Caray, Caray!

Thank you, Jane. Maybe twice a month instead? The 1st and the 15th?
I'll copy my comment from the original posting here.
 

Jane (Kendra, Nina, J in Oregon, et al.)

I can't believe I'm watching this and enjoying Camino. So far it hasn't the remotest resemblance to anything else The Latoodle has done. Has she taken lessons from someone other than her husband? Or will it get stupid later? I hope not.

Horacio Pancheri, with his soft Argentinian accent (much more pronounced here than in Sombra), is just a succulent hombre--and those eyes--well, I'm in.

Rene Stickler is doing a fantastic job, very believable, as a money-grubbing, status-seeking shady lawyer, Luis (or maybe he isn't shady, but just take one look at him and judge for yourself).

Odd they would have paired up Argentinian-born Rene with Argentinian actor, Horacio when they are playing Marissa's son by her difunto husband and Marissa's current younger husband, but not father and son.

Lisette is also doing a great job and I can't believe I'm saying that! I hope she gets worse and worse--her character, that is, so I can hate her even more.

Poor longsuffering Pedro, aka Jorge Aravena. He gets studlier with every new telenovela he's in.

Fun to see Manuel Landeta. I see he survived Corazon Indomable and La Impostora in fine shape.

Did not know Mariana had been in love with Luis all that time. Will wonders never cease? Astonished to learn she told Luis that Amelia got an abortion and there's no Luis-Amelia baby.

I don't need recaps, but Jane, if you want to refresh this page or put up a discussion thread once a month, that would be enough for me. Every once in awhile I wouldn't mind discussing the goings on with others, at least until it goes off the rails, or jumps the shark, or digs itself into a black hole.
 

Anita..I have not been watching because so many people thought that this novela would be a disaster. However, I might just take a peek tonight if I get my tests corrected to see my sweet Baboo. I thought that he was verra cute in Sombra. Whenever I see Landete , I think of watching him dance on a dance competition. He is a verra good dancer. You can probably found some examples of his expertise on YouTube. Susana Gonzales was also on the show, as was Angelique Boyer, and they were both excellent dancers !
 

Susanlynn--It could still be a disaster, but right now it's still fun. I'll try to get some semblance of a recap done for the first four episodes--short and sweet and to the point, no asides or flowery language.

It would be nice to have Diana check in with her Wisdom.
 

Un Camino Recently Arrived Characters

Harry Geithner – Luis’ BFF and the best man at his wedding (LVO, Refugio and many others)
Patricia Reyes Spindola – Blanca, the Altamirano nanny (crazy motorcycle rider Quintina in FELS)
Aurora Clavel – Piadosa, I think, the Montero nanny (Chelito in YoNo)
Candela Marquez – Isabela, Carlos’ self declared frizzy blonde girlfriend
Manuel Landeta – Hernan, married to Mariana Altamirano, shortly after he was widowed (LI, La Impostora)
Rocio Banquells – Lupe, Amelia’s shoulder to cry on (CME, LI, didn’t recognize her in a dark wig, but recognized her voice)
Lic. Ordoñez – Marisa’s dead husband’s friend and family attorney (who is this guy—I recognize him, I should know him)
Cesarín – Pedro’s faithful helper at the school and other landscaping projects
Leggy Blonde who is Luis’ side-squeeze
Camila, Luisa Fernanda’s BFF
Trio of Mean Girls
Lots of nuns in white
The head mistress, who happens to be Pedro’s sister, the Sister, and doubles as Luisa Fernanda’s aunt and godmother

 

UN CAMINO - Episode #1 (Feb 23, 2016) - Pt. 1

Amelia and Mariana are the daughters of widowed Fernando Altamira, a rich hacienda owner. The property has been in his family’s hands since Colonial times. (This makes Don F. Old Money, just plain Old and Ripe for cheating him out of his patrimony.) The girls have grown into young ladies amidst the luxuries only wealth can buy. Amelia is in love with Luis, a young, pony-tailed, financially strapped student. Mariana, as we will learn later, loved Luis, too. She’s a little disgruntled and not a very loving sister.

Pedro, the young, good-looking, able bodied, studly estate gardener loves Amelia from afar. (You can tell he’s studly because he cuts the grass on this huge estate with a push-mower. He also sweats.) Amelia considers him a childhood friend, treats him like a brother. Pedro is sad because he has nothing to offer her and he’s convinced Luis only loves her money. Blanca, the faithful nanny, tells Pedro not to set his eyes so high.

The first dark shadow passes over this sunny setting. Amelia finds out she is pregnant, having lost her “innocence” with Luis by the waterfall. Her sister, Mariana offers to help by sending her to a doctor where she can get an abortion. Amelia refuses. She’s actually animated at the prospect of marriage and starting a family with Luis. She passes a note to Pedro to take to Luis—she doesn’t trust this important information to a phone. Pedro, though, is caught talking to her by Don Fernando and is ordered to clean up a warehouse and unable to deliver the note. Instead, he reads it and learns of Amelia’s pregnancy. Amelia finally catches up with Luis and, unbeknownst to them, are observed by Pedro as she delivers the news. He watches and listens as Luis rejects her. He had other plans, school, etc. She begs, he rebuffs—he would never want a child with her.

The etc., by the way, happens to be a relationship with a very wealthy widow, president of her own bank and desperate for companionship and carnal knowledge with this much younger man. She has one drawback, she has a 10 year-old son by her deceased husband and who takes an instant dislike to Luis. Marisa has to go to Spain for six months on bank business. She wants to take her boy-toy with her. He agrees when she uses the magic words—marriage.
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #1 (Feb 23, 2016) - Pt. 2

Amelia returns to the arms of her loving sister only to have Mariana “out” her pregnancy to her father. He hits the roof and hits her, too, while Mariana looks on “helplessly” as he tries to find out the name of the putative father. Pedro comes on the scene to defend her. (Bad timing.) Don Fernando figures out this is the miscreant who brought on the family disgrace. He banishes her from the family home, disowns her and tells Amelia she is dead to him. Amelia is distraught, but willing to leave with Pedro, who also got thrown off the place.

As they leave, she sees the open-air wedding ceremony of Luis and Marisa through the fence. She makes Pedro stop, she gets out and makes a scene, to which no one pays attention, except Pedro—oh, and Carlitos and Nana Blanca. Pedro entices Amelia back in the car and they drive backwards into the sunset, his gardening tools strapped to the back of his old VW bug.

With the strains of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March still ringing in their ears, they arrive at the Colegio where Pedro’s sister, the Sister is the headmistress. She tells Pedro he can have a job as gardener, but in order to stay on the grounds, he and Amelia have to get married. They say I do in an empty chapel. A first kiss is only a kiss on Amelia’s temple. (Not a good sign.)

Off go Luis, Marisa and Carlitos to Spain.

Months go by. Pedro builds his abs and triceps pushing the mower at the school. Amelia has her baby. Pedro bonds with the infant, Amelia doesn’t. Amelia wants to give her up for adoption. Pedro won’t hear of it. Amelia has serious, untreated, post partum depression. (I love the macramé swinging bassinet—probably only safe for two months.) She’s resigned to her sorry lot. Her punishment is not to be loved so she can’t love anyone, not even herself. (Well, we see where this is going.)

While in Spain, Luis learns Marisa can’t have any more children. He hears voices. It is his voice telling Amelia he doesn’t want a child with her. He tells Marisa he’s not interested in adopting, but he’s willing to stay with her and love her—as is. The patchwork family returns to Mexico and their fancy ranch. Luis has a meet with Ordoñez. He wants to be the adjunct to the director of the bank (Marisa, of course). Ordoñez tells him he can’t, according to the prenup, he can’t get involved in ANY of Marisa’s businesses. Instead, Marisa “gives” Luis his own legal firm. (Big Woo.)

Pedro and Amelia take the newly christened Luisa Fernanda for a visit back at the old Altamirano place. Mariana notes quite loudly the baby doesn’t look anything like Amelia, or Pedro either. Don Fernando has not had a change of heart and turns away from the little family and repeats his hurtful words of Amelia being dead to him.

Años después—at least 18, Fernanda and Pedro are still bonded. Fer is wearing a school uniform, so it is assumed this cute young lady gets to attend her aunt/godmother’s school on a scholarship. Fernanda and Amelia, no bondo on them. Sadly, Fer wonders if her mother even loves her.

 

Susanlynn--Your Sweet Baboo, committed a Big Booboo tonight by letting CutsiePie swig his whisky and drink so much wine. At least she ate something to go along with the alcohol. Ok, off to watch PyP and Hotel.

I try to get Epi #2 up tomorrow afternoon.
 

Anita: I loved the original, I'm glad Lartilleux is not completely ruining it.

I'm curious, since I haven't seen this version, why does Amelia's sister hate her in this version? In the original Amelia was their father's favorite and was the prettiest and popular one so there was alot of jealousy there. Is Mariana just upset about Luis and Amelia's tryst here or is there somehing deeper going on?

Jarocha
 

Thanks, Jane for putting up this discussion page, and especially thanks to Anita for your synopsis, which although it was quick and dirty, covered all the points very well, indeed!

I was fearful that this would be another LaToodle fiasco, and doubly so when the first few episodes showed Fernanda almost always with a dirty face ala La Gata. But, in fact, this has settled into a rather nice story with interesting and (so far) believable characters.

I was surprised last night when mature Doc Carlos allowed school girl Fernanda to get drunk at the restaurant.

Amelia's state of mind has to be the longest instance of post partum depression in history.

So Marisa bought Luis his own legal practice, but we don't know how good of a lawyer he is. Now he seems like he is about to get his ass handed to him by a recent law school graduate without any experience?

I am afraid that I agree with Luis that this is a frivolous lawsuit, but I like the fact that he is so bothered by it, and that Carlos is siding with the suer just to get a jab in on Luis.

Carlos is one altruistic doc. I have never seen a doc take money out of his pocket to pay for a prescription he had just written.

I think they need to get a new device to check a patient's height. I thought Carlos was going to hurt that little girl when he was pounding on it;

Thanks again, Jane and Anita.

David
 

Jarocha--Thanks for stopping in. As I said earlier, I wish I had seen the original, and not a Latoodle refrito.

Maybe HATE was too strong a word. Extreme envy? Burning jealousy? Maybe better terms. At the beginning of the first episode it does not really lay the foundation for the relationship between the two, or with their father. I only got from the synopsis we read that Amelia was her father's favorite child. This would be enough to establish envy and jealousy. It could easily build.

They are certainly different physically. Mariana is tall, thin and more fair. Amelia is shorter, has almost jet black hair and is rounder. When I first noticed Mariana, suggesting Amelia get an abortion, I thought she was only a friend being practical.

Later, though, she outted Amelia's pregnancy to their father on purpose. Amelia was sitting on the living room sofa crying and Mariana is kneeling in front of her. Only Mariana saw her father come into the room and immediately said something to and about Amelia being pregnant in a loud enough voice for daddy to hear. She knew what she was doing.

I think Mariana was secretly happy to be rid of her sister and have her father's attention all to herself. She did not step forward to defend her sister from her father, or try to temper old Fernando's wrath. She also didn't try to correct old Fernando's conclusion that Pedro was the baby-daddy.

