Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Pasión y Poder #15 Martes 11/24/15


It's only been a few weeks in Mexico City but they've certainly been colorful. Far from the deliberate restraint of the Upper East Side and Newport, these people seem to wear their hearts on their sleeves. It will be interesting to see how that plays in the long term. At any rate, it's a refreshing change for now.

I'm going to need a few more moles to keep up with all this. There are 20 million stories in the Naked City and Aldo could write half of them without leaving his building. – D.D.


Chapter 15: Duellists

Julia was leaving the foundation when Monserrat appeared out of nowhere and threw herself at her feet.
You and I have nothing to talk about,” she said to her. Monserrat pleaded with her.
My life is in danger. Please listen to me.”
Eladio's watchdog masquerading as a security guard almost stepped into the situation but Julia motioned for him to back away. She got Monserrat to her feet and looked her in the eye.
Why are you saying your life is in danger?”
Señor Gómez Luna is capable of killing me if he loses you on my account.”
I can't believe Eladio would do anything like that. I think it better that you leave.”
He is capable of anything. You need to know. And please believe me.”
Therefore, Eladio told you to come to me.”
No, no, no. He doesn't know about this. I swear.”
Go into my office so we can talk.”
When Julia walked away Monserrat applauded her own performance.

Consuelo told Regina she thought Miguel was right. “Besides, you know how Daniela is.”   Regina nodded and Consuelo left to dress for a meeting. To prove their point, Miguel showed Regina his cell phone, the screen displaying the photo taken in the hotel corridor the night before. It had a caption: The rich also get wasted. Here is a snobbish girl. This is where the lady drinks.
How awful.”
Thank God Dad hasn't seen this yet. He'll want to teach her a lesson, but this would kill Nina.”
What stupid things she does.”

After lunch Monserrat met with Julia.
I know it wouldn't be the thing for you to give me another chance,” Monserrat said. “But I beg you, I can't lose my job.”
Then why didn't you think about that before you fooled around with my husband?”
No, I swear, Ma'am, there is nothing between your husband and me.”
I saw the two of you kissing,” Julia answered.
No, no, it wasn't like that. I was feeling bad because of my mother --”
Please,” said Julia. “I am not a fool. I know perfectly well what I saw.”
Monserrat paused for a second, then sat down on the chair in front of the desk.
I know I was standing very close to him,” she started, as Julia turned her back on her. “But please understand I was desperate and I foolishly thought I could convince him. It was all my fault. I didn't know what else to do. If my mother weren't dying –”
What does that have to do with all this?” Julia asked as she turned to face her.
She's very sick. And her husband asked whether I could contribute more toward the medical bills.”
And if you can't? What will happen”
Nothing. Nothing. If I weren't this desperate I would never have done anything like this. Ma'am I swear to you on my mother that there is no relationship between your husband and me except work.”
Julia still didn't quite believe her.

Gabriela and Franco came in from outside and overheard the last part of this conversation. Franco started in the direction of Julia's voice, saying he needed to check up on her. Gabriela tried to hold him back as Monserrat tried begging again. Julia did not allow her to.
I want you to leave. I don't want you to return or to hear you anymore. I understand you.”
Thank you.”
Don't thank me, yet. Decide whatever you want, but I don't want you near my husband again.”
I swear you won't have any more problems with me.”
I hope so.” Franco chose that moment to enter.
Godmother, do you need anything?”
No, thanks, Franco. This lady is leaving. Please escort her.”
Excuse me,” Monserrat said. She left the room on her own, but first exchanged hateful glances with Franco and Andrea on her way out. Gabriela excused herself and went into Julia's office.
What did that woman want?”
Julia looked at her as though she already knew.

David was reading a message on his cell phone. It was obviously from Daniela, Mexico's own Paris Hilton, who blamed him for her having gotten blotto on an entire bottle of champagne. Francisco came in. He knew what had been going on with Regina and asked about it. The two guys talked about the two sisters and women in general. Francisco told him about Clara's neighbor and her medical problems.

Outside Franco was determined to have it out with Monserrat.
What made you go to my godmother?”
I had to clear up some things about her husband.”
No, no, no. You have nothing to do here. You came for nothing.”
Please help me. I have to get my job back. My mother is very ill –”
Don't try that one on me. I know perfectly well what happened between my godfather and you.”
I don't want you to misinterpret what happened between him and me,” Monserrat said over coffee.
He's told me everything.”
He was always good to me, that's all.”
What happened between you is your problem. What I can't permit is you bothering my godmother.”
I just wanted to clear up the problems so she would forgive me and I can go back to work again.”
In the worst way. How can you think to approach a wronged wife?”
I don't know. I hoped to convince her that nothing happened between Eladio and me and she would be grateful.”
Please, Monserrat. I thought you were smarter than that.”
And what would you suggest I have done?”
To begin with, respect my godmother. That's all. Leave the rest to me. I'll see that my godfather reconsiders your contract and gives you back your job.”
You'll really do this?”
Of course. But it will cost you. Don't think that I grant favors easily.”

Clara and Gisela had a disagreement. Clara paid rent to her and bought her share of the food. She was also helping Maribel. Gisela wanted to know more about Maribel's illness. Clara got up and left the room, leaving the older woman frustrated again.

