Caray, Caray!

Ugh, I can tell that hearing Gaby and Caridad defending Franco 24/7 is going to grate on my nerves. #ShutupCaridad #ShutUpGaby
 

Thanks a million, no, maybe one and a half million Mauricio.
I must brag, SWITCHEROO. Kirbo predicted it weeks ago. I can't believe Francoturd is paying off Art's secretary.

Come on, Francoturd is not quite ugly, but he aint all that. Art's girl, Dani, Marintia, and Gaby? Puleeeeeeze.
I still say one of the girls needs to give him an STD and let him share and then explain that.

You're right, I don't like him. No redeeming qualities I can see. All bad, no good, and a laughably flimsy excuse for being that way. Yeah Excuse.
Clara and Consuelo both are orphans and DID NOT grow up in the lap of luxury like you, you spoiled little brat.
And they turned out pretty good. Like it or not Caridad is your Mom, deal with it.

When Eladio went to team up with Art on Ashmore, I believed him.
Let's just start calling ElDaddio "Mr. Epiphany"
 

Yeah we saw a side of Caridad from 20 years in prison. Putting up her fists and arms covered with homemade tattoos. She and Nina would be like a little mongoose against a deadly cobra. Yup, dead cobra.

My heart breaks for her every time Francoturd makes another payment on the huge anvil he is earning.
 

Mauricio---You made my day. I didn't know if the recap would be up today or tomorrow but I will say it again that you made my day. Excellent job Mauricio, excellent.

Petra saw him first. I'm wondering if she will be going for a second makeover now?

Gaby doesn't get what the big deal is that Franco went out and bought a car.---Gaby,
that car is like four normal cars. Get it now?

I was worried for Consuelo when Erick came over. I knew that he would start to get pushy with her and for sure, when she sat down on the couch, Erick moved right in close to her. I asked myself why she didn't leave the door open when Erick came in?
Don't apartment doors have peep holes in Mexico? If not, one could ask who is it before opening it.

Did anyone notice that at the bar, David ordered two glasses of wine for both he and Regina. After they talked and made up, David left without paying the tab. Que?
Regina was left at the bar to anti up for the wine.

At the car auction or whatever it was called, Julia looked terrified when she saw Nina the spurned bruja ready to rumble. Caridad was more than ready to take her on.
To put it another way---Upon seeing Julia in trouble, Caridad sprang into action, ready to do some serious damage to Nina's back porch. in other words, Caridad was about to kick Nina's ass and would have done so if she hadn't been pulled away. The much smaller Caridad wasn't afraid in the least. She had confidence and knew that those long years in prison could now be put to use. My favorite part of Friday's episode---you go Caridad. The bruja will now think twice about starting trouble. At least when Caridad is around.

more later---

must see tv
the gringo

 

Thanks, Mauricio. Great title and recap. The Eladio-Ashmore-Art dealings was so much blah-blah-blah to me, but you made it clear.

It's sad to see Caridad defending Julia tooth and nail, when Julia has so much and Caridad so little. Julia, you kissed Nina's husband several occasions and plotted to hook up for good, so you've got some nerve hauling off and slapping the woman cause she called you a name. Not your classiest moment.

Franco sold a few shares to buy a sports car. Why does this tick off David?

Franco knows from his Montenegro spy Angeles that the shares were purchased by Art through Augie. Does Franco care?

Saddest scene: Franco's cruelty to his mom at the auction. Anybody watching those two would've known there's an emotional connection there. Franco hunched his tall frame to yell right in petite Caridad's face. But why does Eladio now want Caridad to get close to Franco?

Erick may be a cheater, backstabber, dumb, and a snob, but at least he's loyal to his mama. Dani not so much. She doesn't want Nina divorce blues to spoil her getting David. As if.

Hope everyone in the path of the blizzard stays safe and warm.
 

Mauricio, I so enjoy how you relate all the details with wry, dry humor. This was terrific.

"My sister-in-law is my Mrs. Right" and "Franco whines to Eladio over how Erick humiliated him during recess at the playground, err at the car show" made me smile.

If I were Nina, I would want Arturo out of my life. And quickly. He has treated her like dirt. I would likely take what was offered and go. If she were going after everything on principal, I would respect her decision. But there is a lot of greed there too. She is someone that would never really be happy with being rich - she would always want more. So while I don't like her, part of me wants her to get what she is entitled to. If only to irk Arturo.

For a fairly smart man, Eladio is making what are sure to be poor decisions with costly recriminations. Does he really think he can keep Franco a secret with Franco's mother working closely with Julia? Does he think Caridad will not say anything? Poor deluded soul has no idea what her son is. Unfortunately, we do...I believe Julia might have forgiven Arturo if he had told her the other night. I don't think she will if someone else tells her which is very likely to happen.

I am afraid I am in the minority in that I've always liked Miguel. I just viewed him as an introvert which was likely how he was able to survive all these years. He grew up being called every imaginable insult from his half siblings and his stepmother not only condoned but joined in the fray. Arturo's indifference/ignorance simply exacerbated the situation. I hate to think of how lonely his life was (thank God for Regina). Miguel is starving for affection and it seems understandable he would fall in love with the sweet Connie who treated him kindly. I do not think it will be possible them to be together. At least, while Erick lives.

So is Dani going to be winging her way to NY? Regina and David need to pry this blood sucking leech from their lives once and for all.

