Tuesday, March 08, 2016
El Hotel de los Secretos #30, 3/7/16 Monday: Hissy Fits
Diego reads Isabel's "Dear John" letter and has a hissy fit. He seems genuinely heartbroken, like a little boy who's been forever barred from playing with Hot Wheels.
Ayala presents Teresa with his evidence: the Mallet of Reckoning. She doesn't even recognize it, much less accept it as a murder weapon. She's unimpressed by Ayala's assertion that it's the only object that could have inflicted the wound found on Cristina's skull. Ayala says it could only have been wielded by someone who comes and goes from the hotel at his or her whim. Gravel from the courtyard was also found in the ironing room. (Teresa's face momentarily turns grave when Ayala's back is turned.) He asks, no, begs her to allow him - without forcing him to obligate her - to question the employees. "Very well, as long as it's only the employees," she replies. What a heart of gold. He asks her to send them one by one and reminds her that the interrogations are private.
Elisa asks Victoria to send a telegram to Don Javier first thing tomorrow, advising him of her impending arrival with her son. She hopes to be welcomed with open arms. Victoria asks if she'd also like to send a telegram regarding that favor Teresa was hoping for. "I won't lift a finger for my dear in-law," Elisa snickers. "I'll let the Alarcons smoulder in their own flames. Now prepare my bath!"
Jacinto tells Lupe that he doesn't want to fight. There are things he just doesn't want to tell his father. "Little Rock," Lupe says to Jacinto in English. It's a place in Arizona, Lupe says. (Er, does he mean Arkansas?) That's where Lupe tracked Jacinto's mother to. He invites Jacinto to write to her if he likes.
Benjamin interrupts: The police are questioning people, and they're starting with the chauffeur.
From the foot of the road, Felipe stares at the hotel through moistened eyes. He sniffles and turns, walking away with more resignation than we've ever seen in him.
Julio is back in the room he's shared with Andres for the past month or so. "Here I am, one more damned time," he snarls at his roommate. "This time and the next time and how many more times do I have to see my sister dead? I hate this place with all of my being." But what of Isabel, Andres asks. She turned her back on her family, for you. "She'll have to understand," Julio insists. He's going to find Cristina's killer as fast as he can, and then he'll take Isabel far away from this place. But first he's gonna talk to Ayala.
Meanwhile, Isabel has called Matilde to pick her up in the pueblo. Damn, this is all so much easier now with cell phones. Not to mention non-Victorian mores.
Dr. Vicario still has to deal with poor clueless Alfredo. He says he's given Sofia some laudanum to help her sleep because she was so upset. Alfredo confides that he thinks this place is having a bad effect on her, and he wants to get her out ASAP. The doctor says she cannot be moved. She should stay in bed. After last night's hemorrhage, he fears she might not even be able to reach full term. Any unnecessary movement could provoke a premature birth. She shouldn't even walk, much less take a trip. In fact, the doctor is going to have to start approving all of her visitors, including Alfredo's mother!
In order to fetch Isabel, Matilde needs the car... which means she needs to deal with Diego! (This scene makes me so uncomfortable that I am forced to seek comfort in a Dagoba Xocolatl hot chocolate.) You see, Mati explains, Isabel went out for a walk... that's how she is... so can Mati use the car or should she get one of the servants to fix up a wagon? Diego squelches whatever expressions are fighting to cross his face, and cranks up the phone to call the car for Mati.
Then Diego asks Mati if there's anything going on with Isabel that should worry him. Mati answers truthfully that Isabel isn't well. People are flying out of windows and maids are turning up dead - who could possibly do well in this place? "How can I help her?" Diego asks. Mati says Isabel needs to get her life back. She spends the whole day surrounded by the craziness of her family, so who can blame her for running away? Mati's answer seems to satisfy Diego for the moment.
"Excluding the Virgin Mother, no one has suffered more for her child than I have for you," Angela tells Andres as she tends to his wounds. (But she still raps the back of his head when he questions if it's blasphemy to say so.) He thanks her for caring for him and protecting his happiness, but how'd she get his job back? She reluctantly reveals that Belen is the one who did it. "I knew she loved me!" Andres exclaims as he darts out of his mother's office.
"Nothing out of the ordinary? So it's perfectly normal for your boss to ask you to leave at midnight just when a crime's taken place at the hotel?" Ayala sarcastically inquires of Jacinto. Jac says Diego just wanted to get some air. Everyone was a little upset. "And your boss more than anyone? Where did you go? Alone or with someone?" Ayala's questions come one after another, faster than Jacinto can answer or even think; but they are interrupted by a knock at the door. It's Julio. Jacinto can leave for now. "We'll continue later," Ayala tells Jacinto as he dismisses the boy.
"Sadly, in this country, those who have the least are the ones who suffer the most," Ayala says to Julio. Money doesn't make people immortal, but it does inoculate against a lot of troubles. Julio says he's been a total failure, but he's handing himself over to Ayala in fulfillment of their deal. Ayala indicates that their truce still stands. Julio remains free as long as Ayala can count on his help. And now for the next employee interview...
Andres finally has a reason to thank Belen for a change. She plays all the right cards, acting happy to see him. She loves him, he's glad he believes her, she FORGIVES him (gag), and she missed him. "You're so good. Thank you my love," Andres simpers. A little piece of me dies as she begins kissing him, but let's see just how far she goes this time.
I don't know who drove the car, since Jacinto was being questioned - maybe Matilde drove it herself - but at any rate, she and Isabel are at the hotel now, and Diego is kindly asking how Isabel enjoyed her little jaunt around San Cristobal. He says something about crystal balls or magic crystals that I don't quite understand, but I can tell that I wouldn't like it any better if I understood it. Diego says more nauseating slimy stuff and offers dinner. How Isabel can pretend to be hungry, I don't know.
