Caray, Caray!

Nandicta, I posted a comment on your wonderful recap of yesterday.

Beautifully written and very stirring Urban. Your screen shot was perfect and your recap simply sensational. Once again.

"these people have more issues than National Geographic" had me smiling appreciatively.

"But what Regina saw yesterday was only my responsibility". Finally, Arturo shows some semblance of shouldering the blame which is quite frankly, entirely his to bear.

The pensive musings of Eladio seemed sincere enough but then we hear “I have to conquer Julia again.” And of course, that is his vision, stated honestly and sincerely, It is all about control and domination, despite his declarations to the contrary.

While sympathetic to David and to Regina, neither are thinking clearly. They are still (rather understandably) in shock. I am hopeful when it wears off a bit, they will be amenable to sitting down with Julia and Arturo (respectively) and sort it out. Julia was "guilty" of a momentary lapse thinking she could be with Arturo, but that inclination was over before it began. Arturo has deeper demons to deal with and must accept the fact he has almost single handedly destroyed his family.

I do hope Eladio realizes Humberto's treachery. That will be a sight to behold.

I do not blame Nina for slapping both Arturo and Julia. She seems to be doling out her barely controlled anger in equal measure.

I felt a bit disconcerted when Arturo dissolved into tears.

I think baby Erick is the only character who is happy right now. And sadly, that is only because he doesn't realize who his father really is!

Diana
 

Fabulous UA, another great installment. Thank you

“Excuse me, but you were pursuing a married woman.”

“You know very well I have no interest in him despite what's happened with us.” She took off her engagement ring. “Understand that we're through.” Now how in the world will David not connect the two?

I liked Nina pounding on Art, should have used her knee.

Despite his world crashing around him, Eladio continues with his therapy. I admire his commitment but wished his happiness wasn't connected to the nut case Julia who has abandoned her's.

So, had Julia known about Franco a months earlier she may have been mad but wouldn't care and Eladio possibly forgiven. Now that she thinks she loves the cad she cannot.

 

Urban: Wonderful recap on last night. Thank you!

1.) Purple Lips double slapped Arturo. He brought this on himself!

2.) Daniela & Ashmore: What could possibly go wrong ?

3.) Augie seeing Daniela & Ashmore together was a punch in the gut for him!

4.) Erick should've had Johnnie Cochran as his defense lawyer.

5.) Regina breaking up with David: which means Jorge will take advantage of this!

6.) Old Goat Humberto faking his heart attack! He's really pissing everyone off!

7.) Clara & Connie: BFF's forever!
 

Ah UA, wonderful as always. Loved the photo and the Shakespearean quote (the Bard seemed to have covered every grievous mistake possible by human beings)and especially your quip "more issues than National Geographic". Also, your exasperated query "Really is there no Judith Martin?" Yes, the Miss Manners approach to life is sorely missed here as is the rational and reasoned approach of Carolyn Hax. Clearly nobody is reading or paying attention to any advice columns.

Although not as disenchanted as tofie, I am tired of Julia playing "the victim card". There certainly will be no happily ever after as long as she keeps conveniently reinterpreting data to maintain her complete innocence and Eladio's complete guilt. Or Franco's. Or Caridad's. Or even Arturo's.

Seems to me her Amends List, while not as extreme as Eladio and Arturo's, is every bit as long. And she can't do anything about rectifying their mistakes anyway. She can only attempt to fix her own.

Still, all this is fresh. Guess we need to let her do some more whining and poor-me-ism (I certainly would) before getting down to "Now what is my part in all this?"

Thanks for the detailed recap. I'll watch this later today when I can stand all the drama. Late at night it is waaaaay too much for this thin-skinned granny.
 

I'm sure that if that last slap (sorry, Nina; that was very declasse) becomes a catfight, I'm sure MF and SG can give the guys a good one. As Gringo always says, Must-See TV.

Erick is still the same coward as ever. The grey-haired detective with the red shirt is very subtle in his intimidation technique so far. I'm still sure that he didn't do it and was intimidated. Could he also have been paid off? Did the writers even consider that? I also pity that poor baby.

Augustin definitely got a bad vibe when he walked into the mansion. He will definitely tip Arturo off to this when other stuff calms down. Predicting that Arturo won't believe it at first. Somebody said the other day that Daniela is expressing her Daddy issues this way and I tend to agree. Which means Augustin has to face his own issues about Gabriela.

Of all the actors I've seen cry in Televisa novelas, JS is the most convincing. I'm not sure what Mexican culture dictates about men and tears but he kills it every time. He said during an interview about MCET that his biggest crying scene was accomplished by recalling the most painful thing that ever happened to him. He must have done something similar in La Esposa Virgen in the scene where he held his daughter's body across his lap in the reverse of the Pieta scenes Carmen Salinas became so famous for.

Someone asked the other day whether Eladio and Julia had moved on to couples therapy and Eladio's scene with his shrink was a No to me. His shrink is shown realistically because he asks the hard questions and isn't afraid of the hard truths. He must have made a note about the "reconquiata" comment. I hope that scene continues in the next episode.

We haven't seen Julia's shrink in a while and I didn't like him at all. I think Julia accepted too much blame for 25 years of abuse from Eladio because Humberto abused her through her youth. Faking the illness makes me wonder what else he's faked all the years of his life.

One more before I pick up my caffeine: If Arturo had seen a shrink when Susanna died he would certainly have been advised to work through his feelings of guilt and his depression before looking for a new wife. That would have been just enough time for him to recover before Julia faced the ugly and unjustified accusation that David wasn't Eladio's. He could have rescued her then. I wonder if that is starting to cross his mind.
 

Well, I have some questions about the verb "conquistar". As I understand its use, it means to make someone fall in love with you. Or "reconquistar" to re-earn someone's trust and love. I do not think of it as meaning "conquer". To me it is a false cognate. Opinions please.
 

It can mean "conquer" but it can also mean "win." Winning someone's love. Winning someone's love again. Still an antiquated notion, but not quite as caveman-sounding as "conquer."
 

Could this be deliberately vague on the writers' part knowing that Eladio isn't someone who loses gracefully? Surely there are other ways to express this.
 

Thanks Urban and Nandicta for the recaps of the last two episodes! I find this week that I just don't feel like watching these characters self destruct and make poor choices, so I love these detailed recaps. I can picture it all now. Gracias, amigas!
 

Judy, I wish I could chime in on your question but don't have the knowledge to do so...

I will simply say that there is a distinct difference between "conquer" and "win". Whichever way he intended it, I feel Eladio wants and "needs" to continue to control Julia. He did it (quite ruthlessly) for 20 years and the fact he genuine seems to be trying and is more subtle about it now, is a huge step but overall, not particularly reassuring.

I do believe people can change. I wish he had said he "hoped" to rekindle the romance. Both conquer and win seem just too overly possessive for me.

Diana
 

Eladio always knew that when Julia found out he tricked her into raising his illegitimate child that it would be over between them. He said it to his therapist. He's said it to Franco and Caridad. Why's he acting like he was blindsided now?
 

Dear UA, your recaps are always a delight, especially that D.D. preamble! Many thanks, indeed! :)

Dear Patio pals, thank you ever so much for all the kind words you said about the recap I posted yesterday. I cherish and appreciate every one of your comments. :)

Holy bofetada, Batman! This was a slap-tastic episode and I loved every minute of it! Looks like Nina is finally off the chain! The beast is unleashed and boy is she pished aff!