Diana
 

Thank you Mauricio for your time and effort in putting this together and including so many details. I think that David tossed a coin to decide which direction to go in as he was sightseeing. Looks like Arturo is quickly becoming the villain and Eladio the better of the two. Amazing that he is going along with Julia on just about everything and he seems most sincere too. Franco has just got to get over himself, but I think it's his age and mostly his insecurities directing his behavior. He doesn't need to be so hateful and insensitive to Caridad. By the same token, she should not be so cloying at this point, but give him a chance to absorb the fact that she's his Mother. Take it much more slowly until he comes around which might take five years, but still she seems to be ramming it down his throat. Her need to be close to him at least is understandable, but who's the adult here? His orientation is so different and certainly he is making a lot of mistakes. I would think Julia would step in and help him some, but she's too busy with her own pain and David.
So I feel sorry for him for not getting the guidance in morality and his decisions
that would help him to be a responsible adult in the big wide world.
They could just leave the Marintia chick right out of this story. And Gaby? OMG is she co-dependent? I wish she'd at least wear some sparky clothes, some that make her more attractive. The wedding will be interesting - Julia has the style, but poor Caridad will have to enjoy the crumbs and just hover I think.

Poor Nina, don't think she'll win and probably become bitter and vengeful so look out Julia as it seems she's already on her way. When Julia learns the truth about Caridad and Franco that will be the real test for her with Eladio and I hope it works out for them all. Can't stand Daniela. If the eyes are the window of the soul, wow! Her eyes are cold and staring, don't even look real sometimes. No warmth there at all. Bitch bitch bitch!!!

Regina needs to grow up a few notches and listen to David. She makes way too much of his rendevous with Daniela before they even met - it had nothing to do with her. And why can't she believe him now - about the Daniela appearances? Too insecure! She needs to have more confidence in herself and also realize how much she and David have bonded together. Basta!! ad nauseum!

Hope the cops get Erick for something.....please!!! Clara needs a nice break for all of her self-sacrifice and concern for others. Why do so many of these women in TNs have so little self-esteem?

Fernando is doing a great job and fascinates me, as usual. Jorge is so special, he has the most animated facial expressions and I love to watch him act. Susana is wonderful and such a gifted actress and particularly beautiful here. Never seen the others before but it's an altogether great cast. David is just super too.

Well can't wait until next week although I guess we'll be back to one hour now with the Hotel show starting.

Gale
 

Thanks Mauricio! All of this snow in nyc has let me catch up.

Did Franco sell all of his shares to buy that car? Stupid if he sold too much. But I can understand his need to indulge a little. He has worked hard and gotten nothing but grief from Eladio all these years.

The R & D train looks like it is on track again. Should we start taking bets on how many more times they will break up before the end? I'm thinking 20


 

Carvivlie, they said Franco sold a few -- poco -- shares.
 

Thanks Niecie. Glad he wasn't too stupid but trying to keep up with the spoiled rich kids is a road to bankruptcy
 

Mauricio, I don't think I ever needed a recap as much. Like Niece, I just couldn't understand much of the dialogue in the Ashmore segments. I love your headings and especially, "Looking for love in all the wrong places" That is a wonderful lyric and really says it all for Dani. Thanks for all your hard work.

Gale, I haven't see you before, welcome!

In the real world, divorces are devastating to the couple, their families and all in their circle of friends. The Nina/ Arturo divorce, and all the unpleasant scenes, is played out everyday in real life, we see the ruination constantly. In this example, even our kind Auggie has turned into an a$$. Much more pain and ugly machinations are on their way for us with dissolution of the (almost) 25 Montenegro marriage. I'm really not looking forward to it.

Note to Caridad: As I watch you, I'm fairly certain I see a good soul in your sad face. Please take it more slowly with Franco, and for heaven's sake, as a person just released from prison for murder, stay calmer in your dealings with others, particular in public places.
Oh my....

Sometimes I think David is the only sensible person in the novela, his practically helps him see the big YELLOW sports car for what it is, a silly waste of money. Yes Carvivlie, a "road to bankruptcy."

Diana, I like Miguel too!





 

Great job as always Mauricio. And as always, love your asides, especially "Over on the patio we know how". And your nickname for Eladio "Mr. Tattoo".

Usually I agree with Diana and Sandy, but alas, Miguel (or the actor playing him) just has an overwhelming creep factor for me. I cringe every time he appears on the screen. Reminds me of that old How-Do-You-Know-A-Redneck joke....he goes to family reunions to get dates.

As you noted, his crush would be sweet were it not on his sister-in-law!

I find Caridad's impetuousness, both in dealing with Nina and Franco, somewhat puzzling. I guess we're supposed to assume she's always been this way...which helped land her in jail in the first place. But somehow it doesn't seem to fit with her other kindly, gentle characteristics. Or perhaps it's simply because I've seen her in more submissive roles in the past, and just can't visualize her as a bumptious spitfire.

The role reversals in this are interesting. And yes, indeed, though roles are changing, all our main characters remain deeply flawed.

Thanks again Mauricio and hope all the patio has power this morning and can snuggle inside and just enjoy the snow through the window!
 

Gracias, Mauricio, and here's to the end of multiple episodes.

Having spent most of my adult life in the business world, I have to say that Ass-more is the right nick for this man. What he did was completely unethical. You never give a competitor's information away no matter what your goal. It creates more nasty infighting among competitors and also makes the instigator look bad enough that in the end whoever wins the contract will have to worry about whether he will pay the bill.