But when they get through the door, Diego is summoned to Romulo's rooms - to chat with Ayala. Isabel promises to wait for him, but as soon as his back is turned, Isabel runs in the opposite direction. She just has to find out something! She runs to Diego's room while Mati stands guard. Isabel easily finds her letter on Diego's desk, but sees that it's been rumpled and then smoothed and re-folded. What to do?
Diego is impatient with Ayala and seemingly provides little useful information - yet Ayala is scribbling furiously in his notebook. Said scribbling irritates Diego even more. Diego tries to excuse himself prematurely. "Ho no, we're just getting started," Ayala announces. Doesn't Diego want to be around for questioning of the Alarcons? He's practically a family member! Ayala asks Dagoberto to bring in Teresa.
Teresa is arguing with - or, more accurately, being argued with by - Sofia, who is claiming that she just can't. She's sick, why doesn't anyone understand?? "You are my child," Teresa intones. "You are my little sparrow." (Apparently, Teresa used to call Sofia that because of the way she moved her head around like a little bird.) This calms Sofia, and they resume what they've apparently been doing for hours - rehearsing Sofia's story. When Teresa is satisfied, she invites Alfredo in to make Sofia presentable, and says she'll fetch Isabel and Felipe.
In Isabel's rooms, Teresa tells Mati there's no time for fooling around - the police are waiting. She leaves, and Mati opens the door to Isabel's bedroom, where Isabel is crying.
Sofia helps Alfredo rehearse his story to make certain that there are no loose ends with him wandering around without a witness.
Teresa bangs on Felipe's door. There's no answer, and Sofia hasn't seen him all day. Tere, Sofia, Isabel, and Alfredo head downstairs.
Belen leads Andres to her room, throws him onto the bed, and commences kissing on him. She makes him swear that he only has eyes for her. It'll just be him and her ("and the baby?" Andres prompts) forever, she insists. He agrees. She gets him all heated up. She takes his shirt off. And...
"It's just that I love you too much," Andres says, hastily getting up from the bed and grabbing his shirt. "I want to do this the right way." Belen is bewildered. "I want to marry you," Andres explains. "Then let's do it tomorrow," she suggests. He more or less agrees and she makes it clear that the civil wedding is very important. Er, and so is the church wedding. Yes. But the civil wedding is important to do FIRST. It'll be day after tomorrow, I think he says.
Ayala questions the Alarcons as a group (including Diego, blech). Ayala says the crime scene was perturbed. (Sofia is pulling her hair like taffy.) The body was moved. The person who did it tried to hide the murder weapon - this mallet. Not only was the maid's death no accident - it was malicious and premeditated.
Diego asks about the gas. Ayala's not interested in the gas - the valves weren't open when he arrived, and he's only looking at evidence. Teresa and Diego try to tag-team Ayala, accusing him of defending a thief. Sofia brings up the alleged theft from Mrs. Limantur's room, which I dearly hope Ayala will look into. Even Alfredo tries to pile on - but Isabel interrupts. That woman's skull was crushed with a mallet and all they can do is sully her reputation, insinuating that she got what she deserved? She's sick of them thinking they can decide who deserves justice and who doesn't. She's sick of all the hate in this family.
Isabel stomps out, closely pursued by Sofia, who is closely pursued by Alfredo who's nervous about Sofia moving about needlessly.
"That's enough for today," Ayala tells Teresa and Diego. "Tomorrow I'm going to take all your fingerprints."
The Isabel/Sofia/Alfredo train ends abruptly with Isabel slamming the door in their faces. Sofia pounds on the door, looking angry enough to turn into the Incredible Hulk. On seeing her husband's frightened expression, Sofia settles herself and knocks timidly instead. "Isabel? Please? Open up, please?"
Isa opens the door and stands with her back turned, looking as cool and wholesome as a glass of milk as Sofia tells how she and Teresa found Cristina. Sofia mopped up the trail of blood where they dragged her to the ironing room, and Sofia hurriedly hid the mallet. She wasn't thinking and didn't know what to do. Ayala will think she did it. Sofia begs Isabel to help her. Alfredo ushers his hysterical wife back to her room.
Next morning...
Dashing through the dining room, Diego is disgusted to hear Benjamin warmly welcoming Andres back to the job. Yes, the boy knows how to set a table.
Diego is looking for Jacinto. No one in the kitchen has seen him. Diego nabs Belen in the hallway and drags her into Angela's office, and demands to know what Belen has found out about the Alarcons to get Teresa to answer all of her demands. How'd she get her stupid boyfriend's job back? Belen refuses to answer, calls for Angela's help, and even bites Diego's hand. (Now they'll BOTH need rabies shots!) He pulls her away from the window (the window to the service hallway, where she's calling for Angela again) and says she doesn't know who she's messing with.
"Oh yeah?" Belen laughs in Diego's face. "You think you're so important?" His world is about to end, she says. "Doña Angela! There's a HUGE RAT in your office! It's SOOOO gross!!!" Diego rushes out.
Jacinto goes to the cantina for a throw with Violeta. Violeta scoffs. So does Melibea; after all, her daughter is an artiste. But it turns out that Jacinto has plenty of money. Violeta protests. Melibea hesitates; it's more money than Violeta makes in a week. She points out that an artist's wages aren't very stable. Violeta doesn't want to do it, but Meli takes the cash and tells Violeta to be more versatile. She sends the two of them into the curtained room, and Gsdfjksdjlk (I can't remember his name) demands his cut. Meli hands over just enough to satisfy him, but he doesn't realize how much she's withholding!
Teresa lectures Isabel about the need to protect her sister. Who cares about the maid - she was dead when they found her, Teresa says dismissively. Nothing they could do for her. What good does justice do a dead woman? "Your sister is too sick to deal with the accusations, the suspicions, and the police," Teresa concludes. "She's about to lose her mind, Isabel. Ask the Doctor if you don't believe me. I'm capable of all this and more to protect my children." Teresa makes a snide remark about Isabel being too quick to turn her back on those who protect her.
