Caray, Caray!

Enjoy, PyP fans!
 

An excellent recap. Thanks NovelaMaven.

Whenever Eladio goes on about "destroying everything" I imagine him blowing up GLA. I wonder what exactly he means. I liked him taking out his anger mostly at Franco. The creep certainly deserved it.

Hate the judge. Wanted to slap that smile from his face. Ugh, hope they find out that he is friends with Nina and ask for another judge to take the case.

Miguel showing up at the baptism after being told not to attend. I have no words. He just cannot stay away, can he??

I hope Nina finds out soon how Erick really got his hands on all that money. It will be nice to see her realize just how bad her little boy is.

The best moment of the night: Petra learning about the meaning of "brunch".
 

If flipping a coin doesn't work, Julia could always play a nice game of eenie meenie miney mo. Anything to help her make up her mind already on who she wants to be with.
 

NovelaMaven,

Wow! Your recaps are always so fresh and crispy, they truly crackle with your incredible wit. Well done my dear. Just a few examples of why I admire your verbal gymnastics:

"I'm not saying that David is stoopid but...

"Okay, so maybe I am saying that David is stoopid."

"Was he speed-reading Kübler-Ross?"

and of course:

"A gringo scorned"

Now directly to some Arturo and Julia bashing:

"Arturo has been very understanding, he is giving me time..."

Do I need to comment? This speaks volumes... NEXT!

Carlos
 

Dang, I almost left out my favorite line:

"Nina looks divine – young enough to be little Erick's mother..."

How gracious of you... sincere thanks.

Carlos
 

Hi Mauricio,

Thank you! I have to agree it was satisfying to see Eladio taking it out on Franco (and on Caridad too, though not so much on Gaby).

I also liked the scene in which Nina explained the concept of "brunch" to Petra. It was playful and affectionate on the part of both women.

Things are really bubbling away. You should have an exciting episode to write about tomorrow night.
 

Thank you, Novela Maven, for your excellent and witty recap. You and the other recappers have been indispensable for my well-being during the last nine months or so, and your unique talents have transformed some burdensome episodes into solid entertainment.

This is my first post at Caray, Caray, but I've been lurking for quite a while through several telenovelas. Finally have caught up in P&P so I hope to be able to contribute more as my Spanish improves. My girlfriend and I watch at least a telenovela or two each night in hopes that the immersion will speed up our Spanish learning. We have been in catch-up mode, using the UVideos app with Spanish captions. One of these days, I'll be able to concentrate more on the faces than the words at the bottom of the screen. But in the meantime, Novela Maven, you and your cohorts have saved my a** on many occasions when I understood just enough to totally misread an important plot point. But I always have your recaps and the Patio's responses to fill in the gaps. So thanks to all.

Tonight the thing that made me gasp -- I actually got it the first time -- was when -- well, I'll just quote Novela Maven:

Given Nina's own humble background, Fanny thinks she should be more understanding. Nina claims she has put that all behind her (perhaps on the Back Porch) and now she is just trying to spare TB the ridicule she had to endure from Arturo's snooty family and friends early in the marriage.

“OMG,” I reacted.. Isn’t this the first we’ve heard of Nina’s background? Yes, I’m pretty sure it is because I went back and checked Urban’s list of secrets from last night. Is this one of those things writers slip in that will metastasize into something big before long?

Speaking of metastasizing, it seems like Eladio’s cancerous temper had gone into temporary remission. But you can’t keep a good personality disorder down, and now it’s B-A-C-K! And it will obviously be integral to the coming fireworks.

I’m also wondering if they will actually have a circular firing squad with Erik in the middle toward the end of all this. Some of the characters will miss and hit someone else, but Erik will certainly not escape.

Enough for now. Thanks again to all of you for helping me appreciate the nuances of these shows. You are all my teachers.

 

Dear Carlos,

Thank you for the kind words. I'm sure you know that your comments mean a lot to me.

And I'm so glad I could say something affirming about Nina. (Actually, the writers and costume folks are making it easier these days.) I'm still not a big fan of the character, though I think the actress is splendid.

Anyway, it makes me happy to know you enjoyed the recap.
 

Dear Daniel,

Welcome to The Patio of Lowered Expectations! It is always a delight when someone ventures out of lurkdom and joins us here in the light. Thank you for the nice words. I very much enjoyed reading your comment.

Lots of us use telenovelas to help us with our Spanish skills (or at least that's what we tell ourselves), so you're in good company. We teach each other around here.

As for Nina's humble background, you're right that we have no details, but I actually recall a reference to it several episodes back. Arturo said he never understood why Nina hadn't been more sympathetic to Consuelo, given her own modest origins.

"You can't keep a good personality disorder down." hahahaha! No, you can't – and thank goodness too or telenovelas would wither and die.
 

Gracias, NovelaMaven. You had some really good zingers in this one.

Eladio dances in a circle, but he's not doing the hora.

