Caray, Caray!

Good evening, my friends. Hope you enjoy the recap!
 

Thanks, Novelamaven. I hope that you had a good trip. AI am flattered that you had a thought of Judyb, Diana, and me as you and the mister were heading down the highway.

Hey, I thought the whole object of a divorce was so that you no longer had to see the person you were divorcing. I have totally had it with Julia. Hey, Hon, you divorced him, so you no longer have dibs on the guy. Like Regina, you are having a problem understanding the concept that once you drop someone, somebody else may come along and pick that someone up. C'est la vie, n'est-ce pas?

I must say that David and Dani look like they would be a lot more fun to double date with than Reg and Turtle, who seem to be no fun at all. However, it looks as though the fun part might be short-lived because Dani seems to be fighting to resist the demon rum, and we all know that ASsmore is going to cause more trouble.

Ever since someone mentioned the items on the shelves behind Eladio's desk, I find myself staring at that little white man doll or whatever it is. Maybe it is a voodoo doll of Art , and Eladio stuck a pin in the stomach and caused the ulcer flareup. My Uncle Ray had an ulcer. We would sit down to my mother's delicious meals , and poor Uncle Ray would be eating chicken breasts and baby peas.

One bright spot is that adorable bsby whom I refuse to call Erick, Jr.
 

Gracias, NovelaMaven.

I don't think Nina knows about Daniela's drug habit. We already know that neither Daniela nor her worthless brother tell her everything.

The reveal about Erick raping Consuelo happened sooner than I thought. I hope Augustin tells Arturo ASAP, hopefully before Erick runs home crying to Mommy.

Franco not wanting to have children with Gabriela? Has he decided to ditch her as soon as he has the controlling interest of GLA? Or is that not possible because Julia already does?

BTW, I removed two spam messages this morning from my recap, so watch for those. Another series is also being affected.
 

Oxymoron..."..the GENTLEMAN raped you."
 

Thank you NovelaMaven. Glad to have you back on The Patio and glad that AT&T and Univision have settled their differences.

I've just finished watching this one. Finally, it looks like PyP is picking up. We've had several episodes (I thought) with not much going on.

I too was surprised by Consuelo's reveal about the rape. The next episode should be a good one. I can't wait to find out what happens. Unfortunately, it looks like we'll have to wait until Monday. Tomorrow PyP will be preempted due to programming of Good Friday.

I loved your retelling of the Daniela and David "love scene". I agree- Ya Basta! Glad that we only had to see it on TV for a few seconds.

Nina wasn't at her best sending the magazine with the photos of her and Eladio to Julia. That's just a childish thing to do!
 

Mauricio, narcissists are mostly childish.

Franco getting called on the carpet in the office was a good one. He was a hair away from being caught with evidence of his financial scam. That shouldn't take too long, either.
 

Franco has stated outright to his mother that he's only with Gaby for the money and social status. He certainly doesn't love her and he's always making that very clear to Caridad - who still stupidly believes he's a "good guy." He's a jerk, but he's upfront about it. She, on the other hand, still pretends she cares for Gaby. Caridad is useless and gets on my nerves. Off with her head!

 

NovelaMaven welcome back! What a great recap! I love the detailed conversations and the way you illustrate the scenes. I could actually not watch the eppy and still completely see the character's moving in my head all by the way you describe things.

I have to say, I am grinning at Julia's obvious jealousy over Nina and Eladio. Poor thing, she let the man she truly loves go and now he's up for grabs! I didn't need that therapist to ask the question of whether Julia has lost interest in Arturo. The constant hounding and begging. Dude let it go! It was pretty plain to see that all he was, was a shoulder to cry on; someone to comfort her. The real passion was with Eladio. I'm tickled! #TeamEladioJulia

I feel myself really sad for Dani. It may be different perspective from others on the patio, but I really think Dani is trying to turn her life around. I think she has so many issues of neglect and low self esteem. I said this in yesterday's thread but I think Arturo must shoulder much of the blame for why his family is in shambles. He had ample opportunity to be a real father to all of those children. Nina is not all at fault for the neglect. It is the job of both parents to raise children in a healthy loving home. Being present for breakfast and dinner is hardly quality time. Arturo dropped the ball big time in bailing Erick out; it's a lesson that would have served the ape boy well. The biggest regret I think will be the way he bailed on his daughter when she needed him the most. That therapy could have been the one thing that would have truly forged the relationship Dani needed with her father and a healthier relationship with Nina. It may have been the one thing that would have saved Dani.

Regina/Turtleboy = Why are we tortured with this couple? I would have rather watched more of Justino/Clarita.

I wonder if all those extensions have put too much weight on Caridad's brain. Does she not have any brain activity going? How many times does Franco need to make it clear to her that he does not love Gaby? She is a meal ticket to him and always has been. Between Eladio and Franco, they could drop a clue wrapped around a brick on her foot and she wouldn't get it.


Well what do you know, Con finally spoke up. It's about time. *Slow golf clap*



 

No episode tonight because it's Good Friday.

Nina is to blame for the selfishness of her two prize brats. She enabled Daniela to avoid the therapy and kept that from Arturo. This is a grey area somewhat because Daniela was no longer a minor, but we also don't know if she had a drug habit before she was 18. We do know that she (and Erick) were emotionally abusing Regina and Miguel. Nina enabled that, too.

As I've kept saying, we can't hold Arturo to a parenting standard his culture doesn't expect of him.

Julia's upset because she thinks this means she meant nothing to Eladio. She had every reason to think this for 26 years. A six-month idyll could feel like a complete delusion after that.

As to Franco, just what is he planning to do now? He's been told he has a shot at getting the Gomez-Luna name so why didn't he wait about naming Martintia's son? Is he eventually planning to ditch her as well and if so, what will he do to try to get away with all the money (because we can be sure he is only using Marcos)?

Caridad is the most delusional of all the adults in this story. She got involved with Eladio and probably knew that Julia came from Old Money. That is a guarantee that he wasn't going to leave her even if he completely hated her. She was deceived by her own mother for 20 years about Franco and was in no position to do anything about it. She needed a shrink after getting out of prison and didn't go to one. She has even experienced Franco's cruelty, heard Marintia herself describe him as cruel and dangerous, and now still clings to her delusion that he is what she wanted him to be. She doesn't want to realize that she is doomed if she doesn't bail now.
 