Violeta is pleading with Jacinto. Why can't he leave her alone? Why is he treating her this way? Can't he understand that she doesn't want to see his dumb face any more? Does he WANT her mother to beat her half to death for not following through? Jerk! She takes off her skirt. "This is what you want, right? Come on! I'm not going to feel you or even smell you."
Crying, Jacinto picks up Violeta's skirt, wraps it around her, and hugs her. Confused, she holds her hands out to the sides. "This is what I want," he sobs at her bosom. "Can't you see this is all I want? To just be with you for a little bit, that's all. Without anyone judging us or making fun of me because I say that I love you. That I like you. That you are all I want in this world."
"I thought I was your mother," Elisa guilts her son. "I thought so until now. How wrong I was. You are a coward. I can't have given birth to a eunuch like you. Don't call me 'mother.' What do you mean, 'the woman that I love'? You love her only because I can't give you what she gives you when you are at her side." (I think I mangled this a little, but what she was insinuating was seriously gross.)
"YOU are sick! YOU are crazy!" Alfredo shouts. "I am surrounded by locos in this place." He storms out of his mother's room.
"Let's get out of here," Elisa sobs at Victoria.
Isabel finds Julio waiting in her room. "I couldn't leave without talking to you first," he says.
Next time: Belen threatens Teresa.
Ayala presents Teresa with his evidence: the Mallet of Reckoning. She doesn't even recognize it, much less accept it as a murder weapon. She's unimpressed by Ayala's assertion that it's the only object that could have inflicted the wound found on Cristina's skull. Ayala says it could only have been wielded by someone who comes and goes from the hotel at his or her whim. Gravel from the courtyard was also found in the ironing room. (Teresa's face momentarily turns grave when Ayala's back is turned.) He asks, no, begs her to allow him - without forcing him to obligate her - to question the employees. "Very well, as long as it's only the employees," she replies. What a heart of gold. He asks her to send them one by one and reminds her that the interrogations are private.
Elisa asks Victoria to send a telegram to Don Javier first thing tomorrow, advising him of her impending arrival with her son. She hopes to be welcomed with open arms. Victoria asks if she'd also like to send a telegram regarding that favor Teresa was hoping for. "I won't lift a finger for my dear in-law," Elisa snickers. "I'll let the Alarcons smoulder in their own flames. Now prepare my bath!"
Jacinto tells Lupe that he doesn't want to fight. There are things he just doesn't want to tell his father. "Little Rock," Lupe says to Jacinto in English. It's a place in Arizona, Lupe says. (Er, does he mean Arkansas?) That's where Lupe tracked Jacinto's mother to. He invites Jacinto to write to her if he likes.
Benjamin interrupts: The police are questioning people, and they're starting with the chauffeur.
From the foot of the road, Felipe stares at the hotel through moistened eyes. He sniffles and turns, walking away with more resignation than we've ever seen in him.
Julio is back in the room he's shared with Andres for the past month or so. "Here I am, one more damned time," he snarls at his roommate. "This time and the next time and how many more times do I have to see my sister dead? I hate this place with all of my being." But what of Isabel, Andres asks. She turned her back on her family, for you. "She'll have to understand," Julio insists. He's going to find Cristina's killer as fast as he can, and then he'll take Isabel far away from this place. But first he's gonna talk to Ayala.
Meanwhile, Isabel has called Matilde to pick her up in the pueblo. Damn, this is all so much easier now with cell phones. Not to mention non-Victorian mores.
Dr. Vicario still has to deal with poor clueless Alfredo. He says he's given Sofia some laudanum to help her sleep because she was so upset. Alfredo confides that he thinks this place is having a bad effect on her, and he wants to get her out ASAP. The doctor says she cannot be moved. She should stay in bed. After last night's hemorrhage, he fears she might not even be able to reach full term. Any unnecessary movement could provoke a premature birth. She shouldn't even walk, much less take a trip. In fact, the doctor is going to have to start approving all of her visitors, including Alfredo's mother!
In order to fetch Isabel, Matilde needs the car... which means she needs to deal with Diego! (This scene makes me so uncomfortable that I am forced to seek comfort in a Dagoba Xocolatl hot chocolate.) You see, Mati explains, Isabel went out for a walk... that's how she is... so can Mati use the car or should she get one of the servants to fix up a wagon? Diego squelches whatever expressions are fighting to cross his face, and cranks up the phone to call the car for Mati.
Then Diego asks Mati if there's anything going on with Isabel that should worry him. Mati answers truthfully that Isabel isn't well. People are flying out of windows and maids are turning up dead - who could possibly do well in this place? "How can I help her?" Diego asks. Mati says Isabel needs to get her life back. She spends the whole day surrounded by the craziness of her family, so who can blame her for running away? Mati's answer seems to satisfy Diego for the moment.
"Excluding the Virgin Mother, no one has suffered more for her child than I have for you," Angela tells Andres as she tends to his wounds. (But she still raps the back of his head when he questions if it's blasphemy to say so.) He thanks her for caring for him and protecting his happiness, but how'd she get his job back? She reluctantly reveals that Belen is the one who did it. "I knew she loved me!" Andres exclaims as he darts out of his mother's office.
"Nothing out of the ordinary? So it's perfectly normal for your boss to ask you to leave at midnight just when a crime's taken place at the hotel?" Ayala sarcastically inquires of Jacinto. Jac says Diego just wanted to get some air. Everyone was a little upset. "And your boss more than anyone? Where did you go? Alone or with someone?" Ayala's questions come one after another, faster than Jacinto can answer or even think; but they are interrupted by a knock at the door. It's Julio. Jacinto can leave for now. "We'll continue later," Ayala tells Jacinto as he dismisses the boy.
"Sadly, in this country, those who have the least are the ones who suffer the most," Ayala says to Julio. Money doesn't make people immortal, but it does inoculate against a lot of troubles. Julio says he's been a total failure, but he's handing himself over to Ayala in fulfillment of their deal. Ayala indicates that their truce still stands. Julio remains free as long as Ayala can count on his help. And now for the next employee interview...