Now, both sisters are unhappy. Mariana, although still enjoying the luxuries of wealth, she's still stuck, childless, with a cold-hearted daddy and married to a man she doesn't love and seemingly it was an arranged marriage through old Fernando.

In the later episodes, Mariana deliberately told Luis that Amelia did indeed abort his child and thus, he has no heir. She also moved in on him in his office and told Luis she'd always loved him and was very affected when Amelia "took him away from her."

So does this answer your question?
 

David--How nice to see you popping in. I hope we get more viewers in Viewerville. I thought the same thing you did when he said he was going to measure and weigh the little girl. First of all, I think she was wearing a cast or at least her arm was in a sling. I guess W&M is basic, like taking your temperature. I have a feeling the measuring-thing actually malfunctioned.

My second observation is that all these exams take place out in the open. How do you control for insects and dust? Privacy was only safeguarded by a couple of screens but anybody could walk by.

I loved how Carlos got caught by both Mom and Girlfriend. It should give him pause to think what he's doing with a high school age girl when he is probably a good 10 years older than she is. Remember, he was about 10--ok, maybe 9, when Amelia was freshly pregnant.
 

Thanks, Jane, for putting up this discussion page. And thanks, Anita, for the lovely recaps. I'm enjoying this telenovela, and I'm glad that others are going along on the journey with me.

Jarocha, perhaps there wasn't any character development with Mariana's jealousy so that we could have that element of surprise when she "accidentally" revealed Amelia's pregnancy when Don Fernando walked by in the hall. It was a great moment. I rewound my DVR so that I could watch it again.

David, I was also bothered a bit by Doc Carlos letting Fernanda get drunk. Is she still underage? I guess she had to get wobbly so that she could fall into his arms for an almost-kiss.
 

Aleta--Fernanda is about to graduate from high school. That puts her in the 18-19 age range. I thought I heard her mother say she was 19. I know the drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, don't know what it is in that city. (Do we know the name?) Maybe they don't card patrons. When we were in PR, we had my then (in college) 19 year-old grandson and his then 13 year old brother. There were three adults at the table and we wanted to try a special New Year's alcoholic drink that came in little glasses. We ordered 5 of them and let the younger brother taste enough of it. The owner was the one that served us and he didn't bat an eye.

We come from a family that doesn't imbibe on a regular basis, but when we do, we included the boys with just a taste (they usually didn't like the wine). We do believe that drinking is a social activity, with family and friends--always in moderation. So far, we're still ahead.
 

Anita, I think you're right about the cultural differences--kind of like my family giving the kids coffee watered down with a lot of cream. And now that you mention it, they did make a big deal out of pointing out Fernanda's age.
 

Regarding age, if Mexico is like the U.S. then Carlos would have gotten his B.S. at about age 22. Medical school takes 4 years, which would make him 26. I think I heard that he is just finishing his residency, which takes about 4 years, so he would be about 30.

I am sure that I heard the pregnancy was 19 years ago, so Fernanda must be about 18.

David
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #2 (Feb 24, 2016) - Pt. 1
Yes, David, eighteen years later, Amelia is still suffering from serious, untreated, post partum depression.

Carlos is having repeat nightmares. He hears a woman’s voice saying stop the car. He just can’t place it. He goes to work. Head doc congratulates him on just nearing the end of his specialty studies.

It turns out Fernanda is clumsy. She runs and falls on her way to class, smudging her face. She’s the last one to get to the line-up. The other girls give her the eye. In the classroom, the Mean Girls are, well, mean. Fer reflects on how her mother treats her. Just that morning she was chattering away trying to help her mother, but Amelia does nothing but put her down and complain. The food that is being prepared is for the quesadilla lunch stand she runs near the main road. Amelia won’t let Fer help her and won’t let Fer kiss her goodbye.

A new student is introduced, Camila Sotomayor Williams (and only a few weeks away from graduation, that’s interesting, but ni modo, they are destined to be best friends).

Hernan, Mariana’s young looking, but bald as a cue ball husband, yawns over his breakfast. Mariana notes he was out all night. He says he was helping get his daughter settled since Mariana doesn’t want her in the way. No, Mariana doesn’t want others’ children around her. Hernan leaves with a smile—too bad you are sterile (hmmm, two sterile women in the same show, it must be something in the water that Amelia didn’t drink).

Breakfast at the Montero-Gomez-Ruiz household is not much different in atmosphere. Carlos arrives, Luis leaves. Marisa has a talk with Carlos. She thinks it’s his attitude toward his father—make that STEP-father that is responsible for the growing distance between herself and Luis. Carlos says not to blame him. It’s called D.E.S.A.M.O.R., unloved. Luis continues with his firm belief Luis only married Marisa for her money.

The gardeners are out working, though they still have their shirts on. Cesarín tells Pedro about a great gig he has lined up for them. A wealthy millionaire lady was looking for a crew for a project at her spread.

Camila and Fer bond out on the school patio. Three of the Meanest Mean Girls watch. Fer finds out Camila is there because she doesn’t get along with her stepmother (now, who could that be). She’s been in and out of lots of boarding schools.

Because he didn’t finish breakfast, Luis is hungry. His driver-employee, Chicho, suggests stopping at a roadside stand. Luis turns his nose up at street food. It’s probably unclean and the cook probably doesn’t wash her hands. He looks down at his smart phone just as Amelia looks up from her hot charcoal grill. He doesn’t see her, but she sees him. She recalls better days long ago. She gets snippy with the patrons. She makes them all leave so she can have a one-person-pity-party.

Luis dismisses Chicho indicating he’ll be awhile since he has a meeting with a very important client. Said client is dressed in a very short black negligée and gets a tongue down her throat for her trouble. (She likey! Well this shouldn’t take long. They get busy.)
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #2 (Feb 24, 2016) - Pt. 2

Pedro and Cesarín reach the job site. Pedro recognizes it right away and has a flashback to Amelia and his backward drive on Luis’ wedding day. He does it again, this time in his white pick-up truck (guess he’s moved up from his old VW.) They meet Marisa, who tells them what she wants done. They are the perfect guys for the job. No worries.

Next day, Amelia is still kvetching. She has all her food prepared and ready to go to the stand but won’t let Pedro or Fer help her haul the food out, just so she can feel worse. (Poor thing, she just never lets up on herself.)

Dr. Carlos treats patients at the clinic. He’s so fine.

Fer goes to her classes.

After work, Carlos meets Felipe, his new best friend to celebrate as he’s just been issued his license to practice law, the career Marisa had wished for Carlos. They are having drinks at the bar when Felipe spies Srta. Isabela de Leon, a former Miss Universe and model. Carlos looks back at her. She had her eye on him. They like each other.

Amelia’s quesadilla stand is very popular, despite her grouchy personality. She can’t keep up with the demand, even with Fer helping.

Blanca is having a chat with Old Fer. She brings up the years Amelia has been away and that his grandchild must be a young lady by now. It’s still a sore point. Old Fer grouches. (Now we know from whom Amelia inherited her personality.)

The Mean Girl Team is discussing the up-coming cruise they get to go on for a graduation treat. Of course it will cost their parents money. Fer isn’t dissuaded by a little thing like money. As she and Camila leave the group, Fer admits it’s going to be difficult to get the money and the approval. Camila offers to get her dad to pay for her trip.

Hernan and Mariana are having lunch at TORIM™ (The Only Restaurant in Mexico). He’s giving her the hard-sell pitch to convince Old Fer to sell the estate to some developers. It’s worth a fortune. Mariana is startled to see Luis dining with his blonde Chippie. When she conveniently leaves for a trip to the powder room, Mariana sidles over. He doesn’t recognize her or her name, until she mentions her last name, Altamirano. Hernan watches. She mentions to Luis, while leaning in and fluttering her eyes, her abandoned sister. She assures him all ended well; the pregnancy was terminated and Amelia is happily married to someone who is very good to her. He starts to say he has had some regrets about how things were left, when Chippie comes back and they don’t get to finish their conversation.

Fernanda is going to go shopping with Camila for graduation dresses. Dad gives her some money, Mom gives her some grief.

It is now noted that Isabela de Leon has captured Carlos (he’s dead meat). He’s visiting her at her health spa, although she calls it a school and the patrons are students, but it seems to be quite upscale and successful. There some kissy face just so Viewerville knows they are an item. (Warning to Fernanda, this guy is attached, cuffed, chained and locked in.) She’s complaining that her rival for his time and attention is the hospital and he’d better not be getting too cozy with the nurses.

Amelia and Pedro argue over Fer as they set up the quesadilla stand. She thinks he spoils her; he thinks she’s too strict.
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #2 (Feb 24, 2016) - Pt. 3
Fer tries on several fancy dresses. They are too expensive. She and Camila go to other less expensive places. Distracted, Fer starts to cross the street without looking. Distracted, Luis is texting and driving without looking up. They are a classic accident waiting to happen. Yep, he brakes. She puts her hands out to stop the car, gets bumped and loses her balance. She falls on her tushie. Luis jumps out right away to see to her. They look at each other. Fer stares for a second too long and Camila jumps right in with the need to get her to the hospital right away. Camila points out that she’s dazed, she could be seriously hurt. Fer starts to protest, but Camila is louder. Luis agrees and he takes her to the clinic where Carlos practices. (Luis guesses that will be to his advantage.)

While they wait for a doctor to see her, Camila has a brilliant idea. The guy looks rich. If Fer pretends she is really hurt they can get some good money from him. Fer thinks she’s crazy. The guy will just think they are a couple of swindlers. Camila is still thinking out loud—amnesia, that’s it, that would be hard to dispute. And that is just when newly minted, clientless, Licenciado Felipe Montiel approaches them. He overheard them talking about the accident. He can help. Fer says she’s ok. Felipe asks her, does she want the dress or not? He can help.

Luis is out in the clinic courtyard pacing. He worries, then he doesn’t worry that he could be fined or land in jail for texting, but fortunately no one saw it.

Carlos, in his white doctor coat appears like a protecting angel. He’s so fine. He sees Felipe and asks what he’s doing there. (He can help---stick it to his step-father.) Carlos’ and Fernanda’s eyes meet. They are instantly enamored. Fer goes along with the amnesia ruse in order to see Susanlynn’s Sweet Baboo for as long as she can. Her conscience only mildly bothers her. She gets the once over from him and is ok. She’s relieved especially for her hands or she wouldn’t be able to play the violin. Ooops, there goes the amnesia. It’s all downhill after that, with Carlos playing her like a violin. He teases her, but gets her name. They shake hands and the lurrve-electricity flows through them (they’re goners). They smile at each other.

Luis is still pacing in the courtyard. He’s sure these two girls are taking him for a ride. He decides to speak to Camila. She warns him off saying her friend had better not be seriously hurt, otherwise he’s in big trouble, because her father is very powerful man.

Blanca and Mariana are setting the table at Old Fer’s Manse. Blanca throws water on Mariana’s reverie of what life would have been like if she had been with Luis all these years. She tells it like it is. Luis would have done to her what he did to her sister. Instead of dreaming, she should pay attention to her husband. And indeed she is the self-declared step-mother of Camelita. Nana Blanca has had enough. She’s going to tell Old Fer who really is the father of his grandchild.
 