Erick Montenegro sat on his bed nursing his bruises. Consuelo came into the bedroom and saw his injuries.
My love, what happened? You said you weren't going to drink anymore. And you got into a fight –” She touched his face. He pushed her away.
Leave me alone,” he said. “Now I've got a headache, too.”
We have to work on our marriage, my love. You come home drunk, beaten up --”
I fell. And I was working.”
Nobody would believe that.”
A client said something about Dad and we were supposed to be having fun and –” He laid on his back for a moment and mumbled something about cars which Consuelo didn't believe.
Let others do it. You are married.”
No. You don't know how I regret this. You know what? My life has been horrible since I married you. You don't know anything! My life is boring. No passion, no fun. Nothing. It's all gone.”

David explained to Francisco that Miguel agreed to help him get back together with Regina. As if by magic, his cell rang and he identified her number.
Miguel said you wanted to talk to me.”
Yes. Regina, you have to know what was really happening.”
They made arrangements to meet at a café. David ended the call and said it could all be solved if he and Regina confronted Daniela together.

Julia went to Eladio's office. He was not expecting her.
I have to talk to you.”
Please,” he said, pulling out a chair.
Monserrat came to me and told me the whole truth.”
Eladio stared, wide-eyed.

Consuelo confided in Miguel that she felt her husband was deceiving her. His recent drunkenness bothered her too. Miguel remembered her telling him about Monserrat and how she had denied that there was anything between them.
When are you going to stop asking about this?”
Until I get answers. Until I know what the truth is. I can't have any more doubts. How do I do that?”
What do you want to know?”
Where he is, whom he's with, whom he's talking to.”
Well, you could track his cell phone, retrieve deleted [borrados] messages and e-mails going back some time. But are you sure this is what you want to do?”
Yes.”
Very well. It will take a little effort, but it can be done. I'll do it for you.”

And what did she tell you?”
That she lost her job and income. She asked me to stop you firing her. She needs her job very much.”
No, no, no. If she lost it it's because she caused you to doubt me.”
He was implacable, but behaved in a calm, business-like manner.
When she finally talked about Monserrat's mother, Julia thought about her father. “Ironic, isn't it?”
No, no. I agreed to pay your father's medical expenses and I will continue to.” He touched her arm, which she did not reach back to him. “But with respect to Monserrat I will say no.”
This may sound strange, but I want you to give her job back to her.”
Wow.” He seemed confounded.
I don't want her mother to die. The only thing I asked was that she not go anywhere near you. Near my husband.”
I agree. I don't either. That's why I fired her. When does she expect me to renew her contract?”
That's all I came here to tell you. Thank you.” She turned to leave.
Don't leave yet; wait a minute. I want you to hear what I'm going to tell Monserrat.”

Franco returned to the office. He approached Mirinita.
Is my godmother here?”
Yes. She's in his office. I put on the perfume you suggested and followed the rest of your instructions.”
Perfect.” The phone rang. Eladio was giving instructions.
He wants me to get Monserrat on the phone.”
It's like I said. Listen well.”
She picked up the phone to place the call and Franco silently placed himself outside the closed office door.
Eladio, I'm sorry. I'm not comfortable with this. It's not necessary.”
Please,” he said. “Just this one favor.”
Sir? We're ready,” came Mirinita's voice on the speakerphone.
Thanks. Monserrat? Eladio Gómez Luna speaking.”
How good of you to call,” she said. She was at home on her own phone. Aldo was sitting at her dining table. “I went to see your wife to – ”
Yes, yes. She told me. It's the least I could do. Since she knows that there is nothing between us it pleases me to do as she asked. I am reinstating your job.” He was not enjoying this conversation.
Thank you very much, sir. I assure you there will be no problems from now on.”
It better be. In no way will I have anything to do with you again. From this day forward you will deal only with the ad agency. Do you understand?”
Yes.”
He ended the call and looked at Julia. Her expression showed that she still doubted the situation.
I would have preferred to hire another model to take her place.”
Thanks for taking care of this. I'm going. I have a lot of things to do at the foundation.”
Please, I'll see you out.”
Thanks again.”
He escorted her to the door and closed it behind her. He was even more confounded by this turn of events.

He gave me my job back!” Monserrat announced to Aldo. He started to applaud. He picked her up and spun her around. Monserrat handed Aldo a drink.
I never doubted that his wife would be such an idiot.”
Now behave yourself!” Aldo said. “You got what you wanted.”
Nothing more than a matter of pride. I'll take this husband from his wife.”
So who really was the idiot here?

Franco went into Eladio's office and Eladio talked about what happened. He was writing out a check. He was not happy to not be cancelling Monserrat's contract. He left the office with the checkbook. Franco went to the phone and Mirinita entered, closing the door behind her.
Your godfather, did he do it?”
No. But at least this woman will think she owes me a favor. That's what I'm going to take advantage of.”

Francisco told Clara his friend David was providing money for the trip expenses for her friend's family. She was thrilled to pieces.

