Caray, Caray!

LA DONA

Who is the 5th Monkey ? That is the Big Question!

A.) Medical doctor

B.) Professional athlete

C.) Law enforcement officer

D.) WILD CARD

 

GENERAL: Juanita, you are a champ for deciphering all that scheduling michigas! Thank you. My experience tells me that zap2it is much more reliable than the Telemundo guía de programmación. But forewarned is the way to go.Thanks for getting us off to a great start this week.

LA DOÑA: Just finished watching the Monday nite show. It's getting intense, but I confess my spanish is not entirely up to the challenge on this one.I love the fact that Monica is taking no garbage from Gabino. There is a very strong feminist subtext throughout this novela, but it also points up the danger to women who refuse the antiquated codes of conduct. AND it appears that whatever oath of silence the Monkees may have made lo these veinte años, cracks are appearing in their bulwark of secrecy. I'm with Steve (above) in wondering who is the wild card monkee?
 

Silvana and La Doña

I'd really like to encourage Silvana watchers to move to La Doña after Silvana ends next Monday. Realizing that it may be hard to jump in if one knows nothing about the plot, I've tried to put together a small cheat sheet that briefly describes the major players and a few plot elements. I'm hoping that this will prove helpful, perhaps even for people who have watched some of the episodes. Corrections and additions are most welcome.

The cheat sheet will start in the next comment.
 

La Doña

Cheat Sheet - 1/3

La Doña takes place in present-day Mexico, especially Mexico City. The main character is Altagracia Sandoval, who insists on being called "La Doña." She is in her mid 30s and is the beautiful, wealthy, immensely powerful and ruthless head of a construction company that bears her name. She wants to build a parking garage in what is currently a poor but vibrant neighborhood. One vitally important thing to know about Altagracia [henceforth AG] is that when she was in her mid-to-late teens, she was raped in Veracruz by a gang of five masked men known as The Monkeys. They killed her mother, her father, and her novio, Cesar. Since that time, AG has disliked and distrusted all men and has vowed that some day she will get revenge on the gang, whom she hopes to identify by the distinctive tattoo all of them had on their chest.

Another very important character is Saúl Aguirre, a handsome, idealistic lawyer, probably about 30 years old. He specializes in defending abused women. We first encounter him in court defending a young woman named Margarita, who stands accused of attempted murder. The truth is that she was kidnapped and raped by a rich man. Whe she went to the police, they wouldn't take her case. Saúl helps Margarita get released.

Saúl's parents, Jaime and Azucena, live in the neighborhood AG wants to tear down in order to build the parking garage. Jaime says he owns the property AG wants to use. She arranges for Jaime to be thrown in jail on trumped up charges of attempted extortion.

The third major character (in addition to AG and Saúl) is Mónica Hernández, a young woman about 20 years old who lives with and is devoted to her sick father, Lázaro. He is confined to a wheelchair. At Mónica's urging, they come to Mexico City so that he can consult with a doctor about the possibility of being able to walk again. He and Mónica stay in the apartment of Lydia, Mónica's friend. The apartment is in the same contested neighborhood AG wants to raze.

Many years earlier, Lázaro had a thriving business. With a predatory eye to taking over his business, the young AG married Lázaro, convinced him that the baby she was expecting is his [he knew nothing about the gang rape], then drove him to drink, got him drunk enough to sign over the business and other assets to her, gave him the baby girl at birth, and kicked them both out onto the street. Mónica knows nothing about this history nor the identity of her mother. Lázaro didn't want to come to Mexico City for medical treatment because he feared that AG might find out and either try to harm her daughter or take her away from him.

One more important person in this novela is Yesenia. She is AG and her sister Regina's aunt, and she reluctantly took them in after their parents were killed. Hard-pressed for money, she pushed AG to work in a factory, where AG met Lázaro. I think Yesenia encouraged AG to marry Lázaro and pass the baby off as his. However, as soon as AG succeeded in getting control of Lázaro's business and assets, she kicked Yesenia out, no longer needing her. Yesenia is bitter about this, and her bitterness turns to hatred when, 20 years later, she rightly suspects that AG is responsible for the death of Yesenia's partner of many years, Guillermo. Though Yesenia contributed to Lázaro's downfall 20 years ago, she now wants to help Lázaro get back all that AG had taken from him. One more important thing about Yesenia: she practices witchcraft (some of which she taught to AG), reads Tarot cards, and has an impressive ability to sense a person's good or bad vibes.
 

La Doña

Cheat Sheet - 2/3

Here are some additional important characters you need to know about:

Felipe Valenzuela, AG's current husband (though until very recently he was unaware that she had been married before). He is un diputado, a congressman. However, AG has been very nasty to him, driving him to drink (a la Lázaro). One night, she gets Felipe drunk enough to sign papers he would never have signed when sober, then arranges for him to be publicly humiliated and forced to resign. A day or so later, he tries to shoot her, but Saúl steps in front of her and is shot instead. [In true telenovela fashion, Saúl moves from being on death's doorstep to fully recovered in a few days.]

Regina Sandoval is AG's younger sister. She was present when the Monkeys attacked her family, but thanks to some maneuvers by AG, Regina managed to escape. She has lived with AG and been close to her ever since. She has a teenage daughter, Isabela. I'm not sure who Isabela's father is or what happened to him.

Braulio Padilla is AG's lawyer and chief thug. He seems to enjoy inflicting physical pain and is willing to do whatever AG wants or needs, including torture and murder. He's very attracted to AG, but the attraction isn't mutual. He has a wife, Valeria, who is a judge, and a son, Diego, a high school student. Braulio has been physically and emotionally abusive to both. He and AG would like Diego and Isabela to become novios.

Rafael Cabral is AG's primary advisor. She doesn't know that in his misspent youth he was one of the Monkeys. He has apparently had the tattoo removed. He is married to Leticia. They have one child, Emiliano, who has seen a photo of his father and the other Monkeys. Rafael told his son they were unimportant people from his past and burned the photo.

"Lopecito" is a lawyer who works for Valeria and is Saúl's friend. He warned Saúl to beware of AG, whom he referred to as The Devil.

Ximena is Saúl's former jealous girlfriend and work partner. To get Ximena out of the way, AG threatened to inform Saúl that Ximena had aborted his child unless Ximena disappeared at once and moved to Madrid. Ximena complied.
 

SILVANA – LUNES – Parte 1 de 2

We again see Stella arriving at Manuel’s house. He’s wary. She tells him everything with Poncho va viento en popa (with the wind at the stern of the boat; i.e., going great guns) Manuel says he can surmise that the problem is with the children of Poncho’s ex. He says Lucha told him about Jennifer’s children. Stella: “Yes, Jennifer only causes them problems. But they have no choice but to care for the kids.” With a big grin she tells him that Poncho rompió el cochinito (broke open his piggy bank) and they’re all going to Las Vegas to get married.