Andres finally has a reason to thank Belen for a change. She plays all the right cards, acting happy to see him. She loves him, he's glad he believes her, she FORGIVES him (gag), and she missed him. "You're so good. Thank you my love," Andres simpers. A little piece of me dies as she begins kissing him, but let's see just how far she goes this time.
I don't know who drove the car, since Jacinto was being questioned - maybe Matilde drove it herself - but at any rate, she and Isabel are at the hotel now, and Diego is kindly asking how Isabel enjoyed her little jaunt around San Cristobal. He says something about crystal balls or magic crystals that I don't quite understand, but I can tell that I wouldn't like it any better if I understood it. Diego says more nauseating slimy stuff and offers dinner. How Isabel can pretend to be hungry, I don't know.
But when they get through the door, Diego is summoned to Romulo's rooms - to chat with Ayala. Isabel promises to wait for him, but as soon as his back is turned, Isabel runs in the opposite direction. She just has to find out something! She runs to Diego's room while Mati stands guard. Isabel easily finds her letter on Diego's desk, but sees that it's been rumpled and then smoothed and re-folded. What to do?
Diego is impatient with Ayala and seemingly provides little useful information - yet Ayala is scribbling furiously in his notebook. Said scribbling irritates Diego even more. Diego tries to excuse himself prematurely. "Ho no, we're just getting started," Ayala announces. Doesn't Diego want to be around for questioning of the Alarcons? He's practically a family member! Ayala asks Dagoberto to bring in Teresa.
Teresa is arguing with - or, more accurately, being argued with by - Sofia, who is claiming that she just can't. She's sick, why doesn't anyone understand?? "You are my child," Teresa intones. "You are my little sparrow." (Apparently, Teresa used to call Sofia that because of the way she moved her head around like a little bird.) This calms Sofia, and they resume what they've apparently been doing for hours - rehearsing Sofia's story. When Teresa is satisfied, she invites Alfredo in to make Sofia presentable, and says she'll fetch Isabel and Felipe.
In Isabel's rooms, Teresa tells Mati there's no time for fooling around - the police are waiting. She leaves, and Mati opens the door to Isabel's bedroom, where Isabel is crying.
Sofia helps Alfredo rehearse his story to make certain that there are no loose ends with him wandering around without a witness.
Teresa bangs on Felipe's door. There's no answer, and Sofia hasn't seen him all day. Tere, Sofia, Isabel, and Alfredo head downstairs.
Belen leads Andres to her room, throws him onto the bed, and commences kissing on him. She makes him swear that he only has eyes for her. It'll just be him and her ("and the baby?" Andres prompts) forever, she insists. He agrees. She gets him all heated up. She takes his shirt off. And...
"It's just that I love you too much," Andres says, hastily getting up from the bed and grabbing his shirt. "I want to do this the right way." Belen is bewildered. "I want to marry you," Andres explains. "Then let's do it tomorrow," she suggests. He more or less agrees and she makes it clear that the civil wedding is very important. Er, and so is the church wedding. Yes. But the civil wedding is important to do FIRST. It'll be day after tomorrow, I think he says.
Ayala questions the Alarcons as a group (including Diego, blech). Ayala says the crime scene was perturbed. (Sofia is pulling her hair like taffy.) The body was moved. The person who did it tried to hide the murder weapon - this mallet. Not only was the maid's death no accident - it was malicious and premeditated.
Diego asks about the gas. Ayala's not interested in the gas - the valves weren't open when he arrived, and he's only looking at evidence. Teresa and Diego try to tag-team Ayala, accusing him of defending a thief. Sofia brings up the alleged theft from Mrs. Limantur's room, which I dearly hope Ayala will look into. Even Alfredo tries to pile on - but Isabel interrupts. That woman's skull was crushed with a mallet and all they can do is sully her reputation, insinuating that she got what she deserved? She's sick of them thinking they can decide who deserves justice and who doesn't. She's sick of all the hate in this family.
Isabel stomps out, closely pursued by Sofia, who is closely pursued by Alfredo who's nervous about Sofia moving about needlessly.
"That's enough for today," Ayala tells Teresa and Diego. "Tomorrow I'm going to take all your fingerprints."
The Isabel/Sofia/Alfredo train ends abruptly with Isabel slamming the door in their faces. Sofia pounds on the door, looking angry enough to turn into the Incredible Hulk. On seeing her husband's frightened expression, Sofia settles herself and knocks timidly instead. "Isabel? Please? Open up, please?"
Isa opens the door and stands with her back turned, looking as cool and wholesome as a glass of milk as Sofia tells how she and Teresa found Cristina. Sofia mopped up the trail of blood where they dragged her to the ironing room, and Sofia hurriedly hid the mallet. She wasn't thinking and didn't know what to do. Ayala will think she did it. Sofia begs Isabel to help her. Alfredo ushers his hysterical wife back to her room.
Next morning...
Dashing through the dining room, Diego is disgusted to hear Benjamin warmly welcoming Andres back to the job. Yes, the boy knows how to set a table.
Diego is looking for Jacinto. No one in the kitchen has seen him. Diego nabs Belen in the hallway and drags her into Angela's office, and demands to know what Belen has found out about the Alarcons to get Teresa to answer all of her demands. How'd she get her stupid boyfriend's job back? Belen refuses to answer, calls for Angela's help, and even bites Diego's hand. (Now they'll BOTH need rabies shots!) He pulls her away from the window (the window to the service hallway, where she's calling for Angela again) and says she doesn't know who she's messing with.
"Oh yeah?" Belen laughs in Diego's face. "You think you're so important?" His world is about to end, she says. "Doña Angela! There's a HUGE RAT in your office! It's SOOOO gross!!!" Diego rushes out.
