Saturday, January 30, 2016
El Hotel de los Secretos #5, 1/29/16 Friday: No Wonder They Set This Hotel In the Old MEPS Manicomio (Loony Bin)!
At a glance
-- Julio loses the brothel fistfight and Andrés’s life savings in one fell swoop.
-- Isabel tells Julio that she found an anonymous note in Diego’s office demanding money to keep quiet about what happened to Cristina.
-- Isabel and Julio almost kiss but are interrupted by Diego’s voice.
-- Isabel tells Julio that she found an anonymous note in Diego’s office demanding money to keep quiet about what happened to Cristina.
-- Isabel and Julio almost kiss but are interrupted by Diego’s voice.
-- Isabel confronts Diego about the blackmailing note. He denies the note was addressed to him and pins it all on Maestro Alcalá.
-- Belén and Andrés announce to their colleagues that they are novios, to the displeasure of Doña Ángela. Andrés later proposes to Belén and she accepts.
-- Alfredo announces that his mother will be visiting the Gran Hotel soon. Having a child is the condition that stopped him from receiving his inheritance. Sofía is squirming at the prospect of making the (inexistent) baby announcement to her suegra quite so soon.
-- Detective Ayala arrives in town and upon performing an autopsy on the dead prostitute, he finds the tip of a gold knife stuck to the bone, inside her stab wound.
-- Diego finds out that money was stolen from his office. He also receives an anonymous call related to the blackmail money from inside the hotel (most likely from Pascual). Diego gives his goon the extortion money and instructs him to eliminate the blackmailer.
-- Detective Ayala discovers that the murder weapon comes from the Gran Hotel’s collection of gold knives. The only people who had recent access to that cutlery drawer were Don Benjamín, Andrés and Julio.
-- Isabel and Julio have an awkward exchange of apologies over the near-smooch. She tells him about Diego’s claims that the note was addressed to Maestro Alcalá and reveals that Pascual is the only employee that got promoted since Cristina’s disappearance. She vows to help Julio find his sister and offers him her friendship. Julio later discovers that Maestro Alcalá was in Mérida, Yucatán, the night that Cristina disappeared.
-- Diego threatens Belén. She tells him she has a new man that’ll take care of her but doesn’t say it’s Andrés.
-- Ayala interrogates both Andrés, who has a solid alibi because he was in the hotel the night of the murder and Julio, who was in the village the night of the murder but came back early.
-- Upon finding out that the police will search his and Julio’s bedroom, Andrés rushes to hide Cristina’s blood-stained uniform, but the detective finds it.
-- Isabel follows Diego’s goon when he goes to deliver the blackmail money. The blackmailer knocks the goon out. Isabel falls while chasing the fleeing blackmailer and knocks herself out.
-- Isabel and Julio have an awkward exchange of apologies over the near-smooch. She tells him about Diego’s claims that the note was addressed to Maestro Alcalá and reveals that Pascual is the only employee that got promoted since Cristina’s disappearance. She vows to help Julio find his sister and offers him her friendship. Julio later discovers that Maestro Alcalá was in Mérida, Yucatán, the night that Cristina disappeared.
-- Diego threatens Belén. She tells him she has a new man that’ll take care of her but doesn’t say it’s Andrés.
-- Ayala interrogates both Andrés, who has a solid alibi because he was in the hotel the night of the murder and Julio, who was in the village the night of the murder but came back early.
-- Upon finding out that the police will search his and Julio’s bedroom, Andrés rushes to hide Cristina’s blood-stained uniform, but the detective finds it.
-- Isabel follows Diego’s goon when he goes to deliver the blackmail money. The blackmailer knocks the goon out. Isabel falls while chasing the fleeing blackmailer and knocks herself out.
A closer look
Maestro Alcalá’s piano recital is underway with a conspicuously absent Isabel. Meanwhile, Julio is getting walloped in the brothel (congal) by Genaro’s right hand man, as Andrés looks on with furrowed brows, no doubt waving his life savings goodbye. (Who in their right mind bets all their money on the skinny underfed guy winning fistfights with gorillas appointed by the brothel owner hosting said fistfights? Besides, doesn’t Andrés know that the (whore)house always wins?).
Isabel encounters the defeated champ and Andrés upon their return to the hotel and starts cleaning the open wound on Julio’s brow in the kitchen. They’re all alone and he sits there conveniently bare-chested, wincing at the right moments and making googly eyes at his crush. “I’m sorry”, she says and he tells her that she never has to apologize to him. She sits down facing him and reveals that she or someone ought to apologize because somebody hurt his sister. She says that she discovered an anonymous letter in Diego’s office where they demand money in exchange for keeping quiet over what happened to Cristina. “The money has to be delivered at the creek crossing (cruce del arroyo) tomorrow at 12 p.m.”, she pauses then adds with touching sincerity: “You are not alone, Julio, I swear you’re not alone”. He faces her and sustains her gaze in that special way that usually precedes a kiss. He moves in closer and she’s mesmerized (Beso! Beso! Beso!). Dastardly Diego yells “Isabel!” from the stairs and the magical moment is ruined (Maldita sea! No beso for us!). When Diego gets to the kitchen, Isabel and Julio are at a respectable distance from one another but, understandably, Diego demands an explanation. After all, his fiancée has been MIA all evening only to be discovered “downstairs” with a bare-chested cutie pie. Andrés arrives at this precise moment to provide the perfect excuse. He invents that Julio fell down while trying to change some lightbulbs that had exploded (se reventaron las bombillas), that’s why they called Ms. Isabel, the medical student, to the rescue. She gives instructions to Andrés for dressing Julio’s wound and leaves with Diego. Julio thanks Andrés for saving his behind but Andrés is visibly mad. (That roll of money he lost in the bet looked pretty big to me).
Diego accompanies Isabel to her sleeping quarters, huffing and puffing: “You preferred to abandon me to help a simple waiter!”. She retorts that there is no need to exaggerate, after all she only missed a simple recital with people her mother invites just to make a good impression (quedar bien) and flaunt her jewelry (lucir sus joyas). Apparently, Terrible Teresa doesn’t even like music (There’s an unredeemable villainess for you right there! Who doesn’t like music? Heartless people, that’s who!). Diego doesn’t let it go, so Isabel tells him that she has every right to make her own decisions. “Like the decision to sneak into my office? I find it contradictory that you demand respect when you are not prepared to give it.” He poked the monster because Isabel snaps back that respect between them starts with telling the truth! She confronts him about the letter she found in his office: “Who’s extorting money from you? What happened to Cristina Olmedo?”
As Diego fumes and ponders a satisfactory lie, we are teleported to Andrés and Julio’s bedroom which has been taken over by Maestro Alcalá’s fluffy canines. Andrés is still in a huff and gives Julio the silent treatment.
“Do you think that anonymous note was addressed to me? Do you really think I am capable of doing such a thing? Isabel, this hotel is my house, my family. Your father saved me when he gave me shelter (cobijo). I would never do anything that would harm any of you.” (This is all nice but doesn’t answer the question). She apologizes for going into his office and pleads with him to tell her the truth; if they want to treat one another with respect, there needs to be trust between them. He pins everything on Maestro Alcalá: the pianist was the one who received the blackmailing note and, though he insists he did nothing to Cristina, he still doesn’t want scandals which is why he turned to Diego for help. Diego piles flattery and lies on Isabel: she’s wonderful, he considers her his equal, he trusts her completely and he will never let her get involved in anything risky so she should please just let him handle this blackmail business his way. A bamboozled Isabel acquiesces but she dodges his kiss by tilting her head forward. He frustratingly plants a peck on her forehead and as he turns to leave, he declares: “What a blessing to know that I’m not alone in this life. Rest well, my dear.” The thought seems to terrify her. What a contrast to her touching promise to Julio that he is not alone.
Julio can’t sleep. He gets up, looks at a locket that contains pictures of his sister Cristina and him then stares out the window at the dark night, overcome by emotion and worry. The split screen shows us that Isabel is also standing by her window. She smiles at the moon as she undresses.
The next morning, we meet a corpulent gentleman staring impatiently at his pocket watch on the train platform. The short and squeamish police officer who retrieved the prostitute’s corpse in the previous episode rushes to meet him. “Detective Serapio Ayala from the Gendarmerie Corps of the state capital” says the detective. He flashes his watch to mark his annoyance at the tardiness of Pint-sized Policeman, who introduces himself as Agent Dagoberto Suárez. “Accompany me to the morgue,” says Ayala, “it is disrespectful to let a corpse wait, even if they have all of eternity ahead of them.”
Back at the Gran Manicomio, I mean Gran Hotel, a bellboy pleads with chambermaid Rocío to help him with the Maestro’s army of pooches. She is wise enough to run away. Breakfast is being served to the help. Belén receives congratulations from fellow chambermaids for being reinstated in her post. She says she couldn’t have done it without her “novio”, thus announcing to the group that Andrés and her are an item. She coos over him to Doña Ángela’s discontent. Belén asks Andrés where he’ll be sitting for breakfast, he says that he’ll sit with the waiters. “And me?” (Jeezaloo, lady! Andrés loves you even though you don’t have the most respectable reputation and you’re pregnant with another man’s child. Must you add “needy” and “whingy” to the mix?) “You are in my heart always but here we must adhere to the forms”, replies the cute but gullible boy. “To me the only form that matters is that of your mouth!” (spoken like a true ho!) then she plants a wet one on him as their colleagues ooh and Doña Ángela fumes. Don Benjamín calls the pair to order: “Señorita García, Señor Salinas, I’m going to have to ask you to reserve your displays of affection for outside. Here, you are in a place of work, not a house of ill repute (lupanar)!” Doña Ángela excuses herself. She lost her appetite. I understand.
In his office with his unnamed goon, Diego is hopping mad because he discovered that he’s missing a big wad of cash (the same one Felipe stole and bet on the congal fight, I presume). “Someone stole this money from me!” (No sh*t Sherlock!). The goon suggests that maybe somebody else entered Diego's office.
In the morgue, Detective Ayala is getting ready to perform an autopsy on Ximena’s corpse while Agent Dagoberto Suárez tries to keep the contents of his stomach, well, in his stomach. Ayala pities the poor señorita who ended up at the morgue in the flower of her youth. Dagoberto explains that in their village, the police has only had experience dealing with drunks and swine thieves (ladrones de marranos) but nothing like this. Oh, this fact jumps out indeed, Ayala couldn’t agree more. He explains to Dagoberto that they shouldn’t examine a corpse on a wooden surface that hasn’t been varnished (sin barnizar). Wood is an organic material and its own decomposition (podredumbre) could mess up an autopsy. Consequently, Ayala wants a metal sheet but he’s told that he can’t have it until next week, the village doesn’t have such fancy schmancy stuff. Ayala tries for a stone sheet. Negative, replies Dagoberto: “Like I told you, Detective, we’re not used to handling corpses here.”
Alfredo excitedly shows his wife a telegram from his mother. She’s coming to the Gran Hotel! Yipeeee... not. Sofía is not a happy camper. Alfredo can’t wait to tell his mother that she is going to be a Grandma. Despite Sofía calling for caution, after all her mother-in-law does not like her, Alfredo wants to share the happy news as soon as possible. He gloats about his paternity to his father’s picture (who hangs a picture of their dad over their marital bed?): “You see, Dad? It was in vain for you to die in a fit of rage. I am a man in every sense of the word (un hombre hecho y derecho)! And you thinking I could never have a child!” He turns to Sofía: “Thanks to you my love and thanks to our beautiful baby, I can fulfill all the conditions of my father’s testament and we are rich! We are rich! We are rich, my love!” (and another piece of the puzzle falls into place). Alfredo is so ecstatic at the prospect of receiving his inheritance that he replies to his mother’s telegram in the spa. He promises her a lovely surprise when she comes to visit them then he and his swimming onesie slip into the hot hub to melt away the stress of doing sweet Fanny Adams all day long.