Manuel tells Stella that surely she doesn’t want to bring the kids here to his house. She says that Lucha got along with them great, and could she possibly stay at Casa Stella a few days. Manuel tells her that Lucha is going to México to see Andrés. Even though her plan fell through Stella is very happy for Lucha. Thinking about she and Poncho and Lucha and Andrés, she says: Cada oveja con su pareja. (Usually means birds of a feather flock together, but in this case Stella means everyone has someone.) She then sees Manuel’s face and apologizes for being so insensitive.

Lupita calls Pedrito to say she’s back from camp while the nursery school music plays. FF>>>

Angie and Majo talk about calling AJ and not getting any response. Angie says they haven’t really done anything so bad as to deserve this. Majo annoys Viewerville once more by saying that their aiding and abetting their mother to be involved with Manuel IS a bad thing. She says they shouldn’t take sides. Angie tries to reason with her for the thousandth time. She says that what is going on with Manuel and Chivis is no reason for AJ to desert his children. One thing is to be a husband and quite another to be a father.

Manuel admits to Stella that he’s suffering for La Señora Chivis. Stella thinks its kind of touching he still calls her La Señora Chivis. She tells him to fight for her. He says he’s tried that, and it didn’t work. Stella blames herself for constantly trying to separate them. But Manuel tells her that she had nothing to do with Chivis’ decision.

Later Manuel remembers the scene in the driveway after Chivis moved in, when she was schlepping empty boxes to the curb.

At Casa Stooges they are managing to put up with Jennifer’s kids. The little girl isn’t too bad. Poncho said he had imagined himself wearing a silver cape in Las Vegas (like Elvis, I presume). They discover that Omar isn’t on the sofa sleeping and is missing.

Rocío comes to the bakery and asks Juanito to get Margarita.

Poncho drags Omar into the house. He tells Stella and Dom that the “little angel” went outside to play ball. But he broke windows in four different houses. He also hit another child, knocking out a tooth, that fortunately was a baby tooth. He broke the windows of the car of some neighbors. Poncho says they have to pay for the damages or the cops will be called. The kid is defiant.

Rocío asks Margarita if she talked to her grandfather yet. [I thought it was already set up for her to leave in one day.] Margarita tells her mother that Benito will forgive her.

When Stella leaves, we are treated to some Clint Eastwood “man with no name” music as Poncho and Dominique lean toward Omar and he looks a bit chastened.

Rocío says that she’s going to talk with her father.
 

La Doña

Cheat Sheet - 3/3

OK, here are a few important plot elements.

Near the start of the novela, Saúl comes to see AG to berate her for trying to destroy his parents' neighborhood and for having his father thrown in jail. AG finds herself strongly attracted to the defiant but sensitive Saúl. This is the first man she has cared for since her novio was killed twenty years ago. She tries to win Saúl over by having his father released and, eventually, giving up on her plan to construct a parking garage in that neighborhood. Saúl is captivated by her, even though many people warn him against her. They become lovers.

Also near the start of the novela, Saúl meets Mónica and several times comes to her aid. She falls in love with him, but she soon comes to see that he's in love with someone else, whom she eventually realizes is AG. At least two other men are strongly attracted to Mónica, a policeman named Gabino and the physician who has examined her father, Dr. Adolfo Mendoza. But Mónica is still drawn only to Saúl. Thus, mother and daughter are in love with the same man.

Much of the plot has concerned AG's desire for revenge against the Monkeys. She comes upon clues that lead her to one of the Monkeys, a well-to-do real estate broker in Veracruz named Miguel Preciado. She visits him in Veracruz to whet his appetite for a lucrative deal. Braulio then gets him to come see AG at her country estate outside Mexico City. There, they confront him, tie him up, and torture him to give the names of the other Monkeys. He gives them one name--Colonel Alejandro Céspedes--before he is killed.

AG makes contact with Céspedes, goes to a swimming pool where he is exercising and confirms that he has the Monkeys tattoo, and proposes an extremely lucrative and highly illegal business deal. Céspedes is suspicious and has his men investigate AG's business. He learns that former Monkey Rafael works for AG, and he goes to see Rafael (for the first time in 20 years). Rafael tells him he knew nothing about this deal. He asks how Céspedes came to know AG and was told that the initial contact was made by someone named Braulio. Rafael advises Céspedes to pass up the illegal deal because the risks are too great. Céspedes, however, decides to go ahead with it, since it will help fund his retirement. Rafael tells him that he never wants to see or hear from Céspedes again, and Céspedes should say nothing about having talked to him.

[I hope other people will jump in with additions, corrections, questions, etc.]
 

SILVANA – LUNES – Parte 2 de 2

Chivis and Cristina are talking about the home design business at Casa Chivis. Cris is pretty dense. She doesn’t seem to catch on how annoyed Chivis is with her classist remarks about the old neighborhood.

Poncho says that Las Vegas was a golden dream and is very sad. Dom agrees to stay in Miami and care for Jennifer’s kids so Stella and Poncho can get married in Vegas.

As Chivis is walking out with Cris, the familiar yellow VW Beetle pulls up. Stella is overwhelmed by the house. Lacking in tact as always, Stella says: ”¡Con razón hizo su chanchullo!” (I can see why he stole all that money.)

We get another cute sibling scene with Jorge and Vicente. Vicente is shaving and Jorge comes in to tell him he’s been thinking about something. Vicente: “You’ve been thinking. Don’t be pulling my leg, Georgie. What a miracle. Now you’re thinking.” [Another one of those things that sounds better in Spanish!] Jorge’s idea is to have the Villaseñor girls invite their mother out to dinner. They’ll invite their father. When they’re all there together, the kids will tell them they’re totally in favor of Manuel and Chivis being together and then leave. Vicente likes the idea. Jorge gives him the locker-room slap with a damp towel on his way out.

Stella tells Chivis that she has her Latin Lover and they’re getting married. She shows her the ring. Stella tells Chivis she wants to apologize for all the horrible things she did. She wants to talk about Manuel así con calzón quitado (speak frankly).

Lucha is packing. She complains to her father that her suitcase is too small. Manuel starts taking out a bunch of shoes, then a winter jacket. She hugs him and then he throws something else over her shoulder.

Inside Casa Chivis Stella thinks the walls should be green. She gets to the point: that Chivis and Manuel love each other and should be together. She says that el tiburón es tremendo tipo y no se merece que sufra. Chivis keeps saying that this is her business. Stella says that she knows Chivis is just dying to be with Manuel.

Manuel tells Lucha that women don’t know how to pack. He says he packed for their mother. He has her to sit on the bag and then is able to zip it up.

Trini is planning a lunch at the mansion for Benito. She’s instructing poor Wendy. She wants champagne and also plenty of ice for whiskey. Wendy says that she’s making ceviche Mexican style. Trini is afraid it will have too many chiles, but Wendy assures her she’ll tone it down.

Manuel looks at a picture of a little girl in a red dress. [It probably is a picture of the Lucha actress because it looks like her.] Then Manuel remembers more of his conversation with Lucha. Lucha says maybe Chivis will come to the door just like that silly María José did.

Pedrito tells his father he doesn’t want to go to summer camp. Manuel figures out it’s because Lupita is back home.