Jacinto goes to the cantina for a throw with Violeta. Violeta scoffs. So does Melibea; after all, her daughter is an artiste. But it turns out that Jacinto has plenty of money. Violeta protests. Melibea hesitates; it's more money than Violeta makes in a week. She points out that an artist's wages aren't very stable. Violeta doesn't want to do it, but Meli takes the cash and tells Violeta to be more versatile. She sends the two of them into the curtained room, and Gsdfjksdjlk (I can't remember his name) demands his cut. Meli hands over just enough to satisfy him, but he doesn't realize how much she's withholding!
Teresa lectures Isabel about the need to protect her sister. Who cares about the maid - she was dead when they found her, Teresa says dismissively. Nothing they could do for her. What good does justice do a dead woman? "Your sister is too sick to deal with the accusations, the suspicions, and the police," Teresa concludes. "She's about to lose her mind, Isabel. Ask the Doctor if you don't believe me. I'm capable of all this and more to protect my children." Teresa makes a snide remark about Isabel being too quick to turn her back on those who protect her.
Violeta is pleading with Jacinto. Why can't he leave her alone? Why is he treating her this way? Can't he understand that she doesn't want to see his dumb face any more? Does he WANT her mother to beat her half to death for not following through? Jerk! She takes off her skirt. "This is what you want, right? Come on! I'm not going to feel you or even smell you."
Crying, Jacinto picks up Violeta's skirt, wraps it around her, and hugs her. Confused, she holds her hands out to the sides. "This is what I want," he sobs at her bosom. "Can't you see this is all I want? To just be with you for a little bit, that's all. Without anyone judging us or making fun of me because I say that I love you. That I like you. That you are all I want in this world."
"I thought I was your mother," Elisa guilts her son. "I thought so until now. How wrong I was. You are a coward. I can't have given birth to a eunuch like you. Don't call me 'mother.' What do you mean, 'the woman that I love'? You love her only because I can't give you what she gives you when you are at her side." (I think I mangled this a little, but what she was insinuating was seriously gross.)
"YOU are sick! YOU are crazy!" Alfredo shouts. "I am surrounded by locos in this place." He storms out of his mother's room.
"Let's get out of here," Elisa sobs at Victoria.
Isabel finds Julio waiting in her room. "I couldn't leave without talking to you first," he says.
Next time: Belen threatens Teresa.
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Julie- Thank you so much. This was wonderful.
What a very emotional episode for so many of our characters. Yes, Elisa is starting to look just as crazy and hysterical as Sofia. Poor Alfredo. You know, since Sofia is now trusting Alfredo enough to tell him about the letter, and the coverup around finding dead Cris, she might as well tell him the baby is gone too. He wants his inheritance. He might just go along with the plan so he can get it. But he's proved that he'll stay by Sofia no matter what. Ride or die.
Very well acted scene between our two youngest characters, Violeta and Jacinto. Maybe she can pull him back from the brink before he does anything really stupid for Diego.
If we didn't think something was up Belen's sleeve when she tore up the check and got Andres back his job, it's certainly clear now. That civil marriage is what will guarantee she gets a piece of whatever her husband owns/inherits.
What a very emotional episode for so many of our characters. Yes, Elisa is starting to look just as crazy and hysterical as Sofia. Poor Alfredo. You know, since Sofia is now trusting Alfredo enough to tell him about the letter, and the coverup around finding dead Cris, she might as well tell him the baby is gone too. He wants his inheritance. He might just go along with the plan so he can get it. But he's proved that he'll stay by Sofia no matter what. Ride or die.
Very well acted scene between our two youngest characters, Violeta and Jacinto. Maybe she can pull him back from the brink before he does anything really stupid for Diego.
If we didn't think something was up Belen's sleeve when she tore up the check and got Andres back his job, it's certainly clear now. That civil marriage is what will guarantee she gets a piece of whatever her husband owns/inherits.
Julie
That was an outstanding recap of a very fast-paced scene. Thanks for your work in getting all the nuances tied in to your recap. I guess we know now why Belen has so much interest in Andres ( such a cutesy guy). Question becomes, will she live long enough to enjoy what she has or be killed off like so many others? After giving birth of course.
Will Alfredo be disinherited now that his mommy has turned her love from him.?
That was an outstanding recap of a very fast-paced scene. Thanks for your work in getting all the nuances tied in to your recap. I guess we know now why Belen has so much interest in Andres ( such a cutesy guy). Question becomes, will she live long enough to enjoy what she has or be killed off like so many others? After giving birth of course.
Will Alfredo be disinherited now that his mommy has turned her love from him.?
Victoria- I don't think Elisa has the right to disinherit Alfredo. The money comes from his dead father. The only stipulation that boots him out of inheriting his money, is if he doesn't father a male child. And we all know why Teresa and Sofia are so desperate to get a baby.
I'm not a huge fan of Belen, but I was cheering for her last night when she was yelling for Angela. And I loved the bemused look on her face when Andres pulled away from her. Smart boy. I feel like he dodged a bullet. She's, like, radioactive with evil.
As is Diego. Did we see whether Isabel took the letter from his office or not? I don't think she did (why would she, since she could see that he'd already read it).
It was yet another night of lots of fast talking, so I hope I didn't miss anything important. I can't believe we're not even halfway through yet - more has happened in 30 episodes than some TNs have in a 100-episode run.
One thing I would have liked was another couple of minutes with Mercedes. Felipe is a bum and a lot of other negative things, but he's no monster. In fact, Mercedes was kind of a monster herself. She was okay with letting Felipe get killed in that duel. It was Eugenia (also a monster) who insisted that they try to save him.
I assume we'll find out what happens with Felipe, but what kind of future is in store for Mercedes? Will she make a full recovery, or does she have permanent drain bamage? Will we ever know?
Victoria - I am wondering if Belen will even get to have her baby. It would be just Sofia's luck if Belen got killed before the baby's even born. Belen's future is looking brief and dim.
