Caray, Caray!

FATMAGUL: Episode 37, Monday, 1/25/16—Men Behaving Badly

Part 1:
We start where we left our two protagonists on Friday. Fatmagul is making her way down the street, headed to some mysterious location, and Kerim is secretly following her on foot. She gets into a taxi--he gets into one as well, and has it follow her car. They finally arrive at the district attorney’s office, and Kerim calls out her name before she can enter the building. Fatma is highly annoyed that he followed her, but still cagey about what she’s doing there. We see a flashback to the call she made to Kadir that morning (a follow-up call to the one she made to him in the middle of the night). She tells Kadir all about Mustafa’s visit and the note. He tells her to take the note to the D.A.’s office, and make a formal harassment complaint against Mustafa to add to the protective order they already have on him. This way, the D.A. can trace his calls to track when he’s called them. Knowing she could likely set off a powder keg, Fatma only tells Kerim part of the truth. She tells him about speaking to Kadir, and about making the complaint against Mustafa, based on the calls they’ve received from him. She does NOT tell him about Mustafa’s visit to the restaurant and their home the day before, or the note. Since he hovers over her while she does the paperwork, she doesn’t get a chance to hand over the note with the complaint. He checks out her id card and learns that her birthday is June 8th, in 2 days (he later tells Ebe Nine). While Fatma and Kerim are at the D.A.’s, Mustafa is having no luck fulfilling his stalker quota for the day, since neither of them is at the restaurant to pick up his harassing call. Bummer, Mustafa.

Once they are back at the restaurant, Fatma and Kerim argue some more about Kerim following her, and Fatma not communicating with him. She points out that he didn’t just follow her because he was worried, but because he didn’t trust her. “I’m not the only one with trust issues.” She reminds Kerim of when she broke down and told him she wants to trust again. Then tells him that she now feels safe with him. Kerim is so happy and grateful for this admission of trust that he takes her hand, brings her hand to his face, and kisses the inside of the palm of her hand…all without taking his eyes from hers. It’s an intense moment, and Fatma is obviously shaken and stirred afterwards.

Alas, this moment of marital bliss is fleeting. Kadir calls the restaurant, and when Kerim says he knows all about Fatma bringing the complaint against Mustafa, Kadir assumes he knows all and mentions the receipt. He instantly knows he’s put his foot in it when Kerim starts interrogating Fatma, and Kadir hangs up to board the plane back to Istanbul with Ebe Nine, Rahmi and Murat. The interrogation continues. Fatma shows him the receipt with the veiled threat note, and tells him what happened. Kerim is beyond pissed and starts yelling and knocking over chairs, accusing Fatma of protecting Mustafa. She yells right back and then breaks down crying, admitting she kept quiet because she’s so worried that Mustafa will hurt Kerim. Kerim finally gets that HE’S Fatma’s main concern and calms down. She puts her hands over her face and begins to weep uncontrollably. He takes her into his arms for the first time, and apologizes for his reaction. Then they sit down to talk calmly.

 

Fatmagul Part 2:
When Kadir and the family return that evening, they have a powwow. Ebe Nine, Kadir, and Fatmagul all ask/demand that Kerim promise not to do anything stupid and go after Mustafa. He grudgingly promises to do so. Then Kadir tells them all what he found out from Omer—that mystery witness Hacer is Asu. They are sure that Mustafa is behind this since Asu/Hacer is his lover. The Yasaran plan to defame Fatma’s character by showing she is friends with a prostitute—even spending the night in her home. None of them can believe Mustafa has sunk so low. They realize that Emre could testify to exactly how they all met Asu, but he has just told Fatma and Kerim that he’s joined the army and he ships out July 4th, but he’s leaving Istanbul to see relatives June 14th—two days before the trial in Izmir.

Asu/Hacer meanwhile, is fending off advances from Munir, who seems to think her body, as well as her testimony, is for sale to him. She knees him in the groin, threatens to not testify, sends him packing, and then heads out of town. She makes a stop at Sami’s hovel, and hands him three large stacks of bills. Despite the fact that he was her handler, on behalf of her pimp, she thinks he’s a good person. She knows he came into the sex work life to survive, just like she did. She tells him to quit the biz, go back to his home town, and go legit. They part with a hug.

Mustafa has a busy day meddling in the lives of his women. After failing to reach/harass Fatma, he turns his attentions to Meltem. She and her parents are still in Istanbul, staying at Gaye’s place as they prep for their U.S. trip. They get a visit from Mustafa who reports what he heard while eavesdropping on Resat’s and Munir’s conversations and calls. They are planning to pin the complete blame on Turaner for a fraud they all committed. This will destroy Turaner’s future and possibly send him to jail. Turaner is suspicious of Mustafa, but admits to a shocked Ender that he was part of the fraud. Meltem walks Mustafa out, and he steals another kiss. Gaye sees it, and can’t believe her eyes. Has Meltem lost her mind? Is this why she wants to stay in Istanbul? Meltem denies it.

In prison, Meltem’s now ex-husband Selim is obsessing over the “new man” she mentioned, and vowing to get revenge on her once he’s out. Erdogan anxiously is counting the days to the trial, and Vural is basically catatonic (when he’s not screaming and crying in his sleep). All three look close to cracking under the pressure of prison life, and their cellmates’ obvious disdain. Back on the home front, Perihan continues to lose it. She’s in her jammies, on the floor, crying, looking at old pictures of Selim and wondering where her sweet baby boy went. Resat joins her, and says that this is ALL Erdogan’s fault. “Selim didn’t used to be like this.”

 

Fatmagul Part 3:
The next day, Kadir pays Mustafa a visit at his office. He coolly tells Mustafa about the complaint they made against him, the proof they have like the note, and warns him to back off Fatma. This is all going perfectly, until hothead Kerim drives up and starts screaming for Mustafa like a madman, giving Mustafa exactly what he wanted. Mustafa runs out with glee, and the two machos have to be restrained as the threats and counterthreats fly. Munir and Resat drive up just in time to see most of this, and to hear Kerim threaten to KILL Mustafa if he doesn’t stay away from his wife. Munir whips out his cell phone, and starts recording. Let’s review this, shall we…Kerim has just threatened to kill one of the defense’ key witnesses, in front of the defense lawyer and a dozen witnesses (who all work for the Yasaran). Yeah. Not his brightest moment. Kadir is NOT pleased.

During all his yelling, Kerim does also manage to mention the character defamation plan involving Asu, which confuses Mustafa and makes him realize Munir is working behind his back once again. He goes to see Asu, but her apartment locks have changed, and her neighbor says she’s out of town. So he tries the tactic every dog out there uses from time to time—the “baby, baby, please” call. He leaves her a message, telling her he NEEDS her, wants to talk to her, and that he LOVES her, “Please call me.” (Oh, no he didn’t!)

A dog of a different sex, Mukaddes, is trying to figure out her own dilemma. She has Salih buy her a pregnancy test. It’s positive. She misses Murat (who has been throwing fits because he wants to see his mama), so she convinces Salih to take her back to Istanbul. He reports all this to Munir, who isn’t happy. He just needs Salih to keep her away from the trial on the 16th. Mukaddes secretly meets with Murat at his school after Rahmi drops him off.

While working at the restaurant, Fatma and Ebe Nine worry about Kerim doing something stupid (too late) and speak about Mustafa. Fatma can’t believe how much he has changed. When she looked into his eyes, all she saw was hate there. The day passes. They hear nothing from Kerim, even after Kadir returns the car to them. Fatma finally finds him working that night in his ironworks workshop. She knows what he did that morning, and she’s not happy with him. She reminds him that he promised her he wouldn’t go after Mustafa, and she wants to know where he was all the rest of the day. He dodges the question and refuses to answer. This ticks her off more, so finally he tells her that he was out for something good—something he intended to show her tomorrow. She demands to see it NOW, so he brings out a big white box, with a white gauzy bow holding it closed. Her face lights up, as she realizes it’s a birthday present. He admits he saw her birthdate on her identity card the day before.

As she opens the box, Fatmagul happily jokes that just because the box is huge, doesn’t mean she’s not mad at him anymore. She pushes aside the tissue paper and sees…a beautiful, flowery lace, wedding dress! Her eyes go wide with shock and surprise (and a bit of fear), and she looks into Kerim’s eyes. He smiles back, and asks: “Fatmagul, will you marry me?”

-End of episode.
 

Bajo
Very disappointed in this gran final. Will write more later after I process all this. N.Lopez
 

BAJO EL MISMO CIELO – GRAN FINAL – Parte 1 de 3

We again see the nasty female prosecutor questioning witnesses: Jacob, Jay, Cristóbal (saying that Rodrigo took the law into his own hands killing Colmillo). After the multiple verdicts of guilty, the judge sentences Rodrigo to death.

Carlos talks with Padre Domingo and asks him what I’ve always asked myself. “Is it right that an institution or a man can take the place of God and make such a cruel decision?”

