wants Yolanda to go with him, she can't, they make love, but wait, she changes her mind and runs to him, and they leave town in the back of a truck, ut oh, Ernest still wants Yolanda, tells Manfred to find her, he passes the job to Lola, she asks Amelia's friend, Arlindo ??, who tells of their aunts farm.

Earnest has a plan to get Yolanda back,

some time later,

it is snowing in Paris, Franz looks lost, I'm doing this for you Amelia, and Manfred arrives on the farm to Amelia's surprise. he tells her he feels responsible for what happened, she says I only live now for my hija/o.

Gertrude (Manfred's mom/ housekeeper) thinks she has a chance with Ernest, Manfred straightens her out.

 

Preciosa perla... Wednesday, hours 5 & 6
part 2

months later

Franz and Silvia return, he runs to Amelia with flowers, she has been gone for months, any hope in finding her is dashed because everyone hates him for what he did (not), he lives in a bar, until dona Miquelina spills about the letter he didn't write, what? he heads to the farm, Mundo is ready to kill him, but wait, they hear a newborn baby cry, our hija Franz, Amelia says, (what a sweetheart) he gives the newborn a gentle kiss, mi Perla Amelia says, and tells of the dream.

you abandoned me, Amelia accuses,

but I wrote, (I think Yolanda's dad ripped up all the letters, at Ernest's request).

lies,

no, all I want is to be by your side with our hija.


Lama Sonan meditates with the monks, Ananda has been reborn.


ok the baby is born, time for Mundo to throw Franz out, wait let me see the letter Franz says, this is my father's writing, Yolanda, (once Ernest's secretary) confirms.

I did not know you were pregnant,
I came to tell you but Manfred took me away, Amelia replies
(wow, and there it all is)

Franz rushes home, Ernest says she is not worthy of you, Franz (surprisingly in a novela) doesn't give an inch, says he is no longer his son, he just came to get his stuff,

if you leave you will never be allowed back, I will disinherit you, Ernest says, is that an ever so hidden smile crossing Manfred's eyes.

Franz takes off a ring (family ??) and hands it to his dad and leaves,

Manfred grabs Lola and they celebrate, but wait, does Ernest have a new plan, he tells Manfred to offer Franz his job as director of the business, (Manfred's world crashes)

Franz returns to the farm, he wants to work, whatever it takes to be with Amelia and their hija, we see him in a sugar cane field with Mundo (where are Adela and Juana from Bajo?)

and in walks Silvia, and makes the offer, hugs Franz,
and in walks Amelia, holding Perla...

 

Deb--Oooh, can't wait to read your recap, thank you--but first I get to watch the epi!!!!!
 

Bajo

I'll do a recap tonight. Probably not a really long one.


 

CELIA

According to this source –

http://www.informador.com.mx/entretenimiento/2015/610465/6/lanzaran-telenovela-inspirada-en-la-vida-de-celia-cruz.htm

– filming for the telenovela Celia finished up last week. Based on the life of the Cuban singer Celia Cruz, it will premiere here in October to coincide with what would have been the 90th birthday of “La Reina de la Salsa.” (Cruz died at the age of 77 in 2003.)

The Puerto Rican actress Jeimy Osorio portrays the young Celia; the Cuban actress Aymee Nuviola will portray her in her later years.

The 80-episode novela was shot in Colombia, with locations in Cartagena and Bogotá.

[According to another source, the singing will be dubbed using the voice of a third performer, a Colombian vocalist.]
 

Perla

Anita- Perla seems to have completed a cycle, where the cast has been introduced and Perla has been born, and the evil deeds that have been done to separate Franz/Amelia have been exposed. (so what could go wrong now)

so you could probably just use the recaps for the earlier shows, and start watching anew, as we are off into a new cycle.

the monks have been keeping track of Ananda while meditating, have sensed he has been reborn, now it is their mission to go to him to make sure he is being cared for while young.

and of course, Ananda himself has a mission.

but alas, the glow Amelia had before Franz left her, is it still there?


 

Celia

and from another source,

"throughout the series, viewers can expect to hear classics like “Quimbara,” “La Vida es un Carnaval,” “Bemba Colora,” “Burundanga,” “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” as well as songs from Cruz’s Sonora Matancera days alongside Knight".

 

Bajo. Very exciting episode tonight. It turns out that Adela is just as much a danger to Rodrigo as Rodrigo is to her. Way to go, Adela! My money's on her, though I doubt if she'll be able to kill him outside his hotel room, even though she has a clear shot at him. Very tense moments at La Frontera Bar, especially when Adela and Rodrigo come face to face without his realizing who she is. Also, Felicia continues to shoot herself in the foot and alienate Carlos. Towards the beginning, when Luis and Rodrigo were fun-wrestling on the couch, it reminded me of my brothers when they were young.
 

Bajo. And yet all that squabbling at La Frontera somehow had a very authentic family feeling to it.
 

Bajo. The actor portraying Rodrigo does a pretty convincing evil glance. :)
 

BAJO – Miércoles

This was an action-packed episode. Unfortunately I’m short on time. Anyway, Fire shows up all familial. He asks why Luis is mute, and Luis replies he learned it from his brother who was quiet for so many years! Fire wrestles him to the sofa hugging and even kissing his head.

Chabela shows up at Rod’s house. He hushes her, saying his kids are asleep. She says her child is asleep on a chair while his with the other woman are in beds.

Santiago definitely has a thing for Juana. He tells her what we’re all thinking: watch out for the gringo.

Carlos starts asking some questions about how Fire got back so fast. And why’s he so clean? When they came before they arrived filthy. He says he stopped at a “gas” to clean up. Luis still isn’t warming up to his brother.

Carlos tells Fire that Gracie is working and they take off to see her.

Rodolfo tells Chabela that he’s only with Maria for the kids [oh, please!] and that she’s the one he loves.

Adela has gone to see Felicia to explain that there’s nothing going on with she and Carlos. She just needs the job and the money. Feli thinks she’s hitting her up for money. When Adela asks Feli not to mention her name to anyone, Ms. Nasty smells an advantage and asks whom she’s hiding from.