As is Diego. Did we see whether Isabel took the letter from his office or not? I don't think she did (why would she, since she could see that he'd already read it).
It was yet another night of lots of fast talking, so I hope I didn't miss anything important. I can't believe we're not even halfway through yet - more has happened in 30 episodes than some TNs have in a 100-episode run.
One thing I would have liked was another couple of minutes with Mercedes. Felipe is a bum and a lot of other negative things, but he's no monster. In fact, Mercedes was kind of a monster herself. She was okay with letting Felipe get killed in that duel. It was Eugenia (also a monster) who insisted that they try to save him.
I assume we'll find out what happens with Felipe, but what kind of future is in store for Mercedes? Will she make a full recovery, or does she have permanent drain bamage? Will we ever know?
Victoria - I am wondering if Belen will even get to have her baby. It would be just Sofia's luck if Belen got killed before the baby's even born. Belen's future is looking brief and dim.
This is great Julie. Thank you
"Mallet of Reckoning"
"Diego squelches whatever expressions are fighting to cross his face"
Agree Vivi, Belen has the knowledge Cristina attempted to leverage and she is doing the same. In a better position than Cristina ever was.
Those fights between Belen and Diego are killer. She spit in his face.
Julio has taken advantage of Isabel's crush from the start and he still believes she'll forgive all. I want her to get rid of the arrogant punk, no, spit in his face.
I don't want Jacinto anywhere near that poor girl, Violeta.
"Mallet of Reckoning"
"Diego squelches whatever expressions are fighting to cross his face"
Agree Vivi, Belen has the knowledge Cristina attempted to leverage and she is doing the same. In a better position than Cristina ever was.
Those fights between Belen and Diego are killer. She spit in his face.
Julio has taken advantage of Isabel's crush from the start and he still believes she'll forgive all. I want her to get rid of the arrogant punk, no, spit in his face.
I don't want Jacinto anywhere near that poor girl, Violeta.
Thanks for the recap, Julie!
I feel like I'm missing scenes in this TN. Did everyone else's just start out of nowhere with Isabel crying alone at the train station? As much as I hate when they waste time by replaying scenes from the previous episode, I felt like this one could have used it... We didn't get to see what Julio said to her about staying to find Cristina's killer.
My local Univision station keeps playing this awful phone sex chat line commercial (Fonochat or something) that cuts off most of the opening credits so I can't even watch them anymore even if I wanted to! Sometimes when it comes back from commercial, I feel like I'm in the middle of a scene and get lost.
Anyway, why is Julio now saying he's leaving again when he apparently decided to stay (or at least not run away with Isabel)? Isn't he supposed to be helping Ayala? I'm so confused.
I feel like I'm missing scenes in this TN. Did everyone else's just start out of nowhere with Isabel crying alone at the train station? As much as I hate when they waste time by replaying scenes from the previous episode, I felt like this one could have used it... We didn't get to see what Julio said to her about staying to find Cristina's killer.
My local Univision station keeps playing this awful phone sex chat line commercial (Fonochat or something) that cuts off most of the opening credits so I can't even watch them anymore even if I wanted to! Sometimes when it comes back from commercial, I feel like I'm in the middle of a scene and get lost.
Anyway, why is Julio now saying he's leaving again when he apparently decided to stay (or at least not run away with Isabel)? Isn't he supposed to be helping Ayala? I'm so confused.
Permalink posted by 
: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 12:39:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 12:39:00 PM EST
Thanks Julie--not too much in the humor department last night, but your recap just made me smile!
" (This scene makes me so uncomfortable that I am forced to seek comfort in a Dagoba Xocolatl hot chocolate.)" We totally understand.
It's all starting to unravel isn't it. I can't see poor Sophia staying sane much longer unless she fesses up to Alfredo and stops this masquerade about the baby.
Now that said, her baby donor seemed to be getting everything she wants last night...which to me, and please fates make it so, basically spells doom. The fact that Andres pushed out the civil wedding to "day AFTER tomorrow" seems enough time for her to be looking at the root side of the daisy garden. Babies don't seem to be doing well in this TN and hers is being used for all kinds of evil and wrong...not to say I don't think Alfredo would be a great dad, but I'm not sure if Sophia did take in that poor thing she could keep it together knowing how much she hated the idea of a Diego baby.
I had the same thought on the start of the episodes suddenly choppy, as if I missed something. Maybe it's purposeful, just get you straight on to where the story needs to be. they better not be taking Uni scissors to this show.
Julio now feels after talking to Ayala and shaking on it, he'll help find the killer and then he will allow himself to be turned in. That's why he is telling Isa "before I leave" since he expects to be jailed once the crime is solved.
I like Violetta, but dang, I just don't care for Jacinto. Maybe if he got out of his sourpuss mode I could be supportive of him winning that poor girl. But right now, nope.
Daisynjay
" (This scene makes me so uncomfortable that I am forced to seek comfort in a Dagoba Xocolatl hot chocolate.)" We totally understand.
It's all starting to unravel isn't it. I can't see poor Sophia staying sane much longer unless she fesses up to Alfredo and stops this masquerade about the baby.
Now that said, her baby donor seemed to be getting everything she wants last night...which to me, and please fates make it so, basically spells doom. The fact that Andres pushed out the civil wedding to "day AFTER tomorrow" seems enough time for her to be looking at the root side of the daisy garden. Babies don't seem to be doing well in this TN and hers is being used for all kinds of evil and wrong...not to say I don't think Alfredo would be a great dad, but I'm not sure if Sophia did take in that poor thing she could keep it together knowing how much she hated the idea of a Diego baby.
I had the same thought on the start of the episodes suddenly choppy, as if I missed something. Maybe it's purposeful, just get you straight on to where the story needs to be. they better not be taking Uni scissors to this show.