Eladio arrived at Monserrat's residence. She was happy to see him until she noticed his stony expression. He was determined to force her to have an abortion. In view of his discovery of her dalliance with Erick Montenegro he couldn't be sure that her fetus was his. It had never occurred to him that his own selfishness in sexual matters might be the cause of her infidelity.
Nothing happened between him and me. I swear to –”
You tart, you don't fool around with the son of an enemy. Especially a Montenegro. This bastardy can't happen a second time.”
A second time?”
Don't be a busybody. I know my own business. Now make an appointment with the doctor.”
Eladio, my love, I can't – ”
Make that appointment! Do as you're told or you can forget all this –” he gestured around the apartment. “And also your life.”
Very well. If that's what you want.”
He took out a white number 10 envelope.
Take it. It's a lot of money.” When she didn't he tossed it on the dining table. “I don't want any more surprises after this.” As she took the envelope he seized the back of her neck. “Did you get that? And after, I want proof that you aren't pregnant.” She did not respond at first. “Huh? Eh?”
Very well.” He released her and she faced him. “I'll do what you say because I love you.”
He maneuvered himself behind her and put his arm across her throat.
And one more thing. Don't seek out my wife again.”
Of course not.”
Remember that.” He headed for the door.
You're not going to stay.”
No. I have a pending appointment with Montenegro.”
What do you want to get out of that?”
I going to put someone in charge to see that he disappears so you can't seek him out anymore.”
What are you going to do, Eladio? Please don't do anything crazy. I swear to you I won't see Erick again. I tell you. I only love you. Please, Eladio.”
He left without replying to her pathetic pleas.
She closed the door behind him and picked her cell phone up. She called Erick, who was passed out in his bed. Consuelo heard the phone and picked it up. She saw Monserrat's initials on the screen and knew it was she who was calling. She did not answer and Monserrat left a voicemail.
Erick, watch out for Eladio. He was furious and you know how violent he is. I'm very afraid he will do something to you.”
Monserrat never seemed to have learned the lesson that you don't play with fire if you can't stand the heat.

Regina and David met in the same place where they had encountered each other for the first time, across the street from the bridal shop. He was dressed in a dark grey suit, a white shirt, and a blue vest. She wore tan slacks, a basic black blouse and a pearl necklace. The meeting place was not chosen by accident.
It's true. I meant what I said that you and your sister are very different. But I meant to say that Daniela is the shadow and you are my light. You are marvelous. I love you, Regina. I don't have the least doubt.”
They kissed.
Regina pushed David away. She was not entirely convinced of his sincerity.
Don't think you can convince me with kisses and pretty words.”
But what more can I do? I'm only telling the truth.”
And what about Daniela?”
As I told you. She was only making a fool of me.”
Knowing her as I do I believe you. But it hurt a lot when you were comparing the two of us – ”
But I wasn't. Daniela talked like I was doing that on purpose. I wasn't, dear God. She wanted a laugh at your expense. She's getting revenge over what my father did. Isn't it better to confront her and make her stop being the little snob she is?”
You won't be able to. And I won't because I like myself as I am.”
Please, listen to me. Can you?”
Talk.”
We met by accident. We found each other. It was destiny. You came into my room, remember?”
Yes. It was a misunderstanding.”
If that was a misunderstanding, you came into my room. You entered my life and I ask you not to leave my side.”

Back in the hotel in Querétaro, Daniela came down the stairs and asked the desk clerk about David. Without her usual warpaint and exposed cleavage her favored weapons were not at her disposal that morning. She instead took some printed persuasion out of her wallet. The clerk found no indication that he changed his room or checked out, but the maid had told him that his bed hadn't been slept in. She asked about Regina and was told that she had left the previous evening. She was peeved. She hissed.
Guaranteed he followed her. Idiot.”

David and Regina went to a café to continue the conversation.
I last spoke to Daniela on the beach. Yes, you're both different. That's true. You mean a lot to me; that's why I'm here.”
I need to be sure you're telling the truth. After everything that's happened to me I've had a lot to think about. To begin with, it's realizing that our families hate each other.”
No, no.”
No. I'm sure that Daniela will make this worse.”
But we love each other.”
Yes, but I can't take this. I'm sorry. I'm not that strong.”

Nina was abusing Petra, one of her favorite pastimes. Why she was so obsessed with changing the cook's name was unfathomable to anyone who didn't know her well. But almost no one did or they would have known that Nina was obsessed with trivial things such as this. They talked about dinner that evening. Petra wanted to know what to cook.
Well, I have no idea,” Nina said.
How about one of Regina's favorite dishes to welcome her home?”
Nina is here?” Miguel came out of the study during this conversation. He was holding his tablet.
She came in last night, but very late.”
Is she upstairs?”
No, she went out, but I don't know where. It was early; the rest of you were all still asleep.” She then noticed Miguel. “Hello, Miguel.”
Hello, Petra.” He looked at Nina.
Hey? What's with you? Why are you looking at me like that?”
Nothing. I was just thinking that you are interested in nothing.”
As usual, Nina ignored his point.
I know Regina is here and I'm very peeved she didn't come to see me.”
No, it's not just about that. It's about this.” He handed his tablet to her. She looked down at the tabloid photo of Daniela with its headline.
No, no, no; it can't be! Arturo must have seen this.”
I can't say. It came in early this morning.”
No, no, this can't be.”
It looks like your pet has behaved very badly.”
Petra took the tablet away for a peek, but Nina snatched it back just as quickly.
Don't be such a busybody. Get back to work!” she demanded. “Immediately!”
Petra departed, unable to speak clearly. Nina's cell rang and she handed the tablet back to Miguel.
Hello. Oh, Claus. No, I didn't see it. You know I think that digital things are insignificant. Of course; I only depend on magazines. My daughter? Oh, that has to be... I don't know. A photo montage. Are you sure? My daughter is not capable of behaving like that. You know, people can't stand that we are important. So they don't stop bothering us. Listen, I have to go. I have a lot to do.” A fake kiss sound later she ended the call. When she looked up at Miguel she hated him all the more for having heard every word of her end.