Chivis tells Stella she just wants to be alone and figure out her life. She says things were lovely with Manuel, but the relationship no tiene ni pies ni cabeza (doesn’t make any sense). Stella tells her you don’t find men like Manuel on every street corner. Manuel is very sad and suffering for her. Stella tells Chivis that this is an amazing house, but she looked happier in the other one.

 

Silvana

Great recap, novelera! Many thanks. I especially appreciated all the Spanish phrases you included--I needed almost every one of them!

I was surprised and relieved when Manuel didn't give in and take in Jennifer's three kids. I still think they should have been turned over to family services.

I loved it when Pedrito was going on about why he had decided not to go to summer camp and Manuel says simply, "I gather Lupita's back."

Somehow, Lucha's difficulties in packing didn't seem realistic, especially her including all those bulky pairs of shoes. I also found it strange that Manuel unpacked the whole thing without turning up any underwear.

Yes, Cris didn't seem to pick up Chivis' discomfort when Cris badmouthed the naco neighborhood. I think Chivis must also have had some second thoughts when Cris talked about the need for Chivis to socialize again with her old friends. Chivis did mention that none of them had come to see her after AJ left.

BTW, I'm sorry that my timing and yours conflicted a bit tonight. I had no idea that you had started to post until after I'd put up the last of my messages and saw that I'd interrupted your recap.
 

La Doña

interesting that AG used lust to do in Miguel who could not stop raping, and plans to use drugs to take down the Colonel who was a drug addict, and so forth with the others.

also interesting that when Braulio questioned AG going off with the Colonel alone she replied that rapists are cowards and would never try that with a powerful woman.

laughed when Rafael told the Colonel to review the definition of "never".

and when they talked of the monkeys I thought I heard one of them throw out the name Francisco.

 

SILVANA:

Thanks, novelera! Your great recap was so much more than this episode deserved. Only one week left to go. Wash, rinse, repeat, until the bittersweet end. I guess that's the Writers' plan. They better be saving all their creative energy for a fitting end to AJ.
 

LA DONA:

Juanita- What an excellent rundown of the main characters and plot so far! Thank you.

Deb- I was distracted by other things while watching last night, so thank you for those plot points. So, we should be watching out for someone named Francisco.

Gabino really showed Monica his true colors last night. She needs to take that seriously and be on guard.
 

La Doña

Thanks very much, deb, for your terrific comments about last night's episode. Yes, I too heard the name Francisco. But did someone say one of the Monkeys is dead? I'm not at all sure.

I'm glad you mentioned that Preciado died because of his lust, and apparently Céspedes may be done in by his former drug addiction. But will that work when he has been free of drugs for many years? And what will Daniel's Achilles heel be? And Rafael's?

Now apparently Rafael has learned that Braulio has had something to do with bringing Céspedes to AG. That should create some interesting developments between Braulio and Rafael and perhaps lead Rafael to learn more about what AG is up to.

Like Vivi, I'm glad Gabino showed his ugly true colors in front of Mónica. She's probably going to need her Knight in Shining Armor (aka Saúl) to come to her rescue yet again. And, speaking of Mónica, I wonder how she's going to explain to AG her decision not to sell tortas at AG's company.

This already hot plot is heating up even more.


 

LA DONA:

When Cespedes eventually ends up dead, under suspicious circumstances, Rafael will definitely be suspicious of AG and Braulio, now that he knows they reached out to him (without consulting Rafael) to do shady business.
 

SILVANA

novelera -

Thank you for the recap! Given my schedule today, I think I can afford to miss this one. As Vivi said, lather, rinse, repeat.


" I also found it strange that Manuel unpacked the whole thing without turning up any underwear. "
Ummm.... maybe she does not plan on wearing any when she gets there? ~winks~
 

La Dona

Juanita: Now expect Rafael to have Saul, Magarita, Lydia, Monica, Yesenia WHACKED in that order!
 

Silvana. Excellent recap, novelera. Your, Juanita's and J's recaps are among the few things I'll miss about this novela when it's over, You are so right that Cris is pretty dense--and snobbish. Omar seems bot emotionally disturbed and disruptive. He could use some help from social services. It's really decent of Dom to offer to take care of Omar and his siblings so that Poncho and Stella can achieve their goal of getting married in Las Vegas. Stella is acting much better recently--even showing some wisdom about Chivis' having been happier in the duplex than in the big gorgeous mansion.
 

Silvana:

SpanProf: Omar's got serious issues that need a Dr. Phil intervention.

La Dona: I'm interested to know who's this Francisco guy & considering he could be the 5th Monkey.

Rafael doing everything he can to avoid being exposed as one of the rapists of AG & his involvement in the deaths of AG's parents & Cesar.

Does anyone see this TN similar to Dirty Harry's "Sudden Impact" ? Jennifer Spencer was violently gang-raped by a group of thugs. 10 years later, she seeks revenge on all of them.
 

Mujeres ambiciosas

I caught a little bit of this today, Adriana Esteves (who played the villain Carmina in "Avenida Brasil") is one of the ambitious ladies.

 

Mujeres Ambiciosas;:

Deb: How good is this show ?
 

La Dona Ok Iam on board

Saul. Can't think past his little head,unless she enchanted him,she smoked a cigar drawing cigar their first tryst!,?. Just saying!

Monica needs to step up to the psycho cop!
We have three new monkeys!
Saul is gonna blow it with his stupid self. He tlalks too much!
Altagracia is a killer sorry, no redeeming qualities!
I am team, auntie,exhusband both of them!
Saul parents are gonna blow a casket when they find out their son is. D😛😜k head and an idiot!
He can't think past his third leg!
What's up with the judge and the bump looking. Clerk,yeah his wife is a maniac but ,make it a clean break, the parent of the teenagers, they don't have a clue,
Little sobrina is nuts
I am team aunt,sister, ex husband
Killing the poor hooker was too much! They set dude up good, but he has some cards? To play?

 

Silvana

Tonight's recap will be posted sometime tomorrow morning.
 

Silvana
I just found out Marimar Vega (Stela) is the sister of Zaria Vega. They do look alike!
 

La Doña 31

Emiliano has a plan...

Diego will flirt with Lydia, Emiliano will bring Isabel to see, oh but Isabel flirts with speedster Emi, getting him hot, runs a red light and over Lydia, bummer, he takes off, Gabino who has been sneaking along behind the girls gets all the info, and lawyer Saul is stopped at that same light.

Monica and AG go a few rounds, Monica not giving up the Saul connection, loyalty is tops with AG who owes her for running off the thugs, offers her a job, and your girls can keep selling tortas, Monica wants a day to think about it.

meet at the hospital, Adolfo in surgery with Lydia, lobby is Saul, Margarita, newly arrived Yesenia and Laz, Monica blasting in with Gabino, and Jorge?, hugging Saul not to Laz's liking, later Saul's mom and pop, and Diego in the wings, Saul slings out a social media blitz that goes viral, while Gabino hedges on the cop side, knowing it's Rafael's car, there is a different protocol with these people.

Emi to the drug den, chases whiny Isabel out, and snorts.