Back at the morgue, Ayala discusses the murder weapon with Dagoberto: “Your report says that a white weapon (arma blanca) caused the mortal wound, but it doesn’t specify the type of weapon.” Dagoberto is confused: “Well, it’s white. You just said it yourself.” Ayala inquires further: “Yes, but which is it?” then he enumerates a list of bladed weapons. Dagoberto suggests a pick since they are in miner country. Ayala discards the possibility since picks cause more “spectacular” wounds and this is a clean stab wound (una cuchillada limpia). Ayala keeps probing the wound, while Dagoberto and I look away. Ayala deduces from the small cuts around the wound (cortes pequeños alrededor de la herida) that the killer had a hard time retrieving the murder weapon, which must certainly have been lodged in the bone. Ayala’s digging and poking finally pays off: he extracts the tip of a gold knife that broke inside the bone! (Which brings us all to this crucial question: What kind of a dumb criminal kills someone with a gold knife? Then having retrieved the broken GOLD knife, he does such a sloppy job disposing of the body? I don’t know about you but my money is on the drunk brother. Dumb and drunk is not a combo conducive to a perfect murder). Dagoberto tells Ayala that in this village, they all come from humble backgrounds; he can only think of one place where there could be a knife like this one.
Diego is in his office still but this time he's with Isabel. He asks whether she came back to his office, maybe she lost something the first time around... He receives a phone call asking whether the extortion money is ready. Diego rushes to reception and asks for Pascual, who seems to be upstairs helping new guests settle in. Since all external calls have to go through reception and the receptionist did not receive any in the past 30 minutes, then the call to Diego’s office must have been made internally. Diego goes looking for Pascual and asks him to bring him a sum of money from the hotel safe.
Julio apologizes to Andrés for making a mistake with him and with Isabel. He forgot his place and how things are, that’s why he is grateful to Andrés for the reminder. “If you don’t want to talk with me, then you’re going to talk to the person you really need to talk to.” Julio forcefully pushes Andrés into a room and stands guard at the closed door. Belén is in that room ironing something drab; Julio had advised her that Andrés had something very important to tell her. Andrés proposes. They smooch. That’s a yes.
Diego gives his enforcer the money and instructs him not to mess up this time. Apparently the goon was robbed before during an endeavor of a similar nature. “The money comes back. The blackmailer does not!” barks Diego.
Sofía rushes into her mother’s quarters, in a state of panic. She needs to talk to her urgently. Felipe is hot on her heels, equally panicked and just as eager to talk to their mother. They bicker about who was there first, then yell in quick succession: “Ma! It’s my mother-in-law!”, goes Sofía. “Ma! It’s the police!”, goes Felipe. Teresa considers this for a second, then decides that handling the police matter is more serious and urgent than Sofía’s scary suegra. Teresa calls the state capital and asks to be connected to the office of Judge Barreda.
Detective Ayala is waiting in Diego’s office and the latter claims he can handle the matter himself, there is no need to bother Doña Teresa, the hotel owner. Ayala insists on speaking with her all the same. She shows up and seems already aware that Ayala has a court order / a warrant (orden judicial) to investigate the murder of a young woman from the village. Ayala feigns surprise: “The news spread quickly in this village”, to which Teresa boasts: “The telephone is a fantastic invention, don’t you think?”. “Just as fantastic as it must be to have influential friends” retorts Ayala. Teresa tells him that her social customs are none of his business. He hopes that this won’t impede his investigation. Teresa insists that she is only preoccupied by her guests’ tranquility and a police interrogation does not exactly invite to relaxation or fit the illusion of peace that a successful hotel should be able to provide to its customers. Ayala assures her that there would be no disturbances; he’s just going to ask some of her employees a few questions, then he’ll proceed to search the rooms. “The rooms of the servants (la servidumbre), evidently”, specifies Teresa. “Evidently”, reassures Ayala with a hint of a smile that he quickly suppresses. Diego wants to know why the murder is tied to the Gran Hotel in the first place. Ayala shows them the tip of the gold knife. Diego and Teresa are impactados in the reserved and stoic manner that befits aristocrats.
As Don Benjamín accompanies the fuzz on their investigative mission, Teresa warns Diego to keep an eye on Ayala and make sure he doesn’t stick his nose where it doesn’t belong. Teresa leaves. Diego spots Belén and summons her to his office. He roughly invites her to sit down and demands to know why she is wearing her uniform. She teasingly replies that, although she knows he would be more pleased to see her take it off, she doesn’t think this is an opportune moment for that type of shenanigans. Diego is not amused so he chokes the truth out of her: Doña Teresa gave her back her job and now she has found a man who is willing to step up to the plate and shoulder the responsibility Diego evades. Diego is curious to find out the name of Belén’s chump. “No. It’s none of your business. And he’s not a chump because he sleeps warm every night, unlike you! The effects of abstinence are already starting to show!” He raises his hand to smack her, then I guess he remembers she’s right and thinks better of it. Belén gets up to leave and asks if the boss needs anything else. Diego says menacingly: “I don’t know why Doña Teresa forgave you, but I'm not letting you off the hook, because I am everywhere!”. Belén is unfazed: “Do as you please. I now have a man who can defend me.”
(Some of the following scenes are combined)
Don Benjamín shows the police where they keep their gold cutlery locked. He opens the drawer containing the knives and sure enough one of them is missing. Ayala wants to know the last time they did an inventory. Don Benjamín reveals that the last inventory of the cutlery (cubertería) and dinnerware (vajilla) happened recently and that two waiters helped him in this task: Andrés Salinas, whom he trusts fully and knows since he was a child and Julio Espinoza who joined the hotel staff not long ago.
The pregnant girl from the brothel pleads with Melibea, her awful mother, to let her keep the baby she is expecting. Melibea helps the girl wrap her belly and promises her that she’ll have new clothes made to hide her pregnancy from her uncle Genaro, the brothel's owner. We later see a brief scene with the pregnant girl and Jacinto, the Gran Hotel’s gardner, sitting close to one another in the village rustic laundromat but they don’t talk to or even acknowledge each other.
At Isabel’s door, Julio holds Isabel’s breakfast tray and dismisses her maid, Natalia, alleging that Doña Ángela requested her downstairs by name. He knocks and enters to be greeted by the sight of Isabel in her nunnish undergarments (she was fully covered, he didn’t see squat!) She closes the sliding doors that separate her bedroom from the rest of her suite. They stand on either side of the door, flirting coyly while she finishes getting dressed. He apologizes for the almost-kiss, without mentioning it by name. She says that his apology surmises that she has no will of her own and that she would’ve been passively subjected to the kiss that shan’t be named. He didn’t carry a pistol or a machete to force her to do something she didn’t want. He was worried about his sister and she, Isabel, was upset. Certainly, “it” would have been a mistake (desacierto) but a mistake on both their parts. Therefore, if he insists on apologizing, he must have the decency to treat her like an adult capable of committing her own blunders and he should accept her apology for an error she too was about to commit. They can’t afford the luxury of getting mixed up. He’s there to find his sister and her only purpose is to help him do so. Yada, yada, yada... Let’s be friends. Let’s address one another with the informal “tú” form. (Sorry but this conversation bored me to distraction). There is three crucial pieces of information to retain from Isabel and Julio’s encounter in her bedroom:
1) these two dig each other mucho;
2) Isabel found out in the employees’ ledger that Pascual was the only waiter to get promoted after Cristina’s disappearance during “The Lights Party”; and
3) Isabel found the blackmailing note in that same ledger and she tells Julio that upon confronting Diego about it, he claimed that Maestro Alcalá was the addressee. Julio suspects that Diego may be lying but Isabel doesn’t.
Meanwhile, Ayala interrogates Andrés who lists all the chores he had to perform on the night of the murder. There were so many of them that surely, Ayala concludes mockingly, Andrés would’ve been too exhausted to commit murder that night. Andrés says that his roommate can corroborate that he was in their room all night the night of the murder. His roommate is Julio Espinoza. Ayala’s ears perk up: “This is the second time today that I hear this name. I fancy meeting the guy.”
Andrés instinctively looks for Julio in Isabel’s room and sure enough, he is there. Julio goes to speak with Ayala. Julio denies stealing the murder weapon or knowing the victim. He went out to the village the night of the murder but he returned to the hotel early. Doña Ángela and Andrés can vouch for that. Ayala tells him not to stray away from the hotel. The detective has nothing against Julio but that does not automatically absolve him from suspicion.
Andrés is taking flowers to Belén and overhears Ayala interrogating her just as Ayala asks Doña Ángela’s permission to search Julio’s room. Andrés runs to retrieve Cristina’s blood-stained uniform from Julio’s closet. He hides it in a small cupboard in the corridor, right outside the room he shares with Julio.
In the meantime, Julio is bathing Maestro Alcalá’s dogs and finds out that the pianist was not even at the hotel during the “Lights Party”. He was giving a concert in Mérida that night.
Dagoberto did not find anything in Andrés and Julio’s room. Ayala asks him to start all over. In the meantime, Andrés is standing in the corridor because his mother had to go back to her chores and couldn’t be with the police while they search the room. Ayala notices how nervous the young man is and he catches him looking to the side a few times. Ayala opens the cupboard Andrés was eyeing anxiously. Bingo! Blood stained clothes!
Meanwhile, Isabel is playing Porfirian Nancy Drew and follows Diego’s goon through the woods to his rendez-vous with the mystery extortioner. She tails the oblivious goon in the most laughable scene of this episode. She makes so much noise and is only a few steps behind him but the gorilla is probably hard of hearing and has zero peripheral vision because he does not suspect a thing. Diego’s idiot goon reaches the creek crossing and gets whacked on the head with a stick. He keels over like a sack of potatoes (which I’m sure has a higher IQ than this moron). The culprit takes the bag of money and runs. Porfirian Nancy Drew has the genius idea to call after and chase the guy who just knocked her fiancé’s gorilla out of commission. Luckily, she falls, bangs her head and lays in the woods unconscious. But not to worry, Julio will certainly encounter sleeping (dumbass) beauty very soon, because just a few minutes before he asked Jacinto where the creek crossing was.
A quote from the capítulo
“¡No te me pegues como lapa!”*
* Teresa orders her good-for-nothing spawn to stop breathing down her neck as she tries to call her friend Judge Barreda: “Don’t stick to me like a mollusc!” (“lapa” is a kind of crustacean that lives stuck to rocks).
Your viewing vocabulario
(these definitions are context-specific, unless otherwise indicated)
Congal = a Mexican term for whorehouse.
Cruce del arroyo = creek crossing. “Cruce” means crossing, crossroads or intersection. “Arroyo” is a creek, a stream, a small river.
Se reventaron las bombillas = the lightbulbs exploded. “Reventarse” is to explode, to burst, to shatter. “Bombilla” is a lightbulb in peninsular Spanish. In Latin America, they tend to use “foco”. In addition to “foco”, a lightbulb is also called “un bombillo” in Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, “una ampolleta” in Chile and “una lamparita” or “una bombita” in Argentina. “Bombilla” in South American countries that drink Yerba Maté is the name of the metal straw that is used to drink that beverage.
Quedar bien = to make a good impression, to be in someone’s good books.
Lucir sus joyas = flaunt her jewelry.
Cobijo = shelter, refuge.
Lupanar = an archaic word for brothel, house of ill repute.
Ladrones de marranos = swine thieves. “Marrano” is a pig; the term can be used both literally and figuratively.
Barnizar = to varnish.
Podredumbre = decomposition, putrefaction.