Señor Juez plays hard to get

Humberto rolls in, unseen and unheard by Julia, though we on The Patio hear a little squeak from his chair. (Time for some WD-40 if his career as Sneaky old Coot is to make it to últimas semanas.)

More than those (especially the simian remarks), but I have to comment and catch up to Hotel.

A welcome to Daniel; please continue to hang out and comment. BTW, we knew from the outset that Nina was born poor. There was also a conversation between her and Arturo a while back in which we heard that there was something she wouldn't talk about, but no details. Arturo had told her there was no shame in being poor, but Nina didn't agree and the conversation ended.

As predicted, Assmore is now a problem and Arturo went ballistic at seeing him with Daniela. Her downfall is assured now. Her pursuit of David is a violation of policy at GLA as well. There should be an interesting argument tonight when Arturo tries to get the truth out of his errant daughter.

The idea of him green-lighting that beach project is out of character for him. He has previously taken environmental factors into consideration. Writing fail or his personal issues are distracting him too much and making him careless.

When the family was in front of the priest and Jorge was taking pictures I immediately saw that Miguel was in the direct path of his camera. This is going to cause huge problems for Consuelo at the next court date. I'm not surprised that Nina and Erick are talking about bribing that judge, but Nina isn't going to be happy when she realizes that the money Erick mentioned came from the ransom.

Eladio was flicking the lighter again. This has been a bad omen all along. I a;so think we got the answer to a question raised yesterday: He will throw Franco under the bus.
 

Thanks for another unforgettable story Novela Maven. I love this show, so many people to hate.
 

Ah NovelaMaven...No one has more fun with language than you...be it English, Spanish, French or whatever. Lots of delightful wordplay in this recap. I'll just mention a few of my favorites:

Back to Browbeating as Usual

[Caridad] playing dumb (never a stretch)

WD 40

(Gratitude or reproach? Discuss amongst yourselves)

Fekix and Oscar comparison of Augustin and Creepy Miguel

Secular sacerdote

Stalk from afar

more high-maintenance than Nina herself

[Turtle Boy]several links down the food chain

Erick scratches and grunts and with a smug smile peels another banana

But I couldn't decide which should get top honors....

[Regina] Deep in the shallows of conversation [with Turtle Boy]

or Nina wants to put all that behind her (perhaps in the Back Porch)

Tough choice! Has to be a tie.

Your reference to sitting shiva brought back many sad memories. Early in our marriage, the folks in another apartment lost their six-month old baby to a mysterious autoimmune disease. As Protestants, we knew nothing about the tradition of sitting shiva but knew we needed to come alongside our neighbors in this unspeakable, unendurable tragedy. We bumbled in and did our best, as did they, but the words themselves always bring back that dreadful loss. We were expecting our own baby and that link made the pain go even deeper. There are many different traditions of grieving, but ultimately, even without knowing the words to say, the presence of others is perhaps the wisest consolation. And that seems to be what sitting shiva is about.

Thanks so much for your presence on this line. Sometimes I could care less about the episode, but I always look forward to your wry and witty recaps.
 

NovelaMaven, thoughtful, clever and sublime. I find myself smiling as I truly savor every juicy word. I cannot wait to see what you will say next. You state the facts with savvy and sometimes irreverent grace (to my great delight), it's a joy.

"she storms out in a cloud of self-righteous angst", "the cousins are selectively blind when it comes to their own vida sentimental", "Back to Browbeating as Usual", "Ya basta with sitting shiva – The game is changing and so must Humberto's strategy" and of course "a gringo scorned" were among many favorites.

Eladio was able to rather seamlessly convince me he was trying to change. I am rather ashamed that I fell for this subterfuge. It's painfully apparent that while he may have been truthful in that he wanted to change, his obvious inability to control his explosive anger may be his undoing. And, the undoing of others. It doesn't appear that anything that Julia might say or do at this point to diffuse the situation. Fury and revenge are Eladio's obsessions.

David is an idiot. And Regina, who actually seems to be happy with her ungalanish beau, is not far behind. Proof positive these two belong together. Sigh.

Welcome Daniel! So glad you commented. The recappers are wonderful and this is an extraordinary community.

This cauldron of hidden secrets, lies and betrayals is boiling. Some will be scalded, some badly burned - I only wonder if any will remain unscathed before this ends.

Diana
 

Judy, our comments crossed.

Thank you for sharing your touching story. "There are many different traditions of grieving, but ultimately, even without knowing the words to say, the presence of others is perhaps the wisest consolation". Powerful, thoughtful and beautifully phrased.

Diana
 

Thank you NovelaMaven for another masterful recap.

I don't think Miguel was using a telephoto lens on his "camera" at the baptism. He was lurking in the nearby trees and using his cellphone camera. I think most cellphone cameras have only a 2x or 3x zoom at most.

I hope Augie continues to Monitor the Chimp's bank account and notices the sudden influx of cash from a Cayman Island bank.
 