NovelaMaven, utterly divine. I delighted in every word and inspired comment. Today's rain has now given way to sunshine due to your sensational summary.

I am not sure what brought you to Boston but it sounds as though there was sweetness and sadness. I am sending you a huge, heartfelt hug.

I was cutting and pasting almost everything you wrote and sadly had to pare my list of favorites down to: "Univisión and ATT have kissed and made up! Will any of the fools on the screen do the same?", "fulminating" (simply because it is a marvelous word), "reptilian fashion", "anemic reproach", "ineffectual dismay" and "treacly conversation".

Your conversation translations were perfect and greatly appreciated.

Like Urban and Mauricio, I was very surprised Connie revealed the truth. But, very, very happy. She needs to get away from Erick. Of course, I would say she needs to get her son away from him as well but as he has no interest and considers parenting "women's work" (blech), there is no need. Thankfully, the adorable tyke is being well taken care of by his family. I'm siding with susanlynn and refusing to refer to the dear one by his given name...:)

Delilah, I agree that both Arturo and Nina are partly responsible for Dani's situation. Indulged and spoiled, what was the presumed outcome? That she would suddenly blossom into a conscientious, responsible adult? Her healthy ego and always believing she would get who and what she wanted led her to make what may be a fatal error with Ashmore. A grown, self serving dangerous man is not as easily manipulated. I feel for her too and wonder (speculation only) if she will survive. As you noted NovelaMaven, "the two arrange to meet after she changes (which, when you think about it, is not likely to happen in the lifetime of either character)". I would like her to change and wish that opportunity for her. I cannot see Nina and Arturo losing two children but Erick's future is not looking too bright now either.

I agree that Julia is jealous and that Eladio was pleased. "Maybe he was attracted to her exquisite posture". Well, I must say, I thought she looked positively regal last night! She certainly listened to her mother when she told her to sit up straight.

"Is that it? Or is it that you've simply lost interest in him?" Yes! I agree with the therapist. I think initially, Julia saw Arturo as a savior from her abusive life with Eladio. She remembered their love but then realized for whatever unfathomable reason, she still loved her husband. I still say their murky past may not be able to be overcome. While much can be forgiven, sometimes a broken heart can never fully heal to the degree that we need it to.

I get more confused with each passing episode as to how this is going to end. I predict an explosive confrontation when Eladio finds out Franco's treachery. Gaby is going to be devastated.

Wishing all peace on Good Friday and a happy and joyous Easter.

Diana
 

So I dipped my toe back into an episode last night and I get a NM amazing recap to boot the next day!! Hope you had a wonderful trip and welcome back.

I swear, if Arturo doesn't kick Erick OUT of the company, the house, the charge cards and whatever else he's supporting that sorry collections of cells with after he finds out what that cretin did, he needs that ulcer to explode. Nina as well...enough is enough. Are they both to blame to some extent, yes, but as an adult that idiot had the ability to grow up and try to get his act together. He should NEVER be allowed to touch that child again.

What we don't see in Erick, we are seeing in Dani, and I have to say, there are snippets of encouraging behavior with her. I don't think she's yanking David's chain on how she feels, but I do wish she had been honest about the Assman. If she had told David in the contexts of he was one of my past major screw-ups but I'm trying to change, I think he would be apt to listen. To be honest, those two together are more interesting to watch then he was with Gina. I just worry that to appease the TN cliche gods and get the predictable couple back, Dani becomes dispensable or a target for a disaster. Too bad if she's really trying.

Speaking of Gina, maybe it's Michelle, because she started getting on my last nerves in Sombra, but she appears so immature when she's with Slobber boy (I'm sorry, I caught the scene the other day with the kissing...good lord. That was just...Ok go to happy place and delete image. ) Anyway, with her slobbering with Turtle Dee, and David doing the horizontal with Dani...how do we put those two back together and buy into it?

I can't with Julia...just can't. And frankly with the way all these younger generation people have been messed up...why should ANY of the adults get a happy ending?

Daisynjay
 

There have been novelas in the past that didn't have happy endings. I wonder if Televisa is actually thinking about doing that again.

There are enough episodes left for the writers to correct at least some of these situations. Based on past behavior by the writers at this network we are only guaranteed that Erick and Franco will go down (not necessarily in flames). Franco (Should we start calling him Rank-o?) will take a bunch of people with him. Erick will not go down alone either because of his accomplice in the kidnapping.

Since David boinked Daniela again I would definitely want Regina to tell him to hit the road if he came back for her again.
 

Welcome back NovelaMaven. We always miss your delicious recaps. And thanks for the discreet shout-out as you traveled to Boston. Yes, husbands tend to take a dim view of all that, especially when they're driving. Sorry that the visit was bitter sweet. I'm having a number of bitter sweet visits myself this year, so I empathize.

Lots of gems to savor in this recap:

The shoot ends and the two arrange to meet after she changes (which, when you think about it, is not likely to happen in the lifetime of either character).

That was probably my favorite. You say so much with so few words, but lots of other little delights as well:

Franco reacts in his usual reptilian fashion.

I've been reading about the reptilian brain lately and it certainly is a nasty piece of work. I'd like to pretend my neocortex overrules MY reptilian brain, but alas, that red-eyed slavering tooth and claw fellow is still back there and invades with some truly UNKIND thoughts. Franco's reptilian brain is certainly in the driver's seat right now. As in...

he has work to do, souls to destroy, empires to bring down.

Another favorite, just because it recalls my long ago reporter days was [Caridad] buries the lead.

I can remember my editor remonstrating with me when I left the most interesting part of the crime story in the third paragraph. Get it up front! And so from then on I did.

Marcos the Boughten Accountant. Love it. But finally, on reflection, for some strange reason, my winner in today's NovelaMaven recap bracket is

Eladio smells a rat. In a cardigan.

Ah Humberto. Normally I despise villains but he's been a bright spot in this shambles of marital and non-marital pain. The old codger is never ever confundido. He keeps his eye on the ball, quickly makes the next best move to reach his goals, and is a marvel of focus and concentration. He certainly has his strong points.

As do you, wonderful humorist and recapper par excellance. Enjoyed every word.
 

I wonder if the statement from Gina on not wanting kids and to focus on her career is a hint that there is no cliched ending in the books with her David. I just can't see it at this point. I don't really dislike either of them, their young, each thinks the other is now out of the loop for their future and they are moving forward and having fun. So okay...Happens a lot with "first loves" and I don't think that means it should be regarded as an "unhappy ending". I still hold out hope sometimes that TN's be a bit more realistic in how relationships evolve and wind up among the characters.