Un hombre hecho y derecho = a man through and through, a man in every sense of the word. For a woman, we say “una mujer hecha y derecha”.
Arma blanca = cold weapon, white arm, bladed weapon.
Una cuchillada limpia = a clean stab wound. “Cuchillada” is a stab or a slash; from “cuchillo”, i.e. knife.
Cortes pequeños alrededor de la herida = small cuts around the wound.
Orden judicial = a warrant, a court order.
La servidumbre = the servants.
Cubertería = cutlery.
Vajilla = crockery, dinnerware.
Desacierto = error, mistake.
(For those interested, here is the list of cold weapons Detective Ayala jokingly enumerated during the autopsy)
Un estoque = “el estoque (de toreo)” is a bullfighting sword. Its particularity is that the edge of the blade (el filo de la hoja) does not cut but its tip (la punta) can perforate the skin.
Una sica = a "sica" is a large curved dagger mostly associated with the ancient Thracians.
Un alfanje = a cutlass (from the French “coutelas”) is a 17th century short sabre with a broad and slightly curved blade.
Un corvo = is a dagger with a curved blade measuring approximately 12 inches. It was used in Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879 -1883) that opposed that country to neighboring Peru and Bolivia. This dagger has been refined and is now part of the Chilean Army’s arsenal. It is also the traditional symbol of the Chilean Commandos.
Un espadín = a smallsword, also called “Épée de Cour”. It is the chronological intermediary between the "Rapier" (the swashbuckling thin pointed sword for thrusting attacks, used in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries) and the “Épée de Combat”, the light pointy 19th century thrusting sword that later evolved into the modern “Épée d’Escrime”, the largest weapon used in fencing.
Un mandoble = a basket-hilted sword. Pretty heavy.
Una falcata = The Iberian falcata is a curved bladed weapon that resembles the modern machete but is made entirely of iron, including its handle. It was used by the natives of the Iberian peninsula to fight the Roman conquest of Hispania (218 B.C. to 19 B.C.).
Una navaja = a pocketknife, a jackknife. Apparently, knives with foldable blades have existed since 600 B.C.! Color me impactada!
Una espada = a sword. A generic term that can encompass any type of sword.
Un pico = a pickaxe or pick.
(these definitions are context-specific, unless otherwise indicated)
Congal = a Mexican term for whorehouse.
Cruce del arroyo = creek crossing. “Cruce” means crossing, crossroads or intersection. “Arroyo” is a creek, a stream, a small river.
Se reventaron las bombillas = the lightbulbs exploded. “Reventarse” is to explode, to burst, to shatter. “Bombilla” is a lightbulb in peninsular Spanish. In Latin America, they tend to use “foco”. In addition to “foco”, a lightbulb is also called “un bombillo” in Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, “una ampolleta” in Chile and “una lamparita” or “una bombita” in Argentina. “Bombilla” in South American countries that drink Yerba Maté is the name of the metal straw that is used to drink that beverage.
Quedar bien = to make a good impression, to be in someone’s good books.
Lucir sus joyas = flaunt her jewelry.
Cobijo = shelter, refuge.
Lupanar = an archaic word for brothel, house of ill repute.
Ladrones de marranos = swine thieves. “Marrano” is a pig; the term can be used both literally and figuratively.
Barnizar = to varnish.
Podredumbre = decomposition, putrefaction.
Un hombre hecho y derecho = a man through and through, a man in every sense of the word. For a woman, we say “una mujer hecha y derecha”.
Arma blanca = cold weapon, white arm, bladed weapon.
Una cuchillada limpia = a clean stab wound. “Cuchillada” is a stab or a slash; from “cuchillo”, i.e. knife.
Cortes pequeños alrededor de la herida = small cuts around the wound.
Orden judicial = a warrant, a court order.
La servidumbre = the servants.
Cubertería = cutlery.
Vajilla = crockery, dinnerware.
Desacierto = error, mistake.
(For those interested, here is the list of cold weapons Detective Ayala jokingly enumerated during the autopsy)
Un estoque = “el estoque (de toreo)” is a bullfighting sword. Its particularity is that the edge of the blade (el filo de la hoja) does not cut but its tip (la punta) can perforate the skin.
Una sica = a "sica" is a large curved dagger mostly associated with the ancient Thracians.
Un alfanje = a cutlass (from the French “coutelas”) is a 17th century short sabre with a broad and slightly curved blade.
Un corvo = is a dagger with a curved blade measuring approximately 12 inches. It was used in Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879 -1883) that opposed that country to neighboring Peru and Bolivia. This dagger has been refined and is now part of the Chilean Army’s arsenal. It is also the traditional symbol of the Chilean Commandos.
Un espadín = a smallsword, also called “Épée de Cour”. It is the chronological intermediary between the "Rapier" (the swashbuckling thin pointed sword for thrusting attacks, used in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries) and the “Épée de Combat”, the light pointy 19th century thrusting sword that later evolved into the modern “Épée d’Escrime”, the largest weapon used in fencing.
Un mandoble = a basket-hilted sword. Pretty heavy.
Una falcata = The Iberian falcata is a curved bladed weapon that resembles the modern machete but is made entirely of iron, including its handle. It was used by the natives of the Iberian peninsula to fight the Roman conquest of Hispania (218 B.C. to 19 B.C.).
Una navaja = a pocketknife, a jackknife. Apparently, knives with foldable blades have existed since 600 B.C.! Color me impactada!
Una espada = a sword. A generic term that can encompass any type of sword.
Un pico = a pickaxe or pick.
Thank you for the pleasure of your company. Please join us again for the next capítulo. We’ll be saving you a seat!
Labels: hotel
Comments:
But weren't those knives locked up? I have the impression that they were all in the drawer at the last official inventory.
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Hello Patio pals! Sorry I couldn't post this earlier or make it shorter. This is my first time recapping, so please bear with me. I'm confident that with practice, my recaps will improve. Any suggestions or requests are welcome; please feel free to share them in the comments. Happy reading! :)
Nandicta- Haven't read yet. About to dive in. Just wanted to ask you to put in a page break. Email me if you need to learn how. Ok. On to the recap.
Awesome premier recap, Nandicta! I'm running off to dinner and a concert (better than the maestro), so more later.
The scene with all the little dogs sleeping with Julio and Andres was funny and adorable. So was Julio washing the dogs. But he got the info he needed.
This is the second time now that young Violeta and Jacinto have been close to each other, and not noticed. They are destined for each other.
I thought the goon did hear Isa's clumsy attempt to follow him, since he paused and cocked his head a few times. I think he just intended to lure the guy out to the open.
Ok. Later!
The scene with all the little dogs sleeping with Julio and Andres was funny and adorable. So was Julio washing the dogs. But he got the info he needed.
This is the second time now that young Violeta and Jacinto have been close to each other, and not noticed. They are destined for each other.
I thought the goon did hear Isa's clumsy attempt to follow him, since he paused and cocked his head a few times. I think he just intended to lure the guy out to the open.
Ok. Later!
Nandicta, welcome to the recapping business and thank you for your wonderful recap.
I only read part of it for now but I really wanted to say I love your Gran Manicomio title. Spot on and very funny.
Be back later with more to say....
Adriana Noel
I only read part of it for now but I really wanted to say I love your Gran Manicomio title. Spot on and very funny.
Be back later with more to say....
Adriana Noel
Permalink posted by 
: Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 4:14:00 PM EST
: Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 4:14:00 PM EST
Terrific job Nandicta. I'm so glad you translated that conversation between Julio and Isabel between the door. I had a difficult time following it.
First, I wasn't aware that Andres bet any money on the fight.
Second, didn't Alfredo pack and attempt to leave even though Sofia told him she was pregnant? Why is her pregnancy so important now but not earlier? This makes no sense.
Third, I figured out the reason why the timing of Pascual's position change is important. When Julio looked through the uniforms for the one with the missing button, the uniform did not have a name on it. That's because they took off the name because Pascual was no longer a waiter, and the uniform can go back to the general pile for other employees who need a uniform. Now he's a receptionist, and that's what Isabel was looking at in the ledger. She wanted to see if anyone had a change in position since Cristina went missing.
First, I wasn't aware that Andres bet any money on the fight.
Second, didn't Alfredo pack and attempt to leave even though Sofia told him she was pregnant? Why is her pregnancy so important now but not earlier? This makes no sense.
Third, I figured out the reason why the timing of Pascual's position change is important. When Julio looked through the uniforms for the one with the missing button, the uniform did not have a name on it. That's because they took off the name because Pascual was no longer a waiter, and the uniform can go back to the general pile for other employees who need a uniform. Now he's a receptionist, and that's what Isabel was looking at in the ledger. She wanted to see if anyone had a change in position since Cristina went missing.
Nandicta, perfecto, you are already a pro
I'm confused about Alfredo & the baby, it sounds like he doesn't know its dead.
Right! about Isabel following & then calling out to the blackmailer, estupida!
I do like this novela, different from most.
I'm confused about Alfredo & the baby, it sounds like he doesn't know its dead.
Right! about Isabel following & then calling out to the blackmailer, estupida!
I do like this novela, different from most.
Nandicta, thank you for the "two version" recap. It was very entertaining! Congratulations on a great first recap,!
I loved detective Ayala and his search for the gold knife that went along with the gokdbtip he found in the victim. Seems he will be ruffling lots of feathers in his (what I will presume) extended investigation.,
I loved detective Ayala and his search for the gold knife that went along with the gokdbtip he found in the victim. Seems he will be ruffling lots of feathers in his (what I will presume) extended investigation.,
Variopinta, that's another thing I wasn't sure about. Did Julio win or lose? I never heard either way.
Alfredo doesn't know the baby is dead. Teresa and Sofia are keeping it secret from everyone. Teresa bribed the doctor to lie also.
Gracias, Nandicta and welcome to our little manicomio!
I think Julio did throw the fight because knowing Felipe he would have made his life a living hell if he didn't. When they finally deal with that again Julia had better insist he give him enough of the take to pay back Andres twice over in addition to whatever Felipe promised him. His fighting days aren't over yet but I'm sure that if he imagines his opponents as Felipe he can keep winning.
I think Julio did throw the fight because knowing Felipe he would have made his life a living hell if he didn't. When they finally deal with that again Julia had better insist he give him enough of the take to pay back Andres twice over in addition to whatever Felipe promised him. His fighting days aren't over yet but I'm sure that if he imagines his opponents as Felipe he can keep winning.
You sho didn't disappoint Nandicta. What an awesome maiden voyage.
"Beso! Beso! Beso!"
"1) these two dig each other mucho;"
Good as this thing has been it was silly for Isabel to be on the goons heels. She should have asked for a piggyback ride and saved her shoes.
Lawdy Andrés don't you even wonder where Belén's mouth was, yesterday?
"Beso! Beso! Beso!"
"1) these two dig each other mucho;"
Good as this thing has been it was silly for Isabel to be on the goons heels. She should have asked for a piggyback ride and saved her shoes.
Lawdy Andrés don't you even wonder where Belén's mouth was, yesterday?
Your recap was SUPERB! I loved the bulleted list refrito and then the long version. Your asides were fantastic as well. I laughed the whole time.
Nandicto, are you sure this is your début? You recap like a seasoned pro! I appreciate your including the new to most of us vocabulary and translations, also. It's very helpful.
How is Sofia going to hide her lack of pregnancy from her husband? 5 months or so is a long time to hide from a spouse in the same suite. Teresa will conspire to keep him in the dark, I'm sure.
Speaking of marital relations, Andres should consider ample protection. Who even knows what contamination Diego is rife with and has paseed on. Isabel should be wary of him, too. She is a med student, after all!