Muchas Gracias NovelaMaven!

Diana: I'm not shocked that Arturo caught Ashmore & Daniela kissing. This is likely going to start her downfall.

Kirby: Erick is on a roll. I still see him keeping Jr., forever!

Judy B: We still don't know any details on Purple Lips' past & background!

I noticed Clara, Justino & Luisita showed up!

Urban: Gaby needs Dr. Phil to help her when all Hell breaks loose!
 

JudyB, thanks for your story. One is always caught off-guard in these situations and it must have been particularly awkward for both you and the grieving parents.

To continue on from where Nandicta told us yesterday about the Mexican audience's reaction to Julia's latest meeting with Arturo they were outraged at this happening when she was in mourning. I can see this, but it took me a while to get there because my own perspective is very different due to my family circumstances. Julia did love her sister, but there definitely were issues and her own personal issues are in the forefront. She also has no close female friends to go to about anything and the whole abusive nature of her relationship with Eladio was a major secret kept from the world.

As to the apparent indecision of this character, I am also thinking that audiences have endured worse from female protagonists (YNCELH and LSdP, to name the most recent examples) but this seems particularly egregious because Julia isn't 22 years old anymore. I don't think she is anywhere near the same place emotionally as women her age in normal relationships and who come from normal families. To have no close female friends isn't normal.

What is guaranteed is that unless someone murders Marintia the truth about the baby will be out soon and the dominoes will start falling. This is too big a thing to remain concealed and no audience would like to see this story end with this being untold. Eladio should not have taken her back into the company if he doesn't want the truth out, but this could be a subconscious act of self-destruction on his part. Allowing her to stay in Mexico rather than forcing her to go back to Argentina leaves the door open for the reveal he doesn't want. This particular secret will be the last straw unless there is a reveal about Schmidt's death that implicates Eladio, but that would at that point just put the decorations on the icing. That Franco has clearly followed in his sperm donor's footsteps so exactly will be very ugly proof that her effect on Franco was minimal and that he has no respect whatsoever for anyone else.

Augustin's BS detector is usually pretty good. Here's hoping he catches that influx of cash from the Caymans before Erick can withdraw the money and hand it to this judge. However, what surprises me the most is any notion that Pedro would turn any of this money back to Erick in view of how Erick has stupidly trusted in the past. When Eladio's business goons transferred 50 pesos instead of 50 million that was clear proof that Erick is clearly a throwback in the Montenegro family. He has consistently been the least intelligent of Arturo's children in addition to looking nothing like either of his parents. For him to have been fleeced by the very guy who cut the brakes on his car and put him in a six-month coma would be the beginning of poetic justice.
 

OT...But those of you who love hearing the French language, listen to the Francine Christophe interview on youtube. The story (WWII) is riveting, and the diction is incredible. It's been almost 50 years since I've heard any French but every word was crystal clear.
 

UA...you understand perfectly. We were so afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing.

But somehow as we talked, they started remembering happier times, when first they met and fell in love, then married, places they went to, crazy parties in their youth, friends they knew before all this happened. It in no way overshadowed their aching grief, but there were actually some smiles of remembrance, some treasuring of good times long past.

That kind of loss and grief never goes away. But I remember reading one bereft father saying "I will walk again. But I will always walk with a limp."

As we go through life, most of us have developed a limp over some deep and aching grief, but we do continue walking.
 

"Gratitude or reproach? Discuss amongst yourselves" NovelaMaven, you know your audience well, we love to discuss till the cows come home around here. I don't think we ever reach any agreement, but that doesn't slow the discussion. For some reason the irony of
MausoMansion," and then your classic salute to Henny Youngman, "Take your son. Please." left me smiling the brightest. Thanks for your wonderful recap.

JudyB, I know your presence and compassion were a comfort to that grieving couple. If we only had adequate words for those terrible situations.....

Welcome David!

 

UA,

"The idea of him green-lighting that beach project is out of character for him...Writing fail or his personal issues are distracting him too much and making him careless."

While I don't remember Arturo being particularly conscious of environmental concerns, remember that he asked Agustín to check out the Swamp Resort project. Agustín said last night that the deal looked good to him. Could it be that he is too distracted by his unseemly pursuit of the now married Gabi to have fully investigated it? Seems like everyone (Erick and his mysterious partner, Franco, and Eladio) is aware of the environmental problems this presents. Only Arturo and Agustín seem to be in the dark.

Carlos
 

Thank you, my friends – Urban, Kirby, JudyB, Diana, Gobluefan, Steve and Sandy. You know I like to respond to each comment individually, but this is going to be a tricky day for me and I'm afraid I won't be able to do that. Please know that I have read and and will read and reflect on everything you say.

"the presence of others is perhaps the wisest consolation. And that seems to be what sitting shiva is about."


Indeed, JudyB. Sitting shiva is bleak, but far better than the alternative of leaving the bereaved alone to "get on with it."