Julio now feels after talking to Ayala and shaking on it, he'll help find the killer and then he will allow himself to be turned in. That's why he is telling Isa "before I leave" since he expects to be jailed once the crime is solved.
I like Violetta, but dang, I just don't care for Jacinto. Maybe if he got out of his sourpuss mode I could be supportive of him winning that poor girl. But right now, nope.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:05:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:05:00 PM EST
Yes, I agree that now there is an actual murder of his sister to solve, Julio feels like he absolutely needs to keep his word to Ayala to hand himself over after Ayala solves his sister's murder. So, no more plans to run away with Isa and start a life together. He's basically declaring that it's over between them, and that's why Isa is so heartbroken.
Thanks for the explanations Daisynyjay and Vivi. I think I must not have understood the conversations very well. When talking to Andres, Julio said he was still going to take Isabel away from the crazy hotel after solving Cristina's murder, and when talking to Ayala, I thought Ayala said that Julio was still free as long as he helps solve the murder. I thought that meant Ayala was not going to send him to jail (since Julio is "dead" anyway and no one else is looking for him) so it wouldn't matter if Julio wanted to turn himself in or not.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:43:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:43:00 PM EST
J- Ayala always wanted Julio to turn himself in. Once he comes forward and proclaims who he is, then his case will be reopened. He said he was sticking with Isa before speaking to Ayala, and Ayala didn't let him out of their original deal. So he knows he's eventually got to go to jail. Now, Ayala could always change his mind. But it would actually be good if Julio could reclaim his real identity AND be cleared of the charges against him. Then he could actually do stuff like go back to university and get a better job, etc. All of this is moot, because we in the audience know that in just two short years, there will be a revolution and no one will care about his past or pursue him for it. But he doesn't know that.
And maybe Julio is confused and doesn't want to admit to himself that he can't do both-- have Isabel and keep his word to Ayala.
Thank, Julie, for the recap. Loved this: "Diego reads Isabel's "Dear John" letter and has a hissy fit. He seems genuinely heartbroken, like a little boy who's been forever barred from playing with Hot Wheels."
Not much action last night. I guess we needed a rest from last week's roller coaster.
Definitely looking more and more like Andres is Rom's son--Belen insisting on a civil wedding. If they do get married, she will either have to reform or die. Can't see Andres getting a divorce. Though I guees Belen wouldn't have a problem trying to get one.
Nanette
Not much action last night. I guess we needed a rest from last week's roller coaster.
Definitely looking more and more like Andres is Rom's son--Belen insisting on a civil wedding. If they do get married, she will either have to reform or die. Can't see Andres getting a divorce. Though I guees Belen wouldn't have a problem trying to get one.
Nanette
Such great writing...you're obviously feeling a lot better Julie. Like Nanette, loved the opener:
Diego reads Isabel's "Dear John" letter and has a hissy fit. He seems genuinely heartbroken, like a little boy who's been forever barred from playing with Hot Wheels.
as well as:
mallet of doom
Sofia is pulling her hair like taffy
Isabel/Sofia/Alfredo train and
[Isabel] looking as cool and wholesome as a glass of milk
Such outstanding visuals, every one of those phrases brought forth. Excellent.
Unlike everybody else, I like Jacinto with Violetta Granted he is seeking the tenderness of a mother in the tenderness of an embrace with a young woman, who herself as been badly mothered. But Telenovela Law says that unlikable, immature characters are always ennobled by Love, so I figure we can trust that sullen Jacinto will be a galan by the end of this. So I'm all for the union. Don't throw tomatoes please!
Belen is a hellcat and when she's fighting Diego, I love her. When she's conning Adress, not so much. But hey, nobody's perfect.
But the recap was. So glad that you're feeling better Julie. I still remember some awesome recaps you did of Pasion...simply superb.
Diego reads Isabel's "Dear John" letter and has a hissy fit. He seems genuinely heartbroken, like a little boy who's been forever barred from playing with Hot Wheels.
as well as:
mallet of doom
Sofia is pulling her hair like taffy
Isabel/Sofia/Alfredo train and
[Isabel] looking as cool and wholesome as a glass of milk
Such outstanding visuals, every one of those phrases brought forth. Excellent.
Unlike everybody else, I like Jacinto with Violetta Granted he is seeking the tenderness of a mother in the tenderness of an embrace with a young woman, who herself as been badly mothered. But Telenovela Law says that unlikable, immature characters are always ennobled by Love, so I figure we can trust that sullen Jacinto will be a galan by the end of this. So I'm all for the union. Don't throw tomatoes please!
Belen is a hellcat and when she's fighting Diego, I love her. When she's conning Adress, not so much. But hey, nobody's perfect.
But the recap was. So glad that you're feeling better Julie. I still remember some awesome recaps you did of Pasion...simply superb.
I'm okay with Jacinto and Violeta. I don't think they'd have much hope as a real-life couple, but it works okay for me within the story. That was one terribly expensive hug he bought last night, though!
Ah, but that was just the down payment. From now on, he'll be getting sweet hugs for free, I imagine!
Judy- I'm not against Jacinto and Violeta. I thought they looked really good together during that hug. I'm just hoping that he doesn't slide further down (both in his dealings with Diego and his treatment of Violeta) before he starts to transform into the galan Violeta deserves. Plus, their flowery names seem to mean they're meant for each other. I'm a sucker for symbolism. :)
Good point Vivi. I always forget that Jacinto means "Hyacinth"...certainly the young man does NOT bring that flower to mind!
Oh, Judy - after you mentioned Pasion, I went back to look at those recaps today for the first time since I wrote them. (Eight years!!) How nostalgic. If I say I love El Hotel de los Secretos, then what's the word for how much I loved Pasion? Because I was totally absorbed by that one.
Truth be told, I'm a little sad. I used to stay up a lot later and spend a lot more time on my recaps. I can't do that any more. That's just how it is, so that's not what makes me sad. What makes me sad is that when I compare those old recaps to the ones I've done lately, there is a huge difference in quality. Not only technical quality, but... sparkle.