The other thing that makes this all the worse is that the hatred between Eladio and Arturo is about something much bigger than business. Eladio's lawyer becoming Nina's divorce lawyer is escalating the hostilities. When he initially approached Arturo and talked about either of them losing millions he predicted the possibility that this rivalry could end up bankrupting both of them. Nina's line two episodes ago about fire and ashes is making me wonder whether both the pairs of Capulet and Montegue parents will end up dead with Romeo and Juliet surviving, in a reversal of Shakespearean fortune.

Franco's shares are worth millions; he wouldn't have had to sell much to buy that car. But I fail to see why anyone would want a car that color. I'd want the one Arturo gave Nina; that's a James Bond color and in very good taste. A little annoyed that we'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out who wins it.

And Franco is being a total abusive jerk, just like Eladio. I don't have any sympathy for him at this point. Being illegitimate means nothing these days. Caridad did look rather pathetic in those scenes with him but this speaks of her desperation after being separated from him for 20 years, especially because she killed the man who would have killed him. No predictions at this point whether he will ever believe this.

More later.


 

Really appreciate your work Mauricio. Love your succinct section titles

"And so what if I did?!"

It was not that long ago in the US a man could divorce his wife and mother of his children and leave her penniless, usually with no marketable skills to support herself and children. I have a dear friend in her mid 80's that was married for 10 years to a physician and father of her 6 children. He divorced her to marry his gf and my friend had to borrow money to purchase their home, the home she was raising his children in. This man was married 8 times.

Much as I dislike Art it wasn't long ago Julia was throwing herself at him. How long before Art and Eladio realize she is no different than Ashmore.

I wished David would give up on Regina and find a nice girl from a NICE family and an only child.

I'll say this for Miguel, of all the characters in this TN whenever there's a post, full drapery, potted plant, dark corner or closed door, I expect him to pop out.

 

8 times, Tofie? I know that's not a world record but it sounds like that physician was trading in each one for a newer model. Was she his first wife?

I personally think that Julia is playing Eladio and the writers are playing with us, as they have done in the recent past.

Erick is trying to corner Consuelo into signing over the shares she will get to him. I hope he fails. We know this is his only interest in the child. He is mentally still in elementary or middle school. The playground taunt was a brilliant metaphor for his interactions with Franco. Daniela's relentless pursuit of David is high school Mean Girl stuff and nothing can stop her. At this point Nina couldn't even if she wanted to.
 

Many thanks Mauricio! Always a fun and detailed recap!

For a minute there, I panicked slightly with David and the coin flip. That was an Eladio trait at the start of this...please don't become the "old" dad. But most of his actual actions in the episode give me hope, though this whole Franco thing is making him a loose cannon. Stop bugging about it kiddo!!

Franco really is turning up the "jerk" button. Seeing Gaby turning on the love if blinders on is sad.

Ok, Julia has a job. Step One to a possible future independence. No way do I believe things continue rosy for her and Eladio. But that said, Artie is in no way a TN galan to me so that I can really cheer these two on. In fact, they should all wind up with no one. Maybe that should be their comeuppance for years of messing up their children's lives.

I agree with Diana...Miguel's actions show me someone who is awkward in their social interactions from either lack of experiencing much in their childhood, or through lack of social interaction with their occupations. Miguel seems to hit in both categories...he just don't know how to show how he feels that well and heaven help up, especially with a girl. If Gina and Dave get back together, maybe she can have David give Miguel some smooth moves training.

Caridad is sweet, but her blinders towards Franco could be her undoing. She doesn't know him, how can she know he's a "sweet boy" and David was the one in the wrong. Maybe she needed that humiliation at the car auction to have her eyes open.

Daisynjay
 

thanks, Mauricio, for that snappy recap. I especially enjoyed your clever subtitles.

Well, the sun is shining brightly, and the roads are finally plowed so traffic is moving again. However, our driveway is covered in over two feet of snow as is the roof of the little playhouse in the backyard. Bizarre.

Hotladio's pjs kept reminding me of something , and I finally figured out last night what it was. He looks like he could be the captain of a starship. Captain Gomez Luna...beam me up, Scotty.

On a serious note, someone once mentioned that there is no priest in this telenovela. I was thinking that not only is there no priest present , but there has been no religion. The closest thing to altruism has been the foundation and charity balls that the rich and heartless attend to show off their clothing, jewels, and ...sometimes their back porches. We do not even get parents to teach our characters the golden rule. Julia snd Gaby have horrible Hum for a parental unit. Caridad had boozy , grasping , soulless Gisela . Miguel had a stepmother who despises him and an absentee father who was concerned with business and moping about the loss of his onetruelove because of his lack of faithfulness. We are told that Hotladio was raised by wolves. Connie was raised in a bordella..probably no play dates and sleepovers in her history.

I feel sorry for Miguel. He seems like a quiet guy without social skills who has no self esteem due to his dreadful stepmother's verbal abuse and his father's disinterest . He does not seem to have friends or a social life, and there was this beautiful, dainty doll of a sister in-law whom he watched being either ignored or abused by his simian stepbrother who treated him the same way. This Princess was right there at the family dining room table every day deaking with tge very same barbarians. But then, I had a crush on my cousin Drew when I was 14, so..nevermind!
 

I too have noticed the absence of a wise priest/counselor Susanlynn. Instead we just have...well, counselors. Although they seem to be doing a good job.

There is the little wall altar to the Virgin in Clara's house and both she and Caridad direct their prayers there, but yes, the "rich and heartless" don't seem to be parking their back porches in any pew these days.
 

Susanlynn, I like your description of Miguel. I do worry that he will end up a sacrificial lamb in this TN. A few tears from Reg and Connie and then forgotten. Hopefully that doesn't happen and this diamond in the rough comes into his own.
 