Ive been tryin to get a comment in. I don' t know what the problem is. I'll try this.
 

Ok it worked yaaaaay. Ok jane thanks for this
Discussion page. And thank you anita for this breef run down.
I really like this show. I hope a patio forms.
We could have some fun with this tn yall.

Amelia is her own worst enemy.
Pedro is o-so-sweet. He deserves better than what hes got in the wife department. Did they even consummate the marriage? Its
Been 18 years, the man sleeps on the floor.
Thats no way to run a marriage.

Maybe old fer will soften if he meets his name sake.
This court case may bring some stuff out. I
Hope so. Then amelia can let up on herself &
Her poor husband and daughter. Maybe she
Should have died in childbirth. Thats sound
Cruel, but the woman hates her daughter for what her sperm doner did. Not the babygirl fault the daddy's a jerk.
 

Thank you for the explanations about Mariana's feelings towards her sister Anita and Aleta, I guess then that they wanted to surprise the audience too.

Jarocha
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #3 (Feb 25, 2016) Pt. 1
Lic. Felipe Monteil (aka ambulance chaser w/o ambulance) interrupts the amnesiastical (not a word, but it sounds great) denouement between Carlos and Fernanda.. Carlos leaves her briefly to talk to Felipe. He tells Carlos the guy who hit the young lady is none other than Carlos’ stepfather. He thinks sticking it to the guy would be fun and profitable (he doesn’t have any clients yet). Nothing big, just a diagnosis he can use to bring a suit against Luis and to be sure Carlos understands the conflict of interest here—he’s the young lady’s attorney. Carlos mulls over the proposition, smiles and agrees—but he won’t do anything to jeopardize his practice.

Fer, meanwhile wants to back out of the game plan to swindle the guy. Camila doesn’t. She’s just as star-struck by the doctorcito as Fer is and asks her not to.

Carolina is Isabela’s assistant (or intern, maybe) at the “academy.” It turns out she is one of the Mean Girls. Isabela shares with her it won’t be long before she becomes Mrs. Doctora. Squeeeee!

Carlos and Felipe rejoin the girls and tell them the amnesia thing isn’t going to work in a lawsuit. Physical and emotional damage will.

Nana Blanca continues her tirade from yesterday with Mariana. She’s telling Old Fer about his grandchild’s father because Pedro is a Saint. The fault lies at the feet (or something a little higher) of that snake Luis Montero. She tells Mariana to shape up. All the rancor and jealousy she has over Luis and her sister has just made her bitter.

Pedro arrives home animated about the new contract with the rich bank lady. Amelia is the same unanimated soul. (Excuse me for butting in here, but now I understand that all through La Impostora, Lisette was practicing for this role of Amelia. She’s really bringing this character to life—sort of.) Pedro doesn’t really notice her sour disposition any more; why would he, it never changes. Since Fer isn’t home, Pedro decides to wait on dinner and leaves to go looking for her. Little does he know that the Fairy Godmother of Lovers has sprinkled love-dust all over Fernanda and Carlos. Fer returns to reality. She needs to get home. Carlos gives her the diagnosis she needs and hopes it will help.

Old Fer rejects the idea of selling his property. Financial gain is not the point. It’s the sentimental value. Mariana is sympathetic to those feelings, hers are the same, but to be real, the upkeep is draining their resources. Hernan watches, pensive. Old Fer has decided. NUNCA will he sell.

Marisa comes to Isabela’s “academy” to make an appointment. Dios mío, Luis’ blonde Chippie, whose name is Andrea, is Isabela’s right hand wo-man. Apparently Andrea had never met Luis’ wife. She can’t wait to spread the news. A little later, all draped in towels, Isabela tells Marisa she’s more than ready to marry Carlos (if she only knew what the Fairy Godmother of Lovers just did).

Still at the clinic, Lic. Montiel introduces himself to Luis. Luis thinks this is all a big charade to swindle him. He tells the pipsqueak in front of him that Felipe has no idea who he is talking to. Felipe has second thoughts, for one second.

Carlos comes back to Fer and Camila and introduces himself by name, specifically directing his remarks at Fer, also directing his gaze toward her. He’s so fine.

Luis catches Carlos on his way out. He grins, chuckles, friendly-like, thinking Carlos is going to help him avoid this little legal unpleasantness. Carlos informs him he’s not about to do anything unethical. Luis sputters that it’s obvio those three are swindlers. Luis can’t believe Carlos is not backing him up.

Luis calls Marisa to whine about her son. She promises to talk to him. Just then Andrea walks into the office and he has to say bye to his wife quickly. Just as quickly, Andrea spreads the news about meeting his vieja.
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #3 (Feb 25, 2016) Pt. 2
Felipe is charged with driving the two girls back to the school. He convinces or thinks he has convinced Fernanda that he will win the case and she’s not to worry. Fer is mortified when Felipe stops at her mother’s quesadilla stand for a snack. He’s starving. While he’s out, Camila takes advantage of his absence and gets Carlos’ phone number and home address. (I could have sworn it was almost dinner time and Amelia was already back home waiting on Fer. I thought the stand was fairly close to the house, but in a later scene we see Amelia trudging for miles around a lake with both arms laden with her comida. In another scene we see her inside a boxcar handing stools and the charcoal grill out the window to Pedro. Hmmm. Well, take it for what it’s worth.)

Pedro gets home without Fer. He’s quite worried when she bursts through the door, surprising him. She witnessed an accident, she tells him. No she’s empty handed because she couldn’t decide on a dress.

Old Fer is still being quarrelsome with Mariana about not selling the place. She reminds him that some day he won’t be around, then what? She suggests seeing a lawyer. She knows one she has confidence in. (Do you have to guess who that is?) He agrees to a meeting.

Marisa and Carlos discuss the diagnosis he made. Carlos isn’t going to change it.

Fer goes to Camila’s dormitory room. Her conscience is bothering her. She had to lie to her father about where they had been. She’s never lied to him before. Camila thinks it’s a great excuse to call the doctorcito. He’s out. Cam decides they should go see him the next day. Fer goes home.

Meanwhile, Isabela and Carlos are out at a fancy bar-lounge. She’s all excited about a fashion show for her academy. Isy gushes that Carlos’ mom is going to help with the publicity. Carlos is far, far away in another place in his head. He replays the Fer-Carlos scenes from earlier in the day. Isy brings him back to the present. She marks her territory with another kissy face.

Marisa gives Luis the bad news. Carlos isn’t going to change the diagnosis. Luis is convinced he won’t do it because Carlos hates him (and how right you are).

It’s time for Fer to bring up the trip organized for the graduating class to her parents. Amelia says that’s for rich people’s children, which she is not. She uses derogatory language that is more picturesque in Spanish. Fer mentions that Camila’s dad has offered to pay the fees. Amelia won’t hear of accepting charity from any one. Fer insists it is a loan. Amelia walks out. Pedro has been quiet. When he speaks, he tells her maybe her mother is right. Fer is crushed. She tells her father she’s more than willing to work it off, playing the violin in the streets if need be.

Then the phone rings. It is Luis Montero calling for the father of Luisa Fernanda Perez. He wants to settle things between the two of them. Fer panics, tells him he has a wrong number, there is no one by that name here and hangs up on him. Luis is offended. He recognized her voice. He’s not going to let his name be dragged through the legal system by these amateurs.
 

UN CAMINO - Episode #3 (Feb 25, 2016) Pt. 3
It’s nighttime and Marisa takes a lonely walk in her garden, taking stock of her life. She lives in mortal fear Luis will leave her some day for a younger woman who will give him children. Nana Rosario follows her out to comfort her. Marisa is sad that Carlos never accepted Luis as a father.

As a contrast to the dark picture in the last scene, here comes Andrea, the baby-maker, all dressed in white, facing another lonely night. She decides on a new strategy. Forget the birth control pills, get pregnant and give Luis the child he’s always wanted. Who would he choose, she thinks to herself, a sterile old woman or a nubile fecund one. (Hard choice, maybe, but the nubile fecund one has no money.)

Fernanda is anguished over the lies she told. Amelia picks up on this the next day and tells Pedro she’ll get to the bottom of things.

Mariana and Old Fer have breakfast before heading out to see the attorney about the property. Meanwhile, Luis is already in his office and instructs his secretary to keep calling that number until he reaches someone on the other end. He needs to speak to that person. Mrs. Sotomayor and her father walk in and it’s a cara de impactada de Luis.

Camila and Fer are going to go on their Carlos-Adventure Ride but they are caught on the walkway by the head mistress. Camila is herded back to the office to see her father, who has arrived for a visit. She admonishes Fer to get back to her class. Fer agrees. The minute they are out of sight, she hightails it out and gets to the Gomez-Ruiz mansion. She asks for the Doctor. Carlos strolls out to a surprised Fer. They exchange meaningful looks. He’s so fine.
 

I'm so glad there is a discussion page for this TN. I've been watching it and I find myself really enjoying it. I'd love to see a patio form for this one.
 

I surfed in to check it out last night and was treated to a guy that made a violin from a log in one afternoon and the finish was dry enough for a fiddler to fiddle that evening. From a log I tell ya.
 

Delilah63--I'd be delighted to carry on discussions. Never mind that the recaps are well past their prime. I will try to catch up, but that shouldn't stop us.

So far, I love all the characters and they are behaving just as we would want them to. Not too many unbelievable situations--yet.

I worry about the age difference between Carlos and our little ingénue Fernanda. Is this the first time she's been in love, I wonder. What does he expect of her, physically--beyond those Sweet Baboo kisses he's given her.

Tonight should be an interesting episode with the mis-matched double date. I can't imagine Pedro and Amelia letting her go--so she's into another lie.


 

Tofie--Ok, I take it back, not all the situations are still believable. I've watched some of those programs on how did they do that and a documentary on Stradivari instruments. Not believable. But--there's a Fairy Godmother in this and now having a Gepetto isn't too much of a stretch.
 

Anita, Thanks for adding more recaps.

Tofie, I've read that it takes 120 to 240 hours to make a violin. I guess the number of hours depends on whether you're counting the time for the varnish to dry. I wonder if they made the violin in one afternoon in the original telenovela. Perhaps they left out a "meses después" caption that may have been in the original version.

And I had to wonder why Pedro was picking up twigs in the forest. Did he think the violin was going to be made of kindling?

Anyway, it was delightful to see Fernanda skipping with joy when she received her new instrument.

I also liked the camera work for the kissing scene. There are some talented people working on this production.
 

Thanks Anita, this is great! Hey everybody - look, some of us are watching after all!
Anita, the visuals are easy to follow, but I have missed a lot of the explanations and SO appreciate your recaps. It all makes sense now. I have always enjoyed your writing so it's a double treat.
At some time this show will probably run off the rails, or at least wobble badly. It seems that most of them do eventually. Let's hope it recovers enough not to scare us all away.
Yeah, a violin out of a log, ummm... Now make us a Steinway, Mr. Magician.
 

Ay, Emilia, I've missed you. Glad you're hear to share the hijinks and heartaches. I can't promise to recap every episode. Once I get going, I want to get into all the details and I end up with cramps in my writing hand (yes, I still use script and foolscap).