I'm always intrigued by these TN characters who appear to feel real grief when confronted with an unspeakable loss, but then are back in the saddle of evil before the body is in the ground (or in the urn). Alas, I fear that happens in life too.

I hope to catch up with you all later. Ciao, folks!
 

Love your work NovelaMaven. I see the slideshow of word pictures.

"What's truth anyway? En buena onda, it's so, like, relative"

Julia unnecessarily works herself into a froth. With a head like a handheld pinball game just tilt and that bb will find another slot.

I'm kinda proud of David, he didn't show.

Miguel learned his obsessive stalker behavior from his daddy. It's hard to imagine what he'd do if Connie ever stops responding to his calls and text.
 

Thanks, Novelamaven...what a wonderful mind you have.

Personal message to FC...You are pretty when you are mad. Does that make me a bad person? Well, don't care. Fifty Shades of Bad Lad. P.S. We have not seen the BIG TATTOO lately. Just saying.
 

Oh, good God!

Miguel learned nothing about women from Arturo or anyone else. He was grossly mistreated by Nina and her Mini-Me (who is younger than he is). The only woman he's ever been close to is Regina and she is almost as lacking in self-confidence as he is thanks to the same two bitches.

Miguel is lacking in certain social skills, which is a popular modern cliche of techie types. I am predicting that when someone examines the photos from the party s/he will see Miguel in the background, so I hope that person is Regina. She will chew Miguel out for this risk, but is likely to protect him from the unholy alliance of Nina, Erick, and Daniela.

I do agree that Julia gets worked up too often but an abused woman who is trying to find herself has usually been disconnected from her real emotions; in her case it's been for at least 45 years. We in the US mostly expect her to buck up and move on, but that is our cultural construct and it only works for normal people.
 

Judyb..I am running late, but I had to comment. Our first baby died of a heart defect the day after he was born . When I returned to my teaching job,the people I worked with just did not know what to say. Seeing pregnant teens in the school was rough Luckily, I had two wonderful friends who supported me. The only words that comforted me were from my high school friend who had married a Mormon . She told me that they believe that a baby who dies is a special soul who is not asked to suffer the sadness of the world. And I had a student who told me that in her religion, they believe that the baby will pull the mother to heaven when she dies. As I tried to find my way, I found the quote "Love is stronger than death"

I once heard a sermon in which the minister said "God will know you by your scars." We accumulate scars along our way. I can't remember who said "Life is an accumulation of love and loss." As you can see, I have done a lot of research on the subject.
 

A belated shout-out to NovelaMaven for that Caridad IQ evaluation: Playing dumb (never a stretch) That one made me laugh out loud.

A few random thoughts:
--While Eladio seems to have regressed badly in terms of his anger management control, look how much more secure he is when it comes to worrying about his breath. We haven't seen that little spray device nearly so much lately. I have a feeling it was something the writers or he came up with to "fill out" his character with an idiosyncrasy or two. (Is there a possibility that some fan discontent came to Televisa's attention that sounded something like, "What's with that breathalyzer anyway?" With social media, a habit like that would probably be the subject of hundreds of YouTube satires.) But Eladio has kept up another one: that two (or is it three) finger salute he punctuates so many of his declarations with. Anyone have any idea where they/he came up with that one?

--However, I do love it when Colunga starts off with disingenuous praise of someone like Franco or Caridad or Humberto and then goes into full pitbull mode. It will go something like: "Wow, that was some sage advice! Why didn't I think of that sooner? Because it was IDIOTIC, that's why, you imbecile!" as he sets off seismographs by slamming his desk.

--How is it that rich people in these shows can suffer egregious financial losses and their businesses seem to go on as usual. When Erik cost his father 40 bajillion pesos, or whatever it was, why didn't his father react with, "Well, I know it sounds like a lot of money, but you watch, we'll just keep going like nothing really happened"? Why isn't Nina mourning the loss of her jewels or Arturo a suitcase full of large bills.. Hell, I lost a favorite sport jacket once and years later I still had little pangs of longing for that thing. Silk, tan, muy padrísimo. (The jacket, not me.)

--How many of you felt wellings of positive feelings when Arturo finally "hooked up" with Julia for a night of comforting? For me, it was kind of "Meh." But maybe it's just me. It often is. I do appreciate how the P&P writers play with us in terms of who's going to end up with whom, at least more than in other dramas I've seen. I'd really like to see a few surprises at the end of this, ones that would not make me shake my head. Endings where people showed personal growth rather than just marrying the one they're destined for. (Like Tomas joining the priesthood at the end of La Sombra.) Any hopes for that?

Daniel
 

Daniel, I don't know about the breath spray thing. To my knowledge there haven't been any cast interviews in which FC would have described who came up with that or why. I wondered whether it was something medical for a respiratory issue, but there is no evidence of that. Nor is that likely at this late date.