Marlene Favela se llevó este capítulo! Nina was incontestably the star of this episode! As I watched her rain blows upon cheating Arturo "The Piñata" Montenegro, scold Dani for her May-December romance with Ashmore, command her cowardly Chimp Boy to suck it up and go to jail like a man and rearrange Julia's face with a resounding smack, I thought "Atta girl! That's the Nina I was waiting for!" As Steve said yesterday: "Go get'em, Purple Lips!"

It's no mystery to anyone here that I have a soft spot for Nina. In real life, I would never be friends with a Nina, nor would a Nina want to be friends with me. She's not my kind of people, the way I'm sure I'm not her kind of people either. However, and I apologize for harping on about this yet again, other than being a shallow socialite and unkind stepmother, I don't see what crimes she has committed to be classified the villana of this story. She overindulges her children and showers attention on the screw-ups among them. She dedicates too much time to her appearance to please her husband. She is devoted to her workaholic emotionally-absent hubby and she keeps him sexually satisfied. She endured rejection and humiliation in order to save her marriage, going as far as forgiving "whatever happened with Julia in Vallarta". If anything, Nina's main mistake was that she devoted more time and energy to being a good wife than to being a good mother. I do fault her for one thing though: She has shown a lot more restraint than any self-respecting woman would in similar circumstances!

Indeed, let's consider this. My husband decides to leave me overnight, piles on me blame after blame for the breakup of our marriage, belittles me on a daily basis in front of my children and house employer and start gaslighting me, pretending that all my doubts are insane jealousy. He also rejects all my attempts to fix the relationship and refuses to give me a fair divorce settlement, only for me to find out later that he was doing all this to get rid of me and chase a married woman, I would have reacted a lot more violently than Nina did! A lot more violently! Let's just say that if my husband did to me what Arturo did to Nina after giving him 25 years of my best years and 3 children, he'd better join the Husband Protection Program! He'd better change his name, get on a plane to Kiribati and hope to God I don't know how to use an Atlas or how to Foogle "Kiribati". As for Julia, she should consider herself lucky she got off with only a slap. If I were Nina, I would have stormed the GL mansion wearing a yellow leather jumpsuit and wielding a Katana samurai sword! This epic soundtrack will be playing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hwiCkU73NA) and Julia will wind up scalped at the end of an epic martial arts fight! Nina should have gone Black Mombasa, a.k.a The Bride, on Julia's behind! (I feel like rewatching "Kill Bill" now!)

Have a fantastic day, everyone! Will try to swing by later :)
 

Dear JudyB, if I may jump in, conquistar in the literal sense, means to conquer, to triumph over something (like fear) or someone (like an ennemy). However, conquistar in matters of the heart, means to win over someone's love, to captivate their affection, to conquer their heart so to speak.
Hope this answers your query. Que tengas un lindo día!
 

thanks, UA, for that detailed recap.I appreciate the time and effort that I know you put into each and every recap you write.

Judyb....I agree. the term "conquer" seems very aggressive in English.

These people are just making me tired. None of them seems to have any concept of risk management. Sometimes, you just have to stop and reevaluate what has happened, what you have done, what you are doing . Maybe a new approach is needed. Maybe it is time to cut your losses and move forward .

Well, it looks as though Darling Dani has finally done something that Mommy does not approve of...dating old Assmore.

What part of NO does Art not understand. Julia's lips are saying "no", but her eyes are saying " Hells no." Despierta, Art, you have caused so much damage with your pursuit of your first love (probably not...I think you might have been a player back in the day).

So now, the slapping begins.NIni is pished aft.
 

I've said it multiple times already but an abusive control freak like Eladio is not cured of this behavior in six weeks or six months. The vast majority are incurable at his age.

I googled this and one thing his treatment lacks to be effective (according to a UK study) is anything in the way of community involvement. In other words, no parole officer or social worker to report to. He also lacks family ties beyond Julia and his two sons. If what he said about his father is true, he would be of no help if he were still alive. In fact, his being alive would be counter-productive.

His comments about madness are rather unnerving. This all sounds like a set-up for major mad scenes later. This is FC's first novela in how long?
 

Arturo is not gaslighting Nina. Nothing has actually happened between him and Julia. Nina is a shallow gold-digger and social climber. She did devote more time to her appearance than to her children. She overindulged the screw-ups to get their loyalty and she was a cruel bitch to Miguel while being indifferent to Regina's feelings. All this is truth.

One can be a villain without breaking the law. There are past examples of this in our galleries of toxic parents.

Despite paragraph 1, I knew she would not approve of Daniela with Assmore. To Nina's credit (or her good luck) she didn't become Anna Nicole Smith and marry a zillionaire five years younger than God. She knows that Daniela doesn't have to do this, either. In fact, Daniela must have a nice bank account of her own by now unless she's a spendthrift. What Nina doesn't see yet is what this relationship really means.
 

Nandicta, I agree with everything you said about Nina squared.
 

Thanks everybody for chiming in about "conquistar". I finally located my BIG diccionario and it did give "win someone's love" as one of the definitions as several of you pointed out. It reminds me of another "romantic" expression in español "soy tu dueño". An expression which surely raises the hackles of any liberated North American woman and yes it is seen as a perfectly acceptable expression of love. So...cultural differences.

"I've said it multiple times already but an abusive control freak like Eladio is not cured of this behavior in six weeks or six months. The vast majority are incurable at his age."

Yes, UA, I agree. But that's in Real Life, in telenovelas, anything is possible. Lord think of some of the medical marvels we've seen. My favorite was a young woman giving birth while wearing a pair of jeans. Yes, folks, she kept them on but the baby managed to emerge just fine.

Sooo...I still have hopes for Eladio becoming a peach of a guy and re-winning Julia's love. Color me hopelessly optimistic. (in telenovela world anyway)
 

We've spent a lot of time criticizing the medical unreality in these programs and now I have to say that the psych unreality is just as bad if not worse. I actually think this is dangerous.

There are many people who need help in this area for a variety of problems and aren't' getting it. Showing unethical shrinks (MIVAC) and good ones whose patients are not ones who realistically can be cured (PyP) doesn't present anything close to reality. If Eladio actually implodes then explodes it would be much more realistic because he needed this help 25-30 years ago.

So did Julia and Arturo. Arturo is the most curable of the four main "adults", Eladio and Nina tie for the least. Narcissists resist psychiatric help more than anyone else.
 

Judyb....hey, I remember that scene if the girl giving birth while still in her jeans ! Yikes . What telenovela was that?

Speaking of hyperbole, how do you like these lines :

"You're mine, now and forever. Mine ."

Maybe it sounds more plausible while lying in the Heather..aye?

Then there all those candy hearts one receives in elementary school asking "Be mine." I am for it, but then my interpretation has always been...yeah, I am yours, but I am also mine. You are mine, but you are also yours. I think it just means "I give myself to no one but you. I give you my complete loyalty. " Complete devotion to one person.

 

Thanks, Urban. Gorgeous photo – I want to go there. Terrific recap.

After Julia had the nerve to slap Nina months ago though she had been romancing and making plans with Arturo, Nina’s whack to Julia was well deserved.

Nina loves Art and money too. Nothing wrong with that. Nandicta, agree this was Nina’s episode. Loved her “suck it up” pep talk to Erick.

So Julia wants to be free of anything having to do with Eladio –- sheets and mattress. Doesn’t she sell his properties? Does she have any other real estate clients to fall back on?

Julia’s disdain for Franco, when she doesn’t even know his true colors like we do, is making me root for his venganza (which I’m sure he’ll lose of course). Hard to believe she’s raised him since age 3. I’d thought she was like a nice aunt to him, but now I’m agreeing with those who say she saw him as an orphan/ward. She’s been betrayed by Eladio, but can still look at and talk to him. David angry has yelled at her, told her to get out, and that he's so disappointed in her, but she (naturally) is still trying to reach out to him. But Franco is now a pariah to her. Oh well, this helps fuel his venganza.