While Adela is in the office of La Frontera, Fire, Carlos and Luis arrive. Gracie is delighted to see him.

Feli goes ballistic on Adela, dragging her out of the office and trying to throw her out bodily. She doesn’t see Carlos right away, but he gets a good look at her behavior. I can’t remember exactly how it happened, but somehow Adela gathers who the blonde guy is. She stares at him stupefied. Fire makes nice, sticks out his hand. She finally runs out.

In the office Carlos gets all over Felicia. I love it. In some novelas the galán just stands there like a bump on a log while a jealous witch rags on the one he really loves.

Adela digs up the photo of she and Matías, remembers when they got tattoos, and cries. She swears vengeance. Later she goes home and gets that gun from a hiding place. [I was wrong; she didn’t throw both in the garbage can fire.]

Fire figures out Feli was jealous and thinks it’s funny his dad has two fine looking women after him.

Laura has convinced Juana to bring her to the bar. She looks in, sees Feli, and ducks back out. She remembers when Feli tried to find Adela before.

Some drunk guy kisses Gracie, who for some reason is waiting on the family table instead of sitting down. Fire goes off on him, beating him until his father grabs him. In the men’s room, Carlos reproaches him, and Fire says he’s been home two hours and his father treats him like a five year old. He cools off, lies and says he’s not in the gang any more. His dad gives him some money so he and Gracie can spend the night together.

When they leave the restaurant Adela is outside and hears that they’re going to a nearby hotel.

Gracie and Fire have sex. Before that she confesses her worry that he’ll leave her like her father left her mother.

Feli maneuvers Maria into taking Luis home. She has Carlos take her home. Right away she starts in on Adela not shaking hands with Fire. Carlos: ¡Otra vez la burra al trigo! [I’ve always loved this one: Again the donkey’s back at the wheat or again you’re ragging on the same old subject.] She keeps trying and trying to get him in bed. He keeps evading. She finally blows and says he’s thinking of Adela.

Adela sneaks up on the room where Fire and Gracie are. He goes out for some soft drinks, and we see Adela pointing the gun at him.
 

Bajo

great recap novelera !!!
love the spanish you throw in.

ha! Felicia didn't want Adela to just leave because she wanted to throw her out.

I was totally amazed by the Rodrigo/Adela scene, I had forgot that he had Matias killed, but there was a very small instance where I think Adela went at Rodrigo to take him out, it happened so quick, but she turned and walked away, no wonder Rodrigo got bad vibes from her, and how did she describe Carlos and Rodrigo, an Angel and a Demon.

yes, quick thinking Rodrigo figures out his dad has two women fighting over him, but he does it in how he sees the world.

so vicious did Rodrigo drop that guy, I don't think Luis knows what to think, Maria asks about his feelings toward his brother and Luis notices how cold she is to him after how he treated her on her prison visit.

it's a good thing Laura is no dummy, but she sure acts like one.

hmm, Carlos somehow knows the promise that Rodrigo (didn't really make) to give up gangs for his new baby.

and what a cliff hanger, do we have to wait for season 2?

oh and Chabela wants a house like Maria's, in L.A., tomorrow.

 

BAJO

Great job, novelera! It's amazing how much you're able to pack into so concise a recap. And even some helpful Spanish! Muchísimas gracias.

Adela figured out who Rodrigo is when he called Carlos "Papa." Here as elsewhere, she's very sharp, but I'm surprised she didn't recognize that asking Feli not to tell anyone her real name gave Feli a weapon to use against her.

Rodrigo at first tells his father he doesn't need the money Carlos is offering him. My guess is that he accepts it to further his lie about leaving the gang.

I wonder how Rodolfo can possibly get out of the mess he's made.
 

Bajo. Yep, excellent recap, novelera! Hi, Juanita! Rodolfo doesn't deserve to get out of the mess he's in! And still, Rodrigo's one saving grace is that he does seem to love Greicy and their unborn baby sincerely. I see him sacrificing his life for them.
 

Bajo. I'd be willing to bet that Adela won't be able to bring herself to pull the trigger. Either that, or Greicy will decide to join Rodrigo at the hotel machines and somehow get between him and Adela--and of course Adela would never shoot an innocent person.
 

PERLA
deb--Hooray! I found the first two episodes OnDemand. I watched epi 1 (2-hr) last night, saving 2&3.

What lovely visuals, the cinematography (I guess you would call it that even if it's not a movie) is breathtaking. The scenes in Tibet on the mountain and later in the monastery was enlightening for me.

What fun to see what Rio might have been like in the mid 30s. My mother lived in San Paulo from 1929-1932, so it is especially emotional for me to be put back there and "see" with her eyes.

Got to see Perla do the dance with the elephant, very sweet--and a verrrry big elephant.

Loved that the same voice-dubber for Earnesto is the same as they used for Nilo.
 

Bajo

does Adela know about the baby?

 

Bajo. Watching Rodrigo wrestling with Luis and teasing Greicy about there being a 3rd person in the room (their unborn baby, of course), you kind of get a glimpse of the Rodrigo who might have been if he hadn't joined a gang.
 

Perla

Anita- ahha! so glad you are able to watch! and seeing the old days as your mother would have seen them, so cool! they really seemed to have put a lot of effort into this novela.

Tifon's dad in AB has such a rubber face that I didn't recognize him here with the cabaret people.

the pensions are pretty neat where everyone lives together.

and I seem to be able to follow along fairly well, but they use a lot of new words for me as in operaria (working girls).

and I find the good times are so exciting! Franz and Amelia are the perfect couple, can't wait for Perla to get a little older.

 

Bajo

Thanks very much for the excellent recap, Novelera. I guess now we all know who Rodrigo is. I was surprised by his coarseness (though I shouldn't have been).

I too was glad to see Adela go on the offense, though I also doubt she'll take out Rodrigo – at least not tonight.
 

Bajo
Last night would have been a great opportunity to do a longer recap. So many interesting scenes! But I had a glitch in my regular 6:00 California time East Coast feed. I can’t ever give up DirecTV because of this advantage. While I’m on the freeway from work, the novela is already recording! Anyway, I had a need to be at work quite early yesterday and starting the recap at 10:00 left me too tired to wordsmith it much.