Right now the ONLY one I want to go down and hard is Erick. Franco is an idiot, but he's living the example he was showed. He needs more a good spanking and busted down to delivering pizzas more than anything else. And Gaby the Sorrowful move on to whoever...I think they still plan it to be Augustin. That random meet cute sort of indicated that.

Judy, can I just say your comments often are a gem in themselves to read.

Daisynjay


 

As are yours, Daisynjay.

Sorry Purdue got eliminated so early. They busted my bracket but so did a lot of other folks. This has not been a great year for the Big 10!
 

It's a joy reading the comments today. They remind me of why we keep showing up here. Thank you all for hanging out on The Patio today!

Trying to analyze the characters here gets a bit slippery because the writers keep tweaking them as they go along to make the show more marketable and more palatable. The Eladio we saw at the beginning – an explosive misogynist and an unscrupulous predator in the corporate jungle – has very little connection to the rather nuanced and sympathetic character we see now. And Nina is no longer the cartoonish trophy wife, but rather a deeply flawed but loving person who is striking out because she has been so badly hurt. I try to take the story as it appears at any given time without dwelling too much on past plot lines that the writers themselves seem to have not so much forgotten about as abandoned.

I appreciate your kind words, my friends. I'm glad to be back.
 

Susanlynn,

"One bright spot is that adorable bsby whom I refuse to call Erick, Jr."
Hahaha! I don't know if you noticed, but I couldn't bring myself to call him that either. I keep hoping they'll change his name.

I think you're right that Julia and Regina are behaving very similarly in rejecting their "true loves" and then agonizing over the situation they themselves created.

I like that you picked up on the oxymoron. The judge could have said "este hombre" but chose to use the more polite "el señor." It's hard to capture exactly in English. But yeah. "The gentleman raped you." Ugh.
 

What a great comment, NovelaMaven.

I certainly think the writers chose the more interesting storytelling route. It's rare to see characters in a novela destined for villain status turn out far more nuanced instead. I mean you have villains that turn to the side of good, but this is different. And I do think it's almost like a different novela because as you said, the writers decided to make the show and characters more palatable. I mean Nina wanted to force Regina to marry a guy who cheated on her with her sister and had absolutely no love for her, and she clearly does now.

-Annie
 

Urban, I agree that Nina likely is unaware of Dani's drug use, though she certainly knows about her fling with Ashmore.

To me, Franco seemed unfazed by Eladio's reproaches. He seemed quite pleased with himself and his prospects after that conversation.

A happy ending? I'm not sure what that would look like in this context. Justice?

Mauricio
I thought the story picked up nicely last night too. And like you, I was surprised by Consuelo's reveal at the end of the episode. The Chimp is going down – finally!

That was a childish prank that Nina pulled. Fanny seems to bring out the Mean Girl in Nina, doesn't she?

Delilah
I really enjoyed your comment. I'd also love to see Julia and Eladio together, though I fear the Marintia/Baby Secret will shatter all hopes of reconciliation. (I'd like to be wrong about this.)

Yeah, Regina and Turtle Boy aren't much fun. Me, I rather like Justino and Clara. I'm having a hard time reading Daniela. Still, I believe you're right – There are signs that she is trying to turn her life around. But evil Ashmore is determined to take her down.

I have a problem with Caridad too.

"Between Eladio and Franco, they could drop a clue wrapped around a brick on her foot and she wouldn't get it."
Yup. :-)
 

Your recaps are wonderful works of wordsmithery! We have an expression in Arabic to praise something that is exquisitely crafted, it translates as: "the hand that created this should be wrapped in silk". Your hand should be wrapped in silk, NovelaMaven. Thank you.

Have a peaceful and joyous Easter, Patio Pals! Love and light to all! :)
 

Gosh NovelaMaven you are really, really good at this.

"And Caridad offers her usual anemic reproach for his cruelty, which he brushes aside like an annoying cloud of gnats"

"But Arturo's words don't seem to have dented that coconut shell that is Erick's head"

Oh my, the best part of the show was when Petra mentioned domesticated Dani to Regina.

The only reason Julia gets worked up over Eladio is he stopped begging. Same with Regina over David. If Eladio was begging, Julia would be all over Art and if David was still begging, Regina would be accepting a ring from Jorge and pickin baby names. The converse is also true. Art begs and Julia loses interest, Jorge begs, Regina yawns and yearns for Davey.

 

Diana
Thank you so much for your lovely words.



I'm ready for anything in this story, but I would absolutely hate it if Franco emerged unscathed. (Could the "dinosaurs" Arturo and Eladio wipe each other out and leave the way free for Franco? Man, I hope not. That might put me off telenovelas for good. Whatever else may happen, I count on these things to be morality plays, at heart, with good winning over evil.)

Daisynjay
I'm delighted that you chose to take another look at this crazy show precisely on "my" night. And let me echo JudyB by saying that your comments are certainly worth the price of admission.

"To be honest, [David and Dani] are more interesting to watch then he was with Gina. I just worry that to appease the TN cliche gods and get the predictable couple back, Dani becomes dispensable or a target for a disaster."
I suspect that Dani is toast. Sigh. At this point, however, I don't much care who Regina ends up with.
 

Thank you so much, JudyB!

Yes, the visit definitely had an elegiac feel to it, something you are, sadly, quite familiar with. Still, it was satisfying and felt right.

"I've been reading about the reptilian brain lately and it certainly is a nasty piece of work."
Hah. Maybe we need to reframe the problem in this post Judeo-Christian tale in terms of neuroanatomy rather than psychobabble.

"Ah Humberto. Normally I despise villains but he's been a bright spot in this shambles of marital and non-marital pain."
Indeed. I hope the actor gets some professional recognition after this is done. He steals nearly every scene he's in!
 

Good morning, PatioPeeps. I enjoyed reading all the comments!

Daisynjay...Frankie needs a spanking. I am not volunteering for that job. I think that Eladio is going to give him more than a spanking when he discovers whatbhevhas been doing. He is just too surly and too pretty for his own good.

Judyb..Sorry about your team, but Hubba tells me that our local team Villanova is doing verra well. My roommate from college lives near Villanova and got her master's there . The only time I watch the games is when we go to our favorite Diner . They always have sports on the TV.