Eladio, if you’re such a straight arrow now, why didn’t you tell Julia that her dad was faking it?

I’ve seen “conquistar” used by many good guys about their lady loves in TNs, so I’m going along with Eladio meaning winning Julia’s love again. He’s a fanatic though. Everything he says to the shrink is Julia, Julia, Julia. Hombre, you were the head of the household and both your sons now hate each other. Do you even care about that?
 

Susanlynn... As I recall it was in Cuidado con el Angel. Of course that was also the one where Wm. Levy morphed from a therapist to a world-renown eye surgeon in a matter of months in order to cure his lady love. No problem! Love conquers all. (Oh my...there's that pesky word "conquer" again. Even in English!)
 

Urban- Thank you for a wonderfully written and detailed recap.

"more issues than National Geographic" was my favorite line.

Nandicta, yes it was the Marlene Favela show last night. I loved her scenes. Especially when she acted firm with Erick and told the little boy that he'd have to take prison like a man, if he were to be sent there.
 

Niecie..." Nina loves Art and money, too." I think she does love him , or at least she loves the life she has with him.
 

UA, thanks for your detailed recap. With all the emotional screaming, we needed your clear understanding of the dialogue. Thanks for your hard work and very engaging style.

Nandicta, tofie........on Nina, I agree with you all, cubed!

Also, Judy, I very much agree with your thoughtful analysis of Julia. I read your comment first, then as I watched her standing on the staircase talking to Eladio, Franco and Gabi, her lack of, “Now what is my (Julia’s) part in all this?" flooded my thoughts. I wish I could always blame others around me for life’s problems, it must be an easier path that self doubt and recriminations.

More on Spanish, I noticed that the characters are telling Dani that Ashmore is too “grande” for her. If I had been attempting (!) to speak Spanish, I would have said, he’s too “viejo.” I guess the common usage in that situation is grande.

I loved it when Clara, in an attempt to console Consuelo said, “Erik is an imbecile, but not a murderer.” Consuelo accepted that comment and continued the conversation unperturbed!
 

Nina did quite an about-face on the issue of Erick's risk of prison and how he should take it. She had enabled his escape to PV right after the murder, lied to the police, didn't tell Arturo for 12 hours, and was ready to blame him if this all went wrong. Now she is telling him to take it like a man, as Arturo did back then.

Either she believes that Arturo's wealth will cause a miracle or she is completely clueless about the criminal injustice system.

Sandy, could Nina's use of "grande" in that conversation have been because she still sees Daniela as a child? Even in normal families that is often the case with the "baby" despite the small age difference with the others.
 

I think this time, with Erick virtually under house arrest at the hospital, Nina sees no escape for Erick. Plus she now knows that he was there during Montserrat's tumble. In short, she sees Erick has fewer options than before.

Erick used "grande" too to describe Ashmore as Dani's boyfriend. It can mean "old" as well as "large."
 

UA, not sure why Nina used grande. I'm sure does see Daniela as a child or her baby, but saying viejo would be so much more effective an adjective in this case. I thought I heard someone else say "grande" yesterday as well, but I have erased the episode!

My son is 6'2" and 41 years old and I still view him as my child! He just left for England on a business trip and I sent by text a list of "thoughts" mostly on charging phones in hotels and the various equipment he would need. My husband got quite a laugh saying that I had fallen back into a complete mom mode. My son ignored my text!

Regardless of how our convivial patio differs on Nina, I really did appreciate her (the writers) stern words on suicide. We can't talk enough about this terrible blight.



 

Thanks Niecie, I thought I heard grande yesterday too. It was Erik.
 

Sandy..yes, our children are always our children no matter what age they are. p.S. My daughters usually do not listen to my advice either. ....and I do not always listen to theirs. (Vbg);) For mmexample "Come on , Mom, taste the alligator\ join Facebook \give me that sweater\jacket\ring."
 

I personally think that as far as narcissists go, Arturo is the poster child! He is so haughty, so full of himself, so adamant he is right in everything and superior to everyone. His needs go before everyone else's (his children included), he condescendingly believes that he knows what's best for others and he wants to dictate his will over other people's feelings including those of the woman he claims to love! "Julia loves me. What does she know about her own feelings! She luuuuurves me and that's all there is to it! She is gonna be mine sooner or later!" He's not twirling his moustache and he hasn't tried to tie her to the train tracks yet, but he's getting there, slowly but surely!

Let us objectively consider this: What has Arturo concretely done to win over Julia? Other than show up unannounced, snap his fingers at her and expect her to kick off her Louboutins and run after him, what has he done to prove his "undying love" to her? Other than harass her and obnoxiously affirm to anyone who would listen that Julia is HIS and that she MUST succumb to his irresistible charms, what has he done to reconquistar her love? Other than diss her husband, destroy her son's happiness and try to alienate both of them against her, what has he done to have Julia fall for him again? Nothing. Squat. Zilch. Nada. Zero. Rien. Ah yes, I remember now: He promised her father, an addicted gambler, that he will buy him his own casino if he succeeds in selling him his daughter.

Here is what I'm very eager to see next: What will happen once "Operation Get-A-Load-Of-Me!" fails to get Arturo into Julia's pants? Then what?

Eladio has many flaws but at least he is no Arturo! Furthermore, Eladio is the lousiest "narcissist" I have ever encountered. He is so overwhelmed by self-loathing, insecurity and guilt, it is cringeworthy! I wish he could be redeemed and find a woman who truly loves him but then again, part of me wants him to get Julia solely to spite Arturo! I love JS to Reese's pieces but I cannot stand Arturo! The only time I enjoy seeing him on screen is when he is squirming, or being owned by Eladio, or being rejected by Julia or being bitch-slapped by Nina! I hope his scorned wife takes him to the cleaners! Espero que le quite hasta la sonrisa! (I hope she strips him of everything, including his smile).

 

P.S. I wonder where Efraín will be throwing that mattress. I want Eladio's pillow and those charcoal grey sheets!

I gotta dash. The footie is starting in a bit: Champion's League, Real Madrid vs. AS Roma. Hala Madrid!

Have a great evening everyone!
 

Though Arturo has totally messed up, I'm still with him. He was raised to be in charge and take responsibility for his family. At the moment, he's failed them on everything except finance. But, my, how awful he feels about it. His crying scene felt very authentic.

PyP doesn't air again till Friday. Tonight, coverage of the Pope's trip moves "Lichita" to PyP's timeslot. Tomorrow, Premio Lo Nuestro music awards air in place of all the nighttime TNs.
 

So what happens to the other novelas tonight?

Self-loathing is another element of narcissism and you can also add Toxic Shame. Many narcissists fail to have real friends or any deep interaction with other human beings because they are afraid of being "found out." This also accounts for Nina's failure to tell Arturo her whole backstory. We know she grew up poor and is ashamed of it in some way. There is also something else she has never talked about but he never pressed her about it. Fortunately there is just enough time to find out.

Arturo approved of David in the beginning and wasn't upset that Miguel and Regina weren't working at GM. He did not react badly to the news of Consuelo's backstory. He has a best friend whom he can tell anything to. What is happening with him now is an obsession with Julia and maybe some subconscious way of going back to being 24 again.

Eladio was obsessed with David working for him. He could control him that way. Eladio has no real friends because he has always been afraid of them seeing weakness. He is probably ashamed of his background in some way although it isn't hanging over his head right now. He talks about being "worthy" of Julia because she is several rungs above him on the social ladder (which makes Humberto a real head-scratcher).