You're not alone, Regina. We're together. We're a couple. We can put Daniela in her place.”
You think it's easy, but I know her. She is capricious. You can't advise her.”
I don't love her. She can't make me. Since you came along I'm not interested in anyone else. It's me for you and you for me. Why don't I call her and tell her I love you and not to bother me?” His cell rang and he saw Daniela's name. “See? It's her and we're together. It's a sign. Why don't we answer?”
Regina took his phone.
No. Because Daniela will not stop until you get back together with her.”
David took his phone back and put it unanswered in his pocket.
So she can show up and insist a thousand times. I won't fall for it.”
The first thing she will do then is tell our father that I'm with a Gómez Luna. This will become a horrible fight. You know that.”
Don't be afraid. We're together. We're a couple. We'll face it together.”
David, understand me. I just got out of a horrible relationship and don't want to suffer anymore. I don't have the strength to fight.”
Are you telling the truth?”
Yes. We don't need any more drama than we've had. Don't look for me again, please.”
She got up to leave, but he jumped up to catch her at the door.
David tried again to persuade Regina to stand up for their relationship but she was sure she would be unable to. “I've made my decision. The first or the second or third time Daniela tries something I'll be able to contain my temper. But that won't last.”
You know what the worst thing is? It's that you don't have confidence in yourself.”
This is the story of my life! It's always been like this. That's why I didn't marry Joshua. Because of Daniela. I don't want to see you with her; I'd prefer to go.”
Very well. I won't insist on it. But it's a pity you're letting her win by giving up without a fight. It's for our love, Regina.”
He left without kissing her. She stood there, wondering whether she would always be alone.

Daniela sat on the hotel steps looking at her cell phone. She saw the embarrassing photo. So did the girl who took it and posted it, who came down the stairs. Daniela didn't panic, but wasn't happy.
Nina, however, did seem in a state of panic.
That girl has to hear me,” she said while trying to call her. She got her voicemail. “Daniela, call me as soon as you get this message. It's urgent.” She ended the call and noticed that Miguel was still in the room. “Miguel, please come over here.”
He complied, mostly out of curiosity.
You know all about internet stuff; it's that one of your specialties? Can you remove this photo of Daniela before Arturo sees it?”
No. I can't because I didn't post it.”
Nina moved in closer, touched his arm, and said “Try to.” Her tone was inappropriately seductive.
Sorry, but I can't. There's nothing I can do about it. Excuse me.” He left and went upstairs. She stood in the foyer not knowing what to do next.

Erick regained consciousness and looked at his cell phone. Much more time had passed than he anticipated. He listened to Monserrat's voicemail. Consuelo appeared as he put the phone down.
Why didn't you wake me up?”
Because you didn't you ask me.” She became sarcastic. “You'd think after all that work your father would let you have the morning off.”
He's very exacting, more every day. You'd think you'd stop bothering me about it. Intolerable.”
He went to the bathroom.

Arturo was at the office, annoyed with Erick's failure to come in. He confided in Augustin about what happened that morning. Augustin made his headache a bit worse by showing him his pending migraine. When Arturo saw the photo he called Daniela immediately. When she saw that he was calling she was afraid enough to turn off the phone. Arturo made another call and ordered his chauffeur Fermin to look for Daniela and bring her home immediately.

Daniela called Nina, who demanded to know what the hell she was thinking. “Do you know what your father will think when he sees this?”
Yes. He called but I didn't answer. That's why I'm calling you. You have to help me.”
You have really done it this time.”
You know how those envious people are. They do this to bother me. I was drunk. I just wanted to be able to sleep, Mother.”
Well, the photo I saw looked like something else.”
That's how it was. I promise you.”
Daniela, when your father sees this he will be furious.”
That's why you have to help me,” she whined.
You know things are going very badly with him right now. And you're just complicating things more.”
Oh, come on, Mother. You always can. Tell me you're gonna help me.”
Fermin appeared before her at that moment.
Your father sent me to bring you back to Mexico, Miss.”
Nina recognized his voice over the phone.
Go away,” Daniela said. “Tell him you didn't see me.”
He said that if you refuse to return I am to call him.”
Mother, I think Dad knows. Calm him down, please. I beg you.” She ended the call.

Arturo received a message from Fermin about Daniela's return. He wasn't sure what to do. All he knew was that this couldn't continue. Augustin couldn't restrain himself this time.
Arturo, I imagine it's hard to have a firm hand with one's children. But it's better to do so before something bad happens.”
Yes, I know. But I don't know everything.”

Maribel's pain medication was not working for her. Clara tried to get her excited about going to Acapulco. Consuelo arrived to see Clara and talk about Erick. She felt like a fool.