Braulio delivers half to the Colonel, wants him there for each step, agreed, reports back to mom.

Rafael is talking image for Braulio while poking around AG, that they not have secrets, (knowing about the Colonel deal but not wishing to expose himself) AG pulls the rug out asking him if he has something he is hiding from her.

Leticia is breaking the news, but chokes on the hit-and-run license being from her car, time for a commercial, calls Rafael, who rushes home to find Emi od'd on drugs, but still alive.

"hey, hey, we're the Monkees"

 

Zuria
 

la dona

GREAT WRITE UP!! I AM ON BOARD!!

Poor Lydia [ my girl]Diego do you have any qu****s, step up be a man!!

the car drive- by, with her son[ coked up son] was Leticia wake up and dang she went apoplexic!! loved it!this blows a hole in her cover as supermom,

people are cynical in mexico, so not sure what effect it will have?

hey hey its the monkeees?!?!
I never laugh so hard! awesome!!, you -go-girl!! too-too-on-point!

I am gonna enjoy all of the BIG PAYBACKS.. bring on the revenge!!!

and make it nice and slow, but Alta Garcia has a monkey -on-her-back, right at her

company Rafael is a monkeey boy ,oh yes!
 

LA DONA:

Thanks so much, Deb. Finally, the teenager storyline gets interesting. Diego hanging back and keeping quiet about his friends' role in her hit-and-run is NOT going to endear him to Lydia (she looked so cute with her hair down). He might as well not have gone to the hospital.

Best scene was Leticia reading the news teleprompter and realizing the license number she was reading was her own! She and Rafael are going to have to work fast to clean up this mess, in addition to getting Emi medical care before he dies of an overdose.

Gabino was so creepy stalking Monica and her friends. I was hoping that Saul would see him skulking behind that tree while he was driving by. It sounded like he admitted to Monica that he was following her when he told her about the accident, but I think she was too upset about Lydia for the implications of that to really sink in. I hope she thinks about it later.
 

LA DONA:

It's almost getting comical how many people Lazaro is trying to forbid (grown woman) Monica from seeing/hanging out with-- AG, Felipe, Regina, and now Saul. He starts hyperventilating every time he sees or hears she's been near any of them. I still don't know how he thinks he's going to convince/force her to leave the city with him, once/if he gets back his money from AG. And how would he explain the sudden windfall?
 

Silvana sin Lana (Capítulo 117) - Martes 1/4

We see Stella again urge Chivis to get back together with Manuel. Chivis again tells her it's too late, the decision is made. Stella says goodbye, hugs her, and says she hopes she doesn't regret what she's doing.

Chivis, alone, remembers an earlier time when she was unhappy and a very sympathetic Manuel offered her his shoulder to cry on.

Trini is preparing for Don Benito's arrival at her house. Lupita comes into the room, quite upset, and asks what's happened with her father. "They said he'd come today and he hasn't." She then leaves. Trini tells Majo that she doesn't want anything to ruin her very important day. Don Benito is going to come for a meal and then they're going to the cemetary. "Why go to the cemetary?" asks Majo. Trini tells her DB has to meet her dead husband and tell him that he wants to be her novio. "Oh my God!" say Majo and Viewerville in unison.

The scene at the cemetary is ridiculous and painful. Trini is her usual overbearing, snobbish self. DB is very nervous and unsure what to do or say, and whenever he says something, Trini criticizes him. She assures her dead husband, "Don Ray," that although DB is dark (moreno), he is of European descent, and though he is of the middle class, he's nonetheless a good person. When DB finally asks for Don Ray's authorization to marry (desposarme) Trini. Trini goes ballistic. No, no, they haven't yet talked about marriage, this is just a noviazgo. DB says he thought it made sense to kill two birds with one stone rather than have to come back again, but that too doesn't sit well with Trini. Finally DB manages to say what Trini wants, and she decides that her dead husband has given his approval. The love birds leave the cemetary happy.

[According to the tombstone, Trini's husband died in 1984 at age 40. So she has been a widow for more than 30 years, and Chivis must have been about 10 when he died. Losing her father when she was so young, and being raised by a screwball mother, Chivis has turned out surprisingly well.]

We see AJ enter a building. The building is large and luxurious, so at first I thought he was coming into the family's house. But it's too sterile to be the house, and no one is present. It seemed much too large to be a hotel suite, and also too large to be an apartment that he would have rented, though I think that's probably what it is. Anyway, he takes off his jacket and starts unpacking his suitcase. He takes out a photo of his family and fondly recalls telling Lupita stories to help her go to sleep, and also asking forgiveness from his daughters for making them suffer. He tells them they are the most important thing for him. His reverie is interrupted by a phone call from Majo. He sees who's calling, then tosses the phone onto the bed, unanswered. [So much for his daughters' being most important.] AJ paces about the room, then takes the photo of his family out of its frame, tears it up, and puts the pieces back into the suitcase. He then calls an airline and makes a reservation for a flight to Dubai. He gives his name as Francesco Ordoñez de la Vega, the name on the passport in his hand, a passport bearing his photo.

Back at the family's house, Chivis, Majo, and Angie are talking about the fact that AJ has not been in touch and hasn't responded to any of their calls. Chivis says, "It's clear that he doesn't want to talk to us. There's no other explanation." Her main concern is that Lupita not get very upset again, as she did when he left them before. No sooner does Chivis say this than in walks Lupita. She wants to know what has happened to her father. They try to assure her that all is well, but she's fed up. "No one tells me anything. I'm not stupid. Tell me the truth!"
 

Silvana sin Lana (Cap. 117) - Martes 2/4

Chivis explains to Lupita that AJ is angry with all of them except her. Lupita asks why they're always arguing with him. Angie tells her "he doesn't like the fact that Jorge is my novio and Vicente is Majo's novio, and we're very much in love with them, so he's angry." Lupita asks whether it's because they're poor. Chivis replies, Yes, your father thinks they're different from us because of that, and therefore he doesn't like Jorge and Vicente as novios, and that bothers me."

At Stella's, Poncho asks Dom whether he's really willing to stay with Jennifer's kids while Poncho and Stella go off to Las Vegas to be married. Dom valiently says yes, and Poncho tells him that's the greatest demonstration of love (Ésta es la muestra máxima del amor). He promises to bring Dom a gift from Las Vegas, an Elvis suit. Dom is very pleased.

Lupita is very upset, fearing that AJ is going to leave them again, even though he promised he wouldn't. She goes off to leave him a message with WhatsApp. AJ sees that the message, which begins Amigo profugo (Fugitive friend), is from Lupita. He listens to it. She tells him what she's been doing, and then says she doesn't want him to be a fugitive, she wants him to return, friends don't abandon each other, she needs him. She tells him she loves him and calls herself "your secret agent." He takes her part of the torn photo from his suitcase, kisses it, and seems about to cry.