You may have noticed that I referred to Rodrigo as Fire in my recap. After his ordering the torture of a prostitute, who actually seemed to be keeping quiet, even though she didn’t really know Laura’s whereabouts, I am done with him.

His congratulations of his father for, as he believed, having two women at the same time showed what a coarse, completely lacking in empathy person he is. He did it multiple times. It appeared to me that these gloating remarks meant that his father had risen in his estimation. That is, he looks down on him for being a humble, hardworking gardener. But, if he’s a womanizer who keeps two beautiful women after him, then he’s deserving of respect.

Of course Adela won’t kill Fire. I’m leaning more toward her being unable to pull the trigger than that something else interferes with her chance to kill him.
 

PERLA
Commenting on Epi 1
deb--I thought I saw Santiago ("Gepeto"), too, but maybe not. BTW, I think the old guy (Ray)Mundo and Amelia live with is their padrino. I thought I heard both their parents were deceased. That's probably why Mundo thinks he can dominate Amelia and her life decisions, but of course in those days, the male in the family had that right.

That was a lovely, lovely love scene--Franz asking Amelia first if she's sure that's what she wants. Later she tells him about the dream she had (the dancing girl with the elephant) and the pearl. He agrees it's a very odd confusing dream, but then points out dreams are like that.

Thank you for clarifying that Amelia only saw Eurico as a friend. That makes her falling in love with Franz so "quickly" more acceptable.
 

Bajo. Well observed, novelera. Otoh, if something prevents Adela from shooting, the viewer will be left wondering, Would she have or wouldn't she have?
 

Preciosa perla... thursday, hours 7 & 8
part 1

Silvia plays the rejected lover, says they studied together, Franz denies it all, Amelia runs off, Franz follows, and we find that Amelia thinks she can't compare to the refined Silvia, but I choose you, Franz says.

interesting that don Ernest's two henchmen, Manfred and Silvia, are out to destroy him.

a neighbor swings by to rape Yolanda while she is alone, but wait, Mundo pounds him into the ground, the next day the unsuccessful rapist brings word that the patron wants them all gone, the aunt can stay, so it's back to the city.

Manfred shows up, asks to be forgiven, has brought a trunk of things for Franz, and inside is the engagement ring he bought for Amelia the day he left for Paris, he gives it to her, simple but elegant, with a pearl, they plan to wed.

days later, they are married, but during the ceremony don Ernest arrives, spoils the mood and leaves in disgust when they are declared, husband and wife,

and off to the reception, I guess you get around in the back of a truck or trolley, and then to the dance of the married couple, lots of closed eyes and nose rubbing going on.

Ernest shows, sees Perla, is touched, and gives her a soft kiss on the forehead, but Amelia sees and snatches Perla away, Ernest wants to talk too Franz, he wants Franz, Amelia, and Perla to come live with him, Franz turns down all his offers, he doesn't trust him.

Silvia gets word her dad has died (hmm, I thought he already had)
she renews her vows to get back at Ernest.

there is a workers revolution brewing, they want Mundo back at the factory, ahha part of Ernest offer is for Mundo to return, he does.

Franz has Amelia agree not to join the communists.
........................

lama Sonan has a vision where Ananda was reborn, same old Brasil pics we have been seeing, of the trolley on the aqueduct like structure.

 

Preciosa perla... thursday, hours 7 & 8
part 2

Franz looks for work, after a month, nothing, his dad has everyone rejecting him, Manfred offers him a job as a worker in the factory (per Ernest's plan), but my dad will find out, maybe nights then, the other workers think he is a spy (hijo del patron), and when they harass him after work, Mundo steps in, (Mundo never acknowledges Franz, always says he is doing it for his sister and her daughter)

........................

hmm, Ananda gave Franz a 'Yapa Mala' (necklace) and told him to guard it well and someone will be enamored with it, and Perla is.

lama Sonan I guess is fuzzy on where he can find Ananda, and so they are searching, maybe a local monestary.

...........................

Silvia has done well at work, they toast with champagne, she poisons Ernest drink as Manfred sees in the mirror, she wants to watch him die, Manfred clinks glasses hard and breaks Ernest's, takes Silvia aside and warns her.

ok I'm not getting all of the worker's revolution, but trouble is brewing at the factory and Ernest shows up, cuts their wages for causing problems.

Franz confronts the workers, and spills on his situation, broke with his father, disinherited, working nights to hide it from his father, trust me.

Franz goes to Ernest, asks him not to punish the workers because of him, Ernest is stubborn, but Franz won't quit.

the workers vote to confront Ernest, not Franz and he is having a hard time keeping Amelia out of it, they barge into Ernest's office with demands, and the conversation turns to Yolanda and Mundo's sister who has deceived Ernest's hijo, Mundo is enraged, and Manfred nods to his man in the group, who pulls a gun and shoots, Ernest is hit, everyone points to Mundo, the workers flee, Silvia looks elated.

Ernest goes to the hospital while the police search for Mundo, the pregnant Gaia looks ready to have her baby as they rush her around with them, Franz hears and rushes to his dad, Perla is left alone, Ernest tells Franz Mundo tried to kill him, no way says Franz, yes you have fallen into a trap Ernest replies...

 

BAJO

Thanks, Novelera

A great recap once again. I love the Spanish phrases explained. I will add the new
one to my list of idioms and try to find a way to use it with my Hispanic friends.

I too am done with Fire, HOWEVER, I am mesmerized by his character and the actor, so I hope we get to see him for a long time. He has some kind of a special glint in his right eye that can be turned on for good or evil, and he holds his head in a certain way that is intriguing.

I am now going to look at parts of this again.

Thanks again, Novelera, and to all commenters who add so much to the flavor.
 

BAJO

novelera,

i put my name by mistake
 

BAJO

I thought Rodrigo's remarks about what a stud his father has become were quite bitter and cutting. He said something later about Carlos still keeping an altar to Teresa and it seemed clear that the son – ten years after the death of his mother – resents the idea of his father being "unfaithful" to his dead wife by having any romantic life of his own.