Mourning the loss of money is a relative situation. How much you have, how long you've had it, whether you are likely to make up the loss, and the reason for the loss are all factors.

-- Both Eladio and Arturo are rich enough to have private jets, which means they're among the dozen wealthiest people in the country. Losing a couple of million dollars wouldn't mean much to either of them if there is a reason that makes sense for the loss.

-- Eladio would give a few million to get rid of Marintia, which hurts only in principle but won't put a dent in his bank account.

-- Arturo's loss when Erick tried to sell him out cost him future income he didn't yet have plus whatever the time cost in the research and development of the project. That wasn't quantified but it was something he could recover from. He hasn't forgotten this.

-- Nina isn't mourning the loss of jewelry she didn't wear. She could have sold it in the future, but it represented trophies of past victories to her (See my previous dissertation on that within the last week or so of discussions). Arturo isn't mourning a briefcase of cash that was meant to rescue his grandchild. Kidnapping is a criminal industry in Latin America and there is a modus operandus known as Sequestro Express in which a kidnap victim's relative or corporate employer is extorted for a sum they can easily raise within 24 hours (or less). Whatever that amount is, it's not enough to send the parent or boss into bankruptcy.

This does not mean that either Arturo or Nina will overlook this when Erick is exposed. The lies and betrayal are much bigger than the undisclosed sum of cash or the value of the jewelry.

As to your final question, I am of the opinion that both Arturo and Julia need alone time before they can be together at all.

-- She should have found a way to escape from Eladio ages ago and Arturo should have seen through Nina long before this. Julia needs to learn practical self-reliance, which will help her to be more confident.

-- Arturo needs to learn emotional self-reliance, but I'm afraid for what the betrayals of Erick and Daniela could do to him before he gets there. He already knows they are wayward, but Erick's latest scam is beyond the pale. Daniela is business as usual for the moment, but is likely to get worse.
 

Daniel, "--How many of you felt wellings of positive feelings when Arturo finally "hooked up" with Julia for a night of comforting? For me, it was kind of "Meh." I'm uncomfortable with people who are in marriages and have children who are in or out of relationships, spending the night together even if it were platonic. What was a little worrisome about that scene for me was the wonderful music that we heard as they had their mushy, confundida night together on the couch. As you might know as a lurker (tee hee) and a novela watcher, the music gives us a lot of hints on how the character parings are going, and I heard positivity with the music. What about you? Anyone else?
 

Another awesome recap!

Eladio keeps tinkering on the edge now. When he says he is going to destroy everything, and pops that lighter, I think "Yep, this show will end with him burning everything to the ground and taking himself with it". I just can't see a happy ending for him, or even still alive, at the end.

Miguel might be kinda creepy but I think he is the one to get the goods on Erick. He will have a real purpose to do so once Erick gets custody.

I think we all figured that Ashmore would come back to bite Dani and the family but I didn't expect it this soon.

Totally think Art's head is up his arse which is why he is agreeing to Erick's project, can't or won't investigate Erick, doesn't even think his secretary could be the leak, or want to know what Nina is doing to Connie. He seems unable to follow through on any thoughts that don't concern Julia.

David and Regina have turned completely idiotic and boring too boot. I have started to ff through their scenes.

I kinda think Eladio wants to go down. He has now brought into the company all of the people that can do just that. Isn't their an office in another city he can send Mari too to work? If he wants to play the good guy and give her a job can't it be somewhere else? And I'm sick of Caridad who can't see beyond her nose. You would have thought prison would have made her smarter to bs.
 

Sandy...Julia and Arturo have always had that lovely theme song (sounds vaguely Brazilian to me) and it's my favorite of all the music in this telenovela. But not liking the idea of them ending up together. Trying to remember if any notable themes songs have ended in failure. Simply don't know.
 

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This comment has been removed by the author.
 

JudyB, I remember Quiero Amarte had at least two "failed relationship" theme songs. Great songs too. Here's a Televisa Quiero Amarte "concert" with them. They have both couples come on stage and coochie coo with each other a bit, but in the show, their relationships were an epic fail.

Song #1 Reik -- Ven, Ven, Ven -- for Flavia and Ulises (that jerk!)
Song #2 -- Noel Schajris -- Cuando Amas A Alguien -- for Constanza and Salvador

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD0gXqXBHKE

Choppy video, but great music.
 

Hi Sandy, what an interesting question you posed.

I totally agree that Arturo and Julia being together at the present is wrong for many reasons. But the way they hugged, I felt a sense of relief and calmness emanating from both. Their faces reflected that they were in love and happy once upon a time. My inkling is that they would have been good together and for each other. But, timing is everything. Unfortunately (or fortunately) their timing could not be worse as virtually everyone in their lives is against their being together. While I believe (perhaps wrongly) Arturo might be able to give up everyone and everything for Julia, I do not think she will do the same.