Rodrigo is stunned by the immediacy of the date of his execution. Andrés tells him there’s been pressure in the media, and the judge wants to end this. Andrés says he did everything he could, tried to present a case that it was Colmillo who killed Erick and that Rodrigo killed Colmillo to save his father’s life.

Carlos tells Padre Domingo that he saw hatred toward Rodrigo and a thirst for vengeance in the eyes of people Rodrigo hurt. But, voice breaking, Carlos says he can’t see his güero in that way. He can only see the good things Rodrigo did.

We see Gracie showing Anita, now looking about 8 months old, pictures of her father. She begs Anita’s pardon for not being able to save her father.

Carlos is in tears asking if his son will be forgiven. Padre Domingo tells Carlos that Jesus promised pardon without any limits.

María cries and tells Jacob that it’s not fair. Her brother looked so hard for his son, only to lose him again. Jacob tells her that Carlos is strong.

Carlos comes home from the church sobbing, and Adela embraces him.

We see Adela in a car, not using hands free, to talk with Jacob on her cell. She tells him it’s unbelievable how much poverty there is in the area through which she’s driving. Then: ¡No puede ser! She parks the car and approaches a woman who’s living in a cardboard box. It’s Felicia. She has a dirty face and torn clothing. Adela tells her the police have been looking for her because of kidnapping and torturing Carlos. Adela tells her he was almost dead when they found him.

Felicia asks about Anita. Adela tells her the baby is where she always should have been, with her real mother. Felicia says that she lost everything: her pregnancies, her brother, her house, her money. Adela tells her she also knows what it’s like to live in the street, but not to expect any sympathy from her because Felicia did her so much harm. Felicia says she’s only waiting for death.

Luis tells his father that he spoke in class about the work he does with his father and that he was very proud. Carlos, very sad, tells him to sit down; there’s something Luis has to know.

In the prison we see Rodrigo remembering when he pressured the homeless woman who resembled Adela to kill herself.
 

BAJO

Agree with above comment.
For being such a terrific story to watch all these months, this ending was
huge a let down and very out of touch with the present day justice system.
Indeed, it was a farse. The writers took an early vacation and sent in the
D team.
 

BAJO EL MISMO CIELO – GRAN FINAL – Parte 2 de 3

Adela calls Cristóbal, who is shocked to learn that his sister is living in the street. Adela says she’s OK knowing that Felicia won’t ever bother those that she loves. She’s not going to tell anyone she saw her, and that it’s up to Cris to decide what to do. Cristóbal tells Chabela he has to arrest her. She can’t keep getting away with things. Chabela tells him that he has to do what his heart dictates.

The day of Rodrigo’s execution has come. This is about 25 minutes of really fine acting and one heart-wrenching scene after another. Rodrigo is looking at photos in a very tiny cell. Gracie arrives with Anita. He’s not allowed to touch or be touched. He smiles at his daughter, saying Papá…Papá. He asks Gracie to tell her sweet stories about him. He asks her to give a rosary to Luis. It was the last thing his mother gave him before dying. He tells Gracie he doesn’t want Luis to come to say goodbye. He doesn’t want him to remember him this way. He tells Gracie to tell Luis that the way he can honor his memory is to work hard, get married, and have children.

Rodrigo tells Gracie he’s going peacefully because he knows that his life did mean something thanks to her, thanks to the beautiful gift she gave him: Anita.

Gracie comes out. The whole family is there. Luis falls apart sobbing. He says he wanted to say goodbye. Gracie gives him the rosary. Adela tells him that the rosary was una ancla (an anchor). When gang members leave home, they always take something to remind them of who they once were.

Carlos enters to say goodbye to his son. They are both sobbing. Rodrigo recovers himself a bit and asks his father to tell him that story he told him many times. Carlos: “It was the 4th of July. Teresa and he were very tired. From where they stood they could see the sky filled with fireworks.” (We see Teresa, Carlos and Rodrigo at about 6 years of age.) Carlos and Teresa told Rodrigo that the fireworks were for him, to welcome him to his new home Half laughing and half crying Rodrigo says: “I believed it!” They both cry some more.

Rodrigo asks Carlos if it’s true that when you die you see a white light. He hopes so and that his mother will be there to receive him. Choking with sobs he asks Carlos to forgive him for all the things he did, for all the things he said, that he hated him. Because Carlos didn’t deserve any of it. Carlos tells him there’s nothing to forgive.

Cristóbal finds Felicia. She asks what he’s waiting for to arrest her. She says she doesn’t plan to manipulate him any more with being his sister.

At the prison Andrés tells the waiting family that the time has come. Inside, Carlos watches his son shuffle off, walking awkwardly for the chains on his ankles. He dissolves in tears.

We get to see the whole execution. It’s awful. After they put in a needle, they raise Rodrigo up to face the room of people. He gets to say his final words. Shaking with fear, he asks pardon of anyone he hurt. He tells Gracie not to cry, that he’s calm about going because his daughter will be with the best mother in the world. He asks his father’s pardon again. He says he’s sorry he wasn’t the son Carlos deserved. But he always loved him and admired him. He asks Carlos to pray for him.

They actually show the poison going into his veins.
 

BAJO EL MISMO CIELO – GRAN FINAL – Parte 3 de 3

Six months later

Flowers are delivered for Luis and Carlos to wear on their lapels. Today is Luis’ wedding day. Carlos tells him that the pain of losing Rodrigo will be with them their whole lives. But he’s sure Rodrigo would be proud of him. Luis says he’s going to wear the rosary today.

The wedding is at Jacob and María’s house. María and Ramona are talking together when Rodolfo arrives with a sexy woman on his arm. He tells them she’s La Joyita del Caribe and his assistant. He leans over to tell this woman that, despite her smile, María still isn’t over losing him!

Juana and Camila arrive in a taxi from the airport. Santiago is awaiting them and gets to meet Camila, Juana’s daughter. Santiago did buy that house. It’s small, but we suspect they’ll be very happy there.

Carlos is helping Luis get his tie on. Adela then shows him an envelope. It’s got his green card inside. Adela has gotten hers as well. They are overjoyed. Carlos says they now belong to this big country. As they are leaving Carlos puts up an American flag, saying he’s been saving it for years. ¡Ahora soy un Mexicano pero bien gringo! Luis comes out and puts up the Mexican flag on the other side of the porch. ¡Un gringo bien Mexicano, eh, Jefe! The three of them pile into the green truck and head out for the wedding.

Adela gets to meet Camila and is introduced to the child as her tía. Jacob walks Susy down a white runner. Jacob says that he asked God for a daughter. And then he asked also that she find a man who loved her and then Luis arrived. Padre Domingo performs the wedding ceremony.

The scene switches to Tijuana. Cristóbal, Chabela, and Alex arrive at a convent. Cris tells Chabela that he listened to what Chabela told him, to listen to his heart and not to the laws created by men. The Mother Superior tells them that she’s gained her confidence and his wonderful with the children. A woman with her back to them turns around and smiles. It’s Felicia.

After Luis and Susy exchange their vows and then kiss, everyone applauds. Luis carries Susy down the white runner. Adela fusses over Anita, saying she makes her want to mordisquearla (nibble on her because she’s so sweet). Gracie hints they should have one. Carlos says he’s a bit long in the tooth, but then he says he can imagine a baby with Adela’s face.

Carlos proposes a toast. He raises his glass of champagne and says that he always told Luis you need to celebrate achievements. And there’s no better achievement that finding true love.
 

TELEMUNDO... it's official!

"Celia"- gran final, monday, 8feb16,
followed by "¿Quién es quién?" tuesday, 9feb16.

btw, "Eva la trailera" first chapter, is posted at the Telemundo site, if anyone wants to get a jump on it.

 

BAJO
I could just cry. I was hoping there would be an eleventh hour reprieve for Rodrigo, but I guess that was too much to ask. What makes it worse is that he was executed while Alan, who raped and murdered several women is still alive. Also, I would have liked to seen something bad happen to Yei in prison. Maybe a rival gang shank him or something.

I'm glad all the couples who belong together were together. I see Debra couldn't bother to show up for Susy's wedding. Probably if she had married Brian she would have shown up.
 

Bajo

stellar recap novelera !!! I don't know how you did this,
I was speechless afterwards.

such a sad, sad, story,
but I thought it was told very well,
we pretty much agreed early on that Rodrigo would not come to a good end,
and then we fell in love with him.

I was touched with the cardboard box scene with Felicia,

and hated Erick's parents at the execution,

Carlos/Adela a true gran amor.

 

BAJO
Well they sure didn't sugar-coat this one. Thank you novelera, for telling it so well. I completely agree with you about the "...25 minutes of really fine acting ." It was heart-wrenching. I cried my way through the whole thing. And that grisly scene in the execution chamber, where they stood him up, as if crucified, I kept eyeing the phone on the wall, thinking it's too late...but, what if Crisóbal had turned himself around and turned his sister in and the judge had to reconsider the charges and....what if...? But that never happened.