I have noticed that Art and Eladio look pretty much the same , but the wives have changed their appearances. Julia's dresses seem to be getting much tighter, and she is wearing a lot of mother-of-the-bride type dresses..lots of lace. I find her outrage at the thought of Eladio with another woman bizarre. Hey, you divorced him. Do you expect him to live like a monk foir the rest of his days? Look at him. He is a babe magnet. Nina has a new hairdo and her lipstick choices have been a bit more subtle. I am amazed at the way these two are always dressed to the nines, hair styled, and makeup perfect as I am doing laundry, makiPetrats of chili, and cleaning dead leaves off the patio in my flip-flops and jeans . I can relate more easily to Petra.

We need a name for that adorable baby.
 

Annie

Thanks for stopping by to comment. I'm glad you think what I wrote makes sense.

"I mean Nina wanted to force Regina to marry a guy who cheated on her with her sister and had absolutely no love for her, and she clearly does now."

Yes, exactly! I think some of the disagreements around here stem from the fact that we aren't all talking about the same characters.

Nandicta
You are so generous! Thank you! And best wishes to you!

Tofie, Thanks so much!

"Oh my, the best part of the show was when Petra mentioned domesticated Dani to Regina."
It WAS good, wasn't it? Petra is another one that routinely steals whatever scene she's in. I don't usually enjoy the cornball "comic relief" in these melodramas, but the Petra/Samanta character really shines, as does the actress who plays her.
 

Yeah, Judy, not the year of the Big Ten. I didn't expect our Boilers to go far, but expected far better out of Michigan State. I rather got out of the whole March Madness this year.

"I have noticed that Art and Eladio look pretty much the same". As always, we're always on the same track Susanlynn. They have never relaxed their look, with every step forward on redemption, they take a step back. When Eladio even threatens he'll kill someone still, there is still too much an inherent mean guy still under there, no different than Arturo's sense of privilege and ego. No wonder they don't get along...they are two of a kind, just go through their actions in different ways.

Daisynjay
 

Welcome back NovelaMaven!!! Always a great recap from you.

I ff thru all of Dani and David's scenes so I appreciate the recap. I just can't stand either of them, especially David.

I was surprised Julia went off on Eladio again. Doesn't she remember the last time she went off was when she caught him coming out of Caridads. She felt really horrible for jumping to conclusions and she just did it again. The fact that Nina sent her the magazine should have been a red flag that Eladio could have been set up.

Surprised Connie told judge about the rape but does she have proof? She never went to the hospital for a rape kit. Does she have pics of bruising etc.? It just seems like it will be her word against his and how does that help her?





 

Oh and how I love that baby!! I just want to eat him up!!!
 

Daisynjay...Exactly!!! I had Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen, altho' thought they would lose after that. One of my sons-in-law runs a family Bracket Challenge, otherwise, I'd have little interest this year either. (But I'm sooo competitive. It's that dang reptilian brain again.)

Susanlynn..."my team" isn't even in the NCAA this year. Well, not the men anyway. Our gals are in but have suffered two key injuries to players. One a season ending one. (Are you yawning yet?)

Nandicta...Thank you for that lovely phrase in Arabic. "the hand that created this should be wrapped in silk". That is exquisite. Pure poetry. Language really is music isn't it. And can heal or harm, just by the words spoken.

Our NovelaMaven always heals...with her humor, her tact and her grace. Wrapped in silk indeed.
 

Tofie..heh..."that coconut shell that is Erick's head"..yes..that!!!. Liked it..loved it..want some more of it. I still maintain that dumb is dangerous.

Daisynjay, yes, you and I often seem to be on the same page while we are watching telenovelas unfold. The two alpha males never even take their jackets and ties off. Well, at least we are spared seeing either of them wearing the cardigan causally over their shoulders. I really hate that look..put it on..or take it off. David, at least, wears those sweaters.


 

Nandicta...I have noticed that my Arabic speaking students are often very poetic in their writing and comments. After teaching American students , it is a little surprising.
 

Thank you, Carvivlie.

"I was surprised Julia went off on Eladio again. Doesn't she remember the last time she went off was when she caught him coming out of Caridads. She felt really horrible for jumping to conclusions and she just did it again."

Nice point. Nobody in this story seems to be good at learning from past mistakes.

I also worried about Consuelo's credibility. But she did tell Clara after it happened and several people did notice a marked change in her mood and behavior. I guess we'll find out on Monday...

JudyB, Aw. I don't deserve it, but I'll take it :-) You're right about Nandicta's phrase – it is exquisite.
 

Arturo and Eladio look the same because men's clothes don't change much. Although I think Eladio is wearing a little more color than before.

What I find interesting is their hotel suites are so different. Eladio's is all in cool colors and Arturo's is in warm colors.

Erick must have bribed or bullied someone to write his college term papers.
 

Thank you, NovelaMaven. Love your recaps. I just lurk most of the time.

UA, "Erick must have bribed or bullied someone to write his college term papers" - I agree ... I think it was Nina who "helped him with his homework!"

Maybe (just saying ) Franco, Marintia, and Caridad will take the baby for a family outing and be involved in a horrible accident where only the baby will survive. Gabriela will adopt him, name him after her father, and live happily ever after with Agustin. Why not, TN Gods? You allow all kinds of other ridiculousness, after all.

Sammy
 

There has been worse.
 

WOW!!! What a surprise today, NovelaMaven and her fantastically great writing is back. Now that's worth getting up for. Forget the coffee, give me Novela's great lines. That will make a morning like nothing else will, not even good coffee.

Franco has work to do, souls to destroy, empires to build.

She doesn't actually call Eladio's boy a smelly green mass of algae, but we know she's thinking it.

The hotel room, Dani y David, a flower petal drawn slowly over a bare back and shoulder, a lip bitten. Basta.

But Arturo's words don't seem to have dented that coconut shell that is Erick's head.

There's more but I don't want to take up half of the blog. Thanks Novela.

Why does the only gringo in the show have to be the bad guy, AKA the evil gringo? Damn!

It was mentioned that the writers probably wouldn't let Nina loose two of her children. That could be true and if it is, Erick's going down.

Ending---I don't want to see Julia end up with Arturo although I know that might happen. What I would like to see though is old coot Humberto living it up at the gambling tables tn Las Vegas. Luis Bayardo would play that to the hilt.

Another good one suggested by Susanlynn would be Franco busted down to delivering pizzas. I'm still laughing at the thought of that happening.