I see Eladio on a self destructive, vengeful path that will leave little in its wake. It is just a question of who he will bring down with him.

Diana
 

Daniela was clearly screaming "Let go of me". So while Daniela was lying about her association with Assmore in general, at that particular moment Assmore forced himself on her.

If David swung by and started kissing Regina by force, even though they had been together in the past, that would not be ok and neither is Assmore forcing himself on Daniela.

However, Daniela has lied so many times in past, so these are part of the consequences of being a liar.

But then again, if Daniela is NEVER going to be trusted, why should she tell the truth?

At any rate, Daniela was screaming "Let go of me!" which brought Arturo in the room in the first place, he should have believed Daniela.

Perhaps if the baby is finally taken away from Connie, Miguel will understand how he has contributed to her problems.
 

Thanks Daniel. Loved the songs. Was familiar with the Reik song as I use them sometimes in class. My favorite song from the most recent Wm Levy telenovela was not the rippin' Cristina Aguilera theme (which become tiresome after a while) but the beautiful ballad Para Soñar sung as a duet by Daniela Romo and somebody. Wish American music were still as melodic as what they are turning out in the Latino studios.
 

Wow. All of you seem to want Consuelo to lose custody.

Although I don't comment on the music in my articles I think it always means something. If Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini were alive today they'd be working for Televisa.

The music for Arturo and Julia is sexy and sophisticated with that Brazilian jazz sound. The music for Regina and David always sounded optimistic.

The music in this series' confrontations sounds like it belongs in a Hitchcock film. There is one particular strain that sounds like it came out of Psycho. We can also predict character "exits" from music. The title music is disturbing, but does it somehow sound a little different in the last few episodes? I think its edge was toned down a little.
 

NovelaMaven, thank you so much for your wonderful recap. Most of my favorites lines have been mentioned and like Carlos I just love your verbal gymnastics. You seem to effortlessly go from one hilarious quip to another (for example David's stupidity, Nina's youthful appearance, and the discussion prompt - gratitude or disgust).

Welcome Daniel. Please do visit more often as we love to engage with other bloggers.

Sandy, Diana, Daniel, and JubyB regarding the music possibly foreshadowing Art and Julia coming together. The music does appear to be positive though like you all, I can't get fully behind their relationship (they're married, their kids). And as UA mentioned, both of them need time alone to heal especially Julia.

Eladio does seem on a course for self-destruction. Though he's horrible, there is a part of me that would have liked to see him be in a better place... perhaps thoughtful enough to sacrifice himself if someone harmed Julia.

Erick must be exposed and feel the full retribution of his evil
 

UA regarding Connie. I don't want her to lose custody as she is clearly the better parent but the writers seem to be stacking the deck in favor of Chimp Boy getting the child. If this is the case, it will make his downfall even bigger.
 

Agree Karen. I don't want Connie to lose custody either but it does seem the writers are going that way with Erick. I hope his anvil is big and heavy!
 

The fact that he and Nina are talking about bribing the judge is a bad omen, but if the transfer of cash to his account happens on Augustin's watch they will really have something to worry about. Nina doesn't know that Erick orchestrated the kidnapping and won't be happy about it when she finds out, but as soon as Arturo comes down on him I think she will defend him if only to vex Arturo.

We still need to know the truth about who moonlights for Orkin. We know that Erick went back to the apartment after everyone else left or he wouldn't have had the necklace, but we don't know what he really saw.
 

Haha, like that Urban, Orkin! I think Erick is an impulsive idiot who deliberately pushed the Ratt and caused her death but felt mighty bad afterwards.
 

Goodness...I'm not getting the idea that the commenters want Consuelo to lose custody. Not sure why you're getting that vibe, UA. I admit I'm not a Miguel fan and find that union very unattractive indeed, but I certainly want Consuelo to retain custody, no matter who's camped outside her door.
 

NovelaMaven---Your recap is as excellent as always and so was your zingy snark. I didn't take the time to write them down today as there has been so much to read lately but you know what ones went over big as they have been mentioned already several times over. I did especially like the Chimp Boy Erick peeling another banana line.

I didn't see any of the Oscar nominated movies that have been shown lately but I did see film clips from all of them and I must say that what I saw last night beat them all. Colunga and Gonzalez were both BETTER THAN GREAT. I was blown away by their acting.

Daniel---I got a BIG smile on my face from your circular firing squad idea. I'm still laughing . I never would have thought of that but I guess that it would be a quick way to get rid some of the disliked characters.

Ok, now I'm going to go against the grain---but that's ok because Carlos and I are going to have a nice lunch of hot spicy enchiladas and cold margaritas this weekend
to discuss the latest PyP issues.