Meanwhile, his family continues to talk about his absence, and how important it is that Lupita not fall apart. Angie is furious with him for not even responding to Lupita's messages. Majo thinks that if only he hadn't seen her kiss Vicente, none of this would have happened. Chivis tells her not to blame herself; none of them did anything so terrible that it would justify AJ's actions. Just then, Lupita bursts in, ecstatic. AJ has answered her WhatsApp message. She plays it. He says that some problems have come up and he has to travel again, but as soon as he gets to his destination, he'll be in touch by email. He asks forgiveness for not having said goodbye, but everything happened very suddenly. He also asks that she say nothing about this for several days. He assures her that no matter what, he loves her. Downcast, she's hugged by her family.

Stella tells Poncho and Dom that she feels guilty for all the problems she caused Chivis. Poncho tells her she has a big heart, and he loves her all the more. He tells her about Dom's offer to stay with Jennifer's kids. The camera moves to Dom, who looks as if he's about to throw up.

Angie is furious with AJ. Chivis tells her to calm down, AJ can't leave the country. [Hah!] Majo, depressed, goes to call Vicente. Lupita cries unconsolably and says she'll die if her father leaves.

At the Gallardos, Vicente and Jorge lead a blindfolded Lucha into the kitchen and tell her to open her mouth. They give her a spoonful of her mother's flan, which the three boys have prepared as a going-away present. She's very moved. There's a loving scene involving the whole family. Vicente takes a phone call and comes in to tell them that AJ has fled the country again, and that his family is desesperada (desperate/frantic/despairing).

Stella is unwilling to leave Dom behind. "We're a family. And if it weren't for Domi, our story would never have happened." [Oh?] Dom tells them they should go, otherwise they'll never get married. Poncho agrees with Dom. There's no alternative: the tickets have already been bought. Dom tries to reassure them, but he gets sadder and madder as he speaks, and soon he's calling Jennifer a miserable witch who has destroyed his dream of going to Las Vegas. "She's an unnatural mother who has left us with her brats that I can't stand! I hate her!"
 

Silvana sin Lana (Cap. 117) - Martes 3/4

Manuel is tempted to go see whether he can be of any help to Chivis, but he doesn't want to leave Lucha when she's about to go to Mexico. She assures him that it's urgent and he should go. So Manuel and his sons go off to be helpful, etc.

Stella assures a weeping Dominique that they'll all go together, and they'll just postpone the trip. [Yup, she's been redeemed.] At that moment, there's a knock at the door. Poncho opens the door and in comes Jennifer. She had received the message that Bart was sick, and here she is. She apologizes for leaving the children, says she feels like una gallina con piojo (a hen with lice?). However, with Beethoven's Ode to Joy playing in the background, she announces that she has solved the problem: she and her children will live with Bart's family. Dom almost can't believe it. The three of them scream in unison, "There's going to be a wedding!" The Ode to Joy continues even louder.

One problem solved, one big one still to go. The Gallardo troops arrive. There's an awkward greeting between Manuel and Chivis. He says they've come simply to see whether you (plural) need anything. Lupita asks him to help her find her father. He looks a bit disconcerted. Jorge asks where Angie is. Majo says let's all go look for Angie. "And my papá?" asks Lupita. Majo takes her by the hand and says that they should let Chivis and Manuel deal with that. Everyone but Chivis and Manuel leaves the room. Although he had greeted Chivis as Señora Chivis when he arrived, he now says to her Sólo vine para apoyarte en cualquier cosa que necesites. Is this the first time that he has used tú (except, perhaps in Key West?)?

Don Benito and Trini return to the bakery from their trip to the cemetary. He holds her hand and says that there's no longer any reason to hide their love. She agrees. She tells Margarita and Juanito that she and DB have come from the cemetary. Both young people are puzzled. DB explains that they went to ask Trini's dead husband to authorize their noviazgo. "So as of today," announces DB, "Señora Trini and I are officially novios." Margarita shouts "Hallelujah! I thought it was going to take you twenty years more." Trini informs them that it's not going to be a noviazgo alocado (crazy, impulsive, hotheaded), but rather a noviazgo classico, little by little. "For example," she continues, "for now there are not going to be kisses." Juanito, Margarita, and Don Benito look stunned.

Manuel tells Chivis he just wants to know what's happening. She tells him that for days they didn't hear from AJ. Finally he answered a message from Lupita and said he had to travel again and he'd be back in touch soon. Chivis is afraid that he's again fleeing the country. She's upset for her daughters. Manuel says he [and Viewerville] doesn't understand how he can leave the country. Doesn't he have a trial pending? And doesn't he have to show up regularly at the court? Chivis tells him that AJ is capable of anything. The first time, too, he wasn't supposed to be able to leave the country, but he did. She's trying not to alarm her daughters, but if he wants to go, he'll go.

DB politely asks Trini what kind of relation they'll have without kisses. This insufferable woman replies una relación bonita, decente, fresca (a relationship lovely, decent, upper-class). She continues, "Porque al que quiere azul celeste, que le cueste" (Because if you want something, you have to work for/pay for it).
 

Silvana sin Lana (Cap. 117) - Martes 4/4

Don Benito replies that he has already used up all he has/shot his last bullet (Pero aunque yo con usted ya queme todos mis cartuchos). The always gracious DB adds, "Thank God, it was worth it. So let's celebrate." Trini tells Margarita she's so happy that Margarita has accepted her, she assures Margarita that she will care for her bonbon de oro, and they embrace. Juanito puts on music, and they all dance.

Manuel asks Chivis whether AJ is going to leave them out in the street again. She replies that she doesn't know, she's very worried for her daughters. Manuel says the last time AJ left, it was because of money problems, but this time, el problema son ustedes, or rather, the problem is my sons, and [pause] the two of us, even though there's no longer "the two of us." Chivis says she wants to talk to AJ, try to convince him, or, if he has to leave, to do it differently. This is going to be too traumatic for her daughters. Manuel suggests that she call him. Even if he doesn't answer, she should leave a message. "I bet he'll listen to it," he says. Chivis tries, but there's no answer, and no opportunity to leave a message. Manuel suggests, "Send him a voice message. Isn't that the way he communicated with Lupita? Try it. I'll bet he'll answer." She does so.

AJ is sitting on the bed holding or perhaps counting a wad of cash that he then puts in his briefcase. The phone rings. He plays Chivis' voice message. She tells him that if he's thinking of leaving, please talk to her. She's asking for his daughters, not for herself. "Even if you go, please talk to me first. I beg you, I'm the mother of your daughters. They need an explanation. Do it for them, not for me." End of message, and end of episode.
 

La Doña

Great recap, deb. Muchas gracias. I only just finished watching the episode, since I was busy last night (and this morning) with the Silvana recap. I didn't read your recap until after I'd watched the episode. Loved your saying that Braulio meets with the Colonel and then "reports back to mom." Perfect! And I enjoyed the "hey, hey, we're the Monkees" at the end of the recap.

Wow, this was one exciting episode! Yes, poor Lázaro is going to have a heart attack trying to prevent Mónica from having any contact with the outside world. And yes, he was upset at seeing Mónica embrace Saúl, but he wasn't the only one. Gabino wasn't exactly delighted, either. That guy really gives me the creeps.