I was terribly let down by all the pain and suffering in what is ordinarily a satisfying love-fest to close out our long involvement with these characters. But, as deb said, I, too, thought it was very well told. Instead they emphasized the minor but important triumphs: green cards for Carlos & Adela, Juana's family coming together in a home of their own,and I suppose, Felicia's rehabilitation. Oh well, it exhausted me and I'm still not sure what I think.

Thanks to all for fabulous recaps and comments throughout the run of this unusual show. I'm looking forward to EVA starting tonight!

 

Deb: I'm happy that Luis & Susy got married & that Carlos & Adela had a happy ending!

You called it from the beginning of this TN with Rodrigo meeting his fate: I was NOT shocked he got executed for all of the crimes he committed.

Maria & Jacob deserved to be together: the good news is that Maria's kids are going to have lots of fun in the Sanders household!
 

Bajo
Tks Novelera
Started my morning with tears all over again. Rodrigo executed for something he didn't do & for killing Colmillo, !que injusticia!. Definitely not the typical Uni novela.

I know family members of the victim often watch executions but it never occurred to me that the family of the executed watched, that was horrible. Maybe there was a message intended & I guess CA had a stockpile of killing drugs since they didn't have the death penalty for awhile. The speed of execution was very unbelievable. QEPD Rodrigo.

Excellent acting throughout, definitely s/b be lots of premios.

Tks to all the recappers, this one kept our attention.
 

Bajo

First of all, MANY thanks, Novelera, for a superb account of the final episode. I'm in awe of your talent and your generosity.

Like many other Bajo fans, I was stunned and disappointed with the último capítulo. I found the execution scene especially hard to take. Like LXV, I was reminded of a crucifixion as I watched them stand Rodrigo up as they did. Do they really do such things at executions in the US? Fortunately, I don't know. However, I suspect that the resemblance to a crucifixion was deliberate on the part of the writers. In a way, Rodrigo could be seen as dying for the sins of others. By "others," I have in mind Colmillo, who killed Erick, and perhaps the society at large.

Though I agree with Floridia's disappointment, I don't agree with her statement that the ending was "very out of touch with the present day justice system." My guess is that the writers may have intended what happened with Rodrigo as a commentary against the death penalty and the role that class often plays. There are tragic miscarriages of justice where someone is executed for a crime he did not commit, and such events probably occur more often to the underclass, including indocumentados like Rodrigo. Moreover, I think it's likely that if Rodrigo had not been seen as guilty of Erick's murder, he would not have been sentenced to die. Class matters. Ironically, Rodrigo died because of the one crime he had not committed. I think the writers intended that bitter irony.

And speaking of irony: one of the things I've liked about Telemundo novelas is that they often seem more in touch with the real world, gritty though that world may be. And yet here I am, bummed out by Bajo's ending. I can accept what happened to Rodrigo, for the reasons I've mentioned above, but my thirst for justice, venganza, call it what you will, was left unsatisfied. I wanted it to somehow be made clear to Erick's parents that far from murdering Erick, Rodrigo killed Erick's murderer, and that Erick's father's testimony contributed to that miscarriage of justice. I also wanted Cristóbal to feel more guilt at not doing more to save Rodrigo. Cristóbal was terribly wrong to say smugly that "Assassination is assassination." Rodrigo did not kill Erick, and he did not "assassinate" Colmillo. He risked his life to save his father. And although I suppose I should feel happy that Felicia has turned her life around and is helping children in Mexico, I don't feel that her relatively brief period of living on the street in a cardboard shack and feeling guilty is enough punishment for all the evil things she's done.

I also found myself thinking about the theme song that was adopted for Bajo, "La Bamba," especially the lyrics "Yo no soy marinero, soy capitán." The song celebrates this aspiration, but in Bajo, I'm not sure the insistence on becoming the captain, the boss, the jefe, is shown to be all that healthy. Who are the people who are most intent on being "capitán"? Probably Colmillo and Rodrigo, the leaders of la clica. It's true that Carlos ultimately becomes a jefe of sorts, but I don't think we see him rejecting the role of marinero. He works hard as a menial jardinero for a long time before he grows his business enough to hire others to work for him. And I don't see Santiago, Luis, Juana, or Adela rejecting the role of marinero and pushing hard to be capitán. So I'm not sure how well the lyrics mesh with the novela. Just a thought.

So yes, I'm happy that Luis and Susy have married, and that Juana now has her daughter living with her and Santiago, and that Jacob and Maria are together and that her children seem happy, and that Carlos and Adela are together and have their green cards, but I respect the writers' decision to break in part with the telenovela tradition of the happy ending. Sort of. :-)
 

BAJO

No time to comment further now --- later, but want to thank Novelera for this superbly written recap and for all of her others throughout the course of this TN. Many, many thanks.

Juanita, you write well about irony, and I enjoyed reading all you wrote.
Nevertheless, the trial itself was a farse as I mentioned last time. Rod would not have been tried for two murders at once, and there were a number of other reasons during the trial that would have guaranteed at least a new trial.

Rod had a sold case of self defense against one of the state's most wanted criminals who had kidnapped and tortured his father, and he was deliberately unarmed.


I understand the role class plays in the justice system.
But this is not the issue.


Yes, there were some very realistic parts to this novela, but this trial was pure fantasy. The writers should not have mixed the two ingredients if their intention was to be realistic.
 

BAJO

CORRECTION: SOLID CASE
 

BAJO

Novelera, thank you. This is superb. I confess that I simply couldn't bear to watch the execution scenes and had to FF-> through them.

When Rodrigo thinks about forcing the Adela stand-in to suicide, it seems to tell us that he feels he deserves his fate: he accepts his guilt, even if the earthly justice system is punishing him for the wrong crime. He feels he is beyond the redemption of man, but hopes for redemption in an afterlife.

I kind of like the way La Bamba celebrates autonomy.

It's certainly true that the writers took great liberties in imagining Rodrigo's end. But they haven't been exactly bound by the strictures of realism, bending events and characters for dramatic effect all along. I don't object – it's not a documentary.

BTW, I thought I heard Cristóbal say he had resigned from the police because of the choice he made to follow his heart and not his professional obligations.
 

Bajo

Floridia, I wholeheartedly agree with you that the trial was a farce. Indeed, I think I described it as a "judicial farce" in my recap last Friday. And I think you make a good point in saying that the writers shouldn't have mixed realism and fantasy if their intention was to be realistic. But I do think that the lack of realism in the trial was nonetheless intended not to be seen as fantasy but rather to highlight certain social issues and to make us angry at what happened.
 

Bajo. I agree that your recap was superb, novelera. I also found the ending very disappointing. La neta, as Rodrigo would say, is that R. did not kill Erick, the crime for which he was executed. And if you can't have justice in a telenovela where can you have it, PSA about our barbaric and unequal capital justice system notwithstanding. Also, there were a lot of loose ends about the other characters not cleared up. Did Juana learn to read? Did Paulina have her baby? Are Santiago and Juana, Adela and Carlos, Cristóbal and Chabela, María and Jacob getting married formally? Was Yei executed for gunning Willy down in cold blood? There should have been 1 more episode for this tn. And por fa'! Felicia expiating her crimes in a convent? What is this 1550 Spain?
 

Fatma: Kerim has to get a hold of himself. It comes from a good place but,,, Wednesday should be the cliffhanger, I think, because this was episode 37 so today is 38. Poor Fatma, she did look scared when she saw the dress. I hope to God there isn't a real life Muka anywhere in the world but sadly, I think she exists.
Romy
 

FATMAGUL:

Romy- I'm not even sure it's coming from a good place, because it's coming from the part of him that's insecure about Fatma's feelings for him. It's like the more she grows to love him, the more insecure he becomes about her love, and the more jealous of Mustafa he becomes. And with Mustafa's obsession with Fatma growing, this can't lead to anything good.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Fatma: Kerim is insecure because of the way his relationship with Fatma started and I understand him. I don't know if I could forgive Kerim like Fatma is doing if I were in her shoes.
Do you know that Ferit, the actor playing Mustafa, who was born in Germany to Turkish parents and raised in France, did not speak Turkish. His Turkish was so bad at the beginning of the show that his voice was dubbed? He hired a tutor and learned to speak it fluently. Now he is almost perfect so I have been told because I would not know, lol
Romy
 

Fatmagul:

Romy- That is so interesting about the Mustafa actor. Seems like it would have been easier to hire an actor that actually speaks the language, but good for him for learning. Love hid eyes, but hate Mustafa right now.

I've said from the beginning that I couldn't forgive Kerim if I were in Fatma's shoes. It shows how strong she is and what a great capacity for love she has.
 