Regina---Most of the patio is either abandoning Regina or wanting to forget her altogether. Not the gringo. (please don't get me mixed up with that other gringo Ashmore) Right now Regina seems to be going in the wrong direction. She is trying to avoid MORE conflict with her family or David's family. Well if she loved him???
Yah, yah, yah, I know. Good heart, but self sacrifice in trying to keep what little peace that there is left in the family however a bad decision. Anyway I am not going to abandon her,the gringo is in. Actually I see her as halfway to sainthood for having to put up with all the abuse that she withstood for her family through all of her growing up years. I don't know how she has come out of it as well as she has. And so I will be there to give the young goddess any help and encouragement that she may need.

Nina's greeting to Jorge couldn't have been any colder. That's really the way to show your love for your daughter. Greet her new boyfriend with the coldness that only LOVING MAMA Nina could show. Oh I know, Nina was just trying to save Jorge from being hurt by the snooty Montenegro's. I don't buy that line for a minute. I'm not a Jorge fan but I thought that Turtle Boy looked very nice at the event. Is he poor? No way. He's not wealthy but is well educated and has a good job so he needed
to be saved by Nina's coldness. I've got a bridge to sell, anyone interested?

The bruja's new look. LOL It looked to me like with the divorce proceedings in progress and her expenses being cut, Nina couldn't afford a trip to the beauty parlor so she did it herself with a brush and comb, nothing more. Her purple lipstick is all cone and so she's just plain ole Nina now. Looked divine? I was shaking my head.

Nandicta---A great write up yesterday.

must see tv
the gringo


 

UA,

"I'm not surprised that Nina and Erick are talking about bribing that judge..."

and NovelaMaven,

"Rueda tells her the judge wants more money to rule in Erick's favor."

I didn't hear the judge specifically ask Erick or Rueda for more money, and when Nina asked Rueda, "What's happening, Licenciado?" He replied, "In order to be able to win the judgement we have to move more money." It wasn't actually said that the judge was requesting a bribe. Now I'm not going to assert that Nina is above bribing a judge, but can't it possibly simply be a matter of legal proceedings being a costly process? As for bribery, Arturo has already been there, done that.

I'm super annoyed with creepy Miguel involving Petra in his little intrigue.

Carlos
 

How expensive could a legal proceeding be? Court costs in the US run a few hundred to a couple thousand, which would be chickenfeed to Nina and her ape child.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the gap between the rich and everyone else even wider in Mexico than in the US?
 

I don't think anyone "wants" Consuelo to lose custody of the baby and everyone can agree that she is the better parent.

HOWEVER, both she & Miguel have been told to stay away from each other while the divorce & custody are being worked out.

Miguel repeatedly ignores this and Consuelo encourages Miguel.

So if she loses custody, oh well because both she and Miguel have been told to stay away from each other until everything is settled and they don't do it. Connie is going up against a very powerful & wealthy family for custody of the baby. To ignore the sympathetic members of that family who WANT you to have custody over their blood family member, and to ignore the instructions of your attorney who knows how this family operates is stupid.

Connie, Miguel, stay away from each other until the divorce/custody is worked out. If you don't do you, you'll have to pay the price. The end.


 

Carlos---A matter of legal proceedings being a costly process? That's a stretch. Why would those costly legal proceedings be only one sided in order to gain custody?
I can't believe that I read that.

the gringo
 

I don't hate Regina but she's not a princess and whined and cried and yanked David around almost the whole time either to punish him, make herself feel better or for her amusement. I think less of David for allowing her to emotionally stiff arm him again and again and hope they do not end up together, for both their sake. I have noticed she doesn't treat Jorge like she did David. They don't argue, plenty of public displays of affection, shows him respect and a place by her side despite knowing her mother's displeasure. Maybe Regina has matured or maybe what she has with Jorge is love and David the transition guy to mistreat along with stickin it to Daniela.
 

Oh my. Legal proceeding are quite high particularly for high net worth individuals that want a divorce. Girl friend of mind just wrote a check for $170,000, well I mean, her ex husband will write a check for her portion of the divorce proceeding and children were not involved. He lost.
 

UA,

"How expensive could a legal proceeding be?"

Very.

Carlos
 

Fog


The Humster creeps in

on little cat wheels

pauses and silently observes his prey

snug in his woolen chrysalis

he excretes his venom

and quietly rolls on
 

Expensive or not, the judge wouldn't personally be asking for the money. If the judge says he needs more money than it can only be for one thing, bribery.
 

Carlos: considering that the judge is in Purple Lips' pockets, Erick will keep Jr., FOREVER!
 

Anon207: Arturo repeatedly warned both Connie & Miguel to stay away from each other for like months, but did they listen ? NOPE!

Their stupidity is just handing Jr., to Erick on a silver platter!
 

Thanks, NovelaMaven. You gave me a gift of laughter this afternoon. Among so many great lines, "A gringo scorned" is my favorite.

I can't stand the way Franco treats Gaby and his baby, but when Eladio laid him out Franco looked like a little school boy and I could picture the unease he felt as a kid when his "godfather" ranted at him.