Carvivlie---I'm afraid that you may be right about the rape, it's her word against his. There was no proof other than Consuelo told Clara about it. Will that count? I'm not so sure.

Waiting for Monday's must see tv.
the good gringo

 

Sammy
You're welcome! I'm delighted that you decided to come out of lurkdom on my watch. I hope you feel free to stop by often.

Your scenario for Franco et al sounds pretty plausible, if you ask me. (Or at least that's what my ancient reptilian brain thinks – I haven't checked with my neocortex. :-)) And as Urban has said, we've seen worse. A lot worse, actually. There was Kendra being mauled by wolves (or were they coyotes?) on Amores verdaderos, and then there was Issabela Camil's character being buried alive in Abismo de pasión, just to name a couple.

I've also been thinking that Gaby will end up with the kid. Is it wrong to worry about his genetic load? Nah, not when we're using our primitive brain.
 

Aw thanks, gringo! You know that nobody around here would ever confuse you with that nasty piece of work, Peter Ashmore :-)

I suspect that the only way we'd see Julia and Arturo together is locked in misery and regretting their losses. That might be a realistic ending, but who says we come here for realism? I sure don't.
 

Wonderful to read that, thanks NovelaMaven! Especially because I haven't had the opportunity to watch this episode. As soon as I get home, I'm on it!

When I read - The conversation quickly shifts to the Problems of the Pouty Princess, whose heart is breaking at the thought of D y D at the beach together.

I immediately rolled my eyes. I didn't realize that I had done that as a knee jerk reaction until they dropped back down from under my lids. I'm so over her. You broke up with him. Not because he cheated. He didn't abuse you. He didn't die. All he did was love you from the top of your head to the dirt on your feet and you simply said, your mother is a whore so I can't be with you anymore.

Cry me a river! I'm pulling out my rowboat for these stupid tears.



 

NovelaMaven,

What a nice surprise to have a NovelaMaven recap to enjoy today. As usual you work your distinctive magic with words. I'm in awe. Favorites:

"The Evil Gringo*..."

"[*No, dear gringo, not you.]"

"But enough about you. Let's talk about me."

"Baby turtles? Not in the foreseeable future."

Cynderella, UA, and AuntyAnn,

Thanks for your excellent recaps earlier in the week. Even though I was unable to comment until today, I enjoyed your recaps immensely. I lost my internet access until the ATT guy came out yesterday afternoon. My wireless internet was knocked out because someone cut a wire down at the end of the road. Strange, huh?

I hope those of you who insist that Nina is incapable of love are paying attention to the way she is responding to Bebrick. She fairly dotes.

By the way, say what you will about Erick, he sure makes pretty babies. And I think that perhaps we all should be cutting him some slack, after all, he was severely brain-damaged in that awful wreck. It's amazing that he can even walk and talk. Neurological followup anyone?

Am I the only one who thought it was suspicious that Agustín bumped into Gabriela as he just happened to be strolling by the hospital? I smell a stalker.

Carlos
 

Kendra

"Cry me a river! I'm pulling out my rowboat for these stupid tears."

Ooh, I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one who gets cranky around the Pouty Princess. And I very much appreciate your kind words. Thanks!
 

I don't think Augustin is stalking Gabriela. He probably had a business reason to be in that area. But I still don't see what he sees in her. She needs to lose the Wednesday Addams look.

Bebrick (and I hope Consuelo changes his name at the end) has Consuelo's DNA and we need to see Ape Child as a throwback. Regina and Daniela got their parents' good looks, but there is never a guarantee of that. They just won the genetic lottery and Erick didn't. I once heard that one of the Gabor sisters had an ugly daughter and trust me, I know how that daughter must have felt.
 

Carlos

It's so good to see you here today. Thanks so much for your gracious and generous comment. Cut wires cutting off your wireless connection, huh? I'll have to think about that one. In any event, I'm glad the problem has been resolved.

"By the way, say what you will about Erick, he sure makes pretty babies. And I think that perhaps we all should be cutting him some slack..."

And I always thought the patron saint of lost causes was St. Jude. Turns out it's St. Carlos. Hey, it's true the boy ain't right, but it's also true that he ain't never been right.

Am I the only one who thought it was suspicious that Agustín bumped into Gabriela as he just happened to be strolling by the hospital?"

Well yes, I believe you are. I'm very fond of Agustín and I think he and Gaby could be quite happy together.
 

UA,

"I don't think Augustin is stalking Gabriela."

NovelaMaven,

"I'm very fond of Agustín..."

So do either of you think there's a chance that Agustín might coincidentally suddenly need to make a trip to San Diego?

Carlos
 

I hope not but you know how these things thrive on coincidence.

He might do that if he somehow finds out about the movement of shares of GLA, but Gabriela wouldn't listen to him.
 

Well, Carlos, if Agustín did happen to bump into Gaby in San Diego, he'd be much better company than the odious Franco.

I'm mostly concerned about the San Francisco trip as a ploy to get Gaby far away while he sells her father's factory out from under her.
 

oops. I meant San Diego. I get so confused...San Diego, San Francisco, San Carlos...
 

Carlos, Glad that you are reconnected and back in the loop.

I like Auggie. I like the premature gray look despite the rather odd hairstyle..obviously since Hubba had a streak of white in his black hair when he was a teen....and completely white by his late thirties. Let's face it, Auggie has been putting out fires for Art in the business and family ever since this telenovela started. He evidently is gaga for Gaby. He deserves a happy ending. Maybe he can even finally make her smile? To each his own .
 

Novelamaven...Yes, we are all waiting for the other shoe(S) to drop. Forgive me. I couldn't help it. I have had a rather bizarre day, I unexpectedly had to have a fractured molar pulled...my first tooth pulled...ever. I feel a little wonky...and numb.
 

HAHAHA!

Yowza, that sounds very unpleasant, Susanlynn, but it appears you're feeling no pain. I hope you have something to tide you over when the numbness wears off.
 

Novelamaven. I have the sweetest, kindest dentist..Dr. John. I was using mindfulness and had my eyes closed every time he came back into the room after a shot of Novocaine. He told me to drink lots of cool liquids...tea, water, wine, beer...I kind of wish I had gotten around to buying that Drambuie that Carlos recommended for the premiere of Outlander. Que lastima..no alcohol in the house so it is water and iced tea for me, and Hubba just got me a chocolate milkshake...such a galan.
 