It was never clear whether Eladio paid Humberto's gambling debts before or after the wedding, but he did hold Humberto's support over Julia's head many times before the time jump. No matter how many times she demanded that he get a blood test if he was so sure that David wasn't his he refused. That's a dangerous control freak who needs to maintain control at all times. He's fighting this battle and I see him losing it.
 

Tonight, Muchacha italiana viene a casarse is scheduled for Luchita's regular timeslot, Luchita is scheduled for PyP's regular timeslot, and El hotel del los secretos remains at its normal time. Of the four nighttime TNs, only PyP gets bumped tonight.
 

Yep, Art possesses a sense of entitlement that won't quit. Hate em.

I don't want Eladio with Julia but to move on, she ain't no prize anyway. In fact I'd like to watch her show up unannounced and beg Eladio for another chance after she foolishly shacks up with Art.
 

Tofie- Do you really think Julia will choose to be with Art? Seems like she very clearly told him to go kick rocks and not come back.
 

A BIG thank you Urban for a SUPER recap today.

Affection is for pets.

Perhaps she should have kept trying for the acting career she gave up on.

One would think that she was preparing for a photo shoot.

The best line of all today was everyone's favorite as well as mine---was the more issues than National Geographic.

I posted yesterday but was late getting back and reading all of the comments. It was completely discussed as if Nina was a loving mother to "all" of her children.
Sandy and Carlos spoke in favor of Nina while in opposition was Urban and Vivi. I guess you guys know that I side with Urban and Vivi. I particularly agreed with Vivi 2/16 3:30 PM who said Nina clings to Regina and shows adoration when Regina's love and support are convenient to her. It couldn't have been said any better.

These last two nights have been pure gold as far as drama is concerned (Oscar who?)
Pasion y Poder IS THE OSCAR'S and from last nights ending, it appears that the Oscar Awards will continue for a third night tonight.

I guess that I could say that I am pretty much a novela old-timer. I've seen several
not as many as some out on the patio but still quite a few. I have to say that I have never watched a novela that has brought out the emotions that this one has. The comments have been really sincere and heated at times. P y P is really bringing it all out in the open. That goes for pretty much all of the main characters and even several of the secondary characters. DAMN! this is good. As I said Oscars? What Oscars? You've got it all here.

Controversy--emotions??? I guess that Nina is at the top of the list. At times I can barely stand to look at the bruja/witch and then I read Nandicta's superb comment with samurai swords, scalps etc. and I have to stop to think and re-think.
Yes Nandicta if I were Nina, I probably would be sharpening the samurai sword as well. But---I have to add at this point, I have mentioned it before, that Arturo had forced the kiss onto Julia and it was unfortunate that Regina came upon them a few seconds too late and didn't hear the entire conversation. No one has given Julia a chance to tell her side. And so---Nina isn't seeing or hearing the "whole" truth. But of course after Nina being told what she had been told by Regina no less,
well??? I guess that we will have to wait a few more hours to find out if Amazon Julia is any match against Samurai Nina.

Must see tv
the gringo


 

Urban Ant a BIG thanks, it is always a pleasure reading your writing.
David and Regi...Umm David needs to whip 'Orbiter's ass then fire him. Dave already is painfully aware that BOTH the Montenegro chicks are flaky as Mrs. Paul's pie crust. Stop being so sickenly nice, and move on. An old fashioned ass whipping then pulling rank and firing him is the first step in the right direction.
Dave my boy, there is a Spanish version of 'Plenty of Fish'. Get on with your life.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

Urban--Just starting on the recap. Excellent intro, by the way. I know I'm in for a great recap. Thank you for all you do. Love the photo. Romeo and Juliet, indeed!

Just had to say this much: Jorge is MUCH too pretty to become Regina's boyfriend.
 

"More issues than National Geographic" is actually something I've said in the real world. More than once!

Regina and David are reacting crazily to all of us but considering the family dynamics they grew up in it may not be too surprising. I hate the idea that David could possess the same jealous obsession as Eladio and that Regina could end up as the Cordelia in a modern version of King Lear but she is the only unselfish child of Nina. She is the only one of the three who truly loves her father. It is completely absurd that this situation is a loyalty test for either of them.

The night the Rat was exterminated we all wondered whether that would hang over the characters' heads for the rest of the series and it now looks like it. We're now about at the 75% mark and that needs to move ahead.
 

Thank you, Urban.

I can't stand Arturo. Love Jorge, though, great actor. But I want Eladio to be happy and at peace, although I would prefer that it NOT be with Julia and I don't care if SHE is ever happy. I want David to be happy, too, so darn it, that means his mother must be happy. Oh, well.

However, Eladio has now made it virtually impossible for Julia to forgive his lies and to ever trust him again because HE'S DOING IT AGAIN! He's keeping something from her - a very, super important something ... Marintia's pregnancy! When the mouth breather comes back (because she will) with her little package ... Julia will take it as ANOTHER betrayal by Eladio. Forget the fact that he didn't know until the pregnancy was well advanced. That won't matter to her. If he wanted to really "change" and not keep secrets from her, how could he not tell her the INSTANT he found out about something that will surely affect her beloved niece's marriage and life? He's doomed, for sure. What's worse, it will be a secret he is "sharing" with Caridad and a relationship (grandparents) he will share with Caridad for-ev-ah!!

 

Pardon me while I turn my head and snicker.
On Humberto's acting career: "Now we can't move while my aunt takes care of him.” I thought he had a nurse to do that. Julia certainly hasn't been up to now. But, it worked.
 

Why does Eladio deserve to be happy and at peace, and Julia doesn't? In this whole screwed up situation between these four adults in these two marriages, Nina is the LEAST at fault. As much as I dislike her, she kept her vows to Art and was the most committed of any of these four to making her marriage work and for the long-term. Not talking about how any of these four have/do treat their kids/step-kids, because that's a whole other mess. Eladio is getting exactly what he deserves because of his lies and deceptions. Julia is getting some payback for being so wishy washy initially (with Art and Eladio) and delaying her independent stance too long. Art is reaping what he sowed from being so callous and self-centered.
 

I do Vivi. Despite her attempts at independence Julia hasn't become an individual yet that can stand on her own. Art there to catch her is way too convenient to resist.
 

A sincere thanks to the recaps of recent days. Cynderella, UA, AuntyAnn,NovelaMaven and Maurici. The work is, as always clever, well-written and ever amusing. UA, thanks for the details today. Much appreciated.

Nandicta: You tend to voice my view in most aspects. Nina is a twit, but Arturo has been denying / hiding his epiphany / emotional affair with Julia until recently. I don't see much empathy for the hurt he is causing his current family. I also agree that he really has done little of the hard work to show he really cares for Julia. The hard work would be something like respect her stated wishes, resist patronizing her by thinking he knows best, and moving along with his divorce with his family's best interests for now. He wants it and he wants it now! Interesting that when JS was once a character who was the rogue gleaning insight (LQNPA) it was easier to cheer for him when he did something noble. Something about starting as "an underdog rogue" must make me want to cheer for success when they show glimmers of hope.

Eladio is indeed, a broken soul, but I maintain, he verbalizes more courage and insight than Arturo about his failings and vulnerabilities. I predict he will not be able to contain his brokenness. It would take him too long to learn how to consistently do things differently. In part, because no one in this story listens long enough to work through reactions and mistaken impressions. I don't think it is a conflict of ethics to provide therapy to someone as broken as Eladio, particularly if it prevents a fraction of his self-destructive and abusive behavior. The seed of enlightenment has been planted. And, in the end, he is only as healthy as his behavior demonstrates. He won't fool anyone into believing he is any more healthy than he behaves into the future.