Part of me wonders if it's truly only the time factor, or if I just can't write that way any more. Or is it the amount of inspiration I got from TNs in those days? I definitely felt them more deeply then than I do now. In those days, I wouldn't say they were all-consuming, but they did seem to add a little extra color to every aspect of my life. Now they are just fun things that I watch and blog about. Somehow it's not the same.
Sorry... I don't mean to get so maudlin and philosophical. I know things change over time. I just can't help feeling that I've lost something.
Also... LOL Vivi and Judy for pointing out the floral names. There was a TN, either MEPS or STuD, with a whole family of flowers: Margarita, Jacinto, I forget who the other ones were but it was a veritable bouquet of nice people.
Truth be told, I'm a little sad. I used to stay up a lot later and spend a lot more time on my recaps. I can't do that any more. That's just how it is, so that's not what makes me sad. What makes me sad is that when I compare those old recaps to the ones I've done lately, there is a huge difference in quality. Not only technical quality, but... sparkle.
Part of me wonders if it's truly only the time factor, or if I just can't write that way any more. Or is it the amount of inspiration I got from TNs in those days? I definitely felt them more deeply then than I do now. In those days, I wouldn't say they were all-consuming, but they did seem to add a little extra color to every aspect of my life. Now they are just fun things that I watch and blog about. Somehow it's not the same.
Sorry... I don't mean to get so maudlin and philosophical. I know things change over time. I just can't help feeling that I've lost something.
Also... LOL Vivi and Judy for pointing out the floral names. There was a TN, either MEPS or STuD, with a whole family of flowers: Margarita, Jacinto, I forget who the other ones were but it was a veritable bouquet of nice people.
Thank you Julie. You came back from the brink to bring us a well meted (or should I say malleted) recap.
Nanette: And you just know Andres will not worry about a marriage with a separation of goods and money. And you just know Andres is going to be surprised as heck when Belen starts abusing him. Right now he's certain she loves him.
Nanette: And you just know Andres will not worry about a marriage with a separation of goods and money. And you just know Andres is going to be surprised as heck when Belen starts abusing him. Right now he's certain she loves him.
Ah Julie, I understand and share your nostalgia. There was one recap where you were chronicling the romantic tension between Colunga's rakish side kick and the lovely damsel he was pursuing. You wrote it so well, that one of the commenters said "That wasn't a recap. That was literature." Quite a compliment. And well deserved.
But like you, both my energy and my initial enthrallment with telenovelas has tempered over time. In la Fea Mas Bella, I was so in love with Jaime Camil and the way he kissed that I'd go weak in the knees.
And when things went wrong between him and Lety, I tossed and turned and worried like these folks were real! I'm glad I'm a little "saner" now. But in other ways I miss those crazy, all-in days.
You are still a marvelous writer.
But like you, both my energy and my initial enthrallment with telenovelas has tempered over time. In la Fea Mas Bella, I was so in love with Jaime Camil and the way he kissed that I'd go weak in the knees.
And when things went wrong between him and Lety, I tossed and turned and worried like these folks were real! I'm glad I'm a little "saner" now. But in other ways I miss those crazy, all-in days.
You are still a marvelous writer.
Julie
Thank you for mentioning 'Pasión'. I just finished watching it for about the 4th time. Everytime I watch, I'm amazed they let the hero (FC) actually stay true to his love (SG) throughout. He never let her down. Pasión will be a part of the discussion of https://joyofclassicnovelas.wordpress.com/
which I believe 5-ft Latina shares comments sometimes.
Next time I watch, I'll be sure and read your recaps. I didn't realize, or totally missed, that it was on the sidebar.
I'm loving HdlS. The casting is superb.
And the costumes are amazing. Urban can say if they are historically correct or not.
I think the Hotel itself is the same as the psych hospital in the novela 'Mañana es para Siempre'.
Great recap.
Thank you for mentioning 'Pasión'. I just finished watching it for about the 4th time. Everytime I watch, I'm amazed they let the hero (FC) actually stay true to his love (SG) throughout. He never let her down. Pasión will be a part of the discussion of https://joyofclassicnovelas.wordpress.com/
which I believe 5-ft Latina shares comments sometimes.
Next time I watch, I'll be sure and read your recaps. I didn't realize, or totally missed, that it was on the sidebar.
I'm loving HdlS. The casting is superb.
And the costumes are amazing. Urban can say if they are historically correct or not.
I think the Hotel itself is the same as the psych hospital in the novela 'Mañana es para Siempre'.
Great recap.
Thank you, Judy. And Victoria, do check out the Pasion recaps on Caray. Pasion was a somewhat polarizing TN - a lot of people didn't like it at first, and bailed early on. But some of us (and you, obviously!) loved it. A lot. And love is what brings out our finest recapping work.
And yeah, the Hotel is indeed the manicomio from MEPS. I snicker every time Alfredo's mother refers to the place as a manicomio. Apparently, it was once a psychiatric hospital in real life as well.
And yeah, the Hotel is indeed the manicomio from MEPS. I snicker every time Alfredo's mother refers to the place as a manicomio. Apparently, it was once a psychiatric hospital in real life as well.
Julie,
That made me laugh so hard! !!you have to give any novela either 0 or about 15 episodes to see if it is worthwhile IMHO.
That made me laugh so hard! !!you have to give any novela either 0 or about 15 episodes to see if it is worthwhile IMHO.
Julie- That was MEPS, and the family also had Gardenia, who drove us crazy. But Doc Carlos loved her.
Thank You Julie,amazing recap
All the characters in this Novella confuse me so much. I'm rooting so much for Sofia and Violetta. One of those I can get behind.
Elorej
All the characters in this Novella confuse me so much. I'm rooting so much for Sofia and Violetta. One of those I can get behind.
Elorej
Permalink posted by : Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 4:00:00 AM EST
: Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 4:00:00 AM EST
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