Julia talked with Gabriela about what had happened in Eladio's office. She had to work so hard to trust him. Gabriela asked why and she reminded her about her father's medical bills. Gabriela left the office for the day and Julia looked in a box she dared not keep at home. It contained Arturo's letters and photos.

Eladio arrived at Arturo's company and demanded to see him. His timing was perfect because Arturo was about to leave for another confrontation.
What are you doing here?”
My business isn't with you. I'm looking for your junior.”
You were the one who hit him?”
If he messes with that which is mine, you can be sure he'll come out the worse for it.”
Arturo grabbed his lapels.
Don't you mess with my family.”
El Callao backed Eladio, who shook himself free.
Let go of me.” He looked like he was going to laugh, but Arturo hit him with a right cross, knocking him over. He then pushed Augustin back saying “Don't interfere.”
Eladio got up and realized his lip was cut. Both shoved their seconds out of the way, then Eladio hit Arturo with equal force except that he drew no blood.
That's about Julia. What's with you? You can't handle that she's happy with me?”
Don't you bother my family again! You were the one who meddled with my website.”
I don't know what you're talking about.”
Eladio, calm down, please,” said Augustin, stepping in between.
I said I came here to talk to your junior.”
Stay away from my son.”
Stop defending him because he's good for nothing.”

Despite being restrained by their seconds, their duel was going to continue.

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Comments:
Urban, another superb recap, replete with all important conversation translations. I cannot stress enough how informative your providing the dialog is.

"Far from the deliberate restraint of the Upper East Side and Newport, these people seem to wear their hearts on their sleeves" and "She instead took some printed persuasion out of her wallet" were among my favorites.

Not sure if I should be guilty and/or ashamed as I like so few of these characters yet am riveted to the screen to see what transpires next.

"My life has been horrible since I married you. You don't know anything! My life is boring. No passion, no fun. Nothing. It's all gone.” Just the loving, expressive words every wife longs to hear. Erick represents the dregs of humanity along with Eladio and Franco. I cannot think of one good or kind word uttered or deed done by any.

“Nothing more than a matter of pride. I'll take this husband from his wife.” Does Monse really believe she can steal Eladio away? First of all, he loves Julia (in his own controlling demonic way of course). Second, she will be fortunate if she ends up alive by the end, let alone ever becoming Eladio's wife. Do the threats fall on deaf ears? Does the choking not convey enough anger?

Petra makes me smile and her grabbing the tablet from Nina, staring wide eyed was one of the very few moments of levity.

Franco is despicable and an opportunist. Does Gabriela see none of this?

I think Julia knows who and what Eladio is deep in her heart. She wants to believe him but she clearly doesn't. When she lovingly touched Arturo's love letters, there was no doubt she still loves him.

The only thing clear to me is that Nina and Eladio would have been a match made in heaven. Or hell. But like did not seek like, certainly in this case.

Thank you UA!

Diana
 

Fabulous recap, Urban! Two in a week, and especially during Thanksgiving prep. Thank you.

I believe the photos in the box were photos of David (that's what the label said) since Eladio doesn't want them in the house. But I'm sure she also has some Art photos, all g with the stack of his love letters. How soon until Eladio finds that box?

Also Eladio was mumbling that he wasn't going to be fooled into assuming paternity for another Montenegro bastard (assuming the first is David) when he ordered Monse to get the abortion. And when she asked what he meant, he said he knows his own business.

If Julia can't find it in her to play at happy families anymore, then she's going to have to come up with a new plan. Not that her happiness with Eladio during the brief hornymoon was real, but at least it kept the peace. If she keeps showing her scorn this way, it won't be long until old, angry Eladio is back permanently. And nobody (including us) wants that.
 

About the trip to Acupulco for the random poor family who are tangentially connected to our main players-- It was David who arranged for an all expenses paid trip for them for a week in one of the Gomez Luna hotels. He did this right after Francisco told him about Maribel's cancer, and said sometimes it's actually good to be a Gomez Luna when he can do things like this.
 

Diana, there are many examples of great films with unlikable and non-admirable characters. Film noir (one of my favorite genres) is full of them. Televisa could do a great remake of Double Indemnity with the right actors. Of course, it would have to play more like Body Heat, which is noir at its hottest.

I don't think Franco allows Gabriela to see his darker side. To her he's a handsome knight with roses and boxes of chocolates and he's probably good in bed because he knows that would get him better sex. Mirinita knows that darker side but she has the same one. They are a perfect match.

MonserratT is truly stupid. You can't fix crazy and you can't fix stupid. I predict that Eladio will eventually kill her based on this episode.
 

Vivi, I made the changes. I didn't have time to watch the episode a second time to proof for such things and I don't want mistakes in what could exist in remote digital posterity.

Thinking that Arturo will be on the warpath tonight between Erick's incredible stupidity and Daniela's little stunt. I'd recommend sending her to rehab and cutting back his credit cards even more. And get a separate bedroom for himself.

Consuelo needs to divorce Erick yesterday. I realize she's in this out of some delusion that he ever loved her in the first place and this would also lose her Miguel, Regina, and Arturo who do love her. She now has proof that both he and Monserrat lied to her and are laughing at her behind her back. That is not forgivable.
 

Fantastic recap UA!

Listening to the theme music last night and watching the events unfold, I'm starting to think we are getting the TN version of Game of Thrones but thinning it down to only three families.