Is that the baby granddaughter we watched appear during CME or sometime way back then? She looks a lot like you and may I say that is a compliment of the highest order.

Stay tuned for Epi #4. I'm just about to commit it to Word.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #4 (Friday, Feb 26) Pt. 1
Fernanda has arrived at the Gomez-Ruiz Mansion. She finds herself almost nose to nose with our handsome doctorcito. He wants to know how she got his address. She wants to know if he will help her. Carlos brushes something away from her cheek. (I guess he gives her “want” priority.)

Fer is nervous being so close to Carlos and she begins to run her mouth. He asks her to slow down and gently places his hands on either side of her face. (You just know he wants to kiss this Fairy Wood Sprite in a schoolgirls’ uniform….uh oh, creepy perv? No. He’s so fine.)

The gist of it is Fer is desperate for her father not to find out about this silly lawsuit she was talked into and is there begging Carlos to find a way to call off his dad—stepdad (later on he corrects her, Luis is his mother’s husband. That’s how he thinks of him.) She wants to forget the whole thing. Will he help? (Excuse me for butting in here, but I’m so glad Renato didn’t get Aldonza in Sombra. This way he stays “pure” for this bouncy niña fresa with the running mouth problem.)

Carlos tells her she started it, she has to figure a way out. He turns to leave, but Fer runs after him and begs. It would be the end of her world if her parents found out. Carlos reminds her she has rich parents. Fer admits she lied about that. Her family can’t rub two pesos together. What about that school for rich girls she attends? Fer tells him she’s the daughter of the gardener and is there on a scholarship. First of all, she states, she is not ashamed of her background. He apologizes. Carlos has touched her face again. Her earnestness and believability weakens him. He promises to help her.

As an excuse to keep her by his side a little longer, Carlos asks her to sit by the fountain and give him her version of things. She begins to tell him in double-time. Several times he has to ask her to slow down (cute, cute, cute) so he can get a word in edgewise. He’s the one who will be helping her. He understands the situation. He’ll talk to his friend (and her attorney) Felipe, to withdraw the complaint and will talk to Luis to not pursue the matter. Carlos tells Fernanda, “asunto arreglado.” (He wishes.)

Unfortunately, at about this same time, Luis’ secretary (who now has a name—Alicia) has reached the Perez household by phone. Amelia answers. She learns the call is from Luis Montero, her crush and her baby-daddy, after all these years. Amelia asks Pedro for some privacy. He leaves. Alicia continues that the call is about the complaint her daughter has filed against her boss and to hold on, he would like to speak to her. Amelia is having a hard time processing all this. Auto accident? Injuries? No injuries?

Old Fer is in Luis’ office with Mariana requesting his advice (asesorar = advice, counsel; we are hearing that a lot these days) on the possible sale of his property. Luis sneaks a glance at Mariana. Old Fer continues, his SIL has a buyer, but he wants to know if he’s doing the right thing. (I feel Luis sees this guy as a big fish, ready to be reeled in.) Alicia uses the intercom to let Luis know she has the girl’s mother on the line. In a HUGE breach of attorney-client privacy, Luis picks up the phone in front of Mariana and Old Fer to discuss the accident (no names, please).

Amelia, in her first display of emotion since Episode #1 that is not sullen anger, she starts to shed tears and gets all choked up. She sinks to the floor. She says nothing, the call gets cut off. He apologizes to his rich clients. It’s only a poor muerta de hambre who is trying to swindle him out of some money—just a personal matter.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #4 (Friday, Feb 26) Pt. 2
Meanwhile, Fer needs another favor from Carlos. He teases her but he’s willing. She had to take three buses to get to his house and has spent all her money. All she has left is her two feet to get herself home. He will drive her. They are about to leave when Isabela, his not quite prometida, drives up in her red Mini. Carlos puts Fer in the car and goes over to Isy who is standing next to the car all be-bothered to see him with anyone of the female persuasion. Carlos tries to put out the flames of jealousy over a schoolgirl patient of his.

It turns out Isabela arrived unannounced because she didn’t come to see him, she came to see Marisa about the fashion show. Carlos of course, in a gentlemanly way, tells her not to waste any more time out here, but to go on in. Isy is none too happy with her treatment. As Marisa and Isabel walk through the mansion gardens and talk about the girl Isy saw with Carlos, they put two and two together and come up with ONE little swindler, the one Luis talked to Marisa about.

Pedro has heard Amelia sobbing and wants to help her. She refuses his help. He’s pithed and walks out on her. Then she complains to the empty room of Pedro walking out on her. She stalks off in a huff to look for Fernanda, afraid that Luis and Fernanda have been in contact and maybe they know their blood relationship. Fer is not in school. She chews out a bespectacled nun about Fer and Camila, then she chews out Pedro about Fer not being in school. She’s armed (or two handed) and ready for battle if she ever finds Fernanda.

Carlos and Fer arrive at the front gate of the school. (The school, BTW is the Colegio La Esperanza.) He’s given her permission to “tutear” him on the condition she never stops smiling. She melts and settles down to tell him the whole backstory on why the complaint against Luis was filed—money for her graduation dress and the cruise. He’s enchanted; so is she. Camila meets them at the gate and they have a few seconds to converse before Amelia comes bearing down on them. She punch-slaps Fer in the face and yells at her—what is she doing with an unknown man. Carlos is so astonished to see Amelia abuse her daughter that way, he freezes. Camila jumps into the breach. He’s a friend of hers and they were just talking. Carlos, meanwhile, half-remembers a voice saying, “Open for me, open up.” (It’s Amelia’s voice at the gates at Luis’ and Marisa’s outdoor wedding he witnessed.) He can’t quite place it today, though.

The Three Mean Girls are watching all this with glee, from inside the gates. They taunt Fer as her mother hauls her back toward the school buildings, while in the background we hear Carlos calling out her name. Carlos heads for his mother’s husband’s office, with that half-familiar voice still ringing in his ears.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #4 (Friday, Feb 26) Pt. 3
Back at Luis’ office, Old Fer is pleased with Luis’ attentions. He leaves ahead of Mariana because he wants to get something to eat. Regrettably, or not, Old Fer gets stuck in the elevator and has a panic attack. Carlos, on his way in to see HMH (this will identify Luis in the future, whenever Carlos refers to him). Carlos helps him get back to normal and hands him his card in case he needs a follow-up. Old Fer is quite taken with this young doctor (as are we all).

Luis and Mariana are completely oblivious to what is going on outside. Mariana circles him, approaches with coy words. She starts by telling him it was her suggestion to terminate Amelia’s pregnancy. She just couldn’t stand the idea of it being Amelia who gave him a child. Mariana wants to know why he broke up with her and chose Amelia. Luis says he thought he was in love with her. When he was faced with her pregnancy, he walked away—he’d always had other plans for his life.

This leads to her confession of her long-simmering, burning love she’s been tending carefully, every day for over 20 years. She comes close and before he can react she forces a big smooch on him. Before he can recover from that, the door opens and Carlos walks in. He assesses the whole scene before letting loose. Mariana is asked to leave. Luis is as despicable and unprincipled as he’d always thought—a cheater and a scammer. Now we see Luis trying to backpedal his backstory to an unbelieving Carlos. The rest of the confrontation doesn’t go well for either of them. Carlos leaves, disgusted, without ever bringing up the legal complaint.

The aftershock is borne by Alicia. Luis is furious for her letting anyone at all in without being announced first. Alicia thought Carlos was an exception. (NOTE: Alicia obviously is not a legal secretary or she would have known not to let anyone in while the attorney is consulting with a client.) He threatens to fire her if this ever happens again. She leaves. Luis’ head is spinning. Why did it have to be Carlos. He’ll have to make up a whopper of a good excuse to give Marisa. He’s sure Carlos will go tattle on him.

Once Amelia gets Fer home she reams her out. Fer tries to minimize or lie her way out of her absence from school. Amelia knows she’s lying. Fer comes clean, sort of, it was a personal matter. She’s shocked her ma knows about “the lawyer” and the complaint. Amelia grills her on what she told this lawyer about her, was her name ever mentioned, how did he get their phone number. Fer swears no names were ever mentioned. Then she wonders why her mother is asking those questions about herself when her mother hasn’t even asked if she was alright. Amelia says Pedro is never to know any of this. Amelia will take it upon herself to tell him whatever truth he needs.

So, when Pedro gets home, she makes up a story of Fernanda getting expelled from school for bad behavior. Pedro wants to know why she didn’t come home. She walked the streets, too ashamed to come home. She ran into Camila and her friend at the gate and stopped to talk. Pedro isn’t concerned about the guy, he wants to know why Fer was thrown out of school. Fer says she had an argument with Carolina over the cruise. That was enough to satisfy Pedro and he returns to work. Fer is upset that Amelia made her lie to her dad. Fer wants to know why. Amelia doesn’t think she has to answer, and doesn’t. Fer thinks it’s time she teaches her. Amelia retorts she’s been her mother for the last 19 years and that’s enough for her to have learned what she needs from her. (Ok, Attention everyone: straight from the horse’s mouth, Fernanda is 19.)
 

UN CAMINO EPI #4 (Friday, Feb 26) Pt. 4
In a completely unrelated, but somehow connected story, we see Lic. Felipe Montiel arriving at the Altamirano estate to visit his godmother. Surprise! It’s Nana Blanca. He’s a lawyer now and he thanks her for her financial support. He has his first case and his client is so lovely, he’s determined to win her heart, despite the fact her family is very wealthy. Her name is Fernanda Perez. Nana Blanca doesn’t think that sounds like a high-class name. She wishes he wouldn’t look so far above his station, he’s bound for heartbreak. He tells her they are living in a different era now, social barriers are gone (except in telenovelas).

Carlos reaches home. He’s still reeling from what he witnessed and everything else that happened this day. Nana Chayita (aka Rosario) greets him warmly. He wants to unburden himself. She’s ready to listen. He spills the beans on Luis. Carlos is going to tell his mother.
 

Anita: Thank you for the recaps. I don't watch the show but I like reliving the story through your words. This part was funny:

(Excuse me for butting in here, but I’m so glad Renato didn’t get Aldonza in Sombra. This way he stays “pure” for this bouncy niña fresa with the running mouth problem.)

LOL.

Does Paulina Goto sound fresa here? She isn't supposed to be but it wouldn't be out of the ordinary if she was, since the fresa accent is so catchy when you are sorrounded by fresa girls everyday. And she does look very young. I was surprised to learn she's actually 24 in real life.

Jarocha
 

Jarocha, I agree that Paulina Goto looks very young. When my wife was 24, we already had two sons!

Geez, we didn't get to see her belly button even once ;{

I was surprised that the date nite went as well as it did. I loved that Carlos broke up with the tangle haired leech.

Boy, there's not much better scene than your only son refusing to sup with your invitees because he's pissed with his step-father. This isn't going to end well.

I loved the nun turning on the sprinklers to smoke the girls out! That brought back memories of how nuns actually react in contrast to the way they are usually depicted as dour angry people.

David
 

David and Jarocha--thanks for posting some comments. I do hope we get more.