BAJO
"...And por fa'! Felicia expiating her crimes in a convent? What is this 1550 Spain?" SpanProf, you said it! I still haven't made up my mind whether or not the writers just dropped the ball and didn't mind the clock on this one. So unresolved at the finish. But I'm also kind of glad we didn't have one of those cloying triple bodas and that they celebrated simple pleasures and treasures. I'm sure Adela and Carlos will be married, but after all they've been through, it might even seem anticlimactic.

Can I say thank you enough, especially to novelera and Juanita for consistently posting such well-written, stylish and engaging recaps.



 

Bajo. I second what you said about novelera and Juanita and their excellent recaps, LXV. I like those triple boda episodes--though in this case one would only have been appropriate if Rodrigo had not met such a horrific death fairly recently--all the more reason for his not meeting a horrific death.
 

BAJO
So happy for Nick & Sharon. I'd like to think she might walk one day.
 

Bajo

I think Felicia is starting up a new gang with those kids.

 

BAJO

I haven’t been able to hang with you all while this show was playing, but I wanted to chime in to say that I have just loved Bajo. I wasn’t going to watch it at first, because I live in the L.A. area and a big part of the fun of telenovelas is seeing other countries. I’ve already seen L.A! But I got hooked.

Great story, tremendous acting. The Adela part must have been written just for Maria Elisa Carmago – it fit her like a glove and is probably a career-making part for her, though yes, she already had a career going. But this should open bigger doors for her. She was terrific. I loved that she wasn’t a weepy protagonista.

Luis Ernesto Franco was stunning as Rodrigo. I think he even got Gabriel Porras (Carlos) crying for real in this final episode. Porras does better as a baddie, though he had great warmth in this show, but he was blubbering away last night – very effective.

I also particularly liked the performances of the Rudolfo and Maria actors. And many more!

It was a very well-done finale, but I agree the legal system was completely misrepresented. Rodrigo would be sitting on death row for decades in real life, and there sure was plenty of reason for appeals. And it was interesting though disappointing that various characters didn’t get what was coming to them.
 

BAJO
¡Hola! Maggie!, How nice of you to join us for our finale. I used to live in Long Beach, so I got my little homesick fix of LA by watching this show. As others have said, I also think they telescoped the justice system to make a point. The acting was definitely a cut above.
 

Thanks for the kind words about the final recap for Bajo. It was hard to write. I was crying through almost the entire episode, and writing the recap made me cry again. I was afraid my keyboard would short out while typing it! I am in awe of Gabriel Porras and Luis Ernesto Franco for their ability to just tear my heart out during their final conversation before they killed him. (Yes, killed. We’re not supposed to express political opinions on Caray, but I have been vehemently opposed to capital punishment my whole life.)

I usually like to include and translate pithy idioms and dichos in Spanish. But none of what happened last night lent itself to writing witty things.

Excellent comment, Maggie! Yes, this was a stellar cast. Every single actor was SO good. Rodolfo was quite good as the (mostly) comic relief. I loved his showing up at the wedding with a bombshell and, not so quietly, telling her that María, obviously glowing and beautiful, was still not over losing him.

The young actor playing Luis has a bright future. He and Porras were completely believable as father and son. And the Susy actress is gorgeous! And talented!

I was surprised that Deborah didn’t come to her daughter’s wedding. But the actress had probably fulfilled her contract and had gone on to other things by the time they did the wedding scene.

Anyway, I will miss this novela. It was a real standout for me and a pleasure to write the recaps.
 

Bajo. I've watched every episode of this telenovela and was totally disappointed in the ending. It makes no sense to me that Carlos or Adela, Senior Jacob, Luis, would not continue, even after the execution, to fight to right the wrong of Rodrigo being executed for the murder of Erik. Many times, evidence comes forward that was not available at the time of a trial. I could not enjoy one moment of the bodas
and the phony " happy ending".
 

Feluz,

I agree completely.

Deb, Novelera, Juanita, and LXV, Thanks for all of your efforts to propel things along so smoothly with the writing and working with the new pages, etc. I appreciate all of the time you put into this. Novelera, with you all the way with regard to CP.

NovelaMaven, it is good to know that you were with us all along. Thank you for your astute comments as always and for all of the years you and Jean kept up this blog.

It is always a bit sad when a TN that you are really attached to ends, and I will admit that I became attached to this one big time. It is even sadder when you so intensely dislike the ending. I will be "bummed" for a long time, but I guess I will get over it sooner rather than later.

The actors did a terrific job, and I will certainly look forward to seeing LEF again. He was the highlight of the novela for me. Now I am ready for a long break.

It was a great ride with a great group of participants, and I enjoyed reading everyone's comments all along.

SpanProf, I want to give you my email address: 1sfr@comcast.net------- I would like to mention something OFF TOPIC to you about community colleges ---- if you have time.

Signing off in Sunny, Warm Florida after a long bout of harsh weather - far too cold for me. Good luck to all braving the snow and chilly temperatures elsewhere.

All the Best!
 

Bajo: I just watched my recording and Oh hell no! No bueno! Me no likey, lol. Mainly because of the debacle of Rodrigo's execution and Felicia in her flying nun get up. That's it? She deserves so much more punishment than that. I cried so much for Rodrigo, Carlos, Luis and the family. I loved the show but in my opinion this was a disappointing final. Thank you for everyone who recapped the show. You really, really deserve our gratitude.
Fatma: Vivi maybe they really wanted Ferit for the part and yes, Mr. gorgeous eyes I call him, lol. He is so good looking I can not hate Mustafa the way he should be hated, oy,,
Romy
 

Fatmagul

Vivi bravo for thr great early recap. The scenes with Kerim touching Fatma w ere tender, loving, supportive and passionate for me. I found myself glued and talking to the TV. Couldn't get enough of it. Kermim is insanely jealous of Fatma but he is her supreme protector. I would not want Murir for my attorney, few to none of his hairbrained schemes have come to fruition. He has wasted a lot of the Yasaran's money.
 

FATMAGUL:

Brenda- I agree. The palm kiss and hug after their fight were both sigh-worthy. If only he could control his jealousy, this would go a lot better for both of them.
 

Floridia come back soon! I've enjoyed your participation. And I want to thank everybody else who shared in the BAJO experience with us. deb, for your pithy, on-point recaps and timely scheduling info. All the lurkers and semi-lurkers: welcome & thanks. I'm on board for EVA tonight, because the 9PM slot is all I can manage. ¡Hasta luego!
 

Eva

Again, as a reminder, I will recap the first episode of Eva tonight to introduce the characters and the beginning of the plot. Hope to have some commenters who will be watching.
 

EVA thanks a miiion novelera. I'll be watching and looking forward to your recap!

 

Eva

Novelera, mil gracias otra vez for offering to recap this opening episode. I am planning to watch the episode and give the novela a try. I know that your recap will be very helpful.
 

Bajo
I agree with you Floridia and all those disappointed in the finale. Just wonder if any of the actors protested/ complained or voiced their concerns about the ending. If I were one of the actors I would be upset to see my hard work culminate in such a sloppy, unsatisfying ending.
I'm boycotting Telemundo and will be watching El Hotel de Los Secretos.
 

FATMAGUL: Episode #38, Tuesday, 1/26/16

Part 1: June 7th:
“Fatmagul, will you marry me?” Fatmagul backs up from the wedding dress and Karim and runs out of the workshop. He follows. She tells him that this WHITE wedding dress reminds her of that night, and of what she can no longer be and no longer have. She is now dirty—not pure enough to wear that dress. Kerim tells her this is NOT the case. He wants them to erase the past, start from zero, create new memories. She starts to cry, and he wraps her in his arms. They return home, and Murat’s curiosity about what’s in the box forces them to tell the rest of the family that they intend to have the wedding they never had, someday in the future when the time is right. Fatma hangs the dress carefully in her armoire and continues to eye it apprehensively.

Meltem goes to see Mustafa at his place, supposedly just to tell him he was right about her dad being framed by Resat and Munir, but really just to get kissed by him again…and much more. She ends up spending the night.

June 8th- Fatmagul’s Birthday:
Kerim and Murat pick up Fatma’s cake and Murat lets slip that his mom visited him in school the day before and will be back that day. Kerim tells Fatma and Ebe Nine. Ebe Nine takes Murat to school and confronts Mukaddes. She basically tells her to act like a decent human being and testify on Fatma’s behalf in Izmir on the 16th. Mukaddes wants to use her testimony as a bargaining chip to get to return to the house, but Ebe Nine is not playing her game.

Mukaddes argues with Salih (this woman can’t even be happy with the supposed love of her life when he’s being paid to be extra nice to her). He encourages her to get an abortion. He can go with her to the doctor on the 16th. It’s supposedly the ONLY day he can go.

Emre agrees to postpone his trip to see family before going off to the army, in order to accompany the family to Izmir to testify about Asu/Hacer on the 16th.