Admittedly, I'm sort of getting MEH on watching Maribel and her ongoing tears on dying. Really wrong of me last night to think "Oh, just die already". I know...TN's bring out the worst in me.

As for the main families, Miguel is definitely coming out of the shadows as everyone's go to guy. Now if Arturo was smart, he'd kick Erick to the curb and install Miguel in the company. I agree Connie needs to divorce him, and she has a career she can fall back on and get out of that house. I still have a hard time thinking Erick is Arturo's son. He must have picked up every dominant gene Nina has.

It was such fun to watch Nina imploding over Daniela. Reap what you sow my dear. You taught her well. We know there's too much of this story left that Daniela won't be a problem and Gina is smart to warn David that they haven't heard the last of her no matter what they decide. Her mother taught her that with the right use of her sexual side she should be able to win anyone over. How did that work for you Nina with Miguel? (Lord, that was plain disgusting and loved it when he told her Not happening step-mumsy).

Still say Monse will not end up well. Stupid is as stupid does. Good lord woman, take the money and run for cripes sake.

And I'm still having a tough time with Julia. After 20 years of abuse, why she is "hurt" and probably leaning to want to believe Eladio and horrors, get back with him is beyond me. All I got is she stays because of her jerk of a father and make sure he's living in style at the best money can buy in senior living. Talk about "oh die already". That sure would solve her problem too.

Daisynjay

 

I was also laughing at Nina's distress over the photo. She deserved every microsecond of that. She has herself to blame for it, but she will never face that.

Arturo is on his way to a complete light-bulb minute, which will lead to a nasty confrontation with Nina, possibly to be followed by separate bedrooms. One of the advantages of maturity is a lesser risk of being ruled by one's hormones.
 

How in the world you get all the dialog in is beyond me. Thanks UA

"Mexico's own Paris Hilton"

Gawd, SG playing another idiot like she did in Por Siempre Mi Amor. Somebody give this stellar actress a meaty role. After seeing her in La Sombra I'm spoiled.

Ok, I understand Regina's logic and futility she feels in pursuing the relationship but she is pointing the finger all at David. Didn't her ex fiancee just blow up an award presentation with a proposal and punches?


 

You mean Joshua, don't you?

I suspect that Daniela is actually Regina's primary problem because she's been doing this all her life. I doubt she's known Joshua remotely as long. She also doesn't know what we know, which is that he is being stage-managed by both Nina and Daniela.

What I am picturing in the future is Nina and Daniela teaming up against Regina with an organized campaign to gaslight her out of the family. Nina probably got a big kick out of Daniela stealing Joshua from Regina because she would do that to her own sister (if she has/had one). She loves Regina's distress and blows it up to more than it is to make Regina sound like the nasty drama queen that she herself is. That is one of the most telling behaviors in narcissists.

When she finds out about Regina and David she will take it very personally.

As to Vivi's earlier comment about Eladio's accusation that David is Arturo's child, this is all about how he gaslights Julia. There is no good reason to avoid a DNA test, only so that he always can hold this over her head.
 

I don't think Regina was throwing it all on David. She admitted she's a coward and just can't deal with fighting Daniela AND her whole family over David. Plus, having just had a major blow up in her last relationship, has sapped her strength. Where she insulted him, and he pointed it out, was in thinking that sooner or later, he would fall for Dani's charms, as every man she has ever known has. To be fair, he DID already fall for Dan's charms at the beach, so...not a crazy assumption.
 

Thank you for the wonderful recap, UA. I'm particularly enjoying your framing device.

I especially liked this line:
"There are 20 million stories in the Naked City and Aldo could write half of them without leaving his building."
Hah!

It struck me that what Regina told David made perfect sense – if they had any sense (which, of course, they don't), they would run like hell from each other (which, of course, they won't). After all, they hardly know each other, despite their strong mutual attraction. Any serious relationship either one had with ANYONE would be fraught with complications, given the family and emotional baggage they each carry, but TOGETHER – ay ay ay!. It's the stuff of telenovelas! :-)
 

Yes, indeed. A cliche to add to the list if we haven't already: Romeo and Juliet protagonists.

To an earlier point, I will translate dialogue when I think it's important to. These two novelas are particularly rich in revealing dialogue and that is what takes time here. I also reorder scenes for this one because it becomes more literary and caters less to the short attention spans that TV and movies have been caving to for the last two or three decades.

This story could probably have been told in noir style, but considering the title and the character descriptions and motivations I feel it's in the right voice now. Dominick Dunne was an investigative journalist before he wrote for Vanity Fair so he has the world-weariness of a Raymond Chandler with the appropriate veneer of an Edith Wharton to spy among the rich and shameless.
 

Well, Romeo and Juliet-lite – because in the end, these two will almost certainly be left standing.
 

If we are going to call Romeo and Juliet (two lovers from families at war) a telenovela cliche, we might as well say that the two main lovers having to confront evil people who want to keep them apart is a cliche too. I mean, some things are just at the heart of what a telenovela IS. You can have a telenovela without a fake pregnancy (cliche). But you can't have one without evil/scorned people, and without lovers trying against all odds and obstacles to be happy together.
 