Poor Luis. I wonder how he made it this far still "intact." He's managed to get all the women in his current life mad at or upset with him. He sees his rosy apple cart slowly being tipped over, engineered by none other than Carlos. Woe be to him if the ladies decide to form an army to confront him.

Amelia--for getting her pregnant and abandoning her
Mariana--for dumping her for Amelia
Marisa--for what she's learning (or will learn if Carlos decides to talk)
Andrea--for keeping her in the background (and wait until he finds out her strategy for keeping him
Alicia--for the way he treats her in the office
Fernanda--for not dropping the complaint Felipe filed
Isabela--just for being Carlos' mother's husband (David--remember, Carlos does NOT consider Luis his step-father)
Nana Blanca--for not stepping up and doing the right thing by Amelia
Nana Chayito-Rosario--for being a two-timing dog to her adored Marisa

Did I leave anyone out? HeHe.

P.S. David--I had a toddler and a new baby by the age of 22. But I can assure you I was never that perky or bounced around like Fer does, before or after. There are some actresses who play younger girls perpetually (Sherlyn, for instance).
 

David--"I loved that Carlos broke up with the tangle haired leech." Somehow, I don't think she is going to take that as a definite.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #5 (Mon Feb 29) Pt. 1
Chayo-Chayito-Rosario begs a determined Carlos not to say anything about what he saw earlier regarding Luis’ deception to his mother. It would break her heart. Luis is the man of her dreams. Carlos is still not convinced—Luis is only making a fool of his mother. He’s left alone to think it over. He wonders who the woman was.

That woman is waiting for Hernan, her husband, to meet her at TORIM™ for lunch. She’s upset that Carlos had walked in on her and Luis to find them in a compromising position. It was not her intention to cause problems with his son. Hernan arrives. He wants to know how it went with Old Fer and the attorney. Mariana just can’t deal with it all and wants to get home. She’s in a very foul mood.

Luis is pacing in his office. He’s waiting for the fallout if Carlos has told Marisa about the Mariana-Kiss. (It was certainly not his kiss.)

Carolina may be related to Isabela after all. (In fact, they are sisters!) Carolina is complaining that her dad is on his honeymoon with a woman who is nearly Carolina’s age. She complains her mother is busy in Spain. Neither of them will be attending her graduation. Isy pledges to be there for her. Marisa arrives for her appointment with Isy. Andrea, Luis’ Chippie assures her all the arrangements for the fashion show are under control.

Licenciado Felipe Montiel leaves the Altamira estate after visiting his Godmother Nana Blanca telling her he’ll bring Fernanda around so she can meet her. (Poor sap is 1-delusional; 2-bringing her to the mouth of the tiger.) Nana Blanca ponders whether this Fernanda Perez could possibly be Amelia’s Luisa Fernanda Perez.

Felipe’s secretary (or associate) Sonia, calls to let him know his court date in the Montero affair is set for the next morning. (Ooops, another skipped class for Fer.) He calls Camila and tells her she’s in charge of letting Fernanda know about the court date. Her mother wouldn’t take his call.

Pedro is worried about how Amelia treats him and Fer. He knows Fer had to lie to him for the first time ever and wonders why. Her behavior has changed, he thinks about the strange phone call which made her nervous and made him leave the room. He thinks she’s cheating on him. (Ouch.)

Old Fer gets home, exhausted by the morning’s excitement. Nana Blanca tries to cheer him up after hearing about his getting trapped in the elevator and meeting a nice young doctorcito. She goes to get his lunch and he admits his life actually ended when Amelia, the apple of his eye betrayed him with that bastard child. He misses her. Old Fer surprises Nana Blanca by mentioning the name of the lawyer Mariana took him to see, one Luis Montero, a friend of hers. Of course, Nana Blanca recognizes the name—and the kind of man he really is, or was.

Camila arrives to see Fer, but Amelia has her number and stops her at the door. She tells Cam she’s a bad influence on her daughter. Before she arrived, Fer would never have gotten mixed up in such a scam. Cam talks her way in to see Fer for a minute. Fer is upset the lawsuit is still in place and there is a court date. The doctorcito promised he’d make it all go away.

Amelia interrupts and sends Cam away before they can call Carlos and find out what happened. Amelia gets the whole low-down from Fer and says she’ll go with her to court in the morning, but no, she can’t tell Pedro the truth—that she provoked this lawsuit to scam money out of a man.

El doctorcito is treating patients al fresco. (This must be a new approach to patient consultations. If they served coffee and croissants, I might like to try it.) He’s very professional, even as he pays for a woman’s prescription out of pocket, when she admits she doesn’t have enough money to pay for it. He’s so fine.

Felipe arrives to tell Carlos he got the court date moved up. He and Fernanda have to be there. Carlos is confused. Fer asked him just that morning to get Felipe to drop the suit. She even cried. Felipe knew nothing about that and now it’s too late. Luis has already been notified.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #5 (Mon Feb 29) Pt. 2
Luis’ secretary, Alicia, leaves all the information on the Fernanda Perez complaint with Luis. He sees the court date is the next morning. Luis is torturing himself by the thoughts of the suit and Amelia. Life was so hard for him; easy for her. Life is still easy for her, married to a rich man and his might just be at an end. The scene switches to Amelia cursing her life since she got pregnant while Luis’ has been on easy street. Well, she declares, life is going to change for both of them tomorrow.

Fer takes solace in her violin. She’s positive her father would never forgive her for the lies she told him. He wouldn’t even believe the truth, that Amelia made her lie. Pedro enters and the two have a talk about how Amelia treats her like a child, punishing her by shutting her up in her room. Pedro tries to explain that granted she’s very strict, but it doesn’t mean her mother doesn’t love her.

Isabela has fixed a romantic dinner for two at her place. She makes the mistake of bringing up the earlier schoolgirl caper *before* dinner. Carlos would tell her whatever she wants to hear, but he won’t because he doesn’t like a jealous woman and it sounds like her interrogation is jealousy to him. She has to understand that his profession is his first love. He doesn’t want to ruin the rest of the evening with her. She’s ok with that. In fact she will give him dessert first—and slimes all over him.

Luis has arrived home, worried whether Carlos said anything to Marisa—yes, yes, about the girl and the accident (and the bullets he was sweating dry up). Marisa wonders why Carlos would get involved in the matter. They sit and talk. Luis turns the conversation inside out by suggesting Carlos got involved because he hates him and is trying to separate them. She’s not going to let that happen. Relieved, he’s into some chaste marital hugging on the sofa.

Old Fer dreams by the open window. He remembers all the good times with both his daughters, sharing pranks and laughter. Nana Blanca comes in with his pills. He says out loud he regrets forcing Mariana to marry that good-for-nothing s.o.b., Hernan. Nana Blanca reminds him that’s not the only thing he should be regretting now—there’s Amelia and his grandchild.

Hernan is on the phone with the land developers. His father-in-law has to have a lawyer look over the offer. He’s sorry for the delay. Nana Blanca comes in and chides Mariana for getting Luis Montero as his father’s advisor. Of all the attorneys in Mexico, why Luis, what was she thinking. She’s asking for trouble. No, not trouble, only a little happiness in her life. That happiness was always and always will be Luis Montero.

 

UN CAMINO EPI #5 (Mon Feb 29) Pt. 3
Let’s look in on Carlos and Isabela. Did he get dessert first? We can’t be certain, but the dishes are empty. Isabela brings up Luis Montero. Carlos gets a little steamed. Did his mother put her up to this? He’s always known Luis Montero was a fake, cheating on his mother, making a fool out of her. And yes, he has some proof and immediately tells Isabela what it is. He doesn’t want her to say a word to Marisa about this. He wants to do it and will when he finds the right time.

Surprisingly (or not) Carlos begs off a little after dinner nookie and a sleep over. He has some things left to do in the office and has an appointment first thing in the morning.

Pedro is now sure Amelia is hiding something and it’s burning him up to think she might be cheating on him. (Poor dolt. Love is certainly blind. Who might he think would want to be with her in her frumpy wardrobe and sour disposition?) He’s so ready to confront her when she gets back from Lupe’s house. (We haven’t met her yet—we’re in for a treat. It is none other than Pepa/Fina from Cuando Me Enamoro, escaped from the manicomio, maybe, now wearing a dark brown wig.) Oh, here she comes now. Let’s get a good look at her while Amelia unburdens herself on her only friend. (We’ve heard it all before, ok?) It started when she was 18…..Pedro means nothing to her….Fer is not his. She’ll be seeing Luis tomorrow and has high hopes of getting him back. (Yeah, lots of luck with that one.)

Sure enough, Pedro is waiting for Amelia. They argue. They get loud. There’s a little pushing and shoving. They get louder. He knows she’s lying about something. She counters, if he doesn’t like it, he can just leave. Oh yeah, well he’ll take his daughter with him. Oh yeah, his daughter? No. Her daughter, and does he want her to find out about that? Fernanda comes out to see what all the commotion is about. Pedro is ashamed. He says couples sometimes have problems and argue. Amelia says, sometimes? He means always. She can’t stand him. She’s sick and tired of him. She stalks into the house.

Marisa and Luis seem to have reconciled. She’s going to bring him champagne. Behind her back Luis is calling his Chippie Andrea that he can’t see her that evening. Of course he loves her (jerk). He’ll be pleased to see her in her new dress tomorrow, then take it off her (jerk). Marisa enters. She wants some nookie of her own.

Pedro is bedding down on the floor. He’s tired of pretending they sleep together as man and wife, like a normal married couple. Amelia looks totally unmoved and unconcerned.

The next morning a very sad and droopy Amelia is applying mascara, hoping this will do the trick and take 18 years off her age. Apparently she found her best mini-skirt she wore when she was 18—in fashionable black with a charcoal grey and black cape-like thing over it. She checks out her outfit, tugs at the bottom of the skirt. She cries. But she has to talk to Luis Montero. She’s going to tell him Luisa Fernanda is his daughter.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #6 (Tue Mar 1) Pt. 1
Pedro still thinks there’s something a little fishy with Fer’s and Amelia’s recent behavior. Fer swears there is nothing going on. Amelia joins them outside the house and tells Pedro she’s taking Fer to the doctor, saving Fer from having to invent another lie. (NOTE: Amelia is dressed up in the best outfit she could find—and Pedro notices, but she lets her daughter go to the “doctor’s” [aka court hearing] in a torn shorty knit top with her belly button showing…geesh teenage fashions these days leave me scratching my head.)

Carlos is running late. He overslept. He has to hurry.

Licenciado Felipe Montiel meets Fer and Amelia outside the courthouse. Fer starts to introduce her mother, but Felipe recognizes her as Doña Quecas (phonetic pronunciation) from the taco stand. She doesn’t like that and tells him so. Furthermore, he is not Lic. Montero. Of course not, Montero is the respondent. He’s Fer’s attorney, pleased to meetcha. He assures Amelia everything will turn out ok. Amelia lets him know she intends to take care of that herself. She walks away from them so she can wait for Luis Montero to arrive and speak to him privately.