Ah well, TN-land as I typed before. As far as the patio peeps, I am setting up a new table with chairs for the therapists, a tattoo artist, and a spiritual guide. There will be business cards and referrals, tattoo designs for selection and maps of the universe for future travelers. They can be used in future lives to locate specific tattoo-bearers. I think therapy and the next life is the best hope for finding satisyingly enlightened characters.

I personally won't be getting a tattoo because I haven't decided if or who I want to find me. But I may pick up a map, just in case. But the conversations should be a hoot.



 

Let's not forget Eladio's abuses, not just of Julia but of David. Neither of them need him.

I also don't think that Marintia's pregnancy is the only secret he's keeping but that is a time bomb that will probably explode in one or two more episodes. He hasn't located her yet and she isn't Caridad. She will be calling the shots when she gets back with the baby. That's going to explode Gabriela's life as well.
 

So..what is your prediction for the ending? I think that Augie will end up with Gaby, David with Regina, Miguel with Consuela, Justino with Clara unless Francisco returns. I think Hummy is headed to The Big Change (VBG judyb ;) I have no idea what will happen to the four main players or to Franco, Caridad, Dani and Erick. Is Eladio a tragic figure in this story? He and Art both have been burning for Julia for twenty years but neither has been going about the pursuit in a good way . They have both harmed her , and if you truly love someone, you never want to hurt that person in any way. True love wants what is best for the object of affection even if that does not include you.f
 

Nandicta and all--About Nina. From the way Nina was presented to us in the synopsis and in the first episodes, we assumed she was going to be one of the antagonists. So we prejudged her. I agree, she has not engaged in some of the vile activities our two men at the top of the billboard have engaged in, but she continues to manipulate people and events for her own gain (and position and reputation).

Her fashion statements also left me feeling she was a tart, trading in on the way she exudes sexuality and basically ignoring her children in order to remain a trophy wife (remember that KISS in public at Julia's fashion event).

It's hard to believe that last night, for the first time, I DID see her as victimized by the men around her. She showed her true colors and I was applauding, giving her the high five and shouting, You Go Girl!
 

Niece, et al. Check your schedules, folks: on line, Univision Horarios shows a regular schedule tonight. But I'll be sitting in front of the TV at 9 o'clock with my fingers crossed.
 

Anita---Don't snicker. It's so simple. Julia has to take care of Humberto for a couple of days because Hummy's private nurse took a couple of days off.

the gringo
 

UA

Thanks for another of your opulent detailed recaps. They are always appreciated.

About Nina, I've felt from the very beginning that she has been ill-treated by Arturo as well as many if not most of the commenters here on the Patio. It's reassuring to see that more and more of you are realizing how badly Arturo has treated her.

Nandicta,

You've eloquently stated clearly the truth concerning Nina.

Vivi,

"In this whole screwed up situation between these four adults in these two marriages, Nina is the LEAST at fault."

Thanks for your honesty.

My fear is now that Nina is so mortally wounded she may (much like Medea in response to Jason's betrayal) resort to some sort of scorched earth retribution.

Carlos
 

Carlos- I still think Nina is an awful person, a questionable parent, and a horrific stepmother, but in this case, she's the most wronged party.
 

Vivi,

I realize all that, although I fear that your may have been unduly influenced by the extreme assumptions and poisonous negativity directed toward her by a few here. I still contend that she may have gotten her cue for how she has treated Miguel directly from Arturo's disdain for Miguel's mere existence. It's his presence after all that threw a monkey wrench into his grand plan. Also, I think that Anita makes a very valid point with this:

"From the way Nina was presented to us in the synopsis and in the first episodes, we assumed she was going to be one of the antagonists."

First impressions are always important but are not always entirely reliable.

Meanwhile it's reassuring to me that you still have your sense of fairness and fair play and analytical ability firmly intact.

Carlos
 

Urban Anthropologist, this recap was really
Remarkable. these people are actors and they're doing a good job of doing these parts of these really crazy insane people. I must say that eladio is looking like the guy who is
Trying to stand on the sideline and learn from everybody else what not to do. Riight now I can't stand arturo. And he is still acting like A hypocrite, talking to David as if he's better than he is. Can't stand that smug look he had on his face when he came to his house and found David there trying to see regina and David was talking to him. Eladio is a jerk but at least he wasn't trying to steal somebody's wife I kind of like the relationship that he and Julia had even though it was kind of based on some deception.I was hoping that maybe he would get straight because he went to see a psychiatrist and was getting counseling and stuff but like I said this whole story is just so screwed up.
No matter what happens dani is still stupid.
she shouldn't even talk.
Poor julia, I feel sorry for her. Shes stuck with
All of these annoying noises, called family.
David needs to really listen to his mother,and tune Down the anger. he's never going to hear what he needs to hear until he stops being so angry but until then the anger rules.
 

Arturo has treated nina really bad. I think he's a jerk and she is right to be angry because she stayed with him took care of his children and her step child even though she don't like Miguel she was still there for him. Yeah he
Done huh wrong. And still thinks he's going to be with juls, the man is crazy. I'd much rather see Julia back with eladio I really would.
 

I don't think Nina took much care of her children. She had nannies to do all the dirty work and played with them when she felt like it.

There was a deleted scene during the 3 for 2 period during which Daniela told her father that she was always left with the nanny while Nina went out brunching with her "friends." I'm never sure when to believe anything she says on the basis of other behavior but her entire behavior is a scream for attention.

We have seen Nina's cruelty to Miguel, whom I don't think Arturo hates now or even hated then. He was depressed and ineffectual as a father, which is one reason a lot of this escaped his notice.
 

Morning everyone! There have been so many interesting comments last night:

-- Tofie: "Art possesses a sense of entitlement that won't quit." That's exactly it! The word I was looking for was "self-entitled".

-- Mena: I wholeheartedly agree with your analysis and feel that you touched on things that I perceived but could not verbalize as well as you did, especially this point: "Eladio is indeed, a broken soul, but I maintain, he verbalizes more courage and insight than Arturo about his failings and vulnerabilities."

I like your idea of a Tattoo Table and I suggest we create one for Ancient Egypt as well, because Eladio seems to be a fan of this civilization. Indeed, in addition to the book he was reading yesterday, "Silent Images: Women in Pharaonic Egypt", I noticed a while back that there is always a book behind him in his GLA office called "Antiguo Egipto" ("Ancient Egypt"). The cover is black; keep your eyes peeled next time Eladio is sitting at his GLA desk and you'll see it. It's right behind him.

-- Anita: "About Nina. From the way Nina was presented to us in the synopsis and in the first episodes, we assumed she was going to be one of the antagonists. So we prejudged her." Truer words have not been spoken, dear. I think the same goes for Arturo, who's good guy fame stems from the character description Univision posted on their PyP page when the TN started. Based on that alone, many prejudged Arturo as the good guy and took his word for granted on pretty much everything: on him being a stand-up guy, a devoted family mand and an honest businessman; on Eladio allegedly embezzling Grupo Montenegro and allegedly starting the business rivalry with the Montenegros; on Nina being a gold-digger who trapped him to get his money; on having a happy marriage with Miguel's mom had she not died in childbirth; on putting his children and family first, etc. The truth of the matter is, Arturo says one thing, does another and thinks something else. His actions speak volumes and matter more than his grand but shallow declarations or his sermonic tirades. This is what I personally gleaned from months of observing (and rolling my eyes at) this character. (Disclaimer: I love JS as an actor and as a galán but Arturo brings out the worst in me! Most of the times he shows up on screen, I want to smack the smug off his mug!)