Hi Judyb and Carvivle...Yes, and you jogged my memory . Miguel just brought Connie the gift of the painting of the Virgin. Perhaps that is a good omen. To me, Miguel is a poor soul fixated on one of the only people who has treated him with tender regard. The other being his halfsister who is definitely a no-no. He appears to see Connie as a kindred spirit in the den of vipers. Maybe Miguel at least had a loving nanny when he was a little boy....whom Dani and Rick probably taunted and terrorized.
 

Not all novelas have priests and I suspect that religion decreases in importance along with the increasing size of bank accounts. Mark 10:25: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

There was only one scene in a church and we didn't see a priest there. It was also a very modern building, not the traditional-looking type we usually see and there was almost nobody inside. So not many of the rich and shameless are parking their back porches on pews and if there are any altars to the Virgencita in their mansions they are in the servants' quarters.

 

Thanks for this clear and illuminating recap, Mauricio. I'm sure that you must be relieved to return to the one hour format.

UA,

"...in the end whoever wins the contract will have to worry about whether he will pay the bill."

Exactly. I'm betting that Arturo wins the bid as a result of his dishonesty and will end up paying a very steep price. In addition, in my experience, the business world tends to overlook marital infidelities and spousal disloyalty, but is uniformly unforgiving of dishonesty in business dealings. If Arturo's willingness to cheat is discovered it could do irreparable damage to his credibility... on the other hand... treating his wife badly in his quest for adolescent gratification... well... next!

tofie,

"How long before Art and Eladio realize she is no different than Ashmore."

That had not occurred to me, but I think that comparison is very apt.

and

"...Miguel...whenever there's a post, full drapery, potted plant, dark corner or closed door, I expect him to pop out."

Heh heh. But Humberto is also good at silently gliding in when least expected or wanted.

Miguel didn't fall for Coni over time and exposure to her, remember, he admitted to Regina that he fell in love with her the moment he first laid eyes on her... his brother's wife... icky at best.

Carlos
 

UA,

"There was only one scene in a church..."

And then it wasn't for an exactly noble purpose.

Carlos
 

Carlos..Are you not a believer in love at first sight ? I think that it happens in real life. Up until Miguel met Connie, he lived with Nini and Dani. Yikes . Connie must have seemed like an angel who fell to earth. People do get smitten with someone..even an inappropriate someone. Knowing Rick, Miguel knew exactly how he would treat Connie.
 

Yeah, Art and Julia made out at the church. She was trying to get him to leave Nina.
 

Cynderella. Now there's a prepositional phrase that is not a good idea....."at the church."
 

Considering how Erick has treated Miguel, he can hardly think of Erick as a brother though they share some blood. And seeing how Erick has treated Connie, there is no love there so I see no moral dilemma in Miguel going after Connie.
 

I think you need to silence your ick sensors when you are watching novelas or you would never survive the first month. Cousins marrying, hot pursuit of priests and very suspect family interactions are served up like warm scones for our consumption. A brother-in-law with a crush with his sister-in-law is barely a bump in the ick factor novela meter.
 

Susanlynn,

"Are you not a believer in love at first sight ?"

I am... it's how stalkers are born.

Carlos
 

I know a man who fell in love at first sight. My co-worker's husband had left her for another woman. Anne had five kids. Her sisters took her out dancing and a man asked Anne to dance. She turned him down three times. Finally one of her sisters danced with him while Anne was in the bathroom. He told the sister that he really thought Anne was beautiful. The sister made him sit down at their table. After talking with him Anne agreed to go out on a date with him. She brought all 5 of her kids. He had to fly back to D.C. where he lived with his girlfriend. Anne said she never expected to here from him again. She told me that they never even kissed. Anyways, he drunk dials her in the middle of the night two weeks later and tells her that he's coming back to see her. She asked about his girlfriend. He told her that he broke up with her bc he told his g.f. that he'd met the woman that he was going to marry. Anne told me that he visited her six times and married her six months later. They have been married for 40 years.
 

UA, my friend was his first wife and once the blinders off she realized he had been cheating on her for years. Subsequent wives were foolish believing they'd get paid but it never happened. He would divorce and move a new one in, there was no financial disincentive and she said randy till the end.

Poor Miguel, Connie was a model after all. 0 to 100 in a microsecond when she moved in. Forget fantasy. She speaks to him at dinner and sleeps down the hall. Erick who?
 

The Montenegros lack an ick factor. It doesn't matter that Erick doesn't think of Miguel as his brother. The two still are brothers. Miguel is coveting his brother's wife. If Miguel won Connie and had children with her, the kids would be cousins and siblings. Not only that, the two sisters bonked the same dude. Musical chairs inbred family love. Date outside of the mansion walls is my advice. Geez.
 

Dear Carlos....yikes...stalker!!...or sometimes a lucky someone who has a long, happy marriage if that love at first sight was mutual and does not harm anyone else. Luck of the draw, I suppose. Fact is sometimes stranger than fiction, n'est-ce pas, Mon Ami?

I do not think that Miguel is destined to end up with the fair Connie, but I can see his attraction to her. She was a ray of sunshine and kindness coming into that house of horrors and into his life. I am sure that we all know people who are friends, but one of those people would like to be more than friends. If the person carrying that torch sees the object of his or her affection with someone who treats him or her badly, he or she wants to protect and rescue that person. Nobody wants to see someone they love mistreated. I think that it tortures Miguel to watch that Neanderthal mistreat and ignore Connie. I agree that Miguel does not even consider Erick to be his brother. I am not saying that Miguel is right...just that I understand why he fell in love with Connie.
 