Fernanda is very concerned that the doctorcito hasn’t made an appearance. He promised to get her out of this. She thinks he was just fooling her. Just then, Licenciado Montero arrives, driven by his chauffeur. He gets out, preoccupied by doing business on his cell. He doesn’t bother to turn Amelia’s way when she gets near and speaks his name. He’s in such a hurry to get this over with, he brushes her off. Amelia is crushed he didn’t recognize her (although he didn’t even look her way). She’s left standing there with tears streaming down her cheeks. Fer goes to get her. She wants to know what that man said to her. Amelia doesn’t answer. She goes tearing after Luis and catches up with him at the elevator. He doesn’t really explain anything to her. He just yells at her that this is all a bunch of cock-and-bull (patraña) and she and her mother are a couple of scam artists, something Fer no doubt learned at home. Fer is pithed and gives as good as she gets. He disappears into the elevator without ever looking Amelia’s way. Amelia wants them to leave, but Fer’s dander is up. Amelia leaves just as Carlos arrives breathlessly. He’s sorry he’s late and they need to talk. They look at each other, silently, significantly. Felipe notices those looks.

In case you missed it, Pedro is telling his compadre his and Amelia’s sad life’s story while he takes out his frustration on Marisa's hedges. Now he’s afraid of losing both of them to who knows what, or whom.

Fernanda exits the building and walks into the middle of the street with Carlos right behind her and Felipe trying to keep up. Fer is running her mouth again, accusing Carlos for leaving her in the lurch by not fixing things as he had promised. He wants to explain why he couldn’t help, while Felipe can’t get a word in edgewise. Fer calls Carlos a liar and doesn’t ever want to see him again. She and Felipe go in to the hearing.

Carlos feels awful he didn’t help Fer.

Apparently this is a show cause motion, not the trial/judgment. The judge hears the evidence from both sides to determine if the case should move forward. There is some courtroom drama (without Perry Mason or Judge Ito), but this nice Mexican judge puts Luis in his place when Luis dares to contradict him and to Luis’ complete surprise, finds enough evidence to take the case to trial next week. Luis has the last words for our plaintiff and her lawyer. This was only a battle (or first salvo). The war is just about to begin. He tells them to watch out.

Fer wants out of this. Felipe says it’s too late now. Fer doesn’t think so and runs after Luis. She tries to be nice, but he mocks her. Now that they are aware who they are up against, they want to back out. No way. See you in court.

Amelia takes the long way home, but doesn’t go straight home. She stops to cry several times and ends up at Lupe’s house. A pity party for two is more fun.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #6 (Tue Mar 1) Pt. 2
Pedro’s sister The Sister tries to help him. She gets him to talk. (We’ve already heard what he says.) It all started when they were obligated to get married in order to live and work at the Colegio. Amelia never loved him. He’s loved her his whole life, etc. etc. Rosaura is proud of her brother as he finishes his tale of woe. Amelia blames him for not providing her with a life of luxury. Rosaura says not everyone would have done what he did, sacrifice himself and his pride to give Fernanda a name and a home. To Pedro it wasn’t a sacrifice. He loves Amelia and Fer.

Fer takes solace in her violin. In her tattered shirt she takes up a position on the grand staircase of the Colegio. The acoustics must be great there. (I should think Fer is taking a big chance. She skipped school and isn’t wearing her uniform, tut, tut.)

Camila entices her to come spend the night in her dorm room. Pedro gives her permission. She joins Cam on the Patio (not the Caray Patio). The Three Mean Girls are Plotting. Fer gets through to her mother about spending the night with Camila. Amelia says it’s better she stay at school because she doesn’t want to see her face at home. Fer is hurt.

It must be early evening because it’s dark out, but Fer and Cam have hours to spend bonding in the sisterhood of nail polish, pillow fights, popcorn and DVDs.

Oh, and Fer takes solace in her violin, too.

Old Fer has another panic attack or angina. Mariana and Nana Blanca get him into bed and at his insistence, call that cute doctorcito he met at the lawyer’s office when he got stuck in the elevator. Carlos drops everything and rushes to Old Fer’s side. Imagine his surprise when he arrives and he sees the same woman who was kissing Luis the day before. She is equally surprised. Nana Blanca takes note. She’s sure they have met before. Carlos wants him to take some tests. Mariana will make sure he gets them. Then she chases after Carlos to try to explain away what he saw yesterday. He’s not in the least bit interested.

Fina/Lupe does her best to listen and be a comfort for Amelia. It didn’t seem to work because when Amelia gets home she’s still upset over Luis, her life, Pedro, Fer, everybody and everything. She cries some more. There is a knock at the door. Of all the people she doesn’t want to see just then, it’s Pedro’s sister The Sister. After words are exchanged regarding her treatment of Fernanda and Pedro, Amelia tells her to butt out of her business and shuts the door in her face.

Sometime during the night a figure dressed in black reaches into the violin case and removes Fer’s violin after the girls are sound asleep. The next morning, Fer discovers the empty violin case. She and Camila go to report it. Fer doesn’t really want to accuse any of her colleagues, but still they relate what little they know. The nuns warn them they’d better not be lying. She announces over the school-wide loudspeaker about the theft and a school-wide search, including the dormitories. They come up empty handed.

We now watch Carlos showering from a not very good overhead vantage point. He’s thinking and rinsing. He wonders if Old Fer knows anything about Mariana and Luis, or if he even knew she was there….it trails off.

Mariana can’t even disrobe for us and get into her shower. She thinks outside it. The two coincidences of seeing Carlos in Luis’ office and again by her father’s bedside are not going to stop her from getting what she wants. What she wants is Luis. She’s waited her whole life for him and she’s not going to let him get away this time and Carlos may end up collateral damage because he is not going to interfere in her plans (and yes, she is aware she’s married to Hernan).

Amelia irons and cries over her sad life. (It seems to me she could 1—fix her hair, 2—mend her daughter’s ripped shirts and 3—try to smile once in a while.)


 

Anita, thanks so much for soldiering on through this!! I love your retakes.

I am afraid that I don't understand people like Amelia who go through life (19 plus years, now) ruing their fate. It seems to me that one would try to search out some areas of joy, and dwell and expand on those areas, rather than concentrate on things that cause sadness.

In the latest episode, I was bothered that Carlos kept hanging on to Fernanda and ultimately followed her into the lady's restroom to plant a kiss on her. Jeez, is there no place that is sacred? I know that this is a plot device that is frequently used to indicate the ardor of a character, but I have to admit that I have never followed a woman into a bathroom. Having said that, it sure seemed to work for him, though.

Uh-oh, because of an unsolicited and unwanted phone call, Tangle Haired Leech now thinks Camila is her love rival! Tangle Haired Leech reminds me of that song from "Oklahoma" - "I'm just a girl who can't say no." Except, in her case she is the girl who WON'T say no.

So, Carlos' stepfather considers himself to be incarcerated in a "prison of gold?" I am thinking that he is a worthless schmuck as a lawyer, and cannot make it on his own. Otherwise he would simply divorce his wife and move on with his life. As it currently stands, he is unable to support himself because of his ineptitude, and thus is trapped in his marriage. Having said that, he doesn't seem to be that "trapped" since he seems to be having a lot of sexual adventures that have yet to come to light.

I didn't understand the attitude of Carlos' lawyer buddy on the double date. Despite the obvious attraction between Fernanda and Carlos, he didn't seem to be too upset.

Well, Anita, you are really helping us with this, and I really appreciate it! Hope you're not burning yourself out. Thanks again!

David
 

David--Thanks for your thanks and for showing up!!!
The telenovela gods just want to make sure "we get it" with the torn shirts, the unattractive hairstyle, the frumpy clothes, the dirt-smudged faces, mean girls, so they emphasize all the clichés. At least so far, we have been spared Mejia's noises.

Au contraire, my friend, Felipe has not only noticed the attraction between the two, but he's hell bent on undermining it. In the episode I'm recapping now, he sees the two of them in the yard at the clinic almost kissing (again). He says it to himself in the car and that he's going to make Fer his, regardless of what it does to his and Carlos' friendship.

I think he was more upset that Camila didn't play her role of seducing Carlos during the double date so he could woo Fer than what was going on between Carlos and Fer. He also had no control over the bathroom caper. You noticed, didn't you, that he wouldn't let Carlos drive Fer home alone. He insisted on driving them because he's the one that arranged the date.

Speaking of the bathroom caper. I wasn't offended particularly. He discreetly waited outside for a bit, long enough to know she was alone and "done."

Well, it's not burn out so much as that I've had a couple of weeks of free days. It's not going to last much longer. How much translation do you need? It seems as though you have an excellent grasp of the story. I find myself unable to understand some of the dialog between Carlos and Fer, even after rewinding several times. I'll only be able to give you the gist of it.
 

Oh, and David, thank you for giving me a head start on the Golden Prison scene. I think you nailed him. His law practice is just something Marisa gave him to keep him busy. However, he does consider himself a far better lawyer than upstart Felipe. We'll see. Ok, back to the yellow legal pad and the pause button. See you later.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #7 (Wed Mar 2) Pt. 1
Amelia, after kicking Fer and Cam out of her house at breakfast time, sinks down at the table to cry. Fer goes back in to find out what’s wrong. Amelia tells Fernanda it’s her fault she suffered such a public humiliation at the hands of Luis. Fer catches that she uses his first name. Does she know him? Amelia realizes her slip of the tongue and tells her to shut up, she can call him whatever she likes. Fer still wants to know why Amelia wanted to talk to him alone and what did he say to make her cry. Amelia is still stinging from the rebuff and wants to wallow by herself. She tells Fer to “largate.”

Meanwhile, Luis is complaining to Marisa how that trio of “muertos de hambre” humiliated him at the courthouse. He’s not disposed to let them get away with that. She thinks he’s overreacting. He’s so upset that this freshly minted lawyer went up against him and the judge sides with him. Now he remembers the woman who was waiting to talk to him. It must have been the mother. Well, he’s going to find out all he can about her family and squash them like bugs and her little lawyer, too.

Pedro wants to talk to Fernanda. He calls Amelia and she says she’s sick of him and hangs up. He looks pensive. (He is still Chef Hawt to me—an older more mature one, but he still smolders.)

El doctorcito is back to treat his waiting patients. (This is where the measuring stick malfunctions on the little girl standing under it.) Felipe arrives all excited because the hearing went his way and the suit against Montero can proceed. He’s sure he’ll win. He’s so sure he’s asked his client out to celebrate. Carlos’ “territorial radar” goes up. He wants to know if she accepted. Well, no, she didn’t, but she didn’t shut the door, so it still might happen. He likes her a lot. Carlos goes off into dreamland saying what’s not to like. She’s like a breath of fresh air—expressive eyes, but she’s really young. Felipe just looks at him. Then Isabela calls Carlos on the phone. She reminds him he’s having a special lunch at Marisa's with her.

Amelia continues to weep over her lost life and lost love. We hear violin music in the background, only to learn it is Fer listening to a tape or CD. There is a knock at the door. Someone has left her violin on the steps, broken in pieces. There’s a note with it which she glances at briefly before crumpling it up. She breaks down and cries. These tears are justified. The Three Mean Girls, celebrate their triumph over the gardener’s daughter, who is obviously behaving above her station.