SpanProf, I really liked this observation of yours:

"Watching Rodrigo wrestling with Luis and teasing Greicy about there being a 3rd person in the room (their unborn baby, of course), you kind of get a glimpse of the Rodrigo who might have been if he hadn't joined a gang."
 

Bajo

Excellent point, NovelaMaven. I had completely forgotten Fire later mentioning the altar to his mother.
 

Bajo

looks like I will able to do the recap tonight.

 

Bajo. Thank you, NovelaMaven. What a bloody incident with Laura tonight! And she was the one injuring a gang member, in a very nauseating way! Blinding Jay (probably! Adela may be a better person than she is, but you can see where she got her feistyness.
 

BAJO

You're welcome, SpanProf.

Nauseating, perhaps, but cunning. Jay was the only one who could recognize Adela. And we were reminded of what a monster Jay is by a replay of him burning Laura's hand on the electric stove.

When we saw Laura press her face to the window and say "Te amo" to Adela, we knew she was saying goodbye.

Last night, for the first time, I wondered if Rodrigo truly was hoping/believing/indulging in wishful thinking that he'd be liberated from the Colonia after doing this last job for Colmillo.

deb, thanks for taking on a recap tonight. Lots of good material to work with!
 

Bajo el mismo cielo... thursday, epi 26
part 1

Adela, gun in hand, Rodrigo in her sights, does get interrupted, Greicy shows up and Adela hears she's pregnant, and that she was worried, and didn't want to have to raise the child alone like her mother did, Adela backs off with tears in her eyes, and as she tells her mom later, it's not the fault of the child the father is a killer.

all's well until Adela makes a noise, Rodrigo perks up, sends Greicy to the room and starts tracking down the noise, and the chase is on, at the last minute two guys from the Colonia show up, (Adela jumps down the laundry shoot and gets away) sent by Colmillo, they hand him the phone, I didn't get you out so could play with your girlfriend, Colmillo says, I know everything you do, and your family is in danger until you take care of my daughter's killer, (and I'm thinking Colmillo throwing Rodrigo's family into the deal is really bothering Rodrigo, but he does this thing like when Carlos rolls his head except for him he squashes any sign like a good poker face, but are we starting to see the tells?)

I'm on it Rodrigo keeps trying to explain, but you can't have your guys seen with me, and here comes Greicy looking for him, he ends the call and shoo's the homies away, a couple of lost guys, just giving them directions, he tells Greicy, and later gets on her for not doing what he says.

Carlos begs out of sex with Felicia, I'm tired, I have a lot to think about, but that's never been a problem Felicia says, no matter how hard you work, she knows it's Mati, but Carlos slips out anyway.

Laura wakes up, where's Adela?, she goes out and bonks the sleeping Juana awake telling her Adela is not here, I'll find her the sleepy Juana says, no, Laura pushes her back down, I'll find her I'm her mother.

Carlos and Luis talk about Rodrigo, they hope he can change, Carlos thinks Luis will be a good example for him, que? Luis is thinking.

Adela gets home to the waiting Laura, tells her about Rodrigo, I was standing next to him and he didn't know who I am, Laura explains she got rid of all of Adela's pictures, except some when she was a kid.

Rodrigo and Greicy go back to their room, (I think Rodrigo is stressed after talking to Colmillo) he just wants to sleep, jumps in bed with his clothes and shoes on, Greicy lays down next to him and tries to comfort him.

Felicia shows up at Maria's, she's pissed about Carlos/Mati and rants, and getting no sympathy from Maria, and you are in the same boat Felicia puts out, no, things have changed Maria says, Felicia blows out the door, Maria is worried and keeps calling her, no answer.

 

Bajo el mismo cielo... thursday, epi 26
part 2

next morning Carlos meets up with Rod/Greicy outside their hotel, Rod wants to find their own place to live, Greicy suggest he work for Carlos, (being probably everthing in life Rod despises) he graciously bows out, but could you take Greicy to get her things, at Felicia's Carlos gulps, but it was ok, she wasn't home.

Adela agrees with her mom, they have to get out of town, but we need money Adela reminds her, they'll wait till Adela gets her first paycheck, and as Adela goes off to work they tell each other te amo, through the bars of their apartment window.

Rudolfo is with Chabela and Alex, she demands a nice place to stay, he says he's not Bill Gates, now get in the truck, where are we going Chabela demands to know, to see a very trusted friend Rudi says, very.

Rod has called a meeting at the clubhouse casually swinging his baseball bat around, 2 things,
1) no one is to know I'm in east L.A.
2) find Laura Morales and bring her to me alive, as he shows her picture around.

what's this with Luis, what's with Susy? he shows up at the Sanders for work but his dad is not there, so he moves right in on Susy who is sunbathing, is Carlos here he asks, did you see his truck is the reply, she finally gets up and heads to her room, so he follows her, going past Adela who goes, que? and in the room he has a present for her, (probably paid for from his money for the store robbery) was that a watch so she could keep track of the hours she is away from him or... I wasn't getting his smooth lines (where did he get them) but I guess Susy was because she kissed him on the cheek, he on her lips, are we moving too fast Susy asks, I won't repeat what Luis said, and they are on the bed pulling off clothes.

meanwhile Debora and friends arrive after a hard morning shopping, they want Adela to fix then whiskeys and martinis while Carlos arrives, have you seen Luis he asks, nope, of course small talk with Adela is better than anything else he could ever want to do, when Estefi (Deborah's friend) comes in and starts pawing Carlos, when are you going to take care of my plants, she asks.

the ladies are going upstairs to see something, and the street smart Adela beats them to it, zooming into Susy's room to warn/interrupt them.