I don't know, Vivi. Should we class it up and call it a trope? All telenovela lovers have to overcome obstacles, but that doesn't always mean powerful, warring families.
 

Erick will probably end up killing Montserrat, not Eladio. He probably doesn't even remember saying that nasty stuff to Consuelo.

Nina & Eladio would NOT make a good match. Eladio would see straight through Nina and her manipulations. Nina would not stand for being controlled by Eladio. A Nina/Eladio match would not end well.

We will know if Eladio really does believe David is Arturo's son when he finds out David slept with Daniela & is courting Regina. If David really IS Arturo's son, he has committed incest with one sister & getting ready to with the other. If he TRULY believes David is Arturo's son, he will either be horrified that David had sex with his sister/going to have sex with his sister OR will be pleased b/c the incest between David & his sisters will destroy the Montenegro family.

Eladio cannot have a DNA test done on David to confirm that Dave is Art's son because if that's the case, there's no real need for Julia to stick around, especially after her father dies.

Arturo will hit the roof when he finds out all of what Paris Montenegro has been up to.
 

Thank you UA for assuming correctly my intent of the praise heaped on you by me. It does read well.

The demise of the engagement to Joshua didn't begin with Daniela and Regina should send her a thank you card. Absent the in your face kiss, Regina would be marrying the clown right about now.

I don't think David partying and having a weekend tryst with a girl he met on a yacht odd or his choice of Daniela damning. He was single, recently out of university and in Cancun. Unattached, young hot bod boy meets hot bod girl, let's party.
 

Now, the families don't have to be powerful to be warring. But the warring families is one of a few reasons why people outside of the couple would feel the need to try to separate them for 100+ episodes. Standard reasons for trying to separate the couple: race; religion; socio-economic status; greed; jealousy; obsession; and long-held feuds originally started by the previous reasons.
 

"The demise of the engagement to Joshua didn't begin with Daniela and Regina should send her a thank you card. Absent the in your face kiss, Regina would be marrying the clown right about now."

Excellent point, Tofie! Do we file this one under The Law of Unintended Consequences?

Personally, I thought Joshua's response at the time of the accident (Let's leave the stranger bleeding in the street and get the hell out of here!) was a deal-breaker, or should have been.
 

Didn't Joshua actually try to pin the blame of the kiss on Regina because she had been cold to him after the accident in the hospital? Isn't that one of the things he lamely said after he finally admitted to the kiss? Even if the kiss hadn't happened, and they made it to the altar somehow, I think Regina would have been filing for divorce pretty soon after seeing Josh's true colors up close at home. She was already annoyed that he tried to convince her not to take the job in Queretaro, then with how he reacted to the accident. Yeah, catching Dani kissing him helped her dodge a bullet and avoid costly divorce lawyer fees.
 

Thanks, UA. Fabulous recap. Some of my favorites:

There are 20 million stories in the Naked City and Aldo could write half of them without leaving his building.

I'll take this husband from his wife.”
So who really was the idiot here?


Without her usual warpaint and exposed cleavage her favored weapons were not at her disposal that morning.

ITA Monteseratt is stupid and looking to get murdered. My order of who will potentially oblige her: Erick (stupid, mean, and a childish mess), Franco (stupid but thinks he's Machiavelli), Eladio (can control his temper when it suits him, but who knows). I just hope Consuelo doesn't get caught up in the wreckage.

Julia could get a DNA done herself. Also, if she really didn't want Eladio she would've encouraged Monteseratt to sex him up, but of course Julia is a good woman and not at all conniving. She's stuck with Eladio and trying to make the best of it, and that first consensual roll in the sheets after 20 years must've been not bad.

Poor Arturo. He's got two kids off the rails. One is enough.
 

Thanks for the recap UA. Your writing style is lovely.

Diana perfectly summed up my thoughts on Erick, Eladio, and Franco here: "Erick represents the dregs of humanity along with Eladio and Franco. I cannot think of one good or kind word uttered or deed done by any." I hope the writers bring give more time to the good guys.

Regina did get a gift from her sister with the "kiss" because as has been mentioned today, Josh is in line with the other winners (Erick, Eladio, and Franco). And that stunt he pulled at her ceremony deserved a beat down.

NM yes I think we should upgrade the obstacles to a trope.

 

Definitely trope.
 

UA--You covered everything we needed to "get it." Great recap, thank you. It was a special treat to have you doing double duty this week. Our heroine.

Vivi--The REAL Gomez Luna bastardo is Franco. Is he older than David? If he's younger, then he cheated on Julia with Caridad big time. She is his weak link. It's not only Gisela he has to fear will out his little secret. I think the David thing not being his son has been overused by him to keep Julia off-balance. He can't afford to have the DNA test because either way, he loses.

These characters, to me are all too two-dimensional. I'm not invested in any of them. I'm not even rooting for certain pairs at the end--have I become too jaded? (Or too full of tropes?) Whatever. So, wherever and whenever the anvils fall, I don't care. Even our pretty Regidonza--she'll survive without David and so will he, long after el Fin, with or without the other.

OTOH, I'm enjoying the fashion show by our Clothes-Horse, Nina. What WAS that get-up she was poured into last night? Was someone going to plant her in the garden and spray her with perfume to attract bees?
 

Anita- Oh yeah, we know the one who REALLY is hiding his kid's true parentage is Eladio. But it benefits him to believe Julia is the guilty one.
 