I like the way the plot is thickening with Rafael, Braulio, and AG. Rafael is probably smarter than Braulio, but he's not nearly as vicious, even if he was once a Monkey. I'm not sure which will triumph (at least in the short term), brains or brawn.

I agree with Vivi that the best scene in the episode was Leticia's reading the news bulletin.
 

SILVANA

Juanita - Thank you for the recap, the snark, and the translations!

If this thing wasn't so near the end, I would shoot it, just to put it out of its misery. Gah.
Don't even get me started on Trini today.
 

Silvana

Thanks, doris. Don't worry, I wouldn't dare get you started on Trini today, since I think we'd reinforce each other and run wild. (Hmmm...on second thought....)


 

Silvana

Normally, I leave my typos alone, but there's one that makes little sense. In the second paragraph of Part 3, I say that Jennifer "announces that she has solved the problem: she and her children will live with Bart's family." What I intended to write was Bart's father.

As long as I'm writing, there are two more things I might mention. One is that I had no idea that the recap would be so long. When I started it, I thought it would have just two parts. Also, in spite of its being longer than expected, there was one question I didn't get to ask: why was AJ in a suit and tie when he came to his apartment/hotel/whatever? Had he just come from a shady business deal? Or had he perhaps just come from the court and found that he was likely to go to prison? The fact that he had a passport with his photo and a false name (or perhaps his real name?) suggests that he may be more of a criminal than I at first imagined. And, of course, if Francisco Ordoñez de la Vega is his real name, then he married under a false name, and perhaps the marriage is therefore invalid. ¡Ojalá!
 

Silvana. Excellent and very complete recap, Juanita! Good observation on Trini's husband and on Chivis' having turned out so well despite having Trini for a mother and having lost her father at such an early age. It might also explain why she married an older man like AJ. How fortuitous (i.e., contrived) that Jennifer turned up when she did! Let's hope it's finally the last we see of her. There's no way AJ would be going all the way to Dubai just because he's mad at his 2 older daughters. It's excellent evidence for the speculation (by Oralise?) that he has also ripped off Roberto and probably has to leave to avoid jail.
 

Silvana. Juanita; Yes, let's hope that AJ married under a false name, which would definitely solve all the annulment problems.
 

La Dona

Vivi: Do you think Lazaro is faking the heart attack ? I mean he's desperate in forbidding Monica from seeing anyone.

Juanita: Rafael vs. Braulio: Who wins in this one ?

SpanProf: Big question is whether Ximena returns to Mexico ? I did predict earlier in the TN that we weren't going to see the last of her.


 

Silvana

thanks for the recap Juanita!

I'm assuming AJ was in his traveling/escape mode with suit and suitcase, and that the place he was at (not his house, Roberto's, or Rafael's but it did look kind of familiar) was a high end suite in a hotel somewhere, he certainly seems to never lack for money, will anyone alert the police?

 

SILVANA:

Juanita, you gave this episode way better of a recap than it deserved! Thank you.

I just found this whole episode so very painful, and found myself hitting the ffwrd button a lot. Trini, Lupita and AJ...ack! I can't believe how much time and angst is being wasted on worrying about AJ. First time he did this, I can understand. But this time, even "little" Lupita should understand that her Dadito is a cowardly rat.

Glad Jennifer came back and got her kids. Could it be any more obvious that that plotline was just to help drag these last episodes out?
 

SILVANA

I think what we missed was some closure for Genesis. Like Poncho going to her house to beg for forgiveness since he himself knows exactly what it's like to be left at the altar by someone you love. And then she forgives him because the Almighty told her that Poncho is an idiot and He is sending Genesis someone much better. And he's going to smite Poncho and Stella with kids just like Jennifer's. All is well with Genesis. Then Poncho leaves and it rains. Pours. With giant hail on his jerk head. Closure.

Kelly
 

Silvana

Thanks so much, Juanita. Your recap was absolutely terrific!

I thought I would start screaming during the Trini/DB at the cemetery scene. It felt like it was 30 minutes long. I was nervous my very nice neighbor would come over to save me from an intruder so I stifled my rage. Trini is a complete ass. If they’re going for redemption, they’re running out of time.

Why in blue blazes didn’t the writers give us some explanation for Fat Toad doing a runner. I like the theory that he’d been to court and perhaps needed to flee before the time he was supposed to surrender himself. Tearing up a picture of your children, really?

I also hope we’ve seen the last of Jennifer, partly because I can’t understand a word that comes out of her mouth. Those Cuban accents are brutal. I have a friend that came on the Mariel boatlift many years ago, and I’ve met some of his Cuban friends. When they start talking to each other, I’m lost.

So, what’s Chivis’ excuse now to dump Manuel? What she’s said, muddled as it’s sounded, has been that if the Fat Toad knew she broke it off with Manuel, he’d spend more time with his daughters.

Again, Juanita, thanks so much for such a thorough and well-written recap.

 

Silvana. Kelly: I love your ending for Génesis! ¡Ojalá!
 

Silvana:

Novelera: Do you think AJ will make one last gasp in trying to bust up Chivis & Manuel ?


 

Silvana

Steve, I can't really predict what AJ's next move is going to be. When they showed a nighttime skyline, I thought at first he was already in Dubai. But I guess he's still in Miami. They could have cut the cemetery scene to 5 minutes and given us some useful information!
 

SILVANA

Juanita - I like your theory about AJ having an original identity and his "AJ" name being the fake one, thus
nullifying his marriage to Chivis! Perhaps he'll get caught at immigration/passport control, this time? Hopefully the Feds are watching him.

Kelly - ITA that it would be nice to see some closure for Genesis and I love your suggestion for her. She was a very nice, honest young lady who was, unfortunately, surrounded by crazies.
 

Juanita, loved the recap, thanks. I am so pis__ed at the whole Trini plot that I was hoping Don Benito would salvage his dignity, take his hat and show Trini his backside. What a rediculous stunt that whole cemetery was. I kick myself in the tail for having followed this soap in the first place. The recappers deserve medals for slugging it out for us. Muchas gracias.
Helen
 

La Dona:

Doris: Braulio must've come from an abusive childhood, which explains why he beats & rapes Valeria including beating up on Diego.


 

Silvana

Wow, thanks, everyone, for all the great comments. SpanProf, I really like your idea about Chivis early loss of her father helping to explain why she married an older man. That hadn't occurred to me, even when I was mulling over the implications of Trini's husband's having died so young. [Then again, perhaps he died to escape from her! :-) ] And you're right, of course, that there would be no need for AJ to go all the way to Dubai just because he's angry at his two older daughters. I wonder whether the family will find out about the Dubai destination. That might shake up their thoughts about him.

deb, I too thought the hotel/apartment where we saw AJ looked familiar. Indeed, the long corridor reminded me of the upstairs corridor in the family's house. But why would a hotel, even a high-end hotel, have such a corridor, and why would AJ choose to stay there at what must be great expense? Oh well, it's obvious I know next-to-nothing about such places (indeed, next-to-nothing overstates my knowledge).