Hello guys I've been watching this program since it began and I've been lurking on this site to see the funny comments and whether they are in line with what I've been thinking and I've not been disappointed. This novela had the potential to be a good one but the writers screwed up big time especially with Regina and David...as for Regina, I feel her punishment for making such a stupid decision in breaking up with David should be to leave the rest of her life next to boring Jorge

Olise
 

Welcome to The Patio of Lowered Expectations, Olise! I'm glad you decided to step out of the shadows to join us today.

"as for Regina, I feel her punishment for making such a stupid decision in breaking up with David should be to leave the rest of her life next to boring Jorge"

heehee. That's the spirit!

I have to admit that for all its flaws, I'm still enjoying this one. Anyway, I hope we see you around here again.

Susanlynn, no alcohol in the house? Oh dear. I guess it's mindfulness and sympathy... and chocolate. Take care, amiga.
 

maybe it's Michelle, because she started getting on my last nerves in Sombra, but she appears so immature when she's with Slobber boy

I share the same feeling Daisynjay. As lovely as the actress is, she fails to convince me in her pairings. I find myself thoroughly enjoying David/Dani together. There's chemistry and a lightness that was missing w/David/Regina.


Do you expect him to live like a monk for the rest of his days? Look at him. He is a babe magnet

Oh yes! I don't know how Julia was able to restrain herself when she confronted him in the office about the leaked magazine photos. FC is sexy on a stick!

Trying to analyze the characters here gets a bit slippery because the writers keep tweaking them as they go along to make the show more marketable and more palatable. The Eladio we saw at the beginning – an explosive misogynist and an unscrupulous predator in the corporate jungle – has very little connection to the rather nuanced and sympathetic character we see now. And Nina is no longer the cartoonish trophy wife, but rather a deeply flawed but loving person who is striking out because she has been so badly hurt. I try to take the story as it appears at any given time without dwelling too much on past plot lines that the writers themselves seem to have not so much forgotten about as abandoned.

Perfectly stated! I think it's easy to put characters in a box and expect that they'll stay there. This TN especially did a wonderful job of letting Nina and Eladio evolve through experiences instead of keeping them as mustache twirling villains. As I watch Nina lately I think the best accessory they ever gave her to carry was that baby (who is simply too precious) I think both Fernando and Marlene are to be commended for making this must watch tv.

Kendra, Were you and I separated at birth? First we share the same opinion of being over helpless Consuelo and now the pouty princess Regina.

Welcome to the patio, Sammy and Olise *waving*

SusanLynn, I hope you feel better.


 

NovelaMaven: Thank you very much for the recap!

Delilah: Connie revealing that Erick raped her during the custody hearing wasn't shocking!

Kirby: Dani & David sleeping together again! WOW! He just can't help himself!

Arturo living in a hotel suite ? I can't see him living there down the road when all Hell breaks loose!


 

Steve, For me it was surprising because from my perspective she has never stood up for herself where Erick is concerned. She has always allowed herself to be manipulated or brow beaten into doing what he wants, even after the divorce. I hope this judge listens and isn't persuaded to by Erick's b.s.

Felices Pascuas! To all of the patio. I have put together baskets for my two grandchildren and we have cartons of cascarones ready to go. Unfortunately it's expected to be the usual soggy weather here in Portland, so most likely indoors is where we'll do our hunt/cascaron cracking. Thank goodness for the vacuum cleaner.
 

NovellaMaven, great recap. Very detailed. Actually better than the episode. Now, these characters seem to be getting more and more.....lets see whats the word....O yeah NUTS. How do you go through life lookin at yourself as being better than anybody else, when some of the things you're doin is worst, or just as bad as the person you're accusing?

Arturo, purposely destroys his marriage, and his daughters relationship for a woman who actually don't want him anymore. I don't think shes all that confused, she knows she wants eladio, cuz lets face it, she just not into artty anymore. And why wasn"t he that determind all those years ago when he was supposedly in luuuurve with juls, O I know, he was busy running around on her. Hes tryin to relive the glory days. Jackass. Jerk. He looked so stupid standin therer holding a champagne bottle. And now his ulcers are acting up. Juls burst his bubble. He brought It on himself. Jerk.

As jerky as eladio is hes lookin better than him.

Franco's an ass. Poor silly blind gaby. Is she really that blind? She needs a wakeup call. Cuz hubby is screwing her royally, no hes doin that to the mouthbreather, hes just makin a fool out of gaby. I'd like to wipe that smug look off his face. He and erick could be brothers, they're the nasty spawn. Of two stupid fathers.

Yaaaay, we get a brake for the holiday. Happy Resurrection holiday patio people!!!!☆♥☆♡★♥♡☆





 

Oh Nina! Hilarious...you want to tell us how you really feel about Arrrturro? *wink*

By the way, I can't stand him. I feel exactly as you do. He professed to love Julia so much and was judging Eladio. Yet who was the one who broke her heart on the eve of the wedding? Who is the one ditching his faithful wife so easily to chase another man's wife? If I were Julia, I'd wonder if Art did this to her all those years ago and now so easily ditches Nina, what would he do to Julia in several years after deciding he wanted another woman? or perhaps Nina again?

Art is as you say..a jerk/jackass.
 

I really hate this argument but how can Eladio be better than Arturo after having raped Julia multiple times, denying paternity of their son, abusing both emotionally and holding her prisoner for 25 years?

If you can swallow the truly dangerous fantasy that a few sessions with a shrink can fix that you have to believe that Arturo has changed over the past 26 years. He married the woman he knocked up and was a faithful husband to the shallow and narcissistic second wife all that time. All four of these people are emotionally damaged for their different reasons and so are all their children. However, none of this excuses the crimes committed by Erick and Franco.

Gabriela must be truly delusional to believe that Franco is a faithful husband knowing that he was raised by Eladio. She saw a lot of this while growing up. However, it is Ultimas Semanas so we will soon see this come to light. What Franco is doing is potentially worse because he is also cheating on Gaby with Marintia. But she will find out a lot sooner than Julia found out about Eladio.
 

Cloud of gnats....awesomeness! I can't think like that. Your style is great!
 

UA I am on board with you. "Last telenovela year", Eladio was beating a man in a warehouse with Callao. Eladio is the type of psycho that need jail or drugs. He's even grabbed the psychiatrist a few times. Art is the best choice of the worst.
 