Yasar (Yasaran henchie) spots Meltem on her walk of shame out of Mustafa’s house early in the morning (no, sunglasses don’t make you invisible, Meltem) and reports it to Munir. Munir is now sure Mustafa is plotting against them and probably leaked the info to Turaner about their plot against him.

A worried Munir goes to Kadir’s office to bribe him and Omer into getting Fatma to drop the charges. In exchange, they and she will be compensated, and he’ll make sure to keep the rapists and Mustafa away from her. Kadir refuses in no uncertain terms (Fatma is like his daughter, he says) and kicks Munir out.

The family has a small birthday dinner on the dock in front of their house, with Kadir, Omer, Emre and a few other friends. Happy Birthday is sung, the cake is brought out, the candles are blown out, and the wish is made. Then, the slow dancing begins. Kadir manages to finesse him dancing with Ebe Nine and Fatma dancing with Kerim. Kerim and Fatma note that this time is way less tense than the first time they danced. He’s just as happy as the last time, maybe happier, because she’s allowing him glances into her beautiful eyes.
 

FATMAGUL:

Part 2:

The dancing is interrupted by the delivery of a card and a boat waiting in the canal in front of their house. The envelope contains a postcard with a picture of fireworks and a note from Mustafa wishing Fatma a happy birthday, out of all the MANY they’ve celebrated together. A fireworks show that could rival the 4th of July goes off, including exploding red hearts. Kerim looks like his head is about to explode too. He loses it, and the party comes to a screeching halt. Fatma just looks annoyed by the whole damned thing. Once everyone has left, Fatma and Kerim talk. She tells him Mustafa is basically acting out because he’s alone, desperate and mad at himself. Kerim claims he’s not jealous, just worried. “I’m scared of losing you, Fatmagul. I love you so much.” Their faces move slowly towards each other, and their lips come within kissing distance. Then Fatmagul jumps back suddenly and hurries towards the house. Once inside, she tries to catch her breath and touches her flushed cheeks.

June 10th:
Fatma gets her exam results. She passed! She plays a joke on Kerim and tells him she didn’t pass. Then has a good laugh at his expense. (We’ve seen during these days that the family is much happier and more relaxed with Mukaddes away. Except for Murat.) That evening, they have dinner with Kadir. He says they will have a big celebration when Fatmagul eventually graduates from university. Fatma gives Ebe Nine a teasing look. (She’s Team Kadir-Ebe Nine.) Kadir says he considers them family and will be in their lives long after the case is over.

June 11-13th: The Alagoz family finally leave for the U.S. The rapists count down the days.

June 14th: Asu/Hacer leaves her anonymous hotel and heads to Izmir. Fatma, Kerim, the family, Emre, and their lawyers head to Izmir by car.
 

Part 3: June 16th- Trial Day:
Kadir, Ebe Nine and Karim tell a serious looking Fatmagul that she doesn’t have to come to court and face the rapists if she doesn’t want. Her previous testimony is enough. Fatma refuses to stay away. “I’ll look each of them in the eyes. I’m not afraid anymore.”

Back in Istanbul, Mukaddes wakes up and overhears Salih speaking to Munir on the phone. She learns Salih was paid to seduce her and keep her occupied and away from the trial. She lets Salih have it and calls him an accomplice to rapists. Salih doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She tells him about the case, and he realizes Munir lied to him. If he knew what the case was about, he wouldn’t have agreed to it. Mukaddes is just thinking about herself. “I destroyed my family for nothing. They won’t forgive me.” Salih thinks her husband may forgive her if she gets to the court and testifies. “Go and testify and ruin their game!” They rush to get her to the airport.

All the parties and witnesses arrive at the courthouse in Izmir. The rapists have been cleanly shaved and put into suits before leaving the prison. Kerim yells some threats at Mustafa in front of the courthouse, and Omer hustles him inside. Fatmagul is stony-faced, and nearly collapses when she exits the truck. She walks past all the Yasaran parents, who look at her with animosity. Fatma thinks to herself: “Why do they look at me with hate? Because I didn’t give in? Because I didn’t accept the life they offered me? They want me to lower my head, and shut up. I’m not the one who should lower my head, and they know it. That’s why they hate me. You’ve all soiled my name in order to try to clean your dirty conscience. Taking refuge in your arrogance for your own benefit.”

Once they all take their place inside the courtroom, Fatmagul eyes the rapist sitting in the defense docket. We again hear her thoughts: “You committed the most horrendous crime, and I didn’t deserve it. You’ve soiled my honor forever. You ruined the life of a person you didn’t even know. Now, look me in the eye, and dare to deny it.”

-End of episode.

 

EVA LA TRAILERA – PRIMER EPISODIO – Parte 1 de 3

We begin 10 years before the main action of the novela occurs. Armando Montes (Jorge Luis Pila), clean shaven and very excited, is bringing his wife Eva Soler (Edith González) blindfolded to a new house. He’s bought it to surprise her. She’s kind of overwhelmed by the opulence. He urges her to go upstairs and explore the bedrooms. She screams when she enters a room and discovers a woman hanging there from a noose. Armando cuts the woman down. They put her on a bed. The real estate agent tells them that this is Marlene Palacios, the former owner of the house.

We move to the present time and Marlene (Erika de la Rosa our blonde Felicia in Bajo el Mismo Cielo) has a short, jet-black bob. She is telling Eva that that was the worst day of her life. She calls her comadre and says that Eva arrived to save her from herself. She says that Eva gave her the garden house, a job, and even made her godmother of Fabiola. Marlene says that her whole life won’t be long enough to thank Eva for what she’s done.

Eva tells her friend that they should never have given up their life on the highway. One of the problems is that Armando could never bear that a child of his had that condition: autism.

There’s a big party on the patio. It’s Eva and Armando’s wedding anniversary. The elder daughter, Adriana, is very affectionate with her younger sister, Fabiola, who shows her a drawing she made. Armando draws Adriana aside and tells her to make sure her sister doesn’t do any babosadas at the party.

Adriana has a snobby boyfriend who reminds me of Brian in Bajo. He makes a disparaging remark about Fabiola.

Eva comes down to the party, but she isn’t into it. Marlene tells her she needs to pretend.

Armando is barbequing and tells his brother-in-law, Evancio, that they used to be free, and that Eva was wild and beautiful. He approaches his wife and gives her an anniversary present. She asks him if she’s supposed to open it in front of everyone and keep up the pretense that they have a perfect marriage.

We switch scenes to a cemetery where Pablo Cárdenas (Arap Bethke) is placing flowers on the grave of his wife. This is apparently how he spends every Sunday. His son Diego, about 11 years old, arrives with his grandfather. Pablo gets a call from one Betty, who clearly wants to be more than just a girlfriend.

Eva is escaping the party sitting in a gazebo on the property. Her nasty sister Carmen sits down and snarks about Armando being a picaflor (literally a hummingbird, a Don Juan as a metaphor). Carmen snarls that Eva got their father’s trailer and started a company with Armando, leaving her out. Eva reminds her that, when their father died, Carmen chose to inherit the house and for Eva to have the trailer. And Carmen constantly criticized her for being una trailera. Eva tells her that the Mon-Sol company was created by she and Armando with their hard work. [I guess Mon-Sol is for Montes-Soler.}
 

EVA LA TRAILERA – PRIMER EPISODIO – Parte 2 de 3

We also meet Sofía, Carmen’s daughter and Eva’s niece. She’s quite the flirt, and takes off her dress to strip down to a tiny bikini and jump into the pool. Carmen is appalled by the bikini, apparently purchased for Sofía by Eva. Carmen also remarks that Eva is past the age to wear such a thing. Carmen then rushes over to Sofía trying to get her to put something on. She even raises her hand to the girl.

While he’s cooking, a spark falls into Armando’s pant cuff and starts to smolder. Fabiola, his autistic daughter rushes over and sprays him with a hose. He thinks it’s some autistic outburst and yells at her. He discovers that she was trying to save her father, but Eva is furious with him. Later Eva tells Marlene that Armando doesn’t love Fabiola.

Adriana might be nice to Fabiola, but she’s not very nice to her mother. She blames the sad anniversary party on her mother and says that she only cares about her niñita loca and implies that her mother is a bit low class. Eva lights into her and tells her that thanks to those truck drivers, Adriana is living well. Una mona vestida de seda y hija de trailera. (She uses the common Spanish expression: Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda (Although you can dress a monkey in silk, it’s still a monkey, or you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.)

Pablo and Betty are having a night out. Betty keeps pushing her luck and complaining about not having more time with him. An older couple approach, and the older man tells his wife that Pablo is one of the bravest guys he knows, son of Martín Cárdenas. We learn that Pablo has left the police force, and a shadow falls over his face when the older man brings it up. Oh, and the older policeman addresses her as a fiscal (district attorney).

Pablo spends the night at Betty’s and wakes up in a panic because he didn’t make it home to prepare Diego’s breakfast. We find out that Diego has Aspergers and needs his days to follow the same routine.