Blood may be thicker than water but poison is thicker than either.

About the convoluted relationships, think about the great classic Corazon Salvaje. Two sisters (Monica and Aimee) fight over one brother (Andres), Aimeee boinks Andres' half-brother (Juan) before marrying Andres, followed by Juan marrying Monica. After Aimee's sudden death, Andres pursues Monica during a separation from Juan, which was the result of a standard TN misunderstanding.

In Abrazame Muy Fuerte Maria del Carmen falls in love with Carlos Manuel, but briefly ends up married to Jose Maria, which is not consummated because she was misled as to the identity of her sperm donor so she thinks she just married her brother. They all later discover that the two guys are half-brothers and there is no blood tie between them and her, but she ends up eventually married to Carlos Manuel.

Nothing new about any of this.

There is an Ick Factor among the Montenegros because Regina cringes at the past horizontal mambo of David and Daniela and what this means going forward. So does Arturo, although his reasons are different. Even without any hidden agendas this situation is dicey at best. Consuelo cringes at the prospect of replacing Erick with his half-brother although that would be the best thing for her. That would also have future implications despite that Erick doesn't give a flying damn about her or the baby.

Not quite OT: Just caught up to MIVAC and saw Irina Baeva (Daniela) in what had to have been her audition role for this series. She was chasing Jose Pablo Minor there also.
 

Susanlynn,

I do believe in love at first sight. Not quite 45 years ago I was sitting at the desk in the emergency room at the little hospital at which I had just begun my medical practice. As I was looking over a patient's chart I was interrupted by the ER nurse. She wanted to introduce me to the hospital's new evening nursing supervisor. She was dressed in a crisply starched nursing uniform complete with white stockings and a pert little nurse's cap. I looked up into the deepest blue eyes I've ever seen. Bam! It was the Lovely Linda.

Carlos
 

♥Carlos. ... there's my old romantic friend. See...proof positive that love at first sight does happen. Luckily, you and I did not experience it with a half sibling's spouse. Mine was walking toward me in a letter sweater. ;)


 

Mauricio- I still haven't gotten around to watching the episode yet. But your recap is do wonderfully detailed, I can picture it all.

Urban- I agree that these relationships with 2 siblings is nothing new in tns. It's one of the main story lines in many, in fact. This is just the first tn I've seen where characters are really bothered by it, and acknowledge the ick factor.
 

Good point, Vivi. It's been a theme in literature, too.
 

I see nothing wrong with Mig and Connie hooking up. There is no blood relation there. It would somehow be different if Erik was killed in a war?

If we are lucky the baby will be a boy and it statistically has a 25% chance of looking like Miguel, right?
 

I'd rather it be a girl. It would be a huge blow to that simian's concept of his own masculinity.
 

Love your Love At First Sight Story Carlos. And it's Love with Staying Power. Now let's see if any of our main couples can make it past year 25.
 

And on the Back Porch theme, they were re-showing the film Shall We Dance? on ABC today and Jennifer Lopez, whose back porch is all muscle-- part genetic luck, part dance training-- shows what a naturally beautiful tush should be. Nina's silicone appendage is grotesque in comparison.
 

It did look very obvious in last night's episode.
 

Mauricio--This was wonderful. Just the ticket to help me forget about the 20" of snow around my house and the 29 F. It's wonderful to be retired because I can wait until tomorrow to clean off the car.

The song references were particularly apt and great memory triggers.

Gale--Welcome (or welcome back?) to the Patio. I've kinda made up my mind between FC and JS. FC fans can keep his chiseled looks, I want JS's dimples, perfectly formed lips and puppy dog eyes (although we only occasionally get glimpses of those now and then).

tofie--"Much as I dislike Art it wasn't long ago Julia was throwing herself at him. How long before Art and Eladio realize she is no different than Ashmore." Why didn't I see that? She certainly seems to be trying out who of the two will give her a better deal. Aw, tofie, are you giving up on David and Regina's love? My remedy is for them to stay in NYC and start a build-design business.

I wonder if the car raffle is really important and key to something big. It would be funny if Hummy wins it. Which grandchild would he give it to, since he certainly wouldn't give it to either of his daughters. Instead of giving it to Gaby or David, methinks he would sell it so someone for cash. He needs a little leverage with Eladio.

Mauricio--so sorry you had to listen closely to all the percentages the A**more backstabbing negotiations were thrown at us. I must have missed where Eladio stayed clean. I could have sworn I heard that Eladio had done the same thing.

In my opinion, seeing Nina from behind at the raffle gathering, her back porch was bigger than any of the other ladies.

Eladio's watch couldn't be any bigger, or could it. I worried he was going to snap when he was manhandling his tie.

It would be poetic justice for Franco to total his car in an accident and walk away unhurt.

If Erik's idea of winning back Connie with financial security for their child, he has a point in this day and age. It's sad we know he has an ulterior motive urged on by mama. But I'm with Connie. He gives me asco just to think of him kissing me.

BTW, how do Mexicans refer to children who are Juniors? Does anyone know? Somewhere I thought I heard the English word junior used, but that may have been bad ears.

I think Dani is beginning to become delusional over David. How many times does it take for him to reject her, sometimes physically? I fear more for her sanity and either David's or Reggie's safety.

 

Anita- They do say the English word "junior", but it always seems to be used in the pejorative sense-- like spoiled little daddy's boy, not son with the same name as his father. I've always heard it as "Juan Hernandez, Padre y Juan Hernandez, Hijo" to differentiate between father and son with the same name.
 