Laura's got to have a drink (I keep waiting for her to call her friend) so she slips out to the local store, help me god just this once and it will be the last time, as she slides a bottle under her coat, but whoa, Jay walks in showing the storekeeper her picture, Laura takes off, and Jay is on it, calling Rodrigo, and as he walks past the corner, Laura has broken the liquor bottle and shoves the ragged edge into his eyes, and Laura being Laura just can't let it go, reminds him he is blind so no one will be able to find Adela, and tells him it was her that killed Neomi amd Mago, not Adela, and she wants to get in a couple of kicks as well, when Jay grabs her, and they're on the ground, Laura manages to get away, for about two steps, before she runs into Rodrigo.

and the poor and desperate Felicia, no one loves me, zips over to Willy's, waits for Sharon to leave, and tells him her tales of woe, but 'I' love you, Willy says, (is she playing him?) they kiss and get hot but Felicia stops it, I will never love you Willy she tells him, but I will give you what you want, if you do me a favor,
kill Mati...

 

Bajo

did Carlos tell Luis, "I pray to god to live long enough to see Rodrigo become an honest man"

 

Bajo

Wonderful recap, deb!

Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I thought Luis asked Carlos whether he was sure Rodrigo wanted to go straight and Carlos said yes, he was sure, because it's been what he [Carlos] has been hoping for all these years (or something like that). Is Carlos really that naive? Wishing will make it so? I guess this shows his good heart and how much Rodrigo means to him, but I confess when he said this, I let out a derisive snort. I guess my heart isn't nearly as good as Carlos'.

Wow, Maria sure got to see the totalmente loca side of Felicia. It's becoming less a "side" and more the whole.

Deb, I too was wondering how Luis came up with all those smooth lines when he was with Susy. I guess we're supposed to think it's because he's so wonderfully in luuuv, but I found myself wondering whether he's had a lot more practice than we know about. (Hmmm, I seem to have found my Inner Cynic.)

What good would it do for Laura to tell Jay that she was the one who killed Noemi and Mago, not Adela? Don't the gangs usually take vengeance not only on the perpetrator but on his/her family as well? Anyway, now that Rodrigo has found Laura, I fear we may be in for some very ugly scenes.
 

Bajo. Excellent recap, Deb! Geez, has Felicia never seen a Viagra commercial? According to them, male "problems" start around 40 (Sure they do). Naturally, Felicia can't accept Carlos'explanation that he's just not in the mood. Can't guys just not be in the mood sometimes? And of course Felicia is playing Willy. Well, I haven't been a teenager for many years, but back then and probably now as well teenage guys tried to be smooth whether they'd had any experience or not. Maybe they practice in front of the mirror? Or in Luis's case, he may have tried these lines out on Sharon first.
 

BAJO

You outdid yourself last night, deb! Thanks for the superb recap.

I'm glad you dwelled a bit on Luis and his behavior. I wasn't liking him very much last night and was almost hoping he'd get caught. I agree with SpanProf that he's had some practice with Sharon. (Just once, I'd like a novela to do a PSA about HPV vaccines, but I'm not holding my breath.)

Juanita,

"Wow, Maria sure got to see the totalmente loca side of Felicia. It's becoming less a "side" and more the whole."

No kidding! She can no longer hide her inner fishwife.
 

Bajo

Deb, I loved your recap. You always find those nuances in the characters’ behavior.

Last night watching the despicable Colmillo I was wondering why he keeps saying HE got Fire out of prison. His hardworking father, with the help of Jacob’s lawyer, got him out. He certainly gave him the money to cross the border, but he always says he got him out of prison. One more thing to hate about the guy.

I don’t understand Adela’s new reluctance to kill Fire being about the baby. She was certainly willing to kill him and thus cause great grief to Carlos. If she killed him the baby would still have its loving mother and its loving grandfather and would not be in an orphanage, for pete’s sake!

Fire wants an apartment with Gracie and has refused his father’s money at least once, although Gracie did take some. But how does he expect to hide from where his income is coming? It’s the crime perpetrated by La Colonia that’s going to support his new family. Also, it’s odd that no one has even mentioned marriage. I’d expect this from Fire. But Carlos behaves like Gracie’s already a daughter-in-law with no mention of a ceremony.

I was wondering if Adela knew how to make martinis. I thought it looked like she was just pouring a bunch of alcohol into glasses, even mixed together. Deborah wouldn’t like that!

I was not happy with Luis trying to immediately jump Susy’s bones. I don’t know why the writers went there so fast. And he seemed to have no concerns whatsoever about being caught.

I like the device of no one knowing what Adela looks like now that Laura has blinded Jay. I have to confess I enjoyed that, brutal as it was. Jay nearly as bad as El Colmillo. He was the one who forced another guy to kill Matías, and we found out later they were childhood friends. He had a look of glee on his face as they showed in the many repeat flashbacks.

Felicia was positively unhinged last night. The actor is doing a fantastic job! I remember her playing a rotten woman who reformed on La Patrona.

Anyway, this continues to be compelling viewing. I don’t think I can bear what’s going to happen to Laura.
 

Bajo

thanks guys !!!

I guess tonight's open if anyone wants to do a one-time-only recap.

I think I'm starting to see this thing Rodrigo does where he squelches any good thoughts and replaces them with the gang mantra, so to speak, but I'm not getting that he loves Greicy, it's more like he owns her, being a virgin and all and his exclusive, but he does have something for the baby, and it's odd how he seems to put Carlos into the back seat when he's around.

what was striking me about Felicia's rant is that Maria's is right around the corner, unless of course we never see Chabela again, what does Rudi have going on?

I'm not seeing a gran amor with Luis/Susy, I think they skipped a few steps.

how does Adela know how to make a martini, was she reading the recipe?

Willy's a piece of cake compared to Rodrigo, but annoying, and will probably get run over trying to make Rodrigo's kill.

 

PERLA
@deb & wee Perla: Anita commenting on Tuesday's episodes.
Hector Sampari is the man in the prison hospital, who was serving time for killing Ernesto's wife. Silvia Sampari is his daughter. She vows revenge for what she believes is his innocence. When she applies for a job in the Hauser co., Manfred doesn't want her because her designs aren't traditional enough, but Ernesto asks Franz his opinion of her jewelry designs. He likes them, they are more modern--a direction he would like the company to take. Ernesto takes Franz's advice and hires her. Manfred doesn't like this.