Eva may be fed up with Armando, but there’s embers in those ashes because she drags him off to bed. Afterwards he tells Eva he misses the woman she once was. He says she’s cold and remote now.

Pablo shows up at Mon-Sol. He has an appointment with Marlene, who may be the head of personnel. Her exact duties haven’t been spelled out. He’s come about a job as a truck driver.

At the office Marlene is with Armando in his office. She’s going over the day’s schedule. When she starts to leave he admires her rear end, out loud. But she tells him that rear end isn’t available to the husbands of her best friends!

At Eva’s house, two of the female staff are gossiping about the family. One of them finds Armando’s jockey shorts with a lipstick kiss on them. Eva overhears the tail end of this and demands they show her. She also remembers another time when she smelled perfume on his shirt. The younger maid pipes up that this is the 5th time they’ve found this same kiss.
 

EVA LA TRAILERA – PRIMER EPISODIO – Parte 3 de 3

A random couple show up on Eva’s street. Eva knows the man, Pancho. They said something before encountering Eva about looking for some thieves.

Eva shows up at the office and marches into Armando’s office waving the jockey shorts. Somehow the loudspeaker gets pushed and their entire sordid marital argument gets broadcast all over the interior and exterior of the company.

Marlene is kind of an ambiguous figure. She has told Eva how much her friendship means, but it almost seemed like she enjoyed this fight that was broadcast over the office.

Evancio, Carmen’s husband, works as a truck driver for the company. He gets into a huge tractor trailer, swigs from a flask and fires up the vehicle. Eva has run out of the office and is walking toward her vehicle. Evancio runs into a forklift and a huge box almost falls on Eva. Pablo yanks her out of the way, and they have one of those long looks at each other.

Armando is furious about what happens and fires Evancio on the spot.

Sofía rushes to tell Armando she didn’t mean it. She obviously overheard the argument about the jockey shorts and pretty obviously is the one who’s leaving lipstick kisses. He tells her to go to “the apartment” and wait for him.

Marlene has followed Eva out and she tells her about the loudspeaker being on the whole time. Eva laughs at first and then gets tears in her eyes. Eva says she doesn’t even recognize herself any more. She used to be a warrior.

Sofía is awaiting Armando. He slaps her hard and calls her una piruja despreciable (a despicable loose woman). He says what I guessed: that she did it on purpose so Eva would find out. He tells her he’s never going to separate from Eva. He tells her it’s over between them and he threatens her if she says anything.

When Eva is at home Carmen shows up saying Eva can’t fire Evancio. She repeats the same bitter stuff: Eva got the trailer. Eva tells her she got the house, which was much more valuable. She tells her sister that she worked for many years, sleeping in the cabin of the trailer to build what she has. Carmen: “But the house doesn’t produce money and the trailer does!” Eva: “You chose the house, and the trailer produces money because I worked for it.”

Eva tells Evancio that she loves him, but she can’t have him as an employee and especially not driving. He could kill someone. Carmen curses her sister and wishes that all the plagues of the world fall on her.

Marlene has been here for this entire scene, but we see her get a call on her cell. The screen says “Armando”.
 

Eva

novelera- thanks so much for recap, so much more extra work making all the connections on a new story, (I didn't even put together the "Mon-Sol is for Montes-Soler"), and you did a very, very nice job of it, I can really appreciate your effort.

I think Armando fired Sofia.

is Armando staying with Eva because he loves her,
or does he just want it all?

and Eva at the end, wondering, who was that guy?


aspergers Diego, (Jorge Eduardo García) last seen as Willy Delgado Jr. on "Santa Diablo".

autism Fabiola- (Nicole Apollonio) last seen as the daughter (Clara) on "Reina de corazones".


I have to say, nothing is really jumping out at me, except that I don't trust Felicia, err, Marlena.

Arap Bethke (Pablo) I've gotten to know him as a total psycho, in "Senora Acero" the bad guys he was working with got rid of him in the first show because he was just too much, I'm interested in seeing if he can be a galan, curious about him being an ex-cop, especially with Roberto Mateos (Francisco 'Pancho Pan' Mogollón) looking for thieves.


autism- a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.

asperger- at the high end of autism, affected children have difficulty with social interactions and exhibit a restricted range of interests and/or repetitive behaviors.

hmm, will these two connect?


actually I wanted to see more of the trucks, the ones with the sleepers are like tiny condos, tons of levers and buttons surrounded by pleated leather, but enough room where you can walk around, the drivers are limited to how many hours they can drive, so they are sleeping in there, or have another driver with them.

sounds like Eva lived in her truck in the early years.


oh, a good cast list,
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5191206/fullcredits/

 

Eva

Novelera, many thanks for your wonderfully helpful recap! You clarified so many things that I missed. And thanks too for the Spanish. (It's also thanks to you that I recognized "la burra al trigo," which you had mentioned a while back in a Bajo recap.)

You described Marlene as an ambiguous figure, and I guess she is, since she's supposedly Eva's close friend, but as soon as I saw her in the present with her stark straight black hair and what looked like several pounds of bright red lipstick, I knew I couldn't possibly trust her. I don't think her having played Felicia influenced that opinion, it's just that she looked so much like an evil puppet.

I was struck by certain similarities between this novela and "Bajo": the galan is a widower who is devoted to his dead wife and his son, and when he saves Eva from the falling crate, "the look" between him and Eva reminded me strongly of the look between Carlos and Adela when he tackles her on the sand (which we saw over and over again in the theme song). And of course there's Felicia--oops, I mean Marlene--played by Erika de la Rosa. My guess is that "Eva" will also be a vehicle for PSAs, this time about autism (including Asperger's). I hope this novela turns out to resemble Bajo not just in these details but also in Bajo's strength and complexity, but so far I'm not convinced.

BTW, I think the loudspeaker's broadcasting the fight between Eva and Armando was accidental. It looked to me as if something accidentally brushed by the button that turned it on (though I'm surprised it could be turned on so easily).

Deb, I too kept wondering whether Armando wants to stay with Eva because he still loves her or for the money. My guess is the latter.


 

Eva. Excellent recap, novelera, and I'm so glad you moved on to Eva as its time period is the one most convenient for me to watch. This telenovela doesn't appeal to me as much as Bajo did, but I'm willing to give it time. Does anyone know where it is taking place? Someone said something about the west, but is it Western Mexico, the US or somewhere near Miami or Houston? I'll have to see if the webpage says anything. I don't get the sense of a specific place the way I did from Bajo. I must say I don't like Erika de la Rosa's hairdo nearly as much as the one she sported in Bajo. And what a coincidence that both Eva's daughter and Pablo's son are on the autism spectrum!
 

Eva

"What distinguishes Asperger’s Disorder from classic autism are its less severe symptoms and the absence of language delays."

http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-syndrome/

 

Eva. I guess you could say that Marlene's hair is a bit like Dracula's. Hmmmm
 

Fatma: I cried every time I see the scene with the wedding dress. For a Muslim girl from her conservative society, where your family's honor is worthy of dying for,to lose her virginity in such a vile, violent and horrible fashion is really, really hard for Fatma to live down. I cried for her hurt and lost of innocence. Thanks Vivi for the recaps.
Eva: I am on a break from watching soaps(except for Fatmagul) but I am reading so thank you for the recap. I looked to see the faces and Marlene is up to no good, I can guarantee it. Erika does the best witch rhymes with B, on TV. Kudos to her. Mu husband said "again?" when he saw her, lol. He did not like Felicia and Irene from LP, lol.
Romy
 

Eva

I thought the location was again Los Angeles. They showed a freeway sign for 310, which I think, but am not positive is in LA. Anyway the design and color of the freeway signs is the same as the ones in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I live, so I think it's California. It may be filmed in Miami, like Telemundo novelas seem always to be, with the exterior location shots edited in.

I’m definitely missing Bajo. It’s been a while since a TN grabbed me the way that one did. Every actor was perfect in his or her role and the plot was original and sort of ripped from the headlines: gangs and the difficulties of undocumented people living here.

The other thing I liked about Bajo was that it avoided the clichés about the noble poor and the heartless rich folks. Carlos owned his own home. Adela didn’t fall in love with a rich guy and get rejected by his snobby family. And the richest guy, Jacob, was a prince. His wife was a cliché, but they got her out of the picture 2/3 of the way through!

So, Eva. I found similarities in Jose Luis Pila’s role in this one to his role in En Otra Piel. In that novela, EOP, he married a rich widow for her money but found himself falling for her. And hated it when his amante killed her. Then he fell in love with the same person whose soul had migrated into the body of a young attractive woman (again María Elisa Camargo). The similarity is that his character, to me, is ambiguous in Eva and was so in EOP. He’s not a straight up villain. He’s a guy who is a charming womanizer. In EOP his past was even mentioned as having been a gigolo who lived off women.

I think he does love Eva, in his way, but she’s going to stop loving him and start loving Pablo, I’m sure.