I love that Isabel and Julio are working together, even after he lied to her about his identity. On a lesser show, they would have fought about that for a month. And the detective seems competent, also. I love it
How is Sofia going to hide her lack of pregnancy from her husband? 5 months or so is a long time to hide from a spouse in the same suite. Teresa will conspire to keep him in the dark, I'm sure.
Speaking of marital relations, Andres should consider ample protection. Who even knows what contamination Diego is rife with and has paseed on. Isabel should be wary of him, too. She is a med student, after all!
I love that Isabel and Julio are working together, even after he lied to her about his identity. On a lesser show, they would have fought about that for a month. And the detective seems competent, also. I love it
I'm back! And I echo all the praise for your fabulous debut recap, Nandicta.
Julio threw the fight. When he goes down, you can see he still has fight in him, and Andres gives him a pleading look, but he stays down. Yeah, he wants Felipe off his back, and that was the easiest way to do it...for now, at least.
Teresa is going to have to come up with some plan for Sofia to hide her non-pregnancy from her husband, and fake it for everyone else. Sofia certainly isn't going to come up with it all on her own. Poor thing.
Between Belen and Julio, Andres is going to have a very hard time staying out of trouble.
Julio threw the fight. When he goes down, you can see he still has fight in him, and Andres gives him a pleading look, but he stays down. Yeah, he wants Felipe off his back, and that was the easiest way to do it...for now, at least.
Teresa is going to have to come up with some plan for Sofia to hide her non-pregnancy from her husband, and fake it for everyone else. Sofia certainly isn't going to come up with it all on her own. Poor thing.
Between Belen and Julio, Andres is going to have a very hard time staying out of trouble.
Wonderful first recap Nandicta, it was a fabolous read! I enjoy that you included both the short and the large version, this is a new one for me and it is benefactioary for people who want to read only the important bits. I LOLED at the title.
Anyway this show gets more and more exciting to watch , Serapio is definetly a nice addition to the Mystery Club because that guy is a pro with sharp instincts for smelling Bullshit. He was capable of detecting the murder weapon, stand toe to toe with DT , giving Diego the middle finger , sensed Julio as suspicious due to his rather shady outdoor activities and made shiny -toothed Andres crap his pants in fear. What a badass! I also like his sense of humour especially the line about the corpses.
It's only been so early but the Sofia/Alfredo is already annoying the heck out of me. That girl is truly "gris" with absolutely no backbone but I still love seeing Dominika back on screen just to admire her beauty. Alfredo also has a nice actor but I haven't seen him on the screen before. I feel sorry for them both once the truth comes out. Will Alfredo turn BSC?
The thing I like the most about this novela is that everything has a connection to the big picture of events. I feel that the pregnant whore and Jacinto will play a big role in the relationship between Julio, Genaro and Felipe that will probably be Julio's undoing.
I also believe that Julio could have told Andres the truth about his favours with Felipe but I suppose he did not trust Andres fully enough since in this hotel anyone could have been a planted spy to weed out the prying outsiders. Andres could even turn on Julio if DT takes advantage of her deal with Belen. It's either protect your love and the baby or betray your best friend. Julio is pretty much in a powerless position wherever he decides to go.
I wondered for a split second if the blackmailer was Felipe who most likely read the extortion letter. He is pretty much a wildcard and a swindler. But then again it was most likely Pascual. I also wonder what will be DT's reaction when she finds out about the slowly vanishing money. Perhaps Romulo found out about Diego being a dirty thief so Diego was forced to shut him down for good. Either he did it himself or he made up some shiny excuse to DT, perhaps he invented a fake lover. Just something enough to push DT over the edge.
Anyway this show gets more and more exciting to watch , Serapio is definetly a nice addition to the Mystery Club because that guy is a pro with sharp instincts for smelling Bullshit. He was capable of detecting the murder weapon, stand toe to toe with DT , giving Diego the middle finger , sensed Julio as suspicious due to his rather shady outdoor activities and made shiny -toothed Andres crap his pants in fear. What a badass! I also like his sense of humour especially the line about the corpses.
It's only been so early but the Sofia/Alfredo is already annoying the heck out of me. That girl is truly "gris" with absolutely no backbone but I still love seeing Dominika back on screen just to admire her beauty. Alfredo also has a nice actor but I haven't seen him on the screen before. I feel sorry for them both once the truth comes out. Will Alfredo turn BSC?
The thing I like the most about this novela is that everything has a connection to the big picture of events. I feel that the pregnant whore and Jacinto will play a big role in the relationship between Julio, Genaro and Felipe that will probably be Julio's undoing.
I also believe that Julio could have told Andres the truth about his favours with Felipe but I suppose he did not trust Andres fully enough since in this hotel anyone could have been a planted spy to weed out the prying outsiders. Andres could even turn on Julio if DT takes advantage of her deal with Belen. It's either protect your love and the baby or betray your best friend. Julio is pretty much in a powerless position wherever he decides to go.
I wondered for a split second if the blackmailer was Felipe who most likely read the extortion letter. He is pretty much a wildcard and a swindler. But then again it was most likely Pascual. I also wonder what will be DT's reaction when she finds out about the slowly vanishing money. Perhaps Romulo found out about Diego being a dirty thief so Diego was forced to shut him down for good. Either he did it himself or he made up some shiny excuse to DT, perhaps he invented a fake lover. Just something enough to push DT over the edge.
I am also wondering whether Diego is skimming off the top of the hotel profits and that's the money Felipe stole. It wouldn't be a surprise to me one bit.
Diego seemed to have no issue with getting money out of the hotel's safe to pay off the blackmailer. He's obviously used to treating the hotel like his personal bank. I don't for a minute believe he "saved" the hotel from bankruptcy like Teresa told Isabel.
Just wanted to point out that Isabel and Julio had agreed to go to the money drop site together. But he got delayed grooming the dogs and she decided to go herself. Obviously this was a mistake, because though her heart and mind are in the right place, Isa is a terrible spy. She got caught rifling through Diego's desk and got found out for reading the letter. And now she's knocked herself out trying to chase the blackmailer. Julio needs to give her lessons on how to be a liar and sneaky.
Just wanted to point out that Isabel and Julio had agreed to go to the money drop site together. But he got delayed grooming the dogs and she decided to go herself. Obviously this was a mistake, because though her heart and mind are in the right place, Isa is a terrible spy. She got caught rifling through Diego's desk and got found out for reading the letter. And now she's knocked herself out trying to chase the blackmailer. Julio needs to give her lessons on how to be a liar and sneaky.
For a split second, when the blackmailer knocked the goon out, the body language said female. The blackmailer may or may not be responsible for Cristina's disappearance but a witness.
Nandicta, this was superb! Congrats on your first recap, and many thanks! I've always enjoyed your detailed comments, and your recaps show that great detail, attention and personal commentary. I look forward to many more.
As I watch, there are honestly two aspects of this show that just make this so enjoyable. First, no dragging out the story, and adding humor enough to break the drama. I wish productions would take note how much viewers rather enjoy having every episode filled with new info, the story keeps moving, yet we still get the requisite romance with those touches of lightness that allow us a breath. Second, the music. Wonderful use of music to give the watcher a sense of what they are seeing; deep drama, a light humor moment, romance, etc.
I rather thought the blackmailer looked female as well. Something about the way the hood fit. If it is, who would it be? Belen? Too obvious? I never caught her name, but who is the maid with the black hair who sat silently with her face down, and looked very scared, when Ayala walked in to the room with all the staff? Maybe I watch too many British mysteries, but her scared demeanor gave me a red flag.
The whole aspect of Diego worming his way into the top job smacks of someone trying to do something behind the scenes, and skimming or using the hotel as a front would be a logical assumption.
Those pups sure are adorable and I give it to Erick E. in the sweet way he was bathing the Yorkie. Mine little guy use to love a warm bath and massage. However, they do love to shake the suds off constantly too, which made me giggle thinking that may why he was holding it like he was. Let them stand on their own and you are a sopping mess. Love to see the outtakes from those scenes.
Noone can tell me that there aren't others who have keys and or access to those knives. Just because someone helped with the inventory shouldn't make them a suspect. THAT point made me twitch to imply it.
Daisynjay
As I watch, there are honestly two aspects of this show that just make this so enjoyable. First, no dragging out the story, and adding humor enough to break the drama. I wish productions would take note how much viewers rather enjoy having every episode filled with new info, the story keeps moving, yet we still get the requisite romance with those touches of lightness that allow us a breath. Second, the music. Wonderful use of music to give the watcher a sense of what they are seeing; deep drama, a light humor moment, romance, etc.
I rather thought the blackmailer looked female as well. Something about the way the hood fit. If it is, who would it be? Belen? Too obvious? I never caught her name, but who is the maid with the black hair who sat silently with her face down, and looked very scared, when Ayala walked in to the room with all the staff? Maybe I watch too many British mysteries, but her scared demeanor gave me a red flag.
The whole aspect of Diego worming his way into the top job smacks of someone trying to do something behind the scenes, and skimming or using the hotel as a front would be a logical assumption.
Those pups sure are adorable and I give it to Erick E. in the sweet way he was bathing the Yorkie. Mine little guy use to love a warm bath and massage. However, they do love to shake the suds off constantly too, which made me giggle thinking that may why he was holding it like he was. Let them stand on their own and you are a sopping mess. Love to see the outtakes from those scenes.
Noone can tell me that there aren't others who have keys and or access to those knives. Just because someone helped with the inventory shouldn't make them a suspect. THAT point made me twitch to imply it.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 9:29:00 AM EST
: Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 9:29:00 AM EST
Daisynjay- I too would love to see outtakes of the scenes with the little dogs. I bet they're a hoot.
Well Julio is a lot better than Isabel if we compare them as a spy. He is good at fighting , is clever at finding excuses ,finding hiding spots but he also has weaknesses . Let's remember that he got his two fake identities broken by Isabel. His reckless heart betrayed him already when he entered that cantina to save that wanker, Felipe. His second mistake was accepting Isabel to be his spy. But if he goes long trying to serve and help everyone, he will definetly get his cover broken soon enough. He is already under Ayala's black list so it wont take long until DT and Diego start getting the red flags about him.
The idea that the blackmailer is a female is interesting. Belen would be in a perfect position for this possibility. She roomed with Cristina, knows Diego well, and has motive. As of now we have not been introduced to another female who could be the blackmailer.
I'm guessing that Ayala will interview Julio again, obviously, and Julio will then tell him about the bloody clothing being Cristina's and explain what he's doing there. Then they will work together.
Question to all...maybe I missed this, but is there any special relationship between Teresa and Angela beyond employer/employee? I pick up the vibe that Angela has been there a long time as she seems to have some genuine affection (though not overtly) for Isabel. But I also keep getting a vibe that there is something a bit more to these two than the obvious. Teresa almost gets an extra smirk when talking to Angela one on one which intrigues me. Wouldn't it be fun to find out Teresa was just one of the staff back in the day? Ok, told you I watch too many period mysteries.
And Count, I agree with you. At some point, Diego is going to start suspecting Julio since he does seem to pop up with Isabel far too often. I also thought it interesting Isabel didn't flinch to confront Diego on the letter, ask who called, etc. She is no milquetoast and not sure Diego realized she could be a pain to his plans.
Finally read an article today, no spoiler, that the exact episode count on this is supposed to be 80 epidodes, and apparently this is going to be a new format being tried for Uni to show short and sweet TN's being produced. Hallelujah.
Daisynjay
And Count, I agree with you. At some point, Diego is going to start suspecting Julio since he does seem to pop up with Isabel far too often. I also thought it interesting Isabel didn't flinch to confront Diego on the letter, ask who called, etc. She is no milquetoast and not sure Diego realized she could be a pain to his plans.