Manfred has one of the guys at the factory, who apparently doesn't get dirty, to find out all he can about Silvia. She lives in a run down rooming house--after passing herself off as being cultured, educated and well to do. The guy finds all the clippings regarding the death of Ernesto's wife and subsequent history. When Manfred confronts her with some of her lies, she at first tries to tell him she's newly arrived and hasn't found a decent place to live. But in the end he unmasks her.

Yolanda gave the jewelry back while she and Ernesto were still in the car. She was onto his game, but her job and Mundo's jobs are on the line if she doesn't do what he wants her to do. She gets out of the car and walks back through the barrio--standing out in her lovely white gown. Mundo grabs her and she explains, or tries to, that it was a business dinner. He doesn't believe her and stalks off to commit aggression on Ernesto. She stalks in the next day, returns the dress and quits her job. Ernesto likes her spunk.

When Amelia is pretty certain she's pregnant she goes to the factory infirmary, even though Gaia begs her not to. The doc confirms it, while two nurses or orderlies overhear him telling her. They talk out loud to each other about the baby coming in 9 months and Manfred overhears their conversation. Grrrrr. Isn't that always the case in tns, Brazilian or otherwise?

Ernesto uses this information to try to bribe Amelia to leave Franz. He tries to make Franz out as a playboy who loves 'em and leaves 'em. When that doesn't work, he will have to come up with something else to separate them. (Why doesn't he like *her* spunk?)

I was so glad to see that she and Franz and several more occasions to be happy together.

This is a very odd factory--it looks more like a foundry. I saw some bells on a table early on. It's very dark and dusty. It looks hot inside. The men look dirty. Making high-end jewelry, even costume jewelry would require light, clean surroundings, magnifying glasses, white coats, etc. Well, maybe it's a dual purpose company.
 

Perla,

Anita- love your comments, you have such a better grasp of spanish, yes it is not a factory but referred to as a 'fundicion'.

 

Bajo. I'm wondering if someone shouldn't be thinking about taking El Colmillo out. And Laura was so devious and brutal with Jay, I'm wondering if she'll find some way to get away from Rodrigo. I certainly hope so! Tonight's should be an exciting episode. Also, just as well that Adela walked in on Luis and Susy. They were moving WAY too fast.
 

Bajo

SpanProf, I'd bet the farm El Colmillo gets bumped off before the end, although it's hard to imagine how since he's in perpetual solitary. Speaking of solitary, this recently happened in California:

"The end of indeterminate-length sentences in the SHU, or “special housing units,” a common internal term for solitary. Almost all prisoners who spent more than 10 years in prolonged isolation, including more than 400 inmates in Pelican Bay State Prison, will be immediately released into the general inmate population. California prisons will also no longer place inmates in solitary for their gang affiliations without other causes."

I'm certainly in favor of this. No human being should be alone for years and years. There have been documented cases of mental breakdowns because of this.

Laura sometimes just makes me want to scream. She's a bundle of neurotic contradictions. She loves her daughter. She's mean to poor Juana. She can't see Carlos for the good man he is. And she went out for one last drink, again risking her daughter if they somehow show her unable to hold out against torture. But I suspect she's either going to die without speaking or get away again. And, of course, by blinding Jay, she's given Adela the benefit of no one knowing what she looks like.
 

PERLA
deb--Thank you. I plan to catch up this weekend and hope to help you out next week. I'm aware you are also recapping Bajo often.
 

NovelaMaven, my husband just asked me why I burst out laughing. I had just read your priceless remark about Felicia's no longer being able to hide her inner fishwife. (And I just started laughing again as I typed this.)

Like novelera and deb, I was wondering how Adela was going to make those martinis. She did seem to be just winging it, although at times I thought I saw her looking off to the side, as if there were instructions, but that seems unlikely. I fully expected the women to sip the drinks and spit them out in disgust.

Deb, I think Rodrigo does love Greicy, it's not just an ownership or dominance thing. Remember how he kissed the phone after he talked to her. That seemed a totally spontaneous act.
 

Preciosa perla... friday, hours 9 & 10

Yolanda's dad is being beaten by all the women at the pension for being the one that accused Mundo of shooting Ernest to the police.

Mundo, Gaia, and her husband are hiding at the cabaret, the police arrive, ut oh, so disguised as clowns they put on a show while the police search, after they leave, the clowns pile into a small car and escape.

they talk about leaving the country when Gaia's water broke, and the three guys try to deliver the baby but there are complications, Mundo sends a message to Amelia, she brings help but she is followed by Manfred's man, it's a boy, and the police arrive, Fabricio, Toni/Gaia and baby, Mundo, Amelia, are arrested.

(the captions went out on the tv)

Franz goes to see Amelia in jail, they kiss, but he is furious, why did she betray him, she manages to explain about the baby before their time is up.

Yolanda ask her dad the drunk why he lied about Mundo, he says he didn't, (maybe he believes what he said), she leaves to go to her marido, what Marido her dad says, there was no ceremony.

the monks are busy trying to find Ananda, they check out all of the local newborns seeing if any recognize any of Ananda's stuff they have in a box.

Manfred gives Ernest the word on the communists in jail, Ernest wants to know why he is worried about Amelia.

later Silvia also wonders about Manfred being soft on Amelia.

Franz runs to Manfred for money, he wants to get Amelia a lawyer, Manfred helps, but don't tell my dad.

the lawyer has documents showing they are members of the communist party, Franz visits Amelia and shows her the police dosia, proof of her participation in the communist party, she says it's falso, he doesn't believe her, this rips it.

Franz returns home (Hauser mansion), you were right he tells his dad, and later they visit Amelia in jail I think to get legal rights of Perla.

Manfred visits Amelia, says he believes her (where Franz didn't)

3 months later

Amelia and Gaia are raising their babies in jail, Ernest and Franz arrive, Amelia gives up Perla to Franz, she is devastated, Ernest is elated.

Toni, Mundo, and Amelia are taken to a prison, not sure what happened to Gaia and the baby, but Toni is not happy about it.

later, Silvia has been putting the moves on Franz through Perla, and Mundo is pushing Yolanda away.