SpanProf, loved the Dracula remark. Erika really does look scary in this role. I can't believe she cut off all that gorgeous blonde hair which surely was her own and died it black. Maybe a wig?
 

Eva. Could Pablo still be a detective, police or private, but be undercover? That would be very telenovelaish.
 

Eva

Good idea, SpanProf! I haven't picked up a hint that anything illegal is going on at Mon-Sol Trucking, but maybe Armando has paid for his secret apartment love nest with something nefarious. Or Marlacula could be up to something!
 

FATMAGUL: Turkish Episode #39 (Part 1), Wednesday, 1/27/16

Hola, amigos! Yes, another recap from me this week. Today is absolutely the last day my office will be closed, so don’t expect another recap from me until the end of week/weekend. Looks like for the next week, Telemundo will only show an hour of Fatmagul each day, while showing a replay of Eva from the previous evening during what would be the 2nd hour. That means, the next week’s episodes may end at odd scenes, and that we will be off the Turkish episode numbers. This episode also happens to be the first half of the Turkish Season 1 Finale. OK, on with the show…

Part 1: Testifying and Testilying

Fatmagul silently asks God to please help her make it through the end of the trial. She stares daggers at the rapists. Kerim doesn’t take his eyes from her face. He senses how every glance and every word from the accused and the witnesses affects her. At one point, as each of the rapists declares themselves innocent, even Vural, after a long pause, Fatmagul passes out. She revives quickly, and still refuses to leave. Kerim has an outburst at Vural for being such a lying liar who lies. The judge demands order in the court. Kerim declares himself guilty—he was there, and didn’t do anything to stop the rape.

Meanwhile, Mukaddes, with Salih’s help, manages to get a flight to Izmir that will barely get her there in time. As the witnesses wait to be called into the courtroom one by one, Ebe Nine lets the rapists’ parents have it, and curses them for what they’re doing. Resat threatens to bring defamation charges against Ebe Nine.

Mustafa pulls Asu/Hacer outside for a chat. He learns how Fatma spent the night at her place, and what she’s been paid to testify. He demands that she not do it. She puts him on blast for his hypocrisy. “I couldn’t hurt her any more than you’re doing. It’s all good when you fill your pocket. Why is it different when I do it? Thanks to Fatmagul, there’s a lot of money to be gotten.” Mustafa finally looks ashamed of himself.

The witnesses are called in one by one. First the prosecution witnesses—Ebe Nine, Rahmi, and Emre. Emre doesn’t even get to testify about Asu/Hacer, as the judge declares his knowledge of the case as hearsay. Next, the troop of defense witnesses testify—all the parents of the rapists who claim they all were together that whole night and no one left, Asu/Hacer to paint Fatmagul as a loose woman, and then finally, Mustafa.

Mustafa shocks them all, by telling the truth (though he doesn’t reveal how he’s been paid off by the Yasaran). “I lied before. I don’t believe Fatmagul ever cheated on me. Fatmagul was supposed to see me off. I didn’t learn why she didn’t arrive until I returned. I was told that Kerim was the guilty one. I didn’t listen to Fatmagul. I turned my back on her and left. Kerim told me Selim, Erdogan and Vural did it. I know that Fatmagul NEVER lies, Your Honor. That’s all.”

 

FATMAGUL:
Part 2: The Verdict and Aftermath

The judge calls for a recess. When everyone returns, the judges are ready to share their decision. Mukaddes finally arrives, but as hard as she tries, she is not allowed in since court is back in session. Inside, the head judge says that based on the change in key testimony, aspects of the case have to be reinvestigated, including the medical reports. The doctors and other medical attendants will have to be brought to testify. In addition, Mukkades will have to testify. The decision is to reconvene for a new trial on November 17th. In the meantime, the rapists can go free, but they can’t leave the country. The Yasaran rejoice. Fatmagul breaks down into tears of despair. Erdogan swears vengeance on both Kerim and Fatma.

As everyone pours out of the courtroom, Mukaddes curses Munir for tricking her into not being there. Eben Nine points out to Mukaddes that the rapists are free because of HER decision to not show up. Rahmi threatens divorce and doesn’t want to ever see her again, so Mukaddes pulls out the big guns. She’s pregnant with his child. Rahmi stops in his tracks. Fatma looks like she’s going to be sick.

They all head to the hotel in Ildir. Kerim drives off somewhere. He says he’s going to the pharmacy, but he looks pretty shifty when he says it to Kadir. Fatma and Ebe Nine sit at one table and talk, while Mukaddes and Rahmi sit at another. Eben Nine tells Fatma that it’s Rahmi’s decision if he wants to take Mukaddes back. Fatma doubts there’s even a baby. She doesn’t want that woman anywhere near her. She breaks down crying from all the emotions and disappointments from the day. Meanwhile, Mukaddes tries to convince Rahmi to let her come back. She claims she’s not just coming back because of the baby, but because she misses him-- she could have had an abortion. She offers to get a DNA test to prove the baby is his.

The Yasaran drive back to Istanbul. I their respective cars: Vural tells his parents he wants to flee the country, and he’ll do it with or without their help. Erdogan nearly learns that Meltem’s dad has brought them to bankruptcy from Munir. Munir takes a call from Asu/Hacer, who demands the rest of her money for her (false) testimony, or she’ll tell the D.A. the truth. Selim demands to know who Meltem is stepping out with, and Resat tells him it’s Mustafa. He’s sure that’s why Mustafa turned on them and informed Turaner of their plans to destroy him. Selim grabs one of their phones and calls Meltem, who’s asleep in her hotel somewhere in the U.S. “Damned bitch! I found out about you and Mustafa! Sooner or later you have to come back and face me, and no one will save you!” Meltem hangs up the phone quickly and begins to cry. Selim swears revenge on them both.

 

FATMAGUL:

That was the end of that episode. Forgot to add that. One hour episodes are so much easier to recap! Although it was frustrating to not get the full episode and find out what happens at the end of the chapter.

Romy- Fatma's reaction at the dress was heartbreaking. It honestly never occurred to Kerim that she considers herself "dirty" and unworthy of wearing a white wedding dress. I hope she explores these feelings the next time she has a session with the therapist. Although with all the emotional fallout from the trial, I'm sure she'll have plenty of stuff to work through. She was forced to relive the whole horrid and sordid series of events as she listened to everyone's testimonies. But I thinks she held up like a champ.
 

Fatma: She did held like a champ, Vivi. Oh, so tomorrow should be the second part of that episode unless they stretch to Friday. In any case, I can't wait for you to see it. The good thing for you viewing it now is Monday you get to continue on to the second season but me? I waited months between the first and second season. Uff, those were the hardest months, ever. Yeah, I take my soap seriously, lol. I got to work today so I read your recap and I will watch later. Thank you
 

Eva. novelera: Mariacula! Love it!
 

TELEMUNDO...

"Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives..."

"Ximena Duque joins the cast of NBC’s long-running and popular daytime drama Days of our Lives which airs weekdays on NBC"

"in the new role of ‘Blanca’ for a story arc beginning in May 2016"

http://www.nbcumv.com/news/telemundo-exclusive-talent-ximena-duque-crosses-over-english-language-daytime-joining-nbc%E2%80%99s-?network=33144

 

Fatmagul

Vivi...thanks for your recaps....sorry your time off is over.

I totally get and applaud Kerim asking Fatma to marry him ...and I'm all for them ...and a formal ceremony is just the thing to kick start their new beginning on their terms. But I was not a fan of him buying her a dress...regardless of the color or the circumstances. What woman doesn't want to pick out her own dress. I think he started off on the wrong foot with that gesture. But still....the anguish and pain of Fatma's stolen innocence was on full display ...yet again. Got to feel for her.

Oh please ....oh please don't let Mukka back into the house. She has not respect for anyone else and she's always blaming others for her actions and lack of morals.....not to mention I hate her mannerism...she's so classless. She absolutely does not deserve another chance. I wanted so much for Fatma to spit at Mukka's feet and tell her that she is dead to her. Mukka is a horrible person.
 

FATMAGUL:

Is that you at Anon7:18, Nett?

Yes, that family is WAY better off without Mukaddes, as we've seen these last weeks she's been with Salih. But you know how Rahmi is. Plus, Murat has been missing her like crazy, AND she's expecting his baby. She will use the children as leverage, and Rahmi will cave.

But I think if Rahmi caves, Fatma, Ebe Nine and Kerim should move into their own house. Enough is enough. I know Fatma loves her brother and nephew to pieces, but Mukaddes is not good for her mental and emotional health.

I see your point about the dress being chosen by the woman. But he really did choose a beautiful dress, with the floral lace cutouts.
 

Fatma..