Finally read an article today, no spoiler, that the exact episode count on this is supposed to be 80 epidodes, and apparently this is going to be a new format being tried for Uni to show short and sweet TN's being produced. Hallelujah.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 10:08:00 AM EST
: Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 10:08:00 AM EST
Daisynjay- Angela is Andres' mom, and we know he grew up in the hotel, so yes, she's been there a long time. There is certainly an undercurrent of animosity between Angela and Teresa, and there could be a number of reasons behind that.
I'm wondering now whether Angela is one of Teresa's "poor relations." I recall a past novela where the ama de llaves was the illegitimate half-sister of the evil toxic mother patrona.
Thanks ever so much to each and every one for your kind words! I'm very grateful for and truly touched by all the encouragement! I've always admired our valiant Caray Caray recappers past and present. Now I have a newfound respect for them for their amazing capacity to produce brilliant recaps, post them very promptly and make it seem like it's no biggie. Some even recapped two shows simultaneously, like our dear UA did recently with PyP and YoNo. Caray Caray seasoned recappers are indeed such superstars! Me quito el sombrero ante todos ustedes! :)
I believe this is the first time I watch a mystery unfolding over 80 episodes (An 80-episode TN deserves a Hallelujah indeed, Daisynjay!). Every murder mystery I've seen before was usually resolved in one to 3 hours of uninterrupted viewing and when reading thriller books, I often found myself going back a few pages to refresh my memory (This is me reading mystery books: "He must send the file to Jenny"... Who the heck's Jenny? *turns back pages frantically* :D) Therefore, I can't tell you how thankful I am to be watching this show with you guys. Your astute observations and excellent memory are going to be an invaluable resources!
More in a wee while.
I believe this is the first time I watch a mystery unfolding over 80 episodes (An 80-episode TN deserves a Hallelujah indeed, Daisynjay!). Every murder mystery I've seen before was usually resolved in one to 3 hours of uninterrupted viewing and when reading thriller books, I often found myself going back a few pages to refresh my memory (This is me reading mystery books: "He must send the file to Jenny"... Who the heck's Jenny? *turns back pages frantically* :D) Therefore, I can't tell you how thankful I am to be watching this show with you guys. Your astute observations and excellent memory are going to be an invaluable resources!
More in a wee while.
Muchas gracias a todos otra vez! So many interesting comments from all!
-- Adriana: I watched MEPS just over 6 months ago so it is still fresh in my mind. As I binge-watched EHDLS, the hotel's location and the antics of its nuttier characters, the word "manicomio" kept jumping to mind... Especially with MEPS Lili walking around the place in period garb, looking sickly and enduring cruel mockery!
-- Cathyx: You raised two crucial points that had me scratching my head:
First, Alfredo's earlier attempt to leave his wife seems really odd in light of the information that was revealed in this episode. That unborn baby is the key to him receiving his inheritance, why would he abandon him? I seem to recall that when Sofia asked where Alfredo is heading as he packed his suitcase, he said he was going to sulk in his Mommy's house. Can someone confirm whether this is true? (Super Vivi with your super memory, can you please come to the rescue on this?). Very strange, indeed!
Second, you put 2 and 2 together with Pascual's promotion and the unlabelled uniform with the missing button. I confess that whole business went right over my head. I saw the scene in a previous episode where Julio checks the uniforms and I heard the explanation about the spare uniforms but did not connect the dots until I read your comment. Cheers for that!
-- Variopinta: I too was confused at first about the miscarriage. I look forward to finding out how Teresa is going to pull that imaginary grandson stunt. As regards Julio losing the fight, I first thought he genuinely lost but having read the comments made here, I'm starting to believe he actually took a dive. I now remember that in the previous episode, when Felipe ordered Julio to throw the fight, he said: "I'm sure you can do it convincingly" or something to this effect.
-- Jarifa: Please add me to Detective Ayala's fan club! He has a Colombo quality in the sense that he plays naive (like he did with Andrés) and tends to roll with the punches (when he acquiesced to Teresa's conditions) in order to get everybody's defense down.
So far, he is my favorite character in this show!
-- UA: Your comment and Vivi's observation about Julio's expression as he went down convinced me that Julio threw the fight. You make a very interesting point about Julio's possibility to compensate Andrés through future fights. Here's hoping we get to find out more about Felipe's winnings from this fight in the next episode. I admit that I was expecting to see him gleefully counting his cash in this episode, especially when they showed us Diego freaking out about the stack of cash missing from his office. You're right in saying that Diego is embezzling
-- Tofie: Your comment about Belén's mouth had me laughing out loud! This explains why I instinctively went "Ewww" when she kissed Andrés in front of her colleagues. It wasn't a slobbery makeout session or a let's-move-this-to-the-bed kind of kiss, but I was scandalized all the same. I think it was the thought of her filthy mouth kissing that sweet innocent boy's lips. Gross!
-- Sandydoc: Cheers me dear! Laughter is the best remedy, indeed. I really like the fact that this show breaks the darkness and heaviness with a few light scenes. Makes the show much more enjoyable!
-- Adriana: I watched MEPS just over 6 months ago so it is still fresh in my mind. As I binge-watched EHDLS, the hotel's location and the antics of its nuttier characters, the word "manicomio" kept jumping to mind... Especially with MEPS Lili walking around the place in period garb, looking sickly and enduring cruel mockery!
-- Cathyx: You raised two crucial points that had me scratching my head:
First, Alfredo's earlier attempt to leave his wife seems really odd in light of the information that was revealed in this episode. That unborn baby is the key to him receiving his inheritance, why would he abandon him? I seem to recall that when Sofia asked where Alfredo is heading as he packed his suitcase, he said he was going to sulk in his Mommy's house. Can someone confirm whether this is true? (Super Vivi with your super memory, can you please come to the rescue on this?). Very strange, indeed!
Second, you put 2 and 2 together with Pascual's promotion and the unlabelled uniform with the missing button. I confess that whole business went right over my head. I saw the scene in a previous episode where Julio checks the uniforms and I heard the explanation about the spare uniforms but did not connect the dots until I read your comment. Cheers for that!
-- Variopinta: I too was confused at first about the miscarriage. I look forward to finding out how Teresa is going to pull that imaginary grandson stunt. As regards Julio losing the fight, I first thought he genuinely lost but having read the comments made here, I'm starting to believe he actually took a dive. I now remember that in the previous episode, when Felipe ordered Julio to throw the fight, he said: "I'm sure you can do it convincingly" or something to this effect.
-- Jarifa: Please add me to Detective Ayala's fan club! He has a Colombo quality in the sense that he plays naive (like he did with Andrés) and tends to roll with the punches (when he acquiesced to Teresa's conditions) in order to get everybody's defense down.
So far, he is my favorite character in this show!
-- UA: Your comment and Vivi's observation about Julio's expression as he went down convinced me that Julio threw the fight. You make a very interesting point about Julio's possibility to compensate Andrés through future fights. Here's hoping we get to find out more about Felipe's winnings from this fight in the next episode. I admit that I was expecting to see him gleefully counting his cash in this episode, especially when they showed us Diego freaking out about the stack of cash missing from his office. You're right in saying that Diego is embezzling
-- Tofie: Your comment about Belén's mouth had me laughing out loud! This explains why I instinctively went "Ewww" when she kissed Andrés in front of her colleagues. It wasn't a slobbery makeout session or a let's-move-this-to-the-bed kind of kiss, but I was scandalized all the same. I think it was the thought of her filthy mouth kissing that sweet innocent boy's lips. Gross!
-- Sandydoc: Cheers me dear! Laughter is the best remedy, indeed. I really like the fact that this show breaks the darkness and heaviness with a few light scenes. Makes the show much more enjoyable!
I don't know if we should take Alberto's earlier tantrum seriously. His pride was majorly hurt by Teresa naming Diego the hotel manager, and Sofia basically telling him he didn't kiss her mother's butt enough to make it happen. I think he would have gone back to mommy to sulk for a bit, but I don't think he was planning on divorcing Sofia and abandoning her for good. That baby is important to both of them as the key to his inheritance.
I thought it was a good sign to see how concerned he was about Sofia (not just the baby) after her fall. He was genuinely scared he'd lose her.
I thought it was a good sign to see how concerned he was about Sofia (not just the baby) after her fall. He was genuinely scared he'd lose her.
Nandicta- You are a natural recapper! You will find the style you're most comfortable with (and have time for), and will be able to recap more quickly. Warning, it could become addictive. Right now, I'm also recapping 8-10 hours of Fatmagul each week. Thank goodness both this and Fatmagul are short tns. After that, I will have to go into a bit of recapping rehab and take a break. It's tiring, but a lot of fun.
-- Julia: "How is Sofia going to hide her lack of pregnancy from her husband?" That is one of the things I am most looking forward to finding out. Sofia has a very resourceful and deceitful mother. The way this plot is being laid down, I'm guessing both Belén and the pregnant brothel girl are possibilities to provide Sofia's imaginary baby, most likely with a twist or two ocurring somewhere down the line. Moreover, I'm glad the writers didn't drag Julio's lies nor Isabel's anger over being lied to. The alliance between our protagonistas was formed rather quickly and it's already bearing fruit. Ayala is also making headway in his investigation over the dead prostitute and now that he discovered Cristina's blood-stained uniform, I'm hoping he can bring new elements to Julio's search for the truth.
-- Vivi: I went back to see Julio's expression as he conceded defeat and you are right! Besides, Felipe telling Julio to take a dive and make it look convincing corroborates your theory. Julio lost so convincingly, he even fooled most of us! Great observation, amiga!
"Between Belen and Julio, Andres is going to have a very hard time staying out of trouble." I couldn't agree more! Poor kid! I'm really worried he might go to prison over that bloodied uniform...
Also, many thanks for adding the detail that Julio and Isabel had agreed to go to the woods together in the hope of catching the blackmailer. That makes more sense than Isabel playing detective on her own. I still maintain that calling after the blackmailer and chasing him was a dumb and dangerous move on her part.
-- CountxAlacran: Same as you, I am immensely enjoying watching Detective Ayala ruffle feathers in the village and the Gran Hotel, though I have a feeling he might get sidelined by the discovery of Cristina's uniform and his suspicions of Julio. Ayala's finely tuned "baloney sensors" picked up right away on the fact that Julio is hiding something, I'm just dreading that he might think that Julio's lies are related to the dead prostitute's murder. Ojalá no fuera así, I have high hopes for Detective Ayala!
My favorite thing about this novela is the quick pace and, like you said, the way all these side plotlines are being set in a way hinting that they'll eventually connect to elucidate the main mystery. However, this is also something that gets me a little nervous because I'm used to space out during my novelas and get distracted by clothes or blooperish scenes or snarky remarks in my head. With EHDLS, I have to hold on to a great amount of information and minutiae because nobody knows when they might resurface. A case in point is the connection between the missing button, the unlabelled spare uniforms and Pascual's promotion that Cathyx picked up on in an earlier comment.
Your theories about Felipe and Alfredo are very plausible. They've been shown to us as spoilt good-for-nothing rich boys who are too lazy and not particularly smart to pull complex schemes but that could be a red herring. Desperation and the lure of easy money can work miracles!
-- Vivi: I went back to see Julio's expression as he conceded defeat and you are right! Besides, Felipe telling Julio to take a dive and make it look convincing corroborates your theory. Julio lost so convincingly, he even fooled most of us! Great observation, amiga!
"Between Belen and Julio, Andres is going to have a very hard time staying out of trouble." I couldn't agree more! Poor kid! I'm really worried he might go to prison over that bloodied uniform...
Also, many thanks for adding the detail that Julio and Isabel had agreed to go to the woods together in the hope of catching the blackmailer. That makes more sense than Isabel playing detective on her own. I still maintain that calling after the blackmailer and chasing him was a dumb and dangerous move on her part.