Vivi, you're so right about the obvious signs of padding the plot to let the novela run for another couple of weeks (at least). The Jennifer business is one example, and of course the absurd and offensive sequence at the cemetary is another. Like you, novelera, Helen and some other folks, I HATED the cemetary stuff. And novelera, it really may have dragged on for 30 minutes. It sure felt that way, and I had fewer notes about this episode than any other I'd recapped, mostly because I had almost nothing printable to say about that sequence.

Kelly, I too feel there should have been more resolution of the Genesis thread. She deserves better, and so I loved your proposed resolution!

Gotta run. It's almost Silvana time.
 

La Doña

was it AG that warned Emiliano about posting any videos on the internet like kids do today showing them doing stupid things, (remember the videos Isabel posted of him drinking and driving fast, not that anyone will see them)

Aracely Arámbula (AG) is so cool to watch, like when Emi fessed up that it was Isabel with him, or when Rafa blurts out Saul was a witness, She puts her A team together.

poor Lopez tells his patient wife how it is with them, and when he is done she unloads almost every loose item in the kitchen on him, decides to forget what he said, she is never leaving him.

ah yes the handkerchief that Valeria hangs on to, not a secret for long, amusing to Braulio that it's Lopecito's, but if she would ever cheat on him, she is dead, punto.

Danna Paola (Monica) is really upping her game, juggling the three boyfriends, her witch friend (aunt), her dying dad, and now her dying friend, I'll bet she has been studying everything Aracely does.

So Gambino didn't file a police report.

for some reason I'm captivated by that blouse Leticia is wearing, vintage.

Saul's father is like Clint Eastwood, never give an inch, such a menacing figure, sure to screw things up.

 

La Dona:

Deb: The conspiracy covering-up Lidya's likely death will have major ramifications down the road. The fact Saul is investigating continues to make a huge target on his back.

1.) Lopez doesn't know it, but when Braulio figures out that you were knocking up Valeria. He's going to kill you BOTH!

2.) Yesenia got kicked out of her apartment. WOW! I'm not surprised because she created the AG monster years ago.

3.) Monica & Margarita better watch their backs!

4.) Gambino getting more & more of a mini-Braulio aggressively grabbing Monica's arms like that!

5.) Can Ximena team up with Yesenia & Felipe to bring down AG & her cronies ?

 

LA DONA:

Thanks for getting the convo started, deb. I didn't notice anything about Leticia's blouse. I was busy trying to read what Isabel's t-shirt said. The A Team is right. They got the war room going, and their battle plans ready. I appreciate that Regina was the only one actually concerned about the well-being of Lydia, and wanted to discipline the kids for being so careless and callous. But of course she didn't win the argument going up against AG and her A Team, who are more motivated than ever to keep their kids out of trouble.

Gabino again got really scary with Monica, and since they were all alone, there's no telling what could have happened. I was proud of Monica for defending herself so well, but we know this isn't the last we'll see of Gabino.
 

SILVANA

I agree with whoever upthread said the recappers are heroes. You are! This tn has been ridiculous. They could honestly have covered the entirety of what has happened in about three weeks, if they hadn't padded it and repeated so many plot lines. I hope Carlos Ponce got a fat paycheck for this garbage! It'd be his only excuse for agreeing to do it. What repetitive, pointless nonsense most of it has been. And the whole storyline about Chivis moving into her mansion again (with all their original belongings miraculously unsold at auction!) and being so ridiculously manipulated by AJ, while she's in love with Mañuel just never even made sense to me.
Also- Trini is unbearable and deserves nothing.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

SILVANA

I realize I've been incredibly spoiled up until now, because the only tn 's I have ever followed were Reina de Corazones and Avenida Brasil. Sweatergod, more happened in one episode of those than in a month of Silvana


 

La Doña

Thanks, deb, for getting the ball rolling on this episode. I too thought Aracely Arámbula's performance was impressive. Her almost imperceptible reaction when she heard that Saúl was a witness was especially well done. So often, telenovelas rely on overacting (a helpful feature for those of us trying to learn Spanish). It's a real treat to see acting in all its subtleties.

I was surprised and relieved when Mónica didn't have to use the broken bottle to try to fend off Gabino. He rightly pointed out that he could have overpowered her. I'm glad he didn't, but he may well in the future. The actor who plays Gabino does a skillful job of moving between attractive galan and dangerous creep. It's a good thing that Mónica not only hasn't fallen for him but has also started to tell other people about his behavior.

I wonder what's going to happen with/to Diego.
 

Silvana sin Lana - Wednesday, January 11 - Capítulo 118, part 1/2

Repeat scene of Chivis calling AJ and AJ listening to her voice message. He sends her the address where he is. Manuel insists on going to talk to him first.

Lupita is angry at her dad. Pedrito thinks they should run away to Mexico with Lucha.

Lucha Skypes with Andrés and tells him about AJ running off again.

Lupita doesn’t want to run away. Talking to Pedrito makes her feel better. She kisses his cheek and he gets nervous and makes an excuse to leave.

Manuel is at the mansion/penthouse/rich people place where AJ is living. AJ doesn’t want to talk to him but Manuel refuses to leave. Manuel tells him he can’t abandon his children again. AJ accuses his children of abandoning him. Manuel sets him straight. A father is irreplaceable and they already forgave him. AJ complains about Manuel stealing Chivis from him. Again Manuel reminds him that he was the one who abandoned all of them.

Lupita asks Chivis why Manuel went to talk to AJ. She thinks Manuel is going to tell him his secret - that he’s in love with Chivis - and AJ will get mad. Chivis doesn’t think Manuel will tell him that. He went to talk about the girls with AJ, not him and Chivis. Lupita asks if Chivis is going to marry Manuel now that she’s separated from AJ.

Manuel offers to step aside so that AJ can go back to his family. Even though he loves Chivis, he wants her to be happy with her entire family.

Chivis wonders why Lupita asked if she’s going to get married to Manuel. Lupita replies that when two people are in love, they get married. She asks if AJ left because of Manuel. Maybe, Chivis responds, but AJ shouldn’t have abandoned the kids. Lupita says whatever happens, her dad will always be her dad.

The rest of the kids come in the room. The Gallardo boys say goodbye to everyone. As they leave, Trini comes in and announces that she and Don Benito are finally together. She’s annoyed at the less than enthusiastic response. Chivis tells her that they are all worried about AJ disappearing again.

The Three Stooges plan their Vegas trip. Something about Caesar’s Palace.

Trini is also annoyed that Manuel went to talk to AJ. Manuel texts Chivis that everything is ok and AJ wants to talk to her. He also texts her to never forget that he loves her and her happiness is the most important thing to him.
 

Silvana sin Lana - Wednesday, January 11 - Capítulo 118, part 2/2

Chivis arrives to talk to AJ. She asks if he’s going to leave the country again, and how could he send that horrible message to Lupita. He thought about it but talking to Manuel was a good thing. He doesn’t want to talk about that now. First he tells her that he knows he was wrong, and asks for her forgiveness. He admits that he has been very selfish and he was afraid of losing his children. They are everything to him. Chivis tells him he shouldn’t have manipulated the girls. They are in love with good boys. He begs her to understand him; he doesn’t know their world and it’s hard for him to change.