Vivi...yes that was me... anon @7:18. Sorry about that...thought I signed my post. And I agree with you about the rest of the family distancing themselves from her if Rahmi takes her back. But Fatma loves her brother dearly...and he's been there for her all her life so I know Fatma wouldn't part from him easily. I don't buy Mukka's story about missing Rahmi. Sueli (?sp) made it clear he doesn't care about her or want her...and has always used her. Mukka apparently doesn't feel she has any options...and she can't be without a man. Poor Rahmi...he and Murat deserve so much better than Mukka.

The Yasarans make me want to jump into the TV and choke them. It's bad enough that they all know that they are lying about the incident but I am so tired of their public displays of indignation ...especially Erdogan.

And the mothers ...how as women can they act so callous about this (I don't get all the side coversations..has this point come up in the show). I get that these are their sons...but these mothers know that their sons committed a heinous crime. I would have some understanding of the moms if they showed more remorse and didn't participate so much in the cover up but they are just as brutish and indignant as the men...disappointingly so. Despite the heartbreak and anguish.... Ebe did not hesitate to tell Kerim to go to the police when she thought he had committed the crime alone.

Mustafa...finally trying to do the right thing...too little too late. He looked remorseful and tormented on the stand...but there's no turning back now...the damage is done. Changing his testimony and putting on a fireworks show means nothing at this point.

Nett
 

FATMAGUL:

The rich moms, especially Perihan, were all scolds and tears at first. But as soon as their "babies" got threatened with jail time, they changed their tune, and it became all about protecting their boys-- the poor girl they raped be damned.
 

Fatma

Vivi..."scolds and tears"....I got the tears....but the scolding is something I missed or didn't understand in the details of the many conversations. I never felt the mothers' tears or actions had anything to do with feeling shame or sorrow for Fatma....but more a feeling of concern and fear for their sons and their reps but I trust you understood everything better than I did. Oh well. Here's to hoping that they all get what they deserve and Fatma's triumph. And yes...it would be hard for me to think of forgiving Kerim but the write's have turned the corner on this...its' definitely happening.


Baja

I lost interest in Baja during the final week and the last 3 episodes...I really didn't watch with great detail...or enthusiasm. Some of it had to do with catching up on Fatma in the evenings and catching the Austalian Open. With that said....I know there was a lot of disappointment with Rodrigo's demise. I liked him and thought they'd do something to keep him around like have him turn states witnes...but that didn't happen. This show was full of PSAs so I figure his death...while misrepresenting our judicial system....was meant to be a PSA. A lesson about crime, justice and punishment. Let's face it...Rod was no angel...he was the bad guy you loved to watch but he instigated a suicide, kidnapped his wife, held Felecia' and her bar hostage...and he did kill other people...albeit other bag guys. He also ordered the death of others and was a drug dealer and dealt in human trafficking. I think the message in his death is that crime doesn't pay. There have been many instances of our judicial system punishing folks for the crimes they were able to prove vs the bigger crimes that everyone knew the criminal committed but couldn't be proven. Overall...a very good show and while I don't like the drug/gang theme...this show was captivating, modern and had so many important messages and depictions of modern day issues here in the U.S.

I've only watched a dozen or so shows...and so far....Fatma and Baja will be rated as my favs until something else can knock them off their my pedestal. Both are riveting...must see TV.. full of action and messages....with outstanding acting.

Nett


 

FATMAGUL:

Nett- You're right that the rich moms' initial reaction was maninly about how their sons shamed them. Perihan shunned Selim for a time and wouldn't speak to him. Same with Erdogan's mom. But no, there was never really a real sense of thinking about what the poor girl was going through from them. The closest they came was Meltem's mom telling weeping Perihan, after they announced the divorce, that Fatmagul has a mother and a family too and they can't keep being their accomplices in hurting her. Not sure if it sunk in. Perihan was too busy feeling sorry for herself and her son.
 

Eva

the plot thickens...

* Pablo moves away to take a call, he says he's working on the case, later he talks to his dad (who was also a policeman when Pablo was working undercover) about this insurance company being one of their best customers, and the 'fraud' case he is working on against Mon-Sol,

* Francisco Mogollón and mujer are investigating Eva's neighborhood, and discover by sending their chauffeur to talk to the servants that one neighboring house is for sale after the owner died, and the other house is owned by the Monteverde's, Francisco's mujer gasps, they buy the house for sale.

* the Monteverdes return from a trip

Cinthia- (Katie Barberi)
Robert- (Henry Zakka)
and son 'Bobby' (Jonathan Freudman) the younger brother in "En Otra Piel"

don't like any of them

* Marlene's brother 'Andy' shows up (after 10 years ???) and they talk about getting their house back from the lowlifes that live there, Marlacula's (good one novelera) is working on it and says flat out that she hates Eva.

+ Diego and Fabiola are friends, going to the same special needs school, Diego on a scholarship set up by Eva, prez of the PTA, Pablo's wife was killed right after Diego was born, shot in somekind of gunfire.

+ Marlacula offers to handle Sofia, offers her the apartment, a car, another job and a designer watch, Armando offers Evencio a job as night watchman, Carmen isn't happy, as if she ever was.

 

Eva

oh and Pablo's father (Javier Díaz Dueñas) really bugs me, because I so much want to see him back as 'Tigre' from "La Patrona".

Erika de la Rosa, Felicia/Marlene, really intrigues me, she is not on the level of Maritza Rodríguez or Catherine Siachoque, she is creating her own level.

+ Pablo rushing to Betty for afternoon sex, so who is the 'new girl' Betty wants to know, and Pablo gives her the big 'whatever'.


 

EVA

Just catching up here. MIL GRACIAS à novelera for the kick-off our our new series. All that detail! It would have gone right past me without your help. I think you're right it's probably LA.

And thanks deb for last night's! No time for reading much these days, but I am getting into this show. Agreed about Erika de la Rosa! She'll be as villainous as she was in Bajo, no doubt, but I don't like the black hair on her. And Javier Díaz Dueñas is such a pussycat here after being an arch villain in Los Miz. Again with the PSAs. Interested to see how they handle the autism awareness issue. The kids are very appealing.
 

Eva

Thanks VERY much, deb, for your delightful recap. I love your style, the way you capture so much with a few well-chosen words. For example, "Pablo gives her the big 'whatever'."

I'm warming a bit to this novela. It's no Bajo, but so far it's keeping my interest. I've seen relatively few of the major actors before, so with the exception of Erika de la Rosa and Jorge Luis Pila, they don't make me think of their other roles. And both de la Rosa and Pila played somewhat similar roles (Felicia in Bajo and Gerardo in En Otra Piel), so there's not the kind of dissonance that their moving from hero to villain or vice versa might create in my mind.

The one actor/character I'm uncomfortable with is, alas, Arap Bethke, who plays Pablo Contreras. His wide-eyed (or, as I sometimes think, bug-eyed) looks amuse me but don't appeal to me in a galan. Indeed, in many ways he seems like a sweet adolescent, not an adult. I think the last time I found that kind of masculine role appealing was when I was about 12. :-) But perhaps I'm making judgments too quickly. I've never seen him in any other novela, as far as I know, so I have only two days of Eva on which to base my opinions. Too soon, I hope.

Oops, gotta run.
 

Eva. Excellent succinct recap that covered all the important bases, deb! I was right that Pablo IS a detective working undercover--in this case as a PI working for an insurance company. I had thought it was odd that a well-thought-of former detective, dating a prosecutor, had applied for a job driving a truck rather than as head of security for the company or something similar. I see that Marlene is the same kind of resentful character as Felicia in Bajo. And if this is LA, it's interesting that not only does the city have just 1 hospital and 1 police station (as in Bajo), but one special education program. Again, lots of coincidences!
 

Fatmagul

Vivi you have done a yoemans job with these recaps, I appreciate every keystroke. My heart bleed for Fatma as she pulled on her inner strength physically/mentally. I wasn't sure of the outcome of the trial, Thanks for clearing that up for me about the reinvestigation.

Nett, I totally agree with you about the parents of the rapist, especially the women, they are dispicable. Peri ham is headed for a meltdown and the mothers of Vural & Erdogan appear out of touch and detached.

The writers, in my opinion, are extremely good; they give themselves wide berth. There are so many what if's.
 

FATMAGUL:

Brenda- You are welcome. Have you dug out yet? I'm finally back at the office.

Yeah, the outcome of the trial wasn't a loss, but it wasn't a win either. Extremely frustrating for Fatma, who surely does not want to go through that again. The Yasaran are betting they can wear her down, or outright destroy her, before they go back to trial.
 

Eva

Deb, thanks so much. Loved your crisp, and funny recap. No time to comment. Working on tax reports today with new software. My hair is getting more grey as I type this.

I can't do another recap this week. Sorry. I have book club tonight and a dinner to go to Friday night.
 

Eva

Novelera, I can try to do a recap of tonight's episode and have it up sometime tomorrow morning.
 

TELEMUNDO...

"La Reina del Sur," starring Kate del Castillo returns to the screen every Saturday and Sunday starting January 30th at 6pm / 5c.