True confession time: Anita, I LOVED what Nina was wearing last night, though only she (or Marlene) could get away with it – Lilly Pulitzer goes Mexican!
 

Thanks UA, I totally fell asleep on this one. I always love the way that you put the TN into story form. You are awesome as always.

OK, I don't feel sorry for Julia...there, I've said it. She said with her "rapist" and allows herself to be mentally abused. She also allows him to berate and abuse her son. She did not have sex with the "rapist" for 20 years, but gets depressed when the "rapist" doesn't come home for dinner. Yeah, she did because I recapped it. Not only does she warn the mistress away from her "evil" husband, she helps the mistress by getting him to not cancel the contracts.

She now willing sleeps with her "rapist" (I'm gonna let that one go). Also, as someone mentioned, now she has freedoms...she can get the DNA test done. In the throws of passion, pull Eladio's hair hard and get some roots. Eladio won't notice, he'll just think he's a stud! Place the strands in the baggie and ship them off to the lab. Duh! According to her, Dave is 100% Eladio's so she can present him with solid proof and Eladio can shut it. Unless.....she's a liar and she's afraid of the results as well.
 

A SUPER GREAT recap today Urban and some SUPER GREAT comments as well. In fact there were many insightful comments today---a really good read.

Thanks Urban for giving us the info on Franco and Gabriela. I have been wondering as to what she sees in that (I'm a big shot) little pissant

Urban---I agree that probably Nina and Daniela will team up against Regina. Regina has admitted that she is the weaker sister and I think that all of her problems of the past will pale with what will come. She probably will be a lot stronger by the time this novela is over. Daniela might be she stronger willed but she will have David on her side. The two of them will strengthen each other.

LOL---Daniela as Mexico's Paris Hilton---now if Daniela only had blonde hair.

Thanks Vivi for the information on the Acapulco trip arranged by David. How nice of him.

I join the patio crowd that Montserrat won't be alive by the end of this tn.

Great comment anon207

The fight continues tonight
must see tv

the gringo
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

I don't think Franco is stupid enough to commit murder. He doesn't have a hair-trigger temper and I don't think MonserratT knows enough about any of Eladio's double-dealing to be a danger to him. Even if she fesses up about her servicing Eladio (while getting no satisfaction of her own) it won't matter because I don't think Julia really believed her lies. What got her was the Mother story which may or may not be true.

Franco has to be younger than David, but probably not by much. I think someone said he was a small child when Caridad went to prison; she is now there for about 20 years. So Franco is probably a year younger than David.

I also thought about Julia ordering the DNA test herself but unless it was done under US police chain-of-evidence procedure Eladio would still accuse her of lying. She isn't going to win this one until he dies in the finale (which I think is already foretold in the opening episode).
 

How ironic would it be if Caridad was pregnant with Franco by Eladio at about the same time that Arturo fooled around and got Miguel on the way?
 

Wouldn't/shouldn't there be some law against sending two sets of genetic material to be tested for two adults, when you are not one of the adults? Otherwise, couldn't anybody at any time pluck hairs from two random people and test if they are related to each other? Doesn't seem right. I would think the clinic would want proof that you are one of the people being tested, or the legal guardian of one of the people. Although David is Julia's child, he's an adult.
 

I have no idea whether there is any such law, but I don't see how Julia can win any way this could be done.

If this was in a US courtroom she would stand a chance because Eladio's constant accusations combined with his refusal to be tested would rile any honest judge into ordering a test with the appropriate evidence chain. Eladio would have a hard time bribing anyone for a false negative result and when David is proven to be his son he would have to pay big for all the emotional damage he's done since the wedding night.

However, in the misogynistic world of telenovelas he could always find someone to bribe to get the negative result and a way to cut Julia and David loose if he wanted to and if he didn't he could use this to torture them both until he's dead himself. Status quo.
 

Niecie--Interesting point about Miguel and Franco. We do know from what Artie told Julia the other night that Susana died in childbirth (they had to have been married about 7-8 months) and when he thought about Julia again, she was already married to Eladio and David was just being born (9 months for sure, if the honeymoon rape and a 20-year dry spell is to be believed). It had to have been fairly close or Eladio wouldn't constantly be accusing Julia of dallying with Arturo on the sly when she was getting married to him and thus produced a Montenegro (in his mind).

We don't really know the exact timeline, though--like how much time between Susana's death and Artie seeking Julia out, nor exactly how old Franco is. He and Miguel LOOK about the same age; he and Erick DO NOT look the same age (but we attribute that to casting error). Miguel is older than David by at least 1 year. Heck, what's the use trying to figure it out. Dang, writers, when you write the trailer-synopsis, why don't you just give us the ages.

The speculation here about Eladio going ballistic when he finds out David and Regidonza are seeing each other has merit. What will he do if he really believes David would be Regi's half brother. Maybe he will just hope they haven't actually had sex) and keep them apart on the basis that Montenegro is his enemy. Danny would be in the same boat with Regi. It's all moot if the two lovebirds say adieu for awhile.


 

Urban- Thank you so much. Just had the chance to watch the episode and to read your fabulous recap. Not much to add to what has already been said. Now I'm off to watch tonight's episode and see what happens next.
 

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