-- CountxAlacran: Same as you, I am immensely enjoying watching Detective Ayala ruffle feathers in the village and the Gran Hotel, though I have a feeling he might get sidelined by the discovery of Cristina's uniform and his suspicions of Julio. Ayala's finely tuned "baloney sensors" picked up right away on the fact that Julio is hiding something, I'm just dreading that he might think that Julio's lies are related to the dead prostitute's murder. Ojalá no fuera así, I have high hopes for Detective Ayala!
My favorite thing about this novela is the quick pace and, like you said, the way all these side plotlines are being set in a way hinting that they'll eventually connect to elucidate the main mystery. However, this is also something that gets me a little nervous because I'm used to space out during my novelas and get distracted by clothes or blooperish scenes or snarky remarks in my head. With EHDLS, I have to hold on to a great amount of information and minutiae because nobody knows when they might resurface. A case in point is the connection between the missing button, the unlabelled spare uniforms and Pascual's promotion that Cathyx picked up on in an earlier comment.
Your theories about Felipe and Alfredo are very plausible. They've been shown to us as spoilt good-for-nothing rich boys who are too lazy and not particularly smart to pull complex schemes but that could be a red herring. Desperation and the lure of easy money can work miracles!
-- Daisynjay: I too enjoy the fast pace of this novela and the fact that the writers don't milk every small occurence for all it's worth over several episodes, extending things until we viewers are ready to tear our hairs out (CI was particularly torturous in this aspect... Come to think of it, CI was torturous in every aspect!). I guess you and I have similar musical tastes because I remember that you too loved and raved about PyP's theme. I never fastforward the PyP entrada, ever! That contrabass at the beginning with FC and JS faces staring at us defiantly, as if to say "Bring it on!", delights me every single time! The main theme from EHDLS also uses contrabass and I just love it! The contrabass illustrates drama and defiance very well. Julio is a brave, determined and rebellious young man and the opening theme represents to me his quest for justice and truth set to music.
You and Tofie made a very perceptive observation about the gender of the blackmailer. I personally did not pick up on that but then again, I'm not particularly sharp-eyed in my novela-viewing. Pascual seems too obvious a suspect but I still presume he's the one who set up the blackmail scheme, judging from the man's voice that made the call to Diego's office asking about the money. It is however quite plausible that Pascual could have an accomplice, including a female accomplice that he would send to pick up the money... or leave a package with Cristina's blood-stained uniform in Diego's room? Hmmmm...
Regarding the relationship between Teresa and Angela, I definitely picked up a "vibe" as well. I sensed that there is trust between them but I don't know how to phrase it. It seemed to me like forced trust, as if they were reluctant partners forced into this relationship by circumstances that go beyond Angela's need for a job and Teresa's need for an efficient staff manager. I don't know. I guess we'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, seeing Daniela Romo and Diana Bracho together in the same scene is such a delight! These great actresses are the main reason I am watching this TN!
You and Tofie made a very perceptive observation about the gender of the blackmailer. I personally did not pick up on that but then again, I'm not particularly sharp-eyed in my novela-viewing. Pascual seems too obvious a suspect but I still presume he's the one who set up the blackmail scheme, judging from the man's voice that made the call to Diego's office asking about the money. It is however quite plausible that Pascual could have an accomplice, including a female accomplice that he would send to pick up the money... or leave a package with Cristina's blood-stained uniform in Diego's room? Hmmmm...
Regarding the relationship between Teresa and Angela, I definitely picked up a "vibe" as well. I sensed that there is trust between them but I don't know how to phrase it. It seemed to me like forced trust, as if they were reluctant partners forced into this relationship by circumstances that go beyond Angela's need for a job and Teresa's need for an efficient staff manager. I don't know. I guess we'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, seeing Daniela Romo and Diana Bracho together in the same scene is such a delight! These great actresses are the main reason I am watching this TN!
-- Vivi: Thanks ever so much for holding my hand through this first time; your guidance and encouragement are greatly appreciated! I don't know how you can recap a week's worth of episodes! Seriously, Chapeau! They aired "Fatmagul" on several Arabic channels when it first came out. There is so much craze in the Arab World about Turkish series; it started about 5 or 6 years ago with "Gumus" and hasn't waned since! I've never watched them myself but I might give the Spanish-dubbed ones a try some time.
Regarding Alfredo, your interpretation of his attempt to leave makes a lot of sense and I agree that he looked genuinely distressed at the prospect of losing his wife and/or his child. He does love Sofia it seems but going to his Mom's given that he had a strained relationship with his parents (most likely over his marriage to Sofia) was odd. Maybe he was so mad and humiliated he just wanted to make a dignified exit to mark his discontent with the treatment he wad receiving from the Alarcon family.
Regarding Alfredo, your interpretation of his attempt to leave makes a lot of sense and I agree that he looked genuinely distressed at the prospect of losing his wife and/or his child. He does love Sofia it seems but going to his Mom's given that he had a strained relationship with his parents (most likely over his marriage to Sofia) was odd. Maybe he was so mad and humiliated he just wanted to make a dignified exit to mark his discontent with the treatment he wad receiving from the Alarcon family.
Sofia, I wouldn't be surprised to pull the old "difficult" pregnancy card by Teresa to hide Sophia's fake out and keep Alfredo at bay for any extra curriculars. It seems that butcher...er, doctor would be easy enough to pay off. If she gets confined to bed or minimal activity, they could possible pull it off...but I would think maybe they are going to have pull at least one trusty maid into the scheme. Without going in particulars, it would be apparent that Sophia is NOT with child and evidence to obvious. Would Belen be elevated to a private maid for her since they will be in on it together?
It would also be interesting how to keep Isabel out of the know...she was studying to be a doctor/surgeon after all. I just wonder if at some point she realizes the duplicity.
You know a TN is good when you spend far too much time think of all available plot turns and twists. Fun!
Nandicta, yes, that theme from PyP still gets me and glad you enjoy it too. Original and it keeps giving me that haunting, epic vibe that crescendos with the end and the visual of everything imploding. Never fails to fascinate me both graphically and musically.
Daisynjay
It would also be interesting how to keep Isabel out of the know...she was studying to be a doctor/surgeon after all. I just wonder if at some point she realizes the duplicity.
You know a TN is good when you spend far too much time think of all available plot turns and twists. Fun!
Nandicta, yes, that theme from PyP still gets me and glad you enjoy it too. Original and it keeps giving me that haunting, epic vibe that crescendos with the end and the visual of everything imploding. Never fails to fascinate me both graphically and musically.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 1:46:00 PM EST
: Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 1:46:00 PM EST
I almost forgot about Diana Bracho AND Daniela Romo being in the same Gran Manicomio together . When I saw news about them being in the same novela I became immediatly interested in it, they are basically the Gods of Horrible Mothers if we exclude Jaqline Andere from the contest. Since they were both master class witches in their career, it is interesting to see their chemistry clash! For now I believe that they just depend on eachother because Angela knows every corner of the hotel and maybe because Teresa has found dirt on her . The ones who keeps the guests happy are essentially the Low Wing people such as Angela, Lupe, Benjamin and the rest of the working stuff. If there are any secrets among them please let them don't include something about parenthoods, sisterhoods, baby trades or some other gris mierda! There are alot of scenarios that could be used to make it all more explosive .
I suppose we will see more of Alfredo's story very soon. I just cannot wait to meet his unsupportable and gris mother! And yeah gris is slowly becoming my favorite Spanish adjective !
Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if Belen was the one extorting Diego . For now my bets are Felipe the Flipper, Pasquack , Belen and the other girl that was mentioned in the comments above.
I suppose we will see more of Alfredo's story very soon. I just cannot wait to meet his unsupportable and gris mother! And yeah gris is slowly becoming my favorite Spanish adjective !
Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if Belen was the one extorting Diego . For now my bets are Felipe the Flipper, Pasquack , Belen and the other girl that was mentioned in the comments above.
The ones who keep the guests happy*
And yeah one of the interesting characters to watch for is Genaro. Since he is played by Luis Gatica he will surely have a big role to play in the story. What if he was the one who made Christina and Ximena dissapear? He is vile enough to do the deed.
And yeah one of the interesting characters to watch for is Genaro. Since he is played by Luis Gatica he will surely have a big role to play in the story. What if he was the one who made Christina and Ximena dissapear? He is vile enough to do the deed.
Nandicta said: With EHDLS, I have to hold on to a great amount of information and minutiae because nobody knows when they might resurface.
That was true for Yo No Creo En Los Hombres, and that's what made it so challenging to recap. Nothing could be glossed over because it most likely will surface again and be important later on.
That was true for Yo No Creo En Los Hombres, and that's what made it so challenging to recap. Nothing could be glossed over because it most likely will surface again and be important later on.
Genaro could have been the guy hired to do the dirty work in regards to Cristina. I agree that Luis Gatica would not just be playing a minor role in this one.
Congratulations, Nandicta (although we already knew from your detailed commentaries elsewhere that you are already a pro). I suspect you are an uncredited script writer for this novela and can set it down from memory.
I loved your debut. "Nunnish undergarments" was a zinger, as was the IQ of a certain goon. Diego is going to be very upset that he's lost 2,000 pesos the same day.
I loved your debut. "Nunnish undergarments" was a zinger, as was the IQ of a certain goon. Diego is going to be very upset that he's lost 2,000 pesos the same day.
-- Daisynjay: It's very likely that Teresa will use Belén to pull off the fake pregnancy. Since Belén is supplying the baby, she might as well help lay the way for his arrival into this nutty family.
-- CountxAlacran: I have a suspicion that "Gris" Sofia and her equally "Gris" husband are not as docile as they appear. I haven't watched the Spanish version or watched the promos or even the character descriptions, so this 100% pure speculation on my part. I sense that Angela and Teresa have something going on, something forcing them to be "close" and I sense that the Gris twosome will turn out to be a great pain in Teresa's neck. It's always the quiet broody ones that cause the most trouble!
As for Genaro, I think he would do absolutely anything for the right amount of money.
-- Cathyx: All the details we have to retain in EHDLS make for more effortful viewing than the regular TN fare. Normally, I tend to just let a TN wash over me until something eventful grabs my full attention. I haven't watched YoNo but it's definitely next on my list. There's so much praise for that TN but as you said, it was very difficult and demanding to recap.
I like Luis Gatica in any role but I find him particularly magnetic as a villain. I hope he stays with us, as Genaro, for the long haul.
-- CountxAlacran: I have a suspicion that "Gris" Sofia and her equally "Gris" husband are not as docile as they appear. I haven't watched the Spanish version or watched the promos or even the character descriptions, so this 100% pure speculation on my part. I sense that Angela and Teresa have something going on, something forcing them to be "close" and I sense that the Gris twosome will turn out to be a great pain in Teresa's neck. It's always the quiet broody ones that cause the most trouble!
As for Genaro, I think he would do absolutely anything for the right amount of money.
-- Cathyx: All the details we have to retain in EHDLS make for more effortful viewing than the regular TN fare. Normally, I tend to just let a TN wash over me until something eventful grabs my full attention. I haven't watched YoNo but it's definitely next on my list. There's so much praise for that TN but as you said, it was very difficult and demanding to recap.
I like Luis Gatica in any role but I find him particularly magnetic as a villain. I hope he stays with us, as Genaro, for the long haul.
Mysteries always demand greater attention to detail. Something like MIVAC doesn't need it that much and Poder is somewhere in between, especially now that it also has an unsolved murder (in most of the characters' eyes, not necessarily ours).
Those of us who recap also pay more attention to detail. That was also one of the challenges of YNCELH.