-- Gringo: I salute your honesty for admitting that Nina was the wronged party, despite your fervent dislike of her character. Much appreciated! Unfortunately, Univision is making us wait until Friday to find out if "Amazon Julia is any match against Samurai Nina". I say bring it on! I'm always partial to a good slapfest!
 

-- Kirbo: "Dave my boy, there is a Spanish version of 'Plenty of Fish'. Get on with your life." You are absolutely right! I hate to see David humiliate himself for a girl who isn't even worth it. After all, "El mar está lleno de peces" (Lit.: "the sea is full of fish").

-- Vivi: I agree that out of the main foursome, Nina is the least at fault. As for Julia, I agree with Tofie, she is unassertive, flaky and might just give in to Arturo's insistence out of spite and/or confusion.

-- Carlos: " I still contend that she (Nina) may have gotten her cue for how she has treated Miguel directly from Arturo's disdain for Miguel's mere existence. It's his presence after all that threw a monkey wrench into his grand plan." I agree and this is not just speculation or deduction on your part. This conclusion is evident and supported by actual past conversations between Nina and Arturo, Arturo and Miguel, and Arturo and Auggie; not to mention Miguel's explicit reproach to his father that he neglected him and allowed Nina to treat him the way she did for so many years. I said this before and I'll say it again, Arturo discovered Miguel's existence when he bumped into his old flame and Little Arturo decided that the Miguel issue would be a good pretext to phase Nina out and phase Julia in.

-- UA: I personally believe that if Arturo gets a free pass on his terrible parenting because he was depressed for losing his "one true love" (through noone's fault but his own stupidity) then Nina gets a free pass on her terrible parenting because she was depressed due to her workaholic husband's physical and emotional absence. Besides, I don't think that enlisting the help of another person to raise one's child, whether the help comes in the form of a parent, a relative, a friend or a nanny, is a bad or condemnable thing in itself.
 

** OT-ish **

Sorry I made a mistake yesterday when talking about Samurai Nina: Uma Thurman's character in "Kill Bill" is called "Black Mamba". Apologies. I was listening to my South African playlist and Ladysmith Black Mambazo had me confused. If you are not familiar with their music, here is a sample:"Homeless" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFQ1TSzdpRA).

The South African artist whose work I really encourage everyone to discover or rediscover is the late and great Miriam Makeba. She sang in Xhosi, Zulu, Swahili and English but also in other languages like Portuguese, Arabic, Hebrew and French.

The catchy "Pata Pata" is perhaps her most famous song and carries such contagious energy and joie de vivre, you'd want to set it as your wake-up alarm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF1wRDOboEE). However, she has some mesmerizing ballads like "Malaika" (Swahili) with Harry Belafonte (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVrtrB84_AA), "Khawuleza" (Xhosa) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ure2RdTZm8c) or "Erev Shel Shoshanim" (Hebrew) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP0OuRVzpw0)

Have a great and productive day! Catch you later :)
 

Nandicta, nobody gets a free pass on terrible parenting. There is no excuse for this for anyone in this day and age. All four of the main characters have some degree of guilt here.

The writers were lazy and put a 1950s mindset in the older characters. OK for the previous version, but not really here. This needed a lot more thought on their part.

I don't fault Nina for having nannies, as I said earlier this week. Four children not far apart in age is too much work. What I fault her for is cruelty to Miguel, giving Erick and Daniela a sense of entitlement by not disciplining them, and gaslighting Regina over the Joshua thing when she wasn't there to see what really happened. Considering Daniela's track record of trying to steal Regina's boyfriends/fiances and how Nina favors Daniela -- who may be a bigger narcissist than Nina herself by now -- this is an egregious offense.

Now she's trying to use Regina's outrage against Arturo for her own revenge. This will also hurt Regina in the long run and Nina doesn't care. Everything is all about herself.

I'm the daughter of a Nina who didn't have these financial advantages. She resented holidays and short-changed me in favor of my screw-up, immature brother. I'd so glad to never have had a sister or I would have ended up like Regina without the money.

One good thing might come out of the current situation: If Daniela was telling Nina the truth she won't bother David anymore.
 

-- UA: I'm afraid I worded this "free pass" thing inadequately. I was talking in relative terms and rhetorically. I didn't mean that the Montenegro couple should get a free pass on bad parenting in the absolute, I was talking about a relative free pass with regards to the depression thing. In other terms, if Arturo is permitted to use his heartbreak, workaholism and possible depression as an excuse to absolve him of his sins as a parent then why isn't Nina granted the same privilege since she was also unhappy and possibly depressed for her husband's physical and emotional absence? My question, though perhaps poorly formulated, was a rhetorical one, because in the end, as you rightly pointed out: "nobody gets a free pass on terrible parenting".

I mentioned this a while ago and I reiterate it here: the flawed Nina and the flawed Arturo are a perfect match. They deserve each other. They are the best partner/foe/karmaggedon for one another and given all their past and present mistakes, they should not hope for any better, unless they do some serious self-introspection and atone for their sins. However, I do not see that happening to be fair.


 

-- Susanlynn: You asked earlier how this show might end. If I were writing this TN I would go with either:

Scenario 1: An inferno that destroys the main foursome, especially since their photos are engulfed in flames almost everytime they are shown in the opening credits. This is the scenario that UA called " a reverse Romeo and Juliet ending", where the older generation gets decimated leaving the young ones to rebuild their lives on (hopefully) healthier foundations.

Scenario 2: Eladio dies, perhaps heroically saving his family from some imminent danger, as the ultimate act of redemption to atone for his sins. His death will be his punishment as well as Julia's punishment, because she would lose the man she rejected, humiliated and loathed for years only to fall in love with him and realize, too late, that they could've made each other happy all those wasted years, had they done things differently.

Arturo's punishment will be losing his family, his money and losing Julia to a dead guy. His love and business rival would have handed him the ultimate knock-out blow and beaten him even in his death.

Nina will be alone, bitter and devastated for the death of one or two of her children: Erick, because he's just GOT to die, and Dani, because all that messing around with drugs will surely lead to her demise.

I would also kill Franco because I don't see what to do with him. As Humberto said before: "He is a bad seed." Caridad can move to Argentina to take care of her nieto and she gets to raise her baby Franco vicariously through raising this grandbaby. I don't know what I would do with the annoying Mouthbreather, I just hope I never see her again on a TV screen as long as I live.

Consuelo, Miguel, their icky romance and little Koko can move to Tabasco and be happy there. Clara, Justino and little Luisita can join them and be the filler characters of this spin-off TN; they can become "the WTF Family - Tabasco edition", if you will.

Gabi moves back with her family in Aguascalientes and helps her Dad run his shoe factory. Auggie is not an adequate match for her and we were never told what these two had in common other than a shallow physical attraction. That is not a sufficient basis for a solid marriage.

David moves to Europe, achieves resounding success in his career and meets a strong, loving and loyal romantic partner who makes him very happy.

Regina marries Jorge The Teenage Foreman who takes over the ruins of Grupo Montenegro and turns out to be a mini-copy of her father.

Humberto winds up abandoned in a cold, understaffed and run-down nursing home and he lives many many years of pain and remorse in that stinky hole, like the miserable rat he is.

Eladio's shrink publishes a seminal psychological study which becomes a best-seller and earns him boatloads of money.

Petra gets her own comedy show on TV and becomes a superstar!

The end :)
 

I'm not buying Nina's tirade about being depressed over Arturo's absence. I know from experience that narcissists make up things as it suits them to manipulate others. You can never take anything they say at face value.