Eladio created Franco. Eladio reared him to be ruthless and included his son in ALL of his shady deals. Franco is evil, but Eladio wanted him that way. Eladio asked Dave to romance Gina for industrial espionage purposes.

Art neglected his kids because he had to work. Someone in a family has to work in order for a family to eat. Art has never (I don't recall), tried to pimp out one of his kids. Art did not force his kids or train them to engage in criminal activity. He indulged them, but he is not like Eladio. I don't like Art and I am not defending him. I'm comparing the two evils.
 

Eladio = nut job. There is no way that a few sessions can cure that. If Julia reunites with Eladio, this show will piss me off. He's just "Crazy Walking Around in a Suit". That's all he is.
 

BTW, here is a discussion we had a while back about whether novelas need to have happy endings. I'm not sure how many episodes are left but if they're doing a 2-hour finale in Mexico I hope they don't break that up here. It makes the second hour so anti-climactic.
 

NovelaMaven, welcome back! Such a delight reading your prose this morning. My faves:

Franco reacts in his usual reptilian fashion

Maybe he was attracted to her exquisite posture

Some of the things she [Nina] says are actually true. Can you tell which ones?

So Franco is gonna show he's a better man than Eladio by owning up to his baby and creating a new business (with Eladio's money) in his own name Herrera, like Eladio did with his mentor's money when the man died suddenly leaving all his holdings to him. Franco is done begging for the GL name. I get Franco's resentment of Eladio, Humberto, and even Julia and his annoyance with Caridad. But Gaby has never been anything but loving to him, so what he's doing to her is colmo. I've never thought of Franco as violent (the hit on Erick was in retaliation only), but now I'm worried about how he plans to leave Gaby and keep all her wealth too.

Consuelo blurting out the rape seemed realistic to me. She had no plans to tell, but her humiliation and Erick sitting smugly in the meeting got the best of her. Good job, Altair.

David is no prize -- he sees Dani is more into him than he is into her (she's saying "querer" while he says nothing). Dani is trying too hard to please him, rather than being herself. Agree with those who say she should've come clean about Ashmore. It wasn't a crime (save for the nose-hits), and young, frisky David should understand having a freaky fling. If David and Regina are to be together in the end, Dani is "inconvenient" in TN land and that's sad.

The only real hero here is Miguel. He will sacrifice anything for Consuelo's happiness.

Bravo, Nina! Mailing the magazine was childish, but most would be in deep depression after a spouse of 25 years announces he was in love with someone else all that time. Nina keeps her spunk no matter what. And I get a kick out of perfect Julia having her nose tweaked.
 

Niece,

"...the hit on Erick was in retaliation only..."

Perhaps, but he fully intended and specified for it to be lethal... maybe just a tad overkill?

"Nina keeps her spunk no matter what."

Just one of the reasons I enjoy her so much.

Carlos
 

Carlos - True, Franco has always tried to be an overachiever.
 

Definitely overkill. If he really has given up on getting his name recognition Franco is learning -- too late -- that living well is the best revenge.

It will be interesting to see whether he has planned what to do when Eladio realizes what he's done. He can't expect that Eladio won't retaliate. He has to expect a major scandal. He can't expect much public sympathy, and if the truth about Eladio and Julia's marriage ever came out Eladio won't get any, either.

Just as I typed that it occurred to me that this truth is something that Franco can blackmail Eladio with. However, will that be enough?
 

Niecie..yeah..I am amazed that sitting next to that Neanderthal, Connie was able to keep herself from hitting him right on that coconut shell head with something large and damaging. Someone has to wipe that smarmy satisfied smirk off his face soon. I could only tolerate him when he was comatose.
 

Niecie,,I also appreciated your "young, frisky David" and the "freaky fling." Fabulous , fantastic, funny, and fitting, friend .I think that Dani has had plenty of freaky flings. Now, she seems very into frisky, risky , out-of-his-cardigan Dave. It appears to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood for Dani.
 

Delilah.. I have to ask..What is a cascarone? This area is the home of Peeps. So that's what is in our Easter baskets.
 

Delilah...Thanks for the well wishes . I actually never felt bad. I have the best dentist. He is so skillful and compassionate. Well, Hubba and I am off to breakfast with friends. Later, Gators.


 

Susanlynn - "frisky, risky, out-of-his-cardigan Dave" -- lol
 

NovelaMaven, welcome back! I must say have been looking for an expression to describe my husband’s reluctance to see my point of view at times, maybe a head as “hard as coconut shell” is the answer! But, I’m afraid if use this clever expression in our next “discussion,” I might see it looped right back at me, because he can’t understand why I can’t see his point of view! Could it be that we both have heads as hard as coconut shells? Hmmmm..... NM, you have a real talent for lighthearted comedy writing, thanks for sharing.

Speaking of my husband, while he is very smart and sophisticated......in my opinion of course, sometimes he likes to watch, “Smoky and the Bandit,” and I usually humor him, at least for a few minutes. (After all, he is the accidental novela watcher who speaks not a word of Spanish!) I swear Arturo and Erick remind me of Sheriff Buford Justice and Junior Justice, I just waiting for Erick to get his zipper stuck and have Arturo unstick it!! I’m more team Eladio, but I feel very sorry for Arturo with the disappointment he must feel at the total incompetence of his son!

Diana, “Wishing all peace on Good Friday and a happy and joyous Easter.” Thanks for that wish and I’ll pass it forward!

Niecie, loved your comment of 8:38!
 

Arturo will feel more than disappointment when he finds out that Erick raped Consuelo, which I expect will happen in the next episode. Augustin won't keep that from him. The question is what will this judge do before that happens? If he does nothing then Arturo may not be able to do anything other than disinherit Ape Child. If Ape Child and Nina control enough shares he won't be able to toss him out of the company.
 

I hate to argue over characters or try to convince others; at the end of the day we like who we like. I'm not looking to a tn for morality lessons. I just have thoroughly enjoyed FC's wonderful portrayal of what could have been a very boring one note villain. He was able to give Eladio some humanity which appealed very much to me.

SusanLynn a cascarone is an egg shell filled with confetti or litle candies. We make a small hole at the tip of the egg to shake out the yoke (make a fritatta with all the yolks).

We rinse them out and let them dry, then dye them., let them dry and then fill them with little confetti. After that we seal the holes with colored tisue paper. After our hunt everyone in our famiky including adults gets to grab a few and then we run around cracking them on each others head. Its a fun tradition in our family that has been enjoyed for generations.