Fer is done with her tears. She’s going to help her mother, even if her mother doesn’t want her around. She’s going to get to the bottom of this Luis business. Wearing her holiest (but not in the Holy sense) white knit top, Fer is out the door.

Nana Blanca worries over Old Fer. He says everyone has to answer to the Maker one day. But she shouldn’t worry, he’s named her in his will. She says she really doesn’t care about that, but thanks for thinking of her. But, she wants to know, is Amelia in it. She’s his daughter and there is his granddaughter.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #7 (Wed Mar 2) Pt. 2
Amelia is upset she can’t find Fer in the house. She must have forgotten she told Fernanda to get lost not 10 minutes ago. Ah, there is Fer, marching towards Luis Montero’s house practicing what she’s going to say to him. As she arrives at the gates to the mansion, she sees her father’s landscaping truck. She jumps to the conclusion he got there first and is confronting Luis on his own regarding what he said or did to her mother. She decides to avoid her own confrontation and looks for another way out, only to be confronted by Carlos. He still needs to talk to her. She’s not into talking. He asks for a truce and lunch out. She says Never, several times. Never.

Never lasted only a few minutes because next we see Carlos listening adoringly to this darling little schoolgirl chattering away. He wanted to know what she was doing at his house, looking for him? No, she was looking for his stepfather, but saw her dad’s truck, etc. (See Above for repetition.)

Using overuse of alcohol as a plot device is not a good concept. Carlos, it seems, is not quite the gentleman we thought he was. He orders a soft drink for his underage date and orders a whisky on the rocks for himself. A real gentleman would have ordered himself a soft drink, too. Fer actually calls him out on it. He blows her off and she pays back the insult by easily swigging his whisky enough times that with the addition of the wine with her meal, she’s quite tipsy, but still coherent. She’s rewinding the scenario of the Luis-Amelia-Courthouse Show for his benefit.

Now in his office, Luis shows his displeasure with his Chippie Andrea for taking a job that means working with his wife. She thinks it’s a hoot. Then Mariana is shown in and he has to decide which one stays and which one goes. He decides to see Mariana because she has some very important information for him. He dismisses Srta. Torres with a knowing smile. What Mariana tells him wipes the good-humored smile off his face. Carlos’ unexpected visit to her house last night makes it highly probable, now that she knows who she is and where she lives, Carlos will tell his mother. Oh, and by the way, Carlos is not his child. He and Marisa never had any children. He has no descendants. Mariana has a half-hidden, half-smile on her face.

Meanwhile back at the Montero household, Isabela is pithed that Carlos isn’t there for their blue-plate special (which Isy wanted to pass off as her own, but Nana Chayito nixed) and she is unable to reach him by phone. That’s because he’s enjoying his own blue-plate special elsewhere. Marisa is out walking with Isy telling her it’s probably hospital business. Pedro approaches and lets her know the crew is quitting early. This gives Isy an excuse to sneer at his uppity-ness. This was unnecessary because Pedro is under contract. As long as he delivers on time, what should it matter? Pedro has assured Marisa everything will be done in time for her fiesta. The way he was whacking away at Marisa’s bushes, he’ll probably finish ahead of schedule.

Isabela calls Carlos again. This time he answers. There’s a hospital emergency and he won’t be able to make it for lunch, sorry. Fernanda teases him, “the donkey talking about ears.” So, she’s his hospital emergency? So, she’s not the only fibber around here. Was that his girlfriend? What girlfriend? Fer reminds him of the woman she saw him with at his house. Carlos lies again; she’s just a family friend. Then why not just tell her where you are. Carlos lies again; it was to avoid a dust-up and to not prolong the conversation. He’d rather listen to Fernanda.

Isabela tells Marisa she has a great idea. Since Carlos won’t come to them, pack up the blue-plate special and take it to him at the hospital. We don’t even have to guess how that’s going to turn out. It merely convinces Isa that Carlos is having an affair with someone.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #7 (Wed Mar 2) Pt. 3
Pedro is still getting the cold shoulder at home. He sees Fer’s violin broken into pieces. He asks if Amelia did it. She says Fernanda probably broke it herself, tired of that old home made piece of crap. She tells him he’s being deceived by Fer’s “goodness.” She’s getting more rebellious, overbearing and arrogant every day. Pedro looks everywhere on the school grounds for Fer. He checks back with Amelia at the taco stand. (I know, it’s a quesadilla stand, but taco takes less time to type.) For some strange reason it is nowhere near a street. It’s close to railroad tracks, parked RR cars and sheep wandering around. (I’m wondering how Felipe ever found this place or Luis’ driver, for that matter.) No Fer there.

That arrogant little miss is still imbibing and enchanting her dining partner even more. He segues from secrets to diaries to finding out what he really wants to know. Does Fer have a boyfriend. No, not currently, but she did and then proceeds to paint a picture of the attentions Carlos himself has made. She quickly describes some romance with a football player, cute, cute, cute to deflect him from recognizing himself. Carlos is glad they called a truce. He’s had a delightful afternoon. He’ll take her home.

Oh, oh, she’s none too steady on her feet as she gets out of his car by her place. She slips and falls into Carlos’ arms. They look at each other, breathlessly. She pulls away, thanks him for the afternoon and crashes through the hedge with Carlos right behind her. She turns towards him again to giggle and tell him how much fun she had. He has ahold of her hands and starts to pull her towards him just as Pedro’s compadre, Cesarín shows up and wants to know what is going on and is she drunk? Carlos introduces himself as a friend. They went out to lunch and stayed after. Fer admits she swiped a couple of swallows of his drink, but she’s fine. Cesarín can tell she’s not. He takes her from Carlos and steers her toward the house. Carlos and Fernanda get to say one last goodbye. Cesarín takes her in hand and tries to help her get sober. When he hears Pedro coming to the door he convinces Fer to get in bed and pretend she’s asleep. She does, daydreaming of her doctorcito.

Across town at her spa, Isy wonders why Carlos lied about where he was. Maybe he went looking for that girl Isy saw him with yesterday at the house. Carlos is on his way to see Isabel at her place, probably to ask for forgiveness, but his thoughts are taken up by Fernanda. He admits to himself he’s enchanted. He’s greeted at the door by a harpy on steroids. She throws him out.

Old Fer and Hernan are talking together about the sindicatos (those developers who want Old Fer’s land). Mariana comes in as Hernan is telling Old Fer to take a vacation, rest, relax, recuperate and of course leave him power of attorney so he can deal with the syndicate. Old Fer doesn’t know what he’s talking about. That surprises Hernan and Mariana. (It’s hard to tell if Old Fer is for real or is faking it to give himself a little more time.)

Mariana and Hernan quiz Nana Blanca on Old Fer’s memory. She saw nothing wrong. In fact they were just talking about his last will and testament. Mariana says that would be reasonable, to want to have his affairs in order, as she is his heir-apparent. Nana Blanca reminds Mariana she’s not the only heir. Hernan thought bubbles that he’s not going to let Amelia and her bastard child ruin everything he’s worked for, for so long.
 

Hi Anita, Just wanted to check in and say thank you for the recaps.
 

Thanks for reading, Aleta. I know they get kind of wordy. Here comes Epi #8.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #8 (Thu Mar 3) Pt. 1
Next day, Fer is still wondering what Pedro might have said to Luis, but doesn’t mention it at the table where she’s working on ingredients for her mother’s taco stand. Poor Pedro, he was up early to go to the market for Amelia and he doesn’t get a thank you or a clean shirt.

At school Fer and Cam are interrogated again about the violin. Yes, it showed up, but on her doorstep, not on school property. Nun-teacher says the crime was committed on school grounds, so this isn’t the end, and she’d better not find out they are lying.

Amelia refuses Pedro’s help with the taco stuff and is now overburdened trudging across the city, along a very busy highway, skirting a huge lake, as depressed as anyone could be. Pedro has already arrived at her location in his truck and waits as Amelia hands the stools and the grill through the window. He’s exasperated by her attitude. They argue over Fer’s parentage. The argument escalates. She tells Pedro she’s tired of hiding his mattress under her bed to pretend they sleep together. (Wait a minute. This is not Survivor, where everybody knows your business. Who would know, really?) She slings her last poisoned arrow—she’s with him because she had no other choice.

Girls’ football match. No way to tell the teams apart. They all play in their uniforms. They are all teenage girls. They will smell bad afterwards. Camila comes to get Fer. It’s important. It’s Felipe waiting at the gate. He has to take her to court to sign a couple of things. She’s willing if it doesn’t take too long and could he take her past the clinic where the doctorcito works. He agrees.

El doctorcito has walked out to get some fresh air while handling some business on his cell. Fernanda greets him. He surprised (but pleased) to see her and hopes she’s not there because she isn’t feeling well. She feels fine. He needs to check he out because her behavior yesterday mortified him. He enumerates. She finally figures out he’s teasing her. What she doesn’t expect is for Carlos to tell her she touched his heart (he demonstrates). He moves in slowly, but not awkwardly, for their first kiss. Fer stands there, looking up expectantly. There are several kisses. They are very sweet, almost chaste. Several more. They like the sensation. Fer speaks. Is he serious? Never more serious in his life. So, she asks shyly, is what he gave her sort of like a kiss of love? Does he like her? Carlos says yes, he likes her, he likes the kisses, he likes everything about her. They tell each other how they each thought of the other last night. Another kiss.

Carlos and Fernanda walk a ways away, their hands just touching, fingers locked. He had wanted to take her all the way to her door yesterday, but that guy stepped in. He wants to know if that is her boyfriend. She says of course not, he’s her buddy, actually he works with her father. What, could he be jealous? He grins and leans in for another kiss just as Felipe reaches the garden. What are they doing? Fer was taking such a long time, he came to get her. The two look as guilty as sin. Felipe looks from one to the other and knows exactly what’s going on--they are attracted to each other. Before Felipe can usher her out, Carlos calls her back and says conspiratorially, not to forget anything he said to her. It’s the truth. They smile at each other.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #8 (Thu Mar 3) Pt. 2
Felipe tries to pump Fernanda on the way back to school after they were nearly late to the courthouse. She keeps her own counsel. She tells him she wants out of the lawsuit. She thought she’d made that perfectly clear. She thanks him and starts to get out of the car. He asks her to go out with him. No, she doesn’t. She’s already missed too much school.

He thought bubbles that Carlos was about to kiss her—he saw that, but he likes this chava and he’s not going to let Carlos get the better of him. He phones Camila from the gate and wants to talk to her, but away from Fer. He tells her at the gate he just talked to Dr. Carlos and he really likes her and wants to go out with her. Squeeeee! Felipe proposes they all go out on a date together. That way Camila can be with Carlos and he can be with Fernanda. She just has to make sure she doesn’t beat around the bush with Carlos. She has to be forward, direct. He’s a bit too serious. Felipe thinks he’s arranged things for the best outcome, for him.

Isabela arrives at Marisa’s mansion. She’s so ashamed of how she behaved with Carlos last night. Marisa tells her Carlos has already left for the clinic.

Fer came home for lunch late. She sits at the table with Pedro. She eats, daydreams and has to run. Pedro is pretty sure she’s in love. Carlos daydreams of his colegiada bonita.