Yolanda's dad is playing cards with Ernest and the boys, loses big, says he's finished, Ernest says he has something else, Yolanda.

the monks are looking through the postcards Franz has sent, lama Sonan recognizes the trolley aqueduct from his vision, so it's Rio de Janerio!

Franz takes Perla to see Amelia in prison at her padrinos urging, she is overcome with joy.

 

Perla

Anita- I was just trying to get through the week doing the Perla recaps in case anyone was interested, but I don't have any plans of doing any more, (and this no caption thing is driving me nuts) but it IS such a moving story!

 

PERLA
deb--I hear your anguish, but I get it. Is it only you, I and wee Rita/Perla who are watching and enjoying this? Again, is the fault mainly due to the daytime slot they gave it? Not everyone has the time nor energy to record, then watch in the evening if there are three or four hours of other good telenovelas broadcasting.

'Cmon folks, step forward and let us know if there are any more of you who are watching.
 

Bajo

ok, so Laura has disappeared, but what did Rodrigo tell Jay what happened to her. (the doc has told Rodrigo that Jay will probably never see again and Rodrigo has told Jay he will be fine)

I was thinking Adela would hop out and fix Carlos' truck, did he say he didn't have the parts/tools to do it, what was it, 20 years he has been making a living how ever he could and now he owns a truck (sounds like his first one, say where is that Russian money guy) and he has his own business, he sure sounds proud when he talks about it.

and it was interesting that he took that route home because he heard the police were doing some kind of operation and he wanted to avoid it.

and nice story he told Adela, his life has two parts, the life he had with his wife, and the life afterwards, and the void she left he thought would never be filled, but now it has been, no, not by Felicia, by you. (except for Matias, I don't think anyone has ever said anything nice to Adela)

Rodrigo making that crack about Carlos' two women, Greicy going "is that a joke?" and Luis without even the hope of a smile, was cracking me up, these guys could put on a good show.

how low can Felicia go?

what's with Cristóbal taking in Rudi's second family? I'm waiting for Alex and Greicy to check out each others glasses.

that must have been a first, Luis being honest with Sharon, and another first when Nick told her she was pretty.

has Flag really decided about Rodrigo?, (I know he was barking, but Rod was bugging him), seems like he is on the fence with this like we are.

I thought Maria was a pretty bland character when the show started, but the more I see her, the more I like her, (the actress too)

 

Bajo. A few to many coincidences in this episode (like Greicy and Rodrigo showing up at Adela's apartment building--and I thought LA was a very big city!), but I like the way Cristobal is bonding with Alex. Evidently Rodrigo has Laura stashed somewhere and is going to use her as bait to trap Adela--weird that he doesn't realize that he has already seen Adela more than once. I almost felt sorry for Willy last night. He seems to really love Felicia and to be extremely considerate of her, but she is using him more than ever and not even bothering to hide that that is what she's doing.
 

BAJO

Terrific recap, deb! I especially enjoyed your comments at the end, one after another after another. I think my favorites were "waiting for Alex and Greicy to check out each others glasses" and Flag's being on the fence about Rodrigo, like the rest of us.

Did Rodrigo tell Jay anything about what happened with Laura? If so, I missed it, and I too was wondering. At the scene with Rod and La Colonia, I thought they were about to bring in Laura to torture her, but instead they brought in Jay and then the doctor. I was also fearing that the doctor would be killed off after he treated Jay. I guess I've watched too many narconovelas.
 

Bajo. Yes, great recap, Deb! I have to wonder, El Colmillo has said that he has eyes on Rodrigo and his entire extended family, but he doesn't realize that his own daughter was a drug addict who died of an overdose?
 

Bajo. And I really liked that flashback to Carlos's advice about respecting women when Sharon showed up at Carlos' and Luis' house, which was the prompt for Luis to level with Sharon about his feelings. Maybe Catlos' teahings about a few other things will start to take effect.
 

Bajo

gee thanks guys, I was just throwing out some comments, I was actually hoping we could interest some new recappers.

hmm, seems like something has to happen relatively soon because they can't keep Laura stashed for the rest of the show, no one could put up with her for that long.

so SpanProf, how about this for a hypothetical future, Willy kills Mati (or at least thinks he did) and Colmillo gives him Rodrigo's job.

 

Perla

Anita- when you catch up, please let me know what happened to Gaia and her boy, as well as anything interesting you saw in that last hour.

btw, I find that theme music relaxing, and it seems to be following me around.

 

Bajo. Entertaining possibility, Deb, and it would be funny if El Colmillo, who claims to know everything, didn't know what an incompetent criminal Willy is. It would be a way to break up the gang , though. :)
 

Bajo. And one last thing. That "we can only get 1 motel room" cliche has been around since at least Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. I remember my mother telling me that It Happened One Night was considered rather scandalous at the time.
 

PERLA

Anita commenting on Wednesday's epi (hours 5&6)- parte A

Deb, you are to be commended for covering both hours all week. For those of you who aren’t watching, it’s too bad. It is a wonderfully crafted story. For anyone longing for a “period” novela, this is as close as it comes. So far it has been taking place in 1934 and subsequent months in Rio de Janeiro. The sets are interesting, the costuming authentic and hair styles realistic. (In hours 7&8, Franz and Amélia’s wedding is authentically portrayed and the slow wedding dance is delicious—it goes on and on and on, the camera following them exclusively and it doesn’t get tiring at all.)


Here are a few details to amplify Deb’s recap. (Where I added a few words, I put them in italics)

Socios?
Silvia Zampira, after being unmasked as Heitor Zampira's daughter, dishes it out as handily as Manfred did. She knows he’s Ernest’s unrecognized bastard son. She challenges him: Is he happy with the crumbs he’s handed? He lives in one tiny room in the mansion. He lives in Franz’ shadow. Franz and his parasite siblings will inherit everything one day. Yes, she hates Ernesto Hauser for what he did to her father. He went to prison for something he didn’t commit (responsible for the death of Caterina, Ernesto’s wife), he lost everything--the woman he loved (Caterina—taken by Ernesto), his dignity, his career. He never got another job even though he was one of the best jewelry designers (probably engineered by Ernesto). She wants to destroy him and everyone in his family (yikes, including Franz).