She was perfectly OK with the way things were until she found out about Julia. She had her mansion, servants, new cars, and position. She was smart enough not to overspend. She was lucky enough to have three healthy children (although we all question Erick's intelligence) whose existence ultimately softened her doubtful suegro. He was considerate enough to die when all the children were still young.

Nina used sex to manipulate Arturo and uses the motherhood card to manipulate her children. Her hatred of Consuelo is unjustified and still unexplained by her (We can't take anything she says at face value for that, either). This is most probably because she can't deal with the idea that any other woman can be allowed to influence her son.

As to Arturo's depression, I'd love to know what the current general attitude is to psychiatry in Mexico, 25 years ago and now. Based on recent series shrinks look like they're replacing priests, so is this a sign that Mexicans are becoming less religious or that they believe that faith is not enough? I have known men my own age who deal with depression in similar ways to the way he did because they can't afford a shrink (N/A here), don't think they need one, or can't deal with the idea they need one. We don't know which of the latter applies to Arturo.
 

Nandicta, I posted before I saw your latest post.

I agree about Franco. He tried to kill Erick by hiring a hit man; he has to pay for that no matter how we feel about Erick. Anything he owned of GLA goes to his illegitimate child.

Erick has to die because he's too stupid to live.

Not sure about Daniela's final fate. Either your option of something drug-related or after she's tired of being Assmore's Viagra she gets wasted only to be murdered by a sex-crazed killer.

Humberto is too sick to live much longer. The actor is 80 and is really starting to look it. I'd like to see Julia put him in a state-run facility for how he treated her, Amanda, and their mother and for his current interference.
 

UA--We had long-suffering psychiatrists/psychologists in some fairly recent tn's. Roselena's in Un Refugio (although she was too God-struck for it to work). Stefania's in Reina de Corazones (although here she basically writhed for him).
We also had a therapist for Lucio in Quiero Amarte (where we didn't see a "family priest").

In Hotel we are being introduced to a very wise doctor who seems to be keeping up with new practices in Europe, i.e. "the talk therapy" (and no priest on the premises or even in the pueblo, so far).

It will be interesting to see how long we have to wait for a psychiatrist/psychologist to upstage a priest.
 

UA ..You make an interesting point about psychologists replacing priests in telenovelas. I do not know about religion in Mexico, but I tutored a businessman from Brazil last summer, and he told me that Brazilians are not as re!igious as they once were .

I have a friend who is a psychologist and two friends whose daughters are psychologists. They have just as many problems as everyone else, but they have more knowledge of how to deal with their problems. Living with one can be interesting. My friend with stage 4 lung cancer has a husband and a daughter who are psychologists. She recently told me that she sometimes gets furious when they tell her to see the glass as half full...She wants to smash tbe glass..on tbem! yikes.
 

I'm a day behind so just caught up on this stellar recap thank you UA.

I am really keeping my fingers crossed that Arturo dies. I can't stand this egotistical man. I don't know how much more clear Julia can make it that she is not interested. Still he forces his way in to convince her that he knows better that she is confused about her feelings. Julia needs to run and get a restraining order immediately. Despite his tears, which I did not fall for, I feel Art is just warming up and the hell with David/Regina's pain. He knows better and he wants what he wants. So what if David has turned on his mother? In his warped mind, Arturo is all Julia needs. DIE Arturo!


I felt so bad for David, he's spent most of his time chasing or trying to convince Regina that their love is worth fighting for. I understand the shock she had seeing her father locking lips with Julia, but wouldn't it have been better to let emotions calm down and speak to both parents before making David bear the brunt of punishment? I'm beginning to think David can do better. If every time their is some sort of misunderstanding or confusion she is going to break up, then what is the point?

Mileage varies or I must need to have my eyes examined because I do not find Jorge attractive in the least bit. If Regina even gives him the time of day she really never deserved a beautiful specimen like David. There just is no comparison in my shallow opinion.

Gotta hand it to Nina, she can deliver a slap. Julia should ask for a do over.
 

Carlos---I read the glowing comment of your basking in the sun and glory as to how you were right all along about Nina being terribly maligned and mistreated by some of the mean and dark spirits out on the patio. As usual you are way off base. You assert that the "misguided" attitude directed towards poor dear Nina probably had started from the result of the shows synopsis and first episodes. What? You has told us on more than one occasion that you are a retired doctor. from your statement, I have to ask if your retirement was a result of failing eyesight, lack of hearing or maybe a combination of both? I guess that you didn't see or hear all of the terrible tirades against Miguel and Regina. Oh, I forgot that Nina's "bad" attitude was actually brought on because of Arturo and so her feelings and terrible treatment of Miguel, were of course not her fault. She wasn't a grown-up responsible for her own actions. So she gets a pass on Miguel but you also didn't see or hear her witch like tyrants leveled at sweet Regina. Maybe those tyrants were
part of the opening synopsis that clouded our minds and thus our thinking. And what about all of the times when Arturo tried to be the father of the family and correct
his two off the track children but witch Nina every single time would jump in and throw up the big roadblock of prevention as best that she could. All early episodes?
The witch gave Erick a pass for selling out the family and cheating on his wife was "A" ok. Why? well because he was cheating on Consuelo so that was ok with her.
Was that in the synopsis also Carlos? There's more, the attempted forced wedding on
Regina. Get her married off and out of the way. She doesn't love him and Joshua was a jerk. No matter. Yes Carlos, the bruja has been so poorly treated by the patio meanies.

So let's bring it a little more up to date. About midway through, maybe a little more than midway, Nina started detecting a coldness in Arturo that wasn't there before in their mirage. She suspected that Julia may be the cause of Arturo's coldness. Lets face it, no woman who has been faithful for 20/25 years would want to see her leave for someone else. It was true but we must go back to the meeting in another city? by the playa. Julia had endured years of abuse and was considering a change but as time went on, Julia decided to stay with Eladio. Arturo however was hooked and couldn't get Julia out of his mind. A divorce. Yes a divorce and then I can pursue Julia. So this was his plan even though Julia had told him more than once that she was no longer interested. Then the meeting by the open door and the forced kiss which Regina saw. Yes, this time Nina has a right to be enraged but we must accept the fact that no one and I mean no one has given Julia a chance to tell her side of what happened at that unsuspected meeting and the unwanted kiss.

the gringo
 

Gringo, first of all, Carlos was quoting another poster when he commented on the show's synopsis and first episodes and their treatment of Nina.....another patio regular made that observation. Several other people here agreed, not just Carlos.

Also, I really think that using terms like "failing eyesight and lack of hearing" are inappropriate. Perhaps you are attempting humor, but I'm not laughing.
 

Gringo...I have a brother so I know how guys can be pretty rough teasing, and it's macho to shake it off, no harm done. But I don't know you well enough to know if you're Just kidding around with Carlos or if it's something else. But it could be interpreted as a personal attack.

I hope I am wrong because you seem, most of the time, to be a fun-loving, good-hearted, lovable guy. So perhaps your remark above was not meant to be as harsh as it sounded.

But...it did sound harsh.
 

No JudyB it isn't a personal attack. Carlos and I have been on different sides for quite a while. We do agree some times but more often than not, we are on opposite sides of the road. Carlos most always sides with the bad girls and I do not. I think that you may be a little over sensitive concerning my post. Besides, Carlos seems to get the best of me more than I him but in this case, I do think that Carlos did go a little off track.

Judy, your question towards me was well written but I noticed that the question was about the messenger and not the message. I will try to say it again however briefly.
I believe that Nina has not been a very nice person and so I do not support her as Carlos does but that's ok, as I said, Carlos and I are usually at odds over novela characters. As of the last episode however having been told by Regina that she saw papa kissing Julia, Nina has a right to be hurt and angry. it would be a good thing if the "whole" truth would come out. Maybe it will tomorrow.