It's a foregone conclusion that Teresa will take Belen's baby and give it to Sonia to pass off as her own. Nothing new about this in the TN universe. It would also be easy for her to get the doctor to say that Sonia shouldn't have sex during the rest of her (fake) pregnancy.
Those of us who recap also pay more attention to detail. That was also one of the challenges of YNCELH.
It's a foregone conclusion that Teresa will take Belen's baby and give it to Sonia to pass off as her own. Nothing new about this in the TN universe. It would also be easy for her to get the doctor to say that Sonia shouldn't have sex during the rest of her (fake) pregnancy.
This is About Ximena
I have been wondering who Ximena really is to make her the focus of this investigation. Perhaps it was just a means to get Ayala to the Hotel to find he also has a missing person who left bloody clothes behind.
Ximena was a pueblo tart/whore that Felipe either knew or picked up the night of the Big Reception/Dance. He barges in with her on his arm. He gets scolded by Dona Tere. He is the one that pays Ximena off and hustles her out. He heads for the Cantina.
Does anyone remember where any of the other characters we already know were? Diego is interrupted while he's fooling around with Belen and is instructed by Dona Tere to follow Felipe and bring him back. He goes to the Cantina.
Too bad for Julio who followed Diego to the Cantina/Fight Ring at the same time, but he's the one that "saves" Felipe. We don't know where Diego went after that, do we? If he fools around with Belen, who is to say he doesn't fool around with Minerva's girls? Maybe Ximena could have been a witness to what happened to Cristina.
The missing gold knife must hold an answer to the identity of Ximena's killer. We know it can't be Julio or Andres--they are too important to the rest of the story. I would think the killer could only have been a man, possibly Genaro, for whatever reason--unless it was Minerva, the madam. But who got ahold of the gold knife--Felipe or Diego?
That's why I want more on Ximena's backstory--if it is at all important. Det. Ayala is on the case now. I feel much better.
I have been wondering who Ximena really is to make her the focus of this investigation. Perhaps it was just a means to get Ayala to the Hotel to find he also has a missing person who left bloody clothes behind.
Ximena was a pueblo tart/whore that Felipe either knew or picked up the night of the Big Reception/Dance. He barges in with her on his arm. He gets scolded by Dona Tere. He is the one that pays Ximena off and hustles her out. He heads for the Cantina.
Does anyone remember where any of the other characters we already know were? Diego is interrupted while he's fooling around with Belen and is instructed by Dona Tere to follow Felipe and bring him back. He goes to the Cantina.
Too bad for Julio who followed Diego to the Cantina/Fight Ring at the same time, but he's the one that "saves" Felipe. We don't know where Diego went after that, do we? If he fools around with Belen, who is to say he doesn't fool around with Minerva's girls? Maybe Ximena could have been a witness to what happened to Cristina.
The missing gold knife must hold an answer to the identity of Ximena's killer. We know it can't be Julio or Andres--they are too important to the rest of the story. I would think the killer could only have been a man, possibly Genaro, for whatever reason--unless it was Minerva, the madam. But who got ahold of the gold knife--Felipe or Diego?
That's why I want more on Ximena's backstory--if it is at all important. Det. Ayala is on the case now. I feel much better.
Nandicta and UA--
The fate of the baby was already decided between Dona Tere and Belen. Belen will give birth, but it will be DOA. It will be passed off as Sofia's. That will take a great deal of maneuvering. That's why Dona Tere was interested in knowing how far along Belen was before she made the deal with her.
Belen, though, doesn't know the baby is going to Sofia. She has been assured it is going to go to a good family.
The fate of the baby was already decided between Dona Tere and Belen. Belen will give birth, but it will be DOA. It will be passed off as Sofia's. That will take a great deal of maneuvering. That's why Dona Tere was interested in knowing how far along Belen was before she made the deal with her.
Belen, though, doesn't know the baby is going to Sofia. She has been assured it is going to go to a good family.
Anita, I think Diego could have taken that knife just as easily. Wouldn't he have the keys to everything in case of emergency?
-- Anita: Thank you my dear, you are too kind! :)
What I remember about Ximena is that she crashed the "Lights Party" with a drunk as a skunk Felipe. Teresa instructed Felipe to pay Ximena promptly and get her out of the hotel, because according to her, whores who don't receive their fees tend to cause a ruckus. Later on, when Diego heads to the cantina/congal followed by Julio, we see Ximena in there with Felipe and, if I recall things correctly, she was still there up until the moment Julio and Felipe left. Since Detective Ayala hasn't been allowed to speak to the hotel guests, he doesn't yet know about the scandalous scene involving Teresa, her son and the whore and he doesn't know that the whore in question is precisely the one whose murder he is investigating. Once Ayala is brought up to speed on this, Felipe will join Julio and potentially Diego on the list of suspects. Genaro and his minions should also be investigated because Ximena is supposedly on Genaro's payroll. Anyone who was in the cantina/congal that night could theoretically be linked to the murder. However, in the eyes of Ayala, I imagine that the prime suspects would be Julio, Diego and Felipe because of the gold knife connection. They were all in Ximena's place of work that night, their alibis are flimsy and anyone of them could've gotten hold of that gold knife: Julio because he took part in the fancy cutlery inventory, Diego because as director of the hotel he would have a spare key to the fancy cutlery drawer and Felipe because he has easy access to Diego's office drawers.
I personally discard Genaro for two reasons:
1) If he could get hold of a gold knife he would sell it and commit murder with a regular blade;
2) A whorehouse owner has a variety of techniques to discipline his employees, I don't think killing is one of them. Ximena brought money to his business and ending her life would seem like too much of a waste. But if he did have to kill her, he would've done a better job disposing of the body. Unless... He was paid to frame someone, Felipe for example. I'm confused!
What I remember about Ximena is that she crashed the "Lights Party" with a drunk as a skunk Felipe. Teresa instructed Felipe to pay Ximena promptly and get her out of the hotel, because according to her, whores who don't receive their fees tend to cause a ruckus. Later on, when Diego heads to the cantina/congal followed by Julio, we see Ximena in there with Felipe and, if I recall things correctly, she was still there up until the moment Julio and Felipe left. Since Detective Ayala hasn't been allowed to speak to the hotel guests, he doesn't yet know about the scandalous scene involving Teresa, her son and the whore and he doesn't know that the whore in question is precisely the one whose murder he is investigating. Once Ayala is brought up to speed on this, Felipe will join Julio and potentially Diego on the list of suspects. Genaro and his minions should also be investigated because Ximena is supposedly on Genaro's payroll. Anyone who was in the cantina/congal that night could theoretically be linked to the murder. However, in the eyes of Ayala, I imagine that the prime suspects would be Julio, Diego and Felipe because of the gold knife connection. They were all in Ximena's place of work that night, their alibis are flimsy and anyone of them could've gotten hold of that gold knife: Julio because he took part in the fancy cutlery inventory, Diego because as director of the hotel he would have a spare key to the fancy cutlery drawer and Felipe because he has easy access to Diego's office drawers.
I personally discard Genaro for two reasons:
1) If he could get hold of a gold knife he would sell it and commit murder with a regular blade;
2) A whorehouse owner has a variety of techniques to discipline his employees, I don't think killing is one of them. Ximena brought money to his business and ending her life would seem like too much of a waste. But if he did have to kill her, he would've done a better job disposing of the body. Unless... He was paid to frame someone, Felipe for example. I'm confused!
-- UA: As director of the hotel, I imagine Diego would have a key to that gold knives drawer, and by the same token, Teresa would have her own key as well. Could she have had something to do with Ximena's murder? We didn't see her that evening up until the moment she was told about Sofia's fall. By that time, both Felipe and Julio had returned from the village.
Nandicta- It wasn't the Lights Party Felipe brought Ximena to. It was the engagement party for Diego and Isabel. The Lights Party is the night Cristina disappeared. So, both our dark-haired beauties were killed/disappeared on nights when some big event was happening at the hotel. Not sure if that's relevant, but it should be noted.
-- Vivi: You're right, thanks for the rectification! I'm sorry, I got confused with these fancy Gran Manicomio parties ending in tragedy. I'm dreading the next one!
Since the knife was dug out of her bone, I would imagine that it would have to be someone really strong who stabbed her, probably not a woman.
I was astonished when Julio, fresh from the fist fight, and bleeding from several head woundsw, looks perfectly unmarked in the very few next scenes.
He sure "cleans up nicely". Must be through the skilled ministrations given by Isabvel.
He sure "cleans up nicely". Must be through the skilled ministrations given by Isabvel.
-- A quote from the capítulo --
“¡No te me pegues como lapa!” *
* Teresa ordering her good-for-nothing spawn to stop breathing down her neck as she tries to call her friend, Judge Barreda: “Don’t stick to me like a mollusc!” (“lapa” is a kind of crustacean that lives stuck to rocks).
“¡No te me pegues como lapa!” *
* Teresa ordering her good-for-nothing spawn to stop breathing down her neck as she tries to call her friend, Judge Barreda: “Don’t stick to me like a mollusc!” (“lapa” is a kind of crustacean that lives stuck to rocks).
-- Your viewing vocabulario --
Congal = a Mexican term for whorehouse.
Cruce del arroyo = creek crossing. “Cruce” means crossing, crossroads or intersection. “Arroyo” is a creek, a stream, a small river.
Se reventaron las bombillas = the lightbulbs exploded. “Reventarse” is to explode, to burst, to shatter. “Bombilla” is a lightbulb in peninsular Spanish. In Latin America, they tend to use “foco”. In addition to “foco”, a lightbulb is also called “un bombillo” in Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, “una ampolleta” in Chile and “una lamparita” or “una bombita” in Argentina. “Bombilla” in South American countries that drink Yerba Maté is the name of the metal straw that is used to drink that beverage.
Quedar bien = to make a good impression, to be in someone’s good books.
Lucir sus joyas = flaunt her jewelry.
Cobijo = shelter, refuge.
Lupanar = an archaic word for brothel, house of ill repute.
Ladrones de marranos = swine thieves. “Marrano” is a pig; the term can be used both literally and figuratively.
Podredumbre = decomposition, putrefaction.
Un hombre hecho y derecho = a man through and through, a man in every sense of the word. For a woman, we say “una mujer hecha y derecha”.
Arma blanca = cold weapon, white arm, bladed weapon.
Una cuchillada limpia = a clean stab wound. “Cuchillada” is a stab or a slash; from “cuchillo”, i.e. knife.
Cortes pequeños alrededor de la herida = small cuts around the wound.
Orden judicial = a warrant, a court order.
La servidumbre = the servants.
Cubertería = cutlery.
Vajilla = crockery, dinnerware.
Desacierto = error, mistake.
Congal = a Mexican term for whorehouse.
Cruce del arroyo = creek crossing. “Cruce” means crossing, crossroads or intersection. “Arroyo” is a creek, a stream, a small river.
Se reventaron las bombillas = the lightbulbs exploded. “Reventarse” is to explode, to burst, to shatter. “Bombilla” is a lightbulb in peninsular Spanish. In Latin America, they tend to use “foco”. In addition to “foco”, a lightbulb is also called “un bombillo” in Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, “una ampolleta” in Chile and “una lamparita” or “una bombita” in Argentina. “Bombilla” in South American countries that drink Yerba Maté is the name of the metal straw that is used to drink that beverage.
Quedar bien = to make a good impression, to be in someone’s good books.
Lucir sus joyas = flaunt her jewelry.
Cobijo = shelter, refuge.
Lupanar = an archaic word for brothel, house of ill repute.
Ladrones de marranos = swine thieves. “Marrano” is a pig; the term can be used both literally and figuratively.
Podredumbre = decomposition, putrefaction.
Un hombre hecho y derecho = a man through and through, a man in every sense of the word. For a woman, we say “una mujer hecha y derecha”.