Carlos’ daydream ends rudely by a phone call from Isy. She wants to be forgiven, but he’s very short with her. Busy. Can’t talk. Emergency. Later. Marisa recommends that Isa control herself better and rein in her jealousies. She invites Isy to dinner later that evening and perhaps there will be a reconciliation.

Fernanda gets a lecture from her godmother, the headmistress about her absences from class. She wants to know what’s going on. The truth or she tells her father. She tells her godmother the whole truth (we think, we don’t actually hear it).

Old Fer tells Mariana he wants to have those medical tests done at Doctor Carlos’ clinic. Mariana says fine and on the way they can talk about his will, the one he talked to Nana Blanca about. No, he never discussed his will with her. Nana Blanca makes it clear he did, although not about any of the bequests.

We now get a 3 minute violin-making lesson worthy of YouTube. First you find the perfect tree stump and take it to Gepetto. He magically transforms it into a very serviceable violin with Pedro’s help.

Camila finds Fernanda. She has a huge favor to ask. She wants her to go on a date with Dr. Carlos. Felipe arranged it. Just a little while ago Carlos told Felipe that he really liked Camila and was dying to go out on a date with her. Fer’s earlier happiness dries up. Cam is gushing about her crush on Dr. Carlos and is dying to go out with him. Fer doesn’t want to tag along on their date, but Cam says Felipe would come, too. It’s obvious he likes Fer and this sets it up perfectly so she and Carlos can see each other. Fer feels railroaded, but eventually agrees.

Another game of football. Fer’s heart isn’t in it. She remembers Carlos’ kiss while Camila’s words ring in her head. She runs off the field. She can’t believe he played around with her and wanted to go out with Cam the whole time. Maybe Camila is lying. No, she wouldn’t lie, she’s Fer’s best friend. (Oh, poor deluded Camila—and Fernanda by default.)
 

UN CAMINO EPI #8 (Thu Mar 3) Pt. 3
Carlos sends Old Fer off for his tests. Mariana tries to talk to Carlos again. He still won’t listen and heads for the next patient. So, Mariana walks right on in during an examination and starts to give him the whole story—how she and Luis were novios at the university and she was overcome with emotion when she saw him again. He tries to show her out, but there’s no door. She turns and lets him know that she’s concerned that Old Fer is losing his memory.

Fer gets her violin from her pa. She hugs him. He’s elated. She dances back from the woods to the school’s grand staircase to start playing. The Trio of Mean Girls can’t believe their eyes or their ears. (Oh, if I didn’t mention it before, Carolina, Isy’s sister, is one of the Mean Girls. Now we know where she got her Mean disposition.)

Amelia trudges back home again, at least less burdened now. She has clean laundry to fold. She wants to get in touch with her father again. Surely after all these years, he can’t still be holding a grudge. She picks up the phone and dials home. Nana Blanca answers. They start to talk but Fer and Cam walk in and she hangs up, tears in her eyes. Nana Blanca wasn’t able to ask where she was or anything about her daughter. Amelia denies she was crying, but Fer knows better. Cam says they need to be out for the evening. They have to go to the library in town because the school library isn’t adequate for what they need to do.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #9 (Fri Mar 4) Pt. 1
Felipe calls the patsy, er, his very bestest buddy he’s planning on tricking, that everything is settled. Carlos doesn’t know what he’s talking about. When he dropped Fer off, she asked him to arrange a date to go out, the four of them. Carlos is still confused, who four? Why, him, Camila, Fernanda and himself. He tells a definitely confused Carlos that Camila is crazy about him and he, Felipe wants time to get closer to Fernanda. Carlos thinks, why not, it will be a good excuse to see his colegiana linda again.

Cam can’t decide what to wear. She wants to look great for Carlos. Fer thinks Carlos is a lying jerk when all the time he was interested in Camila. Well, she’s going to unmask the so-and-so tonight.

Felipe is waiting for them in the TORIM when the girls arrive. Carlos is running a little late, but when he arrives he greets Fer warmly. She’s cool (and not in the “cool” way). He smiles and whispers reminding Fer that everything he said to her is still true. Fer is unmoved, cool, almost frosty. He smiles at her, but she won’t look him in the eye. Felipe silently signals Cam to “work” Carlos. Carlos, though, can’t take his eyes off of Fer. The two begin to snipe at each other, but Carlos keeps his cool and good humor. (He is puzzled by her change in attitude towards him.) Fer finally accuses him of being crazy for Camila and to admit it. They stare daggers at each other and she gets up as if to leave the restaurant. Carlos goes right behind her and catches her arm.

Outside of Marisa’s mansion, she and Pedro get to know a little bit about each other. Each has an only child. She gets a bit personal with the desire or intent to have more children. Pedro answers truthfully. In reality, his wife didn’t want any more. Marisa says what irony, in life there are those who can but don’t want and those who want, but can’t—alluding to her barren state.

Luis looks over some books in the house but can’t concentrate. He begins a soliloquy about being asphyxiated in a Cage of Gold. He can’t stand it any longer and goes into town to TORIM for a drink. Marisa calls him. He’s annoyed he can’t even get a drink in peace. On the way out he sees Carlos standing there with the girl who is suing him. He’s now convinced they are conniving against him.

Carlos is blocking the door to the restroom. That’s where Fer wants to go. He’ll let her in on the condition she’ll go out with him, just the two of them, alone. She answers, never (and this time she means it because she’s really sore at him). It’ll never happen, she reiterates.

Amelia takes down the laundry. It looks like really clean men’s white t-shirts, with no holes in them. She tells Pedro she’s made up her mind to see her father and tell him about Fer. Pedro is ok with her fixing things with her father, but not ok with her telling Fernanda her backstory. Amelia says tough, that’s the correct thing to do. He’s so not in agreement. For all practical purposes Fer is his daughter and he loves her as such.

Nana Blanca can’t wait to tell Mariana about Amelia calling the house. She sounded troubled. Mariana does not want Blanca to say anything to Old Fer. Amelia is dead to him. Blanca urges Mariana to look for Amelia. She remembers that Pedro worked at a girls’ boarding school. Old Fer walks in and shows them an e-mail from the lawyer with respect to the value of his property. Hernan comes in and he tells them he’s being cheated. Hernan thinks the lawyer is wrong. Old Fer strides out. Hernan asks Mariana who this lawyer friend is who is ruining all this for him. Mariana walks out, leaving him to stew.

Later that night, Nana Blanca tries to tell Old Fer about Amelia calling on the phone and crying. She hopes it’s not too late for Old Fer to make amends with his daughter. He says he only has one daughter, Mariana. After she leaves, he seems to reflect on their words.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #9 (Fri Mar 4) Pt. 2
Carlos finally lets Fer into the bathroom, but waits outside for her. He waits a discrete amount of time and cracks the door open to see Fer at the sink talking to herself about him—he’s a lying scum. She’s startled to see him but continues with her argument about his wanting to arrange this date through Felipe to see Camila. She won’t believe him when he says he didn’t arrange the date, he came because he wanted to see her. She still doesn’t believe him and is going to go out and settle it with Camila. She’s steamed, but vulnerable when he plants a kiss on her. When is she going to learn, says Carlos, that the only person he’s interested in is she. He kisses her again and this time she’s into it as she wraps her arms around his neck. Some young lady enters to use the bathroom and they leave.

Cam and Felipe are bummed they are taking such a long time. Where were they, where is Fernanda. Fer appears. Cam wants to know if everything is alright. Fer steals a glance at Carlos and smiles and says that yes, everything is alright. They can hardly take their eyes off each other after that. Carlos is ready to leave and will take Fer home. Felipe intervenes, the ladies are his responsibility. Cam bats her eyes at Carlos and says she’ll call him tonight. She slimes all over him. Carlos and Fer both look uncomfortable. The threesome depart, leaving Carlos standing there, so fine. Ay Papi.

Luis arrives back home and lights into poor Marisa who wasn’t doing anything. With a family like this, who needs enemies. He tells her about seeing Carlos with that scheming scamming swindler who is suing him. Marisa is sure there is an explanation. Luis is not hearing that. He’s come to his own conclusion that they are in cahoots to ruin his reputation and he now has proof. In the middle of this tirade, Marisa’s dinner guests begin to arrive. If Luis was in a bad mood before, this isn’t going to help. Andrea, his Chippie enters. (She looks lovely with her hair out of her face.) Marisa “introduces” them.

On their way back to school, Fer thinks about her doctorcito and his besitos, then to Felipe and his little plot. Then Cam announces she’s in love, love at first sight, with Carlos. Fernanda admits to Camila as they walk toward their school building that she likes Carlos, too. Cam declares that’s a betrayal of their friendship. She saw him first. They settle things before they get out of hand. They swear eternal friendship and leave the other matter to Carlos, as long as they play fair. Back in her room, Cam decides Fer or no Fer, she’s going after Carlos and means to have him.

Carlos, meanwhile, drives home by himself. When he gets home the guests have assembled, but Luis takes him away to discuss the “little problem” of Carlos’ associations. They nearly come to blows. Carlos threatens to tell his mother what he saw going on in Luis’s office. He heads for his room and Isabela (one of the guests) follows him in. Carlos breaks up with her—“lo nuestro se acabo.” (We don’t think she heard the words, “it’s over.”) She begs his forgiveness. Carlos says it doesn’t work like that. She keeps trying to kiss him.

Camila calls Carlos by phone, just at a fortunate, but awkward moment, leading Isy to believe Cam is her rival.

Fer takes solace in her violin. But this time it is dreamy Dr. Carlos she is thinking of.

Chef Hawt is at the stove fixing dinner. Fer helps chop the veggies. Fer finds out Pedro has a job working for the rich banker lady and that is why his truck was there. (She deduces correctly he doesn’t know about her connections to Luis and Carlos.) She does want to know more about the life of millionaires. Pedro says the son is a spoiled rotten only child. Fer asks if he’s met him or how does he know? She’s an only child, too. Is she spoiled rotten? He sort of admits he doesn’t know by deflecting the answer to Fer—only sometimes. The lady, he says, is very genteel, elegant, refined.
 

UN CAMINO EPI #9 (Fri Mar 4) Pt. 3
Nana Rosario comes into Carlos’ room. She asks to talk to him alone. Isy leaves, reluctantly. He absolutely refuses to attend the dinner and sit with that two-faced liar. She wants to know what went down with Luis to leave him like this. He tells her everything. He also tells her about Fernanda and that he’s falling in love with her. He counts all the ways he likes about her. She’s no passing fancy. Rosario recommends he tell Isy about his change of feelings. He’s not quite ready for that.

Now it’s Marisa’s turn to talk to Carlos. He continues to refuse his presence at dinner, even if it means embarrassing her in front of her friends and associates.

Camila and Fernanda do homework, but talk about Felipe and Carlos. Fer tries to tell her Felipe may have been lying about how Carlos feels about Camila. Cam doesn’t think so. They take a break to go outside for a walk. Still along the upstairs veranda, they meet a potential suicide, standing by the railing. (Please, writers, no deaths in this novela, unless it is Luis and Amelia at the very end.) A nun sees them out after hours. They run. She chases them. They hide under a tree. She turns on the sprinkler, dousing them. They run screaming with laughter back to the building, crying out Carolina’s name (clever girls).