To sum things up---I know from past experience that Carlos would be supporting Nina while I would not. It isn't anything personal at all. We are just different, nothing more.

the gringo


 

Gringo--I agree with the above comments. You could have restated your feelings against Nina without stooping to personal, directed slurs. Our dear Carlos has many times danced to a different tune and we love him for it.
 

Thanks Gringo. Glad we cleared this up.

Yes, Carlos supports the bad girls, and often he's right and his Bad Girls get redeemed in the end (though not always). I think of him as the Defense Attorney for our Wayward Women. It's a tough job but somebody has to do it.

And yes...like you, I can't say that I think of Nina as a good character, but I do sympathize with anyone, male or female, who suddenly gets the marital rug pulled out from under them. That hurts.

Last week I actually said "Even SKANKS have feelings." So you know, I agree...she's not mother of the year but in a perfect world, all humans would treat each other with love and respect. And that is what I would expect from a "galan" or a hero...as I initially thought Arturo would be.

But very happy to know that your teasing of Carlos was not meant to be hurtful in anyway. Color me relieved!
 

A decent human being cares for and protects a child.
Nina could have stepped in and been kind to Miguel.
She did not. She is not a decent a human being. Neither is Arturo.

 

Welcome LN! I haven't noticed if you have posted before.

Gringo, I'm glad you side with the good girls, we need more guys like you!!!

I'm looking forward to tonight's episode...

Must see TV!


 

Wow! I had no intent of creating or causing this much commentary.

Anita---Personal directed slurs? I was just trying to be facetious and not personal slurs. I'm sorry that you took it that way. As for Carlos, I like him a lot and am always on the lookout for his comments. I find them interesting even if I usually don't agree with them. It is a good thing that I never tried to be a writer or a stand up comedian isn't it? I wouldn't have made it.

As for Dr. Carlos---If his office was close by I probably would have been a patient of his. That is, if Dr. Nancyaga didn't also have an office close by.

the gringo
 

I to thought arturo was a good guy til he crapped all over julia. Tellin her in his mind made Him think she'd leave eladio and come straight to him. Not happening. People got hurt that he Didn't even consider. His own daughter, david and Miguel, who he was so constantly preaching to about Staying away from his brother's wife.
And he sits and crys " what have I done?".
And doing something illegal to get his so screwed up son (erick) out of trouble is not helping either. Hes just crapped all over himself and everybody else too.
it's like he and eladio has switched places.
 

Until Eladio fesses up about his grandbaby-to-be and Humberto's faking, I'm keeping him and Arturo in the same boat.
 

I think being facetious in print is much harder than doing it in person or even over the phone. I have long since stopped doing so unless it's inherent in the words themselves.

A couple of weeks ago I went to see Turandot, which I saw only once before and didn't "get". A male friend explained his viewpoint with the apology that it was "mansplaining." The title character is a spoiled princess who is homicidal. The men who want to marry her have to answer three riddles correctly or they are executed. Calaf, a prince who has lost his country, sees her at the execution site and decides to try "because she's so beautiful" despite that she callously orders the execution of a prince whom the crowd wants spared. Everyone around Calar tries to talk him out of this but he won't listen.

He answers the three riddles correctly and she is caught. She pleads with her father to not force her to marry but he tells her she must. He is sick of her refusals. Calaf offers her an out: If she can find out his name before morning she can have him executed. She decrees that nobody in the kingdom is allowed to sleep and sends her minions to learn Calaf's name, which is only known to his father and a slave girl who loves Calaf. Three of Turandot's imperial ministers try to bribe Calaf to back off but he refuses. Timur (Calaf's father) does not speak his son's name. The slave girl is tortured until she commits suicide to protect Calaf because she loves him. The dead girl, Liu, is carried out with Timur following. Calaf still wants Turandot. He reproaches her for her cruelty and kisses her forcefully. She is initially repulsed, then asks him to leave without revealing his identity. He reveals his name instead and she decides she loves him.

Translation: Beauty trumps even sociopathy.

As musically brilliant as Puccini's part of this opera is (it was finished by another composer) the story absolutely offends me. It's evidence that to most men female intelligence, compassion, generosity, and wit don't mean a damned thing in comparison.
 

UA....YIKES..Now, there's a convoluted and terrifying telenovela plot !!! "Beauty trumps even sociopathy"... Again YIKES.

Judyb...Those of us who have loved Carlos for long time know that he loves the bad girls...consistently. Carlos's Home for Wayward Girls. I think that our Carlos is a potstirrer. He likes to get us all riled up. He and I are still debating a certain actress's "charms" which he insists are natural and I maintain are purchased.

It seems that in the telenovelas and other works, the leading lady and galan are both pursued by one or more people who try to keep them apart. My current book boyfriend is fervantly desired by at least six people...three women and three men ranging in age from 17 to 70 ...and me... even though he is definitely heterosexual ...squared and to the max and crazy in love with his onetruelove.
 

P.S. Both Eladio and Art are captured by Julia's charms, and I am amazed that Augie and Asshat have not fallen under her magical , mystical spell.
 

Well, may the best somebody win!!!
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ / ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
 

The Lovely Linda and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon out on a gorgeous sun-filled day with friends enjoying a delicious (and healthful) lunch of beautiful plump briny oysters on the half-shell and chilled spicy boiled fresh Gulf shrimp.

My ears were burning... thanks to Sandy, Judy, Anita, and Susanlynn for standing up for me. It means a lot to me.

Susanlynn,

"Carlos's Home for Wayward Girls" ?

Sounds naughty... Yikes!

And gringo, I would have been honored to have been your doctor... and probably a bit safer (though nowhere nearly as exciting) than Nanciyaga.

UA,

loved your synopsis of Turandot which I have recorded and shall likely watch this weekend... but:

"It's evidence that to most men female intelligence, compassion, generosity, and wit don't mean a damned thing..."

Most men? Really?... Yikes!

Carlos
 

Maybe we should change "most" to "some."

Carlos..Let's face it, we both enjoy dipping a toe into some benign naughty now and again. It keeps one ..frisky.
 

UA, thanks for all the great words! Just want you to know that I agree with all of them!! (And Gringos too) I think women are often more forgiving of mothers (Nina) since they are mothers also. Just because she can give birth and doesn't physically abandon a child, does not make her a good mother. A Mother can even 'love' her child, but that is not enough. Parenthood is the most important job a person can take on, but sadly most parents seem to take this responsibility lightly and ill-prepared.
SH
 

Wonderful detail in your always excellent recap. Thanks a million for it and to you for your time and effort and I love your pictures too.

I think that everyone has covered it pretty well, but I can only say that these people leave me mentally crazed. I had thought that Julia was intelligent enough to keep it together, at least that's what I expected of her. Regina too! So I am disappointed in them. If Regina were about 10 years older she would have probably not broken up with David realizing that Julia and Arturo's misbehavior wasn't her or David's problem. They might have waited for Julia's explanation rather than assume the worst not matter how it looked. He who makes a wrong assumption always goes down the wrong path don't you know?

Gale
 

And the wrong path historically meant 20 episodes of break-up during which nobody is willing to listen to anybody. Now we don't usually have to wait that long.

Remember that both Regina and David come from families with serious boundary issues that stem from other dysfunction. Nothing is easy about any of this.
 

Did anyone see Marlene Favela at the Premio Lo Nuestro last night? She looked very nice but a lot different than the Nina that we have gotten used to seeing in P y P.
Arath de la Torre from Que Lichita was there as well.

the gringo