Don Benito and Margarita talk about Trini. Margarita keeps looking out the window and Don Benito gets suspicious.

AJ’s ego continues to break apart. He admits that he has a lot to learn. He is especially proud of Chivis because she was a wonderful wife and mother. He was never at the same level as her.

Margarita asks if Don Benito would always forgive her no matter what. Don Benito at first thinks she’s pregnant. There’s a knock at the door. Margarita opens it and Rocio walks in, saying hola papa. Don Benito looks like he’s about to cry.

AJ wants to start over with the girls and learn how to fit into their lives. Chivis is happy to hear that. He also wants Chivis to remain at his side as his wife. He wants to win her over again. Chivis makes it clear that she doesn’t love him anymore and they will never get back together. AJ asks if it’s because she’s in love with Manuel.

Margarita goes off to get coffee and croissants. Rocio asks Don Benito to forgive her. Margarita listens in. They are all crying.

Chivis doesn’t answer and gets up to leave. AJ tells her that he will always wait for her, even years. Chivis tells him not to. She gives him a hug before leaving. He starts crying.

Vicente and Jorge wait for Manuel to come home. He tells them he won’t see Chivis again.

Chivis returns home and tells the girls that their dad is fine. He rented a house and they can see him there soon, when he’s ready. They all go to bed, except Trini, who’s disappointed that no one congratulated her on her new relationship.

Manuel is a man of his word. He promised AJ he would step aside. Jorge and Vicente disagree with him. Manuel goes upstairs to go to bed.

Chivis starts crying, remembering when Manuel asked what would happen if AJ came back when they were in Key West.
 

La Dona

Who wants to join me in Team Yesenia & Felipe in bringing down AG & her cronies ?


 

Silvana

Wow, J, what a terrific recap! You've captured everything so clearly and succinctly.

So now the writers have three episodes left to get Chivis and Manuel back together for their Happily Ever After. If the novela follows the usual pattern, today's episode will be especially grim, and possibly some of Friday's as well. But clearly a way will be found. Viewerville does NOT want to see a stiff-upper-lip conclusion, and especially not in such a light-hearted, often silly comedy. So how will Happily Ever After come about? Will the suddenly enlightened and chastened AJ step aside and remain content with his role as father but not husband? I doubt it, if only because his intention to flee to Dubai suggests that he's still in deep legal doodoo. All his financial frauds and extravagant spending have to come back to haunt him. So is he off to the carcel as Chivis and Manuel exchange I do's?
 

SILVANA:

J- This was a wonderful recap. I have to say that I was actually quite moved during the scene with Benito and his daughter. But I wasn't moved at all during the scene that came right after-- AJ crying to Chivis. I just can't believe in his sincerity. This is just another tactic to try to get Chivis back, and now he has Manuel's assurance that he has stepped aside. AJ has just gotten almost everything he wants-- his girls begging him to come back, and Chivis' suitor gone.
 

Silvana. J, I totally agree with Steve about your terrific and succinct recap, an incredibly excellent précis that hits every important point. Manuel once again comes across as wise and decent in his conversation with AJ, but he gives up way too much in offering to step aside. AJ is not worthy of any sacrifice from anyone. With Chivis, AJ is as manipulative as ever. I think the whole issue of AJ's legal troubles have been given short shrift. I agree that his intention to flee to Dubai shows that his legal problems are extreme. I can't believe that he isn't in jail again or hasn't at least gone to trial. I don't see how all that is going to be resolved in 3 episodes, and I'm afraid some of it will just be left dangling. Sometimes it seems to me that in the final weeks the writers have either gotten very sloppy or have called in their second string.
 

Silvana

In this country, suspects who have fled the police and who are then captured, generally are not allowed out on bail while waiting for the trial. (For example, El Chapo) If they were released, I would think they would be made to wear electronic ankle bracelets to track their movements, so that a hasty trip to Dubai would not be possible.

Why is AJ free to move wherever he wants? Not even a parole officer in sight to check up on him. This is so, so unrealistic.
 

SILVANA

J - Thank you for the recap! I'm going to try to watch this episode today, if there is time. I might just FFWD--> and watch Manuel's visit with AJ.

Q: How do we know when AJ is lying?
A: He opens his mouth and starts talking.

Chivis to AJ ...
"But ooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you
We are never ever ever getting back together,
We are never ever ever getting back together,
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together
Like, ever..."

Seriously, I agree that AJ just be in deep *stuff* again or he would not be planning to flee to Dubai. Perhaps he stiffed someone (Roberto?) and the Feds haven't even found out yet. The guy is a major coward, among other things.

Bringing Rocio on to the scene still must mean more than closure for Margarita.

I can't figure out how the HEA will come about in three more episodes.
 

SILVANA

I know AJ is very petty to say the least, I mean he threw a tantrum cuz he's wife doesn't love him again? Willing to abandon his kids, he's the worst kind of father anybody can have but I don't think that's what made him want to leave the country, I believe he's in deep trouble and he knows it

Olise
 

Silvana

Let me join the chorus of praise for your fine recap, J. Terrific job of covering everything.

Yes, the whole complete lack of any legal developments for AJ is just crazy. I’m not so sure the writers are smart enough to put in the long arm of the law as the reason he was planning to go to Dubai. Based on his conversation with Manuel AND his decision not to leave, it sure looked like it was all about being a petulant child because his wife didn’t love him anymore and his children were choosing their own boyfriends.

Any episode with less Trini HAS to be better than one with something like the cemetery scene. It was actually kind of funny how childish she was about not being the center of attention. She picked up something, calling it a peluche (stuffed animal). Maybe Lupita brought one in. She confided her news to the peluche and then threw it down, disgusted.

The scene with Margarita, Rocío, and Don Benito was moving. But somehow it didn’t get me in my heart of hearts. I knew he was going to forgive his daughter, so not much suspense there. They surely have made Margarita VERY likeable lately.

In a way it’s a good thing Manuel agreed to renounce Chivis. We know he’s a man of his word. And it’s more than time for the worm to turn. He’s been non-stop pursuing her since forever. She needs to make up her mind and chase him!

I will say that one of the things I’ve really liked about the novela is the relationships between the siblings, the Gallardos probably more than the Villaseñors. They’ve been very believable with lots of teasing and fun. And they are ALWAYS there for each other. Probably the girls’ relationships haven’t appealed as much because of Majo’s egotism 90% of the time.

Wonder if we’ll see the Las Vegas wedding. Even the Stooges are less annoying now, probably aided by less screen time! And I agree that they should have shown something good for Génesis.

While well acted by Ponce, it really is very, very odd for the rival to have gone to talk sense into the petulant husband.
 

J, really enjoyable recap. Thanks. I detest that we are three episodes from "el fin" and the protagonistas have not been reconciled. I agree with other commenters that some things will likely go unresolved. Am I to understand that the writers are still in the process of finishing the script for the novela?
Helen