Silly me, I actually thought Julia's blank stare was her figuring out Gaby's story about Marintia's baby was fishy. But, nope she's got too much Eladio and Arturo on the brain. I think this is why I cling to the hope of redemption for Dani. Dani has a working brain.

On the baptism fashions, Consuelo was pretty in white. Regina looked lovely and, for her, rather conservative. Nina's print was so busy -- didn't like it. But if anybody can pull it off, Nina can. As usual, Dani's dress was 1-2 sizes too small. Back at home, that green dress on Julia really brought out her hair and complexion.
 

Oh my what an eppy and what a recap simply dvine Novela, great work. Your wit and snark are masterful,thank you!

I thought FC really brought his A game in last nights ep. The range of emotions on display had me transfixed. My favorite was the office scene with Franco and Cari, as Eladio ripped dumb and dumber for their mishandling of Marintia. It only became more humorous when Gaby sauntered in to heap on more stupidity; and Eladio was basically "oh yes..please come join the stupid circle.. by all means. Franco give her the honorary seat!" I could not stop grinning through that whole scene. Franco smirking behind Gabi and then popping to attention after Franco called on him to speak..as Cari stepped back, suddenly not having any desire to chime in. Oh boy! I love FC!!

Petra was another delight..learning all about brrrunch.

Miguel just comes off as creepy and annoying. I do hopehe can be of someuse to this viewer and get the goods on Erick and Arturo for bribing the witness.

I cant believe Julia is now conflicted. If shes going to waffle then I want Eladio to move on. I want him to have all of her love and heart. That said, I dont believe for a moment Arturo is who she really will be happy with. The writers are mesding with us.

David dating Dani knowing the turmoil it caused before is an indication that he either doesn't care if he reunites with Regina or simply wants to hurt her in the worst way for rejecting him in front of her family.

 

Carlos, Carl Sandburg is rolling over in his grave LOL at your poem. Good work!
 

Oh my, forgive my poor manners, welcome to the patio Daniel! I enjoyed your comments,such great insights and humor.

On the matter of Consuelo,I dont think she deserves to lose her baby. Erick isn't fit to be a father. Still as mentioned up thread if she continues to see Miguel when advised not to then she is showing she doesnt care. Miguel stalking and showing up is the Arturo in him. The Montenegro men have boundary issues,
 

I'm so glad Nina, and really Arturo, have the ability to forget their difficulties and unite beautifully for Erik Jr.'s baptism. They both get credit for that! That unity is rare for divorcing couples. There is an undercurrent of long time love and comfort in the Montenegro family, both the parents and the children, and that was on full display at the beautifully planned and executed back yard baptism.

I have been kinda neutral on Miguel, but seeing him with his phone/camera spying in the shrubs was disconcerting.
 

Daniel,

Welcome to our little study group and thanks. I especially admire this:

"But you can’t keep a good personality disorder down..."

Excellent!

Sandy,

"There is an undercurrent of long time love and comfort in the Montenegro family..."

Well said. Not exactly a testament to 25 dreary dismal dysfunctional years... huh?

Carlos
 

Yes Carlos, the warmth and love in that scene was palpable.
 

Such fabulous comments, guys! Obviously I missed out on a great conversation today. Thank you to everyone for your kind and thoughtful words and sharp insights.

And Carlos Sandburg – our first PyP poetry! Wow! ¡Qué emoción! How perfectly you've captured the Humster in a few precisely chosen words. ¡Bien hecho!

BTW, you are absolutely right that we didn't hear the judge asking for a bribe, nor did we hear Rueda explicitly say that was why more money was needed. I only offer my interpretation of what I felt was strongly implied. I could certainly be wrong (I so often am.)
 

Felicidades, Carlos Sandburg! That's a perfect take on Humberto.

I don't see where court filing fees would be so high. Lawyers' fees, however...
 

Well, what about this:

Humpster Dumpster sat on a Wall
Humpster Dumpster had a great Fall
Bump Bump Bump all the way Down
The Staircase of Doom
No one could put Humpster Dumpster back together Again.

(Although they did manage to fix his HoverChair
and turn it into a Hoover.)

Sad, isn't it?

 

NovelaMaven--I so apologize, for not acknowledging your sterling contribution to the ongoing Family Feud. I was sure I had already commented way up top, but no, couldn't find my two Lovebirds. Been busy all day. Did some gardening.
 

Anita: Marinita should've stayed in Buenos Aires!
 

More verse! Yay! Loved your foray into nursery rhymes for our times, Anita! So glad you stopped by.

And while I'm at it, thank you also tofie, susanlynn, Carvivlie, Delilah, Niecie, Anon207, Karen and gringo (the good one, not the other one) for sharing your stories and opinions yesterday. You all have great voices, you know.
 

Steve--Maybe she should have stayed in BA. That's what she was told to do. But she creates more mayhem by coming back to GLA where no doubt she thought she'd collect more for passing GO. Her secret will soon be on everybody's lips, for sure.