There are many websites if you Google if you are interested in seeing them.

Have a wonderful weekend all!

 

My aunt made decorative ornaments with egg shells hollowed out the same way as you describe. She used to string them and hang them on pussy willow branches in the early spring. I never saw her do it but listening to the process I couldn't imagine having the patience. She died in 2009; I wonder whether my cousin has these.

Have a great weekend, all. I just finished making the pies and I will be heading out to a full day of movies.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

NovelaMaven thanks so much for the recap! I enjoy your prose so much particularly the fun lines that seem like throw aways such as "The shoot ends and the two arrange to meet after she changes (which, when you think about it, is not likely to happen in the lifetime of either character)."

Cynderella, ITA w/you regarding Eladio and Julia. He's so unstable and their relationship is so unhealthy. I can't...

Do we have a final date on this one?
 

Delilah, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I'm on Team Eladio, too. I personally can't stand Arturo's holier-than-thou attitude with ANYBODY that doesn't agree with him. And since it's fairly certain that the writers are going to have Confused Julia end up with one of them, I hope it's Eladio because he's ... well ... Fernando Colunga! That's how shallow I am in my TN watching! :-)

Iris
 

We all feel differently about eladio & arturo. Whose the lesser of two evils: pick one. No a few sessions with a shrink doesn't change much but it's like he's come to some conclusions about things and the better part of him( if there is one) is fighting the evil the come up out of the sh*t pit, but the other part is putting up a good fight too stay in charge ( that would be the evil eladio, the one that raped juls). I don't know, both these men are screwed the hell up. All 3 of these women would be better off if they just packed up and moved to another continent, (Nina, Julia, Gaby). kids are all grown up they can fend for themselves. And those spoiled self-centered men, [eladio, arturo, franco], Heaven only knows.

Miguel, I like him, no hes not perfect, he knows how treat a woman. He loves connie and he acts like it. Ok done for now.
 

Let me summarize this novela as I see it: Arturo was a man concerned only about money and failed to take care of his kids, Erik became a criminal, dani a drug addict, Miguel a brother's wife snatcher and Regina an idiot...by the way Arturo made so much money that he could have afforded to stop working and spend time with his kids but he did not, his neglect and also nina's neglect especially of Regina made that family such a disfunctional one, I mean reg making a stupid decision to break up with David without even consulting nina is a direct result of neglect.....Julia is Regina senior, proud, don't know what she wants but I would prefer her with eladio simply because arturo is as selfish a father I've ever seen....willing to sacrifice your child's happiness for his desires, the best scenario for me will be for Julia to either end up alone or with another man not named arturo or eladio

Olise
 

Olise, I totally agree with you. Ms. Julia is better off alone. However, the way this show is going, it looks like they will give her to Eladio
 

I don't think fanny had to work to hard to bring out the mean girl in nina. It was already there, and artty brought it out. Him and his numnut spawn erick.

Was that the same judge that erick and nina bribed. I don't remember him having a beard. Im glad connie grew a pair and outed that whimp of a ex hubby. Its bad that the rat got murdered but its good that there wont be anymore of ericks seed walkin around, the only hope little erick has is that hes raised away from erick.heres hopin miguel don't have any of those genes. O course he wasn't raised by nina. But then nina didn't do much raising of any of her kids let alone the stepKid. Miguel was just invisible in his fathers house, nina clearly can't stand him. And really hates the idea that he might be parenting the granchild of her favorite child chimpmonk boy(erick).

In another setting jorge would be someone I could see in a good light. But I don't not like him. He's weaselly. What is gina thinkin. About david, how she threw him Into the open arms of her sister. Sounds like a bad soap opera.
 

Purple Lips vs. Julia is the reincarnation of Mean Girls 3.0!!!!
 

A weasel and a hamster hooking up. YIKES
 

Nina, that wasn't the same judge. They made a point of that in the previous episode. There could be some progress in this situation.
 

Good morning, dear Patio! I wish you all peace and hope, especially those who are celebrating the holiday today.

Thanks to everyone who has added comments since Friday – Nina, Cynderella, Niecie, Sandy, Karen, Iris, Kirby, Steve. Forgive me if I have overlooked anyone. It's good to know that not everyone is as superficial as I am ;-) And of course, as always, I appreciate your kind words.
 

So happy the judge is new. Connie needs her baby back with her. That poor child could meet the same fate as that sweet little baby on "secrets of the hotel", when that carzy woman piled blankets on top of the baby so she wouldn't hear the crys of the baby. I don't care how depressed she is, I can beat her but myself. I guess I should be merciful, look who raised her, and who shes married to. Poor woman , but don't kill your baby. Erick is just a selfish bastard jerk who was spoiled rotton by his messed-up mother and ignored by his father who was busy makin money. Come on
Progress!!!!

I hope the judge grants her custody again. They really need to guit it with the rape storylines.
 

Delilah..yikes..that sounds like a lot of work! We just fill dozens of plastic eggs with coins or stickers and throw them all over our backyard.We just had our Easter dinner. Now, some of us are taking a walk , and some of us are taking a moment to check our tablets. Hope that everyone had a good weekend. Hubba and I have tomorrow off..yay.
 

Delilah---10:25 You wrote---from my perspective she (Consuelo) never stood up for herself where Erick is concerned.-- My view is that she tried time and time again but with Erick and Nina both always against her, well??? Even Art wasn't much help to her when he had to go eye to eye against Nina. (even Carlos with his intellectual
arguments wouldn't have a chance against the bruja) For those who say that Nina wasn't a bruja (she's now changing as is Eladio) just go back and look at the earlier confrontational scenes that Nina was in---case closed.

must see tv tonight
the gringo
 

Gringo, you make a good point. I think that of all the characters in this story, Consuelo has evolved in the most credible and consistent way. For a long time, she turned a blind eye to Erick's cheating, lying ways. Eventually, however, she saw who he was and she toughened up. It hasn't been easy to defend herself against Erick (and Nina and Daniela and Rueda and Arturo's money and Nina's crooked judge), but she has certainly been trying. I'm definitely rooting for Consuelo and the baby-who-shall-not-be-named. :-)
 

Getting this bad vibe that the judge will still let Erick keep Jr.,!


 

Steve---I hope that this judge isn't bought off like the other one was. Let's have some honest justice.

must see tv
the gringo