Arma blanca = cold weapon, white arm, bladed weapon.
Una cuchillada limpia = a clean stab wound. “Cuchillada” is a stab or a slash; from “cuchillo”, i.e. knife.
Cortes pequeños alrededor de la herida = small cuts around the wound.
Orden judicial = a warrant, a court order.
La servidumbre = the servants.
Cubertería = cutlery.
Vajilla = crockery, dinnerware.
Desacierto = error, mistake.
I couldn't sleep and was curious about the list of cold weapons (armas blancas) that Detective Ayala enumerated to Suarez during the autopsy. Not only did I learn a great deal about bladed weapons, I also learnt that Ayala was actually taking the mickey! Here goes the list:
Un estoque = “el estoque (de toreo)” is a bullfighting sword. Its particularity is that the edge of the blade (el filo de la hoja) does not cut but its tip (la punta) can perforate the skin.
Una sica = a sica is a large curved dagger mostly associated with the ancient Thracians.
Un alfanje = a cutlass (from the French “coutelas”) is a 17th century short sabre with a broad and slightly curved blade.
Un corvo = is a dagger with a curved blade measuring approximately 12 inches. It was used in Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879 -1883) that opposed that country to neighboring Peru and Bolivia. This dagger has been refined and is now part of the Chilean Army’s arsenal. It is also the traditional symbol of the Chilean Commandos.
Un espadín = a smallsword, also called “Épée de Cour”. It is the chronological intermediary between the "Rapier" (the swashbuckling thin pointed sword for thrusting attacks, used in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries) and the “Épée de Combat”, the light pointy 19th century thrusting sword that later evolved into the modern “Épée d’Escrime”, the largest weapon used in fencing.
Un mandoble = a basket-hilted sword. Pretty heavy.
Una falcata = The Iberian falcata is a curved bladed weapon that resembles the modern machete but is made entirely of iron, including its handle. It was used by the natives of the Iberian peninsula to fight the Roman conquest of Hispania (218 B.C. to 19 B.C.)
Una navaja = a pocketknife, a jackknife. Apparently, knives with foldable blades have existed since 600 B.C.! Color me impactada!
Una espada = a sword. A generic term that can encompass any type of sword.
Un pico = a pickaxe or pick.
Un estoque = “el estoque (de toreo)” is a bullfighting sword. Its particularity is that the edge of the blade (el filo de la hoja) does not cut but its tip (la punta) can perforate the skin.
Una sica = a sica is a large curved dagger mostly associated with the ancient Thracians.
Un alfanje = a cutlass (from the French “coutelas”) is a 17th century short sabre with a broad and slightly curved blade.
Un corvo = is a dagger with a curved blade measuring approximately 12 inches. It was used in Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879 -1883) that opposed that country to neighboring Peru and Bolivia. This dagger has been refined and is now part of the Chilean Army’s arsenal. It is also the traditional symbol of the Chilean Commandos.
Un espadín = a smallsword, also called “Épée de Cour”. It is the chronological intermediary between the "Rapier" (the swashbuckling thin pointed sword for thrusting attacks, used in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries) and the “Épée de Combat”, the light pointy 19th century thrusting sword that later evolved into the modern “Épée d’Escrime”, the largest weapon used in fencing.
Un mandoble = a basket-hilted sword. Pretty heavy.
Una falcata = The Iberian falcata is a curved bladed weapon that resembles the modern machete but is made entirely of iron, including its handle. It was used by the natives of the Iberian peninsula to fight the Roman conquest of Hispania (218 B.C. to 19 B.C.)
Una navaja = a pocketknife, a jackknife. Apparently, knives with foldable blades have existed since 600 B.C.! Color me impactada!
Una espada = a sword. A generic term that can encompass any type of sword.
Un pico = a pickaxe or pick.
Thanks for the vocabulary Nandicta. I attempted to look up many of those knife terms and only a couple were in my little dictionary that I have on hand. Arma blanca had me stumped.
Are you a native spanish speaker? Just curious.
Are you a native spanish speaker? Just curious.
-- Cathyx: You're very welcome! I figured it would be easier to compile the vocab for people who might want to copy it and paste it into their phrasebook.
Unfortunately, I'm not a native Spanish speaker. I tried to learn it on and off for the past 15 years to no avail. I could not memorize much vocabulary or get the grammar and conjugation rules straight in my head. I started watching TNs regularly in November 2014 and I'm almost fluent now. My hearing is fine-tuned and I acquired great confidence speaking and writing, though I have to practice my spelling and composition more assiduously. Still, the progress I made is astonishing compared to other language-learning methods I tried. I spent this last month of August in Spain and everybody thought I was either Mexican or Argentinian. It's amazing how much TNs have helped me! I wish I had known this before... All the money and time I spent on textbooks, courses in Instituto Cervantes, a semester of Spanish at uni... Oh well! Ni hablar! :)
I didn't have a problem with "Arma blanca" because it is a literal translation of the term in Arabic, my native language, and it's pretty much the same ("Arme blanche") in French, my second language. I'm from Morocco, so Arabic and French are the two main languages used in the country. "Arma blanca" is either cold weapon, white weapon or white arm according to Wordreference and Wikipedia.
There are a few resources that can be more useful than a regular paper Spanish-English dictionary, especially for "mexicanismos" and "americanismos":
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/spanish-english
www.wordreference.com
www.spanishdirect.com
If the bilingual websites above don't help and a Google search doesn't yield much, or if a double-check is needed then I find these Spanish-only resources invaluable:
www.asihablamos.com ("El Diccionario Latinoamericano". This has words and their significance in almost every dialect of Latin American Spanish. It is incomplete at times but very helpful nonetheless).
dle.rae.es (this is the dictionary of the "Real Academia Española". The nice thing about it is that you get the definition of the word in various Spanish-speaking countries as well as the idiomatic expressions that use that same word, all in the same entry).
www.academia.org.mx (this is the website of the "Academia Mexicana de la Lengua". It has a dictionary of "mexicanismos" as well as a "refranero mexicano", a dictionary of Mexican proverbs and sayings).
Hope you find these helpful! :)
Unfortunately, I'm not a native Spanish speaker. I tried to learn it on and off for the past 15 years to no avail. I could not memorize much vocabulary or get the grammar and conjugation rules straight in my head. I started watching TNs regularly in November 2014 and I'm almost fluent now. My hearing is fine-tuned and I acquired great confidence speaking and writing, though I have to practice my spelling and composition more assiduously. Still, the progress I made is astonishing compared to other language-learning methods I tried. I spent this last month of August in Spain and everybody thought I was either Mexican or Argentinian. It's amazing how much TNs have helped me! I wish I had known this before... All the money and time I spent on textbooks, courses in Instituto Cervantes, a semester of Spanish at uni... Oh well! Ni hablar! :)
I didn't have a problem with "Arma blanca" because it is a literal translation of the term in Arabic, my native language, and it's pretty much the same ("Arme blanche") in French, my second language. I'm from Morocco, so Arabic and French are the two main languages used in the country. "Arma blanca" is either cold weapon, white weapon or white arm according to Wordreference and Wikipedia.
There are a few resources that can be more useful than a regular paper Spanish-English dictionary, especially for "mexicanismos" and "americanismos":
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/spanish-english
www.wordreference.com
www.spanishdirect.com
If the bilingual websites above don't help and a Google search doesn't yield much, or if a double-check is needed then I find these Spanish-only resources invaluable:
www.asihablamos.com ("El Diccionario Latinoamericano". This has words and their significance in almost every dialect of Latin American Spanish. It is incomplete at times but very helpful nonetheless).
dle.rae.es (this is the dictionary of the "Real Academia Española". The nice thing about it is that you get the definition of the word in various Spanish-speaking countries as well as the idiomatic expressions that use that same word, all in the same entry).
www.academia.org.mx (this is the website of the "Academia Mexicana de la Lengua". It has a dictionary of "mexicanismos" as well as a "refranero mexicano", a dictionary of Mexican proverbs and sayings).
Hope you find these helpful! :)
-- Gobluefan: Your observation about Julio recovering a little too quickly from his beating endorses Vivi and UA's theory that Julio did not genuinely lose the fight, he just took a dive at the behest of Felipe. As they rightly pointed out, this was the only way Julio could get Felipe off his back until he figures out how to deal with him further down the line.
Nandicta, your recap is WONDERFUL! I love the vocabulary list! I've been studying Spanish for years, and I still can't catch all the crazy-fast vocabulary. Now I know the secret: I need to increase my telenovela-watching!!
Thank you so much for your beautiful writing! I have nothing insightful to say about the episode, but I definitely wanted to compliment your work. I look forward to reading your recaps during the show!
Tracy
Thank you so much for your beautiful writing! I have nothing insightful to say about the episode, but I definitely wanted to compliment your work. I look forward to reading your recaps during the show!
Tracy
-- Tracy: Many thanks for your kind words! I tell everyone I watch TNs for the Spanish, this is the official party line, but the truth of the matter is that I also enjoy the escapism, the convoluted plots, the kitschy drama and the abundant eyecandy! And the Caray Caray community is the cherry on a fantastic "learning" package, what's not to love? ;)
A very abbreviated High Points, Low Points "list" for the week.
For me:
The high point was the interaction the between Isa and Julio (especially liked that in the first week, they met, she found out he was an imposter, they had their first fight, and now are friends and sleuthing together).
The low point was the selling of Violeta.
Nanette
For me:
The high point was the interaction the between Isa and Julio (especially liked that in the first week, they met, she found out he was an imposter, they had their first fight, and now are friends and sleuthing together).
The low point was the selling of Violeta.
Nanette
!Dios mio! Nandicta
Not only a super recap, but we get a Spanish lesson & a history lesson!!!!!
!Muchisimas gracias!
Not only a super recap, but we get a Spanish lesson & a history lesson!!!!!
!Muchisimas gracias!
-- Nanette: I enjoyed your Hi-Lo lists from other shows and I vote that you continue sharing them with us here in the EHDLS Patio. Claro, if you feel like doing it. :)
-- Variopinta: De nada, amiga. Estoy para servirles. I'm glad you enjoyed the recap and the vocab. :)
-- Variopinta: De nada, amiga. Estoy para servirles. I'm glad you enjoyed the recap and the vocab. :)
Nandicta: I'm so glad you've enjoyed the lists. I enjoy doing them. I actually started one for this TN just for the heck of it. I'll finish it up and try and post it before tonight's ep--tomorrow am by the latest. I haven't read the recap yet, really looking forward to it.
Nandicta: having a busier day at work than I planned on. Will post list tomorrow, just not sure what time (FYI-I'm on US PST).
Nanette--I couldn't believe you are going to do this! What a treat.
Suggestion, post it on tomorrow's comment page, but label it for this week. After a certain time, fewer people return to the last post.
Suggestion, post it on tomorrow's comment page, but label it for this week. After a certain time, fewer people return to the last post.
Thank you, Nandicta!
I wonder if the gold knife means the killer was a guest at the hotel. There are all kinds of knives (most of them better for killing than that dinky gold thing) just sitting around the kitchen for any employee to borrow. But any guest might have swiped a gold knife.
I did think of Belen when I saw the blackmailer. Seems to me that a man wouldn't need to bundle up nearly as much as this person did.
I wonder if the gold knife means the killer was a guest at the hotel. There are all kinds of knives (most of them better for killing than that dinky gold thing) just sitting around the kitchen for any employee to borrow. But any guest might have swiped a gold knife.
I did think of Belen when I saw the blackmailer. Seems to me that a man wouldn't need to bundle up nearly as much as this person did.
But weren't those knives locked up? I have the impression that they were all in the drawer at the last official inventory.
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