I get the same sense. However, Erick is a spoiled little mama's boy.

I also agree that Dani is deluding herself, but she is just like Nina in that way. She thinks her looks and her sexual skills will get her anyone or anything she wants. She will be in for a rude awakening eventually.
 

Well, I've defended Nina's wifely virtues so now I'll vouch for her physical attributes. I'd say they're all original and authentic. As UA might say... trust me.

Carlos
 

Carlos we will let you spank it and find out, wingman. For me, I used to have a Corvette, I can spot plastic a mile away.

OTOH, I don't think Dani is deluding herself, I do not think she gives a flying fork at a rolling donut about David, except as an instrument in her scheme to cause Regi agony. Regina could announce she was in love with a cement block and Dani would try to seduce it.
 

I think....
 

Mauricio, you are very good wirh these recaps. And these have doubled up, which will come to an end this week?!?! Anyway
Thanks for such good recapping. Now first:
Someone should really kick franco's arrogant ass. The way he treats his mom is sickening
To say he wished julia was his mother in front of his mother who went to prison to protect his sorry behind and keep him from getting killed, that's just hurtful and nasty. And what does gaby see in this cheating loser.
Caradid hopes hes not like dear ol dad, but that ship has sailed hes just like him. If she
Can help him see the error of his way, good for her.
You know at this point I don't who julia ends
Up with. Both these guys are full of it. And
Themselves.
I wish danny would run away shes annoying.
Reggy needs to fight for the LOVE, And stop letting her snotty little sister mess up our love life.
I'll be glad when they get to the good stuff. Its gotta be better than this stuff. everybody seems to be stuck in the twilight zone.
 

Carlos..uhoh...didn't we have this same disagreement about another actress's charms that I thought were purchased and you thought were natural ? What telenovela and actress was that? Was it LA Duena?
 

Susanlynn♥,

I believe that was Gardenia in MEPS. There were some at that time who weren't quite as amiable as you were.

Sorry gang, I'm going to invoke my status as an expert witness.

Carlos
 

I'm still over the moon with that near ass kicking that bruja Nina received by the smaller in stature Caridad. Caridad came onto the bruja so fast, like a whirlwind, that I don't think Nina even knew what was happening. The bruja stormed up to Julia thinking that she, bruja imperial had the upper hand but soon found out that she didn't. Next time the bruja tries something like that, she probably will be sure
that Caridad isn't nearby.

Gringo, what's that you say? Nina bruja? Yes I have read all of the comments telling me what a loving, dutiful, and faithful stand by your man wife Nina was for twenty five years. Maybe true but the nastiness that she consistently threw at Regina and Consuelo and all but cheered when these two were attacked by one or both of her rotten siblings makes her nothing less than a bruja. Also, time after time when Arturo tried to straighten things out---the bruja would jump in upstaging or overruling his authority in an effort to support and lesson any correction that Arturo tried to give to either Dani or Erick. Bruja??? Yes indeed. You go Caridad. Kick that big pompous ass all the way back to the DF. Ok, she is in the DF but you know what I mean

Diana---I know all of the previous comments about creepy, borderline pervert Miguel.
I myself had never seen him as such. I saw him as a lonely, introverted young guy that felt unloved while all along was looking for love himself. His ideal sought after love turned out to be Consuelo whom he knew was married. Day after day he watched her being terribly mistreated by Erick all the while he knew that he could do little to stop Consuelo's abuse and it was killing him emotionally. That's the way that I saw Miguel, never as a creepy pervert.

Urban---I loved the yellow sports car. High end sport cars today are trending in bold colors. Yellow and green haven't been all that popular down through the years. I feel that both of these colors are hard to get right and maybe part of the reason for their lack of popularity. I thought the rich yellow--almost gold, was a great color. Go to the Lamborghini home page and the Lamborghini Huracan that is on the home page is a rich yellow almost the same as what we saw Friday night. Also what seems to me as a combo, half and half red/orange Huracan is shown as well as a bold green one although I don't think that the shade of green is pretty. The Silver/grey color on Nina's car is a good color for an upscale family car--BMW, Mercedes, Maserati etc.

Please--please--please Consuelo, don't sign your shares over to Erick. He'll tell you any lie to get them.

Who killed the Rat? Still waiting for the big reveal.

The back porch is padded. It's fake. I couldn't believe the shot that was shown to us Friday night when Nina was at the auction. I think that the costume dept. overdid it a little. No, a lot. Anyway, more for Caridad to kick.

the gringo


 

Dani's obsession with David did not originate with Regina. Regina is just fuel to the fire that was already there.

When David & Dani first hooked up, he was into her but she kicked him to the curb rather rudely. He said, whatever, and moved on.

She then hooked up with that other dude but decided she liked David better so she gave him a call. By this time, he was pursuing Regina, told Dani to keep it moving, and told Regina he had a thing with Dani in Cancun.

When Dani found out REGINA was dating David, that's when the obsession went into overdrive, but Dani's obsession with David wasnt initially born of competition with Regina. I think Dani couldn't handle a man rejecting her instead of the other way around and she's going to pursue David whether Regina is in the picture or not,

Daniela will have to die or be institutionalized in order for David/Regina to have any peace. Either this or they will have to move out of Mexico. Which might not be a bad idea, considering their families.
 

Daniela will have to die or be institutionalized in order for David/Regina to have any peace.

I completely agree with this. I also agree that she can't handle rejection. However, this doesn't explain Joshua, whom she went after knowing that there was a pending wedding date.
 