Ernest & Franz—off to Paris
The trip Don Ernesto is compelling Franz to attend at the last minute is for an auction of precious stones in Paris. He claims his doctor told him he couldn’t go, a matter of reduced health after the punch (NOT) he got from Mundo. Franz wants to send Manfred (who reminds me of Lurch, but if you check out any images of the actor, Carmo Dalla Vecchia, smiling—it’s a whole different story). Ernesto says Manfred is already scheduled to go, but he trusts Franz’ judgment.

I guess luxury liners were *the* way to get to Europe in 1934. Ernest is pressuring Franz to get ready right away, there’s no time for him to see Amélia personally to tell her Ernesto has “agreed” to their engagement and marriage. He offers to have Cicero, the chauffeur, hand deliver the letter Franz is writing to Amélia. Yes, deb, Amy came to the gate to tell Franz about the baby, encouraged by her friend Gaia to tell him. Amy hadn’t wanted him to feel trapped into marriage because she got pregnant. She didn't know that Ernesto was sending Franz on this trip. Porfirio is the guy at the gate. He obviously has been told not to let Amy in.

Manfred and Amélia
Manfred reaches her just in time to avoid seeing Franz and promises to take her to where Franz is. Of course it’s all baloney. He takes her to a restaurant and she keeps asking where Franz is. He finally tells her he’s been sent to Paris on a trip. Then he’s called to Ernest’s office. There, Manfred suggests that to get Yolanda back, he should so something to gain her confidence, like getting her boyfriend Mundo out of jail. He does that. Yolanda happily embraces her boyfriend as the prison warden tells him he’s free. Yolanda is ready to help him in his struggle for workers’ rights. [ed note: here, being called a communist wasn’t as bad as what the label came to signify in post-WWII. Remember this is 1934 and the shadow of fascism is spreading over Europe and the civil war in Spain will begin in 1936.]
 

PERLA

Anita commenting on Wednesday's epi (hours 5&6)- parte B

Miscellany
Ernest drops Franz off at the boat (probably because he doesn’t want a backlash from Franz) and he is surprised when he is met by Silvia instead of Manfred.

Silvia has told Lola, Manfred’s floozie, but heart-of-gold, girlfriend, about an old novio she is going to Paris with, Lola thinks it's Manfred, nope, Manfred tells Lola later when he sees her that it's Franz. She runs to Amelia to let her know Franz is off on a romantic trip with an old novio.

Amelia is excited when Cicero delivers a letter from Franz, but instead of the letter Franz actually wrote, it is one that Manfred and Ernesto conjured up, telling her he knows about her pregnancy and is not ready to be tied down and she should take the money Ernesto is offering her and never to come looking for her again. Amelia's whole world crashes.

Deb—You are correct, Ernesto’s other son is Viktor, who wants to be a painter and Hilda, who want to be a singer.

The aunt’s farm is in the interior and Mundo wants to go there to get Amy away from wagging tongues and what the Hausers might try to do to them. Yes, he wants Yolo to go with him, but it’s her decision. He *has* to take care of his sister and he knows she has to take care of her father, Venceslau. After they make love, maybe for the last time, Yolo slowly tells him no, she’s not going. That’s why he’s so elated when she runs out at the last minute (no suitcase) to get on the truck to go with him. Mundo has returned the money Ernesto sent in the letter (yeah—dirty money).

Deb—I wasn’t sure who ripped up Franz’ letter, but I guess it had to be someone in the vecindad, where the letters would come and someone who had been pressured to rip them up--so that would have to be Venceslau. Manfred and Ernesto cooked something up to put Venny in a position where he couldn’t say no—gambling debt?

The ring Franz took off—it probably was a ring with the family crest on it. He shoved it into his father’s hands.

The Other Ring—Franz went and picked out a pearl ring as an engagement ring for Amy before he left for Paris. We know he left it behind. It shows up in the next episode.

Deb—I’m still playing catch-up, but I just had to add a few words to try to entice others to watch. Will do as you ask, when I get there!
 

Perla

Anita- love your comments, they add so much color, yep, I can see Manfred and Lurch being cousins, and isn't Manfred the interesting character, we know he is the bad guy right from the get go, but he's plotting against a worse guy, Ernest, and he seems to want to do nice things for people, but we get fooled because it's part of Ernest's evil plans, but it's not always, maybe.

and Silvia (Jorgito's perfect girlfriend in AB) the only time her perpetual smile is genuine is when she thinks someone will die, I'm having a hard time watching her in AB.(I noticed Janaína from AB is her secretary in this one)

and Ernest, wow, he spends all day wandering around spewing poison.

I can see you are just as fascinated with all the work they put into this one as I am, do you want to jump for joy when the good guys get excited like I do?

and didn't Lola do a nice job at the start singing the song "Lola" in english, and wow, a fan dance, I forgot about those.

I'm really liking the history lesson, what amazing sets they built.

but alas daytime novelas don't really fly here, the only one I know about is Avenida Brasil, it had a daily recap for almost the whole show so people could keep up, and I think Jean was watching and commenting as well.

(also, you might want to keep in mind daytime novels are easily discarded by Telemundo)

So how do you think Perla is going to clean up this mess?
(she's latched onto Ananda's necklace that Franz showed her)

 

BAJO

Deb,

Thanks for the recaps -- and anyone else who wrote one. I had to stop watching
half way through Thursday's episode and just finished catching up late last night
after my family had left.

This novela is riveting. It seems to me that Rodrigo is fascinated by the feisty
Mati/Adela. She is such a sharp contrast to Greicy. I think he enjoys sparring with her. After his later encounter with her, he told Greicy in no uncertain terms that
they were staying there even though he knew that she wanted to leave and might be jealous. So, is Rodrigo now involved with 2 women as are the other men in this story?

Thanks as always to all commenters and recappers. I am caught up now and anxious for
tonight's episode.