I finally watched the episode. I think Caridad is just projecting her fears about Franco onto David. She knows that what she originally feared about Franco falling into Eladio's hands has come to pass- that he has become cold and heartless. She just can't admit it to herself yet.
 

Dani would have gone after David, even if she hadn't hooked up with him first, just because he was Gina's man. But, something that she usually sees as just a fun game has become intensified because: 1) she hooked up with him first, 2) he keeps refusing her, and 3) he obviously prefers Gina to her. All of this has just multiplied her ire and obsession.
 

I guess I am a Pollyanna because I have hope for both Dani and Franco. Neither has killed anyone (yet). Dani is still pretty young. She has no direction and David's "No way again in hell!" has given her a challenge and purpose. The big dummy should put that drive into really pursuing a modeling career.

Against his will, Franco has shed tears for both his doo-rag grandma and his ex-con momma. He is not indifferent to Caridad. At the root of his issue in my view is growing up thinking he had to impress Eladio and become like him or Eladio would reject him and throw him out (as Eladio did do when he got ticked with him before that beatdown).

David was smart to move on with his life without his father's love (till recently). And he had Julia doing her best to look out for him emotionally. So he moved out and made his own way. He works, has friends, takes vacations to Cancun, NYC, etc. For Franco, it's been all work and trying to please and become like Eladio. Now that he knows he's got Eladio's DNA, Caridad has her work cut out for her trying to bring him back from the dark side. At least she'll have Clara.
 

From what we heard, even in recent episodes, Julia welcomed Franco into her home with open arms and treated him like a son. Eladio always gave him preferential treatment over David when the boys were growing up (because he thought David wasn't his). Julia overcompensated/covered for Eladio's lack of attention and affection for David. Julia and David mentioned that David and Franco were close growing up, but Eladio pitted the two against each other and made it into a competition for his approval/love. David took himself out of the game-- made his life and successes outside of the home and outside of D.F. Franco relished in the competition and clung more closely to Eladio, and Julia mention that in recent years HE'S the one who has distanced himself from her and David.

Eladio only started being nice to David recently, first when he realized Julia might be about to leave him, and the best way to manipulate her and keep her close was by pretending to want to be close to David. And now, he knows for sure David is his son, and he actually seems to respect David and enjoys working with him, which sucks for Franco. In any case, Franco grew up with Julia's love, David's friendship, and Eladio's approval. More than David had. He's the one who has decided to make David, and even Julia (judging by how often he tries to throw her under the bus) his enemies, in his fruitless quest to get Eladio's unconditional love. It's useless, because Eladio doesn't love anyone unconditionally.
 

Vivi, I agree Julia did the best she could looking after Franco. But when Eladio's behavior caused the unhealthy competition from Franco (one-sided competition because David ignored it and moved on), it's only natural that David would be her No. 1 priority. Once Franco graduated school and became an adult, I don't blame Julia for being guarded with Franco because clearly he'd grown to become like Eladio, which she initially warned Gaby about.
 

Eladio doesn't love anyone unconditionally.

If he even loves anyone at all. I think this is the core differentiating trait between him and Arturo, who loves even his bad children. That Arturo favors Regina and Miguel (probably in that order) is nothing unusual. Most parents favor at least one child over others and may not realize it. Some know how to hide this better than others. Arturo may not have hidden this well; we know that Eladio didn't at all and neither did Nina.

I still contend that Eladio always knew David was his. He never let him hear that he doubted his paternity and if he really doubted it he would have had no self-control about this.
 

Really good comments this Monday morning.

Two corrections---I had stated that the yellow of Franco's new Ferrari was a rich yellow, almost gold. I looked again. Rich yellow it was but it was nowhere near gold
The Huracan on the Lamborghini home page is a little darker yellow.

The Caridad assault on the bruja Nina did not take place at the car auction, it was in the front area of the foundation.

So why did Caridad attack Nina? I was thinking of two reasons. #1 Caridad knew that Julia had raised her son Franco while she was in jail and didn't like seeing Julia assaulted. Reason #2 Julia was now her employer. Caridad was protecting her boss and with years of tough prison experience, she knew that she was more than able to take on the larger Nina.

must see tv
the gringo
 

Gringo, Caridad needs help re-acclimating in society after years on lockdown. In all those years, she must've learned to react quickly to protect herself from aggressors. I guess it all kicked in naturally when she saw Nina's aggression against Julia. I'll bet she did the same for her prison friends.
 

Thanks so much, Mauricio. As always, it was a pleasure to read your recap. You always manage to notice something that I missed completely.

I thought David's overheard remarks about Franco's irresponsible spending were pretty uncharacteristic. That is, they were written just so Caridad would overhear them and she would get the wrong idea about the brothers. Not the greatest writing, to be sure, but it propels the plot, I guess. And where would we be without a little Plot Propellent, huh?
 

NovelaMaven- You are so right. In would be in character for David to think those things, but he wouldn't have said it out loud because he wouldn't think it was his place to do so. He usually keeps his mouth shut about what he thinks about Franco to spare Gabi's feelings.
 

Maybe it's me, but I didn't see David's remarks about Franco and his car to be out of character, or even anywhere near being "jealous" or upset about Franco having someone he wants and going out and getting it. I think David is genuinely worried that Franco is recklessly spending his shares of the company first of all, without knowing who is buying them, and secondly, with no thought to securing his (Franco's) financial future (and Gaby's) before starting to spend so much money. But it's all coming out wrong and being interpreted by all who hear him as petty jealousy, by Gaby and Caridad in particular.
 

Oops, by Franco having something he wants, not someone ... autocorrect boo
 

I thought that David's comments about Franco buying the car were uncharacteristic, but what I really found out of character was Julia hugging and fussing over Franco. QTH?? David was always the person Julia embraced and cooed over. I never saw an open display of affection from Julia for Franco before.
 

A humbly submitted yet different view on David's comment to Franco:

David has a highly developed sense of right and wrong and doesn't mind speaking his mind. He has gone head to toe against Eladio many times on his shady dealings, even renouncing any inheritance and position that might come his way for this reason. He is no shrinking violet. He was very annoyed about the Dani/drugs/hotel scene and he denounced having to be a part of it to Regina saying it could involve the police. He has repeatedly and LOUDLY raised his voice in frustration to Regina as she constantly reproaches him for sleeping with Dani. Although the amount of sold shares was small, David is uncomfortable with the idea of it, and guess what, they were bought by the Montenegros. My guess this will eventually come into play with our charming tale. David has spoken up many times before, and I thought it was totally in character to comment on a bright yellow unearned perk that might eventually compromise the family business where he currently is excelling through hard work, not skullduggery. Of course, I must admit that it was very convenient for the plot when Caridad hear all this!
 

What I thought was uncharacteristic was for Eladio to tell Franco he could sell some of his shares to convert to cash. You'd think Eladio, being the sharp business tycoon he is, would offer to buy them himself to keep them in the family. Even though it's a small number of shares, it's bound to create *Drama* when it is revealed who bought them.
 

Anita, I thought that was strange too!

Gringo, our viewerville car expert, how much does one of those cars cost in US money?
 

Yeah, I also thought is was more odd for Eladio to be so unconcerned about it. That's not hist style.

David speaking his mind is not odd, but usually when it comes to speaking to Gabi about Franco he uses more tact. He wouldn't usually get so riled up in front of her. If he was speaking directly to Franco, yes.

I think Julia was always affectionate to Franco in the past. Again, she has said it was Franco how has distanced himself in recent years. But even with that, we've seen her be very affectionate with him at times when he's been openly upset.
 

*Slow golf clap* Gracias Mauricio! What a great recap and loved all the titles, so fitting! This ends our 2 hour viewing and I personally want to say thanks to all those who did double hour recaps; it was much appreciated!

Right or wrong JuliAdio in bed in their blissful after glow gave me the tingly feels. I know soon El will be kicked to the curb for his lies about Franco and Caridad, but I will live in blissful denial for now.

I'm not rooting for Art on anything right now and I just do not get Julia's attraction to him. He comes off like a spoiled, self entitled arrogant ass and while I don't give Eladio a pass on his transgressions; the way Art goes about getting Julia's attentions is just gross. The constant badgering and provoking Eladio in public places is not the behavior of a man who seems in control or who can even be trusted.

How delicious seeing Julia slap the taste out of Nina's mouth and then Caridad jump in like a rabid chihuahua ready to tear her over inflated behind to bits! I can't stand that gold digging bruja! Art doesn't want me..waaah! He wants to leave me with only a hotel, auto garage and this house worth millions! How horrible! I actually could feel for her if she weren't so fake and greedy. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will end The War of The Roses.

I don't know whether MF's hiney is real or not, but for me it's just abnormally bulbous and if it's real, I do not believe for one moment she has not had some help keeping the porch tightened and sag free. There's no way it naturally defies gravity. *side eye*.

I loved Gaby telling David, that for sure Dani was sick. I agree, Dani is not right in the head. I feel a tragedy of some sort coming her way? Could that car somehow be involved?
Nina has wanted that car, Arturo bought it for her and now it's being raffled off to some "unlucky" winner.

Caridad needs to back off Franco. Yeah he's a jerk and rude but por dios, give the guy some breathing room! He just learned his mother is alive, in prison and he was Eladio's son. The guy has a right to be emotionally off balance and rightly pissed off. Her best bet is to just let him deal with his emotions and being a mom he can be comfortable with first. Right now her begging, clinging and whining is not going to help her or showing up everywhere he is.
 

I wanted to add, the only way I see Miguel/Consuelo together is if Erick dies. It's not uncommon for two brothers to marry the same woman (it happened in my family, sadly one brother died and the other brother ended up with her one year later)

Still I don't see Con with Miguel. I don't believe there is really love there. It's a comfortable friendship that developed over the years. Miguel needs deep therapy to overcome the years of abuse and emotional stunting. He doesn't seem to know how to deal with women and he has no friends. He's place all of his love on Consuelo and it's unfair to her, especially now with all she is dealing with.

Regina being expected to get over David/Dani is a tall order. It not like they just went on a date. David/Dani had sex, it's something she (Dani) does not plan to let David or Regina forget. I'm not sure how these two move forward with that forever hanging over them. It will be interesting to see.


 

Miguel is probably still a virgin. Has he ever even been on a date? In view of these crazy issues I'd rather see him with Clara and Consuelo with Francisco.

I don't think Arturo has any true sense of entitlement because he has a strong work ethic. However, he does have two entitled brat children. What has happened here is that Julia has done an about-face which will last only as long as it takes for Eladio to explode again or for her to find out the whole story about Franco and Caridad.

I think the "Who works for Orkin?" storyline will be in the background until Ultimas Semanas.

BTW, rodenticide is a legitimate word. See this sign in the Fulton Street Station.
 

Not necessarily defending Nina's behavior, but Julia's a hypocrite. She acts like she's innocent and has nothing to do with their divorce. Did she even tell Eladio everything that happened between her and Arturo? Julia's the one who really needed to be slapped.